Solving an optimization problem using a constraints solver

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method for using a constraints solver to solve an optimization problem, the method comprising:

• receiving a set of constraints that is defined over a set of variables, wherein the set of constraints corresponds to an optimization problem, and wherein the set of constraints includes one or more constraints that impose an upper bound on one or more variables that are used in an objective function of the optimization problem;
• and
• iteratively performing the following set of operations:
• solving the set of constraints using a constraints solver;
• responsive to the constraints solver returning a solution, decreasing the upper bound;
• and
• responsive to the constraints solver indicating that no solutions exist or that the constraints solver timed out, increasing the upper bound.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform a method for using a constraints solver to solve an optimization problem, the method comprising:
• receiving a set of constraints that is defined over a set of variables, wherein the set of constraints corresponds to an optimization problem, and wherein the set of constraints includes one or more constraints that impose an upper bound on one or more variables that are used in an objective function of the optimization problem;
• and
• iteratively performing the following set of operations:
• solving the set of constraints using a constraints solver;
• responsive to the constraints solver returning a solution, decreasing the upper bound;
• and
• responsive to the constraints solver indicating that no solutions exist or that the constraints solver timed out, increasing the upper bound.