Optimization Solver

Current Status

My goal right now is to investigate that weird matrix inversion mystery described below. Expect another snapshot with this fixed soon.

Current Known Problem: Occasionally it fails to produce a solution in the first run, but succeeds in the second or third run with no modification at all (just keep hitting the Solve button). This turned out to be due to mis-calculation of matrix inversion which, for some reason suceeds in a subsequent run. I'm looking into this weird behavior.

Update: Ok. I've looked into it, but I can no longer reproduce this behavior. I don't see anything suspicious in my code either. So, for now, I just call it "resolved". I'll keep an eye out though.

Download and Test

Interested in testing it? Please download it from here. Right now, there is only a Linux binary available, but a Windows binary is planned.

To install, follow these steps (in English build):

• Download the latest solver.uno.zip, but don't unzip it.
• Open Calc, go to Tools - Package Manager.
• Select "My Packages", and click "Add".
• Locate that solver.uno.zip file you have downloaded, and hit OK to load it.
• Once Calc finishes registering the component, close all OO.o windows, and restart Calc. You should then see a floating toolbar with the word "Solver" on it.

Future Plan

Some babbling thoughts... (subject to change without further notice)

Short Term

• Disable cell update during the run (is it possible?)
• Excel Solver model loading support
• Options dialog
• Penalty method for non-linear model.

Long Term

• Genetic algorithm for non-linear model.
• Interior point method for faster and more efficient and scalable linear solution.
• Integration into the core.