Class: IntervalVar
Interval variable is a task, action, operation or any other interval with a start and an end. The start and the end of the interval are unknowns that the solver has to find. They could be accessed as integer expressions using IntervalVar.start and IntervalVar.end. or using Model.startOf and Model.endOf. In addition to the start and the end of the interval, the interval variable has a length (equal to end - start) that can be accessed using IntervalVar.length or Model.lengthOf.
The interval variable can be optional. In this case the solver can decide to make the interval absent, what is usually interpreted as the fact that the interval doesn't exist, the task/action was not executed or the operation was not performed. When the interval variable is absent then its start, end and length are also absent. Boolean expression that represents the presence of the interval variable can be accessed using IntervalVar.presence and Model.presenceOf.
Interval variables can be created using function
Model.intervalVar.
By default, interval variables are present (not optional).
To create an optional interval, specify optional: true
in the
arguments of the function.
@example: present interval variables
In the following example we create three present interval variables x
, y
and z
and we make sure that they don't overlap. Then we minimize the maximum of
the end times of the three intervals (the makespan):
let model = CP.Model();
let x = model.intervalVar({ length: 10, name: "x" });
let y = model.intervalVar({ length: 10, name: "y" });
let z = model.intervalVar({ length: 10, name: "z" });
model.noOverlap([x, y, z]);
model.max([x.end(), y.end(), z.end()]).minimize();
let result = await CP.solve(model);
@example: optional interval variables
In the following example, there is a task X that could be performed by two
different workers A and B. Interval variable X
represents the task,
it is not optional because the task X
is mandatory. Interval variable
XA
represents the task X
in the case when performed by worker A and
similarly XB
represents the task X
in the case when performed by worker B.
Both XA
and XB
are optional because it is not known beforehand which
worker will perform the task. The constraint alternative links
X
, XA
and XB
together and ensures that only one of XA
and XB
is present and that
X
and the present interval are equal.
let model = CP.Model();
let X = model.intervalVar({ length: 10, name: "X" });
let XA = model.intervalVar({ name: "XA", optional: true });
let XB = model.intervalVar({ name: "XB", optional: true });
model.alternative(X, [XA, XB]);
let result = await CP.solve(model);
Variables XA
and XB
can be used elsewhere in the model, e.g. to make sure
that each worker is assigned to at most one task at a time:
// Tasks of worker A don't overlap:
model.noOverlap([... , XA, ...]);
// Tasks of worker B don't overlap:
model.noOverlap([... , XB, ...]);
Extends
Methods
alternative()
alternative(
options
:IntervalVar
[]):void
Creates alternative constraints for the interval variable and provided options
.
Parameters
Parameter | Type | Description |
---|---|---|
options | IntervalVar [] | Interval variables to chose from. |
Returns
void
Remarks
This constraint is the same as Model.alternative.
end()
end():
IntExpr
Creates an integer expression for the end of the interval variable.
Returns
Remarks
If the interval variable is absent then the resulting expression is also absent.
Example
In the following example we constraint interval variable y
to start after end of y
with a delay at least 10. In addition we constrain length of x
to be less or equal than length of y
.
let model = new CP.Model;
let x = model.intervalVar({ name: "x", ... });
let y = model.intervalVar({ name: "y", ... });
model.constraint(x.end().plus(10).le(y.start()));
model.constraint(x.length().le(y.length()));
When x
or y
is absent then value of both constraints above is absent and therefore they are satisfied.
See
- Model.endOf is equivalent function on Model.
- Function IntervalVar.endOr is a similar function that replaces value absent by a constant.
endAtEnd()
endAtEnd(
successor
:IntervalVar
,delay
:number
|IntExpr
):void
Creates a precedence constraint between two interval variables.
Parameters
Parameter | Type | Default value |
---|---|---|
successor | IntervalVar | undefined |
delay | number | IntExpr | 0 |
Returns
void
Remarks
Assuming that the current interval is predecessor
, the constraint is the same as:
model.constraint(predecessor.end().plus(delay).eq(successor.end())).
In other words, end of predecessor
plus delay
must be equal to end of successor
.
When one of the two interval variables is absent then the constraint is satisfied.
See
- Model.endAtEnd is equivalent function on Model.
- Model.constraint
- IntervalVar.start, IntervalVar.end
- IntExpr.eq
endAtStart()
endAtStart(
successor
:IntervalVar
,delay
:number
|IntExpr
):void
Creates a precedence constraint between two interval variables.
Parameters
Parameter | Type | Default value |
---|---|---|
successor | IntervalVar | undefined |
delay | number | IntExpr | 0 |
Returns
void
Remarks
Assuming that the current interval is predecessor
, the constraint is the same as:
model.constraint(predecessor.end().plus(delay).eq(successor.start())).
In other words, end of predecessor
plus delay
must be equal to start of successor
.
When one of the two interval variables is absent then the constraint is satisfied.
See
- Model.endAtStart is equivalent function on Model.
- Model.constraint
- IntervalVar.start, IntervalVar.end
- IntExpr.eq
endBeforeEnd()
endBeforeEnd(
successor
:IntervalVar
,delay
:number
|IntExpr
):void
Creates a precedence constraint between two interval variables.
Parameters
Parameter | Type | Default value |
---|---|---|
successor | IntervalVar | undefined |
delay | number | IntExpr | 0 |
Returns
void
Remarks
Assuming that the current interval is predecessor
, the constraint is the same as:
model.constraint(predecessor.end().plus(delay).le(successor.end())).
In other words, end of predecessor
plus delay
must be less than or equal to end of successor
.
When one of the two interval variables is absent then the constraint is satisfied.
See
- Model.endBeforeEnd is equivalent function on Model.
- Model.constraint
- IntervalVar.start, IntervalVar.end
- IntExpr.le
endBeforeStart()
endBeforeStart(
successor
:IntervalVar
,delay
:number
|IntExpr
):void
Creates a precedence constraint between two interval variables.
Parameters
Parameter | Type | Default value |
---|---|---|
successor | IntervalVar | undefined |
delay | number | IntExpr | 0 |
Returns
void
Remarks
Assuming that the current interval is predecessor
, the constraint is the same as:
model.constraint(predecessor.end().plus(delay).le(successor.start())).
In other words, end of predecessor
plus delay
must be less than or equal to start of successor
.
When one of the two interval variables is absent then the constraint is satisfied.
See
- Model.endBeforeStart is equivalent function on Model.
- Model.constraint
- IntervalVar.start, IntervalVar.end
- IntExpr.le
endOr()
endOr(
absentValue
:number
):IntExpr
Creates an integer expression for the end of the interval variable. If the interval is absent then its value is absentValue
.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
absentValue | number |
Returns
Remarks
This function is equivalent to interval.end().guard(absentValue)
.
See
forbidEnd()
forbidEnd(
func
:IntStepFunction
):void
Constrains the end of the interval variable to be outside of the zero-height segments of the step function.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
func | IntStepFunction |
Returns
void
Remarks
This function is equivalent to:
model.constraint(func.stepFunctionEval(interval.end()).ne(0));
That is, function value at the end of the interval variable cannot be zero.
See
- Model.forbidEnd for the equivalent function on Model.
- Model.forbidStart for similar function that constrains start an interval variable.
- Model.stepFunctionEval for evaluation of a step function.
forbidExtent()
forbidExtent(
func
:IntStepFunction
):void
Forbid the interval variable to overlap with segments of the function where the value is zero.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
func | IntStepFunction |
Returns
void
Remarks
This function prevents the specified interval variable from overlapping with segments of the step function where the value is zero. That is, if is a segment of the step function where the value is zero then the interval variable either ends before () or starts after (.
See
- Model.forbidExtent for the equivalent function on Model.
- Model.forbidStart, Model.forbidEnd for similar functions that constrain start/end of an interval variable.
- Model.stepFunctionEval for evaluation of a step function.
forbidStart()
forbidStart(
func
:IntStepFunction
):void
Constrains the start of the interval variable to be outside of the zero-height segments of the step function.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
func | IntStepFunction |
Returns
void
Remarks
This function is equivalent to:
model.constraint(func.stepFunctionEval(interval.start()).ne(0));
That is, function value at the start of the interval variable cannot be zero.
See
- Model.forbidStart for the equivalent function on Model.
- Model.forbidEnd for similar function that constrains end an interval variable.
- Model.stepFunctionEval for evaluation of a step function.
getEndMax()
getEndMax():
null
|number
Returns maximum end assigned to the interval variable during its construction by Model.intervalVar or later by function setEnd or function setEndMax.
If the interval is absent then the function returns null
.
Note: This function returns maximum end of the interval in the model (before the solve), not in the solution.
Returns
null
| number
getEndMin()
getEndMin():
null
|number
Returns minimum end assigned to the interval variable during its construction by Model.intervalVar or later by function setEnd or function setEndMin.
If the interval is absent then the function returns null
.
Note: This function returns minimum end of the interval in the model (before the solve), not in the solution.
Returns
null
| number
getLengthMax()
getLengthMax():
null
|number
Returns maximum length assigned to the interval variable during its construction by Model.intervalVar or later by function setLength or function setLengthMax.
If the interval is absent then the function returns null
.
Note: This function returns maximum length of the interval in the model (before the solve), not in the solution.
Returns
null
| number
getLengthMin()
getLengthMin():
null
|number
Returns minimum length assigned to the interval variable during its construction by Model.intervalVar or later by function setLength or function setLengthMin.
If the interval is absent then the function returns null
.
Note: This function returns minimum length of the interval in the model (before the solve), not in the solution.
Returns
null
| number
getName()
getName():
undefined
|string
Returns the name assigned to the node.
Returns
undefined
| string
Inherited from
getStartMax()
getStartMax():
null
|number
Returns maximum start value assigned to the interval variable during its construction by Model.intervalVar or later by function setStart or function setStartMax.
If the interval is absent then the function returns null
.
Note: This function returns maximum start of the interval in the model (before the solve), not in the solution.
Returns
null
| number
getStartMin()
getStartMin():
null
|number
Returns minimum start value assigned to the interval variable during its construction by Model.intervalVar or later by function setStart or function setStartMin.
If the interval is absent then the function returns null
.
Note: This function returns minimum start of the interval in the model (before the solve), not in the solution.
Returns
null
| number
isAbsent()
isAbsent():
boolean
Returns true if the interval variable was created absent (and therefore cannot be present in the solution).
Note: This function checks presence status of the interval in the model (before the solve), not in the solution. In particular, for an optional interval variable this function returns false, even though there could be a solution in which the interval is absent.
Returns
boolean
See
isOptional()
isOptional():
boolean
Returns true if the interval variable was created as optional. Optional interval variable can be absent in the solution, i.e. it can be omitted.
Note: This function checks presence status of the variable in the model (before the solve), not in the solution.
Returns
boolean
See
isPresent()
isPresent():
boolean
Returns true if the interval variable was created present (and therefore cannot be absent in the solution).
Note: This function returns presence status of the interval in the model (before the solve), not in the solution. In particular, for an optional interval variable this function returns false, even though there could be a solution in which the interval is present.
Returns
boolean
See
length()
length():
IntExpr
Creates an integer expression for the length of the interval variable.
Returns
Remarks
If the interval variable is absent then the resulting expression is also absent.
Example
In the following example we constraint interval variable y
to start after end of y
with a delay at least 10. In addition we constrain length of x
to be less or equal than length of y
.
let model = new CP.Model;
let x = model.intervalVar({ name: "x", ... });
let y = model.intervalVar({ name: "y", ... });
model.constraint(x.end().plus(10).le(y.start()));
model.constraint(x.length().le(y.length()));
When x
or y
is absent then value of both constraints above is absent and therefore they are satisfied.
See
- Model.lengthOf is equivalent function on Model.
- Function IntervalVar.lengthOr is a similar function that replaces value absent by a constant.
lengthOr()
lengthOr(
absentValue
:number
):IntExpr
Creates an integer expression for the length of the interval variable. If the interval is absent then its value is absentValue
.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
absentValue | number |
Returns
Remarks
This function is equivalent to interval.length().guard(absentValue)
.
See
makeAbsent()
makeAbsent():
IntervalVar
Makes the interval variable absent. Absent interval variable cannot be present in the solution, i.e. it will be omitted in the solution (and everything that depends on it).
Returns
Returns the interval variable itself in order to allow chaining.
See
makeOptional()
makeOptional():
IntervalVar
Makes the interval variable optional. Optional interval variable can be absent in the solution, i.e. it can be omitted.
It is equivalent to setting optional: true
in Model.intervalVar.
Returns
Returns the interval variable itself in order to allow chaining.
See
makePresent()
makePresent():
IntervalVar
Makes the interval variable present. Present interval variable cannot be absent in the solution, i.e. it cannot be omitted.
It is equivalent to setting optional: false
(or completely omitting it)
in Model.intervalVar.
Returns
Returns the interval variable itself in order to allow chaining.
See
presence()
presence():
BoolExpr
Creates a Boolean expression which is true if the interval variable is present.
Returns
Remarks
This function is the same as Model.presenceOf, see its documentation for more details.
pulse()
Creates cumulative function (expression) pulse for the interval variable and specified height.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
height | number | IntExpr |
Returns
Remarks
This function is the same as Model.pulse.
setEnd()
setEnd(e)
setEnd(
e
:number
):IntervalVar
Sets end of the interval variable to the given value.
It overwrites any previous end limits given at variable creation by Model.intervalVar or later by setEnd, setEndMin or setEndMax.
Equivalent to:
intervalVar.setEndMin(e);
intervalVar.setEndMax(e);
Note that the end of the interval variable must be in the range IntervalMin to IntervalMax.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
e | number |
Returns
See
setEnd(eMin, eMax)
setEnd(
eMin
:number
,eMax
:number
):IntervalVar
Limits the possible end of the variable to the range eMin
to eMax
.
It overwrites any previous end limits given at variable creation by Model.intervalVar or later by setEnd, setEndMin or setEndMax.
Equivalent to:
intervalVar.setEndMin(eMin);
intervalVar.setEndMax(eMax);
Note that the end of the interval variable must be in the range IntervalMin to IntervalMax.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
eMin | number |
eMax | number |
Returns
See
setEndMax()
setEndMax(
eMax
:number
):IntervalVar
Sets maximum end of the interval variable to the given value. It overwrites any previous maximum end limit given at variable creation by Model.intervalVar or later by setEnd or setEndMax. The minimum end is not changed by this function.
Note that the end of the interval variable must be in the range IntervalMin to IntervalMax.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
eMax | number |
Returns
See
setEndMin()
setEndMin(
eMin
:number
):IntervalVar
Sets minimum end of the interval variable to the given value.
It overwrites any previous minimum end limit given at variable creation by Model.intervalVar or later by setEnd or setEndMin. The maximum end is not changed by this function.
Note that the end of the interval variable must be in the range IntervalMin to IntervalMax.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
eMin | number |
Returns
See
setLength()
setLength(l)
setLength(
l
:number
):IntervalVar
Sets length of the interval variable to the given value. It overwrites any previous length limits given at variable creation by Model.intervalVar or later by setLength, setLengthMin or setLengthMax.
Equivalent to:
intervalVar.setLengthMin(l);
intervalVar.setLengthMax(l);
Note that the length of the interval variable must be in the range 0 to LengthMax.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
l | number |
Returns
See
setLength(lMin, lMax)
setLength(
lMin
:number
,lMax
:number
):IntervalVar
Limits the possible length of the variable to the range lMin
to lMax
.
It overwrites any previous length limits given at variable creation by
Model.intervalVar or later by
setLength, setLengthMin or setLengthMax.
Equivalent to:
intervalVar.setLengthMin(lMin);
intervalVar.setLengthMax(lMax);
Note that the length of the interval variable must be in the range 0 to LengthMax.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
lMin | number |
lMax | number |
Returns
See
setLengthMax()
setLengthMax(
lMax
:number
):IntervalVar
Sets maximum length of the interval variable to the given value. It overwrites any previous maximum length limit given at variable creation by Model.intervalVar or later by setLength or setLengthMax. The minimum length is not changed by this function.
Note that the length of the interval variable must be in the range to LengthMax.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
lMax | number |
Returns
See
setLengthMin()
setLengthMin(
lMin
:number
):IntervalVar
Sets minimum length of the interval variable to the given value. It overwrites any previous minimum length limit given at variable creation by Model.intervalVar or later by setLength or setLengthMin. The maximum length is not changed by this function.
Note that the length of the interval variable must be in the range 0 to LengthMax.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
lMin | number |
Returns
See
setName()
setName(
name
:string
):this
Assigns a name to the node.
Parameters
Parameter | Type | Description |
---|---|---|
name | string | Named to be assigned. |
Returns
this
The node itself so it can be used in chained expression.
Remarks
Assigning a name is optional. However is useful for debugging because variable names appear in the development traces. It is also useful for exporting the model to a file (see problem2json).
Example
let model = new CP.Model();
let x = model.intervalVar({ length: 10 }).setName("x");
// The line above is equivalent to:
// let x = model.intervalVar({ length: 10, name:"x" });
let endOfX = model.endOf(x).setName("endOfX");
let result = await CP.solve(model);
Inherited from
setStart()
setStart(s)
setStart(
s
:number
):IntervalVar
Sets start of the interval variable to the given value.
It overwrites any previous start limits given at variable creation by Model.intervalVar or later by setStart, setStartMin or setStartMax.
Equivalent to:
intervalVar.setStartMin(s);
intervalVar.setStartMax(s);
Note that the start of the interval variable must be in the range IntervalMin to IntervalMax.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
s | number |
Returns
See
setStart(sMin, sMax)
setStart(
sMin
:number
,sMax
:number
):IntervalVar
Limits the possible start value of the variable to the range sMin
to sMax
.
It overwrites any previous start limits given at variable creation by Model.intervalVar or later by setStart, setStartMin or setStartMax.
Equivalent to:
intervalVar.setStartMin(sMin);
intervalVar.setStartMax(sMax);
Note that the start of the interval variable must be in the range IntervalMin to IntervalMax.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
sMin | number |
sMax | number |
Returns
See
setStartMax()
setStartMax(
sMax
:number
):IntervalVar
Sets maximum start of the interval variable to the given value.
It overwrites any previous maximum start limit given at variable creation by Model.intervalVar or later by setStart or setStartMax. The minimum start not changed by this function.
Note that the start of the interval variable must be in the range IntervalMin to IntervalMax.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
sMax | number |
Returns
See
setStartMin()
setStartMin(
sMin
:number
):IntervalVar
Sets minimum start of the interval variable to the given value.
It overwrites any previous minimum start limit given at variable creation by Model.intervalVar or later by setStart or setStartMin. The maximum start is not changed by this function.
Note that the start of the interval variable must be in the range IntervalMin to IntervalMax.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
sMin | number |
Returns
See
span()
span(
covered
:IntervalVar
[]):void
Constraints the interval variable to span (cover) a set of other interval variables.
Parameters
Parameter | Type | Description |
---|---|---|
covered | IntervalVar [] | The set of interval variables to cover. |
Returns
void
Remarks
This constraint is the same as Model.span.
start()
start():
IntExpr
Creates an integer expression for the start of the interval variable.
Returns
Remarks
If the interval variable is absent then the resulting expression is also absent.
Example
In the following example we constraint interval variable y
to start after end of y
with a delay at least 10. In addition we constrain length of x
to be less or equal than length of y
.
let model = new CP.Model;
let x = model.intervalVar({ name: "x", ... });
let y = model.intervalVar({ name: "y", ... });
model.constraint(x.end().plus(10).le(y.start()));
model.constraint(x.length().le(y.length()));
When x
or y
is absent then value of both constraints above is absent and therefore they are satisfied.
See
- Model.startOf is equivalent function on Model.
- Function IntervalVar.startOr is a similar function that replaces value absent by a constant.
startAtEnd()
startAtEnd(
successor
:IntervalVar
,delay
:number
|IntExpr
):void
Creates a precedence constraint between two interval variables.
Parameters
Parameter | Type | Default value |
---|---|---|
successor | IntervalVar | undefined |
delay | number | IntExpr | 0 |
Returns
void
Remarks
Assuming that the current interval is predecessor
, the constraint is the same as:
model.constraint(predecessor.start().plus(delay).eq(successor.end())).
In other words, start of predecessor
plus delay
must be equal to end of successor
.
When one of the two interval variables is absent then the constraint is satisfied.
See
- Model.startAtEnd is equivalent function on Model.
- Model.constraint
- IntervalVar.start, IntervalVar.end
- IntExpr.eq
startAtStart()
startAtStart(
successor
:IntervalVar
,delay
:number
|IntExpr
):void
Creates a precedence constraint between two interval variables.
Parameters
Parameter | Type | Default value |
---|---|---|
successor | IntervalVar | undefined |
delay | number | IntExpr | 0 |
Returns
void
Remarks
Assuming that the current interval is predecessor
, the constraint is the same as:
model.constraint(predecessor.start().plus(delay).eq(successor.start())).
In other words, start of predecessor
plus delay
must be equal to start of successor
.
When one of the two interval variables is absent then the constraint is satisfied.
See
- Model.startAtStart is equivalent function on Model.
- Model.constraint
- IntervalVar.start, IntervalVar.end
- IntExpr.eq
startBeforeEnd()
startBeforeEnd(
successor
:IntervalVar
,delay
:number
|IntExpr
):void
Creates a precedence constraint between two interval variables.
Parameters
Parameter | Type | Default value |
---|---|---|
successor | IntervalVar | undefined |
delay | number | IntExpr | 0 |
Returns
void
Remarks
Assuming that the current interval is predecessor
, the constraint is the same as:
model.constraint(predecessor.start().plus(delay).le(successor.end())).
In other words, start of predecessor
plus delay
must be less than or equal to end of successor
.
When one of the two interval variables is absent then the constraint is satisfied.
See
- Model.startBeforeEnd is equivalent function on Model.
- Model.constraint
- IntervalVar.start, IntervalVar.end
- IntExpr.le
startBeforeStart()
startBeforeStart(
successor
:IntervalVar
,delay
:number
|IntExpr
):void
Creates a precedence constraint between two interval variables.
Parameters
Parameter | Type | Default value |
---|---|---|
successor | IntervalVar | undefined |
delay | number | IntExpr | 0 |
Returns
void
Remarks
Assuming that the current interval is predecessor
, the constraint is the same as:
model.constraint(predecessor.start().plus(delay).le(successor.start())).
In other words, start of predecessor
plus delay
must be less than or equal to start of successor
.
When one of the two interval variables is absent then the constraint is satisfied.
See
- Model.startBeforeStart is equivalent function on Model.
- Model.constraint
- IntervalVar.start, IntervalVar.end
- IntExpr.le
startOr()
startOr(
absentValue
:number
):IntExpr
Creates an integer expression for the start of the interval variable. If the interval is absent then its value is absentValue
.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
absentValue | number |
Returns
Remarks
This function is equivalent to interval.start().guard(absentValue)
.
See
stepAtEnd()
Creates cumulative function (expression) that changes value at end of the interval variable by the given height.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
height | number | IntExpr |
Returns
Remarks
This function is the same as Model.stepAtEnd.
stepAtStart()
Creates cumulative function (expression) that changes value at start of the interval variable by the given height.
Parameters
Parameter | Type |
---|---|
height | number | IntExpr |
Returns
Remarks
This function is the same as Model.stepAtStart.