Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining an arrangement of components is disclosed. In accordance with a method of the invention, a number of components are arranged in a superior/inferior hierarchy. Sets of components are generated in accordance with the hierarchy of components. A first set of at least one component is selected and a determination is made as to whether the set of components satisfies a required set of characteristics. If the requirements are not satisfied, other non-inferior sets of components are evaluated. If the requirements are satisfied, other non-superior sets of components are evaluated. In one or more embodiments, each component has a total capacity and provides an amount of at least one individual resource. The determination of whether a set of components satisfies a required set of resources comprises allocating resources provided by the components of the set in an order of least to most plentiful, and in a manner whereby the allocation of each particular resource tends to equalize the difference between each component's total remaining capacity and a threshold value after the allocation. The allocation continues until all of the required resources have been satisfied or can not be satisfied. Multiple sets of components which satisfy the required characteristics may be compared to determine an optimal combination or set of components.

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First Claim