Statistical mechanics of combinatorial auctions.
Combinatorial auctions are formulated as frustrated lattice gases on sparse random graphs, allowing the determination of the optimal revenue by methods of statistical physics. Transitions between computationally easy and hard regimes are found and interpreted in terms of the geometric structure of the space of solutions. We introduce an iterative algorithm to solve intermediate and large instances, and discuss competing states of optimal revenue and maximal number of satisfied bidders. The algorithm can be generalized to the hard phase and to more sophisticated auction protocols.
Galla
Tobias
T
The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Strada Costiera 11, 34014 Trieste, Italy.
Leone
Michele
M
Marsili
Matteo
M
Sellitto
Mauro
M
Weigt
Martin
M
Zecchina
Riccardo
R
D000465:Algorithms; D001703:Biophysics / Q000379:methods*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D015233:Models, Statistical; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012984:Software; D013269:Stochastic Processes