Optimal floorplan area optimization

An optimal algorithm for the floorplan area optimization problem is presented. The algorithm is based on an extension of the technique of L. Stockmeyer (1983). Experimental results indicate that the authors' algorithm is efficient and capable of successfully handling large floor plans. The algorithm is compared with the branch-and-bound optimal algorithm of S. Wimer et al. (ibid., vol.8, no.2, p.139-45, 1989). The running time of the present algorithm is substantially less than that of the Wimer algorithm. For several examples where the Wimer algorithm ran for days and did not terminate, the present algorithm produced optimal solutions in a few seconds