Graphical Models: Queries, Complexity, Algorithms (Tutorial)

Martin C. Cooper, Simon de Givry, Thomas Schiex

Abstract: Graphical models (GMs) define a family of mathematical models aimed at the concise description of multivariate functions using decomposability. We restrict ourselves to functions of discrete variables but try to cover a variety of models that are not always considered as "Graphical Models", ranging from functions with Boolean variables and Boolean co-domain (used in automated reasoning) to functions over finite domain variables and integer or real co-domains (usual in machine learning and statistics). We use a simple algebraic semi-ring based framework for generality, define associated queries, relationships between graphical models, complexity results, and families of algorithms, with their associated guarantees.