Algorithms and Computation

This volume contains the proceedings of the 14th Annual International S- posium on Algorithms and Computation (ISAAC 2003), held in Kyoto, Japan, 15–17 December 2003. In the past, it was held in Tokyo (1990), Taipei (1991), Nagoya (1992), Hong Kong (1993), Beijing (1994), Cairns (1995), Osaka (1996), Singapore (1997), Taejon (1998), Chennai (1999), Taipei (2000), Christchurch (2001), and Vancouver (2002). ISAACisanannualinternationalsymposiumthatcoverstheverywiderange of topics in algorithms and computation. The main purpose of the symposium is to provide a forum for researchers working in algorithms and the theory of computation where they can exchange ideas in this active research community. In response to our call for papers, we received unexpectedly many subm- sions, 207 papers. The task of selecting the papers in this volume was done by our program committee and referees. After a thorough review process, the committee selected 73 papers. The selection was done on the basis of originality and relevance to the ?eld of algorithms and computation. We hope all accepted papers will eventally appear in scienti?c journals in more polished forms. The best paper award was given for “On the Geometric Dilation of Finite Point Sets” to Annette Ebbers-Baumann, Ansgar Grune ¨ and Rolf Klein. Two eminent invited speakers, Prof. Andrew Chi-Chih Yao of Princeton University and Prof. Takao Nishizeki of Tohoku University, contributed to this proceedings.