Projection and convolution operations for integrally convex functions

Abstract

This paper considers projection and convolution operations for integrally convex functions, which constitute a fundamental function class in discrete convex analysis. It is shown that the class of integrally convex functions is stable under projection, and this is also the case with the subclasses of integrally convex functions satisfying local or global discrete midpoint convexity. As is known in the literature, the convolution of two integrally convex functions may possibly fail to be integrally convex. We show that the convolution of an integrally convex function with a separable convex function remains integrally convex. We also point out in terms of examples that the similar statement is false for integrally convex functions with local or global discrete midpoint convexity.