Annealing Optimization Device Random Number Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optimization apparatuses face issues in maintaining the same random number sequence during continuous and intermittent annealing processes, leading to differences in final results and intermediate statuses due to independent random number generation during parameter reading.

Innovation Solution

The optimization apparatus employs a random number generator that operates in synchronization with the annealing process, using a normal operation mode for initialization and a continuation operation mode to restart the random number generation from the internal state, ensuring the same sequence is generated as during continuous execution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the random number generator continues functioning independently during parameter reading operations, then the optimization apparatus can perform reading operations without suspending the annealing process, but the random number sequence becomes different between continuous and intermittent execution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveannealing process efficiencyVSAvoidrandom number sequence consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the random number generation process with the annealing process by making the random number generator operate in synchronization with the annealing iterations. The random number generator is controlled to generate random numbers only when the annealing process is executing, rather than running independently. This integration ensures that the random number sequence remains consistent whether the annealing process runs continuously or intermittently, as the random number generation is tied to the actual annealing iterations rather than being independent background process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the annealing process is temporarily suspended to read parameters, then intermediate statuses can be checked for tuning purposes, but the random number sequence diverges from continuous execution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter reading capabilityVSAvoidresult consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the execution state of the annealing process and using this information to control the random number generator. When the annealing process suspends execution to read parameters, the control unit detects this state change and accordingly controls the random number generator to pause or adjust its operation. This feedback mechanism ensures that the random number sequence remains synchronized with the actual annealing iterations, maintaining result consistency even when parameter reading interrupts the continuous execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If pseudo random numbers are generated deterministically from a seed, then the random number sequence is reproducible, but the sequence becomes identical for the same seed in all executions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresult reproducibilityVSAvoidrandom number sequence variety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics to the random number generation system by making the random number generator adaptable to different execution contexts. Instead of using a static deterministic sequence based solely on a seed, the system dynamically adjusts the random number generation behavior based on whether the annealing process is executing continuously or intermittently. The control unit modifies the random number generator's operation according to the actual execution state, allowing the same seed to produce different random number sequences depending on whether parameter reading operations interrupt the annealing process. This dynamic approach maintains reproducibility for continuous execution while providing variety for intermittent execution scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3852026B1Optimization device and control method for optimization device
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 FUJITSU LTD
  • EP3852026B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3852026B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3852026B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optimization apparatus is configured such that a random number generator generates proper random numbers during an intermittent execution of an annealing process. An optimization apparatus includes a random number generator configured to operate either in a first operation mode in which to generate a random number sequence after performing an initialization or in a second operation mode in which to generate a random number sequence without performing the initialization, an annealing calculation unit configured to perform an annealing process by use of random numbers generated by the random number generator, and an operation instruct unit configured to cause the random number generator to start operating in the first operation mode when the annealing calculation unit starts the annealing process, to cause the random number generator to stop operating when the annealing calculation unit suspends the annealing process, and to cause the random number generator to restart operating in the second operation mode when the annealing calculation unit restarts the annealing process.