Inconsistency Detection for Combinatorial Optimization Energy Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

In combinatorial optimization problems, inconsistencies in the formulated expressions can lead to inappropriate solutions due to the stochastic nature of annealing processes, making it difficult for users to identify the cause of inappropriate solutions.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for determining inconsistencies in expressions representing energy in combinatorial optimization problems by converting them into energy functions of models representing states of individual spins, allowing for the identification of inconsistencies between constraint terms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If simulated annealing or quantum annealing is used to solve combinatorial optimization problems, then solutions can be obtained efficiently, but inconsistencies in the formulated expressions may lead to inappropriate solutions that are difficult to identify

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolution efficiencyVSAvoidsolution accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by checking for inconsistencies in the formulated expression before executing the annealing process. The inconsistency determination device evaluates the energy function expression in advance to identify any logical errors or contradictions in the constraints, preventing inappropriate solutions from being generated during the optimization process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by introducing an inconsistency determination mechanism that provides information about the quality of the formulated expression. The device analyzes the energy function expression and provides feedback on whether inconsistencies exist, allowing users to correct formulation errors before running the optimization algorithm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the energy function expression is complex with multiple constraint terms, then more comprehensive constraints can be modeled, but it becomes more difficult to identify inconsistencies manually

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstraint modeling capabilityVSAvoidinconsistency detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (inconsistency determination device) that mediates between the complex formulated expression and the user. This device automatically analyzes the energy function expression, including multiple constraint terms and objective functions, to detect inconsistencies without requiring manual inspection by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of checking for inconsistencies with an automated computational system. The inconsistency determination device uses computer-based algorithms to automatically evaluate the formulated expression, substituting human effort with automated analysis capable of handling complex expressions with multiple constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240037185A1Inconsistency determination device, method, and computer-readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 NEC CORP

AI summary

The inconsistency determination device 1 includes inconsistency determination means 9. The inconsistency determination means 9 determines whether or not there is inconsistency in an expression, which is to be converted into an energy function of a model representing states of individual spins by a first value or a second value, representing energy in a combinatorial optimization problem.