Neural Network Scheduling for Computation Graphs Without Retraining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neural network computation tasks require significant computational resources and time due to the large number and size of operations, and existing scheduling techniques often necessitate retraining for each new computation graph, consuming additional resources.

Innovation Solution

A system that combines a neural network policy with an optimization algorithm, such as a genetic algorithm, to generate instance-specific proposal distributions for scheduling computation graphs across multiple devices, reducing resource consumption and execution time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing scheduling techniques are used for computation graphs, then scheduling can be performed, but retraining is required for each new computation graph, consuming additional computational resources and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to new computation graphsVSAvoidcomputational resources for retraining
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary training on a diverse set of computation graph structures during an offline phase, enabling the neural network to generalize to new computation graphs without requiring retraining. This preliminary action stores learned scheduling patterns that can be directly applied to unseen computation graphs, eliminating the need for repeated retraining while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The neural network scheduler is designed with a universal architecture that can handle multiple types of computation graphs and scheduling scenarios through a single model. By training on diverse computation graph structures and operation types, the system achieves multi-functionality where one trained model serves all scheduling needs across different computation graphs, eliminating the need for separate training for each new graph type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If neural networks are used to process computation tasks, then accurate predictions can be made, but significant computational resources and time are consumed due to the large number and size of operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling optimization accuracyVSAvoidexecution speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling problem is segmented into multiple independent components: operation-level scheduling decisions, device assignment decisions, and graph-level coordination. The neural network makes localized scheduling decisions for individual operations and nodes independently, rather than optimizing the entire computation graph as a single unit. This segmentation enables parallel processing of scheduling decisions across different computation graph nodes, significantly improving execution speed while maintaining scheduling quality through local optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If more computational resources are allocated to scheduling, then better schedules can be generated, but the time and resources consumed in generating the schedule increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveschedule qualityVSAvoidschedule generation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The neural network scheduler is designed to be self-sufficient after initial training, requiring no additional retraining or resource-intensive optimization processes when faced with new computation graphs. The model directly generates high-quality schedules by applying learned patterns from training data to new inputs, making autonomous scheduling decisions without requiring external retraining resources or time-consuming iterative optimization, thus achieving both high reliability and fast schedule generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3938963B1Scheduling computation graphs using neural networks
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 GDM HOLDING LLC
  • EP3938963B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3938963B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3938963B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for generating a schedule for a computation graph. One of the methods includes obtaining data representing an input computation graph; processing the data representing the input computation graph using a graph neural network to generate one or more instance-specific proposal distributions; and generating a schedule for the input computation graph by performing an optimization algorithm in accordance with the one or more instance-specific proposal distributions.