Oscillator Network Sampling for Gibbs Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computing devices, such as quantum annealing machines, face challenges in efficiently performing Gibbs sampling for combinatorial optimization problems and Boltzmann machine learning due to limitations in controlling quantum properties and reaching nonequilibrium steady states.

Innovation Solution

A computing device comprising an oscillator network with nonlinear energy shifts and a controller that performs sampling operations, including initialization, oscillation based on a probability distribution, and phase measurement of electromagnetic waves, allowing for controlled quantum annealing and reaching a nonequilibrium steady state for efficient Gibbs sampling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If quantum annealing machines are used to perform Gibbs sampling, then combinatorial optimization problems can be solved utilizing quantum mechanics, but the controllability of quantum properties and ability to reach nonequilibrium steady states is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of Gibbs samplingVSAvoidcontrollability of quantum properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional quantum annealing hardware with an oscillator network that uses nonlinear energy shifts to achieve quantum-like sampling behavior. This substitution allows for better controllability while maintaining the ability to perform Gibbs sampling according to the Boltzmann distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces controllable parameters including nonlinear energy shift strength, coupling constants between oscillators, and damping coefficients. These parameters can be adjusted to control the quantum properties and guide the system to reach nonequilibrium steady states, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If traditional sampling methods are used, then implementation is simpler, but efficiency in performing Gibbs sampling for combinatorial optimization and Boltzmann machine learning is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of Gibbs samplingVSAvoidcomplexity of sampling system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling process is segmented into distinct operational phases: initialization phase where oscillators are prepared, evolution phase where they dynamics under nonlinear energy shifts and coupling, and measurement phase where sampling results are obtained. This segmentation improves efficiency while managing complexity through structured control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The oscillator network performs periodic oscillations that naturally sample the probability distribution. By utilizing the inherent periodic nature of oscillators, the system achieves efficient Gibbs sampling without requiring complex external control mechanisms, thereby improving productivity while keeping device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If oscillators with nonlinear energy shifts are used, then controlled quantum annealing and nonequilibrium steady states can be achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrollability of sampling processVSAvoidcomplexity of oscillator network
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oscillator network is designed to perform multiple functions: generating quantum-like sampling, achieving controlled annealing, and reaching nonequilibrium steady states. By making the system universal, the patent improves controllability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same oscillator components serve multiple purposes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces coupling elements as intermediaries between oscillators, which mediate the interactions and enable controlled energy transfer. These intermediaries provide a systematic way to manage the complexity of the oscillator network while maintaining high controllability of the sampling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device achieves high reliability and controllability in performing Gibbs sampling, following the Boltzmann distribution, with controlled quantum temperature and reduced energy loss, enhancing the efficiency of combinatorial optimization and Boltzmann machine learning tasks.

Implementation Method 1

a third operation of outputting a signal to measure, for the oscillators, a phase of an electromagnetic wave generated by an oscillation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10466723B2Computing device and sampling method
Publication Date: 2019.11.05 KK TOSHIBA
  • US10466723B2 patent drawing
  • US10466723B2 patent drawing
  • US10466723B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computing device includes an oscillator network and a controller. The oscillator network includes a plurality of oscillators coupled to each other. The controller is configured to control the oscillator network. Each of the oscillators has a nonlinear energy shift. The controller performs a plurality of sampling operations. Each sampling operation includes a first operation of outputting a signal causing the oscillators to stop oscillating, a second operation of outputting a signal causing the oscillators to oscillate based on a parameter relating to a first probability distribution, and a third operation of outputting a signal to measure, for the oscillators, a phase of an electromagnetic wave generated by an oscillation.