Simulated Annealing Task Scheduling in Cloud Computing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current task scheduling methods in cloud computing, particularly in heterogeneous environments, face challenges in achieving optimal or near-optimal solutions within reasonable time due to the large solution space and computational complexity of the Heterogeneous Computing Scheduling Problem, which is NP-hard, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal results.

Innovation Solution

A simulated annealing-based method is introduced for task scheduling in cloud computing, utilizing parameters like initial temperature, cooling ratio, freezing point, and perturbation techniques to gradually converge to a global solution, optimized for implementation on FPGA hardware, reducing running time and improving performance by employing random number generation, exploitation-exploration ratios, and compiler optimizations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If brute-force algorithms are used to solve task scheduling problems, then optimal scheduling solutions can be found, but the computational time becomes excessively long due to the large solution space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling optimalityVSAvoidcomputational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the discrete task scheduling problem into a continuous optimization problem by introducing real-valued decision variables and a cost function. This parameter transformation enables the use of simulated annealing, which searches for optimal solutions in continuous space, thereby finding near-optimal scheduling configurations without exhaustively checking all possible assignments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional discrete optimization methods with a physics-inspired simulated annealing process. The mechanical search through discrete solutions is substituted by a thermal process that iteratively adjusts continuous parameters, using temperature-controlled probability to accept or reject solutions based on their cost, thus escaping local optima and converging toward global optimality.

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

2Loss of time

If metaheuristic approaches are used to reduce computational time, then near-optimal solutions can be found quickly, but the solution quality may be inferior to brute-force methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational timeVSAvoidscheduling optimality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the cost function continuously evaluates the quality of scheduling solutions and feeds this information back to the simulated annealing process. Based on this feedback, the algorithm dynamically adjusts the temperature parameter and acceptance probability, allowing it to exploit high-quality solutions while maintaining the ability to explore new regions of the solution space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic temperature adjustment in the simulated annealing process. The temperature parameter is not fixed but evolves over time according to a cooling schedule, enabling the algorithm to adapt its search behavior. At high temperatures, the algorithm explores diverse solutions; as temperature decreases, it converges toward optimal solutions, dynamically balancing exploration and exploitation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If the solution space is reduced to manageable size, then computational time decreases, but the complexity of the scheduling problem increases due to heterogeneous node characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational timeVSAvoidproblem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential characteristics of heterogeneous computing nodes into a simplified cost function that captures task execution times and resource requirements. By taking out only the critical parameters needed for scheduling decisions and representing them through mathematical expressions, the algorithm manages complexity while maintaining the nuances of heterogeneous environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal cost function that can evaluate different scheduling configurations across heterogeneous nodes. This multi-functional cost function handles various node types, task requirements, and constraints through a single unified formulation, simplifying the algorithm's interaction with complex heterogeneous systems while maintaining scheduling accuracy.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11868806B2Method for task scheduling with a simulated annealing-based approach in the cloud computing
Publication Date: 2024.01.09 ATARTURK UNIVERSITY BILIMSEL ARASTIRMA PROJELLERI BIRIMI
  • US11868806B2 patent drawing
  • US11868806B2 patent drawing
  • US11868806B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A simulated annealing-based metaheuristic method for scheduling tasks in the infrastructures that use cloud computing service with multitasking and multi-node structure that can perform the big data analysis.