Ising machine data input apparatus and method of inputting data into an ising machine

A computer-implemented method of inputting data into an Ising machine, the method comprising:

• receiving an input expression, representing an optimization problem, in a format unsuitable for inputting into the Ising machine;
• carrying out a conversion process to convert the input expression received to a format suitable for inputting into the Ising machine, the conversion process including:
• creating a dataset of input-output data pairs on the basis of the input expression received;
• deriving a mathematical expression corresponding to the input expression received by fitting a first subset of the dataset to coefficients of an exemplary mathematical expression in the format suitable for inputting into the Ising machine;
• and
• assessing, using a second subset of the dataset, which is different from the first subset, whether the derived mathematical expression meets a preset quality metric;
• and
• outputting the derived mathematical expression for input to the Ising machine when the derived mathematical expression is assessed as meeting the preset quality metric, or
• repeating the conversion process using a different input expression representing the optimization problem when the derived mathematical expression is assessed as failing to meet the preset quality metric.

A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions executable by at least one processor to:

• receive an input expression, representing an optimization problem, in a format unsuitable for inputting into an Ising machine;
• carry out a conversion process to convert the input expression to a format suitable for inputting into the Ising machine, the conversion process including:
• creating a dataset of input-output data pairs on basis of the input expression received;
• deriving a mathematical expression corresponding to the input expression received by fitting a first subset of the dataset to coefficients of an exemplary mathematical expression in the format suitable for inputting into an Ising machine;
• and
• assessing, using a second subset of the dataset, which is different from the first subset, whether the derived mathematical expression meets a preset quality metric;
• and
• outputting the derived mathematical expression for input to an Ising machine when the derived mathematical expression is assessed as meeting the preset quality metric, or
• repeating the conversion process using a different input expression representing the optimization problem when the derived mathematical expression is assessed as failing to meet the preset quality metric.