State space optimization of finite state machines from the viewpoint of control theory

Abstract

Motivated by the inconvenience or even inability to explain the mathematics of the state space optimization of finite state machines (FSMs) in most existing results, we consider the problem by viewing FSMs as logical dynamic systems. Borrowing ideas from the concept of equilibrium points of dynamic systems in control theory, the concepts of t-equivalent states and t-source equivalent states are introduced. Based on the state transition dynamic equations of FSMs proposed in recent years, several mathematical formulations of t-equivalent states and t-source equivalent states are proposed. These can be analogized to the necessary and sufficient conditions of equilibrium points of dynamic systems in control theory and thus give a mathematical explanation of the optimization problem. Using these mathematical formulations, two methods are designed to find all the t-equivalent states and t-source equivalent states of FSMs. Further, two ways of reducing the state space of FSMs are found. These can be implemented without computers but with only pen and paper in a mathematical manner. In addition, an open question is raised which can further improve these methods into unattended ones. Finally, the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed methods are verified by a practical language model.

Keywords

Finite state machines / Finite-valued systems / Logical systems / Logical networks / Semi-tensor product of matrices / Space optimization

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2021 Zhejiang University Press