Adaptive Reinforcement Learning Algorithm for Dynamic Environments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reinforcement learning algorithms struggle to adapt effectively in dynamic environments with limited observability, requiring extensive data collection and time for training, which is impractical in scenarios like public safety situations where quick decision-making is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically modifying the reinforcement learning algorithm based on immediate and accumulated reward values, as well as performance indicators, to adapt to changing environments, allowing the agent to update its parameters and improve decision-making in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If reinforcement learning algorithms are used in dynamic environments with limited observability, then the agent can make decisions in real-time, but the algorithm requires extensive data collection and training time which is impractical for quick decision-making scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecision-making speedVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the reinforcement learning algorithm adaptive to environment changes. The algorithm dynamically modifies its parameters (learning rate, exploration rate, discount factor) based on detected environmental changes, allowing it to adapt quickly without requiring extensive retraining. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the agent to maintain high decision-making speed while adapting to dynamic environments through parameter adjustment rather than full retraining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent directly applies parameter changes by modifying key RL algorithm parameters (learning rate α, exploration rate ε, discount factor γ) in response to environmental changes. When the environment is detected to have changed, the algorithm adjusts these parameters to optimize performance for the new conditions. This approach allows quick adaptation without the need for extensive data collection and retraining, thus resolving the time loss contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the reinforcement learning algorithm is modified dynamically based on reward values and performance indicators, then the agent can adapt to changing environments, but the algorithm complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring reward values and performance indicators to detect environmental changes. Based on this feedback, the algorithm automatically adjusts its parameters to maintain optimal performance. The feedback mechanism includes comparing current performance against thresholds and triggering parameter modifications when changes are detected, enabling adaptability through a structured yet relatively simple feedback loop.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the reinforcement learning algorithm to automatically detect environmental changes and adjust its own parameters without external intervention. The algorithm monitors its own performance metrics and autonomously modifies its learning rate, exploration rate, and discount factor based on detected changes, reducing the need for complex external control systems while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If full observability of the dynamic environment is achieved, then the RL algorithm can learn optimal policies, but data collection becomes complex, costly, and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelearning accuracyVSAvoiddata collection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing partial observability through state estimation techniques. Instead of requiring complete environmental observability, the algorithm estimates the current state based on available partial information and recent observations. This approach maintains sufficient learning accuracy while significantly reducing data collection complexity and requirements, as the agent can make informed decisions based on estimated states rather than requiring full environmental visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240256888A1Dynamic reinforcement learning
Publication Date: 2024.08.01 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US20240256888A1 patent drawing
  • US20240256888A1 patent drawing
  • US20240256888A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method (400) for dynamic RL. The method includes using an RL algorithm to select a first action and triggering performance of the selected first action. The method also includes after the first action is performed, obtaining a first reward value (R1) associated with the first action. The method also includes using R1 and/or a performance indicator (P1) to determine whether an algorithm modification condition is satisfied. The method further includes, as a result of determining that the algorithm modification condition is satisfied, modifying the RL algorithm to produce a modified RL algorithm. In this way, the RL algorithm adapts to changes in the environment.