LOES Encoding for Compact Pattern Databases in Best-First Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current memory-based search heuristics in domain-independent planning face challenges with memory efficiency, particularly when using best-first search algorithms with duplicate detection, as they often require excessive memory and are not well-suited for complex subproblems, leading to inefficiencies in pattern database representations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a Level-Ordered Edge Sequence (LOES) encoding scheme for prefix trees, which allows for a compact representation of pattern databases, enabling efficient navigation and storage by using a two-level index and omitting complete subtrees through a special code-point, thereby reducing memory requirements and improving processing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If best-first search algorithms with duplicate detection are used, then solution optimality is improved, but memory requirements increase excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolution optimalityVSAvoidmemory requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pattern database into multiple smaller databases, each covering a specific subset of patterns. This segmentation reduces the memory footprint of each individual database while maintaining the ability to provide optimal heuristic guidance through coordinated access to multiple segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by using a hierarchical structure with a root database and multiple child databases. This dimensional change allows the system to manage large pattern spaces efficiently by distributing patterns across multiple levels and subsets, reducing peak memory requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If pattern database size is increased to improve heuristic accuracy, then search performance is improved, but memory consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch performanceVSAvoidmemory consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides large pattern databases into smaller segmented databases, each optimized for specific pattern subsets. This allows the system to achieve high search performance through coordinated access to multiple specialized databases while keeping individual memory consumption manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each segmented database is optimized with local quality tailored to its specific pattern subset, using customized encoding schemes and data structures. This local optimization ensures high performance for relevant patterns while minimizing memory usage for each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If perfect hashing is used for subproblem representation, then access efficiency is improved, but adaptability to complex subproblems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess efficiencyVSAvoidhandling complex subproblems
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic hashing strategies that adapt to the complexity and characteristics of different subproblems. The hashing function and database structure can be adjusted based on the specific pattern subset being processed, maintaining both access efficiency and adaptability to complex scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes hashing parameters and data organization based on the specific subproblem characteristics. Different hashing functions, bucket sizes, and organization schemes are applied to different pattern subsets, optimizing both access efficiency and adaptability for each case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2677450B1A system and method for compressed level-ordered edge sequence encoding
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INC
  • EP2677450B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2677450B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2677450B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Compressed Level-Ordered Edge Sequence (CLOES) encodings are described. These techniques enable more aggressive compression of a state-set representation.