Multi-Agent RL Configuration for Stable Runtime Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex software systems with multiple components face challenges in optimizing performance due to numerous influencing factors and complex relationships, especially when components change during runtime, requiring adaptive configurations that ensure stability and prevent unwanted behavior in industrial settings like CNC machines and OPC UA applications.

Innovation Solution

A reinforcement learning system that uses a multiagent approach with epsilon-greedy value management to dynamically adjust configuration parameters during runtime, ensuring safe adaptations by assessing system states and updating policies to maintain performance and stability without causing harm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual or control loop configuration methods are used for simple systems, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability to complex changing environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configurationVSAvoidadaptability to changing environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through autonomous agents that automatically monitor system state, evaluate configuration options, and apply optimizations without manual intervention. The reinforcement learning agents continuously learn from system performance data and autonomously adapt configuration parameters to changing environments, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-training reinforcement learning agents with extensive simulation data before deployment. This preliminary training phase allows the agents to learn optimal configuration strategies in advance, enabling them to quickly adapt to real-world changing environments without requiring manual intervention during actual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If empirical optimization approaches or adapted AI models are used for complex systems, then adaptability to changing environments improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing environmentsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies segmentation by dividing the complex configuration optimization problem into multiple independent reinforcement learning agents, each responsible for specific configuration parameters or subsystems. This modular agent architecture reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the monolithic optimization task into manageable, specialized components that can be developed and trained independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements universality by designing reinforcement learning agents with multi-functionality that can handle various configuration tasks across different system components. The same agent architecture and learning framework are applied universally to diverse configuration problems, reducing complexity by reusing proven patterns rather than creating custom solutions for each specific optimization challenge.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If AI model retraining is performed during runtime to adapt to changes, then adaptability improves, but reliability deteriorates due to potential unwanted behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveruntime adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamics by enabling configuration parameters to change dynamically during runtime based on real-time system state and learned policies. The reinforcement learning agents continuously adapt configuration settings in response to changing environmental conditions, load patterns, and system performance metrics, allowing the system to remain optimized without requiring full retraining events that could compromise stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies feedback through continuous monitoring of system performance metrics and configuration changes during runtime. The reinforcement learning agents receive feedback from the environment about the effectiveness of configuration adjustments and use this information to refine their policies gradually. This feedback-driven approach ensures that adaptations improve performance while maintaining stability by learning from actual system responses rather than making untested changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20230259073A1Method for configuring components in a system by means of multi-agent reinforcement learning, computer-readable storage medium, and system
Publication Date: 2023.08.17 SIEMENS AG
  • US20230259073A1 patent drawing
  • US20230259073A1 patent drawing
  • US20230259073A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Software systems of a plurality of components often require said components to be configured so that said components can perform their task in an optimal manner for a particular application. A software system which consists of a plurality of components is configured. To this end, two different alternatives are provided: a) mode 1, i.e., with offensive training, for quickly learning new situations: the range of values and the step size of the parameters are restricted to such an extent that only non-critical changes are possible with one action. Alternatively, b) mode 2 is used, I.e., defensive training, with continuous learning: the range of values and the step size of the parameters are restricted so that the changes do not significantly worsen the target variables; the Epsilon-Greedy values is set to a lower value.