Natural-Language Agent Specification with Active Inference Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for specifying Agent models in artificial intelligence systems are either time-consuming and not scalable (manual specification) or computationally expensive and prone to under- or over-specification (automatic specification using discrete data sets).

Innovation Solution

A conversational specification method using active inference and a Large Language Model (LLM) to guide interactions between users and Agents, allowing for precise data acquisition through structured questions and answers, balancing the advantages of manual and automatic specification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual specification is used to specify Agent models, then accuracy is improved, but time consumption and scalability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecification accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an active inference algorithm as an intermediary between manual specification and automatic specification. This algorithm processes natural language descriptions and automatically infers the appropriate Agent model parameters, combining the accuracy of manual specification with the efficiency of automatic methods by acting as a smart mediator that understands contextual meaning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual parameter specification with an intelligent system based on active inference and natural language processing. Instead of manually setting each parameter, the system uses AI algorithms to automatically derive parameters from natural language descriptions, substituting human manual work with automated intelligent processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automatic specification using discrete data sets is used, then time consumption is reduced, but computational cost and risk of under- or over-specification increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecification speedVSAvoidspecification reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter from discrete data sets to continuous natural language descriptions. By processing natural language input, the active inference algorithm can capture nuanced information and contextual relationships that discrete data sets cannot represent, thereby improving specification reliability while maintaining high productivity through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the active inference algorithm continuously refines the Agent model parameters based on the natural language description and the inferred context. This iterative feedback process ensures that the specification is neither under-specified nor over-specified, improving reliability while maintaining automated efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automatic specification is used with large data sets, then specification speed is improved, but the risk of over-specification and hallucinations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecification speedVSAvoidinformation quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the relevant information from natural language descriptions needed for Agent model specification, rather than processing all available data. The active inference algorithm identifies and extracts key parameters and relationships, discarding redundant or irrelevant information, thereby preventing over-specification and hallucinations while maintaining fast automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12393581B2Method and system for specifying an active inference based agent using natural language
Publication Date: 2025.08.19 VERSES AI INC
  • US12393581B2 patent drawing
  • US12393581B2 patent drawing
  • US12393581B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for specifying an active inference-based agent using natural language.