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A New Softmax Operator for Reinforcement Learning (arxiv.org)
2 points by punnerud on Dec 27, 2016 | hide | past | pdf | discuss on HN

In plain words: A new soft-max rule blends the best value with the average and never stretches value gaps, so learning and planning stay stable. Used in a standard trial-and-error learning algorithm, it sets action randomness per state and converges while performing well in practice.

Abstract · An Alternative Softmax Operator for Reinforcement Learning

A softmax operator applied to a set of values acts somewhat like the maximization function and somewhat like an average. In sequential decision making, softmax is often used in settings where it is necessary to maximize utility but also to hedge against problems that arise from putting all of one's weight behind a single maximum utility decision. The Boltzmann softmax operator is the most commonly used softmax operator in this setting, but we show that this operator is prone to misbehavior. In this work, we study a differentiable softmax operator that, among other properties, is a non-expansion ensuring a convergent behavior in learning and planning. We introduce a variant of SARSA algorithm that, by utilizing the new operator, computes a Boltzmann policy with a state-dependent temperature parameter. We show that the algorithm is convergent and that it performs favorably in practice.

Kavosh Asadi, Michael L. Littman
arXiv:1612.05628 · cs.AI, cs.LG, stat.ML · submitted Dec 16, 2016 · updated Jun 14, 2017
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