Vector-space Analysis of Belief-state Approximation for POMDPs

We propose a new approach to value-directed belief state approximationfor POMDPs. The valuedirected model allows one to choose approximation methods for belief state monitoringthat have a small impact on decision quality. Using a vector space analysis of the problem, we devise two new search procedures for selecting an approximation scheme that have much better computational properties than existing methods. Though these provide looser error bounds, we show empirically that they have a similar impact on decision quality in practice, and run up to two orders of magnitude more quickly.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2001
• Where: UAI
• Authors: Pascal Poupart, Craig Boutilier
• Keywords: Belief State, Decision Quality, UAI 2001, UAI 2008, Value-directed Belief State