Partially Observable Markov Decision Process

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What Does Partially Observable Markov Decision Process Mean?

A partially observable Markov decision process (POMPD) is a Markov decision process in which the agent cannot directly observe the underlying states in the model. The Markov decision process (MDP) is a mathematical framework for modeling decisions showing a system with a series of states and providing actions to the decision maker based on those states.

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The POMPD builds on that concept to show how a system can deal with the challenges of limited observation.

Techopedia Explains Partially Observable Markov Decision Process

In the partially observable Markov decision process, because the underlying states are not transparent to the agent, a concept called a “belief state” is helpful. The belief state provides a way to deal with the ambiguity inherent in the model.

The POMPD is useful in reinforcement learning where a system can go over the MPD or POMPD model utilizing what is known to build a clearer picture of probability outcomes.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist
Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of ​​a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.