How to Implement Discounted Future Prediction (DFP) in Keras

Aug 9, 2020 | Data Science

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on implementing the Discounted Future Prediction (DFP) algorithm using Keras! In this article, we will walk you through the steps required to set up and run the DFP algorithm, specifically tested in the challenging VizDoom Health Gathering scenario. So grab your programming hat and let’s get started!

What is Discounted Future Prediction (DFP)?

The DFP algorithm is a reinforcement learning technique that aids agents in predicting future rewards by discounting future values. This technique is especially useful in complex environments where immediate rewards may not be indicative of long-term success.

Getting Started

Before diving into the code, let’s ensure you have everything you need to get started:

  • Make sure you have access to the DFP paper to understand the underlying principles.
  • Familiarize yourself with the DFP and the usage of Keras.

Setting Up the DFP Environment

Follow the instructions below to set up your environment:

Step 1: Install VizDoom

First, you need to set up the VizDoom environment. Use the following command to install it:

$ pip install vizdoom

Step 2: Clone VizDoom

Clone the VizDoom repository to your local machine using:

$ git clone https://github.com/mwydmuch/ViZDoom

Then, copy the Python files from the DFP repository into the examples/python directory of your cloned ViZDoom repository.

Step 3: Modify Configuration File

Edit the scenarios/health_gathering.cfg file. Locate the following line:

doom_scenario_path = health_gathering.wad

Replace it with:

doom_scenario_path = health_gathering_supreme.wad

Step 4: Run the DFP

To verify if the environment is functioning properly, navigate to the examples directory and run:

$ cd examples/python
$ python dfp.py

You should see printouts indicating that DFP is executing successfully, or you’ll be alerted to any errors.

Performance Results

After running the DFP algorithm for 40,000 episodes, you can observe performance metrics in terms of average survival time, illustrated in the chart below:

DFP Performance Chart

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while setting up the DFP, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Ensure that all dependencies are properly installed, including Keras and TensorFlow.
  • Double-check the paths in your configuration file to avoid typos.
  • If you see errors during execution, they may be from missing dependencies or libraries.
  • For performance concerns, review the performance related code and ensure parameters suit your machine specifications.

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At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve successfully walked through the implementation of the DFP algorithm in Keras, particularly in the VizDoom Health Gathering scenario. By following the outlined steps, you should now be well-equipped to implement DFP and start experimenting with more complex reinforcement learning environments. Happy coding!

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