arXiv subjects

Yingwu Chen

Publications and source records attributed to Yingwu Chen.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Efficient Policy Learning with Hybrid Evaluation-Based Genetic Programming for Uncertain Agile Earth Observation Satellite Scheduling

The Uncertain Agile Earth Observation Satellite Scheduling Problem (UAEOSSP) is a novel combinatorial optimization problem and a practical engineering challenge that aligns with the current demands of space technology development. It incorporates uncertainties in profit, resource consumption, and visibility, which may render pre-planned schedules suboptimal or even infeasible. Genetic Programming Hyper-Heuristic (GPHH) shows promise for evolving interpretable scheduling policies; however, their simulation-based evaluation incurs high computational costs. Moreover, the design of the constructive method, denoted as Online Scheduling Algorithm (OSA), directly affects fitness assessment, resulting in evaluation-dependent local optima within the policy space. To address these issues, this paper proposes a Hybrid Evaluation-based Genetic Programming (HE-GP) for effectively solving UAEOSSP. A Hybrid Evaluation (HE) mechanism is integrated into the policy-driven OSA, combining exact and approximate filtering modes: exact mode ensures evaluation accuracy through elaborately designed constraint verification modules, while approximate mode reduces computational overhead via simplified logic. HE-GP dynamically switches between evaluation models based on real-time evolutionary state information. Experiments on 16 simulated instance sets demonstrate that HE-GP significantly outperforms handcrafted heuristics and single-evaluation based GPHH, achieving substantial reductions in computational cost while maintaining excellent scheduling performance across diverse scenarios. Specifically, the average training time of HE-GP was reduced by 17.77\% compared to GP employing exclusively exact evaluation, while the optimal policy generated by HE-GP achieved the highest average ranks across all scenarios.

cs.AI↗

arXiv2025

Distributed Satellites Dynamic Allocation for Grids with Time Windows: A Potential Game Approach

The allocation of tasks to a large number of distributed satellites is a difficult problem owing to dynamic changes in massive tasks and the complex matching of tasks to satellites. To reduce the complexity of the problem, tasks that are geographically close can be divided into a predefined grid with a specific time window and processed together. The problem then becomes a dynamic grid with time-window allocation problem (DGAP). To ensure consistent visibility between satellites and grids, the timeline of the DGAP is partitioned into several decision-making stages that are determined by dynamic changes in the time window. Subsequently, the DGAP can be resolved progressively adopting the potential game approach in the single-stage DGAP (sDGAP). First, to solve the discontinuity in the goal of the sDGAP, we approximate the goal by a smooth exponential sum function that we regard as the global utility function. Second, a potential game theoretic framework is constructed by decomposing this global utility function into the local utility functions of individuals. We prove that each Nash equilibrium of the proposed potential game is the optimal solution of the sDGAP. Third, to solve the potential game, a distributed algorithm, referred to as the selective time-variant better reply process (SeTVBRP) algorithm, is proposed and its convergence is proved. The SeTVBRP algorithm is an improved algorithm based on the better reply process algorithm, where two improvement methods (i.e., the selective action method and time-variant parameter method) are introduced. Through factor analysis, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the two improvement methods for the sDGAP. Last, numerical results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms existing learning algorithms and is effective in solving the DGAP.

cs.GT↗

arXiv2025

A Distributed Clustering Algorithm based on Coalition Game for Intelligent Vehicles

In the context of Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs), the hierarchical management of intelligent vehicles, based on clustering methods, represents a well-established solution for effectively addressing scalability and reliability issues. The previous studies have primarily focused on centralized clustering problems with a single objective. However, this paper investigates the distributed clustering problem that simultaneously optimizes two objectives: the cooperative capacity and management overhead of cluster formation, under dynamic network conditions. Specifically, the clustering problem is formulated within a coalition formation game framework to achieve both low computational complexity and automated decision-making in cluster formation. Additionally, we propose a distributed clustering algorithm (DCA) that incorporates three innovative operations for forming/breaking coalition, facilitating collaborative decision-making among individual intelligent vehicles. The convergence of the DCA is proven to result in a Nash stable partition, and extensive simulations demonstrate its superior performance compared to existing state-of-the-art approaches for coalition formation.

cs.GT↗

arXiv2024

Game-theoretic Distributed Learning Approach for Heterogeneous-cost Task Allocation with Budget Constraints

This paper investigates heterogeneous-cost task allocation with budget constraints (HCTAB), wherein heterogeneity is manifested through the varying capabilities and costs associated with different agents for task execution. Different from the centralized optimization-based method, the HCTAB problem is solved using a fully distributed framework, and a coalition formation game is introduced to provide a theoretical guarantee for this distributed framework. To solve the coalition formation game, a convergence-guaranteed log-linear learning algorithm based on heterogeneous cost is proposed. This algorithm incorporates two improvement strategies, namely, a cooperative exchange strategy and a heterogeneous-cost log-linear learning strategy. These strategies are specifically designed to be compatible with the heterogeneous cost and budget constraints characteristic of the HCTAB problem. Through ablation experiments, we demonstrate the effectiveness of these two improvements. Finally, numerical results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms existing task allocation algorithms and learning algorithms in terms of solving the HCTAB problem.

cs.GT↗

arXiv2023

Ensemble Reinforcement Learning: A Survey

Reinforcement Learning (RL) has emerged as a highly effective technique for addressing various scientific and applied problems. Despite its success, certain complex tasks remain challenging to be addressed solely with a single model and algorithm. In response, ensemble reinforcement learning (ERL), a promising approach that combines the benefits of both RL and ensemble learning (EL), has gained widespread popularity. ERL leverages multiple models or training algorithms to comprehensively explore the problem space and possesses strong generalization capabilities. In this study, we present a comprehensive survey on ERL to provide readers with an overview of recent advances and challenges in the field. Firstly, we provide an introduction to the background and motivation for ERL. Secondly, we conduct a detailed analysis of strategies such as model selection and combination that have been successfully implemented in ERL. Subsequently, we explore the application of ERL, summarize the datasets, and analyze the algorithms employed. Finally, we outline several open questions and discuss future research directions of ERL. By offering guidance for future scientific research and engineering applications, this survey significantly contributes to the advancement of ERL.

cs.LG↗

arXiv2023

RL-GA: A Reinforcement Learning-Based Genetic Algorithm for Electromagnetic Detection Satellite Scheduling Problem

The study of electromagnetic detection satellite scheduling problem (EDSSP) has attracted attention due to the detection requirements for a large number of targets. This paper proposes a mixed-integer programming model for the EDSSP problem and a genetic algorithm based on reinforcement learning (RL-GA). Numerous factors that affect electromagnetic detection are considered in the model, such as detection mode, bandwidth, and other factors. The RL-GA embeds a Q-learning method into an improved genetic algorithm, and the evolution of each individual depends on the decision of the agent. Q-learning is used to guide the population search process by choosing evolution operators. In this way, the search information can be effectively used by the reinforcement learning method. In the algorithm, we design a reward function to update the Q value. According to the problem characteristics, a new combination of is proposed. The RL-GA also uses an elite individual retention strategy to improve search performance. After that, a task time window selection algorithm (TTWSA) is proposed to evaluate the performance of population evolution. Several experiments are used to examine the scheduling effect of the proposed algorithm. Through the experimental verification of multiple instances, it can be seen that the RL-GA can solve the EDSSP problem effectively. Compared with the state-of-the-art algorithms, the RL-GA performs better in several aspects.

cs.NE↗

arXiv2021

A Two-stage Framework and Reinforcement Learning-based Optimization Algorithms for Complex Scheduling Problems

There hardly exists a general solver that is efficient for scheduling problems due to their diversity and complexity. In this study, we develop a two-stage framework, in which reinforcement learning (RL) and traditional operations research (OR) algorithms are combined together to efficiently deal with complex scheduling problems. The scheduling problem is solved in two stages, including a finite Markov decision process (MDP) and a mixed-integer programming process, respectively. This offers a novel and general paradigm that combines RL with OR approaches to solving scheduling problems, which leverages the respective strengths of RL and OR: The MDP narrows down the search space of the original problem through an RL method, while the mixed-integer programming process is settled by an OR algorithm. These two stages are performed iteratively and interactively until the termination criterion has been met. Under this idea, two implementation versions of the combination methods of RL and OR are put forward. The agile Earth observation satellite scheduling problem is selected as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheduling framework and methods. The convergence and generalization capability of the methods are verified by the performance of training scenarios, while the efficiency and accuracy are tested in 50 untrained scenarios. The results show that the proposed algorithms could stably and efficiently obtain satisfactory scheduling schemes for agile Earth observation satellite scheduling problems. In addition, it can be found that RL-based optimization algorithms have stronger scalability than non-learning algorithms. This work reveals the advantage of combining reinforcement learning methods with heuristic methods or mathematical programming methods for solving complex combinatorial optimization problems.

cs.AI↗