Stochastic hybrid control (Q1584642)

The authors consider a complicated version of controlled stochastic systems. The time \(t\) is measured continuously. The state of the system is represented by a continuous variable \(x\) and a discrete variable \(n\). Also, the control has two parts, a continuous type control \(v\) that is a measurable stochastic process and a discrete-type (or impulse) control \(k\) that is a sequence of random variables. The key point is the set-interface \(D\) of which only the boundary is really used. Minimal and maximal set-interfaces are considered. When the state reaches the minimal set, a mandatory impulse (jump or switch) takes place, while if the state belongs to a maximal set, an optional impulse (jump or switch) may be applied, upon decision of the controller. Switching and jumps can be autonomous or totally controlled. A discounted marginal cost of the form \(f(x(t),n(t),v(t))\exp(-\int_{0}^{t}c(x(s),n(s),v(s)) ds)\) is introduced and a control problem consists in its minimization. The authors demonstrate that the dynamic programming approach leads to some involved quasi-variational inequality. If the system is non-degenerate then the classic treatment can be used for the solution of the control problem, otherwise, a way is to use the so-called viscosity solutions that are described in the last part of the paper.