Canonical forms for positive discrete-time linear control systems (Q1978117)

Linear, finite-dimensional, discrete-time control systems with constant positive coefficients are considered. It is generally assumed, that the initial conditions and control functions are also positive. Using algebraic methods and graph theory, reachability, controllability and essential reachability are studied. Next, using these concepts, certain canonical forms are proposed and discussed. The relations between different canonical forms are explained. Several special cases are considered. Moreover, simple illustrative numerical examples are also presented. Many remarks, comments and the relations to results existing in the literature are pointed out. The results given in the paper extends controllability and reachability considerations given in [\textit{M. E. Valcher}, ``Controllability and reachability criteria for discrete time positive systems'', Int. J. Control 65, No. 3, 511-536 (1996; Zbl 0873.93009)].