Hierarchical control of timed discrete-event systems (Q2563780)

The authors present an abstract hierarchical control theory for a class of timed discrete-event systems (TDES) within the discrete-event control architecture framework proposed earlier by the authors. In particular an alternative definition of TDES is proposed that remedies a prior theory of Brandin and Wonham (1994) in which the class of TDES and its timing semantics are not closed under control. Based on the definition, the authors present a framework that refines the control technology (i.e., the specific manner in which control is exercised) of Brandin and Wonham (1994). The authors show that their time control technology induces a time control structure; namely, a class of controllable languages in which control cannot stop the clock. Based on that structure, a hierarchical control theory is developed. A general property of hierarchical consistency is achieved by establishing control consistency - namely preservation of time control structures through aggregation mapping in a two-level hierarchy.