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Theory and applications survey of decentralized control methodsA nonmathematical overview is presented of trends in the general area of decentralized control strategies which are suitable for hierarchical systems. Advances in decentralized system theory are closely related to advances in the so-called stochastic control problem with nonclassical information pattern. The basic assumptions and mathematical tools pertaining to the classical stochastic control problem are outlined. Particular attention is devoted to pitfalls in the mathematical problem formulation for decentralized control. Major conclusions are that any purely deterministic approach to multilevel hierarchical dynamic systems is unlikely to lead to realistic theories or designs, that the flow of measurements and decisions in a decentralized system should not be instantaneous and error-free, and that delays in information exchange in a decentralized system lead to reasonable approaches to decentralized control. A mathematically precise notion of aggregating information is not yet available.
Document ID
19760047273
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Athans, M.
(MIT Cambridge, Mass., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1975
Publication Information
Publication: Annals of Economic and Social Measurement
Volume: 4
Issue: 2, 19
Subject Category
Cybernetics
Accession Number
76A30239
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-22-009-124
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF GK-41647
CONTRACT_GRANT: AF-AFOSR-72-2273
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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