Minimax algebra and applications

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the applications of minimax algebra. The chapter discusses a discrete-event system (DES), in which the individual components move from event to event rather than varying continuously through time. A characteristic of many such DESs, which is focussed in the chapter, is that any given component must wait before proceeding to its next event until certain others have completed their current events. The chapter presents a hypothetical DES, containing four machines called the “model system.” Max algebra depends on a crucial change of notation. In place of the operator max, use of the symbol ⊕, reminiscent of an addition symbol instead of + use ⊗, reminiscent of a multiplication symbol. An AND-gate is a device used in signal processing. It is characterized by a single output and a number of inputs, each of which may be active or quiescent. A delay is characterized by a single input, a number of outputs, and a given fixed time-interval. The chapter discusses several processes of Max algebra, scheduling and approximation, Chebyshev approximation, and others.