We consider a class of systems over finite alphabets with linear internal dynamics, finite-valued control inputs and finitely quantized outputs. We motivate the need for a new notion of observability and propose three new notions of output observability, thereby shifting our attention to the problem of state estimation for output prediction. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for a system to be output observable, algorithmic procedures to verify these conditions, and a construction of finite memory output observers when certain conditions are met. We conclude with simple illustrative examples.Index Terms-Output observability, systems over finite alphabets, quantized outputs, finite memory observers.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.