Sensor Activation and Communication Problems in Discrete-Event Systems

This paper is an overview of the current research on problems involving dynamic sensor activation and communication in discrete-event systems. In problems of sensor activation agents observing a discrete-event system can turn their sensors responsible for detecting observable event occurrences on / off dynamically. In problems of communication agents communicate information such as observed event occurrences, state or string estimates of a discrete-event system to each other when necessary. Sensor activation and communication have been investigated in problems of control, diagnosis and opacity of discrete-event systems. This paper attempts to provide a coherent categorization and presentation for works on these problems. Their strengths, weaknesses and avenues for future research are highlighted.