Optimal control of Boolean control networks with state-triggered impulses

In the real world, abrupt changes caused by external environment and system interaction can exhibit a pattern resembling an “impulse” response. A novel model, known as the hybrid-index model, has recently been introduced for Boolean control networks (BCNs) to characterize such impulsive responses. The optimal control problem is a fundamental issue in control theory, and many control problems can be classified as special cases of optimal control problems. Nevertheless, the optimal control problem for the hybrid-index model remains unresolved. This study delves into the optimal control problem of impulsive Boolean control networks (IBCNs) under the hybrid-index model framework. Forward completeness serves as a crucial condition to avert Zeno behavior in the hybrid-index model of IBCNs. In contrast to prior studies on the hybrid-index model of IBCNs, the study shows that the optimal control problem of IBCNs can be addressed even in cases where the system is not forward complete. Leveraging the theory of semi-tensor product, both finite-horizon and infinite-horizon optimal control problems of IBCNs are tackled using the quotient mapping method and the recursive method for optimal control of Boolean control networks. The study yields the optimal cost and optimal control law through state feedback. To illustrate the efficacy of the proposed approach, a mathematical example and a biological example known as the λ switch are presented.