A. A. Shalyto. Logic Control and "Reactive" Systems: Algorithmization and Programming


Automation and Remote Control, Vol. 62, No. 1, 2001, pp. 1-29. Translated from Avtomatika i Telemekhanika, No. 1, 2001, pp. 3-39. Original Russian Text Copyright (C) 2001 by Shalyto.

Federal State Science Center Avrora, St. Petersburg, Russia
State Institute of Fine Mechanics and Optics, St. Petersburg, Russia
Received June 13, 1999

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Abstract

Finite automata, which in the past were mainly used in hardware, are presently finding extensive application in programming. In this paper, we outline the basic algorithmization and programming principles for logic control and "reactive" systems, regarding programs as finite automata. Besides the traditional fields of application, such as compiler design, finite automata are presently used in programming programmable logic (PL) controllers, describing the behavior of certain objects in object-oriented programming, as well as in programming protocols, games, and PL circuitry. We would like to dispel the misbelief that "automata are becoming obsolete" and show they are just beginning to find extensive application in programming.

Algorithmization and programming principles for logic control and "reactive" systems are formulated, regarding algorithms and programs as finite automata. The application of finite automata to programming for other problems is also reviewed.