Response to Control in an Information Rich World

The article Control in an Information Rich World: Report of the Panel on Future Directions in Control, Dynamics and Systems discusses the elements of feedback control systems and defines "control" as "the use of algorithms and feedback in engineered systems" (7). Likewise, "feedback" allows for correction of controlled systems, operating as "closed loop," ensures that the system will continuously operate correctly under a variety of conditions. -- and they can vary from experimental results to surveys and questionnaires to a leg-kick when a doctor taps your knee.

Control systems create quantitative results based on input data, e.g. sensors; they can be adapted to a broad range of subjects and disciplines, including traditional sciences. I particularly thought that the application of such systems for combatting terrorism is very interesting. The idea of control systems as decision-makers is remarkable and speaks to the abilities of the human mind -- but also brings fears that we see in entertainment like Eagle Eye to the forefront. Additionally, I was impressed to learn that control/feedback systems began as early as 1940 and enjoyed the discussion of real-world applications and algorithms (they are a wonderful mystery to me -- what exactly is an "algorithm?"). I would love to explore the topic in more detail since it is current and very applicable to academic disciplines and every-day life.

Citation: R. M. Murray (editor), Control in an Information Rich World: Report of the Panel on Future Directions in Control, Dynamics and Systems, SIAM, 2002. Chapters 1-3.

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