Identification of evolutionary sequential systems - part 1: unified approach

Logical identification covers a wide range of applications dealing with con strained transformation processes between internal and external models of s equential systems. In this paper, we consider the differential identificati on approach whose purpose is to measure the influence of minor modification s of the internal or external models of an existing system. This class of i dentification is dedicated to sensitivity analysis: learning, redesign, dia gnosis, etc. Thus, it reveals all its interest for the study of systems whi ch have to adapt themselves to an evolving environment. This paper presents an overall view of the different differential identification approaches an d their corresponding applications. We will propose a new resolution techni que based on genetic simulation. In a second paper, we will focus on some e xperiments performed with a genetic identification tool. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.