Observers for classes of nonlinear networked systems

Assuming a class of continuous-time observers known for a given nonlinear system, an observation structure is derived when sensors information is subject to network-induced communication constraints. The approach is based on the recent results on hybrid observers for sampled-data systems by Karafyllis and Kravaris. Considering two types of protocols, some asymptotic stability properties are shown to hold for the observation error under some conditions and an explicit bound on the maximum allowable transmission interval between transmission times is given. Results are then applied to the observation of several marine vessels when measures are transmitted over a shared network.