Finite-Horizon, Discrete-Time Variable Tolerance H Filtering

The discrete-time, variable tolerance H<sub>infin</sub> filtering problem is presented. The variable tolerance is specified at every time sample and guarantees a feasible tolerance value without an iterative design process. The variable tolerance H<sub>infin</sub> filtering problem generalizes the standard constant tolerance H<sub>infin</sub> filtering problem and, as a result, leads to a straightforward procedure for approximating the optimal value, gamma<sub>inf</sub>, of the constant tolerance problem. Furthermore, the more general setting of the variable tolerance problem admits an improved H<sub>infin</sub> filter with a smaller L<sub>2</sub> gain than the constant tolerance H<sub>infin</sub> filter. Applications of a variable tolerance to the H<sub>infin</sub> control problem are discussed as well.