Optimal control for both forward and backward discrete-time systems

Forward discrete-time systems use past information to update the current state, while backward discrete-time systems use future information to update the current state. This study focuses on optimal control problems within the context of forward and backward discrete-time systems. We begin by investigating a general optimal control problem for both forward and backward discrete-time systems. Leveraging the inherent properties of these systems and the Bellman optimality principle, we derive recursive equations as a means to solve such optimal control problems. Using these recursive equations, we obtain analytical expressions for both the optimal controls and optimal values of bang-bang and linear quadratic optimal control problems. Finally, we present a numerical example and an industrial wastewater treatment problem to illustrate and demonstrate our findings.