Orthogonal Functions may be divided into two classes. The class of
continuous systems and the discontinuous class of piecewise constant
systems. Problems arise because continuous systems form an
unsatisfactory basis for the expansion of functions containing
discontinuities whilst piecewise constant systems insert artificial
discontinuities into all representations. Since these two classes of
functions would be unsuccessful in coping with functions that possess
both continuity and discontinuity we must look to General Hybrid
Orthogonal Functions (GHOF) which have been shown to be the most
appropriate in such situations. This book introduces the system of GHOF,
discusses its properties, develops an operational algebra for the
discretization of continuous dynamic systems on the system of GHOF and
illustrates its use as a flexible and powerful framework of
computational tools in a wide range of systems and control.