Forward and Backward Shifts of Vector Fields: Towards the Dual Algebraic Framework.

An algebraic framework for discrete-time nonlinear control systems is introduced, based on the forward and backward shifts of the vector fields. It appears to be the dual of the framework based on the differential 1-forms. As applications, the characterization of accessibility and the solution to the static state feedback linearization problem are stated in terms of the given vector fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]