# stochastic processes conditional on other stochastic processes

Problem:
I'm working in reliability field and have seen papers written on the topic like process of failures when systems are functioning under unobservable (or observable) Markov-like environment, i.e. probability to fail is dependent on the state of environment. This state is described as discrete-state discrete-time homogeneous Markov chain. In mathematical notation it would be like this:
$P\left [ X_{t}=k | Y_{t}=i \right ]=\pi _{k}\left ( i \right )$;
where $X _{t}$ is a binary random failure process with possible states 0 (failed) and 1 (working). And $Y _{t}$ is a Markov process at the moment $t$ being in the $i ^{th}$ state.

My question:

Is it possible (or even reasonable) to extend mentioned model? For example, from discrete-state to continuous-state Markov model? Is there any literature (I havent found yet) about continuous stochastic conditional processes. I suppose it is not so trivial, because for continuouse stochastic process statements like $Y_{t}=i$ are meaningless.

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It is easy to extend: for each $t$ there is a conditional law of $X_t$ given $Y_t$. – Stéphane Laurent Feb 28 '12 at 15:36
@ Stéphane Laurent Could recommend some literature (papers) on this the conditional stochastic processes topic. Because all I can find is just short notes in textbooks and no deeper analysis. I would be greatfull for it. – Tomas Feb 29 '12 at 9:44
The formula $P(X_t=k\mid Y_t=i)=\pi_k(i)$ can be reformulated as $P(X_t=k\mid Y_t)=\pi_k(Y_t)$, and this formula makes perfectly good sense, no matter what the distribution of $Y_t$. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conditional_expectation#Formal_definition and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…. – Jason Swanson Mar 15 '12 at 20:33