A recursive information flow system for distributed control arrays

The problem of distributed control by an array of sensors and actuators is discussed. A method is presented to implement control laws with regard to global objectives, but only requiring the communication of each unit with the adjacent elements of the array. The method is based on local estimates of the distant measurements which are recursively updated by communicating with their neighbors. The implications of this approach on the question of global stability is analyzed, leading to guidelines on the communication requirements of the array.