Linear Consensus Algorithms Based on Balanced Asymmetric Chains

Multi-agent consensus algorithms, with update steps based on so-called balanced asymmetric chains, are analyzed. For such algorithms, it is shown that: (i) the empirical distribution of state values converges asymptotically and (ii) the occurrence of consensus or multiple consensus is directly related to the property of absolute infinite flow of the underlying update chain. An example is provided to illustrate the novelty of the results.

[1]  M. Degroot Reaching a Consensus , 1974 .

[2]  Rainer Hegselmann,et al.  Opinion dynamics and bounded confidence: models, analysis and simulation , 2002, J. Artif. Soc. Soc. Simul..

[3]  John N. Tsitsiklis,et al.  Parallel and distributed computation , 1989 .

[4]  John N. Tsitsiklis,et al.  Distributed Asynchronous Deterministic and Stochastic Gradient Optimization Algorithms , 1984, 1984 American Control Conference.

[5]  Sadegh Bolouki,et al.  Ergodicity and class-ergodicity of balanced asymmetric stochastic chains , 2013, 2013 European Control Conference (ECC).

[6]  Sadegh Bolouki,et al.  Theorems about ergodicity and class-ergodicity of chains with applications in known consensus models , 2012, 2012 50th Annual Allerton Conference on Communication, Control, and Computing (Allerton).

[7]  Sadegh Bolouki,et al.  On the Limiting Behavior of Linear or Convex Combination Based Updates of Multi-Agent Systems , 2011 .

[8]  Behrouz Touri,et al.  On Ergodicity, Infinite Flow, and Consensus in Random Models , 2010, IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control.

[9]  E. Seneta,et al.  Towards consensus: some convergence theorems on repeated averaging , 1977, Journal of Applied Probability.

[10]  Behrouz Touri,et al.  On backward product of stochastic matrices , 2011, Autom..

[11]  Felipe Cucker,et al.  Emergent Behavior in Flocks , 2007, IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control.

[12]  Jie Lin,et al.  Coordination of groups of mobile autonomous agents using nearest neighbor rules , 2003, IEEE Trans. Autom. Control..

[13]  John N. Tsitsiklis,et al.  Problems in decentralized decision making and computation , 1984 .

[14]  Vicsek,et al.  Novel type of phase transition in a system of self-driven particles. , 1995, Physical review letters.

[15]  Behrouz Touri,et al.  Product of Random Stochastic Matrices , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control.

[16]  Behrouz Touri,et al.  On Approximations and Ergodicity Classes in Random Chains , 2010, IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control.

[17]  John N. Tsitsiklis,et al.  Convergence of Type-Symmetric and Cut-Balanced Consensus Seeking Systems , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control.