Distribution preserving sequences of maps and almost constant sequences on finite sets (Q1265690)

Let \(X\) and \(Y\) be finite sets and, for each positive integer \(n\) let \(f_n: X\to Y\) be a sequence of maps. \(\lambda\) and \(\mu\) denote probability measures on \(X\) and \(Y\), respectively. The author studies the question under which conditions an arbitrary sequence \((x_n)^\infty_{n= 1}\) with distribution \(\lambda\) in \(X\) induces a sequence \((f_n(x_n))^\infty_{n= 1}\) with distribution \(\mu\) in \(Y\). This extends earlier investigations concerning sequences \((f(x_n))^\infty_{n= 1}\) (for a single mapping \(f:X\to Y\) on compact spaces) due to \textit{W. Bosch} [Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 307, 143-152 (1988; Zbl 0651.10032)], \textit{Š. Porubský}, \textit{T. Šalat} and \textit{O. Strauch} [Acta Arith. 49, 459-479 (1988; Zbl 0656.10047)], \textit{R. F. Tichy} and \textit{R. Winkler} [Acta Arith. 60, 177-189 (1991; Zbl 0736.11036)]. In the present paper, the author obtains a complete characterization of sequences having the above property in terms of the combinatorial structure of index sequences. There are strong relations to so-called almost constant sequences, see for instance \textit{G. Rauzy} [Sém. Théorie Nombres 1972-1973, Univ. Bordeaux, Expose No. 20 (1973; Zbl 0293.10018)], \textit{H. Rindler} [Acta Arith. 35, 189-193 (1979; Zbl 0407.10041)] and \textit{V. Losert} [Monatsh. Math. 85, 105-113 (1978; Zbl 0381.28006)].