On the minimal number of trajectories determining a multidimensional system

The minimal number(S) of generators of a multidimensional systemS is constructively determined. Such anS is the solution space of a linear system of partial differential or difference equations with constant coefficients. The main theorem generalizes recent results of Heij and Zampieri who calculated the number(S) in the one- (resp. two-) dimensional discrete case. There is also a direct connection with Macaulay's inverse systems in the multidimensional discrete situation, in particular with his principal systems characterized by the relation(S)1. It is surprising that, for dimensions greater than one, very many large systems are principal in this sense.