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An introduction to error-correcting codes
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March 27, 2020
This is a textbook. Therefore, as expected, it is somewhat dense and dry. Nevertheless, the topic is of interest.
It is especially interesting to compare computer transmissions with human language. A well designed error correcting code has the maximum possible distance between each code, so that for example, three bits per block must be corrupted before the information becomes so distorted that it is perceived as something else.
In human language, we often do not have a large distance between words/phrases. Some of them are easily misperceived as something else. In addition, words have different meaning to different people. For us context is critical in making a correct (or nearly correct) deciphering of what was said.
We depend on our computers getting every bit exactly right, but in our communications there is often misunderstanding that might or might not make a material difference. Such misunderstandings might even go on for years between individuals, or centuries between different races of people.
It is especially interesting to compare computer transmissions with human language. A well designed error correcting code has the maximum possible distance between each code, so that for example, three bits per block must be corrupted before the information becomes so distorted that it is perceived as something else.
In human language, we often do not have a large distance between words/phrases. Some of them are easily misperceived as something else. In addition, words have different meaning to different people. For us context is critical in making a correct (or nearly correct) deciphering of what was said.
We depend on our computers getting every bit exactly right, but in our communications there is often misunderstanding that might or might not make a material difference. Such misunderstandings might even go on for years between individuals, or centuries between different races of people.
Displaying 1 of 1 review