Coding/decoding for data compression and error control on data links using digital computers

Abstract

Data compression and error control have, over the years, been treated as two separate disciplines. Data compression can substantially reduce the loading of communication channels and error control using coding methodology, can reduce the amount of errors in the messages being transmitted, or allow the system to operate with less power for a comparable uncoded information rate. This paper demonstrates that both functions can be combined into one operation by applying sequential decoding developed for error control to data compression. Because the same general method can be used to solve both problems, data compression and error control can be united in a single system and held accountable for the required theorems in information theory.