Correction of insertions/deletions using standard convolutional codes and the Viterbi decoding algorithm

Abstract

We present a new insertion/deletion detection and correcting decoding scheme for convolutional codes that is based on the Viterbi decoding algorithm. Firstly, we show that, when using a coding scheme that utilises a standard rate, R=k/n, convolutional code and n Viterbi decoders in parallel, it is possible to correct up to n-1 consecutive deletions or insertions. Our results show the effectiveness of this scheme to re-establish bit-synchronisation after the deletion of bits. Further, we investigate the correction of multiple deletions or insertions using standard concatenated coding schemes employing convolutional inner codes, and Reed-Solomon outer codes.