Structure Theorems for Real-Time Variable-Rate Coding With and Without Side Information

TL;DR

This paper develops structure theorems for real-time variable-rate coding of Markov sources, considering scenarios with and without side information, optimizing a combined measure of distortion and rate.

Contribution

It introduces new structure theorems for encoder and next-state functions applicable to finite-state decoders with side information, enhancing understanding of real-time coding strategies.

Findings

Derived structure theorems for encoder functions

Extended results to decoders with side information

Applicable to any finite-state decoder with performance guarantees

Abstract

The output of a discrete Markov source is to be encoded instantaneously by a variable-rate encoder and decoded by a finite-state decoder. Our performance measure is a linear combination of the distortion and the instantaneous rate. Structure theorems, pertaining to the encoder and next-state functions are derived for every given finite-state decoder, which can have access to side information.