An implementation of routines for solving rate-distortion problems. Rate-distortion theory is a field within information theory that examines optimal lossy compression. That is, given that some information must be lost, how can a communication channel be designed that minimizes the cost of communication error? Rate-distortion theory is concerned with the optimal (minimal cost) solution to such tradeoffs. An important tool for solving rate-distortion problems is the Blahut algorithm, developed by Richard Blahut and described in: . Blahut, R. E. (1972). Computation of channel capacity and rate-distortion functions. IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, IT-18(4), 460-473. . This package implements the basic Blahut algorithm, and additionally contains a number of `helper' functions, including a routine for searching for an information channel that minimizes cost subject to a constraint on information rate.
