"Error Detecting and Error Correcting Codes" [Bell System Technical Journal] [Vol. 29, No. 2]

Hamming, R. W.

Published by American Telephone And Telegraph, New York, 1950

About this Item

First Edition. Original Wraps. "In 1947, frustrated when a failure in one of Bell Lab s relay computers had spoiled a run of data, Hamming began developing the first error-correction codes (now known as Hamming codes), which enabled computers to find and correct single errors in a stretch of data, as well as to discover double errors. Error correction has since been developed into a scientific discipline used in everything from extracting data transmitted from space probes, to recovering jammed communications, to guaranteeing high-quality music from a compact disk (Lee 1995, 361)." [OOC 646] Hamming's paper defined a method for correcting errors in block packages of transmitted data. "He further showed that, in a mathematical sense, these error correcting codes are the best possible codes [known also as perfect codes'; there are none shorter" (A. M. Turing Award Portal). Hamming was awarded the A. M. Turing Award in 1968. Before working at Bell, Hamming had been part of the Manhattan Project. "Hamming was the first coding theorist to attract widespread interest in his work" [OOC 646]. "It was an event in 1947 that prompted Hamming to undertake his most famous piece of work. One Friday, while working for Bell Laboratories, he set their pre-computer calculating machines to solving a complex problem and expected the result to be waiting for him when he began work on the following Monday. But when he arrived on Monday, he found that an error had occurred early on in the calculations and the relay-based calculators had been unable to proceed" [Turing Award Portal]. "Hamming began developing the first error-correction codes (now known as Hamming codes), which enabled computers to find and correct single errors. Error correction has since been developed into a scientific discipline used in everything from extracting data transmitted from space probes, to recovering jammed communications, to guaranteeing high-quality music from a compact disk" [OOC]. A fundamental paper defining idea of error correction in communication and computer systems. Light shelf/edge wear, light toning to spine, light wear at head and tail, ownership stamp at bottom of front wrapper and date at top, else tight, bright, and unmarred. 8vo. 147-293pp. Illus. (b/w plates).

Seller Inventory # 11037

Bibliographic Details

• Title: "Error Detecting and Error Correcting Codes" [Bell System Technical Journal] [Vol. 29, No. 2]
• Publisher: American Telephone And Telegraph, New York
• Publication Date: 1950
• Binding: Original Wraps
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Very Good in Wraps
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included