Binary and Ternary Quasi-perfect Codes with Small Dimensions

The aim of this work is a systematic investigation of the possible parameters of quasi-perfect (QP) binary and ternary linear codes of small dimensions and preparing a complete classification of all such codes. First we give a list of infinite families of QP codes which includes all binary, ternary and quaternary codes known to is. We continue further with a list of sporadic examples of binary and ternary QP codes. Later we present the results of our investigation where binary QP codes of dimensions up to 14 and ternary QP codes of dimensions up to 13 are classified.Comment: 4 page

Linear Size Optimal q-ary Constant-Weight Codes and Constant-Composition Codes

An optimal constant-composition or constant-weight code of weight $w$ has linear size if and only if its distance $d$ is at least $2w-1$. When $d\geq 2w$, the determination of the exact size of such a constant-composition or constant-weight code is trivial, but the case of $d=2w-1$ has been solved previously only for binary and ternary constant-composition and constant-weight codes, and for some sporadic instances. This paper provides a construction for quasicyclic optimal constant-composition and constant-weight codes of weight $w$ and distance $2w-1$ based on a new generalization of difference triangle sets. As a result, the sizes of optimal constant-composition codes and optimal constant-weight codes of weight $w$ and distance $2w-1$ are determined for all such codes of sufficiently large lengths. This solves an open problem of Etzion. The sizes of optimal constant-composition codes of weight $w$ and distance $2w-1$ are also determined for all $w\leq 6$, except in two cases.Comment: 12 page

Coding Theory and Algebraic Combinatorics

This chapter introduces and elaborates on the fruitful interplay of coding theory and algebraic combinatorics, with most of the focus on the interaction of codes with combinatorial designs, finite geometries, simple groups, sphere packings, kissing numbers, lattices, and association schemes. In particular, special interest is devoted to the relationship between codes and combinatorial designs. We describe and recapitulate important results in the development of the state of the art. In addition, we give illustrative examples and constructions, and highlight recent advances. Finally, we provide a collection of significant open problems and challenges concerning future research.Comment: 33 pages; handbook chapter, to appear in: "Selected Topics in Information and Coding Theory", ed. by I. Woungang et al., World Scientific, Singapore, 201

Self-Dual Codes

Self-dual codes are important because many of the best codes known are of this type and they have a rich mathematical theory. Topics covered in this survey include codes over F_2, F_3, F_4, F_q, Z_4, Z_m, shadow codes, weight enumerators, Gleason-Pierce theorem, invariant theory, Gleason theorems, bounds, mass formulae, enumeration, extremal codes, open problems. There is a comprehensive bibliography.Comment: 136 page

Ebert's asymmetric Hat Game

The Hat Game (Ebert's Hat Problem) got much attention in the beginning of this century; not in the last place by its connections to coding theory and computer science. All players guess simultaneously the color of their own head observing only the hat colors of the other players. It is also allowed for each player to pass: no color is guessed. The team wins if at least one player guesses his or her own hat color correct and none of the players has an incorrect guess. This paper studies Ebert's hat problem, where the probabilities of the colors may be different (asymmetric case). Our goal is to maximize the probability of winning the game and to describe winning strategies. In this paper we introduce the notion of an adequate set. The construction of adequate sets is independent of underlying probabilities and we use this fact in the analysis of the asymmetric case. Another point of interest is the fact that computational complexity using adequate sets is much less than using standard methods.Comment: 33 page