Entropy-constrained vector quantizer design algorithm using competitive learning technique

A novel full-search variable-rate vector quantizer (VQ) design algorithm using competitive learning technique is presented. The algorithm, termed entropy-constrained competitive learning (ECCL) algorithm, can design a VQ having minimum average distortion subject to a rate constraint. The ECCL algorithm enjoys a better rate-distortion performance than that of the existing competitive learning algorithms. Moreover, the ECCL algorithm outperforms the entropy-constrained vector quantizer (ECVQ) design algorithm subject to the same rate and storage size constraints. In addition, the learning algorithm is more insensitive to the selection of initial codewords as compared with the ECVQ algorithm. Therefore, the ECCL algorithm can be an effective alternative to the existing variable-rate VQ design algorithms for the applications of signal compression.