Function-Correcting Codes for b-Symbol Read Channels

Function-correcting codes are an innovative class of codes that are designed to protect a function evaluation of the data against errors or corruptions. Due to its usefulness in machine learning applications and archival data storage, where preserving the integrity of computation is crucial, Lenz et al. recently introduced function-correcting codes for binary symmetric channels to safeguard function evaluation against errors. Xia et al. expanded this concept to symbol-pair read channels over binary fields. The current paper further advances the theory by developing function-correcting codes for b-symbol read channels over finite fields. We introduce the idea of irregular b-symbol distance codes and establish bounds on their performance over finite fields. This concept helps in understanding the behavior of function-correcting codes in more complex settings. We also present a graphical approach of the problem of constructing function-correcting b-symbol codes. Furthermore, we apply these general concepts to specific classes of functions and compare the redundancy of function-correcting b-symbol codes with classical b-symbol codes. Our findings demonstrate that function-correcting b-symbol codes achieve lower redundancy while maintaining reliability.