Drawing concepts from each of the constituent subfields that collectively comprise information science, Luenberger builds his book around the five "E's" of information: Entropy, Economics, Encryption, Extraction, and Emission. Each area directly impacts modern information products, services, and technology--everything from word processors to digital cash, database systems to decision making, marketing strategy to spread spectrum communication.
To study these principles is to learn how English text, music, and pictures can be compressed, how it is possible to construct a digital signature that cannot simply be copied, how beautiful photographs can be sent from distant planets with a tiny battery, how communication networks expand, and how producers of information products can make a profit under difficult market conditions.
The book contains vivid examples, illustrations, exercises, and points of historic interest, all of which bring to life the analytic methods presented:
- Presents a unified approach to the field of information science
- Emphasizes basic principles
- Includes a wide range of examples and applications
- Helps students develop important new skills
- Suggests exercises with solutions in an instructor's manual
Professors: A supplementary Solutions Manual is available for this book. It is restricted to teachers using the text in courses. For information on how to obtain a copy, refer to: http://pup.princeton.edu/class.html
"This original, integrative book is a tour de force, unique in content and presentation. The author has achieved the goal that all academics should strive for: the ability to develop and explain complex ideas in the simplest way without compromising theory or being simplistic."--Sharan Jagpal, Rutgers UniversityAbout the Author
David G. Luenberger is Professor in the Department of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University.