A Pixon-based Method for Reverberation-mapping Analysis in Active Galactic Nuclei

We present an alternative method for reconstructing a velocity-delay map in reverberation mapping (RM) based on the pixon algorithm initially proposed image reconstruction by Pina. The allows variable basis to adjust resolution of each pixel according information content that pixel, which therefore enables make best possible use measured data. final optimal functions would be those minimize number pixons while still providing acceptable descriptions data within accuracy allowed noises. adapt RM analysis and develop generic framework implement algorithm. Simulation tests comparisons with widely used maximum entropy demonstrate feasibility high performance our pixon-based analysis. This paper serves as introduction application velocity-unresolved RM. An extension velocity-resolved cases will presented companion paper.