Variable length code decoding according to optimum cache storage requirements

摘要

A method and apparatus in a computer system for decoding variable length codes (VLC's). Upon receiving a sample VLC from the bitstream, it is determined whether it has a predetermined relationship with a first pattern. The first pattern includes a first portion having a predetermined pattern. A length of the first portion of the sample VLC corresponds to an optimum number of cache lines. If the sample VLC has the predetermined relationship with the first pattern, then the sample VLC is used to retrieve a first decoded value from a first table. Otherwise, if the sample VLC does not have the predetermined relationship with the first pattern, then the sample VLC is used to retrieve a second decoded value from a second table.