Segmented variable length decoding apparatus for sequentially decoding single code-word within a fixed number of decoding cycles

摘要

The present invention comprises an apparatus for decoding an ordered sequence of incoming binary bit-stream in serial containing a plurality of variable length codewords with a maximum codeword length of M. The decoding apparatus comprises a serial to parallel converting and shifting means for receiving the incoming bit stream, and for receiving a shift- count for shifting and converting the shift-count number of bits for adding to a parallel data record. The decoding apparatus further comprises a dictionary means including at least two dictionary tables for listing a plurality of standard codewords wherein each of the dictionary tables having a bit-length less than M. The decoding apparatus further comprises a decoding means for decoding the parallel data record by utilizing the dictionary means and to generate the shift-count as an input to the serial to parallel converting and shifting means.