METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR ENCODING A BIT STRING

摘要

A run-length encoding method is selected (502) from a plurality of such methods based on content of a bit string (such as a traffic indication map TIM in Smart Meter networks). Encoding parameters (such as codeword length) are also selected (504) based on the content, and the bit string is encoded (506) according to the selected method and parameters. In various non-limiting examples: different run-length encoding methods arc selected (508) based on whether the bit string has sequences of consecutive same-value bits interspersed with isolated. opposite-value bits or interspersed with sequences of consecutive opposite-value bits; the codeword length parameter is selected (510) based on how many consecutive same-value bits arc in the bit string; and encoding entails disposing a marker between code words to indicate that the codeword continues.