System and method for improving decoder performance by using multiple decoding channels

摘要

A codec includes an encoder having a quantization level generator that defines a quantization level specific to a block of values (e.g., transform coefficients), a quantizer that quantizes the block of transform coefficients according to the block-specific quantization level, a run-length encoder, and an entropy encoder. The quantization level is defined to result in at least a predetermined number (k) of quantized coefficients having a predetermined value. The amount of data compression by the encoder is proportional to (k). The codec also includes a decoder having entropy and run-length decoding sections whose throughputs are proportional to (k). The decoder takes advantage of this increased throughput by further decoding coefficients in parallel using a plurality of decoding channels. Methods for encoding and decoding data are also disclosed. The invention is well-suited to quantization, entropy, and/or run-length-based codecs, such as JPEG.

主权项

1. In an integrated circuit, a method for decoding encoded data, said method comprising:
receiving a run-length-encoded (RLE) data stream including RLE data associated with a series of blocks of data; run-length decoding RLE data associated with a first block of data into a first plurality of values; decoding said first plurality of values using a first decoding channel selected from a plurality of decoding channels operating in parallel; run-length decoding RLE data associated with a second block of data into a second plurality of values; and decoding said second plurality of values using a second decoding channel selected from said plurality of decoding channels; and wherein said step of decoding said second plurality of values occurs at least partially during said step of decoding said first plurality of values; said first and said second pluralities of values are pluralities of quantized coefficients; said step of decoding said first plurality of quantized coefficients includes
receiving a first quantization level associated with said first block, anddequantizing said first plurality of quantized coefficients based on said first quantization level; and said step of decoding said second plurality of quantized coefficients includes
receiving a second quantization level associated with said second block, said second quantization level being different than said first quantization level, anddequantizing said second plurality of quantized coefficients based on said second quantization level.