VARIABLE LENGTH DECODER AND METHOD THEREFOR

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiency enhance a coding by reducing a useless bit pattern so as to attain less calculation amount and less storage amount and to decode a variable length code in a forward direction and also in a reverse direction, even when a synchronization period is set to each prescribed period by using a stuffing code. SOLUTION: Coded data consisting of a variable length code comprising code words including a code decoded in forward and reverse directions to which a stuffing code decoded in a reverse direction for every prescribed synchronization period is inserted are decoded. This variable length decoder is provided with a synchronous period detection means 106 that detects a synchronous period of the coded data, a forward decoding means 108 that decodes the coded data for the synchronous period detected by the synchronous period detection means 106 in a forward direction, and a reverse direction decoding means 109 that decodes the coded data detected by the synchronous period detection means 106 in a reverse direction.