Video variable length code encoder with EOB insertion responsive to word length

摘要

MPEG encoded video requires the data to be variable length coded. To perform the variable length coding, most MPEG encoders use a ROM array. To reduce the cost of implementing a variable length coding unit a method of reducing the number of Read Only Memory (ROM) units required to implement the encoder is introduced. Specifically, a variable length encoder that outputs smaller incomplete variable length codes in a few rare instances. Since smaller variable length codes are output, the number of Read Only Memory (ROM) units in the Read Only Memory array can be reduced. The smaller incomplete variable length codes are later made complete using length information.