Image data encoding/decoding apparatus for concurrent processing of multiple image data streams

摘要

An image data encoding/decoding apparatus having an encoder and decoder for processing image data such as facsimile data, in which two different streams of image data can be encoded concurrently by using a single encoding circuit section, and two different streams of encoded data can be decoded concurrently using a single decoding section. The encoded data obtained for each scan line portion of the image data are modified, if necessary, to be converted to an integral number of fixed-size amounts of data such as bytes, for subsequent storage in memory. During decoding processing, the encoded data line portions are restored to their respective original forms prior to decoding processing, by controlled operation of registers in which the encoded data are temporarily written in and then serially read out.