Method of compressing data by use of self-prefixed universal variable length code

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of compressing data contained in variable length or universal variable length code words to be carried in a digital bitstream. The method includes formatting a first set of code words for data and then constructing a second set of code words containing code words from the first set as well as concatenations of code words from the first set. Code words from the second set are to carry data in compressed form in the digital bitstream. One way in which the concatenation is accomplished includes selecting a code word from said first set of code words and applying it as a prefix to itself and to all of the other words in the first set, thereby constructing the second set. The code word selected from the first set for application as a prefix may be the shortest code word of the first set.

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