Encoders, decoders, and methods

A method of encoding input data to generate corresponding encoded data, via an encoder including data processing hardware, characterized in that the method includes processing at least one sequence of elements in the input data, wherein the elements have corresponding symbols, and wherein the method includes:

• (i) processing the at least one sequence of elements from a first element thereof to a last element thereof;
• (ii) computing probabilities of symbols present in the at least one sequence of elements, wherein the probabilities of the symbols are computed whilst disregarding those elements of the at least one sequence that have already been encoded into the encoded data, and wherein the probabilities of the symbols used for generating the encoded data are adaptively changed as the at least one sequence of elements is progressively encoded into the encoded data;
• and
• (iii) delivering information describing the probabilities of the symbols.

A decoder including data processing hardware for decoding encoded data to generate corresponding decoded data, characterized in that the decoder is operable to regenerate at least one sequence of elements encoded into the encoded data, wherein:

• (i) the elements have corresponding symbols;
• (ii) the at least one sequence of elements is regenerated from a first element thereof to a last element thereof;
• (iii) the decoder is operable to receive information describing probabilities of symbols present in the at least one sequence of elements;
• and
• (iv) the decoder is operable to adaptively change the probabilities of the symbols as the at least one sequence of elements is progressively decoded from the encoded data.

A method of decoding encoded data to generate corresponding decoded data, via a decoder including data processing hardware, characterized in that the method includes regenerating at least one sequence of elements encoded into the encoded data, wherein the elements have corresponding symbols, and wherein the method includes:

• (i) regenerating the at least one sequence of elements from a first element thereof to a last element thereof;
• (ii) receiving information describing probabilities of symbols present in the at least one sequence of elements;
• and
• (iii) adaptively changing the probabilities of the symbols as the at least one sequence of elements is progressively decoded from the encoded data.