Method and apparatus for vector coding of video transform coefficients

Encoder apparatus for coding video transform coefficients for communication comprising:

• means for converting a portion of video data to a block of transform coefficients;
• means for generating a vector to identify locations of a group of coefficients from said block that qualify for transmission according to predetermined criteria;
• means for encoding said vector to provide a vector code word for transmission;
• and
• means for encoding the coefficients from said group to provide coefficient code words for transmission;
• wherein said vector code word correlates the coefficient code words to coefficient locations in said block.

Decoder apparatus for decoding video transform coefficients comprising:

• means for receiving encoded coefficients representing video data from a block of a video image area;
• means for receiving an encoded vector corresponding to a group of said encoded coefficients;
• means for decoding said encoded vector to recover a vector that identifies locations for said coefficients in said block;
• and
• means responsive to said vector for decoding the encoded coefficients from said group to recover said block with said coefficients in substantially proper locations thereof.