Runlength coding method and apparatus for use in a video signal encoding system

A runlength coding apparatus, for use in a video signal encoding system, for encoding a stream of input data to provide a runlength coded signal, wherein the input data stream includes a plurality of zeros and non-zero values, which comprises:

• first memory means for temporarily storing the zeros and the non-zero values included in the input data stream;
• run-level detection means for defining a sequence of run-level pairs from the input data stream, wherein each of the run-level pairs includes runlength data and level data, the runlength data representing the number of zeros in a run of continuous zeros preceding a non-zero value, and the level data indicating the magnitude of the non-zero value following the run of continuous zeros;
• repetition index detection means for counting the number of runlength data, having an identical value, in the sequence of run-level pairs, and for generating a runlength repetition index representing the number of identical runlength data;
• means for generating a first read signal and M number of second read signals based on the runlength repetition index, M being an integer identical to the runlength repetition index;
• second memory means connected to the run-level detection means for sequentially storing level data and for generating the level data stored therein based on the M number of second read signals;
• third memory means connected to the run-level detection means for sequentially storing runlength data and for generating the runlength data stored therein based on the first read signal;
• and
• means for combining the runlength repetition index, the runlength data and the M number of level data to thereby generate the runlength coded signal.