Data mask coding
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsDan Ramon, Gil Walzer, Etai Adar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for encoding a data mask that consists of a given total number of bits and includes a selected group of contiguous bits within the total number, the selected group having a left end and a right end. The method includes dividing the data mask into a plurality of segments, and representing the segments by respective segment codes, each code indicating whether the bits in the respective segment fall entirely outside the selected group, entirely within the selected group, or include the left end or the right end of the group. The segment codes are combined so as to generate a mask code, which can be decoded to reconstruct the data mask.
Claims19
A method for encoding a data mask that consists of a given total number of bits and includes a selected group of contiguous bits within the total number, the selected group having a left end and a right end, the method comprising:
- dividing the data mask into a plurality of segments;
- representing the segments by respective segment codes, each code indicating whether the bits in the respective segment fall entirely outside the selected group, entirely within the selected group, or include the left end or the right end of the group;
- and
- combining the segment codes so as to generate a mask code, which can be decoded to reconstruct the data mask.
A device for processing an input field of data using a mask that consists of a given total number of bits and includes a selected group of contiguous bits within the total number, the selected group having a left end and a right end, the device comprising:
- a memory, configured to store the mask in an encoded form generated by dividing the mask into a plurality of segments, representing the segments by respective segment codes, each code indicating whether the bits in the respective segment fall entirely outside the selected group, entirely within the selected group, or include the left end or the right end of the group, and combining the segment codes so as to generate a mask code;
- and
- a processor, coupled to read the mask code from the memory and operative to decode the mask code so as to reconstruct the mask and to apply the reconstructed mask to process the input field.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.