Patent ID: 6178209
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for processing a plurality of sequentially encoded and channel impaired sample values, the sample values being encoded according to a predetermined set of code values, the method comprising the steps of:dividing the set of code values into N subsets, each subset including a plurality of M values, where N and M are integers greater than or equal to 2;defining a state transition matrix to be used to decode encoded values, the state transition matrix defining S states, where S is an integer greater than or equal to 2;selecting P subsets of the S states, according to a calculated path metric, as providing an indication of a partially decoded and quantized sample value, where P is an integer greater than one; andusing the partially decoded and quantized sample value to determine to which of the N subsets a next sample value is to be assigned.