Patent ID: 8751889

Claim:
A data decoding system, the data decoding system comprising: a data decoder circuit operable to: apply a data decode algorithm to a decoder input to yield a first decoded output and an indication of at least one point of failure of the first decoded output, and apply the data decode algorithm to the decoder input guided by a first modified decode output to yield a second decoded output and an indication of at least one point of failure of the second decoded output, a decode value modification circuit operable to: identify a first symbol of the first decoded output associated with the point of failure of the first decoded output, and to modify a subset of values associated with the identified first symbol to yield the first modified decode output; and identify a second symbol of the second decoded output associated with the point of failure of the second decoded output, and to modify a subset of values associated with the identified first symbol and the identified second symbol to yield the second modified decode output.