Patent ID: 6954555

Claim:
A variable length coding unit comprising: a run-length converter for converting block data consisting of a plurality of image signals into combined data in accordance with a scanning sequence, each of the combined data including a number of consecutive insignificant coefficients and a value of a significant coefficient next to the consecutive insignificant coefficients; a table memory for storing a variable length code and its code length corresponding to the combined data at an address corresponding to the combined data; variable length encoder for reading the variable length code and its code length from said table memory in accordance with the combined data converted by said run-length converter, and for carrying out variable length coding of the variable length code by cutting it from the read data in accordance with the code length; and a buffer memory for recording variable length coded data passing through the variable length coding by said variable length encoder; a shifter for shifting the variable length coded data by a predetermined number of bits, when the variable length coded data stored in said buffer memory exceeds the predetermined number of bits; a data output section for outputting the variable length coded data undergoing the bit shift by the predetermined number of bits by said shifter; and a processor for activating and controlling at least part of said run-length converter, said variable length encoder, said buffer memory, said shifter and said data output section.