Patent ID: RE43231

Claim:
A variable length symbol, joint source-channel encoding, symbol decoding and error correction system comprising: encoder system; modulation-transmission means; and combination sequential, and encoded symbol, decoding systems; said encoder system comprising input means for accepting a sequential plurality of allowed input symbols and output means for outputting an encoded sequence of bits for allowed symbols input thereinto; said encoder system being functionally interconnected to said modulation-transmission means such that entry of a symbol to said encoder system results in said encoder means outputting an encoded sequence of bits therefore into said modulation-transmission means; said modulation-transmission means and combination sequential, and encoded symbol, decoding systems being functionally interconnected such that an encoded symbol sequence of bits entered to said modulation-transmission means enters said combination sequential, and encoded symbol, decoding systems; said sequential decoding system comprising a plurality of bistable elements; said encoded symbol decoding system comprising means for initiating an error correction routine to the end that, upon the detecting of the presence of an unexpected encoded reserved symbol a selection from the group consisting of: at least one bistable element in said sequential decoding means is changed; and selection is made of a series of sequential bits, said selection being made from a group consisting of a plurality of such series of sequential bits which result from the changing of bistable elements in said sequential decoder means; is performed; wherein said reserved symbol is not allowed as an input symbol to said symbol encoder system input means, and wherein the detection of the presence of an encoded allowed symbol by said encoded symbol decoding system does not initiate said error correction routine.