Patent ID: 6895119

Claim:
A method for decoding an image data block that has a plurality of data lines compressed into codeword streams in accordance with a run-length encoding algorithm, the run-length encoding algorithm defining a plurality of different code types and a line-end code, each of which has a specific code length, each of the code types containing a reference to number of continuous and repetitive pixel data, the method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving an M-bit segment of the codeword streams; (b) outputting an N-bit part of the received M-bit segment; (c) orderly analyzing the N-bit part to verify presence of one of the code types and the line-end code therein; (d) upon detecting the presence of one of the code types and the line-end code in the N-bit part, outputting said one of the code types and the line-end code, interpreting said one of the code types and the line-end code in accordance with the run-length encoding algorithm to generate a decompressed output, and continuing with analysis of the N-bit part to find a succeeding one of the code types and the line-end code therein; and (e) upon detecting the presence of an error in the N-bit part, out putting a miss code to stop interpretation and further generation of the decompressed output, continuing with analysis of the N-bit part until the line-end code is detected, outputting the line-end code when the line-end code is eventually detected, and interpreting the line-end code in accordance with the run-length encoding algorithm so as to complete decompression of at least one of the data lines.