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Abstract

A data compression method and apparatus therefor effects the steps of (a) obtaining an N-bit information word from a bit stream; (b) compressing the N-bit information word into an X-bit information word where X is less than N; (c) obtaining an (N-X)-bit information word from the bit stream; (d) producing a new N-bit information word using the compressed X-bit information word and the (N-X)-bit information word, and (e) repeatedly performing steps (b) through (d) if the new N-bit information word is compressible and otherwise repeatedly performing steps (a) through (d). A data expanding method and apparatus effects includes the steps of: (a) obtaining an (N-X)-bit information word from an N-bit information word, (b) expanding the remaining X-bit information word into an N-bit information word, excluding the (N-X)-bit information word, and (c) repeatedly performing steps (a) and (b) until an N-bit information word is restored. Thus, a bit stream word can be compressed to a fixed length of N bits without loss, and then subsequently expanded.

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