Unified LZS And Deflate Decoder Using A Single Search Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Lempel-Ziv STAC (LZS) and Deflate compression protocols require separate hardware implementations due to differences in string parameters, leading to increased size, cost, and performance degradation due to overlapping bit-patterns and the need for multiple search arrays.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that share common circuitries to decode string parameters without interruption, using a single search array with non-overlapping bit-patterns, reducing overhead circuitries and manufacturing costs, and improving performance by consolidating search elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate hardware implementations are used for LZS and Deflate protocols, then each protocol can be implemented with its own optimized search arrays, but the system size, cost, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal decoder that can handle both LZS and Deflate protocols using a single search array. The decoder uses protocol-specific configuration bits to control the search behavior: for Deflate, it searches for 3-258 byte strings with 1-32767 byte distances, while for LZS, it searches for 2-infinity byte strings with 1-2047 byte distances. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate hardware implementations while maintaining protocol-specific optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the bit-pattern overlap issue by dynamically changing search parameters based on the protocol being used. The system configures the search array to use non-overlapping bit patterns specific to each protocol: Deflate uses 5-bit length codes and 5-bit distance codes, while LZS uses different bit allocations. This parameter adjustment allows a single search array to correctly decode both protocols without hardware conflicts.
2Measurement precision
If multiple search arrays are used to address overlapping bit-patterns in LZS and Deflate protocols, then decoding accuracy is maintained, but overhead circuitries and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal search array that can be configured to handle both LZS and Deflate bit patterns through software control rather than requiring multiple physical arrays. The single search array is programmed with protocol-specific search criteria, eliminating the need for duplicate hardware while maintaining the ability to distinguish between different bit patterns through configurable search parameters.
3Productivity
If protocol-specific search arrays are implemented, then decoding performance is optimized for each protocol, but the physical size of the compression engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate LZS and Deflate search arrays into a single unified search array. By combining the search capabilities and using protocol-specific configuration bits to control the search behavior, the system achieves both protocol optimization and space efficiency. The unified array physically occupies less chip area while maintaining decoding performance through intelligent configuration.
4Device complexity
If a single search array with non-overlapping bit-patterns is used, then hardware size and cost are reduced, but the ability to handle both protocols simultaneously may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability to the single search array through protocol configuration bits. The decoder can dynamically switch between LZS and Deflate modes, adjusting its search parameters accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle both protocols effectively despite using a single static search array structure, resolving the conflict between hardware simplicity and protocol versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a system and a method for hardware encoding and decoding according to the Limpel Ziv STAC (LZS) and Deflate protocols based upon a configuration bit.