Structured Element Encoding With Repeat-State Redundancy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional schema-based compression methods for structured documents, such as XML, generate redundant structure information when elements with the same structure type occur multiple times, leading to increased storage and transmission overhead.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a Finite State Automaton (FSA) to encode structured documents, introducing 'Repeat' and 'Unrepeat' states to differentiate between elements with the same and different structure types, and employing an indication value to indicate sameness, thereby reducing redundant encoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional schema-based compression method is used to encode structured documents, then the encoding process is simple and straightforward, but redundant structure information is generated when elements with the same structure type occur multiple times, leading to increased storage and transmission overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the encoding of structure information with the encoding of occurrence information by introducing Repeat/Unrepeat states in the FSA. When an element with the same structure type is encountered, the encoder transitions to a Repeat state and only encodes the occurrence, merging two encoding operations into one. This reduces redundant structure information encoding while maintaining encoding simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The FSA is designed to serve multiple functions: it encodes both the structure information and the occurrence information of elements. The Repeat/Unrepeat states enable the FSA to universally handle both first occurrences and subsequent occurrences of elements with the same structure type, eliminating the need for separate encoding mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If conventional schema-based compression method is used, then the encoding process does not require complex state management, but the resulting encoded bit stream contains 5 times the same structure information for repeating elements which is deemed redundant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic state transitions in the FSA, where the encoder can transition between different states (Repeat/Unrepeat) based on the structure type of the current element compared to the previous element. This dynamic state management allows the encoder to adaptively reduce redundancy without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of encoding the full structure information for each repeating element, the patent uses a copying mechanism where the FSA transitions to a Repeat state and references the previously encoded structure information. This allows the encoder to copy the structure reference rather than recreating it, significantly reducing information redundancy.
3Ease of operation
If the FSA encodes each element structure information independently, then the decoding process is straightforward, but the encoded bit stream size increases due to repeated structure information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested encoding structure where Repeat states are nested within the FSA's state machine. When a Repeat state is encountered during decoding, the decoder recursively references the parent state's structure information, creating a nested reference structure. This allows the encoded bit stream to be more compact while maintaining straightforward decoding through the hierarchical state structure.
Data Source
AI summary
It provides a method for encoding a set of elements by using components defining the structure of each of the set of elements, wherein each element comprises data structure information and at least one data value. The method comprises the steps of: selecting a current element for encoding; determining whether the current element has the same data structure information as a previously encoded element; in the negative, encoding the data structure information of the current element and the at least one data value of the current element; and in the affirmative, encoding the at least one data value of the current element and providing an indication value associated with the current element indicating the current element has the same data structure information as said previously encoded element. The method is used to reduce the encoding redundancy of the structure information.