In a method and apparatus for decoding an image data block having multiple data
lines compressed into codeword streams, when one of multiple different code types
and a line-end code, which are defined by a run-length encoding algorithm, is detected
in an N-bit part of an M-bit segment of the codeword streams, the detected one
of the code types and the line-end code is interpreted to generate a decompressed
output. The N-bit part is further analyzed to find a succeeding one of the code
types and the line-end code therein. When an error is detected in the N-bit part,
a miss code is outputted to stop interpretation and further generation of the decompressed
output. Analysis of the N-bit part is continued until the line-end code is detected.
The line-end code is then interpreted so as to complete decompression of one of
the data lines.
