A probabilistic model for run-length coding of pictures

A first-order Markoff process representation for pictures is proposed in order to study the picture coding system known as run-length coding (differential-coordinate encoding). A lower bound for the saving in channel capacity is calculated on the basis of this model, and is compared with the results obtained by previous investigators. In addition, this representation is shown to yield an insight into the run-length coding system which might not otherwise be obtained. The application of this probabilistic model to an "elastic" system of run-length coding is also discussed.