Fecha de publicación: 23/04/2009 Fuente: Wipo "digitalization" An encoding method encodes, with an encoding device, second data made up of a plurality of first data representing predetermined numerical values. The encoding method includes taking a significant digit having, of the numerical values represented by each of the first data, the greatest absolute value, as a maximum significant digit of the first data. The encoding method also includes outputting, with the encoding device, code indicating the maximum significant digit and code indicating whether or not the maximum significant digit has changed. The encoding method additionally includes outputting code indicating the absolute value of a numerical value represented by the first data. Further, the encoding method includes outputting code indicating the sign of a numerical value represented by the first data.