A new encoding format for national flags uses Huffman trees to represent visual elements, such as stripes and shapes, as binary data. The system prioritizes common flag features to minimize file size, while using a custom value option for unique designs.
The protocol defines parameters including aspect ratios, color palettes, and layers. For instance, 45% of flags with a 2:3 aspect ratio are represented by a single bit. Colors are simplified into groups, with a 10-bit RGB approximation available for specific shades.
The average flag requires 76 bits, with a median of 55 bits. The flag of Indonesia is the most efficient, requiring only 8 bits, while the flag of Qatar is the longest at 420 bits. The developer implemented Base94 encoding to further reduce the representation to an average of 12 ASCII characters.
The system includes a TypeScript-based encoder, decoder, and SVG renderer. The final optimized implementation, which combines decoding and rendering into a single pass, occupies 5.29 KB, or 2.66 KB when compressed with gzip.
