1. In an image processing system, including a processor and a device memory, a method of maximizing a rate at which image data in an input data stream is decompressed, comprising: a) storing a look-up table in the device memory, the look-up table including a plurality of values, each value including a token and corresponding with one of a plurality of index words, the index words being derived from a balanced tree having a plurality of paths with each path being represented by a bit set, each path having the same length and each bit set being made up of an equal number of bits, each index word corresponding with one of the bit sets; b) sampling the input data stream to develop a sample word having a length equal to each index word; c) matching the sample word with one of the index words of the look-up table to access a corresponding value in the look-up table; and d) using the processor of the image processing system, decompressing a portion of the input stream, sampled with said b), by processing the token set of the corresponding value accessed with said c).