Decoded and Analyzed .rbfx File Structures

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📅 2025-05-15 — Session: Decoded and Analyzed .rbfx File Structures

🕒 03:00–04:00
🏷️ Labels: Rbfx, Data Decoding, Redatam, File Analysis, Python
📂 Project: Dev
⭐ Priority: MEDIUM

Session Goal

The primary objective of this session was to decode and analyze the structure of .rbfx files, focusing on bit-aligned data structures and exploring methods for data extraction and reconstruction.

Key Activities

  • Analysis of Bit-Aligned Structures: Initiated the session by analyzing structures within .rbfx files, identifying main segments and residues, and suggesting steps for tabular data reconstruction.
  • Decoding 10-bit Integers: Developed a Python script to decode the first 561 values from a .rbfx file, detailing the extraction process and optional CSV saving.
  • Histogram Analysis: Analyzed a histogram of decoded 10-bit values, interpreting them as categorical variables and planning further decoding steps.
  • Encoded Data Block Analysis: Explored hypotheses regarding encoded data blocks, suggesting a bit-packed compound field hypothesis for further testing.
  • Redatam Development Insight: Reflected on the development and application of Redatam in Argentina’s 2022 census, noting collaborations and tools.
  • Open Source Tools for Redatam: Discussed open-source projects facilitating interaction with Redatam databases, including Open Redatam and redatamx4r.
  • Redatam API Analysis: Analyzed an open-source C++ interface layer for Redatam, exploring its functionality and limitations.
  • Redatam Query Limitations: Examined the constraints of the Redatam query interface, focusing on aggregated data access and potential methods for individual-level data retrieval.
  • Reverse Engineering .rbfx Files: Outlined strategies for reverse engineering the .rbfx file format, emphasizing bit-level compression and variable mapping.

Achievements

  • Successfully decoded and analyzed the initial structure of .rbfx files, gaining insights into data alignment and potential reconstruction methods.
  • Developed a Python script for decoding and analyzing .rbfx file data, enhancing understanding of file formats and compression.

Pending Tasks

  • Further testing of the bit-packed compound field hypothesis.
  • Exploration of methods for accessing individual-level data through Redatam.
  • Continued reverse engineering of .rbfx file structures to improve data extraction techniques.

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