Patent ID: 8238426
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image encoding apparatus comprising: determination means for determining a coding mode and generating coding mode information for specifying the coding mode, the coding mode indicating between a first image prediction processing that requires prediction assist information for generating a prediction image and a second image prediction processing, which prediction processing is to be used for generating the prediction image of each of a plurality of partial areas of predetermined size obtained by dividing an input image of a coding target; first image prediction means for executing the first image prediction processing to extract the prediction assist information and generate the prediction image based on the prediction assist information for a partial area, out of the plurality of partial areas, which is specified as an area whose prediction image has to be generated by the first image prediction processing, the prediction assist information being information for generating the prediction image from an already-generated reproduced image of other partial area; storage means for storing a reproduced image that is based on the prediction image; and encoding means for generating a bit stream including data obtained by encoding the coding mode information and the prediction assist information, wherein the prediction assist information includes information regarding an extending direction of the reproduced image, the extending direction of the reproduced image indicating which portion of the already-generated reproduced image of other partial area is used to generate the prediction image.