Patent ID: 8228998
Filing Date: 2012-07-24
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An intra prediction encoding control method used in intra prediction encoding having a plurality of prediction modes and prediction block sizes, wherein the prediction mode and the prediction block size each can be switched when encoding is performed, the method comprising: a step of computing a flatness degree index which indicates a degree of flatness of a target area for encoding, by using Formula (1) or (2): where s(i,j) indicates the pixel value at position (i,j) in the target area for encoding, and  indicates an average of the relevant pixel values; a step of determining a prediction block size used in intra prediction encoding of the target area, in accordance with the computed flatness degree index; and a step of selecting a prediction mode used in the intra prediction encoding of the target area, for the determined prediction block size, wherein in the intra prediction encoding, a predicted signal is generated using peripheral pixels; and in the step of determining the prediction block size: