Patent ID: 6393152
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A hierarchical image processing apparatus which receives high resolution first coded image data and low-resolution second coded image data as input image data, and subjects both of the coded image data to hierarchical decoding, said apparatus comprising:first decompressive decoding means for subjecting the first coded image data to frame-by-frame decompressive decoding, and outputting first decoded image signals; and second decompressive decoding means for subjecting the second coded image data to frame-by-frame decompressive decoding, and outputting second decoded image signals; and resolution conversion means for converting the resolution of only an image signal corresponding to an intra-frame coded frame among the second decoded image signals so that the resolution of the image signal becomes equal to the resolution of the first decoded image signals, thereby generating a third decoded image signal; the first decompressive decoding means performing a decompressive decoding process in which only a third decoded image signal is used as a predictive image signal corresponding to a target frame to be subjected to decompressive decoding when the target frame is an intra-frame coding frame and performing a decompressive decoding process in which only a first decoded image signal is used as a predictive image signal corresponding to the target frame when the target frame is an inter-frame coding frame other than the intra-frame coding frame.