Patent ID: 7706662
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A picture coding apparatus which generates a random access unit as a part of a stream, the random access unit including picture access units each having (i) a coded picture data access unit storing coded picture data, and (ii) a picture parameter set access unit storing a picture parameter set used for decoding the coded picture data, said picture coding apparatus comprising: a coding unit operable to generate the coded picture data by coding a picture; an information generation unit operable to generate the picture parameter set used for decoding the coded picture data; a first storage unit operable to store the coded picture data in the coded picture data access unit; a second storage unit operable to store a predetermined number of picture parameter sets including the picture parameter set in a picture parameter set access unit included in a picture access unit located at a head of the picture access units included in the random access unit; and a third storage unit operable to store a picture parameter set which is different from the predetermined number of picture parameter sets stored by said second storage unit, the picture parameter set being stored in a picture parameter set access unit included in a picture access unit that stores coded picture data which refers to the different picture parameter set, wherein the picture parameter set includes at least one of a type of variable length coding method, an initial value of a quantization step, and a number of reference pictures, and an I-picture is stored in the coded picture data access unit included in the picture access unit located at the head.