Patent ID: 7079582
Filing Date: 2006-07-18
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image coding apparatus comprising: a coder that performs image coding processing for an image on a per macroblock basis; a macroblock counter that counts the number of macroblocks that are image coding processed in the coder for a transmission unit; a bit counter that, with respect to the transmission unit that is generated using a plurality of macroblocks coded in the coder, counts the amount of codes included in the transmission unit; a significance decider that determines an average amount of codes per macroblock in the transmission unit, from the counted number of macroblocks in the transmission unit and the counted amount of codes in the transmission unit, and determines an image decoding significance of the transmission unit, as it would be perceived at a destination of the transmission unit, according to the determined average amount of codes per macroblock; and a significance assigner that assigns significance information representing the determined image decoding significance to the transmission unit for inclusion therein, wherein: the significance decider comprises: