Patent ID: 6516095
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An image decoding apparatus for receiving and decoding an encoded signal to output a two-dimensional shape signal representing an area where pixels representing an object exist, comprising:significant area decoding means for decoding an encoded signal to obtain a rectangular area which includes an area where the pixels representing the object exist, and for outputting the obtained rectangular area as a significant area; shape decoding means for decoding an encoded signal to output a decoded block shape signal corresponding to respective blocks each comprising a plurality of pixels; and reverse blocking means for integrating the decoded block shape signal corresponding to the respective blocks to constitute the two-dimensional shape signal, and for outputting the two-dimensional shape signal as a decoded shape signal; wherein said shape decoding means extracts the minimum rectangular area containing the significant area from the block for each block, and outputs a decoded shape signal corresponding to the inside of the extracted minimum rectangular area.