Patent ID: 6539123
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An image decoding method which decodes a coded shape signal and a coded pixel value signal which are obtained by coding a shape signal which is included in an image signal and indicates a shape of an object and a pixel value signal which is included in said image signal and has information on a color and brightness of said object, comprising:decoding said coded pixel value signal by referring to a decoded pixel value signal specified based on an information obtained from a prediction selection signal including information indicating a reference method in a coding process; and decoding said coded shape signal by referring to a decoded shape signal specified based on an information obtained from the prediction selection signal; wherein in said decoding said coded shape signal, said method of referring to said decoded shape signal is specified as a method referring to a forward time decoded shape signal or a method referring to a backward time decoded shape signal, per each frame, and whether the decoded shape signal should be referred to or not is determined block by block.