Patent ID: 8238437
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image encoding apparatus which compression-encodes image data, the apparatus comprising: an input unit which inputs image data for each block having a size of a plurality of pixels in horizontal and vertical directions; a generating unit which generates, from a block of interest input from said input unit, p×q sub-blocks (p and q are positive integers, and at least either of p and q is not less than 2) by scanning the block of interest using a window having a size of p×q pixels, where each of the p×q sub-blocks is formed from pixel data at same positions in respective windows; an encoding unit which encodes each sub-block generated by said generating unit, generating encoded sub-block data; and an output unit which, if total data amount of p×q encoded sub-block data exceeds a predetermined allowable amount, discards at least one encoded sub-block data among p×q encoded sub-block data so that the total data amount falls within the admissible amount, and outputs remaining encoded sub-block data as encoded data of the block of interest.