Patent ID: 6487320
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
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 the color and brightness of said object, comprising:decoding said coded pixel value signal referring to a decoded pixel value signal specified based on information obtained from a prediction selection signal including information indicating a reference method in a coding process; and decoding said coded shape signal referring to a decoded shape signal specified based on information obtained from a prediction selection signal including information indicating a reference method in a coding process; wherein said shape signal decoding step includes a comparison judgment step wherein among a forward time decoded shape signal which is obtained from a shape signal which is located at a forward position on time series from said coded shape signal to be decoded and a backward time decoded shape signal which is obtained from a shape signal which is located at a backward position on time series from said coded shape signal to be decoded, said decoded shape signal closer to said coded shape signal to be decoded is selected and said decoded shape signal selected in said comparison judgment step is used as a reference signal.