Patent ID: 8041128

Claim:
An image processing apparatus which generates coded image data multiplexed in such manner that can be decoded into the images each having different image quality, comprising: an adding unit which adds to the coded image data in advance a copyright level designating permission or prohibition for each of combinations formed by use of the coded image data and image qualities of the coded image data, the use of the coded image data including reproduction, duplication, editing and redistribution of the image data, wherein as a result of adding the copyright level, a decoding unit is allowed to refer to each of the combinations of image qualities of the coded imaged data and the use of the coded image data, to determine as to whether the use is permitted, and to prohibit the use if the use is not permitted, and the copyright level is defined by a table having at least two parameters including a first parameter indicating the use of the coded image data and a second parameter indicating the image qualities of the coded image data, the table including designations of permission or prohibition for each of the combination of the first parameter and the second parameter, which represent permission or prohibition of the use of the coded image data with respect to the image qualities of the coded image data.