Patent ID: 7305173

Claim:
A decoding apparatus comprising picture stream data storage means for storing input m picture stream data to each of storage areas allocated to the respective picture stream data, where m is a natural number; picture stream data readout means for time-divisionally reading out said m picture stream data stored in said picture stream data storage means; decoding means for decoding said m picture stream data, time-divisionally read out from said picture stream data readout means, into respective picture frames; picture frame storage means for storing said picture frames decoded by said decoding means; first decision means for determining whether or not said picture frames are storable in said picture frame storage means; second decision means for determining whether or not said picture stream data are decodable by said decoding means; controlling means for controlling the readout of said picture stream data from said picture stream data storage means by said picture stream data readout means based on the results of decision by said first decision means and said second decision means; picture frame readout means for reading out said picture frames stored in said picture frame storage means; and outputting means for arraying the picture frames, corresponding to the respective picture stream data read out by said picture frame readout means, on the same picture screen, and outputting the picture data.