Patent ID: 7558319

Claim:
An image reproducing apparatus comprising: an encoder which generates image data for use with reverse reproduction by coding image data corresponding to a plurality of frames in a format such that the image data can be decoded in the reverse order of a normal displaying order; a storage which stores temporarily the image data for use with reverse reproduction; and a reverse-reproduction control unit which reads out the image data for use with reverse reproduction from said storage so as to reproduce them when a reverse reproduction is requested, wherein the coded data sequence is coded in units of a group of frames that contain at least one first-format frame and at least one second-format frame, and wherein said reverse-reproduction control unit acquires a frame structure for the group of frames and estimates a data amount that will result from coding of the group of frames, and compares the estimated data amount with the capacity of said storage, whereby said reverse-reproduction control unit determines the mode of coding.