Patent ID: 8681862

Claim:
A moving picture decoding apparatus that decodes moving picture data including a coded picture which has been coded according to a coding scheme of performing inter-frame prediction with reference to a maximum of n pictures, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, said moving picture decoding apparatus comprising: a decoding unit configured to decode the coded picture included in the moving picture data using the inter-frame prediction; a first storage unit configured to store a decoded picture generated by said decoding unit, for external output of the decoded picture; a second storage unit configured to store n decoded pictures which can be referred to for the inter-frame prediction by said decoding unit; a transfer unit configured to transfer the decoded picture from said first storage unit to said second storage unit so that the n decoded pictures are stored in said second storage unit before said decoding unit starts decoding one coded picture; and a picture output unit configured to read the decoded picture stored in said first storage unit, and perform the external output of the decoded picture, wherein said decoding unit is configured to read the n decoded pictures from said second storage unit and decode the one coded picture with reference to the n decoded pictures, the n decoded pictures having been transferred by said transfer unit from said first storage unit to said second storage unit.