Method and device for encoding images, method and device for decoding images, and programs therefor

Abstract

When the entire image is divided into regions, each of which is subjected to predictive encoding while predicting an image signal by using an independent method assigned to the region, the object number and a representative pixel value for each object are predicted utilizing spatial continuity for the presence of the object, and also using decoded pixel values of a previously-processed neighbor region adjacent to a processing region. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the amount of code required for encoding the object number in the processing region or the pixel value as a representative of each object in the processing region, where these encoded items are required in highly accurate image signal prediction which can handle any object shape by utilizing the pixel value as a representative of each object in the processing target region and information for identifying the object assigned to each pixel in the processing region. Therefore, efficient image encoding can be implemented. Since the employed decoded pixel values of pixels in a previously-decoded neighbor region are common information between the encoding and decoding sides, appropriate prediction can be performed even in the case where one of multiple image signal prediction modes is selected for each region, like in H.264.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an image encoding and decoding technology, in particular to an image encoding method suitable for encoding images such as distance images, an image decoding method, an image encoding device, an image decoding device and its program. [0002] this application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-218037 for which it applied on September 29, 2010, and uses the content here. Background technique [0003] The so-called distance image is an image in which the distance from the camera to the subject is expressed as a pixel value. Since the distance from the camera to the subject is also called the depth of the scene, the distance image is also called the depth image. In addition, it is also called a depth map (Depth Map) because of the depth (Depth). In the field of computer graphics, the depth is information stored in the Z buffer (a memory area where the depth of the entire screen is collected and ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, if the high-frequency components of the part with strong edges are quantized as shown in this example, distortion called mosquito noise will occur around the edge, which will significantly degrade the image quality

Images