JP2002232884A - Image encoder and image encoding method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image encoder that can independently conduct encoding methods under different conditions and can be realized at a low cost. SOLUTION: A first encoding control section 108 and a second encoding control section 109 apply encoding control to an image stored in a first encoding object image storage section 100 and a second encoding object image storage section 101, and an encoding section 102 applies encoding processing to the images. In this case, a time division encoding control section 110 controls the control sections 108, 109 to be able to apply encoding time division processing to the images and realizes a plurality of encoding methods at the same time. A first encoding information storage section 106 and a second encoding information storage section 107 store only required parameters in order to conduct encoding under different conditions and a common encoding data storage section 105 stores other information and memory areas are shared.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image encoding apparatus and an image encoding method for compressing and encoding moving images, and more particularly to an image encoding method having a control method for encoding a plurality of images in a time-division manner. The present invention relates to an apparatus and an image encoding method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image coding apparatus using a moving picture coding algorithm recommended by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). The proposal has been made.

[0003] The moving picture coding processing using the above international standard basically includes DCT / IDCT processing, quantization / inverse quantization processing, motion prediction / compensation processing, and variable length coding processing. I have. Furthermore, techniques such as motion vector prediction and DC / AC component prediction in MPEG-4 are used to improve compression efficiency.

[0004] The application range of moving picture coding is wide, and various services such as videophone and moving picture distribution are expected.
There is also a high demand for a system capable of encoding a plurality of images simultaneously. As a technique for encoding a plurality of images by time division, for example, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-308622 is known. According to the method disclosed in this publication, it is possible to encode a plurality of images in a time-division manner by a single encoder, and apparently to encode simultaneously.

FIG. 15 shows a conventional time-division image encoding apparatus. In this figure, an arbitrary image is selected from an encoding target image (1) 1402 and an encoding target image (2) 1403, and encoding is performed by an encoding processing unit 1404. The encoding is performed in a time-division manner. Apparently, it appears that the encoding is performed simultaneously on two encoding target images, and the encoding unit can be shared. The encoded data is stored in the transmission buffer (1) 1405 and the transmission buffer (2) 1406. Encoding control and time division control are performed by an encoding control unit 1401, and control is performed on the entire encoding process 1407.

[0006]

However, there are the following problems in the conventional image coding apparatus that performs time division processing. That is, in order to simultaneously perform a plurality of encodings by sharing an encoder, it is necessary to unify encoding conditions such as an image size, a frame rate, and a bit rate, and independently perform encoding processing under completely different conditions. Is difficult to do.

[0007] Further, in the case of the method of switching the time-division processing in units of macroblocks, and in the case of performing encoding using information of adjacent macroblocks, it is necessary to save the macroblock information. Or it consumes a lot of registers. In addition, it is very difficult to process a plurality of macroblocks in the same time slot by pipeline processing to increase the speed, and if it is attempted to perform such processing, it is necessary to save each intermediate processing result in order to save intermediate results. Need memory.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is possible to perform a plurality of encodings completely independently under different conditions, and to minimize memory consumption while sharing an encoder. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image encoding device and an image encoding method which can be realized at low cost.

[0009]

An image encoding apparatus according to the present invention is an image encoding apparatus for encoding a moving image, comprising:
A first encoding target image storage unit that stores the encoding target image, a second encoding target image storage unit that stores a second encoding target image, and the first encoding target image storage unit Alternatively, encoding means for encoding an image stored in the second encoding target image storage means, a first transmission buffer for storing first encoded data, and storing second encoded data A second transmission buffer, a common data storage unit that can be commonly used in the first encoding and the second encoding, and stores data necessary for encoding, and a common data storage unit that stores data required for encoding. First encoding information storing means for storing encoding information, second encoding information storing means for storing encoding information necessary for the second encoding, and encoding of the first encoding target image. Encoding control means for controlling an encoding process, and a second encoding target image. A second encoding control unit for controlling the encoding process, and a time-division encoding control unit for controlling the time-division operation of both encoding operations, and simultaneously encodes different encoding target images in a time-division manner. It is characterized by the following.

According to this configuration, since the means for controlling the encoding exists independently, it is possible to encode the two encodings under different conditions by time division. In addition, the time-division control unit performs time-division coding for each frame, and only the parameters that require the result of the previous
By providing a means for holding for one encoding, most parameters can be shared. Therefore, the time division operation can be realized with a small number of resources.

The image encoding apparatus according to the present invention is the image encoding apparatus, wherein the common encoding target image storage means for storing a plurality of encoding target images as the encoding target image storage means; Encoding target image selecting means for encoding an image stored in the target image storing means and selecting each of the frames for each frame, wherein different encoding target images are simultaneously encoded in a time-division manner.

According to this configuration, since the means for controlling the encoding exists independently, it is possible to encode the two encodings in different conditions by time division. Furthermore, in the two types of encoding, the reading destination of the encoding target image is not fixed, and the provision of a means for selecting a storage destination makes it possible to determine the encoding image or the reading destination of the target image for each frame.

Further, the image encoding apparatus of the present invention, in the above image encoding apparatus, comprises a first operation managing means for managing start and stop operations of the first encoding processing, and a first operation managing means for controlling the second encoding processing. A second operation management unit that manages start and stop operations, wherein different images to be encoded are simultaneously encoded in a time-division manner.

According to this configuration, since the means for controlling the encoding exists independently, it is possible to encode the two encodings in different conditions by time division. Furthermore, in the two encodings, since there is an independent means for managing the start and stop operations of the encoding process, it is possible to start and stop the process at any timing.

Further, the image coding apparatus of the present invention, in the above image coding apparatus, comprises first coding parameter designating means for designating a coding parameter of a first coding process;
A second encoding parameter indicating means for indicating a second encoding parameter for indicating an encoding parameter of the second encoding process, and simultaneously encoding different encoding target images in a time division manner. Features.

According to this configuration, since the means for controlling the encoding exists independently, it is possible to encode the two encodings in a time-division manner under different conditions. Furthermore, since there is an independent means for indicating the encoding parameter,
Encoding can be performed while changing the encoding parameter at each arbitrary timing.

Further, the image coding apparatus of the present invention, in the above-mentioned image coding apparatus, comprises coding information selecting means for selecting a save destination of the coding information according to the type of coding. It is characterized by simultaneous encoding in time division.

According to this configuration, since the means for controlling the encoding exists independently, it is possible to encode the two encodings in a time-division manner under different conditions. Further, by providing means for selecting encoded information, it is possible to read and write encoded information necessary for switching between the first encoding process and the second encoding process. Further, in the encoding process, it is possible to handle the encoded information as if it exists at the same storage location, so that the saving and restoring of the encoded information becomes easy.

An image encoding method according to the present invention is an image encoding method for encoding a moving image, wherein a first image to be encoded and a second image to be encoded are stored in different areas. , The first encoded data and the second encoded data are stored in different transmission buffers, and can be commonly used in the first encoding and the second encoding. Is stored in a common area, the encoding information necessary for the first encoding and the encoding information necessary for the second encoding are stored in different areas, and the encoding processing of the first encoding target image and the 2 is characterized by independently controlling the encoding processing of the encoding target image, controlling the time division operation of both encodings, and simultaneously encoding different encoding target images by time division.

According to this method, since the encoding is controlled independently, it is possible to encode the two encodings under different conditions by time division. Also, time-division encoding is performed for each frame, and only parameters that require results in the previous frame are stored for two encodings, so that most parameters can be shared. Therefore, the time division operation can be realized with a small number of resources.

Further, in the image encoding method according to the present invention, in the above image encoding method, a plurality of images to be encoded are stored in one area, and the images stored in the area are encoded and selected for each frame. Then, different encoding target images are encoded simultaneously in time division.

According to this method, since the encoding is controlled independently, it is possible to encode the two encodings under different conditions by time division. Furthermore, in the two types of encoding, the reading destination of the encoding target image is not fixed, and it is possible to determine the encoding image or the reading destination of the target image for each frame by selecting a storage destination.

In the image encoding method according to the present invention, in the above image encoding method, start and stop operations of the first encoding process and start and stop operations of the second encoding process are independently managed. Then, different encoding target images are encoded simultaneously in time division.

According to this method, since the encoding is controlled independently, it is possible to encode the two encodings under different conditions by time division. In two more encodings, since the start and stop operations of the encoding process are managed,
Processing can be started / stopped at any timing.

The image coding method according to the present invention is different from the above-described image coding method in that the coding parameter for the first coding process and the coding parameter for the second coding process are independently specified. The encoding target image is simultaneously encoded in a time-division manner.

According to this method, since the encoding is controlled independently, it is possible to encode the two encodings under different conditions by time division. Further, since the coding parameter is specified, it is possible to perform the coding while changing the coding parameter at an arbitrary timing.

According to the image encoding method of the present invention, in the above-mentioned image encoding method, the first encoded information and the second encoded information are stored in different areas in order to store the encoded information. Information is selected depending on the type of encoding, and different encoding target images are encoded simultaneously in time division.

According to this method, since the encoding is controlled independently, it is possible to encode the two encodings under different conditions by time division. Further, by selecting the encoded information, it is possible to read and write the encoded information necessary for switching between the first encoding process and the second encoding process. Further, in the encoding process, it is possible to handle the encoded information as if it exists at the same storage location, so that the saving and restoring of the encoded information becomes easy.

A recording medium according to the present invention is characterized in that a program for executing the above-mentioned image encoding method is recorded.

The signal processing processor of the present invention employs a configuration including an image encoding device having a processing function corresponding to the above-mentioned image encoding method.

A portable terminal device according to the present invention employs a configuration including the above-described image encoding device.

The mobile communication system of the present invention employs a configuration including the above-mentioned portable terminal device.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The gist of the present invention is to separately provide means for controlling encoding, and to encode two encodings in a time-division manner under different conditions. In addition, time-division encoding is performed for each frame, and only parameters that require results in the previous frame are retained for two encodings, so that most parameters are shared, and time-division operation can be performed with less resources. It is to be.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image coding apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In this figure, a first encoding target image storage unit 10
0 stores the first encoding target image, and the second encoding target image storage unit 101 stores the second encoding target image. The encoding unit 102 captures the encoding target image and performs an encoding process according to the encoding control. In the course of the encoding process, a local decoded image and encoded data (bit stream) are generated and stored in the transmission buffer. The first transmission buffer 103 is a transmission buffer in which first encoded data (bit stream) is stored. Second
Is a transmission buffer in which the second encoded data (bit stream) is stored.

The common encoded data storage unit 105 holds data necessary for encoding, intermediate results, and the like. Since the time-division encoding process is switched on a frame-by-frame basis, the common encoded data storage unit 105 retains parameters other than those that need to be retained over the frame. Since the parameters held here are used only in the processing within one frame, there is no problem even if they are overwritten by other encoding processing, and the storage address is changed in the first encoding and the second encoding processing. Because they can be shared, resources can be saved.

The first coded information storage unit 106 stores coded information necessary for the first coding. A parameter dedicated to the first encoding that must be held across frames and a local decoded image, that is, a parameter that is not stored in the common encoded data storage unit 105 are stored. Since both encoding processes are completely independent,
For the first encoding, parameters for determining an encoding method and quantization parameter control are stored.

The second coded information storage unit 107 holds coded information necessary for the second coding. A parameter dedicated to the second encoding that must be held between frames and a local decoded image, that is, a parameter that is not stored in the common encoded data storage unit 105 are stored. Since both encoding processes are completely independent,
For the second encoding, parameters for determining an encoding method and quantization parameter control are stored.

When the first encoding process is selected, the first encoding control unit 108 performs control over the entire encoding unit 111, and performs the control indicated by the solid arrow in FIG. Only valid. Encoding processing is performed in response to an instruction of an encoding operation from the time-division encoding control unit 110, and after performing encoding processing for one frame, the processing is temporarily stopped and waits until the next encoding instruction is issued. I do. When the encoding is instructed for the first time, parameters for the first encoding are initialized,
When the encoding process for one frame is completed, necessary parameters are saved in the first encoded information storage unit 106.

When the second encoding process is selected, the second encoding control unit 109 performs control over the entire encoding unit 111, and performs the control indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. Only valid. Regarding the operation, the first encoding control unit 10
Same as 8. The time division encoding control unit 110 controls the time division processing of the first and second encoding. At a desired timing, the first coding control unit 108 or the second coding control unit 109 is instructed to perform coding.

Next, the operation of the time division encoding process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the time-division coding control unit 110 determines whether it is time to perform the first coding process (ST (hereinafter, step) 20).
0). When performing the first encoding, the control shifts to the first encoding control unit 108. This control unit is the encoding unit 1 shown in FIG.
At 11, control for the first encoding (portion indicated by a solid arrow) is selected.

The necessary coding information for the first coding is extracted from the first coding information storage unit 106, and necessary settings such as a format and a bit rate are performed. Further, initialization processing necessary for encoding one frame is performed, and necessary settings are made in the common encoded data storage unit 105 (step 201). Here, the case where the first encoding process is performed has been described, but if not performed, the process proceeds to the second encoding effect determination process 204.

Next, a first encoding process is performed (step 202). The encoding target image is read from the first encoding target image storage unit 100, and encoding is performed by the encoding unit 102. Reading and writing of parameters and intermediate results required in the encoding process are performed by the common encoded data storage unit 1.
05 and the first encoded information storage unit 106. The local decoded image is stored in the first encoded information storage unit 106, and is used as a prediction reference image in the next frame. The encoded data (bit stream) is the first
Is stored in the transmission buffer 103. The encoding process is performed until the encoding of all the macroblocks in one frame is completed. Here, parameters necessary for encoding are stored in the common encoded data storage unit 105 and the first encoded information storage unit 10.
Read from 6.

When the encoding process for one frame is completed, the encoded information necessary for the process for the next frame is saved in the first encoded information storage unit 106 (step 20).
3). When the end processing of one frame is completed, control returns to the time division coding control unit 110 first.

Next, it is determined whether it is time to perform the second encoding process (step 204). When performing the second encoding, the control transitions to the second encoding control unit 109. This control unit controls the second encoding in the encoding unit 111 of FIG. 1 (part indicated by a broken arrow).
Select Since the same operation as in the first encoding is performed in the second encoding, the details are omitted, and the setting and saving of the encoding information unique to the second encoding is performed in the second encoding information storage unit 10.
7 is performed. After the second encoding process is completed, the process returns to step 200 to perform the first encoding effect determination process. Also, when the second encoding is not performed, the process immediately returns to step 200.

FIG. 3 shows the operation timing of the time-division encoding processing. As shown in this figure, the first encoding and the second encoding
Are alternately processed one frame at a time. In this embodiment, the first encoding and the second encoding have been described as being alternately performed. However, an external device such as a CPU instructs the time-division encoding control unit 110 to operate the encoding. May be. Also, the description has been given of the case where there are two encoding processes that operate in a time-sharing manner, but the same can be realized in the case where there are three or more encoding processes.

As described above, the image coding apparatus according to the first embodiment can share the resources of the coding apparatus and most of the memories and the like as compared with the conventional coding apparatus capable of processing by time division. This has an excellent effect that the used memory can be reduced. Also, there is an excellent effect in that time division processing can be performed on a plurality of encodings under completely different conditions (format, bit rate, etc.).

The image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
The present invention can be realized by software, and can be read from a recording medium storing the software to realize the present invention.

Further, the image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
It can be incorporated as an image encoding device in a signal processing processor (DSP).

The image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment can be incorporated as a portable terminal, and can be realized as a mobile communication system including the image terminal apparatus.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image encoding apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In this figure, a common encoding target image storage unit 400
Is a first encoding target image storage unit 100 according to the first embodiment.
And the second encoding target image storage unit 101,
This is storage means for storing a plurality of encoding target images. The common encoding target image storage unit 400 has a plurality of banks, and can store various images such as camera input images, still images, and composite images. The encoding target image selection unit 401 includes a common encoding target image storage unit 40
The image stored in 0 is encoded (first and second) or selected for each frame.

Next, the time division encoding processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The main parts of the operation are the same as those in FIG. 2 (the image coding apparatus according to the first embodiment), so the same reference numerals are given and only different parts will be described.

When it is determined that the first encoding is to be executed, the control is transferred to the first encoding control unit 108, and then the encoding target image to be read is determined (step 501).
As the encoding target image, a plurality of images are stored in the common encoding target image storage unit 400 as indicated by reference numeral 600 in FIG. Then, the image (one frame) stored by the encoding target image selection unit 401 is selected and encoding is performed.

Other processing procedures are the same as those described in the first embodiment. Even when the second encoding is selected, after the control is transferred to the second encoding control unit 109, the encoding to be read is performed. A target image is determined (Step 505).
Then, the image (one frame) stored by the encoding target image selection unit 401 is selected and encoding is performed.

As in the first embodiment, since encoding is performed for each frame, an image to be encoded can be selected for each frame. For example, as shown by reference numeral 601 in FIG.
When (image A1), A2 (image A2), B1 (image B1) and B2 (image B2) are stored, the image is converted to A1 (first encoding), B1 (Second encoding), A2 (first encoding), and B2 (second encoding) can be selected and encoded in this order.

As described above, the image encoding apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same effect as the image encoding apparatus according to the first embodiment, and it is not necessary to physically fix the input source of the image to be encoded. Also, there is an excellent effect in that the encoding target image can be arbitrarily selected for each frame.

In this embodiment, the description has been given assuming that the first encoding and the second encoding are performed on different images, but the encoding is performed on the image specified by the encoding target image selecting unit 401. , So both may encode the same image.

Further, the image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
The present invention can be realized by software, and can be read from a recording medium storing the software to realize the present invention.

Further, the image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
It can be incorporated as an image encoding device in a signal processing processor (DSP).

Further, the image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
It can be incorporated as a mobile terminal, and can also be realized as a mobile communication system including the image terminal device.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image coding apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In this figure, the first operation management unit 712
The encoding operation is managed with respect to the encoding, and an instruction is given to the first encoding control unit 108 and the time-division encoding control unit 110. For the first encoding control unit 108,
Instructs start and stop of encoding. The time division coding control unit 110 is provided with a coding enable instruction at an appropriate coding timing for each frame.

The second operation management unit 713 manages the encoding operation for the second encoding, and controls the second encoding control unit 1.
09 and an instruction to the time division coding control unit 110. The second encoding control unit 109 is instructed to start and stop encoding. Time-division coding control unit 11
For 0, an encoding enable instruction is given at an appropriate encoding timing for each frame. The other components are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 and the description is omitted.

Next, the operation of the time division coding will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the main parts of the operation are the same as those in FIG. 2 (the image coding apparatus according to the second embodiment), so the same reference numerals are given and only different parts will be described.

First, it is determined whether or not to perform the first encoding. As shown in FIG.
“0” determines the operation based on a signal transmitted from the first operation management unit 714. The first encoding operation enable signal (EN
When 1) is Hi, encoding is enabled. This signal EN1
Is set to Hi by the first operation management unit 714 at a predetermined timing for each frame.

If the first encoding is possible, it is next determined whether or not the frame is an encoding start frame (step 808). As shown in FIG. 10, the first encoding start signal S1 becomes Hi at the timing of encoding start, and is transmitted to the first encoding control unit 108. When the first encoding control unit 108 determines that the frame is the encoding start frame,
Processing such as initialization processing as an encoding start frame and addition of a start code is performed (step 809). Further, the encoding start signal S1 is set to Low in order to invalidate it. If S1 has been initially set to Low, the following processing is performed because the frame is not an encoding start frame.

The initialization, encoding, and save processing for each frame has already been described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. When the processing of one frame is completed, it is determined whether or not the frame is an encoding end frame (step 810). As shown in FIG. 10, the first encoding end signal E1 is set to Hi at the timing of the encoding end, and is transmitted to the first encoding control unit 108. If the first encoding control unit 108 determines that the frame is an encoding end frame, it performs processing such as adding an end code as the encoding end frame (step 81).
1). In order to invalidate the encoding end signal E1, L
ow. If E1 is initially Low, it is not an encoding end frame, so the following processing is performed. Finally, the encoding enable signal EN1 is set to Low (step 8).
12).

Next, processing relating to the second encoding is performed. Note that the flow of the process is the same as that of the first encoding, and thus the detailed description is omitted here. The second operation management unit 713 transmits an encoding start signal (S2) and an encoding stop signal (E2) to the second encoding control unit 109,
The encoding enable signal (E
N2). When the second encoding is not performed,
When the second encoding is completed, the process returns to the first encoding execution determination process.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart of the process according to the third embodiment. Both encoding processes are performed when the encoding enable signal is Hi. When the encoding start signal and the encoding stop signal are output, the encoding is actually started and stopped.

Although no particular description has been given here of a method of determining the timing (encoding start, stop, possible) at which the encoding operation is performed, they may be instructed by the CPU. In particular, the timing at which encoding is possible may be synchronized with, for example, capturing from a camera.

As described above, the image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same effect as the image coding apparatus according to the first embodiment, and independently starts and stops the coding operation at an arbitrary timing. It is also effective in that it can be managed and controlled.

Note that the image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
The present invention can be realized by software, and can be read from a recording medium storing the software to realize the present invention.

The image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
It can be incorporated as an image encoding device in a signal processing processor (DSP).

Further, the image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
It can be incorporated as a mobile terminal, and can also be realized as a mobile communication system including the image terminal device.

(Embodiment 4) FIG.11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image coding apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the figure, a first encoding parameter instructing unit 1012 instructs a first encoding control unit 108 on encoding control parameters such as a frame rate and a bit rate, and performs a first encoding control in accordance with the parameters. An encoding process is performed. Second encoding parameter indicating unit 1
013 indicates to the second encoding control unit 109 encoding control parameters such as a frame rate and a bit rate, and the second encoding process is performed according to the parameters. The other components are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 and the description is omitted.

Next, the operation of the time division coding will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the main parts of the operation are the same as those in FIG. 2 (the image coding apparatus according to the first embodiment), so the same reference numerals are given and only different parts will be described.

First, it is determined whether or not to perform the first encoding. If the encoding processing is to be performed, necessary initialization processing is performed, and the encoding parameters are read from the first encoding parameter designating unit 1012. (Step 1101). Other processes related to the first encoding process are performed as shown in FIG. After completion of the first encoding, it is determined whether or not to perform the second encoding. When performing the encoding process, necessary initialization processing is performed, and the encoding is performed by the second encoding parameter instructing unit 1013. The conversion parameter is read (step 1105). Other processes related to the second encoding process are performed as shown in FIG.

Since the encoding parameters are read every time at the beginning of the processing of one frame, the parameters can be changed depending on the situation for each frame and encoding can be performed. The first and second encoding parameter indicating sections 10
The determination of the parameters indicated by 12, 1013
An instruction may be received from a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

As described above, the image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same effects as the image coding apparatus according to the first embodiment, and performs the first coding and the second coding at an arbitrary timing for each frame. It is also advantageous in that different coding parameters can be instructed for the coding of, and the coding can be controlled according to the situation.

The image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
The present invention can be realized by software, and can be read from a recording medium storing the software to realize the present invention.

The image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
It can be incorporated as an image encoding device in a signal processing processor (DSP).

The image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
It can be incorporated as a mobile terminal, and can also be realized as a mobile communication system including the image terminal device.

(Embodiment 5) FIG.13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image coding apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In this figure, the encoded information selection unit 1212
The storage location of the encoded information is selected according to the type of encoding. In the first encoding, the storage destination of the encoded information is selected in the first encoded information storage unit 106, and in the second encoding, the second encoded information is stored in the second encoded information storage unit 106.
Is selected in the encoded information storage unit 107. The other components are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 and the description thereof is omitted (steps 1300 and 1304 in the flowchart of FIG. 14).

Next, the operation of the time division encoding process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The determination as to whether or not to perform the encoding process is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

When the first encoding is performed, the encoding information selection unit 1212 sets a storage destination of the encoding information necessary for the first encoding, and stores the information necessary for the first encoding in the first encoding. Is read from the encoded information storage unit 106 and output to the common encoded data storage unit 105 (step 1301). The encoding process is performed by accessing the common data storage unit 105 (step 1302).

When the encoding of one frame is completed, a process of saving the encoded information is performed, and the common encoded data storage unit 105
Is saved to the first encoded information storage unit 106 (step 1303). The same applies to the case of performing the second encoding.
The encoding information selection unit 1212 sets the storage destination of the encoding information necessary for the second encoding, and stores the information necessary for the second encoding from the second encoding information storage unit 107 into the common encoding data. The unit 105 is restored (step 1305).
When encoding of one frame is completed (step 130)
6), a process of saving the encoded information in the second encoded information storage unit 107 is performed (step 1307).

As described above, the image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same effect as the image coding apparatus according to the first embodiment, and has the first code by having means for selecting different coding information. Regardless of the type of encoding and the second encoding, when performing the encoding process, the control unit selects the save destination,
There is no need for the encoding unit to know where to save the encoded information,
It also has an excellent effect in that processing can be easily performed by accessing the same storage destination.

Note that the image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
The present invention can be realized by software, and can be read from a recording medium storing the software to realize the present invention.

Further, the image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
It can be incorporated as an image encoding device in a signal processing processor (DSP).

Further, the image coding apparatus according to the present embodiment
It can be incorporated as a mobile terminal, and can also be realized as a mobile communication system including the image terminal device.

[0090]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A means for controlling the encoding and a means for holding the necessary parameters are provided independently, and a plurality of encodings are performed under completely different conditions (encoding parameters such as a format and a bit rate).
Has an excellent effect in that encoding can be performed simultaneously. Further, by performing the time-sharing control so that the work area can be shared, there is an excellent effect in that the memory used can be reduced.

Further, the reading destination of the image to be coded is not fixed, but by providing a means for selecting the reading destination, it is possible to determine the reading destination of the image to be coded or for each frame. This has an excellent effect in that the input source of the encoding target image is not physically limited, and the target image can be arbitrarily selected at the time of encoding.

Further, by independently providing means for managing the start and stop operations of the encoding process, there is an excellent effect in that the process can be started and stopped at any timing.

Further, by independently providing means for designating the encoding parameters, it becomes possible to carry out encoding while changing the encoding parameters at arbitrary timings. Has an excellent effect in that it can be controlled.

Also, by providing an independent area for saving the encoded information and providing a mechanism for appropriately selecting the save area when performing the encoding process, the encoding unit needs to select the save area destination. Therefore, the encoding process can be performed by accessing as a common area, which has an excellent effect in that the process is facilitated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image encoding device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image coding apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the image coding apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image encoding device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image coding apparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the image coding apparatus according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image encoding device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image coding apparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a part of an image encoding device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the image coding apparatus according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image encoding device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image coding apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image encoding device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image coding apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional image encoding device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 First encoding target image storage unit 101 Second encoding target image storage unit 102 Encoding unit 103 First transmission buffer 104 Second transmission buffer 105 Common encoded data storage unit 106 First encoding information Storage unit 107 Second encoded information storage unit 108 First encoding control unit 109 Second encoding control unit 110 Time division encoding control unit 111 Encoding unit 400 Common encoding target image storage unit 401 Encoding target Image selection unit 712 First operation management unit 713 Second operation management unit 1012 First encoding parameter instruction unit 1013 Second encoding parameter instruction unit 1212 Encoding information selection unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5C059 KK00 KK07 KK08 MA05 MA23 MC11 ME01 NN01 NN21 PP04 SS07 SS08 SS09 SS10 SS20 UA02 UA33 UA34 UA35 UA38 5J064 BA13 BC01 BC02 BC25 BD02

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image encoding apparatus for encoding a moving image, comprising: a first encoding target image storage unit for storing a first encoding target image; and a second encoding target image. A second encoding target image storage unit, an encoding unit that encodes an image stored in the first encoding target image storage unit or the second encoding target image storage unit, A first transmission buffer for storing the encoded data, a second transmission buffer for storing the second encoded data, and a common use in the first encoding and the second encoding;
Common data storage means for storing data required for encoding, first encoded information storage means for storing encoded information required for first encoding, and encoded information required for second encoding , A first encoding control unit that controls the encoding process of the first encoding target image, and a second encoding information storage unit that controls the encoding process of the second encoding target image. An image comprising: a second encoding control unit; and a time-division encoding control unit for controlling a time-division operation of both encoding operations, wherein different encoding target images are simultaneously encoded in a time-division manner. Encoding device. 2. A common encoding target image storing means for storing a plurality of encoding target images as encoding target image storing means, and an image stored in the common encoding target image storing means is encoded and frame by frame. 2. The image encoding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising encoding target image selecting means for selecting, and encoding different encoding target images simultaneously in a time-division manner. 3. A first operation management unit for managing start and stop operations of a first encoding process, and a second operation management unit for managing start and stop operations of a second encoding process. 2. The image encoding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein different encoding target images are encoded simultaneously in a time division manner. 4. A first coding parameter designating means for designating a coding parameter of a first coding process, and a second coding parameter designating a coding parameter of a second coding process. 2. The image encoding apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second encoding parameter designating unit, wherein different encoding target images are simultaneously encoded in a time-division manner. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an encoding information selecting unit for selecting a save destination of the encoding information according to a type of encoding, wherein different encoding target images are encoded simultaneously in a time division manner. Image encoding device. 6. An image encoding method for encoding a moving image, wherein a first encoding target image and a second encoding target image are stored in different areas, and the image stored in the areas is stored. Encoding, storing the first encoded data and the second encoded data in different transmission buffers, storing data that can be commonly used in the first encoding and the second encoding in a common area, The encoding information necessary for the first encoding and the encoding information necessary for the second encoding are stored in different areas, and the encoding processing of the first encoding target image and the encoding processing of the second encoding target image are performed. An image encoding method, wherein encoding processes are independently controlled, time-division operations of both encoding processes are controlled, and different encoding target images are simultaneously encoded in a time-division manner. 7. A plurality of encoding target images are stored in one area, the images stored in the area are selected for encoding and for each frame, and different encoding target images are simultaneously encoded in a time division manner. The image encoding method according to claim 6, wherein: 8. A method for independently managing start and stop operations of a first encoding process and start and stop operations of a second encoding process, and simultaneously encoding different encoding target images in a time-division manner. The image encoding method according to claim 6, wherein: 9. An encoding parameter of the first encoding process and an instruction of an encoding parameter of the second encoding process are independently specified, and different encoding target images are encoded simultaneously in a time division manner. 7. The image encoding method according to claim 6, wherein: 10. The first coded information and the second coded information are stored in different areas in order to store the coded information, and the coded information is selected according to the type of coding. 7. The image encoding method according to claim 6, wherein the images are encoded simultaneously in a time division manner. 11. A recording medium on which a program for executing the image encoding method according to claim 6 is recorded. 12. A signal processing processor comprising an image encoding device having a processing function according to the image encoding method according to claim 6. Description: 13. A portable terminal device comprising the image encoding device according to claim 1. Description: 14. A mobile communication system comprising the mobile terminal device according to claim 13.