Abstract: Image data coded by a variable length coding module is output to an external R/W controller and an internal R/W controller. A determination module compares the amount of coded picture data to be recorded next with the amount of free space on an external recording medium. If there is enough free space, image data is written on the external recording medium. If free space is insufficient, subsequent image data is written into an internal memory. When image data is coded into variable length data, it is difficult to predict precisely a recording time of the external recording medium, which means that the external recording medium may become full before a desired amount of image data is recorded. However, image recording may be continued using the internal memory even after the external recording medium becomes full.

Abstract: Interlace images are separated at every field by a frame/field transforming section, and wavelet transformation is performed for every field by an interfield wavelet transforming section. Specifically, a plurality of odd or even fields in time series are determined as one group, these fields are subjected to the wavelet transformation to separate at predetermined spatial frequencies. Among the plurality of images separated at predetermined spatial frequencies, a motion vector common to the groups is calculated in view of a change with time of an arbitrary image component to perform motion compensation. The images subjected to the interfield wavelet transformation are further subjected to wavelet transformation by an intrafield wavelet transforming section so to be coded. Thus, an operational volume for calculating motion vector for the image coding is reduced, and block distortion is remedied.

Abstract: Image data coded by a variable length coding module is output to an external R/W controller and an internal R/W controller. A determination module compares the amount of coded picture data to be recorded next with the amount of free space on an external recording medium. If there is enough free space, image data is written on the external recording medium. If free space is insufficient, subsequent image data is written into an internal memory. When image data is coded into variable length data, it is difficult to predict precisely a recording time of the external recording medium, which means that the external recording medium may become full before a desired amount of image data is recorded. However, image recording may be continued using the internal memory even after the external recording medium becomes full.