Abstract: In an image coding method of the present invention, after a process such as DCT is performed to digital image data, quantization process is performed, and then, to resultant quantized transform coefficients, variable length coding process is performed with reference to a variable length code table showing how variable length codes are allocated, and in a comparison process between an event derived from the quantized transform coefficients and a reference event included in the variable length code table, transformation process is performed to increase a possibility of performing variable length coding with satisfactory coding efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining scalability of a video object (VO) whose position and/or size changes with time. The position of an upper layer picture and that of a lower layer picture in an absolute coordinate system are determined so that corresponding pixels in an enlarged picture and in the upper layer picture may be arranged at the same positions in the absolute coordinate system.