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.

Abstract: An image-encoding device uses a region having similar image signals in a block in each encoding target block as an object, and performs set-up by associating a pixel value representing the object with an object identifier as an object pixel value. An object map generation unit generates an object map indicating that each pixel in the block belongs to which object, using object identifiers. By use of the object map generation unit, a predicted image that is used by a predicted image generation unit to predict an encoding target block is generated. An object map encoding-unit compares an object map used when encoding a reference region that has been encoded and encodes an object map.

Abstract: An image encoding method in which when transmitting or storing an image, a frame of the image is divided into predetermined-sized processing regions, and for each processing region, a pixel value of each pixel is predicted for the encoding.

Abstract: An image-encoding device uses a region having similar image signals in a block in each encoding target block as an object, and performs set-up by associating a pixel value representing the object with an object identifier as an object pixel value. An object map generation unit generates an object map indicating that each pixel in the block belongs to which object, using object identifiers. By use of the object map generation unit, a predicted image that is used by a predicted image generation unit to predict an encoding target block is generated. An object map encoding-unit compares an object map used when encoding a reference region that has been encoded and encodes an object map.

Abstract: A multiview image encoding method includes, a view synthesis step for generating a view synthesis image at an encoding target view using a reference view image, a prediction image candidate generation step for generating plural intra prediction image candidates for each encoding target region using decoded images in already-encoded regions which are adjacent to the encoding target region, a prediction image candidate evaluation step for determining evaluation values of each intra prediction image candidates using the view synthesis image, a prediction image generation step for generating an intra prediction image from the plural intra prediction image candidates based on the evaluation values, and an image signal encoding step for performing a predictive encoding of an encoding target image in the encoding target regions using the intra prediction image.

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.

Abstract: An image encoding method in which when transmitting or storing an image, a frame of the image is divided into predetermined-sized processing regions, and for each processing region, a pixel value of each pixel is predicted for the encoding.

Abstract: Efficient multiview video encoding is realized even in a situation in which a processing picture cannot be obtained, by accurately estimating a motion vector and simultaneously using an inter-camera correlation and a temporal correlation in prediction of a video signal. A view synthesized picture at a time when a processing picture has been taken is generated from a reference camera video that has been taken by a camera different from a processing camera that has taken the processing picture included in a multiview video based on the same setting as that of the processing camera. A motion vector is estimated by searching for a corresponding region in a reference picture taken by the processing camera using a picture signal on the view synthesized picture corresponding to a processing region on the processing picture without using the processing picture.

Abstract: A highly efficient encoding technique is realized even for a multiview video involved in local mismatches in illumination and color between cameras. A view synthesized picture corresponding to an encoding target frame is synthesized from an already encoded reference view frame taken at a reference view different from an encoding target view simultaneously with the encoding target frame at the encoding target view of a multiview video. For each processing unit region having a predetermined size, a reference region on an already encoded reference frame at the encoding target view corresponding to the view synthesized picture is searched for. A correction parameter for correcting a mismatch between cameras is estimated from the view synthesized picture for the processing unit region and the reference frame for the reference region. The view synthesized picture for the processing unit region is corrected using the estimated correction parameter.

Abstract: The purpose is to provide a system and a method for 3-D shared virtual environment communication system to enable a plurality of users to share a common virtual environment so that real-time facial expressions of other users can be displayed on user's own terminal and voices heard. The system thus facilitate communications among the users in such cases as virtual conferencing environment. The method of operating the communication system is executed by computer application programs that contains a user information control section 102 broadcasts information input from the facial expression input section 103, voice input section 104 and motion information input section 105, to other user terminals through the network 30 under the control of the network control section 101. The avatar information managing section 107, script control section 108, virtual environment control section 109 and virtual environment generation section 110 displays other users' avatar on user's own terminal.