Abstract: In a hierarchical encoding apparatus, predictors each including a look-up table are used to form predicted signals for respective hierarchical levels. The difference between the predicted signal and the original signal forms the differential signal for the higher hierarchical levels. The look-up table contains either predictive coefficients which are used as weights for pixels of a signal in one hierarchical level to produce a signal at a higher hierarchical level, or representative values which are combined with a dynamic range and redundant component in a set of pixels of a signal in one hierarchical level to produce a signal at a higher hierarchical level. The values in the look-up table are obtained from representative images.

Abstract: In a hierarchical encoding apparatus, predictors each including a look-up table are used to form predicted signals for respective hierarchical levels. The difference between the predicted signal and the original signal forms the differential signal for the higher hierarchical levels. The look-up table contains either predictive coefficients which are used as weights for pixels of a signal in one hierarchical level to produce a signal at a higher hierarchical level, or representative values which are combined with a dynamic range and redundant component in a set of pixels of a signal in one hierarchical level to produce a signal at a higher hierarchical level. The values in the look-up table are obtained from representative images.

Abstract: In a hierarchical encoding apparatus, predictors each including a look-up table are used to form predicted signals for respective hierarchical levels. The difference between the predicted signal and the original signal forms the differential signal for the higher hierarchical levels. The look-up table contains either predictive coefficients which are used as weights for pixels of a signal in one hierarchical level to produce a signal at a higher hierarchical level, or representative values which are combined with a dynamic range and redundant component in a set of pixels of a signal in one hierarchical level to produce a signal at a higher hierarchical level. The values in the look-up table are obtained from representative images.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for producing a noise-reduced image signal from an input image signal having relatively more noise. The input image signal is divided into a number of block signals. A class code is produced for each of the block signals and used to produce low noise image data which is either output as a pixel or block of the noise-reduced image signal or is used to produce the same.

Abstract: A CCD sensor 3 generates video signals in response to an incident light representing an image of an image. In accordance with a video signal supplied from a focusing region of the CCD sensor, a first control section including a focusing control unit 9 generates a focus control signal. In response to the focus control signal, a drive circuit 10 and a motor 1 control an imaging lens 2 so as to focus the lens 2 on the image. Further, in response to a motion vector signal outputted from a motion vector detecting unit 6, a second control section including a distance measurement region control unit 7 controls a position of the focusing region so that the focusing region tracks motion of the image of the object. In addition, a view-finder 11 displays the video signals supplied from the CCD image sensor 3 and a cursor representing the focusing region.