Abstract: Synchronization within a common communication channel having designated transmission time slots for various devices of a computer network is maintained by allowing transmissions within the channel outside of a network device's designated time slot when a clear channel assessment indicates that a previous time slot is not being utilized by its associated device and/or upon receipt of an indication of the end of a transmission of another device in the network. The clear channel assessment preferably takes into account the device's designated transmission time slot within the communication channel with respect to those of other network devices and may be a time period that is the product of a predetermined clear channel waiting time and a numerical representation of the device's designated transmission time slot within the communication channel with respect to those of other network devices. The clear channel waiting time itself may be specified by a network master device as part of a network connection process.

Abstract: An advance over the prior art is achieved through an efficient method to retransmit erroneous frames by identifying the users who are most likely to experience a frame error and requests retransmissions from them. Since the recovery is done by starting with the most likely, second most likely etc., the invention results in faster recovery of data. Moreover, the invention reduces the battery consumption of subsequent mobile nodes by suppressing the retransmission requests that were already made by nodes preceding it. A key element of the invention is to rank the set of receiver nodes in the order of decreasingly worse channel conditions, i.e., from worst to best. Hence, with K receiver nodes, a transmit node assigns rank 1 to a receiver node to which it has the poorest radio channel condition. Similarly, it assigns rank K to the receiver node to which it has the best radio channel condition.

Abstract: A router is integrated onto a single silicon chip and includes an internal bus that couples multiple data receive and transmit channels to a central processing unit. The channels each have an external interface for connecting to different LAN or WAN networks. The serial channels are convertible into one or more time division multiplexed (TDM) channels. A time slot assigner (TSA) assembles and disassembles data packets transferred in TDM formats, such as ISDN. The serial channels are used for separately processing data packets in each TDM time slot. The TSA is programmable to operate with different TDM formats. A single direct memory access controller (DMAC) is coupled to each serial channel and an Ethernet channel and conducts data transfers on the internal router bus through a common port. The DMAC uses a novel bus protocol that provides selectable bandwidth allocation for each channel. The router architecture includes different interface circuitry which is also integrated onto the silicon chip.

Abstract: A novel network architecture that integrates the functions of an internet protocol (IP) router into a network processing unit (NPU) that resides in a host computer's chipset such that the host computer's resources are perceived as separate network appliances. The NPU appears logically separate from the host computer even though, in one embodiment, it is sharing the same chip.

Abstract: Present herein is a multirate transceiver wherein data can be received at a first data rate and transmitted at a second data rate. The transceiver device comprises a first interface for receiving data at one data rate a mapper that can map data from a first rate to the second rate, and a second interface for transmitting the data at the second data rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of transmitting data at a line rate to a bus operating at a bus rate includes transmitting the data in a packet format having a plurality of frames each having a plurality of time slots. Each time slot has successive message groups, and each message group includes a plurality of data messages containing the data and an idle code containing none of the data. A number of idle codes in each frame is selected such that the bus rate matches the line rate. Various communication buses, and methods of synchronizing data are implemented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for data communication is provided to use with existing or future scan tool. The apparatus is an adapter that couples with the scan tool and a communication network interface on a vehicle. The adapter allows CAN communication or other communication protocols between the scan tool and the communication network interface on a vehicle and provides a good alternative to buying a new scan tool.

Abstract: A method for managing bandwidth in a network environment is provided that includes monitoring a state transition of a communication session associated with an end user and initiating one or more resource reservation protocol (RSVP) actions based on the state transition. The method also includes controlling a bandwidth allocation associated with the end user based on one or more of the RSVP actions.

Abstract: A method is given for sharing reserved bandwidth between a plurality of connections issuing from a port of a node. A connection bandwidth is determined for each connection of the plurality of connections. An aggregate bandwidth is determined for all connections of the plurality of connections issuing from the port, the aggregate bandwidth being less than a sum of the connection bandwidth for all connections. The aggregate bandwidth is compared with a maximum access rate for the port, and in the event that the aggregate bandwidth does not exceed the maximum access rate, reserving the aggregate bandwidth for the port.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems allowing for dynamic bandwidth management schemes responsive to the state of a plurality of access links in redundant network topologies. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a bandwidth management device that periodically queries routing systems associated with access links, conceptually grouped into a virtual access link, to monitor that load of the access links and, depending on the detected load, adjust the configuration of the bandwidth management device to avoid overloading one or more of the access links. Embodiments of the present invention increases network efficiency and help network traffic to flow more smoothly with higher throughput. In one embodiment, the dynamic link control functionality is invoked when any given access link reaches a threshold capacity level.

Abstract: An information communication routing system and method for dynamically determining and utilizing available communication bandwidth is presented. Free excess bandwidth on a scheduled link is measured dynamically and free available bandwidth is dynamically distributed to a queue. In one embodiment, a bandwidth availability tracking value is utilized to measure free excess bandwidth on a scheduled link and the free excess bandwidth dynamically distributed or assigned to a queue. A first packet size (e.g., fixed packet size) is added to the bandwidth availability tracking value whenever a link is scheduled in a calendar scheduling slot. A second packet size (e.g., actual size of the packet departed) is subtracted from the bandwidth tracking value whenever information is departed from a queue. If the bandwidth tracking value exceeds a threshold value (e.g., is positive) it indicates there is excess available bandwidth and the excess available bandwidth is assigned to a queue.

Abstract: An video data object distribution system for transfer of video data objects includes a network of digital data file servers. The network of digital data file servers communicate with a client system to transfer video data objects. A scheduling apparatus schedules the transfer of the video data objects. A client streaming device within the client begins transfer of a first segment such that the video data object is started streaming of prior to reception of a totality of the first segment. An ordered sequential transfer device orders and sequentially transfers segments of the video data object to the client system. The preemption device allows persistent video data object transfer of video data object without resending the video data objects. A hierarchical caching controller copies segments of any of the video data objects from a central distribution server to any of the network of data file servers.

Abstract: This new invention is a method of re-establishing MS-SGSN connections after a partial restart of SGSN, i.e., only the Gb-interface is restarted. The re-establishment is achieved without detaching the MS. With this method Ciphering is re-synchronised, PDP-contexts in unacknowledged mode are re-established, and SMS traffic over GPRS is re-established, while PDP-contexts in acknowledged mode are deactivated with order to re-activate. When the MS is moving within the coverage of a SGSN, the invention can be used to move the context closer to the used Gb-link. When the MS request better Quality of Service, the MS context can moved to more suitable SGSN resource with this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transmitting data having a reduced bandwidth wherein the amount of data intended for transfer over a data transfer network is reduced by a reduction method, wherein the type of reduction performed is signaled by a source switching device to a terminal switching device in the data transfer network, such that in the terminal switching device, transferred data is processed using a partner method to the reduction method in order to recover the original data.

Abstract: A system timer controls the timing at which a mobile communication device communicates with a base station. The system timer includes a sequencer that executes a set of instructions stored in a sequencer RAM thereby causing a set of control signals to be supplied to a set of components residing in the mobile communication device including, a set of RF hardware devices, a microprocessor and a digital signal processor. The microprocessor or the digital signal processor may alter the order in which the instructions are executed by the sequencer thereby allowing the mobile communication device to communicate in a dynamic multi-slot communication environment. The system timer may include a timebase counter used to synchronize the timing of the mobile communication device with the timing of the base station. A value stored in the timebase counter is incremented at a predefined rate and the value stored in the timebase counter wraps to zero upon reaching a predefined value.

Abstract: This invention synchronizes the sample clocks of an entire wireless network from a single central base station. Unlike a conventional digital radio network where every terminal must have a synchronization circuit in its receiver to adjust the sample clock, each of the radio terminals in this network is clocked from an independent free-running oscillator. For each terminal, the base station learns the frequency and phase of the oscillator by exchanging a special set of signals: first a vernier signal to determine the initial time and frequency offset, and then an early-late signal to track changes in the oscillator. Once the base station is synchronized to the terminal's oscillator, it can determine the absolute path delay between itself and the terminal and correct for the delay using an equalizer. Signals received from the terminal are corrected after the signal arrives at the base station.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a digital data stream includes recovery of data clock information and data frame information from the digital data stream. The method includes providing a digital data stream having successive data stream units. Each data stream unit includes a data frame, a data block having data bits, and a frame synchronization word having frame synchronization bits. Successive frame synchronization words of the successive data stream units are then detected and data clock information is determined from a temporal spacing of the successive frame synchronization words. The data clock information is then output in a manner dependent on a temporal spacing of successive frame synchronization bits.

Abstract: A circuit for generating an output oscillation signal with low jitter includes an oscillator to generate an oscillation signal at an initial frequency based upon a control input to vary an amplitude of the oscillation signal. A first frequency multiplier multiplies the oscillation signal to result in a first signal with first frequency and first undesired frequency components. A filter minimizes the first undesired frequency components of the first signal. A second frequency multiplier multiplies the first signal to result in the output oscillation signal with second frequency and second undesired frequency components. A second feedback circuit compares a predetermined range and at least one of the first signal and the output oscillation signal to result in a reference value. A first feedback circuit varies the control input based upon a comparison between the reference value and the amplitude of the oscillation signal to minimize the second undesired frequency components.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for testing differential delay correction of network elements using virtual concatenation. The apparatus includes a first PRBS (pseudo-random bit stream) generator dedicated to a first tributary. The apparatus also includes an interface between the first PRBS generator and a tester. The apparatus further includes an interface between the first PRBS generator and a device under test. The apparatus may further include a second PRBS dedicated to a second tributary. The apparatus may also include a control logic block to control the first PRBS generator and the second PRBS generator, and coupled to the first PRBS generator and the second PRBS generator.

Abstract: SDH/SONET signals are transported as a service including payload and overhead information by mapping associated payload data or information and selected associated overhead data or information of at least one SDH/SONET client signal to be transported into a SDH/SONET server signal. More specifically, client overhead information of the SDH/SONET client signal is mapped into free overhead positions of the SDH/SONET server signal. The SDH/SONET server signal is then transported with the SDH/SONET client signal including associated payload and overhead information embedded therein.

Abstract: A method may involve: receiving an even number of odd-sized packets for transmission over a double data rate link; re-packetizing the even number of odd-sized packets into several even-sized packets; transmitting the even-sized packets over the double data rate link; and de-packetizing the even-sized packets to reform the even number of odd-sized packets. Re-packetizing may involve dividing each of the even number of odd-sized packets into an even-sized portion and a remaining portion. Each even-sized portion may be transferred as one of the even-sized packets. The remaining portions of each of the even number of odd-sized packets may be combined to form another one of even-sized packets. De-packetizing may involve associating each of several portions of one of the even-sized packets with a respective other one of the even-sized packets.

Abstract: A method and device multiplexes a first transmission channel having a first transmission time interval for data unit transmission and at least one second transmission channel having a second transmission time interval for data unit transmission. A stream of placeholder bits is supplied to a channel multiplexing function of the at least one second transmission channel. The placeholder bits are then replaced at a later stage by an actual data stream of the first transmission channel.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a method of interleaving a data stream may occur as follows. A sequence of groupings of bits or binary digital signals from a data stream, the groupings have a predetermined size, are written from a data bus into a memory. Selective groupings stored in the memory are applied to a first multiplexer (MUX). Groupings applied to the first MUX are then applied to a second MUX. At least one grouping, applied to a third MUX, is applied to the second MUX between applying groupings from the first MUX to the second MUX. Briefly, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, an integrated circuit includes: a memory, a plurality of multiplexers, and a state machine. The memory, multiplexers and state machine are coupled so that selected groupings of bits from the received bit stream are capable of being extracted to produce another bit stream different from the received bit stream.

Abstract: Provided is a millimeter-wave band frequency optical oscillator that can be used as an oscillation frequency signal source for a millimeter-wave forwarded to wireless subscribers from a base station of a millimeter-wave wireless subscriber communication system for a next generation (e.g., fifth generation) ultra-high speed wireless internet service. A pair of an optical fiber amplifier and an optical fiber grating mirror is connected to each of input/output ports of a loop mirror in parallel, so that a dual mode laser resonator is formed which can make simultaneous oscillation in two laser modes suitable for each wavelength. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a light source that is modulated to a ultra-high frequency (over 60 GHz) by a beat phenomenon between the two laser modes.

Abstract: A modulated saturable absorber controlled laser. The laser includes an active medium; a saturable absorber material operationally coupled to the medium to serve as a passive Q switch; and an energy source disposed external to the medium for apply energy to the absorber. In particular embodiments, the energy source is a diode laser and focusing optics are included between the diode laser and the absorber. Modulation of the gain at the photon round trip time in the laser resonator causes a mode-locked laser output. A dichroic beamsplitter is included in this embodiment for directing energy to the absorber. In an alternative embodiment, the diode laser is a quasi-monolithic diode laser assembly ring.

Abstract: A multi semiconductor source tunable spectroscopy system has two or more semiconductor sources for generating tunable optical signals that are tunable over different spectral bands. The system enables the combination of these tunable signals to form an output signal that is tunable over a combined band including these individual spectral bands of the separate semiconductor sources. The system further compensates for spectral roll-off associated with the semiconductor sources. Specifically, near the limits of the semiconductor sources' spectral bands, the power in the tunable signal tends to degrade or decrease. The system compensates for this roll-off using drive current control, attenuators, or electronic compensation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for continuously compensating a modulation current of a laser. A temperature compensation circuit has circuitry with a positive temperature coefficient connected with circuitry having a negative temperature coefficient. The temperature compensation circuit generates a temperature dependent reference current that is mirrored to a gain circuit. The gain circuit provides variable gain. The gain circuit also provides inputs that can be set to select a particular gain. The output of the gain circuit, which changes as temperature affects the reference current, is used to compensate the modulation current of the laser.

Abstract: Laser processing methods, systems and apparatus having a super-modulating power supply or pumping subsystem and high beam quality (i.e., brightness) are disclosed. The methods, systems and apparatus have significant benefits, improved operation characteristics and material processing capability over currently available methods, systems and apparatus. In at least one embodiment, the beam quality of a high power solid state laser is improved in the presence of thermal lensing. High power laser cutting, scribing, and welding results are improved with a combination of modulation and high beam quality while providing for improved processing speeds.

Abstract: A method for making a laser driver circuit for burst mode is described. The method includes the following steps: First, a continuous mode laser driver circuit is selected, the chip having a temperature compensation output, a bias current setting input, and a reference current setting input. Next, the temperature compensation signal is converted to a reference current setting signal via a first bias adjustment circuit, and the reference current setting signal is input to the reference current setting input. Then, the bias current setting input is connected to ground via a second bias adjustment circuit. The reference current setting signal automatically adjusts the high level and the low level of the eye diagram of the laser according to the environmental temperature, so that the high level and the low level are kept stable to reduce the bit error rate in transmission.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a surface-emission type light-emitting device which emits light in a direction perpendicular to a semiconductor substrate, includes the following steps (a) to (e). (a) A step of forming a column-shaped section by etching at least a part of a multilayer film. (b) A step of forming a first resin layer so as to cover the column-shaped section. (c) A step of forming a second resin layer by changing the solubility of the first resin layer in a liquid. (d) A step of immersing, for a specific period of time, at least the column-shaped section and the second resin layer in a liquid in which the second resin layer dissolves, thereby removing the second resin layer at least in the area formed over the column-shaped section. (e) A step of forming an insulating layer by curing the second resin layer.

Abstract: A long wavelength vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) with a monolithically-grown photodetector is provided. The photodetector is installed in a middle portion of or on a bottom surface of a lower distributed Bragg reflector of the long wavelength VCSEL. The photodetector is integrated with the long wavelength VCSEL. A substrate on which the long wavelength VCSEL and the photodetector are crystal-grown does not absorb a laser beam emitted from the long wavelength VCSEL. Thus, the laser beam heading toward the substrate is accurately detected, and the gain of the laser beam is effectively controlled.

Abstract: A lens having a reflective surface, and systems that use such a lens. The lens includes a transmissive part for passing a portion of an incident light beam, and a reflective part for reflecting a portion of the incident light beam, and the reflective part is preferably substantially non-transmissive. Such a lens may be particularly suitable in systems that include a back monitor photo detector that is used for sampling and controlling the output power of a light source.

Abstract: An electrode joint is presented, the joint including two joined graphite electrodes and having a joint strengthening ring interposed between the electrodes, the joint strengthening ring composed of a compressible.

Abstract: A male-female electrode joint is presented, the joint including two joined graphite electrodes having blocked threads and having a seal interposed between the electrodes, the seal composed of a material having an oxidation rate equal to or less than that of the electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently transmitting and receiving information about spreading codes used for a packet data-transmitting channel in a spread spectrum communication system. A BS determines Walsh codes for spreading a PDCH and transmits on a PDCCH an index of a last determined Walsh code. Also, if the determined Walsh codes cannot be fully represented by the use of the last Walsh code index only, the BS transmits a Walsh space bitmap indicating the availability of the Walsh codes individually on another PDCCH or a WAICH.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a flexible distribution architecture and method for rake receiver of communication system, comprising: a plurality of processing units, further, each processing unit comprises: a plurality of rake receivers, wherein each rake receiver can receive a multi-path signal from its environment and, through a recovery process, outputs a recovered signal therefrom; an combiner, which connects with the plurality of rake receivers and receives a plurality of recovered signals, then further integrates the plural recovered signals which are originated from a same source by an integration process and, consequently, outputs an integrated signal therefrom; a master processing unit, which connects with the plural processing units and, through detecting the signal received, assigns an appropriate number of rake receivers to receive signals, and further the plural integrated signals originated from a same source are integrated by an integration process and, consequently, outputs a compound si

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for modulating a communication signal in a CDMA environment using orthogonal N by N Hadamard spread spectrum codes. Orthogonal spreading codes are used that have lengths that are not a power-of 2 to provide additional channel variability for various multimedia applications and increase the flexibility of the number of channels/bandwidth relationship. The Hadamard codes are multiples of 4 (4n) and demonstrate a good cross-correlation property, making them very useful in the flexible design of CDMA systems. A transmitter encodes each of N data streams (N not being a power of 2), to be transmitted using a 4n codeword, Ni. The received signal is passed through a filter matched to the characteristics of the appropriate codeword, Ni, and PN spreading sequence.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for mapping and spreading data symbols in a mobile communication system which can improve efficiency of the system by performing data symbol mapping and spreading processes by using binary operations. The apparatus maps and spreads data symbols by using binary operations when quadrature phase shift keying modulation is performed in a mobile communication time division duplex mode.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for the reception and despreading of a code-division multiple access (CDMA) global positioning system (GPS) signal (200), or other direct-sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) signals, is provided. An antenna array (102) receives the DSSS signal (200) over a plurality of elements (116). A preprocessor (104) down converts and digitizes the DSSS signal (200) to produce a signal stream (202) in the time domain. An FFT (106) transforms the signal stream (202) to the frequency domain. A beam former (108) generates a reception beam (201) for the DSSS signal (200) in the frequency domain, and also implements a narrowband frequency notch, if desired. A despreader (110) despreads the transformed signal stream (204) in the frequency domain. An IFFT (112) transforms the despread signal stream (208) back to the time domain. And a postprocessor (114) converts the transformed despread signal stream (210) into a desired received signal stream (212) in the time domain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chip-level or a symbol-level equalizer structure for a multiple transmit and receiver antenna architecture system that is suitable for use on the WCDMA downlink. The equalizer structure takes into account the difference in the natures of inter-antenna interference and multiple access interference and suppresses both inter-antenna interference and multiple access interference (MAI). Enhanced receiver performance is achieved with a reasonable implementation complexity. The use of the CDMA receiver architecture, in accordance with this invention, enables the realization of increased data rates for the end user. The CDMA receiver architecture can also be applied in conjunction with space-time transmit diversity (STTD) system architectures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new parallel interference cancellation (PIC) configuration where the PIC is implemented after the rake reception and multipath combining. In the invention disclosed, the regenerated interference contributions (functions of signature sequence cross-correlations) for multiuser detection (MUD) in a multipath radio channel are explicitly filtered through the estimated multipath channels, and stored. These stored quantities already contain the effect of the channel, and only need updating according to the rate of change of channel dynamics, and not the symbol period. During each symbol period, interference is computed from each interfering user to each desired user using current estimates of symbol decisions and the aforementioned interference contributions. The precomputation of the interference contributions, which are valid for a sequence of symbols, allows for extremely low complexity baseband processing in the receiver.

Abstract: System and method for performing symbol boundary aligned searches of signals. A preferred embodiment comprises a search control unit (such as search control unit 725) that can determine a start and stop condition for a correlation based on a hypothesis, a searcher (such as searcher 705) which includes a multiplexer that can select a subset of samples of a received sequence based on the hypothesis and start and stop conditions. The search control unit can then wait for the occurrence of the start condition and assign the hypothesis to a correlator, which will correlate the subset of samples with a locally generated pseudo-random number sequence based upon the hypothesis.

Abstract: Communications method including the procedures of modulating a second generation carrier signal, with a first generation Baseband bandwidth signal, when transmitting to first generation devices, and, modulating the second generation carrier signal, with a second generation Baseband bandwidth signal, when transmitting to second generation devices, wherein the frequency of the second generation carrier signal, is an integer multiple of the first generation Baseband bandwidths, away from a first generation carrier signal frequency.

Abstract: A communication apparatus comprising a semiconductor DAA, a system unit and a modem is provided. The DAA has a line control unit connected to a communication line network and a serial IF unit connected to the line control unit via an isolating circuit, and controls the communication line network and transmits and receives data. The modem modulates and demodulates the transmitted and received data. The system unit controls the semiconductor DAA and the modem. The line control unit includes a line current detector for detecting a line current and a line voltage detector for detecting a line voltage. The system unit obtains line impedance based on the line current and the line voltage, and adjusts the transmission level of the modem in accordance with the obtained line impedance.

Abstract: Testing apparatus, and an associated method, for testing operation of a mobile terminal. Testing is performed, e.g., to determine compliance of the mobile terminal to E911 Phase II positioning requirements. A network and radio channel emulator emulates network signals generated and communicated to the mobile terminal in an actual operating environment. Positioning measurements made by the mobile terminal are monitored and determinations of the operation of the mobile terminal are made therefrom.

Abstract: A method for providing error compensation to a signal includes providing error adjustment to a signal at a transmitter and communicating the signal over a channel at a channel speed. The method includes receiving the signal from the channel at the channel speed and sampling the signal at a speed less than the channel speed to yield a sampled signal. The method includes determining an error associated with the signal and determining compensation information for providing the error adjustment. The compensation information is based on the error and is determined at a compensation speed. The compensation speed is less than the channel speed. The method also includes communicating information to the transmitter for providing error adjustment. The information communicated to the transmitter may comprise the compensation information. The information communicated to the transmitter may also comprise intermediate information from which the compensation information is determined.

Abstract: A decision feedback equalizer includes a chip estimate buffer that forms chip estimates into a vector. A CCK decoder decodes the vector of chip estimates, and a CCK encoder, connected with the CCK decoder, re-encodes the vector of chip estimates into a valid CCK code word. At the same time, a chip slicer provides direct sliced chips from the chip estimates. An update module then forms a hybrid vector from the valid CCK code-word and the direct sliced chips for input to the feedback filter of the decision feedback equalizer. The hybrid feedback filter input vector reflects the CCK coding gain of its re-encoded portion thereby reducing the estimated chip error rate to improve the performance of the decision feedback equalizer.

Abstract: A channel impulse response is determined from a cross-correlation of a received training sequence and a stored version of the transmitted training sequence. The channel impulse response is iteratively cleansed of noise caused by the finiteness of the cross-correlation. Initial values of the tap weights for the taps of an equalizer such as a decision feedback equalizer may be determined based on the cleansed channel impulse response.

Abstract: A method acquires a plurality of input videos. The frames of each input video are acquired at a fixed sampling rate. Joint analysis is applied concurrently and in parallel to the input videos to determine a variable and non-uniform temporal sampling rate for each input video so that a combined distortion is minimized and a combined frame rate constraint is satisfied. Each input video is then sampled at the associated variable and non-uniform temporal sampling rate to produce output videos having variable temporal resolutions.

Abstract: In a video encoding method according to the present invention, an encoding mode controller 102 determines an encoding mode of each image on the occasion of encoding a moving picture consisting of a plurality of images, and a region partitioning unit 104 determines a region structural unit for partitioning the image into multiple regions, based on the encoding mode. A region determining unit 116 defines the regions on the basis of the region structural unit and information thereof is encoded. Then an encoder 105 compression-encodes pixel data included in the regions, in encoding units to generate compression-encoded data according to the encoding mode, and outputs the resultant data.