Abstract: A system and method includes adjusting bit rate based on measured quality in a video conversion module. The video conversion module may be, for example, an encoder or a transcoder. In one embodiment, the video conversion module receives an input stream in a first format and converts the input stream to an output stream in a second format. The video conversion module is coupled to a bit rate controller that controls the bit rate of the output stream. A bit rate controller compares the output quality of the output stream to a target quality, and adjusts the output bit rate responsive to the comparison having a difference greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention can suppress the generated code quantity for each image increment so as not to exceeding the target code quantity without having a usage quantizing factor deviate greatly in a sure manner. An image encoding device (200) determines a basic quantization parameter (QPMB) serving as a basic quantizing factor to be predicted in the case that the main encoding generated code comes near the target code quantity at the time of encoding an input image (91). The image encoding device (200) encodes the input image (91) for each feedback control increment by executing quantization using an adapted quantization parameter (QPt) based on an average quantization parameter BaseQP serving as a usage quantizing factor determined based on at least the basic quantization parameter (QPMB).

Abstract: An image encoding apparatus encodes image data and includes an image encoding unit that receives an input of the image data and image parameters and generates encoded image data by performing image encoding on the image data with reference to the image parameters and furthermore binarizing and arithmetically encoding the image data. A parameter processing unit outputs, as parameter information, parameters that are included in the image parameters and that are referred to when the encoded image data is arithmetically decoded, and encodes the image parameters to generate and output encoded image parameters. A stream generation unit generates a stream including the encoded image data obtained from the image encoding unit and the parameter information and the encoded image parameters that are outputted from the parameter processing unit.

Abstract: A video processor is described, which is useful for implementing a quantization process, in compliance with the H.264 standard. The video processor includes an input, for receiving a block of image data. The image data is loaded into an internal register. In response to receiving a SIMD instruction, a quantizer, which incorporates the quantization lookup tables associated with the H.264 standard in its associated hardware, makes necessary high-level quantization decisions. In response to receiving another SIMD instruction, the quantizer uses those high-level quantization decisions to retrieve specific values from the quantization lookup tables.

Abstract: An apparatus performs efficient coding techniques to more efficiently locate motion vector data within neighboring video data units. The apparatus comprises a motion vector (MV) location unit that includes a look-up table (LUT), where the MV location unit obtains video data defining a plurality of video data units and processes the plurality of video data units. The apparatus further includes a geometric resolution unit that determines, while processing a current one of the plurality of video data units, which of the plurality of video data units neighbor the current video data unit. The MV location unit then accesses, for each of the neighboring video data units, the LUT to determine a location of a motion vector within a section of the video data to which the neighboring video data unit is associated.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video reproducing apparatus includes a video data generating device generating reproduction control video data for displaying a reproduction control image of video contents in a constant cycle on an occasion of reproducing the video contents; and an update cycle adjusting device making an update cycle in which the reproduction control video data is updated longer than the constant cycle, within a range in which all the reproduction control images which should be displayed by the reproduction control video data are displayed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a process determines a size of a video unit (e.g., frame) to transmit from a sender to a receiver across a communication channel for an associated video stream, and also determines an updated packet loss rate on the channel. In response, the process may dynamically determine both a number N of video data packets and a number M of forward error correction (FEC) packets to transmit for the video unit based on the size of the video unit, the updated packet loss rate on the channel, and an error resilience requirement for the video stream. In an illustrative embodiment, N and M are determined during transmission of the video stream through a look-up operation into a table indexed by the size of the video unit and the updated packet loss rate as co-indices, the co-indices co-indexing a pre-determined N and M pair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for staggercasting includes encoding a first signal representing content having a time duration and a second signal also representing that content. A time delay period is specified for the time duration of the content. A composite signal, comprising the first and second encoded signals, is generated. In the composite signal the first encoded signal is delayed with respect to the second encoded signal by the time delay period for the time duration of the content. If an error is detected in the composite signal, then the received second encoded signal is decoded to produce the content, otherwise the delayed received first encoded signal is decoded to produce the content.

Abstract: A video transmission method is provided, which includes receiving state information from at least one mobile terminal that intends to perform a video stream service through a wireless network, determining a size of an image by selecting a specified spatial layer bit stream on the basis of the state information of the mobile terminal from a plurality of spatial layer bit streams generated at different bit rates during encoding of the bit stream, selecting a specified time and an SNR layer bit stream by increasing or decreasing time of the image and a layer position of the SNR layer bit stream on the basis of network parameters included in the state information of the mobile terminal, and transmitting the bit stream generated by extracting the specified layer bit stream of the selected layer to the mobile terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communication of scaleable-coded audiovisual signals over multiple TCP/IP connections are provided. The sender schedules and prioritizes transmission of individual scalable-coded data packets over the plurality of TCP connections according to their relative importance in the scalable coding structure for signal reconstruction quality and according to receiver feedback. Low-latency packet delivery over the multiple TCP/IP connections is maintained by avoiding transmission or retransmission of packets that are less important for reconstructed media quality.

Abstract: Rate control is provided in a two-pass encoder. A first encoding pass is performed to encode an input video sequence. Coding statistics for the first encoding pass are collected. Target coding parameters for a second encoding pass are calculated based on the coding statistics for the first encoding pass. The second encoding pass is performed to encode the input video sequence at a constant bit rate (CBR) using the target coding parameters to form a second pass encoded stream.

Abstract: A quantizer and dequantizer for use in a video coding system that applies non linear, piece-wise linear scaling functions to video information signals based on a value of a variable quantization parameter. The quantizer and dequantizer apply different non linear, piece-wise linear scaling functions to a DC luminance signal, a DC chrominance signal and an AC chrominance signal. A code for reporting updates of the value of the quantization parameter is interpreted to require larger changes when the quantization parameter initially is large and smaller changes when the quantization parameter initially is small.

Abstract: The video stabilization method can generate output data for an output frame from input data of an input frame according to a perspective transform of a transform matrix. The input data used for the perspective transform can be obtained from a buffer of a predetermined depth. The transform matrix can be altered when the input data required for the transform exceeds the depth of the buffer.

Abstract: A video transmitter comprising a plurality of encoders may be operable to determine, for a transport stream, a constant overall number of bits per time interval corresponding to a frame in the transport stream. For each time interval corresponding to a start and an end of encoding of each of frames using each of the encoders, the video transmitter may allocate a target number of bits to each of the frames to achieve the constant overall number of bits. The allocation of the target number of bits may be based on frame types of the frames and CODEC types of the encoders, where the allocated target number of bits for each of the frames meets buffer overflow/underflow requirements associated with each of the encoders. A quantization parameter (QP) may be calculated and adjusted at each of one or more layers for generating an actual number of bits during encoding.

Abstract: A method for transcoding from an MPEG-2 format to a VC-1 format is disclosed. The method generally comprises the steps of (A) decoding an input video stream in the MPEG-2 format to generate a picture; (B) determining a mode indicator for the picture; and (C) coding the picture into an output video stream in the VC-1 format using one of (i) a VC-1 field mode coding and (ii) a VC-1 frame mode coding as determined from the mode indicator.

Abstract: An image decoding apparatus for decoding a bit stream includes a decoding unit that decodes the bit stream and generates a chroma component of quantized coefficients. In addition, the image decoding apparatus includes a setting unit that sets a chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of a luma quantization parameter weighted by an addition operation that adds a weight parameter. In addition, the image decoding apparatus includes a dequantization unit that performs dequantization on the chroma component of quantized coefficients using the chroma quantization parameter. Further, the image decoding apparatus includes a transform unit that performs an inverse orthogonal transform.

Abstract: A process for allowing a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication network to control the HSDPA downlink data rate received from a NodeB, said UE successively receiving blocks of data having a predetermined size (N), involving the steps of: —receiving (10) one block of data; —determining (20) the size N associated to said block of data; The process further includes the steps of: —comparing (30) the size N of said block with at least a first predetermined threshold (N1); —if the size N shows to be superior than said first threshold (N1), execute the following steps: —storing (40) said block; —issuing (50) a NACK message to said NodeB; —accessing (60) a predetermined Look-Up-Table (LUT) with the value of N1 as an input and extracting a corresponding CQI value (CQI_LUT); —reporting (70) the CQI being the minimum between the CQI measured by the UE and said CQI_LUT value to said NodeB.

Abstract: A decoding method decodes a bit stream in an image decoding apparatus. The method includes decoding, in a decoding unit in the image decoding apparatus, the bit stream, and generating a luma component of quantized coefficients and a chroma component of quantized coefficients. The method also includes performing, in a dequantization unit in the image decoding apparatus, dequantization on the luma component of quantized coefficients and the chroma component of quantized coefficients using a chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of a luma quantization parameter weighted by an addition operation.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus capable of optimal code amount control corresponding to an input source. The apparatus includes a first input unit which inputs the first moving image data, a second input unit which inputs the second moving image data, a selection unit which selects one of the first and second moving image data, a coding unit which encodes the first or second moving image data selected by the selection unit, a recording unit which records encoded moving image data output from the coding unit on a recording medium, a code amount control unit which controls the generated code amount of the encoded moving image data output from the coding unit, and a change unit which changes the control procedure of the code amount control unit in accordance with the selection result of the selection unit.

Abstract: A decoding method decodes a bit stream in an image decoding apparatus. The method includes receiving a weight parameter that is added to a luma quantization parameter as the bit stream. The method also includes decoding, in a decoding unit in the image decoding apparatus, the bit stream, and generating a luma component of quantized coefficients and a chroma component of quantized coefficients. Further, the method includes performing, in a dequantization unit in the image decoding apparatus, dequantization on the luma component of quantized coefficients using the luma quantization parameter and the chroma component of quantized coefficients using a chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of the luma quantization parameter weighted by an add operation of the weight parameter. In addition, the method includes performing, in a transform unit in the image decoding apparatus, an inverse orthogonal transform.

Abstract: An image decoding apparatus for decoding a bit stream includes a decoding unit that decodes the bit stream and generates a chroma component of quantized coefficients. The image decoding apparatus also includes a dequantization unit that performs a dequantization on the chroma component of quantized coefficients using a chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of a luma quantization parameter weighted by an addition operation. Further, the image decoding apparatus includes a transform unit that performs an inverse orthogonal transform.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for allocating and reallocating multimedia data between a base layer and an enhancement layer defined in a wireless modulation scheme. The reallocation techniques may vary depending on whether bidirectional predictive (B) frames were originally allocated to the base layer, and whether a re-encode request has been issued to encoders, e.g., to reduce the encoding rate to meet bandwidth constraints associated with a wireless communication channel. The described techniques may help to efficiently utilize channel resources, balance bandwidth between channels and possibly improve error resilience at the application layer. In some cases, the techniques can help to reduce overall aggregate bandwidth usage.

Abstract: The quantization parameter QP is well-known in digital video compression as an indication of picture quality. Digital symbols representing a moving image are quantized with a quantizing step that is a function QSN of the quantization parameter QP, which function QSN has been normalized to the most significant bit of the bit depth of the digital symbols. As a result, the effect of a given QP is essentially independent of bit depth a particular QP value has a standard effect on image quality, regardless of bit depth. The invention is useful, for example, in encoding and decoding at different bit depths, to generate compatible, bitstreams having different bit depths, and to allow different bit depths for different components of a video signal by compressing each with the same fidelity (i.e., the same QP).

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for second pass video coding in a multi-pass video coding scenario. The coding modes for some video blocks encoded during a second pass may be changed relative to the coding modes used for such video blocks in the first pass. However, motion information does not change for those video blocks that have the changed modes. In particular, mode changes can be made in the second coding pass relative to the modes used in the first coding pass without changing the manner in which motion information will be derived at the decoder, e.g., due to similarities between the original modes of the first pass and changed modes used in the second pass. The second pass coding techniques may also include quantization parameter adjustments, and the mode changes can cause such quantization parameter adjustments to have more profound refinements effects on the second pass coding.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for controlling a perceived quality of multimedia sequences to try to achieve a desired constant perceptual quality regardless of the content of the sequences. In particular, an encoding device may implement quality control techniques to associate a sequence segment with a content “class” based on the content of the segment, determine a perceptual quality metric of the sequence segment, and adjust at least one encoding parameter used to encode the segment is encoded such that for the perceptual quality of the sequence segment converges to the desired quality.

Abstract: An optical imaging system and associated methods for capturing images from an aircraft, such as a UAV. A camera unit on-board the aircraft is remotely controlled from an image control station. The image control station receives image data from the camera unit, and also delivers control signals for determining a viewing mode of the image.

Abstract: Quality settings established by an encoder are adjusted based on information associated with regions of interest (“ROIs”). For example, quantization step sizes can be reduced (to improve quality) or increased (to reduce bit rate). ROIs can be identified and quality settings can be adjusted based on input received from a user interface. An overlap setting can be determined for a portion of a picture that corresponds to an ROI overlap area. For example, an overlap setting is chosen from step sizes corresponding to a first overlapping ROI and a second overlapping ROI, or from relative reductions in step size corresponding to the first ROI and the second ROI. ROIs can be parameterized by information (e.g., using data structures) that indicates spatial dimensions of the ROIs and quality adjustment information (e.g., dead zone information, step size information, and quantization mode information).

Abstract: A streaming appliance having an internal quantizer is disclosed so that the bit rate of a streamed video can be adjusted based on the current conditions of a link between the streaming appliance and one or more target devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus efficiently encode multimedia data, such as live video streams. An encoding complexity of a predetermined time interval, such as 1 second, is estimated before the actual encoding that will be used. This permits the actual encoding to be performed with an a priori estimate of complexity, permitting the bits allocated for the predetermined time interval (bit rate) to be efficiently allocated within the predetermined time interval. Moreover, the estimated complexity can be provided to a device, such as a multiplexer, which can then allocate the available bandwidth for a collection of multiplexed video channels according to the encoding complexity anticipated for those video channels, which then permits the quality of a particular channel to remain relatively constant even when the bandwidth for the collection of multiplexed video channels is relatively constant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of inverse transform and sub-sampling having low computational complexity, wherein, a complicated inverse transform process is simplified, meanwhile, a sub-sampling is performed, in particular said simplified process is provided with a compensation scheme, and that is utilized to solve a distortion problem as incurred by said simplified process. This method can be utilized in a video or image codec, for an inverse transform and a sub-sampling from a frequency domain to a spatial domain, thus reducing computational complexity of a frame-size reduction transform, and increasing decoding speed. Said method is applicable in equal and unequal reduction ratios of a frame length and width.

Abstract: An image decoding apparatus for decoding a bit stream includes a receiving unit that receives the bit stream and a weight parameter that is added to a luma quantization parameter. The image decoding apparatus also includes a decoding unit that decodes the bit stream and generates a chroma component of quantized coefficients. Further, the image decoding apparatus includes a dequantization unit that performs dequantization on the chroma component of quantized coefficients using a chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of a luma quantization parameter weighted by the weight parameter. In addition, the image decoding apparatus includes a transform unit that performs an inverse orthogonal transform.

Abstract: A decoding method decodes a bit stream in an image decoding apparatus. The method includes receiving a luma quantization parameter and a weight parameter that is added to the luma quantization parameter as the bit stream. The method also includes decoding, in a decoding unit in the image decoding apparatus, the bit stream, and generating a luma component of quantized coefficients and a chroma component of quantized coefficients. Further, the method includes performing, in a dequantization unit in the image decoding apparatus, dequantization on the luma component of quantized coefficients using the luma quantization parameter and the chroma component of quantized coefficients using a chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of the luma quantization parameter weighted by an add operation of the weight parameter.

Abstract: An image decoding apparatus for decoding a bit stream includes a receiving unit that receives the bit stream and a weight parameter that is added to a luma quantization parameter. Further, the image decoding apparatus includes a decoding unit that decodes the bit stream and generates a chroma component of quantized coefficients. The image decoding apparatus also includes a setting unit that sets a chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of the luma quantization parameter weighted by an addition operation that adds the weight parameter. Additionally, the image decoding apparatus includes a dequantization unit that performs dequantization on the chroma component of quantized coefficients using the chroma quantization parameter. In addition, the image decoding apparatus includes a transform unit that performs an inverse orthogonal transform.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to techniques for video source rate control for video telephony (VT) applications. The source video encoding rate may controlled using a dual-buffer based estimation of a frame budget that defines a number of encoding bits available for a frame of the video. The dual-buffer based estimation technique may track the fullness of a physical video buffer and the fullness of the virtual video buffer. The source video encoding rate is then controlled based on the resulting frame budget. The contents of the virtual buffer depend on constraints imposed by a target encoding rate, while the contents of the physical buffer depend on constraints imposed by varying channel conditions. Consideration of physical video buffer fullness permits the video source rate control technique to be channel-adaptive. Consideration of virtual video buffer fullness permits the video source rate control technique to avoid encoding excessive video that could overwhelm the channel.

Abstract: A category setting part sets a type of a decoded image based on characteristics of the decoded image which are fineness of the decoded image and an intensity of movement of the decoded image. A code amount setting part sets a target code amount of an output image based on the type of the decoded image. A quantization step value setting part sets a quantization step value of the output image based on the target code amount of the output image. A transcoder can set the target code amount of the output image depending on fineness of the decoded image. The transcoder can distribute the target code amount of the output image to a reference image and a predicted image depending on the intensity of movement of the decoded image.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a computer-readable medium having instructions encoded thereon that when executed cause a method to be carried out. The method includes dividing at least a portion of a picture of a video stream into parts of blocks, and processing the parts in parallel by a plurality of interconnected processors. The processing of a respective part by its respective processor includes edge detection and color segmentation to determine block-level edge features including block-level color-segmented edge features. Each processor also performs coding functions on its respective part of the picture. The method also includes block-level processing using the block-level edge features to determine which blocks in the picture are likely to be that of a face, the block-level processing being at the granularity of at least a block.

Abstract: An improvement to a predictive video encoding method or apparatus that includes selecting a mode class within which to choose an encoding algorithm to encode individual blocks of video information. Rather than implementing each algorithm in each mode class to ascertain an acceptable compression, the improvement eliminates searching through a class of encoding modes based simply on heuristics. The method comprises obtaining statistical information related to previous blocks of encoded video information, determining a mode class within which to chose a particular encoding algorithm based on the statistical information (e.g., heuristics) gathered, choosing an algorithm within the selected mode class using conventional techniques, and encoding the video information according to the chosen algorithm. Statistical information may include quantization parameters, prior encoding decisions, intensity or frequency values, or Hadamard transform coefficients of previously encoded macroblocks.

Abstract: Motion estimation in video compressions systems. A programmable motion estimator may be used to estimate a motion vector for a macroblock in a current frame by searching for a matching macroblock in a previous frame. A controller may be used to program the motion estimator to perform a particular search.

Abstract: Provided are a filtering method and apparatus for removing blocking artifacts and ringing noise. The filtering method includes transforming video data on a block-by-block basis, and detecting the presence of an edge region in the video data by checking the distribution of values obtained by the transformation. Accordingly, it is possible to completely remove blocking artifacts and/or ringing noise by more effectively detecting the presence of an edge region in video data.

Abstract: A method including receiving a set of input data in a first matrix format. The method further includes compressing the set of input data to obtain a first set of compressed data in a second matrix format, where compressing the set of input data includes using a quantization equation, the quantization equation including Yq(i,j)=[(Y(i,j)+offset)<<n]/qs, where Yq(i,j) represents a coefficient in a matrix of the first set of compressed data having a coordinate (i,j), Y(i,j) represents a coefficient in a matrix of the set of input data having the coordinate (i,j), offset is an integer, << is a first bit-wise shift operator, n is an integer, qs is a real number. The method also includes sending the first set of compressed data to a first destination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encoding of video data incorporating loop filtering are disclosed. The method and apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention determines an initial loop filter level for a frame of the video data according to quality setting of the frame. The information associated with the initial loop filter level is incorporated in the bitstream corresponding to compressed video data. The loop filtering is applied to a macroblock without the need to wait for the whole frame reconstruction to complete. In another embodiment according to the present invention, the initial loop filter level may be refined according to stability associated with the frame. In yet another embodiment according to the present invention, the method may include determining whether segment mode is on or off and determining a frame-level or segment-level initial loop filter level accordingly.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for decoding compression-coded video data, including: at least one decoder that decodes the compression-coded video data; and a controller than controls processing executed by the decoder, wherein the controller, when a picture at a head of a decoding processing unit is an I-picture or a P-picture among decoded pictures output from the decoder, controls the decoder so that a decode start timing at which the decoder starts decoding and a display output timing at which the decoder starts outputting the decoded pictures are displaced from each other by a first predetermined number of pictures.

Abstract: An encoding manager facilitates robust single-pass variable bit rate video encoding of a video sequence. Before encoding the video sequence, the encoding manager determines the size of a buffer to use for keeping track of over/under used bits generated during encoding. The encoding manager uses the target bit rate for the video sequence and the length of the video sequence to determine the size of the buffer. After allocating bits to a frame of the sequence, the encoding manager determines the quant to use to encode that frame. The determination of a quant to use to encode a frame is informed by the fullness of the buffer. The encoding manager adjusts the quant to use (and thus the aggressiveness of its encoding) in response to the amount of overflow generated thus far by the encoding of the video sequence.

Abstract: A packetizing method for packetizing a bit stream in a packetizing apparatus. The packetizing method includes encoding, in an encoding unit in the multiplexing apparatus, a chroma component of image data using a chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of a luma quantization parameter weighted by an addition operation that adds a weight parameter and generating the bit stream. The method further includes packetizing, in a packetizing unit in the packetizing apparatus, the bit stream and generating a packetized stream.

Abstract: A multiplexing method for multiplexing a bit stream in a multiplexing apparatus. The method includes encoding, in an encoding unit in the multiplexing apparatus, a chroma component of image data using a chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of a luma quantization parameter weighted by an addition operation that adds a weight parameter and generating the bit stream. The method further includes multiplexing, in an multiplexing unit in the multiplexing apparatus, the bit stream and generating a system stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for encoding/decoding an input video complied with a fixed frame rate standard and adjusting bit-stream of an encoded/decoded video in real-time. The apparatus comprises a video encoder, a control circuit, an interface, and a buffer. The control circuit is used for monitoring the utility status of the buffer and thereby controlling the operation of the video encoder to achieve real-time adjustable time-varying throughput for various transmission environments.

Abstract: Video quality is improved by encoding video frames based on visual quality feedback received from recipients about decoded video. A video frame is encoded based on whether a previous decoded video frame comprises a severe degradation.

Abstract: A Method And Apparatus For Control of Rate-Distortion Tradeoff by Mode Selection in Video Encoders is Disclosed. The system of the present invention first selects a distortion value D near a desired distortion value. Next, the system determines a quantizer value Q using the selected distortion value D. The system then calculates a Lagrange multiplier lambda using the quantizer value Q. Using the selected Lagrange multiplier lambda and quantizer value Q, the system begins encoding pixelblocks. If the system detects a potential buffer overflow, then the system will increase the Lagrange multiplier lambda. If the Lagrange multiplier lambda exceeds a maximum lambda threshold then the system will increase the quantizer value Q. If the system detects a potential buffer underflow, then the system will decrease the Lagrange multiplier lambda. If the Lagrange multiplier lambda falls below a minimum lambda threshold then the system will decrease the quantizer value Q.

Abstract: An image decoding method is for decoding a bit stream in an image decoding apparatus. The method includes receiving the bit stream and a weight parameter that is added to a luma quantization parameter by an addition operation. The method also includes decoding, in a decoding unit in the image decoding apparatus, the bit stream and generating a chroma component of quantized coefficients. In addition, the method includes performing, in a dequantization unit in the image decoding apparatus, dequantization on the chroma component of quantized coefficients using the chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of a luma quantization parameter weighted by the weight parameter.

Abstract: This invention employs a scheme to allow an input video signal to undergo encoding, e.g., predictive encoding, DCT processing, quantization at fixed quantization step size and variable length encoding to generate first encoded data to determine (calculate) allocated code quantity every frame or every GOP on the basis of data quantity every predetermined time, e.g., every frame or every GOP of the first encoded data and total quantity of usable data to encode the input video signal every predetermined time on the basis of the allocated code quantity to generate second encoded data. Thus, variable rate encoding such that encoding rate changes every predetermined time is realized. As a result, even if pictures (frames) of complicated are successive, there is no possibility that quantization step size is caused to be large with respect to these pictures as in the conventional apparatus. Thus, uniform high picture quality can be obtained through the entirety.