Encoding method, decoding method, encoding apparatus, decoding apparatus, and encoding and decoding apparatus

摘要

This image encoding method encodes at least one unit contained in a picture, and includes: a first flag generating step (S221) for generating a first flag indicating whether or not the times that a virtual decoder reads encoded data from a buffer for storing the encoded data are set in units of the units; a second flat generating step (S222) for, when the times are set in units of the units, generating a second flag indicating whether the intervals between the read times of the plurality of units are fixed or arbitrary; and a bitstream generation step (S223) for generating an encoded bitstream containing the encoded data, the first flag, and the second flag.