Moving picture coding method, and moving picture decoding method

摘要

According to the present invention, a moving picture coding apparatus ( 70 ) for performing inter-picture predictive coding for pictures constituting a moving picture is provided with a coding unit ( 103 ) for performing predictive error coding for image data; a decoding unit ( 105 ) for performing predictive error decoding for an output from the coding unit ( 103 ); a reference picture memory ( 117 ) for holding output data from the decoding unit ( 105 ); and a motion vector detection unit ( 108 ) for detecting motion vectors on the basis of the decoded image data stored in the memory. When coding a B picture as a target picture, information indicating whether or not the target picture should be used as a reference picture when coding another picture is added as header information. Therefore, in a decoding apparatus for decoding a bit stream Bs outputted from the moving picture coding apparatus ( 70 ), management of a memory for holding the reference picture can be facilitated on the basis of the header information.