IMAGE ENCODING METHOD

摘要

An image encoding method generates an image encoding signal Str enabling rapid random access while preventing lowering of the compression efficiency. The method includes: a first reference limit step (step S106) for referencing pictures excluding pictures preceding the entry picture in the encoding sequence and the pre-entry picture, for the post-entry picture in an access unit (RAU) to be processed; and a second reference limit step (step S114 or step S116) for referencing pictures excluding pictures preceding the entry picture in the encoding sequence in the access unit (RAU) to be processed and the pre-entry picture of the access unit (RAU) to be processed, for the pre- entry picture in an access unit (RAU) immediately after.