IMAGE CODER AND IMAGE CODING PROGRAM

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image coder for videophones or the like capable of immediately replying a fast update request without the need for reserving an image memory all the time even when the intervals of received images are indefinite. SOLUTION: The image coder is provided with: an input selection section 103 for alternatively selecting an input image from a camera 1 or an input of a prediction reference image stored in the image memory 102 for an image coding section 302; and an image coding control section 101 provided with a function of controlling the input selection section 103. The input selection section 103 selects the prediction reference image as the input image when the image coding control section 101 receives an instruction of fast update from an opposite station 7 during coding of a moving picture and no input image from a camera 1 exists. Then the image coding control section 101 codes the input image. Thus, a reply time with respect to the fast update request when no input image exists can be shortened. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO