ENCODING DEVICE, ENCODING METHOD, AND ENCODING PROGRAM

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce an encoding delay and deterioration of image data which is finally obtained. SOLUTION: An encoding device variably determines the size of partial areas for dividing an input image within a maximum size determined by an allowable encoding delay time, and divides the input image into the partial areas. Then the encoding device allocates a code amount to be used to encode the partial areas according to the size of the partial areas which is determined and used to divide the input image. Thus, the encoding device encodes the partial areas whose size is determined with the allocated code amount. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT