Method and apparatus for image encoding and decoding

An image decoding apparatus comprising:

• an entropy decoding unit configured to reconstruct encoded image data from a bitstream;
• an encoding level check unit configured to check an encoding level of the encoded image data;
• a decoding unit configured to decode the encoded data, construct a decoded picture based on the encoded data, and construct an output image corresponding to an input image of an image encoding apparatus in association with the decoded picture and the encoded level of the decoded picture;
• a reconstructed image generation unit configured to generate a first reconstructed image corresponding to the output image in association with the encoding level and at least one second reconstructed image corresponding to at least one pre-determined resolution, and
• a reference picture storage unit configured to store first reconstructed image and the at least one second reconstructed image,
• wherein the encoding level check unit checks whether or not input image is skipped and whether or not a spatial resolution of the input image is transformed.

An image decoding method comprising:

• reconstructing encoded image data from a bitstream;
• checking an encoding level of the encoded image data;
• decoding the encoded data;
• constructing a decoded picture based on the encoded data;
• constructing an output image corresponding to an input image of an image encoding apparatus in association with the decoded picture and the encoded level of the decoded picture;
• generating a first reconstructed image corresponding to the output image and at least one second reconstructed image corresponding to at least one pre-determined resolution, and
• storing first reconstructed image and the at least one second reconstructed image,
• wherein checking an encoding level of the encoded image data comprises checking whether or not input image is skipped and checking whether or not a spatial resolution of the input image is transformed.