Image encoder, image decoder, and image processing method

An image decoder configured to process a bitstream including information corresponding to an image, the image decoder comprising:

• a flag detector configured to detect a flag indicating relative direction information between a target pixel which is a target to be compressed and a reference pixel selected from a plurality of candidate pixels located adjacent to the target pixel;
• and
• a decompressor configured to decode the bitstream to generate a restored pixel with respect to the target pixel,
• wherein the reference pixel has a first pixel value, among the plurality of candidate pixels, closest to a second pixel value of the target pixel, and
• wherein the decompressor is further configured to restore the target pixel by identifying a pixel corresponding to a position of the reference pixel as a restored reference pixel, based on the flag,
• wherein the image is generated by passing through a plurality of color filters, and
• wherein each of the plurality of candidate pixels is generated by passing through first color filters, among the plurality of color filters, that is same as a second color filter, among the plurality of color filters, that the target pixel passed through.

An image processing method comprising:

• searching, on an image, for a target pixel and a plurality of candidate pixels located adjacent to the target pixel;
• comparing the target pixel with the plurality of candidate pixels;
• identifying, among the plurality of candidate pixels, a reference pixel most similar to the target pixel, based on a comparison result;
• generating a flag indicating relative direction information between the target pixel and the reference pixel;
• and
• encoding the comparison result,
• wherein the image is compressed based on the flag and the encoded comparison result,
• wherein the image is generated by passing through a plurality of color filters, and
• wherein each of the plurality of candidate pixels is generated by passing through first color filters, among the plurality of color filters, that is same as a second color filter, among the plurality of color filters, that the target pixel passed through.