Image encoding apparatus and method of same, video camera, image recording apparatus, and image transmission apparatus

An image encoding method, including the steps of:

• dividing an input image into N number of areas to generate N number of divided image signals corresponding to the areas;
• encoding said generated N number of image signals to generate N number of encoded image signals;
• and
• integrating said generated N number of encoded image signals to generate a single encoded image signal corresponding to said input image, wherein
• said encoding is carried out on image signals of the areas close to a boundary of said division by a predetermined encoding method and/or predetermined encoding conditions the same among the divided image signals giving less deterioration of the image quality in comparison with image signals of other areas.

A video camera, comprising:

• a camera for photographing any image to generate an image signal;
• a dividing means for dividing said photographed image to N number of areas to generate N number of divided image signals corresponding to the areas based on said generated image signal;
• an encoding means for encoding said generated N number of divided image signals respectively to generate N number of encoded image signals, which encodes the image signals of the areas close to a boundary of said division by a predetermined encoding method and/or predetermined encoding conditions the same among the divided image signals giving less deterioration of the image quality in comparison with image signals of other areas;
• an integrating means for integrating said generated N number of encoded image signals to generate a single encoded image signal in response to said input image;
• and
• a recording means for recording said integrated encoded image signal on a recording medium.

An image recording apparatus, comprising:

• a dividing means for dividing an input image to N number of areas to generate N number of divided image signals corresponding to the areas;
• an encoding means for encoding said generated N number of divided image signals respectively to generate N number of encoded image signals, which encodes the image signals of the areas close to a boundary of said division by a predetermined encoding method and/or predetermined encoding conditions the same among the divided image signals giving less deterioration of the image quality in comparison with image signals of other areas;
• an integrating means for integrating said generated N number of encoded image signals to generate a single encoded image signal in response to said input image;
• and
• a recording means for recording said integrated encoded image signal on a recording medium.

An image transmission apparatus, comprising:

• a dividing means for dividing an input image to N number of areas to generate N number of divided image signals corresponding to the areas;
• an encoding means for encoding said generated N number of divided image signals respectively to generate N number of encoded image signals, which encodes the image signals of the areas close to a boundary of said division by a predetermined encoding method and/or predetermined encoding conditions the same among the divided image signals giving less deterioration of the image quality in comparison with image signals of other areas;
• an integrating means for integrating said generated N number of encoded image signals to generate a single encoded image signal in response to said input image;
• and
• a transmission means for transmitting said integrated encoded image signal.