Inter-picture compression encoding apparatus and encoding method

An inter-picture compression encoding apparatus, comprising:

• inputting means for receiving decoded pictures;
• encoding means for encoding the decoded pictures;
• decoding means for decoding encoded pictures so as to generate re-decoded pictures;
• picture quality deterioration evaluating means for calculating a value that represents the deterioration of the picture quality for each picture of a GOP corresponding to the decoded pictures and the re-decoded pictures;
• and
• GOP phase deviation detecting means for detecting the deviation of GOP phases corresponding to a value that represents the deterioration of the picture quality.

An inter-picture compression encoding method, comprising the steps of:

• receiving decoded pictures;
• generating a signal that represents a picture type corresponding to the decoded pictures;
• and
• determining the deviation of GOP phases corresponding to the output signal at the picture type information generating step.

An inter-picture compression encoding method, comprising the steps of:

• receiving decoded pictures;
• encoding the decoded pictures;
• decoding encoded pictures so as to generate re-decoded pictures;
• calculating a value that represents the deterioration of the picture quality for each picture of a GOP corresponding to the decoded pictures and the re-decoded pictures;
• and
• detecting the deviation of GOP phases corresponding to a value that represents the deterioration of the picture quality.