Image encoding device, decoding device and encoding method, decoding method, and recorded program on which programs of the methods are recorded

An image encoding device comprising:

• an input pattern extractor extracting an input pattern from image data;
• a similarity enlarging portion connected to said input pattern extractor to set as an input pattern similar to an each extracted input pattern an input pattern dissimilar to the extracted input pattern and similar to an input pattern similar to the extracted input pattern;
• a representative pattern extractor connected to said similarity enlarging portion to compare extracted input patterns to extract a single representative pattern from input patterns determined as being similar to each other;
• and
• an encoding portion encoding an image of said representative pattern and a position of a coordinate of said input pattern.

An image encoding device comprising:

• an input pattern extractor extracting an input pattern from image data;
• a loop detection portion connected to said input pattern extractor to detect a number of annular portions in an extracted input pattern;
• a representative pattern extractor connected to said loop detection portion to receive an output from said loop detection portion for use in examining similarity between input patterns to be compared with each other, to extract a single representative pattern from similar input patterns;
• and
• an encoding portion encoding an image of said representative pattern and a position of a coordinate of said input pattern.

A method of encoding an image, comprising the steps of:

• extracting an input pattern from image data;
• comparing extracted input patterns for each constituent portion of the input patterns to extract a single representative pattern from similar input patterns;
• and
• encoding an image of said representative pattern and a position of a coordinate of said input pattern.

A computer-readable recording medium having recorded therein a computer-executable program of a method of encoding an image, said method comprising the steps of:

• extracting an input pattern from image data;
• comparing extracted input patterns for each constituent portion of the input patterns to extract a single representative pattern from similar input patterns;
• and
• encoding an image of said representative pattern and a position of a coordinate of said input pattern.