Predictive encoding and data decoding control

A decoding control method for controlling a process to decode encoded data obtained as a result of a predictive encoding process, said decoding control method comprising the steps of:

• determining one or fewest possible pictures, which must be decoded first before decoding a picture to be displayed after an edit point set in said encoded data but are not to be displayed;
• finding a start point representing a timing to start a process to decode said one or fewest possible pictures even though said one or fewest possible pictures are not to be displayed;
• controlling processes, which are carried out by a plurality of decoders for decoding said encoded data in order to decode said encoded data, in picture units, on the basis of said start point;
• and
• selecting one of pictures, which are obtained as results of said processes carried out by said decoders, on the basis of said edit point.

A program for driving a computer to carry out a decoding control process to control a process of decoding encoded data obtained as a result of a predictive encoding process wherein said decoding control process comprises the steps of:

• determining one or fewest possible pictures, which must be decoded first before decoding a picture to be displayed after an edit point set in said encoded data but are not to be displayed;
• finding a start point representing a timing to start a process to decode said one or fewest possible pictures even though said one or fewest possible pictures are not to be displayed;
• controlling processes, which are carried out by a plurality of decoders for decoding said encoded data in order to decode said encoded data, in picture units, on the basis of said start point;
• and
• selecting one of pictures, which are obtained as results of said processes carried out by said decoders, on the basis of said edit point.

An information-processing apparatus comprising:

• a picture detector for determining one or fewest possible pictures, which are not to be displayed but must be decoded first before decoding a picture to be displayed after an edit point described on an edit-point list, that is, a list of said edit point set in encoded data obtained as a result of a predictive encoding process;
• a start-point finder for finding a start point representing a timing to start a process to decode said one or fewest possible pictures determined by said picture detector even though said one or fewest possible pictures are not to be displayed;
• and
• a decoding control list maker for making a decoding control list describing at least said edit point and said start point as decoding control information for controlling processes carried out by a plurality of decoders for decoding said encoded data in order to decode said encoded data.

An information-processing method comprising the steps of:

• detecting one or fewest possible pictures, which are not to be displayed but must be decoded first before decoding a picture to be displayed after an edit point described on an edit-point list, that is, a list of said edit point set in encoded data obtained as a result of a predictive encoding process;
• finding a start point each representing a timing to start a process to decode said one or fewest possible pictures determined by said picture detector even though said one or fewest possible pictures are not to be displayed;
• and
• making a decoding control list describing at least said edit point and said start point as decoding control information for controlling processes carried out by a plurality of decoders for decoding said encoded data in order to decode said encoded data.

A program for driving a computer to carry out a predetermined process, said program comprising the steps of:

• determining one or fewest possible pictures, which are not to be displayed but must be decoded first before decoding a picture to be displayed after an edit point described on an edit-point list, that is, a list of said edit point set in encoded data obtained as a result of a predictive encoding process;
• finding a start point each representing a timing to start a process to decode said one or fewest possible pictures determined by said picture detector even though said one or fewest possible pictures are not to be displayed;
• and
• making a decoding control list describing at least said edit point and said start point as decoding control information for controlling processes carried out by a plurality of decoders for decoding said encoded data in order to decode said encoded data.