Encoding device and encoding method, and decoding device and decoding method

An encoding method of performing encoding processing of image data to generate an encoded stream, comprising the steps of:

• generating shared-process identifying information that identifies by which of the encoding processing and decoding processing a process shared between the encoding processing of the image data and the decoding processing of the encoded stream is to be performed, or program identifying information that identifies which decoding program is to be selected from among a plurality of decoding programs that differ from each other in an assignment pattern in which a plurality of processes that constitute the decoding processing are assigned to a plurality of processing units or in an arrangement pattern of memories used by the plurality of processes;
• performing the encoding processing of the image data to generate the encoded stream;
• and
• transmitting the shared-process identifying information or the program selection information, together with the encoded stream.

A decoding device that performs decoding processing of an encoded stream obtained by performing encoding processing of image data, comprising:

• acquiring means for acquiring, together with the encoded stream, shared-process identifying information that identifies by which of the encoding processing and decoding processing a process shared between the encoding processing of the image data and the decoding processing of the encoded stream is to be performed, or program identifying information that identifies which decoding program is to be selected from among a plurality of decoding programs that differ from each other in an assignment pattern in which a plurality of processes that constitute the decoding processing are assigned to a plurality of processing units or in an arrangement pattern of memories used by the plurality of processes;
• decoding means for performing decoding processing of the encoded stream acquired by the acquiring means;
• and
• control means for controlling the decoding means so as to perform the decoding processing in accordance with a processing scheme indicated by the shared-process identifying information or the program identifying information acquired by the acquiring means.

A decoding method of performing decoding processing of an encoded stream obtained by performing encoding processing of image data, comprising the steps of:

• acquiring, together with the encoded stream, shared-process identifying information that identifies by which of the encoding processing and decoding processing a process shared between the encoding processing of the image data and the decoding processing of the encoded stream is to be performed, or program identifying information that identifies which decoding program is to be selected from among a plurality of decoding programs that differ from each other in an assignment pattern in which a plurality of processes that constitute the decoding processing are assigned to a plurality of processing units or in an arrangement pattern of memories used by the plurality of processes;
• performing decoding processing of the encoded stream;
• and
• performing a control that causes the decoding processing to be performed in accordance with a processing scheme indicated by the shared-process identifying information or the program identifying information.