Moving picture encoding/decoding apparatus and method for processing of moving picture divided in units of slices

An encoding method by a moving picture encoder which includes a plurality of encoding units for processing a moving picture divided in units of slices, the method comprising:

• dividing an input image into image slices in units of slices;
• determining an encoding order of a plurality of macroblocks included in the image slices into which the input image is divided;
• simultaneously encoding the respective image slices according to the encoding order through use of the encoding units;
• and
• generating a bitstream through use of the encoded image slices.

A moving picture decoding apparatus for processing a moving picture which is divided in units of slices;

• the apparatus comprising:
• a slice divider which divides an input bitstream into bitstream slices in units of slices;
• an image decoder including a plurality of decoding units which receive and decode the bitstream slices, respectively;
• and
• a synchronization controller which determines a decoding order of the bitstream slices, and which controls the decoding units to decode the bitstream slices in parallel according to the decoding order.

A decoding method by a moving picture decoder which includes a plurality of decoding units for processing a moving picture divided in units of slices, the method comprising:

• dividing an input bitstream into bitstream slices in units of slices;
• determining a decoding order of a plurality of macroblocks included in the bitstream slices into which the input bitstream is divided;
• and
• simultaneously decoding the respective bitstream slices according to the decoding order through use of the decoding units.