Image processing apparatus and method

An image processing method comprising:

• by an image processing apparatus,
• decoding a bit stream to generate an image;
• and
• predicting the generated image, by reference to a list of reference images generated based on layer reference image information that controls reference images for each layer, the reference images being referable in a layer direction and referred in predicting the image that is the bit stream subjected to decoding processing.

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• a setting unit configured to set layer reference image information that controls reference images referable in a layer direction and referred in predicting an image;
• a prediction unit configured to generate a predicted image, by reference to a list of reference images generated based on the layer reference image information set by the setting unit;
• an encoding unit configured to encode the image using the predicted image generated by the prediction unit to generate a bit stream;
• and
• a transmitting unit configured to transmit the bit stream generated by the encoding unit, and the layer reference image information set by the setting unit.

An image processing method comprising:

• by an image processing apparatus,
• setting layer reference image information that controls reference images referable in a layer direction and referred in predicting an image;
• generating a predicted image, by reference to a list of reference images generated based on the set layer reference image information;
• encoding the image using the generated predicted image to generate a bit stream;
• and
• transmitting the generated bit stream, and the set layer reference image information.