Image encoding transmitting and receiving system

An image data processing apparatus for receiving encoded data representing a succession of image frames, the encoded data being defined in block units of picture elements, selected pluralities of the block units forming the successive image frames, with each of the block units having at least one neighboring block unit, comprising:

• a decoder to reproduce the block units of picture elements of an image frame from the received encoded data;
• a frame memory to store the plurality of block units of picture elements of the image frame;
• an error detector to detect an error in receiving the encoded data representing a defective block unit;
• a motion vector detector to predict a motion vector of the portion of the image in the defective block unit from motion vectors of neighboring block units stored in the frame memory;
• and
• an error compensation unit to compensate for the defective block unit using the predicted motion vector.

An image data communication system for receiving a plurality of packet data including encoded data representing a succession of image frames each divided into a plurality of block units of picture elements, each of the block units having at least one neighboring block unit, comprising:

• a decoder to reproduce the block units of picture elements of an image frame from the received encoded data;
• a frame memory to store the plurality of block units of picture elements of the image frame;
• an error detector to detect discard of a packet including the encoded data representing a defective block unit;
• a motion vector detector to predict a motion vector of the defective block unit from motion vectors of neighboring block units stored in the frame memory;
• and
• an error compensation unit to compensate for the defective block unit using the predicted motion vector.

A method for receiving encoded data representing a succession of image frames, the encoded data being defined in a block unit of picture elements, pluralities of the block units forming the successive frames, with each of the block units having at least one neighboring block unit, comprising the steps of:

• decoding the block units of an image frame of picture elements from the received encoded data;
• storing the plurality of block units of picture elements of the image data;
• detecting an error in receiving the encoded data representing a defective block unit;
• predicting a motion vector of the portion of the image in the defective block unit from motion vectors of neighboring block units stored in the frame memory;
• and
• compensating for the defective block unit using the predicted motion vector.

A method for receiving a plurality of packet data including encoded data representing a succession of image frames each divided into a plurality of block units of picture elements, each of the block units having at least one neighboring block unit, comprising:

• decoding the block units of an image frame of picture elements from the received encoded data;
• storing the plurality of block units of picture elements of the image frame;
• detecting discard of a packet including the encoded data representing a defective block unit;
• predicting a motion vector of the defective block unit from motion vectors of neighboring block units stored in the frame memory;
• and
• compensating for the defective block unit using the predicted motion vector.