Image encoding apparatus and image encoding method

An image encoding apparatus which encodes image data, comprising:

• means for cutting out a plurality of region images from the image data, and outputs the plurality of cut-out region images and position information associated with the cut-out region images;
• means for rearranging the plurality of cut-out region images;
• means for updating the position information of the plurality of rearranged region images;
• means for generating synthesis image by synthesizing the plurality of rearranged region images;
• and
• means for encoding the synthesis image and the updated position information.

An image encoding method which encodes image data for execution by an image encoding apparatus, comprising:

• cutting out, by the image encoding apparatus, a plurality of region images from the image data, and outputting the plurality of cut-out region images and position information associated with the cut-out region images;
• rearranging, by the image encoding apparatus, the plurality of region images which are cut out;
• updating, by the image encoding apparatus, the position information of the plurality of region images which are rearranged;
• generating, by the image encoding apparatus, synthesis image by synthesizing the plurality of region images which are rearranged;
• and
• encoding, by the image encoding apparatus, the synthesis image and the position information which is updated.