An image decoding apparatus for decoding at least a first coded bit stream (203) into which header information of the H.263 coding scheme and image coded data encoded in the H.263 coding scheme are multiplexed, or for decoding a second coded bit stream (204) into which header information of the MPEG-4 coding scheme and image coded data encoded in the MPEG-4 coding scheme are multiplexed,
the image decoding apparatus comprising:
a coding scheme decision means (32) for making a decision as to whether a received coded bit stream is the first coded bit stream or the second coded bit stream in response to the first header information or to the second header information;
a setter (43) for setting image coding information to be used for decoding the received first coded bit stream (203) according to a syntax of the second coded bit stream (204) to be fixed value; and
a decoder (10) for decoding image coding information included in the header information of the MPEG-4 coding scheme from the received second coded bit stream (204),
wherein when the first coded bit stream (203) is received, the received first coded bit stream (203) is decoded according to the syntax of the second coded bit stream (204) based on the image coding information set by the setter (43), and when the second coded bit stream (204) is received, the received second coded bit stream (204) is decoded according to the image coding information decoded by the decoder (10),
wherein the image coding information includes motion vector searching range designation information set to a value of a motion vector searching range of the H.263 coding scheme by the setter (43).