Hierarchy encoding apparatus and hierarchy encoding method

The claimed is a of the appropriate detention quantity, restraining bit rate of hierarchical encoder of a. In the device, the first code unit (101) for code to the n th the input signal, an first identification code. The first decoding unit (102) for generating first decoded signal from the first code identification, and a to the detention measuring computing unit (103) and second code unit (105). Retardation measuring computing unit (103) is the first decoded signal and input signal data reusing with the input signal of detention, the detention measuring device and a that claims to the detention unit (104). Retardation unit (104) with the input signal for detention to provide of the detention number of the detention measuring computing unit (103) to the second code unit (105). The second code unit (105) is the input signal of the first decoded signal and detention unit (104) provides is placed on the code.