DaVinci technology in high-volume digital cameras

Reference design allows high-performance digital cameras to be built at low cost for retail market

Texas Instruments is making available a production-ready software reference design for digital still cameras (DSCs), based on DaVinci technology.

Manufacturers can use the reference design to bring the type of burst capture performance found today only in digital single-lens reflex (D-SLR) cameras to low-cost, point-and-shoot digital cameras.

In addition, by enabling high-definition (HD) video on digital cameras priced as low as US $99, TI is setting a new bar for DSC performance at competitive retail prices.

TI's DSC design includes a highly flexible processor, software with enhanced post-processing algorithms and development framework.

The new reference design includes production-ready software for a completely functional digital camera, complete with scene modes, colour settings and various advanced features.

It also includes a suite of development tools, software and technical support.

In collaboration with Micron Technology, TI offers a version of the reference design that makes use of Micron's 8Mpixel CMOS image sensor to achieve full 8Mpixel resolution frame rates in excess of 5frame/s.

Using the Micron CMOS imager and TI's powerful processor based on DaVinci technology, burst capture modes are at least twice the performance found in the fastest CCD-based, point-and-shoot cameras today.

In addition, Micron's sensor combined with TI's reference platform delivers a low-power design with 720p (progressive) 30frame/s HD video capability.

TI is working to bring these new experiences to point-and-shoot digital cameras, creating life-like visualisation for consumers to enjoy for years to come.

"We are pleased to work with TI, providing a platform for camera manufacturers to design high-definition and high-resolution systems with D-SLR and HD camcorder capabilities for low-cost, point-and-shoot cameras", says Suresh Venkatraman, Director of Marketing for Micron's digital camera and camcorder segment.

Exploiting TI's new DSC reference design, original design manufacturers (ODMs) now have the ability to bring advanced features to the low-cost digital still camera market.

Consumers will benefit from real-time video stabilisation, face tracking at 30frame/s and rapid red-eye removal in less than 0.5s.

The platform includes features that will simplify consumer usage, allowing them to always take great pictures and video.

A high-performance noise filter that processes greater than 10Mpixel in one second, allows consumers to capture better pictures at high ISO-10000, in low light environments.

Faster power up time, shot-to-shot and instantaneous preview and playback are just a few more features made available to cameras that use the new DaVinci technology reference design.

"It is very exciting to see the class of products that our customers are introducing today using our DSC solution based on DaVinci technology", says Marcelo Vieira, General Manager, Digital Imaging group, TI.

"TI's extensive experience in the DSC market allows us to deliver an unmatched level of performance in the point-and-shoot category, without compromising quality".

The new reference design features a digital media processor based on DaVinci technology, is optimised for the digital camera market and may be beneficial for other digital imaging consumer electronics such as camcorders, digital photo frames, solid state digital video recorders, photo printers, video surveillance systems and many more.

The portfolio of products based on DaVinci technology includes processors, software, tools and support, addressing digital video requirements across a range of applications.

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