Media processor architecture for video and imaging on camera phones

A dedicated media processor is used in many camera phones to accelerate video and image processing. Increased demand for higher pixel resolution and higher quality image and video processing necessitates dramatically increased signal processing capability. To provide the increased performance at acceptable cost and power requires redesign of the traditional architecture. By wisely partitioning algorithms across programmable and fixed- function blocks, the performance goals can be met while still maintaining flexibility for new feature requirements and new standards. In this paper we provide an overview of media processor architectures for camera phones and describe the system architecture, power, and performance. We also address the challenges in supporting new imaging trends and high resolution video at low power and cost.