Fujitsu Announces Sixth Generation Milbeaut Image Processor

Fujitsu has just announced the introduction of a new chip in its Milbeaut series of imaging processors which promises to deliver improved image quality as well as higher continuous shooting speeds to digital cameras as well as camcorders, since the SoC is also Full HD compliant.

Dubbed the MB91696AM, the new image processor is based on two ARM cores which provide the power required for Fujitsu's SoC to deliver real-time noise correction and filter processing.

In addition, the two ARM processors are also used for compressing the images captured in order to reduce the amount of data which has to be transferred by the chip.

This enables the image processor to shoot 8 frames per second at 14 megapixels and 5.5 frames per second at 20 megapixels, a fivefold improvement over the previous generation, according to Fujitsu.

As far as video recording is regarded, the MB91696AM is capable of capturing images at Full HD resolutions which are then encoded using the newly developed H.264 codec engine.

This uses a special algorithm that was developed in collaboration with the Fujitsu Laboratories and is designed to enable users to record clear, low-noise videos, even in challenging situations.

Fujitsu's Milbeaut line of image processors has been widely adopted in digital cameras, mobile phone cameras and other devices since its release in 2000.

“In recent years, the shift toward high-definition technology in the market for AV devices, including digital cameras, mobile phone cameras, and digital camcorders, has been accompanied by heightened demand for increasingly higher resolutions for capturing high-speed photographs and HD movies.

“Fujitsu Semiconductor has responded to these challenges by enhancing its proprietary Milbeaut image processing algorithm and H.264 Full HD codec engine, thereby meeting the high-resolution needs of users, from still images to HD movies, using a single chip,” reads Fujitsu's press release.

Samples of Fujitsu’s new MB91696AM will start shipping in April 2011 and have been priced at 3,000 Yen, Fujitsu expecting 1 million units/month to be sold after its introduction.