New dual camera image processor suits smartphones and mobiles

SoC design specialist, Socionext, has introduced the 'M-12MO' (MBG967) processor, the latest addition to its lineup of Milbeaut image processors. The MBG967, which will be available in volume shipments starting in January, is mainly aimed at smartphones and other mobile applications. It supports dual camera, the latest trend in mobile applications, along with functionalities such as low light shot and depth map generation. The expansion of dual camera capabilities in the mobile camera market has been highly anticipated because dual cameras enable new functionalities previously considered difficult with mobile cameras. These include low light shot, which integrates images from colour and monochrome sensors, and the generation of depth maps, which can create background blur comparable to that of SLR cameras. The MBG967 is equipped with two sets of 1.5Gbps MIPI-Rx 4-lane, and can process signals from two image sensors simultaneously. It covers the basic requirement for dual cameras, and also supports the latest high-speed, high-accuracy auto focus, expanding the potential of photography in the mobile environment. By integrating the images from colour and monochrome image sensors, the MBG967 enables high-sensitivity, low-noise pictures. High-speed, high-accuracy auto focus supports high speed 'Phase Detect AF', in addition to conventional 'Contrast AF'. The MBG967 also supports 'Laser AF' which has an advantage in the low light conditions. Its 'Super Hybrid AF' utilizes these three AF methods in combination, always allowing faster and more accurate AF in varying conditions, says the company.