Qualcomm brings deep learning, ultra HD and edge compute to support powerful new connected smart cameras

Expanded Camera Platforms Include Updated Chipset Roadmap, Linux Support, High-end Processing and Analytics Software, and a 4G LTE Camera Reference Design

October 17, 2016

HONG KONG

Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) today announced that its subsidiary, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., has expanded its portfolio of technologies to support a new generation of video and imaging devices. The Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ connected camera portfolio includes a comprehensive suite of camera platforms featuring enhanced hardware and software capabilities for on-camera deep learning and video analytics, 4K HEVC video encoding, support for the Linux operating system, broad connectivity options including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® and advanced features for robust hardware-based security.

Snapdragon connected camera platforms are built on years of experience and technology utilized in billions of cameras in the mobile space, and are designed to help manufacturers accelerate development of smart, connected cameras in varied form factors including 360/VR, sports, bodycams, dashcams and IP security cameras. Updates to the platforms include:

• Snapdragon 625 processor: Built on a 14 nm process, the Snapdragon 625 is designed to use up to 25% less power compared to its predecessor in the camera chipset portfolio, while also designed to deliver 40% more CPU DMIPs processing with GPU and DSP for advanced imaging and deep learning processing. Already proven in smartphones, the processor features dual image signal processors for up to 24MP images and 4K video at 30fps HEVC capture, octa-core 64-bit CPU, an integrated X9 LTE modem for peak speeds up to 300 Mbps download/100 Mbps upload, and support for Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth and GNSS / location. These connectivity options are designed to allow for real-time streaming to social media platforms such as Facebook Live, YouTube, Twitter, Periscope and iQiyi. The integrated Qualcomm® Adreno™ 506 GPU is engineered to allow VR/360 cameras to process fisheye dewarping and stitching using inputs from multiple image sensors. This is designed to provide a richer and more consistent user experience compared to traditional panoramic photos using smartphones. The Snapdragon 625 also is designed to provide advanced hardware-based security features including secure boot, cryptographic hardware engines, trusted execution environment, and storage with rich security capabilities and secure key provisioning.
• Linux support : Qualcomm Technologies’ connected camera roadmap now supports Linux in addition to Android, designed to help accelerate time-to-commercialization for manufacturers. This allows access to a broad embedded software ecosystem and further security capabilities.
• Video analytics manager API and connected camera Software Development Kit (SDK): A feature-rich set of camera processing and analytics software capabilities including multi-stream, overlay, video HDR, temporal noise reduction, low bit rate codecs, voice activation, face detection and recognition, intelligent motion detection and object tracking. With such intelligence on the camera, customers can move from expensive, server-based video analytics in the cloud to efficient camera-based analytics. By only streaming data when qualified events happen, the camera platform is designed to reduce network bandwidth requirements and help minimize cloud storage costs.
• Snapdragon 625 IP camera reference design: All of the above were brought together in a 4K connected camera hardware/software platform to help manufacturers accelerate time to commercialization. The reference design was developed in collaboration with Thundercomm Technology Co., Ltd., who will provide worldwide distribution and technical support.

“Moving video analytics processing from the server to the camera at the point of capture opens up a new class of ‘conscious cameras’ with tremendous benefits in terms of reduced data streams, better image recognition and immediate alerts and actions,” said Raj Talluri, senior vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “With advanced connectivity, and computing technologies incorporated into the camera right at the point of capture, we push more intelligence to the edge, allowing deep learning to support highly accurate object recognition.”

With its expertise in imaging, video, connectivity and compute, Qualcomm Technologies is well positioned to deliver the technologies needed in IoT, and has already brought Snapdragon connected camera solutions to products such as the LG 360 CAM and LG Action CAM LTE.

The Snapdragon 625 IP camera reference design is anticipated to be available for select OEMs by the end of 2016, and is expected to be available in commercially available cameras shortly thereafter. For more information or to pre-order, visit http://store.thundercomm.com/ipc. Qualcomm Technologies will also showcase Snapdragon connected camera demos at Security China 2016, October 25 – 27, in the Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport Hotel, meeting rooms 6 & 7.