Visual Enhancement Engine enables next generation mobile multimedia experiences

In order to deliver a power-efficient, yet flexible solution for the multitude of use cases, application and baseband processors and LCD displays, QuickLogic and Apical Limited partnered to architect and develop the optimal blend of Apical algorithms with QuickLogic's video enhancement algorithms and patented ViaLink programmable fabric for mobile and portable multimedia products. The core of the VEE technology is based on the proven iridix algorithm licensed from Apical Limited, developed by scientists from the ground up to model the methods that the human eye uses to adapt viewed scenes and images to changing ambient light conditions.

Multimedia capabilities have become the key selection criteria for mobile devices because they are core to the user experience, says QuickLogic's Vice President of Solutions Marketing Brian Faith. Apple's success with the iPhone has prompted the entire mobile device value chain into finding novel ways of enhancing the visual experience of the consumer. Mobile liquid crystal displays provide only limited contrast, easily washing out images in bright ambient light or with sunlight reflections. The traditional response to resolve this problem has been to increase the backlight, but that has a negative effect on battery life. VEE technology provides a best-in-class alternative to this approach, providing both visual enhancement and improved battery life at the same time for the use cases most critical to mobile products being launched now and in the coming years.

By intelligently re-mapping display data to enhance sub-regional variations, VEE improves the viewability of images and video without affecting on-screen graphics, an important use case when consumers have a split-screen between web browsing and Mobile TV or YouTube functionality. VEE also allows a mobile device to provide a superior user experience in outdoor and bright ambient light environments without increasing the LCD backlight, thus preserving precious battery life. In indoor or low ambient light conditions, VEE allows the mobile device to operate with a lower LCD backlight while maintaining the visual experience, a common use case when watching movies on a mobile device during an airplane flight. One of the true benefits of the VEE architecture is that its settings can be updated in real-time, adapting the algorithm as the ambient lighting conditions change.

The VEE technology will be included in QuickLogic's library of Proven System Blocks (PSBs) and can be implemented in multiple silicon platforms, ultimately being delivered to OEMs and ODMs as a Customer Specific Standard Product (CSSP). Its introduction underscores the company's strategy to create next generation solutions that address key design concerns in the mobile industry. QuickLogic's CSSPs have been providing intelligent connectivity for mobile devices for over a year now, says Faith. With VEE, we are expanding our portfolio to bring innovative solutions to market that solve relevant and time-critical user experience challenges that OEMs and ODMs are faced with today.

As with all QuickLogic silicon platforms, QuickLogic's onboard programmable fabric enables unprecedented design flexibility for customisation of the CSSP to the exact customer requirements. In alignment with the requirements of the mobile market, QuickLogic has developed a packaging strategy to support both small form factor ball grid array (BGA) as well as wafer level chip scale packaging (WL-CSP).

The Visual Enhancement Engine is available now as a PSB for QuickLogic's PolarPro family of programmable solution platforms. It is also being integrated as a hard logic implementation in the next generation of the company's ArcticLink solution platform line, with sampling expected in Q3 2008.