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iCatch Technology unveils next-generation AI imaging SoC V77: empowering low-power wearable cameras

Staff reporter, Taipei, DIGITIMES Asia

V77, AI Imaging SoC designed for wearable cameras applications. Photo: iCatch Technology

iCatch Technology, a leading AI image processing IC design company, has recently launched the V77 AI Imaging SoC capable of recording 4K 60fps videos. Despite its enhanced system performance, the V77 maintains low power consumption, delivering a richer user experience for sports cameras and drone applications.

V77, AI Imaging SoC designed for wearable cameras applications. Photo: iCatch Technology

V77, AI Imaging SoC designed for wearable camera applications. Photo: iCatch Technology

Sports cameras have become increasingly popular for travelers, evolving from traditional digital cameras and smartphones. In recent years, various products such as drones, panoramic cameras, and gimbal cameras have emerged with demands for low power consumption, high image quality, and high frame rates, posing significant challenges for conventional Imaging SoCs. Since its inception, iCatch Technology has been dedicated to providing solutions primarily for Japanese digital camera applications. Over the past two decades, the company has witnessed the continuous evolution and development of sports cameras, demonstrating a profound understanding of product experience and customer needs. From video dimensions of visibility (high dynamic range imaging), clarity (low-noise high-definition imaging), and understanding (AI image recognition) to audio dimensions of audibility (real-time listening), clarity (noise cancellation), and understanding (AI voice recognition), iCatch Technology has been advancing the wearable imaging application, accumulating a solid reputation for its products. With solutions tailored to product needs and high integration, the company has facilitated rapid mass production for its customers.

The V77 AI Imaging SoC integrates iCatch Technology's 8th-generation dual-core AI Image Signal Processor (AI-ISP), supporting low-latency AI noise reduction and low-light full-color technology. Equipped with 120dB High Dynamic Range processing comparable to human vision, coupled with Local Tone Mapping (LTM) technology, the V77 supports multiple camera inputs, real-time image distortion correction and stitching, and includes the 3rd-generation high-precision multi-axis Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) engine. Additionally, it features a 1.5 TOPS efficient AI Neural Processor Unit (NPU) accelerator, complemented by low-power Smart H.265 codec for high-definition streaming applications. Moreover, the V77 supports continuous shots up to 48 Megapixels at 10 frames per second, integrates an audio signal processor DSP supporting audio 3A (AGC, ANS, AEC) algorithms, and features USB3.2 Host/Device dual-function interface and SDIO 3.0 expansion interface with speeds of up to 208MHz, significantly enhancing external data transfer rates for USB, LTE Dongle, Wi-Fi and other applications. With advanced memory compression and access technology, as well as LPDDR4 support, it further enhances memory bandwidth for image processing and AI computing. Employing an industry-leading 8-bit Dual Transfer Rate (DTR) Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) and Fast Boot technology, the V77 doubles the system's cold boot speed, ensuring a seamless product experience of instant capture upon boot-up.

As consumer demands for photography continue to diversify, and product applications become increasingly specialized, iCatch Technology is committed to developing more efficient and intelligent imaging SoCs. Through continuous technological innovation and product research and development, the company aims to continually empower intelligent imaging products and applications.