“Computer vision is in the early stages of development and the world of devices powered by this exciting technology can only grow from here,” said ARM’s CEO Simon Segars. “Apical is at the forefront of embedded computer vision technology, building on its leadership in imaging products that already enable intelligent devices to deliver amazing new user experiences.”
Apical, founded in 2002, employs approximately 100 people, mainly at an R&D centre in Loughborough. Its technology is said to have shipped in more than 1.5billion smartphones.
Michael Tusch, Apical’s CEO and founder, noted: “The products developed by Apical already enable cameras to understand their environment and to act on the most relevant information by employing intelligent processing. These technologies will advance as part of ARM.”
Amongst technologies acquired by ARM as part of the deal are: Spirit, which comprises dedicated silicon IP blocks that convert raw sensor data or video into a machine readable representation of an image; Assertive Display, which enables screens to adapt to changes in light by overcoming brightness limitations while reducing power consumption; and Assertive Camera, which improves dynamic range, noise reduction and colour management.
