"Camera Phone Image Quality -- Is Technology to Blame?:" I3A Track in the Emerging Technology Forum at CTIA Wireless Event, March 26 in Orlando.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- The International Imaging Industry Association (I3A), the leading global association for the imaging industry, will present a track in the CTIA Emerging Technology Forum entitled "Camera Phone Image Quality - Is Technology to Blame?" on Monday, March 26, immediately preceding the CTIA Wireless conference in Orlando, Florida.

Camera phones, unlike their digital still camera counterparts, are mass produced multifunctional devices. Demands for small form factors, reliability, low cost, durability, and high volume manufacturing processes all affect the capabilities of camera modules, constraining the overall quality of images captured using camera phones. The I3A session at CTIA will focus on technology that affects image quality and possible solutions to improve overall camera phone image quality.

Recently, I3A took the lead in standardizing image quality metrics for mobile phones by creating an industry-wide Initiative to identify image quality metrics and associated test methods, and to develop a quality rating system based on both objective and subjective data. Presenters at the March 26 event are leaders in this Initiative, and they will share what Initiative participants have learned so far.

"Image quality is the number-one barrier to expanded image usage and customer satisfaction for camera phone users, yet until I3A launched the Camera Phone Image Quality Initiative, the issue had not been addressed in a cross-industry manner," said Lisa Walker, I3A's president. "Because it affects every aspect of the camera phone ecosystem, we are taking advantage of this opportunity to share what we have learned with CTIA attendees."

Camera Phone Image Quality Metrics Issues

Lack of standards and metrics for measuring and testing camera phone

image quality is one of the key issues affecting the imaging industry today. Camera phones currently on the market with identical sensor (megapixel) resolution capabilities produce images vastly different in quality. Carriers struggle with handset purchasing decisions due to the lack of available metrics for testing and comparing devices - sometimes all they can be sure of is whether or not a capture device is present. Handset makers struggle with the complexities inherent in component-based, size-constrained devices and in measuring consistent quality in mass production environments. At the same time, both groups realize that image quality is important to consumers, to motivate them to print or share those images (and thereby produce revenue for vendors).

The March 26 Emerging Technical Forum on Camera Phone Image Quality will take place at 2:30 pm in Room 303 (third floor in the west building) of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Attendance at the full day of Emerging Technology sessions is $295; for more information, visit http://wwwetf2007.com.

About the International Imaging Industry Association (I3A)

I3A is the leading global imaging industry association, driving growth of and setting standards for the photographic and information imaging markets. As the industry focal point, I3A offers a framework and environment where members can quickly find resources to solve critical issues and develop market solutions. Members of I3A work together to find common ground for advancing the industry and to enable better products and services for their customers.

I3A is an accredited Standards Developing Organization, serving as secretariat for the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 42 (ISO/TC42) on Photography, and as administrator for the USA Technical Advisory Group for this committee. Information about I3A can be found on the World Wide Web at www.i3a.org or by phone at 914-285-4933.