As third-generation mobile communication systems are poised for deployment around the world, competition and saturation in the current mobile communication markets are squeezing profits for operators, infrastructure and handset manufacturers, and the industries that serve them. To achieve increased future operating margin to pay for new systems, operators need to offer new value to end users. Digital imaging applications provide many opportunities to achieve this goal.

Many models of mobile communication devices with embedded imaging capability have been introduced already. However, the mere availability of image-enabled devices will not drive lasting demand. In parallel with these new devices, compelling applications that will drive increased value and viable market adoption must be developed. It is clear that handset-to-handset transmission of still and video images will provide richer content for the communication experience.

Digital still cameras have achieved an early adoption among photo enthusiasts, but since there are many camera users without PC and Internet connections, the current model for digital photography will be limited. While the digital darkroom is interesting to some, the majority of picture takers favor convenience, ease of use and low cost in their photo-imaging experience.

This new use model improves upon the digital photography experience and will result in increased revenue for operators from new applications such as album and print services.

Transmission of these larger image files from the mobile-imaging device will be easily accommodated by the increased bandwidth of the new mobile communication systems. The higher-resolution files can be handled using nonlatency-critical network management of the overall system resources to improve network utilization.

Security applications are another area where digital imaging has started to contribute. Until now, remote access to security cameras via PC and Internet connections has limited deployment to those locations where a secure, wired, dedicated Internet connection can be established. A wireless imaging communication device, however, can be easily deployed in virtually any location, perhaps with only a need for periodic or trickle charging to maintain power to the device.

Adoption of these concepts, or other possibilities such as videoconferencing, will require applications that can be cost-effectively scaled to serve millions of customers and can deliver image content in the appropriate form to the end user. These new applications will provide operators with much-needed new revenue sources to help fuel further deployment and improved profitability.

Jason Hartlove is image capture and navigation business unit manager for Agilent Technologies.