Before a photograph can be shown on the display of a camera phone, the captured image data must first be processed. This processing sequence, called an imaging chain, contains the functions to construct the image from the sensor's data, adjust the color of the image, attenuate noise and geometrical distortion, and adjust sharpness of the image.

The imaging chain, combined with the optical path and imaging sensor, all contribute to the quality of the resulting picture. The challenge for research is to develop processing methods that improve the image but are not too complicated for the phone engine to calculate or that would take too long to complete.

References:
1 B. E. Bayer and Eastman Kodak Company, "Color Imaging Array", US Patent 3 971 065, 1975.
2 J. F. Hamilton, Jr. and J. E. Adams, Jr., "Adaptive Color Plan Interpolation in Single sensor Color Electronic Camera", US patent 5,629,734, May 13, 1997.
3 O. Kalevo and H. Rantanen, "Noise Reduction Techniques for Bayer-Matrix Images", Sensors and Camera systems for scientific, industrial, and digital photography applications III, Proceedings of SPIE vol. 4669, 2002.
4 O. Kalevo and H. Rantanen, "Sharpening Methods for Images Captured through Bayer Matrix", Sensors, Cameras, and Applications for Digital Photography V, IS&T/SPIE's Electronic Imaging Science and Technology conference 2003, Santa Clara.