An optimized design method of the infrared image processing system is proposed in this paper. The system adopts INFRARED-2500AS as the infrared detector. Based on a high performance digital media processor DM642

the captured infrared images are processed with several algorithms

such as image interpolation and histogram equalization. Video encoder is used in order to output infrared images. After explaining the system structure and the instruction process flow

the corresponding optimizing strategies of the hardware and the software is introduced

including system circuit design and an improved memory structure allocation. The multimedia instruction set of DM642 is also used for code optimization. Experimental results show that the speed and stability of the system have been remarkably improved

which could meet the requirements of large data volume

high-speed transmission and complex operations of the infrared image processing algorithm. The system can be applied in poor environments and will play an important role in the military and civilian fields

etc.