Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing video data and graphics data utilizing intensity scaling is accomplished by first determining whether video data or graphics data is being received. When video data is being received, the video data is processed based on a first intensity scaling range to produce intensity processed video data. When graphics data is being received, the graphics data is processed based on a second scaling range to produce intensity processed graphics data. The second intensity scaling range is smaller than the first intensity scaling range. Next, the intensity processed video data and/or the intensity processed graphics data is provided to a display via a digital-to-analog converter (i.e., a DAC). The DAC generates different scaled analog outputs depending on whether the data being converted is graphics or video, where the conversion of the video data is done with diminished intensity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing video data and graphics data with minimal visual differences is accomplished by retrieving the graphics data and the video data at a first clock rate. Having retrieved the video data, it is sampled at a second clock rate to produce sampled video data. The second clock rate is greater than the first such that the video data is sampled at a higher rate than the pixel rate of the computing device. The sampled video data is then filtered by a low-pass filter to produce filtered video data. The filtered video data is then mixed, based on a control signal, with the retrieved graphics data to produce a mixed signal that is subsequently displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling contrast of images when displayed on a monitor begins when signals corresponding to an image and a contrast feedback signal are received. The signals are mixed with the contrast feedback signal to produce image output signals. The contrast feedback signal is, in turn, determined based on the contrast level of the image output signals. As such, a closed loop feedback circuit is provided to control the contrast levels of the image output signals.

Abstract: A horizontal phase detection circuit and system detects the phase of the horizontal synchronization pulse for a horizontal synchronization phase lock loop using positive and negative fractional error compensation. The positive and negative fractional errors are determined to get a more accurate detection of where a horizontal synchronization pulse crosses a synchronization signal slice level. Using both positive and negative fractional compensation, the circuit and method detects the horizontal synchronization pulse width and center of the pulse. In addition, if desired, an adaptive slice level generator generates a variable slice level threshold based on a signal strength of the input video signal to facilitate improved detection in the cases where the video information is weak even after gain control has been applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing video signals comprised of gamma correcting pixel data of a first signal, gamma correcting pixel data of a second signal, adding the gamma corrected first and second signals to form a sum signal, dividing the sum signal by a factor to form a processed signal, and reverse gamma correcting the processed signal, whereby merged pixel data is produced for generation of a display.