Abstract: Signal processing is enhanced using a filtering arrangement that re-uses data in a register array for filtering consecutive pixel blocks. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, consecutive blocks of pixel data corresponding to an image and sharing an edge therebetween is filtered. The consecutive blocks of pixel data are read and loaded into first and second halves of a register array, and pixel data in registers on opposite sides of the edge is filtered and returned to the register array. After filtering, data in the first half of the register array is unloaded and written back to the memory. Data in the second half of the register array is then shifted to the first half of the register array and additional pixel data is read and loaded into the second half of the register array. The additional pixel data corresponds to the image, is consecutive to and shares an edge with the pixel data shifted to the first half of the register array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to controlling contrast in at least part of a picture. The contrast control is performed by reducing the saturation (2–4) of the picture during contrast increase (1).