Abstract: This invention provides a resolution control system for a display device, which may have a lighted display and control circuitry. The lighted display may be backlit, frontlit, or emissive. The resolution control system may have two or more digital-to-analog converters, which may be provided by digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry in the control circuitry. The DACs convert data values into an output voltage for controlling an operating parameter, which may be brightness, contrast, and the like. The DACs have a cascade arrangement where the output voltage of one DAC is the input voltage of another DAC.

Abstract: According to the system and the method of the present invention, a display's visibility is maintained depending on lighting conditions that are sensed by an ambient light sensor (16). Logic (10) is applied to the output of the light sensor (16) and in conjunction with a headlight status indicator (14) to determine whether daytime (D) or nighttime (N) lighting condition exists and to determine a brightness level (18) to be commanded to the display. The logic (10) of the present invention maintains a visible display even in situations where a vehicle's headlights are active during daylight lighting conditions.

Abstract: This invention provides a resolution control system for a display device, which may have a lighted display and control circuitry. The lighted display may be backlit, frontlit, or emissive. The resolution control system may have two or more digital-to-analog converters, which may be provided by digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry in the control circuitry. The DACs convert data values into an output voltage for controlling an operating parameter, which may be brightness, contrast, and the like. The DACs have a cascade arrangement where the output voltage of one DAC is the input voltage of another DAC.

Abstract: According to the system and the method of the present invention, a display's visibility is maintained depending on lighting conditions that are sensed by an ambient light sensor (16). Logic (10) is applied to the output of the light sensor (16) and in conjunction with a headlight status indicator (14) to determine whether daytime (D) or nighttime (N) lighting condition exists and to determine a brightness level (18) to be commanded to the display. The logic (10) of the present invention maintains a visible display even in situations where a vehicle's headlights are active during daylight lighting conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a brightness control system for a backlight display device that uses the efficiency of the backlight to control the backlight to a desired brightness or luminance. The backlight display device may have a display panel, a backlight, a temperature measurement device, and control circuitry. The control circuitry provides a drive current to the backlight in response to a backlight efficiency and a desired brightness signal. The backlight efficiency is a function of the backlight temperature. The brightness control system may maintain the desired brightness throughout the dynamic range of the backlight display device.

Abstract: A system for disabling display illumination includes an electronic device, such as a radio, navigation system or entertainment device having a graphical display that may be covered with a door for enhancing vehicle interior appearance. To allow the graphical display to be read during night time driving conditions, the graphical display includes some form of graphical back lighting. A transceiver is coupled to the electronic device and generates an infrared signal for inter-module communication. When the door is closed, this infrared signal is reflected back to the electronic device indicating that the door is closed. Using this reflected signal, the graphical back lighting may be disabled to eliminate light leaks and reduce heat buildup.