Image display apparatus and method for operating the same

An image display apparatus and a method for operating the same are disclosed. The method for operating an image display apparatus includes entering a three-dimensional (3D) setting menu, upon receipt of a 3D view input, displaying the 3D setting menu on a display, for setting at least one of a 3D format or an ordering of left-eye and right-eye images that form a 3D image, and displaying a 3D image obtained by performing 3D processing on an input image according to the set 3D format or the set ordering of left-eye and right-eye images on the display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image display apparatus and a method for operating the same, and more particularly, to an image display apparatus for increasing user convenience when displaying a three-dimensional (3D) image and a method for operating the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

An image display apparatus has a function of displaying images viewable to a user. The image display apparatus can display a broadcast program selected by the user on a display from among broadcast programs transmitted from broadcasting stations. The recent trend in broadcasting is a worldwide shift from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting.

As it transmits digital audio and video signals, digital broadcasting offers many advantages over analog broadcasting such as robustness against noise, less data loss, ease of error correction, and the ability to provide high-definition, clear images. Digital broadcasting also allows interactive services for viewers.

Many studies have recently been conducted on 3D imaging and stereoscopy is being widely accepted and popular in computer graphics and other various environments and technologies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an image display apparatus for increasing user convenience when displaying a 3D image and a method for operating the same.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an image display apparatus for enabling a user to easily select a 3D format or an ordering of left-eye and right-eye images that form a 3D image, when displaying the 3D image, and a method for operating the same.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a method for operating an image display apparatus, including entering a 3D setting menu, upon receipt of a 3D view input, displaying the 3D setting menu on a display, for setting at least one of a 3D format or an ordering of left-eye and right-eye images that form a 3D image, and displaying a 3D image obtained by performing 3D processing on an input image according to the set 3D format or the set ordering of left-eye and right-eye images on the display.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, provided herein is a method for operating an image display apparatus, including receiving a left-eye image and a right-eye image, generating a first 3D image according to a left-eye and then right-eye image ordering, generating a second 3D image according to a right-eye and then left-eye image ordering, generating a third 3D image using at least part of the first 3D image and at least part of the second 3D image, and displaying the third 3D image on a display.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, provided herein is a method for operating an image display apparatus, including entering a 3D setting menu, displaying an object indicating a plurality of 3D formats and an object for setting an ordering of left-eye and right-eye images that form a 3D image in a first area of a display, and displaying, upon selection of one of the plurality of 3D formats and then upon selection of an ordering of left-eye and right-eye images according to the selected 3D format, a 3D image in a second area of the display according to the selected 3D format and the selected ordering of left-eye and right-eye images.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, provided herein is a method for operating an image display apparatus, including entering a 3D setting menu, displaying an object indicating a plurality of 3D formats in a first area of a display, and displaying, upon selection of one of the plurality of 3D formats, a first 3D image based on a left-eye and then right-eye image ordering and a second 3D image based on a right-eye and then left-eye image ordering in a second area of the display.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, provided herein is a method for operating an image display apparatus, including entering a 3D setting menu, displaying an object indicating a plurality of 3D formats in a first area of a display, and displaying, upon selection of one of the plurality of 3D formats, a 3D image in a second area of the display according to the selected 3D format.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, provided herein is an image display apparatus including a display for displaying a 3D setting menu for setting at least one of a 3D format and an ordering of left-eye and right-eye images that form a 3D image, and a controller for generating a 3D image by performing 3D processing on an input image according to the set 3D format or the set ordering of left-eye and right-eye images and controlling the 3D image to be displayed on the display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

The terms “module”, “portion”, and “unit” attached to describe the names of components are used herein to help the understanding of the components and thus they should not be considered as having specific meanings or roles. Accordingly, the terms “module” and “portion” may be interchangeable in their use.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an image display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, an image display apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a tuner110, a demodulator120, an external device interface130, a network interface135, a storage140, a user input interface150, a controller170, a display180, an audio output portion185, and an additional 3D display195.

The tuner110selects a Radio Frequency (RF) broadcast signal corresponding to a channel selected by a user from among a plurality of RF broadcast signals received through an antenna or an RF broadcast signal corresponding to each of pre-memorized channels and downconverts the RF broadcast signal to a digital Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal or an analog baseband Audio/Video (A/V) signal.

More specifically, if the RF broadcast signal is a digital broadcast signal, the tuner110downconverts the RF broadcast signal to a digital IF signal, DIF. On the other hand, if the RF broadcast signal is an analog broadcast signal, the tuner110downconverts the RF broadcast signal to an analog baseband A/V signal, CVBS/SIF. That is, the tuner110may be a hybrid tuner capable of processing not only digital broadcast signals but also analog broadcast signals. The analog baseband A/V signal CVBS/SIF may be directly input to the controller170.

The tuner110may be able to receive RF broadcast signals from an Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) single-carrier system or from a Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) multi-carrier system.

The tuner110may sequentially select RF broadcast signals corresponding to all broadcast channels previously memorized in the image display apparatus100by a channel-add function among from a plurality of RF signals received through the antenna, and may downconvert the selected RF broadcast signals to IF signals or baseband A/V signals.

The demodulator120receives the digital IF signal DIF from the tuner110and demodulates the digital IF signal DIF.

For example, if the digital IF signal DIF is an ATSC signal, the demodulator120performs 8-Vestigal SideBand (VSB) demodulation on the digital IF signal DIF. The demodulator120may also perform channel decoding. For the channel decoding, the demodulator120may include a Trellis decoder (not shown), a deinterleaver (not shown) and a Reed-Solomon decoder (not shown) and thus perform Trellis decoding, deinterleaving and Reed-Solomon decoding.

For example, if the digital IF signal DIF is a DVB signal, the demodulator120performs Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (COFDMA) demodulation on the digital IF signal DIF. The demodulator120may also perform channel decoding. For the channel decoding, the demodulator120may include a convolution decoder (not shown), a deinterleaver (not shown), and a Reed-Solomon decoder (not shown) and thus perform convolutional decoding, deinterleaving, and Reed-Solomon decoding.

The demodulator120may perform demodulation and channel decoding on the digital IF signal DIF received from the tuner120, thereby obtaining a stream signal TS. The stream signal TS may be a signal in which a video signal, an audio signal and a data signal are multiplexed. For example, the stream signal TS may be a Moving Picture Experts Group-2 (MPEG-2) Transport Stream (TS) signal obtained by multiplexing an MPEG-2 video signal and a Dolby AC-3 audio signal. The MPEG-2 TS signal may include a 4-byte header and a 184-byte payload.

In order to properly handle not only ATSC signals but also DVB signals, the demodulator120may include an ATSC demodulator and a DVB demodulator.

The stream signal TS may be input to the controller170and thus subjected to demultiplexing and A/V signal processing. The processed video and audio signals are output to the display180and the audio output portion185, respectively.

The external device interface130may interface between an external device190and the image display apparatus100. For the interfacing, the external device interface130may include an A/V Input/Output (I/O) portion (not shown) or a wireless communication module (not shown).

The external device interface130may be connected wirelessly or wiredly to the external device190such as a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a Blu-ray disc, a game player, a camera, a camcorder, or a computer (e.g. a laptop computer). Then, the external device interface130receives video, audio, and/or data signals from the external device190and transmits the received external input signals to the controller170. In addition, the external device interface130may output video, audio, and/or data signals processed by the controller170to the external device190. In order to receive or transmit audio, video, and/or data signals from or to the external device190, the external device interface130may include the A/V I/O portion (not shown) or the wireless communication module (not shown).

To provide the video and audio signals received from the external device190to the image display apparatus100, the A/V I/O portion may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a Composite Video Banking Sync (CVBS) port, a component port, a Super-video (S-video) (analog) port, a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) port, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port, a Red-Green-Blue (RGB) port, and a D-sub port.

The wireless communication module may perform short-range wireless communication with other electronic devices. For the short-range wireless communication over a network, the wireless communication module may operate in compliance with communication standards such as Bluetooth, Radio-Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA).

The external device interface130may be connected to various set-top boxes through at least one of the USB port, the CVBS port, the component port, the S-video port, the DVI port, the HDMI port, the RGB port, and the D-sub port and may thus receive data from or transmit data to the various set-top boxes.

Further, the external device interface130may transmit data to or receive data from the additional 3D display195.

The network interface135interfaces between the image display apparatus100and a wired/wireless network such as the Internet. The network interface135may include an Ethernet port for connection to a wired network. For connection to wireless networks, the network interface135may operate in conformance with communication standards such as Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (i.e., Wi-Fi), Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), and High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA).

The network interface135may receive contents or data from the Internet, a content provider, or a network provider over a network. Specifically, the received contents or data may include contents such as movies, advertisements, games, Video-on-Demand (VoD) files, and broadcast signals and information related to the contents. The network interface135may also receive update information and update files of firmware from the network operator. The network interface135may transmit data to the Internet, the content provider, or the network provider.

The network interface135may be connected to, for example, an Internet Protocol (IP) TV. To enable interactive communication, the network interface135may provide video, audio and/or data signals received from an IPTV set-top box to the controller170and provide signals processed by the controller170to the IPTV set-top box.

Depending on the types of transmission networks, the IPTV may refer to Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line-TV (ADSL-TV), Very high data rate Digital Subscriber Line-TV (VDSL), Fiber To The Home-TV (FTTH-TV), TV over DSL, Video over DSL, TV over IP (IPTV), Broadband TV (BTV), etc. In addition, the IPTV may cover Internet TV and full browsing TV in its meaning.

The storage140may store various programs for processing and controlling signals by the controller170, and may also store processed video, audio and/or data signals.

The storage140may temporarily store a video, audio and/or data signal received from the external device interface130. The storage140may memorize broadcast channels by the channel-add function such as a channel map.

The storage140may include, for example, at least one of a flash memory-type storage medium, a hard disc-type storage medium, a multimedia card micro-type storage medium, a card-type memory (e.g. a Secure Digital (SD) or eXtreme Digital (XD) memory), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and a Read-Only Memory (ROM) such as Electrical Erasable and Programmable ROM (EEPROM). The image display apparatus100may play content files stored in the storage140(e.g. video files, still image files, music files, and text files), for the user.

While the storage140is shown inFIG. 1as configured separately from the controller170, to which the present invention is not limited, the storage140may be incorporated into the controller170, for example.

The user input interface150transmits a signal received from the user to the controller170or transmits a signal received from the controller170to the user.

For example, the user input interface150may receive various user input signals such as a power-on/off signal, a channel selection signal, and a screen setting signal from a remote controller200or may transmit a signal received from the controller170to the remote controller200, according to various communication schemes, for example, RF communication and IR communication.

For example, the user input interface150may provide the controller170with user input signals or control signals received from local keys (not shown), such as inputs of a power key, a channel key, and a volume key, and setting values.

Also, the user input interface150may transmit a user input signal received from a sensor unit (not shown) for sensing a user's gesture to the controller170or transmit a signal received from the controller170to the sensor unit. The sensor unit may include a touch sensor, a voice sensor, a position sensor, a motion sensor, etc.

The controller170may demultiplex the stream signal TS received from the tuner110, the demodulator120, or the external device interface130into a number of signals and process the demultiplexed signals so that the processed signals can be output as audio and video data.

The video signal processed by the controller170may be displayed as an image on the display180. The video signal processed by the controller170may also be transmitted to an external output device through the external device interface130.

The audio signal processed by the controller170may be output to the audio output portion185. Also, the audio signal processed by the controller170may be transmitted to the external output device through the external device interface130.

While not shown inFIG. 1, the controller170may include a demultiplexer and a video processor, which will be described later with reference toFIG. 2.

Besides, the controller170may provide overall control to the image display apparatus100. For example, the controller170may control the tuner110to select an RF broadcast signal corresponding to a user-selected channel or a pre-memorized channel.

The controller170may control the image display apparatus100according to a user command received through the user input interface150or according to an internal program. For example, the controller170controls the tuner110to receive a channel selected according to a specific channel selection command received through the user input interface150and processes a video, audio and/or data signal of the selected channel. The controller170outputs the processed video or audio signal along with information about the user-selected channel to the display180or the audio output portion185.

In another example, the controller170outputs a video or audio signal received from the external device190such as a camera or a camcorder through the external device interface130to the display180or the audio output portion185according to an external device video play command received through the external device interface150.

The controller170may control the display180to display images. For instance, the controller170may control the display180to display a broadcast image received from the tuner110, an external input image received through the external device interface130, an image received through the network interface130, or an image stored in the storage140.

The image displayed on the display180may be a Two-Dimensional (2D) or Three-Dimensional (3D) (stereoscopic) still image or moving picture.

The controller170controls a particular object in the image displayed on the display180to be rendered as a 3D object. For example, the particular object may be at least one of a linked Web page (e.g. from a newspaper, a magazine, etc.), an Electronic Program Guide (EPG), a menu, a widget, an icon, a still image, a moving picture, and text.

This 3D object may be processed to have a different depth from the image displayed on the display180. Preferably, the 3D object may appear protruding relative to the image displayed on the display180.

The controller170may locate the user based on an image captured by a camera portion (not shown). Specifically, the controller170may measure the distance (z-axis coordinates) between the user and the image display apparatus100. In addition, the controller170may calculate x-axis and y-axis coordinates corresponding to the position of the user on the display180.

The image display apparatus100may further include a channel browsing processor (not shown) for generating thumbnail images corresponding to channel signals or external input signals. The channel browsing processor may extract some of the video frames of each of stream signals TS received from the demodulator120or stream signals received from the external device interface130and display the extracted video frames on the display180as thumbnail images. The thumbnail images may be output to the controller170after they are encoded or as they are. Also, it is possible to encode the thumbnail images into a stream and output the stream to the controller170. The controller170may display a thumbnail list including a plurality of received thumbnail images on the display180. The thumbnail list may be displayed in a part of the display180with an image displayed on the display180, that is, as a compact view, or the thumbnail list may occupy almost all area of the display180as a full view. The thumbnail images may be updated sequentially in the thumbnail list.

The display180generates driving signals by converting a processed video signal, a processed data signal, an On Screen Display (OSD) signal, and a control signal received from the controller170or a video signal, a data signal, and a control signal received from the external device interface130.

The display180may be implemented into various types of displays such as a Plasma Display Panel (PDP), a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), and a flexible display. Preferably, the display180is configured as a 3D display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

For 3D visualization, the display180may be configured into an auto-stereoscopic 3D display (glasses-free) or a traditional stereoscopic 3D display (with glasses).

Auto-stereoscopy is any method of displaying 3D images without any additional display, for example, special glasses on the part of a user. Thus, the display180displays 3D images on its own. Renticular and parallax barrier are examples of auto-stereoscopic 3D imaging.

The traditional stereoscopy requires an additional display besides the display180in order to display 3D images. The additional display may be a Head Mount Display (HMD) type, a glasses type, etc. As special 3D glasses, polarized glasses operate in a passive manner, whereas shutter glasses operate in an active manner. Also, HMD types may be categorized into passive ones and active ones.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described, centering on 3D glasses as the additional 3D display195for 3D visualization. The 3D glasses195may conceptually include passive polarized glasses, active shutter glasses, and the HMD type.

The display180may also be implemented as a touch screen so that it is used not only as an output device but also as an input device.

The audio output portion185may receive a processed audio signal (e.g., a stereo signal, a 3.1-channel signal or a 5.1-channel signal) from the controller170and output the received audio signal as voice. The audio output portion185may be implemented into various types of speakers.

To sense a user's gesture, the image display apparatus100may further include the sensor unit (not shown) that has at least one of a touch sensor, a voice sensor, a position sensor, and a motion sensor, as stated before. A signal sensed by the sensor unit may be output to the controller170through the user input interface150.

The controller170may sense a user's gesture from an image captured by the camera portion or a signal sensed by the sensor unit, or by combining the captured image and the sensed signal.

The remote controller200transmits a user input to the user input interface150. For the transmission of a user input, the remote controller200may use various communication techniques such as Bluetooth, RF, IR, Ultra WideBand (UWB) and ZigBee. In addition, the remote controller200may receive a video signal, an audio signal and/or a data signal from the user input interface150and output the received signals visually or audibly.

The above-described image display apparatus100may be a fixed digital broadcast receiver capable of receiving at least one of ATSC (8-VSB) broadcast programs, DVB-T (COFDM) broadcast programs, and ISDB-T (BST-OFDM) broadcast programs. Alternatively, the image display apparatus100may be a mobile digital broadcast receiver capable of at least one of terrestrial DMB broadcast programs, satellite DMB broadcast programs, ATSC-M/H broadcast programs, DVB-H (COFDM) broadcast programs, and Media Forward Link Only (MediaFLO) broadcast programs, or a mobile digital broadcast receiver capable of receiving cable, satellite and/or IPTV broadcast programs.

The image display apparatus100as set forth herein may be any of a TV receiver, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), etc.

The block diagram of the image display apparatus100illustrated inFIG. 1is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Depending on the specification of the image display apparatus100in real implementation, the components of the image display apparatus100may be incorporated, added or omitted. That is, two or more components are incorporated into one component or one component may be configured as separate components, when needed. In addition, the function of each block is described for the purpose of describing the exemplary embodiment of the present invention and thus specific operations or devices should not be construed as limiting the scope and spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of the controller illustrated inFIG. 1,FIG. 3is a block diagram of a video decoder illustrated inFIG. 2,FIGS. 4A to 4Eillustrate 3D formats, andFIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate operations of an additional glasses-type display according to 3D formats illustrated inFIGS. 4A to 4E.

Referring toFIGS. 2 to 5B, the controller170may include a Demultiplexer (DEMUX)210, a video processor220, an OSD generator240, a mixer245, a Frame Rate Converter (FRC)250, and a formatter260according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The controller170may further include an audio processor (not shown) and a data processor (not shown).

The DEMUX210demultiplexes an input stream. For example, the DEMUX210may demultiplex an MPEG-2 TS into a video signal, an audio signal, and a data signal. The input stream signal may be received from the tuner110, the demodulator120or the external device interface130.

The video processor220may process the demultiplexed video signal. For the video signal processing, the video processor220may include a video decoder225and a scaler235.

The video decoder225decodes the demultiplexed video signal and the scaler235scales the resolution of the decoded video signal so that the video signal can be displayed on the display180.

The video decoder225may be provided with decoders that operate based on various standards. For example, the video decoder225may has at least one of an MPEG-2 decoder, an H.264 decoder, an MPEG-C (MPEG-C part3) decoder, an Multi-view Video Coding (MVC) decoder, and a Free-viewpoint TV (FTV) decoder.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of a 3D video decoder310for decoding a 3D image signal in the video decoder225.

The 3D video decoder receives a demultiplexed video signal which may be, for example, an MVC-coded video signal, a dual AVC-coded video signal, or a mixture of individually coded left-eye and right-eye images.

If the input demultiplexed video signal is the mixture signal of coded left-eye and right-eye images, a 2D video decoder may be still used for decoding the input demultiplexed video signal. For example, if the demultiplexed video signal is an MPEG-2 coded video signal or an AVC-coded video signal, it may be decoded by an MPEG-2 decoder or an AVC decoder.

The 3D video decoder310may be configured to be an MVC decoder including a base-view decoder320and an extended-view decoder330.

For example, if the coded 3D video signal input to the 3D video decoder310includes an MVC-coded extended-view video signal, a base-view video signal being the counterpart of the extended-view video signal should be decoded in order to decode the extended-view video signal. Accordingly, a base-view video signal decoded by the base-view decoder320is provided to the extended-view decoder330.

As a consequence, a time delay occurs while the extended-view video signal of the input 3D video signal is decoded in the extended-view decoder330. Then the decoded base-view video signal and the decoded extended-view video signal are mixed as the decoded 3D video signal.

For example, if the coded 3D video signal input to the 3D video decoder310includes an AVC-coded extended-view video signal, a base-view video signal and the extended-view video signal may be decoded in parallel, compared to the MVC-coded 3D video signal. Accordingly, the base-view decoder320and the extended-view decoder330decode the base-view video signal and the extended-view video signal, independently. Then the decoded base-view video signal and the decoded extended-view video signal are mixed as the decoded 3D video signal.

Unlike the configuration of the 3D video decoder310illustrated inFIG. 3, the 3D video decoder310may be configured so as to include a color image decoder and a depth image decoder. When a 3D image is separately decoded as a color image and a depth image, the color image decoder may decode the color image and the depth image decoder may decode the depth image. For decoding the depth image, the color image may be used as a reference image.

The decoded video signal processed by the video processor220may be a 2D video signal, a 3D video signal, or a combination of both.

For example, an external video signal received from the external device190or a video signal of a broadcast signal received from the tuner110is a 2D video signal, a 3D video signal, or a combination of both. Accordingly, the controller170, especially the video processor220may output a processed 2D video signal, a processed 3D video signal, and a combination of both.

The decoded video signal from the video processor220may have any of various available formats. For example, the decoded video signal may be a 3D video signal with a color image and a depth image or a 3D video signal with multi-view image signals. The multi-view image signals may include, for example, a left-eye image signal and a right-eye image signal.

For 3D visualization, such 3D formats as illustrated inFIGS. 4A to 4Eare available. The 3D formats are a side-by-side format (FIG. 4A), a top/bottom format (FIG. 4B), a frame sequential format (FIG. 4C), an interlaced format (FIG. 4D), and a checker box format (FIG. 4E). A left-eye image L and a right-eye image R are arranged side by side in the side by side format. The left-eye image L and the right-eye image R are stacked vertically in the top/bottom format, while they are arranged in time division in the frame sequential format. In the interlaced format, the left-eye image L and the right-eye image R alternate line by line. The left-eye image L and the right-eye image R are mixed on a box basis in the checker box format.

The OSD generator240generates an OSD signal on its own or according to a user input. For example, the OSD generator240may generate signals by which a variety of information is displayed as graphic images or text on the display180, according to user input signals or control signals. The OSD signal may include various data such as a User Interface (UI) screen, a variety of menu screens, widgets, icons, etc. Also, the OSD signal may include a 2D object and/or a 3D object.

Especially, the OSD generator240may generate a 3D setting menu in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The 3D setting menu may include at least one of a 3D format setting menu for selecting and setting one of a plurality of 3D formats or a 3D image ordering menu for setting an ordering of left-eye and right-eye images, which will be described later in detail with reference toFIG. 8and related drawings.

The mixer250may mix the decoded video signal processed by the video processor220with the OSD signal generated from the OSD generator240. The OSD signal and the decoded video signal each may include at least one of a 2D signal or a 3D signal.

The FRC255may change the frame rate of the mixed vide signal received from the mixer245. For example, a frame rate of 60 Hz is converted to a frame rate of 120 or 240 Hz. When the frame rate is changed from 60 Hz to 120 Hz, the same first frame is inserted between a first frame and a second frame, or a predicted third frame is inserted between the first and second frames. If the frame rate is changed from 60 Hz to 240 Hz, three identical frames or three predicted frames are inserted between the first and second frames.

It is also possible to maintain the frame rate of the input image without frame rate conversion. Preferably, when the FRC250receives a 2D video signal, it may output the 2D video signal without frame rate conversion. On the other hand, when the FRC250receives a 3D video signal, it may change the frame rate of the 3D video signal in the above-described manner.

The formatter260may separate a 2D video signal and a 3D video signal from the mixed video signal of the OSD signal and the decoded video signal received from the mixer245.

Herein, a 3D video signal refers to a signal including a 3D object such as a Picture-In-Picture (PIP) image (still or moving), an EPG that describes broadcast programs, a menu, a widget, text, an object within an image, a figure, a background, or a Web page (e.g. from a newspaper, a magazine, etc.).

The formatter260may change the format of a 3D video signal, for example, to one of the 3D formats illustrated inFIGS. 4A to 4E. Accordingly, the additional glasses-type display may operate according to the changed 3D format as illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 5Aillustrates an exemplary operation of the 3D glasses195, especially in the case of shutter glasses, when the formatter260outputs a 3D video signal in the frame sequential format illustrated inFIG. 4C.

When the left-eye image L is displayed on the display180, the left lens is open and the right lens is shut off in the shutter glasses915. When the right-eye image R is displayed on the display180, the left lens is shut off and the right lens is open in the shutter glasses915.

FIG. 5Billustrates another exemplary operation of the 3D glasses195, especially in the case of polarized glasses, when the formatter260outputs a 3D video signal in the side-by-side format illustrated inFIG. 4A. Shutter glasses are also available as the 3D glasses195to implement the operation illustrated inFIG. 5B. In this case, the shutter glasses are kept open in both lenses, thus acting like polarized glasses.

Meanwhile, the formatter260may convert a 2D video signal to a 3D video signal. For example, the formatter260may detect edges or a selectable object from the 2D video signal and generate a 3D video signal with an object based on the detected edges or the selectable object. This 3D video signal may be arranged as separate left-eye and right-eye image signals L and R, as described before.

The audio processor (not shown) of the controller170may process the demultiplexed audio signal. For the audio signal processing, the audio processor may have a plurality of decoders.

If the demultiplexed audio signal is a coded audio signal, the audio processor of the controller170may decode the audio signal. For example, if the demultiplexed audio signal is an MPEG-2 coded audio signal, it may be decoded by an MPEG-2 decoder. If the demultiplexed audio signal is an MPEG-4 Bit Sliced Arithmetic Coding (BSAC) coded audio signal for terrestrial DMB, it may be decoded by an MPEG-4 decoder. If the demultiplexed audio signal is an MPEG-2-Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) coded audio signal for satellite DMB or DVB-H, it may be decoded by an AAC decoder. If the demultiplexed audio signal is a Dolby AC-3 coded audio signal, it may be decoded by an AC-3 decoder.

The audio processor of the controller170may also adjust the base, treble, and volume of the audio signal.

The data processor (not shown) of the controller170may process the data signal obtained by demultiplexing the input stream signal. For example, if the data signal is an encoded signal such as an EPG which includes broadcast information specifying the start time, end time, etc. of scheduled broadcast TV or radio programs, the controller170may decode the data signal. Examples of an EPG include ATSC-Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) information and DVB-Service Information (SI). ATSC-PSIP information or DVB-SI information may be included in the header of a TS, i.e., a 2-byte header of an MPEG-2 TS.

While it is shown inFIG. 2that the mixer245mixes signals received from the OSD generator240and the video processor220and then the formatter260performs 3D processing on the mixed signal, to which the present invention is not limited, the mixer245may reside after the formatter260. Thus the formatter260may perform 3D processing on a signal received from the video processor220, the OSD generator240may generate an OSD signal and subject the OSD signal to 3D processing, and then the mixer245may mix the processed 3D signals from the formatter260and the OSD generator240.

The block diagram of the controller170illustrated inFIG. 2is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Depending on the specification of the controller170in real implementation, the components of the controller170may be incorporated, added or omitted. Especially, the FRC250and the formatter260may be configured separately outside the controller170.

FIG. 6illustrates formation of 3D images by combining left-eye and right-eye images, andFIGS. 7A and 7Billustrate different depth illusions according to different disparities between a left-eye image and a right-eye image.

Referring toFIG. 6, there are a plurality of images or objects615,625,635and645. A first object615is created by combining a first left-eye image611(L1) based on a first left-eye image signal with a first right-eye image613(R1) based on a first right-eye image signal, with a disparity d1between the first left-eye and right-eye images611and163. The user sees an image as formed at the intersection between a line connecting a left eye601to the first left-eye image611and a line connecting a right eye603to the first right-eye image613. Therefore, the user is tricked into perceiving the first object615as behind the display180.

As a second object625is created by overlapping a second left-eye image621(L2) with a second right-eye image623(R2) on the display180, thus with a disparity of0between the second left-eye and right-eye images621and623. Thus, the user perceives the second object625as on the display180.

A third object635is created by combining a third left-eye image631(L3) with a third right-eye image633(R3), with a disparity d3between the third left-eye and right-eye images631and633. A fourth object645is created by combining a fourth left-eye image641(L4) with a fourth right-eye image643(R4), with a disparity d4between the fourth left-eye and right-eye images641and643.

The user perceives the third and fourth objects635and645at image-formed positions, that is, as being positioned before the display180.

Because the disparity d4between the fourth left-eye and right-eye images641and643is larger than the disparity d3between the third left-eye and right-eye images631and633, the fourth object645appears more protruding than the third object635.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the distances between the display180and the objects621,625,635and645are represented as depths. When an object is perceived to the user as being positioned behind the display180, the depth of the object is negative-signed. On the other hand, when an object is perceived to the user as being positioned before the display180, the depth of the object is positive-signed. Therefore, as an object appears more protruding to the user, it is deeper, that is, its depth is larger.

Referring toFIGS. 7A and 7B, the disparity a between a left-eye image701and a right-eye image702inFIG. 7Ais smaller than the disparity b between the left-eye image701and the right-eye image702inFIG. 7B. Consequently, the depth a′ of a 3D object created inFIG. 7Ais smaller than the depth b′ of a 3D object created inFIG. 7B.

In the case where a left-eye image and a right-eye image are combined to a 3D image, if the left-eye and right-eye images of 3D images are apart from each other by different disparities, the 3D images are perceived to the user as formed at different positions. This means that the depth of a 3D image or object formed by a left-eye image and a right-eye image in combination may be controlled by adjusting the disparity of the left-eye and right-eye images.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating the image display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, andFIGS. 9 to 31are views referred to for describing the method for operating the image display apparatus, illustrated inFIG. 8.

Referring toFIG. 8, it is first determined whether a 3D view input has been received in step S805.

Specifically, with an image displayed on the display180, the controller170determines whether a 3D view input has been received.

The image displayed on the display180may be an external input image from the external device190, an image received from a content provider over a network, a broadcast image based on a broadcast signal received from the tuner110, or an image stored in the storage140. The image input to the display180may be a 2D or 3D image.

The 3D view input may be received through the remote controller or a local key. Also, if the external input image from the external device190or the broadcast image is a 3D image, the 3D view input may be automatically issued.

The remote controller may be configured as illustrated inFIG. 9. Referring toFIG. 9, a remote controller900includes a power key, number keys, volume keys, channel keys, etc. The remote controller900further includes a 3D key910, directional keys920, an OK key930, and an L/R select key940.

When the user presses the 3D key910of the remote controller900during viewing a 2D image, the controller170determines that the 3D view input has been received.

If the user manipulates the 3D key910during viewing a 3D image, the controller170may determine that the 3D view is terminated.

If the display180receives a 3D image, it may display an object (not shown) that prompts the user to select whether to enter a 3D display mode or not. When the user selects to enter the 3D display mode, the controller170may determine that the 3D view input has been received.

Unlike the configuration of the remote controller900illustrated inFIG. 9, the remote controller900may be configured such that a pointer (not shown) is displayed on the display180in correspondence with up, down, left, right, back and forth movements of the remote controller900. Thus an intended menu may be set, or a user input or the 3D view input may be generated, by use of the pointer.

Upon receipt of the 3D view input, a 3D setting menu is entered in step S810and a plurality of 3D formats available in the 3D setting menu are displayed in step S815.

Specifically, upon receipt of the 3D view input, the controller170controls the 3D setting menu to be displayed on the display180. The 3D setting menu may be generated in the OSD generator240of the controller170.

The 3D setting menu may have at least one of a 3D format setting menu or a 3D ordering menu.

FIG. 10illustrates a 3D format setting menu1010displayed on the display180when the 3D key910of the remote controller900is input.

The 3D format setting menu1010may include at least one of an object indicating the side-by-side format (hereinafter, referred to as a side-by-side format object), an object indicating the top/bottom format (hereinafter, referred to as a top/bottom format object), an object indicating the frame sequential format (hereinafter, referred to as a frame sequential format object), an object indicating the interlaced format (hereinafter, referred to as an interlaced format object), or an object indicating the checker box format (hereinafter, referred to as a checker box format object), as object indicating 3D formats.

InFIG. 10, 3D format objects1020are shown to include a top/bottom format object1022, a side-by-side format object1024, a frame sequential format object1026, and a checker box format object1028, and the top/bottom format object1022is focused as a default format object, by way of example.

The 3D format objects1020may be displayed as two-dimensional (2D) images. Therefore, the user can identify the 3D formats intuitively by the 2D images of the 3D format objects1020.

While the display180displays only the 3D format setting menu1010inFIG. 10for illustrative purposes, to which the present invention is not limited, it may be also contemplated that the 3D format setting menu1010overlies on an image (not shown) displayed on the display180. Specifically, the 3D format setting menu1010may be displayed in a pop-up window. When the top/bottom format object1022is focused as a default format object, the image may be displayed as a 3D image of the top/bottom format.

FIG. 11illustrates scrolling over the 3D format objects by the directional keys920of the remote controller900. The user may move the focus from the top/bottom format object1022to the side-by-side format object1024by manipulating a right shift key among the directional keys920of the remote controller90.

Meanwhile, if the focus moves to the side-by-side format object1024with the 3D format setting menu1010overlaid on the on-going image on the display180, the image may be displayed as a 3D image in the side-by-side format. Thus, the user can intuitively identify the side-by-side format.

It is determined whether a 3D format has been completely selected in step S820and upon selection of a 3D format, the selected 3D format is set in step S825.

Specifically, with the 3D format setting menu1010displayed on the display180, the controller170determines whether a particular 3D format has been selected. For example, when the OK key930of the remote controller900is pressed or an object confirming a setting displayed on the display180is selected, the controller170may consider that the particular 3D format has been selected.

FIG. 12illustrates setting of the side-by-side format as a 3D format by manipulating the OK key930of the remote controller900. Referring toFIG. 12, a format setting confirmation screen1030may include an object1032for confirming the format setting, an object1034for setting an ordering of left-eye and right-eye images, and an object1036for ending the 3D view.

The format setting confirmation screen1030may further include a message indicating the 3D format that has been set (i.e. indicating that the side-by-side format has been set) and a message asking for 3D glasses.

FIG. 13illustrates a 3D ordering menu1110in the 3D setting menu by manipulating the L/R select key940of the remote controller900.

Referring toFIG. 13, the 3D ordering menu1110may include a first ordering object (L/R)1112indicating a left-eye and then right-eye image ordering (referred to as an L/R ordering), a second ordering object (R/L)1114indicating a right-eye and then left-eye image ordering (referred to as an R/L ordering), an object1116for ending the 3D view, and an object1118indicating exit.

The first ordering object1112indicating the L/R ordering is focused as a default inFIG. 13. While the L/R ordering may be set by the focusing, that is, the focusing may suffice for setting the L/R ordering, which should not be construed as limiting the present invention, the L/R ordering may be finally set by manipulation of the OK key930.

For instance, with the first ordering object (L/R)1112focused on the display180, the user may focus the second ordering object (R/L)1114by manipulating a down shift key among the directional keys920of the remote controller900. While the R/L ordering may be set by the focusing, that is, the focusing may suffice for setting the R/L ordering, which should not be construed as limiting the present invention, the R/L ordering may be finally set by manipulation of the OK key930.

Meanwhile, the 3D ordering menu1110may also be entered, when the object1034for setting an ordering of left-eye and right-eye images is selected.

While the display180displays only the 3D ordering menu1110inFIG. 13for illustrative purposes, it may be further contemplated that the 3D ordering menu1110is overlaid on the on-going image displayed on the display180. When the first ordering object (L/R)1112indicating the L/R ordering is focused, the image may be displayed converted to a 3D image created by arranging left-eye and right-eye images according to the L/R ordering. The 3D ordering menu1110may be overlaid on the image, in the form of a pop-up window.

FIG. 14illustrates another exemplary 3D ordering menu in the 3D setting menu.

Referring toFIG. 14, the 3D ordering menu may include a first ordering object (L/R)1124indicating the L/R ordering, and a second ordering object (R/L)1128indicating the R/L ordering.

It is assumed herein that the side-by-side format has been set. InFIG. 14, the first and second ordering objects1124and1128are disposed side by side in a lower part of the display180, and a 3D image1120is displayed, including a 3D image1122displayed in the L/R ordering indicated by the first ordering object1124above the first ordering object1124and a 3D image1126displayed in the R/L ordering indicated by the second ordering object1128above the second ordering object1128.

The image1120is a preview 3D image. As the 3D images1122and1126are displayed according to a plurality of left-eye and right-eye image orderings in the 3D image1120, the user can intuitively select an appropriate ordering.

For example, the user may focus the second ordering object (R/L)1128by manipulating the right shift key among the directional keys920of the remote controller900, with the first ordering object (L/R)1124focused on the display180. While the R/L ordering may be set by the focusing, that is, the focusing may suffice for setting the R/L ordering, which should not be construed as limiting the present invention, the R/L ordering may be finally set by manipulation of the OK key930.

As a 3D image is displayed according to a selected left-eye and right-eye image ordering on the display180, the user can intuitively set an appropriate ordering of left-eye and right-eye images.

FIG. 15illustrates a further example of the 3D ordering menu. The 3D ordering menus illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15are similar but differ in that the 3D ordering menu ofFIG. 15is for the case of the top/bottom format. Referring toFIG. 15, a first ordering object (L/R)1134and a second ordering object (R/L)1138are arranged vertically in a right part of the display180, and a 3D image1130is displayed, including a 3D image1132displayed in the L/R ordering indicated by the first ordering object (L/R)1134on the left of the first ordering object (L/R)1134and a 3D image1136displayed in the R/L ordering indicated by the second ordering object (R/L)1138on the left of the second ordering object (R/L)1138.

For example, the user may focus the second ordering object (R/L)1138by manipulating the down shift key among the directional keys920of the remote controller900, with the first ordering object (L/R)1134focused. While the R/L ordering may be set by the focusing, that is, the focusing may suffice for setting the R/L ordering, which should not be construed as limiting the present invention, the R/L ordering may be finally set by manipulation of the OK key930.

It is determined whether an ordering setting input has been received in step S830and upon receipt of the ordering setting input, a left-eye and right-eye image ordering corresponding to the ordering setting input is set in step S835.

Specifically, the controller170determines whether an ordering setting input has been received by monitoring the L/R select key940, the directional keys920, and the OK key930and upon receipt of the ordering setting input, sets a left-eye and right-eye image ordering corresponding to the ordering setting input.

Referring toFIG. 13, when the down shift key among the directional keys920of the remote controller920is input with the first ordering object1112indicating the L/R ordering, the second ordering object1114indicating the R/L ordering may be focused. Then when the OK key930is manipulated, the second ordering object1114may be selected.

Accordingly, the controller170may render a 3D image by placing its right-eye image before its left-eye image. As described before with reference toFIG. 11, if the side-by-side format has been selected, the right-eye image is placed on the left and the left-eye image is placed on the right.

In step S840, it is determined whether an input to exit from the 3D setting menu has been received in step S840and upon receipt of the exit input, an image is processed to a 3D image according to the selected 3D format or ordering in step S845. In step S850, the 3D image is displayed on the display180.

Specifically, upon selection of an object indicating exit with the 3D setting menu displayed on the display180, as illustrated inFIG. 10 or 11, the controller170discontinues to display the 3D setting menu, processes an input image to a 3D image according to the set 3D format or ordering, and controls the processed 3D image on the display180.

Upon selection of the object1118indicating exit with the 3D setting menu displayed on the display180, as illustrated inFIG. 13, the controller170discontinues to display the 3D setting menu, processes an input image to a 3D image according to the set 3D format or ordering, and controls the processed 3D image on the display180.

For example, if an input broadcast image or an external input image is a 3D image, the controller170arranges a right-eye image on the left and a left-eye image on the right in the side-by-side format that has been set and controls the 3D image of the left-eye and right-eye images to be displayed on the display180.

If the input broadcast image or the external input image is a 2D image, the controller170detects an object from the 2D image and generates left-eye and right-eye images according to the depth of the object, arranges the right-eye image on the left and the left-eye image on the right in the side-by-side format that has been set and controls the 3D image of the left-eye and right-eye images to be displayed on the display180.

FIG. 16is a flowchart illustrating an operation for displaying a 3D image based on the L/R ordering indicated by the first ordering object illustrated inFIG. 14 or 15along with a 3D image based on the R/L ordering indicated by the second ordering object illustrated inFIG. 14 or 15.

Referring toFIG. 16, a right-eye image and a left-eye image are received in step S1210. Specifically, the controller170, especially the formatter260separates the left-eye and right-eye images from an input image.

For instance, when the input image includes multi-view images, especially left-eye and right-eye images, the left-eye and right-eye images are simply received.

If the input image includes a color image and a depth image, left-eye and right-eye images are created from the color image and the depth image.

If the input image is a 2D image, an object is detected from the 2D image by a detection technique and the motion of the object is detected on a frame basis, thus setting a depth for the object. Then left-eye and right-eye images of the object are generated separately according to the depth.

In step S1220, a first 3D image is created by arranging the left-eye image and then the right-eye image. Specifically, the controller170, especially the formatter260generates the first 3D image in which the left-eye image first and then the right-eye image are arranged according to a 3D format that has been set.

In step S1230, a second 3D image is created by arranging the right-eye image and then the left-eye image. Specifically, the controller170, especially the formatter260generates the second 3D image in which the right-eye image first and then the left-eye image are arranged according to the 3D format.

Subsequently, a third 3D image is created by combining at least part of the first 3D image with at least part of the second 3D image in step S1240and displayed on the display180in step S1250.

To be specific, the controller170, particularly the formatter260generates the third 3D image using the first and second 3D images and displays the third 3D image on the display180.

FIGS. 17 to 25illustrate exemplary third 3D images generated according to different 3D formats. Specifically,FIGS. 17, 18 and 19illustrate operations for generating third 3D images in the side-by-side format.

Referring toFIG. 17, a first 3D image1310with a left-eye image on the left and a right-eye image on the right is combined with a second 3D image1320with the right-eye image on the left and the left-eye image on the right, in the side-by-side format.

A third 3D image1330results from scaling down the first and second 3D images1310and1320and combining the scaled-down first and second 3D images1310and1320. The third 3D image1330may be displayed on the display180and the user may select an appropriate left-eye and right-eye image ordering, when the user sees the 3D image1330with polarized glasses or shutter glasses that are open in both lenses. Hence, user convenience can be increased.

Referring toFIG. 18, compared to the third image1330illustrated inFIG. 17, a third 3D image1340is created by extracting or cropping a part (an upper part) of the first 3D image1310and a part (a lower part) of the second 3D image1320and combining the extracted or cropped first and second 3D images1310and1320.

Referring toFIG. 19, compared to the third image1340illustrated inFIG. 18, a third 3D image1350is created by extracting or cropping a part (a middle part) of the first 3D image1310and a part (a middle part) of the second 3D image1320, scaling up the extracted or cropped parts of the first and second 3D images1310and1320, and combining the scaled-up parts of the first and second 3D images1310and1320.

FIGS. 20, 21 and 22illustrate operations for generating third 3D images in the top/bottom format.

Referring toFIG. 20, a first 3D image1410with a left-eye image on top and a right-eye image on bottom is combined with a second 3D image1420with the right-eye image on top and the left-eye image on bottom, in the top/bottom format.

A third 3D image1430results from scaling down the first and second 3D images1410and1420and combining the scaled-down first and second 3D images1410and1420. The third 3D image1430may be displayed on the display180and the user may select an appropriate left-eye and right-eye image ordering, when the user sees the third 3D image1430with polarized glasses or shutter glasses that are open in both lenses. Hence, user convenience can be increased.

Referring toFIG. 21, compared to the third image1430illustrated inFIG. 20, a third 3D image1440is created by extracting or cropping a part (a left part) of the first 3D image1410and a part (a right part) of the second 3D image1420and combining the extracted or cropped first and second 3D images1410and1420.

Referring toFIG. 22, compared to the third image1440illustrated inFIG. 21, a third 3D image1450is created by extracting or cropping a part (a middle part) of the first 3D image1410and a part (a middle part) of the second 3D image1420, scaling up the extracted or cropped parts of the first and second 3D images1410and1420, and combining the scaled-up parts of the first and second 3D images1410and1420.

FIGS. 23, 24 and 25illustrate operations for generating third 3D images in the interlaced format.

Referring toFIG. 23, a first 3D image1510with a left-eye image and a right-eye image alternating line by line, starting with the left-eye image, is combined with a second 3D image1520with the right-eye image and the left-eye image alternating line by line, starting with the right-eye image, in the interlaced format.

A third 3D image1530results from scaling down the first and second 3D images1510and1520and combining the scaled-down first and second 3D images1510and1520. The third 3D image1530may be displayed on the display180and the user may select an appropriate left-eye and right-eye image ordering when the user sees the third 3D image1530with polarized glasses or shutter glasses that are open in both lenses. Hence, user convenience can be increased.

Referring toFIG. 24, compared to the third image1530illustrated inFIG. 20, a third 3D image1540is created by extracting or cropping a part (a left part) of the first 3D image1510and a part (a right part) of the second 3D image1520and combining the extracted or cropped first and second 3D images1510and1520.

Referring toFIG. 25, compared to the third image1540illustrated inFIG. 24, a third 3D image1550is created by extracting or cropping a part (a middle part) of the first 3D image1510and a part (a middle part) of the second 3D image1520, scaling up the extracted or cropped parts of the first and second 3D images510and520, and combining the scaled-up first and second 3D images1510and1520.

FIGS. 26 to 31illustrate various examples of the 3D setting menu.

Referring toFIG. 26, a 3D setting menu1610is displayed along with a 3D image1640set by the 3D setting menu1610on the display180by manipulation of the 3D key910of the remote controller900.

The 3D setting menu1610may include an object area1620for selecting one of a plurality of 3D formats, an object1630indicating a selected 3D format, and an object1650for setting a left-eye and right-eye image ordering.

The object area1620may take the form of tab menus. A 3D format selected from the object area1620may be displayed focused.

InFIG. 26, the top/bottom format is selected as a default in the object area1620and the object1630indicates the top/bottom format. The 3D image1640is displayed as a preview in the top/bottom format, by way of example.

The object1630indicating the top/bottom format may be displayed as a 2D image, whereas the image1640may be displayed as a 3D preview image.

Whenever the object1650for setting a left-eye and right-eye image ordering is selected, a first 3D image formed by ordering a left-eye image first and then a right-eye image may be displayed alternately with a second 3D image formed by ordering the right-eye image first and then the left-eye image. That is, the first 3D image may be toggled with the second 3D image.

If the 3D image1640of the top/bottom format is displayed as a preview despite input of a 3D image of the side-by-side format, the user is easily aware that the 3D image1640is not appropriate, wearing the 3D glasses195, because the 3D format of the input image is different from the set 3D format.

FIG. 27illustrates shifted focusing to another 3D format by manipulation of the directional keys920of the remote controller900. It is noted fromFIG. 27that the focusing shifts from the top/bottom format to the side-by-side format by the left shift key among the directional keys920of the remote controller900.

Thus an object1635indicating the side-by-side format is displayed and a 3D image1645is displayed as a preview in the side-by-side format.

When the 3D image1645of the side-by-side format is displayed with a 3D image of the side-by-side format input to the display180, the user wearing the 3D glasses195is aware easily that the 3D image1645is appropriate due to the identical 3D format of the input image and the 3D image1645.

Referring toFIG. 28, the side-by-side format is focused in an object area1720of a 3D setting menu1710and thus an object1730indicating the side-by-side format is displayed.

An object1750for setting a left-eye and right-eye image ordering indicates a first ordering being the L/R ordering as a default. Hence, a 3D image1740is displayed as a preview according to the side-by-side format and the L/R ordering.

If the 3D image1740is displayed as a preview according to the side-by-side format and the L/R ordering, despite input of a 3D image with an R/L ordering in the side-by-side format, the user wearing the 3D glasses195is easily aware that the 3D image1740is not appropriate because the input 3D image and the 3D image1740are identical in 3D format but different in ordering.

Referring toFIG. 29, the side-by-side format is focused in the object area1720of the 3D setting menu1710and thus an object1735indicating the side-by-side format is displayed.

The object1750for setting a left-eye and right-eye image ordering is set to indicate a second ordering being the R/L ordering. Hence, a 3D image1745is displayed as a preview according to the side-by-side format and the R/L ordering.

If the 3D image1745is displayed as a preview according to the side-by-side format and the R/L ordering, with a 3D image with the R/L ordering input to the display180in the side-by-side format, the user wearing the 3D glasses195is easily aware that the 3D image1745is appropriate. In this manner, the user can set a 3D format and a left-eye and right-eye image ordering for an input image.

The 3D setting menu1810may include an object area1820for selecting one of a plurality of 3D formats and an object1830indicating the selected 3D format.

The object area1820may take the form of tab menus, and a 3D format selected from the object area1820may be displayed focused.

InFIG. 30, the side-by-side format is selected from the object area1820and the object1830indicates the side-by-side format. The 3D image1840is displayed as a preview in the side-by-side format.

The 3D image1840may include a first 3D image formed by the L/R ordering and a second 3D image formed by the R/L ordering. Because the first 3D image and the second 3D image are displayed together, the user wearing the 3D glasses195can select an appropriate left-eye and right-eye image ordering for an input image. That is, a 3D format and an ordering are simply set for an input image.

It is also possible to change a 3D image displayed in a preview area according to a selected 3D format. In this manner, the user can identify both the 3D format and the left-eye and right-eye image ordering at the same time.

To allow the user easily identify orderings, a first ordering object1852indicating the L/R ordering and a second ordering object1854indicating the R/L ordering may be displayed under the 3D image1840.

FIG. 31illustrates a 3D image1845similar to the 3D image1840but different from the 3D image1849in that first and second 3D images are arranged vertically in the 3D image1845.

Hence, the first ordering object1852indicating the L/R ordering and the second ordering object1854indicating the R/L ordering may be displayed on the right of the 3D image1845.

As is apparent from the above description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when a 3D image is displayed, a 3D setting menu is displayed to enable a user to easily set at least one of a 3D format or an ordering of left-eye and right-eye images forming the 3D image. Therefore, user convenience is increased.

Objects representing a plurality of 3D formats are displayed and thus the user can easily set an intended 3D format. Especially when a 3D format is selected, a 3D image is displayed in the selected 3D format. Hence, the user can intuitively set a 3D format, wearing 3D glasses.

Objects indicating orderings of left-eye and right-eye images that form a 3D image are displayed so that the user can readily set an ordering. Especially when a specific ordering is selected, a 3D image is displayed according to the selected ordering. Hence, the user can intuitively set a left-eye and right-eye image ordering, wearing 3D glasses.

To facilitate the user's selection of an ordering of left-eye and right-eye images forming a 3D image, at least part of a first 3D image with an L/R ordering and at least part of a second 3D image with an R/L ordering are displayed together. Hence, the user can select an appropriate ordering of the left-eye and right-eye images, wearing the 3D glasses.

The image display apparatus and the method for operating the same according to the foregoing exemplary embodiments are not restricted to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Therefore, variations and combinations of the exemplary embodiments set forth herein may fall within the scope of the present invention.

The method for operating an image display apparatus according to the foregoing exemplary embodiments may be implemented as code that can be written on a computer-readable recording medium and can thus be read by a processor. The computer-readable recording medium may be any type of recording device in which data is stored in a computer-readable manner. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, an optical data storage, and a carrier wave (e.g., data transmission through the Internet). The computer-readable recording medium can be distributed over a plurality of computer systems connected to a network so that computer-readable code is written thereto and executed therefrom in a decentralized manner. Functional programs, code, and code segments needed for realizing the embodiments herein can be construed by one of ordinary skill in the art.