Patent Publication Number: US-2013229409-A1

Title: Image processing method and image display device according to the method

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an image processing method and an image display device according to the method, and more particularly, to an image processing method and an image display device, in which received images are processed to be displayed. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     The current broadcasting tendency has been rapidly switched from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting. In accordance with this tendency, the amount of contents for digital broadcasting has been rapidly increased. Also, in addition to contents displaying a two dimensional (2D) image signal as a two dimensional image, contents displaying a three dimensional (3D) image signal as a two dimensional image have been produced and projected as contents for digital broadcasting. Hereinafter, the contents displaying a three dimensional image signal as a three dimensional image will be referred to as three dimensional contents. 
     In accordance with the production and project of the three dimensional contents, a display device that allows a user to watch three dimensional contents has been provided. The production and project of the three dimensional contents has been increased continuously. 
     In the three dimensional contents, reality may be regarded as the most important picture quality factor. In other words, it is very important in the three dimensional contents that a stereoscopic image is displayed to be close to a real stereoscopic object and shape. 
     In this respect, a method for increasing reality or stereoscopic effect of a three dimensional image and an image display device based on the method will be required. 
     DISCLOSURE 
     Technical Problem 
     Accordingly, an object of the present invention devised to solve the conventional problems is to provide an image processing method and an image display device according to the method, in which a user&#39;s concentration and interest in an image which is displayed may be increased. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method and an image display device according to the method, in which picture quality of a three dimensional image which is displayed may be improved. 
     Other object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method and an image display device according to the method, in which reality and stereoscopic effect of a three dimensional image may be increased. 
     Technical Solution 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, an image processing method comprises the steps of receiving image data; scaling the received image data to first image data; and scaling the received image data to second image data, wherein the first image data and the second image data are scaled to be different from each other. In this case, the received image data may include either 2D image data or 3D image data. 
     Also, the first image data may be obtained by differently scaling divided intervals of the received image data, and the second image data may be obtained by equally scaling divided intervals of the received image data. In this case, the divided intervals may be divided in either a vertical direction or a horizontal direction. 
     Also, either the first image data or the second image data may be scaled such that a scaling size is increased or reduced towards at least one of a left and right direction and an up and down direction from the center of the received image data. In this case, increase or reduction of the scaling size for the first image data may be different from increase or reduction of the scaling size for the second image data. 
     Also, either the first image data or the second image data may be scaled such that a scaling size is increased or reduced towards the center from at least one of a left side, a right side, an upper side, and a lower side of the received image data. In this case, increase or reduction of the scaling size for the first image data may be different from increase or reduction of the scaling size for the second image data. 
     Also, the first image data and the second image data may be have the same size, the same resolution or the same aspect ratio. 
     Also, the received image data are 3D image data, which include left eye image data and right eye image data, the first image data may be scaled from one of the left eye image data and the right eye image data, and the second image data may be scaled from the other one. 
     The image processing method may further comprise the step of sampling the first image data and the second image data in accordance with a 3D image frame format. 
     Also, the image processing method may further comprise the steps of sensing a user&#39;s manipulation requesting setting of a scaling mode, controlling a GUI for setting a scaling mode, in response to the sensed user&#39;s manipulation, so that the GUI may be displayed, and receiving a scaling parameter through the GUI, wherein the received image data may be scaled to the first image data and the second image data in accordance with the input scaling parameter. In this case, the GUI may include an area displaying the first image data and the second image data, which are scaled in accordance with the scaling parameter. 
     An image display device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a signal input unit receiving image data; and a signal processor scaling the received image data to first image data and second image data, wherein the first image data and the second image data are scaled to be different from each other. 
     The signal processor may include a decoder decoding the receive image data; a first scaler scaling the decoded image data to the first image data; a second scaler scaling the decoded image data to the second image data; and a formatter sampling the first image data and the second image data in accordance with a 3D image frame format. 
     The image display device may further comprise an interface unit receiving a user&#39;s manipulation requesting setting of a scaling mode, wherein the controller controls a GUI for setting a scaling mode, in response to the user&#39;s manipulation, so that the GUI may be displayed, and controls the received image data to be scaled to the first image data and the second image data in accordance with a scaling parameter input through the GUI. 
     Also, the signal processor may scale the received image data or stored image data to the first image data and the second image data in accordance with the scaling parameter, and the GUI may include an area displaying the first image data and the second image data, which are scaled. 
     Also, the signal input unit may include at least one of a tuner receiving RF signal, which includes the image data, a wire network interface unit receiving IP packets, which include the image data, a RF signal input unit receiving the IP packets, and an audio/video (A/V) input unit receiving the image data from an external unit. 
     An image processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of receiving image data; scaling the received image data to first image data; scaling the received image data to second image data; and displaying the first image data and the second image data, which are scaled, wherein the first image data and the second image data are scaled to be different from each other. 
     Also, the displaying step may include displaying the first image data and the second image data in accordance with a 3D display mode. 
     Also, the image processing method may further comprise the steps of sensing a user&#39;s manipulation requesting setting of a scaling mode; displaying a GUI for setting a scaling mode, in response to the sensed user&#39;s manipulation; and receiving a scaling parameter through the displayed GUI, wherein the received image data are scaled to the first image data and the second image data in accordance with the received parameter. 
     Advantageous Effects 
     In the image processing method and the image display device based on the method according to one embodiment of the present invention, since images are displayed as if the images are displayed on a curved type screen, the user&#39;s concentration and interest in the displayed images may be increased. 
     Also, since a left eye image and a right eye image of a three dimensional image are scaled differently from each other, reality and stereoscopic effect of the three dimensional image may be increased, whereby picture quality of the three dimensional image may be improved. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating single video stream formats of transport formats of a three dimensional image; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating multi video stream formats of transport formats of a three dimensional image; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an image display device according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating an image processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating difference in distance caused by binocular parallax of a three dimensional image; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an operation for controlling a divided interval at steps S 110  and S 120  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is another diagram illustrating an operation for controlling a divided interval at steps S 110  and S 120  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating scaling in a horizontal direction; 
         FIG. 9  is another diagram illustrating scaling in a horizontal direction; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating scaling in a vertical direction; 
         FIG. 11  is another diagram illustrating scaling in a vertical direction; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a screen where contents are displayed; 
         FIG. 13  to  FIG. 16  are diagrams illustrating that a graphical user interface (GUI) for setting a scaling mode is displayed; and 
         FIG. 17  is a flow chart illustrating an image processing method according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings and described by the drawings are only exemplary, and technical spirits of the present invention and its main operation are not limited by such embodiments. 
     Although the terminologies used in the present invention are selected from generally known and used terminologies considering their functions in the present invention, the terminologies may be modified depending on intention of a person skilled in the art, practices, or the advent of new technology. Also, in special case, the terminologies mentioned in the description of the present invention may be selected by the applicant at his or her discretion, the detailed meanings of which are described in relevant parts of the description herein. Accordingly, the terminologies used herein should be understood not simply by the actual terminologies used but by the meaning lying within and the description disclosed herein. 
     The present invention is intended to provide an image processing method and an image display device according to the method, in which concentration on an image may be increased when the image is displayed. 
     The present invention is intend to provide an image processing method and an image display device according to the method, in which reality may be increased when a three dimensional (‘3D’) image is displayed. 
     Hereinafter, for description of technical spirits of the present invention in this specification, an image display device that may process 3D image displays a left eye image and a right eye image in due order in accordance with an active mode. 
     Hereinafter, 3D image will be described in brief. 
     Examples of the 3D image include a stereo (or stereoscopic) image that considers two view points and a multi-view image that considers three view points or more. The stereo image means a pair of left and right eye images acquired by taking a single subject using a left camera and a right camera, which are spaced apart from each other at a given distance. The multi-view image means three or more eye images acquired by taking a single subject using three or more cameras having a given distance or angle. 
     Examples of transport formats of the stereo image include single video stream formats and multi video stream formats. 
     The single video stream formats and the multi video stream formats will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating single video stream formats of transport formats of a three dimensional image. 
     Examples of the single video stream formats include a side by side format, a top/down format, an interlaced format, a frame sequential format, a checker board format, and an anaglyph format. 
     Referring to (a) of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates a side by side format, the side by side format makes one stereo image by ½ sub sampling a left eye image and a right eye image in a horizontal direction and arranging the sampled left eye image at the left side and the sampled right eye image at the right side. 
     Referring to (b) of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates a top/down format, the top/down format makes one stereo image by ½ sub sampling a left eye image and a right eye image in a vertical direction and arranging the sampled left eye image at the upper side and the sampled right eye image at the lower side. 
     Referring to (c) of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates an interlaced format, the interlaced format makes a stereo image by ½ sub sampling a left eye image and a right eye image in a vertical direction and alternately arranging pixels of the sampled left eye image and pixels of the sampled right eye image per line. Alternatively, the interlaced format makes a stereo image by ½ sub sampling a left eye image and a right eye image in a horizontal direction and alternately arranging pixels of the sampled left eye image and pixels of the sampled right eye image. 
     Referring to (d) of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates a frame sequential format, the frame sequential format makes a stereo image by alternately arranging a left eye image and a right eye image as one frame without sub sampling the left eye image and the right eye image. 
     Referring to (e) of  FIG. 1 , which illustrates a checker board format, the checker board format makes a stereo image by ½ sub sampling a left eye image and a right eye image in a vertical direction and alternately arranging pixels of the sampled left eye image and pixels of the sampled right eye image. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating multi video stream formats of transport formats of a three dimensional image. 
     Examples of the multi video stream formats include a full left/right format, a full left/full right format, and a 2D video/depth format. 
     Referring to (a) of  FIG. 2 , which illustrates a full left/right format, the full left/right format transmits a left eye image and a right eye image in due order. 
     Referring to (b) of  FIG. 2 , which illustrates a full left/half right format, the full left/half right format transmits a left eye image as it is, and transmits a right eye image by ½ sub sampling the same in a vertical or horizontal direction. 
     Referring to (c) of  FIG. 2 , which illustrates a 2D video/depth format, the 2D video/depth format transmits one of a left eye image and a right eye image together with depth information making the other image. 
     The stereo image or multi view point image is compressed and encoded by MPEG or various manners and then transmitted to a receiving system. In this case, the receiving system becomes an image display device that may process and display 3D image signal. 
     For example, a transmitting system may compress and encode the stereo image such as the side by side format, the top/down format, the interlaced format and the checker board format in accordance with H.264/AVC manner and then may transmit the stereo image. At this time, the receiving system may obtain 3D image by performing decoding for the stereo image in an inverse manner of H.264/AVC coding manner. 
     Also, the transmitting system may allocate one of the left eye image or the multi view point image of the full left/half right format as a based layer image and the other image as an enhanced layer image, encode the based layer image in the same manner as that of a monoscopic image, encode the enhanced layer image for correlation information only between the based layer image and the enhanced layer image, and transmit the encoded image. 
     Examples of the compressed encoding modes for the based layer image may include JPEG, MEPG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and H.264/AVC. An example of the compressed encoding mode for the enhanced layer image may include H.264/MVC (multi-view video coding) mode. At this time, the stereo image is allocated as the based layer image and one enhanced layer image but the multi view point image is allocated one based layer image and a plurality of enhanced layers. In this case, the multi view point image may be identified from the based layer image and one or more enhanced layer images depending on a position or arrangement of a camera. Alternatively, the based layer image and one or more enhanced layer images may be determined without depending on a specific rule. 
     Generally, the 3D image depends on the principles of stereo eyesight through two eyes. A binocular parallax is an important factor that allows a user to feel stereoscopic effect, and if plane images associated with each other are viewed respectively by two eyes, a brain combines these different images together to play the original depth and reality of the 3D image. In this case, the binocular parallax means difference between two eyes, specifically difference in vision between a left eye and a right eye spaced apart from each other at about 65 mm. 
     The 3D image display is divided into a stereoscopic mode, a volumetric mode, and a holographic mode. For example, the image display device, which may display a 3D image signal to which the stereoscopic technology is applied, is a device that allows a viewer to feel stereoscopic effect and reality by using depth information added to 2D image. An example of the image display device may include a set-top box and a digital television. 
     A mode for displaying a 3D image may include a glasses mode and a non-glasses mode. The glasses mode may be divided into a passive mode and an active mode. 
     In this case, the passive mode is to display a left eye image and a right eye image individually by using a polarizing filter. In other words, the passive mode is that a user wears colored glasses of blue and red on his/her eyes to view images. The active mode is to identify a left eye image and a right eye image from each other by using a liquid crystal shutter, specifically identify a left eye image and a right eye image from each other by timely covering a left eye and a right eye in due order. In other words, the active mode is that a user views images by wearing glasses provided with an electronic shutter synchronized with a period of a time divided screen which is periodically repeated. The active mode may be referred to as a time split type mode or a shuttered glass mode. Hereinafter, glasses driven by the shuttered glass mode will be referred to as shutter glasses. 
     Examples of the non-glasses mode include a lenticular mode and a parallax barrier mode. In the lenticular mode, a lenticular lens plate provided with a cylindrical lens array vertically arranged is arranged at the front of an image panel. The parallax barrier mode is provided with a barrier layer having periodical slits on an image panel. 
     Hereinafter, in this specification, to describe technical spirits of the present invention more easily, the stereoscopic mode of the stereoscopic display mode will be described exemplarily, and the active mode of the stereoscopic mode will be described exemplarily. Although shuttered glasses will be described as an example of the active mode, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the shuttered glasses and another example may be used as described later. 
     As described above, according to the active mode, if the left eye image is displayed through the image display device, a left shutter of the shuttered glasses is opened. If the right eye image is displayed through the image display device, a right shutter of the shuttered glasses is opened. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an image display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an image display device  300  according to the present invention includes a signal input unit  310 , a signal processor  330 , and a formatter  350 . Also, the image display device  300  according to the present invention may further include an infrared output unit  355 , a controller  360 , a display unit  370 , a storage unit  380 , and a user interface unit  390 . Examples of the image display device include a digital television and a set-top box. Also, the image display device  300  may further include shutter glasses (not shown). Moreover, the image display device may be a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone, a smart phone, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), and navigation system, or may be a personal computer such as desktop computer, laptop computer, a tablet computer and a handheld computer. 
     In addition, the image display device  300  may further include other elements if necessary in addition to the elements shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Also, the signal input unit  310  may include at least one of a tuner  311 , an audio/video (A/V) input unit  312 , a radio signal input unit  313 , and a network interface unit  314 , and receives a video signal. In this case, the received video signal may include at least one of 2D image data or 3D image data. The 3D image data may be stereo image or multi view point image. Also, the 3D image data may have the formats shown and described in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The tuner  311  selectively receives a broadcast signal, which includes predetermined contents transmitted in a type of a radio frequency (RF) signal, through a channel of a predetermined frequency band. In other words, the tuner  311  selectively receives a broadcast signal transmitted from a contents manufacturer such as a broadcast station. In this case, the broadcast signal may include at least one of 2D image data and 3D image data. 
     The A/V input unit  312  is connected with an external device, which may output audio and video signals, and receives A/V signals output from the external device. In this case, the external device means various types of video or audio output device such as a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Bluray, a game player, a camcorder, and a computer (notebook computer). The A/V signal may include at least one of 2D image data and 3D image data. 
     The radio signal input unit  313  receives a radio signal from a wireless network through a network interface unit (not shown) provided therein. In this case, the radio signal transmitted through the wireless network may include contents transmitted from a content provider (CP) or a service provider (SP). Also, the radio signal may include audio and video signals, and may include IP packets that include the audio and video signals. In this case, the video signal may include at least one of 2D image data and 3D image data. 
     The network interface unit  314  receives IP packets transmitted from a wire network. The IP packets may be transmitted from an Internet network. Also, the IP packets may be transmitted from the content provider (CP) or the service provider (SP). In this case, the IP packets may include the audio and video signals. The video signal may include at least one of 2D image data and 3D image data. 
     The signal processor  330  may include a demodulator  331 , a demultiplexer (Demux)  333 , a decoder unit  335 , and a scaler  340 . The decoder unit  335  may include a video decoder (not shown) and an audio decoder (not shown). The signal processor  330  may further include a formatter  350 . 
     The demodulator  331  demodulates the broadcast signal received and transmitted from the signal input unit  310 . 
     The demultiplexer  333  demultiplexes audio data, video data and additional information from the demodulated broadcast signal or the signal output from the signal input unit  310 . In this case, the additional information may be system information (SI) such as program specific information/program and system information protocol (PSI/PSIP). 
     The demultiplexer  333  outputs the demultiplexed audio data and video data to the decoder unit  335 , and outputs the additional information to an addition information processor (not shown). 
     The decoder unit  335  decodes the video data output from the signal input unit  310  or the demultiplexer  333  to the original data transmitted from an image signal provider such as a broadcast station. The decoder unit  335  decodes the demultiplexed video data to the original data prior to transmission through the video decoder (not shown), and decodes the demultiplexed audio data to the original data prior to transmission through the audio decoder (not shown). 
     The scaler  340  scales the data processed by the decoder unit  335  to a signal of a proper size for output, through the display unit  370  or a speaker unit (not shown). In more detail, the scaler  340  receives 2D image or 3D image and scales the 2D image or the 3D image to be suitable for resolution or predetermined aspect ratio of the image display device  300 . The image display device  300  is manufactured to output a video screen having predetermined resolution, for example, 720×480 format, 1024×768 format, 1280×720 format, 1280×768 format, 1280×800 format, 1920×540 format, 1920×1080 format or 4K×2K format, per product option. Accordingly, the scaler  340  may convert resolution of 3D image, which may be input at various values, to be suitable for resolution of the corresponding image display device. 
     Also, the scaler  340  controls and outputs an aspect ratio of 3D image in accordance with a type of displayed contents or user setting. The aspect ratio may have a value of 16:9, 4:3, or 3:2. The scaler  340  may control the aspect ratio in such a manner that a ratio of a horizontal screen length and a vertical screen length becomes a specific ratio. 
     The scaler  340  may include a first scaler  341  and a second scaler  343 . The first scaler  341  scales any one of a left eye image and a right eye image of a main screen or 3D image. The second scaler  343  scales any one of a left eye image and a right eye image of a sub screen or 3D image. 
     Also, the scaler  340  of the image display device  300  according to one embodiment of the present invention may divide one frame signal constituting one screen in a 3D image signal, which will be displayed, into a plurality of parts and output the signal by controlling the divided width linearly or non-linearly. 
     For example, the first scaler  341  may divide an image frame included in any one (for example, left eye image) of a left eye image and a right eye image of a 3D image signal into a plurality parts and output the same by controlling the divided interval non-linearly. Hereinafter, the image frame included in the left eye image will be referred to as a left eye image frame, and the image frame included in the right eye image will be referred to as a right eye image frame. 
     In other words, if the divided interval of any one of the left eye image frame and the right eye image frame in any one of the first scaler  341  and the second scaler  343  is controlled non-linearly and a full screen size is controlled, the other one of the first scaler  341  and the second scaler  343  outputs the other one of the left eye image frame and the right eye image frame by controlling the full screen size only without controlling the width of the divided interval or by controlling the divided interval linearly. 
     Also, the first scaler  341  and the second scaler  343  may scale the same image differently. The first scaler  341  scales the image decoded by the decoder unit  335  to a first image, and the second scaler  343  scales the same image to a second image differently from the first scaler  341 . 
     According to one embodiment, the scaler  340  may be configured by one scaler. In this case, the scaler  340  may generate first and second images by scaling the image decoded by the decoder unit  335  two times. In this case, the scaler  340  may generate first and second images by scaling the image differently. In other words, the first image and the second image may be scaled from the same image differently from each other. Also, the scaler  340  may scale the left eye image frame and the right eye image frame in due order. In this case, the left eye image frame and the right eye image frame may be scaled differently from each other. 
     Also, the scaler  340  may apply a picture quality setting value (for example, color, sharpness, etc.), which is used to display the 3D image, to the left eye image and the right eye image according to the 3D image signal, respectively. In this case, the picture quality setting value may be controlled or set specifically by the controller  360 , and the scaler  340  outputs a predetermined picture quality setting value by applying the picture quality setting value to the left eye image and the right eye image according to the 3D image signal, which will be displayed, respectively, under the control of the controller  360 . Also, the operation for applying the predetermined picture quality setting value to the left eye image and the right eye image according to the 3D image signal, which will be displayed, respectively, may be performed by the formatter  350  not the scaler  340 . 
     The formatter  350  converts the video and audio signals output from the scaler  340  to be suitable for an output format of the display unit  350 . In this case, the formatter  350  passes the received signal without conversion if 2D contents are displayed. And, if 3D contents are displayed, the formatter  350  may act as a 3D formatter that processes the image output from the scaler  340  in a 3D format to be suitable for an output frequency of the display unit  370  and a format of the 3D contents under the control of the controller  360 . If the scaler  340  scales 2D image to the first image and the second image, the formatter  350  may act as a 3D formatter that processes the first image and the second image in a 3D format to be suitable for an output frequency of the display unit  370  and a format of the 3D contents under the control of the controller  360 . 
     Also, the formatter  350  outputs the image signal converted to implement 3D image to the display unit  370 , and generates a vertical synchronization signal Vsync for the output 3D image signal and outputs the generated signal to the infrared output unit  355 . In this case, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync is to synchronize a display timing of the left eye image or the right eye image according to the 3D image signal with a switching timing of a left eye lens or a right eye lens of shutter glasses (not shown). 
     According to one embodiment, the formatter  350  may function as the scaler  340 . In other words, the formatter  350  may directly scale the image output from the decoder unit  335 . 
     The infrared output unit  355  receives the vertical synchronization signal output from the formatter  350  and transmits the received signal to the shutter glasses (not shown). Then, the shutter glasses controls a shutter open period of a left eye shutter liquid crystal panel (left eye lens) and a right eye shutter liquid crystal panel (right eye lens) in accordance with the received vertical synchronization signal. In more detail, when the image display device  300  displays the left eye image, the left eye shutter liquid crystal panel passes light while the right eye shutter liquid crystal panel shields light. As a result, the left eye image is transferred to a left eye only of a user of the glasses. When the image display device  300  displays the right eye image, the left eye shutter liquid crystal panel shields light while the right eye shutter liquid crystal panel passes light. As a result, the right eye image is transferred to a right eye only of a user of the glasses. 
     The controller  360  controls the overall operation of the image display device  300 . The controller  360  may control the scaler  340  to scale the image frame included in the 2D image signal to a first image frame and a second image frame, respectively. In this case, the first image frame and the second image frame may be scaled differently from each other. Also, the controller  360  may control the scaler  340  to scale the left eye image frame and the right eye image frame included in the 3D image signal differently from each other. 
     In more detail, the controller  360  controls the scaler  340  to non-linearly control and output the divided interval of one of the left eye image frame and the right eye image frame included in the received 3D image signal. The controller  360  controls the scaler  340  to output the other one of the left eye image frame and the right eye image frame included in the received 3D image signal without controlling the divided interval, or controls the scaler  340  to linearly control and output the divided interval of the other one of the left eye image frame and the right eye image frame included in the received 3D image signal. 
     The display unit  370  displays the 2D image signal or the 3D image signal transmitted through the formatter  350  as a stereoscopic image. Also, the display unit  370  may display the 2D image signal transmitted by bypassing the formatter  350  or output from the scaler  340  without passing the formatter  340 . 
     The storage unit  380  may store various kinds of information required for the display operation. 
     The user interface unit  390  may receive the user&#39;s manipulation. The user interface unit  390  may include at least one of a touch screen, a touch pad, a remote controller receiver, a camera unit, an audio receiver, and a button unit that includes a physical button. In this case, the user&#39;s manipulation may include selection of a physical button of a remote controller or the image display device, action of a predetermined gesture or selection of a soft button on a touch screen display screen, action of a predetermined gesture recognized from an image taken by an image pickup device, and action of a predetermined utterance recognized by voice recognition. 
     Technical spirits of the image display device  300  according to one embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of an image processing method which will be described with reference to  FIG. 4  to  FIG. 7 . Accordingly, a detailed operation of the image display device  300  will be described in detail. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating an image processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , in the image processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention, a 3D image signal, which includes a left eye image and a right eye image, is received (S 100 ). The operation of the step S 100  may be performed by the signal input unit  310 , and the received 3D image signal may have a signal type shown and described in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
     Also, the image processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include the steps of demodulating and demultiplexing the 3D image signal received at the step S 100  and decoding the demultiplexed audio and video signal (not shown). 
     Any one image frame (hereinafter, referred to as ‘one image’) of the left eye image and the right eye image included in the 3D image signal is divided into a plurality of parts, and in this case, the divided interval is controlled non-linearly (S 110 ). In other words, the divided interval of one image is controlled differently. Also, the step S 110  may include the steps of equally dividing one image of the left eye image and the right eye image included in the 3D image signal into a plurality of images and non-linearly controlling the divided interval (width of divided images) of each of the divided images. 
     In a plurality of divided images when one image is divided into the plurality of divided images in a vertical direction, the step S 110  may include non-linearly controlling the vertical width interval. Also, in a plurality of divided images when one image is divided into the plurality of divided images in a horizontal direction, the step S 110  may include non-linearly controlling the horizontal width interval. Hereinafter, in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , one image is divided into a plurality of images in a vertical direction. 
     Also, the image processing method further include the step (S 120 ) of dividing the other one of the left eye image and the right eye image included in the 3D image signal into a plurality of images and linearly controlling the divided interval. In other words, the divided interval of the other image is controlled equally. 
     In the present invention, in order to increase reality of the 3D image, the divided image for one image is controlled non-linearly at the step S 110 . Non-linear control of the divided interval of one image at the step S 110  and reality increase will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating difference in distance caused by binocular parallax of a 3D image. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , (a) of  FIG. 5  illustrates a position  503  of an image formed by combination of a right eye image  501  and a left eye image  502  if an interval between the right eye image  501  and the left eye image  502  is narrow. Also, (b) of  FIG. 5  illustrates a position  513  of an image formed by combination of a right eye image  511  and a left eye image  512  if an interval between the right eye image  511  and the left eye image  512  is wide. 
     In other words, (a) of  FIG. 5  and (b) of  FIG. 5  illustrate perspective levels that images are formed at different positions depending on the interval between the left eye image and the right eye image displayed by the image display device  300 . 
     Referring to (a) of  FIG. 5 , when extension lines R 1  and R 2  viewing one side and the other side of the right eye image  501  through the right eye are drawn and extension lines L 1  and L 2  viewing one side and the other side of the left eye image  502  through the left eye are drawn, the image is formed at the position  503  where the extension line R 1  of the right eye image crosses the extension line L 1  of the left eye image at a given distance d 1  from the right eye and the left eye. Accordingly, the user feels the distance of d 1  in viewing the 3D image through the image display device  300 . 
     Referring to (b) of  FIG. 5 , based on the description in (a) of  FIG. 5 , the image is formed at the position  513  where the extension line R 3  of the right eye image crosses the extension line L 3  of the left eye image at a given distance d 2  from the right eye and the left eye. 
     In this case, comparing the distance d 1  in (a) of  FIG. 5  with the distance d 2  in (b) of  FIG. 5 , indicating the distance from the left eye and the right eye to the positions  503  and  513  where the images are formed, the distance d 1  from the left eye or the right eye is longer than the distance d 2  from the left eye or the right eye. In other words, the image in (a) of  FIG. 5  is formed at the distance farther away from the left eye and the right eye as compared with the image in (b) of  FIG. 5 . In other words, if the difference G 1  in a center distance between the left eye image  501  and the right eye image  502  is narrow, a sense of distance is increased. Accordingly, the user recognizes the image as a screen which is far away (or object displayed on the screen) if the difference G 1  in a center distance is narrow. 
     In other words, perspective is varied depending on the displayed interval (G 1  or G 2 ) of the right eye image and the left eye image. In this case, the displayed interval (G 1  or G 2 ) of the right eye image and the left eye image may be referred to as parallax (that is, binocular parallax) of two cameras based on the principle of the stereoscopic mode. In other words, perspective is varied depending on the binocular parallax of the displayed interval (G 1  or G 2 ) of the right eye image and the left eye image. 
     In the present invention, in the left eye image and the right eye image displayed at the same period, in order to set the binocular parallax in predetermined divided areas (divided images) on the same screen differently, the divided interval is non-linearly controlled for one image but the divided interval is not controlled for the other image. Accordingly, the binocular parallax may differently be provided to each divided area of the left eye image and the right eye image displayed at the same period and recognized by the user as one screen. As a result, distance (perspective or depth) may differently be provided to the left eye image and the right eye image displayed at the same period, whereby more stereoscopic 3D image may be displayed. In other words, reality of the 3D image may be increased. 
     Control of the divided interval of the left eye image and the right eye image according to the steps S 110  and S 120  will be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an operation for controlling a divided interval at steps S 110  and S 120  of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 7  is another diagram illustrating an operation for controlling a divided interval at steps S 110  and S 120  of  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring to (a) of  FIG. 6 , any one (for example, left eye image)  610  of the left eye image and the right eye image included in the 3D image signal is divided into a plurality of images in a vertical direction, and the interval (vertical width, G 11  or G 12 ) of the respective divided images is controlled non-linearly. 
     Referring to (a) of  FIG. 6 , the step S 110  may include non-linearly controlling each divided interval of the plurality of divided images so that the width of the divided interval is reduced towards both sides based on a predetermined axis  611  of one image. In other words, the divided intervals (G 11  or G 12 ) of the respective divided images are controlled differently from each other. The vertical axis in one image has been shown as an example of the predetermined axis. Also, if one image is divided in a horizontal direction, the predetermined axis may be the horizontal axis. 
     Also, referring to (b) of  FIG. 6 , in a left eye image which is shown in (a) of  FIG. 6  and is one image and a right eye image  630  which forms one stereoscopic image and is the other image, the divided intervals are not controlled differently from each other. In other words, the image  630  is divided into a plurality of images as shown in (b) of  FIG. 6  equally, and the divided intervals G 21  or G 22  are equally controlled (linearly). 
     Also, the step S 120  may include outputting the image  630 , which is the other image, through scaling to have the same size, the same resolution or the same aspect ratio as that of the left image  710  without linear control of the divided intervals. Since the equivalent control of the divided intervals is the same as enlargement or reduction of the image in one direction (for example, horizontal direction), the image is output through scaling only. 
     Also, the image processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include outputting the left eye image (one image) and the right eye image (other image), of which divided intervals are controlled linearly or non-linearly, by scaling at the same size, the same resolution or the same aspect ratio. Also, the scaling operation may be performed by the scaler  340 . 
     As shown in (a) of  FIG. 6 , if the divided intervals of the plurality of divided images are controlled non-linearly so that the width of the divided intervals is reduced towards both sides based on the predetermined axis  611  of the image  610  and the divided intervals of the other image  630  are controlled linearly (equally), binocular parallax between the left eye image and the right eye image is reduced towards both sides based on the predetermined axis  611 . As a result, 3D image effect produced in a convex mirror is generated. 
     In more detail, the image is displayed in an area close to the predetermined axis  611  as a screen of short distance and in an area far away from the predetermined axis  611  as a screen of long distance. Accordingly, the stereoscopic effect in the 3D image may be more increased, whereby picture quality of the 3D image may be improved. 
     Also, if the divided interval of the respective divided images is increased, it may have an effect as if the corresponding divided image is oriented forwards (towards a viewer) or is displayed at short distance. Also, if the divided interval of the respective divided images is reduced, it may have an effect as if the corresponding divided image is oriented backwards (opposite to a viewer) or is displayed at long distance. 
     Referring to (a) of  FIG. 7 , any one (for example, left eye image)  710  of the left eye image and the right eye image included in the 3D image signal is divided into a plurality of images in a vertical direction, and the interval (vertical width, G 31  or G 32 ) of the divided images is controlled non-linearly. 
     Referring to (a) of  FIG. 7 , the step S 110  may include non-linearly controlling the respective divided intervals (G 31 , G 32 ) of the plurality of divided images so that the width of the divided interval is increased towards both sides based on a predetermined axis  711  of one image. In other words, the divided intervals (G 31  or G 22 ) of the respective divided images are controlled differently from each other. The vertical axis in one image has been shown as an example of the predetermined axis. 
     Also, since (b) of  FIG. 7  is the same as (b) of  FIG. 6 , its detailed description will be omitted. 
     As shown in (a) of  FIG. 7 , the divided intervals of the plurality of divided images are controlled non-linearly so that the width of the divided intervals is increased towards both sides based on the predetermined axis  711  of the image  710 , that is, towards a long distance from the predetermined axis  711 , and the divided intervals of the other image  730  are controlled linearly (equally). In this case, the binocular parallax between the left eye image and the right eye image is increased towards both sides based on the predetermined axis  711 . As a result, 3D image effect produced in a concave mirror is generated. 
     In more detail, the image is displayed in an area close to the predetermined axis  711  as a screen of long distance and in an area far away from the predetermined axis  711  as a screen of short distance. Accordingly, the stereoscopic effect in the 3D image may be more increased, whereby picture quality of the 3D image may be improved. 
     The predetermined axis  611  or  711  shown and described in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  may be located differently depending on the configuration of the displayed screen. For example, the predetermined axis  611  or  711  may be located at an area of the screen configuration having short distance or long distance on the same screen. 
     The image processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step S 130  of outputting one image and the other image. The operation at the step S 130  may be performed by the scaler  340 , and the one image and the other image which are output may be transmitted from the formatter  350 . 
     Also, the image processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a step (not shown) of outputting one image at the step S 110  and the other image at the step S 120  as the 3D images by converting the images in accordance with the display format of the image display device  300 . This operation may be performed by the formatter  350 . 
     Also, the image processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a step (not shown) of displaying the one image and the other image, which are format converted, as the 3D images. This operation may be performed by the formatter  350 . 
     Also, in the image processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the operation of each step may be controlled by the controller  360 . 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating scaling in a horizontal direction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the scaler  340  may generate first image data  820  and second image data  830  by using image data  810 . The scaler  340  may generate the first image data  820  by scaling the image data  810  so that scaling size may be increased towards the left side  811  and the right side  812  from the center of the image data  810 . The scaler  340  may generate the first image data  820  by dividing the image data  810  into a plurality of divided images in a vertical direction and scaling each of the divided images to increase widths G 81  and G 82  of the divided intervals towards the left side  811  and the right side  812  from the center. If the first image data  820  are oriented towards the left side  821  or the right side  822  from the center  823 , the width of the divided interval of the divided images is increased. In other words, the width G 84  may be greater than the width G 83 . 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the scaler  340  may generate the first image data  820  by scaling the image data  810  so that scaling size may be reduced towards the left side  811  and the right side  812  from the center of the image data  810 . The scaler  340  may generate the first image data  820  by dividing the image data  810  into a plurality of divided images in a vertical direction and scaling each of the divided images to reduce widths G 81  and G 82  of the divided intervals towards the left side  811  and the right side  812  from the center. 
     The scaler  340  may generate the second image data  830  by linearly scaling the image data  810 . The scaler  340  may generate the second image data  830  by linearly scaling the divided intervals of the image data  810 . In the second image data  830 , widths G 85  and G 86  of the divided intervals of the divided images are the same as each other. 
       FIG. 9  is another diagram illustrating scaling in a horizontal direction. 
     The scaler  340  may generate first image data  920  and second image data  930  by using image data  910 . The scaler  340  may generate the first image data  920  by scaling the image data  910  so that scaling size may be increased towards the left side  911  and the right side  912  from the center of the image data  910 . The scaler  340  may generate the first image data  920  by dividing the image data  910  into a plurality of divided images in a vertical direction and scaling each of the divided images to increase widths G 91  and G 92  of the divided intervals towards the left side  911  and the right side  912  from the center. If the first image data  920  are oriented towards the left side  921  or the right side  922  from the center  923 , the width of the divided interval of the divided images is increased. In other words, the width G 94  may be greater than the width G 93 . 
     The scaler  340  may generate the second image data  930  by scaling the image data  910  so that scaling size may be increased towards the left side  911  and the right side  912  from the center of the image data  910 . In this case, the scaler  340  increases the scaling size differently from that in generating the first image data  920 . The scaler  340  may generate the second image data  930  by dividing the image data  910  into a plurality of divided images in a vertical direction and scaling each of the divided images to increase widths G 91  and G 92  of the divided intervals towards the left side  911  and the right side  912  from the center. If the second image data  930  are oriented towards the left side  931  or the right side  932  from the center  933 , the width of the divided interval of the divided images is increased. In other words, the width G 96  may be greater than the width G 95 . Also, the widths G 95  and G 96  are different from the widths G 93  and G 94 , respectively. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the scaler  340  may generate the first image data  920  and the second image data  930  by scaling the image data  910  so that scaling size may be reduced towards the left side  911  and the right side  912  from the center of the image data  910 . In this case, the scaler  340  may reduce the scaling size of the second image data  930  differently from that of the first image data  920 . The scaler  340  may generate the first image data  920  and the second image data  930  by dividing the image data  910  into a plurality of divided images in a vertical direction and scaling each of the divided images to reduce widths G 91  and G 92  of the divided intervals towards the left side  911  and the right side  912  from the center. In this case, the widths G 95  and G 96  are different from the widths G 93  and G 94 , respectively. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating scaling in a vertical direction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the scaler  340  may generate first image data  1020  and second image data  1030  by using image data  1010 . The scaler  340  may generate the first image data  1020  by scaling the image data  1010  so that scaling size may be increased towards the upper side  1011  and the lower side  1012  from the center of the image data  1010 . The scaler  340  may generate the first image data  1020  by dividing the image data  1010  into a plurality of divided images in a horizontal direction and scaling each of the divided images to increase widths G 101  and G 102  of the divided intervals towards the upper side  1011  and the lower side  1012  from the center. If the first image data  1020  are oriented towards the upper side  1021  or the lower side  1022  from the center  1023 , the width of the divided interval of the divided images is increased. In other words, the width G 104  may be greater than the width G 103 . 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the scaler  340  may generate the first image data  1020  by scaling the image data  1010  so that scaling size may be reduced towards the upper side  1011  and the right side  1012  from the center of the image data  1010 . The scaler  340  may generate the first image data  1020  by dividing the image data  1010  into a plurality of divided images in a horizontal direction and scaling each of the divided images to reduce the widths G 101  and G 102  of the divided intervals towards the upper side  1011  and the right side  1012  from the center. 
     The scaler  340  may generate the second image data  1030  by linearly scaling the image data  1010 . The scaler  340  may generate the second image data  1030  by linearly scaling the divided intervals of the image data  1010 . In the second image data  1030 , widths G 105  and G 106  of the divided intervals of the divided images are the same as each other. 
       FIG. 11  is another diagram illustrating scaling in a vertical direction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the scaler  340  may generate first image data  1120  and second image data  1130  by using image data  1110 . The scaler  340  may generate the first image data  1120  by scaling the image data  1110  so that scaling size may be increased towards the upper side  1111  and the lower side  1112  from the center of the image data  1110 . The scaler  340  may generate the first image data  1120  by dividing the image data  1110  into a plurality of divided images in a horizontal direction and scaling each of the divided images to increase widths G 111  and G 112  of the divided intervals towards the upper side  1111  and the lower side  1112  from the center. If the first image data  1120  are oriented towards the upper side  1121  or the lower side  1122  from the center  1123 , the width of the divided interval of the divided images is increased. In other words, the width G 113  may be greater than the width G 114 . 
     The scaler  340  may generate the second image data  1130  by scaling the image data  1110  so that scaling size may be increased towards the upper side  1111  and the lower side  1112  from the center of the image data  1110 . In this case, the scaler  340  increases the scaling size differently from that in generating the first image data  1120 . The scaler  340  may generate the second image data  1130  by dividing the image data  1110  into a plurality of divided images in a vertical direction and scaling each of the divided images to increase widths G 111  and G 112  of the divided intervals towards the upper side  1111  and the lower side  1112  from the center. If the second image data  1130  are oriented towards the upper side  1131  or the lower side  1132  from the center  1133 , the width of the divided interval of the divided images is increased. In other words, the width G 115  may be greater than the width G 116 . Also, the widths G 115  and G 116  are different from the widths G 113  and G 114 , respectively. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the scaler  340  may generate the first image data  1120  and the second image data  1130  by scaling the image data  1110  so that scaling size may be reduced towards the upper side  1111  and the lower side  1112  from the center of the image data  1110 . In this case, the scaler  340  may reduce the scaling size of the second image data  1130  differently from that of the first image data  1120 . The scaler  340  may generate the first image data  1120  and the second image data  1130  by dividing the image data  1110  into a plurality of divided images in a vertical direction and scaling each of the divided images to reduce the widths G 111  and G 112  of the divided intervals towards the upper side  1111  and the lower side  1112  from the center. In this case, the widths G 115  and G 116  are different from the widths G 113  and G 114 , respectively. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a screen where contents are displayed. 
       FIG. 12(   a ) illustrates that a display unit  370  displays image data. In this case, the image data may be one of 2D image data and 3D image data. 
       FIG. 12(   b ) illustrates that first image data and second image data, which are scaled from the image data displayed in  FIG. 12(   a ) in the manners described in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9 , are displayed. Since the image interval in the first image data and the second image data becomes wide towards the left side and the right side from the center, the image is displayed on the center of the screen at long distance and is displayed towards the left side and the right side of the screen at short distance. Accordingly, the image of  FIG. 12(   b ) seems to be displayed as if the image of  FIG. 12(   a ) is displayed on a screen curved in a horizontal direction. As a result, according to the present invention, the user&#39;s concentration and interest in the displayed image may be increased. In this case, if the image data are the 3D image data, the first image data may be scaled from one of the left eye image and the right eye image of the 3D image data, and the second image data may be scaled from the other one. 
       FIG. 12(   c ) illustrates that first image data and second image data, which are scaled from the image data displayed in  FIG. 12(   a ) in accordance with the manners described in  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 11 , are displayed. Since the image interval in the first image data and the second image data becomes wide towards the upper side and the lower side from the center, the image is displayed on the center of the screen at long distance and is displayed towards the upper side and the lower side of the screen at short distance. Accordingly, the image of  FIG. 12(   c ) seems to be displayed as if the image of  FIG. 12(   a ) is displayed on a screen curved in a vertical direction. As a result, according to the present invention, the user&#39;s concentration and interest in the displayed image may be increased. In this case, if the image data are the 3D image data, the first image data may be scaled from one of the left eye image and the right eye image of the 3D image data, and the second image data may be scaled from the other one. 
       FIG. 12(   d ) illustrates that first image data and second image data, which are scaled from the image data displayed in  FIG. 12(   a ) in accordance with one of the manners described in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9  and one of the manner described in  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 11 , are displayed. Since the image interval in the first image data and the second image data becomes wide towards the left side and the right side from the center, the image is displayed on the center of the screen at long distance and is displayed towards the left side and the right side of the screen at short distance. Also, since the image interval in the first image data and the second image data becomes wide towards the upper side and the lower side from the center, the image is displayed on the center of the screen at long distance and is displayed towards the upper side and the lower side of the screen at short distance. Accordingly, the image of  FIG. 12(   d ) seems to be displayed as if the image of  FIG. 12(   a ) is displayed on a screen curved in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. In other words, the image of  FIG. 12(   d ) seems to be displayed as if the image of  FIG. 12(   a ) is displayed on a sphere type screen. As a result, according to the present invention, the user&#39;s concentration and interest in the displayed image may be increased. In this case, if the image data are the 3D image data, the first image data may be scaled from one of the left eye image and the right eye image of the 3D image data, and the second image data may be scaled from the other one. 
       FIG. 13  to  FIG. 16  are diagrams illustrating that a graphical user interface (GUI) for setting a scaling mode is displayed. 
     The user interface unit  390  receives the user&#39;s manipulation for requesting setting of the scaling mode, and the controller  360  senses the received user&#39;s manipulation. The controller  360  controls the GUI for setting the scaling mode in response to the user&#39;s manipulation, so that the GUI may be displayed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the display unit  370  may display a GUI  1300  for setting the scaling mode, on the screen. 
     The GUI  1300  may include an image display area  1310  displaying images, a first bar  1320  for setting a horizontal scaling parameter indicating a scaling mode in a horizontal direction, a second bar  1330  for setting a vertical scaling parameter indicating a scaling mode in a vertical direction, a confirm button  1352  and a cancel button  1354 . 
     The image display area  1310  displays the scaled image on the basis of the horizontal scaling parameter rand the vertical scaling parameter, which are set through the first bar  1320  and the second bar  1330 . 
     The user may select a value indicated by a point where a scale selection mark  1325  of the first bar  1320  is located, by controlling the position of the scale selection mark  1325 . 
     The user may select a value indicated by a point where a scale selection mark  1335  of the second bar  1330  is located, by controlling the position of the scale selection mark  1335 . 
     If the controller  360  senses the user&#39;s manipulation selecting the confirm button  1352 , in response to the user&#39;s manipulation, it sets the value indicated by the point where the scale selection mark  1325  is located, as the horizontal scaling parameter, and sets the value indicated by the point where the scale selection mark  1335  is located, as the vertical scaling parameter. 
     The controller  360  may control the scaler  340  to scale the image data in accordance with the horizontal scaling parameter and the vertical scaling parameter. In this case, increase or reduction of a scaling size to the left side or the right side from the center described in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9  is changed in accordance with the horizontal scaling parameter. Also, if the horizontal scaling parameter is close to 1, the image display area  1310  seems like the screen tilted towards the horizontal direction. If the horizontal scaling parameter is close to 0, the image display area  1310  seems like the screen close to a plane. Also, increase or reduction of a scaling size to the upper side or the lower side from the center described in  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 11  is changed in accordance with the vertical scaling parameter. Also, if the vertical scaling parameter is close to 1, the image display area  1310  seems like the screen tilted towards the vertical direction. If the horizontal scaling parameter is close to 0, the image display area  1310  seems like the screen close to a plane. 
     In  FIG. 13 , since the scale selection mark  1325  and the scale selection mark  1335  are located at the point where a scale is set to 0, both the horizontal scaling parameter and the vertical scaling parameter are set to 0. If the image data are 2D image data, the image data may be scaled to one image data having the same divided intervals. If the image data are 3D image data, the left eye image data and the right eye image data are scaled in the same manner. The image display area  1310  seems like a plane screen. 
     In a GUI  1400  of  FIG. 14 , since a scale selection mark  1425  is located at a point where a scale of a first bar  1420  is set to 0.5, the horizontal scaling parameter is set to 0.5. Since a scale selection mark  1435  is located at a point where a scale of a second bar  1430  is set to 0, the vertical scaling parameter is set to 0. If the image data are 2D image data, the image data may be scaled to the first image data and the second image data described in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9 . If the image data are 3D image data, one of the left eye image data and the right eye image data may be scaled to the first image data described in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9 , and the other one may be scaled to the second image data described in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9 . In this case, the increased amount or the reduced amount of a scaling size towards the left side and the right side from the center of the image data may be determined on the basis of 0.5 which is the value of the horizontal scaling parameter. Also, the image display area  1410  displays the image scaled in accordance with the horizontal scaling parameter of 0.5 and the horizontal scaling parameter of 0. The image display area  1410  seems like a screen tilted in a horizontal direction. 
     In a GUI  1500  of  FIG. 15 , since a scale selection mark  1535  is located at a point where a scale of a second bar  1530  is set to 0.5, the vertical scaling parameter is set to 0.5. Since a scale selection mark  1525  is located at a point where a scale of a first bar  1520  is set to 0, the horizontal scaling parameter is set to 0. If the image data are 2D image data, the image data may be scaled to the first image data and the second image data described in  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 11 . If the image data are 3D image data, one of the left eye image data and the right eye image data may be scaled to the first image data described in  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 11 , and the other one may be scaled to the second image data described in  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 11 . In this case, the increased amount or the reduced amount of a scaling size towards the upper side and the lower side from the center of the image data may be determined on the basis of 0.5 which is the value of the vertical scaling parameter. Also, an image display area  1510  displays the image scaled in accordance with the horizontal scaling parameter of 0 and the vertical scaling parameter of 0.5. The image display area  1510  seems like a screen tilted in a vertical direction. 
     In a GUI  1600  of  FIG. 16 , since a scale selection mark  1625  is located at a point where a scale of a first bar  1620  is set to 0.5, the horizontal scaling parameter is set to 0.5. Since a scale selection mark  1635  is located at a point where a scale of a second bar  1630  is set to 0.5, the vertical scaling parameter is set to 0.5. If the image data are 2D image data, the image data may be scaled to one of the manners described in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9  and one of the manners described in  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 11 . If the image data are 3D image data, one of the left eye image data and the right eye image data may be scaled in accordance with a hybrid manner of one of the scaling manners to the first image data described in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9  and one of the scaling manners to the first image data described in  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 11 . In this case, the increased amount or the reduced amount of a scaling size towards the left side and the right side from the center of the image data may be determined on the basis of 0.5 which is the value of the horizontal scaling parameter. Also, the increased amount or the reduced amount of a scaling size towards the upper side and the lower side from the center of the image data may be determined on the basis of 0.5 which is the value of the vertical scaling parameter. Also, the image display area  1610  displays the image scaled in accordance with the horizontal scaling parameter of 0.5 and the vertical scaling parameter of 0.5. The image display area  1610  seems like a screen tilted in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. 
       FIG. 17  is a flow chart illustrating an image processing method according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , the signal input unit  310  receives, which includes image data (S 200 ). In this case, the image data may include at least one of the 2D image data and the 3D image data. 
     The controller  360  identifies whether the user&#39;s manipulation requesting setting of a scaling mode has been sensed (S 210 ). 
     In response to the user&#39;s manipulation, the controller  360  controls the GUI for setting the scaling mode, so that the GUI may be displayed (S 220 ). In this case, the displayed GUI may be the GUI  1300  shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     The controller  360  identifies whether the scaling parameter has been input (S 230 ). In this case, the scaling parameter may include at least one of the horizontal scaling parameter and the vertical scaling parameter. 
     If the scaling parameter is input, the controller  360  sets the input scaling parameter as the scaling parameter (S 240 ). 
     The scaler  340  scales the image data to the first image data (S 250 ). The first image data may be scaled in accordance with the manners described in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9 , may be scaled in accordance with the manners described in FIG.  10  or  FIG. 11 , or may be scaled in accordance with a hybrid manner of one of the manners described in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9  and one of the manners described in  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 11 . If the image data are 3D image data, the first image data may be scaled from one of the left eye image data and the right eye image data. Also, the scaler  340  scales the image data to the first image data in accordance with the scaling parameter set at the step S 240 . In other words, the scaler  340  scales the first image data in accordance with the manner indicated by the scaling parameter. 
     The scaler  340  scales the image data to the second image data (S 260 ). The second image data may be scaled in accordance with the manners described in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9 , may be scaled in accordance with the manners described in  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 11 , or may be scaled in accordance with a hybrid manner of one of the manners described in  FIG. 8  or  FIG. 9  and one of the manners described in  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 11 . If the image data are 3D image data, the second image data may be scaled from the other one of the left eye image data and the right eye image data. Also, the scaler  340  scales the image data to the second image data in accordance with the scaling parameter set at the step S 240 . In other words, the scaler  340  scales the second image data in accordance with the manner indicated by the scaling parameter. 
     The formatter  350  samples the first image data and the second image data in accordance with a 3D image frame format (S 270 ). In this case, the 3D image frame format is the format for displaying 3D image through the display unit  370 . 
     The display unit  370  displays the 3D image frame output from the formatter  350  (S 280 ). In this case, the 3D image frame may be displayed in accordance with a glasses mode and a non-glasses mode. 
     In the meantime, the terminologies used in the present invention are defined considering their functions in the present invention. Since the terminologies may be modified depending on intention of a person skilled in the art, or practices, the terminologies should be defined on the basis of the detailed meanings of which are described in relevant parts of the description herein. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention. Thus, the above embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims and all change which comes within the equivalent scope of the invention are included in the scope of the invention. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present invention relates to the image processing technology, and may be used for development and usage of an image processing device in the field of image industries.