# US 2017/0256089 A9 · Apparatus and method for processing three dimensional image on multi-layer display

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- Number: US 2017/0256089 A9
- Document ID: US20170256089A9
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A9
- Application number: 14/520,277
- Filed: 2014-10-21
- Published: 2017-09-07
- Earliest claimed: 2008-11-25
- Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; Puredepth Limited
- Inventors: Young Ran Han; Young Shin Kwak; Du Sik Park; Young Ju Jeong; Darryl Singh; Gareth Paul Bell
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20170256089A9

## CPC

- G06T 15/08: Volume rendering
- G06T 15/205: {Image-based rendering}
- G06T 15/40: Hidden part removal
- G06T: IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL

## Abstract

An apparatus and method of processing three-dimensional (3D) images on a multi-layer display may generate virtual depth information based on original depth information, and display 3D images having various depth values using the generated virtual depth information. Also, the apparatus and method may appropriately provide color information to each of a plurality of display layers, thereby preventing an original image from being damaged.

## Claims

### Claim at position 1

1-17. (canceled)

### Claim 18

An apparatus of processing images for a multi-layer display, comprising:
wherein said apparatus is configured for receiving an input image;
wherein said apparatus is configured for calculating original depth information for an object based on the received input image;
a depth information conversion unit configured for converting said original depth information for said object;
wherein said apparatus is configured for determining a first range across a plurality of displays layers said object is displayed based on said virtual depth information, wherein said first range is between a first display and a second display layer of a plurality of display layers; and
a color information conversion unit configured for adjusting color information of said object based on said virtual depth information to provide first and second output color information to said first and second display layers.

### Claim 19 (depends on 18)

The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising:
a local dimming controller configured for reducing power consumption and increasing contrast by modifying power applied to said first and second display layers when displaying said object based on said virtual depth information, such that relatively more power is applied to said first or second display layer that is closer to an observer.

### Claim 20 (depends on 18)

The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said depth information conversion unit is configured for converting said original depth information of said object using histogram equalization to generate said virtual depth information.

### Claim 21 (depends on 18)

The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said depth information conversion unit is configured for converting said original depth information so that available depth information elements included in said original depth information of said object are dispersed across said first range, the available depth information elements being densely populated in said first range before being dispersed.

### Claim 22 (depends on 18)

The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said depth information conversion unit is configured for increasing distances between available depth information elements included in said original depth information of said object to generate said virtual depth information.

### Claim 23 (depends on 18)

The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said color information conversion unit is configured for providing said first and second output color information to said first and second display layers based on a relation of a front-rear position between said first and second display layers with respect to an observer or backlight, and based on said virtual depth information.

### Claim 24 (depends on 18)

The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said color information conversion unit is configured for adjusting brightness and saturation of said object based on said virtual depth information to generate said first output color information for said first display layer, and generates said second output color information for said second display layer based on said output color information for said first display layer.

### Claim 25 (depends on 18)

The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said color information conversion unit is configured for applying a saturation value and a brightness value to a third display layer, such that said third display layer functions as a window.

### Claim 26 (depends on 18)

The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said color information conversion unit further comprises:
a color space conversion device configured to convert a format of said color information of said input image from an RGB (Red, Green, Blue) format to an HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) format.

### Claim 27 (depends on 26)

The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said color information conversion unit further comprises:
a medium color information generation unit configured to adjust said color information of said input image in said HSV format using said virtual depth information to generate mediate color information for said first and second display layers; and
an output color information generation unit configured to convert a format of said mediate color information into said RGB format to generate said first and second output color information, and to provide said first and second output color information to said first and second display layers.

### Claim 28

A method of processing images for a multi-layer display using an image processing apparatus, the method comprising:
receiving an input image;
calculating original depth information for an object based on the received input image;
converting said original depth information into virtual depth information for said object;
determining a first range across a plurality of displays layers said object is displayed based on said virtual depth information, wherein said first range is between a first display and a second display layer of a plurality of display layers; and
adjusting color information of said object based on said virtual depth information to provide output color information to said first and second display layers.

### Claim 29 (depends on 28)

The method of claim 28, further comprising:
reducing power consumption and increasing contrast by modifying power applied to said first and second display layers when displaying said object based on said virtual depth information, such that relatively more power is applied to said first or second display layer that is closer to an observer.

### Claim 30 (depends on 29)

The method of claim 29, wherein said modifying power comprises:
controlling local dimming applied to said object depending on said virtual depth information.

### Claim 31 (depends on 28)

The method of claim 28, further comprising:
applying a saturation value and a brightness value to a third display layer, such that said third display layer functions as a window.

### Claim 32 (depends on 31)

The method of claim 31, wherein said saturation value comprises a ‘0’ and said brightness value comprises a ‘1’.

### Claim 33 (depends on 28)

The method of claim 28, wherein said converting said original depth information comprises:
using histogram equalization to convert said original depth information to said virtual depth information for said object.

### Claim 34 (depends on 28)

The method of claim 28, wherein said converting said original depth information comprises:
converting said original depth information such that available depth information elements included in said original depth information of said object are dispersed across said first range, said available depth information elements being densely populated in said first range before being dispersed.

### Claim 35 (depends on 28)

The method of claim 28, wherein said adjusting color information comprises:
adjusting saturation and brightness of said object while maintaining hue of said object based on said virtual depth information.