Electronic device, electronic device system, and electronic device system operating method

Abstract

An electronic device, a system of electronic devices, and a method for operating a system of the electronic device are disclosed. The electronic device includes: a communication unit configured to receive multiple image signals from multiple other electronic devices; a display unit including a display area, the display area including at least a first display area and a second display area; and a controller configured to control the display unit to display a first image signal received from a first other electronic device among the multiple other electronic devices as an image in the first display area, and to display a second image signal received from a second other electronic device among the multiple other electronic devices as an image in the second display area, wherein the first display area and the second display area are determined according to a corresponding distance between the multiple other electronic devices and each of the multiple display areas.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0028373, filed on March 12, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electronic devices, systems of electronic devices, and system operating methods of electronic devices. Background Art

[0004] As society firmly enters the information age, the field of electronic devices that use electrical information signal display devices to provide various functions is developing rapidly. Electronic devices are not limited to just one electronic device, but various electronic devices can send information to each other through wireless / wired communication and can interact with each other.

[0005] In addition, recently, electronic devices equipped with flexible display panels have been developed. Unlike a flat panel, such a display panel can be folded or rolled like paper, and can be folded together using a folding area. A display panel whose shape can be changed differently can be realized without considering (or substantially without considering) the existing screen size, thereby improving user convenience. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic device, a system of electronic devices, and a system operation method of an electronic device, in which a first electronic device including multiple display areas is configured to display an image signal received from multiple second electronic devices as an image in a display area among the multiple display areas, and the display area among the multiple display areas is determined based on a corresponding distance between each of the multiple second electronic devices and each of the multiple display areas.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic device, a system of electronic devices, and a system operating method of an electronic device, in which a first electronic device can be folded in an area between display areas according to at least one selected from an inner folding method and an outer folding method.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic device, a system of electronic devices, and a system operation method of an electronic device, in which a first electronic device is connected to a second electronic device through communication, and the first electronic device can be connected to the second electronic device with the permission of one of the already connected second electronic devices.

[0009] However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may not be limited to the foregoing and may be variously extended without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] An electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a communication unit configured to receive multiple image signals from multiple other electronic devices; a display unit including a display area, the display area including at least a first display area and a second display area; and a controller configured to control the display unit to display a first image signal received from a first other electronic device among the multiple other electronic devices as an image in the first display area, and to display a second image signal received from a second other electronic device among the multiple other electronic devices as an image in the second display area, wherein the first display area and the second display area are determined based on a corresponding distance between the multiple other electronic devices and each of the display areas.

[0011] The distance between the first display area and the first other electronic device may be smaller than the corresponding distance between each of the remaining display areas except the first display area and the first other electronic device, and the distance between the second display area and the second other electronic device may be smaller than the corresponding distance between each of the remaining display areas except the second display area and the second other electronic device.

[0012] The communication unit may be configured to receive distance data related to the corresponding distance between the first other electronic device and each of the display areas from the first other electronic device, and may be configured to receive distance data related to the corresponding distance between the second other electronic device and each of the display areas from the second other electronic device.

[0013] The electronic device may further include: a sensing unit configured to measure a corresponding distance between each of the plurality of other electronic devices and each of the display areas.

[0014] The communication unit may include an antenna located in the display area, the antenna configured to receive wireless signals from multiple other electronic devices, and the sensing unit may be configured to measure the corresponding distance between each of the multiple other electronic devices and each of the display areas based on the wireless signals received by each of the antennas.

[0015] The display unit may be folded according to at least one selected from an inner folding method and an outer folding method at a boundary between display areas.

[0016] The communication unit may be configured to communicate with a plurality of other electronic devices in response to folding of the display unit.

[0017] The electronic device may be configured to be turned on or off in response to folding of the display unit.

[0018] When the communication unit receives a second image signal from a second other electronic device, the communication unit may receive a connection request signal regarding the electronic device from another other electronic device, may send a connection permission request signal to a first other electronic device having permission in response to the connection request signal, and may perform a communication connection with another other electronic device only when a connection permission signal is received from the first other electronic device.

[0019] The number of the plurality of other electronic devices may be equal to or smaller than the number of the display areas.

[0020] The electronic device may further include: a power supply configured to supply power to the electronic device, wherein at least one selected from the power supply and the controller is physically separable from other components of the electronic device.

[0021] The controller may be configured to supply the plurality of image signals received by the communication unit to the display unit in its entirety, and the plurality of image signals may be image data in which image processing is performed.

[0022] A system operation method of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment includes: receiving a plurality of image signals from a plurality of other electronic devices by an electronic device including a plurality of display areas, the plurality of display areas including at least a first display area and a second display area; determining, by the electronic device based on corresponding distances between the plurality of other electronic devices and each of the plurality of display areas, a display area in which a first image signal received from a first other electronic device among the plurality of other electronic devices and a second image signal received from a second other electronic device among the plurality of other electronic devices are displayed as images; and displaying the first image signal as an image in the first display area, and displaying the second image signal as an image in the second display area.

[0023] Determining a display area in which the first image signal and the second image signal are displayed as images may include: determining a display area of ​​one of the multiple display areas that is closest to one of the multiple other electronic devices as a display area in which an image signal received from one of the multiple other electronic devices is displayed as an image.

[0024] The distance between the first display area and the first other electronic device may be smaller than the corresponding distance between each of the remaining display areas except the first display area and the first other electronic device, and the distance between the second display area and the second other electronic device may be smaller than the corresponding distance between each of the remaining display areas except the second display area and the second other electronic device.

[0025] Receiving multiple image signals from multiple other electronic devices may include: receiving, by the electronic device, distance data related to the corresponding distance between the first other electronic device and each of the display areas from the first other electronic device, and receiving distance data related to the corresponding distance between the second other electronic device and each of the display areas from the second other electronic device.

[0026] Receiving multiple image signals from multiple other electronic devices may also include: receiving wireless signals from multiple other electronic devices by using an antenna in the display area, and generating distance data by the electronic device by measuring the corresponding distance between each of the multiple other electronic devices and each of the display areas based on each of the wireless signals received by each of the antennas.

[0027] Before receiving multiple image signals from multiple other electronic devices through the electronic device, the system operation method may also include: in response to a folding operation between display areas, performing a communication connection with a first other electronic device through the electronic device; receiving a connection request signal from a second other electronic device through the electronic device; in response to receiving the connection request signal, sending a connection permission request signal to a first other electronic device with permission through the electronic device; and when the connection permission signal is received from the first other electronic device, performing a communication connection with the second other electronic device through the electronic device.

[0028] A system of electronic devices according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a first electronic device including a display area, the display area having at least a first display area and a second display area; and a plurality of second electronic devices communicating with the first electronic device, wherein a 2-1 electronic device among the plurality of second electronic devices is configured to send a first image signal to the first electronic device, a 2-2 electronic device among the plurality of second electronic devices is configured to send a second image signal to the first electronic device, the first electronic device is configured to display the first image signal as an image in the first display area, and to display the second image signal as an image in the second display area, and the first display area and the second display area are determined based on a corresponding distance between each of the 2-1 electronic device and the 2-2 electronic device and each of the display areas.

[0029] Additional details of exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The drawings, together with the description, illustrate embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure, and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device, a system of an electronic device, and a system operating method of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a first electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating a first electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a second electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a system operating method of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a system of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a diagram illustrating an electronic device and a system of the electronic device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a first electronic device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] According to the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, the features of the embodiments of the present disclosure and the methods for implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood. However, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments, but can be implemented in various different forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided only to make the disclosure of the subject matter of the present disclosure complete, and to fully provide the category of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs, and the present disclosure will be defined by the claims attached to the present disclosure and their equivalents.

[0040] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, quantities, etc. used to describe the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals generally represent the same elements. In addition, in the following description, the detailed explanation of known related art may be omitted to avoid making the subject matter of the present disclosure unclear unnecessarily. Terms such as "including", "having" and "comprising" used in this article are generally intended to allow the addition of other components, unless the term is used together with the term "only". Any reference to the singular herein may also include the plural, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0041] As described herein, components are interpreted as including a normal error range even if not explicitly stated herein.

[0042] When terms such as "on," "above," "below," and "adjacent" are used to describe the positional relationship between two components, one or more components may be located between the two components unless the term is used with the term "immediately" or "directly" (for example, "directly on" or "immediately adjacent to").

[0043] As used herein, the phrase “element A is on element B” means that element A may be directly on element B and / or element A may be indirectly on element B via another element C.

[0044] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, for example, the first element, first assembly or first part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, second assembly or second part without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Throughout this specification, like reference numerals generally refer to like elements.

[0046] For convenience of description, the size and thickness of each element shown in the drawings may be exemplified, and the present disclosure is not substantially limited to the size and thickness of the elements shown.

[0047] The corresponding features of several exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or completely connected or combined, and may be technically and differently connected and driven enough to be fully understood by those skilled in the art, and the various exemplary embodiments may be implemented independently according to the associated relationships, and implemented together.

[0048] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device, a system of an electronic device, and a system operating method of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a first electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating a first electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a second electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the system 1000 of electronic devices includes a first electronic device 100 and a plurality of second electronic devices 200 .

[0051] The first electronic device 100 is a device that includes a plurality of display areas (including at least a first display area AA1 and a second display area AA2) and displays image signals received from a plurality of second electronic devices 200 as images in the display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2). The first electronic device 100 may include a communication unit 110, a display unit 120, a controller 130, and a sensing unit 140.

[0052] The communication unit 110 of the first electronic device 100 is a component that allows the plurality of second electronic devices 200 and the first electronic device 100 to communicate with each other. The communication unit 110 may transmit and receive signals to and from the communication units 211 of the plurality of second electronic devices 200 through wireless or wired communication, and may receive image signals from the plurality of second electronic devices 200. In some embodiments, the communication unit 110 may receive a communication connection request from a second electronic device 200 adjacent to the first electronic device 100. For example, when the communication unit 110 receives a communication connection request from a 2-1st electronic device 210 among the second electronic devices 200 and there is no second electronic device 200 coupled to the communication unit 110 by communication, the communication unit 110 may perform a communication connection with the 2-1st electronic device 210. Next, the communication unit 110 may receive a communication connection request from a 2-2nd electronic device 220 among the second electronic devices 200. In this case, the communication unit 110 may send a communication connection permission request to the 2-1st electronic device 210 having the permission to permit the communication connection among the second electronic devices 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220). The communication unit 110 may perform the communication connection with the 2-2nd electronic device 220 only when a communication connection permission signal is received from the 2-1st electronic device 210. The communication connection process between the communication unit 110 and the second electronic device 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220) is not limited thereto, and the communication unit 110 and the second electronic device 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220) may be connected by various suitable methods.

[0053] When the communication unit 110 uses wireless communication, the communication unit 110 may include a wireless Internet module and a short-range communication module.

[0054] In some embodiments, the wireless Internet module is a module that allows the first electronic device 100 to access the wireless Internet. The wireless Internet module can send and receive wireless signals through a communication network according to wireless Internet technology. For example, wireless Internet technology includes wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi direct, digital living network alliance (DLNA), wireless broadband (WiBro), world microwave access interoperability (WiMAX), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), long term evolution (LTE) and LTE advanced (LTE-A).

[0055] The short-range communication module can be used for short-range communication and can use Bluetooth TMAt least one of RFID, IrDA, UWB, ZigBee, NFC, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (Wireless USB) technologies supports short-range communication. The short-range communication module can connect the first electronic device 100 and each of the plurality of second electronic devices 200 via wireless communication over a wireless area network.

[0056] The display unit 120 of the first electronic device 100 may include a plurality of display areas (eg, a first display area AA1 and a second display area AA2). Figure 1 as well as FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C , the display unit 120 may include a first display area AA1 and a second display area AA2. The first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 may be side by side with each other and may display different images.

[0057] The first electronic device 100 can be folded between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2. Figure 1 As shown in , the first electronic device 100 may not be folded and may be flattened so that the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 are on the same plane. Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 1 , the first electronic device 100 can be folded inwardly so that the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 face each other. The inward folding angle can be adjusted by the user.

[0058] like Figure 3B As shown in , the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 may contact each other to face each other. In this case, the display area of ​​the first electronic device 100 may not be exposed to the outside. The first electronic device 100 may be completely folded inward, thereby improving its portability.

[0059] When the first electronic device 100 Figure 3BWhen the first electronic device 100 is completely folded as shown in FIG. 1 so that the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 face each other, the controller 130 of the first electronic device 100 can automatically disconnect the communication (disconnect the power, etc.). For example, when the first electronic device 100 is folded, the controller 130 can cut off the power of the communication unit 110 or release the pairing with the second electronic device 200 to automatically cut off the communication connection between the communication unit 110 and the second electronic device 200 or cut off all the power of the first electronic device 100. When the completely folded first electronic device 100 is unfolded again, the controller 130 can automatically connect the communication of the first electronic device 100 (connect the power, etc.). For example, when the completely folded first electronic device 100 is unfolded, the controller 130 can reconnect the power to the communication unit 110 and control the communication unit 110 to pair with the second electronic device 200. Therefore, the communication unit 110 can search for the surrounding second electronic device 200 that can perform short-range communication, or can perform a communication connection with a set or specific electronic device in the second electronic device 200 that was previously connected by communication.

[0060] like Figure 3C As shown in , the first electronic device 100 in the unfolded state can be folded outward so that the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 face opposite directions. The outward folding angle can be adjusted by the user. When the first electronic device 100 is completely folded outward, the first electronic device 100 can be completely folded so that the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 face opposite directions. The number of display areas of the first electronic device 100 is not limited to two, and the first electronic device 100 may include three or more display areas. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B An exemplary embodiment in which the first electronic device 100 includes three display areas is described in more detail.

[0061] The sensing unit 140 of the first electronic device 100 is a component that senses the corresponding distance between at least one electronic device in the second electronic device 200 that is connected to the first electronic device 100 by communication and each of the multiple display areas. For example, the antenna of the communication unit 110 may be located in the display area (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2), and a wireless signal may be generated in the antenna. The wireless signal generated in the antenna may be transmitted to each of the multiple second electronic devices 200, and each of the multiple second electronic devices 200 may transmit a response signal in response to the wireless signal. The antenna installed in the display area (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) may receive the response signal. The sensing unit 140 may receive the response signal transmitted from the multiple second electronic devices 200 from the communication unit 110, and may use the response signal to respectively determine the relative distance between each of the second electronic devices 200 and each of the display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2). For example, the sensing unit 140 may calculate the difference between the time when the antenna in the first display area AA1 transmits the wireless signal to the second electronic device 200 and the time when the response signal is received from each of the second electronic devices 200. The sensing unit 140 may determine that the second electronic device 200 having such a small difference between these times is positioned relatively closer to the first display area AA1. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this method, and the sensing unit 140 of the first electronic device 100 may measure the corresponding distance between each of the plurality of second electronic devices 200 and each of the plurality of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) by various suitable methods. For example, in addition to wireless signals, the communication unit 110 may also transmit sound wave signals, optical signals, etc., and may transmit time information physically reflected from the second electronic device 200 to the sensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140 may also use time information to measure distance.

[0062] The controller 130 of the first electronic device 100 may control the components of the first electronic device 100. For example, the controller 130 may control the display unit 120 to display the multiple image signals received by the communication unit 110 in the display area (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) as an image. Here, the image signal may be image data in which all image processing is performed on the original image data. In some embodiments, the second electronic device 200 may generate the second image data by performing image processing such as brightness adjustment, dimming adjustment, and grayscale adjustment on the first image data as the original image data. The second electronic device 200 may send the second image data in which the image processing is performed as an image signal to the first electronic device 100. Therefore, the controller 130 of the first electronic device 100 may not perform separate image processing on the received image signal, and may control the display unit 120 to display the image signal as an image. Therefore, the size of the controller 130 may be minimized or reduced.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 130 may sequentially display the image signal received from the second electronic device 200 in the display area in which the second electronic device 200 is connected to the first electronic device 100 by communication. For example, when a communication connection with the 2-1st electronic device 210 in the second electronic device 200 is performed, the controller 130 may display the image signal received from the 2-1st electronic device 210 as an image in two display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2). In some embodiments, the image signal received from the 2-1st electronic device 210 may be displayed as one image in the two display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2), or may be displayed as a plurality of identical images in each of the display areas. Next, when not only the communication connection with the 2-1st electronic device 210 but also the communication connection with the 2-2nd electronic device 220 is performed, the controller 130 can display the image signal received from the 2-1st electronic device 210 in one of the display areas (for example, the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2), and can display the image signal received from the 2-2nd electronic device 220 in another one of the display areas (for example, the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2).

[0064] In this case, the controller 130 may perform an operation of determining whether an image signal received from each of the second electronic devices 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220) is displayed as an image in any one of the display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2). For example, each of the second electronic devices 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220) may receive a selection input from a user through a user interface, wherein the selection input is an input for selecting whether to display an image in any one of the display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2). The 2-1st electronic device 210 may receive a selection input from a user through a user interface, wherein the selection input is an input for displaying an image signal from the 2-1st electronic device 210 in the first display area AA1 as an image. The 2-2nd electronic device 220 may receive a selection input from a user through a user interface, wherein the selection input is an input for displaying an image signal from the 2-2nd electronic device 220 in the second display area AA2 as an image. Each of the second electronic devices 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220) may transmit a user's selection input received through the user interface to the first electronic device 100. The controller 130 of the first electronic device 100 may control the display unit 120 to display an image signal from the 2-1st electronic device 210 as an image in the first display area AA1 and to display an image signal from the 2-2nd electronic device 220 as an image in the second display area AA2 based on the received user's selection input.

[0065] Alternatively, the controller 130 may determine the display area in which each of the plurality of image signals is displayed based on the distance data related to the corresponding distance between each of the plurality of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) and each of the plurality of second electronic devices 200 received from the sensing unit 140. As described above, the sensing unit 140 may determine the relative distance between each of the display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) and each of the second electronic devices 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220), respectively. For example, the sensing unit 140 may determine that the 2-1st electronic device 210 is relatively closer to the first display area AA1 than the 2-2nd electronic device 220, and may determine that the 2-2nd electronic device 220 is relatively closer to the second display area AA2 than the 2-1st electronic device 210. The sensing unit 140 may send the distance information as the distance data to the controller 130. The controller 130 may control the display unit 120 to display an image signal from the 2-1st electronic device 210 closer to the first display area AA1 as an image and to display an image signal from the 2-2nd electronic device 220 closer to the second display area AA2 as an image based on the distance data.

[0066] The first electronic device 100 may further include a power source. The power source may include a battery and may supply power to the first electronic device 100. The power source may be charged in a wireless or wired manner.

[0067] exist Figure 2 In the description, it has been described that the first electronic device 100 includes the sensing unit 140, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first electronic device 100 may not include the sensing unit 140. In this case, each of the plurality of second electronic devices 200 includes a sensing unit 214, and the sensing unit 214 of the second electronic device 200 may measure the corresponding distance between the corresponding electronic device in the second electronic device 200 and each of the plurality of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2). The communication unit 110 of the first electronic device 100 may receive the distance data measured by the second electronic device 200, and the controller 130 of the first electronic device 100 may control the display unit 120 to display a plurality of image signals in a set or specific area based on the received distance data.

[0068] The plurality of second electronic devices 200 are electronic devices that transmit image signals to the first electronic device 100. The plurality of second electronic devices 200 may include a 2-1st electronic device 210 and a 2-2nd electronic device 220. The 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220 may be independent devices and may be used by different users. The 2-1st electronic device 210 among the plurality of second electronic devices 200 will be described. The 2-1st electronic device 210 may include a communication unit 211, a display unit 212, a controller 213, and a sensing unit 214. The 2-2nd electronic device 220 may include the same components as the 2-1st electronic device 210. The description of the 2-1st electronic device 210 may also be applied to the 2-2nd electronic device 220.

[0069] The communication unit 211 of the 2-1st electronic device 210 is a component that allows the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the first electronic device 100 to communicate with each other. The communication unit 211 may send a signal to the first electronic device 100 and receive a signal from the first electronic device 100 through wireless or wired communication. For example, the communication unit 211 may send a communication connection request to the first electronic device 100, and may also be connected to the first electronic device 100 through communication. When the communication connection is completed, the communication unit 211 may send a first image signal to the first electronic device 100. In this case, when the 2-1st electronic device 210 includes the sensing unit 214, the communication unit 211 may send distance data related to a distance to the first electronic device 100, wherein the distance is a corresponding distance between the 2-1st electronic device 210 and each of a plurality of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) measured by the sensing unit 214.

[0070] When the communication unit 211 uses wireless communication, the communication unit 211 may include a wireless Internet module and a short-range communication module.

[0071] For example, the wireless Internet module is a module that allows the 2-1st electronic device 210 to access the wireless Internet. The wireless Internet module can send and receive wireless signals through a communication network according to wireless Internet technology. For example, wireless Internet technology includes WLAN, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, WiBro, WiMAX, HSDPA, HSUPA, LTE, and LTE-A.

[0072] The short-range communication module can be used for short-range communication and can use Bluetooth TMAt least one of RFID, IrDA, UWB, ZigBee, NFC, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and Wireless USB technologies supports short-range communication. The short-range communication module can connect the first electronic device 100 with each of the plurality of second electronic devices 200 through wireless communication over a wireless area network.

[0073] The display unit 212 of the 2-1st electronic device 210 is a component that displays an image. The display unit 212 may include a display area, and the image may be displayed in the display area. For example, the first image signal may be displayed as an image in the display area of ​​the display unit 212. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and other image signals different from the first image signal may be displayed as images in the display area. The display unit 212 may not be a necessary component, and the display unit 212 may be omitted if necessary. The sensing unit 214 of the 2-1st electronic device 210 is a component that senses the corresponding distance between the 2-1st electronic device 210 and each of the plurality of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2). For example, the communication unit 211 of the 2-1st electronic device 210 may generate a wireless signal, and the wireless signal may be transmitted to an antenna corresponding to the display area (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) of the first electronic device 100. The communication unit 211 may receive a response signal from the antenna. The sensing unit 214 may receive information about the time when the wireless signal is generated and a plurality of pieces of information about the time when the response signal is received from the communication unit 211. The sensing unit 214 may measure the corresponding distances between the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the plurality of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) using the time difference between the reception time of the response signal and the transmission time of the wireless signal. The sensing unit 140 may send distance information related to the measured distance to the controller 213. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this method, and the sensing unit 214 of the 2-1st electronic device 210 may measure the distance by various suitable methods.

[0074] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, it has been described that the 2-1st electronic device 210 includes the sensing unit 214, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the first electronic device 100 includes the sensing unit 140, the 2-1st electronic device 210 may not include the sensing unit 214. In this case, the sensing unit 140 of the first electronic device 100 may measure the corresponding distance between the 2-1st electronic device 210 and each of the plurality of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2).

[0075] The controller 213 of the 2-1st electronic device 210 may control components of the 2-1st electronic device 210. The controller 213 may control the communication unit 211 to transmit the first image signal and distance data related to the distance measured by the sensing unit 214 to the first electronic device 100.

[0076] In the present exemplary embodiment, it has been described that the plurality of second electronic devices 200 only include the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The plurality of second electronic devices 200 may include three or more second electronic devices 200. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B A case in which the plurality of second electronic devices 200 include three second electronic devices 200 is exemplarily described in detail.

[0077] In various exemplary embodiments, the number of multiple second electronic devices 200 that can be connected to the first electronic device 100 through communication can be limited to a set or specific number. When the number of multiple second electronic devices 200 increases, the possibility of errors in the communication connection between the first electronic device 100 and the multiple second electronic devices 200 may increase. The number of image signals received from the multiple second electronic devices 200 may be greater than the number of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2). It may not be possible to display all of the multiple image signals in the multiple display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2). Therefore, the number of multiple second electronic devices 200 that can be connected to the first electronic device 100 through communication can be limited to a set or specific number, for example, less than or equal to the number of multiple display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) of the first electronic device 100. When the display unit 120 of the first electronic device 100 includes three display areas, the number of multiple second electronic devices 200 may be less than or equal to three. In this case, all of the plurality of image signals received from the plurality of second electronic devices 200 may be displayed in a plurality of display areas (eg, the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 ).

[0078] Next, we will refer to Figures 5 to 6B A system operation method of an electronic device and a system 1000 of an electronic device are described in more detail, wherein a first electronic device 100 and a 2-1st electronic device 210 are connected by communication, a 2-2nd electronic device 220 is connected to the first electronic device 100 with permission of the 2-1st electronic device 210, and therefore, multiple image signals are sent from the second electronic device 200 to the first electronic device 100 and displayed in multiple display areas (for example, a first display area AA1 and a second display area AA2).

[0079] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a system operating method of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a system of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] refer to Figure 5 and Fig. 6A , first, the 2-1st electronic device 210 performs a communication connection with the first electronic device 100 (S110). The 2-1st electronic device 210 may enter a surrounding space of the first electronic device 100, in which the 2-1st electronic device 210 is able to communicate with the first electronic device 100, and the first electronic device 100 may receive a communication connection request from the 2-1st electronic device 210. In response to the reception of the communication connection request, the first electronic device 100 may be connected to the 2-1st electronic device 210 by communication. The 2-1st electronic device 210 may be in a state in which the 2-1st electronic device 210 is able to send an image signal to the first electronic device 100.

[0081] Next, the 2-2nd electronic device 220 transmits a connection request signal about the first electronic device 100 to the first electronic device 100 (S120). The 2-2nd electronic device 220 may enter the surrounding space of the first electronic device 100, in which the 2-2nd electronic device 220 can communicate with the first electronic device 100, and the first electronic device 100 may receive the connection request signal from the 2-2nd electronic device 220.

[0082] Then, the first electronic device 100 sends a connection permission request signal to the 2-1st electronic device 210 (S130). Unlike the 2-1st electronic device 210, the 2-2nd electronic device 220 can be connected through the connection permission of the 2-1st electronic device 210. In some embodiments, the 2-1st electronic device 210 may have a permission to permit another second electronic device to be connected to the first electronic device 100 through communication. The permission for the communication connection may be granted to the second electronic device 200 that is first connected to the first electronic device 100 through communication. Alternatively, the permission may also be set by the user. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. As described above, the first electronic device 100 may send a connection permission request for the communication connection to the 2-1st electronic device 210 having the permission for the communication connection between the 2-2nd electronic device 220 and the first electronic device 100.

[0083] The 2-1st electronic device 210 transmits a connection permission signal to the first electronic device 100 (S140). The 2-1st electronic device 210 may determine whether to permit a communication connection between the 2-2nd electronic device 220 and the first electronic device 100.

[0084] For example, a notification window asking for permission of the communication connection of the 2-2nd electronic device 220 may be displayed on the display unit 212 of the 2-1st electronic device 210. The user of the 2-1st electronic device 210 may select whether to permit the connection of the 2-2nd electronic device 220.

[0085] In another example, the 2-1st electronic device 210 may determine whether to permit the connection of the 2-2nd electronic device 220 by checking whether the number of second electronic devices 200 connected to the first electronic device 100 through communication exceeds a set or specific number. As described above, the number of second electronic devices 200 that can be connected to the first electronic device 100 through communication may be set to a specific number, such as, for example, two (which is the number of multiple display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2)). The 2-1st electronic device 210 may receive data related to the number of second electronic devices 200 connected to the first electronic device 100 through communication from the first electronic device 100. When the second electronic device 200 connected to the first electronic device 100 through communication is a 2-1st electronic device 210, the 2-1st electronic device 210 may determine that the number of second electronic devices 200 connected to the first electronic device 100 through communication is less than the preset specific number, and may send a connection permission signal to the first electronic device 100 for permitting the communication connection of the 2-2nd electronic device 220.

[0086] However, the conditions of the case in which the 2-1st electronic device 210 transmits the connection permission signal are not limited thereto, and the connection permission signal may be transmitted according to various appropriate conditions.

[0087] Then, the first electronic device 100 performs a communication connection with the 2-2nd electronic device 220 (S150). In response to the connection permission signal received from the 2-1st electronic device 210, the first electronic device 100 performs a communication connection with the 2-2nd electronic device 220.

[0088] Next, the first electronic device 100 receives a first image signal from the 2-1st electronic device 210, and receives a second image signal from the 2-2nd electronic device 220 (S160). The first image signal may be an image signal generated by the 2-1st electronic device 210, and the second image signal may be an image signal generated by the 2-2nd electronic device 220. The first electronic device 100 may receive the first image signal and the second image signal from the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220, respectively, which are coupled to the first electronic device 100 by communication.

[0089] The first electronic device 100 displays the first image signal as an image in the first display area AA1, and displays the second image signal as an image in the second display area AA2 (S170). Based on a plurality of distance data related to respective distances between a plurality of second electronic devices 200 and a plurality of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2), the first electronic device 100 displays the first image signal and the second image signal in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2, respectively.

[0090] In some embodiments, the sensing unit 140 of the first electronic device 100 or the sensing unit of each of the second electronic devices 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220) measures a corresponding distance between each of the second electronic devices 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220) and each of the multiple display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2).

[0091] When the first electronic device 100 includes the sensing unit 140, the antenna in the display area (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) can generate a wireless signal to be transmitted to the second electronic device 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220), and can receive a response signal in response to the wireless signal from the second electronic device 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220). The communication unit 110 can send the generation time of the wireless signal and the reception time of the response signal to the sensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140 can measure the corresponding distance between the second electronic device 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220) and the display area (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) based on the generation time and the reception time.

[0092] In some embodiments, when each of the second electronic device 200 (e.g., the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220) includes a sensing unit, for example, an antenna in the display area (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) of the first electronic device 100 may transmit a response signal in response to a wireless signal generated by the communication unit 211 of the 2-1st electronic device 210, and the communication unit 211 of the 2-1st electronic device 210 may receive the response signal. The communication unit 211 of the 2-1st electronic device 210 may transmit data related to the transmission time of the wireless signal and a plurality of pieces of data related to the reception time of the response signal to the sensing unit 214. The sensing unit 214 may measure the corresponding distance between the 2-1st electronic device 210 and each of the display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) based on the time difference between the transmission time of the wireless signal and each of the response times of the response signal. The distance data measured by the sensing unit 214 of the 2-1st electronic device 210 may be transmitted to the first electronic device 100. The distance measurement method of the 2-2nd electronic device 220 may be the same as the distance measurement method of the 2-1st electronic device 210 .

[0093] Through the distance measurement method, the sensing unit 140 of the first electronic device 100 or the sensing unit 214 of the 2-1st electronic device 210 can determine that the first distance d1 between the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the first display area AA1 is less than the second distance d2 between the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the second display area AA2. The sensing unit 140 of the first electronic device 100 or the sensing unit 214 of the 2-2nd electronic device 220 can determine that the third distance d3 between the 2-2nd electronic device 220 and the first display area AA1 is greater than the fourth distance d4 between the 2-2nd electronic device 220 and the second display area AA2.

[0094] The first electronic device 100 can use a plurality of distance data related to the first distance d1, the second distance d2, the third distance d3, and the fourth distance d4 to determine a display area (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) in which the first image signal and the second image signal are displayed as images. The controller 130 of the first electronic device 100 can use the distance data related to the first distance d1 between the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the first display area AA1, the distance data related to the second distance d2 between the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the second display area AA2, the distance data related to the third distance d3 between the 2-2nd electronic device 220 and the first display area AA1, and the distance data related to the fourth distance d4 between the 2-2nd electronic device 220 and the second display area AA2 to determine whether to display each image signal in any one of the display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2). For example, when the first distance d1 is less than the second distance d2, it can be determined that the 2-1st electronic device 210 is positioned closer to the first display area AA1, and it can be determined that the first image signal is displayed as an image in the first display area AA1. When the third distance d3 is greater than the fourth distance d4, it can be determined that the 2-2nd electronic device 220 is positioned closer to the second display area AA2, and it can be determined that the second image signal is displayed as an image in the second display area AA2. The controller 130 of the first electronic device 100 can control the display unit 120 to display the first image signal from the 2-1st electronic device 210 as an image in the first display area AA1, and to display the second image signal from the 2-2nd electronic device 220 as an image in the second display area AA2.

[0095] refer to Figure 6C As described above, the first electronic device 100 can be folded inward or outward at the boundary between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2. Figure 6C As shown in FIG. 1 , the first electronic device 100 can be folded outward at a certain angle so that the first display area AA1 faces the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the second display area AA2 faces the 2-2nd electronic device 220. The first electronic device 100 can be erected in the folded state according to the convenience of the user so that the folded part of the first electronic device 100 is located at the upper side of the first electronic device 100. The user using the 2-1st electronic device 210 views the first display area AA1, and the user using the 2-2nd electronic device 220 views the second display area AA2, so that the users view each other.

[0096] The user can perform various suitable activities using the system 1000 of electronic devices. For example, the user can play games using the 2-1st electronic device 210, the 2-2nd electronic device 220, and the first electronic device 100. The 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220 can be used as devices for controlling the game, and the first electronic device 100 can display different images in the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 to play the game. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the first electronic device 100 can be arranged differently, and the user can perform various suitable activities using the system 1000 of electronic devices.

[0097] In various exemplary embodiments, the first electronic device 100 may receive distance data from the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220 within a certain period of time. The first electronic device 100 may change the display area in which the first image signal and the second image signal are displayed as images in response to the change in the distance data. For example, the 2-1st electronic device 210 may move closer to the second display area AA2 than the first display area AA1, and the 2-2nd electronic device 220 may move closer to the first display area AA1 than the second display area AA2. The first electronic device 100 may receive the changed distance data, and the controller 130 may control the display unit 120 to display the first image signal as an image in the second display area AA2, and to display the second image signal as an image in the first display area AA1. Therefore, the display unit 120 may display the second image signal as an image in the first display area AA1, and display the first image signal as an image in the second display area AA2.

[0098] In addition, in various exemplary embodiments, the first electronic device 100 may continuously receive distance data from the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the 2-2nd electronic device 220. In response to the change in the distance data, the first image signal and the second image signal may be displayed as an enlarged image or a reduced image. For example, when the distance between the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the first electronic device 100 decreases, the controller 130 of the first electronic device 100 may control the display unit 120 to display the first image signal received from the 2-1st electronic device 210 as an enlarged image in the first display area AA1. In this case, the user of the 2-1st electronic device 210 may view the image of the first image signal as a further enlarged image, so that the user may feel a perspective as if the object of the image is approaching. When the distance between the 2-1st electronic device 210 and the first electronic device 100 increases again, the controller 130 of the first electronic device 100 may control the display unit 120 to display the first image signal as a reduced image in the first display area AA1. In this case, the user of the 2-1st electronic device 210 can view the image of the first image signal as a reduced image, so that the user can feel as if the object of the image is receding from the viewing angle. The first electronic device 100 is not limited to displaying the image signal as an enlarged image or a reduced image. For example, when the distance between the first electronic device 100 and the second electronic device 200 decreases, a further reduced image can be displayed, and when the distance increases, a further enlarged image can be displayed.

[0099] In the case of the first electronic device 100 and the second electronic device 200, the system 1000 of electronic devices, and the system operation method of electronic devices according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of second electronic devices 200 may transmit an image signal to the first electronic device 100, and based on the respective distances between the second electronic device 200 and a plurality of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2), the image signal may be displayed as an image in one of the display areas. In this case, the image signal transmitted by the setting or a specific electronic device in the second electronic device 200 may be displayed as an image in the display area of ​​the closest corresponding electronic device in the second electronic device 200 among the plurality of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2). Therefore, when a plurality of users each use the second electronic device 200, each user may view the image signal transmitted from the second electronic device 200 used by the user to the first electronic device 100 in the display area closest to the second electronic device 200 as an image. Therefore, the user may view the image through the wider display area (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) of the first electronic device 100.

[0100] In the case of the first electronic device 100 and the second electronic device 200, the system 1000 of electronic devices, and the system operation method of the electronic device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, when the relative positional relationship between each of the plurality of second electronic devices 200 and each of the plurality of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2) changes, in response to the change, the display area in which the plurality of image signals are displayed can be smoothly changed. When the user using the 2-1st electronic device 210 changes the position of the 2-1st electronic device 210 from a position closer to the first display area AA1 to a position closer to the second display area AA2, the first image signal from the 2-1st electronic device 210 can be displayed as an image in the second display area AA2 instead of in the first display area AA1. Therefore, in response to the change in the relative positional relationship between the second electronic device 200 and each of the plurality of display areas (e.g., the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2), the display area in which the image is displayed can be changed, thereby further improving the convenience of the user.

[0101] In addition, in the case of the first electronic device 100 and the second electronic device 200, the system 1000 of electronic devices, and the system operation method of electronic devices according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the 2-2 electronic device 220 can be connected to the first electronic device 100 by communication only when the 2-1 electronic device 210 having the permission right to permit the communication connection between another second electronic device 200 and the first electronic device 100 permits the communication connection. Therefore, the possibility or degree of unconditional connection between the 2-2 electronic device 220 and the first electronic device 100 when the 2-2 electronic device 220 is adjacent to the first electronic device 100 can be prevented or reduced. The 2-2 electronic device 220 can be connected to the first electronic device 100 only by the permission of the user of the 2-1 electronic device 210 or the permission under set or specific conditions.

[0102] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is a diagram showing an electronic device and a system of electronic devices according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 1 to 6C In addition to the first electronic device 100 and the plurality of second electronic devices 200 being different, Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The electronic device and system 1000' with Figures 1 to 6C The electronic device and the system 1000 of the electronic device are substantially the same, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B, the display unit 120 of the first electronic device 100' includes a first display area AA1, a second display area AA2, and a third display area AA3. The first display area AA1 and the third display area AA3 are adjacent to the second display area AA2 side by side. The first display area AA1 is adjacent to the second display area AA2, the third display area AA3 is adjacent to the second display area AA2, and the first display area AA1 and the third display area AA3 are positioned so that the second display area AA2 is located between the first display area AA1 and the third display area AA3.

[0104] The first electronic device 100' can be folded between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 and between the second display area AA2 and the third display area AA3 according to an inner folding method or an outer folding method. The first electronic device 100' can be folded inner between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 so that the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 face each other, or folded outer between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 so that the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 face different directions. The first electronic device 100' can be folded inner between the second display area AA2 and the third display area AA3 so that the second display area AA2 and the third display area AA3 face each other, or folded outer between the second display area AA2 and the third display area AA3 so that the second display area AA2 and the third display area AA3 face different directions. For example, Figure 7B As shown in , the first electronic device 100' can be folded outward between the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 and between the second display area AA2 and the third display area AA3. The first electronic device 100 can be positioned so that the ends of the first display area AA1 and the third display area AA3 contact each other.

[0105] The plurality of second electronic devices 200' may include three electronic devices, for example, a 2-1st electronic device 210, a 2-2nd electronic device 220, and a 2-3rd electronic device 230. Each of the 2-1st electronic device 210, the 2-2nd electronic device 220, and the 2-3rd electronic device 230 may be connected to the first electronic device 100' by communication. The 2-1st electronic device 210, the 2-2nd electronic device 220, and the 2-3rd electronic device 230 may send a first image signal, a second image signal, and a third image signal to the first electronic device 100', respectively. Each second electronic device 200' or the first electronic device 100' may measure the corresponding distances between the 2-1st electronic device 210, the 2-2nd electronic device 220, and the 2-3rd electronic device 230 and the first display area AA1, the second display area AA2, and the third display area AA3. For example, the 2-1st electronic device 210 may be closest to the first display area AA1, the 2-2nd electronic device 220 may be closest to the second display area AA2, and the 2-3rd electronic device 230 may be closest to the third display area AA3. Therefore, the controller 130 of the first electronic device 100' can control the display unit 120 to display the first image signal received from the 2-1 electronic device 210 as an image in the first display area AA1, display the second image signal received from the 2-2 electronic device 220 as an image in the second display area AA2, and display the third image signal received from the 2-3 electronic device 230 as an image in the third display area AA3.

[0106] In the case of a first electronic device 100' and a second electronic device 200', a system 1000' of electronic devices, and a system operation method of an electronic device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the display unit 120 of the first electronic device 100' may include two or more display areas, for example, three display areas. The plurality of second electronic devices 200' may include three second electronic devices 200' (for example, a 2-1st electronic device 210, a 2-2nd electronic device 220, and a 2-3rd electronic device 230). Based on distance data related to the corresponding distance between each of the second electronic devices 200' (for example, the 2-1st electronic device 210, the 2-2nd electronic device 220, and the 2-3rd electronic device 230) and each of the plurality of display areas (for example, the first display area AA1, the second display area AA2, and the third display area AA3), the image signal may be displayed as an image in the display area closest to the second electronic device 200'.

[0107] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a first electronic device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 1 to 6C In addition to being different from the first electronic device 100, Figure 8 A first electronic device 100" and a system 1000" of electronic devices and Figures 1 to 6C The first electronic device 100 and the system 1000 of electronic devices are substantially the same, and a redundant description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0108] refer to Figure 8 , the first electronic device 100" may be divided into a display unit 120 and a docking unit 150. In some embodiments, the first electronic device 100" may include a communication unit 110, a display unit 120, a controller 130, a sensing unit 140, and a power supply. Components of the first electronic device 100" other than the display unit 120 (e.g., the communication unit 110, the controller 130, the sensing unit 140, and the power supply) may be separated from the display unit 120 and may be included in a detachable docking unit 150. The docking unit 150 and the display unit 120 may be separated or connected. When the display unit 120 is separated from the docking unit 150, the display unit 120 may not receive power from the power supply and therefore may not display an image. When the display unit 120 is connected to the docking unit 150, power may be supplied from the power supply to the display unit 120, and an image may be displayed in the display area.

[0109] In the case of a first electronic device 100", a system 1000" of an electronic device, and a system operation method of an electronic device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the display unit 120 of the first electronic device 100" can be detached from and connected to the docking unit 150. When the display unit 120 is detached from the docking unit 150, power supply can be cut off, and thus an image can not be displayed. When the display unit 120 is connected to the docking unit 150, power can be supplied, and thus an image can be displayed. The docking unit 150 of the first electronic device 100" can be fixedly located at a certain place (e.g., a location), and the display unit 120 can be carried by a user. Compared with the entire first electronic device 100", the display unit 120 can be small in size and lightweight, thereby increasing the portability of the display unit 120. In addition, when the display unit 120 is connected to the docking unit 150, the first electronic device 100" can display an image.

[0110] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of image signals transmitted from a plurality of second electronic devices to a first electronic device may be displayed as images in a display area selected based on a corresponding distance between each of the plurality of second electronic devices and each of the plurality of display areas.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electronic device can be folded in a folding area set between display areas according to at least one of an inner folding method or an outer folding method, so that users of multiple second electronic devices can effectively view the display area of ​​the first electronic device at their respective positions.

[0112] The effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein, and include more various effects in this specification.

[0113] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. When following a list of elements, expressions such as "at least one of..." modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0114] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," "approximately," and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, and are intended to account for inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, "may" used in describing embodiments of the present disclosure means "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be understood as synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively. In addition, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean an example or illustration.

[0115] In addition, any numerical range described herein is intended to include all sub-ranges with the same numerical precision contained within the described range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the described minimum value 1.0 and the described maximum value 10.0 (and including this number), that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification, including the claims, to clearly describe any sub-ranges contained within the range explicitly described herein.

[0116] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with embodiments currently considered to be exemplary embodiments. Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, the present disclosure may also be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments. For example, the subject matter of the present disclosure may be changed or modified within the scope of the concepts disclosed in the specification, the scope equivalent to the present disclosure, and / or the scope of the technology or knowledge in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. Therefore, it should be understood that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that other embodiments are also included in the spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: a communication unit configured to receive a plurality of image signals from a plurality of other electronic devices; A display unit, comprising a display area, wherein the display area comprises at least a first display area and a second display area; as well as a controller configured to control the display unit to display a first image signal received from a first other electronic device among the plurality of other electronic devices as an image in the first display area, and to display a second image signal received from a second other electronic device among the plurality of other electronic devices as an image in the second display area, The first display area and the second display area are determined according to a corresponding distance between each of the display areas and each of the plurality of other electronic devices.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The distance between the first display area and the first other electronic device is smaller than the corresponding distance between each of the remaining display areas except the first display area and the first other electronic device, and The distance between the second display area and the second other electronic device is smaller than the corresponding distance between each of the remaining display areas except the second display area and the second other electronic device.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The communication unit is configured to receive distance data related to the corresponding distance between each of the display areas and the first other electronic device from the first other electronic device, and is configured to receive distance data related to the corresponding distance between each of the display areas and the second other electronic device from the second other electronic device.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensing unit configured to measure a corresponding distance between each of the plurality of other electronic devices and each of the display areas, wherein the communication unit comprises an antenna located in the display area, the antenna being configured to receive wireless signals from the plurality of other electronic devices, and The sensing unit is configured to measure the corresponding distance between each of the plurality of other electronic devices and each of the display areas based on the wireless signal received by each of the antennas.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: the display unit is folded at a boundary between the display areas according to at least one selected from an inner folding method and an outer folding method, wherein the communication unit is configured to communicate with the plurality of other electronic devices in response to the folding of the display unit, and Wherein, the electronic device is configured to be turned on or off in response to the folding of the display unit.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: Before the communication unit receives the second image signal from the second other electronic device, the communication unit receives a connection request signal regarding the electronic device from the second other electronic device, sends a connection permission request signal to the first other electronic device having permission in response to the connection request signal, and performs a communication connection with the second other electronic device only when the connection permission signal is received from the first other electronic device.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply configured to supply power to the electronic device, wherein at least one selected from the power supply and the controller is physically separable from other components of the electronic device, The number of the other electronic devices is equal to or smaller than the number of the display areas. wherein the controller is configured to supply the plurality of image signals received by the communication unit to the display unit in their entirety, and Among them, the plurality of image signals are image data on which image processing is performed.

8. A system operation method of an electronic device, comprising: receiving a plurality of image signals from a plurality of other electronic devices by an electronic device including a plurality of display areas, the plurality of display areas including at least a first display area and a second display area; determining, by the electronic device, a display area in which a first image signal received from a first other electronic device among the plurality of other electronic devices and a second image signal received from a second other electronic device among the plurality of other electronic devices are displayed as images based on a corresponding distance between each of the plurality of display areas and the plurality of other electronic devices; as well as The first image signal is displayed as the image in the first display area, and the second image signal is displayed as the image in the second display area.

9. The system operation method according to claim 8, wherein: The determining the display area in which the first image signal and the second image signal are displayed as the image comprises: determining a display area of ​​the plurality of display areas that is closest to one of the plurality of other electronic devices as a display area in which an image signal received from the one of the plurality of other electronic devices is displayed as an image, wherein the distance between the first display area and the first other electronic device is smaller than the corresponding distance between each of the remaining display areas except the first display area and the first other electronic device, and The distance between the second display area and the second other electronic device is smaller than the corresponding distance between each of the remaining display areas except the second display area and the second other electronic device.

10. A system of electronic equipment, comprising: A first electronic device includes a display area, wherein the display area at least includes a first display area and a second display area; as well as a plurality of second electronic devices, communicating with the first electronic device, The 2-1st electronic device among the plurality of second electronic devices is configured to send a first image signal to the first electronic device. The 2-2 electronic device among the plurality of second electronic devices is configured to send a second image signal to the first electronic device, The first electronic device is configured to display the first image signal as an image in the first display area, and to display the second image signal as an image in the second display area, and The first display area and the second display area are determined based on a respective distance between each of the 2-1st electronic device and the 2-2nd electronic device and each of the display areas.

Images