Foldable electronic device and operating method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed are a foldable electronic device and an operating method thereof. The foldable electronic device includes a first sub-device, a second sub-device, a first hinge connecting the first sub-device and the second sub-device, and a single display panel coupled to the first sub-device and the second sub-device; wherein the single display panel includes a main area, a cover area, and a rounded edge area, the main area being formed on inner surfaces of the first sub-device and the second sub-device, the cover area being formed on a first outer surface of the first sub-device, and the rounded edge area being located on a first side surface of the first sub-device and configured to connect the main area and the cover area; wherein, in a folded state of the foldable electronic device, first information is displayed via at least one of the cover area and the rounded edge area; and, in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device, second information is displayed via at least one of the main area and the rounded edge area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the inventive concepts described herein relate to electronic devices, and more particularly, to foldable electronic devices and methods of operating the same. Background Art

[0002] Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet personal computers (PCs) can provide users with a variety of functions. Generally, smartphones give users increased portability but provide a relatively small screen size. In contrast, tablet PCs provide a relatively large screen size but reduce portability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present inventive concept provide a foldable electronic device and an operating method thereof. According to exemplary embodiments, the foldable electronic device can be configured to provide a user with both a relatively large screen and improved portability. The foldable electronic device can provide improved portability in a folded or closed state and can provide a relatively large screen in an unfolded or open state.

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment, a foldable electronic device includes: a first sub-device; a second sub-device; a first hinge configured to connect the first sub-device and the second sub-device; and a single display panel connected to the first sub-device and the second sub-device, including a main area, a cover area, and an edge area, the main area being formed on a first inner surface of the first sub-device and a second inner surface of the second sub-device, the cover area being formed on a first outer surface of the first sub-device facing away from the first inner surface, and the edge area being located on a first side surface of the first sub-device and configured to connect the main area and the cover area, wherein, in a folded state in which the first sub-device and the second sub-device are arranged by the first hinge so that the first inner surface and the second inner surface face each other, first information is displayed by at least one of the cover area and the edge area, and wherein, in an unfolded state in which the first sub-device and the second sub-device are arranged by the first hinge so that the first inner surface and the second inner surface are located on the same plane, second information is displayed by at least one of the main area and the edge area.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment, an inner-folding type foldable electronic device includes a system-on-chip (SoC), a single display panel, and a display driver circuit configured to control the single display panel. The single display panel includes a main region, a cover region, and a rounded edge region. The main region is formed on a first plane when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state. The cover region is formed to overlap at least a portion of the main region on the first plane and is formed to be exposed to the outside when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state. The rounded edge region is located between the cover region and the main region. The display driver circuit independently and separately controls the cover region and the main region under control of the SoC.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a foldable electronic device including a single display panel having a cover area, a main area and an edge area includes: selecting one of a plurality of display modes based on an initial setting and at least one of a received user setting; when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, displaying information on the single display panel through at least one of the cover area and the edge area based on the selected display mode; and when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state, displaying information on the single display panel through at least one of the main area and the edge area based on the selected display mode, wherein the cover area refers to an area of ​​the single display panel formed on an outer surface of the foldable electronic device and exposed to the external environment in the folded state, wherein the main area refers to an area of ​​the single display panel formed on multiple inner surfaces of the foldable electronic device and forming a first plane in the unfolded state, and wherein the edge area refers to an area of ​​the single display panel formed on at least one side surface of the foldable electronic device and connected to the cover area and the main area.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, a foldable electronic device includes: a plurality of foldably alternating sub-panels; and a continuous display panel, including a main area, an edge area, and a cover area, the main area being formed on an inner surface of each of the plurality of foldably alternating sub-panels, the edge area being formed on an edge surface of at least one of the plurality of foldably alternating sub-panels, and the cover area being formed on an outer surface of at least one of the plurality of foldably alternating sub-panels, wherein the main area, the edge area, and the cover area are connected to each other and share at least one of a plurality of data lines and a plurality of gate lines. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The above and other objects and features of the present inventive concept will become apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figures 1A to 1C is a view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0010] Figure 2 is used to describe Figures 1A to 1C a view of a display panel included in an electronic device;

[0011] Figures 3A to 3C is used to describe Figures 1A to 1C A partial schematic view of a display panel;

[0012] Figures 4A to 4D is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0013] Figure 5is a mixed schematic block diagram for describing a display panel driving method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0014] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A flowchart of the operation of the system on chip;

[0015] Figure 7 is a mixed schematic block diagram for describing a display panel driving method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0016] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A flowchart of the operation of the system on chip;

[0017] Figure 9 is a mixed schematic block diagram illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0018] Figure 10 is a mixed schematic block diagram illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0019] Figures 11A to 11C is a view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept;

[0020] 12A to 12C is a view illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept; and

[0021] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to the inventive concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts may be described in detail and clearly to the extent that one having ordinary skill in the relevant art can easily implement the exemplary embodiments or other embodiments of the present inventive concepts without undue experimentation.

[0023] Figures 1A to 1C 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A A perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the electronic device 10, Figure 1B A perspective view showing a folded state of the electronic device 10, Figure 1C FIG2 is a plan view showing the unfolded state of the electronic device 10. Figures 1A to 1C The electronic device 10 may be a mobile device such as a smart phone or a tablet computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 10 may be a foldable device having a structure that is foldable via a hinge 13. For example, the electronic device 10 may include a first sub-device 11, a second sub-device 12, and a hinge 13. The first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 may include various components suitable for the operation of the electronic device 10 (e.g., a battery, an application processor, a memory, a storage device, and a modem). In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 may include a different printed circuit board, and the above components may be distributed into the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12, respectively. The first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 may be electrically connected to each other, and the functions of the electronic device 10 may be implemented by the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12.

[0025] The first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 may be connected via a hinge 13. The hinge 13 may be connected between the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 and may be configured to provide a folding function for the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12. That is, the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 may be folded as shown in FIG. Figure 1B As shown, they are folded inwardly about hinges 13 to face each other, or they can be folded inwardly about hinges 13 to face each other. Figure 1C The first and second sub-devices 11 and 12 are shown unfolded parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, the state in which the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 are folded around the hinge 13 to face each other may be referred to as a "folded state" or a "closed state", and the state in which the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 are unfolded parallel to a specific plane may be referred to as an "unfolded state" or an "open state".

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, when electronic device 10 is in the folded state, the surface area of ​​electronic device 10 can be reduced, thereby improving the portability of electronic device 10. In contrast, when electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, the display area of ​​electronic device 10 can be increased, thereby providing a large screen to the user. In other words, electronic device 10 can provide the user with the portability of electronic device 10 in the folded state, and can provide the user with a large screen in the unfolded state.

[0027] For example, the electronic device 10 may further include a display panel 100 combined or formed on the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12. The display panel 100 may include a cover area 110, a main area 120, and a rounded edge area 130 (hereinafter also referred to as the edge area 130). In an alternative embodiment, the edge area 130 may be substantially flat. The cover area 110 may refer to an area on the outer surface of the first sub-device 11 of the display panel 100. When the electronic device 10 is in a folded state, an image or specific information can be displayed through the cover area 110.

[0028] The main area 120 may refer to an area located on both the inner surface of the first sub-device 11 and the inner surface of the second sub-device 12. When the electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, an image or specific information can be displayed via the main area 120. When the electronic device 10 is in the folded state, the main area 120 can be folded around the folding sub-area FA to face itself. In an exemplary embodiment, the area of ​​the folding sub-area FA may be based on a curvature radius, and the mechanical structure of the hinge 13 or the main area 120 is folded at this curvature radius.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, in first sub-device 11 and second sub-device 12, an outer surface refers to a surface that is visible or exposed to the outside when electronic device 10 is in the folded state, and an inner surface refers to a surface that is not visible or exposed to the outside when electronic device 10 is in the folded state. That is, the outer surface and the inner surface of first sub-device 11 may refer to surfaces that are opposite to each other with respect to first sub-device 11, and the outer surface and the inner surface of second sub-device 12 may refer to surfaces that are opposite to each other with respect to second sub-device 12.

[0030] Alternatively, when the electronic device 10 is in the unfolded state, the inner surfaces of the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 may be parallel to the same plane or substantially in the same plane, and the outer surfaces of the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 may be parallel to the same plane or substantially in the same plane. That is, the electronic device 10 may be a foldable display device implemented in an inward folding type or structure, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0031] The rounded edge area 130 may be located between the cover area 110 and the main area 120. For example, the rounded edge area 130 may refer to an area on the first side surface located between the outer surface and the inner surface of the first sub-device 11. The cover area 110 and the main area 120 of the display panel 100 may be connected to each other through the rounded edge area 130. In other words, the display panel 100 including the cover area 110, the main area 120, and the rounded edge area 130 may be a single display panel formed by a single manufacturing process. That is, the display pixels included in each of the cover area 110, the main area 120, and the rounded edge area 130 of the display panel 100 may share the same data line, the same gate line, or other appropriate signal line. In addition, the cover area 110, the main area 120, and the rounded edge area 130 of the display panel 100 may have or share the same type of pixel structure.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover region 110 and the rounded edge region 130 may have a rigid structure, and the main region 120 may have or include a flexible structure.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, cover region 110 may refer to a region formed on the outer surface of electronic device 10, and main region 120 may refer to a region formed on the inner surface of electronic device 10. Rounded edge region 130 may be a region formed on the side surface of electronic device 10 and connecting cover region 110 and main region 120. The inner and outer surfaces of electronic device 10 may be defined as surfaces opposite to each other in the unfolded state of electronic device 10, and the side surface of electronic device 10 may refer to the remaining surfaces other than the inner and outer surfaces in the unfolded state of electronic device 10.

[0034] Conventional foldable electronic devices, such as inner-foldable foldable electronic devices, require a separate display panel configured to display images or information externally. However, since the area between the cover region or external display area 110 and the main region 120 can be implemented using the rounded edge region 130, the electronic device 10 according to the present invention can provide an inner-foldable foldable display device configured to display images or information externally via a single display panel 100 in both the folded and unfolded states. For example, the electronic device 10 can be configured to display first information via at least one of the cover region 110 and the rounded edge region 130 in the folded state, and to display second information via at least one of the main region 120 and the rounded edge region 130 in the unfolded state.

[0035] Figure 2 Shown for describing Figures 1A to 1C For the sake of simplicity and convenience of description, repeated descriptions may be omitted, and examples are given in FIG. Figure 2 1 and 2. The electronic device 10 is shown in the folded state.

[0036] Reference Figures 1A to 1C , the electronic device 10 may include a first sub-device 11, a second sub-device 12 and a display panel 100. Figure 2 As shown, when the electronic device 10 is in the folded state, the main area 120 of the display panel 100 can be folded around the folding sub-area FA between the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12, and the cover area 110 of the display panel 100 can be configured to display an image or information to the outside on the outer surface of the first sub-device 11. In other words, when the electronic device 10 is in the folded state, the first sub-device 11 can be disposed between the cover area 110 and the main area 120, and the main area 120 folded around its folding sub-area FA can be disposed between the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12.

[0037] like Figure 2As shown, the cover area 110 and the main area 120 may be connected to each other through the rounded edge area 130 located on the first side surface of the first sub-device 11. Alternatively, the rounded edge area 130 located on the first side surface of the first sub-device 11 may be located between the cover area 110 and the main area 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the folding sub-area FA of the main area 120 may be folded depending on the folded state or unfolded state of the electronic device 10, and the cover area 110 and the rounded edge area 130 may have a fixed shape regardless of the folded state or unfolded state of the electronic device 10.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover region 110 may be formed to overlap at least a portion of the main region 120 (eg, a region on the first sub-device 11 ) on a plane formed by the main region 120 in an at least partially unfolded state of the electronic device 10 .

[0039] Alternatively, the main area 120 on the inner surface of the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 can be detachable from the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 to form an ultra-wide display that is three times as wide as in the folded state, for example, and the ultra-wide display includes, for example, the cover area 110, the edge area 130, which can be both detachable and flexible, and the entire main area 120. In this alternative embodiment, it should be understood that the main area 120 on the inner surface of the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12 can be detachable from the first sub-device 11 and the second sub-device 12, but does not need to be flexible, as long as the folding sub-area FA and the edge area 130 are at least partially flexible or hinged.

[0040] Figures 3A to 3C Shown for describing Figures 1A to 1C A view of the display panel. Below, a structure in which the display panel 100 is unfolded on a plane will be used as an example to easily describe the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As described above, the cover region 110 of the display panel 100 can be implemented in the electronic device 10 as a partial region facing the main region 120 relative to the rounded edge region 130.

[0041] Reference Figures 1A to 3C , the display panel 100 may include a cover region 110 , a rounded edge region 130 , and a main region 120 . The main region 120 may include a folding sub-region FA configured to be foldable around a hinge 13 .

[0042] like Figures 3A to 3CAs shown, the first window WM1 and the second window WM2 may be formed or bonded on the display panel 100. The first window WM1 and the second window WM2 are configured to protect the display panel 100 from external impact. Each of the first window WM1 and the second window WM2 may be implemented using various materials. For example, the first window WM1 may be implemented using tempered glass or reinforced plastic in a fixed shape. The second window WM2 may be implemented using a flexible material (e.g., colorless polyimide (CPI) or transparent polyimide) in a flexible shape.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3A As shown, the boundary between the first window WM1 and the second window WM2 may be located at the boundary between the round edge region 130 and the main region 120. That is, the first window WM1 may be formed on the cover region 110 and the round edge region 130, and the second window WM2 may be formed on the main region 120.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3B As shown, the boundary between the first window WM1 and the second window WM2 may be included in the circular edge region 130. That is, the first window WM1 may be formed on a portion of the circular edge region 130 and the cover region 110, and the second window WM2 may be formed on the remaining portion of the circular edge region 130 and the main region 120.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3C As shown, the boundary between the first window WM1 and the second window WM2 may be located at the boundary between the cover area 110 and the round edge area 130. That is, the first window WM1 may be formed on the cover area 110, and the second window WM2 may be formed on the round edge area 130 and the main area 120.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the physical properties of the first window WM1 may be different from those of the second window WM2. For example, the first window WM1 may be formed using a material that is relatively strong against external impacts compared to the second window WM2, such as tempered glass, reinforced plastic, etc. The second window WM2 may be implemented using a flexible material (e.g., colorless polyimide (CPI)) that is relatively flexible compared to the first window WM1, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0047] That is, since the first window WM1 based on a material that is relatively strong against external impact is formed on the cover area 110 and / or the rounded edge area 130, the cover area 110 and / or the rounded edge area 130 exposed to the outside can be protected from damage or scratches caused by external impact. Since the second window WM2 based on a relatively flexible material is formed on the main area 120, a folding function of the main area 120 can be provided.

[0048] Alternatively, the first window WM1 and the second window WM2 formed on the display panel 100 may be implemented to have substantially the same physical characteristics.

[0049] Figures 4A to 4D 1 shows a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. For the convenience of description, additional descriptions associated with the above components may be omitted to avoid repetition. Figures 4A to 4D , each of the electronic devices 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d may include a first sub-device 21, a second sub-device 22, a hinge 23, and a display panel 200. The display panel 200 may include a cover area 210, a main area 220, and a rounded edge area 230. The first sub-device 21, the second sub-device 22, the hinge 23, the display panel 200, the cover area 210, the main area 220, and the rounded edge area 230 are the same as those described above with reference to FIG. Figures 1A-3C Those described are the same, and therefore, additional description may be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0050] and Figures 1A to 1C The electronic device 10 is different, Figures 4A to 4D The electronic devices 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d may further include side frames 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d, respectively. Each of the side frames 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d may be formed to cover at least a portion of the round edge area 230. For example, Figure 4A As shown, the side frame 24a may be formed around the entire circular edge region 230. Alternatively, as shown Figure 4B As shown, the side frame 24b may be formed to surround a central region of the circular edge region 230. Alternatively, as shown Figure 4C As shown, the side frame 24c can be formed as a first outer portion around the rounded edge region 230. Alternatively, as shown Figure 4D As shown, the side frame 24 d may be formed as a second outer portion surrounding the rounded edge region 230 .

[0051] The central portion of the circular edge region 230 may refer to a portion of the circular edge region 230 that is spaced apart from the cover region 210 and the main region 220 by a given distance. The first outer portion of the circular edge region 230 may refer to an area of ​​a portion of the circular edge region 230 that is adjacent to the cover region 210. The second outer portion of the circular edge region 230 may refer to an area of ​​a portion of the circular edge region 230 that is adjacent to the main region 220.

[0052] That is, as described above, each of the side frames 24a to 24d can be formed without limitation on one side surface of the first sub-device 21, such as, for example, one side surface of the first sub-device 21 on which the rounded edge region 230 is formed. In this way, the rounded edge region 230 can be protected from external impacts. Alternatively, the user can be prevented from accidentally touching the rounded edge region 230.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, information to be displayed on the round edge area 230 or whether the round edge area 230 is activated or enabled may be controlled depending on the structure of the side frames 24a, 24b, 24c, or 24d or whether the side frames 24a, 24b, 24c, or 24d exist. For example, if the side frames 24a, 24b, 24c, or 24d are implemented with an opaque material and formed to surround the entire round edge area 230, the display function or touch function of the round edge area 230 may be deactivated or disabled.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the side frames 24a to 24d may be implemented with a transparent or opaque material. Alternatively, the side frames 24a to 24d may be formed of the same material as the housing included in the first sub-device 21. The side frames 24a to 24d may be formed as part of the housing of the first sub-device 11.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the side frames 24a to 24d may be implemented to be attached to or detached from the first sub-device 21 or the housing of the first sub-device 21. That is, the user may selectively attach or detach the side frame 24a, 24b, 24c, or 24d to or from the first sub-device 21, depending on whether the user utilizes the function of the rounded edge area 230.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the side frame 24a, 24b, 24c or 24d can be implemented with a portion of a protective case that is configured to be mountable on the electronic device 20a, 20b, 20c or 20d or the first sub-device 21 and the second sub-device 22 for the purpose of protecting the appearance of the electronic device 20a, 20b, 20c or 20d.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, in the case where the side frames 24a, 24b, 24c, or 24d are formed of an opaque material, the side frames 24a, 24b, 24c, or 24d may be formed between the first window WM1 and the second window WM2 (refer to FIG. Figures 3A to 3C ), therefore, the boundary between the first window WM1 and the second window WM2 can be prevented from being exposed to the outside.

[0058] Figure 51 is a diagram for describing a display panel driving method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of simplicity of illustration and convenience of description, additional description of the above components may be omitted to avoid repetition. Figure 5 The electronic device 10a may include a display panel 100, a system on chip (SoC), and a display driver (DDI). In an exemplary embodiment, each of the system on chip (SoC) and the display driver (DDI) may be included in the first sub-device 11 or the second sub-device 12.

[0059] As described above, the display panel 100 may include a cover area 110, a main area 120, and a rounded edge area 130, and the main area 120 may be configured to be foldable around the folding sub-area FA. For simplicity of illustration, the display panel 100 is shown on a plane, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the display panel 100 may be as shown in FIG. Figures 1A to 1C Achieve as described.

[0060] The system on chip SoC may control the overall operation of the electronic device 10a. For example, the system on chip SoC may be an application processor (AP) configured to run various programs to be driven on the electronic device 10a or perform various operations.

[0061] The display driver DDI may be configured to control the display panel 100 under the control of the system-on-chip (SoC). For example, under the control of the system-on-chip (SoC), the display driver DDI may drive the display panel 100 based on one of various display modes DMD1 to DMD4. Specifically, the system-on-chip (SoC) may select one of the display modes DMD1 to DMD4 based on the initial settings IS, user settings US, device status DS, and / or folding state FS of the electronic device 10a (e.g., at least one of the initial settings IS, user settings US, device status DS, and folding state FS), and may control the display driver DDI based on the selected display mode.

[0062] The initial settings IS may refer to setting values ​​of the electronic device 10a that are set during the manufacturing process of the electronic device 10a. Figures 4A to 4D As described above, the side frames 24a, 24b, 24c, or 24d may be formed on the rounded edge area 130. In this case, the rounded edge area 130 may be configured not to display separate information. That is, the initial settings IS may include information about the operating mode that can be driven or the operating mode that cannot be driven depending on the shape of the electronic device 10a.

[0063] User settings US may refer to information regarding a display mode set by a user. For example, a user of electronic device 10a may select whether to display information on circular edge region 130. That is, user settings US may include information regarding whether information is displayed on circular edge region 130, as set by the user. In an exemplary embodiment, user settings US may be input or set by the user via an operating system or application driven by a system-on-chip (SoC).

[0064] The device status DS may include information about the status of the electronic device 10a. For example, the device status DS may include various information about whether the electronic device 10a is in an idle state, in a state without user input, or in a power saving mode. Alternatively, the device status DS may include information about the type of application currently being driven. For example, if the currently driven application is playing a video, the display on the circular edge area 130 may not be necessary for the user. In this case, the display on the circular edge area 130 may be deactivated.

[0065] The folding state FS may include information about whether the electronic device 10a is in a folded state, an unfolded state, or a partially folded state. In an exemplary embodiment, the folding state FS may be sensed or detected from the hinge 13 or 23, such as to measure a hinge folding angle.

[0066] The system-on-chip (SoC) can control the display driver DDI based on the above information (e.g., initial settings IS, user settings US, device state DS, and folded state FS). For example, when the display on the circular edge area 130 is activated by the initial settings IS or user settings US, the system-on-chip (SoC) can control the display driver DDI based on one of the first to third display modes DMD1 to DMD3. Alternatively, when the display on the circular edge area 130 is deactivated by the initial settings IS or user settings US, the system-on-chip (SoC) can control the display driver DDI based on the fourth display mode DMD4.

[0067] The first display mode DMD1 may refer to an operating mode in which information is displayed through the cover area 110 and the rounded edge area 130 when the electronic device 10a is in the folded state, and through the main area 120 when the electronic device 10a is in the unfolded state. The second display mode DMD2 may refer to an operating mode in which information is displayed through the cover area 110 and the rounded edge area 130 when the electronic device 10a is in the folded state, and through the main area 120 and the rounded edge area 130 when the electronic device 10a is in the unfolded state. The third display mode DMD3 may refer to an operating mode in which information is displayed through the cover area 110 when the electronic device 10a is in the folded state, and through the main area 120 and the rounded edge area 130 when the electronic device 10a is in the unfolded state. The fourth display mode DMD4 may refer to an operating mode in which information is displayed through the cover area 110 when the electronic device 10a is in the folded state, and through the main area 120 when the electronic device 10a is in the unfolded state.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, in a case where the device status DS indicates an idle state, a power saving mode, etc. of the electronic device 10 a , the system on chip SoC may control the display driver DDI so that information is not displayed through the display panel 100 .

[0069] That is, as described above, the system on chip SoC may select one of the display modes DMD1 to DMD4 based on the initial setting IS, the user setting US, the device state DS and / or the folding state FS, and may control the display driver DDI based on the selected display mode.

[0070] The above-described display modes are examples of the present inventive concept, but the present inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the display driver DDI may be configured as a plurality of display driver integrated circuits for driving the display panel 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the display driver DDI may selectively and individually control the cover area 110, the main area 120, and the round edge area 130 of the display panel 100 by selectively controlling a gate driver included in the display panel 100.

[0072] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 Operation of the system on a chip. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In operation S110, the system on chip SoC may receive a user setting US. In an exemplary embodiment, the user setting US may be input from a user through a user interface (eg, a touch interface or any other appropriate input means).

[0073] In operation S120 , the system on chip (SoC) may detect the device state DS. For example, the system on chip (SoC) may detect whether the electronic device 10 a is in an idle state, a state without user input, a power saving state, or running an application.

[0074] In operation S130 , the system on chip (SoC) may detect the folding state FS. For example, the system on chip (SoC) may detect the folding state FS of the electronic device 10 a based on the operating state of the hinge 13 , including whether the electronic device 10 a is in the folded state or the unfolded state.

[0075] In operation S140, the system-on-chip (SoC) may control the display driver (DDI) based on the user setting (US), the device state (DS), the folded state (FS), and / or the initial setting (IS). For example, the system-on-chip (SoC) may select one of various display modes based on the user setting (US), the device state (DS), the folded state (FS), and / or the initial setting (IS), and may control the display driver (DDI) based on the selected display mode. Exemplary display modes are described above, and therefore, additional description may be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0076] Figure 7 The display panel driving method of the electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown. For the sake of simplicity of illustration and convenience of description, additional description of the above components may be omitted to avoid repetition. Figure 7 The electronic device 10b may include a system-on-chip (SoC), a display panel 100, and first and second display drivers DDI1 and DDI2. The display panel 100 may include a cover region 110, a main region 120, and a rounded edge region 130. The main region 120 may include a folding sub-region FA.

[0077] Unlike the implementation just described above, Figure 7 The electronic device 10 b may include two display drivers DDI1 and DDI2 . The two display drivers DDI1 and DDI2 may operate independently of each other and may be configured to individually control at least different partial areas of the display panel 100 .

[0078] For example, the first display driver DDI1 may be configured to control the main area 120 of the display panel 100 under the control of the system-on-chip SoC. Alternatively, the first display driver DDI1 may be configured to control the main area 120 and the rounded edge area 130 of the display panel 100 under the control of the system-on-chip SoC. The second display driver DDI2 may be configured to control the cover area 110 of the display panel 100 under the control of the system-on-chip SoC. Alternatively, the second display driver DDI2 may be configured to control the cover area 110 and the rounded edge area 130 of the display panel 100 under the control of the system-on-chip SoC.

[0079] The system-on-chip (SoC) may independently control the first and second display drivers DDI1 and DDI2 based on the initial settings IS, user settings US, device status DS, and / or folding state FS. The initial settings IS, user settings US, device status DS, and folding state FS are described above, and thus, additional descriptions may be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0080] For example, when the user setting US or the initial setting IS is set to support the display of the round edge area 130 and the folded state FS indicates the unfolded state of the electronic device 10b, the system on chip SoC can control the first display driver DDI1 based on at least one of the display modes DMD11, DMD12 and DMD13, and can deactivate the second display driver DDI2.

[0081] When the user setting US or the initial setting IS is set to support the display of the round edge area 130 and the folding state FS indicates the folded state of the electronic device 10b, the system on chip SoC can control the second display driver DDI2 based on at least one of the display modes DMD21, DMD22 and DMD23, ​​and can deactivate the first display driver DDI1.

[0082] When the user setting US or the initial setting IS is set to not support the display of the round edge area 130 and the folded state FS indicates the unfolded state of the electronic device 10b, the system on chip SoC can control the first display driver DDI1 based on the display mode DMD14 and can deactivate the second display driver DDI2.

[0083] When the user setting US or the initial setting IS is set to not support the display of the round edge area 130 and the folding state FS indicates the folded state of the electronic device 10b, the system on chip SoC can control the second display driver DDI2 based on the display mode DMD24 and can deactivate the first display driver DDI1.

[0084] The display modes "DMD11" and "DMD14" may refer to modes in which the main area 120 of the display panel 100, but not the circular edge area 130, is controlled by the first display driver DDI1, and the display modes "DMD12" and "DMD13" may refer to modes in which the main area 120 and the circular edge area 130 of the display panel 100 are controlled by the first display driver DDI1. The display modes "DMD21" and "DMD22" may refer to modes in which the cover area 110 and the circular edge area 130 of the display panel 100 are controlled by the second display driver DDI2, and the display modes "DMD23" and "DMD24" may refer to modes in which the cover area 110 of the display panel 100, but not the circular edge area 130, is controlled by the second display driver DDI2.

[0085] That is, as described above, the electronic device 10b may include two or more display drivers (e.g., DDI1 and DDI2) configured to be driven independently of each other. The system-on-chip (SoC) of the electronic device 10b may independently control at least two display drivers based on various information (e.g., US, IS, DS, FS, etc.).

[0086] Figure 8 Shown Figure 7 Operation of the system on a chip. Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the system on chip SoC may perform operations S210 and S220. Operations S210 and S220 are similar to Figure 6 Operation S110 and operation S120 are described below, and therefore, additional description may be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0087] In operation S230, the system on chip SoC may determine whether the electronic device 10b is in a fully folded state. When the electronic device 10b is in the fully folded state, in operation S241, the system on chip SoC may deactivate the first display driver DDI1 and may control the second display driver DDI2 based on the user setting US, the device status DS and / or the initial setting IS. When the electronic device 10b is in the unfolded state, in operation S242, the system on chip SoC may deactivate the second display driver DDI2 and may control the first display driver DDI1 based on the user setting US, the device status DS and / or the initial setting IS. Operations S241 and S242 refer to Figure 7 are described, and therefore, additional description may be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0088] As described above, in a foldable electronic device implemented with a single display panel 100, the SoC can select a display mode based on various information. The SoC can control the display panel 100 based on the selected display mode, dividing the display panel 100 into different areas, or independently control different display drivers based on the selected display mode. Consequently, the design complexity of the SoC in the foldable electronic device can be reduced.

[0089] Figure 9 For the sake of simplicity of illustration and convenience of description, additional descriptions of the above components may be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0090] Reference Figure 9 The electronic device 10c may include a system-on-chip (SoC), a display panel 100, and a touch and display driver (TDDI). The display panel 100 may include a cover area 110, a main area 120, and a rounded edge area 130. The main area 120 may include a folding sub-area FA. In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 100 may include a touch sensing layer configured to sense a user's touch. In other words, a user's touch or user touch input may be sensed via the touch sensing layer of the display panel 100.

[0091] The touch and display driver TDDI may be configured to control the display panel 100 under the control of the system-on-chip SoC. For example, the system-on-chip SoC may select one of various display modes DMD based on the initial setting IS, the user setting US, the device state DS, and / or the folding state FS, and may control the touch and display driver TDDI based on the selected display mode. The touch and display driver TDDI may be configured to display information through the display panel 100 under the control of the system-on-chip SoC. In an exemplary embodiment, for simplicity of illustration, the display mode DMD of the touch and display driver TDDI is Figure 9 However, the display mode DMD of the touch and display driver TDDI may refer to the Figure 5 The display modes DMD1 to DMD4 described above and the operation of the touch and display driver TDDI may be similar to those described with reference to FIG. Figure 6 Describes the operation of the display driver DDI.

[0092] The system-on-chip (SoC) may select one of various touch modes TMD1 to TMD4 based on the initial setting IS, the user setting US, the device state DS, and / or the folded state FS, and may control the touch and display driver TDDI based on the selected touch mode. The touch and display driver TDDI may control the display panel 100 under the control of the system-on-chip (SoC) and may sense a touch from a user.

[0093] For example, when the first touch mode TMD1 is selected based on the user setting US or the initial setting IS, the touch and display driver TDDI can perform touch sensing operations on the main area 120 of the display panel 100 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 10c, and can perform touch sensing operations on the cover area 110 and the round edge area 130 of the display panel 100 in the folded state of the electronic device 10c.

[0094] When the second touch mode TMD2 is selected based on the user setting US or the initial setting IS, the touch and display driver TDDI can perform touch sensing operations on the main area 120 and the round edge area 130 of the display panel 100 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 10c, and can perform touch sensing operations on the cover area 110 and the round edge area 130 of the display panel 100 in the folded state of the electronic device 10c.

[0095] When the third touch mode TMD3 is selected based on the user setting US or the initial setting IS, the touch and display driver TDDI can perform touch sensing operations on the main area 120 and the round edge area 130 of the display panel 100 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 10c, and can perform touch sensing operations on the cover area 110 of the display panel 100 in the folded state of the electronic device 10c.

[0096] When the fourth touch mode TMD4 is selected based on the user setting US or the initial setting IS, the touch and display driver TDDI can perform touch sensing operations on the main area 120 of the display panel 100 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 10c, and can perform touch sensing operations on the cover area 110 of the display panel 100 in the folded state of the electronic device 10c.

[0097] That is, as in the above-described configuration for selecting a display mode, the system-on-chip (SoC) can select a touch mode based on various information (e.g., US, IS, DS, and FS), and can independently control respective regions of the display panel 100 based on the selected touch mode. The touch mode does not need to correspond to the display mode, although embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0098] Figure 10For the sake of simplicity of illustration and convenience of description, additional descriptions of the above components may be omitted to avoid repetition.

[0099] Reference Figure 10 The electronic device 10d may include a system-on-chip (SoC), a display panel 100, a first touch and display driver TDDI1, and a second touch and display driver TDDI2. The display panel 100 may include a cover area 110, a main area 120, and a rounded edge area 130, and the main area 120 may include a folding sub-area FA. In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 100 may include a touch sensing layer configured to sense a user's touch. In other words, a user's touch or user touch input may be sensed via the touch sensing layer of the display panel 100.

[0100] As in reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 As described above, the system-on-chip SoC may select one of various display modes DMD based on various information (eg, US, IS, DS, and FS), and may control the first touch and display driver TDDI1 and the second touch and display driver TDDI2, respectively, based on the selected display mode. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Description has been made, and therefore, additional description may be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0101] The system on chip SoC may select one of various touch modes based on various information (eg, US, IS, DS, and FS), and may control the first and second touch and display drivers TDDI1 and TDDI2 , respectively, based on the selected touch mode.

[0102] For example, when the touch on the circular edge area 130 is supported by the user setting US or the initial setting IS, depending on the folding state FS (for example, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 10d), the system-on-chip SoC can deactivate the second touch and display driver TDDI2 and can control the first touch and display driver TDDI1 based on the touch modes TMD11, TMD12, and TMD13. Similarly, when the touch on the circular edge area 130 is supported by the user setting US or the initial setting IS, depending on the folding state FS (for example, in the folded state of the electronic device 10d), the system-on-chip SoC can deactivate the first touch and display driver TDDI1 and can control the second touch and display driver TDDI2 based on the touch modes TMD21, TMD22, and TMD23.

[0103] In the case where the touch on the circular edge area 130 is not supported by the user setting US or the initial setting IS, depending on the folding state FS (for example, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 10 d ), the system-on-chip SoC may deactivate the second touch and display driver TDDI2 and may control the first touch and display driver TDDI1 based on the touch pattern TMD14. Similarly, in the case where the touch on the circular edge area 130 is not supported by the user setting US or the initial setting IS, depending on the folding state FS (for example, in the folded state of the electronic device 10 d ), the system-on-chip SoC may deactivate the first touch and display driver TDDI1 and may control the second touch and display driver TDDI2 based on the touch pattern TMD24.

[0104] For the first touch and display driver TDDI1, touch modes "TMD11" and "TMD14" may refer to touch modes in which touch scanning is performed on the main area 120 of the display panel 100, but not on the circular edge area 130, and touch modes "TMD12" and "TMD13" may refer to touch modes in which touch scanning is performed on both the main area 120 and the circular edge area 130 of the display panel 100. For the second touch and display driver TDDI2, touch modes "TMD21" and "TMD22" may refer to touch modes in which touch scanning is performed on the cover area 110 and the circular edge area 130 of the display panel 100, and touch modes "TMD23" and "TMD24" may refer to touch modes in which touch scanning is performed on the cover area 110 of the display panel 100, but not on the circular edge area 130. That is, as described above, the display operation and touch scanning operation of the circular edge area 130 may be disabled by the user setting US or the initial setting IS.

[0105] According to the above embodiments of the present invention, in an electronic device implemented as an inward-folding type, a main area configured to provide a large screen in an unfolded state and a cover area configured to display information in a folded state can be implemented using a single display panel. The system-on-chip included in the electronic device can be configured to independently control specific areas of the single display panel, such as the cover area, the main area, and the rounded edge area, based on various information of the electronic device and / or user settings.

[0106] Figures 11A to 11C An electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept is shown. Figure 11A shows a front perspective view of an electronic device 30, Figure 11B shows a rear perspective view of the electronic device 30, Figure 11C FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the electronic device 30 in a folded state. Figures 11A to 11CThe electronic device 30 may include a first sub-device 31, a second sub-device 32, a third sub-device 33, a first hinge 34, a second hinge 35, and a display panel 300. The first sub-device 31 to the third sub-device 33 may be formed on different printed circuit boards. The first sub-device 31 and the second sub-device 32 may be connected to each other via the first hinge 34, and the second sub-device 32 and the third sub-device 33 may be connected to each other via the second hinge 35.

[0107] The display panel 300 may include a cover region 310, a main region 320, and a rounded edge region 330. The main region 320 may be formed on one surface of each of the first sub-device 31, the second sub-device 32, and the third sub-device 33. The cover region 310 may be formed on a surface of the first sub-device 31 opposite to the one surface. The rounded edge region 330 may be formed on a side surface of the first sub-device 31 and may be configured to connect the cover region 310 and the main region 320. That is, the cover region 310, the main region 320, and the rounded edge region 330 may be formed by one or a single display panel 300.

[0108] like Figures 11A to 11C As shown, the electronic device 30 can be implemented as a Z-folding type corresponding to a combination of an inner folding type and an outer folding type. That is, the areas of the main area 320 of the display panel 300 formed on the first sub-device 31 and the second sub-device 32 can be folded around the first folding sub-area FA1 to face each other or face inward, and the areas of the main area 320 of the display panel 300 formed on the second sub-device 32 and the third sub-device 33 can be folded around the second folding sub-area FA2 to not face each other or face outward. In other words, when the electronic device 30 is in the folded state, the first sub-device 31 can be located between the cover area 310 and the main area 320 of the display panel 300, at least a portion of the main area 320 can be located between the first sub-device 31 and the second sub-device 32, and the second sub-device 32 and the third sub-device 33 can be located between at least two portions of the main area 320.

[0109] 12A to 12C An electronic device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept is shown. Figure 12A shows a front perspective view of an electronic device 40, Figure 12B shows a rear perspective view of the electronic device 40, Figure 12C FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the electronic device 40 in a folded state. 12A to 12CThe electronic device 40 may include a first sub-device 41, a second sub-device 42, a third sub-device 43, a first hinge 44, a second hinge 45, and a display panel 400. The first sub-device 41 to the third sub-device 43 may be formed on different printed circuit boards. The first sub-device 41 and the second sub-device 42 may be connected to each other via the first hinge 44, and the second sub-device 42 and the third sub-device 43 may be connected to each other via the second hinge 45. The display panel 400 may include a cover area 410, a main area 420, and a rounded edge area 430.

[0110] With reference Figures 11A to 11C The descriptions given are different. 12A to 12C The electronic device 40 may use a folding type that is folded inward at least twice. That is, the areas of the main area 420 formed on the first sub-device 41 and the second sub-device 42 may be folded inward around the first folding sub-area FA1 to face each other, and the areas of the main area 420 formed on the second sub-device 42 and the third sub-device 43 may be folded inward around the second folding sub-area FA2 to face each other.

[0111] As described above, the electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention can be configured based on various folding types (for example, inner folding, outer folding, a combination of inner folding and outer folding, or multiple folding). In this case, in the electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the cover area of ​​the display panel is formed on one surface of at least one of the sub-devices, and the rounded edge area of ​​the display panel is formed on the side surface of the at least one sub-device. Therefore, the main area configured to support the folding structure, the cover area configured to display information to the outside in the folded state, and the rounded edge area configured to connect the main area and the cover area can be implemented with one or a single display panel.

[0112] Figure 13 An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 13 The electronic device 1000 may include a main processor 1100, a touch panel 1200, a touch driver integrated circuit (TDI) 1202 connected between the touch panel and the main processor, a display panel 1300, a display driver integrated circuit (DDIC) 1302 connected between the display panel and the main processor, a system memory 1400 connected to the main processor, a memory device 1500 connected to the main processor, an audio processor 1600 connected to the main processor, a communication block 1700 connected to the main processor, and an image processor 1800 connected to the main processor. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 1000 may be one of various electronic devices such as a portable communication terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable media player (PMP), a digital camera, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable device, and the like.

[0113] The main processor 1100 may control the overall operation of the electronic device 1000. The main processor 1100 may control / manage operations of components of the electronic device 1000. The main processor 1100 may process various operations for the purpose of operating the electronic device 1000.

[0114] The touch panel 1200 may be configured to sense a touch input from a user under the control of the touch driver integrated circuit 1202. The display panel 1300 may be configured to display image information under the control of the display driver integrated circuit 1302. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 1000 may be a reference Figures 1A to 12C The touch panel 1200 and the display panel 1300 may include a foldable device such as a foldable device. Figures 1A to 12C The display panel described is a display panel and can be used with reference to Figures 1A to 12C In an exemplary embodiment, the main processor 1100 may be configured to control the touch driver integrated circuit 1202 and the display driver integrated circuit 1302, as shown in FIG. Figures 1A to 12C As stated.

[0115] The system memory 1400 may store data used for the operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the system memory 1400 may include a volatile memory such as a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), and / or a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a phase change RAM (PRAM), a magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), a resistive RAM (ReRAM), or a ferroelectric RAM (FRAM).

[0116] The memory device 1500 can store data regardless of whether power is supplied. For example, the memory device 1500 may include at least one of various non-volatile memories such as flash memory, PRAM, MRAM, ReRAM, and FRAM. For example, the memory device 1500 may include an embedded memory and / or a removable memory of the electronic device 1000.

[0117] The audio processor 1600 may process an audio signal by using the audio signal processor 1610. The audio processor 1600 may receive an audio input through a microphone 1620 or may provide an audio output through a speaker 1630.

[0118] The communication block 1700 may exchange signals with an external device / system through an antenna 1710. The transceiver 1720 and the modulator / demodulator (MODEM) 1730 of the communication block 1700 may process signals exchanged with the external device / system in accordance with at least one of various wireless communication protocols such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), etc.

[0119] The image processor 1800 may receive light through a lens 1810. An image device 1820 and an image signal processor (ISP) 1830 included in the image processor 1800 may generate image information about an external object based on the received light.

[0120] According to the inventive concept, a foldable electronic device having improved performance and reduced cost and an operating method thereof are provided.

[0121] While the inventive concept has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventive concept as set forth in the appended claims.

[0122] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0160894 filed on December 5, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, comprising: First child device; Second sub-device; a first hinge configured to connect the first sub-device and the second sub-device; a single display panel coupled to the first sub-device and the second sub-device, comprising a main region, a cover region, and an edge region, wherein the main region is formed on a first inner surface of the first sub-device and a second inner surface of the second sub-device, the cover region is formed on a first outer surface of the first sub-device facing away from the first inner surface, and the edge region is located on a first side surface of the first sub-device and configured to connect the main region and the cover region; System on chip; a first touch and display driver configured to control the cover area and the edge area and perform a first touch sensing operation on the cover area and the edge area; as well as a second touch and display driver configured to control the main area and the edge area and perform a second touch sensing operation on the main area and the edge area; wherein, in a folded state in which the first sub-device and the second sub-device are arranged by the first hinge so that the first inner surface and the second inner surface face each other, the first touch and display driver is further configured to display first information on both the cover area and the edge area and perform the first touch sensing operation under the control of the system on chip, and the second touch and display driver is deactivated under the control of the system on chip; In which, when the first sub-device and the second sub-device are arranged by the first hinge to be in an unfolded state so that the first inner surface and the second inner surface are located on the same plane, the second touch and display driver is further configured to display second information on both the main area and the edge area and perform the second touch sensing operation under the control of the system on chip, and the first touch and display driver is disabled under the control of the system on chip. 2 . The foldable electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the cover area and the edge area are of a rigid type, and the main area is of a flexible type.

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the single display panel further comprises: a first window bonded to the cover region and the edge region; as well as A second window is coupled to the primary region.

4. The foldable electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the first window is tempered glass and the second window is transparent polyimide.

5. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: A side frame is formed on the first side surface between the first outer surface and the first inner surface of the first sub-device and is configured to surround at least a portion of the edge region.

6. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: The third sub-device; as well as a second hinge configured to connect the second sub-device and the third sub-device, The main area of ​​the single display panel is further formed on a third inner surface or a third outer surface of the third sub-device.

7. A foldable electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the main area of ​​the single display panel is formed on the third outer surface of the third sub-device, and the second sub-device and the third sub-device are arranged through the second hinge so that the second outer surface of the second sub-device facing away from the second inner surface and the third inner surface of the third sub-device face each other.

8. A foldable electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the main area of ​​the single display panel is formed on the third inner surface of the third sub-device, and the second sub-device and the third sub-device are arranged through the second hinge so that the second inner surface of the second sub-device and the third inner surface of the third sub-device face each other.

9. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the system on chip controls the first and second touch and display drivers based on user settings and device status.

10. The foldable electronic device according to claim 9, wherein: When the user setting and the device state indicate deactivation of the edge region, the system on chip is further configured to control the first and second touch and display drivers so that the first information is displayed through the cover region in the folded state and the second information is displayed through the main region in the unfolded state, and Wherein, when the user setting and the device status indicate activation of the edge area, the system on chip is further configured to control the first and second touch and display drivers so that the first information is displayed through the cover area and the edge area in the folded state, and the second information is displayed through the main area and the edge area in the unfolded state.

11. The foldable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the single display panel is formed by a single manufacturing process.

12. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first display pixels included in the cover area, the plurality of second display pixels included in the main area, and the plurality of third display pixels included in the edge area share the same data line.

13. A foldable electronic device with an inward folding mode, comprising: System on chip; Single display panel; First Touch and Display Driver; as well as Second touch and display driver, The single display panel comprises: a main area formed on a first plane when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state; a cover region formed to overlap with at least a portion of the main region on the first plane and formed to be exposed to the outside when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state; and a rounded edge region between the cover region and the main region, and wherein the display driver circuit is configured to independently and separately control the cover area and the main area under the control of the system on chip, wherein the first touch and display driver is configured to control the cover area and the circular edge area and perform a first touch sensing operation on the cover area and the circular edge area, wherein the second touch and display driver is configured to control the main area and the circular edge area and perform a second touch sensing operation on the main area and the circular edge area, wherein when the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the first touch and display driver is further configured to display first information on both the cover area and the rounded edge area and perform the first touch sensing operation under the control of the system on chip, and the second touch and display driver is disabled under the control of the system on chip; Wherein, when the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the second touch and display driver is further configured to display second information on both the main area and the circular edge area and perform the second touch sensing operation under the control of the system on chip, and the first touch and display driver is disabled under the control of the system on chip.

14. The foldable electronic device according to claim 13, wherein: When the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the main area is not exposed to the outside.

15. A method of operating a foldable electronic device, the foldable electronic device comprising a single display panel having a cover region, a main region, and an edge region, the method comprising: selecting one of a plurality of display modes and one of a plurality of touch modes based on at least one of an initial setting and a received user setting; displaying information and performing touch sensing operations on the single display panel on both the cover area and the edge area based on a selected display mode when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state; as well as When the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state, information is displayed on the single display panel and a touch sensing operation is performed on both the main area and the edge area based on a selected display mode, The cover area refers to an area of ​​the single display panel formed on the outer surface of the foldable electronic device and exposed to the external environment in the folded state. The main area refers to an area of ​​the single display panel that is formed on multiple inner surfaces of the foldable electronic device and forms a first plane in the unfolded state, and The edge region refers to a region of the single display panel formed on at least one side surface of the foldable electronic device and connected to the cover region and the main region. The foldable electronic device further comprises: a first touch and display driver configured to control the cover area and the edge area and perform a first touch sensing operation on the cover area and the edge area, and a second touch and display driver configured to control the main area and the edge area and perform a second touch sensing operation on the main area and the edge area, and wherein the method further comprises: When the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, enabling the first touch and display driver and disabling the second touch and display driver, and When the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state, the second touch and display driver is enabled and the first touch and display driver is disabled.

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