Electronic device and method for preventing display damage

Abstract

A foldable electronic device and method are disclosed. The device includes: a foldable housing that is rotatable about a hinge and can realize folding of a flexible display. The device also includes a touch sensor, a first processor, and a second processor. The processor implements a method, including: detecting an external object in contact with the flexible display by the first processor and activating the second processor based on a detection request; and activating and inputting a notification warning of potential damage to the flexible display by the second processor when the device is folded closed due to the external object on the flexible display.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device and method thereof for preventing display damage. Background Art

[0002] Electronic devices with camera functions (eg, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), smart watches, etc.) have evolved to be sophisticated and complex. There is a push to develop electronic devices that maintain a large screen space without sacrificing portability.

[0003] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical Solution

[0005] A foldable electronic device can provide a larger display area than a conventional device without sacrificing portability. The foldable electronic device may include: a first housing including a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface; a second housing including a third surface and a fourth surface facing away from the third surface; and a folding portion rotatably connecting a side surface of the first housing and a side surface of the second housing facing the side surface of the first housing. The display may be implemented using a flexible display arranged on the first surface and the third surface, the first surface and the third surface being configured to close to each other based on rotation around the folding portion.

[0006] When foreign matter is disposed on the flexible display, the flexible display may be damaged by the foreign matter when the flexible display is set to a closed configuration and the first surface and the third surface are in contact with each other. Therefore, it is desirable to produce a foldable device including a protective member that prevents unintentional deposition of foreign matter on the flexible display and damage to the flexible display when the flexible display is set to a closed or folded configuration.

[0007] The present disclosure is not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art may understand other technical aspects not explicitly mentioned in the present disclosure to belong to the present disclosure based on the detailed description further provided below.

[0008] According to some embodiments, an electronic device may include: a first shell, the first shell including a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface; a second shell, the second shell including a third surface and a fourth surface facing away from the third surface; a folding portion, the folding portion configured to rotatably connect the side surface of the first shell and the side surface of the second shell; a flexible display, the flexible display is arranged on the first surface and the third surface, the flexible display covers the folding portion and includes a first area corresponding to the first surface and a second area corresponding to the third surface; a touch sensor, the touch sensor configured to detect touch input on the first area and the second area; a first processor, the first processor is operatively connected to the touch sensor; and a second processor, the second processor is operatively connected to the flexible display and the first processor, wherein the first processor is configured to: when the second processor is in a sleep state, detect an external object in contact with the first area or the second area through the touch sensor; and request activation of the second processor based on the detection of the external object, and wherein the second processor is configured to: activate in response to a request from the first processor; and output a notification when activated.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, a method for operating an electronic device is provided, the method comprising: detecting, by a first processor and a touch sensor, an external object in contact with a surface of a flexible display while a second processor is in a sleep state; requesting, by the first processor, activation of the second processor based at least on the detection of the external object; activating the second processor in response to a request from the first processor; and outputting a notification by the second processor upon activation.

[0010] According to some embodiments, an electronic device may include: a first shell, the first shell including a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface; a second shell, the second shell including a third surface and a fourth surface facing away from the third surface; a folding portion, the folding portion configured to rotatably connect the side surface of the first shell and the side surface of the second shell; a flexible display, the flexible display is arranged on the first surface and the third surface, the flexible display covers the folding portion and includes a first area corresponding to the first surface and a second area corresponding to the third surface; a force touch sensor, the force touch sensor configured to detect the pressure intensity of a touch input on the flexible display; a first processor, the first processor is operatively connected to the touch sensor; and a second processor, the second processor is operatively connected to the flexible display and the first processor, wherein the first processor is configured to: when the second processor is in a sleep state, detect an external object in contact with the first area or the second area through the touch sensor; and request activation of the second processor based on the detection of the external object, and wherein the second processor is configured to: activate in response to a request from the first processor; and output a notification based on the activation.

[0011] According to some embodiments, a method of operating an electronic device is provided, including the following contents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 are views showing examples of a front view and a rear view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a front view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 5 is a view showing a functional configuration example of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 6 is a view showing a structural example of a flexible display of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 7 is a view showing a configuration example of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 8 is a view showing an example of an electronic device that recognizes an external object according to distribution of data obtained by a touch sensor according to an embodiment;

[0021] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an operation example of the electronic device according to the embodiment;

[0022] Fig.10 is a view showing an operation example in which a first processor requests a state change of a second processor according to an embodiment;

[0023] Fig.11 is a view showing an operation example in which a first processor requests a state change of a second processor based on the intensity of pressing by an external object according to an embodiment;

[0024] Fig.12 is a view showing an example in which a first processor requests a state change of a second processor based on a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment; and

[0025] Fig.13is a view illustrating another operation example of the electronic device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 1 , the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may communicate with the electronic device 102 via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 via the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input device 150, a sound output device 155, a display device 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a user identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the display device 160 or the camera module 180) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit.For example, the sensor module 176 (eg, a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illumination sensor) may be implemented to be embedded in the display device 160 (eg, a display).

[0027] The processor 120 may run, for example, software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware component or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) into the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the resultant data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is independent of or combined with the main processor 121 in operation. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or adapted to be specifically used for a specified function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 , or as part of the main processor 121 .

[0028] When the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., display device 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190) among the components of the electronic device 101 (not the main processor 121), or when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., display device 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190) among the components of the electronic device 101 together with the main processor 121. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.

[0029] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a nonvolatile memory 134.

[0030] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or applications 146 .

[0031] The input device 150 may receive commands or data from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) to be used by other components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120). The input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0032] The sound output device 155 can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records, and the receiver can be used for incoming calls. Depending on the embodiment, the receiver can be implemented as a separate part from the speaker, or as a part of the speaker.

[0033] The display device 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding one of the display, the holographic device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, the display device 160 may include a touch circuit adapted to detect a touch or a sensor circuit (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch.

[0034] The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain sound via the input device 150, or output sound via the sound output device 155 or an earphone of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0035] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) outside the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0036] The interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols to be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0037] The connection end 178 may include a connector, wherein the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) via the connector. According to an embodiment, the connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0038] The haptic module 179 may convert the electrical signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electrical stimulation that can be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0039] The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0040] The power management module 188 may manage power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0041] The battery 189 may power at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0042] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently from the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or these various types of communication modules can be implemented as multiple components separated from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 can identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0043] The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element formed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). A signal or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197.

[0044] At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and communicatively transmit signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.

[0045] According to an embodiment, a command or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the electronic device 102 and the electronic device 104 may be a device of the same type as the electronic device 101, or a device of a different type from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more of the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically execute a function or service or should execute a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service instead of executing the function or service, or the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service in addition to executing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute the requested at least part of the function or service, or execute another function or another service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request with or without further processing the result. To this end, for example, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, or client-server computing technology may be used.

[0046] Figure 2 2 is a block diagram showing a display device 160 according to various embodiments. Figure 2, the display device 160 may include a display 210 and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) 230 for controlling the display 210. The DDI 230 may include an interface module 231, a memory 233 (e.g., a buffer memory), an image processing module 235, or a mapping module 237. The DDI 230 may receive image information including image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command for controlling image data from another component of the electronic device 101 via the interface module 231. For example, according to an embodiment, the image information may be received from the processor 120 (e.g., the main processor 121 (e.g., an application processor)) or the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit), wherein the auxiliary processor 123 operates independently of the function of the main processor 121. The DDI 230 may communicate with, for example, the touch circuit 150 or the sensor module 176 via the interface module 231. The DDI 230 may also store at least a portion of the received image information in the memory 233, for example, frame by frame.

[0047] The image processing module 235 may perform pre-processing or post-processing (e.g., adjustment of resolution, brightness, or size) on at least a portion of the image data. Depending on the embodiment, for example, the pre-processing or post-processing may be performed based at least in part on one or more features of the image data or one or more features of the display 210.

[0048] The mapping module 237 may generate a voltage value or a current value corresponding to the image data pre-processed or post-processed by the image processing module 235. According to an embodiment, for example, the generation of the voltage value or the current value may be performed based at least in part on one or more attributes of the pixel (e.g., an array of pixels (such as RGB stripes or a pentile structure) or a size of each sub-pixel). For example, at least some pixels of the display 210 may be driven based at least in part on the voltage value or the current value, so that visual information (e.g., text, an image, or an icon) corresponding to the image data may be displayed via the display 210.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the display device 160 may further include a touch circuit 250. The touch circuit 250 may include a touch sensor 251 and a touch sensor IC 253 for controlling the touch sensor 251. The touch sensor IC 253 may control the touch sensor 251 to sense a touch input or a hovering input for a specific position on the display 210. To this end, for example, the touch sensor 251 may detect (e.g., measure) a signal (e.g., voltage, light amount, resistance, or one or more charge amounts) corresponding to a specific position on the display 210. The touch circuit 250 may provide input information (e.g., position, area, pressure, or time) indicating a touch input or a hovering input detected via the touch sensor 251 to the processor 120. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the touch circuit 250 (e.g., the touch sensor IC 253) may be formed as a part of the display 210 or the DDI 230, or as a part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor 123) located outside the display device 160.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the display device 160 may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illumination sensor) of the sensor module 176 or a control circuit for the at least one sensor. In such a case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit for the at least one sensor may be embedded in a portion of a component (e.g., the display 210, the DDI 230, or the touch circuit 150) of the display device 160. For example, when the sensor module 176 embedded in the display device 160 includes a biosensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biosensor may acquire biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image) corresponding to a touch input received via a portion of the display 210. As another example, when the sensor module 176 embedded in the display device 160 includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may acquire pressure information corresponding to a touch input received via a partial area or the entire area of ​​the display 210. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor 251 or the sensor module 176 may be arranged between pixels in a pixel layer of the display 210, or above or below the pixel layer.

[0051] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those electronic devices described above.

[0052] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalent forms or alternative forms for corresponding embodiments. For the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that the nouns in the singular form corresponding to the term may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the corresponding one of the multiple phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “combined with another element (e.g., the second element)”, “combined to another element (e.g., the second element)”, “connected with another element (e.g., the second element)”, or “connected to another element (e.g., the second element)” when the term “operably” or “communicatively” is used or when the term “operably” or “communicatively” is not used, it means that the element may be directly (e.g., wired) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0053] As used herein, the term "module" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "portion," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or a minimum unit or portion of the single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0054] The various embodiments described herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, under the control of a processor, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute the at least one instruction with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be run by an interpreter. A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Among them, the term "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but the term does not distinguish between data being semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and data being temporarily stored in a storage medium.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be published in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If published online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a memory of a forwarding server).

[0056] According to an embodiment, each component (e.g., module or program) in the above-mentioned components may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components in the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each component in the multiple components in the same or similar manner as a corresponding component in the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or in a heuristic manner, or one or more operations in the operations may be run or omitted in different orders, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0057] Figure 3 Examples of front and rear views of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment are shown.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 , the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment may include a first housing 310 , a second housing 320 , a folder 330 , a flexible display 340 , at least one camera 350 , and / or a display 360 .

[0059] In an embodiment, the first housing 310 may include a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface (e.g., the front and rear of the first housing). In an embodiment, the second housing 320 may include a third surface and a fourth surface facing away from the third surface (e.g., the front and rear of the second housing).

[0060] In an embodiment, the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 may be connected by a folding portion 330. For example, the folding portion 330 may be configured to pivotally and / or rotatably connect the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 by connection with a side surface of the first housing 310 and a side surface of the second housing 320 (e.g., a second side surface facing the first side surface of the first housing 310).

[0061] The flexible display 340 may be arranged on the first housing 310 and the second housing 320, including coverage on and at both ends of the folding portion 330. In an embodiment, the flexible display 340 may be supported by the first housing 310 and the second housing 320. In an embodiment, the flexible display 340 may be arranged on the first surface and the third surface, spanning the folding portion 330. In an embodiment, the flexible display 340 may include a first area corresponding to the first surface and a second area corresponding to the third surface.

[0062] In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may be arranged in a folding configuration, with reference to bending around a folding portion 330. For example, the folding portion 330 may be arranged between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 of the electronic device 101 to bend, bend or fold the electronic device 101. In an embodiment, the first housing 310 may be connected to the second housing 320 by the folding portion 330 to rotate around the folding portion 330. In an embodiment, the second housing 320 may be connected to the first housing 310 by the folding portion 330 to rotate around the folding portion 330. In an embodiment, the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 may rotate around the folding portion 330, thereby being folded to face each other. In an embodiment, the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 may substantially overlap each other or may cover each other.

[0063] In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may be set in a first state in which the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 are unfolded around the folding portion 330. In an embodiment, in the first state, the first surface may be substantially flush with the third surface. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may provide a first state in which the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 are substantially flush with each other by folding the folding portion 330. In an embodiment, the first state may refer to a state in which a first area corresponding to the first surface in the entire area of ​​the flexible display 340, a second area corresponding to the third surface in the entire area of ​​the flexible display 340, and all areas of the third area surrounding the folding portion 330 in the entire area of ​​the flexible display 340 are provided within the field of view or viewing angle of the front surface of the electronic device 101 facing the user. In an embodiment, the first state may be referred to as an unfolded state or an unfolded state or an unfolded state.

[0064] In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may be arranged in a second state in which the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 are folded into a stowed configuration by rotating around the folding portion 330. In an embodiment, in the second state, the first surface may be covered on the third surface. In an embodiment, the folding portion 330 may be folded so that the front surface of the first housing 310 (e.g., the first surface) and the front surface of the second housing 320 (e.g., the third surface) face each other, so that the electronic device 101 provides a second state in which the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 are arranged parallel to each other. In an embodiment, the second state may refer to a state in which the flexible display 340 is hidden in the field of view or viewing angle of the user facing the front surface of the electronic device 101. In an embodiment, the second state may be referred to as a folded state or a folded state.

[0065] In an embodiment, the flexible display 340 may be arranged on the front surface (e.g., third surface) of the second housing 320 across the first housing 310 and the folding portion 330. According to some embodiments, the flexible display 340 may include a flexible touch screen device including a touch sensor. In an embodiment, the flexible display 340 may include a touch sensor and a force touch sensor. The electronic device 101 according to the embodiment may be folded about the folding portion 330. Since the flexible display 340 is arranged from the first housing 310 to the second housing 320 across the folding portion 330, the flexible display 340 may be bent by the folding operation of the electronic device 101. For example, the third area of ​​the flexible display 340 arranged on the folding portion 330 may be bent according to the folding operation of the electronic device 101, which is different from the first area arranged on the first surface of the first housing 310 and the second area arranged on the third surface of the second housing 320. In an embodiment, the third area may be bent to prevent damage to the flexible display 340.

[0066] In an embodiment, one or more of the first area or the second area may further include a curved area similar to the third area. For example, the distal end located at the center of the first shell 310 may include a circular area. In another example, the distal end located at the center of the second shell 320 may include a circular area. In an embodiment, since the curved display area included in the first area and the curved display area included in the second area are respectively arranged at the distal ends of the first shell 310 and the second shell 320, the curved display area may be referred to as an edge display.

[0067] In an embodiment, at least one camera 350 may be exposed through at least a portion of the rear surface (e.g., the fourth surface) of the second housing 320. In an embodiment, at least one camera 350 may include a plurality of cameras having different characteristics. For example, at least one camera 350 may include at least one telephoto camera and at least one wide-angle camera. In another example, at least one camera 350 may include at least one monochrome camera for obtaining a monochrome image and at least one red, green, and blue (RGB) camera for obtaining a color image. However, this should not be considered restrictive.

[0068] In an embodiment, the display 360 may be exposed through at least a portion of the rear surface (eg, second surface) of the first housing 310 .

[0069] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a front view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment.

[0070] Reference Figure 4, the foldable electronic device 101 according to the embodiment may include a first housing 410 , a second housing 420 , a folding portion 430 (or a folding part), a hinge 440 , and a flexible display 450 .

[0071] In an embodiment, the first housing 410 may include a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. In an embodiment, the second housing 420 may include a third surface and a fourth surface facing away from the third surface.

[0072] In an embodiment, the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 may be connected to each other by a folding portion 430. For example, the folding portion 430 may be configured to pivotally or rotatably connect the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 to connect to the side surface of the first housing 410 and the side surface of the second housing 420 facing the side surface of the first housing 410. The hinge 440 may be arranged at the center of the rear surface of the electronic device 101. In an embodiment, the hinge 440 may define at least a portion of the exterior of the rear surface of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a hinge center portion 443 formed at the center of the hinge 440. When the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 are folded using the folding portion 430, the hinge center portion 443 may be configured to serve as a central axis of a rotation operation. The flexible display 450 may be arranged on the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 across the folding portion 430. In an embodiment, the flexible display 450 may be installed to be supported by the first housing 410 and the second housing 420. In an embodiment, the flexible display 450 may be arranged on the first surface and the third surface across the folding portion 430. In an embodiment, the flexible display 450 may include a first area corresponding to the first surface and a second area corresponding to the third surface.

[0073] The electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can be folded about the folding portion 430. For example, the folding portion 430 can be arranged between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 of the electronic device 101 to bend, bend or fold the electronic device 101. In an embodiment, the first housing 410 can be connected to the second housing 420 through the folding portion 430 to rotate around the folding portion 430. In an embodiment, the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 can be rotated through the folding portion 430 using the hinge center portion 443 of the hinge 440 as a rotation axis, so as to be folded to face each other. In an embodiment, the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 can substantially overlap each other or can cover each other.

[0074] In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may provide a first state in which the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 are folded outward by the folding portion 430. In an embodiment, in the first state, the first surface may be substantially flush with the third surface. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may provide a first state in which the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 are substantially flush with each other by folding the folding portion 430 outward. In an embodiment, the first state may refer to a state in which a first area corresponding to the first surface in the entire area of ​​the flexible display 450, a second area corresponding to the third surface in the entire area of ​​the flexible display 450, and all areas of the third area surrounding the folding portion 430 in the entire area of ​​the flexible display 450 are provided within the field of view or viewing angle of the front surface of the user facing the electronic device 101. In an embodiment, the first state may be referred to as an unfolded state or an unfolded state or an unfolded state.

[0075] In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may provide a second state in which the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 are folded by the folding portion 430. In an embodiment, in the second state, the second surface may overlap on the fourth surface. In an embodiment, the folding portion 430 may be folded so that the rear surface (e.g., the second surface) of the first housing 410 and the rear surface (e.g., the fourth surface) of the second housing 420 face each other, so that the electronic device 101 provides a second state in which the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 are arranged parallel to each other. In an embodiment, the second state may refer to a state in which a first area corresponding to the first surface in the entire area of ​​the flexible display 450 and at least a portion of a third area surrounding the folding portion 430 in the entire area of ​​the flexible display 450 are provided within the field of view or viewing angle of the front surface of the electronic device 101 facing the user. In an embodiment, the second state may be referred to as a folded state or a folded state.

[0076] In an embodiment, the folding portion 430 may include a plurality of folding members. The plurality of folding members may be rotatably connected to each other to allow the electronic device 101 to be folded. For example, a plurality of folding members adjacent to each other may be connected to each other by a hinge to perform a rotational motion. In an embodiment, a plurality of folding members adjacent to the first shell 410 and the second shell 420 may be connected to each other by a hinge, and may be folded in stages with a constant curvature when the foldable electronic device is folded inwardly or outwardly. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may be folded by a mutual rotational motion between the plurality of folding members included in the folding portion 430 so that the respective rear surfaces of the first shell 410 and the second shell 420 face each other.

[0077] In an embodiment, a plurality of folding members may include a body having a predetermined length and two ends arranged on both sides thereof. The front surface of the body of the plurality of folding members may not be exposed to the outside of the flexible display 450 arranged across the folding portion 430. The rear surface of the body of the plurality of folding members may not be exposed to the outside of the hinge 440 arranged on the rear surface of the folding portion. In an embodiment, the two ends of the plurality of folding members may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101 and may be arranged as part of the outer surface. The number of the plurality of folding members may vary according to the thickness of the electronic device 101. In an embodiment, the two ends of the plurality of folding members may have various shapes for mutual folding functions. For example, each of the two ends of the plurality of folding members may include a hexagon including a gap formed in the folding direction, or a circle formed in one direction, or a circle formed in two directions about the innermost center folding member.

[0078] In an embodiment, the hinge 440 may include a first planar portion 441, a second planar portion 442, and a hinge center portion 443. The hinge center portion 443 may rotatably connect the first planar portion 441 and the second planar portion 442. For example, a hinge arm formed on one end of the first planar portion 441 and a hinge arm formed on the second planar portion 442 may be connected to each other to form the hinge center portion 443. In another example, the hinge arm of the first planar portion 441 and the hinge arm of the second planar portion 442 forming the hinge center portion 443 may be formed integrally with each planar portion, but may also be formed separately and fixed to the planar portion. The hinge center portion 443 may be arranged at the center of the hinge 440.

[0079] Figure 5 An example of a functional configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown. The functional configuration may include Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the electronic device 101 shown.

[0080] Reference Figure 5 , the electronic device 101 may include a first processor 501 , a touch sensor 502 , a force touch sensor 503 , a configuration detection sensor 504 , a second processor 505 , a haptic module 506 , a speaker 507 , a third processor 508 , and a flexible display 509 .

[0081] In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may include Figure 1 The auxiliary processor 123 is shown. In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may include Figure 2 The touch sensor IC 253 is shown.

[0082] In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may be operably connected to a touch sensor 502, a force touch sensor 503, a configuration detection sensor 504, and a second processor 505, wherein the touch sensor 502 is configured to detect a display area of ​​the flexible display 509 (e.g., Figure 3 The first area, the second area, or Figure 4 The force touch sensor 503 is configured to detect the pressing strength of the touch input, and the configuration detection sensor 504 is configured to detect the folding state of the flexible display 509.

[0083] In an embodiment, the second processor 505 may include Figure 1 A main processor 121 is shown.

[0084] In an embodiment, the second processor 505 may be operably connected to the third processor 508, the haptic module 506, and the speaker 507. The third processor 508 is configured to control the display of a screen on the flexible display 509. The haptic module 506 includes Figure 1 The haptic module 179 shown in the figure, the speaker 507 includes Figure 1 The sound output device 155 is shown.

[0085] In an embodiment, the third processor 508 may include Figure 1 The auxiliary processor 123 is shown. In an embodiment, the third processor 508 may include Figure 1 The display driver IC 230 is shown. In an embodiment, the third processor 508 may be referred to as a display controller because the third processor 508 may control the flexible display 509.

[0086] In an embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the flexible display 509 may include the following areas as display areas: a first area corresponding to the first surface of the first shell 310 and a second area corresponding to the third surface of the second shell 320. Figure 4 As shown, the flexible display 509 may include the following areas as display areas: a first area corresponding to the first surface of the first shell 410, a second area corresponding to the third surface of the second shell 420, and a third area surrounding the folding portion 430 as display areas. Figure 3 However, some embodiments described below may be applied to an electronic device 101 having an appearance of Figure 4 An electronic device 101 having an appearance.

[0087] In an embodiment, flexible display 509 may be integrally formed with touch sensor 502 and force touch sensor 503 .

[0088] For example, refer to Figure 6 , a flexible display 509 (eg, Figure 3 Flexible display 360 or Figure 4 The flexible display 450) may include a substrate 610, a thin film transistor (TFT) 620 arranged on the substrate 610, a light emitting layer 630 arranged on the TFT 620, an encapsulation layer 640 arranged on the light emitting layer 630, a touch sensor 502 and a force touch sensor 503 arranged on the encapsulation layer 640, an optical layer 650 arranged on the touch sensor 502 and the force touch sensor 503, and a flexible window 660 arranged on the optical layer 650.

[0089] The first substrate 610 may be a substrate on which a panel including the TFT 620 and the light emitting layer 630 is formed, and the panel may be formed on the first substrate 610 through a series of manufacturing processes.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the first substrate 610 is formed in a plate shape having two side surfaces, and may be formed of, for example, a material having flexibility such as plastic like polyimide (PI).

[0091] According to an embodiment, the panel may include a TFT 620 and a light emitting layer 630 in which a plurality of pixels are formed to be controlled by the TFT 620. The TFT 620 may be arranged between the light emitting layer 630 and the first substrate 610, and the layers of the TFT 620 may be formed on the first surface of the first substrate 610 by a series of processes such as deposition, patterning, and etching. For example, an active layer (or semiconductor layer) formed of a semiconductor material such as polysilicon may be formed on the first surface of the first substrate 610, and a gate, a source electrode, and a drain electrode for driving the active layer may be formed. The source electrode may be an electrode that provides electrons, and the drain electrode may be an electrode that receives electrons. The gate electrode may be an electrode for controlling the movement of electrons from the source electrode to the drain electrode. The active layer may be electrically connected to the source electrode and the drain electrode, and when a voltage of a predetermined level or higher is applied to the gate electrode, the gate electrode may be used as a path (or channel) for enabling electrons to move like a conductor.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the light emitting layer 630 may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED), and may include an anode, a cathode, and an organic material layer formed on the TFT 620 by evaporation. The anode may be an electrode that emits holes, the cathode may be an electrode that emits electrons, and the organic material layer may be arranged between the anode and the cathode. Due to the reaction of the active layer of the TFT 620, current may flow to the source, the active layer, and the drain, and a voltage may be applied to the anode and the cathode of the light emitting layer 630 electrically connected to the TFT 620. Therefore, the electrons released from the cathode and the holes released from the anode may be coupled to each other in the organic material layer, and the exciton energy may be released from the organic material layer in the form of light due to the coupling of the electrons and the holes. The light emitting layer 630 including such an OLED may be defined as an "organic light emitting layer". According to an embodiment, the light emitting layer 630 may be replaced by a light emitting element having a structure different from that of the OLED.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the TFT 620 may be a low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) based TFT. According to a certain embodiment, the TFT 620 may be an amorphous silicon (a-Si) based TFT.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the panel may include an encapsulation layer 640 to prevent the light emitting layer 630 from being affected by the outside. Since an organic material layer, an anode or a cathode included in the light emitting layer 630 may react with oxygen or moisture and may lose their light emitting properties, the encapsulation layer 640 may serve as a seal to prevent the light emitting layer 630 from being exposed to the outside, and may prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating the light emitting layer 630. According to an embodiment, the encapsulation layer 640 may include a thin film encapsulation.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the panel may further include a touch sensor 502 and a force touch sensor 503 disposed on the encapsulation layer 604 and operably connected to the first processor 501 .

[0096] According to an embodiment, the panel may further include an optical layer 650 disposed on the touch sensor 502 and the force touch sensor 503. The optical layer 650 may include a retardation layer (or retarder) and a polarization layer (or polarizer) arranged on the retardation layer. When non-polarized light such as sunlight enters the panel, the non-polarized light may pass through the polarization layer to become linearly polarized light, and the linearly polarized light may pass through the retardation layer to become circularly polarized light. For example, when the non-polarized light passes through the 90° polarization layer, the non-polarized light may become 90° linearly polarized light, and when the 90° linearly polarized light passes through the 45° retardation layer, the 90° linearly polarized light may become 135° circularly polarized light. The 135° circularly polarized light has an intermediate value between the 90° linear polarization axis and the 180° linear polarization axis, and may vibrate with all phases of the x-axis and the y-axis, i.e., 90° and 180°. The circularly polarized light may not be located on a specific axis, and may change the axis while vibrating in equal amounts. According to an embodiment, the retardation layer may have the characteristics of a quarter-wavelength retarder (λ / 4 retarder).

[0097] According to an embodiment, when sunlight enters the panel, at least a portion of the light may be reflected by the electrodes included in the panel, which may make it difficult to identify the screen. The polarization layer and the delay layer of the optical layer 650 can prevent the light entering from the outside from being reflected and emitted, thereby improving outdoor visibility. For example, 135° circularly polarized light changed by the delay layer can be reflected by the TFT 620, and the reflected 135° circularly polarized light can pass through the delay layer and be changed to 180° linearly polarized light, and the 180° linearly polarized light cannot pass through the 90° polarizing layer to be emitted outward. According to a certain embodiment, a layer combining a polarization layer and a delay layer may be provided, and the layer may be defined as a "circularly polarizing layer".

[0098] According to an embodiment, the panel may further include a flexible window 660 disposed on the optical layer 650. According to an embodiment, the flexible window 660 may include a polyimide (PI) window. According to an embodiment, the flexible window 660 may have a weaker strength than a glass window to have a bending property.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the panel may further include various layers (not shown). For example, the panel may include a buffer layer disposed between the TFT 620 and the first substrate 610 and formed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, etc. For example, the panel may include a protective layer disposed between the buffer layer and the first substrate 610 and formed of a polymer, etc.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the flexible display 509 may include various displays based on the TFT 620, for example, the flexible display 509 may be an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a passive matrix organic light emitting diode (PMOLED) display, or a liquid crystal display (LCD). According to an embodiment, the display may be formed on a flexible substrate (for example, a substrate formed with polyimide (PI)).

[0101] According to an embodiment, the third processor 508 may control the TFT 620 electrically connected to the light emitting layer 630 including a plurality of pixels.

[0102] In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may acquire data from the touch sensor 502, the force touch sensor 503, or the configuration detection sensor 504 when the second processor 505 is in a sleep state, and may process the data. In an embodiment, the sleep state may refer to a shutdown state in which a startup is performed to switch to a wake-up state. In an embodiment, the sleep state may refer to a state in which a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (not shown) (e.g., a power management module 188) of the electronic device 101 has a power supply restriction (e.g., stop) to the second processor 505. In an embodiment, the sleep state may refer to a state in which the second processor 505 does not switch to an active state by startup, but obtains normal power from the PMIC. In an embodiment, the sleep state may refer to a state in which power lower than a reference power is obtained from the PMIC of the electronic device 101. In an embodiment, the sleep state may include one or more of an inactive state, an idle state, a standby state, or a low-power state.

[0103] In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may detect contact with the first area or the second area (for example, by touching the first area or the second area) through the touch sensor 502 when the second processor 505 is in a sleep state. Figure 3 In an embodiment, the third processor 508 may operate in an always-on display (AOD) mode when the second processor 505 is in a sleep state. In an embodiment, the AOD mode may refer to a mode in which the second processor 505 is in a sleep state during at least a portion of a time period in which the screen is displayed by the flexible display 509. In an embodiment, the AOD mode may refer to a mode in which power is obtained from an internal power supply of the third processor 508. In an embodiment, the AOD mode may be referred to as a self-display mode based on the feature of displaying the screen according to the operation of the third processor 508 itself. In an embodiment, the AOD mode may include a plurality of sub-modes. For example, the AOD mode may include an AOD automatic animation mode. The AOD automatic animation mode may refer to a mode in which, when the second processor 508 is in a sleep state, the third processor 508 provides animation through the flexible display 509 by sequentially scanning a plurality of images included in the frame data stored in the internal memory of the third processor 508. For example, the AOD mode may include an AOD non-automatic animation mode. The AOD non-automatic animation mode may refer to a mode in which, when an event is detected during the AOD mode, animation is provided in each frame using frame data provided from the second processor 505 based on the detected event.

[0104] In an embodiment, when the second processor 505 is in the sleep state and the third processor 508 provides the AOD mode, the first processor 501 may detect an external object contacting the first area or the second area through the touch sensor 502 .

[0105] In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may use the touch sensor 502 to obtain data indicating a capacitance change caused by an external object contacting the first area or the second area.

[0106] In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may identify, using the force touch sensor 503 , the intensity with which an external object presses the first area, the second area, or both the first area and the second area when the second processor 505 is in a sleep state.

[0107] In an embodiment, when the second processor 505 is in the sleep state and the third processor 508 provides the AOD mode, the processor 501 may use the force touch sensor 503 to identify the intensity of an external object pressing the first area, the second area, or both the first area and the second area.

[0108] In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to change the state of the second processor 505 to an active state based on data obtained using a touch sensor, data obtained using a force touch sensor 503, or a combination thereof. For example, the first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to change the state of the second processor 505 to an active state based at least on data indicating a capacitance change caused by an external object contacting the first area or the second area. In another example, in response to recognizing that the strength of the external object pressing the first area, the second area, or the first area and the second area is greater than a reference strength, the first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to change the state of the second processor 505 to an active state. In an embodiment, a reference strength may be configured in the electronic device 101 to identify whether the flexible display 509 is likely to be damaged by the pressure of an external object. In an embodiment, the reference strength may be configured differently according to the strength of the flexible window 660 of the flexible display 509. In an embodiment, the reference strength may be configured differently according to the strength of the flexible window 660 of the flexible display 509. In an embodiment, the reference strength may be configured differently according to the state of the electronic device 101 (for example, by Figure 3 or Figure 4 The reference strength is adaptively changed by the first state or the second state defined in the description of Figure 7The state of the electronic device 101 (or the configuration of the electronic device 101) is described in detail. In another example, the first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to change the state of the second processor 505 to an active state based on at least data indicating a capacitance change caused by an external object contacting the first area or the second area and other data indicating the strength of the external object contacting the first area or the second area and pressing the first area or the second area. For example, the first processor 501 may determine whether the strength is greater than a reference strength based on other data obtained by the force touch sensor 503, while recognizing that the contact of the external object is maintained through the touch sensor 502.

[0109] In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may request a PMIC (not shown) instead of the second processor 505 to change the state of the second processor 505 to an active state. The PMIC receiving the request from the first processor 501 may change the state of the second processor 505 from a sleep state to an active state by providing normal power to the second processor 505.

[0110] In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to provide a specified notification and request. For example, the first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to provide a specified notification to notify the second processor 505 of a subsequent operation to be performed after the second processor 505 becomes active. In an embodiment, the specified notification may be configured to notify that the flexible display 509 is damaged. In an embodiment, the specified notification may be configured to guide the user to avoid damaging the flexible display 509. However, this should not be considered limiting.

[0111] In an embodiment, in addition to data obtained by the touch sensor 502 and other data obtained by the force touch sensor, the first processor 501 may utilize data obtained by the configuration detection sensor 504 to identify whether care should be taken to avoid damage to the flexible display 509 .

[0112] For example, since the electronic device 101 is foldable, the electronic device 101 can have various configurations.

[0113] For example, refer to Figure 7, since the first shell 310 and the second shell 320 are rotatably connected to each other by the folding portion 330 as seen in state 710, the electronic device 101 can have various configurations according to the angle between the first shell 310 and the second shell 320. The angle between the first shell 310 and the second shell 320 can be identified based on data obtained by configuring the detection sensor 504. For example, the configuration detection sensor 504 may include: an angle measurement sensor included in the folding portion 330, a magnetic sensor arranged in each of the first shell 310 and the second shell 320, a gyroscope sensor arranged in each of the first shell 310 and the second shell 320, an acceleration sensor arranged in each of the first shell 310 and the second shell 320, a proximity sensor arranged in each of the first shell 310 and the second shell 320, or a combination thereof. For example, the angle between the first shell 310 and the second shell 320 can be defined as shown in the graph 720. In an embodiment, the first state may refer to the angle θ between the first shell 310 and the second shell 320 being within a specified range (for example, from For example, the first state may refer to a state in which an external object of the flexible display 509 may be inserted into the space 730 between the first area and the second area. In various embodiments, the second state may refer to a state in which the angle θ between the first shell 310 and the second shell 320 is within a specified range (e.g., from 0 degrees to 180 degrees in the graph 720). For example, the second state may refer to a state in which it is impossible or very unlikely for an external object of the flexible display 509 to be inserted into the space 730 between the first area and the second area. In an embodiment, the first state and the second state may be represented by distances instead of degrees. Figure 7 , divided by the angles shown in the example. For example, the first state may be defined as a state in which the distance between the first side of the first area and the second side of the second area facing the first side is greater than a specified distance, and the second state may be defined as a state in which the distance between the first side of the first area and the second side of the second area is less than or equal to a specified distance. However, this should not be considered restrictive. In an embodiment, the first state may be referred to as a first configuration because the first state may be related to the configuration of the electronic device 101, and the second state may be referred to as a second configuration because the second state may be related to the configuration of the electronic device 101.

[0114] In an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 is in the first configuration, the first processor 501 may determine whether to change the state of the second processor 505 to an active state based on the data obtained by the touch sensor 502, the force touch sensor 503, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 is in the second configuration, the first processor 501 may stop or complete the use of the touch sensor 502, the force touch sensor 503, or a combination thereof. For example, since it is unlikely that an external object will contact the first area or the second area of ​​the flexible display 509 or the possibility of contacting the first area or the second area of ​​the flexible display 509 is small when the electronic device 101 is in the second configuration, the first processor 501 may stop or complete the use of the touch sensor 502, the force touch sensor 503, or a combination thereof to obtain data. For example, when the electronic device 101 is in the second configuration, the touch sensor 502, the force touch sensor 503, or a combination thereof may be deactivated. On the other hand, when the electronic device 101 is in the second configuration, the touch sensor 502, the force touch sensor 503, or a combination thereof may be activated. In an embodiment, when the second processor 505 is in the sleep state, the operating frequency of the touch sensor 502 or the operating frequency of the force touch sensor 503 may be lower than the operating frequency of the touch sensor 502 or the operating frequency of the force touch sensor 503 when the second processor 505 is in the active state.

[0115] In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may identify whether the external object is an input device based on the distribution of data obtained by the touch sensor 502, and indicate a capacitance change caused by contact of the external object on the flexible display 509. Figure 8 , the first processor 501 may obtain, using the touch sensor 502, a distribution 801 of data indicating a capacitance change caused by contact of an external object on the flexible display 509. In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may recognize that an input object or input device (e.g., a finger) contacts the flexible display 509 based on the distribution 801, as in state 803. In another example, the first processor 501 may obtain, using the touch sensor 502, a distribution 805 of data indicating a capacitance change caused by contact of an external object on the flexible display 509. In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may recognize that a metal object (e.g., a coin) different from a known input object or device contacts the flexible display 509 based on the distribution 805, as in state 807. In yet another example, the processor 501 may obtain, using the touch sensor 502, a distribution 809 of data indicating a capacitance change caused by contact of an external object on the flexible display 509. In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may recognize that a heavy non-conductive object different from the input device contacts the flexible display 509 based on the distribution 809, as in state 811.

[0116] In an embodiment, the second processor 505 may change the state of the second processor 505 to an active state in response to a request from the first processor 501. For example, in response to a request from the first processor 501, the second processor 505 may change the state of the second processor 505 from a sleep state to an active state to provide a specified notification to inform the damage of the flexible display 509. In an embodiment, the second processor 505 may provide a specified notification, and the specified notification is configured as a tactile effect by utilizing the tactile module 506. For example, the tactile effect may have a pattern that informs the user that he should be careful to avoid damaging the flexible display 509. In an embodiment, the second processor 505 may provide a specified notification using a speaker 507, and the specified notification is configured with an audio signal to inform the user that he should pay attention to avoid damage to the flexible display 509. For example, the audio signal may be configured with a voice signal, or may be configured with a beat that repeatedly outputs a specified sound. However, this should not be considered restrictive.

[0117] As described above, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can use the touch sensor 502, the force touch sensor 503, the configuration detection sensor 504 or a combination thereof to identify whether an external object contacts the flexible display 509 and whether the flexible display 509 may be damaged by the external object. The electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can provide a specified notification based on the identification that the flexible display 509 may be damaged by the external object. The electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can prevent damage to the flexible display 509 by providing a specified notification.

[0118] As described above, the electronic device according to the embodiment may include: a first housing including a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface; a second housing including a third surface and a fourth surface facing away from the third surface; a folding portion configured to rotatably connect the side surface of the first housing and the side surface of the second housing facing the side surface of the first housing; a flexible display arranged on the first surface and the third surface at both ends of the folding portion and including a first area corresponding to the first surface and a second area corresponding to the third surface; a touch sensor configured to detect touch input on the first area and the second area; a first processor operatively connected to the touch sensor; and a second processor operatively connected to the flexible display and the first processor. The first processor may be configured to: when the second processor is in a sleep state, detect an external object in contact with the first area or the second area through the touch sensor to obtain data indicating a capacitance change caused by the external object contacting the first area or the second area; and request activation of the second processor to change the state of the second processor based at least on the data. The second processor may be configured to: adapt a state of the second processor to an active state in response to a request from the first processor; and provide a specified notification in response to the change.

[0119] In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a force touch sensor operably connected to the first processor and configured to obtain data about the pressing strength of the touch input, and the first processor may be configured to: when the second processor is in a sleep state, obtain other data indicating the strength of the external object pressing the first area or the second area through the force touch sensor; and request to change the state of the second processor to an active state according to the data and other data. In an embodiment, the first processor may be configured to identify whether the strength is greater than a reference strength based on other data, while using the touch sensor to identify that the contact of the external object is maintained, and in response to identifying that the strength is greater than the reference strength, request to change the state of the second processor to an active state.

[0120] In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a configuration detection sensor configured to obtain data about a configuration of the electronic device, and the touch sensor may be activated based on recognizing that a distance between a first side of the first area and a second side of the second area facing the first side is longer than a specified distance when the second processor is in a sleep state. In an embodiment, the touch sensor may be deactivated based on recognizing that a distance between the first side and the second side is less than or equal to a specified distance when the second processor is in a sleep state.

[0121] In an embodiment, when the second processor is in the sleep state, the operating frequency of the touch sensor may be lower than the operating frequency of the touch sensor when the second processor is in the active state.

[0122] In an embodiment, the first processor may be configured to recognize that the external object is an object other than the input device based on data distribution on the first area or the second area, and change the state of the second processor to an active state based on the recognition request.

[0123] In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a haptic module operably connected to the second processor, and the designated notification may correspond to a haptic effect having a designated pattern.

[0124] In an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a speaker operatively connected to the second processor, and the second processor may be configured to provide, in response to the change, a specified notification configured with an audio signal through the speaker for guiding attention to avoid damage to the flexible display.

[0125] In an embodiment, the flexible display may include a polyimide (PI) window exposed to the outside.

[0126] As described above, the electronic device may include: a first shell, which includes a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface; a second shell, which includes a third surface and a fourth surface facing away from the third surface; a folding portion, which is configured to rotatably connect the side surface of the first shell and the side surface of the second shell facing the side surface of the first shell; a flexible display, which is arranged on the first surface and the third surface at both ends of the folding portion, and includes a first area corresponding to the first surface and a second area corresponding to the third surface; a force touch sensor, which is configured to detect the pressing strength of the touch input on the first area and the second area; a first processor, which is operably connected to the touch sensor; and a second processor, which is operably connected to the flexible display and the first processor. The first processor can be configured to: when the second processor is in a sleep state, detect the intensity of an external object pressing the first area, the second area, or the first area and the second area through a force touch sensor; and in response to identifying that the identified intensity is greater than a reference intensity, request the second processor to change the state of the second processor to a reference intensity, and the second processor can be configured to: in response to a request from the first processor, change the state of the second processor to an active state; and provide a specified notification in response to the change.

[0127] Fig. 9 An example of the operation of the electronic device according to the embodiment is shown. The operation can be performed by Figure 1 The electronic device 101 shown, Figure 3The electronic device 101 shown, Figure 4 The electronic device 101 shown in FIG. Figure 5 The first processor 501 and the second processor 505 are shown to execute.

[0128] Reference Fig. 9 In operation 901, the first processor 501 may detect an external object contacting a first area or a second area of ​​the flexible display 509 through the touch sensor 502 when the second processor 505 is in a sleep state. The first area and the second area may be Figure 3 The first and second regions are defined by the description, or by Figure 3 In an embodiment, when the second processor 505 is in a sleep state, the operating frequency of the touch sensor 502 may be lower than the operating frequency of the touch sensor 502 when the second processor 505 is in an active state. For example, when the second processor 505 is in a sleep state, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment may set the operating frequency of the touch sensor 502 to an operating frequency lower than the normal operating frequency, so as to reduce power consumption when the second processor 505 is in a sleep state.

[0129] In an embodiment, since the second processor 505 being in a sleep state may indicate that the electronic device 101 is not currently actively used by the user, the user may not notice the device and may accidentally turn off the device 101 when an external object is present, thereby damaging the display. In order to prevent the flexible display 509 from being damaged, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment may use the touch sensor 502 to detect the flexible display 509 when the second processor 505 is in a sleep state to detect whether any external object contacts the flexible display 509.

[0130] In operation 903, the first processor 501 may receive data indicating a change in capacitance caused by an external object contacting the first area or the second area of ​​the flexible display. For example, the first processor 501 may receive data indicating a change in "self" capacitance caused by an external object contacting the first area or the second area, as detected by the touch sensor 502. In another example, the first processor 501 may use the touch sensor 502 to obtain data indicating a change in mutual capacitance caused by an external object contacting the first area or the second area.

[0131] In operation 905, the first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to change the operating state of the second processor 505 from a "sleep" state to an activated state based at least on the data. For example, the first processor 501 may detect that an unexpected external object is arranged on the flexible display 509 based at least on the data. For example, the first processor 501 may identify the characteristics of the external object based at least on the data, and may identify that the external object is another object different from a known input object or device based on the identified characteristics. The first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to change the state of the second processor 505 to an active state based on the identification. The second processor 505 may receive the request from the first processor 501.

[0132] In operation 907 , the second processor 505 may change the state of the second processor 505 from the sleep state to the active state in response to the request.

[0133] In operation 909, the second processor 505 may provide a specified notification in response to a change to an active state. For example, the second processor 505 may use a haptic module 506 to provide a tactile effect to inform the user that if the flexible display 509 is closed when an external object is arranged on the flexible display 509, the flexible display 509 may be damaged. In another example, the second processor 505 may output an audio signal using a speaker 507 to notify that the flexible display 509 may be damaged. In an embodiment, the audio signal may be configured with a voice signal. In an embodiment, the audio signal may be a signal selectable based on a user input, such as an alarm sound. However, this should not be considered restrictive.

[0134] As described above, according to the embodiment, the electronic device 101 can utilize the touch sensor 502 operably connected to the first processor 501 to detect whether an external object is present on the flexible display 509 when the second processor 505 is in a sleep state, and can change the state of the second processor 505 based on the detection, thereby preventing the flexible display 509 from being damaged.

[0135] Fig.10 An example of the operation of a first processor requesting a change in the state of a second processor according to an embodiment is shown. The operation may be performed by Figure 5 The first processor 501 is shown executing.

[0136] Fig.10 Operation 1001 and operation 1003 can be combined with Fig. 9 Operation 905 is related.

[0137] Reference Fig.10In operation 1001, the first processor 501 may use the force touch sensor 503 to obtain other data indicating the intensity of the pressure of the external object on the flexible display 509. For example, the first processor 501 may obtain other data indicating the intensity of the pressure of the external object pressing the first area or the second area through the force touch sensor 503, and at the same time obtain data indicating the change in capacitance caused by the external object contacting the first area or the second area through the touch sensor 502. Relative to the threshold pressure intensity, the device 101 can detect that the flexible display 509 is likely to be damaged by the presence of the external object on the flexible display 509, especially when the device 101 is being closed. Therefore, in addition to the touch sensor 502, the first processor 501 may also use the force touch sensor 503 to obtain other data indicating the intensity of the external object pressing the flexible display 509.

[0138] In operation 1003, the first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to change the state of the second processor 505 based at least on the data and other data. For example, when the external object is another object different from the input device and additional pressure is applied to the flexible display 509, the first processor 501 may determine at least based on the data and other data that the possibility of the flexible display 509 being damaged is high. The first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to change the state of the second processor 505 based on the determination to provide a specified notification warning of potential damage.

[0139] As described above, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can prevent the flexible display 509 from being damaged by pressure by identifying whether an external object contacting the flexible display 509 is likely to damage the flexible display 509 by using the force touch sensor 503 in addition to the touch sensor 502 .

[0140] Fig.11 An example of the operation of the first processor according to the embodiment of the invention is shown, which requests to change the state of the second processor based on the intensity of the external object pressing. Figure 5 The first processor 501 is shown executing.

[0141] Fig.11 Operation 1101 and operation 1103 can be combined with Fig.10 Operation 1003 is related.

[0142] Reference Fig.11 In operation 1101, the first processor 501 may identify Fig.10Whether the strength indicated by the other data obtained in operation 1001 is greater than the specified strength. In an embodiment, the specified strength may be set differently according to the area of ​​the flexible display 509. For example, the specified strength configured for the central area of ​​the flexible display 509 may be less than the specified strength configured for the edge area of ​​the flexible display 509. This is because the central area of ​​the flexible display 509 is more easily damaged by external pressure than the edge area of ​​the flexible display 509. When the specified strength is set differently according to the area of ​​the flexible display 509, the first processor 501 may use the touch sensor 502 to identify the position of the external object within the flexible display 509, and may compare the specified strength corresponding to the identified position with the strength indicated by the other data. In an embodiment, when the strength indicated by the other data is less than or equal to the specified strength, the first processor 501 may continue to identify the strength of the external object pressing the flexible display 509, while the second processor 505 remains in the sleep state, and may continue to compare the strength and the specified strength. On the other hand, when the strength indicated by the other data is greater than the specified strength, the first processor 501 may perform operation 1103.

[0143] In operation 1103 , based on recognizing that the intensity is greater than a specified intensity, the first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to change a state of the second processor 505 .

[0144] Fig.12 An example of the operation of a first processor changing the state of a second processor based on a configuration request of an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown. The operation may be performed by Figure 5 The first processor 501 is shown executing.

[0145] Fig.12 Operations 1201 to 1205 can be performed with Fig. 9 Operation 905, Fig.10 Operation 1003 or Fig.11 Operation 1103 is related.

[0146] Reference Fig.12 In operation 1201 , the first processor 501 may receive data indicating a distance between a first side of a first area of ​​the flexible display 509 and a second side of a second area of ​​the flexible display 509 facing the first side using the configuration detection sensor 504 .

[0147] In operation 1203, the first processor 501 may identify whether the distance between the first side and the second side is greater than a specified threshold distance. The distance between the first side and the second side being greater than the specified threshold distance may mean that an external object is likely to be inserted into the space between the first side and the second side. In an embodiment, based on identifying that the distance between the first side and the second side is less than or equal to the specified distance, the first processor 501 may continue to receive data from the configuration detection sensor 504, while the second processor 505 remains in a sleep state. In an embodiment, the first processor 501 may perform operation 1205 based on identifying that the distance between the first side and the second side is greater than the specified distance.

[0148] In operation 1205 , based on identifying that the distance between the first side and the second side is greater than a specified threshold distance, the first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to change a state of the second processor 505 .

[0149] Fig.12 An example is shown in which the first processor 501 requests the second processor 505 to change the state of the second processor 505 when the distance between the first side and the second side is longer, but alternatives may be applied to the present disclosure.

[0150] For example, when the distance between the first side and the second side is less than the specified distance, the first processor 501 may set the states of the touch sensor 502 and the force touch sensor 503 to an inactive state. Since the distance between the first side and the second side is less than the specified distance means that there is no possibility or the possibility is small that the external object is inserted into the space between the first area and the second area, the first processor 501 may set the states of the touch sensor 502 and the force touch sensor 503 to an inactive state. When the touch sensor 502 and the force touch sensor 503 are in the inactive state and the second processor 505 is in the sleep state, the first processor 501 may prevent the flexible display 509 from being damaged by the external object by continuously recognizing that the distance between the first side and the second side is greater than the specified distance using the configuration detection sensor 504.

[0151] In another example, based on recognizing that an external object contacts the flexible display 509, the first processor 501 may recognize whether the distance between the first side and the second side is shortened. The shortened distance between the first side and the second side may mean that the possibility of the external object contacting the flexible display 509 applying pressure to the flexible display 509 increases. Therefore, the first processor 501 may recognize whether the distance between the first side and the second side is shortened. The first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to change the state of the second processor 505 based on recognizing that the distance between the first side and the second side is shortened.

[0152] Fig.13Another example of the operation of the electronic device according to the embodiment is shown. The operation can be performed by Figure 1 The electronic device 101 shown, Figure 3 The electronic device 101 shown, Figure 4 The electronic device 101 shown is composed of or Figure 5 The first processor 501 and the second processor 505 are shown to execute.

[0153] Reference Fig.13 In operation 1301 , when the second processor 505 is in the sleep state, the first processor 501 may use the force touch sensor 503 to identify the strength with which the external object presses the flexible display 509 .

[0154] In operation 1303, the first processor 501 may identify whether the identified strength is greater than the reference strength. For example, the first processor 501 may identify whether the identified strength is greater than the reference strength to identify whether the external object is likely to damage the flexible display 509. Based on identifying that the identified strength is greater than the reference strength, the first processor 501 may perform operation 1305. On the other hand, based on identifying that the identified strength is less than or equal to the reference strength, the first processor 501 may continue to identify the strength of the external object pressing the flexible display 509 when the second processor 505 is in the sleep state, and may continue to compare the strength with the reference strength.

[0155] In operation 1305, based on recognizing that the recognized intensity is greater than the reference intensity, the first processor 501 may request the second processor 505 to change a state of the second processor 505. The second processor 505 may receive the request.

[0156] In operation 1307, the second processor 505 may change the state of the second processor 505 to an active state. For example, the second processor 505 may change the state of the second processor 505 to an active state to provide a designated notification.

[0157] In response to the change to the active state, the second processor 505 may provide a designated notification in operation 1309. For example, the second processor 505 may provide the designated notification using the haptic module 506, the speaker 507, or a combination thereof.

[0158] As described above, the electronic device 101 according to the embodiment can prevent the flexible display 509 from being damaged by unexpected pressure by using the first processor 501 to check the possibility of the flexible display 509 being damaged when the second processor 505 is in the sleep state and the force touch sensor 503 is operably connected to the first processor 501.

[0159] According to the above embodiment, a method for operating an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: a first shell, the first shell comprising a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface; a second shell, the second shell comprising a third surface and a fourth surface facing away from the third surface; and a folding portion, the folding portion being configured to rotatably connect a side surface of the first shell and a side surface of the second shell facing the side surface of the first shell, the method may include: when a second processor of the electronic device is in a sleep state, detecting, by the first processor of the electronic device, an external object contacting a first area corresponding to the first surface or a second area corresponding to the third surface of a flexible display, the flexible display being arranged on the first surface and the third surface at both ends of the folding portion; obtaining, by the first processor of the electronic device, data indicating a capacitance change caused by an external object contacting the first area or the second area; requesting, by the first processor, the second processor to change the state of the second processor to an active state at least based on the data; changing the state of the second processor to an active state by the second processor in response to a request from the first processor; and providing a specified notification by the second processor in response to the change.

[0160] In an embodiment, requesting to change the state of the second processor to an active state may include: obtaining, by the first processor, other data indicating the strength of the external object pressing the first area or the second area through the force touch sensor of the electronic device when the second processor is in a sleep state; and requesting, by the first processor, to change the state of the second processor to an active state based on the data and other data. In an embodiment, requesting to change the state of the second processor to an active state may include: identifying, by the first processor, based on other data, whether the strength is greater than a reference strength, while identifying that the contact of the external object is maintained using the touch sensor; and in response to identifying that the strength is greater than the reference strength, requesting, by the first processor, to change the state of the second processor to an active state.

[0161] In an embodiment, the touch sensor may be activated based on recognizing, using a configuration detection sensor of the electronic device, that a distance between a first side of the first area and a second side of the second area facing the first side is greater than a specified distance while the second processor is in a sleep state.

[0162] In an embodiment, the touch sensor may be deactivated based on identifying, using the configuration detection sensor, that the distance between the first side and the second side is less than or equal to a specified distance while the second processor is in the sleep state.

[0163] In an embodiment, when the second processor is in the sleep state, the operating frequency of the touch sensor may be lower than the operating frequency of the touch sensor when the second processor is in the active state.

[0164] In an embodiment, requesting to change the state of the second processor to an active state may include: identifying, by the first processor based on data distribution on the first area or the second area, that the external object is an object different from the input device; and requesting, by the first processor, to change the state of the second processor to an active state based on the identification.

[0165] In an embodiment, a specified notification may correspond to a haptic effect having a specified pattern.

[0166] In an embodiment, the designated notification may be configured with an audio signal for guiding caution to avoid damage to the flexible display, and may be output through a speaker of the electronic device.

[0167] According to the above embodiment, a method for operating an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: a first shell, the first shell comprising a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface; a second shell, the second shell comprising a third surface and a fourth surface facing away from the third surface; and a folding portion, the folding portion being configured to pivotally connect a side surface of the first shell and a side surface of the second shell facing the side surface of the first shell, the method may include: when a second processor of the electronic device is in a sleep state, identifying, by the first processor of the electronic device, the intensity of an external object pressing a first area corresponding to the first surface or a second area corresponding to the third surface of a flexible display, the flexible display being arranged on the first surface and the third surface at both ends of the folding portion; in response to identifying that the identified intensity is greater than a reference intensity, requesting, by the first processor, the second processor to change the state of the second processor to an active state; in response to a request from the first processor, changing the state of the second processor to an active state by the second processor; and providing a specified notification by the second processor in response to the change.

[0168] An electronic device and method thereof according to certain embodiments may prevent damage to a flexible display of the electronic device by providing a designated notification based on data obtained by a configuration detection sensor, a touch sensor, a force touch sensor, or a combination thereof.

[0169] The effects achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned above based on the above description.

[0170] The methods according to the embodiments disclosed in the claims or the present disclosure may be implemented by hardware, software or a combination of both.

[0171] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. One or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured to be executed by one or more processors in an electronic device. One or more programs include instructions for allowing an electronic device to execute a method based on the embodiments disclosed in the claims or the present disclosure.

[0172] The program (software module or software) may be stored in a random access memory, a non-volatile memory including a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a storage device in a magnetic disk, a compact disk-ROM (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD) or other forms of optical storage devices and magnetic tapes. Alternatively, the program may be stored in a memory configured by a combination of all or some of these storage media. In addition, the number of configured memories may be multiple.

[0173] In addition, the program can be stored in an attachable storage device that can access the electronic device through a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WLAN), or a storage area network (SAN), or a communication network configured by a combination of networks. The storage device can access the device that executes the embodiments of the present disclosure through an external port. In addition, an additional storage device on the communication network can access the device that executes the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0174] In the above specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the elements included in the present disclosure are expressed in singular or plural form according to the specific embodiment. However, for ease of explanation, the singular or plural form is appropriately selected according to the proposed situation, and the present disclosure is not limited to a single element or multiple elements. An element expressed in plural form can be configured in singular form, or an element expressed in singular form can be configured in plural form.

[0175] Although the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain optional embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the detailed description of the present disclosure, and all differences will be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An electronic device including a flexible display, the electronic device comprising: a first shell, the first shell comprising a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface; a second shell, the second shell comprising a third surface and a fourth surface facing away from the third surface; a folding portion configured to pivotally connect a side surface of the first shell and a side surface of the second shell; wherein the flexible display is arranged on the first surface and the third surface, the flexible display covers the folding portion and includes a first area corresponding to the first surface and a second area corresponding to the third surface; The electronic device further comprises: a touch sensor configured to detect touch input on the first area and the second area; a first processor operably connected to the touch sensor; a second processor other than the first processor, the second processor being operably connected to the flexible display and the first processor; and A detection sensor is configured to detect a closed state of the flexible display. Wherein, the first processor is configured as follows: identifying closing of the first shell to the second shell; In response to detecting the closing of the first housing to the second housing, detecting whether an external object is on the first area or the second area based on the touch input detected by the touch sensor to prevent damage to the flexible display, and In response to detecting the external object on the first area or the second area, requesting activation of the second processor, The second processor is configured to output a notification related to the external object in response to a change in a state of the second processor to prevent damage to the flexible display. The external object is detected on the first area or the second area when the second processor is in a sleep state.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a force touch sensor operably connected to the first processor, the force touch sensor configured to detect a pressure intensity of a touch input, wherein the first processor is further configured to: When the second processor is in a sleep state, detecting, by the force touch sensor, the pressure intensity of the external object contacting the first area or the second area, and Activation of the second processor is requested based on the detected pressure intensity.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The first processor is further configured to: When the contact of the external object is maintained, detecting whether the pressure intensity of the external object is greater than a threshold pressure intensity, When the pressure intensity of the external object is greater than the threshold pressure intensity, the second processor is requested to be activated.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The configuration detection sensor is configured as: When the second processor is in the sleep state, detecting whether the distance between the first area and the second area of ​​the flexible display is longer than a predetermined threshold distance, and Wherein, detecting that the distance between the first area and the second area is longer than the predetermined threshold distance indicates that the external object prevents the flexible display from closing.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein: The touch sensor is deactivated based on detecting that a distance between a first side of the first area and a second side of the second area is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold distance when the second processor is in a sleep state.

6. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The operating frequency of the touch sensor when the second processor is in the sleep state is lower than the operating frequency of the touch sensor when the second processor is activated, and Wherein, when the electronic device is in a closed configuration, the flexible display is accommodated between the first shell and the second shell.

7. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The first processor is further configured to: detecting whether the external object is different from a known input object based on a data distribution generated by the contact of the external object on the flexible display, A request to activate the second processor is generated based on detecting that the external object is different from the known input object.

8. The electronic device of claim 2, further comprising a haptic actuator operably connected to the second processor, in, The notification includes a predetermined pattern of vibrations generated by the haptic actuator.

9. The electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising a speaker operably connected to the second processor, in, The notification includes an audio warning through the speaker indicating potential damage to the flexible display by the external object.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The flexible display includes a polyimide (PI) window.

11. A method for operating an electronic device comprising a flexible display according to claim 1, the method comprising: identifying closing of a first housing of the electronic device toward a second housing of the electronic device; In response to detecting the closing of the first shell of the electronic device to the second shell, the first processor of the electronic device detects whether an external object is on the first area or the second area of ​​the flexible display to prevent damage to the flexible display. In response to detecting the external object on the first area or the second area, requesting activation of a second processor included in the electronic device other than the first processor; as well as In response to a change in the state of the second processor, outputting a notification related to the external object to prevent damage to the flexible display; The external object is detected on the first area or the second area when the second processor is in a sleep state.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The method further comprises: When the second processor is in a sleep state, the first processor uses a force touch sensor to detect the pressure intensity of the external object contacting the flexible display, Based on the detected pressure intensity, activation of the second processor is requested.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: When the contact of the external object is maintained, detecting whether the pressure intensity of the external object is greater than a threshold pressure intensity, Activation of the second processor is requested when the pressure intensity of the external object is greater than the threshold pressure intensity.

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: When the second processor is in the sleep state, a configuration detection sensor of the electronic device detects whether a distance between the first area of ​​the flexible display corresponding to the first shell and the second area of ​​the flexible display corresponding to the second shell is longer than a predetermined threshold distance, and Wherein, detecting that the distance between the first area and the second area is longer than the predetermined threshold distance indicates that the external object prevents the flexible display from closing.

15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: detecting whether the external object is different from a known input object based on a data distribution generated by the contact of the external object on the flexible display, A request to activate the second processor is generated based on detecting that the external object is different from the known input object.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The notification includes at least one of a vibration of a predetermined pattern generated by a tactile actuator and an audio alert output by a speaker, and Wherein, the audio warning indicates potential damage to the flexible display by the external object.

Images