Foldable mobile electronic device capable of setting display brightness by light sensor

Abstract

A foldable mobile electronic device is provided. The foldable mobile electronic device includes a processor configured to: identify, based on data received from a first sensor, a state change of the foldable mobile electronic device from a folded state to a partially folded state before reaching an unfolded state; based on the identified state change, confirm a first illuminance by utilizing data received from a second sensor; set a first brightness corresponding to the first illuminance as a brightness of a display; when an angle confirmed after the state change falls within a predetermined first angle range or when a specific time has not elapsed after the state change, perform a real-time adjustment operation on the brightness of the display based on a second illuminance confirmed using the second sensor; and when the angle confirmed after the state change is outside the first angle range or when the specific time has elapsed after the state change, perform a hysteresis adjustment operation on the brightness of the display based on the first illuminance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a foldable mobile electronic device capable of setting the brightness of a display via a light sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile (or portable) electronic devices may have a foldable housing that can be folded and unfolded around a folding axis. The foldable housing may be divided into two housings around the folding axis. The mobile electronic device may also have a flexible display, with a first portion disposed in the first housing and a second portion disposed in the second housing. When the mobile electronic device is in the folded state, the first and second portions of the display can face each other.

[0003] Mobile electronic devices can use light sensors (or illuminance sensors) to measure ambient illuminance and adjust the brightness of the display screen based on the measured illuminance. For example, a mobile electronic device can set the display to dark in low-light environments and bright in high-light environments, thereby improving visibility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] Mobile electronic devices can set the brightness of their displays to a specific luminance (e.g., wake-up brightness) corresponding to the illuminance obtained from a light sensor just before the display is turned on (e.g., wake-up illuminance). After the display is turned on, the mobile electronic device can perform hysteresis adjustment. For example, when the wake-up illuminance is 10 lux, the lower hysteresis and upper hysteresis can be set to 1 lux and 81 lux, respectively. In this case, if the measured illuminance is 1 lux or lower, the screen brightness can be set to a lower brightness than the wake-up brightness. If the measured illuminance is 81 lux or higher, the screen brightness may be set to a higher brightness than the wake-up brightness.

[0006] A light sensor used to adjust screen brightness can be housed in the first housing (e.g., the upper housing) of a mobile electronic device. When the mobile electronic device is folded, the light sensor faces the second housing (e.g., the lower housing). As the mobile electronic device unfolds, the second housing may shift away from the light sensor's field of view (FOV).

[0007] Mobile electronic devices can perform hysteresis adjustment operations when changing from a folded to an unfolded state. If the ambient light around the mobile electronic device is bright, the display may suddenly brighten between two operations during the hysteresis adjustment. This may cause eye discomfort for the user.

[0008] The above information is provided for background information only to aid in understanding this disclosure. No judgment or assertion is made regarding whether any of the above content constitutes prior art in this disclosure.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to address at least the aforementioned problems and / or disadvantages, and to provide at least the following advantages. Therefore, one aspect of this disclosure is to provide a mobile electronic device capable of preventing eye discomfort (e.g., eye strain or visual fatigue caused by a sudden brightening of the display screen) when the device's state is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state.

[0011] Other aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments shown.

[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a foldable mobile electronic device is provided. The foldable mobile electronic device includes: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge assembly rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing; a flexible display disposed such that it extends from a region of the first housing across the hinge assembly to a region of the second housing; a first sensor that generates data used to confirm the angle formed between the first housing and the second housing; a second sensor that generates data used to confirm the ambient light level around the foldable mobile electronic device and is disposed within the second housing such that it faces the first housing when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state; and a processor connected to the display, the first sensor, and the second sensor. The processor can be configured to: identify a state change of the foldable mobile electronic device from a folded state to a partially folded state before reaching an unfolded state, based on data received from a first sensor; confirm a first illuminance based on the identified state change by using data received from a second sensor; set a first brightness corresponding to the first illuminance as the brightness of the display; perform a real-time adjustment operation on the brightness of the display based on a second illuminance confirmed by the second sensor when the confirmed angle after the state change falls within a predetermined first angle range or when no specific time has elapsed after the state change; and perform a hysteresis adjustment operation on the brightness of the display based on the first illuminance when the confirmed angle after the state change is outside the first angle range or when a specific time has elapsed after the state change.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a foldable mobile electronic device is provided. The foldable mobile electronic device includes: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge assembly rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing; a flexible display disposed such that it extends from a region of the first housing across the hinge assembly to a region of the second housing; a first sensor for generating data used to confirm an angle formed between the first housing and the second housing; a second sensor for generating data used to confirm ambient light around the foldable mobile electronic device, and disposed within the second housing such that it faces the first housing when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state; and a processor connected to the display, the first sensor, and the second sensor. The processor can be configured to: identify a state change of the foldable mobile electronic device from a folded state to a partially folded state before reaching an unfolded state, based on data received from a first sensor; confirm a first illuminance based on the identified state change by using data received from a second sensor; set a first brightness corresponding to the first illuminance as the brightness of the display; perform a real-time adjustment operation on the brightness of the display based on the second illuminance confirmed by the second sensor when the foldable mobile device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state; and perform a hysteresis adjustment operation on the brightness of the display based on the first illuminance when the angle confirmed after the state change falls within a predetermined angle range and remains there for a specified time.

[0014] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a mobile electronic device is provided. This electronic device includes adjusting screen brightness in sequence, following a real-time adjustment operation and a hysteresis adjustment operation, during a state change from a folded state to an unfolded state. This prevents sudden brightening of the screen and reduces eye discomfort for the user (e.g., eye fatigue or visual strain caused by a sudden brightening of the display).

[0016] Other aspects, advantages and salient features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which disclose various embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments;

[0019] Figure 2This is a block diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The front surface of a foldable mobile electronic device in an unfolded, flat, or open state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 3C The rear surface of an electronic device in a folded or closed state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 3D The rear surface in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 3E The front surface of an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a partially folded state (i.e., a partially unfolded state, or an intermediate state between a fully folded state and a fully unfolded state).

[0024] Figure 3F This is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3G According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 3A A sectional view taken by line A-A' in the diagram;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a graph illustrating an example of illuminance measured when image information is output to a display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a foldable mobile electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating illuminance measurement operations based on the on and off cycles of a display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an illuminance correction operation based on image color information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 8A This is a graph showing the change in illuminance and display brightness when a foldable mobile electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state during a hysteresis adjustment operation, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 8BThis is a graph showing the changes in illuminance and display brightness when a foldable mobile electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, based on an embodiment of the present disclosure, as real-time adjustment operations and hysteresis adjustment operations are performed sequentially.

[0032] Figure 9 The operation of automatically adjusting the brightness of the display when the state of the foldable mobile electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is illustrated.

[0033] Figure 10 The operation of automatically adjusting the brightness of the display when the state of the foldable mobile electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is illustrated.

[0034] Figure 11 The operation of automatically adjusting the brightness of the display when the state of the foldable mobile electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is illustrated.

[0035] Throughout the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals will be understood to indicate similar parts, components, and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following description, provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, is intended to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these details are to be considered merely illustrative. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0037] The terminology and wording used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are merely used by the inventors to enable a clear and consistent understanding of this disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the following description of various embodiments of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0038] It should be understood that, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” also include multiple objects referred to. Thus, for example, a reference to “component surface” includes a reference to one or more such surfaces.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments.

[0040] Reference Figure 1In network environment 100, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with electronic device 104 or server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 104 via server 108. According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, input device 150, sound output device 155, display device 160, audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, user identification module (SIM) 196, or antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., display device 160 or camera module 180) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module 176 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device 160 (e.g., a display).

[0041] Processor 120 may run software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 connected to processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, processor 120 may load commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) into volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., graphics processing unit (GPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor hub processor, or communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 121. Additionally or alternatively, auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than main processor 121, or adapted for a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 can be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or it can be implemented as part of the main processor 121.

[0042] When the main processor 121 is inactive (e.g., in sleep mode), the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (other than the main processor 121) (e.g., display device 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is active (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 may work with the main processor 121 to control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display device 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190). According to embodiments, 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) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123.

[0043] Memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 or sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input or output data for commands associated with it. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

[0044] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130, and the program 140 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0045] Input device 150 can receive commands or data from outside electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). Input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, or digital pen (e.g., stylus).

[0046] The sound output device 155 can output sound signals 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. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0047] Display device 160 can visually provide information to the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). Display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to an embodiment, display device 160 may include touch circuitry adapted to detect touch or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of the force caused by touch.

[0048] The audio module 170 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input device 150, or output sound via the sound output device 155 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) that is directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0049] Sensor module 176 can detect the operating state of electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside electronic device 101 (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to embodiments, sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, proximity sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

[0050] Interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols used to enable electronic device 101 to connect directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, interface 177 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Card (SD) interface, or an audio interface.

[0051] Connection end 178 may include a connector, through which electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, 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).

[0052] The tactile module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or motion) or electrical stimuli that can be recognized by a user through his touch or kinesthesia. According to embodiments, the tactile module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0053] Camera module 180 can capture still or moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0054] The power management module 188 manages the power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0055] Battery 189 can power at least one component of electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell.

[0056] Communication module 190 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. Communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of processor 120 (e.g., application processor (AP)) and support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to embodiments, communication module 190 may include wireless communication module 192 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 194 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). 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, 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 as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) that are separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 can identify and verify the electronic device 101 in the communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0057] Wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies beyond 4G networks (e.g., New Radio (NR) access technologies). NR access technologies can support high-speed transmission of large amounts of data (enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)), terminal power minimization and multi-terminal connectivity (eMTC) or high reliability and low latency (Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC)). For example, wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter-wave bands) to achieve high data rates. Wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies used to ensure performance in high-frequency bands, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output), FD-MIMO (full-dimensional MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. Wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in electronic device 101, external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 104), or network systems (e.g., second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support peak data rates (e.g., 20 Gbps or higher) for implementing eMBB, lost coverage (e.g., 164 dB or lower) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for both downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for implementing URLLC.

[0058] Antenna module 197 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the exterior of electronic device 101 (e.g., external electronic device). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include an antenna comprising a radiating element formed of a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include multiple antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as a first network 198 or a second network 199) can be selected from the multiple antennas by, for example, communication module 190 (e.g., wireless communication module 192). Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components besides the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally incorporated into antenna module 197.

[0059] According to various embodiments, antenna module 197 can form a millimeter-wave antenna module. According to embodiments, the millimeter-wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first side (e.g., the lower side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., millimeter-wave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent to a second side (e.g., the upper side or the side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the specified high-frequency band.

[0060] At least some of the aforementioned components can be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) between them via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI)).

[0061] According to an embodiment, commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 101 and external electronic device 104 via server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of electronic device 102 and electronic device 104 can be a device of the same type as electronic device 101, or a device of a different type. According to an embodiment, all or some operations that would be performed on electronic device 101 can be performed on one or more of external electronic devices 102, external electronic devices 104, or server 108. For example, if electronic device 101 is required to automatically perform a function or service, or is required to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service, instead of running the function or service, or electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service in addition to running the function or service. Upon receiving the request, the one or more external electronic devices may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or perform additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 101. Electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial response to the request, either with further processing or without further processing. For this purpose, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing may be used.

[0062] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0063] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that nouns in the singular form corresponding to terms 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 enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish the respective component from another component and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “combined with another element (e.g., a second element),” “combined to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “attached to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the first element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the second element, wirelessly connected to the second element, or connected to the second element via a third element.

[0064] As used herein, the term "module" can include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and is used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit"). A module can be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or part of such a single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, a module can be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0065] Figure 2 This is a block diagram 200 showing a display device 160 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Reference Figure 2The display device 160 may include a display panel 210 and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) 230 for controlling the display panel 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 from another component of the electronic device 101 via the interface module 231. This image information may contain image data or image control signals corresponding to commands controlling the image data. For example, according to an embodiment, the image information may be received from a processor 120 (e.g., a main processor 121 (e.g., an application processor)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit) that operates independently of the main processor 121. The DDI 230 may communicate with, for example, a touch circuit 250 or a 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, on a frame-by-frame basis.

[0067] Image processing module 235 can perform preprocessing or postprocessing (e.g., adjustment of resolution, brightness, or size) on at least a portion of the image data. According to embodiments, preprocessing or postprocessing can be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more characteristics of the image data or one or more characteristics of the display panel 210.

[0068] The mapping module 237 can generate voltage or current values ​​corresponding to image data preprocessed or post-processed by the image processing module 235. According to embodiments, the generation of voltage or current values ​​can be performed, for example, at least in part, based on one or more attributes of pixels (e.g., an array of pixel structures such as RGB stripes or pentile structures, or the size of each sub-pixel). At least some pixels of the display panel 210 can be driven, for example, based at least on the voltage or current values, so that visual information (e.g., text, images, or icons) corresponding to the image data can be displayed through the display panel 210.

[0069] 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 touch input or hover input for a specific location on the display panel 210. To achieve this, for example, the touch sensor 251 may detect (e.g., measure) a change in a signal (e.g., voltage, light intensity, resistance, or the amount of one or more charges) corresponding to a specific location on the display panel 210. The touch circuit 250 may provide the processor 120 with input information (e.g., location, area, pressure, or time) indicating the touch input or hover input detected via the touch sensor 251. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the touch circuit 250 (e.g., the touch sensor IC 253) may be formed as part of the display panel 210 or DDI 230, or as part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor 123) disposed externally to the display device 160.

[0070] 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 illuminance sensor) or control circuitry for the at least one sensor in the sensor module 176. In this case, the at least one sensor or the control circuitry for the at least one sensor may be embedded in a portion of a component of the display device 160 (e.g., the display panel 210, DDI 230, or touch circuitry 250). For example, when the sensor module 176 embedded in the display device 160 includes a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor may obtain biometric information corresponding to touch input received through a portion of the display panel 210. As another example, when the sensor module 176 embedded in the display device 160 includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information corresponding to touch input received through part or all of the area of ​​the display panel 210. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor 251 or the sensor module 176 may be disposed between pixels in the pixel layer of the display panel 210, or disposed above or below the pixel layer.

[0071] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) containing one or more instructions readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138). For example, under the control of a processor, the processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, 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 invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0072] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an app store (e.g., the Play Store™), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be stored at least temporarily in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0073] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) 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 of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding component of the multiple components performed one or more functions prior to integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0074] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The front surface of a foldable mobile electronic device (hereinafter referred to as the electronic device) in an unfolded, flat, or open state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0075] Figure 3C The rear surface of the electronic device in a folded or closed state is shown. Figure 3D The rear surface in an unfolded state is shown according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 3E The front surface of an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a partially folded state (i.e., a partially unfolded state, or an intermediate state between a fully folded state and a fully unfolded state).

[0077] Figure 3F It shows an exploded perspective view of the electronic device. Figure 3G According to various embodiments along Figure 3A The sectional view taken by the A-A' line.

[0078] Reference Figures 3A to 3G Electronic device 300 according to various embodiments (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 101 may include foldable housings 310 and 320, a hinged cover 341 covering the foldable portions of the foldable housings 310 and 320, and a flexible or foldable display 399 (hereinafter referred to as display 399, for example, disposed in the space formed by the foldable housings 310 and 320) Figure 1 and Figure 2(Display device 160 in the present disclosure). In this disclosure, the surface on which the display 399 is disposed is defined as the front surface of the electronic device 300. In addition, the surface opposite to the front surface is defined as the rear surface of the electronic device 300. Moreover, the surface surrounding the space between the front and rear surfaces from the side is defined as the side surface of the electronic device 300.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 300 may include a pair of housings 310 and 320 (i.e., foldable housings) that are rotatably combined with each other and foldable relative to a hinge module 340 (or hinge assembly) facing each other. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 300 may include a display 399 disposed in the area formed by the pair of housings 310 and 320. According to an embodiment, the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 are disposed on opposite sides about a folding axis (shown as axis A) and may have a generally symmetrical shape about the folding axis. According to an embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 may vary depending on whether the electronic device 300 is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0080] According to various embodiments, the pair of housings 310 and 320 may include a first housing 310 connected to a hinge module 340 and a second housing 320 connected to the hinge module 340. According to an embodiment, the first housing 310 may have a first surface 311 facing a first direction (e.g., the front direction, i.e., the z-axis direction) in an unfolded state, and a second surface 312 opposite to the first surface 311 and facing a second direction (e.g., the back direction, i.e., the negative z-axis direction) in an unfolded state. According to an embodiment, the second housing 320 may have a third surface 321 facing the first direction in an unfolded state, and a fourth surface 322 opposite to the third surface 321 and facing the second direction in an unfolded state. According to an embodiment, the first surface 311 of the first housing 310 and the third surface 321 of the second housing 320 face the same first direction in an unfolded state and face each other in a folded state. According to an embodiment, the second surface 312 of the first housing 310 and the fourth surface 322 of the second housing 320 face the same second direction in an unfolded state and face opposite directions in a folded state.

[0081] According to various embodiments, the first housing 310 may include a first side frame 313 that at least partially forms a side surface of the electronic device 300, and a first rear cover 314 that is coupled to the first side frame 313 and forms at least a portion of a second surface 312 of the electronic device 300. According to embodiments, the first side frame 313 may have a first side portion 313a, a second side portion 313b extending from one end of the first side portion 313a, and a third side portion 313c extending from the other end of the first side portion 313a. According to embodiments, the first side portion 313a, the second side portion 313b, and the third side portion 313c of the first side frame 313 may form three sides of a quadrilateral (e.g., a square or a rectangle).

[0082] According to various embodiments, the second housing 320 may include a second side frame 323 that at least partially forms a side surface of the electronic device 300, and a second rear cover 324 that is coupled to the second side frame 323 and forms at least a portion of a fourth surface 322 of the electronic device 300. According to embodiments, the second side frame 323 may have a fourth side portion 323a, a fifth side portion 323b extending from one end of the fourth side portion 323a, and a sixth side portion 323c extending from the other end of the fourth side portion 323a. According to embodiments, the fourth side portion 323a, the fifth side portion 323b, and the sixth side portion 323c of the second side frame 323 may form three sides of a quadrilateral (e.g., a square or a rectangle).

[0083] According to various embodiments, the pair of housings 310 and 320 are not limited to the shape, structure, and configuration illustrated, and can be implemented in any other shape, structure, and configuration. For example, the first side frame 313 may be integrally formed with the first rear cover 314, and the second side frame 323 may be integrally formed with the second rear cover 324.

[0084] According to various embodiments, the first back cover 314 and the second back cover 324 may be made of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS) or magnesium) or any combination thereof.

[0085] According to various embodiments, the display 399 may be configured to extend from a first surface 311 of the first housing 310 across the hinge module 340 to at least a portion of a third surface 321 of the second housing 320. (See also...) Figure 3BThe display 399 may include a first flat portion 330a substantially corresponding to a first surface 311, a second flat portion 330b substantially corresponding to a second surface 312, and a flexible portion 330c connecting the first flat portion 330a and the second flat portion 330b and corresponding to a hinge module 340. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 300 may include a first protective cover 315 (e.g., a first protective frame or a first decorative member) coupled to the edge of a first housing 310, and may also include a second protective cover 325 (e.g., a second protective frame or a second decorative member) coupled to the edge of a second housing 320. According to an embodiment, the first protective cover 315 and the second protective cover 325 may be made of metal or polymer material. According to an embodiment, the display 399 may be positioned such that the edge of the first flat portion 330a is located between the first housing 310 and the first protective cover 315. Similarly, the display 399 may also be positioned such that the edge of the second flat portion 330b is located between the second housing 320 and the second protective cover 325. Additionally, the display 399 can be positioned such that a protective cap 335 disposed in the area corresponding to the hinge module 340 protects the corresponding edge of the display 399. Therefore, substantially all edges of the display 399 can be protected from external influences.

[0086] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 300 may further include a sub-display 331 disposed separately from the display 399. According to embodiments, the sub-display 331 may be configured to be at least partially exposed on the second surface 312 of the first housing 310. Therefore, in a folded state, the sub-display 331 can display status information of the electronic device 300 by replacing the display function of the display 399. According to embodiments, the sub-display 331 may be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover 314. In some embodiments, the sub-display 331 may be disposed on the fourth surface 322 of the second housing 320. In this case, the sub-display 331 may be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the second rear cover 324.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 300 may further include at least one of the following: an input device 303, audio output devices 301 and 302, a sensor module 304, camera modules 305 and 308, a flash 309, a key input device 306, or a connector port 307. In an embodiment, when viewed from above the front surface of the electronic device, the sensor module 304 (e.g., Figure 1 The sensor module 176 and camera module 305 can be located below the display 399.

[0088] Reference Figure 3EAccording to various embodiments, the electronic device 300 can be operated to maintain an intermediate state via the hinge module 340. In this case, the electronic device 300 can control the display 399 to display different content in a display area corresponding to the first surface 311 and another display area corresponding to the third surface 321. According to embodiments, at a specific angle (e.g., the angle between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 in the intermediate state), the electronic device 300 can operate continuously between an unfolded state and a folded state via the hinge module 340. For example, when a slight pressure is applied in the opening direction while the device is partially unfolded at a specific angle, the electronic device 300 can continue to operate to enter a fully unfolded state via the hinge module 340. Additionally, when a slight pressure is applied in the closing direction while the device is partially unfolded at a specific angle, the electronic device 300 can continue to operate to enter a fully folded state via the hinge module 340. In some embodiments, the electronic device 300 can be operated to maintain a partially unfolded state at various angles via the hinge module 340.

[0089] Reference Figure 3F Electronic device 300 according to various embodiments may include a first side frame 313, a second side frame 323, and a hinge module 340 rotatably connecting the first side frame 313 and the second side frame 323. According to embodiments, electronic device 300 may further include a first support plate 3131 extending at least partially from the first side frame 313, and a second support plate 3231 extending at least partially from the second side frame 323. According to embodiments, the first support plate 3131 may be integrally formed with or structurally coupled to the first side frame 313. Similarly, the second support plate 3231 may be integrally formed with or structurally coupled to the second side frame 323. According to embodiments, electronic device 300 may include a display 399 configured to be supported by the first support plate 3131 and the second support plate 3231. According to embodiments, electronic device 300 may include a first back cover 314 coupled to the first side frame 313, and a second back cover 324 coupled to the second side frame 323. A first space is formed between the first rear cover 314 and the first support plate 3131, and a second space is formed between the second rear cover 324 and the second support plate 3231. In some embodiments, the first side frame 313 and the first rear cover 314 may be integrally formed, and the second side frame 323 and the second rear cover 324 may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 300 may include a first housing 310 provided by the first side frame 313, the first support plate 3131, and the first rear cover 314. Similarly, the electronic device 300 may include a second housing 320 provided by the second side frame 323, the second support plate 3231, and the second rear cover 324.

[0090] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 300 may further include a first substrate assembly 361 (e.g., a main printed circuit board), a camera assembly 363, a first battery 371, and / or a first bracket 351, which are disposed in a first space between a first support plate 3131 of the first side frame 313 and a first rear cover 314. According to embodiments, the camera assembly 363 may include multiple cameras (e.g., ...). Figure 3A and Figure 3C The camera modules 305 and 308 in the first substrate assembly 361 can be electrically connected to the first substrate assembly 361. According to an embodiment, the first bracket 351 can provide a support structure and increased rigidity to support the first substrate assembly 361 and / or the camera assembly 363. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 300 may also include a second substrate assembly 362 (e.g., a sub-printed circuit board), an antenna 390 (e.g., a coil member), a second battery 372, and / or a second bracket 352, disposed in a second space between the second support plate 3231 of the second side frame 323 and the second rear cover 324. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 300 may also include a wiring member 380 (e.g., a flexible circuit board (FPCB)). The wiring member 380 can be electrically connected to the first substrate assembly 361, which is configured to intersect with the hinge module 340, and can extend and be electrically connected to a plurality of electronic components (e.g., the second substrate assembly 362, the second battery 372, and / or the antenna 390) disposed in the second space.

[0091] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 300 may also include a hinge cover 341 supporting the hinge module 340. The hinge cover 341 may be exposed to the outside in a folded state and placed in a first space and a second space in an unfolded state so that it is not visible from the outside.

[0092] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 300 may include a first protective cover 315 disposed along and coupled to a first side frame 313, and a second protective cover 325 disposed along and coupled to a second side frame 323. According to an embodiment, in the display 399, the edge of the first flat portion (e.g., Figure 3B The first flat portion 330a) can be protected by the first protective cover 315, and the edge of the second flat portion (e.g., Figure 3B The second flat portion 330b in the display 399 can be protected by a second protective cover 325. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 300 may also include a protective cap 335 configured to protect the flexible portion of the display 399 corresponding to the hinge module 340 (e.g., Figure 3B The edge of the flexible part 330c in the middle.

[0093] Reference Figure 3GThe display 399 according to various embodiments may include a first protective cover 399a and a display panel 399b (e.g., Figure 2 The first protective cover 399a is attached to the front surface of the display panel 399b and may be formed of a flexible transparent material (e.g., colorless polyimide (CPI)). The second protective cover 399c is attached to the rear surface of the display panel 399b and may include a metal layer (e.g., copper sheet) and / or a light-shielding layer (e.g., black embossed layer). A light sensor 304a (e.g., an ambient light sensor (ALS)) is located below the second protective cover 399c and may be mounted on the first substrate assembly 361. An opening 3991 may be formed in at least a portion of the second protective cover 399c disposed above the light sensor 304a to allow the light sensor 304a to detect external light. The opening 391 may be formed at a position corresponding to the field of view (FOV) of the light sensor 304a and / or formed to a size corresponding to the field of view (FOV) of the light sensor 304a.

[0094] In this embodiment, when the electronic device 300 is in an unfolded state (e.g., Figure 3A In the state shown, the first housing 310 and the second housing 310 may be configured to form an angle of approximately 180 degrees and face the same direction. For example, the first region (e.g., the first surface 311) and the second region (e.g., the third surface 321) of the display 399 may form an angle of 180 degrees and face the same direction (e.g., the front direction of the electronic device).

[0095] In this embodiment, when the electronic device 300 is in a folded state (e.g., Figure 3C When in the state shown, the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 can be configured to face each other. For example, the first and second regions of the display 399 can form a small angle (e.g., between approximately 0 and 10 degrees) and can face each other.

[0096] In an embodiment, when the electronic device 300 is in an intermediate state (e.g., Figure 3E In the state shown, the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 can be set at a certain angle. For example, the first area and the second area of ​​the display 399 can form an angle that is greater than the angle in the folded state and less than the angle in the unfolded state.

[0097] According to various embodiments, at least one angle detection sensor configured to generate data for detecting the angle between the first surface 311 and the third surface 321 can be disposed within the internal space of the electronic device. According to embodiments, a first motion sensor can be configured as an angle detection sensor on a first substrate (e.g., first substrate assembly 361), and a second motion sensor can be configured as another angle detection sensor on a second substrate (e.g., second substrate assembly 362). Each of the first and second motion sensors may include an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope sensor. Each motion sensor can measure the posture of the electronic device 300 and the angular velocity and / or acceleration of the surface on which the motion sensor is disposed, and transmit the data to a processor (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The processor 120 in the system sends measurement data. The processor can then determine the angle based on the data received from each motion sensor. According to another embodiment, the angle detection sensor may include a sensor (e.g., an encoder sensor or a Hall sensor) attached to the hinge module 340 and configured to detect angles. For example, the encoder sensor or Hall sensor may send measurement data to the processor (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The processor 120 in the middle sends a discontinuous value for each angle formed by the first surface 311 and the third surface 321, and the processor can determine the angle based on the received value.

[0098] Figure 4 This is a graph 400 illustrating an example of illuminance measured when image information is output on display 399 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Reference Figure 4 The horizontal axis represents the display based (e.g., Figure 3A The vertical axis represents the color, brightness, and / or transparency of the image information output to the display 399, and the vertical axis represents the illuminance (lux) measured by the light sensor 304a when the image information is output to the display 399.

[0100] According to various embodiments, a first illuminance can be measured in an environment where external light is blocked (e.g., a dark room), a second illuminance can be measured in a dark environment (e.g., 60 lux), and a third illuminance can be measured in a bright environment (e.g., 500 lux). The first to third illuminances can be measured relatively accurately in a zero-brightness state where the display 399 is not outputting an image for each environment. If the display 399 outputs an image, the illuminance measured by the light sensor 304a can increase proportionally to the brightness (luminance) of the display 399. For example, the light sensor (e.g., light sensor 304a in FIG. 3) may not accurately measure the ambient illuminance due to the influence of light caused by the image output on the display 399.

[0101] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a foldable mobile electronic device 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Reference Figure 5 Electronic device 500 (e.g., Figure 3A The electronic device 300 may include a light sensor 510, a display 520, a display driver 530, an angle detection sensor 540, a memory 550, and a processor 560.

[0103] In an embodiment, the light sensor 510 (e.g., Figure 3G The light sensor 304a) can generate data to confirm the ambient illuminance around the electronic device 500. In an embodiment, the light sensor 510 includes at least one photodiode and can be implemented as a module (e.g., an ASIC). The light sensor 410 can be molded (e.g., transparently molded) to protect internal components.

[0104] In one embodiment, the light sensor 510 includes a light receiver 511 for reading RGB values ​​of visible light and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 512 for digitizing the RGB values, and can output the digitized RGB values ​​(ADC values) to the processor 560. For example, the light receiver 511 may include a photodiode that responds to visible light (i.e., light with a wavelength of approximately 400 to 750 nm). The light receiver 511 may also include a photodiode that receives infrared light. When facing an external light source, the light receiver 511 can generate a current through the photoelectric effect. The ADC 512 can convert the current into digital data (e.g., an ADC value) and send the digital data to the processor 560. For example, if the light is strong, data indicating a high illuminance value can be output to the processor 560; if the light is weak, data indicating a relatively low illuminance value can be output to the processor 560. The processor 560 can convert the data received from the light sensor 510 into illuminance and control the brightness of the display 520 based on the illuminance.

[0105] In an embodiment, the light receiver 511 may include multiple channels capable of measuring light. In an embodiment, the light receiver 511 may include a red (R) channel 511a for receiving red-based light (e.g., light with wavelengths of approximately 550 nm to 700 nm), a green channel 511b for receiving green-based light (e.g., light with wavelengths of approximately 450 nm to 650 nm), a blue channel 511c for receiving blue-based light (e.g., light with wavelengths of approximately 400 nm to 550 nm), and a transparent channel 511d for receiving white light (e.g., all R, G, and B). Each channel 511a, 511b, 511c, and 511d may include a photodiode. The R channel 511a, G channel 511b, and B channel 511c may include filters that emit light of the corresponding wavelengths.

[0106] In embodiments, in addition to a photodiode, the light sensor 510 may also include at least one of a variety of light-based sensors, such as a color detection sensor (e.g., a pickup sensor), a scintillator sensor, an image sensor, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a proximity sensor, an iris sensor, a spectrometer sensor, and an ultraviolet (UV) sensor.

[0107] In an embodiment, display 520 (e.g., Figure 3G The display 399 in the image may include a display driver IC (DDI) 521 and a display panel 522. The DDI 521 (for example, Figure 2 The DDI230 in the middle can control the display panel 522 (e.g., Figure 2 The display panel 210 displays image information. In an embodiment, the DDI 521 can control the display panel 522 to output image information in frames. The DDI 521 can provide color information of the image being output or to be output to another component (e.g., processor 560). For example, the color information may include information about the color on pixel ratio (COPR). In an embodiment, the COPR information may represent the ratio of R, G, and B values. The R value is a red value in the range of 0 to 255, the G value is a green value in the range of 0 to 255, and the B value is a blue value in the range of 0 to 255. For example, the COPR information of a white image may have a value of (R, G, B: 255, 255, 255).

[0108] In this embodiment, the display driver 530 can adjust the brightness of the display 520 under the control of the processor 560. In this embodiment, based on a first command from the processor 560, the display driver 530 can perform an operation to adjust the brightness of the display 520 in real time according to the illuminance confirmed by the light sensor 510 (hereinafter referred to as real-time adjustment operation). For example, the display driver 530 can receive first data (e.g., real-time (RT)_flag) representing the first command from the processor 560 to perform the real-time adjustment operation. Additionally, based on a second command from the processor 560, the display driver 530 can perform the following operation (hereinafter referred to as hysteresis adjustment operation): maintaining the brightness of the display 520 when the illuminance confirmed by the light sensor 510 falls within a specific illuminance range, and adjusting the brightness of the display 520 when the illuminance confirmed by the light sensor 510 is outside that illuminance range. For example, the processor 560 can stop the transmission of the first data as a second command, thereby allowing the display driver 530 to perform the hysteresis adjustment operation. Compared to the real-time adjustment operation, the hysteresis adjustment operation can prevent frequent changes in display brightness. For example, in a real-time adjustment operation, the display brightens as the illuminance increases, while in a hysteresis adjustment operation, the display brightness remains constant even if the illuminance increases to the same value. In an embodiment, the first data may include one or more bits of flag-like data (hereinafter referred to as RT_flag) indicating the on / off state of the real-time adjustment operation (or the on / off state of the hysteresis adjustment operation, or the operation to be performed in both real-time and hysteresis adjustments). Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, RT_flag will be used as an example, but the format of the first data is not limited. Any data that can indicate the switching between hysteresis and real-time adjustment operations can be used as the first data. In an embodiment, the processor 560 may generate the first data periodically. For example, the processor 560 may generate the first data once every specified period (e.g., 100 ms).

[0109] In this embodiment, the display driver 530 can be implemented in software. Therefore, the processor 560 can be configured to execute the display driver 530 to perform the operations described above. In this case, the operation of the display driver 530 can refer to the operation of the processor 560.

[0110] In an embodiment, the angle detection sensor 540 can generate data for confirming the angle. For example, the angle detection sensor 540 may include components attached to... Figure 3F The hinge module 340 shown has a sensor (e.g., an encoder sensor or a Hall sensor). In another example, the angle detection sensor 540 may include a sensor located at... Figure 3F The first motion sensor on the first substrate assembly 361 shown, and the first motion sensor disposed ... Figure 3FThe second motion sensor on the second substrate assembly 362 shown.

[0111] In an embodiment, memory 550 (e.g., Figure 1 The memory 130 can store instructions that, when executed, cause the processor 560 to perform the aforementioned operations of the display driver 530 based on data received from the angle detection sensor 540. In an embodiment, the instructions can cause the processor 560 to identify a change from a folded state to a partially folded state of the electronic device 500 based on data received from the angle detection sensor 540. Furthermore, in response to the state change, the instructions can cause the processor 560 to generate an RT_flag, thereby performing a real-time adjustment operation. Additionally, when a specific time has elapsed after the state change, or when the angle confirmed by data received from the light sensor 510 after the state change is outside a predetermined angle range (e.g., 0 to 179 degrees), the instructions can cause the processor 560 to stop generating the RT_flag, thereby performing a hysteresis adjustment operation.

[0112] In an embodiment, memory 550 may store a first lookup table 551 (e.g., Table 1) for real-time adjustment operations and a second lookup table 552 (e.g., Table 2) for hysteresis adjustment operations.

[0113] Table 1

[0114] 0 1 10 1 2 15 2 3 20 3 4 25 4 5 30 5 6 35 ... ... ... 100 255 500

[0115] Table 2

[0116]

[0117] In an embodiment, processor 560 (e.g., Figure 1 The processor 120 may include an application processor (AP) 561 and / or a coprocessor 562, and may be operatively connected to the light sensor 510, the display 520, the display driver 530, the angle detection sensor 540, and the memory 550. AP 561 (e.g., Figure 1 The main processor 121 can adjust the brightness of the display 520 using data received from the light sensor 510 and / or the angle detection sensor 540. The coprocessor 562 (e.g., a sensor hub processor) can control the sensor modules (e.g., ...). Figure 3AThe overall operation of the sensor module 304 in the AP 561 is described. The coprocessor 562 can be used to collect and process data from the sensor module at a lower power than the AP 561. For example, the coprocessor 562 can convert data received from the light sensor 510 into illuminance, read the luminance corresponding to the illuminance from a lookup table (e.g., Table 1), and notify the DDI 521. The coprocessor 562 can correct the illuminance based on color information (e.g., COPR information) of the image displayed on the display 520, thereby preventing ambient illuminance distortion due to the driving of the display 520. The coprocessor 562 can be omitted from the configuration of the electronic device 500, so the AP 561 can perform the functions of the coprocessor 562.

[0118] In this embodiment, processor 560 can convert data received from light sensor 510 into illuminance. Processor 560 can convert data received from angle detection sensor 540 into angle. Processor 560 can identify state changes of electronic device 500 based on data received from angle detection sensor 540. Processor 560 can adjust the brightness of display 520 based on state changes and illuminance.

[0119] In an embodiment, for example, when the angle is less than 10 degrees, the processor 560 can identify the state of the electronic device 200 as a folded state (e.g., Figure 3C (Regarding the folded state). When the angle changes to 10 degrees or more in the folded state, the processor 560 can identify the state change from the folded state to the partially folded state (e.g., a first state change). When the angle changes to less than 10 degrees in the partially folded state, the processor 560 can identify the opposite direction of the first state change. When the angle exceeds the first angle range in the partially folded state (e.g., the angle changes to 179 degrees or more), the processor 560 can identify the state change from the partially folded state to the unfolded state (e.g., a second state change). When the angle enters the first angle range in the unfolded state (e.g., the angle changes to less than 179 degrees), the processor 560 can identify the opposite direction of the second state change.

[0120] In an embodiment, in response to a first state change, processor 560 may activate light sensor 510 and convert the data received from light sensor 510 into illuminance. Hereinafter, the illuminance confirmed in response to the first state change may be referred to as wake-up illuminance. Processor 560 may read the brightness (i.e., wake-up brightness) corresponding to the wake-up illuminance from a second lookup table 552 (e.g., Table 2), set the wake-up brightness as the brightness of display 520, and turn on display 520.

[0121] In one embodiment, processor 560 can perform a real-time adjustment operation in response to a first state change. In another embodiment, at a specific time after the first state change or when electronic device 500 moves to an unfolded state after the first state change (e.g., until a second state change), processor 560 can convert data 510 received from the light sensor into illuminance, confirm the brightness corresponding to the illuminance in a first lookup table 551, and adjust the brightness of display 520 to the confirmed brightness. For example, processor 560 can adjust the brightness of display 520 by reacting to ambient illuminance in real time. In another embodiment, processor 560 can generate an RT_flag at a specific time after the first state change or before the second state change. When generating the RT_flag, display driver 530 can confirm the brightness corresponding to the illuminance received from processor 560 in the first lookup table 551 and adjust the brightness of display 520 to the confirmed brightness. For example, processor 560 can perform a real-time adjustment operation while generating the RT_flag.

[0122] In an embodiment, the processor 560 can determine whether the state of the electronic device 500 meets the conditions for hysteresis adjustment operation, and perform hysteresis adjustment operation based on the determination result.

[0123] In an embodiment, processor 560 may perform a hysteresis adjustment operation based on wake-up illuminance after a specific time (e.g., 1 second) following a first state change. For example, based on wake-up illuminance, processor 560 may set a reference illuminance range for determining whether to adjust brightness. Referring to Table 2, when the wake-up illuminance is 50 lux, the lower and upper limits of the reference illuminance range may be 10 lux and 302 lux, respectively. When the illuminance confirmed using data received from light sensor 510 is within the reference illuminance range, processor 560 may maintain the brightness of display 520. When the illuminance confirmed using data received from light sensor 510 exceeds the reference illuminance range or exceeds a specific time, processor 560 may adjust the brightness of display 520. For example, processor 560 may confirm in a second lookup table 552 the brightness corresponding to the measured illuminance (after exceeding the brightness or brightness range corresponding to the average illuminance measured for a specified time) and adjust the brightness of display 520 based on the confirmed brightness. Referring to Table 2, when the wake-up illuminance is 50 lux and the illuminance is below 10 lux, the processor 560 can adjust the current brightness (e.g., set the current brightness to the brightness of the display 520 via a real-time adjustment operation) to 68 cd. If the illuminance rises above 302 lux, the processor 560 can adjust the current brightness to 500 cd.

[0124] In another embodiment, in response to a second state change, processor 560 may perform a hysteresis adjustment operation based on wake-up illumination. In another embodiment, processor 560 may perform a hysteresis adjustment operation based on wake-up illumination when the angle confirmed after a first state change falls within a specific second angle range (e.g., 45 to 150 degrees) and remains there for a given time. In yet another embodiment, processor 560 may stop generating RT_flag when a second state change occurs after a specific time has elapsed since the first state change, or when the angle confirmed after the first state change falls within a specific second angle range (e.g., 45 to 150 degrees) and remains there for a given time. When RT_flag generation is interrupted, display driver 530 may perform a hysteresis adjustment operation based on wake-up illumination.

[0125] In an embodiment, based on the on / off cycle of the display 520, the processor 560 can set the measurement time (e.g., integration time) and measurement cycle of the light sensor 510 to obtain light. For example, the display 520 can display frames while repeatedly turning on and off several times. Due to the effect of the display 520 being on, the ambient illuminance around the electronic device 500 may be distorted, for example, as... Figure 4 As shown. To prevent this distortion, the processor 560 can convert the data received from the light sensor 510 into illuminance when the display 520 is off.

[0126] In this embodiment, the first lookup table 551 can be used for manual adjustment. For example, referring to Table 1, the first lookup table 551 may contain brightness codes 1 to 255 corresponding to brightness values. The processor 560 may display a brightness control bar on the display 520. The display 520 may be a touch-sensitive display, so data indicating the touch position on the brightness control bar can be output to the processor 560. The processor 560 can then identify the brightness code corresponding to the received data, confirm the brightness value corresponding to the identified code in the first lookup table 551, and set the confirmed brightness as the brightness of the display 520.

[0127] In this embodiment, real-time adjustments can be performed based on user settings. For example, processor 560 can determine whether the user prefers or dislikes a bright screen by observing the user's usage pattern of the brightness control bar. If the user dislikes a bright screen, processor 560 can adjust the brightness of display 520 within a brightness code range of 1 to 128. If the user prefers a bright screen, processor 560 can adjust the brightness of display 520 within a brightness code range of 129 to 255. For example, processor 560 can set the maximum and minimum brightness of display 520 differently based on the user's sensitivity to brightness.

[0128] Figure 6 Figure 600 illustrates an illuminance measurement operation based on the on and off cycles of a display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] Reference Figure 6 According to the embodiment, the display 520 can repeatedly turn on and off several times within the time it takes to display one frame. The time for sequential operation of all scan lines of the display 520 (e.g., 16.6 ms) can be the aforementioned time for displaying one frame (i.e., frame time). That is, within one frame time, the on and off of the display 520 can be repeated several times (e.g., four times as shown in the figure). An on and off time can be called a duty cycle, and the ratio of the on time to the total time of a duty cycle (e.g., 4.16 ms) can be called the duty cycle.

[0130] In this embodiment, the light sensor 510 can be repeatedly turned on and off several times within one frame. The period of turning the light sensor 510 on and off can be shorter than the period of turning the display 520 on and off.

[0131] In this embodiment, the processor 560 can set the on / off cycle and duty cycle of the display 520. The processor 560 can set the on-time of the light sensor 510 to be shorter than the on-time of the display 520, such that the light sensor 510 is turned on when the display 520 is off. The processor 560 can calculate illuminance using data received from the light sensor 510 when the display 520 is off. When calculating illuminance, the processor 560 can exclude data received from the light sensor 510 when the display 520 is on.

[0132] In one embodiment, processor 560 can measure the ambient illuminance around electronic device 500 using data received from light sensor 510. Processor 560 can correct the measured illuminance based on color information (e.g., COPR information) of the image displayed on display 520, thereby preventing ambient illuminance distortion due to the driving of display 520.

[0133] Figure 7 Figure 700 illustrates an illuminance correction operation based on image color information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] Reference Figure 7 According to the embodiment, the light sensor 510 can receive light within a specific measurement time 710 (e.g., 50 ms), convert the received light into data, and provide it to the processor 560. The light sensor 510 can generate an interrupt signal when providing data.

[0135] In an embodiment, the display 520 can display image information frame by frame within a specific frame time (e.g., 16.6ms), generate COPR information corresponding to that frame, and send the COPR information to the processor 560 (e.g., coprocessor 562).

[0136] In an embodiment, processor 560 may update the COPR information stored in memory 550 based on COPR information received from display 520. Processor 560 may recognize the occurrence of an interrupt signal and then confirm the COPR information in memory 550 (e.g., in...). Figure 7 In the middle, the fourth COPR information 720 for the fourth frame displayed on the display 520.

[0137] In this embodiment, the processor 560 can measure the ambient illuminance around the electronic device 500 using data received from the light sensor 510, and correct the measured illuminance based on COPR information confirmed in response to the occurrence of an interrupt signal. For example, the processor 560 can calculate the illuminance (noise component) corresponding to the brightness of the display 520 based on the COPR information, and remove the noise component from the measured illuminance, so that the measured illuminance is corrected to converge to the actual ambient illuminance around the electronic device 500.

[0138] Figure 8A This is a graph showing the change in illuminance and display brightness when a foldable mobile electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state during a hysteresis adjustment operation, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8B This is a graph showing the changes in illuminance and display brightness according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the sequential execution of real-time adjustment operations and hysteresis adjustment operations when the foldable mobile electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state.

[0139] Reference Figure 8A and Figure 8B Foldable mobile electronic device 800 (e.g., Figure 3A The electronic device 300 in the middle may have an upper part 810 (e.g., Figure 3A The first housing 310) and the lower portion 820 (e.g., Figure 3A A foldable structure consisting of a second housing 320 in the display. A portion of the display (e.g., Figure 3B The first flat portion 330a) can be disposed in the upper portion 810, while the other portion of the display (e.g., Figure 3B The second flat portion 330b) can be disposed in the lower portion 820. When the electronic device 800 is folded, the light sensor 830 (e.g., Figure 3G The light sensor 304a) can be located in the upper part 810 to face the lower part 820.

[0140] Even in a bright environment surrounding the electronic device 800, when the electronic device 800 is turned on, the electronic device 800 can measure an illuminance lower than the actual ambient illuminance around the electronic device 800. This is because the light sensor 830 faces downwards in its folded state, with the portion 820 facing downwards. However, as it is gradually unfolded, the electronic device 800 can measure the actual illuminance corresponding to the bright environment. During illuminance measurement, the electronic device 800 can perform... Figure 6 The operations shown and / or Figure 7 The operation shown.

[0141] according to Figure 8A The comparative example shown is electronic device 800 (e.g., Figure 5 The processor 560 can perform hysteresis adjustment operations based on the wake-up illuminance when the device is turned on (i.e., in the case of a first state change). For example, referring to Table 2, when the wake-up illuminance is 50 lux, the electronic device 800 can set the brightness of the display to 169 cd corresponding to 50 lux. If the measured illuminance does not exceed the upper limit of 302 lux corresponding to the wake-up illuminance, the electronic device 800 can maintain the brightness of the display at 169 cd without changing it. As time passes or the angle increases, i.e., as the electronic device 800 gradually unfolds, the illuminance measured by the electronic device 800 may gradually increase and then exceed the upper limit of 302 lux at some point. When the measured illuminance exceeds the upper limit, the electronic device 800 can quickly change the brightness of the display from 169 cd to 500 cd. This sudden change in brightness may cause eye fatigue in the user.

[0142] according to Figure 8B In the illustrated embodiment, after the electronic device 800 is turned on (i.e., in the case of a first state change), the electronic device 800 (e.g., Figure 5 The processor 560 can perform real-time adjustment operations until the state of the electronic device 800 meets given conditions. For example, referring to Table 2, when the wake-up illuminance is 50 lux, the electronic device 800 can set the brightness of the display to 169 cd corresponding to 50 lux. As time passes or the angle increases, i.e., as the electronic device 800 gradually unfolds, the illuminance measured by the electronic device 800 may gradually increase. Therefore, the electronic device 800 can gradually set the display to be brighter. When performing real-time adjustment operations, the electronic device 800 can recognize a second state change (e.g., the angle exceeds the first angle range) or a certain period of time after the first state change. Then, the electronic device 800 can perform hysteresis control operations based on the wake-up illuminance.

[0143] In some embodiments, a user can use the electronic device 800 in a partially folded state without fully unfolding it. If the angle is within a second angular range (e.g., 45 to 150 degrees) and maintained for a predetermined time, the electronic device 800 can perform a hysteresis adjustment operation based on wake-up illumination. For example, the processor can identify that the electronic device 800 has maintained a specific angle (e.g., 91 degrees) within the second angular range for a certain time (e.g., 1 second) or longer, and can determine that this state satisfies predefined conditions for performing the hysteresis adjustment operation. In another example, the processor can confirm an angle within the second angular range (e.g., 91 degrees) and can check whether the confirmed angle varies only within a third angular range (or error range) (e.g., 10 degrees). The third angular range can include, for example, a threshold (e.g., 5 degrees or 10 degrees) for determining whether the angle is maintained. For example, the third angular range can be set to 5 degrees. When the angle varies only between 91 degrees and 95 degrees, i.e., within 5 degrees, the processor can determine that the angle variation corresponds to the above conditions within a certain time.

[0144] like Figure 8B As described in the embodiments, the electronic device 800 can prevent sudden changes in brightness when unfolded, thereby reducing eye fatigue for the user.

[0145] Figure 9 An operation 900 is shown in which the brightness of the display is automatically adjusted when the state of the foldable mobile electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] Reference Figure 9 The operation of 900 can be controlled by the processor (e.g., Figure 5 The processor 560 in the processor and / or the display driver (e.g., Figure 5 The display driver 530 in the middle is used to execute.

[0147] According to an embodiment, during operation 910, the processor can identify a change in the state of the foldable mobile electronic device from a folded state to a partially folded state (i.e., a first state change) based on data received from the angle detection sensor.

[0148] According to an embodiment, in operation 920, the processor may activate a light sensor in response to a first state change, confirm a wake-up illuminance using data received from the light sensor, and send the wake-up illuminance to a display driver to set the brightness of the display to the illuminance corresponding to the wake-up illuminance. For example, the display driver may confirm the wake-up brightness corresponding to the received wake-up illuminance in a lookup table (e.g., Table 2) and set the wake-up brightness to the brightness of the display. Furthermore, the processor may periodically generate an RT_flag in response to the first state change. The processor may base its actions on the wake-up illuminance, for example, by referencing data stored in memory (e.g., ...). Figure 5 The light sensor can be positioned below the display (e.g., in memory 550) to set the reference illuminance range for hysteresis adjustment operations, using data (e.g., Table 2). Figure 3G (as shown in the arrangement structure), so the processor can, for example, Figure 6 The operation shown is used to confirm the illuminance. Furthermore, the processor can perform actions such as... Figure 7 The operation shown is used to correct the confirmed illuminance.

[0149] According to an embodiment, during operation 930, the display driver can confirm the brightness corresponding to the illuminance received from the processor in a lookup table (e.g., Table 1) when generating the RT_flag. Additionally, the display driver can perform a real-time adjustment operation to adjust the brightness of the display to the confirmed brightness.

[0150] According to an embodiment, in operation 940, when a specific time has elapsed after the first state change or the state changes from a partially folded state to an unfolded state (i.e., a second state change), the processor can stop generating RT_flag.

[0151] According to an embodiment, in operation 950, the display driver may perform a hysteresis adjustment operation based on the wake-up illuminance in response to a stop generated by RT_flag. For example, when the illuminance received from the processor is within a reference illuminance range, the display driver may maintain the brightness of the display. When the illuminance received from the processor is not within the reference illuminance range, the display driver may change the brightness of the display based on the received illuminance.

[0152] Figure 10 An operation 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which automatically adjusts the brightness of the display when the state of the foldable mobile electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state. In the following, with... Figure 9 Repeated descriptions can be simplified or omitted.

[0153] Reference Figure 10 The operation of 1000 can be performed by the processor (e.g., Figure 5 The processor 560 in the display driver (e.g., Figure 5 The display driver 530 in the middle is used to execute.

[0154] According to an embodiment, in operation 1010, the processor can identify a first state change based on data received from the angle detection sensor.

[0155] According to an embodiment, in operation 1020, the processor can activate a light sensor in response to a first state change, confirm a wake-up illuminance using data received from the light sensor, and send the wake-up illuminance to the display driver to set the brightness of the display to a level corresponding to the wake-up illuminance. Furthermore, the processor can periodically generate an RT_flag in response to the first state change. The processor can set a reference illuminance range based on the wake-up illuminance. The light sensor can be positioned below the display, allowing the processor to perform... Figure 6 The operations shown and / or Figure 7 The operation shown.

[0156] According to an embodiment, in operation 1030, the display driver can perform real-time adjustment operations when generating the RT_flag. For example, the display driver can adjust the brightness of the display in real time without hysteresis based on the illuminance confirmed using a light sensor.

[0157] According to an embodiment, in operation 1040, the processor can identify that after the first state change, the angle confirmed by the data received from the angle detection sensor has entered a predetermined angle range (e.g., a second angle range).

[0158] According to an embodiment, in operation 1050, the processor can determine whether the angle confirmed after entry into identification remains unchanged. For example, the processor can determine whether the angle remains within an error range (e.g., a third angle range) within a given time period.

[0159] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the angle changes as the user unfolds the electronic device (i.e., branch No in operation 1050), the processor can maintain the generation of RT_flag in operation 1060. Then, in operation 1065, the processor can determine whether a specific time has elapsed since the first state change (e.g., whether a specific time has elapsed since the point in time when the first state change was identified in operation 1010). If no specific time has elapsed (i.e., branch No in operation 1065), the processor can execute operation 1050 again.

[0160] According to an embodiment, when the user stops unfolding the electronic device, the angle can be kept constant. Therefore, when the angle is determined to be maintained (i.e., the branch of operation 1050 is), or when a specific time has elapsed after the first state change (i.e., the branch of operation 1065 is), the processor can stop generating RT_flag in operation 1070.

[0161] According to an embodiment, in operation 1080, the display driver may perform a hysteresis adjustment operation based on the wake-up illuminance in response to the stop of RT_flag generation.

[0162] Figure 11 An operation 1100 is shown, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, automatically adjusting the brightness of the display when the state of the foldable mobile electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state. In the following, [the text is incomplete and requires further context to translate accurately]. Figure 9 Repeated descriptions can be simplified or omitted.

[0163] Reference Figure 11 The operation of 1100 can be controlled by a processor (e.g., Figure 5 The processor 560 in the system executes the commands.

[0164] According to an embodiment, in operation 1110, based on the data from the first sensor (e.g., Figure 5 The processor can identify the state change (e.g., first state change) of the foldable mobile electronics from a folded state to a partially folded state before reaching the unfolded state, based on the data received by the angle detection sensor 540.

[0165] According to an embodiment, in operation 1120, based on the identified state change, the processor can use data from a second sensor (e.g., ...). Figure 5 The light sensor 510 in the light sensor receives data to confirm the first illuminance (e.g., wake-up illuminance).

[0166] According to an embodiment, during operation 1130, the processor can set a first brightness (e.g., wake-up brightness) corresponding to the first illuminance as the brightness of the flexible display.

[0167] According to an embodiment, in operation 1140, when the angle confirmed by the first sensor after a state change falls within a predetermined first angle range (e.g., less than 179 degrees) or when no specific time has elapsed after a state change, the processor can perform a real-time adjustment operation based on the second illuminance confirmed by the second sensor.

[0168] According to an embodiment, in operation 1150, when the angle confirmed after a state change is outside the first angle range (e.g., a second state change), when a specific time has elapsed after a state change, or when the angle confirmed after a state change falls into a predetermined second angle range (e.g., 45 degrees to 150 degrees) and remains there for a certain period of time, the processor can perform a hysteresis adjustment operation based on the first illuminance.

[0169] According to various embodiments, a foldable mobile electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge assembly rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing; a flexible display configured to extend from a region of the first housing across the hinge assembly to a region of the second housing; a first sensor generating data for confirming an angle formed between the first housing and the second housing; a second sensor generating data for confirming ambient light levels around the foldable mobile electronic device and disposed within the second housing in a manner facing the first housing when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state; and a processor connected to the display, the first sensor, and the second sensor. The processor can be configured to: identify a state change of the foldable mobile electronic device from a folded state to a partially folded state before reaching an unfolded state, based on data received from a first sensor; confirm a first illuminance based on the identified state change by using data received from a second sensor; set a first brightness corresponding to the first illuminance as the brightness of the display; perform a real-time adjustment operation on the brightness of the display based on a second illuminance confirmed by the second sensor when the confirmed angle after the state change falls within a predetermined first angle range or when no specific time has elapsed after the state change; and perform a hysteresis adjustment operation on the brightness of the display based on the first illuminance when the confirmed angle after the state change is outside the first angle range or when a specific time has elapsed after the state change.

[0170] The processor can be configured to: as a real-time adjustment operation, identify a second brightness corresponding to the second illuminance in a first lookup table, and set the second brightness as the brightness of the display.

[0171] The processor can be configured to: as a hysteresis adjustment operation, when the third illuminance confirmed by the second sensor after a state change falls within the illuminance range set based on the first illuminance, maintain the brightness of the display unchanged; and when the third illuminance is outside the illuminance range, confirm the third brightness corresponding to the third illuminance in a second lookup table and set the third brightness as the brightness of the display.

[0172] The foldable mobile electronic device may also include a display driver. The processor may be configured to send a flag to the display driver when the confirmed angle falls within a first angle range after a state change, or when no specific time has elapsed after the state change. The display driver may be configured to perform a real-time adjustment operation upon receiving the flag from the processor, and a hysteresis adjustment operation when the flag received from the processor is stopped.

[0173] The processor can be configured to perform a hysteresis adjustment operation when the angle confirmed after a state change falls within a predetermined second angle range and remains there for a specific time, and the second angle range can be within the first angle range.

[0174] When the display is viewed from above, the second sensor can be positioned below the display, and the processor can be configured to determine the illuminance by utilizing data received from the second sensor when the display is off.

[0175] The cycle of the second sensor turning on and off can be shorter than the cycle of the display turning on and off.

[0176] When viewed from above, the second sensor can be positioned below the display, and the processor can be configured to correct the illuminance determined using data received from the second sensor based on color information of the image to be displayed on the display.

[0177] Color information may include color pixel ratio (COPR) information.

[0178] The display may include a display driver IC and a display panel, and the display driver IC may be configured to control the display panel to output image information in frames and send COPR information of the frames to be output to the processor.

[0179] The first sensor may include an encoder sensor or a Hall sensor attached to the hinge assembly.

[0180] The first sensor may include a first motion sensor disposed in a first housing and a second motion sensor disposed in a second housing.

[0181] The first motion sensor and the second motion sensor may include an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope sensor.

[0182] The second sensor may include a red (R) channel for receiving red-based light, a green (G) channel for receiving green-based light, a blue (B) channel for receiving blue-based light, and a transparent (C) channel for receiving white light.

[0183] According to various embodiments, a foldable mobile electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge assembly rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing; a flexible display configured to extend from a region of the first housing across the hinge assembly to a region of the second housing; a first sensor generating data for confirming an angle formed between the first housing and the second housing; a second sensor generating data for confirming ambient light levels around the foldable mobile electronic device and disposed within the second housing in a manner facing the first housing when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state; and a processor connected to the display, the first sensor, and the second sensor. The processor can be configured to: identify a state change of the foldable mobile electronic device from a folded state to a partially folded state before reaching an unfolded state, based on data received from a first sensor; confirm a first illuminance based on the identified state change by using data received from a second sensor; set a first brightness corresponding to the first illuminance as the brightness of the display; perform a real-time adjustment operation on the brightness of the display based on the second illuminance confirmed by the second sensor when the foldable mobile device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state; and perform a hysteresis adjustment operation on the brightness of the display based on the first illuminance when the angle confirmed after the state change falls within a predetermined angle range and remains there for a specified time.

[0184] The processor can be configured to: as a real-time adjustment operation, identify a second brightness corresponding to the second illuminance in a first lookup table, and set the second brightness as the brightness of the display.

[0185] The processor can be configured to: as a hysteresis adjustment operation, when the third illuminance confirmed by the second sensor after a state change falls within the illuminance range set based on the first illuminance, maintain the brightness of the display unchanged; and when the third illuminance is outside the illuminance range, confirm the third brightness corresponding to the third illuminance in a second lookup table and set the third brightness as the brightness of the display.

[0186] The foldable mobile electronic device may also include a display driver. The processor can be configured to: generate a flag when the foldable mobile electronic device changes from a folded state to an unfolded state; and stop generating the flag when the angle confirmed after the state change falls within an angle range and is maintained for a specified time. The display driver can be configured to perform a real-time adjustment operation when the flag is generated and a hysteresis adjustment operation when flag generation stops.

[0187] When the display is viewed from above, a second sensor can be positioned below the display. The processor can be configured to determine the illuminance by utilizing data received from the second sensor when the display is off.

[0188] When viewed from above, the second sensor can be positioned below the display. The processor can be configured to correct the illuminance determined using data received from the second sensor, based on color information of the image to be displayed on the display.

[0189] Although this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A foldable mobile electronic device, the foldable mobile electronic device comprising: First shell; Second shell; A hinge assembly that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing; A flexible display, wherein the flexible display is configured to extend from a region of the first housing across the hinge assembly to a region of the second housing; A first sensor, the first sensor being used to generate data used to confirm the angle formed between the first housing and the second housing; A second sensor is used to generate data to confirm the ambient light around the foldable mobile electronic device, and is disposed in the second housing in such a way that the foldable mobile electronic device faces the first housing when it is in a folded state. as well as A processor, connected to the flexible display, the first sensor, and the second sensor, The processor is configured as follows: Based on data received from the first sensor, the state change of the foldable mobile electronic device from the folded state to the partially folded state before reaching the unfolded state is identified. Based on the identified state changes, the first illuminance is confirmed using data received from the second sensor. The brightness of the flexible display is set to the brightness corresponding to the first illuminance. When the angle confirmed after the state change is less than a predetermined value, or when a specific time has not elapsed after the state change, the brightness of the flexible display is adjusted based on the second illuminance confirmed using the second sensor. When the angle confirmed after the state change is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, or when a specific time has elapsed after the state change, the brightness of the flexible display remains unchanged.

2. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is further configured to: The second luminance corresponding to the second illuminance is determined based on the first lookup table, and the second luminance is set as the brightness of the flexible display.

3. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is further configured to: When the third illuminance, confirmed by the second sensor, falls within the illuminance range set based on the first illuminance after the state change, the process of maintaining the brightness of the flexible display unchanged is executed. When the third illuminance is outside the illuminance range, the third brightness corresponding to the third illuminance is identified in the second lookup table, and the third brightness is set as the brightness of the flexible display.

4. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: Display driver, The processor is further configured to send a flag to the display driver when the angle confirmed after the state change is less than the predetermined value, or when the specific time has not elapsed after the state change. The display driver is configured to adjust the brightness of the flexible display when it receives the flag from the processor, and to maintain the brightness of the flexible display unchanged when it stops receiving the flag from the processor.

5. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 1, in, The processor is further configured to maintain the brightness of the flexible display unchanged when the confirmed angle falls within a predetermined angle range after the state change and remains so for a specified time. Wherein, the maximum value of the predetermined angle range is less than the predetermined value.

6. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 1, in, When viewed from above, the second sensor is positioned below the flexible display, and The processor is also configured to determine the illuminance by using data received from the second sensor when the flexible display is turned off.

7. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, The second sensor's on / off cycle is shorter than that of the flexible display.

8. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 1, in, When viewed from above, the second sensor is positioned below the flexible display, and The processor is further configured to correct the illuminance confirmed using data received from the second sensor based on color information of the image to be displayed on the flexible display.

9. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, The color information includes color pixel ratio (COPR) information.

10. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 9, in, The flexible display includes a display driver IC and a display panel, and The display driver IC is configured to control the display panel to output image information in frames and send COPR information of the frames to be output to the processor.

11. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensor includes an encoder sensor or a Hall sensor attached to the hinge assembly.

12. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensor includes a first motion sensor disposed in the first housing and a second motion sensor disposed in the second housing.

13. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, The first motion sensor and the second motion sensor include at least one of an accelerometer or a gyroscope.

14. The foldable mobile electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The second sensor includes a red channel for receiving red-based light, a green channel for receiving green-based light, a blue channel for receiving blue-based light, and a transparent channel for receiving white light.

15. A foldable electronic device, the foldable electronic device comprising: First shell; Second shell; A hinge assembly that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing; A flexible display, wherein the flexible display is configured to extend from a region of the first housing across the hinge assembly to a region of the second housing; A first sensor, the first sensor being used to generate data used to confirm the angle formed between the first housing and the second housing; A second sensor, which generates data to confirm the ambient light around the foldable electronic device, is disposed within the second housing in such a manner that the foldable electronic device faces the first housing when it is in a folded state. as well as A processor, connected to the flexible display, the first sensor, and the second sensor, The processor is configured as follows: Based on data received from the first sensor, the state change of the foldable electronic device from the folded state to the partially folded state before reaching the unfolded state is identified. Based on the identified state changes, the first illuminance is confirmed using data received from the second sensor. The brightness of the flexible display is set to correspond to the brightness of the first illuminance. When the foldable electronic device changes from the folded state to the unfolded state, the brightness of the flexible display is adjusted based on a second illuminance confirmed using the second sensor. When the angle confirmed after the state change falls within a predetermined angle range and is maintained for a specified time, the brightness of the flexible display remains unchanged.

Images