Method for controlling display and electronic device supporting the same

Abstract

An electronic device and method are provided. The electronic device includes: a flexible display including a first state and a second state, in which a display area has a first size in the first state and in which the display area is expanded in a first direction to have a second size larger than the first size; an actuator driven to change the state of the flexible display; and a processor configured to detect a touch input on a point of the display area located adjacent to a side surface of the electronic device, and identify whether a touch point of the touch input has moved a specified distance or more from the point of the display area in the same direction as the direction of the state change of the flexible display while maintaining the touch input.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a display control technique. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices such as smart phones have become lighter, thinner, and smaller for easy carrying, and have been developed in various ways for easy use. In order to meet users' demands for miniaturization and screen enlargement of electronic devices, a solution utilizing the flexibility of a flexible display has been considered. As an example of such a solution, a rollable (or sliding) electronic device including a flexible display has been developed.

[0003] In such a rollable electronic device, when a portion of the flexible display is retracted (e.g., rolled into or slid into) a housing of the electronic device, the size of the screen is reduced and the size of the electronic device is also reduced, which makes it convenient to carry the electronic device, and when a portion of the retracted flexible display is drawn out (e.g., rolled out or slid out), the size of the screen is increased, which makes it possible to provide a relatively large screen compared to existing bar-type electronic devices and thereby improves convenience of use.

[0004] Meanwhile, in a rollable electronic device, a motorized solution may be applied to facilitate changing the state of the flexible display. For example, the electronic device may include an actuator that uses a motor or electricity to retract and withdraw (e.g., roll in or slide in or roll out or slide out) the flexible display. In this case, the electronic device may drive the actuator in response to a user's touch input.

[0005] However, in a conventional electronic device, a malfunction may occur in the process of identifying whether a touch input is a touch input for changing the state of a flexible display or a touch input for performing a general function. In addition, in order to suppress such a malfunction, in a conventional electronic device, a touch input for changing the state of a flexible display may be set as a multi-touch input (e.g., a touch input using at least two fingers). In a state where the electronic device is held with one hand, a user may feel uncomfortable inputting a multi-touch, and thus usability may be reduced. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to address at least the above disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: a flexible display, including a first state and a second state, in which the display area has a first size in the first state, and in the second state, the display area is expanded in the first direction to have a second size larger than the first size; an actuator driven to change the state of the flexible display; and a processor operably connected to the flexible display and the actuator. The processor is configured to: detect a touch input on a point of the display area located adjacent to the side surface of the electronic device; in a state where the touch input is maintained, identify whether the touch point of the touch input has moved a specified distance or more from the point of the display area in the same direction as the direction of the state change of the flexible display; and based on identifying that the touch point has moved a specified distance or more from the point of the display area in the same direction as the direction of the state change of the flexible display, drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a display of an electronic device is provided. The method includes: detecting a touch input at a point of a display area located adjacent to a side surface of the electronic device on a flexible display, the flexible display including a first state and a second state, in which the display area has a first size, and in which the display area is extended in a first direction to have a second size larger than the first size; in a state where the touch input is maintained, identifying whether a touch point of the touch input has moved a specified distance or more from the point of the display area in the same direction as the direction of the state change of the flexible display; and based on identifying that the touch point has moved a specified distance or more from the point of the display area in the same direction as the direction of the state change of the flexible display, driving the actuator to change the state of the flexible display. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments in a network environment;

[0011] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an electronic device when a flexible display is in a first state according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an electronic device when the flexible display is in a second state according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 5 is a diagram of a front perspective view of an electronic device showing a state change of a flexible display according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 6 is a diagram of a rear perspective view of an electronic device showing a state change of a flexible display according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 7 is a diagram showing movement of a touch point of a touch input for changing a flexible display from a first state to a second state according to an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying an object related to a state change of a flexible display on a screen in a first state of the flexible display according to an embodiment;

[0018] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing another movement situation of a touch point of a touch input for changing a flexible display from a first state to a second state according to an embodiment;

[0019] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying another object related to a state change of a flexible display on a screen in a first state of the flexible display according to an embodiment;

[0020] Fig.11 is a diagram showing another movement situation of a touch point of a touch input for changing a flexible display from a first state to a second state according to an embodiment;

[0021] Fig.12 is a diagram showing movement of a touch point of a touch input for changing a flexible display from a second state to a first state according to an embodiment;

[0022] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying an object related to a state change of a flexible display on a screen in a second state of the flexible display according to an embodiment;

[0023] Fig.14 is a diagram showing another movement situation of a touch point of a touch input for changing a flexible display from a second state to a first state according to an embodiment;

[0024] Fig.15 is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying another object related to a state change of a flexible display on a screen in a second state of the flexible display according to an embodiment;

[0025] Fig.16is a diagram showing another movement situation of a touch point of a touch input for changing a flexible display from a second state to a first state according to an embodiment;

[0026] Fig.17 is a diagram showing a type of touch input for changing a flexible display from a first state to a second state and a movement of a touch point of the touch input according to an embodiment;

[0027] Fig.18 is a diagram showing a type of touch input for changing a flexible display from a second state to a first state and a movement of a touch point of the touch input according to an embodiment; and

[0028] Fig.19 is a flowchart of a display control method related to a state change of a flexible display according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings herein. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to specific embodiments and should be interpreted as including all modifications, changes, equivalent devices and methods and / or alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. In the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals are used for similar elements.

[0030] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 1 , the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may communicate with the electronic device 102 via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with at least one of the electronic device 104 or the server 108 via the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, a sound output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a connection terminal 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a user identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., the connection terminal 178) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the above-described components (eg, sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (eg, display module 160).

[0031] The processor 120 may run, for example, software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware component or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the resultant data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when the electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or adapted to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or as part of the main processor 121.

[0032] When the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) together with the main processor 121. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., a camera module 180 or a communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. For example, such learning may be performed by the electronic device 101 where the artificial intelligence is executed or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, for example. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or a deep Q network or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or optionally, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure in addition to a hardware structure.

[0033] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a nonvolatile memory 134.

[0034] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or applications 146 .

[0035] The input module 150 may receive commands or data to be used by other components (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101 from outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0036] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 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. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. Depending on the embodiment, the receiver can be implemented as a separate part from the speaker, or as part of the speaker.

[0037] The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding one of the display, the holographic device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch.

[0038] The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or an earphone of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0039] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) outside the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0040] The interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols to be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0041] The connection end 178 may include a connector, wherein the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) via the connector. According to an embodiment, the connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0042] The haptic module 179 may convert the electrical signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electrical stimulation that can be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0043] The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0044] The power management module 188 may manage power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0045] The battery 189 may power at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0046] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently from the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or these various types of communication modules can be implemented as multiple components separated from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 can identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0047] The wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks after 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies (e.g., new radio (NR) access technology). NR access technology can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). The wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. The wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies for ensuring performance on high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. The wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., a second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support a peak data rate for implementing eMBB (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater), loss coverage for implementing mMTC (e.g., 164 dB or less), or U-plane delay for implementing URLLC (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip).

[0048] The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element formed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). A signal or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a millimeter wave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the millimeter wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas), wherein the RFIC is disposed on a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., millimeter wave band), and the plurality of antennas are disposed on a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the specified high frequency band.

[0050] At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and communicatively transmit signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.

[0051] According to an embodiment, a command or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the electronic device 102 or the electronic device 104 may be a device of the same type as the electronic device 101, or a device of a different type from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more of the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically execute a function or service or should execute a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service instead of executing the function or service, or the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service in addition to executing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may execute at least part of the function or service requested, or execute another function or another service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request in the case of further processing the result or in the case of not further processing the result. To this end, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, mobile edge computing (MEC) technology or client-server computing technology, for example, may be used. The electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars or health care) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies.

[0052] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 The electronic device 200 may include a flexible display 210, a first supporting member 220 (e.g., a bracket), a sliding plate 230, a roller 240, a second supporting member 250 (e.g., a front shell), a side cover 260, a third supporting member 270 (e.g., a middle shell), a fourth supporting member 280 (e.g., a rear shell), and a rear plate 290 (e.g., a rear cover).

[0054] The housing of the electronic device 200 may include: a front plate, which is configured to cover the front surface of the flexible display 210; a rear plate 290, which forms the rear surface of the electronic device 200; a sliding plate 230, which is coupled to be movable by a sliding operation between the front plate and the rear plate 290; and a side cover 260, which is configured to cover the side surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding plate 230. The rear plate 290 may further include a portion extending toward the front surface of the electronic device 200, and the extension portion may form a portion of the side surface of the electronic device 200. In the space between the front surface (e.g., the front plate), the rear surface (e.g., the rear plate 290), and the side surface (e.g., the extension portion of the side cover 260 and the rear plate 290) of the housing, an electronic component may be placed. A PCB may be provided in the space, on which a battery or various electronic components (e.g., a processor, a memory, and / or an interface) are provided. At least one of the above components (eg, the first support member 220 , the second support member 250 , the third support member 270 , or the fourth support member 280 ) may be omitted from the electronic device 200 , or the electronic device 200 may further include at least one other component.

[0055] The flexible display 210 may be movably coupled to the housing of the electronic device 200. The flexible display 210 may be coupled to the sliding plate 230 and the first support member 220, and at least a portion of the display area may be selectively visually exposed to the outside by a sliding operation of the sliding plate 230. The display area of ​​the flexible display 210 may include: a first portion, which is always visually exposed to the outside to be able to display an object; and a second portion, which extends from the first portion and is configured so that the second portion is not exposed to the outside by retracting into the inside of the housing, and can be visually exposed to the outside by being withdrawn from the housing. The display area of ​​the flexible display 210 may have a first size (width and / or height) in a first state in which the second portion is not exposed, and a second size (width and / or height) greater than the first size in a second state in which the second portion is exposed to the outside. Here, the first state may be a state in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 210 is contracted, and the second state may be a state in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 210 is extended.

[0056] The flexible display 210 may be coupled to a flat surface corresponding to the front surface of the first support member 220 and / or the front surface of the sliding plate 230 and a curved surface corresponding to the side surface of the sliding plate 230. The curved surface may be provided by a hinge member 231 (e.g., a caterpillar joint) connected to the sliding plate 230. The hinge member 231 may include a multi-joint hinge. The multi-joint hinge may be attached to the rear surface of the flexible display 210 to guide the bending of the flexible display 210.

[0057] The first support member 220 and the sliding plate 230 are capable of supporting the flexible display 210. The sliding plate 230 can perform a sliding operation on the second support member 250 in the lateral direction. Therefore, the flexible display 210 coupled to the sliding plate 230 also performs a sliding operation in the lateral direction, so that the display area of ​​the flexible display 210 can be expanded or contracted. The sliding plate 230 can be opened in an area adjacent to its side surface in the following direction: in which direction the sliding plate 230 is drawn out from the inside of the housing to the outside. In addition, the sliding plate 230 can be coupled to a decoration member 233 that is configured to cover the open area.

[0058] The roller 240 may be connected to the hinge member 231 of the sliding plate 230 so as to allow the sliding plate 230 to perform a sliding operation. The roller 240 may be provided in a rod shape and may rotate. The roller 240 may rotate according to the drive of an actuator such as a motor. The hinge member 231 in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the roller 240 may be bent and moved about the roller 240 by the rotation of the roller 240. When the roller 240 rotates in a first direction, the hinge member 231 may be rolled into the interior of the housing along the outer peripheral surface of the roller 240. As a result, the display area of ​​the flexible display 210 that is visually exposed to the outside may be contracted. Alternatively, when the roller 240 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the hinge member 231 may be spread outward from the housing along the outer peripheral surface of the roller 240. As a result, the display area of ​​the flexible display 210 that is visually exposed to the outside may be expanded.

[0059] The second support member 250 may be coupled to the rear surface of the sliding plate 230 to support the sliding plate 230. The third support member 270 may be disposed on the rear surface of the second support member 250, and the fourth support member 280 may be disposed on the rear surface of the third support member 270. A PCB to which various electronic components of the electronic device 200 are electrically connected or on which some electronic components are disposed may be disposed between the second support member 250 and the third support member 270. A battery may be disposed between the third support member 270 and the fourth support member 280.

[0060] The side cover 260 may be provided to cover the side surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding plate 230. The side cover 260 may cover the side surfaces of the second support member 250, the third support member 270, and the fourth support member 280. The side cover 260 may cover at least a portion of the side surfaces of the flexible display 210 and the sliding plate 230. In a first state in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 210 is contracted, the side cover 260 may cover the side surfaces of the flexible display 210 and the sliding plate 230, and in a second state in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 210 is expanded, the side cover 260 may cover only the side surfaces of the flexible display 210 except for some side surfaces corresponding to the expanded portion of the display area and the sliding plate 230. At least a portion of the side surface of the side cover 260 in the direction in which the sliding plate 230 is drawn out from the inside of the housing to the outside may be open. Therefore, the sliding plate 230 may be drawn out to the outside of the housing through the opened portion of the side cover 260.

[0061] The rear plate 290 may form a rear surface of the electronic device 200. The rear plate 290 may be coupled to a rear surface of the fourth support member 280.

[0062] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device when a flexible display is in a first state according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device when a flexible display is in a second state according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram of a front perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a state change of a flexible display according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram of a rear perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a state change of a flexible display according to an embodiment.

[0063] Reference Figures 3 to 6, the electronic device 300 may include a housing 310, the housing 310 including a first surface (or front surface 311), a second surface (or rear surface 312), and side surfaces 313, 314, 315, and 316 that at least partially surround the space between the first surface 311 and the second surface 312. The housing 310 may refer to a structure that forms a portion of the first surface 311, the second surface 312, and the side surfaces 313, 314, 315, and 316. At least a portion of the first surface 311 may be defined by a substantially transparent front plate (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coatings). The second surface 312 may be defined by a substantially opaque rear plate. The rear plate may be composed of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of these materials. The side surfaces 313, 314, 315, and 316 are coupled to the front plate and the rear plate, and may be defined by a side frame (bezel) structure (or side member) including metal and / or polymer. Among the side surfaces 313, 314, 315, and 316, the first side surface (or top surface) 313 and the second side surface (or bottom surface) 314 may each have a lid shape. Among the side surfaces 313, 314, 315, and 316, the third side surface (or left surface) 315 may be defined by a seamless extension of the front plate, which is bent toward the rear plate. Among the side surfaces 313, 314, 315, and 316, the fourth side surface (or right surface) 316 may be defined by a side surface 326 of a sliding plate 320 and a seamless extension of the front plate, the sliding plate 320 being coupled to be movable by a sliding operation between the front plate and the rear plate, the seamless extension of the front plate being bent toward the rear plate.

[0064] The flexible display 330 may be visually exposed to the outside through a substantial portion of the front plate. The flexible display 330 may be movably coupled to the housing 310. The flexible display 330 may be coupled to the front surface 321 of the sliding plate 320, and at least a portion of the display area may be selectively visually exposed to the outside through a sliding operation of the sliding plate 320.

[0065] In a state where at least a portion of the sliding plate 320 is retracted into the interior of the housing 310 (eg, Figure 3 The status shown and Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first state 301 shown in FIG. 301 is that the hinge member 323 of the sliding plate 320 (eg, Figure 2In a state where the hinge member 231 in the housing 310 is rolled into the interior of the housing 310, at least a portion of the flexible display 330 can have a display area 331 of a first size (e.g., a first width w1) because at least a portion of the flexible display 330 is located inside the housing 310 and is not exposed to the outside. In a state where at least a portion of the sliding plate 320 is pulled out to the outside of the housing 310 (e.g., Figure 4 The status shown and Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the second state 302 shown, that is, in the state where the hinge member 323 of the sliding plate 320 is spread out from the shell 310 along the outward direction 362, the flexible display 330 can have a display area 332 of a second size (e.g., a second width w2) larger than the first size because the portion that has been moved in substantially the same direction as the outward direction 362 is exposed to the outside.

[0066] Figures 3 to 6 Each of the 301 and 302 shows a state in which the flexible display 330 is expanded and contracted in one lateral direction (e.g., rightward (361) or leftward), but is not limited thereto. The flexible display 330 may be in a state in which the flexible display 330 is expanded and contracted in a direction substantially perpendicular to one side surface (e.g., upward (or downward)). The first size of the display area 331 in the first state 301 may correspond to a first height, and the second size of the display area 332 in the second state 302 may correspond to a second height. Alternatively, the first size of the display area 331 in the first state 301 may correspond to a first area corresponding to a first width and a first height, and the second size of the display area 332 in the second state 302 may correspond to a second area corresponding to a second width and a second height. In other words, the first state 301 indicates a state in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 330 is contracted, and the second state 302 indicates a state in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 330 is expanded.

[0067] The change of the state (e.g., the first state 301 or the second state 302) of the flexible display 330 can be performed by a sliding operation of the sliding plate 320 according to the rotation of the roller of the hinge member 323 connected to the sliding plate 320 (or in contact with it). The roller can perform a rotation operation in response to the drive of an actuator such as a motor under the control of the processor. When the roller rotates in a first direction in response to the drive of the actuator, the hinge member 323 can be rolled into the interior of the housing 310 along the outer peripheral surface of the roller. As a result, the display area of ​​the flexible display 330 that is visually exposed to the outside can be contracted. Alternatively, when the roller rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to the drive of the actuator, the hinge member 323 can be spread out toward the outside of the housing 310 along the outer peripheral surface of the roller. As a result, the display area of ​​the flexible display 330 that is visually exposed to the outside can be expanded.

[0068] The flexible display 330 may be electrically connected to a display driver IC (DDI). The DDI may be provided on a flexible PCB 350 provided on a rear surface of the sliding plate 320.

[0069] Figure 7 2 is a diagram illustrating a movement of a touch point of a touch input for changing a flexible display from a first state to a second state according to an embodiment.

[0070] Reference Figure 7 , the electronic device 700 may include a flexible display 730, an actuator driven to change a state of the flexible display 730, and a processor operably connected to the flexible display 730 and the actuator. In the following description, a housing 710 of the electronic device 700 is described as including a first side surface 711 (e.g., a top surface), a second side surface 712 (e.g., a bottom surface), a third side surface 713 (e.g., a left surface), and a fourth side surface 714 (e.g., a right surface).

[0071] The display area of ​​the flexible display 730 can be expanded or contracted by a sliding operation of the sliding plate 720 connected to the flexible display 730. The state in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted into the housing 710 may be a first state (or contracted state) in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 has a first size. In a state in which at least a portion of the sliding plate 720 is pulled out to the outside of the housing 710, the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 may be expanded in the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out, and may be in a second state (or extended state) in which the display area has a second size greater than the first size.

[0072] The processor may detect a touch input on the display area of ​​the flexible display 730. The processor may detect the touch input on the display area through the flexible display 730. The processor may detect the touch input through a separate touch sensor. While maintaining the touch input, the processor identifies whether the touch point of the touch input moves a specified distance or more on the display area, and based on identifying that the touch point moves a specified distance or more, the actuator may be driven to change the state of the flexible display 730. When the touch input is a drag input and the drag distance of the drag input is greater than or equal to the specified distance, the processor may perform control so as to change the state of the flexible display 730.

[0073] In the first state of the flexible display 730 (or the state in which the display area is contracted), when the touch point of the detected touch input starts from the first point 811 (or the second point 812) on the display area and ends at the third point 813 (or the fourth point 814) on the display area that is separated from the first point 811 (or the second point 812) by a specified distance or more, the processor can drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the first state to the second state (or the state in which the display area is expanded). Here, the first point 811 may be positioned adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in a direction opposite to the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out (or the direction in which the display area is expanded), the second point 812 may be positioned adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out, and adjacent to the third side surface 713, and the third point 813 and the fourth point 814 may be positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 of the housing 710 in the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out.

[0074] In the description, the first point 811 is “positioned adjacent to” the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction opposite to the direction 1101 in which the sliding panel 720 is pulled out (or the direction in which the display area is expanded), which may mean that the first point 811 is “positioned closer to the third side surface 713” or “positioned in contact with the third side surface 713” compared to the fourth side surface 714 in the direction 1101 in which the sliding panel 720 is pulled out (or the display area is expanded).

[0075] The processor may set (or identify) the end point of the touch point based on the start point of the touch point. When the start point of the touch point is located at a position adjacent to the second side surface 712 (e.g., the second point 812), the processor may also set (or identify) the end point of the touch point at a position relatively close to the second side surface 712 (e.g., the fourth point 814, not the third point 813).

[0076] The processor may set (or identify) the end point of the touch point according to the start point of the touch point based on the feature (e.g., length) of the touch object (e.g., the user's finger). Even when the start point of the touch point is located at a position adjacent to the second side surface 712 (e.g., the second point 812), the processor may set (or identify) the end point of the touch point at the third point 813 located relatively far from the second side surface 712 instead of the fourth point 814 in consideration of the length of the user's finger.

[0077] In the first state of the flexible display 730, when the touch point of the detected touch input starts from the first point 811 or from the second point 812 and ends at the third point 813 or the fourth point 814, the processor can drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the first state to the second state, wherein the first point 811 is positioned adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the shell 710 in the direction opposite to the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out, the second point 812 is positioned adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the shell 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out, and is positioned adjacent to the third side surface 713, and the third point 813 or the fourth point 814 is positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 of the shell 710 in the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out. When the touch point starts from a position adjacent to the third side surface 713 or the second side surface 712 and ends at a position adjacent to the fourth side surface 714, the processor can perform control to change the state of the flexible display 730 regardless of the moving distance of the touch input (i.e., the distance moved by the touch point (e.g., the dragging distance)).

[0078] In the above description, it has been described that each of the starting point (e.g., the first point 811 or the second point 812) and the ending point (e.g., the third point 813 or the fourth point 814) of the touch point is a point of the display area adjacent to the side surface of the housing 710, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The touch input may be detected in the side frame area of ​​the housing 710. At least one of the starting point and the ending point of the touch point may be included in a frame area formed on at least one of the third side surface 713, the second side surface 712, and the fourth side surface 714.

[0079] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying an object related to a state change of a flexible display on a screen in a first state of a flexible display according to an embodiment.

[0080] Reference Figure 8 , the electronic device 700 may display an object related to the state change of the flexible display 730 on the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 .

[0081] The processor of the electronic device 700 may display objects 821 and 822 on the display area for guiding a touch input to change the state of the flexible display 730. Before detecting the touch input of the flexible display 730, the processor may display objects 821 and 822 on the display area for guiding a user who wants to change the state of the flexible display 730 to perform a touch input at a designated position. In the first display state 801, the processor may display the first object 821 at a first point 811 of the display area, the first point being located adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in a direction opposite to the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out. In the second display state 802, the processor may display the second object 822 at a second point 812 of the display area, the second point being located adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out, and at the same time being located adjacent to the third side surface 713. The processor may display the first object 821 at the first point 811 of the display area, and may display the second object 822 at the second point 812 of the display area. Therefore, a user who wants to change the state of the flexible display 730 can easily perform a touch input at the display position of at least one of the first object 821 and the second object 822, and can easily identify the direction 1101 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is extended based on the display position of at least one of the first object 821 and the second object 822.

[0082] The first point 811 of the display area adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction opposite to the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is drawn out may include a plurality of points. The first point 811 may be a plurality of points or areas including at least a portion of the display area adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction opposite to the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is drawn out.

[0083] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating another movement situation of a touch point of a touch input for changing a flexible display from a first state to a second state according to an embodiment.

[0084] Reference Fig. 9 In the electronic device 700, the state of the flexible display 730 can be changed by driving the actuator based on the touch input detected on the display area of ​​the flexible display 730. The processor of the electronic device 700 can change the state of the flexible display 730 from a first state (in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is contracted) to a second state (in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is expanded) by driving the actuator.

[0085] The processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 based on recognizing that the moving direction of the touch input for driving the actuator has changed at least once. In the first state, when the moving direction of the touch input changes and the touch point passes through the seventh point 832 of the display area on the path of the touch point of the touch input moving from the fifth point 831 (e.g., the first point 811 or the second point 812) of the display area to the sixth point 833 (e.g., the third point 813 or the fourth point 814) of the display area, the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the first state to the second state. The figure shows a state in which the fifth point 831 is located adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction opposite to the direction 1101 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is extended (or in the direction in which the sliding plate 720 is drawn out) and the sixth point 833 is located adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 of the housing 710 in the direction 1101 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is extended, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The fifth point 831 may be located adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1101 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 extends, and adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 The second point 812 in .

[0086] When the direction 1102 in which the touch point moves from the fifth point 831 to the seventh point 832 and the direction 1103 in which the touch point moves from the seventh point 832 to the sixth point 833 are different from each other, the processor may recognize that the moving direction of the touch input has changed. In some embodiments, when the angle formed by the virtual line extending from the fifth point 831 to the seventh point 832 and the virtual line extending from the seventh point 832 to the sixth point 833 is greater than or equal to a specified size, the processor may recognize that the moving direction of the touch input has changed.

[0087] There may be at least one seventh point 832, which is a turning point for changing the moving direction of the touch input. When there is only one seventh point 832 on the touch path from the fifth point 831 to the sixth point 833, the moving direction of the touch input may be changed once, and when there are multiple seventh points 832 on the touch path from the fifth point 831 to the sixth point 833, the moving direction of the touch input may be changed at least twice.

[0088] By driving the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 based on the change in the moving direction of the recognized touch input, it is possible to suppress a malfunction due to the change in the state of the flexible display 730. The processor can suppress a malfunction that may occur in the process of recognizing whether the touch input is a touch input for changing the state of the flexible display 730 or a touch input for performing a general function.

[0089] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying another object related to a state change of a flexible display on a screen in a first state of a flexible display according to an embodiment.

[0090] Reference Fig.10 , the electronic device 700 may display an object related to the state change of the flexible display 730 on the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 .

[0091] The processor of the electronic device 700 may display objects 841, 842, and 843 on the display area for guiding the touch input to change the state of the flexible display 730. The processor may display the objects 841, 842, and 843 at one or more points on the touch path where the touch input is to be input. In the first state of the flexible display 730, when the touch point of the touch input starts from a point of the display area (e.g., the first point 811) (the point is located adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in a direction opposite to the direction 1101 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 extends) or from a point of the display area (e.g., the second point 812) (the point is located adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1101 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 extends, and is located adjacent to the third side surface 713), the processor may display the third object 841 at the next point of the display area to which the touch input will move (e.g., the seventh point 832). That is, when the touch point is located at the fifth point 831 (eg, the first point 811 or the second point 812 ) corresponding to the start point on the touch path, the processor may display the third object 841 at the seventh point 832 .

[0092] When there are multiple seventh points 832, that is, there are multiple seventh points 832 on the touch path where touch input is to be performed (for example, a path starting from the fifth point 831 corresponding to the starting point (for example, the first point 811 or the second point 812) to the sixth point 833 corresponding to the ending point (for example, the third point 813 or the fourth point 814)), the processor can display multiple third objects 841 in sequence along the positions of the touch points. When the touch point is located at the fifth point 831, the processor can display the first third object at the first seventh point corresponding to the next point on the touch path, and when the touch point is located at the first seventh point, the processor can display the second third object at the second seventh point corresponding to the next point on the touch path.

[0093] When the touch point is located at the seventh point 832 corresponding to the turning point on the touch path, the processor may display the fourth object (the first fourth object 842 or the second fourth object 843) at the sixth point 833 (the third point 813 or the fourth point 814) corresponding to the end point on the touch path of the touch input. When the touch point is located at the nth seventh point 832, which is the last turning point at which the moving direction of the touch input is changed on the touch path, the processor may display the fourth object at the sixth point 833 corresponding to the end point on the touch path of the touch input. Here, n is a natural number, which may indicate that there is at least one seventh point 832. Therefore, the user can easily perform touch input at the display position of at least one third object 841 and the fourth object, and can easily identify the direction 1101 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is extended based on the display position of at least one third object 841 and the fourth object.

[0094] The processor may set (or identify) the end point of the touch point based on the start point of the touch point. When the start point of the touch point is located at a position adjacent to the third side surface 713 (e.g., the first point 811), the processor may also set (or identify) the end point of the touch point at a position relatively far from the second side surface 712 in the area adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (e.g., at the third point 813 instead of the fourth point 814). In this case, the processor may display the first fourth object 842 at the third point 813. Therefore, when the start point of the touch point is the first point 811, the user can easily move the touch input along the direction 1104 from the first point 811 to the seventh point 832 displaying the third object 841, and then move the touch input along the direction 1106 from the seventh point 832 to the third point 813 displaying the first fourth object 842. When the starting point of the touch point is located at a position adjacent to the second side surface 712 (e.g., the second point 812), the processor may also set (or identify) the end point of the touch point at a position relatively close to the fourth side surface 714 (e.g., at the fourth point 814 instead of the third point 813) in the area adjacent to the fourth side surface 714. In this case, the processor may display the second fourth object 843 at the fourth point 814. Therefore, when the starting point of the touch point is the second point 812, the user can easily move the touch input along the direction 1105 from the second point 812 to the seventh point 832 where the third object 841 is displayed, and then move the touch input along the direction 1107 from the seventh point 832 to the fourth point 814 where the second fourth object 843 is displayed.

[0095] When the touch point is located at the fifth point 831 corresponding to the starting point (for example, the first point 811 or the second point 812), the processor may not display the third object 841 at the seventh point 832 corresponding to the turning point on the touch path, and may display the fourth object at the sixth point 833 corresponding to the end point on the touch path (for example, the third point 813 or the fourth point 814).

[0096] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating another movement situation of a touch point of a touch input for changing a flexible display from a first state to a second state according to an embodiment.

[0097] Reference Fig.11 In the electronic device 700, the state of the flexible display 730 can be changed by driving the actuator based on the touch input detected on the display area of ​​the flexible display 730. The processor of the electronic device 700 can change the state of the flexible display 730 from a first state (in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is contracted) to a second state (in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is expanded) by driving the actuator.

[0098] In the process of identifying the touch path of the touch input, when the end point 852 or 853 on the touch path enters (enters) a specified distance (d1) 854 from the fourth side surface 714 of the housing 710 in the direction 1101 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is extended, the processor can drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the first state to the second state. When the touch point of the touch input starts from the starting point (e.g., the first point 811 or the second point 812) and moves, and the distance between the touch point and the fourth side surface 714 enters the distance 854, even if the end point 852 or 853 of the touch point does not move to a position adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (e.g., the third point 813 or the fourth point 814), the processor can drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the first state to the second state.

[0099] Fig.12 2 is a diagram illustrating a movement of a touch point of a touch input for changing a flexible display from a second state to a first state according to an embodiment.

[0100] Reference Fig.12, the electronic device 700 may include a flexible display 730, an actuator driven to change a state of the flexible display 730, and a processor operably connected to the flexible display 730 and the actuator. In the following description, a housing 710 of the electronic device 700 is described as including a first side surface 711 (e.g., a top surface), a second side surface 712 (e.g., a bottom surface), a third side surface 713 (e.g., a left surface), and a fourth side surface 714 (e.g., a right surface).

[0101] The display area of ​​the flexible display 730 can be expanded or contracted by a sliding operation of the sliding plate 720 connected to the flexible display 730. The state in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted into the housing 710 may be in a first state (or contracted state), in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 has a first size. In a state in which at least a portion of the sliding plate 720 is pulled out to the outside of the housing 710, the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 may be expanded in the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out, and may be in a second state (or extended state), in which the display area has a second size greater than the first size.

[0102] The processor may detect a touch input on the display area of ​​the flexible display 730. In a state where the touch input is maintained, the processor may identify whether the touch point of the touch input moves a specified distance or more on the display area, and the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 based on identifying that the touch point moves the specified distance or more. When the touch input is a drag input and the drag distance of the drag input is greater than or equal to the specified distance, the processor may perform control so that the state of the flexible display 730 is changed.

[0103] In the second state of the flexible display 730 (or the state in which the display area is expanded), when the touch point of the detected touch input starts from the eighth point 911 (or the ninth point 912) on the display area and ends at the tenth point 913 (or the eleventh point 914) on the display area that is separated from the eighth point 911 (or the ninth point 912) by a specified distance or more, the processor can drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state to the first state (or the state in which the display area is contracted). Here, the eighth point 911 may be positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (corresponding to the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720 when the display area is expanded) of the housing 710 in a direction opposite to the direction 1201 in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted (or the direction in which the display area is contracted), the ninth point 912 may be positioned adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1201 in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted, while being positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714, and the tenth point 913 and the eleventh point 914 may be positioned adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction 1201 in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted.

[0104] The processor may set (or identify) the end point of the touch point based on the start point of the touch point. When the start point of the touch point is located at a position adjacent to the second side surface 712 (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720) (e.g., the ninth point 912), the processor may set (or identify) the end point of the touch point at a position relatively close to the second side surface 712 (e.g., the eleventh point 914 instead of the tenth point 913).

[0105] The processor may set (or identify) the end point of the touch point according to the start point of the touch point based on the feature (e.g., length) of the touch object (e.g., the user's finger). Even when the start point of the touch point is located at a position (e.g., the ninth point 912) adjacent to the second side surface 712 (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720), the processor may set (or identify) the end point of the touch point at the tenth point 913 relatively far from the second side surface 712 instead of the eleventh point 914 in consideration of the length of the user's finger.

[0106] In the second state of the flexible display 730, when the touch point of the detected touch input starts from the eighth point 911 or from the ninth point 912 and ends at the tenth point 913 or the eleventh point 914, the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state to the first state, wherein the eighth point 911 is in contact with the fourth side surface 714 of the housing 710 (or the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720) in the direction opposite to the direction 1201 in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted. The ninth point 912 is located adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1201 in which the sliding plate 720 retracts, and is located adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (or the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720), and the tenth point 913 or the eleventh point 914 is located adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction 1201 in which the sliding plate 720 retracts. When the touch point starts from a position adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (or the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720) or the second side surface 712 (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720) and ends at a position adjacent to the third side surface 713, the processor may perform control to change the state of the flexible display 730 regardless of the moving distance of the touch input (i.e., the distance moved by the touch point (e.g., the dragging distance)).

[0107] In the above description, it has been described that each of the starting point (e.g., the eighth point 911 or the ninth point 912) and the ending point (e.g., the tenth point 913 or the eleventh point 914) of the touch point is a point of the display area adjacent to the side surface of the housing 710 (or the side surface of the sliding plate 720), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The touch input may be detected in the side frame area of ​​the housing 710 (or the sliding plate 720).

[0108] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying an object related to a state change of a flexible display on a screen in a second state of the flexible display according to an embodiment.

[0109] Reference Fig.13 , the electronic device 700 may display an object related to the state change of the flexible display 730 on the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 .

[0110] The processor of the electronic device 700 may display objects 921 and 922 on the display area for guiding a touch input to change the state of the flexible display 730. Before detecting the touch input, the processor may display objects 921 and 922 on the display area for guiding a user who wants to change the state of the flexible display 730 to perform a touch input at a designated position. The processor may display a fifth object 921 at an eighth point 911 of the display area adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (corresponding to the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720 in a state where the display area is extended) of the housing 720 in a direction opposite to the direction 1201 in which the sliding plate 720 retracts. The processor may display a sixth object 922 at a ninth point 912 of the display area adjacent to the second side surface 712 (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720) of the housing 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1201 in which the sliding plate 720 retracts while adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (or the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720). The processor may display the fifth object 921 at the eighth point 911 of the display area, and may display the sixth object 922 at the ninth point 912 of the display area. Therefore, a user who wants to change the state of the flexible display 730 can easily perform a touch input at the display position of at least one of the fifth object 921 and the sixth object 922, and can easily identify a direction 1201 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 shrinks based on the display position of at least one of the fifth object 921 and the sixth object 922.

[0111] Fig.14 is a diagram illustrating another movement situation of a touch point of a touch input for changing a flexible display from a second state to a first state according to an embodiment.

[0112] Reference Fig.14 , in the electronic device 700, the state of the flexible display 730 can be changed by driving the actuator based on the touch input detected on the display area of ​​the flexible display 730. The processor of the electronic device 700 can change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state (in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is expanded) to the first state (in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is contracted) by driving the actuator.

[0113] The processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 based on recognizing that the moving direction of the touch input for driving the actuator has changed at least once. In the second state, when the moving direction of the touch input changes and the touch point passes through the fourteenth point 932 of the display area on a path where the touch point of the touch input moves from the twelfth point 931 (e.g., the eighth point 911 or the ninth point 912) of the display area to the thirteenth point 933 (e.g., the tenth point 913 or the eleventh point 914) of the display area, the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state to the first state. Fig.14 A state is shown in which the twelfth point 931 is positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (corresponding to the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720 in a state where the display area is expanded) of the housing 710 in a direction opposite to the direction 1201 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is contracted (or in a direction in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted), and the thirteenth point 933 is positioned adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction 1201 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is contracted, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The twelfth point 931 may be positioned adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1201 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is retracted, while being positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (or the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720), and adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710. Fig.12 The ninth point 912 in is similar.

[0114] When the direction 1202 in which the touch point moves from the twelfth point 931 to the fourteenth point 932 and the direction 1203 in which the touch point moves from the fourteenth point 932 to the thirteenth point 933 are different from each other, the processor may recognize that the moving direction of the touch input has changed. When the angle formed by the virtual line extending from the twelfth point 931 to the fourteenth point 932 and the virtual line extending from the fourteenth point 932 to the thirteenth point 933 is greater than or equal to a specified size, the processor may recognize that the moving direction of the touch input has changed.

[0115] There may be at least one fourteenth point 932, which is a turning point for changing the moving direction of the touch input. When there is only one fourteenth point 932 on the touch path from the twelfth point 931 to the thirteenth point 933, the moving direction of the touch input may be changed once, and when there are multiple fourteenth points 932 on the touch path from the twelfth point 931 to the thirteenth point 933, the moving direction of the touch input may be changed at least twice.

[0116] By driving the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 based on the change in the moving direction of the recognized touch input, it is possible to suppress a malfunction due to the change in the state of the flexible display 730. The processor can suppress a malfunction that may occur in the process of recognizing whether the touch input is a touch input for changing the state of the flexible display 730 or a touch input for performing a general function.

[0117] Fig.15 is a diagram illustrating a method of displaying another object related to a state change of a flexible display on a screen in a second state of a flexible display according to an embodiment.

[0118] Reference Fig.15 , the electronic device 700 may display an object related to the state change of the flexible display 730 on the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 .

[0119] The processor of the electronic device 700 may display objects 941, 942, and 943 on the display area for guiding the touch input to change the state of the flexible display 730. The processor may display the objects 941, 942, and 943 at one or more points on the touch path where the touch input is to be input. In the second state of the flexible display 730, when the touch point of the touch input starts from a point of the display area (e.g., the eighth point 911) which is positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 of the shell 710 in a direction opposite to the direction 1201 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 contracts (corresponding to the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720 in a state in which the display area is expanded) or from a point of the display area (e.g., the ninth point 912) which is positioned adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the shell 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1201 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 contracts, and at the same time positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (or the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720), the processor may display the seventh object 941 at the next point of the display area to which the touch input will move (e.g., the fourteenth point 932). That is, when the touch point is located at the twelfth point 931 (eg, the eighth point 911 or the ninth point 912 ) corresponding to the start point on the touch path, the processor may display the seventh object 941 at the fourteenth point 932 .

[0120] When there are multiple fourteenth points 932, that is, there are multiple fourteenth points 932 on the touch path where touch input is to be performed (for example, a path starting from the twelfth point 931 corresponding to the starting point (for example, the eighth point 911 or the ninth point 912) to the thirteenth point 933 corresponding to the ending point (for example, the tenth point 913 or the eleventh point 914)), the processor can display multiple seventh objects 941 in sequence along the positions of the touch points. When the touch point is located at the twelfth point 931, the processor can display the first seventh object at the first fourteenth point corresponding to the next point on the touch path, and when the touch point is located at the first fourteenth point, the processor can display the second seventh object at the second fourteenth point corresponding to the next point on the touch path.

[0121] When the touch point is located at the fourteenth point 932 corresponding to the turning point on the touch path, the processor may display the eighth object (the first eighth object 942 or the second eighth object 943) at the thirteenth point 933 (e.g., the tenth point 913 or the eleventh point 914) corresponding to the end point on the touch path of the touch input. When the touch point is located at the nth fourteenth point 932, which is the last turning point at which the moving direction of the touch input is changed on the touch path, the processor may display the eighth object at the thirteenth point 933 corresponding to the end point on the touch path of the touch input. Here, n is a natural number, which may indicate that there is at least one fourteenth point 932. Therefore, the user can easily perform a touch input at the display position of at least one seventh object 941 and the eighth object, and can easily identify the direction 1201 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is contracted based on the display position of at least one seventh object 941 and the eighth object.

[0122] The processor may set (or identify) the end point of the touch point based on the start point of the touch point. When the start point of the touch point is located at a position (e.g., the eighth point 911) adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (corresponding to the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720 in the state where the display area is expanded), the processor may also set (or identify) the end point of the touch point at a position (e.g., the tenth point 913 instead of the eleventh point 914) located relatively far from the second side surface 712 in the area adjacent to the third side surface 713. In this case, the processor may display the first eighth object 942 at the tenth point 913. Therefore, when the start point of the touch point is the eighth point 911, the user can easily move the touch input from the eighth point 911 to the fourteenth point 932 displaying the seventh object 941 along the direction 1204, and then move the touch input from the fourteenth point 932 to the tenth point 913 displaying the first eighth object 942 along the direction 1206. When the starting point of the touch point is located at a position (e.g., the ninth point 912) adjacent to the second side surface 712 (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720), the processor may also set (or identify) the end point of the touch point at a position (e.g., at the eleventh point 914 instead of the tenth point 913) located relatively close to the second side surface 712 in the area adjacent to the third side surface 713. In this case, the processor may display the second eighth object 943 at the eleventh point 914. Therefore, when the starting point of the touch point is the ninth point 912, the user can easily move the touch input along the direction 1205 from the ninth point 912 to the fourteenth point 932 where the seventh object 941 is displayed, and then move the touch input along the direction 1207 from the fourteenth point 932 to the eleventh point 914 where the second eighth object 943 is displayed.

[0123] When the touch point is located at the twelfth point 931 corresponding to the starting point (for example, the eighth point 911 or the ninth point 912), the processor may not display the seventh object 941 at the fourteenth point 932 corresponding to the turning point on the touch path, and may display the eighth object at the thirteenth point 933 corresponding to the end point on the touch path (for example, the tenth point 913 or the eleventh point 914).

[0124] Fig.16 is a diagram illustrating another movement situation of a touch point of a touch input for changing a flexible display from a second state to a first state according to an embodiment.

[0125] Reference Fig.16In the electronic device 700, the state of the flexible display 730 can be changed by driving the actuator based on the touch input detected on the display area of ​​the flexible display 730. The processor of the electronic device 700 can change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state (in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is expanded) to the first state (in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is contracted) by driving the actuator.

[0126] In the process of identifying the touch path of the touch input, when the end point 952 or 953 on the touch path enters the specified distance (d2) 954 from the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction 1201 in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 contracts, the processor can drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state to the first state. When the touch point of the touch input starts from the starting point (e.g., the eighth point 911 or the ninth point 912) and moves, and the distance between the touch point and the third side surface 713 enters the distance 954, even if the end point 952 or 953 of the touch point does not move to a position adjacent to the third side surface 713 (e.g., the tenth point 913 or the eleventh point 914), the processor can drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state to the first state.

[0127] Regarding the above Figures 7 to 16 , the touch input for changing the state of the flexible display 730 may include a drag input in which the touch point of the touch input is moved while the detected touch input is maintained. However, the touch input is not limited thereto. The touch input may include a hover input that does not contact the display area of ​​the flexible display 730.

[0128] When the touch input moves a predetermined distance and ends and then another touch input (e.g., a continuous single touch input) is detected within a specified time, the processor may drive the actuator based on the moving distance of the touch point of the touch input and the moving distance of the touch point of the other touch input to change the state of the flexible display 730. After the touch point of the first touch input moves a first distance less than the specified distance, the processor may detect a second touch input on the display area within a predetermined time from the time point when the first touch input is terminated, and may identify the second distance that the second touch input moves on the display area while maintaining the second touch input. In addition, the processor may drive the actuator based on identifying that the sum of the first distance and the second distance is greater than or equal to the specified distance to change the state of the flexible display 730.

[0129] In the above Figures 7 to 16 In the embodiment, a case where a single touch input using one finger is used as a touch input for changing the state of the flexible display 730 has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Fig.17 and Fig.18 In that way, the state of the flexible display 730 may be changed using a multi-touch input.

[0130] Fig.17 2 is a diagram illustrating types of touch inputs for changing a flexible display from a first state to a second state and movement of a touch point of the touch inputs according to an embodiment. Fig.18 2 is a diagram illustrating types of touch inputs for changing a flexible display from a second state to a first state and movement of a touch point of the touch inputs according to an embodiment.

[0131] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 , the electronic device 700 may include a flexible display 730, an actuator driven to change the state of the flexible display 730, and a processor operably connected to the flexible display 730 and the actuator. In the following description, the housing 710 of the electronic device 700 is described as including a first side surface 711, a second side surface 712, a third side surface 713, and a fourth side surface 714. When the electronic device 700 is in a horizontal mode (e.g., a state in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is displayed as being long in the horizontal direction), the user may hold the electronic device 700 with both hands. In this case, the processor may control the state change of the flexible display 730 in response to a multi-touch input using fingers of each hand in both hands. The processor may control the sliding operation of the sliding plate 720 connected to the flexible display 730 by using an actuator based on the touch situation of the multi-touch input so that the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 is expanded or contracted. Here, the state of the flexible display 730 may include a first state (or contracted state) in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 has a first size and a second state (or expanded state) in which the display area of ​​the flexible display 730 has a second size greater than the first size.

[0132] The processor may detect a multi-touch input (or multiple touch inputs) on the display area of ​​the flexible display 730. The multi-touch input may represent an input in which at least two fingers touch the display area simultaneously for at least a predetermined period of time. While maintaining the multi-touch input, the processor may identify whether the touch point of the multi-touch input moves a specified distance or more on the display area, and the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 based on identifying that the touch point moves a specified distance or more.

[0133] Reference Fig.17, in the first state of the flexible display 730 (or the state in which the display area is contracted), when each touch point of the detected multi-touch input starts from a corresponding one of the fifteenth point on the display area (a point corresponding to the display position of the ninth object 1031) and the sixteenth point on the display area (a point corresponding to the display position of the tenth object 1032), and ends at a corresponding one of the seventeenth point 1013 on the display area and the eighteenth point 1014 on the display area separated by a distance greater than or equal to the specified distance from the touch point, the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the first state to the second state. Here, the fifteenth point and the sixteenth point may be located adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction opposite to the direction 1301 in which the sliding plate 720 is drawn out (or the direction in which the display area is expanded), and the seventh point 1013 and the eighth point 1014 may be located adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 of the housing 710 in the direction 1301 in which the sliding plate 720 is drawn out. Even when each touch point of the multi-touch input starts from a corresponding one of the nineteenth point on the display area (a point corresponding to the display position of the eleventh object 1033) and the twentieth point on the display area (a point corresponding to the display position of the twelfth object 1034), the processor may drive the actuator so as to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the first state to the second state when each touch point of the multi-touch input moves a distance greater than or equal to the specified distance. Here, each of the nineteenth point and the twentieth point may be located adjacent to a corresponding one of the first side surface 711 and the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1301 in which the sliding plate 720 is drawn out, and at the same time adjacent to the third side surface 713.

[0134] Regardless of the moving distance of the multi-touch input (i.e., the distance each touch point moves), when each touch point starts from a position adjacent to the third side surface 713 or the first side surface 711 (and the second side surface 712) and ends at a position adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (e.g., the first adjacent area 1015), the processor can perform control to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the first state to the second state.

[0135] The processor may drive the actuator based on recognizing that the moving direction of the multi-touch input for driving the actuator is changed at least once to change the state of the flexible display 730. In the first state, when the moving direction of the multi-touch input is changed and each touch point of the multi-touch input passes through a corresponding one of the 21st point 1011 and the 22nd point 1012 of the display area on the path where the touch point of the multi-touch input moves, the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the first state to the second state.

[0136] There may be at least one 21st point 1011 and at least one 22nd point 1012, which are turning points described below; at each turning point, the moving direction of the multi-touch input changes. When there is only one 21st point 1011 on the touch path from the 15th point (the point corresponding to the display position of the 9th object 1031) or the 19th point (the point corresponding to the display position of the 11th object 1033) to the 17th point 1013, the moving direction of the first touch input (for example, the touch input performed using the finger of the right hand) included in the multi-touch input may change once, and when there are multiple 21st points 1011 on the touch path from the 15th point (or the 19th point) to the 17th point 1013, the moving direction of the first touch input included in the multi-touch input may change at least twice. Similarly, when there is only one twenty-second point 1012 on the touch path from the sixteenth point (the point corresponding to the display position of the tenth object 1032) (or the twentieth point (the point corresponding to the display position of the twelfth object 1034) to the eighteenth point 1014, the moving direction of the second touch input included in the multi-touch input (for example, the touch input performed using the fingers of the left hand) can be changed once, and when there are multiple twenty-second points 1012 on the touch path from the sixteenth point (or the twentieth point) to the eighteenth point 1014, the moving direction of the second touch input included in the multi-touch input can be changed at least twice.

[0137] The processor of the electronic device 700 may display objects 1031, 1032, 1033, and 1034 on the display area for guiding a multi-touch input to change the state of the flexible display 730. Before detecting the multi-touch input, the processor may display objects 1031, 1032, 1033, and 1034 on the display area for guiding a user who wants to change the state of the flexible display 730 to perform a touch input at a designated position. In the first state, the processor may display the ninth object 1031 at the fifteenth point adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction opposite to the direction 1301 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out, and may display the tenth object 1032 at the sixteenth point. In the first state, the processor may display the eleventh object 1033 at the nineteenth point, which is located adjacent to the first side surface 711 of the housing 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1301 in which the sliding plate 720 is drawn out, and adjacent to the third side surface 713, and may display the twelfth object 1034 at the twentieth point adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710. The processor may display the ninth object 1031 at the fifteenth point, may display the tenth object 1032 at the sixteenth point, may display the eleventh object 1033 at the nineteenth point, and may display the twelfth object 1034 at the twentieth point.

[0138] The processor may display the object at one or more points on the touch path to which the multi-touch input is to be made. In the first state of the flexible display 730, when each touch point of the multi-touch input starts from a corresponding one of the fifteenth point and the sixteenth point (or the nineteenth point and the twentieth point), the processor may display the object at the next point (e.g., the twenty-first point 1011 and the twenty-second point 1012) of the display area in which the multi-touch input will move.

[0139] When there are a plurality of 21st points 1011 and a plurality of 22nd points 1012 on the touch path to be multi-touch input, the processor may sequentially display a plurality of objects along the positions of the touch points. When each touch point is located at a corresponding one of the 15th point and the 16th point (or the 19th point and the 20th point), the processor may display an object at the first 21st point and the first 22nd point corresponding to the next point on the touch path, and when each touch point is located at a corresponding one of the first 21st point and the first 22nd point, the processor may display other objects at the second 21st point and the second 22nd point corresponding to the next point on the touch path.

[0140] When each touch point is located at a corresponding one of the twenty-first point 1011 and the twenty-second point 1012 corresponding to the turning point on the touch path, the processor may display other objects at the seventeenth point 1013 and the eighteenth point 1014 corresponding to the end point on the touch path of the multi-touch input. When each touch point is located at a corresponding one of the nth twenty-first point 1011 and the nth twenty-second point 1012, which are the last turning points at which the moving direction of the multi-touch input is changed on the touch path, the processor may display objects at the seventeenth point 1013 and the eighteenth point 1014 corresponding to the end point on the touch path of the multi-touch input. Here, n is a natural number, which may indicate that there are at least one twenty-first point 1011 and at least one twenty-second point 1012.

[0141] When each touch point is located at a corresponding one of the fifteenth point and the sixteenth point (for example, the nineteenth point and the twentieth point) corresponding to the starting point, the processor may not display the object at the twenty-first point 1011 and the twenty-second point 1012 corresponding to the turning points on the touch path, and may display the object at the seventeenth point 1013 and the eighteenth point 1014 corresponding to the end point on the touch path.

[0142] Reference Fig.18, in the second state of the flexible display 730 (or the state in which the display area is extended), when each touch point of the detected multi-touch input starts from a corresponding one of the twenty-third point on the display area (the point corresponding to the display position of the thirteenth object 1071) and the twenty-fourth point on the display area (the point corresponding to the display position of the fourteenth object 1072), and ends at a corresponding one of the twenty-fifth point 1053 on the display area and the twenty-sixth point 1054 on the display area, which are separated from the touch point by a distance greater than or equal to the specified distance, the processor can drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state to the first state. Here, the twenty-third point and the twenty-fourth point may be located adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (corresponding to the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720 in a state where the display area is expanded) of the housing 710 in a direction opposite to the direction 1302 in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted (or the direction in which the display area is contracted), and the twenty-fifth point 1053 and the twenty-sixth point 1054 may be located adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction 1302 in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted. Even when each touch point of the multi-touch input starts from a corresponding one of the twenty-seventh point on the display area (a point corresponding to the display position of the fifteenth object 1073) and the twenty-eighth point on the display area (a point corresponding to the display position of the sixteenth object 1074), the processor may drive the actuator so as to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state to the first state when each touch point of the multi-touch input moves a distance greater than or equal to the specified distance. Here, each of the twenty-seventh point and the twenty-eighth point can be positioned adjacent to a corresponding one of the first side surface 711 (or the third side surface 723 of the sliding plate 720) and the second side surface 712 (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720) of the shell 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1302 in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted, and at the same time positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (or the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720).

[0143] Regardless of the moving distance of the multi-touch input (i.e., the distance each touch point moves), when each touch point starts from a position adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 or the first side surface 711 (and the second side surface 712) and ends at a position adjacent to the third side surface 713 (e.g., the second adjacent area 1055), the processor can perform control to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state to the first state.

[0144] The processor may drive the actuator based on recognizing that the moving direction of the multi-touch input for driving the actuator is changed at least once to change the state of the flexible display 730. In the second state, when the moving direction of the multi-touch input is changed and each touch point of the multi-touch input passes through a corresponding one of the 29th point 1051 and the 30th point 1052 on the display area on the path where the touch point of the multi-touch input moves, the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state to the first state.

[0145] There may be at least one twenty-ninth point 1051 and at least one thirtieth point 1052, which are turning points at each of which the moving direction of the multi-touch input changes. When there is only one twenty-ninth point 1051 on the touch path from the twenty-third point (a point corresponding to the display position of the thirteenth object 1071) or the twenty-seventh point (a point corresponding to the display position of the fifteenth object 1073) to the twenty-fifth point 1053, the moving direction of the first touch input (for example, a touch input performed using a finger of the right hand) included in the multi-touch input may change once, and when there are multiple twenty-ninth points 1051 on the touch path from the twenty-third point (or the twenty-seventh point) to the twenty-fifth point 1053, the moving direction of the first touch input included in the multi-touch input may change at least twice. Similarly, when there is only one 30th point 1052 on the touch path from the 24th point (a point corresponding to the display position of the fourteenth object 1072) (or the 28th point (a point corresponding to the display position of the sixteenth object 1074)) to the 26th point 1054, the moving direction of the second touch input included in the multi-touch input (for example, a touch input performed using a finger of the left hand) can be changed once, and when there are multiple 30th points 1052 on the touch path from the 24th point (or the 28th point) to the 26th point 1054, the moving direction of the second touch input included in the multi-touch input can be changed at least twice.

[0146] The processor of the electronic device 700 may display objects 1071, 1072, 1073, and 1074 on the display area for guiding a multi-touch input to change the state of the flexible display 730. Before detecting the multi-touch input, the processor may display objects 1071, 1072, 1073, and 1074 on the display area for guiding a user who wants to change the state of the flexible display 730 to perform a touch input at a designated position. In the second state, the processor may display each of the thirteenth object 1071 and the fourteenth object 1072 at a corresponding one of the twenty-third point and the twenty-fourth point adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (corresponding to the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720 in the state where the display area is extended) of the housing 720 in the direction opposite to the direction 1302 in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted. In the second state, the processor may display the fifteenth object 1073 at the twenty-seventh point, which is located adjacent to the first side surface 711 of the housing 710 (or the third side surface 723 of the sliding plate 720) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1302 in which the sliding plate 720 retracts, and adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (or the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720), and may display the sixteenth object 1074 at the twenty-eighth point adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720). The processor may display the thirteenth object 1071 at the twenty-third point, may display the fourteenth object 1072 at the twenty-fourth point, may display the fifteenth object 1073 at the twenty-seventh point, and may display the sixteenth object 1074 at the twenty-eighth point.

[0147] The processor may display the object at one or more points on the touch path to which the multi-touch input is to be made. In the second state of the flexible display 730, when each touch point of the multi-touch input starts from a corresponding one of the 23rd point and the 24th point (or the 27th point and the 28th point), the processor may display the object at the next point (e.g., the 29th point 1051 and the 30th point 1052) of the display area in which the multi-touch input is to be moved.

[0148] When there are a plurality of 29th points 1051 and a plurality of 30th points 1052 on the touch path to be multi-touch input, the processor may sequentially display a plurality of objects along the positions of the touch points. When each touch point is located at a corresponding one of the 23rd point and the 24th point (or the 27th point and the 28th point), the processor may display an object at the first 29th point and the first 30th point corresponding to the next point on the touch path, and when each touch point is located at a corresponding one of the first 29th point and the first 30th point, the processor may display other objects at the second 29th point and the second 30th point corresponding to the next point on the touch path.

[0149] When each touch point is located at a corresponding one of the 29th point 1051 and the 30th point 1052 corresponding to the turning point on the touch path, the processor may display other objects at the 25th point 1053 and the 26th point 1054 corresponding to the end point on the touch path of the multi-touch input. When each touch point is located at a corresponding one of the nth 29th point 1051 and the nth 30th point 1052, which is the last turning point at which the moving direction of the multi-touch input is changed on the touch path, the processor may display objects at the 25th point 1053 and the 26th point 1054 corresponding to the end point on the touch path of the multi-touch input. Here, n is a natural number, which may indicate that there is at least one 29th point 1051 and at least one 30th point 1052.

[0150] When each touch point is located at a corresponding one of the twenty-third point and the twenty-fourth point (for example, the twenty-seventh point and the twenty-eighth point) corresponding to the starting point, the processor may not display the object at the twenty-ninth point 1051 and the thirtieth point 1052 corresponding to the turning point on the touch path, and may display the object at the twenty-fifth point 1053 and the twenty-sixth point 1054 corresponding to the end point on the touch path.

[0151] In the above description, a state has been described in which the starting point and the ending point of the touch point of the multi-touch input are located in the display area adjacent to the side surface of the housing 710, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The multi-touch input may be detected in the side frame area of ​​the housing 710. At least one of the starting point and the ending point of the touch point of the multi-touch input may be included in the frame area formed on the side surface of the housing 710 (or the side surface of the sliding plate 720).

[0152] According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include: a flexible display including a first state and a second state, in which a display area has a first size, and in which the display area is expanded in a first direction to have a second size larger than the first size; an actuator driven to change the state of the flexible display; and a processor operably connected to the flexible display and the actuator. The processor may be configured to: detect a touch input on the display area of ​​the flexible display; in a state where the touch is maintained, identify whether a touch point of the touch input has moved a specified distance or more from the point of the display area; and based on identifying that the touch point has moved a specified distance or more from the point of the display area, drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display.

[0153] The processor may be configured to, before detecting the touch input, display, through the flexible display, a first object for guiding the touch input at at least one first point of the display area, the at least one first point being located adjacent to at least one first side surface among side surfaces of the electronic device.

[0154] The processor may be configured to display, through the flexible display, a second object at a second point of a display area adjacent to a second side surface among the side surfaces different from the at least one first side surface when the touch point is located at the at least one first point.

[0155] The at least one first point may include a plurality of points, and the processor may be configured to set the position of the second point based on a point among the plurality of points at which the touch point is located.

[0156] The processor may be configured to drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display based on recognizing that a moving direction of the touch input changes and the touch point passes through at least one third point of the display area on a path where the touch point moves from a first point of the display area to a second point of the display area.

[0157] The processor may be configured to: display a first object at the at least one third point through the flexible display when the touch point is located at the first point; and display a second object at the second point through the flexible display when the touch point is located at the at least one third point.

[0158] The processor can be configured to: drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display from the first state to the second state based on recognizing that a touch input is detected in the first state and the touch point moves from a first point of the display area to a second point of the display area, the first point being positioned adjacent to a first side surface among the side surfaces of the electronic device in a second direction opposite to the first direction, or the first point being positioned adjacent to the second side surface in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction, and at the same time being positioned adjacent to the first side surface, and the second point being positioned adjacent to a third side surface among the side surfaces in the first direction.

[0159] The processor can be configured to: drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display from the second state to the first state based on recognizing that a touch input is detected in the second state and the touch point moves from a first point of the display area to a second point of the display area, the first point being positioned adjacent to a first side surface in a first direction among the side surfaces of the electronic device, or the first point being positioned adjacent to the second side surface in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and positioned adjacent to the first side surface, and the second point being positioned adjacent to a third side surface in a third direction opposite to the first direction among the side surfaces.

[0160] The processor can be configured to: detect another touch input on the display area of ​​the flexible display within a specified time from a time point when the touch input is terminated after the touch point of the touch input moves a first distance less than a specified distance; identify a second distance that the touch point of the other touch input moves on the display area while maintaining the other touch input; and drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display based on identifying that the sum of the first distance and the second distance is greater than or equal to the specified distance.

[0161] The touch input may include a single touch input or a multi-touch input.

[0162] Fig.19 is a flowchart of a display control method related to a state change of a flexible display according to an embodiment.

[0163] Reference Fig.19 In step 1901, the processor of the electronic device may detect a touch input on a display area of ​​the flexible display. The flexible display may have a first state in which the display area has a first size and a second state in which the display area is extended to have a second size greater than the first size.

[0164] In step 1903, while the touch input is maintained, the processor may identify whether the touch point of the touch input moves a distance greater than or equal to the specified distance on the display area. The processor may identify whether the detected touch point of the touch input starts from a first point of the display area and ends at a second point of the display area that is separated from the first point by a distance greater than or equal to the specified distance.

[0165] Based on identifying that the touch point has moved a distance greater than or equal to the specified distance, in step 1905, the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730. In the first state of the flexible display 730, when the touch point of the detected touch input has moved a distance greater than or equal to the specified distance (when the distance between the first point and the second point is greater than or equal to the specified distance), the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the first state to the second state. In the second state of the flexible display 730, when the touch point of the detected touch input has moved a distance greater than or equal to the specified distance (when the distance between the first point and the second point is greater than or equal to the specified distance), the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state to the first state.

[0166] Regardless of the moving distance of the touch input (i.e., the distance the touch point has moved), when the touch point starts from a first point of the display area adjacent to the side surface of the housing 710 and ends at a second point of the display area adjacent to the other side surface of the housing 710, the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730. In the first state of the flexible display 730, when the touch point of the detected touch input starts from a point located adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction opposite to the direction 1101 in which the display area is extended (or the direction in which the sliding plate 720 is drawn out) or from a point located adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1101 in which the display area is extended and is located adjacent to the third side surface 713, and ends at a point located adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 of the housing 710 in the direction 1101 in which the display area is extended, the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the first state to the second state. As another example, in the second state of the flexible display 730, when the touch point of the detected touch input moves from a point (the point is positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (corresponding to the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720 in the state where the display area is expanded) of the shell 710 in a direction opposite to the direction 1201 in which the display area contracts (or the direction in which the sliding plate 720 retracts)) or from a point (the point is positioned adjacent to the second side surface 712 (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720) of the shell 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1201 in which the display area contracts, while being positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (or the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720), and ends at a point positioned adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the shell 710 in the direction 1201 in which the display area contracts, the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state to the first state.

[0167] The processor may drive the actuator based on recognizing that the moving direction of the touch input for driving the actuator is changed at least once to change the state of the flexible display 730. In the first state of the flexible display 730, when the moving direction of the touch input is changed and the touch point passes through at least one point of the display area on the path where the touch point of the touch input moves, the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the first state to the second state. In the second state of the flexible display 730, when the moving direction of the touch input is changed and the touch point passes through at least one point of the display area on the path where the touch point of the touch input moves, the processor may drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display 730 from the second state to the first state.

[0168] The processor may display an object on the display area for guiding a touch input to change the state of the flexible display 730. Before detecting the touch input, the processor may display an object on the display area for guiding a user who wants to change the state of the flexible display 730 to perform a touch input at a specified position. In the first state of the flexible display 730, the processor may display the object at at least one of the following positions: a point located adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in the direction opposite to the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out; or a point located adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out, and at the same time located adjacent to the third side surface. In the second state of the flexible display, the processor can display an object at at least one of the following positions: a point that is positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 of the housing 710 in a direction opposite to the direction 1201 in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted (corresponding to the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720 in a state in which the display area is expanded); or a point that is positioned adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1201 in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720), and is simultaneously positioned adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (or the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720).

[0169] The processor may display an object at one or more points on a touch path where a touch input is to be made. In the first state of the flexible display 730, when the touch point of the touch input starts from at least one of the following positions, the processor may display an object at one or more points of the next point of the display area where the touch input is to be moved: a point located adjacent to the third side surface 713 of the housing 710 in a direction opposite to the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out; or a point located adjacent to the second side surface 712 of the housing 710 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1101 in which the sliding plate 720 is pulled out, and at the same time located adjacent to the third side surface 713. In the second state of the flexible display 730, when the touch point of the touch input starts from at least one of the following positions: a point located adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (corresponding to the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720 in the state where the display area is extended) of the housing 710 in the direction opposite to the direction 1201 in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted; and a point located adjacent to the second side surface 712 (or the second side surface 722 of the sliding plate 720) of the housing 710 in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction 1201 in which the sliding plate 720 is retracted, and at the same time located adjacent to the fourth side surface 714 (or the first side surface 721 of the sliding plate 720). Here, the one or more points of the next points of the display area may include at least one of a point corresponding to a turning point where the moving direction of the touch input on the touch path is changed and a point corresponding to an end point on the touch path.

[0170] When the touch point of the touch input is located at the starting point, the processor may not display the object at a point corresponding to a turning point on the touch path, but may display the object at a point corresponding to an ending point on the touch path.

[0171] According to various embodiments, a method for controlling a display of an electronic device may include: detecting a touch input at a point on a display area of ​​a flexible display, the flexible display including a first state and a second state, in which the display area has a first size in the first state, and in which the display area expands in a first direction to have a second size larger than the first size in the second state; while maintaining the touch input, identifying whether a touch point of the touch input has moved a specified distance or more from the point in the display area; and based on identifying that the touch point has moved a specified distance or more from the point in the display area, driving the actuator to change the state of the flexible display.

[0172] The display control method may further include: before detecting the touch input, displaying a first object for guiding the touch input on at least one first point of the display area through the flexible display, the at least one first point being located adjacent to at least one first side surface among the side surfaces of the electronic device.

[0173] The display control method may further include: when the touch point is located at the at least one first point, displaying a second object at a second point of a display area adjacent to a second side surface among the side surfaces that is different from the at least one first side surface through the flexible display.

[0174] The at least one first point may include a plurality of points, and displaying the second object at the second point may include setting a position of the second point based on a point at which the touch point is located among the plurality of points.

[0175] The display control method may further include: driving the actuator to change the state of the flexible display based on recognizing that the moving direction of the touch input changes and the touch point passes through at least one third point of the display area on a path where the touch point moves from a first point of the display area to a second point of the display area.

[0176] The display control method may further include: when the touch point is located at the first point, displaying a first object at the at least one third point through the flexible display; and when the touch point is located at the at least one third point, displaying a second object at the second point through the flexible display.

[0177] The display control method may also include: driving the actuator to change the state of the flexible display from the first state to the second state based on recognizing that a touch input is detected in the first state and the touch point moves from a first point of the display area to a second point of the display area, the first point being positioned adjacent to a first side surface among side surfaces of the electronic device in a second direction opposite to the first direction, or the first point being positioned adjacent to the second side surface in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction, and at the same time being positioned adjacent to the first side surface, and the second point being positioned adjacent to a third side surface among the side surfaces in the first direction.

[0178] The display control method may also include: based on recognizing that a touch input is detected in the second state and the touch point moves from a first point of the display area to a second point of the display area, driving the actuator to change the state of the flexible display from the second state to the first state, the first point being positioned adjacent to a first side surface in a first direction, or the first point being positioned adjacent to a second side surface in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and positioned adjacent to the first side surface, and the second point being positioned adjacent to a third side surface among the side surfaces in a third direction opposite to the first direction.

[0179] The display control method may further include: detecting another touch input on the display area of ​​the flexible display within a specified time from a time point when the touch input is terminated after the touch point of the touch input moves a first distance less than the specified distance; identifying a second distance moved by the touch point of the other touch input on the display area while maintaining the other touch input; and driving the actuator to change the state of the flexible display based on identifying that the sum of the first distance and the second distance is greater than or equal to the specified distance.

[0180] The touch input may include a single touch input or a multi-touch input.

[0181] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those electronic devices described above.

[0182] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalent forms or alternative forms for corresponding embodiments. For the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that the nouns in the singular form corresponding to the term may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the corresponding one of the multiple phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “combined with another element (e.g., the second element)”, “combined to another element (e.g., the second element)”, “connected with another element (e.g., the second element)”, or “connected to another element (e.g., the second element)” when the terms “operably” or “communicatively” are used or when the terms “operably” or “communicatively” are not used, it means that the element may be directly (e.g., wired) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0183] As used in connection with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "portion," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or a minimum unit or portion of the single integrated component. For example, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0184] The various embodiments described herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, under the control of a processor, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute the at least one instruction with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be run by an interpreter. A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Among them, the term "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but the term does not distinguish between data being semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and data being temporarily stored in a storage medium.

[0185] The method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be published in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., PlayStoreTM), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If published online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a memory of a forwarding server).

[0186] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) in the above-mentioned components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some entities in the multiple entities may be detachably arranged in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more components in the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each component in the multiple components in the same or similar manner as a corresponding component in the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or in a heuristic manner, or one or more operations in the operations may be run or omitted in different orders, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0187] Although the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made thereto in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments described, but should be limited by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: A flexible display including a first state and a second state, in which a display area has a first size and in which the display area expands in a first direction to have a second size greater than the first size; an actuator driven to change a state of the flexible display; as well as at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the electronic device to: displaying a first object at a first point of a display area adjacent to a first side surface of the electronic device by the flexible display; detecting a touch input at a first point; When the touch point of the touch input is located at the first point, displaying the second object at a second point of the display area different from the first point through the flexible display; identifying whether a touch point of the touch input moves from a first point to a second point while the touch input is maintained; as well as driving an actuator to change a state of the flexible display based on identifying that the touch point moves from the first point to the second point; The location of the second point is set based on where the first point is located.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The first object is used to guide a touch input through the flexible display at a first point of a display area, the first point being adjacent to a first side surface of the electronic device.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one memory stores instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to display a second object at a second point of a display area adjacent to a second side surface of the electronic device that is different from the first side surface of the electronic device through the flexible display when a touch point of a touch input is located at the first point.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one memory stores instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display based on identifying that, on a path where the touch point moves from a first point in the display area to a second point in the display area, a moving direction of the touch input changes so that the touch point of the touch input passes through at least one third point in the display area.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to display a third object at the third point through the flexible display when the touch point of the touch input is located at the first point; And when the touch point of the touch input is located at a third point, a second object is displayed at the second point through the flexible display.

6. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one memory stores instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display from the first state to the second state based on recognizing that a touch input is detected in a first state and a touch point of the touch input moves from a first point of the display area to a second point of the display area, the first point being adjacent to a first side surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction, or the first point being adjacent to a second side surface in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and the second point being adjacent to a third side surface in the first direction.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one memory stores instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to drive the actuator to change the state of the flexible display from the second state to the first state based on recognizing that a touch input is detected in the second state and a touch point of the touch input moves from a second point of the display area to a first point of the display area, the second point being adjacent to the third side surface in the first direction, or the second point being adjacent to the second side surface in the third direction, and the first point being adjacent to the first side surface in the second direction.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to: detecting another touch input on the display area within a predetermined time from a touch input after a touch point of the touch input moves a first distance less than a predetermined distance; identifying a second distance moved by the touch point of the other touch input while maintaining the touch input; And based on identifying that the sum of the first distance and the second distance is greater than a specified distance, driving the actuator to change the state of the flexible display.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The touch input includes a single touch input or a multi-touch input.

10. A method for controlling a display of an electronic device, comprising: displaying a first object at a first point of a display area adjacent to a first side surface of the electronic device by a flexible display, the flexible display comprising a first state in which the display area has a first size and a second state in which the display area expands in a first direction and has a second size greater than the first size; detecting a touch input at a first point; When the touch point of the touch input is located at the first point, displaying the second object at a second point of the display area different from the first point through the flexible display; While the touch input is maintained, identifying whether a touch point of the touch input moves from a first point to a second point; based on recognizing that the touch point moves from the first point to the second point, driving an actuator to change a state of the flexible display; Displaying a first object at a first point by the flexible display, for guiding a touch input to move from the first point to a second point in a display area; When the touch point is located at the first point, displaying a second object at a second point in the display area different from the first point by means of the flexible display; as well as The location of the second point is set based on where the first point is located.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The first object is used to guide a touch input through the flexible display at a first point of the display area, the first point being adjacent to a first side surface of the electronic device.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: When the touch point of the touch input is located at the first point, the second object is displayed at a second point of the display area adjacent to a second side surface different from the first side surface through the flexible display.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: On a path where the touch point moves from a first point of the display area to a second point of the display area, based on identifying a change in the moving direction of the touch input so that the touch point of the touch input passes through at least one third point of the display area, the control method of the display also includes driving the actuator to change the state of the flexible display.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: When the touch point of the touch input is located at the first point, displaying a third object at the third point through the flexible display; as well as When the touch point of the touch input is located at the at least one third point, a second object is displayed at the second point through the flexible display.

15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: The actuator is driven to change the state of the flexible display from the first state to the second state based on recognizing that a touch input is detected in the first state and a touch point of the touch input moves from a first point of the display area to a second point of the display area, the first point being adjacent to a first side surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction, or the first point being adjacent to a second side surface in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and the second point being adjacent to a third side surface in the first direction.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: The actuator is driven to change the state of the flexible display from the second state to the first state based on recognizing that a touch input is detected in the second state and a touch point of the touch input moves from a second point of the display area to a first point of the display area, the second point being adjacent to the third side surface in the first direction, or the second point being adjacent to the second side surface in the third direction, and the first point being adjacent to the first side surface in the second direction.

17. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: detecting another touch input on a display area of ​​the flexible display within a specified time after a touch point of the touch input moves a first distance less than a specified distance; identifying a second distance that a touch point of the other touch input moves on the display area while the other touch input is maintained; as well as Based on identifying that the sum of the first distance and the second distance is greater than or equal to a specified distance, the actuator is driven to change a state of the flexible display.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The touch input is a single touch input or a multi-touch input.

Images