electronic devices

Abstract

A novel electronic device including a flexible display is provided. The electronic device comprises a flexible display comprising a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes and a plurality of interconnected columns. A user can transform the electronic device into a tablet, an e-book reader, or a handheld game console. The electronic device is configured to change the size of its primary display area depending on the selected mode.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application entitled “Electronic Device”, filed on April 23, 2015, with national application number 201910291371.2. The direct parent application of this application is a divisional application of an invention patent application entitled “Electronic Device”, filed on April 23, 2015, with international application number PCT / IB2015 / 052959, and national application number 201580023242.5. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an electronic device. Background Art

[0003] Various electronic devices having flexible displays have been provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0004] [References]

[0005] [Patent Document]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application No. 8,427,420

[0007] [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0028597 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention provides any novel circuit, architecture, driving method, and electronic device related to or having a display device.

[0009] Specifically, an electronic device is provided that includes a flexible display having a device layer and a plurality of columns, but one embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. The electronic device may also have the following features. Specifically, in a connecting portion, each of the plurality of columns is mechanically or physically connected to one or two adjacent columns and is rotatable about the axis of the connecting portion. The flexible display is designed so that its shape changes according to the shape formed by the plurality of columns. The flexible display is configured to display a first display area. By rotating a portion of the plurality of columns about the axis of the connecting portion, at least one of the right and left sides of the electronic device is curled to form a handle. When a user grasps the handle, the portion of the flexible display corresponding to the handle is designed to be located between the user's hand and the plurality of columns forming the handle. When the handle is formed, the first display area is configured so that its size changes. Furthermore, the flexible display may be configured to display a second display area within the handle. Furthermore, the angle formed by the adjacent columns may be limited by stoppers provided on each column. Furthermore, when the right and left sides of the electronic device are rolled up, the electronic device can be configured to display a first image in a first portion of the first display area and a second image used to control the first image in a second portion of the first display area. Furthermore, the electronic device can be designed to hinder folding using a plate extending through two or more columns. Furthermore, the device layer can include multiple organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and circuitry for controlling the OLEDs. Furthermore, the flexible display can also include an elastic material.

[0010] Users can easily transform an electronic device into a tablet, e-book reader, or portable game console. The electronic device is configured so that the size of its main display area can be changed according to its shape and operation buttons are configured or provided. For example, in addition to using the electronic device as a normal tablet (tablet mode), the following modes can be realized with one device: holding a cup with one hand while comfortably holding the electronic device with the other hand and reading a newspaper on the electronic device (e-book reader mode); by holding the electronic device with both hands like a handheld game console, the electronic device can be held more comfortably and stably to play games (game mode). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In the attached figure:

[0012] Figures 1A to 1C An example of an illustrative electronic device is shown;

[0013] Figures 2A to 2C An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0014] Figures 3A to 3C An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0015] Figures 4A to 4CAn example of an electronic device is shown;

[0016] 5A to 5D An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0017] 6A to 6D An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0018] 7A to 7D An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0019] Figures 8A to 8C An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0020] Figures 9A to 9C An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0021] 10A to 10C An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0022] Figure 11 An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0023] Figure 12 An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0024] Figure 13 An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0025] Figure 14 An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0026] Figures 15A to 15C An example of an electronic device is shown;

[0027] Figure 16 An example of a method for driving an electronic device is shown and described;

[0028] Figure 17 An example of a method for driving an electronic device is shown and described;

[0029] Figure 18 An example of a method for driving an electronic device will be described below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the methods and details may be transformed into various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] To improve the user's comfort when holding a tablet-shaped electronic device, one embodiment of the present invention allows the handle (or grip portion) to be introduced into the electronic device by curling the right and / or left sides. This handle can be formed by using a foldable electronic device. Using this method, in addition to conventional tablet use (tablet mode), the user can also curl one or both of the right and left sides to form a cylindrical handle, making it easier to hold the electronic device with one or both hands.

[0032] One possible use case is to comfortably hold the electronic device with one hand and read a newspaper or novel on the electronic device while holding a cup with the other hand (e-book reader mode). In this mode, electronic buttons (software buttons) for minimal operations (e.g., back one page, forward one page, end, etc.) can be displayed within the reach of the fingers holding the electronic device.

[0033] Other usage scenarios are as follows: By turning the electronic device into a handheld game console, it is possible to hold the electronic device more comfortably and more steadily when playing games on the electronic device (game mode).

[0034] (Support)

[0035] By attaching a foldable OLED display to a support, an electronic device can be manufactured. The support can also have a plurality of connected trapezoidal or square columns. Figures 1A to 1C Deformations of the support body 100 corresponding to the above-mentioned three modes are shown. Figures 1A to 1C Tablet mode, e-book reader mode (e-book reader mode on the left), and game mode are shown respectively.

[0036] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1C The positions of columns 101[0] and 101[1] in column 101 are shown. For example, Figure 1B As shown in FIG, the right-hand handle 102R is formed by curling the right side of the support body 100. Figure 1C As shown, the left handle 102L is formed by curling the left side of the support body 100 .

[0037] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C The support body 100 in a flat mode is shown when viewed from the top, side, and bottom. As can be seen, the support body 100 includes a plurality of columns (columns 101[0] to 101

[10] ). Each column has a trapezoidal or square cross-section, and a portion of the column may include some electronic components such as a processor, memory, battery, sensor (e.g., gyroscope sensor or accelerometer), speaker, vibrator, and microphone.

[0038] (column)

[0039] Each columnar body 101 has one or more connecting parts for connecting to one or two other columnar bodies 101. Figure 3A As shown, the columnar body 101[3] has two connecting portions, namely, the connecting portion 104a[3] and the connecting portion 104b[3] on the side surface 103a[3] and the side surface 103b[3], respectively. In addition, the side surface 103a[3] and the side surface 103b[3] face each other. Similarly, the columnar body 101[4] has two connecting portions, namely, the connecting portion 104a[4] and the connecting portion 104b[4] on the side surface 103a[4] and the side surface 103b[4], respectively. Although not shown in the figure, the columnar body 101[3] has the same structure as the two connecting portions at the other end.

[0040] The connecting portion 104a and the connecting portion 104b have a hole 105a and a hole 105b, respectively. Alternatively, an axis may be provided that passes through the hole 105a or the hole 105b to connect the two columnar bodies 101. For example, the columnar body 101[3] and the columnar body 101[4] may be connected by the connecting portion 104b[3] and the connecting portion 104a[4] having the hole 105a[4] and the hole 105b[3] that overlap each other.

[0041] The centers of holes 105a and 105b can be the rotation axes of the columns 101 connected by the holes. Thus, for example, columns 101[3] and 101[4] can be rotated around the rotation axis formed in hole 105a[4] (hole 105b[3]). Furthermore, each of the other columns 101 can be rotated around its corresponding rotation axis, and the rotation axes can also be substantially parallel to each other.

[0042] exist Figure 3A In the example, the connection portion 104a[3] and the connection portion 104b[3] of the columnar body 101[3] are lower than the connection portion 104a[4] and the connection portion 104b[4] of the adjacent columnar body 101[4], so that the connection portion 104b[3] of the columnar body 101[3] is mechanically and / or physically connected to the connection portion 104a[4] of the corresponding columnar body 101[4].

[0043] exist Figure 3A In the example, the connection portion 104a and the connection portion 104b of a columnar body 101 (for example, the connection portion 104a[3] and the connection portion 104b[3] of the columnar body 101[3]) are set at the same height. Figure 3BIn the example, the height of the connecting portion 104a and the height of the connecting portion 104b of one columnar body 101 are different from each other, and the height of the connecting portion 104a of one columnar body 101 is the same as the connecting portion 104a of the adjacent columnar body 101. The same is true for the connecting portion 104b.

[0044] exist Figure 3C In the example, each columnar body 101 has two or more connecting parts on one side surface of one end portion. Figures 3A to 3C In the example shown, the connection portion 104 a and the connection portion 104 b are provided near the upper end portion of the columnar body 101 , but may be provided anywhere on the columnar body 101 .

[0045] Figure 4A A schematic cross-sectional view of the columnar body 101[3] is shown, in which the main dimensions thereof, such as the first length "a", the second length "b", the height "h", the side length "x" and the radius "r" are recorded. As described above, the columnar body 101[3] has a hole 105a[3] and a hole 105b[3]. The radius "r" refers to the distance between the center of the hole 105a[3] (or the hole 105b[3]) and the top surface of the columnar body 101[3] (or the plane including the top surface of the columnar body 101[3]). The first length "a" refers to the distance between the center of the hole 105a[3] and the center of the hole 105b[3], and the height "h" refers to the distance between the center of the hole 105a[3] (or the hole 105b[3]) and the bottom surface of the columnar body 101[3] (or the plane including the bottom surface of the columnar body 101[3]). The side length "x" is equal to the square root of the sum of the square of "h" and the square of "(ab) / 2".

[0046] Figure 4B Columnar body 101[3] and columnar body 101[4] are shown extending in a straight line. In the above case, the length from the outer edge of columnar body 101[3] to the outer edge of columnar body 101[4] is equivalent to the length from the center of left hole 105a[3] to the center of right hole 105b[4], that is, "2a".

[0047] Figure 4C The connected column 101[3] and column 101[4] are shown folded downward (i.e., folded inward). When folded to the maximum extent, the column 101[3] and the column 101[4] touch each other at their lower corners. The maximum curl angle θ is given by "2arctan((ab) / 2h)".

[0048] The columnar body 101 naturally stops further curling of the support body 100, thus limiting curling of the support body 100. Furthermore, by using a columnar body 101 having the above-described shape, a minimum radius can be set on the curled side of the support body 100, making it easier for the user to firmly grip the resulting handle. To further round the handle, a smaller columnar body 101 can be used.

[0049] By folding, you can Figure 4C As shown, the length from the outer edge of columnar body 101[3] to the outer edge of columnar body 101[4] is extended to "2a+rθ". This means that an extra length "rθ" is required to fold columnar body 101[3] and columnar body 101[4]. In addition, the smaller "r", the shorter the extended length. Ideally, if "r" is 0, the extended length is also 0.

[0050] As described above, each column 101 is mechanically and / or physically connected to one or two adjacent columns 101 and is rotatable about one or two axes. Furthermore, the support body 100 is designed so that by rotating some of the columns 101 about their corresponding axes, at least one of the right and left sides of the support body 100 is curled to form a handle 102R or a handle 102L.

[0051] (Brake)

[0052] Since it is not necessary to fold the electronic device upward, that is, the electronic device can be folded downward (or inward). Figure 5A As shown, the columnar body 101 may be provided with a stopper 106 to prevent unwanted deformation.

[0053] Figure 5B Column 101[3] and column 101[4] are shown connected in a straight line, each having a stopper 106. It is difficult, or even quite impossible, to fold column 101[3] and column 101[4] upward without destroying stopper 106.

[0054] Figure 5C The connected columnar bodies 101[3] and 101[4] are shown folded inward. In addition, it is easy to make the connected columnar bodies 101[3] and 101[4] Figure 5B The state shown is transformed into Figure 5C The status shown.

[0055] When the columnar bodies 101[3] and 101[4] are folded, the stopper 106 protrudes outwards of the columnar bodies 101[3] and 101[4] (see Figure 5C ), the stopper 106 can be provided in a manner not to overlap with the flexible display formed on the columnar body 101.

[0056] Figure 5D Other examples are shown. Column 101[3], column 101[4], and column 101[5] have stoppers 107[3], stoppers 107[4], and stoppers 107[5], respectively. Stoppers 107[3] and stoppers 107[4] are designed to be accommodated in recesses 108[4] and 108[5] formed in column 101[4] and column 101[5], respectively.

[0057] exist Figure 5D In the embodiment, the columnar body 101[4] and the columnar body 101[5] are straight. Even if the user wants to fold the columnar body 101[5] upward (outward), the brake 107[4] prevents the lower wall of the recess 108[5] from rising.

[0058] In addition, the brake 107 can also limit the folding inward. Figure 5D As shown, the columnar body 101[3] is folded downward (inward). There is a gap between the lower right corner of the columnar body 101[3] and the lower left corner of the columnar body 101[4]. However, the stopper 107[3] is blocked by the upper wall of the recess 108[4], thereby preventing the columnar body 101[3] from being further folded downward.

[0059] The inner wall of the recess 108[4] is designed to correspond to the outer side of the trajectory formed by the movement (rotation) of the tip of the brake 107[3]. In essence, the recess 108[4] can be closed between the columnar bodies 101[3] and the brake 107[3] can move in essence inside the recess 108[4]. Therefore, Figure 5C In comparison, Figure 5D The unevenness caused by folding the columnar body 101 is small.

[0060] (Locking plate)

[0061] During tablet mode, the electronic device must maintain a straight, unbending shape. By incorporating a locking plate mechanism into the electronic device, tablet mode can be enhanced. Alternatively, a sliding locking plate (or layer, rod, or body, etc.) made of a rigid material built into the electronic device can be used for this purpose. By sliding it into the interior of columnar body 101, columnar body 101 is locked into a rigid position, allowing the electronic device to be used as a normal tablet.

[0062] 6A to 6D An example of a locking plate is shown. The locking plate 109[0] is designed as follows: it is received in a recess or hole in the columnar body 101[0] ( Figure 6A ) and slide to the outside ( Figure 6B ).

[0063] Figure 6C A schematic cross-sectional view of the support body 100 folded inward is shown. The locking plate 109[0] is accommodated in the recess of the columnar body 101[0]. In addition, recesses are formed in each of the other columnar bodies 101[1] to 101[5].

[0064] Figure 6D A schematic cross-sectional view of the support body 100 in a flat plate mode is shown. The locking plate 109[0] slides through the recesses of the columnar body 101[5], the columnar body 101[4], and the columnar body 101[3], thereby making the support body 100 rigidly straight.

[0065] 7A to 7D The locking plate 109 is designed as follows: it is received in the recess or hole of each columnar body 101 ( Figure 7A ) and slide ( Figure 7B ) to another recess or hole of one or more adjacent columnar bodies 101.

[0066] Figure 7C A schematic cross-sectional view of the support body 100 folded inward is shown. Each locking plate 109 is housed in a recess of each columnar body 101. In this example, although a recess is provided, no locking plate is provided for the columnar body 101[0].

[0067] Figure 7D Schematic cross section of the support body 100 in flat mode. Each locking plate 109 slides into the concave portion of the adjacent columnar body 101. For example, Figure 7C The locking plate 109[3] accommodated in the recess of the columnar body 101[3] slides to the recess of the columnar body 101[4] and bridges between the columnar body 101[3] and the columnar body 101[4].

[0068] The movement of the locking plate 109 can be controlled electronically and / or mechanically. For example, the locking plate 109 can be designed to move while detecting the angle between two adjacent columns 101. Furthermore, the locking plate 109 can be designed to move while detecting pressure applied to the columns 101.

[0069] (spring or elastic material)

[0070] It is also effective to use a spring or elastic material. Figures 8A to 8C An example of incorporating springs or elastic materials into electronic devices is shown. By introducing these, the feel of the electronic device is improved by eliminating the feeling of being easily bent, and a certain resistance is provided to the user's handle.

[0071] The above function can be achieved by placing a spring between the two columns 101 to push them apart (ie, outward). In one example, it is important to use a spring in combination with a brake that prevents the columns 101 from curling outward.

[0072] Figure 8A Schematic diagram of columnar body 101[3], columnar body 101[4] and spring 110 therebetween. Figure 8B This is a top view. In the above example, one end of the spring 110 is fixed to the columnar body 101[3] and the other end is fixed to the columnar body 101[4]. In the above example, the axis of the spiral of the spring 110 is parallel to the rotation axis of the columnar body 101[3] and the columnar body 101[4], but one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

[0073] By placing elastic material (such as rubber, silicone resin, etc.) on the electronic device, the function of a spring can also be realized. For example, two layers of elastic material (or rods, plates, bodies, etc.) are placed in a manner that sandwiches the rotation axis of the columnar body 101. Figure 8C In the example using the elastic material layer 112 and the elastic material layer 113 , the electronic device is flat when no force is applied. Alternatively, the elastic material layer 113 may be provided so as to pass through the columnar body 101 .

[0074] (Other devices)

[0075] Furthermore, (a portion of) the support body 100 can be designed to function as a physical button. For example, by integrating a pressure sensor into the columnar body 101 and measuring the mechanical pressure applied to the columnar body 101 when the user grips the electronic device, the physical button can be realized. The pressure sensor can be formed using, for example, a piezoresistor. The columnar body 101 can also be formed using a more elastic material (like rubber) to provide a more distinctive spring feel when the user grips the handle.

[0076] In addition, one or more mechanical buttons may be disposed between the two pillars 101 so that the user can experience a real pressing feeling.

[0077] To achieve more optimal results, the above technologies such as brakes, locking plates and springs can be combined with each other.

[0078] (Electronic equipment 1)

[0079] The electronic device is manufactured by mounting the flexible display on the support 100 . Figure 9AThe electronic device 114a is shown in an e-book reader mode. The electronic device 114a includes a support and a flexible display 115. As described above, the support may also include columns 101[0] to 101

[10] connected to each other.

[0080] Figure 9B FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device 114 a. Figure 9C As shown, the flexible display 115 may include a flexible layer 115a, a device layer 115b, and a flexible layer 115c. In the above example, the device layer 115b is located between the flexible layers 115a and 115c. The thickness of the flexible layer 115c, which is disposed between the pillars 101 and the flexible layer 115a, may also be thinner than that of the flexible layer 115a. Furthermore, to enable multi-touch, a layer containing a capacitive or optical touch sensor may also be incorporated into the flexible display 115. Furthermore, the device layer 115b may also be configured to function as a touch sensor.

[0081] like Figure 4C As shown in the description of , when the support body is folded, an extended length proportional to the rotation radius "r" is required around the support body. Therefore, a mechanical structure for providing the extended length can also be added.

[0082] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the flexible display 115 may be provided without being fixed to any column 101 or any column 101 other than column 101[0]. For example, the portion of the flexible display 115 corresponding to columns 110[0] to 111

[10] may be designed to move according to the degree of folding.

[0083] (Electronic equipment 2)

[0084] Figure 10A Another electronic device 114b is shown in an e-book reader mode. Electronic device 114b includes columns 111[0] to 111

[10] and flexible display 115. In the above example, columns 111[0] to 111

[10] are not directly connected. Columns 111[0] to 111

[10] are attached to flexible display 115. Thus, columns 111 are connected via flexible display 115.

[0085] Figure 10B FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device 114 b. Figure 10CAs shown, flexible display 115 may include a flexible layer 115a, a device layer 115b, and a flexible layer 115c. Pillars 111 are attached to flexible layer 115c at intervals "W" that may determine the radius of curvature between pillars 111. No mechanical connection is required within electronic device 114b, thereby minimizing radius "r." One or both of flexible layers 115a and 115c may be made of an elastic material such as silicone resin or rubber.

[0086] Furthermore, some of the aforementioned technologies, such as brakes, locking plates, and springs, can be used with electronic device 114b. For example, brakes are effective at limiting over-folding, but are ineffective at securing and maintaining the shape. However, by using brakes in combination with springs or locking plates, electronic device 114b can be straight in its standard configuration while also being able to fold (curl) appropriately.

[0087] (Tablet mode)

[0088] Figure 11 The electronic device 114b is shown in tablet mode as an example. When the electronic device 114b is not folded and is straightened, it is used as a normal tablet device. When the electronic device 114b is used in tablet mode, a locking plate can be used to make the electronic device 114b sufficiently sturdy.

[0089] In tablet mode, most of the flexible display 115 can be used as the main display area 116. In particular, the width of the main display area 116 is referred to as "Full Width", and the width corresponding to each column 111 is referred to as "Unit Width".

[0090] Note that, for example, the portion of the flexible display 115 corresponding to the columnar body 111 [ 5 ] does not necessarily refer to the portion overlapping the columnar body 111 [ 5 ].

[0091] Although the periphery of the primary display area 116 includes touch sensors, they may be configured to be inactive to avoid unwanted reactions caused by the user's hands.

[0092] (E-book reader mode)

[0093] Figure 12 The electronic device 114b in the e-book reader mode is shown as an example. In particular, since the columns 111[6] to 111

[10] are folded and the right side of the flexible display 115 is not used as the main display area 116, this state is referred to as the "left e-book reader mode." As the handle 102R for holding the electronic device 114b, the folded columns 111[6] to 111

[10] can be used.

[0094] When only one of the right and left sides of the electronic device 114b is folded, the electronic device 114b can enter an e-book reader mode. In this mode, the main display area 116 displays information (e.g., an article, image, and / or video), and the handle 102R can be held stably and comfortably while reading the information.

[0095] In e-book reader mode, the left and center portions of flexible display 115 can be used as primary display area 116. Consequently, the width of primary display area 116 is smaller than in tablet mode. For example, this width is five times the value obtained by subtracting "Unit Width" from "Full Width." As in tablet mode, the touch sensors outside primary display area 116 can be inactive.

[0096] like Figure 13 As shown, the handle 102R can be used as a secondary display area 117 for displaying a non-intrusive interface such as a next page or previous page button, an end button, etc. In this case, the touch sensor of the secondary display area 117 can be configured to be selectively active.

[0097] In addition, when using the physical buttons, the handle 102R can be used for file navigation. For example, it can be configured as follows: when gripping once, it performs an operation of entering the next page, and when gripping twice, it performs an operation of returning to the previous page.

[0098] (Game Mode)

[0099] Figure 14 As an example, electronic device 114b is shown in gaming mode. When the right and left sides of electronic device 114b are rolled up, electronic device 114b enters gaming mode. In this mode, for example, the upper half of primary display area 116 can be used for displaying an image or object, while the lower half can be used for displaying a game controller.

[0100] The columns 111[1] to 111[5] and the columns 111[6] to 111

[10] are folded, and only the central portion of the flexible display 115 is used as the main display area 116. As a result, the width of the main display area 116 is smaller than that in the tablet mode. For example, the width is a value obtained by subtracting 10 times the "Unit Width" from the "Full Width". The folded columns 111[1] to 111[5] and the folded columns 111[6] to 111

[10] can be used as the handle 102L and the handle 102R for holding the electronic device 114b, respectively.

[0101] Since the folded portion of the flexible display 115 includes a touch sensor, such as an e-book reader mode or Figure 13 As shown, additional control buttons may be displayed in the auxiliary display area 117 of the handle 102L and the handle 102R. Furthermore, the auxiliary display area 117 may be provided in the handle 102L and the handle 102R, which are the rolled-up portions of the electronic device 114b. As described above, physical buttons may also be activated on the handle 102L and the handle 102R.

[0102] In other examples, all or a majority of main display area 116 is used for display windows of images or objects. This means that neither controllers nor buttons are shown in main display area 116. For example, in a racing game, handlebars 102L and 102R held by the user serve as steering wheels, a built-in gyroscope sensor is used to detect steering wheel rotation, and buttons provided on handlebars 102L and 102R are used for acceleration and deceleration. Main display area 116 does not require any other display. Since no extra input buttons are shown, a larger portion of display area 116 can be used for game display.

[0103] In addition, a modified example is shown. For example, the electronic device can be used even when only the connecting portion of columns 111[2] to 111[4] is folded. In this case, the portion of flexible display 115 corresponding to columns 111[0] and columns 111[5] to 111

[10] is used as a display, which is a modified right e-book reader mode.

[0104] In the above example, use 10A to 10C The electronic device 114b is described, but it can also be Figures 9A to 9C The electronic device 114a is applicable.

[0105] (sensor)

[0106] As described above, the electronic device 114a (or electronic device 114b) needs to adjust the main display area 116, active sensor area, and / or sub-display area 117 according to the degree of folding (rolling). Folding can be detected by various sensors.

[0107] For example, Figure 15A As shown, the conductive material 118 a and the conductive material 118 b may be assembled at the upper right corner and the upper left corner of each columnar body 101 , respectively.

[0108] Since the columns 101 are connected, the conductive material 118a of one column 101 and the conductive material 118b of an adjacent column 101 form a resistance sensor. Figure 15BAs shown, the conductive material 118b[3] and the conductive material 118a[4] form a sensor 120[3]. The sensor 120[3] corresponds to the connecting portion 119[3].

[0109] When the columnar body 101 is folded and contacts each other at the corners of the columnar body 101, the adjacent conductive materials 118a and 118b are brought into contact with each other to allow current to flow. This determines that the corresponding connecting portion 119 is fully folded. Figure 15C In the figure, since the corresponding sensors 120[1] to 120[5] are conductive, it is determined that all of the connecting portions 119[1] to 119[5] are fully folded.

[0110] In addition to the resistance sensor, other sensors such as a pressure sensor, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor, and an optical sensor may also be used as a sensor for detecting the degree of folding or the angle between adjacent columns 101 .

[0111] Although Figure 15C Although not shown, sensor 120[6] is provided between columnar body 101[0] and columnar body 101[6]. Similarly, sensors 120[7] to 120

[10] are provided, and sensors 120[6], 120[7], 120[8], 120[9], and 120

[10] correspond to connecting portion 119[6], connecting portion 119[7], connecting portion 119[8], connecting portion 119[9], and connecting portion 119

[10] , respectively.

[0112] (Mode determination process)

[0113] The sensor 120 may be used to automatically determine what mode the user places the electronic device into. Figure 16 An example of a flowchart when determining a mode is shown.

[0114] First, verify whether both the connection portion 119[5] and the connection portion 119[6] are folded. If yes, the electronic device 114a enters the game mode. If no, verify whether the connection portion 119[5] is folded. If yes, the electronic device 114a enters the right e-book reader mode (R e-book reader mode). If no, verify whether the connection portion 119[6] is folded. If yes, the electronic device 114a enters the left e-book reader mode (L e-book reader mode). If no, the electronic device 114a enters the tablet mode. Resize the main display area 116 according to the determined mode.

[0115] Figure 17 Other examples are shown. Figure 17The flowchart in can be used when the main display area 116 is changed corresponding to the folded part. First, set "L" to 0 and set "i" to 1. Then, verify whether the connection part 119[i] is folded. If yes, set "L" to "i" (that is, in the first loop, set "L" to 1). And, regardless of the answer to the first question, i is increased by 1. Then, verify whether "i" is greater than the number of connection parts on the left side of the electronic device (second question). In the electronic device 114a, the number is 5. If no, return to the first question. If yes, calculate the unusable left width that cannot be used for the main display area 116 as the product of "L" and "Unit Width".

[0116] For example, in the case where the connection parts 119[1], 119[3] and 119[4] are folded, Figure 17 The flowchart determines that "L" is 4 and the left width that cannot be used is four times the "Unit Width", so the portion corresponding to columnar body 101[5] can be used as the main display area 116. At the same time, even if the connecting portion 119[2] is not folded, the portion corresponding to columnar body 101[1] to columnar body 101[4] is not used.

[0117] Figure 17 The flowchart can only determine the left side of the main display area 116. The right side can be Figure 18 The flowchart determines the Figure 18 The process and Figure 17 Likewise, the unusable right width that cannot be used for the main display area 116 is calculated.

[0118] Thus, the width of the main display area 116 is determined by subtracting the unusable right width and the unusable left width from the “Full Width”.

[0119] Regarding the calculation, it can be changed according to the mode of decision. For example, in the e-book reader mode, the width of the main display area 116 is calculated using the Figure 17 and Figure 18 The "L" and "R" are directly obtained from the flowchart. In the game mode, the unusable right width (or unusable left width) is defined as the product of "L-1" (or "R-1") and "Unit Width".

[0120] Description of Reference Numerals

[0121] 100: Support body, 101: Columnar body, 102R: Handle, 102L: Handle, 103a: Side, 103b: Side, 104a: Connecting part, 104b: Connecting part, 105a: Hole, 105b: Hole, 106: Brake, 107: Brake, 108: Recess, 109: Locking plate, 110: Spring, 111: Columnar body, 112: Elastic material layer, 113: Elastic material layer, 114a: Electronic device, 114b: Electronic device, 115: Flexible display, 115a: Flexible layer, 115b: Device layer, 115c: Flexible layer, 116: Main display area, 117: Sub-display area, 118a: Conductive material, 118b: Conductive material, 119: Connecting part, 120: Sensor.

[0122] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application serial No. 2014-095610 filed with the Japan Patent Office on May 6, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A method for driving an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes a flexible display and a plurality of columns attached to the flexible display, the method comprising: detecting folding of the plurality of pillars by sensors included in the plurality of pillars, and When folding of the plurality of columns is not detected, an image is displayed at a first display area of ​​the flexible display, and when folding of the plurality of columns is detected, an image is displayed at a second display area of ​​the flexible display different from the first display area. 2 . The driving method according to claim 1 , wherein a size of the first display area of ​​the flexible display is larger than a size of the second display area of ​​the flexible display. 3 . The driving method according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a resistance sensor, a pressure sensor, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor. 4 . The driving method according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of columnar bodies is mechanically or physically connected to one or two adjacent columnar bodies at a connection portion and is rotatable around an axis at the connection portion. The driving method according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible display is a flexible organic light emitting diode.

6. The driving method according to claim 1, wherein a first column among the plurality of columns comprises a first conductive material, and a second column among the plurality of columns comprises a second conductive material, the second column being adjacent to the first column, and The first conductive material and the second conductive material form a resistance sensor. 7 . The driving method according to claim 1 , wherein a first columnar body among the plurality of columns is spaced apart from a second columnar body among the plurality of columns.

8. An electronic device comprising: flexible displays; as well as a plurality of pillars attached to the flexible display, the plurality of pillars containing sensors, wherein the sensor is configured to detect folding of the plurality of pillars, and The flexible display is configured to display in a tablet mode when folding of the plurality of columns is not detected, and to display in an e-book reader mode or a game mode when folding of the plurality of columns is detected. 9 . The electronic device according to claim 8 , wherein a size of the main display area of ​​the flexible display in the tablet mode is larger than a size of the main display area of ​​the flexible display in the e-book reader mode or the game mode. 10 . The electronic device according to claim 8 , wherein the sensor is a resistance sensor, a pressure sensor, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor, or an optical sensor.

11. The electronic device according to claim 8, Each of the plurality of columnar bodies is mechanically or physically connected to one or two adjacent columnar bodies at a connection portion and is rotatable around an axis at the connection portion. 12 . The electronic device according to claim 8 , wherein the flexible display is a flexible organic light emitting diode.

13. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein a first column among the plurality of columns comprises a first conductive material, and a second column among the plurality of columns comprises a second conductive material, the second column being adjacent to the first column, and The first conductive material and the second conductive material form a resistance sensor. 14 . The electronic device of claim 8 , wherein a first columnar body of the plurality of columns is spaced apart from a second columnar body of the plurality of columns.

15. A foldable electronic device comprising: A support body, the support body comprising a first columnar body, a second columnar body, and a plurality of columnar bodies connected between the first columnar body and the second columnar body; as well as a flexible display on the first column, the second column, and the plurality of columns, Each of the plurality of columns includes a first end portion supporting the flexible display and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and the plurality of columns are rotatable around a connecting portion, and When the flexible display is in a folded and unfolded state, a distance between the second ends of two adjacent columns among the plurality of columns is the same as a distance between the second ends of another two adjacent columns among the plurality of columns.

16. A foldable electronic device comprising: A support body, the support body comprising a first columnar body, a second columnar body, and a plurality of columnar bodies connected between the first columnar body and the second columnar body; as well as a flexible display on the first column, the second column, and the plurality of columns, Each of the plurality of columns includes a first end portion supporting the flexible display and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and the plurality of columns are rotatable around a connecting portion, and The width of the first column is greater than the width of one of the plurality of columns.

17. A foldable electronic device comprising: A support body, the support body comprising a first columnar body, a second columnar body, and a plurality of columnar bodies connected between the first columnar body and the second columnar body; as well as a flexible display on the first column, the second column, and the plurality of columns, The flexible display includes a first flexible layer, a second flexible layer thicker than the first flexible layer, and a device layer between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer, and Each of the plurality of columns includes a first end supporting the first flexible layer of the flexible display and a second end opposite to the first end, and the plurality of columns are rotatable around a connecting portion.

18. A foldable electronic device comprising: A support body, the support body comprising a first columnar body, a second columnar body, and a plurality of columnar bodies connected between the first columnar body and the second columnar body; as well as a flexible display on the first column, the second column, and the plurality of columns, Each of the plurality of columns includes a first end supporting the flexible display and a second end opposite to the first end, and the plurality of columns are rotatable around a connecting portion, and One of the plurality of pillars includes a stopper for limiting the flexible display from folding inward.

19. An electronic device comprising: flexible displays; as well as Multiple columns, wherein the flexible display is designed to change its shape according to the shape formed by the plurality of pillars, wherein the flexible display is arranged without being fixed on the plurality of pillars, When the flexible display is folded, the touch sensor of the flexible display located outside the main display area is inactive.

20. An electronic device comprising: flexible displays; as well as Multiple columns, Each of the plurality of columns is connected to one or two adjacent columns at a connection portion and is rotatable around an axis at the connection portion. wherein the flexible display is designed to change its shape according to the shape formed by the plurality of pillars, wherein a curved surface can be formed in the flexible display by rolling the electronic device and rotating the plurality of pillars around the axis at the connection portion, wherein the flexible display is arranged without being fixed on the plurality of pillars, When the flexible display is folded, the touch sensor of the flexible display located outside the main display area is inactive.

21. The electronic device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein a portion of the flexible display corresponding to the plurality of pillars is designed to move according to folding.

22. An electronic device comprising: flexible displays; as well as a plurality of columns, the plurality of columns including a first column and a second column, wherein the width of the first column is greater than the width of the second column, Each of the plurality of columns is connected to one or two adjacent columns at a connection portion and is rotatable around an axis at the connection portion. wherein the flexible display is designed to change its shape according to the shape formed by the plurality of pillars, wherein a curved surface is formed in the flexible display by rotating the plurality of pillars around the axis at the connection portion, and The flexible display is arranged without being fixed on the plurality of pillars.

23. An electronic device comprising: flexible displays; as well as a plurality of columns, the plurality of columns including a first column and a second column, wherein the width of the first column is greater than the width of the second column, wherein in the bent state, the first portion of the flexible display overlaps with the second portion of the flexible display, Each of the plurality of columns is connected to one or two adjacent columns at a connection portion and is rotatable around an axis at the connection portion. wherein the flexible display is designed to change its shape according to the shape formed by the plurality of pillars, wherein a curved surface is formed in the flexible display by rotating the plurality of pillars around the axis at the connection portion, and The flexible display is arranged without being fixed on the plurality of pillars.

24. The electronic device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein a portion of the flexible display corresponding to the plurality of pillars is designed to move according to folding. 25 . The electronic device according to claim 22 , wherein a thickness of the flexible display is smaller than a thickness of the plurality of pillars.

26. The electronic device of claim 22, wherein the flexible display is configured to bend outward.

27. The electronic device of claim 23, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the flexible display are configured to bend outward.

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