Flexible electronic device and operating method thereof

Abstract

A flexible electronic device and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The electronic device may include: a housing; the flexible display comprises a first part and a second part; a first sensor, a second sensor and a third sensor; at least one processor; and a memory. The processor may monitor, using a third sensor, whether the flexible display is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state. The processor may activate at least some of the first sensor and the second sensor based on the flexible display switching from the folded state to the unfolded state. The processor may measure a relative position and / or angle between the first portion and the second portion in the flexible display by using the first sensor and the second sensor. Various other embodiments are also possible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to a flexible type electronic device and an operating method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Electronic devices have complex functions such as taking photos or videos, playing music files or video files, playing games, receiving broadcasts, supporting wireless Internet, etc., and are implemented in the form of comprehensive multimedia players. Therefore, electronic devices are developing into new forms in terms of hardware or software to enhance portability and convenience while meeting user needs. As an example of such development, electronic devices can be implemented as flexible types.

[0003] The flexible type electronic device can change its mechanical state through a user gesture. In addition, the flexible type electronic device can perform various operations based on the change of the mechanical state. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] When a user gesture for changing the mechanical state of a flexible type electronic device occurs, if the mechanical state change (e.g., folding angle) is not accurately recognized, a malfunction may occur or usability may be degraded. In order to prevent the occurrence of a malfunction or deterioration of usability, a sensor for determining the mechanical state change may be required.

[0006] For example, the electronic device may use an acceleration sensor to calculate the folding angle. The characteristics of the acceleration sensor that measures the angle (absolute angle) based on the gravity direction (or vertical direction) may cause measurement errors when the electronic device is folded or unfolded in a vertical position or when there is a lot of physical vibration around the electronic device.

[0007] For example, the electronic device may calculate the folding angle using both an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. The gyro sensor is a sensor that calculates an angle by continuously accumulating and summing the amount of change in position and / or angle, and a gyro sensor with relatively high accuracy may be used to measure the folding angle (the angle relative to the angle in the previous state), and the acceleration sensor may be used to correct the data measured by the gyro sensor, thereby improving the measurement accuracy. However, the characteristic of the gyro sensor that continuously (cumulatively) sums the measured data to obtain the folding angle may increase power consumption.

[0008] For example, the electronic device may use a Hall sensor to calculate the folding angle. When the Hall sensor is used to calculate the folding angle, due to the characteristics of the Hall sensor that measures the angle based on the change in magnetic strength, the measurement accuracy may be reduced due to the influence of surrounding magnetic materials (e.g., magnets used for double-sided binding when folding, digital converters, and antenna components).

[0009] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to providing a method and apparatus capable of improving the accuracy of determining a mechanical state change of an electronic device by selectively using sensors having different characteristics according to their uses.

[0010] Various embodiments are directed to providing a method and apparatus capable of determining a mechanical state change with relatively low power consumption using sensors having different characteristics in a flexible type electronic device.

[0011] Various embodiments are directed to providing a method and a device capable of simplifying a sensor arrangement structure in a flexible type electronic device.

[0012] Various embodiments are directed to providing a method and apparatus capable of improving usability by determining a mechanical state change of a flexible type electronic device according to a situation of the electronic device or at a time desired by a user.

[0013] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned above can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the following description.

[0014] Solution to the problem

[0015] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include: a shell, a flexible display including a first part and a second part, a first sensor and a second sensor arranged in the shell, a third sensor arranged in the shell, at least one processor operably connected to the flexible display, the first sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, and a memory operably connected to the at least one processor, wherein the memory may store instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to: use the third sensor to monitor whether the flexible display switches from a folded state to an unfolded state, at least partially activate the first sensor and the second sensor based on the situation that the flexible display switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, and use the first sensor and the second sensor to measure the relative position and / or angle of the first part and the second part in the flexible display.

[0016] The operating method of the electronic device according to various embodiments may include: using a third sensor in the electronic device to monitor whether the flexible display of the electronic device switches from a folded state to an unfolded state, based on the situation where the flexible display switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, at least partially activating a first sensor and a second sensor in the electronic device, and using the first sensor and the second sensor to measure the relative position and / or angle of the first part and the second part in the flexible display.

[0017] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0018] According to various embodiments, the accuracy of determining a mechanical state change may be increased by selectively using sensors having different characteristics according to the purpose of the sensors in the flexible electronic device.

[0019] According to various embodiments, sensors having different characteristics may be used in flexible type electronic devices to determine a mechanical state change with relatively low power consumption.

[0020] According to various embodiments, a sensor arrangement structure in a flexible type electronic device can be simplified without degrading performance.

[0021] According to various embodiments, usability for a user may be improved by determining a mechanical state change according to a situation of a flexible type electronic device or at a time desired by a user.

[0022] Effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned above can be clearly understood from the following description by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0024] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3A is a front view showing a fully unfolded state of the electronic device according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3B is a rear view showing a fully unfolded state of the electronic device according to the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a folded state of the electronic device according to the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C is a diagram showing a partially unfolded state of the electronic device according to the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a folder according to a changed state of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a sensor arrangement structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B is a diagram illustrating a user interface displayed based on a degree of change of an electronic device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In conjunction with the description of the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar elements. In addition, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, the description of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted from the accompanying drawings and related descriptions.

[0036] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0037] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing 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 component (eg, display module 160).

[0038] 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 processing unit (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.

[0039] 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 1011 (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 alternatively, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure in addition to a hardware structure.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and the program 140 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or an application 146 .

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to embodiments, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies after the 4G network, such as 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 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 can support a peak data rate for implementing eMBB (e.g., 20 Gbps or higher), a loss coverage for implementing mMTC (e.g., 164 dB or lower), or a U-plane latency for implementing URLLC (e.g., 0.5 ms or lower for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or lower round trip).

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and communicatively transmit signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.

[0058] 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 requested function or service, or execute another function or another service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request 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 based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars or health care).

[0059] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0060] The electronic device according to the embodiment may be Figure 2 The electronic device 200 in the embodiment of the present invention may be a flexible electronic device that can change a mechanical state (eg, folded or unfolded) or has one or more changed states (eg, folded state or unfolded state).

[0061] refer to Figure 2, the electronic device 200 may include a memory 210, a processor 220, one or more sensors 230, 240 and 250, and a display 260. The electronic device 200 may further include a communication module 270 and / or a power module 280.

[0062] In an embodiment, elements included in the electronic device 200 may be electrically and / or operably connected to each other to exchange signals (eg, commands or data) with each other.

[0063] Figure 2 The elements of the electronic device 200 shown in FIG. 2 may correspond to Figure 1 For example, the memory 210 may correspond to the elements of the electronic device 101 shown in FIG. Figure 1 The processor 220 may correspond to Figure 1 The processor 120, 121 or 123 in the embodiment of the present invention. One or more sensors 230, 240 and 250 may correspond to Figure 1 The sensor module 176 in FIG. 260 may correspond to Figure 1 The communication module 270 may correspond to Figure 1 The communication module 190 in the embodiment. The power module 280 may include Figure 1 The power management module 188 and / or battery 189 in.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include Figure 2 Alternatively, the Figure 2 At least one of the elements shown in , or at least two of them may be integrated.

[0065] In an embodiment, the display 260 of the electronic device 200 may be a flexible display. For example, the display 260 may include Figure 3A The main display 330 and Figure 3B The sub-display 350 in the.

[0066] In one embodiment, display 260 includes first portions that are changeable in position and / or angle relative to each other (e.g., Figure 3A The first housing 312 in the embodiment of the present invention and the second portion (eg, Figure 3A The second shell 314 in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] In an embodiment, the processor 220 in the electronic device 200 may include at least one processor. For example, the processor 220 may include a main processor 221 and / or a sub-processor 225. The main processor 221 may correspond to Figure 1 The main processor 121 (eg, application processor) in FIG. 1 , and the sub-processor 225 may correspond to Figure 1 An auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a sensor hub processor or a low-power processor) is included.

[0068] In an embodiment, the main processor 221 can execute and / or control various functions supported by the electronic device 200. The main processor 221 can control at least some of the memory 210, the display 260, the communication module 270, and the power module 280. The specified function (or logic) can be executed by the control. The main processor 221 can control the sub-processor 225 or control the first sensor 230, the second sensor 240, and / or the third sensor 250 by interacting with the sub-processor 225.

[0069] In an embodiment, the sub-processor 225 may operate as a processor dedicated to sensor control. The sub-processor 225 may interact with the main processor 221. The sub-processor 225 may use one or more sensors 230, 240, and 250 to obtain and / or process data related to the change state and change degree of the electronic device 200 (or the display 260).

[0070] In an embodiment, the processor 220 may execute an application (eg, Figure 1 Applications 146) and control various hardware.

[0071] In an embodiment, the operations of the processor 220 may be performed upon executing instructions stored in the memory 210. Alternatively, the processor 220 may execute instructions stored in the memory 210 to perform a specified function (or logic).

[0072] In an embodiment, one or more sensors 230, 240, and 250 may include a first sensor 230, a second sensor 240, and / or a third sensor 250. According to an embodiment, each of the first sensor 230, the second sensor 240, and the third sensor 250 may include one or more sensors. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be integrated.

[0073] In an embodiment, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be intended for a "change degree measurement function". The processor 220 may use the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 to perform the change degree measurement function. The change degree measurement function may be a function of measuring (or sensing or determining) the degree of change of the display 260 (or the electronic device 200). The degree of change of the display 260 may correspond to the relative position and / or angle between the first part and the second part of the display 260. For example, the degree of change of the display 260 may correspond to the folding angle.

[0074] In an embodiment, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be substantially the same type of sensor. The first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be different types of sensors than the third sensor 250 .

[0075] In an embodiment, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may repeatedly measure the degree of change (e.g., the folding angle) of the display 260. For example, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may continuously accumulate (sum) the amount of change of the position and / or angle that changes in real time using a current consumption higher than that of the third sensor 250, thereby measuring the folding angle, or measure the folding angle at a measurement time interval shorter than that of the third sensor 250.

[0076] In an embodiment, the first sensor 230 may include at least one sensor. The first sensor 230 may include a first gyro sensor 235. The first sensor 230 may also include a first sensor core 231 and a first acceleration sensor 233. For example, the first sensor 230 may be a 6-axis gyro acceleration sensor including a first sensor core 231, a first acceleration sensor 233, and a first gyro sensor 235.

[0077] In an embodiment, the second sensor 240 may include at least one sensor. The second sensor 240 may include a second gyro sensor 245. The second sensor 240 may also include a second sensor core 241 and a second acceleration sensor 243. For example, the second sensor 240 may be a 6-axis gyro acceleration sensor including a second sensor core 241, a second acceleration sensor 243, and a second gyro sensor 245.

[0078] In an embodiment, the third sensor 250 may be a sensor for sensing whether a change state is switched. For example, the change state may include a folded state and an unfolded state. The third sensor 250 may be used for a "change state monitoring function". The processor 220 may use the third sensor 250 to perform a change state monitoring function. For example, the change state monitoring function may be a function of monitoring whether the change state of the display 260 (or the electronic device 200) is a folded state or an unfolded state. As another example, the change state monitoring function may be a function of monitoring whether the display 260 (or the electronic device 200) switches from a first state (e.g., any one of the folded state and the unfolded state) to a second state (e.g., the other of the folded state and the unfolded state).

[0079] According to an embodiment, the third sensor 250 may measure the relative position and / or angle between the first part and the second part of the display 260, and sense whether the change state is switched based on the measurement value. If the change state switching is sensed, the third sensor 250 may generate a signal indicating the switching of the change state and output the signal to the processor 220.

[0080] In an embodiment, if an unfolding event occurs in which the display 260 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, the measurement value of the third sensor 250 may increase to a specified first reference value (e.g., 10 degrees) or more. The third sensor 250 may sense the switch of the unfolded state based on the measurement value. The third sensor 250 may send a first interrupt signal indicating the switch from the folded state to the unfolded state to the processor 220 in response to the unfolding event.

[0081] In an embodiment, if a folding event occurs in which the display 260 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the measurement value of the third sensor 250 may decrease to less than a specified second reference value (e.g., 20 degrees). The third sensor 250 may sense the switching of the folded state based on the measurement value. The third sensor 250 may send a second interrupt signal indicating the switching from the unfolded state to the folded state to the processor 220 in response to the folding event.

[0082] In an embodiment, the third sensor 250 may be a sensor of a different type from the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240. Compared with the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240, the third sensor 250 may roughly measure the degree of change of the display 260 (e.g., the folding angle). The third sensor 250 may be physically and / or functionally configured to be different from the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240. For example, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be 6-axis gyro acceleration sensors, and the third sensor 250 may be a Hall sensor or a proximity sensor. The third sensor 250 may use lower current consumption than the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 or have a longer measurement time interval than the third sensor 250.

[0083] In an embodiment, the third sensor 250 senses switching of the changed state of the display 260 (or the electronic device 200 ) based on a roughly measured degree of change (eg, folding angle) of the display 260 .

[0084] In an embodiment, the processor 220 may monitor whether the display 260 (or the electronic device 200 ) switches its changed state through the third sensor 250 , and control whether to activate the first sensor 230 and / or the second sensor 240 based on the monitoring.

[0085] In an embodiment, the third sensor 250 may include at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may include a Hall sensor or a proximity sensor. For example, the third sensor 250 may include a Hall sensor (e.g., Figure 7 The Hall sensor 251 in FIG. 2 and the magnet (eg, Figure 7 For example, a Hall sensor (e.g., Figure 7 The Hall sensor 251 in the embodiment may be disposed in a first portion (eg, Figure 7 The magnet (eg, Figure 7 The magnet 255 in the display 260 may be disposed in a second portion (eg, Figure 7 At a position corresponding to the second shell 314).

[0086] In an embodiment, the processor 220 may use the third sensor 250 to monitor whether the display 260 (or the electronic device 200 ) is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0087] In an embodiment, the changed state of the display 260 (or the electronic device 200 ) may include a folded state (or a closed state) and an unfolded state (or an open state).

[0088] In an embodiment, the folded state of the display 260 (or the electronic device 200) may be a state in which the relative position and / or angle between the first portion and the second portion of the display 260 is less than a specified first reference value (e.g., 10 degrees). The unfolded state may be a state different from the folded state. The unfolded state may be a state in which the relative position and / or angle between the first portion and the second portion of the display 260 is greater than or equal to a specified first reference value (e.g., 10 degrees).

[0089] In an embodiment, the unfolded state may include a partially unfolded state and a fully unfolded state. For example, the partially unfolded state (or partially opened state) may be a state in which the folding angle is greater than or equal to about 10 degrees and less than about 150 degrees. The fully unfolded state (or fully opened state) may be a state in which the folding angle is greater than or equal to about 150 degrees and less than or equal to about 180 degrees.

[0090] For example, when the electronic device 200 is switched from the folded state (or closed state) to the partially unfolded state or the fully unfolded state by the unfolding operation of the user, the measurement value of the third sensor 250 may become equal to or greater than the specified first reference value. The measurement value of the third sensor 250 may be a relative position and / or angle between the first part and the second part of the display 260 (e.g., Figure 3A A value corresponding to the folding angle or distance between the first shell 312 and the second shell 314 in the figure.

[0091] In an embodiment, the folded state of the display 260 (or the electronic device 200) may be a state in which the relative position and / or angle between the first portion and the second portion of the display 260 is less than a specified second reference value (e.g., 20 degrees). The unfolded state may be a state in which the relative position and / or angle between the first portion and the second portion of the display 260 is greater than or equal to a specified second reference value (e.g., 20 degrees).

[0092] In an embodiment, the unfolded state may include a partially unfolded state and a fully unfolded state. For example, the partially unfolded state (or partially opened state) may be a state in which the folding angle is greater than or equal to about 20 degrees and less than about 150 degrees. The fully unfolded state (or fully opened state) may be a state in which the folding angle is greater than or equal to about 150 degrees and less than or equal to about 180 degrees.

[0093] For example, when the electronic device 200 is switched from a fully unfolded state (or a fully opened state) or a partially unfolded state (or a partially opened state) to a folded state (or a closed state) by a folding operation of a user, the measurement value of the third sensor 250 may be less than the specified second reference value. The measurement value of the third sensor 250 may be a relative position and / or angle between the first part and the second part of the display 260 (e.g., Figure 3A A value corresponding to the folding angle or distance between the first shell 312 and the second shell 314 in the figure.

[0094] In an embodiment, the processor 220 may monitor whether a signal indicating a state change switch is received from the third sensor 250. The signal may be a first interrupt signal indicating a switch from the folded state to the unfolded state, or a second interrupt signal indicating a switch from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the processor 220 may determine whether the display 260 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state based on the measurement value of the third sensor 250 or an output signal (e.g., a first interrupt signal) according to the measurement value. For example, if the relative position and / or angle measured (or sensed) by the third sensor 250 increases to a specified first reference value (e.g., 10 degrees) or more, the third sensor 250 may send a first interrupt signal to the processor 220. The processor 220 may determine that the display 260 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state based on the first interrupt signal.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the processor 220 may determine whether the display 260 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state using a measurement value of the third sensor 250 or an output signal (e.g., a second interrupt signal) according to the measurement value. For example, if the relative position and / or angle measured (or sensed) by the third sensor 250 decreases to below a specified second reference value (e.g., about 20 degrees), the third sensor 250 may send a second interrupt signal to the processor 220. The processor 220 may determine that the display 260 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state based on the second interrupt signal. When the folded state is maintained, at least a portion of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may remain in an inactive (or closed) state.

[0097] In an embodiment, the processor 220 may at least partially (or completely) activate the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 based on the situation that the display 260 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state. The activation of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be intended to perform a change degree measurement function. When the unfolded state is maintained, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may remain in an active (or turned on) state.

[0098] In an embodiment, the processor 220 may measure (or sense) the relative position and / or angle (or degree of change) between the first portion and the second portion in the display 260 using the activated first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 .

[0099] According to an embodiment, in the folded state of the display 260, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be partially or completely deactivated. In the folded state, only the sensing operation required to monitor whether the change state is switched may be performed. For example, only the first acceleration sensor 233 of the first sensor 230 and only the second acceleration sensor 243 of the second sensor 240 may be activated, and the first gyro sensor 235 of the first sensor 230 and the second gyro sensor 245 of the second sensor 240 may be deactivated.

[0100] In the unfolded state of the display 260, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may all be activated to measure (or sense) the degree of change of the display 260 (the relative position and / or angle between the first part and the second part of the display 260). For example, all of the first acceleration sensor 233 and the first gyro sensor 235 of the first sensor 230 and the second acceleration sensor 243 and the second gyro sensor 245 of the second sensor 240 may be activated.

[0101] In an embodiment, the main processor 221 may determine a changed state (e.g., an unfolded state or a folded state) of the display 260 (or the electronic device 200) through the third sensor 250. The main processor 221 may control the display operation of the display 260 based on the changed state. For example, the main processor 221 may determine which part of the display 260 to open (e.g., Figure 3A The main display 330 and Figure 3B sub-display 350 in the display), where to display the screen, or how to divide and display the screen.

[0102] In the case where the main processor 221 is connected in series with the third sensor 250 and the sub-processor 225, the time taken to sense the change state switching (e.g., switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, and vice versa) can be delayed. Compared with the case of parallel connection, the time delay may relatively increase the measurement error of the degree of change (e.g., folding angle) during the folding or unfolding operation.

[0103] In addition, if the third sensor 250 for monitoring the change state of the electronic device 200 is connected to only one of the main processor 221 and the sub-processor 225, the time taken to sense the change state switching (e.g., switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, and vice versa) may be delayed. Compared with the case where the third sensor 250 is connected to both the main processor 221 and the sub-processor 225, the time delay may increase the measurement error of the degree of change (e.g., the folding angle) during the folding or unfolding operation.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the third sensor 250 may be connected in parallel with the main processor 221 and the sub-processor 225 for processing sensor data. Therefore, compared with the case of serial connection, the time taken for sensing the change state switching may be relatively reduced, and the measurement error of the change degree (e.g., folding angle) may be improved, thereby improving the measurement accuracy.

[0105] Figure 2 The sensor arrangement structure shown in or the above-mentioned sensor control method is merely exemplary, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0106] For example, at least one of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may include only a gyroscope sensor instead of an acceleration sensor. The electronic device 200 may include a separate acceleration sensor that is not integrated with the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240. As another example, at least a portion of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 (e.g., at least a portion of the first sensor core 231 and the second sensor core 241) may be excluded, integrated with each other, or integrated with other elements (e.g., the sub-processor 225). As another example, the interface connections (e.g., parallel and serial connections) between the processors 221 and 225 and the sensors 230, 240, and 250 may be implemented in different ways.

[0107] According to an embodiment, in response to an unfolding event, a first interrupt signal may be sent from the third sensor 250 to the processor 220. The unfolding event may be an event in which the relative position and / or angle between the first portion and the second portion of the display 260 increases due to an unfolding operation of the user. The first interrupt signal may be a signal instructing the display 260 to switch from a folded state (e.g., a state in which the folding angle is less than about 10 degrees) to an unfolded state (e.g., a state in which the folding angle is greater than or equal to about 10 degrees).

[0108] According to an embodiment, the processor 220 may receive a first interrupt signal from the third sensor 250 in response to the unfolding event. The processor 220 may determine that the display 260 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state based on the first interrupt signal received from the third sensor 250. The processor 220 may activate at least a portion of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 in response to receiving the first interrupt signal from the third sensor 250 so as to enable a change degree measurement function.

[0109] According to an embodiment, in response to a folding event, a second interrupt signal may be sent from the third sensor 250 to the processor 220. The folding event may be an event in which the relative position and / or angle between the first portion and the second portion of the display 260 decreases due to a folding operation of the user. The second interrupt signal may be a signal instructing the display 260 to switch from an unfolded state (e.g., a state in which the folding angle is equal to or greater than about 20 degrees) to a folded state (e.g., a state in which the folding angle is less than about 20 degrees).

[0110] According to an embodiment, the processor 220 may receive a second interrupt signal from the third sensor 250 in response to the folding event. The processor 220 may determine that the display 260 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state based on the second interrupt signal received from the third sensor 250. In response to receiving the second interrupt signal from the third sensor 250, the processor 220 may at least partially deactivate the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 so as to disable the change degree measurement function.

[0111] In an embodiment, the processor 220 may at least partially activate or deactivate the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 further based on the operation mode of the electronic device 200 .

[0112] In an embodiment, the operation mode of the electronic device 200 may include an active mode and a low power mode. For example, in the active mode of the electronic device 200, Figure 2 In the low power mode of the electronic device 200, the main processor 221 and / or the sub-processor 225 may be driven (awake state) and the display 260 may be turned on. In the low power mode of the electronic device 200, the driving of the main processor 221 and / or the sub-processor 225 may be stopped (sleep state), and the display 260 may be turned off.

[0113] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in the unfolded state and when the operation mode of the electronic device 200 is the low power mode, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may perform measurement of a position and / or angle based on movement of the electronic device 200. Based on a case where the operation mode of the electronic device 200 is switched from the low power mode to the active mode, the values ​​measured by the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 during the low power mode may be sent to the processor 220.

[0114] For example, if the movement of the electronic device 200 is sensed in the unfolded state and in the low power mode, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may measure and / or process the amount of change in position and / or angle. The processor 220 may receive data about the amount of change in position and / or angle measured by the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 in the low power mode when the electronic device 200 is switched to the active mode, and calculate the relative position and / or angle (e.g., folding angle) between the first part and the second part of the display 260 based on the received data.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the processor 220 may display a user interface through the display 260 based on the relative position and / or angle (or degree of change) measured using the activated first sensor 230 and second sensor 240 .

[0116] In an embodiment, the power module 280 may manage the power supplied to or used in the electronic device 200. The power module 280 may adjust the power consumption level under the control of the processor 220 to correspond to the operation mode of the electronic device 200. For example, the power consumption level may be adjusted to a normal level higher than the low power level in the active mode. The power consumption level may be adjusted to a low power level that is lower than the normal level in the low power mode.

[0117] Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C is a diagram showing a mechanical state of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may have Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C The mechanical state of the electronic device 200 can be as follows: Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C For example, the changed states of the electronic device 200 may include a fully unfolded state, one or more partially unfolded states, and a folded state.

[0119] Figure 3A is a front view showing an unfolded state (or opened state) of the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment, and Figure 3B 2 is a rear view showing a deployed state (or opened state) of the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The expanded state in can correspond to a fully expanded state or a fully opened state.

[0120] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a folded state (or closed state) of the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment.

[0121] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment may include a housing 310 , a folder 320 , a main display 330 and / or a sub display 350 .

[0122] According to an embodiment, the housing 310 may be a foldable housing (or a flexible housing). The housing 310 may include a first housing 312 and a second housing 314. The first housing 312 may include a first surface (or a first front surface) and a third surface (or a first rear surface) facing the opposite direction of the first surface. The second housing 314 may include a second surface (or a second front surface) and a fourth surface (or a second rear surface) facing the opposite direction of the second surface.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the first shell 312 and the second shell 314 may be disposed on both sides of the folding portion 320 and connected by the folding portion 320. For example, the folding portion 320 may be coupled to a side of the first shell 312 and a side of the second shell 314 facing the side of the first shell 312, so that the first shell 312 and the second shell 314 may be connected to be pivotable (or rotatable) or folded. According to an embodiment, the first shell 312 may be connected to the second shell 314 by the folding portion 320 so as to rotate around the folding portion 320. In addition, the second shell 314 may be connected to the first shell 312 by the folding portion 320 so as to rotate around the folding portion 320. The first shell 312 and the second shell 314 may be folded by rotating around the folding portion 320 so as to face each other.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the main display 330 may be disposed on the first housing 312 and the second housing 314 across the foldable portion 320. The main display 330 may be installed to be at least partially supported by the first housing 312 and the second housing 314.

[0125] In an embodiment, the main display 330 may be disposed across the folding portion 320 on a first surface of the first housing 312 and a second surface of the second housing 314 .

[0126] The area of ​​the main display 330 may be divided into different areas based on the folding portion 320. For example, the area of ​​the main display 330 may be divided into a first area 331 and a second area 332. The first area 331 may be an area corresponding to the first housing 312. The second area 332 may be an area corresponding to the second housing 314.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the sub-display 350 may be disposed in a space formed by the first housing 312. At least a portion of the sub-display 350 may be visually exposed through a partial area of ​​the third surface (or first rear surface) of the first housing 312. However, this is merely an example, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the sub-display 350 may be disposed in a space formed by the second housing 314, and at least a portion thereof may be visually exposed through a partial area of ​​the fourth surface (or second rear surface) of the second housing 314.

[0128] According to an embodiment, although not shown, the folder portion 320 may include a hinge and a hinge cover, and the hinge may be covered by the hinge cover.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the main display 330 can be configured as an integrated touch screen by combining with a touch sensor (not shown) capable of detecting touch input. In the case where the main display 330 is configured as a touch screen, the touch sensor can be set on the main display 330 or under the main display 330.

[0130] The aforementioned configuration of the electronic device 200 is exemplary, and the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 200 may include at least one component other than the aforementioned configuration. Figure 1 or Figure 2 In at least some of the described configurations, at least one component may include at least one camera, at least one sensor, at least one microphone, at least one speaker, etc., and the at least one component may be disposed in a space formed by the first shell 312 or the second shell 314 .

[0131] The electronic device 200 according to the embodiment can enter the Figure 3A and Figure 3B The fully extended state (or fully opened state) is shown.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the fully unfolded state (or fully opened state) may be a state in which the first surface of the first shell 312 faces a first direction (e.g., the front surface of the electronic device 200 or the upper direction of the first shell 312) and the second surface of the second shell 314 faces a second direction substantially the same as the first direction. For example, when the electronic device 200 is in the fully unfolded state, the angle between the first surface of the first shell 312 and the second surface of the second shell 314 may fall within a predetermined first angle range. The predetermined first angle range may be greater than or equal to approximately 150 degrees and less than or equal to approximately 180 degrees. In the fully unfolded state of the electronic device 200, the main display 330 may be exposed to the field of view of the user facing the front surface of the electronic device 200, and the sub-display 350 may not be exposed.

[0133] In addition, the electronic device 200 can enter the Figure 4 The folded state (or closed state) is shown.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the folded state (or closed state) may be a state in which the first shell 312 and the second shell 314 substantially overlap or overlap each other. The substantially overlapping or overlapping state may be a state in which the angle between the first surface of the first shell 312 and the second surface of the second shell 314 falls within a predetermined second angle range. The predetermined second angle range may be greater than or equal to about 0 degrees and less than about 10 degrees. For example, Figure 4 As shown, a state in which the first surface (e.g., the first front surface) of the first housing 312 and the second surface (e.g., the second front surface) of the second housing 314 face each other may be a closed state. In the folded state (or closed state) of the electronic device 200, the sub-display 350 may be exposed to the field of view of the user facing the front surface of the electronic device 200, and the main display 330 may not be exposed.

[0135] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C 3 is a diagram showing a partially unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment. The electronic device 200 can be opened by folding the portion 320. Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C Partially expanded state (or partially opened state) shown.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the partially unfolded state may correspond to an intermediate state between the fully unfolded state (or fully opened state) and the folded state (or closed state). Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C As shown, angles θ1 and θ2 between the first surface of the first housing 312 and the second surface of the second housing 314 may fall within a predetermined third angle range. The predetermined third angle range may be greater than or equal to about 10 degrees and less than about 150 degrees.

[0137] like Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C As shown, the display method of the main display 330 and / or the sub-display 350 may be changed according to the folding angles θ1 and θ2 of the electronic device 200 .

[0138] Figure 5A 2 shows a partially unfolded state of the electronic device 200 placed on the floor (or horizontal plane) in a tent mode. An angle θ1 between the first surface of the first shell 312 and the second surface of the second shell 314 may be greater than or equal to about 10 degrees and less than about 90 degrees. Figure 5A In the partially unfolded state of the electronic device 200 shown, the sub-display 350 may be exposed to the field of view of a user facing the front surface of the electronic device 200 , and the main display 330 may not be exposed.

[0139] Figure 5B 2 shows a partially unfolded state of the electronic device 200 placed on the floor in the book mode. An angle θ1 between the first surface of the first housing 312 and the second surface of the second housing 314 may be greater than or equal to about 10 degrees and less than about 90 degrees. Figure 5B In the partially unfolded state of the electronic device 200 shown, the sub-display 350 may be exposed to the field of view of a user facing the front surface of the electronic device 200 , and the main display 330 may not be exposed.

[0140] Figure 5C2 shows a partially unfolded state of the electronic device 200 placed on the floor in the normal mode. An angle θ2 between the first surface of the first housing 312 and the second surface of the second housing 314 may be greater than or equal to about 90 degrees and less than about 150 degrees. Figure 5C In the partially unfolded state of the electronic device 200 shown, the main display 330 may be exposed to the field of view of a user facing the front surface of the electronic device 200 , and the sub-display 350 may not be exposed.

[0141] The angle range used to determine the above-mentioned unfolded state (or fully opened state), partially unfolded state and folded state (or closed state), or whether the state is switched, is only exemplary, and the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the angle range used to determine the unfolded state, partially unfolded state and folded state, or whether the state is switched, can be configured and / or changed by the designer and / or user.

[0142] Despite Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C In the embodiment of the present invention, an inward-folding electronic device is shown, but the structure shown is intended only to help understanding, and the scope of the embodiment is not limited to a specific structure. Various embodiments may be implemented to modify, change, apply or expand the structure shown within the scope of including a flexible display or enabling the mechanical state of the electronic device to be changed. For example, the electronic device according to the embodiment may be any one of an outward-folding electronic device, a two-way folding electronic device and a multi-foldable electronic device.

[0143] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating folding sections according to a changed state of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0144] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may perform various operations (eg, a display operation and a control operation) based on the degree of change (eg, a folding angle) of the display 260 .

[0145] In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 can control the display 260 (eg, Figure 3A The main display 330 and Figure 3BThe display method of the sub-display 350 in the main display 260 differs according to the folding angle of the display 260. For example, if the folding angle is maintained within about 70 degrees in the unfolded state of the sub-display 350 on the first shell 312, the electronic device 200 can maintain the opened state of the sub-display 350 and display the screen through the sub-display 350. If the electronic device 200 is further unfolded so that the folding angle becomes greater than or equal to about 80 degrees, the target for displaying the screen can be changed to the main display 330. If the folding angle is maintained within the range of about 80 degrees to about 160 degrees, the electronic device 200 can divide the screen of the main display 330 into two halves and display the information desired by the user on each screen.

[0146] In the case of flexible type electronic devices, due to the hysteresis characteristics of the sensor being affected by the previous state during the change operation (e.g., folding or unfolding operation), unnecessary switching may occur (e.g., repetition of on / off of the display or too frequent switching of the operation mode) or usability may be degraded in the boundary segment of the change state switching (e.g., the segment where the folding angle is about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees, about 70 degrees to about 80 degrees, or about 150 degrees to about 160 degrees).

[0147] For example, if the change state is determined based on one folding angle (eg, approximately 20 degrees) regardless of the situation of the electronic device, the accuracy of the determination may be reduced.

[0148] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may variably configure a reference value (eg, a folding angle value) for determining whether to change the state to switch, in order to improve unnecessary switching or degradation of usability.

[0149] refer to Figure 6 , the folding sections of the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment may include a first section (closed), a second section (bent cover), a third section (bent), and a fourth section (opened).

[0150] For example, if the folding angle of the electronic device 200 gradually increases due to the user's unfolding operation (closed→open, indicated by the dotted line), the folding section may change in the order of a first section (closed, approximately 0 degrees to approximately 10 degrees), a second section (bent cover, approximately 10 degrees to approximately 70 degrees), a third section (bent, approximately 70 degrees to approximately 150 degrees), and a fourth section (open, approximately 150 degrees to approximately 180 degrees).

[0151] If the folding angle of the electronic device 200 gradually decreases due to the user's folding operation (open→closed, indicated by a solid line), the folding section may change in the order of the fourth section (open, approximately 180 degrees to approximately 160 degrees), the third section (bent, approximately 160 degrees to approximately 80 degrees), the second section (bent cover, approximately 80 degrees to approximately 20 degrees), and the first section (closed, approximately 20 degrees to approximately 0 degrees).

[0152] According to an embodiment, if the folding angle gradually decreases during folding and falls within the first section (approaching) (equal to or greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 20 degrees), it can be determined that the electronic device 200 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state. If the folding angle gradually increases during unfolding and falls outside the first section (closing) (equal to or greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 10 degrees), the electronic device 200 can determine that the electronic device 200 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0153] In one embodiment, if the folding angle increases to a first reference value (e.g., 10 degrees) or more by an unfolding operation in the folded state and the low power mode, the electronic device 200 may determine that the electronic device is switched to the unfolded state, thereby switching to the active mode. If the folding angle decreases to below a second reference value (e.g., 20 degrees) by a folding operation in the unfolded state and the active mode, the electronic device 200 may determine that the electronic device 200 is switched to the folded state, thereby switching to the low power mode.

[0154] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent unnecessary switching or deterioration of usability by determining the time of switching of the electronic device to a changed state. In addition, usability can be improved by measuring the degree of change of the electronic device in the unfolded state and performing various operations (e.g., turning on / off the display, adjusting the power level, or switching between a low power mode and an active mode) based on the measurement results.

[0155] In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may configure a first reference value (e.g., 10 degrees) for determining whether the electronic device 200 switches from a folded state to an unfolded state and a second reference value (e.g., 20 degrees) for determining whether the electronic device 200 switches from an unfolded state to a folded state to be different from each other.

[0156] The first reference value may be a reference value for enabling the change degree measurement function. The second reference value may be a reference value for disabling the change degree measurement function. The first reference value may be configured to be less than the second reference value. If the first reference value is configured to be less than the second reference value, the change degree measurement function may be enabled relatively quickly during the user's unfolding operation, thereby improving usability. If the second reference value is configured to be greater than the first reference value, the change degree measurement function may be disabled relatively quickly during the user's folding operation, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0157] However, this control method is only an example to help understanding, and the scope of the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, even if the electronic device switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, if there is no user input after waiting for the user input for a predetermined time, the electronic device may switch to a low power mode instead of switching to the low power mode immediately. As another example, even if the electronic device switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, if a user input is sensed, the electronic device may switch to an active mode instead of switching to the active mode immediately.

[0158] Figure 7 is a diagram for illustrating a sensor arrangement structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0159] refer to Figure 7 , the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment may include a housing 310 , a display 260 , a first sensor 230 and a second sensor 240 disposed in the housing 310 , and a third sensor 250 disposed in the housing 310 .

[0160] In an embodiment, the display 260 may be a flexible display including a first portion (e.g., a portion of the first housing 312) and a second portion (e.g., a portion of the second housing 314). The first portion and the second portion of the display 260 may be configured to be folded or unfolded around a folding portion 320 (e.g., a folding axis). When a folding or unfolding operation is performed, the change state and / or degree of change (e.g., a folding angle) of the electronic device 200 may vary.

[0161] According to an embodiment, two different types of sensors may be used to sense the changed state and / or the degree of change of the electronic device 200 .

[0162] In an embodiment, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be sensors of substantially the same type. For example, each of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be a gyro sensor or a 6-axis acceleration gyro sensor including a gyro sensor. The first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be intended to measure the degree of change of the electronic device 200 (or the relative position and / or angle between the first and second parts of the display 260).

[0163] In an embodiment, the third sensor 250 may be a sensor of a different type than the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240. The third sensor 250 may sense whether the electronic device 200 switches its changed state. The third sensor 250 may be used to monitor the changed state of the electronic device 200. For example, the third sensor 250 may be intended to determine whether the changed state of the electronic device 200 corresponds to a folded state or an unfolded state, whether the electronic device 200 switches from a folded state to an unfolded state, or whether the electronic device 200 switches from an unfolded state to a folded state. At least a portion of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be activated or deactivated based on the monitoring.

[0164] In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may monitor whether the change state of the display 260 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state using the third sensor 250. If, as a result of the monitoring, the display 260 is switched to the unfolded state (for example, when the folding angle of the display 260 is greater than or equal to about 10 degrees), the electronic device 200 may activate the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 to measure the degree of change of the display 260 in real time.

[0165] According to an embodiment, in the folded state of the display 260, the first gyro sensor 235 and the second gyro sensor 245 as parts of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be deactivated. In the unfolded state of the display 260, the first gyro sensor 235 and the second gyro sensor 245 may be activated to measure the degree of change. In the unfolded state of the display 260, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may all be activated to measure the degree of change (e.g., the folding angle). For example, all of the first acceleration sensor 233 and the first gyro sensor 235 in the first sensor 230 and the second acceleration sensor 243 and the second gyro sensor 245 in the second sensor 240 may be activated.

[0166] In an embodiment, each of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 250 may be a 6-axis gyro acceleration sensor including an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0167] In an embodiment, the third sensor 250 may include a Hall sensor (eg, Figure 7 A Hall sensor 251 in the embodiment of the present invention) or a proximity sensor (not shown).

[0168] For example, the third sensor 250 may include a Hall sensor 251 and a magnet 255 as shown. The Hall sensor 251 may include a transmitter (not shown) for generating a magnetic field of a specified frequency and a receiver (not shown) for receiving the magnetic field generated by the transmitter. The Hall sensor 251 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first portion of the display 260 (e.g., the first shell 312). The magnet 255 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second portion of the display 260 (e.g., the second shell 314). For example, the Hall sensor 251 may measure the change in magnetic force generated by the movement of the magnet 255 during the folding or unfolding operation, and based on previously stored tabular information about the change in magnetic force for each folding angle, the measurement data is calculated as a folding angle.

[0169] In an embodiment, the third sensor 250 (eg, the Hall sensor 251 ) may be disposed in a space where the first shell 312 and the second shell 314 may contact each other and obtain data related to folding or unfolding of the first shell 312 and the second shell 314 .

[0170] In an embodiment, the third sensor 250 (e.g., a proximity sensor) may be disposed in the first housing 312 or the second housing 314. For example, the proximity sensor may be disposed at an end portion corresponding to a first direction of the first housing 312 (e.g., an upward direction of the first housing 312), or at an end portion corresponding to a second direction of the second housing 314 (e.g., an upper direction of the second housing 314), the second direction being substantially the same as the first direction. For example, the proximity sensor may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device 200 through an opening formed on a first surface (e.g., a first front surface) of the first housing 312 or a second surface (e.g., a second front surface) of the second housing 314, and obtain data related to proximity of the first housing 312 and the second housing 314.

[0171] In an embodiment, each of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may use an internal gyroscope sensor to continuously (cumulatively) sum the amount of change in position and / or angle, thereby measuring the final folding angle. Measuring the amount of change in position and / or angle and the folding angle may be repeatedly performed by the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240. For example, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may measure the folding angle in real time, or measure the folding angle at a shorter measurement time interval than the third sensor 250 using a higher current consumption than the third sensor 250.

[0172] In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may perform a calculation process on the measurement data of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 to calculate the folding angle between the first part and the second part of the display 260. The first sensor 230 or the second sensor 240 may measure the final angle by correcting the error in the gyro sensor using an acceleration sensor that measures the angle (absolute angle) in the direction of gravity (or vertical direction). For example, if the electronic device 200 is tilted at a certain angle (e.g., about 70 degrees) or less relative to the floor (or horizontal plane), the measurement accuracy may be improved by using the error correction of the acceleration sensor.

[0173] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state (e.g., a state in which the folding angle is less than about 10 degrees), the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be fully or partially deactivated (or turned off) so that the change degree measurement function may not be performed. In the folded state, the third sensor 250 may sense whether the change state is switched.

[0174] In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may use the third sensor 250 to perform a change state monitoring function. The electronic device 200 may monitor whether the electronic device 200 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state or whether the electronic device 200 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state through the third sensor 250. The electronic device 200 may determine whether the changed state of the electronic device 200 corresponds to the folded state or the unfolded state through the third sensor 250. For example, the electronic device 200 may use the third sensor 250 to determine the time when the user unfolds the electronic device 200 in the folded state through an unfolding operation (e.g., the time when the folding angle increases to about 10 degrees or more) and / or the time when the user completely folds the electronic device 200 in the unfolded state through a folding operation (e.g., the time when the folding angle decreases to less than about 20 degrees). The third sensor 250 may generate (or output) an interrupt signal at that time to notify the processor 220 that the changed state of the electronic device 200 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state or from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0175] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 can determine the time when the electronic device 200 switches from the folded state (e.g., the state where the folding angle is less than about 10 degrees) to the unfolded state (e.g., the state where the folding angle is about 10 degrees or more) by using the change state monitoring function of the third sensor 250. The electronic device 200 can activate all of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 at the above time, and use the activated first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 to measure the change degree of the display 260 (e.g., the folding angle), thereby improving the situation where the electronic device 200 is actually used.

[0176] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 can determine the time when the electronic device 200 switches from the unfolded state (e.g., the state where the folding angle is about 20 degrees or more) to the folded state (e.g., the state where the folding angle is less than about 20 degrees) by using the change state monitoring function of the third sensor 250. The electronic device 200 can reduce power consumption when the electronic device 200 is not used by deactivating at least a part of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 at the above time.

[0177] The above sensor arrangement structure and / or sensor control method are examples to help understand various embodiments, and the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the location where at least one sensor is set, the number or type of sensors, and the control method of each sensor can be configured and / or changed by a designer and / or user.

[0178] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0179] In the following embodiments, each operation can be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of the corresponding operations can be changed, or at least two operations can be performed in parallel. Alternatively, at least one of the operations shown can be omitted, the order of some operations can be changed, or another operation can be added thereto.

[0180] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a first sensor 230, a second sensor 240, and a third sensor 250. The third sensor 250 may be a sensor for sensing whether the change state of the display 260 is switched. For example, the change state of the display 260 may include a folded state and an unfolded state. The first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be sensors for measuring the degree of change. For example, the degree of change may correspond to the folding angle.

[0181] In the following embodiment, although it is assumed that the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 for measuring the degree of change are 6-axis gyro acceleration sensors, the scope of the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0182] refer to Figure 8 , the operating method of the electronic device 200 according to the embodiment may include operations 810 , 820 , and 830 .

[0183] According to an embodiment, in operation 810, the electronic device 200 or the display 260 of the electronic device 200 may be in a folded state. In the folded state, the first sensor 230 (6-axis gyro acceleration sensor) and the second sensor 240 (6-axis gyro acceleration sensor) may be partially or completely deactivated. Each of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be at least partially deactivated.

[0184] According to an embodiment, the degree measurement function may not need to be changed in the folded state of the display 260. Therefore, the electronic device 200 (eg, Figure 2 The processor 220 in the folding device may deactivate (or turn off) at least a portion of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 for measuring the degree of change in the folding state, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0185] According to an embodiment, in the folded state, only part of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be deactivated, and the remaining part may remain in an active state. For example, the first gyro sensor 235 and the second gyro sensor 245 having relatively large current consumption in the internal elements of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be deactivated (or turned off). The first acceleration sensor 233 in the first sensor 230 and the second acceleration sensor 243 in the second sensor 240 may remain in an active (or turned on) state so as to be used to monitor whether the electronic device 200 moves.

[0186] In an embodiment, operation 810 may be a change state monitoring operation.

[0187] According to an embodiment, in the folded state in operation 810, the electronic device 200 (eg, Figure 2 The processor 220 in the embodiment may use a third sensor 250 (eg, a Hall sensor or a proximity sensor) to monitor whether the display 260 (or the electronic device 200) is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0188] In one embodiment, the third sensor 250 may measure a relative position and / or angle of the first portion and the second portion of the display 260 and sense whether the changed state of the display 260 is switched based on the measurement data.

[0189] In one embodiment, the electronic device 200 (e.g., the processor 220) may monitor whether a signal indicating a change of state switching is received from the third sensor 250. The signal may be an interrupt signal indicating a switch from the folded state to the unfolded state. For example, if the position and / or angle measured by the third sensor 250 increases to a specified first reference value (e.g., 10 degrees) or more, an interrupt signal may be output.

[0190] Operation 820 may be a sensor activation operation for enabling a change degree measurement function.

[0191] According to an embodiment, in operation 820 , based on a situation in which the display 260 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, the electronic device 200 may at least partially (or entirely) activate the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 .

[0192] According to an embodiment, in response to an unfolding event, a first interrupt signal may be sent from the third sensor 250 to the processor 220. The unfolding event may be an event in which the relative position and / or angle between the first part and the second part of the display 260 increases due to an unfolding operation of the user. The first interrupt signal may be a signal indicating that the display 260 switches from a folded state (e.g., a state in which the folding angle is less than about 10 degrees) to an unfolded state (e.g., a state in which the folding angle is greater than or equal to about 10 degrees). The third sensor 250 may output a first interrupt signal in response to the unfolding event. If the first interrupt signal is received from the third sensor 250, the processor 220 determines that the display 260 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state. In response to receiving the first interrupt signal from the third sensor 250, the processor 220 may activate at least a portion of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 to enable a change degree measurement function.

[0193] For example, if the display 260 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, the electronic device 200 (e.g., the processor 220) may activate the first gyro sensor 235 and the second gyro sensor 245 that were deactivated in the folded state to enable the change degree measurement function. Therefore, in the unfolded state, the first acceleration sensor 233 and the first gyro sensor 235 in the first sensor 230 and the second acceleration sensor 243 and the second gyro sensor 245 in the second sensor 240 may all be activated.

[0194] Operation 830 may be a change degree measurement operation.

[0195] According to an embodiment, in operation 830 , the electronic device 200 (eg, the processor 220 ) may measure (or sense) a relative position and / or angle of the first and second portions in the display 260 using the activated first and second sensors 230 and 240 .

[0196] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 (eg, the processor 220 ) may at least partially deactivate the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 based on a situation where the display 260 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0197] According to an embodiment, in response to a folding event, a second interrupt signal may be sent from the third sensor 250 to the processor 220. The folding event may be an event in which the relative position and / or angle between the first part and the second part of the display 260 is reduced due to a folding operation of the user. The second interrupt signal may be a signal indicating that the display 260 is switched from an unfolded state (e.g., a state in which the folding angle is about 20 degrees or more) to a folded state (e.g., a state in which the folding angle is less than about 20 degrees). The third sensor 250 may output a second interrupt signal in response to the folding event. If the second interrupt signal is received from the third sensor 250, the processor 220 may determine that the display 260 is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state. In response to receiving the second interrupt signal from the third sensor 250, the processor 220 may at least partially deactivate the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 so as to disable the change degree measurement function.

[0198] For example, if the display 260 switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the electronic device 200 (e.g., the processor 220) may deactivate the first and second gyro sensors 235 and 245 as parts of the first and second sensors 230 and 240 to disable the change degree measurement function.

[0199] In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 (eg, the processor 220) may further activate or deactivate at least a portion of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 based on an operation mode of the electronic device 200. The operation mode may be any one of an active mode and a low power mode.

[0200] According to an embodiment, while the changed state of the display 260 remains in one state (eg, unfolded state), the electronic device 200 (eg, the processor 220 ) may further control whether to activate the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 based on an operation mode of the electronic device 200 .

[0201] According to an embodiment, if the electronic device 200 switches to a low power mode in the unfolded state (for example, if there is no user input within a predetermined time or if the battery level drops below a specified level), the electronic device 200 (for example, the processor 220) may deactivate the first part of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 (for example, the first gyro sensor 235 and the second gyro sensor 245) and then enter a sleep state in order to reduce power consumption. In the low power mode, the second part of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 (for example, the first acceleration sensor 233 and the second acceleration sensor 243) may remain in an active state to sense whether the electronic device 200 moves.

[0202] According to an embodiment, in response to sensing the movement of the electronic device 200 by the activated second parts (e.g., the first acceleration sensor 233 and the second acceleration sensor 243) of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 in the low power mode, a signal may be sent from the second part to the first part. Based on the signal, the first parts of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be activated. Self-measurement of the position and / or angle may be performed in the low power mode by the activated first part.

[0203] According to an embodiment, if the operation mode of the electronic device 200 is switched from the low power mode to the active mode in the state where the electronic device 200 is unfolded (for example, if a user input occurs), the processor 220 may wake up and enter the awake state. In addition, in response to switching from the low power mode to the active mode, data about the position and / or angle measured by the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 themselves in the low power mode may be sent to the processor 220. Based on the situation where the operation mode is switched from the low power mode to the active mode, the processor 220 of the electronic device 200 may obtain data about the amount of change in the position and / or angle, and use the obtained data to calculate the relative position and / or angle (for example, the folding angle) of the first part and the second part in the display 260.

[0204] According to an embodiment, in low power mode, the electronic device 200 may standby without measuring the degree of change until movement is sensed. If movement of the electronic device 200 is sensed in low power mode, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 themselves may measure the amount of change of the position and / or angle independently of the processor 220 (internally) and store the amount of change. In low power mode, in order to reduce power, data on the amount of change of the position and / or angle measured by the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be processed by the sensor itself and stored inside the sensor, rather than being sent to the outside of the sensor. Thereafter, if the electronic device 200 switches to active mode, data on the amount of change of the position and / or angle measured during the low power mode may be sent from the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 to the processor 220. The processor 220 may use the data on the amount of change of the position and / or angle received from the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 to calculate the relative position and / or angle (e.g., folding angle) between the first and second parts of the display 260.

[0205] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may perform various operations (e.g., display functions or control functions) based on the position and / or angle (or degree of change) measured using the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240. For example, based on the folding angle measured by the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 of the electronic device 200, a portion of the display 260 to be used (e.g., Figure 3A The main display 330 and Figure 3B The sub-display 350 in the display 260 may be determined, or a display method (eg, layout or full screen / partial screen mode) of a user interface to be displayed on the display 260 may be determined. The user interface may be displayed according to the determination.

[0206] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0207] The following will describe Fig. 9 The operations in can be expressed as Figure 8 Various embodiments of operations 810, 820, and 830 in FIG. Fig. 9 At least some of the operations in may correspond to those in Figure 8 For example, operation 920 may correspond to operation 810. Operation 940 may correspond to operations 820 and 830.

[0208] In the following embodiments, the operations shown may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, or at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Alternatively, at least one of the operations shown may be omitted, the order of some operations may be changed, or another operation may be added thereto.

[0209] In the following embodiment, although it is assumed that the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 for measuring the degree of change are 6-axis gyro acceleration sensors, the scope of the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0210] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 (eg, the processor 220 ) may perform a sensor control operation based on a changed state and an operation mode of the electronic device 200 .

[0211] According to an embodiment, in operation 910, the electronic device 200 or the display 260 of the electronic device 200 may be in a folded state. In the folded state, the first gyro sensor 235 (6-axis gyro acceleration sensor) in the first sensor 230 and the second gyro sensor 245 (6-axis gyro acceleration sensor) in the second sensor 240 may be deactivated (or turned off) to reduce power consumption. The first acceleration sensor 233 in the first sensor 230 (6-axis gyro acceleration sensor) and the second acceleration sensor 243 in the second sensor 240 (6-axis gyro acceleration sensor) may remain in an active (or turned on) state so as to be used to monitor whether the electronic device 200 moves.

[0212] According to an embodiment, in the folded state, the electronic device 200 (eg, the processor 220 ) may use the third sensor 250 (eg, a Hall sensor or a proximity sensor) to monitor whether the display 260 (or the electronic device 200 ) is switched to the unfolded state.

[0213] According to an embodiment, in the folded state, the third sensor 250 may measure a folding angle between the first part and the second part of the display 260. If the measured folding angle is greater than or equal to a specified first reference value (e.g., 10 degrees), the third sensor 250 may send an interrupt signal to the processor 220. The interrupt signal may be a signal indicating switching to the unfolded state.

[0214] According to an embodiment, in operation 920, the electronic device 200 (e.g., the processor 220) may monitor (or determine) whether the display 260 is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state based on whether an interruption signal is received from the third sensor 250. For example, if an interruption signal is received from the third sensor 250, the processor 220 may determine that the display is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state. If an interruption signal is not received from the third sensor 250, the processor 220 may determine that the folded state is maintained.

[0215] If the folded state is maintained as a result of the monitoring in operation 920 , operation 950 may be performed.

[0216] In operation 950, the first gyro sensor 235 in the first sensor 230 and the second gyro sensor 245 in the second sensor 240 may continue to remain in an inactive (or off) state. The first acceleration sensor 233 in the first sensor 230 and the second acceleration sensor 243 in the second sensor 240 may continue to remain in an active (or on) state to monitor whether the electronic device 200 moves.

[0217] If, as a result of the monitoring in operation 920 , the folded state is switched to the unfolded state, operation 930 may be performed.

[0218] In operation 930, the processor 220 may identify whether the operation mode of the electronic device 200 is an active mode. For example, the operation mode of the electronic device 200 may be any one of a low power mode and an active mode.

[0219] If the operation mode of the electronic device 200 is the active mode as a result of the identification in operation 930 , operation 940 may be performed.

[0220] At operation 940 , the processor 220 may activate the first gyro sensor 235 in the first sensor 230 (6-axis gyro acceleration sensor) and the second gyro sensor 245 in the second sensor 240 (6-axis gyro acceleration sensor) and measure (or sense) the folding angle using the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 .

[0221] As a result of the identification in operation 930 , if the operation mode of the electronic device 200 is the low power mode, operation 960 may be performed.

[0222] At operation 960 , the processor 220 may monitor whether the electronic device 200 moves through the first acceleration sensor 233 in the first sensor 230 (6-axis gyro acceleration sensor) and / or the second acceleration sensor 243 in the second sensor 240 (6-axis gyro acceleration sensor).

[0223] If the movement of the electronic device 200 is not sensed as a result of the monitoring in operation 960 , operation 980 may be performed.

[0224] In operation 980, the first gyro sensor 235 in the first sensor 230 and the second gyro sensor 245 in the second sensor 240 may remain in an inactive (or off) state. The folding angle may remain at a current angle value (or a previous angle value).

[0225] If the movement of the electronic device 200 is sensed as a result of the monitoring in operation 960 , operation 970 may be performed.

[0226] In operation 970, the processor 220 may activate the first gyro sensor 235 in the first sensor 230 (6-axis gyro acceleration sensor) and the second gyro sensor 245 in the second sensor 240 (6-axis gyro acceleration sensor) and calculate the rotation vector (or the angle change corresponding to the rotation vector) using the internal logic of the sensor.

[0227] According to an embodiment, operation 940 may be a change degree measurement operation performed by the processor 220 outside the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 when the electronic device 200 is in the unfolded state and when the operation mode of the electronic device 200 is the active mode. The processor 220 may calculate the folding angle based on the measurement values ​​received from the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240.

[0228] According to an embodiment, operation 970 may be a measurement operation performed by the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 themselves (internally) when the electronic device 200 is in the unfolded state and when the operation mode of the electronic device 200 is the low power mode. For example, operation 970 may be performed internally by each of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 without interworking with the processor 220. Each of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may calculate and store the folding angle internally.

[0229] As mentioned above Figure 2 As shown, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may include sensor cores 231 and 241 for processing internal data. The sensor cores 231 and 241 may have a function of calculating the amount of change in position and / or angle by themselves in a low power mode of the electronic device 200. When the electronic device 200 is in a low power mode, the sensor may process data within the sensor itself, thereby reducing power consumption due to a reduction in current consumption, compared to a case where the processor 220 outside the sensor transmits, receives, and / or calculates sensor data.

[0230] According to an embodiment, while maintaining the low power mode, data on the amount of change in the position and / or angle calculated by the sensor cores 231 and 241 of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be stored internally in the sensor cores 231 and 241 instead of being transmitted to the external processor 220. Thereafter, when the electronic device 200 switches from the low power mode to the active mode, data on the amount of change in the position and / or angle calculated by the sensor cores 231 and 241 in the low power mode may be transmitted to the processor 220. The processor 200 may calculate the folding angle based on the data on the amount of change in the position and / or angle received from the sensor cores 231 and 241.

[0231] When the sensor cores 231 and 241 are embedded inside the sensor as described above, the folding angle can be measured with low power consumption. In addition, even when switching from low power mode to active mode, the folding angle can be measured using measurement data processed and / or stored inside the sensor itself.

[0232] In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may use the third sensor 250 to sense the time of switching from the folded state to the unfolded state (e.g., the time when the folding angle increases to approximately 10 degrees or greater), and activate the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 at that time, thereby realizing a change degree measurement function.

[0233] According to an embodiment, in low power mode, the sensor cores 231 and 241 inside the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may cumulatively calculate the amount of change in position and / or angle. Thereafter, when the user views the screen (for example, if a user input is sensed or if the display 260 is turned on), the low power mode may be switched to the active mode. After switching from the low power mode to the active mode, the processor 220 outside the sensor may receive data on the amount of change in position and / or angle processed (or calculated) inside the sensor, and calculate the final folding angle based on the received data.

[0234] According to an embodiment, in the low power mode, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may identify the change amount of movement of the electronic device 200 (movement monitoring function) through the internal acceleration sensors 233 and 243. If the change amount of movement is less than or equal to a predetermined level, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may deactivate (or turn off) the internal gyro sensors 235 and 245 by themselves to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

[0235] Table 1 below explains the sensor control method based on the change state and operation mode of the electronic device 200, and shows the sensor control method for each case of the electronic device 200 by way of example. For convenience, it is assumed that the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 are Figure 2 The structure of a 6-axis gyro acceleration sensor is shown.

[0236]

Table 1

[0237]

[0238] Referring to Table 1 above, the cases of the electronic device 200 may include a first case, a second case, and a third case.

[0239] The first case may be a case where the changed state of the electronic device 200 (or the display 260) is a folded state and the operation mode is a low power mode or an active mode. The second case may be a case where the changed state of the electronic device 200 is an unfolded state and the operation mode is a low power mode. The third case may be a case where the changed state of the electronic device 200 is an unfolded state and the operation mode is an active mode.

[0240] In an embodiment, the state of the processor 220 may vary according to the operating mode of the electronic device 200. In low power mode, the processor 220 may be in a sleep state (drive stop state). In active mode, the processor 220 may be in a wake state (drive state). According to an embodiment, in the first case where the change state of the electronic device 200 is a folded state (or closed state) and the operating mode is one of a low power mode and an active mode, the processor 220 may be in a sleep state and a wake state. In the folded state, the acceleration sensors 233 and 243 of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be turned on. In the folded state, the gyroscope sensors 235 and 245 and the sensor cores 231 and 241 may be turned off. The third sensor 250 may remain in an open state regardless of the operating mode in the folded state, and senses whether a switch to the unfolded state is performed. The processor 220 may use the third sensor 250 to perform a change state monitoring function.

[0241] The operation of calculating the amount of change in position and / or angle by the sensor cores 231 and 241 themselves may also cause unnecessary power consumption without using the electronic device 200. Without using the electronic device 200, it may not be necessary to measure (or measure in real time) the degree of change (e.g., the folding angle).

[0242] Therefore, according to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 can use the third sensor 250 to monitor the change state of the electronic device 200 and / or whether the change state is switched, and at least partially deactivate the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 when the electronic device 200 is not in use, thereby disabling the change degree measurement function.

[0243] For example, referring to Table 1, the case where the electronic device 200 is not used may be the first case where the device 200 is in the folded state. In the first case, the electronic device 200 may deactivate the gyro sensors 235 and 245 of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 to disable the change degree measurement function.

[0244] According to an embodiment, in the second case where the changed state of the electronic device 200 is the unfolded state (e.g., the fully unfolded state or the partially unfolded state) and the operation mode is the low power mode, the processor 220 may be in a sleep state. The acceleration sensors 233 and 243 of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be turned on to sense whether the electronic device 200 moves. If the movement of the electronic device 200 is not sensed by the acceleration sensors 233 and 243, the gyro sensors 235 and 245 and the sensor cores 231 and 241 may remain in a closed state. If the movement of the electronic device 200 is sensed by the acceleration sensors 233 and 243, the gyro sensors 235 and 245 and the sensor cores 231 and 241 may be turned on to process and / or store data on the amount of change in position and / or angle.

[0245] According to an embodiment, in the second case where the electronic device 200 is in the unfolded state but in the low power mode, the electronic device 200 may keep the acceleration sensors 233 and 243 of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 in the turned-on state to sense whether the electronic device 200 moves. If the movement of the electronic device 200 is sensed in the second case, the electronic device 200 may turn on the gyro sensors 235 and 245 of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240.

[0246] For example, if the folding angle is maintained without changing, but if movement of the electronic device 200 occurs during the low power mode (for example, if the user lifts or puts down the electronic device 200 or if the electronic device 200 is moved from Figure 5A Switch to tent mode in Figure 5B If the electronic device 200 is in the book mode in the active mode, the measurement accuracy of the folding angle may be reduced due to the change in the position of the electronic device 200 when switching to the active mode.

[0247] Referring to Table 1, if the movement of the electronic device 200 is sensed in the second case where the electronic device is in the unfolded state but in the low power mode, the electronic device 200 may activate the gyro sensors 235 and 245 and the sensor cores 231 and 241 of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 to measure (or calculate) a position and / or angle. Since the processor 220 is in a sleep state in the low power mode, data on the measured position and / or angle may be stored in the sensor cores 231 and 241 instead of being sent to the processor 220. If the electronic device 200 switches to the active mode so that the processor 220 wakes up, the data on the position and / or angle stored in the sensor cores 231 and 241 during the low power mode may be sent to the processor 220.

[0248] According to an embodiment, in a third case where the changed state of the electronic device 200 is an unfolded state (e.g., a fully unfolded state or a partially unfolded state) and the operation mode is an active mode, the acceleration sensors 233 and 243, the gyro sensors 235 and 245, and the sensor cores 231 and 241 of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may all be turned on. The processor 220 in the awake state may calculate the degree of change (e.g., the folding angle) of the display 260 using the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240.

[0249] However, the sensor control methods for various situations presented in Table 1 above are only examples to help understanding, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, whether to activate and / or deactivate the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be controlled based on whether the change state (e.g., the folded state and the unfolded state) is switched, regardless of the operating mode of the electronic device 200.

[0250] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0251] The following will describe Fig.10 The operations in can be expressed as Figure 8 Various embodiments of operations 810, 820, and 830 in FIG. Fig.10 At least some of the operations in may correspond to those in Figure 8 For example, Fig.10 Operations 1010 and 1013 in may correspond to Figure 8 Operation 810 in . Fig.10 Operations 1015 and 1017 in may correspond to Figure 8 Operation 820 in . Fig.10 Operations 1020 and 1050 in may correspond to Figure 8 Operation 830 in .

[0252] In the following embodiments, the operations shown may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, or at least two operations may be performed in parallel. Alternatively, at least one of the operations shown may be omitted, the order of some operations may be changed, or another operation may be added thereto.

[0253] In the following embodiment, it is assumed that the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 for measuring the degree of change are 6-axis gyro acceleration sensors including an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor, respectively. However, the scope of the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0254] refer to Fig.10, various events related to monitoring a change state (eg, a folded state and an unfolded state) and / or measuring a degree of change (eg, a folding angle) are shown.

[0255] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the expansion event may be an event that occurs when a user expands the electronic device 200 (or the display 260 ).

[0256] In an embodiment, a timeout event may be an event that occurs when there is no user input (e.g., touch input, physical key input, or gesture) or operation (e.g., folding / unfolding operation) within a predetermined time. If a timeout event occurs, the electronic device 200 may automatically switch from active mode to low power mode.

[0257] In an embodiment, the wake-up event may be an event that switches the operation mode of the electronic device 200 from a low power mode to an active mode. For example, the wake-up event may occur due to a user input (e.g., a touch input, a physical key input, or a gesture), receiving an alarm through communication, a notification of an application, etc.

[0258] In an embodiment, the movement event may be an event that occurs due to movement of the electronic device 200 .

[0259] In an embodiment, the processor 220 of the electronic device 200 may control one or more sensors 230, 240, and 250 based on the changed state of the electronic device 200 (or the display 260) and the operation mode of the electronic device 200. The changed state of the electronic device 200 (or the display 260) may be any one of a folded state and an unfolded state. The operation mode of the electronic device 200 may be any one of a low power mode and an active mode.

[0260] According to an embodiment, in the active mode, the processor 220 of the electronic device 200 may be in an awake state, and both the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be in an on state.

[0261] According to an embodiment, in the low power mode, the processor 220 of the electronic device 200 may be in a sleep state, and the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be at least partially in a shutdown state. For example, the gyro sensors 235 and 245, which are sensors with relatively large current consumption, among the internal sensors of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be turned off.

[0262] According to an embodiment, even in the low power mode, the third sensor 250 may be maintained in the turned-on state to sense whether the change state is switched.

[0263] refer to Fig.10, in the initial operation 1010 , the changed state of the electronic device 200 may be a folded state.

[0264] According to an embodiment, in the folded state, the first gyro sensor 235 of the first sensor 230 and the second gyro sensor 245 of the second sensor 240 may be turned off (or deactivated). The operation mode of the electronic device 200 may be an active mode. In the active mode, the processor 220 may be driven (in the awake state) and perform operation 1010.

[0265] Operation 1010 may correspond to changing a state monitoring operation.

[0266] In operation 1010, the processor 220 (eg, Figure 2 The main processor 221 or the sub-processor 225 in the embodiment of the present invention can monitor the changed state of the display 260 (or the electronic device 200) through the third sensor 250. For example, the processor 220 can monitor whether the display 260 switches from the folded state to the unfolded state based on whether an interrupt signal is received from the third sensor 250.

[0267] According to an embodiment, when the user performs an unfolding operation of unfolding the display 260 in the folded state of the display 260, an unfolding event may occur. The changed state of the electronic device 200 may be switched from the folded state to the unfolded state (e.g., fully unfolded state or partially unfolded state) by the unfolding operation of the user. If the unfolding event occurs, operation 1013 may be performed.

[0268] In operation 1013, the third sensor 250 may sense an unfolding event, and in response to the unfolding event, send (or output) an interrupt signal to the processor 220. For example, if an unfolding event occurs, the third sensor 250 may sense that the folding angle of the display 260 increases to a specified reference value (e.g., 10 degrees) or more. The third sensor 250 may output an interrupt signal in response to the sensing.

[0269] In operations 1015 and 1017, the processor 220 may send an on signal to the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 in response to the interrupt signal received from the third sensor 250. The on signal may be a signal for waking up (for activating) the first gyro sensor 235 of the first sensor 230 and the second gyro sensor 245 of the second sensor 240. In response to the on signal from the processor 220, the first gyro sensor 235 of the first sensor 230 and the second gyro sensor 245 of the second sensor 240 may be turned on (or activated).

[0270] In an embodiment, when the unfolding event occurs, the changed state of the electronic device 200 may be switched from the folded state to the unfolded state. The operation mode of the electronic device 200 may remain in the active mode.

[0271] According to an embodiment, operation 1020 may be performed when the operation mode of the electronic device 200 is the active mode and the changed state of the electronic device 200 is the unfolded state. Operation 1020 may correspond to an operation of measuring a change degree (eg, a folding angle).

[0272] In operation 1020, the processor 220 of the electronic device 200 may receive the first acceleration data and the first gyroscope data from the first sensor 230, and receive the second acceleration data and the second gyroscope data from the second sensor 240. The processor 220 may calculate the folding angle of the display 260 based on the first acceleration data, the first gyroscope data, the second acceleration data, and the second gyroscope data. The processor 220 may perform various operations (e.g., display operations and control operations) based on the calculated folding angle.

[0273] According to an embodiment, a timeout event may occur in the unfolded state of the electronic device 200. For example, if there is no user input within a predetermined time in the unfolded state, a timeout event may occur. If a timeout event occurs, the electronic device 200 may switch from the active mode to the low power mode in operation 1030.

[0274] According to an embodiment, in the low power mode, the processor 220 may stop its operation. The processor 220 may switch from an awake state to a sleep state.

[0275] According to an embodiment, in the low power mode, the first gyro sensor 235 of the first sensor 230 and the second gyro sensor 245 of the second sensor 240 may be turned off (or deactivated) to reduce current consumption. In the low power mode, the first acceleration sensor 233 of the first sensor 230 and the second acceleration sensor 243 of the second sensor 240 may remain in the turned-on (or active) state to monitor whether the electronic device 200 moves (operations 1040 and 1045).

[0276] In operation 1040, the first sensor 230 may operate in an interruption mode (or a movement monitoring mode). In the interruption mode, only the first acceleration sensor 233 of the first sensor 230 and the first gyro sensor 235 may be activated to monitor whether the electronic device 200 moves.

[0277] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a low power mode, a movement event may occur. For example, a movement event may occur due to a user or an external force moving the electronic device 200 in a stationary state. If the occurrence of the movement event is sensed in the interrupt mode of the first sensor 230, operation 1041 may be performed.

[0278] In operation 1041 , the first acceleration sensor 233 of the first sensor 230 may output an interrupt signal to wake up (activate) the first gyro sensor 235 therein in response to a movement event.

[0279] In operation 1043, the activated first gyro sensor 235 may calculate (or measure) a rotation vector (or an amount of change in an angle corresponding to a rotation vector) using internal logic. In the low power mode, sensor data of the first gyro sensor 235 may be processed by and / or stored in the first sensor 230 itself, rather than being sent to the external processor 220. If the sensor data is processed internally, current consumption may be reduced compared to a case where the sensor data is sent to and processed by the external processor 220.

[0280] In operation 1045, the second sensor 240 may operate in an interruption mode (or a movement monitoring mode). In the interruption mode, only the second acceleration sensor 243 of the second sensor 240 and the second gyro sensor 245 may be activated to monitor whether the electronic device 200 moves. The second acceleration sensor 243 may sense the occurrence of a movement event in the interruption mode. If the occurrence of a movement event is sensed in the interruption mode of the second sensor 240, operation 1047 may be performed.

[0281] In operation 1047 , the second acceleration sensor 243 of the second sensor 240 may output an interrupt signal to wake up (activate) the internal second gyro sensor 245 in response to the movement event.

[0282] In operation 1049, the activated second gyro sensor 245 may calculate (or measure) a rotation vector (or an amount of change in an angle corresponding to a rotation vector) using internal logic. In the low power mode, sensor data of the second gyro sensor 245 may be processed by and / or stored in the second sensor 240 itself, rather than being sent to the external processor 220. If the sensor data is processed internally, current consumption may be reduced compared to a case where the sensor data is sent to and processed by the external processor 220.

[0283] After entering the low power mode in operation 1030, a wake-up event may occur. For example, the wake-up event may occur due to a user input (e.g., a touch input, a physical key input, or a gesture), receiving an alarm through communication, a notification of an application, etc. In response to the wake-up event, the electronic device 200 may switch from the low power mode to the active mode.

[0284] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 switches from the low power mode to the active mode, operations 1050 , 1061 , 1063 , 1065 , and 1067 may be performed.

[0285] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 switches to the active mode, the processor 220 may switch from the sleep state to the awake state so as to be driven again.

[0286] In an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 switches to the active mode, the interruption mode (or movement monitoring mode) of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may be released. In the active mode, the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 may send, receive and / or process sensor data by interacting with the processor 220 outside the sensor.

[0287] In operation 1063, the first sensor 230 may combine the first acceleration data obtained by the first acceleration sensor 233 and the second gyro data obtained by the second gyro sensor 245 to calculate a combined angle. In operation 1061, the first sensor 230 may transmit the calculated combined angle or the first acceleration data and the first gyro data corresponding to the combined angle to the processor 220.

[0288] In operation 1067, the second sensor 240 may combine the second acceleration data obtained by the second acceleration sensor 243 and the second gyro data obtained by the second gyro sensor 245 to calculate a combined angle. In operation 1065, the second sensor 240 may transmit the calculated combined angle or the second acceleration data and the second gyro data corresponding to the combined angle to the processor 220.

[0289] According to an embodiment, in the active mode, the processor 220 may acquire control of the first sensor 230 and the second sensor 240 and perform operation 1050. Operation 1050 may correspond to an operation of measuring a change degree (eg, a folding angle).

[0290] In operation 1050, the processor 220 may finally calculate (or measure) a folding angle of the display 260 based on the first acceleration data and the first gyroscope data received from the first sensor 230 and the second acceleration data and the second gyroscope data received from the second sensor 240. The processor 220 may perform various operations (e.g., display operations and control operations) based on the calculated folding angle.

[0291] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B is a diagram illustrating a user interface displayed based on a degree of change of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0292] refer to Fig.11A , the electronic device 200 may display a user interface such as a first screen 1110 through the display 260 in a fully unfolded state (or a fully opened state). For example, the first screen 1110 may be a first execution screen of a gallery application.

[0293] refer to Fig. 11B , the electronic device 200 may display a user interface such as the second screen 1120 in a partially unfolded state through the display 260. For example, the second screen 1120 may be a second execution screen of a gallery application.

[0294] In an embodiment, the display 260 of the electronic device 200 may include a first portion and a second portion that are changeable relative to each other in position and / or angle. The degree of change of the electronic device 200 may correspond to the relative position and / or angle (e.g., folding angle) between the first portion and the second portion of the display 260.

[0295] In an embodiment, when the changed state is an unfolded state (for example, a state in which the folding angle is 10 degrees or greater), the electronic device 200 can measure the folding angle in real time, thereby improving the measurement accuracy, and display a user interface that conforms to the user's intention or situation based on the folding angle, thereby improving usability.

[0296] For example, the electronic device 200 can determine the changed state of the electronic device 200 based on the folding angle in an environment where an application providing functions such as web surfing, video playback, and music playback is executed, and provide different user interfaces according to the determination. The first screen 1110 and the second screen 1120 show user interfaces displayed in different ways according to the folding angle and / or the changed state.

[0297] In an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a state such as Fig.11AIn the fully unfolded state (or fully opened state) shown (e.g., the folding angle is 180 degrees), a first screen 1110 may be provided to be displayed on the entire surface of the display 260, such as a full touch phone. The first screen 1110 may include a photo list showing several photos. If the user selects a photo from the list, the corresponding photo may be enlarged and displayed. Various menus 1115 for user manipulation may be displayed below the enlarged photo.

[0298] In an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a state such as Fig. 11B In the partially unfolded state shown (e.g., the folding angle is 90 to 180 degrees), the photo list can be displayed on the lower screen, and the enlarged photo can be displayed on the upper screen, as shown in the figure. In this case, even if the user does not press the back key in the upper screen on which the enlarged photo is displayed, the user can intuitively select and enlarge the desired photo 1125 on the lower screen, thereby improving the convenience of operation.

[0299] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (eg, Figure 1 The electronic device 101 or Figure 2 and Figure 3A The electronic device 200 in the embodiment may include a housing (eg, Figure 3A A housing 310 in the housing 310, a flexible display including a first portion and a second portion (eg, Figure 2 Display 260 or Figure 3A A main display 330 in the housing), a first sensor disposed in the housing (eg, Figure 2 The first sensor 230 in FIG. 1 and the second sensor (eg, Figure 2 A second sensor 240 in the housing, a third sensor (eg, Figure 2 The third sensor 250 in the flexible display, at least one processor operably connected to the flexible display, the first sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, and a memory operably connected to the at least one processor. The memory may store instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to monitor whether the flexible display switches from a folded state to an unfolded state using the third sensor, at least partially activate the first sensor and the second sensor based on the switching of the flexible display from the folded state to the unfolded state, and measure the relative position and / or angle of the first part and the second part in the flexible display using the first sensor and the second sensor. According to various embodiments, the relative position and / or angle is measured between the first part and the second part of the flexible display.

[0300] According to various embodiments, the first sensor may include a first gyro sensor. The second sensor may include a second gyro sensor. The gyro sensor is also called an angular rate sensor or an angular velocity sensor. The gyro sensor has the following advantages: the gyro sensor can measure the relative position and / or angle of the first part and the second part in the flexible display even in a vertical position and / or when there is a lot of physical vibration around the electronic device.

[0301] According to various embodiments, the first sensor may further include a first acceleration sensor. The second sensor may further include a second acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor may correct a measurement result of the gyro sensor. The acceleration sensor may have lower power consumption than the gyro sensor.

[0302] According to various embodiments, in the folded state, the first acceleration sensor and the second acceleration sensor may be activated, and the first gyro sensor and the second gyro sensor may be at least partially deactivated. The first acceleration sensor, the second acceleration sensor, the first gyro sensor, and the second gyro sensor may all be activated in the unfolded state. In the folded state, power consumption becomes an important factor, so partial deactivation of the gyro sensor with high power requirements will improve battery life in the folded state.

[0303] According to various embodiments, in the folded state, the first acceleration sensor and the second acceleration sensor may be configured to be activated, and the first gyro sensor and the second gyro sensor may be configured to be at least partially deactivated. The first acceleration sensor, the second acceleration sensor, the first gyro sensor, and the second gyro sensor may all be configured to be activated in the unfolded state.

[0304] According to various embodiments, the instructions may, when executed, cause at least one processor to activate the first acceleration sensor and the second acceleration sensor, and at least partially deactivate the first gyroscope sensor and the second gyroscope sensor in the folded state. According to various embodiments, the instructions may, when executed, cause at least one processor to activate all of the first acceleration sensor, the second acceleration sensor, the first gyroscope sensor, and the second gyroscope sensor in the unfolded state.

[0305] According to various embodiments, the third sensor may include a Hall sensor or a proximity sensor. According to various embodiments, the third sensor may include a device for sensing whether the change state is switched. For example, the change state may include a folded state and an unfolded state. The Hall sensor or the proximity sensor is a way of sensing the switching of the change state of the electronic device with low power requirements, thereby improving battery life.

[0306] According to various embodiments, when the instructions are executed, they may cause at least one processor to receive a first interrupt signal from a third sensor in response to an unfolding event, and determine that the flexible display switches from a folded state to an unfolded state based on the first interrupt signal.

[0307] According to various embodiments, the instructions, when executed, may cause at least one processor to at least partially deactivate the first sensor and the second sensor based on a situation in which the flexible display switches from an unfolded state to a folded state.

[0308] According to various embodiments, when the instructions are executed, they may cause at least one processor to receive a second interrupt signal from a third sensor in response to a folding event, and determine that the flexible display switches from an unfolded state to a folded state based on the second interrupt signal.

[0309] According to various embodiments, the first sensor and the second sensor are at least partially activated or deactivated further based on an operating mode of the electronic device. The operating mode may include a low power mode and an active mode.

[0310] According to various embodiments, the first sensor and the second sensor are configured to be at least partially activated or deactivated further based on an operation mode of the electronic device.

[0311] According to various embodiments, the instructions, when executed, may cause the at least one processor to at least partially activate or deactivate the first sensor and the second sensor further based on an operating mode of the electronic device.

[0312] According to various embodiments, if the operating mode of the electronic device is switched to a low power mode, at least one processor may enter a sleep state, the first part of the first sensor and the second sensor may be deactivated, and the second part of the first sensor and the second sensor may sense whether the electronic device moves in an active state. In response to sensing the movement of the electronic device, a signal may be sent from the second part to the first part. The first part may be activated based on the signal. Self-measurement of position and / or angle may be performed by the activated first part. If the operating mode of the electronic device is switched to an active mode, at least one processor may enter a wake state, and data about the self-measured position and / or angle may be sent to at least one processor.

[0313] The operating method of the electronic device according to various embodiments may include: using a third sensor in the electronic device to monitor whether the flexible display of the electronic device switches from a folded state to an unfolded state, based on the situation where the flexible display switches from the folded state to the unfolded state, at least partially activating a first sensor and a second sensor in the electronic device, and using the first sensor and the second sensor to measure the relative position and / or angle of the first part and the second part in the flexible display.

[0314] According to various embodiments, the first sensor may include a first gyro sensor.The second sensor may include a second gyro sensor.

[0315] According to various embodiments, the first sensor may further include a first acceleration sensor. The second sensor may further include a second acceleration sensor.

[0316] According to various embodiments, in the folded state, the first acceleration sensor and the second acceleration sensor may be activated, and the first gyroscope sensor and the second gyroscope sensor may be at least partially deactivated. The first acceleration sensor, the second acceleration sensor, the first gyroscope sensor, and the second gyroscope sensor may all be activated in the unfolded state.

[0317] According to various embodiments, the third sensor may include a Hall sensor or a proximity sensor.

[0318] According to various embodiments, the monitoring may include receiving a first interrupt signal from a third sensor in response to the unfolding event, and determining that the flexible display is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state based on the first interrupt signal.

[0319] According to various embodiments, the method may further include at least partially deactivating the first sensor and the second sensor based on a situation in which the flexible display is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0320] According to various embodiments, the method may include receiving a second interrupt signal from a third sensor in response to the folding event, and determining that the flexible display is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state based on the second interrupt signal.

[0321] According to various embodiments, the first sensor and the second sensor may be at least partially activated or deactivated further based on an operating mode of the electronic device. The operating mode may include a low power mode and an active mode.

[0322] According to various embodiments, in the method, if the operating mode of the electronic device is switched to a low power mode, at least one processor in the electronic device may enter a sleep state, the first part of the first sensor and the second sensor may be deactivated, and the second part of the first sensor and the second sensor may sense whether the electronic device moves in an active state. In response to sensing the movement of the electronic device, a signal may be sent from the second part to the first part. The first part may be activated based on the signal. Self-measurement of position and / or angle may be performed by the activated first part. If the operating mode of the electronic device is switched to an active mode, at least one processor may enter a wake state, and data about the self-measured position and / or angle may be sent to at least one processor.

[0323] 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 the above-mentioned electronic device.

[0324] 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, and include various changes, equivalents or replacements of the corresponding embodiments. With respect to the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It should be understood that, unless otherwise clearly stated in the relevant context, the singular form of the noun corresponding to the project may include one or more things. 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 in the corresponding phrase in the phrase. As used herein, terms such as "first" and "second" 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 should be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “coupled,” “coupled to,” “connected to,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element) with or without the term “operably” or “communicatively,” it means that the element can be coupled to the other element directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0325] As used in conjunction 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," "component," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component or its smallest unit or portion suitable for performing one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0326] Various embodiments as 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), which may be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it with or without one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Among them, the term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between a location where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and a location where data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0327] According to an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., PlayStoreTM), or distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or 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 relay server.

[0328] According to various embodiments, each of the above-mentioned components (e.g., a module or a program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately arranged in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as performed by a corresponding one of the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, a program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed or omitted in a different order, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: case; A flexible display, comprising a first part and a second part; A first sensor and a second sensor are disposed in the housing; a third sensor, disposed in the housing; at least one processor operably connected to the flexible display, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor; and a memory operably connected to the at least one processor, The memory is configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to: Using the third sensor to monitor whether the flexible display switches from a folded state to an unfolded state; Based on the flexible display switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, at least partially activating the first sensor and the second sensor; and The first sensor and the second sensor are used to measure a relative position and / or angle of the first portion and the second portion in the flexible display.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The first sensor includes a first gyro sensor, and The second sensor includes a second gyro sensor.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: The first sensor also includes a first acceleration sensor, and The second sensor also includes a second acceleration sensor.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: In the folded state, the first acceleration sensor and the second acceleration sensor are activated, and the first gyro sensor and the second gyro sensor are at least partially deactivated, and In the unfolded state, the first acceleration sensor, the second acceleration sensor, the first gyro sensor, and the second gyro sensor are all activated.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The third sensor includes a Hall sensor or a proximity sensor.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions are configured to, when executed, cause the at least one processor to: receiving a first interrupt signal from the third sensor in response to a deployment event; and Based on the first interrupt signal, it is determined that the flexible display is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The instructions are configured to, when executed, cause the at least one processor to at least partially deactivate the first sensor and the second sensor based on a situation in which the flexible display switches from the unfolded state to the folded state.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein: The instructions are configured to, when executed, cause the at least one processor to: receiving a second interrupt signal from the third sensor in response to a folding event; and Based on the second interrupt signal, it is determined that the flexible display is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The first sensor and the second sensor are further at least partially activated or deactivated based on an operating mode of the electronic device, and The operating modes include a low power mode and an active mode.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein: In a case where the operation mode of the electronic device is switched to a low power mode, the at least one processor enters a sleep state, the first sensor and the first part of the second sensor are deactivated, the second part of the first sensor and the second sensor senses whether the electronic device moves in an active state, in response to sensing the movement of the electronic device, a signal is sent from the second part to the first part, the first part is activated based on the signal, and the activated first part performs self-measurement of position and / or angle, and Wherein, when the operation mode of the electronic device is switched to the active mode, the at least one processor enters the awake state, and data about the self-measured position and / or angle is sent to the at least one processor.

11. A method for operating an electronic device, the method comprising: Using a third sensor in the electronic device to monitor whether the flexible display of the electronic device switches from a folded state to an unfolded state; Based on the switching of the flexible display from the folded state to the unfolded state, at least partially activating a first sensor and a second sensor in the electronic device; and The first sensor and the second sensor are used to measure a relative position and / or angle of a first portion and a second portion in the flexible display.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The first sensor includes a first gyro sensor, and The second sensor includes a second gyro sensor.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The third sensor includes a Hall sensor or a proximity sensor.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The monitoring includes: receiving a first interrupt signal from the third sensor in response to a deployment event; and Based on the first interrupt signal, it is determined that the flexible display is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state.

15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: Based on a situation in which the flexible display switches from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first sensor and the second sensor are at least partially deactivated.

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