Electronic device including flexible display and method for operating the same

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a memory for storing instructions; a first housing; a second housing provided to be movable in a first direction or a second direction with respect to the first housing, the second housing overlapping at least a portion of the first housing; a flexible display at least partially mounted on a surface of the second case such that at least a portion of an externally exposed region thereof contracts or extends based on movement of the second case; the motor is used for driving the second shell to move in the first direction or the second direction; a driving circuit for controlling the driving of the motor; and a processor. The instructions may be configured, when executed by the processor, to cause the electronic device to: transmit a motor drive signal for driving the motor to the drive circuit upon receiving a trigger signal related to contraction or extension of the flexible display; calculating a movement distance of the second housing or the flexible display based on a rotation speed of the motor when the motor operates based on the motor driving signal and an operation time thereof; and upon obtaining a signal related to the position of the second housing or the flexible display, initializing the calculated movement distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a flexible display that can be stretched or shrunk and a method of operating the same. Background Art

[0002] On the one hand, with the increase in mobile communication demands, and on the other hand, with the improvement in the integration degree of electronic devices, the portability of electronic devices such as mobile communication terminals and the convenience of using multimedia functions can be improved. For example, when a display having an integrated touch screen function replaces a conventional mechanical (button type) keyboard, the electronic device can be miniaturized while maintaining the function of the input device. For example, when the mechanical keyboard is removed from the electronic device, the portability of the electronic device can be improved. In an embodiment, when the area where the display is expanded is the same as the area where the mechanical keyboard is removed, even if the electronic device including the touch screen function and the electronic device including the mechanical keyboard have the same size and weight, the former can provide a larger screen than the latter.

[0003] For web surfing or multimedia functions, it may be more convenient to use an electronic device with a larger output screen. Although a larger display can be installed on the electronic device to output a larger screen, there may be limitations in increasing the size of the display for the portability of the electronic device. In an embodiment, a display using an organic light emitting diode can ensure the portability of the electronic device while providing a larger screen. For example, even if the display using an organic light emitting diode (or the electronic device equipped with the display) is manufactured to be quite thin, it can still achieve stable operation and can be installed on the electronic device in a foldable, bendable or rollable form.

[0004] The above information is provided only as related art to help understand the present disclosure. No determination has been made and no assertion has been made as to whether the above content can be considered as the prior art of the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Solution

[0006] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a memory storing instructions, a first housing, a second housing configured to be movable relative to the first housing in a first direction or a second direction and overlapping at least a portion of the first housing, a flexible display at least partially mounted on a surface of the second housing and having at least a portion of an area exposed to the outside that contracts or expands based on the movement of the second housing, a motor configured to drive the second housing to move in the first direction or the second direction, a driving circuit configured to control the driving of the motor, and a processor. The instructions may be configured to, when run by the processor, cause the electronic device to send a motor driving signal for driving the motor to the driving circuit when a trigger signal related to the contraction or expansion of the flexible display is received. The instructions may be configured to, when run by the processor, cause the electronic device to calculate a moving distance of the second housing or the flexible display based on the rotational speed and operation time of the motor in an active state based on the motor driving signal. The instructions may be configured to, when run by the processor, cause the electronic device to initialize the calculated moving distance when a signal related to the position of the second housing or the flexible display is obtained.

[0007] A method of operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: sending a motor driving signal for driving a motor to a driving circuit when a trigger signal related to the contraction or expansion of a flexible display is received. A method of operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may include: calculating a moving distance of a second housing or a flexible display based on the rotational speed and operation time of the motor in an active state based on the motor driving signal. A method of operating an electronic device according to an embodiment may include: initializing the calculated moving distance when a signal related to the position of the second housing or the flexible display is obtained.

[0008] In a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the instructions are executed by a processor of an electronic device, the electronic device may be caused to perform operations, and the electronic device includes: a first housing, a second housing configured to be movable relative to the first housing in a first direction or a second direction and overlapping at least a portion of the first housing, a flexible display at least partially mounted on a surface of the second housing and having at least a portion of an area exposed to the outside that contracts or expands based on the movement of the second housing, a motor configured to drive the second housing to move in the first direction or the second direction, and a driving circuit configured to control the driving of the motor. The operations may include when a trigger signal related to the contraction or expansion of the flexible display is received. The operations may include sending a motor driving signal for driving the motor to the driving circuit. The operations may include calculating a moving distance of the second housing or the flexible display based on the rotational speed and operation time of the motor in an active state based on the motor driving signal. The operations may include initializing the calculated moving distance when a signal related to the position of the second housing or the flexible display is obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a view showing a state in which a second display area of a display is accommodated in a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a view showing a state in which a second display area of a display is exposed outside the housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 of.

[0014] Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 of.

[0015] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an electronic device including a flexible display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7a is a detailed block diagram showing an electronic device including a flexible display according to a comparative example.

[0017] Figure 7b is a detailed block diagram showing an electronic device including a flexible display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 8 is a view showing at least one operation period in which a motor is driven according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 9 shows a position detection sensor in a contracted and extended state of a flexible display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 10 shows a relationship between rotation of a motor and a moving distance of a second housing or a flexible display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a method of operating an electronic device including a flexible display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Referring Figure 1 , the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may communicate with the electronic device 102 via a 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 a 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 end 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a subscriber identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., the connection end 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 components (e.g., the sensor module 176, the camera module 180, or the antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (e.g., the display module 160).

[0024] The processor 120 may run software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware component or a software component) connected to the processor 120 of the electronic device 101, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 may store commands or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190) in the volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the result data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when the electronic device 101 includes the main processor 121 and the auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or may be 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.

[0025] When the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (instead of the main processor 121) may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one of 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, together with the main processor 121, at least some of the functions or states related to at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190). 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., the camera module 180 or the 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. An artificial intelligence model may be generated through 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., the server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. 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 of them, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or alternatively, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure in addition to the hardware structure.

[0026] 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 non-volatile memory 134.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The input module 150 may receive commands or data to be used by other components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120) from the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). 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).

[0029] The sound output module 155 may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing a record. The receiver may be used to receive an incoming call. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0030] The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., to 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 intensity of a force caused by the touch.

[0031] The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electrical signal and 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 headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0032] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or an environmental state outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a state of a user), and then generate an electrical signal or a 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 illuminance sensor.

[0033] The interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols used to directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly connect the electronic device 101 to an external electronic device (e.g., 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.

[0034] The connection end 178 may include a connector through which the electronic device 101 may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). 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).

[0035] The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be recognized by a user via his sense of touch or kinesthesia. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0036] The camera module 180 may capture a still image or a moving image. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0037] 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 at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0038] The battery 189 may supply power to 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.

[0039] 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., the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108), and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)), and support 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). Each corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a 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 may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or these various types of communication modules may be implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 may 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.

[0040] The wireless communication module 192 may support 5G networks after 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies (e.g., New Radio (NR) access technology). The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). The wireless communication module 192 may support high frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transfer rates. The wireless communication module 192 may support various technologies for ensuring performance on high frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., the second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support a peak data rate for implementing eMBB (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater), a loss coverage for implementing mMTC (e.g., 164 dB or less), or a U-plane latency for implementing URLLC (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round-trip of 1 ms or less).

[0041] The antenna module 197 may transmit a signal or power to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive a signal or power 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, and the antenna may include a radiating element formed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)) or formed on the substrate. 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 to be 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). Subsequently, a signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

[0042] According to an embodiment, 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., an array antenna), wherein the RFIC is disposed on a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., a millimeter-wave band), and the plurality of antennas are disposed on a second surface (e.g., a top surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high-frequency band.

[0043] At least some of the above components may be interconnected 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.

[0044] According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device 104 via a server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of the electronic devices 102 or 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 of the operations running on the electronic device 101 may run on 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 is to automatically perform a function or service or is to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request one or more of the external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of running the function or service, or in addition to running the function or service, the electronic device 101 may also request one or more of the external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request may perform the requested at least part of the function or service, or perform additional functions or additional services related to the request, and transmit the result of the performance to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least part of a reply to the request with or without further processing of the result. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, mobile edge computing (MEC) technology, or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

[0045] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a second display area (e.g., Figure 3 second display area A2 in Figure 3 of the display 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure) is accommodated in a housing 210.

[0046] Figure 2 and Figure 3Shows a structure in which when viewed from the front of the electronic device 101, the display 203 (e.g., a flexible display or a rollable display) extends in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the +Y direction). However, the extending direction of the display 203 is not limited to one direction (e.g., the +Y direction). For example, design modifications can be made such that the display 203 is extensible in the upward direction (e.g., the +Y direction), the rightward direction (e.g., the +X direction), the leftward direction (e.g., the -X direction), and / or the downward direction (e.g., the -Y direction).

[0047] Figure 2 The state shown can be referred to as the closed state of the electronic device 101 or the housing 210 and the slid-in state of the display 203.

[0048] Figure 3 The state shown can be referred to as the open state of the electronic device 101 or the housing 210 and the slid-out state of the display 203.

[0049] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the electronic device 101 may include a housing 210. The housing 210 may include a first housing 201 and a second housing 202 arranged to be movable relative to the first housing 201. In some embodiments, it can be interpreted as a structure in which the first housing 201 is arranged to be slidable relative to the second housing 202 in the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the second housing 202 may be arranged to reciprocate a predetermined distance relative to the first housing 201 in the shown direction (e.g., the direction indicated by arrow ①).

[0050] According to an embodiment, the second housing 202 may be referred to as a sliding part or a sliding housing and is movable relative to the first housing 201. According to an embodiment, the second housing 202 may accommodate various electrical and electronic components, such as a circuit board or a battery.

[0051] According to an embodiment, a motor, a speaker, a SIM card slot, and / or a sub-circuit board (e.g., Figure 4 , Figure 5a and Figure 5b the second circuit board 249 in) electrically connected to the main circuit board may be provided in the first housing 201. The second housing 202 may accommodate the main circuit board (e.g., Figure 4 , Figure 5a and Figure 5b the first circuit board 248 in) on which electrical components such as an AP and a CP are mounted. In an embodiment, the first housing 201 and the second housing are not limited to the above configuration, the main circuit board (e.g., the first circuit board 248) may be accommodated in the first housing 201, and the sub-circuit board (e.g., the second circuit board 249) may be accommodated in the second housing 202.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the first housing may include a first cover member 211 (e.g., a main outer shell). The first cover member 211 may include a (1-1) side wall 211a, a (1-2) side wall 211b extending from the (1-1) side wall 211a, and a (1-3) side wall 211c extending from the (1-1) side wall 211a and substantially parallel to the (1-2) side wall 211b. According to an embodiment, the (1-2) side wall 211b and the (1-3) side wall 211c may be formed to be substantially perpendicular to the (1-1) side wall 211a.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the (1-1) side wall 211a, the (1-2) side wall 211b, and the (1-3) side wall 211c of the first cover member 211 may be formed to be open on one side (e.g., the front surface) to accommodate (or surround) at least a part of the second housing 202. For example, the second housing 202 may be at least partially surrounded by the first housing 201 and slide in a direction parallel to the first surface (e.g., the first surface F1 in Figure 4 ), in the direction of the arrow ①) when guided by the first housing 201. According to an embodiment, the cover member 211, the (1-1) side wall 211a, the (1-2) side wall 211b, and / or the (1-3) side wall 211c may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the first cover member 211, the (1-1) side wall 211a, the (1-2) side wall 211b, and / or the (1-3) side wall 211c may be formed as separate housings and combined or assembled.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the first cover member 211 may be formed to surround at least a part of the display 203. For example, at least a part of the display 203 may be formed to be surrounded by the (1-1) side wall 211a, the (1-2) side wall 211b, and / or the (1-3) side wall 211c of the first cover member 211.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the second housing 202 may include a second cover member 221 (e.g., a sliding plate). The second cover member 221 may have a plate shape and include a first surface (e.g., the first surface F1 in Figure 4 ) for supporting internal components. For example, the second cover member 221 may support at least a part of the display 203 (e.g., the first display area A1). According to an embodiment, the second cover member 221 may be referred to as a front cover.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the second cover member 221 may include a 2-1 sidewall 221a, a 2-2 sidewall 221b extending from the 2-1 sidewall 221a, and a 2-3 sidewall 221c extending from the 2-1 sidewall 221a and substantially parallel to the 2-2 sidewall 221b. According to an embodiment, the 2-2 sidewall 221b and the 2-3 sidewall 221c may be formed to be substantially perpendicular to the 2-1 sidewall 221a.

[0057] According to an embodiment, when the second housing 202 moves in a first direction (e.g., direction ①) parallel to the (1-2) sidewall 211b or the (1-2) sidewall 211c, the second housing 202 may form an open state and a closed state of the housing 210. In the closed state, the second housing 202 may move to a first distance from the (1-1) sidewall 211a; in the open state, the second housing 202 may move to a second distance greater than the first distance from the (1-1) sidewall 211a. In an embodiment, in the closed state, the first housing 201 may surround a part of the (2-1) sidewall 221a.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a display 203, a key input device 245, a connector hole 243, audio modules 247a and 247b, or camera modules 249a and 249b. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may further include an indicator (e.g., an LED device) or various sensor modules.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the display 203 may include a first display area A1 and a second display area A2 configured to be exposed to the outside of the electronic device based on the sliding of the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the first display area A1 may be provided on the second housing 202. For example, the first display area A1 may be provided on the second cover member 221 of the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the second display area A2 may extend from the first display area A1, and when the second housing 202 slides relative to the first housing 201, the second display area A2 may be received inside the first housing 201 (e.g., in a slid-in state) or may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., in a slid-out state).

[0060] According to an embodiment, the second display area A2 may be substantially within a region (e.g., Figure 4The curved surface 213a) therein moves when guided and can be accommodated in the internal space of the first housing 201 or exposed to the outside of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the second display area A2 may move based on the sliding of the second housing 202 in the first direction (e.g., the direction indicated by arrow ①). For example, during the sliding of the second housing 202, a part of the second display area A2 may be deformed into a curved surface at a position corresponding to the curved surface 213a of the first housing 201.

[0061] According to an embodiment, when viewed from above the second cover member 221 (e.g., the front cover), when the housing 210 changes from the closed state to the open state (e.g., the second housing 202 slides to extend from the first housing 201), the second display area A2 may form a substantially flat surface with the first display area A1 when being gradually exposed to the outside of the first housing 201. According to an embodiment, the display 203 may be coupled to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer for detecting a magnetic stylus or disposed adjacent to the touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer for detecting a magnetic stylus. According to an embodiment, regardless of whether the housing 210 is in the closed state or the open state, the exposed portion of the second display area A2 may be located on a part of the first housing (e.g., Figure 4 the curved surface 213a) therein, and maintain the shape of the curved surface at a position corresponding to the curved surface 213a.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the key input device 245 may be located in the area of the first housing 201. Depending on the appearance and usage state, the electronic device 101 may be designed not to have the shown key input device 245 or include additional key input devices. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a key input device (not shown), such as a home button or a touchpad provided around the home button. According to an embodiment, at least some of the key input devices 245 may be provided on the (1-1) sidewall 211a, the (1-2) sidewall 211b, and / or the (1-3) sidewall 211c of the first housing 201.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the connector hole 243 may be omitted according to an embodiment, and a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting power and / or data to and receiving power and / or data from an external electronic device may be accommodated. According to an embodiment (not shown), the electronic device 101 may include a plurality of connector holes 243, and some of the plurality of connector holes 243 may be used as connector holes for transmitting an audio signal to and receiving an audio signal from an external electronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector hole 243 is provided on the second housing 202, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The connector hole 243 or a connector hole not shown may be provided on the first housing 201.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the audio modules 247a and 247b may include at least one speaker hole 247a or at least one microphone hole 247b. One of the speaker holes 247a may be set as a receiver hole for a voice call, and the other may be set as an external speaker hole. The electronic device 101 may include a microphone for obtaining sound, and the microphone may obtain sound outside the electronic device 101 through the microphone hole 247b. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a plurality of microphones to detect the direction of sound. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include an audio module in which the speaker hole 247a and the microphone hole 247b are implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezoelectric speaker) without the speaker hole 247a.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the camera modules 249a and 249b may include a first camera module 249a (e.g., a front camera) and a second camera module 249b (e.g., a rear camera) (e.g., Figure 5a and Figure 5aThe second camera module 249b) in. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, or a macro camera, and according to an embodiment, includes an IR projector and / or an IR receiver for measuring the distance to an object. The camera modules 249a and 249b may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The first camera module 249a may be set to face the same direction as the display 203. For example, the first camera module 249a may be disposed around the first display area A1 or in an area overlapping with the display 203, and when disposed in the area overlapping with the display 203, may capture an object through the display 203. According to an embodiment, the first camera module 249a may not be visually exposed to the screen display area (e.g., the first display area A1) and includes a hidden under-display camera (UDC). According to an embodiment, the second camera module 249b may capture an object in a direction opposite to the display area A1. According to an embodiment, the first camera module 249a and / or the second camera module 249b may be disposed on the second housing 202.

[0066] According to an embodiment, an indicator (not shown) of the electronic device 101 may be disposed on the first housing 201 or the second housing 202, and may include an LED to provide status information about the electronic device 101 as a visual signal. A sensor module (not shown) of the electronic device 101 may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operation state or an external environmental state of the electronic device 101. The sensor module may include, for example, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris / facial recognition sensor or an HRM sensor). In an embodiment, the sensor module may further include, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0067] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5a is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along Figure 2 sectional view taken along line A-A' of. Figure 5b is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along Figure 3 sectional view taken along line B-B' of.

[0068] Reference Figure 4 、 Figure 5a and / or Figure 5b , the electronic device 101 may include a first housing 201, a second housing 202, a display assembly 230, and a driving structure 240.Figure 4 , Figure 5a and / or Figure 5b the configurations of the first housing 201, the second housing 202, and the display assembly 230 in Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 may be the same in whole or in part as the configurations of the first housing 201, the second housing 202, and the display 203 in

[0069] According to an embodiment, the first housing 201 may include a first cover member 211 (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 the first cover member 211 in

[0070] ), a frame 213, and a first rear plate 215. According to an embodiment, the first cover member 211 may accommodate at least a portion of the frame 213 and components (e.g., battery 289) located within the frame 213. According to an embodiment, the first cover member 211 may be formed to surround at least a portion of the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, a second circuit board 249 that houses electronic components (e.g., battery 289 or speaker and / or SIM card slot) may be connected to the first cover member 211.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the frame 213 may be connected to the first cover member 211. For example, the frame 213 may be connected to the first cover member 211, and the second housing 202 may move relative to the first cover member 211 and / or the frame 213. According to an embodiment, the frame 213 may accommodate the battery 289. According to an embodiment, the frame 213 may include a curved surface 213a facing the display assembly 230.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the first rear plate 215 may substantially form at least a portion of the exterior of the first housing 201 or the electronic device 101. For example, the first rear plate 215 may be coupled to the outer surface of the first cover member 221. According to an embodiment, the first rear plate 215 may provide a decorative effect on the exterior of the electronic device 101. The first rear plate 215 may be made of at least one of metal, glass, synthetic resin, or ceramic.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the second housing 202 may include a second cover member 221 (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 the second cover member 221 in

[0074] ), a rear cover 223, and a second rear plate 225. According to an embodiment, the second cover member 221 may be connected to the first housing 201 through a guide rail 250 and, when guided by the guide rail 250, move in a linear reciprocating motion in one direction (e.g., Figure 3 the direction of arrow ① in

[0075] According to an embodiment, the second cover member 221 may support at least a part of the display 231. For example, the second cover member 221 may include a first surface F1, and a first display area A1 of the display 231 may be substantially located on the first surface F1 maintained in a flat shape. According to an embodiment, the second cover member 221 may be formed of a metal material and / or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. According to an embodiment, a first circuit board 248 accommodating electronic components (e.g., Figure 1 the processor 120 and / or the memory 130 in) may be connected to the second cover member 221.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the rear cover 223 may protect components (e.g., the first circuit board 248) located on the second cover member 221. For example, the rear cover 223 may be formed to be connected to the second cover member 221 and surround at least a part of the first circuit board 248. According to an embodiment, the rear cover 223 may include an antenna pattern for communicating with an external electronic device. For example, the rear cover 223 may include a laser direct structuring (LDS) antenna.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the second rear plate 225 may substantially form at least a part of the exterior of the second housing 202 or the electronic device 101. For example, the second rear plate 225 may be coupled to an outer surface of the second cover member 221. According to an embodiment, the second rear plate 225 may provide a decorative effect on the exterior of the electronic device 101. The second rear plate 215 may be made of at least one of metal, glass, synthetic resin, or ceramic.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the display assembly 230 may include a display 231 (e.g., Figure 2 and / or Figure 3 the display 203 in) and a multi-rod structure 232 supporting the display 231. According to an embodiment, the display 231 may be referred to as a flexible display, a foldable display, and / or a rollable display.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the multi-rod structure 232 may be connected or attached to at least a part of the display 231 (e.g., a second display area A2). According to an embodiment, when the second housing 202 slides, the multi-rod structure 232 may move relative to the first housing 201. In a closed state of the electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 2 ), most of the multi-rod structure 232 may be at least partially accommodated within the first housing 201 and located between the first cover member 211 and the second cover member 221. According to an embodiment, at least a part of the multi-rod structure 232 may move corresponding to a curved surface 213a located at an edge of the frame 213. According to an embodiment, the multi-rod structure 232 may be referred to as a display support member or a support structure and have a single elastic plate shape.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the driving structure 240 may move the second housing 202 relative to the first housing 201. For example, the driving structure 240 may include a motor 241 configured to generate a driving force for sliding of the housings 201 and 202. The driving structure 240 may include a gear (e.g., a pinion) connected to the motor 241 and a rack 242 configured to engage with the gear.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the housing in which the rack 242 is located may be different from the housing in which the motor 241 is located. According to an embodiment, the motor 241 may be connected to the second housing 202, and the rack 242 may be connected to the first housing 201. According to an embodiment, the motor 241 may be connected to the first housing 201, and the rack 242 may be connected to the second housing 202.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the first housing 201 may accommodate a first circuit board 248 (e.g., a main board). According to an embodiment, a processor, a memory, and / or an interface may be mounted on the first circuit board 248. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a CPU, an AP, a GPU, an ISP, a sensor hub processor, or a CP. According to an embodiment, the first circuit board 248 may include a flexible printed circuit board type radio frequency cable (FRC). The first circuit board 248 may be disposed on at least a part of the second cover member 221 and electrically connected to an antenna module (e.g., Figure 1 antenna module 197) and a communication module (e.g., Figure 1 communication module 190).

[0083] According to an embodiment, the memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the interface may include, for example, an HDMI, a USB interface, an SD card interface, and / or an audio interface. For example, the interface may be electrically or physically connected to the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device and include a USB connector, an SD card / MMC connector, or an audio connector.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a second circuit board 249 (e.g., a sub circuit board) spaced apart from a first circuit board 248 (e.g., a main circuit board) within a first housing 201. The second circuit board 249 may be electrically connected to the first circuit board 248 through a connection flexible board. The second circuit board 249 may be electrically connected to electrical components (such as a battery 289 or a speaker and / or a SIM card slot) disposed in an end region of the electronic device 101, and send signals and power. According to an embodiment, the second circuit board 249 may accommodate a wireless charging antenna (e.g., a coil). For example, the battery 289 may receive power from an external electronic device using the wireless charging antenna. In another example, the battery 289 may send power to an external electronic device through the wireless charging antenna.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the battery 289, as a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device 101, may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. The battery 289 may be integrally disposed within the electronic device 101 or be detachable from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 289 may be formed as a single integrated battery or include a plurality of individual batteries. According to an embodiment, the battery 289 may be located on a frame 213 and be fixed to the housing 201 together with the frame 213.

[0087] According to an embodiment, a guide rail 250 may guide the movement of a multi-rod structure 232. For example, the multi-rod structure 232 may slide along a slit 251 formed on the guide rail 250. According to an embodiment, the guide rail 250 may be connected to the first housing 201. For example, the guide rail 250 may be connected to a first cover member 211 and / or a frame 213. According to an embodiment, the slit 251 may be referred to as a groove or a recess formed on an inner surface of the guide rail 250.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the guide rail 250 may apply pressure to the multi-rod structure 232 based on the driving of a motor 241.

[0089] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 changes from a closed state to an open state, an interior 252 of the guide rail 250 may apply pressure to the multi-rod structure 232. The multi-rod structure 232 to which pressure is applied may move along the slit 251 of the guide rail 250, and a second housing 202 may change from a slid-in state to a slid-out state relative to the first housing 201. At least a part of a display assembly 230 accommodated between the first cover member 211 and the frame 213 may extend to a front surface.

[0090] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 changes from an open state to a closed state, the outer portion 253 of the guide rail 250 may apply pressure to the bent multi-rod structure 232. The pressured multi-rod structure 232 may move along the slit 251 of the guide rail 250, and the second housing 202 may change from a slid-out state to a slid-in state relative to the first housing 201. At least a part of the display assembly 230 may be accommodated between the first cover member 211 and the frame 213.

[0091] Referring Figure 5a , when the electronic device 101 is in the closed state, at least a part of the second housing 202 may be arranged to be accommodated within the first housing 201. Since the second housing 202 is arranged to be accommodated within the first housing 201, the overall volume of the electronic device 101 may be reduced. According to an embodiment, when the second housing 202 is accommodated within the first housing 201, the size of the visually exposed display 231 may be minimized. For example, when the second housing 202 is fully accommodated within the first housing 201, then the first display area A1 of the display 231 may be visually exposed, while the second display area A2 may not be visually exposed. At least a part of the second display area A2 may be arranged between the battery 289 and the rear plates 215 and 225.

[0092] Referring Figure 5b , when the electronic device 101 is in the open state, at least a part of the second housing 202 may protrude from the first housing 201. Since the second housing 202 protrudes from the first housing 201, the overall volume of the electronic device 101 may increase. According to an embodiment, when the second housing 202 protrudes from the first housing 201, at least a part of the second display area A2 of the display 231 may be visually exposed outside the electronic device 101 together with the first display area A1.

[0093] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] Referring Figure 6 , an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620 according to an embodiment may include a processor 610, a flexible display 620 (e.g., Figure 2 the display 203), a motor 630 (e.g., Figure 4 the motor 241), a driving circuit 640, a position detection sensor 650, a buck / boost converter 660, and / or a battery 670 (e.g., Figure 4 the battery 289). In addition, an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620 according to an embodiment may include Figure 1 some or all of the components included in the electronic device 101 in

[0095] According to an embodiment, the processor 610 may run software (e.g., a program) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 connected to the processor 610, and perform various data processing or operations. According to an embodiment, the processor 610 may store commands or data received from other components in a memory (not shown), process the commands or data stored in the memory (not shown), and store the resulting data in the memory (not shown).

[0096] According to an embodiment, the processor 610 may be a component included in a motor control unit (MCU) that controls the driving operation of the motor 630.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the flexible display 620 may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 620 may be a display module (e.g., Figure 1 the display module 160) including a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the corresponding device, and may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0098] In an embodiment, the flexible display 620 may have both ends fixed to each of a first housing (e.g., Figure 2 the first housing 201) and a second housing (e.g., Figure 2 the second housing 202), and may be at least partially contracted or extended by sliding (e.g., sliding in or out) between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202.

[0099] In an embodiment, the motor 630 may be driven by electricity and slide the second housing 202 in a first direction (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 the +Y-axis direction in Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) or a second direction (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 the -Y-axis direction in Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) relative to the first housing 201. In an embodiment, the processor 610 may drive the motor 630 to move the second housing 202 in the first direction or the second direction based on a received trigger signal related to the contraction or extension of the flexible display 620, thereby contracting or extending the flexible display 620.

[0100] In an embodiment, a trigger signal may occur when a user inputs or when a specified condition of the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 is satisfied. For example, the trigger signal may include information regarding a specific direction (e.g., a first direction or a second direction) and / or a specific position to which the flexible display 620 or the second housing 202 is to move. In an embodiment, when the specified condition is satisfied or based on a user input, the input module (e.g., Figure 7a and Figure 7b the input module 680) described below may output a trigger signal.

[0101] In an embodiment, the drive circuit 640 may control the driving of the motor 630 by controlling the current, voltage, or power applied to the motor 630 based on the power stored in the battery 670. In an embodiment, the drive circuit 640 may convert (e.g., step down or step up) the power supplied by the battery 670 using a buck / boost converter 660 and provide the converted power to the motor 630. In an embodiment, the drive circuit 640 may be a component included in the MCU.

[0102] In an embodiment, when the trigger signal is received, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may send a drive signal for driving the motor 630 to the drive circuit 640. In an embodiment, the motor drive signal may include the driving direction (e.g., a first direction or a second direction) of the motor 630, the moving distance (or number of revolutions) of the motor 630, and / or the driving force of the motor 630.

[0103] In an embodiment, the drive circuit 640 may monitor the operating state of the motor 630 in real time. In an embodiment, the drive circuit 640 may detect the input current applied to the motor 630 and the output current flowing in the motor 630 and determine the operating state of the motor 630 based on the input current and the output current. In an embodiment, the drive circuit 640 may calculate the difference between the input current and the output current and determine the operating state of the motor 630 based on the calculated difference.

[0104] In an embodiment, based on the determination of the operating state of the motor 630, when an abnormal operation of the motor 630 is detected, the drive circuit 640 may send a signal related to the abnormal operation to the processor 610.

[0105] In an embodiment, the position detection sensor 650 may detect whether the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is located at at least one specified position relative to the first housing 201. In an embodiment, the position detection sensor 650 may detect whether the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is located at a target position (e.g., an extended position (open state) or a contracted position (closed state)) to which the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is to move based on the trigger signal.

[0106] In an embodiment, the second housing 202 may move relative to the first housing 201 within a specified range (e.g., 0 [mm] to 35 [mm]), and the position detection sensor 650 may detect the position of the second housing 202 at specified positions (e.g., the 0 [mm] position and the 35 [mm] position) within the specified range.

[0107] In an embodiment, the position detection sensor 650 may include a Hall sensor circuit (e.g., a Hall IC) that detects the position of the flexible display 620 or the second housing 202 by using the Hall effect caused by the magnetic field of a magnet. In an embodiment, the position detection sensor 650 may include a Hall sensor circuit that is fixed to the first housing 201 and detects the magnetic field strength of a magnet fixed to the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620. In an embodiment, the magnet may be fixed to the first housing 201, and the Hall sensor circuit may be fixed to the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620. In an embodiment, the position detection sensor 650 may detect whether the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is located at a specified position based on the magnetic field strength when the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is located at the specified position.

[0108] In an embodiment, the position detection sensor 650 may detect the position of the flexible display 620 or the second housing 202 based on a change in capacitance or inductance caused by the movement of the second housing 202. In an embodiment, the position detection sensor 650 may use a physical switch to detect the position of the flexible display 620 or the second housing. In an embodiment, the position detection sensor 650 may use a roller to detect the position of the flexible display 620 or the second housing. In an embodiment, the position detection sensor 650 may use a pressure sensor to detect the position of the flexible display 620 or the second housing 202.

[0109] In an embodiment, the processor 610 may cumulatively calculate the moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 relative to the first housing 201 based on the motor drive signal, based on the rotation speed and operation time of the motor 630. In an embodiment, the processor 610 may control an additional operation of the motor 630 according to a trigger signal based on the calculated moving distance. In an embodiment, the processor 610 may control the screen displayed on the flexible display 620 based on the calculated moving distance.

[0110] Figure 7a is a detailed block diagram of an electronic device 101 including a flexible display (e.g., Figure 6 the flexible display 620) according to a comparative example. Figure 7b is a detailed block diagram of an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] In an embodiment, the input module 680 may output a trigger signal Trigger based on the satisfaction of a specified condition (e.g., execution of a specific application). In an embodiment, the input module 680 may output a trigger signal Trigger based on a user input (e.g., a touch input or a key input). In an embodiment, the trigger signal Trigger may be a signal for moving the second housing (e.g., Figure 2 the second housing 202 of Figure 2 in a first direction or a second direction with respect to the first housing (e.g.,

[0112] the first housing 201 of

[0113] Reference Figure 7a , the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may operate the motor 630 based on the motor drive signal generated through the drive circuit 640 based on the acquisition of the trigger signal. The processor 610 (e.g., the frame) may receive the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 (e.g., Figure 2 the display 203 of

[0114] In an embodiment, the processor 610 may receive a signal ACK related to the completion of an operation or a signal ACK related to an abnormal operation from the drive circuit 640, and based on the received signal, receive the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 with respect to the first housing 201 from the slip sensor 690.

[0115] However, Figure 7a the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 in

[0116] Reference Figure 7b, in the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 610 (e.g., the frame) may cumulatively calculate the moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 relative to the first housing 201 based on the rotational speed and operating time of the motor 630 in the active state of the motor 630 based on the motor drive signal.

[0117] In an embodiment, when the operation of the motor 630 based on the motor drive signal is completed, or when an abnormal operation of the motor 630 is detected in the active state of the motor 630, the drive circuit 640 may send a signal ACK related to the completion of the operation or a signal ACK related to the abnormal operation to the processor 610. In an embodiment, the processor 610 may receive a signal ACK related to the completion of the operation or a signal ACK related to the abnormal operation from the drive circuit 640 and calculate the moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 relative to the first housing 201 based on the received signal.

[0118] In an embodiment, the position detection sensor 650 (e.g., Hall IC) may detect whether the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is located at a specified position relative to the first housing 201, and send a movement completion signal to the drive circuit 640 and / or the processor 610 based on the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 being located at the specified position. In an embodiment, the drive circuit 640 may complete the operation of the motor 630 based on the received movement completion signal. In an embodiment, when the drive circuit 640 completes the operation corresponding to the motor drive signal of the motor 630, the drive circuit 640 may send a signal ACK related to the completion of the operation to the processor 610.

[0119] In an embodiment, when the processor 610 receives a movement completion signal from the position detection sensor 650 or an operation completion signal ACK from the drive circuit 640, the processor 610 may initialize the cumulatively calculated moving distance.

[0120] In an embodiment, the processor 610 may not perform the operation of receiving a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 relative to the first housing 201 from the Figure 7a sliding sensor 690, or requesting a sliding signal from the sliding sensor 690. Therefore, the current consumption can be reduced by omitting complex control operations.

[0121] Figure 8 is a diagram showing at least one operation period during which a motor (e.g., Figure 6 the motor 630) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is driven.

[0122] Refer to Figure 8, the horizontal axis of the graph may represent the operating time of the motor 630, and the vertical axis may represent the rotational speed of the motor 630. In an embodiment, each bar (e.g., area) of the graph may be the moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, which is the product of the operating time on the horizontal axis and the rotational speed on the vertical axis. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 (e.g., Figure 6 the processor 610) may cumulatively calculate the moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 based on the rotational speed and operating time of the motor 630 in an active state of the motor 630 based on the motor drive signal.

[0123] In an embodiment, the drive circuit 640 may drive the motor 630 in at least one operation period based on the motor drive signal. In an embodiment, the rotational speed of the motor 630 may be set differently for each of the at least one operation period. In an embodiment, based on the conditions of the surrounding environment of the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 or user input, at least one of the operation periods A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I may be set to correspond to a trigger signal or a motor drive signal related to the expansion or contraction of the flexible display 620.

[0124] In an embodiment, after receiving the motor drive signal from the processor 610, the drive circuit 640 may calculate the number of acceleration periods and deceleration periods, rotational speed, and / or operating time, and thus set at least one of the operation periods A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I. For example, as Figure 8 shown, the starting rotational speed, target rotational speed, and ending rotational speed may be 20 [millimeters per second (mm / sec)], 30 [mm / sec], and 10 [mm / sec], respectively, and in at least one of the operation periods A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I, by maintaining a constant rotational speed in each operation period, five accelerations are set between the operation periods A - B, B - C, C - D, D - E, and E - F, and two decelerations are set between the operation periods G - H and H - I, and their respective operating times may be 600 [milliseconds (msec)], 1000 [msec], and 400 [msec], respectively.

[0125] In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may cumulatively calculate the moving distance based on the rotational speed and operating time of the motor 630 corresponding to at least one of the operation periods A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I in which the motor 630 is driven in response to the drive signal.

[0126] In an embodiment, an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620 may measure the operation time of a motor 630 in each of at least one operation period A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I. In an embodiment, after the operation corresponding to each of at least one operation period A, B, C, D, E, and F of the motor 630 is completed, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may calculate a period moving distance corresponding to each of at least one operation period A, B, C, D, E, and F.

[0127] In an embodiment, when a signal related to an abnormal operation of the motor 630 is received while the motor 630 is in an active state based on a motor driving signal, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may send a stop signal to a driving circuit 640 to stop the operation of the motor 630. In an embodiment, even if the operation of the motor 630 according to the motor driving signal is not completed, when a signal "STALL detect" related to the abnormal operation of the motor 630 is received, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may send a stop signal to the driving circuit 640 to immediately stop the operation of the motor 630.

[0128] In an embodiment, when the operation of the motor 630 corresponding to at least one operation period A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I according to the motor driving signal stops, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may cumulatively calculate a moving distance based on the stop signal based on the operation time of the motor 630 until the operation of the motor 630 stops. For example, when a signal "STALL detect" related to the abnormal operation of the motor 630 is received at a time point of 1200 [msec], the moving distance may be cumulatively calculated based on the operation time of 600 [msec] of the motor within period G until the operation of the motor 630 stops at the time point of 1200 [msec]. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may calculate the moving distance (e.g., 33 [mm]) of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 by adding the sum of the moving distances in period A (moving distance: 2 [mm]), period B (moving distance: 2.2 [mm]), period C (moving distance: 2.4 [mm]), period D (moving distance: 2.6 [mm]), period E (moving distance: 2.8 [mm]), and period F (moving distance: 3.0 [mm]) (e.g., 15 [mm]) to the moving distance (e.g., 18 [mm]) according to the operation time of 600 [msec] of the motor 630 within period G until the motor (at the time point of 1200 [msec]) stops operating.

[0129] In an embodiment, since the delay time for stopping the motor 630 after receiving the signal “STALL detect” related to the abnormal operation of the motor 630 is very short, even if the motor 630 is driven at the maximum rotational speed, the error in the cumulatively calculated moving distance may be very small. In addition, the error in the moving distance can be eliminated by initializing the moving distance based on the position detection of the position detection sensor 650.

[0130] In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may control the screen displayed on the flexible display 620 based on the cumulatively calculated moving distance. For example, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may display a screen corresponding to the extended or contracted state (e.g., area) of the flexible display 620 on the flexible display 620 based on the moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620.

[0131] In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may send an additional driving signal for driving the motor 630 to the driving circuit 640 based on the cumulatively calculated moving distance. In an embodiment, the additional driving signal may correspond to an operation of extending or contracting the flexible display 620. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may calculate the distance that the motor 630 needs to be additionally driven in the first direction, or the distance that the motor 630 needs to be driven in the reverse direction in the second direction, based on the cumulatively calculated moving distance.

[0132] In an embodiment, when an additional trigger signal related to the extension or contraction of the flexible display 620 is obtained, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may send an additional driving signal to the driving circuit 640 to drive the motor 630 based on the cumulatively calculated moving distance.

[0133] Figure 9 The position detection sensor 650 in the contracted and extended states of the flexible display 620 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0134] Reference Figure 9 , the position detection sensor 650 according to an embodiment may include at least one Hall sensor circuit 910 and 920 fixed to the first housing 201, and / or a magnet 930 fixed to the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620.

[0135] In an embodiment, the magnet 930 may be fixed to the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, and may move as the second housing 202 moves relative to the first housing 201, or as the flexible display 620 is extended or contracted.

[0136] In an embodiment, at least one of Hall sensor circuits 910 and 920 may be fixed to the first housing 201 and detect the position of the magnet 930. In an embodiment, each of at least one of Hall sensor circuits 910 and 920 may be disposed at a specified position. The specified position may correspond to the position of the magnet 930 according to the movement of the second housing 202 or the expansion or contraction of the flexible display 620 based on a trigger signal.

[0137] In an embodiment, at least one of Hall sensor circuits 910 and 920 may detect whether the magnet 930 is located at the specified position. For example, at least one of Hall sensor circuits 910 and 920 may detect whether the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is located at the specified position based on the magnetic field strength generated when the magnet 930 fixed to the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is located at the specified position.

[0138] In an embodiment, when a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is obtained from the position detection sensor 650, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 (e.g., Figure 6 the processor 610) may initialize the cumulatively calculated movement distance. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may initialize the cumulatively calculated movement distance by obtaining a signal related to whether the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is located at the specified position from the position detection sensor 650.

[0139] In an embodiment, when a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is obtained from the position detection sensor 650, even if the operation of the motor 630 is not completed, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may stop the operation of the motor 630 and initialize the cumulatively calculated movement distance.

[0140] In an embodiment, when the operation of the motor 630 based on a motor drive signal is completed but a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is not received from the position detection sensor 650, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may send an additional drive signal to the drive circuit 640 based on the cumulatively calculated movement distance to drive the motor 630.

[0141] In an embodiment, the additional drive signal may be a signal for additionally driving the motor 630 in the drive direction corresponding to a trigger signal related to the expansion or contraction of the flexible display 620. In an embodiment, the drive circuit 640 may operate the motor 630 based on the received additional drive signal until a signal related to the position of the housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is received from the position detection sensor 650.

[0142] When the operation of the motor 630 based on the motor drive signal is completed, but a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is not received from the position detection sensor 650, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 according to an embodiment may perform a calibration operation on the drive of the motor 630. In an embodiment, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620 may perform a calibration operation to correct an error generated due to the drive of the motor 630 by driving the motor 630 in a first direction or a second direction until a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 is received from the position detection sensor 650, or by driving the motor 630 until the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 no longer changes.

[0143] Figure 10 The relationship between the rotation of the motor 630 and the moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0144] Reference Figure 10 According to an embodiment, the motor 630 may be a device that can be controlled to rotate at a specific angle corresponding to a motor drive signal.

[0145] The motor 630 according to an embodiment may be a stepper motor that rotates at a specified angle in response to a step pulse. For example, the motor 630 (e.g., the rotor) may rotate R [degrees] in response to one step pulse.

[0146] In an embodiment, the motor 630 may include a reduction gear 1010 that reduces the rotational speed of the rotor (or the output shaft). In an embodiment, the reduction gear 1010 may be integrated with the motor 630 by being coupled to the rotor inside the motor 630, or may be separately installed on an output shaft (not shown) coupled to the rotor. In an embodiment, the reduction gear 1010 may reduce the rotational speed of the rotor at a reduction ratio of 1:N.

[0147] In an embodiment, an output gear 1020 (e.g., a pinion gear) corresponding to the output shaft (not shown) or the rotor of the motor 630 may mesh with a rack (e.g., Figure 4 rack 242) connected to the first housing 201. In an embodiment, the rack 242 may move by the rotation of the output gear 1020, and the rotation radius (diameter) of the output gear 1020 may be d [mm].

[0148] In an embodiment, an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620 may calculate a moving distance L of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620 according to one step pulse P based on a rotation angle R of a motor 630 corresponding to a step pulse P, a reduction ratio N of a reduction gear 1010, and / or a rotation radius d of an output gear 1020 according to [Equation 1].

[0149] [Equation 1]

[0150] In an embodiment, an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620 may calculate the number of step pulses P corresponding to a motor drive signal based on the frequency and application time of the step pulse P corresponding to the motor drive signal (or at least one operation period), and thus calculate a moving distance L of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620.

[0151] Figure 11 FIG. 1100 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620, 160, or 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] Referring to Figure 11 , in operation 1110, when receiving a trigger signal related to the expansion or contraction of the flexible display 620, 160, or 203, an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620, 160, or 203 according to an embodiment may send a motor drive signal for driving the motor 630 or 241 to a drive circuit 640.

[0153] In operation 1130, an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620, 160, or 203 according to an embodiment may determine whether a signal related to an abnormal operation of the motor 630 or 241 is received in a driving state of the motor 630 or 241 based on the motor drive signal.

[0154] In operation 1130, when an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620, 160, or 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure does not receive a signal related to an abnormal operation of the motor 630 or 241 (operation 1130 - NO), in operation 1150, it may cumulatively calculate a moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 based on the rotational speed and operation time of the motor 630 or 241 in an active state based on the motor drive signal.

[0155] In an embodiment, in operation 1150, an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620, 160, or 203 may cumulatively calculate a moving distance of a second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 based on a rotation speed and an operation time of a motor 630 or 241 corresponding to at least one operation period according to a motor driving signal.

[0156] In an embodiment, in operation 1160, an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620, 160, or 203 may determine whether an operation of the motor 630 or 241 based on a motor driving signal has been completed.

[0157] In an embodiment, when the operation of the motor 630 or 241 is not completed (operation 1160 - No), an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620, 160, or 203 may, in operation 1130, while maintaining the operation of the motor 630 or 241, monitor a signal related to an abnormal operation of the motor 630 or 241, and in operation 1150, cumulatively calculate a moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203.

[0158] According to an embodiment, an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620, 160, or 203 may skip operation 1160 for determining whether an operation of the motor 630 or 241 based on a motor driving signal has been completed, and may, in operation 1150, while maintaining the operation of the motor 630 or 241 based on a motor driving signal, cumulatively calculate a moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203.

[0159] When a signal related to an abnormal operation of the motor 630 or 241 is received in operation 1130 (operation 1130 - Yes), in operation 1140, an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620, 160, or 203 according to an embodiment may send a stop signal to a driving circuit 640 to stop the operation of the motor 630 or 241.

[0160] Based on the received stop signal, a driving circuit 640 according to an embodiment may urgently stop the operation of the motor 630 or 241 before the operation of the motor 630 or 241 based on a motor driving signal is completed.

[0161] In operation 1155, an electronic device 101 including a flexible display 620, 160, or 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may, based on a signal related to an abnormal operation of the motor 630 or 241, until the operation of the motor 630 or 241 stops, cumulatively calculate a moving distance based on an operation time of the motor 630 or 241.

[0162] When it is determined in operation 1160 that the operation of motor 630 or 241 corresponding to the motor drive signal has been completed (operation 1160 - YES), in operation 1170, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may determine whether a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 has been received from the position detection sensor 650.

[0163] When a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 is received from the position detection sensor 650 in operation 1170 (operation 1170 - YES), in operation 1190, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may initialize the cumulatively calculated movement distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203.

[0164] Even if the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure determines that the operation of motor 630 or 241 based on the motor drive signal has not been completed (operation 1160 - NO), in operation 1171, it may also determine whether a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 has been received from the position detection sensor 650. In an embodiment, when a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 is received from the position detection sensor 650 (operation 1171 - YES), in operation 1190, the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 may initialize the cumulatively calculated movement distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203.

[0165] In an embodiment, when the operation of motor 630 or 241 based on the motor drive signal has not been completed (operation 1160 - NO), and a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 has not been received from the position detection sensor 650 (operation 1171 - NO), the electronic device 101 including the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 may repeat operation 1130.

[0166] When the operation of the motor 630 or 241 has been completed in operation 1170, but a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203 has not been received from the position detection sensor 650 (operation 1170 - No), or when a signal related to an abnormal operation of the motor 630 or 241 has been received in operation 1130 (operation 1130 - Yes), in operation 1180, the electronic device 101 including the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may send an additional drive signal to the drive circuit 640 based on the cumulatively calculated movement distance to drive the motor 630 or 241.

[0167] In operation 1180, the electronic device 101 including the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may send an additional drive signal to the drive circuit 640 based on the cumulatively calculated movement distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203 according to the motor drive signal to drive the motor 630 or 241 in the direction of extending or contracting the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203.

[0168] In an embodiment, when a trigger signal related to the extension or contraction of the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203 is additionally obtained, in operation 1180, the electronic device 101 including the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203 may send an additional drive signal for driving the motor 630 or 241 to the drive circuit 640.

[0169] An electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first housing 201; a second housing 202 configured to be movable relative to the first housing 201 in a first direction or a second direction and overlapping at least a part of the first housing 201; a flexible display 620, 160, or 203 at least partially mounted on a surface of the second housing 202 and having at least a part of an area exposed to the outside that contracts or expands based on the movement of the second housing 202; a motor 630 or 241 configured to drive the second housing 202 to move in the first direction or the second direction; a drive circuit 640 configured to control the driving of the motor 630 or 241; and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to send a motor drive signal for driving the motor 630 or 241 to the drive circuit 640 when a trigger signal related to the contraction or expansion of the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 is received. The at least one processor may be configured to calculate a moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 based on the rotation speed and the operation time of the motor 630 or 241 in an active state of the motor 630 or 241 based on the motor drive signal. The at least one processor may be configured to initialize the calculated moving distance when a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 is obtained.

[0170] In the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, the motor 630 or 241 may be a stepper motor 630 or 241 configured to rotate at a specified angle in response to a step pulse. The motor drive signal may correspond to at least one of the step pulses.

[0171] In the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to calculate the moving distance based on at least one of the rotation angle of the motor 630 or 241 corresponding to the step pulse, the reduction ratio of the reduction gear 1010, or the rotation radius of the output gear 1020, as at least a part of calculating the moving distance.

[0172] In the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to calculate the moving distance by accumulating the period moving distances respectively corresponding to at least one operation period based on the rotation speed and the rotation time of the motor 630 or 241 respectively corresponding to at least one operation period of driving the motor 630 or 241 in response to the drive signal.

[0173] In the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured to measure the operation time of the motor 630 or 241 in each period of at least one operation period, and calculate the period moving distance as at least a part of calculating the moving distance when the operation of the motor 630 or 241 corresponding to at least one operation period is completed.

[0174] The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment may further include a position detection sensor 650 configured to detect whether the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 is located at at least one designated position. At least one processor may be configured to receive a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 from the position detection sensor 650.

[0175] In the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, the position detection sensor 650 may include Hall sensor circuits 910 and 920 fixed to the first housing 201 and configured to detect the magnetic field intensity of a magnet 930 fixed to the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203.

[0176] In the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to send a stop signal for stopping the operation of the motor 630 or 241 to the drive circuit 640 based on a signal related to an abnormal operation of the motor 630 or 241 received while the motor 630 or 241 is in an active state based on a motor drive signal.

[0177] In the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to calculate a moving distance based on the operation time of the motor 630 or 241 until the operation of the motor 630 or 241 stops, as at least a part of calculating the moving distance.

[0178] In the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to send an additional drive signal for driving the motor 630 or 241 to the drive circuit 640 based on the calculated moving distance.

[0179] In the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to send an additional drive signal for driving the motor 630 or 241 to the drive circuit 640 based on the calculated moving distance when the operation of the motor 630 or 241 based on a motor drive signal is completed and a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 is not obtained.

[0180] An electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first housing 201, a second housing 202 configured to be movable relative to the first housing 201 in a first direction or a second direction and overlapping at least a part of the first housing 201, a flexible display 620, 160, or 203 at least partially mounted on a surface of the second housing 202 and having at least a part of an area exposed to the outside that contracts or expands based on the movement of the second housing 202, a motor 630 or 241 configured to drive the second housing 202 to move in the first direction or the second direction, and a driving circuit 640 configured to control the driving of the motor 630 or 241.

[0181] A method of operating an electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include sending (1110), to the driving circuit 640, a motor driving signal for driving the motor 630 or 241 when a trigger signal related to the contraction or expansion of the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 is received. A method of operating an electronic device 101 according to an embodiment may include calculating (1150 or 1155) a moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 based on a rotation speed and an operation time of the motor 630 or 241 in an active state of the motor 630 or 241 based on the motor driving signal. A method of operating an electronic device 101 according to an embodiment may include initializing (1190) the calculated moving distance when a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible display 620, 160, or 203 is obtained.

[0182] In a method of operating an electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, the motor 630 or 241 may be a stepper motor 630 or 241 that rotates at a specified angle in response to a step pulse. The motor driving signal may correspond to at least one of the step pulses. Calculating (1150 or 1155) the moving distance may include calculating the moving distance based on at least one of a rotation angle of the motor 630 or 241 corresponding to the step pulse, a reduction ratio of a reduction gear 1010, or a rotation radius of an output gear 1020.

[0183] In a method of operating an electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, the moving distance is calculated by accumulating the segment moving distances corresponding to at least one operation period respectively, based on the rotation speed and the rotation time of the motor 630 or 241 corresponding to at least one operation period of driving the motor 630 or 241 in response to the driving signal respectively.

[0184] In the method of operating the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, calculating (1150 or 1155) the moving distance may include measuring the operation time of the motor 630 or 241 in each period of at least one operation period, and calculating the period moving distance when the operation corresponding to the at least one operation period of the motor 630 or 241 is completed, as at least a part of calculating the moving distance.

[0185] The method of operating the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment may further include receiving a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203 from the position detection sensor 650 that detects whether the second housing 202 or the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203 are located at at least one specified position.

[0186] The method of operating the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment may further include sending a stop signal for stopping the operation of the motor 630 or 241 to the driving circuit 640 based on receiving a signal related to an abnormal operation of the motor 630 or 241 while the motor 630 or 241 is in an active state based on the motor driving signal.

[0187] In the method of operating the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment, calculating (1155) the moving distance may include calculating (1155) the moving distance based on the operation time of the motor 630 or 241 until the operation of the motor 630 or 241 stops.

[0188] The method of operating the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment may further include sending (1180) an additional driving signal for driving the motor 630 or 241 to the driving circuit 640 based on the calculated moving distance.

[0189] The method of operating the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment may further include sending (1180) an additional driving signal for driving the motor 630 or 241 to the driving circuit 640 based on the calculated moving distance when the operation of the motor 630 or 241 based on the motor driving signal is completed and a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203 is not obtained.

[0190] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include, based on the operation of an application, when a trigger signal related to the contraction or extension of the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203 is received, sending (1110) a motor drive signal for driving the motor 630 or 241 to a drive circuit 640. The storage medium according to an embodiment may include calculating (1150 or 1155) the moving distance of the second housing 202 or the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203 based on the rotational speed and the operation time of the motor 630 or 241 in an active state of the motor 630 or 241 based on the motor drive signal. The storage medium according to an embodiment may include initializing (1190) the calculated moving distance when a signal related to the position of the second housing 202 or the flexible displays 620, 160, or 203 is obtained.

[0191] An electronic device according to an embodiment 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 home appliance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to the above-described electronic devices.

[0192] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalent forms or alternative forms for the corresponding embodiments. For the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to refer to like or related elements. It will be understood that a singular noun corresponding to a term may include one or more things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each phrase 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 one of the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as "first" and "second" or "1st" and "2nd" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, in cases where the term "operatively" or "communicatively" is used or where the term "operatively" or "communicatively" is not used, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as "coupled with another element (e.g., a second element)", "coupled to another element (e.g., a second element)", "connected with another element (e.g., a second element)", or "connected to another element (e.g., a second element)", it means that the one element can be directly (e.g., wired) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0193] As used in connection with the 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, part or circuit). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or the smallest unit or part of the single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0194] The embodiments described herein can be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, under the control of a processor, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and run the at least one instruction, with or without using one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function in accordance with the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions can include code generated by a compiler or code that can be run by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Herein, the term "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0195] According to an embodiment, a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded between a seller and a purchaser as a product. The computer program product can be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., Play Store TM ), or can be directly distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If it is distributed online, at least part of the computer program product can be generated temporarily, or at least part of the computer program product can be stored at least temporarily in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0196] According to an embodiment, each of the above 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 disposed in different components. According to an embodiment, one or more of the above components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to an embodiment, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding one of the multiple components performed one or more functions before integration. According to an embodiment, the operations performed by a module, a program, or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic manner, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. An electronic device (101), comprising: A memory (130) for storing instructions; A first housing (201); A second housing (202) configured to be movable relative to the first housing (201) in a first direction or a second direction and to overlap at least a portion of the first housing (201); A flexible display (620; 160; 203) at least partially mounted on a surface of the second housing (202) and having at least a portion of an area exposed to the outside that contracts or expands based on the movement of the second housing (202); A motor (630; 241) configured to drive the second housing (202) to move in the first direction or the second direction; A drive circuit (640) configured to control the driving of the motor (630; 241); And A processor (120; 610), Wherein, when the instructions are run by the processor (120; 610), the electronic device (101) is caused to: When receiving a trigger signal related to the contraction or expansion of the flexible display (620; 160; 203), send a motor drive signal for driving the motor (630; 241) to the drive circuit (640), Calculate the moving distance of the second housing (202) or the flexible display (620; 160; 203) based on the rotational speed and operating time of the motor (630; 241) in an active state of the motor (630; 241) based on the motor drive signal, and Initialize the calculated moving distance when obtaining a signal related to the position of the second housing (202) or the flexible display (620; 160; 203).

2. The electronic device (101) according to claim 1, wherein, The motor (630; 241) is a stepper motor (630; 241) configured to rotate at a specified angle in response to a step pulse, and Wherein, the motor drive signal corresponds to at least one of the step pulses.

3. The electronic device (101) according to claim 2, wherein, When the instructions are run by the processor (120; 610), the electronic device (101) is caused to calculate the moving distance based on at least one of the rotation angle of the motor (630; 241) corresponding to the step pulse, the reduction ratio of the reduction gear (1010), or the rotation radius of the output gear (1020) as at least a part of calculating the moving distance.

4. The electronic device (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the instructions are run by the processor (120; 610), the electronic device (101) is caused to calculate the moving distance by accumulating the segment moving distances respectively corresponding to at least one operation period based on the rotation speed and rotation time of the motor (630; 241) respectively corresponding to at least one operation period of driving the motor (630; 241) in response to the drive signal.

5. The electronic device (101) according to claim 4, wherein, When the instruction is run by the processor (120; 610), it causes the electronic device (101) to measure the operating time of the motor (630; 241) in each of the at least one operation period, and when the operation corresponding to the at least one operation period of the motor (630; 241) is completed, calculates the period moving distance as at least a part of calculating the moving distance.

6. The electronic device (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a position detection sensor (650) configured to detect whether the second housing (202) or the flexible display (620; 160; 203) is located at at least one specified position. Among them, When the instruction is run by the processor (120; 610), it causes the electronic device (101) to receive a signal related to the position of the second housing (202) or the flexible display (620; 160; 203) from the position detection sensor (650).

7. The electronic device (101) according to claim 6, wherein, The position detection sensor (650) includes a Hall sensor circuit (910, 920) fixed to the first housing (201) and configured to detect the magnetic field intensity of a magnet (930) fixed to the second housing (202) or the flexible display (620; 160; 203).

8. The electronic device (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, When the instruction is run by the processor (120; 610), it causes the electronic device (101) to send a stop signal configured to stop the operation of the motor (630; 241) to the drive circuit (640) based on receiving a signal related to an abnormal operation of the motor (630; 241) in an active state of the motor (630; 241) based on the motor drive signal.

9. The electronic device (101) according to claim 8, wherein, When the instruction is run by the processor (120; 610), it causes the electronic device (101) to calculate the moving distance as at least a part of calculating the moving distance based on the operating time of the motor (630; 241) until the operation of the motor (630; 241) stops.

10. The electronic device (101) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, When the instruction is run by the processor (120; 610), it causes the electronic device (101) to send an additional drive signal for driving the motor (630; 241) to the drive circuit (640) based on the calculated moving distance.

11. The electronic device (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, When the instruction is run by the processor (120; 610), it causes the electronic device (101) to send an additional drive signal for driving the motor (630; 241) to the drive circuit (640) based on the calculated moving distance when the operation of the motor (630; 241) based on the motor drive signal is completed and no signal related to the position of the second housing (202) or the flexible display (620; 160; 203) is obtained.

12. A method of operating an electronic device (101), the electronic device including a first housing (201), a second housing (202) configured to be movable relative to the first housing (201) in a first direction or a second direction and overlapping at least a portion of the first housing (201), a flexible display (620; 160; 203) at least partially mounted on a surface of the second housing (202) and having at least a portion of an area exposed to the outside that contracts or expands based on movement of the second housing (202), a motor (630; 241) configured to drive the second housing (202) to move in the first direction or the second direction, and a driving circuit (640) configured to control driving of the motor (630; 241), the method including: When a trigger signal related to contraction or expansion of the flexible display (620; 160; 203) is received, sending (1110) a motor drive signal for driving the motor (630; 241) to the driving circuit (640); Based on a rotation speed and an operation time of the motor (630; 241) in an active state of the motor (630; 241) based on the motor drive signal, calculating (1150; 1155) a moving distance of the second housing (202) or the flexible display (620; 160; 203); And When a signal related to a position of the second housing (202) or the flexible display (620; 160; 203) is obtained, initializing (1190) the calculated moving distance.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The motor (630; 241) is a stepper motor (630; 241) that rotates at a specified angle in response to a step pulse, wherein the motor drive signal corresponds to at least one of the step pulses, and wherein calculating (1150; 1155) the moving distance includes: calculating the moving distance based on at least one of a rotation angle of the motor (630; 241) corresponding to the step pulse, a reduction ratio of a reduction gear (1010) corresponding to the step pulse, or a rotation radius of an output gear (1020).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein Calculating (1150; 1155) the moving distance includes: calculating the moving distance by accumulating period moving distances respectively corresponding to at least one operation period based on a rotation speed and a rotation time of the motor (630; 241) respectively corresponding to at least one operation period of driving the motor (630; 241) in response to the drive signal.

15. A computer-readable storage medium (130) stores instructions that, when executed by a processor of an electronic device (101), cause the electronic device (101) to perform operations. The electronic device (101) includes: A first housing (201), a second housing (202) configured to be movable relative to the first housing (201) in a first direction or a second direction and overlapping at least a portion of the first housing (201), a flexible display (620; 160; 203) at least partially mounted on a surface of the second housing (202) and having at least a portion of an area exposed to the outside that contracts or expands based on the movement of the second housing (202), a motor (630; 241) configured to drive the second housing (202) to move in the first direction or the second direction, and a drive circuit (640) configured to control the driving of the motor (630; 241), wherein the operation includes: when a trigger signal related to the contraction or expansion of the flexible display (620; 160; 203) is received, sending (1110) a motor drive signal for driving the motor (630; 241) to the drive circuit (640); calculating (1150; 1155) a moving distance of the second housing (202) or the flexible display (620; 160; 203) based on a rotation speed and an operation time of the motor (630; 241) in an active state of the motor (630; 241) based on the motor drive signal; and initializing (1190) the calculated moving distance when a signal related to the position of the second housing (202) or the flexible display (620; 160; 203) is obtained.

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