Foldable electronic device for controlling screen rotation and operating method thereof

Abstract

A foldable electronic device for controlling screen rotation and an operating method thereof are provided. In the foldable electronic device of various embodiments of the present disclosure, a rotation angle of the electronic device is detected using a first sensor disposed in a first housing and / or a second sensor disposed in a second housing, the first sensor and the second sensor being selected based on a folding angle of the first housing and the second housing, and thus content can be provided according to a situation in which a user uses the electronic device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application filed on July 19, 2021, with application number 202180057974.1 and invention title "Foldable electronic device for controlling screen rotation and its operation method". Technical Field

[0002] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for controlling screen rotation in foldable electronic devices. Background Technology

[0003] Electronic devices are becoming increasingly thinner and are being improved to enhance design and differentiate their functional components. These devices are gradually shifting from a uniform rectangular shape to a variety of forms. For example, electronic devices may have deformable structures that allow for adjustment of the display size to meet portability and usability requirements. Electronic devices with deformable structures may include foldable devices that operate in a manner where at least two housings are folded or unfolded relative to each other. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues The foldable electronic device can be operated in an inward folding, outward folding, inward / outward folding, sliding and / or rolling manner by rotating the first housing and the second housing relative to each other via a hinge module.

[0005] In this foldable electronic device, the structure of the display, which spans the first and second housings, can be transformed into various shapes as the first and second housings rotate via a hinge module. Users of the foldable electronic device can view the content displayed on the display from different orientations depending on the various shapes of the display.

[0006] Foldable electronic devices require a method for controlling screen rotation based on various display shapes.

[0007] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide an apparatus and method for controlling screen rotation in a foldable electronic device.

[0008] Technical solution According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include: a hinge module; a first housing connected to the hinge module and including a first surface, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and a first side surface surrounding a first space between the first surface and the second surface; a second housing connected to the hinge module such that it is foldable relative to the first housing, and in an unfolded state, the second housing includes a third surface facing in the same direction as the first surface, a fourth surface facing in a direction opposite to the third surface, and a second side surface surrounding a second space between the third surface and the fourth surface; a first display configured to extend from at least a portion of the first surface to at least a portion of the third surface; and a second display disposed in the second space such that it is visible from the outside through at least a portion of the fourth surface. A first sensor, disposed in at least a portion of a first space and configured to collect sensor data related to movement of a first housing; a second sensor, disposed in at least a portion of a second space and configured to collect sensor data related to movement of a second housing; and a processor operatively connected to a first display, a second display, the first sensor, and the second sensor, wherein the processor is configured to: identify a folding angle between the first housing and the second housing via the first sensor and the second sensor; select the second display when the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing meets a specified first range; determine a display orientation of content based on sensor data collected via the second sensor; and control the second display to display content based on the display orientation of the content.

[0009] According to various embodiments, the operation method of the electronic device may include: identifying a folding angle between a first housing and a second housing via a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first sensor is disposed in a first space of the first housing, wherein the first housing is connected to a hinge module and includes a first surface, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and a first side surface surrounding the first space between the first surface and the second surface; wherein the second sensor is disposed in a second space of the second housing, wherein the second housing is connected to the hinge module to be foldable relative to the first housing, and in an unfolded state includes a third surface facing in the same direction as the first surface, a fourth surface facing in a direction opposite to the third surface, and a second side surface surrounding the second space between the third surface and the fourth surface; selecting a second display from a first display and a second display when the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing satisfies a specified first range, wherein the first display is configured to extend from at least a portion of the first surface to at least a portion of the third surface, and the second display is disposed in the second space to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the fourth surface; determining a display orientation of content based on sensor data collected by the second sensor; and displaying content on the second display based on the display orientation of the content.

[0010] Beneficial effects According to various embodiments of this disclosure, in a foldable electronic device, a first sensor disposed in a first housing and / or a second sensor disposed in a second housing are used to detect the rotation angle of the electronic device. The first sensor and / or the second sensor are selected based on the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing, thus providing content corresponding to the user's use of the electronic device. Additionally, various effects, directly or indirectly identifiable through this document, are provided. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 These are block diagrams of electronic devices according to various embodiments; Figure 2a The unfolded state of the electronic device according to various embodiments is shown; Figure 2b The folded states of the electronic device according to various embodiments are shown; Figure 2c Intermediate states of electronic devices according to various embodiments are shown; Figure 2d This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments; Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an electronic device for controlling screen rotation according to various embodiments; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the display orientation of a second display in an electronic device configured in an intermediate state according to various embodiments; Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5c Examples are shown of switching the display orientation of a second display in an electronic device in an intermediate state according to various embodiments; Figure 6a and Figure 6b Another example is shown of switching the display orientation of a second display in an electronic device in an intermediate state, according to various embodiments; Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a detection electronic device for folding angles according to various embodiments; Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the display orientation of a first display in an electronic device configured in an intermediate state according to various embodiments; Figure 9a and Figure 9b Examples are shown of switching the display orientation of a first display in an electronic device in an intermediate state according to various embodiments; Figure 10a and Figure 10bAnother example is shown of switching the display orientation of a first display in an electronic device in an intermediate state according to various embodiments; Figure 11 Examples of the display orientation of a first display in an electronic device with its configuration in an intermediate state according to various embodiments are shown; Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the display orientation of a first display in an electronic device configured in an unfolded state according to various embodiments; Figure 13a and Figure 13b Examples are shown of switching the display orientation of a first display in an electronic device in an unfolded state, according to various embodiments; Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the display orientation of a second display in an electronic device configured in a folded state according to various embodiments; and Figure 15a and Figure 15b Examples of switching the display orientation of a second display in an electronic device in a folded state, according to various embodiments, are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 1 In network environment 100, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with at least one of electronic device 104 or server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 104 via server 108. According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, input module 150, sound output module 155, display module 160, audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, user identification module (SIM) 196, or antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., connection terminal 178) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components described above (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (e.g., display module 160).

[0014] Processor 120 may run software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 connected to processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, processor 120 may store commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to embodiments, processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., graphics processing unit (GPU), neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor central processor, or communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or may be implemented as part of the main processor 121.

[0015] When the main processor 121 is inactive (e.g., in sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) can control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is active (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 can work with the main processor 121 to control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190). According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123. According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include hardware architecture dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. Artificial intelligence models can be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning can be performed via electronic device 101 where artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple layers of artificial neural networks. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or optionally, the artificial intelligence model may include software structures in addition to hardware structures.

[0016] Memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 or sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input or output data for commands associated with it. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

[0017] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130, and the program 140 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0018] The input module 150 can receive commands or data from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or digital pen (e.g., stylus).

[0019] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0020] Display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). Display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to an embodiment, display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of the force caused by touch.

[0021] The audio module 170 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) that is directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0022] Sensor module 176 can detect the operating state of electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside electronic device 101 (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to embodiments, sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, proximity sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

[0023] Interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols used to enable electronic device 101 to connect directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, interface 177 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Card (SD) interface, or an audio interface.

[0024] Connection 178 may include a connector, through which electronic device 101 may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, connection 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0025] The haptic module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or motion) or electrical stimuli that can be recognized by a user through his touch or kinesthesia. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0026] Camera module 180 can capture still or moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0027] The power management module 188 manages the power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0028] Battery 189 can power at least one component of electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell.

[0029] Communication module 190 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. Communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of processor 120 (e.g., application processor (AP)) and support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to embodiments, communication module 190 may include wireless communication module 192 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 194 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). One of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, 5G network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or as multiple components separate from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 can identify and verify the electronic device 101 in the communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0030] Wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks following 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies (such as new radio (NR) access technologies). NR access technologies can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). Wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter-wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. Wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies used to ensure performance in high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. Wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in electronic device 101, external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 104), or network systems (e.g., second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support peak data rates (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater) for implementing eMBB, lost coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip) for implementing URLLC.

[0031] Antenna module 197 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the exterior of electronic device 101 (e.g., external electronic device). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include an antenna comprising a radiating element formed of a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as a first network 198 or a second network 199) can be selected from the multiple antennas by, for example, communication module 190 (e.g., wireless communication module 192). Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components besides the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally incorporated into antenna module 197.

[0032] According to various embodiments, antenna module 197 may form a millimeter-wave antenna module. According to embodiments, the millimeter-wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna), wherein the RFIC is disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and is capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., a millimeter-wave band), and the multiple antennas are disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a top surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board and are capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high-frequency band.

[0033] At least some of the aforementioned components can be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) between them via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI)).

[0034] According to an embodiment, commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 101 and external electronic device 104 via server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 can be a device of the same type as electronic device 101, or a device of a different type. According to an embodiment, all or some operations that would be performed on electronic device 101 can be performed on one or more of external electronic devices 102, external electronic devices 104, or server 108. For example, if electronic device 101 is required to automatically perform a function or service, or is required to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service, instead of running the function or service, or electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service in addition to running the function or service. Upon receiving the request, one or more external electronic devices may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or perform additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 101. Electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial response to the request, with or without further processing of the result. For this purpose, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing may be used. Electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to embodiments, external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in a second network 199. Electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare).

[0035] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0036] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that nouns in the singular form corresponding to terms may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish the respective component from another component and do not limit the component in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “combined with another element (e.g., a second element),” “combined to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “connected to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0037] As used in connection with various embodiments of this disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms such as "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 such a single integrated component. For example, according to embodiments, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0038] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) containing one or more instructions readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138). For example, under the control of a processor, the processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" simply 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 temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0039] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM The computer program product may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If published online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0040] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding component of the multiple components performed one or more functions before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0041] Figure 2a The unfolded state of the electronic device 200 according to various embodiments is shown. Figure 2b The electronic device 200 is shown in a folded state according to various embodiments. Figure 2c Intermediate states of the electronic device 200 according to various embodiments are shown. For example, Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c The electronic device 200 may be at least partially similar to Figure 1 The electronic device 101, or other embodiments that may include the electronic device.

[0042] Reference Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c The electronic device 200 may include a hinge module (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264 is rotatably coupled to a pair of housings 210 and 220 (e.g., foldable housings) that are folded relative to each other, and a first display 230 (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) and a second display 235 (e.g., a sub-display) disposed via the pair of housings 210 and 220. According to an embodiment, the hinge module (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264 can be configured to be visible from the outside through the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 in the folded state, and can be configured to be invisible from the outside through the hinge cover 265 that protects the hinge module and covers the foldable portion in the unfolded state. Here, the surface on which the first display 230 is disposed can be defined as the front surface of the electronic device 200, and the surface opposite the front surface can be defined as the rear surface of the electronic device 200. In addition, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface can be defined as the side surface of the electronic device 200.

[0043] According to various embodiments, a pair of housings 210 and 220 may include those configured to be connected via a hinge module (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264) is foldable relative to the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to an embodiment, the pair of housings 210 and 220 are not limited to... Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c The shapes and couplings shown are possible and can be achieved through combinations and / or couplings of other shapes or components. According to an embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be positioned on opposite sides of the folding axis (A-axis) and may have a shape that is generally symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (A-axis). According to an embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be folded asymmetrically about the folding axis. According to an embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be changed depending on whether the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the first housing 210 can be connected to the hinge module (e.g., in the unfolded state of the electronic device 200) Figure 2d The hinge module 264 includes a first surface 211 facing the front surface of the electronic device 200, a second surface 212 facing in the opposite direction to the first surface 211, and a first side member 213 surrounding at least a portion of a first space between the first surface 211 and the second surface 212. According to an embodiment, the second housing 220 can be connected to the hinge module (e.g., in the unfolded state of the electronic device 200) Figure 2d The hinge module 264 includes a third surface 221 facing the front surface of the electronic device 200, a fourth surface 222 facing in the opposite direction to the third surface 221, and a second side member 223 surrounding at least a portion of the second space between the third surface 221 and the fourth surface 222. According to an embodiment, the first surface 211 can face the same direction as the third surface 221 in an unfolded state and face the third surface 221 in a folded state. Although not shown, according to another embodiment, the first surface 211 can be configured to face in the opposite direction to the third surface 221 in a folded state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a recess 201 formed to accommodate a first display 230 via a structural coupling of a first housing 210 and a second housing 220. According to an embodiment, the recess 201 may have substantially the same dimensions as the first display 230.

[0045] According to various embodiments, a hinge cover 265 may be disposed between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 to cover the hinge module (e.g., Figure 2d(Hinge module 264). According to an embodiment, the hinge cover 265 may be partially covered by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 or exposed to the outside depending on whether the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. For example, when the electronic device 200 is in the unfolded state, the hinge cover 265 may not be exposed because it is covered by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in the folded state such that the first surface 211 of the first housing 210 and the third surface 221 of the second housing 220 face each other, the hinge cover 265 may be exposed to the outside between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is in an intermediate state where the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are folded at an angle, the hinge cover 265 may be at least partially exposed to the outside between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. For example, the area of ​​the hinge cover 265 exposed to the outside may be smaller than the area in the fully folded state. Although not shown, according to another embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state such that the second surface 212 of the first housing 210 and the fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220 face each other, the hinge cover 265 may not be exposed to the outside between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. In an embodiment, the hinge cover 265 may include a curved surface.

[0046] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state (e.g., Figure 2a When the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 form an angle of 180 degrees, the first region 230a, the folded region 230c and the second region 230b of the first display 230 can form the same plane and can be set to face the same direction.

[0047] In an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state (e.g., Figure 2b When the electronic device 200 is in a folded state, the first surface 211 of the first housing 210 and the third surface 221 of the second housing 220 can be configured to face each other (inward folding mode). In this case, the first region 230a and the second region 230b of the first display 230 can be formed at a narrow angle (e.g., a range of 0 to 10 degrees) through the folding region 230c and can be configured to face each other. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the folding region 230c can be configured to have a curved surface with a predetermined curvature. In another embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 can be rotated 360 degrees relative to each other to be folded in the opposite direction, such that the second surface 212 and the fourth surface 222 face each other (outward folding mode).

[0048] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in an intermediate state (e.g., Figure 2c When the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are in the folded state, they can be set at an angle to each other. In this case, the first region 230a and the second region 230b of the first display 230 can form an angle greater than that in the folded state but smaller than that in the unfolded state, and the curvature of the folded region 230c can be smaller than that in the folded state. In an embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 can be configured to be connected by a hinge module (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264) stops at a specified folding angle between the folded and unfolded states (free stop function). In an embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 can be stopped by the hinge module (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264 operates while the specified corner is pressed in the unfolding or folding direction.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include at least one of the following disposed in a first housing 210 and / or a second housing 220: displays 230 and 235, input device 215, sound output devices 227 and 228, sensor modules 217a, 217b and 226, camera modules 216a, 216b and 225, key input device 219, indicator (not shown), or connector port 229. In embodiments, at least one of the components may be omitted from the electronic device 200, or at least one other component may be additionally included.

[0050] According to various embodiments, at least one display 230 and 235 may include a hinge module (e.g., a third surface 221 of the second housing 220) configured to be connected by a hinge module. Figure 2d The device 200 comprises a hinge module 264 supporting a first display 230 (e.g., a flexible display) from a first surface 211 of a first housing 210, and a second display 235 configured to be visible from the outside via a fourth surface 222 within the interior space of a second housing 220. According to an embodiment, the first display 230 may be used primarily in the unfolded state of the electronic device 200, and the second display 235 may be used primarily in the folded state of the electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, in an intermediate state, the electronic device 200 may use either the first display 230 or the second display 235 based on the folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the first display 230 may be disposed in a space formed by a pair of housings 210 and 220. For example, the first display 230 may be disposed in a recess 201 formed by the pair of housings 210 and 220 and may be configured to substantially occupy a large portion of the front surface of the electronic device 200. According to embodiments, the first display 230 may include a flexible display, at least a portion of which may be transformed into a flat or curved surface. According to embodiments, the first display 230 may include a first region 230a facing the first housing 210, a second region 230b facing the second housing 220, and a hinge module (e.g., connecting the first region 230a and the second region 230b and facing the hinge module) Figure 2d The hinge module 264) folds the area 230c. According to an embodiment, the area division of the first display 230 is achieved solely by a pair of housings 210 and 220 and the hinge module (e.g., the hinge module 264). Figure 2d The exemplary physical division of the hinge module 264) and essentially, the first display 230 can be connected via a pair of housings 210 and 220 and the hinge module (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264 is seamlessly displayed as a complete screen. According to an embodiment, the first region 230a and the second region 230b may have a generally symmetrical shape or a partially asymmetrical shape with respect to the folded region 230c.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include a first rear cover 240 disposed on a second surface 212 of a first housing 210 and a second rear cover 250 disposed on a fourth surface 222 of a second housing 220. In embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover 240 may be integrally constructed with a first side member 213. In embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover 250 may be integrally constructed with a second side member 223. According to embodiments, at least one of the first rear cover 240 and the second rear cover 250 may be constructed of a substantially transparent sheet (e.g., a polymer sheet or glass sheet including various coatings) or an opaque sheet. According to embodiments, the first rear cover 240 may be formed of, for example, an opaque sheet (such as coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS) or magnesium) or a combination of at least two of these materials). According to embodiments, the second rear cover 250 may be formed of, for example, a substantially transparent sheet (such as glass or polymer). Therefore, the second display 235 can be configured to be visible from the outside through the second rear cover 250 within the interior space of the second housing 220.

[0053] According to various embodiments, input device 215 may include microphone 215. In one embodiment, input device 215 may include a plurality of microphones 215 configured to detect the direction of sound. According to an embodiment, sound output devices 227 and 228 may include speakers 227 and 228. According to an embodiment, speakers 227 and 228 may include a call receiver 227 disposed through a fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220, and an external speaker 228 disposed through a side member of the second housing 220. In one embodiment, microphone 215, speakers 227 and 228, and connector port 229 may be disposed within the space of the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220, and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one aperture formed in the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220. In one embodiment, the aperture formed in the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220 may be used jointly for microphone 215 and speakers 227 and 228. In embodiments, sound output devices 227 and 228 may include loudspeakers (e.g., piezoelectric loudspeakers) that operate without the presence of holes formed in the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220.

[0054] According to various embodiments, camera modules 216a, 216b, and 225 may include a first camera device 216a disposed on a first surface 211 of the first housing 210, a second camera device 216b disposed on a second surface 212 of the first housing 210, and / or a third camera device 225 disposed on a fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220. According to embodiments, electronic device 200 may include a flash 218 disposed near the second camera device 216b. According to embodiments, flash 218 may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to embodiments, camera devices 216a, 216b, and 225 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In embodiments, at least one of camera devices 216a, 216b, and 225 may include two or more lenses (wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and an image sensor, and may be disposed together on either surface of the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220.

[0055] According to various embodiments, sensor modules 217a, 217b, and 226 can generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to the internal operating state of the electronic device 200 or its external environmental state. According to embodiments, sensor modules 217a, 217b, and 226 may include a first sensor module 217a disposed on a first surface 211 of the first housing 210, a second sensor module 217b disposed on a second surface 212 of the first housing 210, and / or a third sensor module 226 disposed on a fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220. In embodiments, sensor modules 217a, 217b, and 226 may include at least one of a posture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an illuminance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (TOF sensor or LiDAR scanner).

[0056] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include a first inertial sensor 283a disposed in a first housing 210 and a second inertial sensor 283b disposed in a second housing 220. According to embodiments, the first inertial sensor 283a may be disposed within the interior space of the first housing 210 to generate electrical signals or data values ​​related to movement of the first housing 210. According to embodiments, the second inertial sensor 283b may be disposed within the interior space of the second housing 220 to generate electrical signals or data values ​​related to movement of the second housing 220. For example, the first inertial sensor 283a and / or the second inertial sensor 283b may include a 6-axis sensor, a motion sensor, a gyroscope sensor, and / or an accelerometer.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may also include at least one of a sensor module not shown, such as a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint sensor. In embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may be disposed via at least one of a first side member 213 of the first housing 210 and / or a second side member 223 of the second housing 220.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the key input device 219 may be configured to be exposed to the outside via a first side member 213 of a first housing 210. In embodiments, the key input device 219 may be configured to be exposed to the outside via a second side member 223 of a second housing 220. In embodiments, the electronic device 200 may not include part or all of the aforementioned key input device 219, and the excluded key input device 219 may be implemented in another form (such as soft keys) on at least one display 230 and 235. In another embodiment, the key input device 219 may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one display 230 and 235.

[0059] According to various embodiments, connector port 229 may accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an interface connector port module (IF module)) for sending power and / or data to or receiving power and / or data from an external electronic device. In embodiments, connector port 229 may together perform the function of sending or receiving audio signals to or from an external electronic device, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., a headphone jack) for performing the function of sending or receiving audio signals.

[0060] According to various embodiments, at least one of the camera devices 216a and 225, and at least one of the sensor modules 217a and 226, and / or an indicator, among the sensor modules 217a, 217b, and 226, may be exposed through at least one display 230 and 235. For example, at least one camera device 216a and 225, at least one sensor module 217a and 226, and / or an indicator may be disposed below the effective area (display area) of the display 230 and 235 within the interior space of at least one housing 210 and 220, and configured to contact the external environment through openings perforated to a covering member (e.g., a window layer (not shown) of the first display 230 and / or the second rear cover 250). In another embodiment, some of the camera devices 216a and / or 225 or sensor modules 217a and / or 226 may be configured to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the display 230 and / or 235. For example, the area of ​​the display 230 and / or 235 facing the camera device 216a and / or 225 and / or the sensor module 217a and / or 226 (e.g., the display panel) may not require a perforated opening.

[0061] Reference Figure 2c The electronic device 200 is operable via a hinge module (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264) holds the device in an intermediate state. According to an embodiment, the intermediate state may be an operational state corresponding to the unfolded and folded states of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, and includes an operational state in which the folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a third reference range (e.g., about 20 degrees to about 170 degrees). According to an embodiment, in the intermediate state, the electronic device 200 is operable such that the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are held in an intermediate state by the hinge module (e.g., hinge module 264). Figure 2dThe hinge module 264 is held in an unfolded state at various angles. For example, the unfolded state of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may include an operating state in which the folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a first reference range (e.g., approximately 170 degrees to approximately 180 degrees). For example, the folded state of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may include an operating state in which the folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a second reference range (e.g., approximately 0 degrees to approximately 20 degrees).

[0062] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may use either the first display 230 or the second display 235 based on the folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. For example, the electronic device 200 may use the second display 235 when the folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a specified first range (e.g., approximately 20 degrees to approximately 75 degrees). For example, the electronic device 200 may use the first display 230 when the folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a specified second range (e.g., approximately 75 degrees to approximately 170 degrees). In this case, the electronic device 200 may control the first display 230 to operate in a first region of the first display 230 corresponding to the first surface 211 (e.g., ...). Figure 2d The first region 231a) and the second region of the first display 230 corresponding to the third surface 221 (e.g., Figure 2d Different content is displayed in the second region 231b). For example, the specified first range and / or the specified second range may be included in the third reference range used to determine the intermediate state.

[0063] Figure 2d This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] Reference Figure 2d In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a first display 230, a second display 235, a support component assembly 260, at least one printed circuit board 270, a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a first back cover 240, and a second back cover 250.

[0065] According to various embodiments, the first display 230 may include a display panel 231 (e.g., a flexible display panel) and one or more plates 232 or layers thereon on which the display panel 231 (e.g., a flexible display panel) is disposed. In embodiments, the one or more plates 232 may include a conductive plate (e.g., a Cu sheet or a SUS sheet) disposed between the display panel 231 and the support member assembly 260. According to embodiments, the one or more plates 232 may be configured to have a region substantially the same as the first display 230, and may be configured such that the region of their facing folded region 230c of the first display 230 is flexible. According to embodiments, one or more plates 232 may include at least one auxiliary material layer (e.g., a graphite member) disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 231. In embodiments, the one or more plates 232 may be configured to have a shape corresponding to the display panel 231.

[0066] According to various embodiments, the second display 235 may be disposed in the space between the second housing 220 and the second rear cover 250. According to embodiments, the second display 235 may be configured to be visible from the outside through substantially the entire area of ​​the second rear cover 250 in the space between the second housing 220 and the second rear cover 250.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the support member assembly 260 may include a first support member 261 (e.g., a first support plate), a second support member 262 (e.g., a second support plate), a hinge module 264 disposed between the first support member 261 and the second support member 262, a hinge cover 265 covering the hinge module 264 when viewed from the outside, and at least one wiring member 263 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) across the first support member 261 and the second support member 262. According to embodiments, the support member assembly 260 may be disposed between one or more plates 232 and at least one printed circuit board 270. According to embodiments, the first support member 261 may be disposed between a first region 231a of the first display 230 and the first printed circuit board 271. According to embodiments, the second support member 262 may be disposed between a second region 231b of the first display 230 and the second printed circuit board 272. According to embodiments, at least a portion of the hinge module 264 and at least one wiring member 263 may be disposed inside the support member assembly 260. At least one wiring member 263 may be disposed in a direction intersecting the first support member 261 and the second support member 262 (e.g., the x-axis direction). According to an embodiment, at least one wiring member 263 may be disposed perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or...) of the folding region 230c. Figure 2a In the direction of the folding axis A (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0068] According to various embodiments, at least one printed circuit board 270 may include a first printed circuit board 271 configured to face a first support member 261 and a second printed circuit board 272 configured to face a second support member 262. According to embodiments, the first printed circuit board 271 and the second printed circuit board 272 may be disposed within an internal space formed by the support member assembly 260, a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a first rear cover 240, and / or a second rear cover 250. According to embodiments, the first printed circuit board 271 and the second printed circuit board 272 may include a plurality of electronic components arranged to perform various functions of the electronic device 200.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include, within a first space of the first housing 210: a first printed circuit board 271 disposed in a space formed by a first support member 261; a first battery 291 disposed at a position facing a first expansion hole 2611 of the first support member 261; and at least one camera device 282 (e.g., Figure 2a First camera device 216a and / or second camera device 216b), at least one sensor module 281 (e.g. Figure 2a The first sensor module 217a and / or the second sensor module 217b). According to an embodiment, the second space of the second housing 220 may include a second printed circuit board 272 disposed within the second space formed by the second support member 262, and a second battery 292 disposed at a position facing the second expansion hole 2621 of the second support member 262. According to an embodiment, the first housing 210 and the first support member 261 may be integrally constructed. According to an embodiment, the second housing 220 and the second support member 262 may also be integrally constructed.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 may include a first rotary support surface 214, and the second housing 220 may include a second rotary support surface 224 corresponding to the first rotary support surface 214. According to embodiments, the first rotary support surface 214 and the second rotary support surface 224 may include curved surfaces corresponding to (naturally connected to) curved surfaces included in the hinge cover 265. According to embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, the first rotary support surface 214 and the second rotary support surface 224 may cover the hinge cover 265 such that the hinge cover 265 is not exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device 200 or is minimally exposed. In embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state, the first rotary support surface 214 and the second rotary support surface 224 may rotate along the curved surfaces included in the hinge cover 265 to maximize the exposure of the hinge cover 265 to the rear surface of the electronic device 200.

[0071] Figure 3This is a block diagram of an electronic device for controlling screen rotation according to various embodiments. According to embodiments, Figure 3 The electronic device 300 may be at least partially similar to Figure 1 Electronic device 101 or Figure 2a The electronic device 200 may also include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0072] Reference Figure 3 According to various embodiments, the electronic device 300 may include a processor 310, a first display 320, a second display 330, a first sensor 340, a second sensor 350, and / or a memory 360. According to embodiments, the processor 310 may be connected to… Figure 1 The processor 120 is substantially the same as or included in the processor 120. The first display 320 and / or the second display 330 may be compatible with... Figure 1 The display module 160 is substantially the same as or included in the display module 160. The first sensor 340 and / or the second sensor 350 may be compatible with... Figure 1 The sensor module 176 is substantially the same as or included in the sensor module 176. The memory 360 can be connected to... Figure 1 The memory 130 is substantially the same as or is included in the memory 130.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the first display 320 can be connected to... Figure 2a The first display 230 is substantially the same as or included in the first display 230. The second display 330 may be... Figure 2a The second display 235 is substantially the same as or included in the second display 235. The first sensor 340 may be associated with... Figure 2a The first inertial sensor 283a is substantially the same as or included in the first inertial sensor 283a. The second sensor 350 may be... Figure 2a The second inertial sensor 283b is substantially the same as or is included in the second inertial sensor 283b.

[0074] According to various embodiments, the first display 320 may be configured to be located from the first housing of the electronic device 300 (e.g., Figure 2a The first surface of the first housing 210 (e.g., Figure 2a At least a portion of the first surface 211) is attached to the second housing (e.g., Figure 2a The third surface of the second housing 220 (e.g., Figure 2a At least a portion of the third surface 221. According to an embodiment, the first display 320 may include a flexible display in which at least a portion of the flexible display may be based on a first housing (e.g., Figure 2a The first housing 210) and the second housing (e.g., Figure 2aThe folding angle between the second shell 220) is changed to a flat or curved surface.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the second display 330 may be configured in the second housing of the electronic device 300 (e.g., Figure 2a The fourth surface (e.g.,) passes through the internal space of the second housing 220) in the second housing 220. Figure 2a At least a portion of the fourth surface 222 is visible from the outside.

[0076] According to various embodiments, the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 may display information processed by the electronic device 300. According to embodiments, the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 may display content related to an application executed by the processor 310. According to embodiments, when the electronic device 300 operates in sleep mode, the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 may display content related to a low-power display mode (e.g., Always On Display (AOD)). For example, the sleep mode of the electronic device 300 may include a state that restricts the driving of the processor 310 (e.g., the application processor).

[0077] According to various embodiments, the first sensor 340 may be disposed in the first housing of the electronic device 300 (e.g., Figure 2a The first sensor 340 is located in at least a portion of the internal space of the first housing 210. According to an embodiment, the first sensor 340 can collect data related to the first housing (e.g., ...). Figure 2a The first sensor 340 may collect motion-related information (e.g., posture, angular velocity, and / or acceleration) of the first housing 210 to provide the collected information to the processor 310. For example, the first sensor 340 may include an inertial sensor, a motion sensor, a 6-axis sensor, a first gyroscope sensor, and / or a first accelerometer sensor.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the second sensor 350 may be disposed in the second housing of the electronic device 300 (e.g., Figure 2a The second sensor 350 is located in at least a portion of the internal space of the second housing 220. According to an embodiment, the second sensor 350 can collect data related to the second housing (e.g., ...). Figure 2a The second sensor 350 may collect motion-related information (e.g., attitude, angular velocity, and / or acceleration) from the second housing 220 to provide the collected information to the processor 310. For example, the second sensor 350 may include an inertial sensor, a motion sensor, a 6-axis sensor, a second gyroscope sensor, and / or a second accelerometer sensor.

[0079] According to various embodiments, processor 310 can control a first display 320, a second display 330, and a first sensor 340 and / or a second sensor 350 that are operatively connected. For example, processor 310 may include an application processor or a sensor hub processor.

[0080] According to various embodiments, processor 310 can detect the folding angle of electronic device 300. According to embodiments, when the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 are active, processor 310 can detect the first housing (e.g., ...) based on sensor data collected by the first sensor 340 and the second sensor 350. Figure 2a The first housing 210) and the second housing (e.g., Figure 2a The folding angle between the first display 320 and / or the second display 330. For example, when the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 are active, the processor 310 can detect the first housing (e.g., ...) using the first sensor 340, the second sensor 350, and a magnetic detection sensor (e.g., Hall IC). Figure 2a The first housing 210) and the second housing (e.g., Figure 2a The folding angle between the first housing 320 and the second housing 330. For example, a magnetic detection sensor may be disposed in the first housing (or the second housing) to detect magnetic forces generated from magnetic materials disposed in the second housing (or the first housing). For example, the active state of the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 may include the state in which all pixels of the display (e.g., the first display 320 and / or the second display 330) are enabled. For example, when the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 is active, the processor 310 (e.g., an application processor) may be enabled. In this case, the first sensor 340 and / or the second sensor 350 may be controlled by the application processor and / or the sensor central processor.

[0081] According to an embodiment, when the first display 320 and the second display 330 are inactive, the processor 310 can detect the first housing (e.g., ...) based on sensor data collected by a portion of the first sensor 340 (e.g., the first accelerometer) and / or a portion of the second sensor 350 (e.g., the second accelerometer). Figure 2a The first housing 210) and the second housing (e.g., Figure 2a The folding angle between the second housing 220. For example, the inactive state of the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 may include a state in which at least one pixel of the display (e.g., the first display 320 and / or the second display 330) is enabled or a state in which all pixels of the display are disabled. For example, when the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 is in an inactive state, the application processor of the processor 310 may be disabled, and the sensor central processor may control the first sensor 340 and / or the second sensor 350.

[0082] According to various embodiments, the processor 310 may select the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 as the display for displaying content based on the folding angle of the electronic device 300. For example, the content may include content related to an application executed by the processor 310 or content related to a low-power display mode (e.g., AOD). According to embodiments, based on the folding angle of the electronic device 300, when the processor 310 determines that the electronic device 300 is in an unfolded state (e.g., ...), ... Figure 2a When the electronic device 300 is in an unfolded state, the processor may select the first display 320 to display content. For example, the unfolded state of the electronic device 300 may include a state in which the folding angle of the electronic device 300 is included within a first reference range (e.g., about 170 degrees to about 180 degrees). According to an embodiment, based on the folding angle of the electronic device 300, when the processor 310 determines that the electronic device 300 is in a folded state (e.g., when the folding angle of the electronic device 300 is included within a first reference range), the processor may select the first display 320 to display content. Figure 2b When the electronic device 300 is in a folded state, the processor 310 may select the second display 330 to display content. For example, the folded state of the electronic device 300 may include a state in which the folding angle of the electronic device 300 is included within a second reference range (e.g., about 0 degrees to about 20 degrees).

[0083] According to an embodiment, when the folding angle of the electronic device 300 is included within a specified first range (e.g., about 20 degrees to about 75 degrees), the processor 310 may select the second display 330 to display content. For example, when the folding angle of the electronic device 300 is included within a specified first range (e.g., about 20 degrees to about 75 degrees), the electronic device 300 may operate in a first sub-mode or a second sub-mode based on the area placed on (or in contact with) a horizontal surface. For example, a horizontal surface may refer to a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Therefore, the processor 310 may select the second display 330 to display content in a first sub-mode and a second sub-mode. For example, the first sub-mode may include a first housing (e.g., Figure 2a The second surface of the first housing 210 (e.g., Figure 2a The second surface 212 is placed on a horizontal surface (or in contact with a horizontal surface). For example, the second sub-mode may include the first housing (e.g., Figure 2a The side surface of the first housing 210 (e.g., Figure 2a The first side member 213) and the second housing (e.g., Figure 2a The side surface of the second housing 220 (e.g., Figure 2a The second side member 223 is placed on a horizontal plane (or in contact with a horizontal plane). For example, when the folding angle of the electronic device is included in the vertical axis of the first sensor 340 (e.g., Figure 2a The Z-axis and the horizontal axis (e.g., Figure 2a The X-axis and the Y-axis (e.g., in the diagram) Figure 2aWhen the second surface of the first housing is placed on (or in contact with) a horizontal plane, the processor 310 may determine that the second surface of the first housing is within a specified third range (the Y-axis in the diagram). For example, the specified third range may include a range of about -25 degrees to about 25 degrees around the horizontal axis, a range of about -12 degrees to about 12 degrees around the vertical axis, and a range of about 65 degrees to about 90 degrees around the vertical axis.

[0084] According to an embodiment, when the folding angle of the electronic device 300 is included within a specified second range (e.g., about 75 degrees to about 170 degrees), the processor 310 may select the first display 320 to display content. For example, when the folding angle of the electronic device 300 is included within a specified first range or a specified second range, the processor 310 may determine that the electronic device 300 is in an intermediate state (e.g., Figure 2c (state).

[0085] According to various embodiments, the processor 310 may select a first sensor 340 and / or a second sensor 350 as sensors used to detect rotation of the electronic device 300 based on the folding angle of the electronic device 300. According to embodiments, based on the folding angle of the electronic device 300, when the processor 310 determines that the electronic device 300 is in an unfolded state (e.g., ...), ... Figure 2a When the electronic device 300 is in an unfolded state, the processor 310 can select the first sensor 340 and / or the second sensor 350 as the sensors used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300. For example, when the electronic device 300 is in an unfolded state, the processor 310 can indicate that all axial directions of the first sensor 340 and the second sensor 350 are the same. Therefore, when the electronic device 300 is in an unfolded state, the processor 310 can select the first sensor 340 (e.g., the first accelerometer) or the second sensor 350 (e.g., the second accelerometer) as the sensors used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300. For example, when the first display 320 is in an inactive state and the electronic device 300 is in an unfolded state, the processor 310 can select the first sensor 340 (e.g., the first accelerometer) or the second sensor 350 (e.g., the second accelerometer) as the sensors used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300 in order to reduce power consumption.

[0086] According to an embodiment, based on the folding angle of the electronic device 300, when the processor 310 determines that the electronic device 300 is in a folded state (e.g., ...), Figure 2bWhen the electronic device 300 is in a folded state, the processor may select the first sensor 340 as the sensor used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300. For example, since the second display 330, whose content is selected to be displayed when the electronic device 300 is in a folded state, corresponds to the direction of the vertical axis (e.g., the Z-axis) of the first sensor 340, the processor 310 may select the first sensor 340 as the sensor used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300.

[0087] According to an embodiment, when the folding angle of the electronic device 300 is included within a specified first range (e.g., approximately 20 degrees to approximately 75 degrees), the processor 310 may select the second sensor 350 as a sensor used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300.

[0088] According to an embodiment, when the folding angle of the electronic device 300 is included within a specified second range (e.g., approximately 75 degrees to approximately 170 degrees), the processor 310 may select the first sensor 340 and / or the second sensor 350 as sensors used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300. For example, when the folding angle of the electronic device 300 is included within the specified second range (e.g., approximately 75 degrees to approximately 170 degrees), the first housing (e.g., Figure 2a The second surface of the first housing 210 (e.g., Figure 2a When the second surface 212 is placed on (or in contact with) a horizontal surface, the processor 310 may select the second sensor 350 as a sensor used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300. For example, when the second housing (e.g., ...) is in a state where the folding angle of the electronic device 300 is included within a specified second range (e.g., approximately 75 degrees to approximately 170 degrees)... Figure 2a The fourth surface of the second housing 220 (e.g., Figure 2a When the fourth surface 222 of the electronic device 300 is placed on (or in contact with) a horizontal surface, the processor 310 may select the first sensor 340 as the sensor used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300. For example, when the folding angle of the electronic device 300 is included within a specified second range (e.g., approximately 75 degrees to approximately 170 degrees), the first housing (e.g., Figure 2a The second surface of the first housing 210 (e.g., Figure 2a The second surface 212) and the second shell (e.g., Figure 2a The fourth surface of the second housing 220 (e.g., Figure 2a When the fourth surface 222 is not placed on (or in contact with) a horizontal surface, the processor 310 may select the first sensor 340 and the second sensor 350 as sensors used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300. For example, when the folding angle of the electronic device is included in the vertical axis of the second sensor 350 (e.g., Figure 2a The Z-axis and the horizontal axis (e.g., Figure 2a The X-axis and the Y-axis (e.g., in the diagram) Figure 2a When the Y-axis is within a specified third range, the processor 310 can determine that the fourth surface of the second housing is in a state where it is placed on a horizontal plane.

[0089] According to various embodiments, processor 310 may configure the display orientation of content based on a first sensor 340 and / or a second sensor 350 selected according to the folding angle of electronic device 300. According to embodiments, processor 310 may detect the azimuth angle of electronic device 300 based on the first sensor 340 (e.g., a first accelerometer) and / or the second sensor 350 (e.g., a second accelerometer). Processor 310 may configure the display orientation of content based on the azimuth angle of electronic device 300. For example, the azimuth angle of electronic device 300 may point to a horizontal axis (e.g., ...). Figure 2a The X-axis and the Y-axis (e.g., in the diagram) Figure 2a The angle between the Y-axis and the surface of the electronic device 300 viewed by the user corresponds to an azimuth angle of the surface of the electronic device 300 viewed by the user. The processor 310 can configure the display orientation of the content based on the azimuth angle corresponding to the surface of the electronic device 300 viewed by the user. For example, the user may refer to a person who owns and / or operates the electronic device 300. For example, the display orientation of the content may refer to the direction in which the user is looking.

[0090] According to various embodiments, processor 310 can generate information related to the content to be displayed on a first display 320 or a second display 330 selected to display the content, based on the display orientation of the content. According to embodiments, processor 310 can generate content-related information based on the size of the display area (e.g., screen) used to display the content, the start position of the content, and / or the display orientation of the content. For example, when the first display 320 is selected, processor 310 can draw content-related information in a buffer of the first display 320. In this case, the first display 320 can output the content-related information drawn in the buffer to a display panel. For example, when the second display 330 is selected, processor 310 can draw content-related information in a buffer of the second display 330. In this case, the second display 330 can output the content-related information drawn in the buffer to a display panel.

[0091] According to various embodiments, memory 360 may store various data used by at least one component of electronic device 300 (e.g., processor 310, first display 320, second display 330, first sensor 340, or second sensor 350). For example, the data may include information related to reference ranges and / or specified ranges used to classify the operating state of electronic device 300. As another example, the data may include sensor data collected by first sensor 340 and / or second sensor 350.

[0092] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 Electronic device 101 Figure 2a Electronic devices 200 or Figure 3 The electronic device 300 may include: a hinge module (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module); the first housing (e.g., Figure 2a The first housing 210 is connected to the hinge module and includes a first surface (e.g., Figure 2a The first surface 211), and the second surface facing the opposite direction to the first surface (e.g., Figure 2a The second surface 212) and the first side surface surrounding the first space between the first surface and the second surface (e.g., Figure 2a First side member 213); second housing (e.g., Figure 2a The second housing 220 is connected to a hinge module to be foldable relative to the first housing, and in the unfolded state includes a third surface facing the same direction as the first surface (e.g., Figure 2a The third surface 221), and the fourth surface facing the opposite direction to the third surface (e.g., Figure 2a The fourth surface 222) and the second side surface surrounding the second space between the third surface and the fourth surface (e.g., Figure 2a The second side member 223); the first display, (e.g., Figure 1 Display module 160 Figure 2a First display 230, or Figure 3 The first display 320 is configured to extend from at least a portion of the first surface to at least a portion of the third surface; the second display (e.g., Figure 1 Display module 160 Figure 2a The second display 235, or Figure 3 The second display 330 is disposed in the second space so that it is visible from the outside through at least a portion of the fourth surface; the first sensor (e.g., Figure 1 Sensor module 176 Figure 2a The first inertial sensor 283a, or Figure 3A first sensor 340 is disposed in at least a portion of the first space and configured to collect sensor data relating to movement of the first housing; a second sensor (e.g., Figure 1 Sensor module 176 Figure 2a The second inertial sensor 283b, or Figure 3 The second sensor 350 is disposed in at least a portion of the second space and configured to collect sensor data related to the movement of the second housing; and a processor (e.g., Figure 1 Processor 120 or Figure 3 The processor 310 is operatively connected to a first display, a second display, a first sensor, and a second sensor, wherein the processor is configured to: identify a folding angle between a first housing and a second housing via the first sensor and the second sensor; select a second display when the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing meets a specified first range; determine the display orientation of the content based on sensor data collected by the second sensor; and control the second display to display content based on the display orientation of the content.

[0093] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a magnetic detection sensor disposed in a first space or a second space, wherein the processor is configured to: identify a folding angle between the first housing and the second housing by using a first sensor, a second sensor and a magnetic detection sensor when the first display and / or the second display are active, and identify a folding angle between the first housing and the second housing by using portions of the first sensor and the second sensor when the first display and the second display are inactive.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the first sensor and / or the second sensor may include an accelerometer and a gyroscope, and a portion of the first sensor and / or the second sensor may include an accelerometer.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to: select a second display when the first and second housings are determined to be in a folded state based on the folding angle between the first and second housings, determine the display orientation of the content based on sensor data collected by the first sensor, and control the second display to display the content based on the display orientation of the content.

[0096] According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to: select a first display when the first and second housings are determined to be in an unfolded state based on the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing; determine the display orientation of the content based on sensor data collected by the first sensor and / or the second sensor; and control the first display to display the content based on the display orientation of the content.

[0097] According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to: determine the display orientation of content based on sensor data collected by the first sensor and the second sensor when the first display is active in the state where the first housing and the second housing are in the unfolded state, and determine the display orientation of content based on sensor data collected by the first sensor or the second sensor when the first display is inactive in the state where the first housing and the second housing are in the unfolded state.

[0098] According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to: select a first display when the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing satisfies a specified second range that is different from a specified first range, determine the display orientation of the content based on sensor data collected by the first sensor and / or the second sensor, and control the first display to display the content based on the display orientation of the content.

[0099] According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to: determine the display orientation of content based on sensor data collected by a second sensor when sensor data collected by a first sensor satisfies a specified first condition, and determine the display orientation of content based on sensor data collected by the first sensor when sensor data collected by the second sensor satisfies the specified first condition.

[0100] According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to determine the display orientation of content based on the sensor data collected by the first and second sensors when the sensor data collected by the first and second sensors does not meet a specified first condition.

[0101] According to various embodiments, the content may include application-related content or content related to low-power display mode.

[0102] Figure 4 This is a flowchart 400 showing the display orientation of a second display in an electronic device configured in an intermediate state according to various embodiments. In the following embodiments, operations may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, Figure 4 Electronic devices can be Figure 1 Electronic device 101 Figure 2a Electronic devices 200 or Figure 3 Electronic device 300. For example, referring to Figure 5a , Figure 5b , Figure 5c , Figure 6a and Figure 6b describe Figure 4 At least some of the constructions. Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5cExamples are shown of switching the display orientation of a second display in an electronic device in an intermediate state, according to various embodiments. Figure 6a and Figure 6b This illustrates another example of switching the display orientation of a second display in an electronic device in an intermediate state, according to various embodiments.

[0103] Reference Figure 4 According to various embodiments, in operation 401, the electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 Processor 120 or Figure 3 The processor 310 can recognize the folding angle of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the processor 310 can be based on the folding angle of the electronic device as defined in the first housing (e.g., Figure 2a The first sensor 340 in the first housing 210 is disposed in the second housing (e.g., Figure 2a The folding angle of the electronic device is identified by a second sensor 350 and / or a magnetic detection sensor (e.g., a Hall effect IC) in the second housing 220. For example, when the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 are active, the processor 310 can detect the folding angle of the electronic device using the first sensor 340, the second sensor 350, and the magnetic detection sensor. For example, when the first display 320 and the second display 330 are inactive, the processor 310 can detect the folding angle of the electronic device using a portion of the first sensor 340 (e.g., a first accelerometer) and a portion of the second sensor 350 (e.g., a second accelerometer). For example, the folding angle of the electronic device may include the first housing (e.g., Figure 2a The first housing 210) and the second housing (e.g., Figure 2a The angle between the second shell 220).

[0104] According to various embodiments, in operation 403, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can identify whether the folding angle of the electronic device meets a specified first range (e.g., about 20 degrees to about 75 degrees). According to embodiments, such as Figure 5a As shown, when the folding angle 50° between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a specified first range, the processor 310 can determine that the folding angle satisfies the specified first range. According to an embodiment, as... Figure 6a As shown, when the folding angle 600 between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included in a specified first range, the processor 310 can determine that the folding angle satisfies the specified first range.

[0105] According to various embodiments, when the folding angle of the electronic device meets a specified first range (e.g., "Yes" in operation 403), in operation 405, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can select a second display (e.g., ...). Figure 2a The second display 235 or Figure 3 The second display 330 is used as a display for displaying content. According to an embodiment, when the second display 330 is selected as the display for displaying content, power can be supplied to the second display. In this case, the power supply to the first display 320 can be cut off. For example, the content may include content related to an application executed by the processor 310 or content related to a low-power display mode (e.g., AOD).

[0106] According to various embodiments, in operation 407, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) may be based on a second sensor (e.g., Figure 2a The second inertial sensor 283b or Figure 3 The second sensor 350 is used to configure the display orientation of the content.

[0107] According to the embodiments, such as Figure 5a As shown, when the folding angle 500 between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a specified first range and the electronic device operates in the second sub-mode, the processor 310 can detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 based on sensor data collected by the second sensor 350 (e.g., a second accelerometer). For example, as Figure 5b As shown, due to the vertical axis of the second sensor 350 (e.g., Figure 2a The Z-axis of the second sensor 350 is set to face the first display 320, and the processor 310 can use the vertical axis of the second sensor 350 (e.g., Figure 2a The Z-axis and the horizontal axis (e.g., Figure 2a The X-axis in the equation (e.g., the vertical axis) is about its vertical axis (e.g., Figure 2a The azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 is detected by reversing (e.g., rotating 180 degrees) the Y-axis in the image. For example, the processor 310 may, based on the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300, face the horizontal axis (e.g., the axis that extends to form the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300) by reversing (e.g., rotating 180 degrees). Figure 2a The X-axis and the Y-axis (e.g., in the diagram) Figure 2a The direction of the upper end of the virtual plane obtained by the Y-axis in the model (e.g., the direction of the upper end of the model). Figure 5b The direction of the X-axis transformation in the image is configured as the display direction of the content. For example, the processor 310 may, based on the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300, direct the display from the second housing 220 toward the folding region 230c (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264) is oriented in the first direction (e.g., Figure 5cThe orientation ①) is configured as the display orientation of the content. For example, such as... Figure 5a As shown, the second sub-mode may include the side surface of the first housing 210 (e.g., Figure 2a The first side member 213) and the side surfaces of the second housing 220 (e.g., Figure 2a The second side member 223 is placed on a horizontal surface (or in contact with a horizontal surface).

[0108] According to the embodiments, such as Figure 6a As shown, when the folding angle 600 between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a specified first range and the electronic device operates in a first sub-mode, the processor 310 can detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 based on sensor data collected by the second sensor 350. For example, the processor 310 can detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 based on the longitudinal axis of the second sensor 350 (e.g., a second accelerometer). Figure 2a The Y-axis and the horizontal axis (e.g., Figure 2a The azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 is detected by the change of the X-axis (in the image). For example, the processor 310 may detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 from the folded region 230c (e.g., based on the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300). Figure 2d The hinge module 264) is oriented in a second direction toward the second housing 220 (e.g., Figure 6b The orientation (②) is configured as the display orientation of the content. For example, such as... Figure 6a As shown, the first sub-mode may include the second surface of the first housing 210 (e.g., Figure 2a The second surface 212) is placed on a horizontal surface (or in contact with a horizontal surface).

[0109] According to various embodiments, in operation 409, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can be placed on a second display (e.g., based on the display orientation of the content) according to the following embodiments. Figure 2a The second display 235 or Figure 3 The content is displayed on the second display 330. According to an embodiment, the processor 310 may generate information related to the content to be displayed on the second display 330 based on the display orientation of the content. For example, such as... Figure 5c As shown, the processor 310 can be based on a first direction that serves as the display direction of the content (e.g., Figure 5c In the direction ①), content-related information is drawn in the buffer of the second display 330, such that the content begins at the first point 505. For example, as... Figure 6b As shown, the processor 310 can be based on a second direction that serves as the display direction of the content (e.g., Figure 6b(2) In the direction of the content, information related to the content is drawn in the buffer of the second display 330, such that the content begins at the second point 605. For example, the information related to the content can be generated based on the size of the display area (e.g., the screen) used to display the content, the starting position of the content, and / or the display orientation of the content. According to an embodiment, such as Figure 5c As shown, when operating in the second sub-mode, the second display 330 can be based on the folding region 230c (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264 displays content 510 in a first direction (e.g., direction ①). For example, the second display 330 may output content-related information drawn by the processor 310 in a buffer of the second display 330 based on the first direction to the display panel. For example, the second display 330 may output content-related information to the display panel from a first point 505.

[0110] According to the embodiments, such as Figure 6b As shown, when operating in the first sub-mode, the second display 330 may be based on the folded region 230c (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264) is oriented toward the second housing 220 in a second direction (e.g., direction ②) to display content 610. For example, the second display 330 may output content-related information drawn by the processor 310 in the buffer of the second display 330 based on the second direction to the display panel. For example, the second display 330 may output content-related information to the display panel starting from the second point 605.

[0111] According to various embodiments, when the second display 330 is active with the folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 within a specified first range, the electronic device 300 can display content (e.g., games, videos, websites, and / or still images) related to an application running in the electronic device 300 on the second display 330. In this case, the power supply to the first display 320 can be cut off.

[0112] According to various embodiments, when the second display 330 is inactive with the folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 within a specified first range, the electronic device 300 can display content related to a low-power display mode (e.g., AOD) (e.g., time, weather, date, calendar, and / or notification information) on the second display 330. In this case, the power supply to the first display 320 can be cut off.

[0113] According to various embodiments, in such Figure 5a The second sub-pattern shown is changed as follows Figure 6aIn the first sub-mode shown, the electronic device 300 can change the display orientation of the content from, for example, Figure 5c The displayed content 510 is switched to a state corresponding to the first direction (e.g., direction ①). Figure 6b The displayed content 610 is in a state corresponding to the second direction (e.g., direction ②). According to an embodiment, from such... Figure 6a The first sub-pattern shown is changed to: Figure 5a In the second sub-mode shown, the electronic device 300 can change the display orientation of the content from, for example, Figure 6b The displayed content 610 is switched to a state corresponding to the second direction (e.g., direction ②) as shown. Figure 5c The displayed content 510 is in a state corresponding to a first direction (e.g., direction ①). According to an embodiment, the processor 310 can generate information related to the content to be displayed on the second display 330 based on the switching of the content's display direction. The processor 310 can draw the content-related information in a buffer of the second display 330. For example, the second display 330 can output the content-related information drawn in the buffer to a display panel.

[0114] Figure 7 This is a flowchart 700 illustrating the detection of folding angles in an electronic device according to various embodiments. According to an embodiment, Figure 7 The operation can be Figure 4 The detailed operation of operation 401. In the following embodiments, the operations may be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be executed in parallel. For example, Figure 7 Electronic devices can be Figure 1 Electronic device 101 Figure 2a Electronic devices 200 or Figure 3 Electronic device 300.

[0115] Reference Figure 7 According to various embodiments, in operation 701, the electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 Processor 120 or Figure 3The processor 310 can identify whether a first display (e.g., first display 230 or 320) and / or a second display (e.g., second display 235 or 330) is active. According to embodiments, the processor 310 can control the first display 320 or the second display 330 to be switched to an active state based on an activity event. For example, an activity event can be generated based on input to a power button, fingerprint image acquisition from a fingerprint sensor, touch input associated with an activity event, and / or movement of electronic devices associated with an activity event. For example, the active state of the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 may include a state where power is applied to the display (e.g., first display 320 and / or second display 330) and all pixels of the display (e.g., first display 320 and / or second display 330) are enabled. For example, when the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 is active, the processor 310 (e.g., an application processor) can be enabled to control the display (e.g., first display 320 and / or second display 330).

[0116] According to various embodiments, when the first display (e.g., first display 230 or 320) and / or the second display (e.g., second display 235 or 330) are active (e.g., "Yes" in operation 701), in operation 703, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can identify the folding angle of the electronic device by using sensors of the electronic device (e.g., first sensor 340 and second sensor 350). According to embodiments, when the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 are active, the processor 310 (e.g., application processor and / or sensor hub processor) can detect the folding angle of the electronic device by using the first sensor 340, the second sensor 350, and / or a magnetic detection sensor (e.g., Hall effect IC).

[0117] According to various embodiments, when the first display (e.g., first display 230 or 320) and the second display (e.g., second display 235 or 330) are inactive (e.g., "No" in operation 701), in operation 705, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can identify the folding angle of the electronic device by using portions of the electronic device's sensors (e.g., first sensor 340 and second sensor 350) (e.g., a first accelerometer and a second accelerometer). According to embodiments, when the first display 320 and the second display 330 are inactive, the processor 310 (e.g., a sensor hub processor) can detect the folding angle of the electronic device by using the first accelerometer of the first sensor 340 and the second accelerometer of the second sensor 350. For example, the inactive state of the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 may include a state where at least one pixel of the display (e.g., the first display 320 and / or the second display 330) is enabled or a state where all pixels of the display are disabled. For example, the state in which at least one pixel of a display (e.g., first display 320 and second display 330) is enabled may include a state in which power is applied to the display (e.g., first display 320 and second display 330) but only at least one pixel is enabled and the scan rate is relatively low. For example, when the first display 320 and second display 330 are inactive, the application processor of processor 310 may be deactivated, and the sensor central processor may control the first sensor 340 and / or the second sensor 350.

[0118] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the display orientation of a first display in an electronic device configured in an intermediate state according to various embodiments. In the following embodiments, operations may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be performed in parallel. For example, Figure 8 Electronic devices can be Figure 1 Electronic device 101 Figure 2a Electronic devices 200 or Figure 3 Electronic device 300. For example, referring to Figure 9a , Figure 9b , Figure 10a , Figure 10b and Figure 11 describe Figure 8 At least some of the constructions. Figure 9a and Figure 9b Examples are shown of switching the display orientation of a first display in an electronic device in an intermediate state, according to various embodiments. Figure 10a and Figure 10bAnother example is shown of switching the display orientation of a first display in an electronic device in an intermediate state, according to various embodiments. Figure 11 Examples of the display orientation of a first display in an electronic device with a configuration in an intermediate state according to various embodiments are shown.

[0119] Reference Figure 8 According to various embodiments, in operation 801, the electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 Processor 120 or Figure 3 The processor 310 can identify the folding angle of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, when the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 are active, the processor 310 can detect the folding angle of the electronic device using a first sensor 340, a second sensor 350, and a magnetic detection sensor. According to an embodiment, when the first display 320 and the second display 330 are inactive, the processor 310 can detect the folding angle of the electronic device using a portion of the first sensor 340 (e.g., a first accelerometer) and a portion of the second sensor 350 (e.g., a second accelerometer).

[0120] According to various embodiments, in operation 803, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can identify whether the folding angle of the electronic device meets a specified second range (e.g., about 75 degrees to about 170 degrees). According to embodiments, such as Figure 9a As shown, when the folding angle 90° between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a specified second range, the processor 310 can determine that the folding angle satisfies the specified second range. According to an embodiment, such as... Figure 10a As shown, when the folding angle 1000 between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a specified second range, the processor 310 can determine that the folding angle satisfies the specified second range. According to an embodiment, as... Figure 11 As shown, when the folding angle 1100 between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included in the specified second range, the processor 310 can determine that the folding angle satisfies the specified second range.

[0121] According to various embodiments, when the folding angle of the electronic device meets a specified second range (e.g., "Yes" in operation 803), in operation 805, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can select a first display (e.g., ...). Figure 2a First display 230 or Figure 3 The first display 320 is used as a display for displaying content. According to an embodiment, when the first display 320 is selected as the display for displaying content, power can be supplied to the first display. In this case, the power supply to the second display 330 can be cut off.

[0122] According to various embodiments, in operation 807, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can select a sensor to be used to detect rotation of the electronic device. According to embodiments, processor 310 can select a sensor included in a housing that is not placed on (or in contact with) a horizontal surface. For example, such as... Figure 9a As shown, when the folding angle 90° between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included in the specified second range and the second surface of the first housing 210 (e.g., Figure 2a When the second surface 212 is placed on (or in contact with) a horizontal surface, the processor 310 may select the second sensor 350 as the sensor to be used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300. For example, when the folding angle of the electronic device is included in the vertical axis of the first sensor 340 (e.g., Figure 2a The Z-axis and the horizontal axis (e.g., Figure 2a The X-axis and the Y-axis (e.g., in the diagram) Figure 2a When the second surface of the first housing is within a specified third range (the Y-axis in the diagram), the processor 310 can determine that the second surface of the first housing is positioned on a horizontal plane (or in contact with a horizontal plane). For example, as... Figure 10a As shown, when the folding angle 1000 between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a specified second range and the fourth surface of the second housing 220 (e.g., Figure 2a When the fourth surface 222 is placed on (or in contact with) a horizontal surface, the processor 310 may select the first sensor 340 as the sensor to be used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300. For example, when the folding angle of the electronic device is included in the vertical axis of the second sensor 350 (e.g., Figure 2a The Z-axis and the horizontal axis (e.g., Figure 2a The X-axis and the Y-axis (e.g., in the diagram) Figure 2a When the fourth surface of the second housing is within a specified third range (the Y-axis in the model), the processor 310 can determine that the fourth surface of the second housing is positioned on a horizontal plane (or in contact with a horizontal plane). For example, as Figure 11 As shown, when the folding angle 1100 between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a specified second range and neither surface of the first housing 210 nor the second housing 220 is placed on (or in contact with) a horizontal plane, the processor 310 may select the first sensor 340 and the second sensor 350 as sensors to be used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300. For example, the specified third range may include around a horizontal axis (e.g., Figure 2a The X-axis in the figure ranges from approximately -25 degrees to approximately 25 degrees, around the vertical axis (e.g., Figure 2a The Y-axis in the equation ranges from approximately -12 degrees to approximately 12 degrees, and around the vertical axis (e.g., Figure 2a The Z-axis ranges from approximately 65 degrees to approximately 90 degrees.

[0123] According to various embodiments, in operation 809, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) may be based on a first sensor selected to detect rotation of the electronic device (e.g., ...). Figure 2a The first inertial sensor 283a or Figure 3 The first sensor 340) and / or the second sensor (e.g., Figure 2a The second inertial sensor 283b or Figure 3 The second sensor 350 is used to configure the display orientation of the content.

[0124] According to the embodiments, such as Figure 9a As shown, when the second sensor 350, which is disposed in the second housing 220, is selected to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300, the processor 310 can detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 based on the sensor data collected by the second sensor 350. For example, the processor 310 can detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 from the folded region 230c (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264) is oriented in a second direction toward the second housing 220 (e.g., Figure 9b ②) Configure the display direction of the content.

[0125] According to the embodiments, such as Figure 10a As shown, when the first sensor 340, which is disposed in the first housing 210, is selected to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300, the processor 310 can detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 based on the sensor data collected by the first sensor 340. For example, the processor 310 can detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 from the folded region 230c (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264) is oriented toward the first housing 210 in a third direction (e.g., Figure 10b ③) Configure the display direction of the content.

[0126] According to the embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown, when the first sensor 340 and the second sensor 350 are selected to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300, the processor 310 can detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 based on sensor data collected by the first sensor 340 and the second sensor 350. For example, the processor 310 can detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 by adjusting the first accelerometer of the first sensor 340 about the longitudinal axis (e.g., ...). Figure 2a The Y-axis of the second sensor 350 is rotated in a fourth direction (e.g., the - direction) to correct the angle, and the second accelerometer of the second sensor 350 is rotated about the longitudinal axis (e.g., the Y-axis of the second sensor 350) ... to correct the angle. Figure 2aThe processor 310 generates the virtual plane 1110 by rotating the correction angle in a fifth direction (e.g., the + direction) about the Y-axis of the virtual plane 1110. The processor 310 can detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 about the virtual plane 1110. For example, the processor 310 can generate the virtual plane 1110 based on the horizontal axis about the virtual plane 1110 (e.g., the Y-axis of the virtual plane 1110). Figure 2a The X-axis and the Y-axis (e.g., in the diagram) Figure 2a The processor 310 detects the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 by changing the Y-axis. For example, the correction angle may include half of the folding angle 1100 of the electronic device 300. For example, the processor 310 may rotate the first accelerometer and / or the second accelerometer using a rotation matrix. For example, the processor 310 may configure the display orientation of content based on the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300.

[0127] According to various embodiments, in operation 811, an electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can be positioned on a first display (e.g., based on the display orientation of the content) according to the first display. Figure 2a First display 230 or Figure 3 The content is displayed on the first display 320. According to an embodiment, the processor 310 may generate information related to the content to be displayed on the first display 320 based on the display orientation of the content. For example, such as... Figure 9b As shown, the processor 310 can be based on a second direction that serves as the display direction of the content (e.g., Figure 9b (2) In the direction of the middle) draw content-related information in the buffer of the first display 320, such that the content starts from the third point 905. For example, as Figure 10b As shown, the processor 310 can be based on a third direction (e.g., the display direction of the content) as the display direction. Figure 10b (③) In the direction of the content, information related to the content is drawn in the buffer of the first display 320, such that the content begins at the fourth point 1005. For example, the information related to the content can be generated based on the size of the display area (e.g., the screen) used to display the content, the starting position of the content, and / or the display orientation of the content. According to an embodiment, such as Figure 9b As shown, the first display 320 may be based on the folded region 230c (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264) is oriented toward the second housing 220 in a second direction (e.g., direction ②) to display content 910. For example, the first display 320 may output content-related information drawn by the processor 310 in the buffer of the first display 320 based on the second direction to the display panel. For example, the first display 320 may output content-related information to the display panel starting from a third point 905. For example, the processor 310 may control the first display 320 such that video content is displayed in a second area of ​​the first display 320 (e.g., direction ②). Figure 2dThe second region 231b) is oriented in a second direction (e.g., direction ②). For example, the processor 310 can control the first display 320 in the first region of the first display 320 (e.g., direction ②). Figure 2d Another content (e.g., a control menu related to the video content) is displayed in the first area 231a.

[0128] According to the embodiments, such as Figure 10b As shown, the first display 320 may be based on the folded region 230c (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264) is oriented toward the first housing 210 in a third direction (e.g., direction ③) to display content 1010. For example, the first display 320 may output content-related information drawn by the processor 310 in a buffer of the first display 320 based on the third direction to the display panel. For example, the first display 320 may output content-related information to the display panel starting from the fourth point 1005. For example, the processor 310 may control the first display 320 such that video content is displayed in a first area of ​​the first display 320 (e.g., direction ③). Figure 2d In the first region 231a), it is oriented in a third direction (e.g., direction ③). For example, the processor 310 can control the first display 320 in the second region of the first display 320 (e.g., direction ③). Figure 2d Another content (e.g., a control menu related to the video content) is displayed in the second area 231b.

[0129] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 300 can be from, for example Figure 9a The second surface of the first housing 210 shown (e.g., Figure 2a The second surface 212) is placed on a horizontal plane and its state changes as follows: Figure 10a The fourth surface of the second housing 220 shown (e.g., Figure 2a The fourth surface 222) is placed on a horizontal plane. In this case, the electronic device 300 can change the display direction of the video content from, for example, the fourth surface 222). Figure 9b The content shown is displayed in a second area of ​​the first display 320 (e.g., Figure 2d In the second region 231b), the orientation in the second direction is switched to the state as follows: Figure 10b The content shown is displayed in a first area of ​​the first display 320 (e.g., Figure 2d The first region 231a) is oriented in a third-party upward state. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 300 is in such a state... Figure 10a The fourth surface of the second housing 220 shown (e.g., Figure 2a The fourth surface 222) is placed on a horizontal plane and the state is switched to as follows. Figure 9a The second surface of the first housing 210 shown (e.g., Figure 2a When the second surface 212 is placed on a horizontal plane, the electronic device 300 can change the display direction of the video content from, for example, ... Figure 10b The content shown is displayed in a first area of ​​the first display 320 (e.g., Figure 2d In the first region 231a), the orientation is switched to the state upwards in the third party as follows: Figure 9b The content shown is displayed in a second area of ​​the first display 320 (e.g., Figure 2d The state oriented in the second direction in the second region 231b).

[0130] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the display orientation of a first display in an electronic device in an unfolded state, according to various embodiments. In the following embodiments, operations may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, Figure 12 Electronic devices can be Figure 1 Electronic device 101 Figure 2a Electronic devices 200 or Figure 3 Electronic device 300. For example, referring to Figure 13a and Figure 13b describe Figure 12 At least some of the constructions. Figure 13a and Figure 13b Examples are shown of switching the display orientation of the first display in an electronic device in the unfolded state, according to various embodiments.

[0131] Reference Figure 12 According to various embodiments, in operation 1201, the electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 Processor 120 or Figure 3 The processor 310 can identify the unfolded state of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the processor 310 can determine that the electronic device 300 is in the unfolded state when the folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a first reference range (e.g., approximately 170 degrees to approximately 180 degrees). For example, as in... Figure 7 In operations 701 to 703, when the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 are active, the processor 310 (e.g., an application processor and / or a sensor hub processor) can detect the folding angle of the electronic device using the first sensor 340, the second sensor 350, and / or a magnetic detection sensor (e.g., a Hall effect IC). For example, as in Figure 7In operations 701 and 705, when the first display 320 and the second display 330 are inactive, the processor 310 (e.g., a sensor hub processor) can detect the folding angle of the electronic device by using the first accelerometer of the first sensor 340 and the second accelerometer of the second sensor 350.

[0132] According to various embodiments, in operation 1203, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can select a first display (e.g., based on the unfolded state of the electronic device) Figure 2a First display 230 or Figure 3 The first display (320) serves as a display for displaying content.

[0133] According to various embodiments, in operation 1205, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can be activated by using a first sensor (e.g., Figure 2a The first inertial sensor 283a or Figure 3 The first sensor 340) or the second sensor (e.g., Figure 2a The second inertial sensor 283b or Figure 3 The display orientation of the content is configured using a second sensor 350. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 300 is in the unfolded state, all axial directions of the first sensor 340 and the second sensor 350 may be the same. Therefore, when the electronic device 300 is in the unfolded state, the processor 310 can detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 based on sensor data collected by the first sensor 340 (e.g., a first accelerometer) or the second sensor 350 (e.g., a second accelerometer). For example, the processor 310 can configure the display orientation of the content based on the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300. For example, the sensor data may include the vertical axis of the first accelerometer or the second accelerometer (e.g., the first accelerometer or the second accelerometer). Figure 2a The Y-axis and the horizontal axis (e.g., Figure 2a Data related to changes in the X-axis (in the graph).

[0134] According to various embodiments, in operation 1207, an electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can, based on the display orientation of the content, first display (e.g., ... Figure 2a First display 230 or Figure 3 The content is displayed on the first display (320). According to an embodiment, as... Figure 13a As shown, when the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 is horizontal, the processor 310 can control the first display 320 to display content 1300 based on the display orientation of the content. According to an embodiment, as... Figure 13bAs shown, when the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 is vertical, the processor 310 can control the first display 320 to display content 1310 based on the display direction of the content.

[0135] According to various embodiments, in such Figure 13a The lateral direction shown changes as follows Figure 13b In the case of the vertical orientation shown, the electronic device can change the display orientation of the content from, for example, the vertical orientation shown. Figure 13a The displayed content 1300 is switched to a state corresponding to the horizontal direction, as shown. Figure 13b The displayed content 1310 is in a state corresponding to the vertical direction.

[0136] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the display orientation of a second display in an electronic device configured in a folded state according to various embodiments. In the following embodiments, operations may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, Figure 14 Electronic devices can be Figure 1 Electronic device 101 Figure 2a Electronic devices 200 or Figure 3 Electronic device 300. For example, referring to Figure 15a and Figure 15b describe Figure 14 At least some of the constructions. Figure 15a and Figure 15b Examples are shown of switching the display orientation of a second display in an electronic device in a folded state, according to various embodiments.

[0137] Reference Figure 14 According to various embodiments, in operation 1401, the electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 Processor 120 or Figure 3 The processor 310 can identify the folded state of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the processor 310 can determine that the electronic device 300 is in a folded state when the folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 is included within a second reference range (e.g., approximately 0 degrees to approximately 20 degrees). For example, as in... Figure 7 In operations 701 to 703, when the first display 320 and / or the second display 330 are active, the processor 310 (e.g., an application processor and / or a sensor hub processor) can detect the folding angle of the electronic device using the first sensor 340, the second sensor 350, and a magnetic detection sensor (e.g., a Hall effect IC). For example, as in Figure 7In operations 701 and 705, when the first display 320 and the second display 330 are inactive, the processor 310 (e.g., a sensor hub processor) can detect the folding angle of the electronic device by using the first accelerometer of the first sensor 340 and the second accelerometer of the second sensor 350.

[0138] According to various embodiments, in operation 1403, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can select a second display (e.g., based on the folded state of the electronic device) Figure 2a The second display 235 or Figure 3 The second display (330) serves as a display for displaying content.

[0139] According to various embodiments, in operation 1405, the electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can be activated by using a first sensor (e.g., Figure 2a The first inertial sensor 283a or Figure 3 The processor 310 configures the display orientation of the content using a first sensor 340. According to an embodiment, since the second display 330, which is selected to display content when the electronic device 300 is in a folded state, corresponds to the direction of the vertical axis (e.g., the Z-axis) of the first sensor 340, the processor 310 may select the first sensor 340 as the sensor to be used to detect the rotation of the electronic device 300. According to an embodiment, the processor 310 may detect the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 based on sensor data collected by the first sensor 340 (e.g., a first accelerometer). For example, the processor 310 may configure the display orientation of the content based on the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300. For example, the sensor data may include the vertical axis (e.g., the vertical axis of the first accelerometer) of the first accelerometer. Figure 2a The Y-axis and the horizontal axis (e.g., Figure 2a Data related to changes in the X-axis (in the graph).

[0140] According to various embodiments, in operation 1407, an electronic device (e.g., processor 120 or 310) can be used on a second display (e.g., based on the display orientation of the content) Figure 2a The second display 235 or Figure 3 The content is displayed on the second display (330). According to an embodiment, as... Figure 15a As shown, when the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 is horizontal, the processor 310 can control the second display 330 based on the display orientation of the content (e.g., Figure 2a The second display 235 displays content 1500. According to an embodiment, as... Figure 15b As shown, when the azimuth angle of the electronic device 300 is vertical, the processor 310 can control the second display 330 to display content 1510 based on the display direction of the content.

[0141] According to an embodiment, in from such Figure 15b The vertical direction shown changes as follows: Figure 15a In the horizontal orientation shown, the electronic device 300 can change the display orientation of the content from, for example, the horizontal orientation shown. Figure 15b The displayed content 1510 is switched to a state corresponding to the vertical direction, as shown. Figure 15a The displayed content 1500 is in a state corresponding to the horizontal direction.

[0142] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, electronic devices (e.g., Figure 1 Electronic device 101 Figure 2a Electronic devices 200 or Figure 3 The operation method of the electronic device 300 may include: via a first sensor (e.g., Figure 1 Sensor module 176 Figure 2a The first inertial sensor 283a or Figure 3 The first sensor 340) and the second sensor (e.g., Figure 1 Sensor module 176 Figure 2a The second inertial sensor 283b or Figure 3 The second sensor 350) identifies the first housing (e.g., Figure 2a The first housing 210) and the second housing (e.g., Figure 2a The folding angle between the second housing 220 and the first sensor is disposed in the first space of the first housing, and the first housing is connected to the hinge module (e.g., Figure 2d The hinge module 264) and includes a first surface (e.g., Figure 2a The first surface 211), and the second surface facing the opposite direction to the first surface (e.g., Figure 2a The second surface 212) and the first side surface surrounding the first space between the first surface and the second surface Figure 2a The first side member 213), the second sensor is disposed in the second space of the second housing, the second housing is connected to the hinge module so as to be foldable relative to the first housing, and in the unfolded state includes a third surface facing the same direction as the first surface (e.g., Figure 2a The third surface 221), and the fourth surface facing the opposite direction to the third surface (e.g., Figure 2a The fourth surface 222), and the second side surface surrounding the second space between the third surface and the fourth surface (e.g., Figure 2a The second side member 223), when the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing satisfies a specified first range, from the first display (e.g., configured to extend from at least a portion of the first surface to at least a portion of the third surface), Figure 1 Display module 160 Figure 2aFirst display 230 or Figure 3 The first display 320) and the second display (which is disposed in the second space so as to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the fourth surface) Figure 1 Display module 160 Figure 2a The second display 235 or Figure 3 In the second display (330), the second display is selected, the display orientation of the content is determined based on sensor data collected by the second sensor, and the content is displayed on the second display based on the display orientation of the content.

[0143] According to various embodiments, the identification of the folding angle may include: identifying the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing by using a first sensor, a second sensor and a magnetic detection sensor when the first display and / or the second display are in an active state, or identifying the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing by using a portion of the first sensor and a portion of the second sensor when the first display and the second display are in an inactive state.

[0144] According to various embodiments, the first sensor and / or the second sensor may include an accelerometer and a gyroscope, and a portion of the first sensor and / or the second sensor may include an accelerometer.

[0145] According to various embodiments, the method may further include: selecting a second display when the first and second housings are determined to be in a folded state based on the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing; determining the display orientation of the content based on sensor data collected by the first sensor; and displaying the content on the second display based on the display orientation of the content.

[0146] According to various embodiments, the method may further include: selecting a first display when the first and second housings are determined to be in an unfolded state based on the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing; determining the display orientation of the content based on sensor data collected by the first sensor and / or the second sensor; and displaying the content on the first display based on the display orientation of the content.

[0147] According to various embodiments, determining the display orientation may include: when the first display is active while the first housing and the second housing are in an unfolded state, determining the display orientation of the content based on sensor data collected by the first sensor and the second sensor; or when the first display is inactive while the first housing and the second housing are in an unfolded state, determining the display orientation of the content based on sensor data collected by the first sensor or the second sensor.

[0148] According to various embodiments, the method may include: selecting a first display when the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing satisfies a specified second range that is different from a specified first range; determining the display orientation of the content based on sensor data collected by a first sensor and / or a second sensor; and displaying the content on the first display based on the display orientation of the content.

[0149] According to various embodiments, determining the display orientation of content may include: determining the display orientation of content based on sensor data collected by a second sensor when sensor data collected by a first sensor meets a specified first condition, or determining the display orientation of content based on sensor data collected by a first sensor when sensor data collected by a second sensor meets a specified first condition.

[0150] According to various embodiments, determining the display orientation of content may include: determining the display orientation of content based on the sensor data collected by the first sensor and the second sensor when the sensor data collected by the first sensor and the second sensor does not meet a specified first condition.

[0151] According to various embodiments, displaying content on the second display may include: displaying application-related content when the second display is active, or displaying content related to a low-power display mode when the second display is inactive.

[0152] The embodiments of this disclosure disclosed in the specification and drawings are merely specific examples provided for the purpose of readily describing technical matters according to embodiments of this disclosure and aiding in the understanding of embodiments of this disclosure, without limiting the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure, in addition to those disclosed herein, should be interpreted to include all changes or modifications derived from the technical spirit of the various embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A portable communication device, comprising: The first housing includes a first surface and a second surface configured to face a direction opposite to the first surface; The second housing includes a third surface and a fourth surface configured to face in a direction opposite to the third surface; The hinge module is configured to rotatably couple the first housing and the second housing to each other such that the first surface and the third surface face the same direction when in the unfolded state; The flexible display is housed within the first and second housings; One or more sensors; processor; as well as Memory, stored instructions When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the portable communication device to perform the following operations: When the portable communication device is in the unfolded state, it displays content on the flexible display; and Based on the portable communication device being partially folded from its unfolded state to its intermediate state: Based on sensor data collected by the one or more sensors, it is determined whether the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing is included within a specified first range when the content is displayed on the flexible display. When the portable communication device is in a first state where the second surface of the first housing is placed on a horizontal plane and the folding angle is within a specified first range, the content is displayed on the flexible display in a first direction; and When the folding angle is included within a specified first range and the portable communication device is changed from a first state where the second surface of the first housing is placed on a horizontal plane to a second state where the fourth surface of the second housing is placed on a horizontal plane, the display direction of the content is switched to display the content in the second direction.

2. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible display includes a first region corresponding to a first surface of a first housing and a second region corresponding to a third surface of a second housing, and When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the portable communication device to perform the following operations: The content is displayed in a first direction such that at least a portion of the content is displayed on a second area of ​​the flexible display; or The display orientation of the content is switched in the second direction, such that at least a portion of the content is displayed on the first area of ​​the flexible display.

3. The portable communication device according to claim 2, wherein, When executed by the processor, the instruction causes the portable communication device to perform the following operations: The content is displayed in a first direction, such that a control menu corresponding to the content is displayed on a first area of ​​the flexible display. or The display orientation of the content is switched in the second direction, so that the control menu corresponding to the content is displayed on the second area of ​​the flexible display.

4. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The first direction is from the edge of the second housing toward the first housing and perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the portable communication device; and The second direction is from the edge of the first housing toward the second housing and is perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the portable communication device.

5. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more sensors include a first sensor disposed in a first housing and a second sensor disposed in a second housing, and When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the portable communication device to perform the following operations: The first direction is determined using a second sensor; and The second direction is determined using the first sensor.

6. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more sensors include at least one of an accelerometer or a gyroscope.

7. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The second direction is the opposite of the first direction.

8. A method of operating a portable communication device, the portable communication device comprising a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge module, the hinge module being configured to rotatably couple the first housing and the second housing to each other such that when the portable communication device is in an unfolded state, a first surface and a third surface face the same direction, the method comprising: When the portable communication device is in the unfolded state, the content is displayed on the flexible display of the portable communication device. as well as Based on the portable communication device being partially folded from its unfolded state to its intermediate state: Based on sensor data collected by one or more sensors of the portable communication device, it is identified whether the folding angle between the first housing and the second housing is included within a specified first range when the content is displayed on the flexible display; When the portable communication device is in a first state where the second surface of the first housing is placed on a horizontal plane and the folding angle is included within a specified first range, the content is displayed on the flexible display in a first direction; as well as When the portable communication device changes from a first state where the second surface of the first housing is placed on a horizontal plane to a second state where the fourth surface of the second housing is placed on a horizontal plane while the folding angle is included within a specified first range, the display direction of the content is switched to display the content in the second direction.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The flexible display includes a first region corresponding to a first surface of a first housing and a second region corresponding to a third surface of a second housing, and Displaying the content in the first direction includes: displaying at least a portion of the content on a second region of the flexible display; or Switching the display direction of the content in the second direction includes: displaying at least a portion of the content on a first area of ​​the flexible display.

10. The method according to claim 9, in, Displaying the content in a first direction includes: displaying a control menu corresponding to the content on a first area of ​​the flexible display; or Switching the display direction of the content in the second direction includes: displaying a control menu corresponding to the content on a second area of ​​the flexible display.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The first direction is from the edge of the second housing toward the first housing and perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the portable communication device; and The second direction is from the edge of the first housing toward the second housing and is perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the portable communication device.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more sensors include a first sensor disposed in a first housing and a second sensor disposed in a second housing, and The first direction is determined using a second sensor; and The second direction is determined using the first sensor.

13. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The one or more sensors include at least one of an accelerometer or a gyroscope.

14. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The second direction is the opposite of the first direction.

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