Electronic device comprising flexible display, and method for controlling same

Abstract

Disclosed are an electronic device comprising a flexible display and a method for controlling same. An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a flexible display; and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to: identify the folding angle of the electronic device; identify the displacement of a printed layer of the flexible display according to the identified folding angle; generate a virtual dead space region to substantially abut a portion of the boundary of the printed layer on the basis of the identified displacement; and output at least a portion of the generated virtual dead space region in a specified color on the flexible display.

Description

[Technical Field][1] Various example embodiments relate to an electronic device, for example, an electronicdevice including at least a pair of housings rotatably coupled with each other and / or a method ofcontrolling the same.[Background Art][2] Along with the development of electronic, information, and communication technologies,various functions have been integrated into a single portable communication device or electronicdevice. For example, a smartphone includes the function of an audio player, an imaging device,or an electronic organizer as well as a communication function, and may be equipped with morevarious functions by installing additional applications.[3] Beyond functions (e.g., applications) or information available in portable communicationdevices or electronic devices, users may search for, select, and obtain more information byaccessing a network. Although a direct access scheme (e.g., wired communication) for accessinga network may enable fast and stable communication establishment, a user area may be limitedto a fixed location or a certain amount of space. A wireless communication scheme for accessinga network is less limited in location or space, and its transmission speed or stability graduallyreach the same level as that of the direct access scheme. In the future, it is expected that thewireless communication scheme will provide a faster and more stable communicationenvironment than the direct access scheme.[4] As the use of personal or portable communication devices such as smartphones becomescommon, user demands for portability and convenience of use are increasing. For example, atouch screen display may be an output device that outputs a screen, for example, visualinformation and provide a virtual keypad that replaces a mechanical input device (e.g., a button-type input device) as well. As a result, portable communication devices or electronic devicesmay provide the same or improved usability (e.g., a larger screen), while being miniaturized. Onthe other hand, owing to commercialization of flexible, for example, foldable or rollable displays,the portability and convenience of use of electronic devices are expected to be further improved.[Detailed Description of the Invention][Technical Problem][5] In general, a display may include a light emitting layer, a protective layer (e.g., a windowsheet or a front plate), and / or a plurality of layers disposed between the light emitting layer andthe protective layer. The 'plurality of layers' may include, for example, a polarization plate, atouch sensing electrode layer, a printed layer, a decorative film, and / or at least one adhesive layerbonding adjacent layers to each other. A flexible display may also include a plurality of suchlayers, and a relative displacement may occur between different layers in a folded or rolledoperation. For example, the position of the printed layer relative to the light emitting layer maybe different in a folded or rolled state, compared to a flat state. When this relative displacementis recognized by a user's naked eyes, the user may feel uncomfortable about defects or damage ofthe electronic device or flexible display.[6] Various example embodiments may provide a flexible display that relives discomfortcaused by a relative displacement within the flexible display, an electronic device including theflexible display, and / or a method of controlling the same.[7] Various example embodiments may provide a flexible display that implements varioususer experiences, using a relative displacement within the flexible display, an electronic deviceincluding the flexible display, and / or a method of controlling the same.[8] An electronic device according to an example embodiment may include a flexible displayand at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to identify a foldingangle of the electronic device, identify a displacement of a printed layer of the flexible displayaccording to the identified folding angle, generate a virtual dead space area substantiallycontacting a part of a boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display, based on the identifieddisplacement, and output at least a part of the generated virtual dead space area in a specifiedcolor on the flexible display.[9] An electronic device according to an example embodiment may include a flexible displayand at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to identify a foldingangle of the electronic device, identify a displacement of a printed layer of the flexible displayaccording to the identified folding angle, generate a virtual dead space area based on theidentified displacement, wherein a position to which a center of the printed layer is movedaccording to folding of the electronic device substantially coincides with a center of the virtualdead space area, and output at least a part of the generated virtual dead space area in a specifiedcolor on the flexible display.

[10] A method of controlling an electronic device according to an example embodiment mayinclude identifying a folding angle of the electronic device, identifying a displacement of aprinted layer of the flexible display according to the identified folding angle, generating a virtualdead space area substantially contacting a part of a boundary of the printed layer of the flexibledisplay, based on the identified displacement, and outputting at least a part of the generatedvirtual dead space area in a specified color on the flexible display.[Advantageous Effects]

[11] According to various example embodiments, a screen corresponding to a relativedisplacement within a flexible display may be provided to thereby use the relative displacementvisually recognizable in a screen display area (e.g., an active area) as a decorative effect. Forexample, discomfort that a user may feel may be relieved, while a new user experience isprovided by utilizing the relative displacement within the flexible display.

[12] Besides, various effects identified directly or indirectly may be provided through thisdocument.[Brief Description of Drawings]The foregoing and other features of example embodiments will become more apparentfrom the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[13] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environmentaccording to various example embodiments.

[14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flat state of an electronic device according to variousexample embodiments.

[15] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device in a folded state according to variousexample embodiments.

[16] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according tovarious example embodiments.

[17] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hinge structure or hinge module of anelectronic device according to various example embodiments.

[18] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device ina flat state according to various example embodiments.

[19] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device ina folded state according to various example embodiments.

[20] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device ina flat state according to one of various example embodiments.

[21] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating housings positioned inclined to each otherin an electronic device according to one of various example embodiments.

[22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of layers in a first alignment state in a flexibledisplay of an electronic device according to another of various example embodiments.

[23] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of layers in a second alignment state in aflexible display of an electronic device according to another of various example embodiments.

[24] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of layers in a first alignment state in a flexibledisplay of an electronic device according to another of various example embodiments.

[25] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of layers in a second alignment state in aflexible display of an electronic device according to another of various example embodiments.

[26] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary user experience implemented by anelectronic device according to various example embodiments.

[27] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary user experience implemented by anelectronic device according to various example embodiments.

[28] FIGS. 16 and 17 are exemplary diagrams illustrating a method of operating an electronicdevice according to an example embodiment.[Mode for Carrying out the Invention]

[29] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment100 according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device 101 in thenetwork environment 100 may communicate with an electronic device 102 via a first network198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communicationnetwork). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with theelectronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101may include a processor 120, memory 130, an input module 150, a sound output module 155, adisplay module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, aconnecting / connection terminal 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a powermanagement module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a subscriberidentification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In a certain embodiment, at leastone of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal 178) may be omitted from the electronicdevice 101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device 101. In acertain embodiment, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module 176, the camera module180, or the antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the displaymodule 160).

[30] The processor 120 may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program 140) to control atleast one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101coupled with the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or computation.According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, theprocessor 120 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensormodule 176 or the communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the command orthe data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory 134(e.g., including internal memory 136 and / or external memory 138). According to an embodiment,the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or anapplication processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit(GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor,or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with,the main processor 121. For example, when the electronic device 101 includes the mainprocessor 121 and the auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted toconsume less power than the main processor 121, or to be specific to a specified function. Theauxiliary processor 123 may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor121.

[31] The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of functions or states related to atleast one component (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communicationmodule 190) among the components of the electronic device 101, instead of the main processor121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the mainprocessor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., executing an application).According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or acommunication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the cameramodule 180 or the communication module 190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., the neural processing unit)may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. Anartificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may beperformed, e.g., by the electronic device 101 where the artificial intelligence is performed or viaa separate server (e.g., the server 108). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to,e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcementlearning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural networklayers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutionalneural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted boltzmann machine(RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN),deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificialintelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than thehardware structure.

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

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

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

[35] The sound output module 155 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronicdevice 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. Thespeaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. Thereceiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receivermay be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

[36] The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) ofthe electronic device 101. The display module 160 may include, for example, a display, ahologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of thedisplay, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display module 160may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure theintensity of force incurred by the touch.

[37] The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa.According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain the sound via the input module150, or output the sound via the sound output module 155 or a headphone of an externalelectronic device (e.g., an electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupledwith the electronic device 101.

[38] The sensor module 176 may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) ofthe electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to theelectronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to thedetected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, agesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerationsensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometricsensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

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

[40] A connecting terminal 178 may include a connector via which the electronic device 101may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102).According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal 178 may include, for example, a HDMIconnector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphoneconnector).

[41] The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g.,a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via histactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

[42] The camera module 180 may capture a still image or moving images. According to anembodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, imagesignal processors, or flashes.

[43] The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented asat least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

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

[45] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired)communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, orthe server 108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. Thecommunication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that areoperable independently from the processor 120 (e.g., the application processor (AP)) andsupports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to anembodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or aglobal navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communicationmodule 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power linecommunication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules maycommunicate with the external electronic device via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-rangecommunication network, such as BluetoothTM, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared dataassociation (IrDA)) or the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network, suchas a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, theInternet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various typesof communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), ormay be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. Thewireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in acommunication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, usingsubscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in thesubscriber identification module 196.

[46] The wireless communication module 192 may support a 5G network, after a 4G network,and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. TheNR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine typecommunications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). Thewireless communication module 192 may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWaveband) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module 192may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as,e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), fulldimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna.The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements specified in theelectronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 104), or a networksystem (e.g., the second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wirelesscommunication module 192 may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20Gbps or more) forimplementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-planelatency (e.g., 0.5ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1ms orless) for implementing URLLC.

[47] The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside(e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment,the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of aconductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuitboard (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality ofantennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for acommunication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network 198 or thesecond network 199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module 190 (e.g., thewireless communication module 192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the powermay then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the externalelectronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, anothercomponent (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating elementmay be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

[48] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form an mmWaveantenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include aprinted circuit board, a RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printedcircuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas)disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, oradjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the specifiedhigh-frequency band.

[49] At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually andcommunicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheralcommunication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheralinterface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

[50] According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received betweenthe electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 coupled withthe second network 199. Each of the electronic devices 102 or 104 may be a device of a sametype as, or a different type, from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all orsome of operations to be executed at the electronic device 101 may be executed at one or more ofthe external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 shouldperform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or anotherdevice, the electronic device 101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or theservice, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of thefunction or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request mayperform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or anadditional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to theelectronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the outcome, with or withoutfurther processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloudcomputing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computingtechnology may be used, for example. The electronic device 101 may provide ultra low-latencyservices using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment,the external electronic device 104 may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server 108may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or a neural network. According to anembodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the secondnetwork 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home,smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-relatedtechnology.

[51] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device 200 in a flat state according tovarious example embodiments. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the electronic device 200 in afolded state according to various example embodiments. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective viewillustrating the electronic device 200 according to various example embodiments.

[52] In describing various example embodiments, a configuration in which a pair of housings(e.g., a first housing 210 and a second housing 220) are pivotably coupled, directly or indirectly,with each other by at least a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge module 202, comprising a hinge, ofFIG. 4 and / or 5) may be taken as an example. However, it is to be noted that this embodimentdoes not limit the electronic device 200 according to various example embodiments. For example,the electronic device 200 according to various example embodiments may include three or morehousings, and "a pair of housings" in an embodiment disclosed below may indicate "twohousings pivotably coupled with each other among three or more housings".

[53] In the following detailed description, reference may be made to a "+X / -X direction", a"+Y / -Y direction" or a "+Z / -Z direction", and the Cartesian coordinate system to be describedbelow is described based on a width direction X, a length direction Y, or a thickness direction Zof the first housing 210 on the whole in FIGS. 2 to 4. For example, the definitions of thedirections may be variously changed according to embodiments or based on other structures ofthe electronic device 200 used as a reference. In addition, in the following detailed description,the 'front surface' or 'rear surface' of the electronic device 200 or the housings 210 and 220 maybe referred to, and regardless of relative positions (e.g., a flat state or a folded state) of thehousings 210 and 220, a surface on which a flexible display 230 of FIG. 2 is disposed is definedas 'the front surface of the electronic device 200 (or the housings 210 and 220)', and a surfacefacing in the opposite direction to the surface on which the flexible display 230 is disposed isdefined as 'the rear surface of the electronic device 200 (or the housings 210 and 220)'.According to a certain embodiment, a "configuration in which the electronic device 200 includesa display", may be mentioned, and the "display" may indicate the flexible display 230 of FIGs.2-4.

[54] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include apair of housings 210 and 220 pivotably connected, directly or indirectly, to each other, a hingecover (e.g., a hinge cover 240 of FIGs. 3-4) covering foldable parts of the housings 210 and 220,and the flexible or foldable display 230 disposed in a space formed by the housings 210 and 220.According to an embodiment, a surface on which the foldable / flexible display 230 is disposedmay be defined as a first surface 210a and / or a third surface 220a of the electronic device 200and / or the housings 210 and 220. In another embodiment, a surface opposite to the first surface210a and / or the third surface 220a is a second surface 210b and / or a fourth surface 220b of theelectronic device 200 and / or the housings 210, 220. In another embodiment, a surfacesurrounding a space between the first surface 210a and the second surface 210b and / or a spacebetween the third surface 220a and the fourth surface 220b may be defined as a side surface (e.g.,a first side surface 211a and a second side surface 221a) of the electronic device 200 and / or thehousings 210 and 220.

[55] According to various embodiments, the housings 210 and 220 may include the firsthousing (or first housing structure) 210, the second housing (or second housing structure) 220including a sensor area 224, a first rear cover 280, a second rear cover 290, and the hingestructure or hinge module 202 comprising a hinge. According to a certain embodiment, thesensor area 224 may be provided on the first housing 210 (see FIG. 8), or additional sensor areaswhich are not shown may be provided on the first housing 210 and the second housing,respectively. The housings 210 and 220 of the electronic device 200 are not limited to the shapesor combination shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and may be implemented in other shapes or othercombinations and / or couplings of components. For example, in another embodiment, the firsthousing 210 and the first rear cover 280 may be integrally formed, and the second housing 220and the second rear cover 290 may be integrally formed.

[56] According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 may be coupled, directly orindirectly, with the hinge structure 202 to pivot around a first pivot axis (e.g., a first pivot axisC1 of FIG. 4), and include the first surface 210a facing in a first direction (e.g., the +Z direction)and a second surface 210b facing in a second direction (e.g., the -Z direction) opposite to the firstdirection. The second housing 220 may be coupled, directly or indirectly, with the hingestructure 202 to pivot around a second pivot axis (e.g., a second pivot axis C2 of FIG. 4), includethe third surface 220a facing in a third direction, and the fourth surface 220b facing in a fourthdirection opposite to the third direction, and rotate around the hinge structure 202 with respect tothe first housing 210. The third direction may indicate the Z-axis direction, and be defined as the+Z direction or the -Z direction according to the flat state or the folded state. For example, theelectronic device 200 may change to the folded state or the unfolded state. In an embodiment, adistance between the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2 may be set in variousmanners according to the design of the hinge structure or hinge module 202. In a certainembodiment, the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2 may be formed substantiallyparallel, and in another embodiment, the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2 maycoincide with each other, forming a folding axis A of FIG. 2. The configuration of the hingestructure or hinge module 202 will be further described with reference to FIG. 5.

[57] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the hinge structure or hinge module 202 in anelectronic device (e.g., the electronic device 200 of FIGS. 2 to 4) according to various exampleembodiments.

[58] Further referring to FIG. 5, the hinge structure or hinge module 202 may include a hingebracket 241, hinge arms 243a and 243b, and / or pivot pins 245a and 245b. In an embodiment, aplurality (e.g., a pair) of hinge structures or hinge modules 202 may be disposed spaced apartfrom each other within the electronic device 200. For example, a pair of hinge modules 202 maybe arranged at a predetermined spacing along the Y-axis direction. In an embodiment, a wiring(not shown) electrically connecting, directly or indirectly, internal components of the firsthousing 210 and the second housing 220 may be disposed in the gap or space between the pair ofhinge modules 202 (each hinge module comprising a hinge), intersecting the first pivot axis C1and / or the second pivot axis C2.

[59] According to various embodiments, the hinge bracket 241 may be substantiallyaccommodated inside the hinge cover 240 and fixed to an inner surface of the hinge cover 240.In an embodiment, the first hinge arm 243a among hinge arms 243a and 243b may be disposedor fixed on a first mid plate 252 and pivotably coupled with the hinge bracket 241. For example,the first pivot pin 245a out of the pivot pins 245a and 245b may pivotably couple the first hingearm 243a with the hinge bracket 241. In another embodiment, the second hinge arm 243b amongthe hinge arms 243a and 243b may be disposed or fixed on a second mid plate 254 and pivotablycoupled with the hinge bracket 241. For example, the second pivot pin 245b out of the pivotingpins 245a and 245b may pivotably couple the second hinge arm 243b with the hinge bracket 241.

[60] According to various embodiments, the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2may be substantially formed by the pivot pins 245a and 245b. For example, the pivot pins 245aand 245b may be rotatably disposed on the hinge bracket 241 while being maintained parallel tothe Y axis. In a certain embodiments, the pivot pins 245a and 245b may be fixed to the hingebracket 241, and the hinge arms 243a and 243b may be rotatably or pivotably coupled, directlyor indirectly, with the pivot pins 245a and 245b. According to an embodiment, the distancebetween the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2 may be set according to the distancebetween the pivot pins 245a and 245b on the hinge bracket 241.

[61] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in the folded state,the first surface 210a may face the third surface 220a, and when the electronic device 200 is inthe flat state, the third direction may coincide with the first direction. For example, the firsthousing 210 and the second housing 220 may pivot with respect to each other between a firstposition at which the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are folded to face each otherand a second position at which the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are unfolded ata specified angle (e.g., 180 degrees) from the first position. According to an embodiment, whenthe electronic device 200 is unfolded, the first and third directions may be the +Z direction, andthe second and fourth directions may be the -Z direction. According to an embodiment, when theelectronic device 200 is folded, the first and fourth directions may be the +Z direction, and thesecond and third directions may be the -Z direction. Unless otherwise stated, directions will bedescribed based on the flat state of the electronic device 200.

[62] According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220may be disposed on both sides of the folding axis A and symmetrical in shape with respect to thefolding axis A on the whole. As described later, the angle or distance between the first housing210 and the second housing 220 may be different depending on whether the electronic device200 is in the flat state, the folded state, or an intermediate state. According to an embodiment,although the second housing 220 further includes the sensor area 224 in which various sensorsare disposed unlike the first housing 210, the second housing 220 may have a symmetrical shapein the other area.

[63] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include a structureinto which a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen) may be inserted. For example, a hole 223 into which adigital pen is insertable may be formed into a side surface of the first housing 210 or the secondhousing 220 of the electronic device 200. Since the digital pen is insertable into the hole 223, auser may be relieved of inconvenience involved in separately carrying the digital pen.

[64] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first housing 210 and thesecond housing 220 may together form a recess that accommodates the display 230. Accordingto an embodiment, the display 230 may have a partially asymmetrical shape due to the sensorarea 224.

[65] According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220may be formed at least partially of a metal material or a non-metal material having a specifiedrigidity to support the display 230. At least a part made of a metal material may provide a groundplane of the electronic device 200 and be electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to aground line formed on a printed circuit board (e.g., circuit boards 262 and 264 of FIG. 4).

[66] According to various embodiments, the sensor area 224 may be formed to have apredetermined area adjacent to one corner of the second housing 220. However, the arrangement,shape, and size of the sensor area 224 are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, inanother embodiment, the sensor area 224 may be provided in another corner of the secondhousing 220 or in any area between a top corner and a bottom corner. In an embodiment,components for performing various functions embedded in the electronic device 200 may beexposed on the front surface of the electronic device 200 through the sensor area 224 or throughone or more openings provided in the sensor area 224. In various embodiments, the componentsmay include various types of sensors. The sensors may include, for example, at least one of afront camera, a receiver, an illuminance sensor, or a proximity sensor.

[67] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 280 may be disposed on the rearsurface of the electronic device 200 (e.g., the first housing 210) on one side of the folding axis Aand have, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery, which may be surrounded by thefirst housing 210. Similarly, the second rear cover 290 may be disposed on the rear surface of theelectronic device 200 (e.g., the second housing 220) on the other side of the folding axis A, andthe periphery thereof may be surrounded by the second housing 220.

[68] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 280 and the second rear cover 290may be substantially symmetrical in shape with respect to the folding axis (the axis A). However,the first rear cover 280 and the second rear cover 290 are not necessarily symmetrical in shape,and in another embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include the first rear cover 280 andthe second rear cover 290 in various shapes. In another embodiment, the first rear cover 280 maybe integrally formed with the first housing 210, and the second rear cover 290 may be integrallyformed with the second housing 220.

[69] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 280, the second rear cover 290,the first housing 210, and the second housing 220 may form a space in which variouscomponents (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) of the electronic device 200 may bedisposed. According to an embodiment, one or more components may be disposed or visuallyexposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 200. For example, the electronic device 200may include a sub-display which is at least partially exposed visually through a first rear area282 of the first rear cover 280. In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors maybe visually exposed through a second rear area 292 of the second rear cover 290. In variousembodiments, the sensors exposed through the second rear area 292 may include a proximitysensor and / or a rear camera.

[70] According to various embodiments, a front camera exposed on the front surface of theelectronic device 200 through one or more openings provided in the sensor area 224 or a rearcamera exposed through the second rear area 292 of the second rear cover 290 may include oneor more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In a certain embodiment, aflash including, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp may be disposed in thesecond rear area 292. In a certain embodiment, two or more lenses (an IR camera, a wide-anglelens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronicdevice 200.

[71] Referring to FIG. 3, the hinge cover 240 may be disposed between the first housing 210and the second housing 220 and configured to accommodate and cover internal components (e.g.,the hinge structure or hinge module 202 of FIG. 4). According to an embodiment, the hingecover 240 may be covered by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 or exposed to theoutside according to a state (the flat state or the folded state) of the electronic device 200. In anembodiment, at the first position, for example, in the folded state illustrated in FIG. 3, the firsthousing 210 and the second housing 220 may be folded, substantially facing each other, and thehinge cover 240 may be visually exposed to an external space. In another embodiment, at thesecond position, for example, in the flat state illustrated in FIG. 2, the first housing 210 and thesecond housing 220 may be unfolded at an angle of 180 degrees from the first position, and thehinge cover 240 may be substantially concealed by the first housing 210 and the second housing220. In another example, when the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are in theintermediate state in which they are folded with a certain angle, the hinge cover 240 may bepartially exposed to the outside between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. In thiscase, however, an exposed area may be smaller than in a fully folded state. In an embodiment,the hinge cover 240 may include a curved surface.

[72] According to various embodiments, the display 230 may be disposed in a space formedby the housings 210 and 220. For example, the display 230 may be seated in a recess formed bythe housings 210 and 220 and form most of the front surface of the electronic device 200.Accordingly, the front surface of the electronic device 200 may include a partial area of the firsthousing 210 and a partial area of the second housing 220, which are adjacent to the display 230.Further, the rear surface of the electronic device 200 may include the first rear cover 280, apartial area of the first housing 210 adjacent to the first rear cover 280, the second rear cover 290,and a partial area of the second housing 220 adjacent to the second rear cover 290.

[73] According to various embodiments, the display 230 may refer to a flexible display havingat least a partial area deformable into a flat or curved surface. According to an embodiment, thedisplay 230 may include a folding area 233, a first area 231 disposed on one side of the foldingarea 233 (e.g., a left side of the folding area 233 illustrated in FIG. 2) and a second area 232disposed on the other side of the folding area 233 (e.g., a right side of the folding area 233illustrated in FIG. 2).

[74] However, the area division of the display 230 illustrated in FIG. 2 is exemplary, and thedisplay 230 may be divided into a plurality of (e.g., four or more or two) areas according to astructure or function. For example, although the area of the display 230 may be divided by thefolding area 233 extending parallel to the Y axis or the folding axis (the axis A) in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the area of the display 230 may be divided by another foldingarea (e.g., a folding area parallel to the X axis) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axisparallel to the X axis) in another embodiment. According to an embodiment, the display 230 maybe combined with or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable ofmeasuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer configured to detect a magneticstylus pen.

[75] According to various embodiments, the first area 231 and the second area 232 may besymmetrical in shape with respect to the folding area 233 on the whole. However, unlike the firstarea 231, the second area 232 may include a cut notch or a transparent area according to theexistence of the sensor area 224, and may be symmetrical to the first area 231 in the other area.In other words, the first area 231 and the second area 232 may include parts having asymmetrical shape and parts having an asymmetrical shape.

[76] Operations of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and each area of thedisplay 230 according to the states (e.g., the unfolded state or flat state, and the folded state) ofthe electronic device 200 will be described below.

[77] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in the flat state(e.g., the state illustrated in FIG. 2), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be at aspecified angle, for example, 180 degrees, and the first area 231 and the second area 232 of thedisplay 230 may be disposed to face in the same direction. For example, the surface of the firstarea 231 and the surface of the second area 232 of the display 230 may form an angle of 180degrees and face in the same direction (e.g., the front direction of the electronic device 200). Thefolding area 233 may form the same plane as the first area 231 and the second area 232.

[78] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in the folded state(e.g., the state illustrated in FIG. 3), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may faceeach other. The surface of the first area 231 and the surface of the second area 232 of the display230 may form a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 degrees and 10 degrees) and face each other. Atleast a part of the folding area 233 may be formed into a curved surface having a specifiedcurvature.

[79] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in the intermediatestate, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be disposed at a certain angle withrespect to each other, for example, any angle between the first position of FIG. 3 and the secondposition of FIG. 2. The surface of the first area 231 and the surface of the second area 232 of thedisplay 230 may be disposed to form an angle greater than in the folded state and smaller than inthe flat state. At least a part of the folding area 233 may be formed into a curved surface having apredetermined curvature, which may be smaller than in the folded state.

[80] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device 200 may include the housings 210 and 220, thedisplay 230, and the circuit boards 262 and 264. The housings 210 and 220 may include the firsthousing 210, the second housing 220, a bracket assembly 250, the first rear cover 280, thesecond rear cover 290, and the hinge structure 202.

[81] According to various embodiments, the display 230 may include a display panel 235 andat least one support plate 237 on which the display panel 235 is seated. The support plate 237may be disposed between the display panel 235 and the bracket assembly 250.

[82] According to various embodiments, the bracket assembly 250 may include the first midplate 252 and the second mid plate 254. The hinge structure or hinge module 202 may bedisposed between the first mid plate 252 and the second mid plate 254. When viewed from theoutside, the hinge module 202 may be covered by the hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover 240 ofFIG. 3). According to an embodiment, a wiring (not shown) crossing the first mid plate 252 andthe second mid plate 254 may be disposed on the bracket assembly 250.

[83] According to various embodiments, the circuit boards 262 and 264 may include a firstcircuit board 262 disposed on the first mid plate 252 and a second circuit board 264 disposed onthe second mid plate 254. The first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264 may bedisposed inside a space formed by the bracket assembly 250, the first housing 210, the secondhousing 220, the first rear cover 280, and the second rear cover 290. Electrical / electroniccomponents for implementing various functions of the electronic device 200 may be mounted onthe first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264. In a certain embodiment, each of thefirst circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264 may be interpreted as one ofelectrical / electronic components.

[84] According to various embodiments, with the display 230 coupled, directly or indirectly,with the bracket assembly 250, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may beassembled to be coupled, directly or indirectly, with both sides of the bracket assembly 250. Forexample, the first housing 210 may include a first side member 211 surrounding at least a part ofa side surface of the first mid plate 252, and the second housing 220 may include a second sidemember 221 surrounding at least a part of a side surface of the second mid plate 254. The firsthousing 210 may include a first rotation support surface 212, and the second housing 220 mayinclude a second rotation support surface 222 corresponding to the first rotation support surface212. The first rotation support surface 212 and the second rotation support surface 222 mayinclude curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surface included in the hinge cover 240.According to an embodiment, the first side member 211 may include a first side surface 211a atleast partially surrounding a space between the first surface 210a and the second surface 210band perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction. According to an embodiment, thesecond side member 221 may include a second side surface surrounding at least a part betweenthe third and fourth surfaces 220a and 220b and perpendicular to the third or fourth direction.

[85] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in the flat state (e.g., theelectronic device of FIG. 2), the first rotation support surface 212 and the second rotation supportsurface 222 may conceal the hinge cover 240, and thus the hinge cover 240 may not be exposedor minimally exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 200. In another example, whenthe electronic device 200 is in the folded state (e.g., the electronic device of FIG. 3), the firstrotation support surface 212 and the second rotation support surface 222 may expose the hingecover 240 maximally to the external space of the electronic device 200.

[86] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include at least onebattery 269a and 269b. For example, the electronic device 200 may include the batteries 269aand 269b disposed in one of the housings 210 and 220 or respectively in the two housings 210and 220. The batteries 269a and 269b may be substantially disposed adjacent to the circuitboards 262 and 264 and supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 200.According to an embodiment, the batteries 269a and 269b may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[87] According to various embodiments, a relative displacement may occur between differentparts of the electronic device 200 during a folding or unfolding operation. For example, as thehousings 210 and 220 move with respect to the hinge cover 240 in the folding or unfoldingoperation, the hinge cover 240 may be concealed or exposed to the external space. In anembodiment, the rear surface of the electronic device 200 (e.g., the surface facing in the oppositedirection of the surface on which the display 230 is disposed) may appear to be expanded relativeto the front surface of the electronic device 200, for example, the surface on which the display230 is disposed in the folding operation. In another embodiment, the front surface of theelectronic device 200 may appear to be contracted relative to the rear surface of the electronicdevice 200 in the folding operation. For example, in the folding or unfolding operation, a relativedisplacement may occur between the front and rear surfaces of the electronic device 200. Thisrelative displacement may be proportional to the thickness of the electronic device 200 (e.g., athickness measured in the Z-axis direction). In a certain embodiment, the display 230 is astructure or electronic component which is not substantially expandable or contractible, and therelative displacement may be allowed through movement of the housings 210 and 220 relative tothe hinge cover 240 or selective exposure of the hinge cover 240 on the rear surface of theelectronic device 200.

[88] According to various embodiments, the display 230 may include a light emitting layer(e.g., a first layer L1 of FIG. 6 or 10) including multiple pixels (e.g., pixels P1, P2, and P3 ofFIG. 10), and a protective layer (e.g., a second layer L2 of FIG. 6 or 10 as a window sheet orglass plate), and further include at least one other layer (e.g., a third layer L3 of FIG. 6 or 10 as apolarization plate, an electrode layer for touch sensing, a printed layer, a decorative film, and / orat least one adhesive layer bonding adjacent layers to each other) between the light emitting layerand the protective layer. A relative displacement may occur within the display 230 according tothe unfolding or folding operation. For example, the protective layer may appear to be contractedor expanded with respect to the light emitting layer in the unfolding or folding operation. Therelative displacement within the display 230 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 6and 7.

[89] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic devices300 (e.g., the electronic devices 101, 102, 104, and 200 of FIGS. 1 to 4) in the flat stateaccording to various example embodiments. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating theconfiguration of the electronic device 300 in the folded state according to various exampleembodiments.

[90] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the display 230 may include the first layer L1 (e.g., the lightemitting layer) disposed on the support plate 237, the second layer L2 (e.g., the protective layer)substantially forming an outer surface, and at least one third layer L3 disposed between the firstlayer L1 and the second layer L2. In a certain embodiment, the support plate 237 may beinterpreted substantially as a component of the display 230. The display panel 235 of FIG. 4 maybe interpreted as a component including the first layer L1 and the at least one third layer L3. In acertain embodiment, when a plurality of third layers L3 are provided, some or all of the pluralityof third layers L3 may be interpreted as being included in the display panel 235 of FIG. 4.

[91] According to various embodiments, the first layer L1 may be disposed closer to the rearsurface (e.g., the surface facing in the -Z direction in FIG. 6) of the electronic device 300 thanthe other layers of the display 230, and include a plurality of pixels (e.g., the pixels P1, P2, andP3 of FIG. 10) to receive an electrical signal and output visual information (e.g., text, an image,or a video). The second layer L2 is a layer directly exposed to the external space, and mayprotect the other layers forming the display 230 from an external environment. The second layerL2 may include, for example, a synthetic resin film such as formed of polyimide, acryl, and / orpolycarbonate (PC), or thin glass, and an exposed surface thereof may be coated with a materialhaving scratch resistance, such as an ultraviolet curing resin. In an embodiment, the third layerL3 may include, for example, a polarization plate, and according to an embodiment, furtherinclude an electrode layer for touch sensing, a printed layer, a decorative film, and / or at least oneadhesive layer bonding adjacent layers to each other.

[92] According to various embodiments, in the flat state of FIG. 6, both ends of the layers L1,L2, and L3 may be aligned or positioned at a specified distance or gap G from inner walls of thehousings 210 and 220. When each of the housings 210 and 220 is unfolded on one side of theother, the front surface (e.g., the surface facing in the +Z direction in FIG. 6 on which the display230 is disposed) and the rear surface of the electronic device 300 may have substantially thesame length in the X-axis direction. In the folded state of FIG. 7, when the housings 210 and 220are folded to face each other, the hinge cover 240 may be exposed to the outside, and thus thelength of the rear surface of the electronic device 300 may become greater than that of the frontsurface thereof. As described above, the display 230 is a structure or electronic component that isnot substantially expandable or contractible, and relative movement (e.g., pivoting) between thehousings 210 and 220 and the hinge cover 240 may allow the folding or unfolding operation,while suppressing a substantial length change of the display 230.

[93] According to various embodiments, a relative movement or displacement may occuramong the layers L1, L2, and L3 of the display 230 during the unfolding operation or the foldingoperation. For example, the second layer L2 may be located closest to the inner walls of thehousings 210 and 220, relative to the first layer L1 disposed on the innermost side of the display230, in the folded state. Referring to the folded state illustrated in FIG. 7, the second layer L2may be located to be surrounded by the first layer L1, have a smaller radius of curvature in a bentarea (e.g., the folding area 133 of FIG. 2) than the first layer L1, and move to the right withrespect to the first layer L1. For example, when the layers L1, L2, and L3 of the display 230 arealigned at the same distance or gap G from the inner walls of the housings 210 and 220 in the flatstate, the gap G from the inner walls of the housings 210 and 220 may be different for the layersL1, L2, and L3 in the folded state. The difference in the gap G between the folded state and theflat state may be proportional to the thickness of the display 230 (e.g., the thickness measured inthe Z-axis direction in FIG. 6). The gap G illustrated in FIG. 6 may allow a relative movement ordisplacement among the layers L1, L2, and L3 of the display 230 and prevent or reduce at leastone (e.g., the second layer of FIG. 7) of the layers L1, L2, and L3 of the display 230 fromdirectly contacting the inner walls of the housings 210 and 220.

[94] According to various embodiments, the relative movement or displacement among thelayers L1, L2, and L3 of the display 230 may be visually perceived. For example, when the thirdlayer L3 includes a decorative layer or a printed layer (e.g., a printed layer L3' of FIG. 8) such asa pattern or a character, and / or when the printed layer L3' is provided between the second layerL2 and the third layer L3, relative movement of the printed layer L3' with respect to the firstlayer L1 may be visually recognized by the user. This relative movement will be furtherdescribed with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Although the configuration of the printed layer L3'formed on the outer surface of the second layer L2 is exemplified in FIGS. 8 and 9, thisillustrates the position of a sensor area (e.g., the sensor area 224 of FIG. 2) or an electroniccomponent (e.g., the printed layer L3' in the X-axis direction with respect to the sensor module176 of FIG. 1, the camera module 180 of FIG. 1, and / or the camera module 276 of FIG. 8), and itis to be noted that the printed layer L3' may be formed on the inner surface of the second layerL2 (e.g., between the second layer L2 and the third layer L3). In describing the embodiment ofFIGS. 8 and 9, it may be defined that a direction in which the camera module 276 obtains light isparallel to the Z axis, and a relative displacement is made among the layers L1, L2, L3, and L3'of the display 230 along the X-axis direction.

[95] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device400 (e.g., the electronic devices 101, 102, 104, and 200 of FIGS. 1 to 4) in the flat stateaccording to one of various example embodiments. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustratingthe configuration of the electronic device 400 in a state in which the housings 210 and 220 areinclined to each other according to one of various example embodiments.

[96] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the electronic device 400 may include a sensor, for example,the camera module 276 (e.g., the sensor module 176 or the camera module 180 of FIG. 1)located in correspondence with a sensor area (e.g., the sensor area 224 of FIG. 2). The cameramodule 276 may be disposed on a support member (e.g., the first mid plate 252 of FIG. 4) andobtain light in a path passing through a part (e.g., a transparent area T) of the display 230. Thedisplay 230 may be substantially transparent in a part or area corresponding to the sensor area224 or the camera module 276 to allow external light to enter the camera module 276. In thedisplay 230, the 'substantially transparent area' may be interpreted as an area in which there areno pixels outputting light. As described later, in a structure in which a sensor (e.g., the cameramodule 276) is disposed to overlap with the display 230, a part of the display 230 (e.g., the firstlayer L1 or the light emitting layer) may not output a screen or light. The area that is a part of thedisplay 230 and does not output a screen or light may be defined as a 'dead space (e.g., a deadspace DS in FIG. 10)' or a 'dead zone'. In another embodiment, transparent areas provided in theplurality of layers L1, L2, and L3 may be aligned to provide the transparent area T of the display230, and the sensor area 224 may be formed in correspondence with a part of the transparent areaT of the display 230. For example, the printed layer L3' may conceal edges of the transparentareas provided in the plurality of layers L1, L2, and L3, while defining the sensor area 224. Inanother embodiment, the printed layer L3' may be formed to define the sensor area, while furtherconcealing a boundary between an area where pixels (e.g., pixels P1, P2, and P3 of FIG. 10) aredisposed and an area (e.g., an area denoted by 'NP' in FIG. 10) where pixels are not disposed. Inanother embodiment, while not shown, the dead space may include a first part corresponding tothe transparent area T and a second part around the first part. The first part may be transparentand thus transmit light, whereas the second part may be substantially opaque and thus block light.

[97] According to various embodiments, as the camera module 276, the transparent area T ofthe display 230, and / or the printed layer L3' (e.g., the sensor area 224) are aligned, a path inwhich external light is incident on the camera module 276 may be provided. In the flat state ofFIG. 8, the camera module 276, the transparent area T of the display 230, and / or the sensor area224 may be aligned along a Z-axis direction d, and the incident path of light may be substantiallyparallel to the Z axis. According to an embodiment, a relative displacement may occur amongthe layers L1, L2, L3, and L3'' of the display 230 in the folding operation. In the flat state, thehousings 210 and 220 may be located at an angle of approximately 180 degrees with respect toeach other, and a state in which the layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' of the display 230 are aligned asillustrated in FIG. 6 or 8 is defined as a 'first alignment state'. As the angle between the housings210 and 220 is gradually decreased according to the folding operation, the layers L1, L2, L3, andL3' of the display 230 may be gradually moved or deformed relative to each other, switching toan alignment state different from the first alignment state. Referring to FIG. 9, the second layerL2 and / or the printed layer L3' (e.g., the sensor area 224) may move in the -X direction withrespect to the first layer L1 in the first housing 210. For example, the camera module 276 may besubstantially fixed to the first mid plate 252 and / or the first layer L1, and the printed layer L3' orthe sensor area 224 may move in the X-axis direction with respect to be the first layer L1 and / orthe camera module 276.

[98] According to various embodiments, with the housings 210 and 220 of the electronicdevice 400 unfolded or inclined relative to each other, the user may use the electronic device 400by placing it on a flat surface (e.g., a desk or table). For example, the user may make a video callor watch broadcasting or a video, while the housings 210 and 220 of the electronic device 400are mounted on a flat surface in an inclined state with respect to each other. In an embodiment,the printed layer L3' on the first layer L1 may be different according to the flat state or theinclined state due to a relative displacement among the layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' of the display230. In a portable electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal, the positionchange of the printed layer L3 in the flat state and the folded state is within about 1mm.Although it is difficult for the user to substantially perceive this position change, the positionchange may be visually recognizable to a user that adjusts the angle between the housings 210and 220 variously and / or frequently. The exemplary given numerical value regarding the changein the position of the printed layer L3 according to the flat state and the folded state does notlimit various example embodiments, and may vary according to the size (e.g., thickness) of anactually manufactured electronic device or flexible display. A displacement of the printed layerL3' and / or the sensor area 224 according to a change in the angle between the housings 210 and220 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.

[99] FIG. 10 illustrates the plurality of layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' in the first alignment statein the flexible display 230 (e.g., the display 230 of FIG. 2 and / or FIG. 4) in an electronic devices101, 102, 104, and 200 of FIGS. 1 to 4) according to another one of various exampleembodiments. FIG. 11 illustrates the plurality of layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' in a secondalignment state in the flexible display 230 in the electronic device according to another one ofvarious example embodiments.

[100] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the printed layer L3 may be provided to secure asufficient actual area in which the display 230 may output a screen, while concealing the edgesof the transparent areas formed in the layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' of the display 230, even if arelative displacement occurs. For example, when viewed from the outside of the electronicdevice (e.g., the electronic device 200 of FIGS. 2 to 4), the area NP in which the pixels P1, P2,and P3 are not disposed, for example, the dead space DS may have a size corresponding to thatof the printed layer L3'. In the first alignment state, for example, in the flat state of FIG. 2, theprinted layer L3' and the dead space DS may be located substantially on concentric circles, inalignment with the camera module 276. When the dead space DS has a size corresponding to thatof the printed layer L3', the sensor area 224 may move relative to the camera module 276, andthe printed layer L3' may cover a part of the first layer L1, for example, the pixels P1, P2 and P3in an area beyond the dead space DS in the folded state or in the second alignment state in whichthe housings 210 and 220 are inclined to each other, as illustrated in FIG. 11. For example, in thestate in which the housings 210 and 220 are inclined to each other (e.g., the second alignmentstate of FIG. 11), a part of a screen output through the display 230 may be covered by the printedlayer L3' and thus may not be transmitted to the user.

[101] According to various embodiments, when the dead space DS and the printed layerL3' are concentrically aligned in the flat state, relative movement of the sensor area 224 withrespect to the camera module 276 may cause misalignment between the centers of the dead spaceDS and the printed layer L3', as illustrated in FIG. 11. Although the change in the position of theprinted layer L3' is a natural phenomenon caused by the relative positions of the housings 210and 220, not a defect or damage of the electronic device 200 / 400, the user may not feelcomfortable, when recognizing the change in position of the printed layer L3'.

[102] FIG. 12 illustrates the plurality of layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' in the first alignmentstate in the flexible display 230 (e.g., the display 230 of FIG. 2 and / or FIG. 4) in an electronicdevice (e.g., the electronic devices 101, 102, 104, and 200 of FIGS. 1 to 4) according to anotherone of various example embodiments. FIG. 13 illustrates the plurality of layers L1, L2, L3, andL3' in the second alignment state in the flexible display 230 in the electronic device according toanother one of various example embodiments.

[103] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, ascreen may not be blocked even when the printed layer L3' moves above the camera module 276or the first layer L1 in a structure in which the area NP where the pixels P1, P2, and P3 are notarranged on the first layer L1 and / or the dead space DS is further extended. For example, whenviewed from the outside of the electronic device, the printed layer L3' may not deviate from thedead space DS and may not substantially block a screen output from the display 230, even if arelative position change occurs. Although the center of the dead space DS and the center of theprinted layer L3' may be slightly misaligned according to the change in the position of theprinted layer L3' in the structure in which the dead space DS is extended, the printed layer L3'may not cover the output screen, thereby preventing or relieving the user's discomfort aboutdefects or damage. In a certain embodiment, when the dead space DS and the printed layer L3'have the same color, the effect of preventing or relieving discomfort may be increased. However,extending the dead space DS may indicate that an area where a screen is displayed issubstantially reduced.

[104] A flexible display and / or an electronic device including the flexible displayaccording to various example embodiments (e.g., the display 230 and / or the electronic device200 of FIGS. 2 to 4) may have the dead space DS of a size substantially corresponding to theprint layer L3', and prevent or relieve a user's discomfort caused by a change in relative position.For example, as the relative position of the printed layer L3' changes, the display 230 (e.g., thefirst layer L1 or the light emitting layer) may output a virtual dead space (e.g., a virtual deadspace VS1 or VS2 of FIG. 14 or 15) having substantially the same color or brightness as the deadspace DS. A configuration of implementing a virtual dead space will be further described withreference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

[105] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user experience implemented byan electronic device (e.g., the electronic devices 101, 102, 104, and 200 of FIGS. 1 to 4)according to various example embodiments.

[106] Referring to FIG. 14, the dead space DS, the printed layer L3', and / or the pixelsP1, P2, and P3 of the first layer L1 (e.g., the light emitting layer) may be arranged in a similarmanner to or the substantially same manner as FIG. 10. For example, a ratio of an area where ascreen is output on the display 230 may be increased by minimizing or reducing the dead spaceDS. According to an embodiment, when the printed layer L3' moves out of the dead space DSand covers a screen (e.g., text, an image, or a video) output from the display 230, the electronicdevice (e.g., the processor 120 of FIG. 1) may output the virtual dead space VS1 on a part of thescreen, and the printed layer L3' may be located not to deviate substantially from the virtual deadspace VS1. The virtual dead space VS1 may be implemented in a circular or elliptical shape, andthe position and size of the virtual dead space VS1 may be set in correspondence with an area inwhich the actual dead space DS and the printed layer L3' are disposed.

[107] According to various embodiments, a relative displacement of the printed layerL3' or the sensor area 224 with respect to the camera module 276 (comprising a camera) and / orthe first layer L1 (e.g., the dead space DS) may vary depending on the thickness of the display230, a distance from a pivot axis (e.g., the folding axis A of FIG. 2 or the pivot axes C1 and C2of FIG. 4), and an inclination angle (e.g., a folding angle) between the housings 210 and 220).For example, the relative displacement of the printed layer L3' or the sensor area 224 accordingto the inclination angle may be calculated in the process of designing the electronic device (e.g.,the electronic devices 101, 102, 104, and 200 of FIGS. 1 to 4). The electronic device and / or theprocessor 120 of FIG. 1 may detect the inclination angle between the housings 210 and 220 inreal time by using another sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor or the sensor module 176 of FIG. 1,comprising at least one sensor) and determine the position or size of the virtual dead space VS1based on data (e.g., the difference in radius between the dead space DS and the printed layer L3'and / or the displacement of the printed layer L3' according to the inclination angle) calculated inthe design process and the detected inclined angle.

[108] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another example of a user experienceimplemented by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic devices 101, 102, 104, and 200 of FIGS.1 to 4) according to various example embodiments.

[109] Referring to FIG. 15, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101, 102,104, 200 of FIGS. 1 to 4) and / or the processor 120 of FIG. 1 may determine the size and positionof the virtual dead space VS2 based on the radius of the dead space DS and a displacement of theprinted layer L3' (e.g., the sensor area 224). In the first alignment state of FIG. 10, the dead spaceDS and the printed layer L3' may be located on concentric circles, and when the printed layer L3'is displaced with respect to the dead space DS, the virtual dead space VS2 may be formed aroundthe printed layer L3'. "Formation of the virtual dead space VS2" may indicate that a circle havingsubstantially the same color as that of the dead space DS and / or the printed layer L3' is output ona screen. According to an embodiment, the virtual dead space VS2 may have a radius equal tothe sum of the radius of the actual dead space DS and the displacement of the printed layer L3'and be located substantially on a circle concentric with that of the printed layer L3. For example,the electronic device (e.g., the electronic devices 101, 102, 104, 200 of FIGS. 1 to 4) and / or theprocessor 120 of FIG. 1 may determine the size of the virtual dead space based on the inclinationangle between the housings 210 and 220 and the data calculated in the design process (e.g., theradius of the dead space D and the displacement of the printed layer according to the inclinationangle), and output the virtual dead space on a screen at a position at which the virtual dead spaceforms a concentric circle with the printed layer.

[110] According to various embodiments, compared to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, the virtual dead space VS2 and the printed layer L3' may be disposed on a concentriccircle in a larger size in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15. For example, although a screenarea for outputting text, an image, or a video is somewhat reduced in the second alignment stateof FIG. 15, the printed layer L3' may not cover the text, the image, or the video output from thedisplay. In a certain embodiment, compared to the embodiment of FIG. 12 or 13, text, an image,or a video may be output using more areas in the first alignment state in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 15.

[111] FIGS. 16 and 17 are exemplary diagrams illustrating a method of operating anelectronic device according to an example embodiment. For example, a function or operationdescribed with reference to FIG. 16 may be related to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, anda function or operation described with reference to FIG. 17 may be related to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 15.

[112] Referring to FIG. 16, the electronic device 101 according to an exampleembodiment may identify a folding angle of the electronic device 101 in operation 1610. Theelectronic device 101 according to an example embodiment may detect an inclination anglebetween the housings 210 and 220 in real time by detecting the intensity of a magnetic forcedetected by a Hall sensor, for example. To this end, a first lookup table defining a relationshipbetween intensities of magnetic forces (or changes in magnetic force) detected by the Hall sensorand inclination angles may be pre-stored in the electronic device 101 according to an exampleembodiment (e.g., in a design process of the electronic device 101). The electronic device 101according to an example embodiment may identify the folding angle of the electronic device 101using the first lookup table. In operation 1620, the electronic device 101 according to an exampleembodiment may identify a displacement of the printed layer L3' according to the identifiedfolding angle. A second look-up table defining a relationship between folding angles anddisplacements of the printed layer L3' may be pre-stored in the electronic device 101 accordingto an example embodiment. The electronic device 101 according to an example embodiment mayidentify the displacement of the printed layer L3' according to the identified folding angle usingthe second look-up table. The electronic device 101 according to an example embodiment maygenerate a virtual dead space area substantially contacting a part of a boundary of an areacorresponding to the printed layer L3' in operation 1630. The electronic device 101 according toan example embodiment may generate the virtual dead space area by setting, for example, thedifference between the sum of the diameter of the dead space DS and the identified displacementand the difference in radius between the dead space DS and the printed layer L3' (in other words,the diameter of the dead space DS + the identified displacement - the difference between theradius of the dead space DS and the radius of the printed layer L3') as a long axis of the virtualdead space (in the case of an elliptical virtual dead space) or the diameter of the virtual deadspace (in the case of a circular virtual dead space). According to an example embodiment, whenthe virtual dead space is elliptical in shape, a short axis of the virtual dead space may bedetermined to be a value between the length of the long axis of the virtual dead space and thediameter of the actual dead space DS by the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101according to an example embodiment may determine the virtual dead space area according to thelength of the long axis and the length of the short axis determined as described above. Inoperation 1640, the electronic device 101 according to an example embodiment may output atleast a part of the virtual dead space area generated in operation 1630 in a specified color (e.g.,black). The electronic device 101 according to an example embodiment may output theremaining part of the virtual dead space area except for the actual dead space DS area and theprinted layer L3' in a specified color.

[113] Referring to FIG. 17, the electronic device 101 according to an exampleembodiment may identify a folding angle of the electronic device 101 in operation 1710. Theelectronic device 101 according to an example embodiment may detect an inclination anglebetween the housings 210 and 220 in real time by detecting the intensity of a magnetic forcedetected by a Hall sensor, for example. To this end, a first lookup table defining a relationshipbetween intensities of magnetic forces (or changes in magnetic force) detected by the Hall sensorand inclination angles may be pre-stored in the electronic device 101 according to an exampleembodiment (e.g., in a design process of the electronic device 101). The electronic device 101according to an example embodiment may identify the folding angle of the electronic device 101using the first lookup table. In operation 1720, the electronic device 101 according to an exampleembodiment may identify a displacement of the printed layer L3' according to the identifiedfolding angle. A second look-up table defining a relationship between folding angles anddisplacements of the printed layer L3' may be pre-stored in the electronic device 101 accordingto an example embodiment. The electronic device 101 according to an example embodiment mayidentify the displacement of the printed layer L3' according to the identified folding angle usingthe second look-up table. The electronic device 101 according to an example embodiment maygenerate a virtual dead space area such that a position to which the center of an area (e.g., theprinted layer L3') corresponding to a printed layer moves substantially coincides with the centerof the virtual dead space area, based on the identified displacement in operation 1730. Theelectronic device 101 according to an example embodiment may determine the size of the virtualdead space based on the inclination angle between the housings 210 and 220 and data (e.g., theradius of the dead space DS and the displacement of the printed layer according to the inclinationangle) calculated in the design process, and output the virtual dead space on a screen at a positionat which the virtual dead space forms a concentric circle with the printed layer. For example, theelectronic device according to an example embodiment may determine the virtual dead spaceVS2 such that the virtual dead space VS2 has a radius equal to the sum of the radius of the actualdead space DS and the displacement of the printed layer L3'. Accordingly, the position to whichthe center of the area (e.g., the printed layer L3') corresponding to the printed layer is moved byfolding substantially coincides with the center of the virtual dead space area. In operation 1740,the electronic device 101 according to an example embodiment may output at least a part of thevirtual dead space area generated in operation 1730 in a specified color (e.g., substantially black).The electronic device 101 according to an example embodiment may output the remaining partof the virtual dead space area except for the actual dead space DS area and the printed layer L3'in a specified color.

[114] An electronic device according to an example embodiment may include a flexibledisplay and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to identify afolding angle of the electronic device, identify a displacement of a printed layer of the flexibledisplay according to the identified folding angle, generate a virtual dead space area substantiallycontacting a part of a boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display, based on the identifieddisplacement, and output at least a part of the generated virtual dead space area in a specifiedcolor on the flexible display.

[115] An electronic device according to an example embodiment may include a flexibledisplay and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to identify afolding angle of the electronic device, identify a displacement of a printed layer of the flexibledisplay according to the identified folding angle, generate a virtual dead space area based on theidentified displacement, wherein a position to which a center of the printed layer is movedaccording to folding of the electronic device substantially coincides with a center of the virtualdead space area, and output at least a part of the generated virtual dead space area in a specifiedcolor on the flexible display.

[116] A method of controlling an electronic device according to an exampleembodiment may include identifying a folding angle of the electronic device, identifying adisplacement of a printed layer of the flexible display according to the identified folding angle,generating a virtual dead space area substantially contacting a part of a boundary of the printedlayer of the flexible display, based on the identified displacement, and outputting at least a partof the generated virtual dead space area in a specified color on the flexible display.

[117] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of varioustypes of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portablecommunication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, aportable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to anexample embodiment, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

[118] It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure andthe terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein toparticular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for acorresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar referencenumerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singularform of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless therelevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases 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 of, or all possible combinations of theitems enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as"1st" and "2nd", or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a correspondingcomponent from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance ororder). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with orwithout the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with", "coupled to","connected with", or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it means that theelement may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via at leasta third element(s).

[119] As used in the disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented inhardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example,logic, logic block, part, or circuitry. A module may be a single integral component, or aminimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, accordingto an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC). Thus, each "module" herein may comprise circuitry.

[120] Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g.,the program 140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g.,internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronicdevice 101). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor 120) of the machine (e.g., theelectronic device 101) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in thestorage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under thecontrol of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one functionaccording to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include acode generated by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readablestorage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, theterm 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does notinclude a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate betweenwhere data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarilystored in the storage medium.

[121] According to an embodiment, a method according to various exampleembodiments may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computerprogram product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computerprogram product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g.,compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded)online via an application store (e.g., PlayStoreTM), or between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may betemporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium,such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

[122] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program)of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some ofthe multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to variousembodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or moreother components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g.,modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according tovarious embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of eachof the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by acorresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to variousembodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may becarried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operationsmay be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[123] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to variousembodiments, it will be understood that the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative,not limiting. It will further be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in formand detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure,including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of theembodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s)described herein.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a flexible display, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: identify a folding angle of the electronic device, identify a displacement of a printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified folding angle, generate a virtual dead space area substantially contacting a part of a boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display, based on the identified displacement, and control to output at least a part of the generated virtual dead space area in a specified color on the flexible display.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor module, comprising at least one sensor, configured to identify the folding angle.

3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured so that an area on the flexible display corresponding to the printed layer of the flexible display is to be represented in a color substantially the same as the specified color.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the virtual dead space area substantially contacts a part of a boundary of an actual dead space area, while substantially contacting the part of the boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display.

5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine a long axis of the virtual dead space area at least by calculating a difference between a sum of a diameter of the actual dead space area and the identified displacement and a difference between a radius of the actual dead space area and a radius of the printed layer of the flexible display.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine a short axis of the virtual dead space as a value between a length of the determined long axis of the virtual dead space and the diameter of the actual dead space.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to control to output a remaining part except for an actual dead space area and the printed layer of the flexible display in the specified color.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to identify the displacement of the printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified folding angle, using at least a lookup table pre-stored in a memory of the electronic device.

9. A method of controlling an electronic device including a flexible display, comprising: identifying a folding angle of the electronic device, identifying a displacement of a printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified folding angle, generating a virtual dead space area substantially contacting at least a part of a boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display, based on the identified displacement, and outputting at least a part of the generated virtual dead space area in a specified color on the flexible display.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising representing an area on the flexible display corresponding to the printed layer of the flexible display in a color substantially the same as the specified color.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the virtual dead space area substantially contacts a part of a boundary of an actual dead space area, while substantially contacting the part of the boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining a long axis of the virtual dead space area at least by calculating a difference between a sum of a diameter of the actual dead space area and the identified displacement and a difference between a radius of the actual dead space area and a radius of the printed layer of the flexible display.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising determining a short axis of the virtual dead space as a value between a length of the determined long axis of the virtual dead space and the diameter of the actual dead space.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising outputting a remaining part except for an actual dead space area and the printed layer of the flexible display in the specified color.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising identifying the displacement of the printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified folding angle, using at least a lookup table pre-stored in the electronic device.