Electronic device including a flexible display and method for controlling the same

Abstract

An electronic device including a flexible display and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. [Solution] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible display and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is capable of identifying a folding angle of the electronic device, identifying a displacement of a printed layer of the flexible display according to the identified folding angle, generating a virtual dead space region substantially in contact with a portion of a boundary of the printed layer based on the identified displacement, and configuring at least a portion of the generated virtual dead space region to be output in a specified color on the flexible display.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device, for example, an electronic device having at least a pair of housings pivotally coupled together, and a method for controlling the same. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of electronic, information, and communication technologies, various functions are being integrated into a single portable communication or electronic device. For example, a smartphone includes not only a communication function but also a sound player, an image capture device, or an electronic organizer. By installing additional applications, more diverse functions can be implemented on the smartphone.

[0003] By connecting to a network, users can search, select, and obtain more information than is limited to the functions (e.g., applications) and information installed in mobile communication devices or electronic devices themselves. When connecting to a network, a direct connection method (e.g., wired communication) can provide fast and stable communication, but the usage area may be limited to a fixed location or a certain amount of space. When connecting to a network, a wireless communication method has fewer location and spatial restrictions, and its transmission speed and stability are gradually reaching the same level as a direct connection method. In the future, it is expected that a wireless communication method will provide a faster and more stable communication environment than a direct connection method.

[0004] As the use of personal or portable communication devices such as smartphones becomes more common, users increasingly demand portability and convenience of use. For example, a touchscreen display is an output device that outputs visual information on a screen, and can provide a virtual keypad instead of a mechanical input device (e.g., a button-type input device). This allows portable communication devices or electronic devices to be smaller while still providing the same or improved usability (e.g., a larger screen). Meanwhile, as flexible displays, such as foldable or rollable displays, become more commercially available, the portability and convenience of use of electronic devices are expected to further improve. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Generally, a display may include a light-emitting layer and a protective layer (e.g., a window sheet or a front plate), and / or multiple layers disposed between the light-emitting layer and the protective layer. The "multiple layers" may include, for example, a polarizer, a touch-sensing electrode layer, a printed layer, a decorative film, and / or at least one adhesive layer joining adjacent layers. Flexible displays may also include such multiple layers, and a relative displacement between different layers may occur during folding or rolling. For example, the position of a printed layer relative to the light-emitting layer may be different in a folded or rolled state compared to an unfolded state. If this relative displacement is noticeable to a user's naked eye, the user may become concerned about defects or damage to the electronic device or flexible display.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention may provide a flexible display, an electronic device including a flexible display, and / or a method of controlling the same that eliminates concerns about relative displacement within the flexible display. Various embodiments of the present invention may provide a flexible display, an electronic device including a flexible display, and / or a method of controlling the same that implements various user experiences utilizing relative displacement within the flexible display. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible display and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor can be configured to identify a folding angle of the electronic device, identify a displacement of a printed layer of the flexible display according to the identified folding angle, generate a virtual dead space region based on the identified displacement so as to substantially contact a portion of a boundary of the printed layer, and output at least a portion of the generated virtual dead space region on the flexible display in a specified color.

[0008] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible display and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor identifies a folding angle of the electronic device, identifies a displacement of a printed layer according to the identified folding angle, and generates a virtual dead space area based on the identified displacement so that the position to which the center of the printed layer moves as the electronic device is folded and the center of the virtual dead space area are substantially equal to each other, and can be configured to output at least a portion of the generated virtual dead space area on the flexible display in a specified color.

[0009] A method for controlling an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the operations of identifying a folding angle of the electronic device, identifying a displacement of a printed layer according to the identified folding angle, generating a virtual dead space region based on the identified displacement so as to substantially contact a portion of a boundary of the printed layer, and outputting at least a portion of the generated virtual dead space region on the flexible display in a specified color. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present invention, by providing a screen that corresponds to a relative displacement within a flexible display, the relative displacement that can be visually recognized in a screen display area (e.g., an active area) can be utilized as a decorative effect. For example, the relative displacement within the flexible display can be utilized to provide a new user experience while alleviating user anxiety. In addition, various advantages may be provided that are identified directly or indirectly throughout this document. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A-1C illustrate deployed states of electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A-1C illustrate a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1A-1C are cross-sectional structural diagrams illustrating hinge structures or hinge modules for electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views illustrating an electronic device in an expanded state according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7]1A and 1B are cross-sectional views illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an expanded state according to various embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating housings of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention, the housings being tilted relative to one another; [Figure 10] 1A illustrates a flexible display of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a first alignment of multiple layers. [Figure 11] 10A-10C illustrate a second alignment state of multiple layers in a flexible display of an electronic device according to another of various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A-10C illustrate a first alignment state of multiple layers in a flexible display of an electronic device according to yet another of various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A-10C illustrate a second alignment state of multiple layers in a flexible display of an electronic device according to yet another of various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user experience implemented by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a user experience implemented by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method of operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 17] 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method of operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100, according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1 , the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 can communicate with an electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device 104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 can communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 can include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, an acoustic output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a connection terminal 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a subscriber identity module 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, electronic device 101 may omit at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal 178) or may include one or more other components. In various embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be integrated into one component (e.g., display module 160).

[0013] Processor 120 may, for example, execute software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 connected to processor 120 and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, processor 120 may store instructions or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the instructions or data stored in volatile memory 132, and save the resulting data in non-volatile memory 134. According to one embodiment, processor 120 may include main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit or application processor) or auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural network processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) operable independently or in conjunction therewith. For example, if electronic device 101 includes main processor 121 and auxiliary processor 123, auxiliary processor 123 may be configured to use less power or to specialize in designated functions than main processor 121. Auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from or as part of main processor 121.

[0014] The auxiliary processor 123 may, for example, control at least a portion of the functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) instead of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an active (e.g., executing an application) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communication module 190). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may, for example, be performed within the electronic device 101 itself, where the artificial intelligence models are executed, or may be performed via a separate server (e.g., the server 108). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the foregoing examples. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of, but is not limited to, a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. In addition to a hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure.

[0015] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The data may include, for example, input or output data for software (e.g., the program 140) and its associated instructions. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a non-volatile memory 134.

[0016] The programs 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software and may include, for example, an operating system 142 , middleware 144 , or applications 146 .

[0017] Input module 150 may receive instructions or data from outside (e.g., a user) electronic device 101 for use by components (e.g., processor 120) of electronic device 101. Input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0018] The audio output module 155 can output audio signals external to the electronic device 101. The audio output module 155 can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing recordings. The receiver can be used to receive incoming phone calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from or as part of the speaker.

[0019] Display module 160 can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of electronic device 101. Display module 160 can include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and control circuitry for controlling the corresponding device. According to one embodiment, display module 160 can include a touch sensor configured to sense a touch or a pressure sensor configured to measure the strength of a force caused by the touch.

[0020] Audio module 170 can convert sound into electrical signals or vice versa. According to one embodiment, audio module 170 can acquire sound via input module 150 or output sound via acoustic output module 155 or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) (e.g., speakers or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to electronic device 101.

[0021] The sensor module 176 may sense an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an external environmental state (e.g., a user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the sensed state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0022] Interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols that may be used to connect electronic device 101 directly or wirelessly with external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, interface 177 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0023] Connection terminal 178 may include a connector through which electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to one embodiment, connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI (registered trademark) connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0024] The haptic module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that can be perceived by a user via their sense of touch or kinesthetic sense. According to one embodiment, the haptic module 179 can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0025] Camera module 180 is capable of capturing still and moving images. According to one embodiment, camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0026] The power management module 188 may manage the power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0027] Battery 189 may provide power to at least one component of electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0028] Communications module 190 can support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108) and performing communication over the established communication channel. Communications module 190 can operate independently of processor 120 (e.g., an application processor) and can include one or more communications processors that support the direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, communications module 190 can include wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). The appropriate communication module can communicate with external electronic devices via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth®, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi®) Direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). Some types of such communication modules can be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple components separate from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 can use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 to identify or authenticate the electronic device 101 within a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199.

[0029] The wireless communication module 192 may support a post-4G (5G) network and next-generation communication technologies, such as new radio access (NR) technology. NR technology may support high-capacity data transmission at high speeds (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), terminal power minimization and multi-terminal connection (mMTC (massive machine-type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module 192 may support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve high data rates. The wireless communication module 192 may support various technologies to ensure performance in high-frequency bands, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional multiple-input multiple-output (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or large-scale antennas. The wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements defined by the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., the second network 199). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for implementing URLC.

[0030] The antenna module 197 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module can include an antenna including a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 can include multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, can be selected from the multiple antennas, for example, by the communication module 190. Signals or power can be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, other components other than the radiator (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) can be further formed as part of the antenna module 197.

[0031] According to various embodiments, antenna module 197 may form an mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., an mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent to a second side (e.g., a top or side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting and receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0032] At least some of the components are connected to each other via a peripheral communication method (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and can exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0033] According to one embodiment, instructions or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via a server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of the external electronic devices 102 or 104 may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed by the electronic device 101 may be performed by one or more external devices, such as the external electronic devices 102, 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least part of the service instead of or in addition to performing the function or service itself. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request may perform at least part of the requested function or service, or additional functions or services related to the request, and communicate the results of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result, with or without further processing, as at least part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device 101 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in a second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technologies.

[0034] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a pair of housings (e.g., a first housing 210 and a second housing 220) are pivotally connected by a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge module 202 in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5). directly or indirectly A coupled configuration may be illustrated. However, it should be noted that such an embodiment does not limit the electronic device 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention. For example, the electronic device 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention may include three or more housings, and the term "a pair of housings" in the embodiments disclosed below may mean "two housings among the three or more housings that are rotatably coupled to each other."

[0036] In the following detailed description, reference may be made to the "+X / -X direction," "+Y / -Y direction," or "+Z / -Z direction," and the Cartesian coordinate system described below will generally be described with reference to the width direction (X), length direction (Y), or thickness direction (Z) of first housing 210 in Figures 2 to 4. For example, the definitions of the above directions may be changed in various ways depending on the embodiment or by setting other structures of electronic device 200 as the reference. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, reference may be made to the "front face" or "rear face" of the electronic device 200 or the housings 210, 220, where the face on which the flexible display 230 in FIG. 2 is disposed is defined as the "front face of the electronic device 200 (or the housings 210, 220)," regardless of the relative positions of the housings 210, 220 (e.g., unfolded or folded), and the face facing in the opposite direction to the face on which the flexible display 230 is disposed is defined as the "rear face of the electronic device 200 (or the housings 210, 220)." According to an embodiment, reference may be made to a "configuration in which the electronic device 200 includes a display," where "display" may refer to the flexible display 230 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4.

[0037] 2 and 3 , in one embodiment, electronic device 200 may include a pair of housings 210, 220 pivotally coupled to each other, a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover 240 in FIG. 4 ) that covers foldable portions of housings 210, 220, and a flexible or foldable display 230 disposed within a space formed by housings 210, 220. According to one embodiment, the surface on which display 230 is disposed may be defined as first surface 210 a and / or third surface 220 a of electronic device 200 and / or housing 210, 220. In another embodiment, the surface opposite first surface 210 a and / or third surface 220 a may be defined as second surface 210 b and / or fourth surface 220 b of electronic device 200 and / or housing 210, 220. In yet another embodiment, the surfaces surrounding the space between the first surface 210a and the second surface 210b and / or the space between the third surface 220a and the fourth surface 220b can be defined as sides of the electronic device 200 and / or the housing 210, 220 (e.g., the first side 211a and the second side 221a).

[0038] According to various embodiments, the housings 210, 220 may include a first housing (or first housing structure) 210, a second housing (or second housing structure) 220 including a sensor area 224, a first rear cover 280, a second rear cover 290, and a hinge structure or hinge module 202. According to embodiments, the sensor area 224 may be provided on the first housing 210 (see FIG. 8 ), and additional sensor areas (not shown) may be provided on the first housing 210 and the second housing 210, respectively. The housings 210, 220 of the electronic device 200 are not limited to the configurations or combinations shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and may be implemented with other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing 210 and the first rear cover 280 may be integrally formed, and the second housing 220 and the second rear cover 290 may be integrally formed.

[0039] According to various embodiments, first housing 210 is coupled to hinge structure 202 and rotates about a first pivot axis (e.g., first pivot axis C1 in FIG. 4 ) and may include a first surface 210a facing a first direction (e.g., the +Z direction) and a second surface 210b facing a second direction (e.g., the −Z direction) opposite to the first direction. Second housing 220 is coupled to hinge structure 202 and rotates about a second pivot axis (e.g., second pivot axis C2 in FIG. 4 ) and may include a third surface 220a facing a third direction and a fourth surface 220b facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and may rotate relative to first housing 210 about hinge structure 202. The third direction may refer to the Z-axis direction and may be defined as the +Z direction or the −Z direction depending on the unfolded or folded state. For example, the electronic device 200 may be in a folded or unfolded state. un The hinge structure or hinge module 202 may be configured to have a variable spacing between the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2 depending on the design of the hinge structure or hinge module 202. In some embodiments, the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2 may be substantially parallel, while in other embodiments, the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2 may be aligned to form the folded axis A of FIG. 2. The configuration of the hinge structure or hinge module 202 is further described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hinge structure or hinge module 202 of an electronic device (eg, electronic device 200 of FIGS. 2-4) according to various embodiments of the present invention. 5 , the hinge structure or hinge module 202 may include a hinge bracket 241, hinge arms 243 a, 243 b, and / or pivot pins 245 a, 245 b. In one embodiment, multiple (e.g., a pair) hinge structures or hinge modules 202 may be spaced apart within the electronic device 200. For example, the pair of hinge modules 202 may be spaced apart along the Y-axis direction. In one embodiment, wiring (not shown) electrically connecting the internal components of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be disposed through the gap or space between the pair of hinge modules 202 and intersect the first pivot axis C1 and / or the second pivot axis C2.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the hinge bracket 241 may be housed substantially inside the hinge cover 240 and secured to the inner surface of the hinge cover 240. In one embodiment, the hinge arm 243a 、243b The first hinge arm 243a may be disposed on or fixed to the first mid-plate 252 and may be pivotally coupled to the hinge bracket 241. For example, the first pivot pin 245a of the pivot pins 245a, 245b may pivotally couple the first hinge arm 243a to the hinge bracket 241. In another embodiment, the hinge arm 243a 、243b The second hinge arm 243b may be disposed on or fixed to the second mid-plate 254 and may be pivotally coupled to the hinge bracket 241. For example, the second pivot pin 245b of the pivot pins 245a and 245b may pivotally fasten the second hinge arm 243b to the hinge bracket 241.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2 can be substantially formed by the pivot pins 245a, 245b. For example, the pivot pins 245a, 245b can be rotatably disposed on the hinge bracket 241 while remaining parallel to the Y axis. In some embodiments, the pivot pins 245a, 245b can be fixed to the hinge bracket 241, and the hinge arms 243a, 243b can be pivotally or rotatably coupled to the pivot pins 245a, 245b. According to one embodiment, the spacing between the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2 can be set on the hinge bracket 241 depending on the spacing between the pivot pins 245a, 245b.

[0043] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is folded, the first surface 210a may face the third surface 220a, and when the electronic device 200 is unfolded, the third direction may be the same as the first direction. For example, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be rotatable relative to each other between a first position in which they are folded facing each other and a second position in which they are unfolded by a specified angle (e.g., 180 degrees) from the first position. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is unfolded, the first and third directions may be the +Z direction, and the second and fourth directions may be the -Z direction. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is folded, the first and fourth directions may be the +Z direction, and the second and third directions may be the -Z direction. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, directions will be described based on the electronic device 200 being unfolded.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be disposed on opposite sides of the folding axis A and may have shapes that are generally symmetrical with respect to the folding axis A. As will be described later, the angle or distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may vary depending on whether the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. According to one embodiment, the second housing 220, unlike the first housing 210, further includes a sensor region 224 in which various sensors are arranged, but other regions may have shapes that are symmetrical with respect to each other.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include a structure into which a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen) can be inserted. For example, a hole 223 into which the digital pen can be inserted may be formed on a side of the first housing 210 or a side of the second housing 220 of the electronic device 200. Since the digital pen can be inserted into the hole 223, the user can avoid the inconvenience of having to carry a separate digital pen.

[0046] According to various embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may together form a recess that accommodates the display 230. According to one embodiment, due to the sensor area 224, the display 230 may have a partially asymmetric shape.

[0047] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of first housing 210 and second housing 220 can be formed from a metallic or non-metallic material having a rigidity of a specified size to support display 230. At least a portion formed from a metallic material can provide a ground plane for electronic device 200 and can be electrically coupled to a ground line formed on a printed circuit board (e.g., circuit boards 262, 264 in FIG. 4 ).

[0048] According to various embodiments, the sensor area 224 may be formed to have a predetermined 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, in another embodiment, the sensor area 224 may be provided in another corner of the second housing 220 or in any area between the upper and lower corners. In one embodiment, components for performing various functions incorporated in the electronic device 200 may be exposed to the front surface of the electronic device 200 through the sensor area 224 or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area 224. In various embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensor may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, an illuminance sensor, or a proximity sensor.

[0049] According to various embodiments, first rear cover 280 is disposed on the rear surface of electronic device 200 (e.g., first housing 210) on one side of folding axis A and can have, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery, which may be wrapped around the edges by first housing 210. Similarly, second rear cover 290 is disposed on the rear surface of electronic device 200 (e.g., second housing 220) on the other side of folding axis A and may be wrapped around the edges by second housing 220.

[0050] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 280 and the second rear cover 290 may have substantially symmetrical shapes about the folding axis (A axis). However, the first rear cover 280 and the second rear cover 290 do not necessarily have symmetrical shapes with respect to each other, and in other embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include the first rear cover 280 and the second rear cover 290 with various shapes. In still other embodiments, the first rear cover 280 may be integrally formed with the first housing 210, and the second rear cover 290 may be integrally formed with the second housing 220.

[0051] According to various embodiments, first rear cover 280, second rear cover 290, first housing 210, and second housing 220 can form a space in which various components of electronic device 200 (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) can be disposed. According to one embodiment, one or more components can be disposed or visually exposed on the rear surface of electronic device 200. For example, electronic device 200 can include a sub-display, at least a portion of which is visually exposed through first rear region 282 of first rear cover 280. In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors can be visually exposed through second rear region 292 of second rear cover 290. In various embodiments, the sensors exposed through second rear region 292 can include a proximity sensor and / or a rear camera.

[0052] According to various embodiments, a front camera exposed on the front of electronic device 200 through one or more openings in sensor area 224 or a rear camera exposed through second rear area 292 of second rear cover 290 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, a flash including, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp may be located in second rear area 292. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (an infrared camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and an image sensor may be located on one side of electronic device 200.

[0053] 3, the hinge cover 240 may be disposed between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and configured to house and conceal internal components (e.g., the hinge structure or hinge module 202 of FIG. 4). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover 240 may be hidden by portions of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 or exposed to the outside, depending on the state of the electronic device 200 (flat state or folded state). In one embodiment, in a first position, e.g., the folded state shown in FIG. 3, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are folded substantially opposite each other, and the hinge cover 240 may be visually exposed to the outside space. In another embodiment, in a second position, for example, the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 , the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be unfolded by an angle of 180 degrees from the first position, and the hinge cover 240 may be substantially hidden by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. As yet another example, when the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are in an intermediate state folded at a certain angle, the hinge cover 240 may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. However, in this case, the exposed area may be less than in the fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover 240 may include a curved surface.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the display 230 can be disposed in a space formed by the housings 210, 220. For example, the display 230 can be seated in a recess formed by the housings 210, 220 and constitute a majority of the front surface of the electronic device 200. Thus, the front surface of the electronic device 200 can include the display 230, a portion of the first housing 210 adjacent to the display 230, and a portion of the second housing 220. The rear surface of the electronic device 200 can include the first rear cover 280, a portion of the first housing 210 adjacent to the first rear cover 280, the second rear cover 290, and a portion of the second housing 220 adjacent to the second rear cover 290.

[0055] According to various embodiments, display 230 may refer to a flexible display in which at least a portion of the area can be deformed into a flat or curved surface. According to one embodiment, display 230 may include a folding area 233, a first area 231 arranged on one side of folding area 233 (e.g., the left side of folding area 233 shown in FIG. 2), and a second area 232 arranged on the other side (e.g., the right side of folding area 233 shown in FIG. 2).

[0056] However, the area division of display 230 shown in FIG. 2 is exemplary, and display 230 may be divided into multiple (e.g., four or more, or two) areas depending on the structure or function. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the areas of display 230 may be divided by folding area 233 or folding axis (A axis) extending parallel to the Y axis, but in another embodiment, display 230 may be divided into areas based on other folding areas (e.g., folding areas parallel to the X axis) or other folding axes (e.g., folding axes parallel to the X axis). According to one embodiment, display 230 may be coupled to or located adjacent to touch sensing circuitry, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer configured to detect a magnetic field-based stylus pen.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the first region 231 and the second region 232 may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding region 233. However, unlike the first region 231, the second region 232 may include a cut notch or a transparent region depending on the presence of the sensor region 224, and other regions may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the first region 231. In other words, the first region 231 and the second region 232 may include portions having symmetrical shapes and portions having asymmetrical shapes.

[0058] The following describes the operation of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and each area of ​​the display 230 depending on the state of the electronic device 200 (for example, the flat state or unfolded state and the folded state).

[0059] According to various embodiments, when electronic device 200 is in a flat state (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 2 ), first housing 210 and second housing 220 can be arranged at a specified angle, e.g., a 180-degree angle, such that first region 231 and second region 232 of display 230 face in the same direction. For example, the surfaces of first region 231 and second region 232 of display 230 can form a 180-degree angle with each other and face in the same direction (e.g., toward the front of electronic device 200). Folding region 233 can be flush with first region 231 and second region 232.

[0060] According to various embodiments, when electronic device 200 is in a folded state (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 3 ), first housing 210 and second housing 220 may be disposed opposite each other. The surfaces of first region 231 and second region 232 of display 230 may face each other, forming a small angle (e.g., between 0 and 10 degrees) with each other. Folding region 233 may be formed of at least a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 is in an intermediate state ( intermediate state ), first housing 210 and second housing 220 can be positioned to form a certain angle with respect to each other, for example, any angle between the first position in FIG. 3 and the second position in FIG. 2. The surface of first region 231 and the surface of second region 232 of display 230 can be positioned to form an angle that is larger than in the folded state and smaller than in the unfolded state. At least a portion of folding region 233 can be made of a curved surface having a certain curvature, which may be smaller than in the folded state.

[0062] 4 , the electronic device 200 may include housings 210, 220, a display 230, and circuit boards 262, 264. The housings 210, 220 may include a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a bracket assembly 250, a first rear cover 280, a second rear cover 290, and a hinge structure 202.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the display 230 may include a display panel 235 and at least one support plate 237 upon which the display panel 235 rests. The support plate 237 may be disposed between the display panel 235 and the bracket assembly 250.

[0064] According to various embodiments, the bracket assembly 250 may include a first mid-plate 252 and a second mid-plate 254. A hinge structure or hinge module 202 may be disposed between the first mid-plate 252 and the second mid-plate 254. From an external perspective, the hinge module 202 may be covered by a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover 240 in FIG. 3 ). According to one embodiment, wiring (not shown) that traverses the first mid-plate 252 and the second mid-plate 254 may be disposed in the bracket assembly 250.

[0065] According to various embodiments, the circuit boards 262, 264 may include a first circuit board 262 disposed on the first mid-plate 252 and a second circuit board 264 disposed on the second mid-plate 254. The first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264 may be disposed within a space formed by the bracket assembly 250, the first housing 210, the second housing 220, the first rear cover 280, and the second rear cover 290. Electrical / electronic components for realizing various functions of the electronic device 200 may be mounted on the first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264. In some embodiments, the first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264 may be considered to be one of the electrical / electronic components.

[0066] According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 can be assembled to each other so as to be coupled to opposite sides of the bracket assembly 250, with the display 230 coupled to the bracket assembly 250. For example, the first housing 210 can include a first side member 211 that surrounds at least a portion of a side of the first mid-plate 252, and the second housing 220 can include a second side member 221 that surrounds at least a portion of a side of the second mid-plate 254. The first housing 210 can include a first rotation support surface 212, and the second housing 220 can include a second rotation support surface 222 that corresponds to the first rotation support surface 212. The first rotation support surface 212 and the second rotation support surface 222 can include curved surfaces that correspond to curved surfaces included in the hinge cover 240. According to one embodiment, the first side member 211 may include a first side surface 211a that at least partially surrounds the space between the first surface 210a and the second surface 210b and is perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction. According to one embodiment, the second side member 221 may include a second side surface that at least partially surrounds the space between the third surface 220a and the fourth surface 220b and is perpendicular to the third direction or the fourth direction.

[0067] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 2 ), the first rotating support surface 212 and the second rotating support surface 222 hide the hinge cover 240, so that the hinge cover 240 is not exposed or is only exposed to a minimum extent on the rear surface of the electronic device 200. As another example, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 3 ), the first rotating support surface 212 and the second rotating support surface 222 can expose the hinge cover 240 to the external space of the electronic device 200 as much as possible.

[0068] According to various embodiments, electronic device 200 may include at least one battery 269a, 269b. For example, electronic device 200 may include a battery 269a, 269b disposed in either housing 210, 220, or in each of the two housings 210, 220. Batteries 269a, 269b may be disposed substantially adjacent to circuit boards 262, 264 and may provide power to at least one component of electronic device 200. According to one embodiment, batteries 269a, 269b may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0069] According to various embodiments, a relative displacement may occur between different portions of electronic device 200 during a folding or unfolding operation. For example, during a folding or unfolding operation, housings 210, 220 may move relative to hinge cover 240, thereby hiding or exposing hinge cover 240 to the exterior. In one embodiment, based on the front surface of electronic device 200, e.g., the surface on which display 230 is located, the back surface of electronic device 200 (e.g., the surface facing the opposite direction from the surface on which display 230 is located) may appear to expand during a folding operation. In another embodiment, based on the back surface of electronic device 200, the front surface of electronic device 200 may appear to contract during a folding operation. For example, during a folding or unfolding operation, a relative displacement may occur between the front and back surfaces of electronic device 200. This relative displacement may be proportional to the thickness of electronic device 200 (e.g., the thickness measured in the Z-axis direction). In some embodiments, the display 230 is a structure or electronic component that cannot substantially expand or contract, and such relative displacement may be permitted by relative movement of the housings 210, 220 relative to the hinge cover 240 or selective exposure of the hinge cover 240 at the back of the electronic device 200.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the display 230 includes a light-emitting layer (e.g., the first layer L1 in FIG. 6 or FIG. 10 ) including a plurality of pixels (e.g., pixels P1, P2, and P3 in FIG. 10 ), a protective layer (e.g., the second layer L2 in FIG. 6 or FIG. 10 as a window sheet or glass plate), and may further include at least one other layer between the light-emitting layer and the protective layer (e.g., the third layer L3 in FIG. 6 or FIG. 10 as a polarizer, a touch-sensing electrode layer, a printed layer, a decorative film, and / or at least one adhesive layer bonding adjacent layers). Relative displacement may occur within such a display 230 in response to an unfolding or folding operation. For example, the protective layer may appear to contract or expand relative to the light-emitting layer during the unfolding or folding operation. Relative displacement within the display 230 will be described with further reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 .

[0071] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device 300 (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 104, 200 in FIGS. 1 to 4) according to various embodiments of the present invention in an unfolded state. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device 300 according to various embodiments of the present invention in a folded state.

[0072] 6 and 7 , the display 230 may include a first layer L1 (e.g., a light-emitting layer) disposed on a support plate 237, a second layer L2 (e.g., a protective layer) that substantially forms the outer surface, and at least one third layer L3 disposed between the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. In some embodiments, the support plate 237 may be interpreted as a substantial component of the display 230. The display panel 235 of FIG. 4 may be interpreted as including at least one third layer L3 in addition to the first layer L1. In some embodiments, when a plurality of third layers L3 are provided, some or all of the plurality of third layers L3 may be interpreted as being included in the display panel 235 of FIG. 4.

[0073] According to various embodiments, the first layer L1 may be disposed closer to the rear surface of the electronic device 300 (e.g., the surface facing the -Z direction in FIG. 6 ) than the other layers of the display 230. The first layer L1 includes a plurality of pixels (e.g., pixels P1, P2, and P3 in FIG. 10 ) to which an electrical signal is applied, thereby outputting visual information (e.g., characters, images, or videos). The second layer L2 is directly exposed to the external space and can protect the other layers constituting the display 230 from the external environment. The second layer L2 may include, for example, a synthetic resin film such as polyimide, acrylic, and / or polycarbonate (PC), or thin glass, and the surface exposed to the external space may be coated with a scratch-resistant material such as a UV-curable resin. In one embodiment, the third layer L3 can include, for example, a polarizer, and according to an embodiment, can further include a touch-sensing electrode layer, a printing layer, a decorative film, and / or at least one adhesive layer that bonds adjacent layers to each other.

[0074] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of FIG. 6 , both ends of layers L1, L2, and L3 may be aligned or positioned at a specified distance or spacing G from the interior walls of housings 210 and 220. When housings 210 and 220 are unfolded side by side, the front (e.g., in FIG. 6 , the face on which display 230 is positioned, facing the +Z direction) and back of electronic device 300 may have substantially the same length in the X-axis direction. In the folded state of FIG. 7 , when housings 210 and 220 are folded toward each other, hinge cover 240 is exposed to the exterior space, and the back of electronic device 300 may be longer in length than the front. As previously mentioned, the display 230 is a structure or electronic component that is substantially non-expandable or non-contractable, and relative movement (e.g., pivoting) between the housings 210, 220 and the hinge cover 240 can allow for folding or unfolding movements while restricting changes in the effective length of the display 230.

[0075] According to various embodiments, relative movement or displacement may occur between the layers L1, L2, and L3 of the display 230 during the unfolding or folding operation. For example, based on the first layer L1 disposed innermost on the display 230, the second layer L2 may be positioned closest to the inner wall of the housing 210 or 220 in the folded state. Referring to the folded state shown in FIG. 7 , the second layer L2 is positioned to be wrapped around the first layer L1 and has a smaller radius of curvature than the first layer L1 in the bent and deformed region (e.g., the folding region 133 in FIG. 2 ), allowing it to move to the right relative to the first layer L1. For example, if the layers L1, L2, and L3 of the display 230 are aligned at the same distance or spacing G from the inner wall of the housing 210 or 220 in the unfolded state, the spacing G between the layers L1, L2, and L3 of the display 230 and the inner wall of the housing 210 or 220 may be different from one another in the folded state. The difference in this gap G between the folded and unfolded states may be proportional to the thickness of display 230 (e.g., the thickness as measured in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 6). The gap G illustrated in FIG. 6 prevents at least one of layers L1, L2, L3 of display 230 (e.g., the second layer in FIG. 7) from directly contacting the interior walls of housing 210, 220 while allowing relative movement or displacement to occur between layers L1, L2, L3 of display 230. Prevent or mitigate It is possible.

[0076] According to various embodiments, relative movement or displacement occurring among the layers L1, L2, and L3 of the display 230 can be visually recognized. For example, when the third layer L3 includes a decorative layer or a printed layer such as a pattern or lettering (e.g., the printed layer L3' in FIG. 8 ), and / or when the printed layer L3' is provided between the second layer L2 and the third layer L3, the relative movement of the printed layer L3' with respect to the first layer L1 may be visually recognized by a user. This relative movement will be further described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 . 8 and 9 illustrate a configuration in which the printed layer L3′ is formed on the outer surface of the second layer L2, but this illustrates the position of the printed layer L3′ in the X-axis direction relative to the sensor area (e.g., sensor area 224 in FIG. 2 ) and electronic components (e.g., sensor module 176 in FIG. 1 , camera module 180, and / or camera module 276 in FIG. 8 ). It should be noted that the printed layer L3′ can be formed on the inner surface of the second layer L2 (e.g., between the second layer L2 and the third layer L3). With reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 , the direction in which the camera module 276 acquires light can be defined as parallel to the Z-axis, and the relative displacement between the layers L1, L2, L3, and L3′ of the display 230 can be defined as occurring along the X-axis direction.

[0077] 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device 400 (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 104, 200 in FIGS. 1-4) according to various embodiments of the present invention in an unfolded state. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device 400 according to various embodiments of the present invention in a state in which housings 210 and 220 are tilted relative to each other.

[0078] 8 and 9, the electronic device 400 may include a sensor, such as a camera module 276 (e.g., the sensor module 176 or the camera module 180 in FIG. 1), arranged corresponding to a sensor region (e.g., the sensor region 224 in FIG. 2). The camera module 276 is arranged on a support member (e.g., the first mid-plate 252 in FIG. 4) and can capture external light (e.g., a subject image) through a path penetrating a portion of the display 230 (e.g., the transparent region T). The display 230 may be formed substantially transparent in a portion or region corresponding to the sensor region 224 or the camera module 276, allowing external light to enter the camera module 276. In the display 230, a "substantially transparent region" may be interpreted as a region without pixels that output light. As will be described later, in a structure in which a sensor (e.g., the camera module 276) is arranged to overlap the display 230, a portion of the display 230 (e.g., the first layer L1 or the light-emitting layer) may not output light or be a screen. An area of ​​the display 230 that does not output a screen or light may be defined as a "dead space" (e.g., dead space DS in FIG. 10) or a "dead zone." In another embodiment, transparent areas in the layers L1, L2, and L3 may be aligned to provide the transparent area T of the display 230, and the sensor area 224 may be formed corresponding to a portion of the transparent area T of the display 230. For example, the printed layer L3' may conceal edges of the transparent areas in the layers L1, L2, and L3 while defining the sensor area 224. In another embodiment, the printed layer L3' may be formed to define the sensor area 224 while further concealing the boundary between an area where pixels (e.g., pixels P1, P2, and P3 in FIG. 10) are disposed and an area where no pixels are disposed (e.g., the area marked "NP" in FIG. 10).In yet another embodiment, not shown, the dead space may include a first portion located corresponding to the transparent region T and a second portion around the first portion, wherein the first portion is transparent and capable of transmitting light, and the second portion is substantially opaque and capable of blocking light.

[0079] According to various embodiments, alignment of the camera module 276 with the transparent region T and / or printed layer L3′ (e.g., sensor region 224) of the display 230 can provide a path for external light to enter the camera module 276. In the unfolded state of FIG. 8 , the camera module 276 and the transparent region T and / or sensor region 224 of the display 230 are aligned along the Z-axis direction, and the light incident path may be substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction. According to one embodiment, relative displacement can occur between the layers L1, L2, L3, and L3′ of the display 230 during the folding operation. In the unfolded state, the housings 210 and 220 are disposed at an angle of approximately 180 degrees relative to each other. The state in which the layers L1, L2, L3, and L3′ of the display 230 are aligned as shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 8 is defined as a “first alignment state.” In response to the folding operation, as the angle between the housings 210 and 220 gradually decreases, the layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' of the display 230 can gradually move or deform relative to one another, with the alignment state different from the first alignment state. Referring to FIG. 9 , within the first housing 210, the second layer L2 and / or the printed layer L3' (e.g., the sensor region 224) can move in the -X direction relative to the first layer L1. For example, the camera module 276 may be substantially fixed relative to the first midplate 252 and / or the first layer L1, and the printed layer L3' or the sensor region 224 can move from the X-axis direction relative to the first layer L1 and / or the camera module 276.

[0080] According to various embodiments, a user can place electronic device 400 on a flat surface (e.g., a desk or table) and use it with housings 210, 220 of electronic device 400 in an unfolded state or tilted relative to each other. For example, a user can place electronic device 400 on a flat surface with housings 210, 220 tilted relative to each other to make a video call or watch a broadcast or video. In one embodiment, due to relative displacement between layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' of display 230, the position of printed layer L3' on first layer L1 (e.g., a light-emitting layer) may differ depending on whether the display is in an unfolded or tilted state. In a portable electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal, the positional change of printed layer L3 depending on whether the display is in an unfolded or folded state is within approximately 1 mm. While this positional change is difficult for a user to notice, a user who frequently and / or variably adjusts the angle between housings 210, 220 can visually notice this positional change. The values ​​exemplified for the positional change of the printed layer L3 depending on the unfolded state and the folded state are not intended to limit various embodiments of the present invention and may vary depending on the size (e.g., thickness) of the electronic device or flexible display to be actually manufactured. The displacement of the printed layer L3' and / or the sensor region 224 due to the change in the angle between the housings 210 and 220 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.

[0081] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a first alignment state of multiple layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' in a flexible display 230 (e.g., display 230 of Figures 2 and / or 4) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 104, and 200 of Figures 1-4) according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a second alignment state of multiple layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' in a flexible display 230 of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] 10 and 11, a printed layer L3' may be provided to conceal edges of the transparent regions formed in layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' of display 230 even when relative displacement occurs, while ensuring a sufficient actual area for display 230 to output a screen. For example, when viewed from the outside of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 200 of FIGS. 2 to 4), a region NP where pixels P1, P2, and P3 are not arranged, e.g., dead space DS, may have a size corresponding to printed layer L3'. In a first alignment state, e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 2, printed layer L3' may be aligned with camera module 276 and positioned substantially concentrically with dead space DS. When the dead space DS has a size corresponding to the printed layer L3', in the folded state or in the second alignment state in which the housings 210, 220 are tilted relative to each other, the sensor area 224 moves relative to the camera module 276, and the printed layer L3' can hide a portion of the first layer L1, e.g., pixels P1, P2, and P3, in an area outside the dead space DS, similar to Fig. 11. For example, in a state in which the housings 210, 220 are tilted (e.g., the second alignment state in Fig. 11), a portion of the screen output via the display 230 may be hidden by the printed layer L3' and not be transmitted to the user.

[0083] According to various embodiments, if the dead space DS and the printed layer L3' are concentrically aligned in the deployed state, the centers of the dead space DS and the printed layer L3' may become misaligned when the sensor area 224 moves relative to the camera module 276, as in Fig. 11. Although such a change in the position of the printed layer L3' is not a defect or damage to the electronic device 200 but a natural phenomenon caused by the relative positions of the housings 210 and 220, a user may feel uneasy when they recognize the change in the position of the printed layer L3'.

[0084] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a first alignment state of multiple layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' in a flexible display 230 (e.g., display 230 of Figures 2 and / or 4) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 104, and 200 of Figures 1-4) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a second alignment state of multiple layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' in a flexible display 230 of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] 12 and 13 , compared to the embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11 , in a structure in which the region NP where pixels P1, P2, and P3 are not arranged on the first layer L1 and / or the dead space DS are further expanded, the printed layer L3′ can be configured to not obscure the screen even when the camera module 276 or the first layer L1 moves. For example, even if a relative position change occurs, the printed layer L3′ may not move out of the dead space DS when viewed from the outside of the electronic device and may not substantially obscure the screen output from the display 230. In a structure in which the dead space DS is expanded, the center of the dead space DS and the center of the printed layer L3′ may be slightly misaligned depending on the position change of the printed layer L3′. However, because the printed layer L3′ does not obscure the screen output, user anxiety about defects or damage can be prevented or alleviated. In some embodiments, if the dead space DS and the printed layer L3′ have the same color, the effect of preventing or alleviating such anxiety can be weighted. However, expanding the dead space DS may mean that the area on the screen where the image is output is actually reduced.

[0086] Flexible displays and / or electronic devices including them (e.g., the display 230 and / or the electronic device 200 in FIGS. 2 to 4 ) according to various embodiments of the present invention form the size of the dead space DS to substantially correspond to the size of the printed layer L3′, while preventing or alleviating user anxiety due to a change in the relative position. For example, in response to a change in the relative position of the printed layer L3′, the display 230 (e.g., the first layer L1 or the light-emitting layer) can output a virtual dead space (e.g., the virtual dead spaces VS1 and VS2 in FIG. 14 or 15 ) having substantially the same color or brightness as the dead space DS. Configurations for implementing the virtual dead space will be described with further reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 .

[0087] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of a user experience implemented by electronic devices (for example, the electronic devices 101, 102, 104, and 200 in FIGS. 1 to 4) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 14, the arrangement of the dead space DS, the printed layer L3′, and / or the pixels P1, P2, and P3 of the first layer L1 (e.g., the light-emitting layer) may be similar to or substantially the same as those in FIG. 10. For example, minimizing the dead space DS can increase the proportion of the area in which the screen is output on the display 230. According to one embodiment, when the printed layer L3′ is separated from the dead space DS to obscure the screen (e.g., text, images, or video) output from the display 230, an electronic device (e.g., the processor 120 in FIG. 1) can output a virtual dead space VS1 on a portion of the screen, and the printed layer L3′ can be positioned so as not to separate substantially from the virtual dead space VS1. The virtual dead space VS1 can be realized in a circular or elliptical shape, and the location and size of the virtual dead space VS1 can be set to correspond to the area in which the actual dead space DS and the printed layer L3′ are disposed.

[0089] According to various embodiments, the relative displacement of the printed layer L3′ or the sensor region 224 relative to the camera module 276 and / or the first layer L1 (e.g., dead space DS) may vary depending on the thickness of the display 230, the distance from the pivot axis (e.g., folding axis A in FIG. 2 or pivot axes C1 and C2 in FIG. 4), and the tilt angle (e.g., folding angle) between the housings 210 and 220. For example, during the design process of an electronic device (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 104, and 200 in FIGS. 1-4), the relative displacement of the printed layer L3′ or the sensor region 224 depending on the tilt angle can be calculated. The electronic device and / or the processor 120 of FIG. 1 can sense the tilt angle between the housings 210, 220 in real time using another sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor or the sensor module 176 of FIG. 1), and can determine the position or size of the virtual dead space VS1 based on data calculated during the design process (e.g., the radius difference between the dead space DS and the printed layer L3', and / or the displacement of the printed layer L3' according to the tilt angle) and the sensed tilt angle.

[0090] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another example of a user experience implemented by an electronic device (eg, the electronic devices 101, 102, 104, and 200 in FIGS. 1 to 4) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 15, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 101, 102, 104, 200 in FIGS. 1-4) and / or processor 120 in FIG. 1 can determine the size and position of a virtual dead space VS2 based on the radius of the dead space DS and the displacement of the printed layer L3' (e.g., sensor area 224). In the first alignment state of FIG. 10, the dead space DS and the printed layer L3' are positioned concentrically, and when the printed layer L3' is displaced relative to the dead space DS, a virtual dead space VS2 may be formed around the printed layer L3'. "A virtual dead space VS2 is formed" may mean that a circle of substantially the same color as the dead space DS and / or the printed layer L3' is output on the screen. According to one embodiment, the virtual dead space VS2 may have a radius equal to the sum of the radius of the actual dead space DS and the displacement of the printed layer L3' and may be positioned substantially concentrically with the printed layer L3'. For example, an electronic device (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 104, 200 in Figures 1 to 4) and / or processor 120 in Figure 1 can determine the size of a virtual dead space based on the tilt angle between housings 210 and 220 and data calculated during the design process (e.g., the radius of the dead space DS and the displacement of the printing layer according to the tilt angle), and output the virtual dead space to a screen at a position concentric with the printing layer.

[0092] According to various embodiments, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the virtual dead space VS2, which is arranged concentrically with the printed layer L3', may be larger than in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14. For example, in the second alignment state of FIG. 15, the screen area available for outputting text, images, or videos is somewhat reduced, but the printed layer L3' may not obscure the text, images, or videos output from the display. In some embodiments, the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 can utilize more area in the first alignment state to output text, images, or videos compared to the embodiments shown in FIG. 12 or 13.

[0093] 16 and 17 are exemplary diagrams illustrating a method of operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the functions or operations illustrated in FIG. 16 may relate to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, and the functions or operations illustrated in FIG. 17 may relate to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0094] 16 , the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can identify the folding angle of the electronic device 101 in Operation 1610. The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can sense the tilt angle between the housings 210 and 220 in real time by detecting the strength of the magnetic force detected by, for example, a Hall sensor. To this end, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be pre-stored (e.g., during the design process of the electronic device 101) with a first lookup table that defines the relationship between the strength of the magnetic force (or a change in the magnetic force) detected by the Hall sensor and the tilt angle. The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can identify the folding angle of the electronic device 101 using this first lookup table. The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can identify the displacement of the printed layer L3′ according to the identified folding angle in Operation 1620. The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention may also be pre-stored with a second lookup table that defines the relationship between the folding angle and the displacement of the printed layer L3′. An electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can use this second lookup table to identify a displacement of the printed layer L3′ according to the identified folding angle. In operation 1630, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can generate a virtual dead space region based on the identified displacement so that the virtual dead space region substantially contacts a portion of the boundary of the region corresponding to the printed layer L3′. For example, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can generate the virtual dead space region by setting the difference in radius between the dead space DS and the printed layer L3′ (i.e., the difference in radius between the dead space DS and the printed layer L3′) (i.e., the difference in radius between the dead space DS and the printed layer L3′) + the identified displacement − (the difference in radius between the dead space DS and the printed layer L3′)) as the major axis (if the virtual dead space is elliptical) or the diameter (if the virtual dead space is circular) of the virtual dead space.According to an embodiment of the present invention, if the virtual dead space is elliptical, the shortening of the virtual dead space may be determined by the electronic device 101 as a value between the length of the major axis of the virtual dead space and the diameter of the actual dead space DS. According to the lengths of the major axis and the minor axis determined in this manner, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can determine a virtual dead space area. In operation 1640, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can output at least a portion of the virtual dead space area generated according to operation 1630 in a specified color (e.g., black). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can output the remaining portion of the virtual dead space area, excluding the actual dead space DS area and the printed layer L3′, in the specified color.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 17 , the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can identify the folding angle of the electronic device 101 in Operation 1710. The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can sense the tilt angle between the housings 210 and 220 in real time by detecting the strength of the magnetic force detected by, for example, a Hall sensor. To this end, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be pre-stored (e.g., during the design process of the electronic device 101) with a first lookup table that defines the relationship between the strength of the magnetic force (or a change in the magnetic force) detected by the Hall sensor and the tilt angle. The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can identify the folding angle of the electronic device 101 using this first lookup table. The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can identify the displacement of the printed layer L3′ according to the identified folding angle in Operation 1720. The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be pre-stored with a second lookup table that defines the relationship between the folding angle and the displacement of the printed layer L3′. An electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can identify the displacement of the printed layer L3' according to the identified folding angle using this second lookup table. In operation 1730, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can generate a virtual dead space area based on the identified displacement so that the center of the virtual dead space area is substantially equal to the position where the center of the area corresponding to the printed layer (e.g., printed layer L3') has moved due to the folding. The electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can determine the size of the virtual dead space based on the tilt angle between the housings 210 and 220, data calculated during the design process (e.g., the radius of the dead space DS), and the displacement of the printed layer according to the tilt angle, and output the virtual dead space on a screen at a position concentric with the printed layer. For example, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention can determine the virtual dead space area so that the radius of the virtual dead space VS2 is the sum of the radius of the actual dead space DS and the displacement of the printed layer L3'.As a result, the center of the region corresponding to the printed layer (e.g., printed layer L3') can be moved in response to folding to a position substantially identical to the center of the virtual dead space region. In operation 1740, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can output at least a portion of the virtual dead space region generated according to operation 1730 in a specified color (e.g., substantially black). In operation 1740, the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention can output the remaining portion of the virtual dead space region, excluding the actual dead space DS region and printed layer L3', in a specified color.

[0096] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible display and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is capable of identifying a folding angle of the electronic device, identifying a displacement of a printed layer according to the identified folding angle, generating a virtual dead space region based on the identified displacement so as to substantially contact a portion of a boundary of the printed layer, and configuring at least a portion of the generated virtual dead space region to be output on the flexible display in a specified color.

[0097] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible display and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor identifies a folding angle of the electronic device, identifies a displacement of a printed layer according to the identified folding angle, and generates a virtual dead space area based on the identified displacement so that the center of the virtual dead space area is substantially equal to the position to which the center of the printed layer moves as the electronic device is folded, and can be configured to output at least a portion of the generated virtual dead space area in a specified color on the flexible display. A method for controlling an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the operations of identifying a folding angle of the electronic device, identifying a displacement of a printed layer according to the identified folding angle, generating a virtual dead space region based on the identified displacement so as to substantially contact a portion of a boundary of the printed layer, and outputting at least a portion of the generated virtual dead space region on the flexible display in a specified color.

[0098] Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed herein may take various forms. The electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computing devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or consumer electronic devices. Electronic devices according to embodiments herein are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0099] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to a specific embodiment, but include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiment. In describing the drawings, similar or related components may use similar reference numerals. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item can include one or more of the item, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, each of phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from other corresponding components and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). When a (e.g., first) component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., second) component, either in combination with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0100] The term "module" used in various embodiments herein may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integrated component or the smallest unit or portion of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0101] Various embodiments herein may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, a processor of the machine (e.g., an electronic device) may call and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently and data being stored temporarily on the storage medium.

[0102] According to one embodiment, methods according to various embodiments of the present invention may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0103] According to various embodiments, each of the aforementioned components (e.g., modules or programs) may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be located separately in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as performed by the corresponding component of the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 100 Network Environment 101, 102, 104, 200, 300, 400 Electronic equipment 108 servers 120 processors 121 Inprocessor 123 Auxiliary Processor 130 memory 132 Volatile Memory 134 Non-volatile memory 140 Programs 142 Operating Systems 144 Middleware 146 Applications 150 Input Module 155 Acoustic Output Module 160 Display Module 170 Audio Module 176 Sensor Module 177 Interface 178 connection terminal 179 Tactile Module 180, 276 camera module 188 Power Management Module 189 Battery 190 Communication Module 192 Wireless Communication Module 194 Wired Communication Module 196 Subscriber Identity Module 197 Antenna Module 198 First Network 199 Second Network 202 Hinge Module 210, 220 housing 211, 221 Side members 212, 222 Rotating support surface 223 holes 224 sensor area 230 Flexible Display 231 First Area 232 Second Area 233 Folding Region 235 Display Panel 237 Support Plate 240 Hinge cover 241 Hinge bracket 250 bracket assembly 252, 254 Midplate 262, 264 Circuit board 280, 290 rear cover 282, 292 back area

Claims

1. In an electronic device, Flexible displays, and at least one processor, the at least one processor Identifying a folding angle of the electronic device; Identifying a displacement of the hollow circular printing layer of the flexible display according to the identified folding angle; generating a virtual dead space region substantially tangent to a portion of a boundary of a printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified displacement; wherein the virtual dead space area is substantially in contact with a part of the boundary of a printing layer of the flexible display, and is also substantially in contact with a part of the boundary of an actual dead space area, which is a part of the screen or an area of ​​the flexible display that does not output light; the at least one processor is further configured to determine a major axis of the virtual dead space area by calculating a difference between a radius of the actual dead space area and a radius of a printing layer of the flexible display from a sum of a diameter length of the actual dead space area and the identified displacement; The at least one processor executes software to and controlling the output of at least a portion of an area outside the generated virtual dead space region on the flexible display in a specified color.

2. The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising a sensor module for identifying the folding angle.

3. 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine a shortening of the virtual dead space by a value between a length of a major axis of the determined virtual dead space and a diameter of the actual dead space.

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

5. 10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to identify a displacement of a printed layer of the flexible display in response to the identified folding angle using a look-up table pre-stored in a memory of the electronic device.

6. 1. A method of controlling an electronic device including a flexible display, comprising: at least one processor of the electronic device; identifying a folding angle of the electronic device; Identifying a displacement of a hollow circular printing layer of the flexible display of the electronic device according to the identified folding angle; generating a virtual dead space region substantially tangent to a portion of a boundary of a printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified displacement; Here, the virtual dead space area is substantially in contact with a part of the boundary of a printing layer of the flexible display, and is also substantially in contact with a part of the boundary of an actual dead space area, which is a part of the screen or an area of ​​the flexible display that does not output light, further performing an operation of determining a major axis of the virtual dead space area by calculating a difference between the radius of the actual dead space area and a radius of a printing layer of the flexible display from the sum of the diameter length of the actual dead space area and the identified displacement; The at least one processor executes software to A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising: performing an operation of outputting at least a portion outside the generated virtual dead space region on the flexible display in a specified color.

7. 7. The method for controlling an electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising the operation of determining a shortening of the virtual dead space by a value between the length of the major axis of the determined virtual dead space and the diameter of the actual dead space.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising outputting the remaining portion of the flexible display excluding the actual dead space area and the printing layer in the specified color.

9. 7. The method of controlling an electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising the operation of identifying a displacement of a printing layer of the flexible display according to the identified folding angle using a lookup table pre-stored in the electronic device.

Images