Electronic device incluidng light sensor

Abstract

An electronic device including a light sensor is disclosed. The electronic device comprises: a first housing; a second housing partially movably connected to the first housing along a direction of movement; a flexible display disposed to be supported by the first housing and the second housing, wherein the size of a display area exposed to the outside changes according to the movement of the first housing relative to the second housing, and a transparent portion through which light is transmitted is formed; a printed circuit board disposed in the internal space formed by the first housing and the second housing; a light sensor for detecting a target located outside the flexible display; and a processor, wherein the light sensor comprises a light source disposed on the printed circuit board and irradiating light to the outside of the flexible display through the transparent portion; and a light receiving portion connected to the back surface of the display area of ​​the flexible display and receiving reflected light reflected from the target through the transparent portion, wherein the relative positions of the light source and the light receiving portion may change according to the change in the area of ​​the display area. In addition, various other embodiments may be possible.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Various embodiments of this document relate to electronic devices including optical sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Technology is required to extend the usage time of electronic devices by preventing unnecessary power consumption. For example, electronic devices may include various sensors to recognize the proximity of a target, such as a user; as a type of sensor, a light sensor is used that illuminates a target with light and determines the target's information through the reflected light. The problem to be solved

[0003] Electronic devices are being developed in which the externally exposed display area changes depending on the usage state. An optical sensor that recognizes external information of an electronic device through light may include a light source that emits light and a light receiver that receives reflected light. To apply an optical sensor to an electronic device, it is necessary to isolate the light source and the light receiver so that the light emitted by the light source is not directly irradiated onto the light receiver. In particular, for electronic devices where the display area changes, a technology is required that can effectively separate the light source and the light receiver without interfering with the display's changing operation, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by noise (e.g., crosstalk).

[0004] According to various embodiments, by installing a light source inside a housing and a light receiving part in a display, an isolation structure for the light source and the light receiving part can be secured without a separate isolation structure.

[0005] According to various embodiments, uniform optical performance can be secured through the relative arrangement structure of the light source and the light receiver even during the process in which the state of the display changes according to the operation of the electronic device.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved through the various embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0007] An electronic device according to various embodiments comprises: a first housing; a second housing partially movably connected to the first housing; a flexible display arranged to be supported by the first housing and the second housing, wherein the size of a display area exposed to the outside changes according to the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing, and a transparent portion through which light is transmitted is formed; a printed circuit board disposed in the internal space formed by the first housing and the second housing; a light sensor for detecting a target located outside the flexible display; and a processor, wherein the light sensor comprises: a light source disposed on the printed circuit board and irradiating light to the outside of the flexible display through the transparent portion; and a light receiving portion connected to the back surface of the display area of ​​the flexible display and receiving reflected light reflected from the target through the transparent portion, and wherein the relative positions of the light source and the light receiving portion may change according to the change in the size of the display area.

[0008] An electronic device according to various embodiments comprises: a first housing; a second housing partially movably connected to the first housing; a flexible display in which the size of a display area exposed to the outside changes between a first state having a minimum area and a second state having a maximum area depending on the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing; a printed circuit board disposed in the internal space formed by the first housing and the second housing; a light sensor including a light source mounted on the printed circuit board and irradiating light to the outside through the flexible display, and a light receiving unit connected to the back surface of the flexible display and receiving light reflected from the outside through the flexible display; and a processor, wherein, when looking at the display area, the light receiving unit moves relative to the light source along a direction of movement according to the state change of the display area, and the distance of the light receiving unit to a reference line perpendicular to the direction of movement and where the light source is located can change in proportion to the change in the area of ​​the display area.

[0009] An electronic device according to various embodiments comprises: a first housing; a second housing partially movably connected to the first housing; a flexible display in which the size of a display area exposed to the outside changes between a first state having a minimum area and a second state having a maximum area depending on the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing; a printed circuit board disposed in the internal space formed by the first housing and the second housing; a light sensor including a light source mounted on the printed circuit board and irradiating light to the outside through the flexible display, and a light receiving part connected to the back surface of the flexible display and receiving light reflected from the outside through the flexible display; and a processor, wherein, when looking at the display area, the light receiving part moves relative to the light source along a direction of movement according to the state change of the display area, and the relative distance of the light receiving part to the light source in the first state and the second state may be substantially the same. Effects of the invention

[0010] According to various embodiments, the malfunction of the light sensor can be minimized without a separate isolation structure through a separation structure in which a light source is placed in a housing and a light receiving part is placed on the back surface of a display.

[0011] According to various embodiments, through a relative arrangement structure of a light source and a light receiver that takes into account changes in the area of ​​the display, constant optical performance of the light sensor can be secured regardless of the state of the display. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments. FIGS. 2a and 2b are front perspective views showing the closed and open states of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIGS. 3a and FIGS. 3b are rear perspective views showing the closed and open states of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIGS. 4a and 4b are cross-sectional views showing a first state and a second state of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is a front view showing the first and second states of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device along the AA line of FIG. 5(a). FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device along the BB line of FIG. 5(b). FIG. 7 is a front view showing the first and second states of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device along the CC line of FIG. 7(a). FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device along the DD line of FIG. 7(b). FIG. 9 is a front view showing the first and second states of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a first state and a second state of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a first state and a second state of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are given the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0015] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., a program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU)), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0016] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf 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., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence is performed, or through a separate server (e.g., 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 examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0017] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0018] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0019] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0020] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0021] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0022] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0023] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0024] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the 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.

[0025] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0026] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0027] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0028] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0029] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0030] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0031] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., 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 realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for realizing URLLC.

[0032] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising 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) may include a plurality of 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 a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0033] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a 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 surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0034] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0035] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through 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 on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 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 at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the 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 ultra-low latency services 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 within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0036] FIGS. 2a and 2b are front perspective views showing the closed and open states of an electronic device according to various embodiments, and FIGS. 3a and 3b are rear perspective views showing the closed and open states of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0037] The electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 2a through 3b, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that is at least partially movably coupled to the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first plate (211) and a first side frame (212) that extends substantially vertically (e.g., in the z-axis direction) along the edge of the first plate (211). According to one embodiment, the first side frame (212) may include a first side (2121), a second side (2122) extending from one end of the first side (2121), and a third side (2123) extending from the other end of the first side (2121). According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first space that is at least partially closed from the outside through the first plate (211) and the first side frame (212).

[0039] According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) may include a second plate (221) and a second side frame (222) extending substantially vertically (e.g., in the z-axis direction) along the edge of the second plate (221). According to one embodiment, the second side frame (222) may include a fourth side (2221) facing in the opposite direction to the first side (2121), a fifth side (2222) extending from one end of the fourth side (2221) and at least partially coupled to the second side (2122), and a sixth side (2223) extending from the other end of the fourth side (2221) and at least partially coupled to the third side (2123). In another embodiment, the fourth side (2221) may extend from a structure other than the second plate (221) and be coupled to the second plate (221). According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second space that is at least partially closed from the outside through the second plate (221) and the second side frame (222). According to one embodiment, the first plate (211) and the second plate (221) may be arranged to form at least partially the rear surface of the electronic device (200). For example, the first plate (211), the second plate (221), the first side frame (212) and the second side frame (222) may be formed by a polymer, coated or colored glass, ceramic, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the materials.

[0040] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a flexible display (230) positioned to be supported by a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a flat portion supported by the second housing (220) and a bendable portion extending from the flat portion and supported by the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, the bendable portion of the flexible display (230) may be positioned so as not to be exposed to the outside from a first space of the first housing (210) when the electronic device (200) is closed, and may be exposed to the outside so as to extend from the flat portion while being supported by the first housing (210) when the electronic device (200) is open. Accordingly, the electronic device (200) may be a rollable type electronic device in which the display screen of the flexible display (230) expands according to the opening operation of the movement of the first housing (210) from the second housing (220).

[0041] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may be coupled in such a manner that the first housing (210) is at least partially inserted into the second space of the second housing (220) and is movable in the illustrated direction ①. For example, in a closed state, the electronic device (200) may maintain a coupled state of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) such that the first side (2121) and the fourth side (2221) have a first distance (d1). According to one embodiment, in an open state, the electronic device (200) may maintain a state in which the first housing (210) protrudes from the second housing (220) such that the first side (2121) protrudes by a certain distance (d2) from the fourth side (2221) and has a second separation distance (d). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may be supported by a first housing (210) and / or a second housing (220) so that, in an open state, both ends have curved edges formed in a curved shape.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may automatically transition to an open state and a closed state through a driving unit placed in a first space and / or a second space. For example, the processor of the electronic device (200) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) may be configured to control the operation of the first housing (210) through the driving unit when it detects an event for the transition of the electronic device (200) to an open or closed state. In another embodiment, the first housing (210) may be manually protruded from the second housing (220) through user operation. In this case, the first housing (210) may protrude by a desired amount, and the screen of the flexible display (230) resulting therefrom may also be varied to have various display areas. Accordingly, the processor of the electronic device (200) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) may control to display objects in various ways and execute applications in correspondence with a display area corresponding to a certain protrusion amount of the first housing (210).

[0043] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of an input device (203), an audio output device (206, 207), a sensor module (204, 217), a camera device (205, 216), a connector port (208), a key input device (not shown), or an indicator (not shown). In another embodiment, the electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the above-described components or additionally include other components.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the input device (203) may include a microphone (203). In some embodiments, the input device (203) may include a plurality of microphones (203) arranged to detect the direction of sound. The sound output device (206, 207) may include speakers (206, 207). The speakers (206, 207) may include an external speaker (206) and a call receiver (207). In another embodiment, when the external speaker (206') is placed in the first housing (210), it may be configured so that sound is output through a speaker hole (206) formed in the second housing (220) in a closed state. According to one embodiment, the microphone (203) or the connector port (208) may also be formed to have substantially the same configuration. In another embodiment, the sound output device (206, 207) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that is operated with a separate speaker hole (206) excluded.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (204, 217) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (204, 217) may include, for example, a first sensor module (204) (e.g., a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor) disposed on the front of the second housing (220) and / or a second sensor module (217) (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on the rear of the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the first sensor module (204) may be disposed below the flexible display (230) in the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the first sensor module (204) may further include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a TOF (time of flight) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.

[0046] According to various embodiments, the camera devices (205, 216) may include a first camera device (205) positioned on the front of the second housing (220) of the electronic device (200), and a second camera device (216) positioned on the rear of the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flash (218) positioned near the second camera device (216). According to one embodiment, the camera devices (205, 216) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. According to one embodiment, the first camera device (205) may be positioned below the flexible display (230) and configured to photograph a subject through a portion of the active area of ​​the flexible display (230). According to one embodiment, the flash (218) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and an image sensor may be disposed on one side of the electronic device (200).

[0047] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include at least one antenna (not shown). According to one embodiment, the at least one antenna may communicate wirelessly with, for example, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104) of FIG. 1) or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. According to one embodiment, the antenna may include a legacy antenna, a mmWave antenna, an NFC (near field communication) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or an MST (magnetic secure transmission) antenna. In another embodiment, the antenna structure may be formed through at least a portion of a first side frame (212) and / or a second side frame (222) formed of metal.

[0048] FIGS. 2a and FIGS. 3b illustrate an example in which the area of ​​a flexible display (230) exposed to the outside of an electronic device (101) is extended in the -x-axis direction (e.g., left direction) for convenience of explanation, but the extension direction of the flexible display (230) of the electronic device (101) is not limited to the example shown in the drawings. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be operated so that the area of ​​the flexible display (230) exposed to the outside is extended in the +x-axis direction (e.g., right direction), the +y-axis direction (e.g., upward direction), or the -y-axis direction (down direction), and even when extended in the horizontal direction (e.g., x-axis direction) or the vertical direction (e.g., y-axis direction), it may be extended in one direction or in multiple directions. For example, when the electronic device (101) operates to extend the externally exposed flexible display (230) in the x-axis direction (e.g., left or right direction), the flexible display (230) may be extended in either the -x-axis direction (e.g., left direction) or the +x-axis direction (e.g., right direction), or it may be extended in both the -x-axis direction and the +x-axis direction. Additionally, when the electronic device (101) operates to extend the flexible display (230) in the vertical direction (e.g., y-axis direction), the flexible display (230) may be extended in either the upward direction (e.g., +y-axis direction) or the downward direction (e.g., -y-axis direction), or it may be extended in both the upward direction and the downward direction. In the following description, various embodiments are described assuming the case where the flexible display (230) is extended in the -x-axis direction, but this is for convenience of explanation and the implementation method of each embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0049] FIGS. 4a and 4b are cross-sectional views showing a first state and a second state of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, an electronic device (400) according to various embodiments (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a) may include a first housing (410) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2a), a second housing (420) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2a), a flexible display (430) (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2a), a light sensor (440) (e.g., the sensor module (204) of FIG. 2a), and a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0050] In one embodiment, the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) may form the exterior of the electronic device (400). The first housing (410) and the second housing (420) may be partially movably connected. For example, the second housing (420) may be movably connected relative to the first housing (410) along a direction of movement (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 4a). In one embodiment, the size of the internal space (401) of the electronic device (400), that is, the internal space (401) formed by the first housing (410) and the second housing (420), may be varied according to the relative movement of the first housing (410) and the second housing (420). The first housing (410) and the second housing (420) can be moved relatively according to user operation so that the state changes between a first state (e.g., the closed state of FIG. 2a) in which the size of the internal space (401) is minimized as in FIG. 4a and a second state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 2b) in which the size of the internal space (401) is maximized as in FIG. 4b.

[0051] In one embodiment, the flexible display (430) is positioned to be supported by the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) and can be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (400) through a display area, for example, to the front of the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) (e.g., the top surface of FIG. 4a). In one embodiment, the size of the display area exposed to the outside of the flexible display (430) can be varied according to the relative movement of the first housing (410) and the second housing (420). For convenience of explanation, the relative movement of the first housing (410) and the second housing (420) will be described below by assuming that the second housing (420) moves along the direction of movement relative to the first housing (410).

[0052] In one embodiment, the flexible display (430) may include an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (e.g., a curved display) including an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or a micro LED (light emitting diode). In one embodiment, the flexible display (430) may have a touch panel (not shown) formed on at least a portion thereof and may include an OCTA (on-cell touch AMOLED) type display. Meanwhile, the type of flexible display (430) is not limited to the examples described above and may be formed in various ways (e.g., add-on type, in-cell type).

[0053] In one embodiment, the flexible display (430) may change between a first state (e.g., the closed state of FIG. 2a) in which the display area has a minimum area (A1) as in FIG. 4a and a second state (e.g., the open state of FIG. 2b) in which the display area has a maximum area (A2) depending on the movement of the second housing (420) relative to the first housing (410). In this case, the flexible display (430) may shrink or expand in area along the direction of movement (e.g., the X-axis direction of FIG. 4a). For example, based on the width parallel to the direction of movement, when the second housing (420) moves a maximum distance of d2 relative to the first housing (410), the flexible display (430) may have a width of d1 in the first state of FIG. 4a and a width of d1+d2 in the second state of FIG. 4b. In this case, the area of ​​the display area (A1) in the first state and the display area (A2) in the second state may be proportional to the width of the display area parallel to the direction of movement. Meanwhile, although the drawing only shows the case where the display area of ​​the flexible display (430) is placed in the first state and the second state, it is naturally possible for the display area of ​​the flexible display (430) to be placed in an intermediate state having an area between the minimum area (A1) of the first state and the maximum area (A2) of the second state depending on the operation of the electronic device (400).

[0054] In one embodiment, a light-transmitting portion (e.g., the first sensor hole (6301), the second sensor hole (6302), or the third sensor hole (6303) of FIG. 6a or 6b) may be formed in the flexible display (430). The light-transmitting portion may be formed, for example, by omitting a light-absorbing layer (e.g., the cover panel (633) of FIG. 6a), but alternatively, it may be formed in the form of a window penetrating the flexible display (430). A detailed description of the light-transmitting portion will be provided later.

[0055] In one embodiment, the light sensor (440) can detect a target (e.g., a user or an object) located outside the flexible display (430), that is, outside the display area. The light sensor (440) may include a light source (441) that irradiates light onto the target and a light receiving unit (442) that receives reflected light reflected from the target. In one embodiment, the light source (441) is placed in an internal space (401) and can irradiate light to the outside of the flexible display (430) through a transparent unit. In one embodiment, the light receiving unit (442) is connected to the back surface of the display area of ​​the flexible display (430) and can receive reflected light reflected from a target located outside the display area through a transparent unit. In this case, the light receiving part (442) can receive light only through the flexible display (430), and the remaining part excluding the field of view (FOV) can be covered by a structure. According to this structure, since the light irradiated by the light source (441) in the internal space (401) is blocked from being directly irradiated to the light receiving part (442), the phenomenon of noise, such as crosstalk, caused by the light generated by the light source (441) being diffusely reflected in the internal space (401) and directly irradiated to the light receiving part (442) can be prevented.

[0056] In one embodiment, the relative distance between the light source (441) and the light receiving part (442) may change according to the relative movement of the first housing (410) and the second housing (420). For example, as shown in FIG. 4a, the light source (441) may be fixed to the first housing (410) and the light receiving part (442) may be fixed to the back surface of the flexible display (430). In this case, when the state of the flexible display (430) changes from the first state of FIG. 4a to the second state of FIG. 4b, the relative distance between the light source (441) and the light receiving part (442) may change from a1 to a2 along the direction of movement.

[0057] In one embodiment, the current applied to the light source (441) can be adjusted according to the change in the relative distance between the light source (441) and the light receiving part (442). For example, the processor can ensure constant performance of the light sensor (440) by adjusting the current applied to the light source (441) in response to the change in the relative distance between the light source (441) and the light receiving part (442) according to the change in the display area of ​​the display.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the light sensor (440) may include various types of sensors that utilize light intensity. For example, the light sensor (440) may include a camera module, a spectrometer, a gesture sensor, a UV (ultra-violet) sensor, an RGB sensor, an illuminance sensor, or an IR (infra-red) sensor.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a first state and a second state of an electronic device according to various embodiments, FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device along the AA line of FIG. 5(a), and FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device along the BB line of FIG. 5(b).

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6a, and 6b, an electronic device (500) according to one embodiment (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, or electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a) may include a first housing (510) (e.g., first housing (210) of FIG. 2a), a second housing (520) (e.g., second housing (220) of FIG. 2a), a flexible display (530) (e.g., display (230) of FIG. 2a), a printed circuit board (611) (e.g., printed circuit board (PCB), printed board assembly (PBA), flexible PCB (FPCB) or rigid-flexible PCB (RFPCB)), a display printed circuit board (650), and a light sensor (540) (e.g., sensor module (204) of FIG. 2a).

[0061] In one embodiment, the first housing (510) and the second housing (520) may be connected so as to be able to move relative to each other along a direction of movement (D) (e.g., the X-axis direction of FIG. 5). Depending on the relative movement of the second housing (520) with respect to the first housing (510), the electronic device (500) may change its operating state between the first state of FIG. 5(a) and the second state of FIG. 5(b).

[0062] The flexible display (530) is supported by the first housing (510) and the second housing (520) and can be visually exposed to the outside through a display area. In one embodiment, the display area of ​​the flexible display (530) may have a minimum area in the first state of FIG. 5(a) and a maximum area in the second state of FIG. 5(b). The area of ​​the display area of ​​the flexible display (530) may vary between the first state and the second state along the direction of movement (D).

[0063] In one embodiment, the flexible display (530) may include a display panel (632), a protective film (631) (or window) laminated on the front surface of the display panel (632), and a cover panel (633) attached to the back surface of the display panel (632). In one embodiment, the protective film (631) may be formed as a thin film layer made of a transparent material, and may be formed in a thin film shape to protect the display panel (632) from the outside and to assist in the flexibility of the display panel (632). In one embodiment, the protective film (631) may include a plastic film (e.g., polyimide film) or a thin film glass (e.g., UTG (ultra-thin glass).

[0064] In one embodiment, the cover panel (633) can prevent the display panel (632) from twisting or bending. In one embodiment, the cover panel (633) may include a plurality of layers to implement each function. The plurality of layers included in the cover panel (633) may be laminated through an adhesive member (not shown). For example, the cover panel (633) may include an embossed layer, a cushioning layer, or a metal layer. In one embodiment, the embossed layer may block light incident from the outside. The embossed layer may be black coated to prevent the components of the internal space (501) from being visually exposed from the outside through the display area of ​​the flexible display (530). In one embodiment, the cushioning layer may absorb impact applied to the flexible display (530) to prevent damage to the flexible display (530). For example, the cushioning layer may include a sponge layer or a cushion layer. In one embodiment, the metal layer can perform the function of preventing the flexible display (530) from twisting or bending and dissipating heat by dispersing heat generated from a component mounted in the internal space (501) of the electronic device (500) or from the flexible display (530) itself to the entire area of ​​the flexible display (530). In one embodiment, the metal layer may include a composite sheet and a copper sheet. The composite sheet is, for example, a sheet formed by processing several sheets of different properties and may include one or more of polyimide or graphite. On the other hand, the composite sheet may be formed as a single sheet composed of one material (e.g., a polyimide sheet or graphite).

[0065] In one embodiment, a transparent portion may be formed in the flexible display (530) through an opening through which light can be transmitted, in which a cover panel (633) is omitted. The transparent portion may be formed in each area corresponding to the light sensor (540) (e.g., area corresponding to the light source (541), area corresponding to the light receiving portion (542)) when viewed from the display area as in FIG. 5. For example, the transparent portion may include a first sensor hole (6301) formed in an area corresponding to the position of the light source (541) in a first state, a second sensor hole (6302) formed in an area corresponding to the position of the light source (541) in a second state, and a third sensor hole (6303) formed in an area corresponding to the position of the light receiving portion (542). Light emitted by the light source (541) through each sensor hole (6301, 6302, 6303) can pass through the flexible display (530) and be irradiated to the outside, or light reflected from a target located outside can pass through the flexible display (530) and be irradiated to the light receiving part (542).

[0066] In one embodiment, each sensor hole (6301, 6302, 6303) may be formed with a size corresponding to the viewing angle of the light sensor (540). In one embodiment, when the cover panel (633) includes a plurality of layers, a plurality of openings formed by omitting each of the plurality of layers may overlap each other to form a single sensor hole. In this case, the openings formed in each layer may have substantially the same size and shape, but may also have different sizes and shapes.

[0067] A printed circuit board (611) may be placed in an internal space (501) formed by a first housing (510) and a second housing (520). For example, the printed circuit board (611) may be placed in an internal space (501) formed by the first housing (510). Various electronic components (e.g., processor, GPU, etc.) for the operation of an electronic device (500) may be placed on the printed circuit board (611).

[0068] The display printed circuit board (650) can be electrically connected to the flexible display (530). The display printed circuit board (650) can be connected to the back surface of the display area of ​​the flexible display (530). When the display area of ​​the flexible display (530) expands or contracts, the relative position of the display printed circuit board (650) with respect to the first housing (510) or the second housing (520) may change. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when the display area expands as the second housing (520) moves away from the first housing (510) along the direction of movement, the display printed circuit board (650) may move away from the first housing (510) along the direction of movement.

[0069] The light sensor (540) may include a light source (541) and a light receiving part (542).

[0070] In one embodiment, the light source (541) may be mounted on a printed circuit board (611). In one embodiment, the light source (541) may include an interposer package (6411) connected to the printed circuit board (611) and a light emitter (6412) that emits light. The light source (541) may be connected to the printed circuit board (611) such that the light emission area of ​​the light emitter (6412) faces the back of the display. A front (612) for securing the printed circuit board (611) to an electronic device (600) may be disposed in the peripheral area of ​​the interposer package (6411). In one embodiment, when the printed circuit board (611) is seated in the internal space (501) of the first housing (510), the light source (541) can be fixed in a position relative to the first housing (510).

[0071] In one embodiment, the light receiving unit (542) may be connected to a display printed circuit board (650). The light receiving unit (542) may include a light receiving package (6421), a photodiode (6422) that detects light, and a connecting member (6423) that connects the light receiving package (6421) to the display printed circuit board (650). The light receiving unit (542) may be connected to the display printed circuit board (650) such that the viewing angle of the photodiode (6422) is directed toward the flexible display (530). In this case, the light receiving package (6421) may cover at least a portion of the photodiode (6422) to block the direct irradiation of light generated by the light source (541) to the photodiode (6422) in the internal space (501).

[0072] In one embodiment, the light source (541) and the light receiving unit (542) may have a relative distance depending on the state of the electronic device (500) while looking at the display area as in FIG. 5. For example, when the display area is expanded along the movement direction (D) from the first state to the second state as in FIG. 5, the light receiving unit (542) may move relative to the light source (541) along the movement direction. In one embodiment, based on the state looking at the display area, a first sensor hole (6301) may be located in the flexible display (530) area corresponding to the light source (541) in the first state, and a second sensor hole (6302) may be located in the flexible display (530) area corresponding to the light source (541) in the second state. In this case, a third sensor hole (6303) may be located in the flexible display (530) area where the light receiving unit (542) is located.

[0073] In one embodiment, the light sensor (540) may have an arrangement structure of a light source (541) and a light receiving part (542) designed to ensure the same optical performance in a first state and a second state of the electronic device (500).

[0074] In one embodiment, based on the state of viewing the display area as in FIG. 5, the light receiving unit (542) may be positioned on the back surface of the flexible display (530) such that in the first state and the second state, it is positioned perpendicular to the direction of movement (D) and symmetrically with respect to the reference line (L1) where the light source (541) is located. For example, in the first state, the light receiving unit (542) may be positioned to the left of the reference line (L1) (e.g., the X-axis of FIG. 5) as in FIG. 5(a), and in the second state, it may be positioned to the right of the reference line (L1) (e.g., the -X-axis of FIG. 5) as in FIG. 5(b). In this case, the relative distance of the light receiving unit (542) to the light source (541) in the first state and the second state may be substantially the same. For example, assuming that during the process of expanding the display area from the first state to the second state, the width of the display area parallel to the direction of movement increases by d2, the light receiving unit (542) moves to the left of the reference line (e.g., the X-axis in FIG. 5) from the first state ( It can be positioned at a distance spaced apart by ). In this case, the light receiving unit (542) is positioned such that in the second state, the reference line is to the right (e.g., the -X axis in FIG. 5) ( It can be located at a position spaced apart by a distance of ).

[0075] According to this structure, since the light source (541) and the light receiving unit (542) have substantially the same distance in the first state and the second state, a constant optical performance, such as the same recognition distance performance, can be secured without the need to adjust the setting value in the closed state (e.g., first state) and open state (e.g., second state) of the electronic device (500). In addition, since the light source (541) is placed in the internal space (501) and the light receiving unit (542) is placed on the back surface of the flexible display (530), light is irradiated or received only through the flexible display (530), a partition structure to block direct irradiation of light from the light source (541) to the light receiving unit (542) can be omitted, and a wider viewing angle can be secured.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a first state and a second state of an electronic device according to various embodiments, FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device along the CC line of FIG. 7(a), and FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device along the DD line of FIG. 7(b).

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 7, FIGS. 8a and FIGS. 8b, an electronic device (700) according to one embodiment (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a) may include a first housing (710) (e.g., first housing (210) of FIG. 2a), a second housing (720) (e.g., second housing (220) of FIG. 2a), a flexible display (730) (e.g., display (230) of FIG. 2a), a light sensor (740) (e.g., sensor module (204) of FIG. 2a), and a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0078] In one embodiment, the first housing (710) and the second housing (720) may be connected so as to be able to move relative to each other along a direction of movement (D) (e.g., the X-axis direction of FIG. 5). Depending on the relative movement of the second housing (720) with respect to the first housing (710), the electronic device (700) may change its operating state between the first state of FIG. 7(a) and the second state of FIG. 7(b).

[0079] The flexible display (730) can be exposed to the outside through a display area. In one embodiment, the display area of ​​the flexible display (730) may have a minimum area in the first state of FIG. 7(a) and a maximum area in the second state of FIG. 7(b). The area of ​​the display area of ​​the flexible display (730) may vary between the first state and the second state along the direction of movement (D).

[0080] The printed circuit board (811) can be placed in the internal space (701) formed by the first housing (710) and the second housing (720), for example, the internal space (701) formed by the first housing (710). The printed circuit board (811) can be fixed in a position on the electronic device (700) through the front (812).

[0081] The display printed circuit board (850) can be electrically connected to the flexible display (730). The display printed circuit board (850) can be connected to the back surface of the display area of ​​the flexible display (730). The relative position of the display printed circuit board (850) with respect to the first housing (710) or the second housing (720) can change as the area of ​​the display area changes.

[0082] The light sensor (740) may include a light source (741) and a light receiving part (742). In one embodiment, the light source (741) may be mounted on a printed circuit board (811) via an interposer package (8411). In this case, the front (812) may be omitted from the portion of the printed circuit board (811) where the light source (741) is mounted. In one embodiment, the light receiving part (742) may be mounted on a display printed circuit board (850) such that the viewing angle of the photodiode (8422) faces the back of the flexible display (730). The light receiving portion (742) can be connected to a display printed circuit board (850) via a connecting member (8423), and the light receiving package (8421) can cover at least a portion of the photodiode (8422) to block light from being directly irradiated to the photodiode (8422) from the internal space (701).

[0083] In one embodiment, the light source (741) and the light receiving part (742) may have their relative distances changed so that the spacing increases as the area of ​​the display region expands while looking at the display region as in FIG. 7. In this case, based on the state of looking at the display region, a first sensor hole (8301) may be located in the flexible display (730) region corresponding to the light source (741) in the first state, and a second sensor hole (8302) may be located in the flexible display (730) region corresponding to the light source (741) in the second state. In one embodiment, a third sensor hole (8303) may be located in the flexible display (730) region where the light receiving part (742) is located. Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, the drawing only illustrates the case where a first sensor hole (8301) and a second sensor hole (8302) are formed in the flexible display (730) area corresponding to the light source (701), but at least one additional sensor hole may be formed between the first sensor hole (8301) and the second sensor hole (8302) when viewed from the display area of ​​the flexible display (730). In this case, the sensor hole formed between the first sensor hole (8301) and the second sensor hole (8302) can perform the function of transmitting light from the light source (701) to the outside while the electronic device is located in an intermediate state between the first state and the second state.

[0084] In one embodiment, the light source (741) and the light receiving unit (742) may be spaced apart as the display area expands from a first state to a second state while facing the display area. For example, the distance of the light receiving unit (742) relative to the reference line (L1) where the light source (741) is located and which is perpendicular to the movement direction (D) may increase as the display area expands. In this case, based on the state facing the display area, the distance between the reference line (L1) and the light receiving unit (742) may increase in proportion to the change in the area of ​​the display area. For example, in the first state, the light receiving unit (742) may be positioned at a distance of a relative to the reference line where the light source (741) is located. When the display area expands from the first state to the second state, if the width of the display area parallel to the movement direction (D) increases by d2, the light receiving unit (742) may be positioned at a distance of a+d2 relative to the reference line (L1). That is, regardless of the relative distance between the light source (741) and the light receiving part (742) in the first state, it can be understood that the relative distance of the light receiving part (742) to the reference line (L1) increases in proportion to the increase in the area of ​​the display area.

[0085] In one embodiment, the processor can control the operation of the light sensor (740) in correspondence with the relative distance between the light source (741) and the light receiving unit (742). For example, the processor can adjust the current value applied to the light source (741) in correspondence with the relative distance between the light source (741) and the light receiving unit (742). For example, the processor can set the change value of the current applied to the light source (741) to be proportional to the change value of the area of ​​the display area. In this case, the processor can adjust the exposure time (or integration time) setting value by considering the light reception time according to the change in the relative distance between the light source (741) and the light receiving unit (742). For example, the processor can set the exposure time to change in proportion to the relative distance between the light source (741) and the light receiving unit (742).

[0086] According to this structure, since the relative distance between the light source (741) and the light receiving part (742) changes in proportion to the change in the area of ​​the display area, constant optical performance can be secured regardless of the state change of the electronic device (700) through simple setting value adjustment. In addition, since the setting value of the light sensor (740) can be adjusted in proportion to the change in the area of ​​the display area, uniform recognition distance performance can be secured even during the process in which the state of the electronic device (700) changes in various ways between the first state and the second state.

[0087] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the first and second states of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9, an electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a) may include a first housing (910) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2a), a second housing (920) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2a), a flexible display (930) (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2a)) and a light sensor (940) (e.g., the sensor module (204) of FIG. 2a).

[0089] The flexible display (930) can change the area of ​​the display region between a first state and a second state along the direction of movement (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 9) according to the relative movement of the first housing (910) and the second housing (920).

[0090] The light sensor (940) may include a light source (941) and a light receiving part (942). In one embodiment, the light source (941) and the light receiving part (942) may be symmetrically positioned along a central line (e.g., C1 in FIG. 9(a) or C2 in FIG. 9(b)) that is perpendicular to the direction of movement and divides the display area while facing the display area. For example, in a first state such as FIG. 9(a), the light source (941) and the light receiving part (942) are positioned at equal intervals from a first central line (C1) that passes through the center (0) of the display area and is perpendicular to the direction of movement ( They can be symmetrically arranged at a distance of ). In this case, with the display area extended by a width of d2 as in FIG. 9(b), the light source (941) and the light receiving part (942) are spaced at equal intervals from the second center line (C2) which passes through the center (O) of the display area and is perpendicular to the direction of movement ( They can be symmetrically positioned at a distance of )

[0091] In one embodiment, the light source (941) and the light receiving unit (942) may be positioned on a moving line parallel to the direction of movement and passing through the center (O) of the display area. When the light source (941) and the light receiving unit (942) are positioned symmetrically on the center lines (C1, C2), the light sensor (940) may operate with respect to the center (O) of the display area.

[0092] According to this structure, the light sensor (940) operates based on the center (O) of the display area from the user's perspective, so more accurate recognition performance can be secured during the process of the user using the electronic device.

[0093] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a first state and a second state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 10, an electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a) may include a first housing (1010) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2a), a second housing (1020) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2a), a flexible display (1030) (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2a)), and a light sensor (1040) (e.g., the sensor module (204) of FIG. 2a).

[0095] The display area of ​​the flexible display (1030) can change in area along the direction of movement (D) in response to the relative movement of the first housing (1010) and the second housing (1020).

[0096] In one embodiment, a sensor hole (10301, 10302, 10303) for light transmission may be formed in the flexible display (1030). The sensor hole (10301, 10302, 10303) may be formed by omitting a cover panel (e.g., the cover panel (633) of FIG. 6A) containing a non-transparent material. In one embodiment, the sensor hole (10301, 10302, 10303) may be formed in an area of ​​the flexible display (1030) corresponding to the positions of the light source (1041) and the light receiving part (1042) of the light sensor (1040). For example, the sensor holes (10301, 10302, 10303) may include a first sensor hole (10301) formed in a first area of ​​the flexible display (1030) that overlaps with the light source (1041) in a first state, a second sensor hole (10302) formed in a second area of ​​the flexible display (1030) that overlaps with the light source (1041) in a second state, and a third sensor hole (10303) formed in a third area of ​​the flexible display (1030) that overlaps with the light receiving part (1042), based on the state of looking at the display area. In this case, since the relative position of the flexible display (1030) with respect to the light source (1041) changes in the first state and the second state, the first sensor hole (10301) and the second sensor hole (10302) can be formed by taking into account the relative position of the flexible display (1030) with respect to the light source (1041).

[0097] In one embodiment, when the width of the display area parallel to the movement direction (D) is expanded by d2 in the first state and the second state, the flexible display (1030) can move by d2 relative to the first housing (1010) along the movement direction (D) while looking at the display area. In this case, the first sensor hole (10301) and the second sensor hole (10302) can be arranged along a line parallel to the movement direction (D) and formed to have a gap of d2. Accordingly, based on the state looking at the display area, in the first state, the first sensor hole (10301) can be positioned at a location that overlaps with the light source (1041), and in the second state, the second sensor hole (10302) can be positioned at a location that overlaps with the light source (1041). Meanwhile, since the relative position of the light receiving part (1042) to the flexible display (1030) does not change, the third sensor hole (10303) can always be positioned in a location that overlaps with the light receiving part (1042). Additionally, FIG. 10 illustrates a positional relationship in which the light source (1041) and the light receiving part (1042) do not overlap during the process of changing the state of the electronic device based on the state of looking at the display area; however, the light source (1041) may be positioned in a location that overlaps with the movement path of the light receiving part (1042). In this case, the third sensor hole (10303) can be formed to be located between the first sensor hole (10301) and the second sensor hole (10302).

[0098] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a first state and a second state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 11, an electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a) may include a first housing (1110) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2a), a second housing (1120) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2a), a flexible display (1130) (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2a) and a light sensor (1140) (e.g., the sensor module (204) of FIG. 2a).

[0100] The display area of ​​the flexible display (1130) can change along the direction of movement (e.g., the X-axis direction of FIG. 11) in response to the relative movement of the first housing (1110) and the second housing (1120).

[0101] In one embodiment, a sensor slot (10304) and a sensor hole (10303) for transmitting light may be formed in the flexible display (1130). In one embodiment, the sensor slot (10304) may be integrally formed along the overlapping area of ​​the flexible display (1130) that overlaps with the light source (1141) during the process of changing from a first state to a second state based on the state of looking at the display area. In the first state and the second state, when the width of the display area parallel to the direction of movement is expanded by d2, the sensor slot (10304) may be formed to have a width of d2. In this case, since the sensor slot (10304) always overlaps with the light source (1141) regardless of the state of the display area, light emitted from the light source (1141) can be irradiated to the outside through the sensor slot (10304) in all states between the first state of the electronic device as in FIG. 11(a) and the second state as in FIG. 11(b). In this case, a sensor hole (11303) for light transmission may be separately formed in the area of ​​the flexible display (1130) corresponding to the light receiving part (1142). However, unlike as shown in FIG. 11, the light receiving part (1142) may be placed on the overlapping area of ​​the flexible display (1130), and in this case, the light receiving part (1142) may receive reflected light from the outside through the sensor slot (10304).

[0102] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0103] An electronic device (1200) according to various embodiments (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a, electronic device (500) of FIG. 5, or electronic device (700) of FIG. 7) may include a processor (12120) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1), a display (1230) (e.g., display (430) of FIG. 4a), and a light sensor (1240) (e.g., light sensor (440) of FIG. 4a). In one embodiment, the light sensor (1240) may be electrically connected to the processor (12120). In this case, the sensing value of the light sensor (1240) can be transmitted to the processor (12120), and the processor (12120) can control the operation of the electronic device (1200) through the sensing value of the light sensor (1240). For example, light output from the light source (1241) can be emitted to the outside through a sensor hole (e.g., the first sensor hole (6301) in FIG. 6a). Light scattered or reflected from an external target can be introduced into the light receiving unit (1242) through a sensor hole (e.g., the third sensor hole (6303) in FIG. 6a). The light receiving unit (1242) can generate an electrical signal (or digital value) based on the received light and transmit it to the processor (12120). The electronic device (1200) may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) electrically connected to the light receiving unit (1242). The ADC can generate a detection value (or digital value) (or ADC value) corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit (1242). The processor (12120) can control the operation of the electronic device (1200) based on the received electrical signal (or digital value). In one embodiment, the processor (12120) can adjust the setting value of the light sensor (1240) by considering the operating state of the electronic device (1200). For example, the processor (12120) can adjust the current applied to the light source (1241) or adjust the exposure time during which the light receiving unit (1242) recognizes reflected light according to the operating state of the electronic device (1200).

[0104] Table 1 below shows an example in which, in one embodiment, the processor (12120) adjusts the setting value of the light sensor (1240) according to the relative distance between the light source (1241) and the light receiving part (1242).

[0105] Relative distance between light source and light receiver (mm) Current applied value (mA) Exposure time (us) 5 4 64 10 6 128 15 8 256 20 10 512

[0106] As illustrated in Table 1, when the relative distance between the light source (1241) and the light receiving unit (1242) increases, the processor (12120) may increase the current value applied to the light source (1241) and the exposure time of the light receiving unit (1242) to maintain the recognition distance performance of the light sensor (1240) constant. In this case, the current value applied to the light source (1241) may increase in proportion to the degree of increase in the distance between the light source (1241) and the light receiving unit (1242). For example, if the relative distance between the light source (1241) and the light receiving unit (1242) increases by 5 mm from 5 mm to 10 mm, the current applied to the light source (1241) may increase by 2 mA from 4 mA to 6 mA. Additionally, if the relative distance between the light source (1241) and the light receiving unit (1242) increases by 10 mm from 5 mm to 15 mm, the current applied to the light source (1241) can increase by 4 mA from 4 mA to 8 mA. In other words, the processor (12120) can adjust the amount of change in the current applied to the light source (1241) so that the amount of change in the distance between the light source (1241) and the light receiving unit (1242) is proportional. That is, as the current value applied to the light source (1241) increases, the intensity of the light generated by the light source (1241) increases. Therefore, the processor (12120) can adjust the intensity of the light generated by the light source (1241) so as to secure a constant recognition distance performance of the light sensor (1240) by changing the amount of change in the current applied to the light source (1241) in proportion to the amount of change in the distance between the light source (1241) and the light receiving unit (1242). In addition, as the relative distance between the light source (1241) and the light receiving unit (1242) increases, the time for the light irradiated from the light source (1241) to be reflected from the target and reach the light receiving unit (1242) increases. Therefore, the processor (12120) can change the exposure time of the light receiving unit (1242) in proportion to the change in the relative distance between the light source (1241) and the light receiving unit (1242).For example, as described in Table 1, the processor (12120) can adjust the setting value so that the exposure time of the light receiving unit (1242) increases by 64us whenever the relative distance between the light source (1241) and the light receiving unit (1242) increases by 5mm.

[0107] In this way, the processor (12120) can achieve a constant light sensor (1240) recognition distance performance regardless of the operating state of the electronic device by adjusting the setting value according to the change in distance between the light source (1241) and the light receiving part (1242).

[0108] However, the values ​​listed in the table below are arbitrarily listed to explain the adjustment of the setting values ​​of the processor (12120), and in various embodiments, the values ​​of the current applied to the light source (1241) and the exposure time of the light receiving unit (1242) are not limited to the values ​​listed in Table 1.

[0109] In one embodiment, the processor (12120) can identify the sensing value of the light sensor (1240). In one embodiment, the processor (12120) can receive the sensing value through the light sensor (1240) even when the display (1230) is active, for example, when the display (1230) is operating. In one embodiment, the processor (12120) can determine whether a target (e.g., user, object) is nearby based on the sensing value of the light sensor (1240). For example, the processor (12120) can determine whether a target is present near the electronic device (1200) or whether a target is nearby based on the sensing value of the light sensor (1240). Based on the determined target information, the processor (12120) can control the operation of the electronic device (1200). For example, the processor (12120) can control the on / off operation of the display and / or the always-on-display (AOD) mode based on the sensing value of the light sensor (1240). In one embodiment, the processor (12120) may determine whether operation information (e.g., display touch information) input to the electronic device (1200) is a malfunction based on the sensing value of the light sensor (1240). For example, the processor (12120) can identify the output value of the light sensor (1240) and / or whether the receiver (e.g., microphone hole) is operating, and if it determines that the user is making a call through the receiver, it can stop unnecessary operation of the display (1230) to reduce power consumption of the electronic device (1200). Additionally, the processor (12120) may identify the output value of the light sensor (1240) and, if it is determined that the electronic device (1200) is placed in a state where external recognition is unnecessary, such as in a bag or pocket, stop the operation of the AOD mode to reduce unnecessary power consumption.Additionally, if the processor (12120) determines through the output value of the light sensor (1240) that a target is approaching the display (1230) at a distance less than a set distance, it may determine that the touch input to the display (1230) is an accidental touch caused by contact with the user's skin and stop unnecessary operation of the display. The above-described example is merely one of the examples that can be implemented through various embodiments of this document, and the control operation of the electronic device (1200) through the processor (12120) is not limited to the above-described example.

[0110] An electronic device (400) according to various embodiments comprises: a first housing (410); a second housing (420) partially movably connected to the first housing (410); a flexible display (430) positioned to be supported by the first housing (410) and the second housing (420), wherein the size of a display area exposed to the outside changes according to the movement of the second housing (420) relative to the first housing (410) and a transparent portion through which light is transmitted is formed; a printed circuit board disposed in the internal space formed by the first housing (410) and the second housing (420); and a light sensor (440) for detecting a target located outside the flexible display (430). The device includes a light source (441) that irradiates light to the outside of the flexible display (430) through the transparent portion, and a light receiving portion (442) that is connected to the back surface of the display area of ​​the flexible display (430) and receives reflected light reflected from the target through the transparent portion, and the light source (441) and the light receiving portion (442) may have their relative positions changed according to the change in size of the display area.

[0111] In various embodiments, the flexible display (430) has a changing area along the movement direction (D) so that the state of the display area changes between a first state in which the display area has a minimum area and a second state in which the display area has a maximum area, and the light receiving part (442) can move relative to the light source (441) according to the change in the area of ​​the flexible display (430).

[0112] In various embodiments, when looking at the display area, the light receiving unit (542) may be positioned in the first and second states at a position perpendicular to the direction of movement (D) and symmetrical with respect to the reference line (L1) where the light source (541) is located.

[0113] In various embodiments, in the first and second states, the relative distance of the light receiving part (542) to the light source (541) may be substantially the same.

[0114] In various embodiments, while looking at the display area, during the process of changing from the first state to the second state, the light receiving part (742) may increase the spacing relative to the reference line where the light source (741) is located, which is perpendicular to the direction of movement (D).

[0115] In various embodiments, the spacing between the reference line (L1) and the light receiving part (742) may vary in proportion to the change in the display area.

[0116] In various embodiments, the current applied to the light source (741) may be set to increase in proportion to the change in the display area.

[0117] In various embodiments, the transparent portion may include a first sensor hole (10301) formed in a first area that overlaps with the light source (1041) in the first state, based on the state of looking at the display area; and a second sensor hole (10302) formed in a second area that overlaps with the light source (1041) in the second state.

[0118] In various embodiments, the transmitting portion may further include a third sensor hole (10303) formed in a third area where the light receiving portion (1042) is disposed.

[0119] In various embodiments, the third sensor hole (10303) may be located between the first sensor hole (10301) and the second sensor hole (10302).

[0120] In various embodiments, the transparent portion may include a sensor slot (11304) integrally formed along an overlapping area that overlaps with the light source during the process of changing from the first state to the second state based on the state of looking at the display area.

[0121] In various embodiments, the light receiving unit (1142) may be placed in the overlapping area.

[0122] In various embodiments, based on the state of looking at the display area, the light source (941) and the light receiving part (942) may be positioned on a central line (C) that is perpendicular to the direction of movement (D) and divides the display area of ​​the flexible display (930).

[0123] In various embodiments, the electronic device (500) further includes a display printed circuit board (650) connected to the back surface of the flexible display (530) so as to face the internal space, and the light receiving unit (542) may be mounted on the display printed circuit board (650).

[0124] In various embodiments, the processor (12120) can determine whether the target is close to the flexible display (1230) through the reflected light received by the light receiving unit (1242) when the flexible display (1230) is activated, and perform a designated operation according to the result of the determination.

[0125] An electronic device (700) according to various embodiments comprises: a first housing (710); a second housing (720) partially movably connected to the first housing (710); a flexible display (730) in which the size of a display area exposed to the outside changes between a first state having a minimum area and a second state having a maximum area depending on the movement of the second housing (720) relative to the first housing (710); a printed circuit board (811) disposed in the internal space formed by the first housing (710) and the second housing (720); and a light sensor (740) including a light source (741) mounted on the printed circuit board (811) and irradiating light to the outside through the flexible display (730), and a light receiving part (742) connected to the back surface of the flexible display (730) and receiving light reflected from the outside through the flexible display (730). The light receiving unit (742) includes a processor and, while looking at the display area, moves relative to the light source (741) along the direction of movement according to the state change of the display area, and the distance of the light receiving unit (742) to the reference line (L1) perpendicular to the direction of movement (D) and where the light source (741) is located can change in proportion to the change in the area of ​​the display area.

[0126] In various embodiments, during the process of changing from the first state to the second state based on the state of looking at the display area, the distance between the light source (741) and the light receiving part (742) may increase in proportion to the change in the area of ​​the display area.

[0127] In various embodiments, the flexible display (730) includes a cover panel (833) comprising a non-transparent material, and in the first and second states, a transparent portion may be formed in which the cover panel is omitted so that light can be transmitted in each region of the flexible display corresponding to the light source and the light receiving portion (742).

[0128] In various embodiments, the current applied to the light source (741) may change in proportion to the change in the area of ​​the display area.

[0129] An electronic device (500) according to various embodiments comprises: a first housing (510); a second housing (520) partially movably connected to the first housing (510); a flexible display (530) in which the size of a display area exposed to the outside changes between a first state having a minimum area and a second state having a maximum area depending on the movement of the second housing (520) relative to the first housing (510); a printed circuit board disposed in the internal space formed by the first housing (510) and the second housing (520); and a light sensor (540) including a light source (541) mounted on the printed circuit board and irradiating light to the outside through the flexible display (530), and a light receiving part (542) connected to the back surface of the flexible display (530) and receiving light reflected from the outside through the flexible display (530). The light receiving unit (542) includes a processor and, while looking at the display area, moves relative to the light source (541) along the direction of movement according to the state change of the display area, and the relative distance of the light receiving unit (542) to the light source (541) in the first state and the second state may be substantially the same.

Claims

Claim 1 An electronic device comprising: a first housing; a second housing partially movably connected to the first housing along a direction of movement; a flexible display disposed to be supported by the first housing and the second housing, wherein the size of a display area exposed to the outside changes according to the movement of the first housing relative to the second housing, and a transparent portion through which light is transmitted is formed; a printed circuit board disposed in the internal space formed by the first housing and the second housing; a light sensor for detecting a target located outside the flexible display; and a processor, wherein the light sensor comprises: a light source disposed on the printed circuit board and irradiating light to the outside of the flexible display through the transparent portion; and a light receiving portion connected to the back surface of the display area of ​​the flexible display and receiving reflected light reflected from the target through the transparent portion, wherein the light source and the light receiving portion have relative positions that change according to the change in the area of ​​the display area. Claim 2 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible display has an area that changes along the direction of movement such that the state changes between a first state having a minimum display area and a second state having a maximum area, and the light receiving part moves relative to the light source according to the change in the area of ​​the flexible display. Claim 3 An electronic device according to paragraph 2, wherein, when looking at the display area, the light receiving part is positioned in the first state and the second state at a position perpendicular to the direction of movement and symmetrical with respect to the reference line where the light source is located. Claim 4 An electronic device according to paragraph 3, wherein in the first and second states, the relative distance of the light receiving part to the light source is substantially the same. Claim 5 An electronic device according to paragraph 2, wherein, in the process of changing from the first state to the second state while looking at the display area, the light receiving part is perpendicular to the direction of movement and the spacing relative to the reference line where the light source is located increases. Claim 6 An electronic device in which, in paragraph 5, the spacing between the reference line and the light receiving part changes in proportion to the change in the area of ​​the display area. Claim 7 An electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the current change value applied to the light source is set to be proportional to the change in relative distance from the light receiving part. Claim 8 An electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the transmitting portion comprises: a first sensor hole formed in a first area that overlaps with the light source in the first state, based on the state of looking at the display area; and a second sensor hole formed in a second area that overlaps with the light source in the second state. Claim 9 An electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the transmitting portion further comprises a third sensor hole formed in a third region in which the light receiving portion is disposed. Claim 10 In claim 9, the third sensor hole is an electronic device located between the first sensor hole and the second sensor hole. Claim 11 An electronic device according to paragraph 2, wherein the transmission portion comprises a sensor slot integrally formed along an overlapping area that overlaps with the light source during the process of changing from the first state to the second state based on the state of looking at the display area. Claim 12 In paragraph 11, the light receiving part is an electronic device disposed in the overlapping area. Claim 13 An electronic device according to paragraph 2, wherein, based on the state of looking at the display area, the light source and the light receiving part are arranged symmetrically with respect to a central line that is perpendicular to the direction of movement and divides the display area of ​​the flexible display. Claim 14 An electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a display printed circuit board connected to the back surface of the flexible display so as to face the internal space, wherein the light receiving part is mounted on the display printed circuit board. Claim 15 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the processor determines whether the target is close to the flexible display through reflected light received by the light receiving part when the flexible display is activated, and performs a designated operation according to the result of the determination. Claim 16 An electronic device comprising: a first housing; a second housing to which the first housing is partially movably connected; a flexible display in which the size of a display area exposed to the outside changes between a first state having a minimum area and a second state having a maximum area according to the movement of the first housing relative to the second housing; a printed circuit board disposed in an internal space formed by the first housing and the second housing; a light sensor including a light source mounted on the printed circuit board and irradiating light to the outside through the flexible display, and a light receiving part connected to the back surface of the flexible display and receiving light reflected from the outside through the flexible display; and a processor, wherein, when looking at the display area, the light receiving part moves relative to the light source according to the state change of the display area, and the distance of the light receiving part to a reference line perpendicular to the direction of movement of the light receiving part and where the light source is located changes in proportion to the change in the area of ​​the display area. Claim 17 An electronic device according to claim 16, wherein, in the process of changing from the first state to the second state based on the state of looking at the display area, the distance between the light source and the light receiving part increases in proportion to the change in the area of ​​the display area. Claim 18 An electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the flexible display comprises a cover panel including a non-transparent layer, and in the first and second states, a transparent portion is formed in which the cover panel is omitted so that light can be transmitted in each region of the flexible display corresponding to the light source and the light receiving portion. Claim 19 An electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the current applied to the light source changes in proportion to the change in the area of ​​the display region. Claim 20 An electronic device comprising: a first housing; a second housing to which the first housing is partially movably connected; a flexible display in which the size of a display area exposed to the outside changes between a first state having a minimum area and a second state having a maximum area according to the movement of the first housing relative to the second housing; a printed circuit board disposed in an internal space formed by the first housing and the second housing; a light sensor including a light source mounted on the printed circuit board and irradiating light to the outside through the flexible display, and a light receiving part connected to the back surface of the flexible display and receiving light reflected from the outside through the flexible display; and a processor, wherein, when looking at the display area, the light receiving part moves relative to the light source along a direction of movement according to a change in the state of the display area, and the relative distance of the light receiving part to the light source in the first state and the second state is substantially the same.

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