Electronic device including display and method of providing guide for screen splitting by electronic device

Abstract

This electronic device may comprise a display, a processor, and a memory, wherein the processor is configured to: on the basis of a first user input being detected within a first window area displaying a running application displayed on a higher layer on the display, display a virtual split area separated from the first window area; on the basis of the first window area being moved to a particular trigger area according to the first user input, display the first window area and the virtual split area not to be overlapped with each other on the basis of the center of the display; generate a split screen on the basis of a displayed layout in response to the termination of the first user input; and display a screen of the running application on a first split area corresponding to the first window area and display a list of applications on a second split area corresponding to the virtual split area.

Description

Electronic devices including displays and methods for providing screen splitting guides for electronic devices

[0001] This article is about electronic devices, and provides guidance for splitting the screen based on user touch input, and electronic devices that display different sizes of applications.

[0002] Electronic devices are evolving beyond uniform forms to expand their displays or improve their usability. Electronic devices may have a transformable structure capable of adjusting the size of their displays. For example, electronic devices may operate in in-folding, out-folding, or in-out folding modes, where the first and second housings rotate relative to each other. In another example, electronic devices may operate in sliding and / or rolling modes, where the first and second housings slide and / or roll.

[0003] Recent electronic devices offer the ability to display the execution screens of two or more programs or applications simultaneously on a single screen. For example, to display the execution screens of two or more applications, the electronic device may split the display into two or more areas and display the application execution screens in each split area, or display multiple windows that display the execution screens of two or more applications by overlaying them.

[0004] Conventional smartphones or tablets, when running a single application, may adopt a configuration in which a window for displaying a single application is displayed across the entire touchscreen screen.

[0005] When a smartphone or tablet is running one application and wants to launch another, the current application must be paused and the new application displayed. This can be inconvenient, requiring the user to navigate back to the initial menu screen and then launch the new application from the menu screen.

[0006] An electronic device according to this document may provide a method for controlling a multi-window screen that displays running windows of one or more apps on a display.

[0007] An electronic device according to this document may provide a method for controlling the layout of a screen including execution windows of one or more apps by user input.

[0008] In an electronic device, the device includes a display, a processor, and a memory, wherein the processor detects a first user input within a first window area that displays a running application displayed in an upper layer on the display, and displays a virtual split area separated from the first window area, and displays the first window area and the virtual split area so that they do not overlap with respect to a center on the display based on the movement of the first window area to a specific trigger area based on the first user input, and generates a split screen based on the displayed layout based on the termination of the first user input, and displays a screen of the running application on a first split area corresponding to the first window area and displays a list of applications on a second split area corresponding to the virtual split area.

[0009] In an electronic device, a display, a processor, and a memory are included, wherein the processor displays a layout of a virtual partition area separated from a first window area based on detection of a first user input within a first window area displayed on an upper layer on the display, determines a position of the first window area and a position of the virtual partition area based on the first user input being applied to a specific trigger area in a situation where the first user input is detected, determines a ratio at which the virtual partition area is separated based on a type and a position of a second user input with respect to the layout of the virtual partition area, and divides the virtual partition area into a plurality of screens and displays them based on the determined ratio at which the second user input ends.

[0010] A method of operating an electronic device may include: an operation of displaying a layout of a virtual partition area separated from a first window area based on detection of a first user input within a first window area displayed on an upper layer on a display; an operation of determining a position of the first window area and a position of the virtual partition area based on the first user input being applied to a specific trigger area in a situation where the first user input is detected; an operation of determining a ratio at which the virtual partition area is separated based on a type and position of a second user input with respect to the layout of the virtual partition area; and an operation of displaying the virtual partition area divided into a plurality of screens based on termination of the second user input.

[0011] An electronic device according to this document may, while attempting to switch to a split screen, preview the split screen based on other user inputs to provide guidance to the user on how the final split screen will be created.

[0012] An electronic device according to this document can control the execution windows of multiple applications to be displayed simultaneously on a single screen. The electronic device according to this document can provide a user with the ability to change the arrangement of the execution windows of one or more applications displayed on the display.

[0013] An electronic device according to this document can display a virtual window to visually indicate the location of the window to a user, recognize a user's multi-touch, and perform 3-4 splitting.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figures 3a to 3f illustrate a screen splitting process of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a split screen of an electronic device and a list of applications displayed on the split screen.

[0018] FIGS. 5A to 5F illustrate a process of dividing a screen into three on an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate a process of dividing a screen into four parts on an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a screen splitting method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a screen splitting method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0023] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a 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) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0024] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, 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. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can 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 can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of 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, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0025] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0026] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0027] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0028] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0029] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a 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 the 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 a force generated by the touch.

[0030] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0031] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0032] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In 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.

[0033] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to 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).

[0034] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0035] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0036] 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 as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0037] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0038] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the 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 operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that 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., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can 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 verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0039] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), 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), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0040] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In 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 the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0041] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0042] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0043] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the 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 executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an 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 process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the 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.

[0044] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0045] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0046] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0047] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0049] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0050] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (200) may include a processor (210), a memory (220), a display (230), a communication circuit (240), and a sensor (250), and may implement embodiments of the present document even if at least some of the illustrated configurations are omitted and / or replaced. The electronic device (200) may further include at least some of the configurations and / or functions of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0052] Some of the components (e.g., processor (210), memory (220), communication circuit (240)) of the electronic device (200) shown in FIG. 2 and / or other components not shown may be positioned inside a housing (not shown) of the electronic device (200), and some components (e.g., display (230)) may have at least a portion thereof exposed to the outside of the housing.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the display (230) can display content provided from the processor (210).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may be entirely foldable without a folding axis. A display (230) may be arranged on the front of the electronic device (200), and the display (230) may be a rollable display. When the electronic device (200) is fully unfolded, an application execution screen may be displayed on the entire electronic device (200).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the display (230) may be configured as a touch screen that detects touch and / or proximity touch (or hovering) input using a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger) or an input device (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one sensor (250) that detects contact or proximity. For example, the electronic device (200) may include a type of near-field sensor that detects proximity or contact of an object, such as a near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth (or Bluetooth low energy), or touch sensor.

[0057] According to one embodiment, at least one sensor (250) may be positioned in the bezel area on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the display (230) and / or the corner area of ​​the housing. Accordingly, when selecting an area to display main content or a background image, the user may be enabled to make a touch or proximity input to a sensor (250) adjacent to the intended area. In various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may position one to five sensors (250) around the display (230).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the communication circuit (240) may provide a wired or wireless communication interface with an external device. For example, the communication circuit (240) may include a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or a universal serial bus (USB) interface as examples of a wired communication interface (e.g., interface (177) of FIG. 1). In addition, the communication circuit (240) may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., wireless communication circuit (192) of FIG. 1) that supports a short-range communication circuit with an external device. The wireless communication circuit may support a short-range wireless communication method (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth low energy)) and may include independent hardware and / or software configurations for supporting each wireless communication method.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the memory (220) may include volatile memory and non-volatile memory, and may temporarily or permanently store data. The memory (220) may include at least some of the configuration and / or functions of the memory (130) of FIG. 1, and may store the program (140) of FIG. 1.

[0060] The memory (220) can store instructions that can be performed by the processor (210). Such instructions can include control commands such as arithmetic and logical operations, data movement, and input / output that can be recognized by the processor (210).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) is a configuration capable of performing calculations or data processing related to control and / or communication of each component of the electronic device (200), and may be composed of one or more processors (210). The processor (210) may include at least some of the configurations and / or functions of the processor (120) of FIG. 1. The processor (210) may be operatively, functionally, and / or electrically connected to each component of the electronic device (200), including the display (230), the memory (220), and the sensor (250).

[0062] According to one embodiment, there will be no limitation to the computational and data processing functions that the processor (210) can implement on the electronic device (200), but below, a feature of determining an area on the display (230) to display main content and a split screen, and providing a split guide based on a user's touch input during switching to a split screen will be described.

[0063] Figures 3a to 3f illustrate a screen splitting process of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0064] In Figure 301 of Figure 3a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of Figure 2) can detect a first user input (320) within a first window area (A) displayed on an upper layer on a display (e.g., the display (230) of Figure 2)) under the control of a processor (e.g., the processor (210) of Figure 2). The electronic device (200) can display a layout of a virtual partition area separated from the first window area (A) based on determining that the first user input (320) is a long touch input. The first window area (A) to which the user input is applied can be displayed in darker color compared to the layout of the virtual partition area (323).

[0065] The virtual split area (323) may refer to a virtual area for displaying a window in which an application to be executed has not been determined. The virtual split area (323) may be displayed as a pop-up window for an application based on user input, or may be displayed as a split window for an application that is being split and displayed on the display. The electronic device (200) may use the virtual split area (323) to guide the user to an area where a split is expected. The electronic device (200) may determine the type of application to be displayed on the virtual split area and the screen configuration (e.g., split ratio) based on user input regarding the virtual split area (323).

[0066] The electronic device (200) may display a handle at the top to guide the user to move the first window area (A) and the virtual divided area (323). The handle displayed at the top of the first window area (A) and / or the virtual divided area (323) may be displayed in a relatively darker color compared to the first window area (A) and the virtual divided area (323). Based on the fact that the user has no experience of moving the first window area (A) and the virtual divided area (323) using the handle, the electronic device (200) may provide a guide to allow the user to move the first window area (A) and the virtual divided area (323) by applying a user input on the handle, and may provide a guide to adjust the position and size of the divided screen.

[0067] In Figure 301 of FIG. 3A, the electronic device (200) can display at least one icon (321) and a background screen (322) on the display (230).

[0068] In Figure 303 of FIG. 3A, the electronic device (200) can move the first window area (A) based on the position of the first user input (320). The electronic device (200) can move the first window area (A) to the right based on the movement to the right in a state where the first user input (320) is applied.

[0069] In Figure 303 of FIG. 3A, the electronic device (200) may display at least one icon (321a) in a dotted line and dim the background screen (322) to make it dim when the first window area (A) is dragged through the first user input (320). Dimming may refer to an operation of adding a semi-transparent shaded area to emphasize the pop-up screen from the background. The added semi-transparent shaded area may be referred to as a 'dim'. The electronic device (200) may display at least one icon (321a) and the background screen (322) penetrated by the semi-transparent shaded area in a dim manner. The electronic device (200) may change the display of at least one icon (321) and the background screen (322) to indicate that the screen can be split left and right.

[0070] In Figure 305 of FIG. 3a, the electronic device (200) can display a virtual partition area (323) separated from the first window area (A) on the left side with respect to the center of the display (230) based on the first window area (A) contacting the right edge area, and can display the first window area (A) on the right side.

[0071] The first window area (A) may be displayed on the background screen (322a) shown in Figure 301. The electronic device (200) may display only the background screen (322) instead of the icon (321) in the area (322a) where the first window area (A) is located, and may display the layout of at least one icon (321) on a virtual partition area (323) separated from the first window area (A). The electronic device (200) may display the layout of icons (321) on the layout (323) of the virtual partition area (323). The layout of icons (321) may be indicated by a dotted line.

[0072] In Figure 307 of FIG. 3b, the electronic device (200) can move the first window area (A) based on the position of the first user input (320). The electronic device (200) can move the first window area (A) in the direction of the arrow in Figure 307 (e.g., toward the top of the electronic device) based on the upward movement in the state where the first user input (320) is applied.

[0073] In Figure 309 of Figure 3b, the electronic device (200) can display a layout of a virtual partition area (e.g., the virtual partition area (323) of Figure 3a) separated from the first window area (A) at the bottom based on the center of the display (230) based on the first window area (A) contacting the upper edge area, and can display the first window area (A) at the top. When a user input (e.g., a touch input) is detected on the first window area (A) and a user input is detected in the upper edge area through a drag, the electronic device (200) can determine that the first window area (A) has contacted the upper edge area.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can move the first window area (A) according to a user input for the first window area (A), and separately display a layout for a virtual partition area (323) in an area that does not overlap with the first window area (A).

[0075] In Figure 309 of FIG. 3B, when a user input (e.g., release) is detected while a layout for a virtual split area (e.g., the virtual split area (323) of FIG. 3A) is displayed in an area that does not overlap with the first window area (A), the electronic device (200) may split the screen of the display to display the first split area and the second split area. The electronic device (200) may expand and display the first window area on the first split area. That is, an execution screen of an application corresponding to the first window area may be displayed on the first split area. The second split area may correspond to the virtual split area. That is, the second split area may mean the virtual split area described above. A list of at least one application may be displayed on the second split area. Unlike the layout (323) of the application illustrated in FIG. 3A, the list of applications may be displayed in a relatively bolder color.

[0076] In Figure 311 of Figure 3b, the electronic device (200) may display a first window area (A) expanded left and right at the top based on the disappearance of the first user input (320), and may display a list of applications that can be displayed on a virtual partition area (e.g., the virtual partition area (323) of Figure 3a) at the bottom. The list of applications may be automatically sorted by the frequency with which the user of the electronic device (200) frequently uses the application, or may be preset. Alternatively, the electronic device (200) may present a preset list of applications in a situation where the user has no experience using the list of applications to be displayed, thereby improving the user's out of box experience (OOBE). The electronic device (200) may store a list of applications to be displayed on the virtual partition area of ​​the display (230) in a memory (e.g., the memory (220) of Figure 2) based on the user input.

[0077] In Figure 330 of FIG. 3c, the electronic device (200) can display a first window area (A) floating on an upper layer based on the detection of a first user input (320) on a screen (340) where icons corresponding to an application are gathered on the display (230). The first window area (A) can be displayed on the screen where icons corresponding to the application are gathered.

[0078] In Figure 332 of Figure 3c, the electronic device (200) can display a screen (340) containing icons corresponding to an application by removing execution elements and leaving only a background screen based on the first user input (320) being a long touch input. The electronic device (200) can provide a visual effect of dimming the background screen (e.g., the background screen (322) of Figure 3a). A display (e.g., the display (230) of Figure 2) can display a plurality of screens by overlapping them in a layer structure. According to one embodiment, the dimmed visual effect can be applied and displayed to a layer higher than the background screen (322). The layer to which the dimmed visual effect is applied can be positioned lower than the first window area (A) and higher than the background screen (322).

[0079] The electronic device (200) can display a list of applications based on the size of the blurred area of ​​the background screen (322). The list of applications may vary depending on the size of the blurred area of ​​the background screen. The form of the displayed list of applications may vary depending on the size of the blurred area (334, 336) of the background screen (322).

[0080] In FIG. 350 of FIG. 3D, the electronic device (200) can detect a first user input (360) within a first window area displayed on an upper layer on the display (230). The electronic device (200) can display a first window area (A) floating on an upper layer based on the detection of the first user input (360) on a screen where icons corresponding to an application are gathered.

[0081] In Figure 352 of Figure 3D, the electronic device (200) can display a screen containing icons corresponding to an application, leaving only the background screen and removing the execution elements, based on the first user input (360) being a long touch input. The electronic device (200) can provide a visual effect of dimming the background screen.

[0082] In Figure 354 of FIG. 3D, the electronic device (200) can move the first window area (A) based on the position of the first user input (360). The electronic device (200) can move the first window area (A) to the right based on the movement to the right in a state where the first user input (360) is applied. The electronic device (200) can display a layout of a virtual divided area separated from the first window area (A) on the left side with respect to the center of the display (230) based on the first window area (A) contacting the right edge area, and can display the first window area (A) on the right side with respect to the center of the display (230).

[0083] In Figure 356 of FIG. 3e, the electronic device (200) can display a list of applications on a virtual partition area shown on the left. The list of applications can be automatically sorted based on the frequency with which the user of the electronic device (200) frequently uses them, or can be preset. The electronic device (200) can store a list of applications to be displayed on the virtual partition area of ​​the display (230) on the memory (220) based on user input. The electronic device (200) can detect user input on the list of applications.

[0084] In Figure 358 of FIG. 3e, the electronic device (200) can detect a user input on a list of applications and display the execution screen of the application to which the user input has been applied on a virtual partition area (323) on the left.

[0085] In FIG. 301f of FIG. 3f, the electronic device (200) can display at least one icon (321) and a background screen (322).

[0086] In Figure 303f, the electronic device (200) can display at least one icon (321f) in a dotted line and display the background screen (322) in a blurred manner. The electronic device (200) can change the display of at least one icon (321) and the background screen (322) to indicate that the screen can be split left and right.

[0087] In Figure 305f, the electronic device (200) can display a blurred (or dim-processed) semi-transparent panel on the split screen of the area where the first window area (A) is located.

[0088] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a split screen of an electronic device and a list of applications displayed on the split screen.

[0089] In Figure 402 of Figure 4a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of Figure 2) can detect a first user input (412) within a first window area (410) displayed in an upper layer on a display (e.g., the display (230) of Figure 2) under the control of a processor (e.g., the processor (210) of Figure 2).

[0090] In Figure 404 of FIG. 4A, the electronic device (200) can move the first window area based on the position of the first user input (412). The electronic device (200) can move the first window area (410) to the right based on the movement to the right while the first user input (412) is applied.

[0091] In Figure 406 of FIG. 4a, the electronic device (200) can display a layout (420) of a virtual partition area separated from the first window area on the left side with respect to the center of the display (230) based on the first window area (410) contacting the right edge area.

[0092] In Figure 408 of Figure 4a, the electronic device (200) can display a layout (420) of a virtual partition area on the left side with respect to the center of the display (230) and a layout of the first window area on the right side based on the fact that no first user input (412) on the first window area (410) is detected.

[0093] The electronic device (200) may display a first window area on the right side by expanding it vertically based on the disappearance of the first user input (410), and may display a list of applications that can be displayed on the layout (420) of the virtual partition area on the left side. The list of applications may be automatically sorted based on the frequency with which the user of the electronic device (200) frequently uses them, or may be preset. The electronic device (200) may store the list of applications to be displayed on the virtual partition area of ​​the display (230) based on the user input in a memory (e.g., the memory (220) of FIG. 2). Alternatively, the list of applications may be displayed on the first window area located on the right side.

[0094] Figure 4b shows a list of applications displayed on a split screen.

[0095] The electronic device (200) may display icons corresponding to applications recently executed by the user on the first section (431). The electronic device (200) may display icons corresponding to applications most frequently executed by the user during a specified period (e.g., the last month) on the second section (433). The specified period may vary depending on the settings. The electronic device (200) may display preset icons on the third section (435).

[0096] In FIG. 4b, the first section (431) is shown as being located at the top, the second section (433) at the middle, and the third section (435) at the bottom. However, the positions of each section may vary depending on the settings. For example, the electronic device (200) may display icons corresponding to applications most frequently executed by the user over the past month at the top section, depending on the user settings.

[0097] In Fig. 4b, the number of icons displayed is assumed to be 4 or 8, but the number of icons displayed may vary depending on the settings. The electronic device (200) may store a list of applications to be displayed based on user input in memory (e.g., memory (220) of Fig. 2).

[0098] FIGS. 5A to 5F illustrate a process of dividing a screen into three on an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0099] In the drawing 500a of FIG. 5a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) can detect a first user input (512) within a first window area (510) displayed in an upper layer on a display (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2) under the control of a processor (e.g., the processor (210) of FIG. 2). The first window area (510) can be displayed on a screen on which icons corresponding to an application are gathered.

[0100] In Figure 502a of FIG. 5a, the electronic device (200) can display a screen with icons corresponding to an application, leaving only a background screen and removing execution elements, based on the first user input (510) being a long touch input. The electronic device (200) can provide a visual effect of dimming the background screen. The electronic device (200) can move the first window area (510) based on the position of the first user input (512). The electronic device (200) can move the first window area (512) to the top based on the movement to the top while the first user input (512) is applied.

[0101] In the drawing 504a of FIG. 5a, the electronic device (200) can display a layout of a virtual partition area separated from the first window area at the bottom based on the center of the display (230) based on the first window area (510) contacting the upper edge area, and can display the first window area (510) at the top. The electronic device (200) can detect a second user input (514) on the virtual partition area while the first user input (512) on the first window area (510) is maintained. The electronic device (200) can receive the second user input (514) or the multi-touch input (514, 515) while the first user input (512) is maintained. Multi-touch input may mean a situation in which two or more touches are input simultaneously and / or two or more touches are input sequentially on a display (e.g., display (230) of FIG. 2).

[0102] The electronic device (200) may divide the screen differently depending on the type and / or number of touch inputs. For example, if there are three touch inputs, the electronic device (200) may divide the screen into three. This is merely an example, and the number of screens divided is not limited to three and may vary depending on the number of touch inputs.

[0103] In Figure 506a of FIG. 5b, the electronic device (200) can divide the virtual divided area into multiple screens and display them based on detecting a second user input (514) on the virtual divided area. For example, the electronic device (200) can divide the virtual divided area into 5:5 on the vertical axis and display them based on the second user input (514) on the virtual divided area being a relatively short touch input rather than a long touch input. The electronic device (200) can divide the virtual divided area into a 2-1 region (520) and a 2-2 region (522) and display them.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may delete the display of a specific area based on a user's swipe input for the 2-1 area (520) and the 2-2 area (522). For example, the electronic device (200) may delete the display of the 2-2 area (522) and display only the 2-1 area (520) based on detecting a user's swipe input outside the right edge area of ​​the 2-2 area (522). The electronic device (200) may delete the display of the 2-2 area (522) and display the 2-1 area (520) by expanding it.

[0105] In the drawing 508a of FIG. 5b, the electronic device (200) can display the first window area (510) by expanding it to the upper part with respect to the center of the display (230) based on the termination of the first user input (512) on the first window area (510). The electronic device (200) can display a list of applications on the 2-1 area (520) and the 2-2 area (522) based on the termination of both the first user input (512) and the second user input (514) on the display (230). The list of applications can be automatically sorted by the frequency with which the user of the electronic device (200) frequently uses them, or can be preset. The electronic device (200) can store the list of applications to be displayed on the virtual partition area of ​​the display (230) based on the user input in a memory (e.g., the memory (220) of FIG. 2).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may display the same type of application list on the 2-1 area (520) and the 2-2 area (522). The electronic device (200) may not display an icon corresponding to a specific application on the 2-2 area (522) based on detection of a touch input for a specific application on the 2-1 area (520). Conversely, the electronic device (200) may not display an icon corresponding to a specific application on the 2-1 area (520) based on detection of a touch input for a specific application on the 2-2 area (522).

[0107] In the drawing 500b of FIG. 5c, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) can detect a first user input (532) within a first window area (530) displayed in an upper layer on a display (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2) under the control of a processor (e.g., the processor (210) of FIG. 2). The first window area (530) can be displayed on a screen where icons corresponding to an application are gathered.

[0108] In Figure 502b of Figure 5c, the electronic device (200) can display a screen with icons corresponding to an application by removing execution elements and leaving only a background screen based on the first user input (530) being a long touch input. The electronic device (200) can provide a visual effect of dimming the background screen. The electronic device (200) can move the first window area (530) based on the position of the first user input (532). The electronic device (200) can move the first window area (512) to the top based on the movement upward while the first user input (532) is applied. In addition, the electronic device (200) can detect a second user input (534) on the background screen. The electronic device (200) can adjust the position and size of the dimmed background screen based on the second user input (534). That is, the electronic device (200) can simultaneously adjust the position of the area corresponding to the background screen based on the second user input (534) while adjusting the position of the first window area (530) based on the first user input (532).

[0109] In Figure 504b of FIG. 5c, the electronic device (200) can detect a third user input (536) for an edge area on an area corresponding to the background screen. Figure 504b describes a situation where a user input is detected for the right edge area, but edge areas may exist on all four sides: top, bottom, left, and right.

[0110] In Figure 506b of FIG. 5d, the electronic device (200) can determine the size of the area corresponding to the background screen based on the third user input (536). When the third user input (536) is applied to the right edge area and moves to the left, the electronic device (200) can move the right part of the area corresponding to the background screen. The electronic device (200) can display in real time another area separate from the area corresponding to the background screen in the remaining space as the area corresponding to the background screen moves to the right. The size and position of the other separated area can vary depending on the position of the third user input (536).

[0111] In Figure 508b of FIG. 5d, the electronic device (200) can determine and display an area (540) corresponding to the background screen and another separate area (542) based on the termination of the third user input (536). Unlike Figure 506a, where the first screen (502) and the second screen (522) are formed in a ratio of 5:5, in Figure 508b, the ratio of the screens formed may vary depending on the location of the third user input (536).

[0112] In Figure 510b of FIG. 5d, the electronic device (200) can display a list of applications on an area (540) corresponding to the background screen and another separate area (542). The list of applications can be automatically sorted by the frequency with which the user of the electronic device (200) frequently uses them, or can be preset.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may display a list of the same type of applications on an area (540) corresponding to the background screen and another separate area (542). The electronic device (200) may not display an icon corresponding to a specific application on the other separate area (542) based on detection of a touch input for a specific application on the area (540) corresponding to the background screen. Conversely, the electronic device (200) may not display an icon corresponding to a specific application on the area (540) corresponding to the background screen based on detection of a touch input for a specific application on the other separate area (542).

[0114] FIG. 5e illustrates an embodiment in which, when an application is selected on one area in a state where the display (230) is divided into three areas, the selected application is not displayed on the other areas.

[0115] In the drawing 550 of FIG. 5e, the electronic device (200) can display a first screen (560), a second screen (562), and a third screen (564) on the display (230) through the process of FIG. 5a or FIG. 5b.

[0116] In Figure 552 of FIG. 5e, the electronic device (200) can display the first screen (560) at the top and expand the left and right based on the center of the display (230) upon detecting that the first user input (570) on the first screen (560) has ended. The electronic device (200) can display a list of applications on the second screen (562) and the third screen (564) upon detecting that the first user input (570) on the first screen (560) has ended. The list of applications can be automatically sorted by the frequency with which the user of the electronic device (200) frequently uses them, or can be preset. The electronic device (200) can detect a second user input (572) for a specific application (B) on the third screen (564).

[0117] In Figure 554 of FIG. 5e, the electronic device (200) can display an execution screen of a specific application (B) on the third screen (564) based on detecting a second user input (572) for the specific application (B) on the third screen (564). The electronic device (200) can delete the display of the specific application (B) on the second screen (562-1) based on detecting a second user input (572) for the specific application (B) on the third screen (564).

[0118] In FIG. 5F, the electronic device (200) can display a screen with icons corresponding to an application by removing execution elements and leaving only a background screen based on the fact that the first user input (510) is a long touch input. The electronic device (200) can output a visual effect of dimming the background screen. The electronic device (200) can move the first window area (510) based on the position of the first user input (512). In a state where the first user input (512) is maintained, the electronic device (200) can move the first window area (512) in a direction corresponding to the movement direction of the first user input (512) based on the movement of the position where the first user input (512) is input (e.g., moving upward) (e.g., the first window area (512) moves upward as the first user input (512) moves upward).

[0119] In FIG. 502f of FIG. 5f, the electronic device (200) can display a split screen on the display (230) when a drag input via multi-touch (516) in a specific direction is detected while a touch input on the first window area (510) is maintained. The electronic device (200) can determine the number of split screens based on the number of multi-touches (516) detected based on the multi-touch (516) input, and control areas (514) corresponding to a plurality of split screens to be displayed on the entire display (230).

[0120] In Fig. 5f, the description assumes a case where the number of multi-touches is three, but this is only an example and the number of multi-touches is not limited to this. For example, when three multi-touch inputs (e.g., drag inputs) are detected, the electronic device (200) may display three multi-split screens and display a first window area (510) (e.g., a semi-transparent split guide panel) on the multi-split screens.

[0121] In FIG. 504f of FIG. 5f, the electronic device (200) may maintain the first window area (510) as a pop-up window even when no multi-touch (516) input is detected after displaying multiple split screens to fill the display (230). The electronic device (200) may display the screen of the first window area (510) on the corresponding split screen based on detecting a user input for moving the first window area (510) on the split screen.

[0122] FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate a process of dividing a screen into four on an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0123] In the drawing 610 of FIG. 6A, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) can detect a first user input (612) within a first window area (610) displayed on an upper layer on a display (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2) under the control of a processor (e.g., the processor (210) of FIG. 2). The first window area (610) can be displayed on a screen where icons corresponding to an application are gathered. Based on the fact that the first user input (610) is a long touch input, the electronic device (200) can display the screen where icons corresponding to the application are gathered by removing execution elements and leaving only a background screen. The electronic device (200) can provide a visual effect of dimming the background screen. The electronic device (200) can move the first window area (610) based on the location of the first user input (612). The electronic device (200) can move the first window area (612) upward based on the upward movement when the first user input (612) is applied.

[0124] The electronic device (200) can display a layout of a virtual partition area (620) separated from the first window area (610) at the bottom based on the center of the display (230) based on the first window area (610) contacting the upper edge area, and can display the first window area (610) at the top. The electronic device (200) can detect a second user input (622) on the virtual partition area (620) while the first user input (612) on the first window area (610) is maintained.

[0125] The electronic device (200) can display the virtual divided area (620) by dividing it into 5:5 sections based on the vertical axis based on the fact that the second user input (622) detected on the virtual divided area (620) is a relatively short touch input rather than a long touch input. The electronic device (200) can display the virtual divided area (620) by dividing it into a 2-1 area (625) and a 2-2 area (630).

[0126] The electronic device (200) may display a layout (640) of a second virtual partition area separated from the first window area (610-1) on the left side of the center of the display (230) based on the first window area (610-1) contacting the right edge area while the first user input (612) on the first window area (610-1) is maintained. The second virtual partition area may refer to an area separated from the 2-1 area (625) and the 2-2 area (630). The size and position of the second virtual partition area may be determined based on the size and position of the first window area (610-1). The electronic device (200) may provide a visual effect by having the layout (640) of the second virtual partition area appear on the left side of the display (230) based on the first window area (610-1) contacting the right edge area. The size of the layout (640) of the second virtual partition area may vary depending on the size of the display (230). The layout (640) of the second virtual partition area may have the same size as the size of the first window area (610-1). The virtual partition area may refer to a virtual area for a window in which an application to be executed has not been determined. The virtual partition area may be displayed as a pop-up window for an application based on a user input, or may be displayed as a split window of an application that is being split and displayed on the display. The electronic device (200) may use the virtual partition area to guide the user to an area where a split is expected.

[0127] In Figure 650, the electronic device (200) can display a list of applications on the second virtual split area, the 2-1 area (625), and the 2-2 area (630) based on the termination of the first user input (612) on the first window area (610-1). The electronic device (200) can display the split screen based on the position and shape of the layout (640) of the second virtual split area. For example, the electronic device (200) can display an execution screen of the specific application (B) to which the touch input has been applied on the 2-2 area (630) based on a touch input for the specific application (B) on the 2-2 area (630). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can delete the display of the specific application (B) on the layout (640) of the second virtual partition area and the 2-1 area (625) based on detecting a user input for the specific application (B) on the 2-2 area (630).

[0128] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a guide for screen division of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0129] The operations described through FIG. 7 can be implemented based on instructions that can be stored in a computer recording medium or memory (e.g., memory (220) of FIG. 2). The illustrated method (700) can be executed by the electronic device described above through FIGS. 1 to 6 (e.g., electronic device (200) of FIG. 2), and the technical features described above will be omitted below. The order of each operation of FIG. 7 can be changed, some operations can be omitted, and some operations can be performed simultaneously.

[0130] In operation 710, the electronic device (200) may, under the control of a processor (e.g., the processor (210) of FIG. 2), display a layout of a virtual partition area separated from a first window area based on detection of a first user input within a first window area displayed on an upper layer of a display. The electronic device (200) may detect a first user input (e.g., the first user input (320) of FIG. 3A) within the first window area displayed on an upper layer (e.g., the first window area (A) of FIG. 3A). The electronic device (200) may display a layout of a virtual partition area separated from the first window area (A) based on determination that the first user input (320) is a long touch input. The first window area (A) to which the user input is applied may be displayed in a darker color than the virtual partition area. The electronic device (200) can provide a visual effect of dimming a virtual partition area.

[0131] In operation 720, the electronic device (200) may provide a guide for a layout in which the first window area and a virtual split area are displayed based on a center on the display (230) based on the first user input, wherein the first window area moves to a specific trigger area. The trigger area may include an edge area at the top of the display (230), an edge area at the bottom, an edge area at the left of the display (230), and an edge area at the right of the display (230).

[0132] In operation 730, the electronic device (200) may generate a split screen based on the displayed layout based on the termination of the first user input.

[0133] In operation 740, the electronic device (200) may display a screen of a running application on a screen corresponding to a first window area and display a list of applications on a screen corresponding to a virtual split area. The electronic device (200) may store a list of applications to be displayed based on a user input in a memory (e.g., the memory (220) of FIG. 2). The list of applications may be automatically sorted based on the frequency with which the user of the electronic device (200) frequently uses the application, or may be preset.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may display a layout of a virtual partition area separated from a first window area based on detection of a first user input within a first window area displayed on an upper layer on a display (230), determine a position of the first window area and a position of the virtual partition area based on the first user input being applied to a specific trigger area in a situation where the first user input is detected, display a list of applications set in advance on the virtual partition area, and determine content of a screen displayed on the virtual partition area based on a second user input within the virtual partition area.

[0135] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a screen splitting method of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0136] The operations described through FIG. 8 may be implemented based on instructions that may be stored in a computer recording medium or memory (e.g., memory (220) of FIG. 2). The illustrated method (800) may be executed by the electronic device described above through FIGS. 1 to 6 (e.g., electronic device (200) of FIG. 2), and the technical features described above will be omitted below. The order of each operation of FIG. 8 may be changed, some operations may be omitted, and some operations may be performed simultaneously.

[0137] In operation 810, the electronic device (200) may, under the control of a processor (e.g., the processor (210) of FIG. 2), display a layout of a virtual partition area separated from a first window area based on detection of a first user input within a first window area displayed on an upper layer. The electronic device (200) may detect a first user input (e.g., the first user input (320) of FIG. 3A) within the first window area displayed on an upper layer (e.g., the first window area (A) of FIG. 3A). The electronic device (200) may display a layout of a virtual partition area separated from the first window area (A) based on determination that the first user input (320) is a long touch input. The first window area (A) to which the user input is applied may be displayed darker than the virtual partition area. The electronic device (200) may provide a visual effect of dimming the virtual partition area.

[0138] In operation 820, the electronic device (200) can determine the location of the first window area and the location of the virtual partition area based on whether the first user input is applied to a specific trigger area in a situation where the first user input is detected.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the trigger area may include an edge area at the top of the display (230). The electronic device (200) may display a screen corresponding to the first window area at the top of the display (230) and display a screen corresponding to the virtual split area at the bottom of the display (230) based on the detection of a first user input at the trigger area located at the top.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the trigger area may include an edge area at the bottom of the display (230). The electronic device (200) may display a screen corresponding to the first window area at the bottom of the display (230) and display a screen corresponding to the virtual split area at the top of the display (230) based on the detection of a first user input at the trigger area located at the bottom.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the trigger area may include an edge area on the left side of the display (230). The electronic device (200) may display a screen corresponding to the first window area on the left side of the display (230) and display a screen corresponding to the virtual split area on the right side of the display (230) based on the detection of a first user input in the trigger area located on the left side.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the trigger area may include an edge area on the right side of the display (230). The electronic device (200) may display a screen corresponding to the first window area on the right side of the display (230) and display a screen corresponding to the virtual split area on the left side of the display (230) based on the detection of a first user input in the trigger area located on the right side.

[0143] For example, the electronic device (200) may display a layout of a virtual divided area separated from the first window area (A) on the left side with respect to the center of the display (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2) based on whether the first window area (A) contacts the right edge area, and may display the first window area (A) on the right side. Alternatively, the electronic device (200) may display a layout of a virtual divided area separated from the first window area on the lower side with respect to the center of the display (230) based on whether the first window area (A) contacts the upper edge area, and may display the first window area (A) on the upper side.

[0144] In operation 830, the electronic device (200) can determine the ratio at which the virtual partition area is divided based on the type and location of the second user input for the layout of the virtual partition area.

[0145] For example, the electronic device (200) may display the virtual divided area by dividing it into 5:5 based on the vertical axis based on the fact that the second user input (514) on the virtual divided area is a relatively short touch input rather than a long touch input. The electronic device (200) may display the virtual divided area by dividing it into a 2-1 area (e.g., the 2-1 area (520) of FIG. 5A) and a 2-2 area (e.g., the 2-2 area (522) of FIG. 5A).

[0146] Alternatively, the electronic device (200) may detect a third user input (e.g., the third user input (536) of FIG. 5B) for an edge area on a virtual partition area. The electronic device (200) may determine the size of an area corresponding to the background screen based on the third user input (536). When the third user input (536) is applied to the right edge area and moves to the left, the electronic device (200) may move the right part of the area corresponding to the background screen. The electronic device (200) may display in real time another area separate from the area corresponding to the background screen in the remaining space as the area corresponding to the background screen moves to the right. The size and position of the other separated area may vary depending on the position of the third user input (536).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may determine to divide the virtual partition area into two screens at a ratio of 5:5 based on the detection that the second user input is a touch input.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may determine to divide the virtual partition area into two screens centered around a position where the long press input ends based on the second user input being detected as a long press input.

[0149] In operation 840, the electronic device (200) may divide the virtual partition area into a plurality of screens and display them according to a determined ratio based on the termination of the second user input.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can determine the size and displayed position of the virtual partition area based on the second user input regarding the layout of the virtual partition area.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may display a screen corresponding to a first window area at an upper portion of the display (230) based on detection of a first user input in a trigger area located at the top, and may display a screen corresponding to the virtual split area at a lower portion of the display (230), and may display a screen corresponding to the first window area at an upper right portion of the display (230) based on detection of a first user input in an edge area on the right side of the display (230), and may display a new split screen having the same size as the screen corresponding to the first window area at an upper left portion of the display (230).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may, under the control of the processor (210), display a layout of a virtual partition area separated from a first window area displayed on an upper layer on a display based on detection of a first user input within the first window area displayed on the upper layer on the display, determine a position of the first window area and a position of the virtual partition area based on the first user input being applied to a specific trigger area in a situation where the first user input is detected, display a list of applications set in advance on the virtual partition area, and determine content of a screen displayed on the virtual partition area based on a second user input within the virtual partition area.

[0153] An operating method of an electronic device may include an operation of displaying a layout of a virtual partition area separated from a first window area displayed on an upper layer on a display based on detection of a first user input within the first window area, the operation of determining a position of the first window area and a position of the virtual partition area based on the first user input being applied to a specific trigger area in a situation where the first user input is detected, an operation of determining a ratio at which the virtual partition area is separated based on a type and a position of a second user input with respect to the layout of the virtual partition area, and an operation of displaying the virtual partition area divided into a plurality of screens according to the determined ratio based on termination of the second user input.

[0154] In an electronic device, the device includes a display, a processor, and a memory, wherein the processor detects a first user input within a first window area that displays a running application displayed in an upper layer on the display, and displays a virtual split area separated from the first window area, and displays the first window area and the virtual split area so that they do not overlap with respect to a center on the display based on the movement of the first window area to a specific trigger area based on the first user input, and generates a split screen based on the displayed layout based on the termination of the first user input, and displays a screen of the running application on a first split area corresponding to the first window area and displays a list of applications on a second split area corresponding to the virtual split area.

[0155] The processor may provide a guide that informs that the size and position of a virtual partition area can be adjusted using a second user input while the first user input is maintained, and may provide a guide that when the first user input on the first window area is maintained and the first partition area is moved to the upper edge area through a drag input, the first partition area is displayed expanded left and right at the top based on the center of the display, and the second partition area corresponding to the virtual partition area is displayed in the remaining lower area.

[0156] The processor may provide a guide so that when the first user input on the first window area is maintained and the user moves to the lower edge area through a drag input, the first partition area is displayed expanded left and right at the bottom based on the center of the display, and the second partition area is displayed in the remaining upper area.

[0157] The processor can provide a guide so that when the first user input on the first window area is maintained and the user moves to the right edge area through a drag input, the first partition area is displayed to the right of the center of the display and expanded left and right, and the second partition area is displayed in the remaining left area.

[0158] The processor can provide a guide so that when the first user input on the first window area is maintained and the user moves to the left edge area through a drag input, the first partition area is displayed to the left of the center of the display and expanded left and right, and the second partition area is displayed on the remaining right area.

[0159] The processor may display a layout of a virtual partition area separated from a first window area based on detection of a first user input within a first window area displayed on an upper layer on a display, determine a location of the first partition area and a location of the second partition area based on the first user input being applied to a specific trigger area in a situation where the first user input is detected, display a list of applications set in advance on the second partition area, and determine content of a screen displayed on the second partition area based on the second user input within the second partition area.

[0160] In an electronic device, a display, a processor, and a memory are included, wherein the processor displays a layout of a virtual partition area separated from a first window area based on detection of a first user input within a first window area displayed on an upper layer on the display, determines a position of the first window area and a position of the virtual partition area based on the first user input being applied to a specific trigger area in a situation where the first user input is detected, determines a ratio at which the virtual partition area is separated based on a type and a position of a second user input with respect to the layout of the virtual partition area, and divides the virtual partition area into a plurality of screens and displays them based on the determined ratio at which the second user input ends.

[0161] The processor may determine to split the virtual partition into two screens in a 5:5 ratio based on the detection that the second user input is a touch input.

[0162] The processor may determine to divide the virtual partition into two screens centered around the location where the long press input ends based on the second user input being detected as a long press input.

[0163] The processor can divide the virtual partition into two screens, display a list of pre-set applications on each of the two split screens, determine which applications to display based on user input, and control not to display the determined applications on the list on the other split screen based on the determination of which applications to display on one split screen.

[0164] The trigger area includes an edge area at the top of the display, and the processor can display a screen corresponding to the first window area at the top of the display and a screen corresponding to the virtual split area at the bottom of the display based on a first user input being detected at the trigger area located at the top.

[0165] The trigger area includes an edge area at the bottom of the display, and the processor can display a screen corresponding to the first window area at the bottom of the display and a screen corresponding to the virtual split area at the top of the display based on the detection of a first user input in the trigger area located at the bottom.

[0166] The trigger area includes an edge area on the left side of the display, and the processor can display a split screen corresponding to the first window area on the left side of the display and a split screen corresponding to the virtual split area on the right side of the display based on a first user input being detected in the trigger area located on the left side.

[0167] The trigger area includes an edge area on the right side of the display, and the processor can display a split screen corresponding to the first window area on the right side of the display and a screen corresponding to the virtual split area on the left side of the display based on a first user input being detected in the trigger area located on the right side.

[0168] The processor determines the size and display position of the split screen corresponding to the virtual partition area based on second user input regarding the layout of the virtual partition area.

[0169] The processor can determine the height of the split screen corresponding to the virtual split area based on a second user input for an upper edge area on the virtual split area, and can determine the split ratio of the virtual split area based on the second user input for the left and right edge areas on the virtual split area.

[0170] The trigger area includes an edge area at the top of the display, and the processor can display a split screen corresponding to the first window area at the top of the display based on detection of a first user input in the trigger area located at the top, and display a split screen corresponding to the virtual split area at the bottom of the display, and can display a first split screen corresponding to the first window area at the top right of the display based on detection of the first user input in the edge area at the right of the display, and can display a new split screen having the same size as the first split screen at the top left of the display.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (200), Display (230); at least one processor (210); and Contains a memory (220) for storing instructions, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to Based on detection of a first user input within a first window area (A) displaying a running application displayed on an upper layer on the display, a virtual split area (323) separated from the first window area is displayed, Based on the first user input, the first window area is moved to a specific trigger area, and the first window area and the virtual split area are displayed so that they do not overlap with respect to the center of the display. Generate a split screen based on the displayed layout based on the termination of the first user input above, The screen of the running application is displayed on the first partition area corresponding to the first window area. An electronic device that controls displaying a list of applications on a second partition area corresponding to the above virtual partition area.

2. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to Provides a guide that informs that the size and position of the virtual partition area can be adjusted using the second user input while the first user input is maintained. An electronic device that controls a guide to provide a display in which, when the first user input on the first window area is maintained and moved to the upper edge area through a drag input, the first partition area is displayed expanded left and right based on the center of the display, and the second partition area corresponding to the virtual partition area is displayed in the remaining lower area.

3. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to An electronic device that controls a guide to provide that when the first user input on the first window area is maintained and moved to the lower edge area through a drag input, the first partition area is displayed expanded left and right at the bottom based on the center of the display, and the second partition area is displayed in the remaining upper area.

4. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to An electronic device that controls a guide so that when the first user input on the first window area is maintained and moved to the right edge area through a drag input, the first partition area is displayed to expand left and right on the right side based on the center of the display, and the second partition area is displayed on the remaining left area.

5. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to An electronic device that controls a guide so that when the first user input on the first window area is maintained and moved to the left edge area through a drag input, the first partition area is displayed expanded left and right on the left side based on the center of the display, and the second partition area is displayed on the remaining right area.

6. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to Displaying a layout of a virtual split area separated from the first window area based on detection of a first user input within the first window area displayed on the upper layer of the display; In a situation where the first user input is detected, the location of the first partition area and the location of the second partition area are determined based on the first user input being applied to a specific trigger area, An electronic device that displays a list of applications set in advance on the second partition area and controls the content of a screen displayed on the second partition area to be determined based on a second user input within the second partition area.

7. In electronic devices, display; at least one processor; and Contains memory that stores instructions, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to Displaying a layout of a virtual split area separated from the first window area based on detection of a first user input within the first window area displayed on the upper layer of the display; In a situation where the first user input is detected, the location of the first window area and the location of the virtual partition area are determined based on the first user input being applied to a specific trigger area, Determine the ratio at which the virtual partition is divided based on the type and location of the second user input for the layout of the virtual partition, An electronic device that controls the virtual partition area to be displayed as a plurality of screens according to a determined ratio based on the termination of a second user input.

8. In paragraph 7, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to An electronic device that controls to determine to divide the virtual partition area into two screens with a ratio of 5:5 based on the detection that the second user input is a touch input.

9. In paragraph 7, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to An electronic device that determines to divide the virtual partition area into two screens centered on the position where the long press input ends based on detecting that the second user input is a long press input.

10. In clauses 8 and 9, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to Divide the above virtual partition area into two screens, Displays a list of pre-set applications on each of the two split screens, Determines which application to display based on user input; An electronic device that controls not to display the determined applications in a list on another split screen based on the application to be displayed on one split screen.

11. In paragraph 7, The above trigger area includes the edge area at the top of the display, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to Based on the detection of the first user input in the trigger area located at the top, a screen corresponding to the first window area is displayed at the top of the display, An electronic device that controls the display of a screen corresponding to the virtual partition area at the bottom of the display.

12. In paragraph 7, The above trigger area includes the edge area at the bottom of the display, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to Based on the detection of the first user input in the trigger area located at the bottom, a screen corresponding to the first window area is displayed at the bottom of the display, An electronic device that controls the display of a screen corresponding to the virtual partition area on the upper part of the display.

13. In paragraph 7, The above trigger area includes the edge area on the left side of the display, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to Based on the detection of the first user input in the trigger area located on the left, a split screen corresponding to the first window area is displayed on the left side of the display, An electronic device that controls the display of a split screen corresponding to the virtual split area on the right side of the display.

14. In paragraph 7, The above trigger area includes the edge area on the right side of the display, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to Based on the detection of the first user input in the trigger area located on the right, a split screen corresponding to the first window area is displayed on the right side of the display, An electronic device that controls the display of a screen corresponding to the virtual partition area on the left side of the display.

15. In paragraph 7, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to Based on the second user input regarding the layout of the above virtual partition area; An electronic device that controls the size and display position of a split screen corresponding to the above virtual split area.

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