Foldable electronic device and method for operating same

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a foldable housing including a first housing part and a second housing part; an external display accommodated in the foldable housing in a first direction so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device is unfolded and folded; a flexible display accommodated in the foldable housing in a second direction so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device is unfolded; a touch sensor disposed inside or outside the external display; a display driver (DDIC) for driving the external display and the flexible display; a touch sensor driver (touch IC) for driving the touch sensor; a processor for controlling operations of the display driver (DDIC) and the touch sensor driver (Touch IC); and a memory including instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device may acquire touch data from the touch sensor driver (touch IC), may determine whether the electronic device is located in a pocket on the basis of the touch data, may perform a touch error prevention operation when it is determined that the electronic device is located in the pocket, and may suspend touch determination on the basis of the touch data for a preset time.

Description

Foldable electronic device and method of operation thereof

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a foldable electronic device and a method of operating the same.

[0002] An electronic device may refer to a device that performs a specified function according to a built-in program, such as, for example, a home appliance, an electronic notebook, a portable multimedia player, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet PC, an audio / video device, a desktop / laptop computer, or an in-vehicle navigation system. Electronic devices are being developed to become slimmer, have increased rigidity, have enhanced design aspects, and at the same time, have differentiated functional elements. Electronic devices are gradually evolving into diverse shapes, moving away from a uniform rectangular shape. Electronic devices may have a deformable structure that is convenient to carry and can utilize a large-screen display. Electronic devices may include a rollable display (or flexible display) whose display area is variable (e.g., expanded or contracted) in response to a structural change of at least one housing. Electronic devices may have a structure (e.g., a rollable structure or a slideable structure) that can variable (e.g., expanded or contracted) the display area of ​​a flexible display by supporting housings that slide relative to each other.

[0003] When a foldable electronic device is folded, it can display a screen using an external display and perform operations based on a user's touch input. The external display that operates when the foldable electronic device is folded may have a smaller screen size and a smaller overall touch sensor area compared to a bar-type display. When the foldable electronic device is folded and placed in a user's pocket (inside a pocket), mistouch may occur if the user's body (e.g., thigh or buttocks) comes into close contact with the external display. Furthermore, when the foldable electronic device is folded and placed in a bag, mistouch may occur if a conductive object inside the bag comes into close contact with the external display.

[0004] The above-described material is provided solely as background information to aid in understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no claims are made, as to whether any of the above material constitutes prior art in connection with the present disclosure.

[0005] Mistouches can occur when the external display of a foldable electronic device comes into close contact with the user's body (e.g., thighs, buttocks), or a conductive object in a bag. Foldable electronic devices can take steps to prevent unintentional mistouches. The external display's screen size and overall touch sensor area are small, making it difficult to clearly determine whether a user's finger touch is intended or unintentional.

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a foldable electronic device and an operating method thereof, which can determine whether the foldable electronic device is located in a pocket or a bag by using a sensor module (e.g., a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an acceleration sensor, a motion sensor, a 6-axis sensor) disposed in the foldable electronic device, and can block the operation of a display and the performance of a touch sensing operation. One embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a foldable electronic device and an operating method thereof, which can distinguish whether the foldable electronic device is located in a user's hand or in a pocket (or a bag) by utilizing characteristics of touch data acquired from a touch sensor. One embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a foldable electronic device and an operating method thereof, which can block an unintended mistouch (e.g., a touch error) by controlling (e.g., limiting) a touch re-input and a touch processing operation when the foldable electronic device is located in a pocket (or a bag).

[0007] The technical challenges addressed in this document are not limited to the technical challenges mentioned above, and may be expanded upon without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additional technical challenges not mentioned herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, as described below.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a foldable housing including a first housing part and a second housing part, an external display accommodated in the foldable housing in a first direction so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device is unfolded and folded, a flexible display accommodated in the foldable housing in a second direction so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device is unfolded, a touch sensor disposed inside or outside the external display, a display driver (DDIC) for driving the external display and the flexible display, a touch sensor driver (touch IC) for driving the touch sensor, and a processor for controlling operations of the display driver (DDIC) and the touch sensor driver (touch IC), and a memory including instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device may obtain touch data from the touch sensor driver (touch IC). When the instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device may determine whether the electronic device is placed in a pocket based on the touch data. When the above instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device may perform a touch error prevention operation if it is determined that the electronic device is located in a pocket, but may suspend a touch judgment based on touch data for a preset period of time.

[0009] In an operating method of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device may include an external display accommodated in the foldable housing in a first direction so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device is unfolded and folded, a flexible display accommodated in the foldable housing in a second direction so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device is unfolded, a touch sensor disposed inside or outside the external display, a display driver for driving the external display and the flexible display, a touch sensor driver for driving the touch sensor, and a processor for controlling operations of the display driver and the touch sensor driver. In the operating method, when the processor is executed, touch data from the touch sensor driver (touch IC) may be acquired. In the operating method, based on the touch data, it may be determined whether the electronic device is placed in a pocket. In the operating method, if it is determined that the electronic device is placed in a pocket, a touch error prevention operation may be performed, but touch determination based on the touch data may be delayed for a preset period of time.

[0010] An electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can determine whether the foldable electronic device is located in a pocket or a bag by using a sensor module (e.g., a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an acceleration sensor, a motion sensor, a 6-axis sensor) disposed in the foldable electronic device, and can block the operation of a display and the performance of a touch sensing operation. By utilizing the characteristics of touch data acquired from the touch sensor, it can be distinguished whether the foldable electronic device is located in a user's hand or in a pocket (or a bag). When the foldable electronic device is located in a pocket (or a bag), touch re-input can be controlled and touch processing operations can be controlled (e.g., limited) to prevent unintended mistouches (e.g., touch errors) by the user.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after an electronic device is taken out of a pocket (inside a pocket), the electronic device may restrict (suspend touch processing) of a double tap (e.g., continuous touch) and / or a touch swipe for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms), thereby preventing an accidental touch after the electronic device is taken out of a pocket (inside a pocket).

[0012] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0013] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

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

[0015] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and rear views of a first state (e.g., unfolded stage) of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 2C and 2D are front and rear views of a second state (e.g., folded state) of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a first state (e.g., a flat state or unfolding state) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 3b is a plan view illustrating the front of an electronic device in a first state (e.g., an unfolded state) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3c is a plan view illustrating the rear surface of an electronic device in a first state (e.g., an unfolded state) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a second state (e.g., a folding state) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3e is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a third state (e.g., an intermediate state) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the front and back of an electronic device in a first state (e.g., a slide-out state) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 4C and 4D are diagrams illustrating the front and back of an electronic device in a second state (e.g., a slide-in state) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the front and back of an electronic device in a first state (e.g., a slide-out state) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 5C and 5D are diagrams illustrating the front and back of an electronic device in a second state (e.g., a slide-in state) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 6A is a drawing showing an unfolded state of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 6b is a drawing showing a folded state of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a first side (e.g., front) of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 7b is a perspective view of a second side (e.g., a rear side) of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) positioned in a user's pocket.

[0032] Figure 10 is a drawing showing an operation of processing touch coordinates in an electronic device.

[0033] Figures 11 to 12c are drawings showing the characteristics of touch data resulting from finger touch.

[0034] FIGS. 13 to 14c are diagrams showing characteristics of touch data resulting from an overtouch of a user's body (e.g., thigh or buttocks) when an electronic device (e.g., foldable electronic device) is positioned in the user's pocket (inside the pocket).

[0035] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing how to obtain and utilize peak strength (e.g., maximum strength), touch area, major value, and minor value based on touch data.

[0036] Figures 16a and 16b are drawings showing examples of touch data according to the touch of the thumb.

[0037] Figures 17a and 17b are diagrams showing examples of touch data according to a touch of two fingers.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figures 19a to 19f are drawings showing how to determine touch characteristics according to the amount of change in a touch area during multiple frames.

[0040] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIGS. 21A to 21F are diagrams showing characteristics of touch data resulting from an overtouch of a user's body (e.g., thigh or buttocks) when an electronic device (e.g., foldable electronic device) is positioned in the user's pocket (inside the pocket).

[0042] Figures 22a to 22d are diagrams showing the characteristics of touch data according to palm touch.

[0043] FIG. 23 is a drawing showing an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a sensor hub is integrated and operates within a processor.

[0045] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a processor and a sensor hub operate separately.

[0046] FIGS. 26A and 26B are diagrams showing examples of characteristics of large-area touch and small-area touch re-input due to a touch of a user's body (e.g., thigh or buttocks) when an electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) is placed in a user's pocket (inside a pocket).

[0047] FIGS. 27A and 27B are diagrams showing characteristics of a large-area touch due to an overtouch of a user's body (e.g., a thigh or buttocks) when an electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) is positioned in a user's pocket (inside a pocket), and an example of a swipe touch re-input occurring.

[0048] FIG. 28 is a drawing showing an operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 29 is a drawing showing an example of an electronic device (e.g., a foldable notebook PC, a foldable tablet PC) that can be used by folding or unfolding the display.

[0050] It should be noted that throughout the drawings, the same reference numbers are used to describe identical or similar elements, features and structures.

[0051] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While it includes numerous specific details to aid understanding, these are to be considered merely illustrative. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0052] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literary meanings and are merely used by the applicant to facilitate a clear and consistent understanding of this document. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of this document is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit this document as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0053] Singular forms should be understood to include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "component surfaces" may include reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) 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)).

[0056] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting 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 a secondary 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 therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0057] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part 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, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] A 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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) may 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.

[0073] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). According to 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). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as 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 selected at least one antenna. According to 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).

[0074] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent 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.

[0075] 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)).

[0076] 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.

[0077] Electronic devices according to embodiments disclosed herein 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 embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0078] The embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiment. 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 item, 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 the 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 component (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.

[0079] The term "module" used in one embodiment of the present disclosure 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, for example. 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).

[0080] An embodiment of the present disclosure 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.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment disclosed in the present document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0082] According to one embodiment, 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 one embodiment, 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 one embodiment, 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.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a flexible display configured to be foldable or unfoldable.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a flexible display that is arranged to be slidable in a first direction (e.g., slidable in the x-axis direction) or slidable in a second direction (e.g., slidable in the y-axis direction) to provide a screen (e.g., a display screen).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may be referred to as a stretchable display, an expandable display, or a slide-in / out display.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a bar type or plate type display.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include a movement distance detection sensor for detecting a movement distance of the second housing from the first housing of the electronic device.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can detect a first state, which is a retracted state, a second state, which is a retracted state, or a third state, which is an intermediate state, between the retracted state (e.g., the first state) and the retracted state (e.g., the second state) as the second housing (220) is moved from the first housing (210). In some embodiments, the processor (120) can detect a movement distance in real time while the second housing (220) is moved from the first housing (210) through the sensor module (176). The processor (120) can control the operation of a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) corresponding to a variable display area through a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (230) of FIG. 2A).

[0089] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and rear views of a first state (e.g., unfolded state) of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 2C and 2D are front and rear views of a second state (e.g., folded state) of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] The electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A to 2D may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2D , an electronic device (200) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 ) may include a pair of housings (210, 220) (e.g., a foldable housing structure) that are rotatably coupled about a folding axis (F) through at least one hinge device (e.g., a hinge module or a hinge structure) so as to be foldable with respect to each other, a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) disposed through the pair of housings (210, 220), and / or a second display (235) (e.g., a sub-display) disposed through the second housing (220).

[0092] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of at least one hinge device may be arranged so as not to be visible from the outside through the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), and may be arranged so as not to be visible from the outside through the hinge housing (290) (e.g., hinge cover) that covers the foldable portion in a first state (e.g., unfolded state). In this document, the surface on which the first display (230) is arranged may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device (200). In this document, the surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as the back surface of the electronic device (200). In addition, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the back surface may be defined as the side surface of the electronic device (200).

[0093] According to one embodiment, a pair of housings (210, 220) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are foldably arranged relative to each other via at least one hinge device.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the pair of housings (210, 220) are not limited to the shapes and combinations shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d, and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are arranged on both sides of the folding axis (F), have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (F), and can be folded to match each other.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be folded asymmetrically with respect to the folding axis (F).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be different depending on whether the electronic device (200) is in a first state (e.g., unfolded stage), a second state (e.g., folded state), or a third state (e.g., intermediate state). For example, the electronic device (200) may sense whether it is in the first state (e.g., unfolded stage), the second state (e.g., folded state), or the third state (e.g., intermediate state) using a sensor module (e.g., sensor module (176) of FIG. 1). The electronic device (200) may sense the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) using a sensor module (e.g., sensor module (176) of FIG. 1).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may be connected to at least one hinge device in a first state (e.g., an unfolded state) of the electronic device (200). The first housing (210) may include a first side member (213) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200), a second side member (212) facing in an opposite direction of the first side member (211), and / or a first side member (213) surrounding at least a portion of a first space (5101) between the first side member (211) and the second side member (212).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may be connected to at least one hinge device in a first state (e.g., an unfolded state) of the electronic device (200). The second housing (220) may include a third face (221) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200), a fourth face (222) facing in an opposite direction of the third face (221), and / or a second side member (223) surrounding at least a portion of a second space (5201) between the third face (221) and the fourth face (222).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the first side (211) may be at least partially oriented in substantially the same direction as the third side (221) in a first state (e.g., an unfolded state) and may face the third side (221) in a second state (e.g., a folded state).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a recess (201) formed to accommodate a first display (230) through a structural combination of a first housing (210) and a second housing (220).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the recess (201) may have substantially the same size as the first display (230).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may be coupled to a first side member (213) when the first display (230) is viewed from above. The first housing (210) may include a first protective frame (213a) (e.g., a first decorative member) that overlaps an edge of the first display (230) to cover the edge of the first display (230) so that it is not visible from the outside.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the first protective frame (213a) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may be coupled to the second side member (223) when the first display (230) is viewed from above. The second housing (220) may include a second protective frame (223a) that overlaps the edge of the first display (230) to cover the edge of the first display (230) so that it is not visible from the outside.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the second protective frame (223a) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223). According to one embodiment, the first protective frame (213a) and the second protective frame (223a) may be omitted.

[0107] According to one embodiment, a hinge housing (290) (e.g., a hinge cover) may be positioned between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The hinge housing (290) may be positioned to cover at least a portion of one hinge device (e.g., at least one hinge module).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (290) may be covered by a portion of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) or exposed to the outside, depending on the first state (e.g., unfolded state), the second state (e.g., folded state), or the third state (e.g., intermediate state) of the electronic device (200). For example, when the electronic device (200) is in the first state (e.g., unfolded state), at least a portion of the hinge housing (290) may be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may be arranged so as to be substantially invisible from the outside.

[0109] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in the second state (folded state), at least a portion of the hinge housing (290) may be positioned between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) so as to be visible from the outside.

[0110] According to one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in a third state (intermediate state) where they are folded at a certain angle, the hinge housing (290) may be positioned between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) so as to be at least partially visible from the outside of the electronic device (200). For example, the area where the hinge housing (290) is exposed to the outside may be less than that in the completely folded state. According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (290) may include a curved surface.

[0111] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a first state (e.g., an unfolded state), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) form an angle of about 180 degrees, and the first region (230a), the second region (230b), and the folding region (230c) of the first display (230) may form substantially the same plane. The first region (230a), the second region (230b), and the folding region (230c) of the first display (230) may be arranged to face substantially the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). As an example, when the electronic device (200) is in a first state (e.g., unfolded state), the first housing (210) may be rotated about 360 degrees with respect to the second housing (220) so that the second side (212) and the fourth side (222) face each other and may be folded in the opposite direction (e.g., out folding).

[0112] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in the second state (folded state), the first side (211) of the first housing (210) and the third side (221) of the second housing (220) may be arranged to face each other. In this case, the first area (230a) and the second area (230b) of the first display (230) may be arranged to face each other while forming a narrow angle (e.g., in the range of 0 degrees to about 10 degrees) with each other through the folding area (230c). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the folding area (230c) may be deformed into a curved shape having a predetermined curvature.

[0113] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in the third state (intermediate state), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. In this case, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) of the first display (230) may form an angle that is larger than the second state (e.g., folded state) and smaller than the first state (e.g., unfolded state), and the curvature of the folding region (230c) may be smaller than the second state (folded state) and larger than the first state (e.g., unfolded state). According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may form an angle that can stop at a specified folding angle between the second state (e.g., folded state) and the third state (e.g., intermediate state) through at least one hinge device (e.g., free stop function). According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be continuously operated while being pressed in an unfolding or folding direction based on a specified inflection angle through at least one hinge device.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of a display (230, 235), an input device (215), audio output devices (227, 228), sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226), camera modules (216a, 216b, 225), a key input device (219), an indicator (not shown), or a connector port (229) disposed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include at least one other component.

[0115] According to one embodiment, at least one display (230, 235) may include a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display) that is arranged to be supported by a third side (221) of a second housing (220) via at least one hinge device from a first side (211) of a first housing (210), and a second display (235) that is arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside through a fourth side (222) in an interior space of the second housing (220).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the second display (235) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside through the second surface (212) in the interior space of the first housing (210).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may be primarily used in a first state (e.g., unfolded state) of the electronic device (200). The second display (235) may also be used in the first state (e.g., unfolded state) of the electronic device (200).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the second display (235) may be primarily used in a second state (e.g., folded state) of the electronic device (200). The first display (230) may also be used in the second state (e.g., folded state) of the electronic device (200).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can control the first display (230) and / or the second display (235) to be usable based on the folding angles of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) in the third state (e.g., intermediate state).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may be disposed in a receiving space formed by a pair of housings (210, 220). For example, the first display (200) may be disposed in a recess (201) formed by the pair of housings (210, 220), and may be disposed to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device (200) in a first state (e.g., unfolded state). According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a flexible display in which at least a portion of the first display (230) may be transformed into a flat or curved surface.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a first area (230a) facing the first housing (210) and a second area (230b) facing the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a folding area (230c) including a portion of the first area (230a) and a portion of the second area (230b) with respect to the folding axis (F).

[0122] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the folding area (230c) may include an area corresponding to at least one hinge device.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the area division of the first display (230) is merely an exemplary physical division by a pair of housings (210, 220) and at least one hinge device, and substantially, the first display (230) can be displayed as a seamless, full screen through the pair of housings (210, 220) and at least one hinge device.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding region (230c) or may have a partially asymmetrical shape.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (240) disposed on a second side (212) of a first housing (210) and a second rear cover (250) disposed on a fourth side (222) of a second housing (220). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223).

[0126] In one embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may be formed of a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) or an opaque plate. In one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) may be formed of an opaque plate, such as, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the second rear cover (250) may be formed of a substantially transparent plate, such as glass or polymer. Accordingly, the second display (235) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside through the second rear cover (250) in the internal space of the second housing (220).

[0128] In one embodiment, the input device (215) may include a microphone. In one embodiment, the input device (215) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound.

[0129] In one embodiment, the audio output devices (227, 228) may include speakers. In one embodiment, the audio output devices (227, 228) may include a call receiver (227) disposed through the fourth side (222) of the second housing (220) and an external speaker (228) disposed through at least a portion of the second side member (223) of the second housing (220).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the input device (215), the audio output devices (227, 228), and the connector port (229) may be arranged in spaces of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). The input device (215), the audio output devices (227, 228), and the connector port (229) may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) may be used in common for the input device (215) and the audio output devices (227, 228). According to one embodiment, the audio output devices (227, 228) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include a first camera module (216a) disposed on a first side (211) of the first housing (210), a second camera module (216b) disposed on a second side (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third camera module (225) disposed on a fourth side (222) of the second housing (220).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flash (218) positioned near the second camera module (216b). According to one embodiment, the flash (218) may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and / or image signal processors. According to one embodiment, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) includes two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors, and may be arranged together on one side of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or an external environmental state.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) may include a first sensor module (217a) disposed on a first surface (211) of the first housing (210), a second sensor module (217b) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third sensor module (226) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) (e.g., sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris recognition sensor), a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor), a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., a 6-axis sensor, a geomagnetic sensor), an acceleration sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or a fingerprint recognition sensor.

[0137] According to one embodiment, a processor of an electronic device (200) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) may operate sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) (e.g., sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) to sense the illumination and / or IR intensity of the surroundings of the electronic device (200). The processor (120) may obtain information about the illumination and IR intensity of the surroundings of the electronic device (200).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris recognition sensor), a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor), a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., a 6-axis sensor, a geomagnetic sensor), an acceleration sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or a fingerprint recognition sensor, which are not shown.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the fingerprint recognition sensor may be disposed through at least one of the first side member (213) of the first housing (210) and / or the second side member (223) of the second housing (220).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the key input device (219) may be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the first side member (213) of the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, the key input device (219) may also be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the key input devices (219), and the key input devices (219) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on at least one display (230, 235). As one embodiment, the key input device (219) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one display (230, 235).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the connector port (229) may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device. According to one embodiment, the connector port (229) may also perform a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) for performing a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals.

[0142] According to one embodiment, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225), at least one of the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226), and / or an indicator may be arranged to be visually exposed through at least one display (230, 235). For example, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 225), at least one of the sensor modules (217a, 226), and / or the indicator may be arranged in an internal space of at least one housing (210, 220), below an active area (display area) of at least one display (230, 235). At least one camera module (216a, 225), at least one sensor module (217a, 226) and / or an indicator may be positioned so as to be in contact with the external environment through a perforated opening or transparent area through a cover member (e.g., a window layer (not shown) of the first display (230) and / or a second rear cover (250)).

[0143] According to one embodiment, an area where at least one display (230, 235) and at least one camera module (216a, 225) face each other may be formed as a transparent area having a certain transmittance as part of an area displaying content.

[0144] In one embodiment, the transparent region may be formed to have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. The transparent region may include an area overlapping an effective area (e.g., a field of view area) of at least one camera module (216a, 225) through which light passes to be imaged by the image sensor to create an image. For example, the transparent region of the display (230, 235) may include an area with a lower pixel density than the surrounding area. For example, the transparent region may replace an opening. For example, at least one camera module (216a, 225) may include an under-display camera (UDC) or an under-panel camera (UPC). In one embodiment, some camera modules or sensor modules (217a, 226) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the display. For example, the area facing the camera module (216a, 225) and / or sensor module (217a, 226) positioned under the display (230, 235) (e.g., display panel) may have an under display camera (UDC) structure, so that a perforated opening may not be necessary.

[0145] The electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A may include a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (850) of FIG. 8) including a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) and a touch sensor IC (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8).

[0146] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an electronic device in a first state (e.g., a flat state or unfolding state) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a plan view illustrating a front side of the electronic device in a first state (e.g., a flat state) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3C is a plan view illustrating a rear side of the electronic device in a first state (e.g., a unfolding state) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3D is a perspective view of an electronic device in a second state (e.g., a folding state) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3E is a perspective view of an electronic device in a third state (e.g., an intermediate state) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0147] The electronic device (300) of FIGS. 3A to 3E may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3E, an electronic device (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pair of housings (310, 320) (e.g., foldable housings) that are rotatably coupled to face each other and foldable based on a hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure (340), hinge device, or hinge module of FIG. 3B).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (340) may be arranged in the x-axis direction or in the y-axis direction. According to one embodiment, two or more hinge structures (340) may be arranged so as to be folded in the same direction or in different directions.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a flexible display (330) (e.g., a foldable display) disposed in an area formed by a pair of housings (310, 320).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) are arranged on both sides with respect to the folding axis (axis A) as the center, and may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (axis A).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (300) is a first state (e.g., a flat state or unfolding state), a second state (e.g., a folding state), or a third state (e.g., an intermediate state).

[0153] According to one embodiment, a pair of housings (310, 320) may include a first housing (310) (e.g., first housing structure, first housing portion) coupled with a hinge structure (340) and a second housing (320) (e.g., second housing structure, second housing portion) coupled with the hinge structure (340).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the first housing (310) may include, in a first state (e.g., an unfolded state), a first surface (311) facing a first direction (e.g., a front direction) (z-axis direction) and a second surface (312) facing a second direction (e.g., a rear direction) (-z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface (311).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the second housing (320) may include, in a first state (e.g., an unfolded state), a third face (321) facing a first direction (z-axis direction) and a fourth face (322) facing a second direction (-z-axis direction).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may be operated in such a manner that in a first state (e.g., a sleeping state), a first surface (311) of a first housing (310) and a third surface (321) of a second housing (320) are oriented in substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction), and in a second state (e.g., a folded state), the first surface (311) and the third surface (321) face each other.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may be operated such that in a first state (e.g., an unfolded state), the second face (312) of the first housing (310) and the fourth face (322) of the second housing (320) face substantially in the same second direction (-z-axis direction), and in a second state (e.g., a folded state), the second face (312) and the fourth face (322) face in opposite directions. For example, in the second state (e.g., a folded state), the second face (312) may face in the first direction (z-axis direction), and the fourth face (322) may face in the second direction (-z-axis direction).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the first housing (310) may include a first side member (313) that at least partially forms an exterior of the electronic device (300) and a first rear cover (314) that is coupled to the first side member (313) and forms at least a portion of a second side (312) of the electronic device (300).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the first side member (313) may include a first side member (313a), a second side member (313b) extending from one end of the first side member (313a), and a third side member (313c) extending from the other end of the first side member (313a). According to one embodiment, the first side member (313) may be formed into a rectangular (e.g., square or rectangular) shape through the first side member (313a), the second side member (313b), and the third side member (313c).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the second housing (320) may include a second side member (323) that at least partially forms an exterior of the electronic device (300) and a second rear cover (324) that is coupled to the second side member (323) and forms at least a portion of a fourth side (322) of the electronic device (300). According to one embodiment, the second side member (323) may include a fourth side member (323a), a fifth side member (323b) that extends from one end of the fourth side member (323a), and a sixth side member (323c) that extends from the other end of the fourth side member (323a). According to one embodiment, the second side member (323) may be formed into a rectangular shape through the fourth side member (323a), the fifth side member (323b), and the sixth side member (323c).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the pair of housings (310, 320) are not limited to the illustrated shapes and combinations, and may be implemented by combinations and / or combinations of other shapes or parts. For example, the first side member (313) may be formed integrally with the first rear cover (314), and the second side member (323) may be formed integrally with the second rear cover (324).

[0162] According to one embodiment, in the electronic device (300), in a first state (e.g., unfolded state), the second side (313b) of the first side member (313) and the fifth side (323b) of the second side member (323) can be connected without any gap. According to one embodiment, in the electronic device (300), in a first state (e.g., unfolded state), the third side (313c) of the first side member (313) and the sixth side (323c) of the second side member (323) can be connected without any gap.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may be configured such that, in a first state (e.g., an unfolded state), the combined length of the second side (313b) and the fifth side (323b) is longer than the length of the first side (313a) and / or the fourth side (323a). Additionally, the combined length of the third side (313c) and the sixth side (323c) may be configured such that the combined length of the first side (313a) and / or the fourth side (323a) is longer than the length of the first side (313a) and / or the fourth side (323a).

[0164] In one embodiment, the first side member (313) and / or the second side member (323) may further include a polymer formed of metal or injected into metal. In one embodiment, the first side member (313) and / or the second side member (323) may also include at least one conductive portion (316 and / or 326) electrically segmented through at least one segment (3161, 3162, and / or 3261, 3262) formed of polymer. In this case, the at least one conductive portion may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device (300) so as to be used as an antenna operating in at least one designated band (e.g., about 400 MHz to about 6 GHz).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (314) and / or the second rear cover (324) may be formed by, for example, at least one or a combination of two of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, or metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (330) may be arranged to extend from a first side (311) of the first housing (310) across the hinge structure (340) to at least a portion of a third side (321) of the second housing (320). For example, the flexible display (330) may include a first portion (330a) substantially corresponding to the first side (311), a second portion (330b) substantially corresponding to the third side (321), and a third portion (330c) (e.g., a bendable region) connecting the first portion (330a) and the second portion (330b) and corresponding to the hinge structure (340).

[0167] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a first protective cover (315) (e.g., a first protective frame or a first decorative member) coupled along an edge of the first housing (310). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a second protective cover (325) (e.g., a second protective frame or a second decorative member) coupled along an edge of the second housing (320).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the first protective cover (315) and / or the second protective cover (325) may be formed of a metal or polymer material. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover (315) and / or the second protective cover (325) may be used as a decoration member.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (330) may be positioned such that an edge of the first portion (330a) is interposed between the first housing (310) and the first protective cover (315). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (330) may be positioned such that an edge of the second portion (330b) is interposed between the second housing (320) and the second protective cover (325).

[0170] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (330) may include a protective cap (335) disposed in an area corresponding to the hinge structure (340).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a hinge housing (341) (e.g., a hinge cover) that supports a hinge structure (340).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (330) may be arranged to extend from at least a portion of the second side (312) to at least a portion of the fourth side (322). In this case, the electronic device (300) may be folded so that the flexible display (330) may be exposed to the outside (out-folding method).

[0173] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a sub-display (331) (e.g., an external display) that is arranged separately from the flexible display (330). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (331) (e.g., an external display) is arranged to be at least partially exposed to the second side (312) of the first housing (310), so that when in a second state (e.g., a folded state), it may replace the display function of the flexible display (330) to display state information (e.g., first state information, second state information, or third state information) of the electronic device (300).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the sub-display (331) (e.g., external display) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (314). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (331) (e.g., external display) may also be arranged on the fourth side (322) of the second housing (320). In this case, the sub-display (331) (e.g., external display) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the second rear cover (324).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include at least one of an input device (303) (e.g., a microphone), an audio output device (301, 302), a sensor module (304), a camera device (305, 308), a key input device (306), or a connector port (307). The electronic device (300) may also include a substantial electronic component (e.g., an input device, an audio output device, a sensor module, or a camera device) that is disposed inside the electronic device and operates through a hole or shape.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the input device (303) may include at least one microphone (303) disposed in the second housing (320).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the audio output device (301, 302) may include speakers (301, 302).

[0178] According to one embodiment, at least one connector port (307) may be used to transmit and receive power and / or data to and from an external electronic device. According to one embodiment, at least one connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) may also accommodate a connector (e.g., an ear jack) for transmitting and receiving audio signals to and from an external electronic device.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (304) can generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (300) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (304) can detect an external environment, for example, through a first surface (311) of the first housing (310). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may further include at least one sensor module arranged to detect an external environment through a second surface (312) of the first housing (310).

[0180] According to one embodiment, a sensor module (304) (e.g., a light sensor) may be positioned under the flexible display (330) to detect the external environment through the flexible display (330).

[0181] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (304) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris recognition sensor), a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor), a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., a 6-axis sensor, a geomagnetic sensor), an acceleration sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or a fingerprint recognition sensor.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the camera devices (305, 308) may include a first camera device (305) (e.g., a front camera device) disposed on a first side (311) of a first housing (310) and a second camera device (308) disposed on a second side (312) of the first housing (310). The electronic device (300) may further include a flash (309) disposed near the second camera device (308).

[0183] According to one embodiment, the camera devices (305, 308) may include lenses and / or image sensors for time of flight (TOF).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the key input device (306) (e.g., a key button) may be disposed on a third side (313c) of the first side member (313) of the first housing (310). According to one embodiment, the key input device (306) may also be disposed on at least one of the other side members (313a, 313b) of the first housing (310) and / or the side members (323a, 323b, 323c) of the second housing (320).

[0185] According to one embodiment, some of the camera devices (305, 308) (e.g., the first camera device (305)) or the sensor module (304) may be positioned to be exposed through the flexible display (330). For example, the first camera device (305) or the sensor module (304) may be positioned so as to be in contact with the external environment through an opening (e.g., a through hole) at least partially formed in the flexible display (330) in the internal space of the electronic device (300).

[0186] According to one embodiment, some sensor modules (304) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the flexible display (330) in the internal space of the electronic device (300). For example, in this case, the area of ​​the flexible display (330) facing the sensor modules (304) may be omitted from the opening.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may be operated to maintain a third state (e.g., an intermediate state) through the hinge structure (340). In this case, the electronic device (300) may control the flexible display (330) to display different contents on the display area corresponding to the first side (311) and the display area corresponding to the third side (321).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) can be operated in a substantially first state (e.g., an unfolded state, the unfolded state of FIG. 3A) and / or a substantially second state (e.g., a folded state, the folded state of FIG. 4A) based on a predetermined inflection angle (e.g., an angle between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) when in an intermediate state) through the hinge structure (340). For example, the electronic device (300) can be operated to transition to the first state (e.g., an unfolded state, the unfolded state of FIG. 3A) when a pressure is applied in the unfolding direction (direction B) when the electronic device (300) is in an unfolded state at a predetermined inflection angle through the hinge structure (340). For example, the electronic device (300) may be operated to transition to a second state (e.g., a folded state, the folded state of FIG. 3D) when a pressure is applied in the direction of folding (direction C) when the electronic device (300) is in an unfolded state at a certain inflection angle through the hinge structure (340). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may be operated to maintain an unfolded state (not shown) at various angles through the hinge structure (340).

[0189] The electronic device (300) of FIG. 3A may include a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (850) of FIG. 8) including a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) and a touch sensor IC (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8).

[0190] FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the front and back of an electronic device in a first state (e.g., a slide-out state) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 4C and 4D are diagrams illustrating the front and back of an electronic device in a second state (e.g., a slide-in state) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0191] The electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4A to 4D may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0192] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4D , an electronic device (400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can vary (e.g., expand or contract) the display area of ​​a rollable display (e.g., a flexible display) by having two housings (410, 420) slide relative to each other in a designated direction (e.g., direction ① or direction ②) (e.g., ± y-axis direction). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electronic device (400) may also be configured to induce variation (e.g., expand or contract) of the display area of ​​the rollable display (430) by having two housings (410, 420) slide in a direction perpendicular to the designated direction (e.g., ± x-axis direction).

[0193] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include a first housing (410) (e.g., a first housing structure, a movable part, or a slide housing), a second housing (420) (e.g., a second housing structure, a fixed part, or a base housing) slidably coupled to the first housing (410) in a specified direction (e.g., direction ① or direction ②) (e.g., ± y-axis direction), and a rollable display (430) (e.g., a flexible display) (e.g., an expandable display or a stretchable display) arranged to be supported by at least a portion of the first housing (410) and the second housing (420).

[0194] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may be configured such that the first housing (220) is pulled out (slide-out) in a first direction (direction ①) (e.g., y-axis direction) or is inserted (slide-in) in a second direction (direction ②) (e.g., -y-axis direction) opposite to the first direction (direction ①) based on the second housing (420) gripped by the user.

[0195] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of a first housing (410) including a first space (4101) may be accommodated in a second space (4201) of a second housing (420), thereby changing into a slide-in state. For example, the change may be from a first state (e.g., a pull-out state) to a second state (e.g., a slide-in state).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include a bendable member (or bendable support member) (e.g., a multi-joint hinge module or a multi-bar assembly) to form a plane at least partially coexisting with at least a portion of the first housing (410) in a slide-out state.

[0197] According to one embodiment, in a slide-in state of the electronic device (400), a bendable member or bendable support member (e.g., a multi-joint hinge module or a multi-bar assembly) can be at least partially accommodated into a second space (4201) of the second housing (420).

[0198] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the rollable display (430) may be accommodated in the second space (4201) of the second housing (420) while being supported by the bendable member in the retracted state, thereby being arranged so as not to be visible from the outside.

[0199] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the rollable display (430) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside while being supported by a bendable member that forms at least partially the same plane as the first housing (410) in the extended state.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include a first housing (410) including a first side member (411) and a second housing (420) including a second side member (421).

[0201] According to one embodiment, the first side member (411) may include a first side (4111) having a first length along a first direction (e.g., y-axis direction), a second side (4112) extending from the first side (4111) to have a second length shorter than the first length along a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side (4111) (e.g., x-axis direction), and a third side (4113) extending from the second side (4112) substantially parallel to the first side (4111) and having the first length.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the first side member (411) may be formed at least partially of a conductive member (e.g., metal). For example, the first side member (411) may be formed by combining a conductive member and a non-conductive member (e.g., polymer).

[0203] According to one embodiment, the first housing (410) may include a first support member (412) extending from at least a portion of the first side member (411) to at least a portion of the first space (4101).

[0204] According to one embodiment, the first support member (412) may be formed integrally with the first side member (411). For example, the first support member (412) may be formed separately from the first side member (411) and structurally connected to the first side member (411).

[0205] In one embodiment, the second side member (421) can correspond at least partially with the first side member (4111). The second side member (421) can include a fourth side member (4211) having a third length, a fifth side member (4212) extending from the fourth side member (4211) in a direction substantially parallel to the second side member (4112) and having a fourth length shorter than the third length, and a sixth side member (4213) extending from the fifth side member (4212) to correspond with the third side member (4113) and having a third length.

[0206] In one embodiment, the second side member (421) may be formed at least partially of a conductive member (e.g., metal). For example, the second side member (421) may be formed by combining a conductive member and a non-conductive member (e.g., polymer).

[0207] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second side member (421) may include a second support member (422) extending to at least a portion of the second space (4201) of the second housing (420).

[0208] According to one embodiment, the second support member (422) may be formed integrally with the second side member (421). For example, the second support member (422) may be formed separately from the second side member (421) and structurally connected to the second side member (421).

[0209] According to one embodiment, the first side (4111) and the fourth side (4211) can be slidably coupled to each other.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the third side (4113) and the sixth side (4213) can be slidably coupled to each other.

[0211] According to one embodiment, in the inlet state, the first side (4111) can be arranged to overlap the fourth side (4211) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside.

[0212] In one embodiment, in the retracted state, the third side (4113) may be arranged to overlap with the sixth side (4213) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside. For example, at least a portion of the first side (4111) and the third side (4113) may be arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside in the retracted state.

[0213] According to one embodiment, in the inlet state, the first support member (412) can be arranged to be substantially invisible from the outside by overlapping the second support member (422).

[0214] According to one embodiment, the first housing (410) may include a first rear cover (413) coupled with at least a portion of the first side member (411).

[0215] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (413) may be arranged in such a way that it is coupled with at least a portion of the first support member (412). For example, the first rear cover (413) may be formed integrally with the first side member (411).

[0216] In one embodiment, the first rear cover (413) may be formed of a polymer, a coated or colored glass, a ceramic, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of these materials. For example, the first rear cover (413) may extend to at least a portion of the first side member (411). For example, at least a portion of the first support member (412) may be replaced by the first rear cover (413).

[0217] According to one embodiment, the second housing (420) may include a second rear cover (423) coupled with at least a portion of the second side member (421).

[0218] According to one embodiment, the second rear cover (423) may be arranged in such a way that it is coupled with at least a portion of the second support member (422). For example, the second rear cover (423) may be formed integrally with the second side member (421).

[0219] In one embodiment, the second rear cover (423) may be formed of a polymer, a coated or colored glass, a ceramic, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of these materials. For example, the second rear cover (423) may extend to at least a portion of the second side member (421). For example, at least a portion of the second support member (422) may be replaced by the second rear cover (423).

[0220] According to one embodiment, the rollable display (430) may be positioned to be supported by at least a portion of the first housing (410) and the second housing (420).

[0221] According to one embodiment, the rollable display (430) may include a first portion (430a) (e.g., a flat portion) that is always visible from the outside and a second portion (430b) (e.g., a bendable portion) extending from the first portion (430a). The second portion (430b) (e.g., a bendable portion) may be at least partially accommodated in a second space (4201) of the second housing (420) so as not to be visible from the outside when in the retracted state.

[0222] According to one embodiment, the first portion (430a) may be arranged to be supported by the first housing (410). The second portion (430b) may be arranged to be at least partially supported by the bendable member.

[0223] According to one embodiment, the second part (430b) of the rollable display (430) may extend from the first part (430a) while being supported by the bendable member, when the first housing (410) is pulled out along the first direction (direction ①). The second part (430b) of the rollable display (430) may be arranged to form substantially the same plane as the first part (430a) and be visible from the outside, when the first housing (410) is pulled out along the first direction (direction ①).

[0224] According to one embodiment, the second part (430b) of the rollable display (430) can be accommodated in the second space (4201) of the second housing (420) while the first housing (410) is inserted along the second direction (② direction). The second part (430b) of the rollable display (430) can be arranged so as not to be visible from the outside while the first housing (410) is inserted along the second direction (② direction). Accordingly, the electronic device (400) can have a display area of ​​the rollable display (430) that can be varied (e.g., expanded or reduced) as the first housing (410) is slidably moved along a specified direction (e.g., ±y-axis direction) from the second housing (420).

[0225] According to one embodiment, the rollable display (430) may have a length that can be varied (e.g., expanded or contracted) in a first direction (direction ①) according to the sliding movement of the first housing (410) relative to the second housing (420). For example, the rollable display (430) may have a first display area (e.g., an area corresponding to the first portion (430a)) corresponding to the first length (L1) in the retracted state.

[0226] According to one embodiment, the rollable display (430) can slide the first housing (410) by a second length (L2) relative to the second housing (420) in the extended state. The rollable display (430) can correspond to a third length (L3) longer than the first length (L1) in the extended state. The rollable display (430) can be expanded to have a third display area (e.g., an area including the first portion (430a) and the second portion (430b)) larger than the first display area in the extended state.

[0227] According to one embodiment, in a first state (e.g., a withdrawal state) of the electronic device (400), the screen size (e.g., screen area) of the rollable display (430) visible to the outside may be maximum (e.g., substantially maximum).

[0228] According to one embodiment, in a second state (e.g., a retracted state) of the electronic device (400), the screen size (e.g., screen area) of the externally visible rollable display (430) may be made minimal (e.g., substantially minimal).

[0229] According to one embodiment, in the third state (e.g., intermediate state) of the electronic device (400), the screen size (e.g., screen area) of the rollable display (430) visible to the outside may be smaller than the first state (e.g., extended state) and larger than the second state (e.g., retracted state). For example, in the third state (e.g., intermediate state) of the electronic device (400), the screen size (e.g., screen area) of the rollable display (430) visible to the outside may be smaller than the maximum size (e.g., maximum screen area) and larger than the minimum size (e.g., minimum screen area).

[0230] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include at least one of an audio input device (e.g., a microphone (403-1)), an audio output device (e.g., a call receiver (406) or a speaker (407)), a sensor module (404, 417), a camera module (e.g., a first camera module (405) or a second camera module (416)), a connector port (408), a key input device (419), or an indicator (not shown) disposed in a first space (4101) of a first housing (410).

[0231] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include another input device (e.g., a microphone (403)) disposed in the second housing (420). In another embodiment, the electronic device (400) may be configured such that at least one of the above-described components is omitted or other components are additionally included. In another embodiment, at least one of the above-described components may be disposed in the second space (4201) of the second housing (420).

[0232] According to one embodiment, the audio input device may include a microphone (403-1). In some embodiments, the audio input device (e.g., microphone (403-1)) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. The audio output device may include, for example, a call receiver (406) and a speaker (407).

[0233] According to one embodiment, the speaker (407) can be externally exposed at any time, regardless of the inlet / outlet status, through at least one speaker hole formed in the first housing (410) at a location (e.g., the second side (4112)).

[0234] According to one embodiment, the connector port (408) (e.g., a USB (universal serial bus) Type C terminal) may be connected to the outside through a connector port hole formed in the first housing (410) in the extended state. For example, the connector port (408) may be connected to the outside through an opening formed in the second housing and formed to correspond to the connector port hole in the retracted state. For example, the call receiver (406) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without a separate speaker hole.

[0235] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (404, 417) may generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (400) or an external environmental state. For example, the sensor module (404, 417) may include a first sensor module (404) (e.g., a proximity sensor or a light sensor, an acceleration sensor, a 6-axis sensor) disposed on the front of the electronic device (400) and / or a second sensor module (417) (e.g., a heart rate monitoring (HRM) sensor) disposed on the rear of the electronic device (400).

[0236] According to one embodiment, the first sensor module (404) may be positioned on the front of the electronic device (400), below the rollable display (430) (e.g., below in the z-axis direction).

[0237] According to one embodiment, the first sensor module (404) and / or the second sensor module (417) may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.

[0238] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include a first camera module (405) disposed on the front of the electronic device (400) and a second camera module (416) disposed on the rear of the electronic device (400).

[0239] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include a flash (not shown) positioned near the second camera module (416).

[0240] According to one embodiment, the camera modules (405, 416) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor.

[0241] According to one embodiment, the first camera module (405) may be positioned below (e.g., lower in the z-axis direction) the rollable display (430). The first camera module (405) may be positioned below (e.g., lower in the z-axis direction) the rollable display (430) and configured to capture an object through a portion of an active area (e.g., a display area) of the rollable display (430).

[0242] According to one embodiment, the first camera module (405) among the camera modules may be arranged to detect the external environment through the rollable display (430). Some sensor modules (404) among the sensor modules (404, 417) may be arranged to detect the external environment through the rollable display (430). For example, the first camera module (405) or some sensor modules (404) may be arranged in the first space (4201) of the first housing (410) so as to be in contact with the external environment through a transparent area or a perforated opening formed in the rollable display (430).

[0243] According to one embodiment, the area facing the first camera module (405) of the rollable display (430) may be formed as a transparent area having a specified transmittance as part of the display area displaying content.

[0244] According to one embodiment, the transparent area of ​​the rollable display (430) may be formed to have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. This transparent area may include an area overlapping with the effective area (e.g., field of view area) of the first camera module (405) through which light passes to be imaged by the image sensor to create an image. For example, the transparent area of ​​the rollable display (430) may include an area with a lower pixel arrangement density and / or lower wiring density than the surrounding area. For example, the transparent area may replace the opening described above. For example, some camera modules (405) may include an under-display camera (UDC). For example, some sensor modules (404) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the rollable display (430) in the internal space of the electronic device (400).

[0245] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include a bezel antenna (A) disposed through a conductive second side member (421) of a second housing (420). For example, the bezel antenna (A) may include a conductive portion (427) disposed on at least a portion of a fifth side member (4212) and a sixth side member (4213) of the second side member (421) and electrically segmented through at least one segment (4271, 4272) formed of a non-conductive material (e.g., a polymer).

[0246] According to one embodiment, a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) may be configured to transmit or receive a wireless signal in at least one frequency band (e.g., about 600 MHz to 9000 MHz) (e.g., a legacy band or an NR band) specified through a conductive portion (427).

[0247] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include a side cover (4212a) disposed on the fifth side (4212) to cover at least a portion of at least one segment (4271). For example, the bezel antenna (A) may be disposed on at least one of the fourth side (4211), the fifth side (4212), and the sixth side (4213). For example, the bezel antenna (A) may be disposed on at least one of the first side (4111), the second side (4112), and the third side (4113) of the first housing (410).

[0248] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may further include at least one antenna module (e.g., a 5G antenna module or antenna structure). For example, the at least one antenna module (e.g., a 5G antenna module or antenna structure) may be disposed in an internal space (e.g., a first space (4101) or a second space (4201)) of the electronic device (400). The at least one antenna module (e.g., a 5G antenna module or antenna structure) may be disposed to transmit or receive a wireless signal in a frequency band ranging from about 3 GHz to 100 GHz through another wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1).

[0249] According to one embodiment, the insertion / withdrawal operation of the electronic device (400) may be performed automatically. For example, the insertion / withdrawal operation of the electronic device (400) may be performed through the combination of a drive motor (e.g., a gear drive unit) including a pinion gear and a rack gear. The rack gear may be placed in a first space (4101) of a first housing (410). The drive motor (e.g., a gear drive unit) including a pinion gear may be placed in a second space (4201) of a second housing (420).

[0250] For example, when a processor of an electronic device (400) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) detects a triggering operation for changing from an inlet state to an outlet state, the processor may operate a drive motor disposed inside the electronic device (400).

[0251] For example, when a processor of an electronic device (400) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) detects a triggering operation for changing from a withdrawal state to an intake state, the processor may operate a drive motor disposed inside the electronic device (400).

[0252] For example, a triggering action for a state change (e.g., a change in the inlet or outlet state) of the electronic device (400) may include selecting (e.g., touching) an object displayed on the rollable display (430) or operating a physical button (e.g., a key button) included in the electronic device (400).

[0253] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may have a drive motor disposed at an end in the direction of withdrawal (direction ①) closest to the first space (4101) of the first housing (410) in the second space (4201) of the second housing (420). The electronic device (400) may have an electrical connection structure that is electrically connected to a first substrate (e.g., a main substrate) disposed in the first space (4101) through an electrical connection member.

[0254] The electronic device (400) of FIG. 4A may include a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (850) of FIG. 8) including a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) and a touch sensor IC (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8).

[0255] FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the front and back of an electronic device in a first state (e.g., a slide-out state) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 5C and 5D are diagrams illustrating the front and back of an electronic device in a second state (e.g., a slide-in state) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0256] The electronic device (500) of FIGS. 5A to 5D may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0257] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5D , an electronic device (500) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first housing (510) (e.g., a first housing structure or a base housing), a second housing (520) (e.g., a second housing structure or a slide housing), and a rollable display (530) (e.g., a flexible display) (e.g., an expandable display or a stretchable display).

[0258] According to one embodiment, the rollable display (530) may be positioned to be supported by at least a portion of the first housing (510) and the second housing (520).

[0259] According to one embodiment, the first housing (510) and the second housing (520) may be mutually coupled. For example, the second housing (520) may be movably coupled to the first housing (510) in a specified direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction) and within a specified distance.

[0260] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include a bendable member (e.g., a multi-joint hinge module or a multi-bar assembly) that forms at least partially the same plane as at least a portion of the first housing (510) in a first state (e.g., a slide-out state). The bendable member (e.g., a multi-joint hinge module or a multi-bar assembly) may be at least partially accommodated into a second space (5201) of the second housing (520) in a second state (e.g., a retracted state).

[0261] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second housing (520) can be accommodated in the first space (5101) of the first housing (510), thereby changing to a second state (e.g., a slide-in state).

[0262] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the rollable display (530) may be positioned to be visible from the outside while being supported by a bendable member that forms at least partially the same plane as the first housing (510) in a first state (e.g., an extended state).

[0263] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the rollable display (530) may be accommodated in the internal space (5201) of the second housing (520) while supported by the bendable member in a second state (e.g., a retracted state) so as to be invisible from the outside.

[0264] According to one embodiment, in a first state (e.g., a withdrawal state) of the electronic device (500), the screen size (e.g., screen area) of the rollable display (530) visible to the outside may be maximum (e.g., substantially maximum).

[0265] According to one embodiment, in a second state (e.g., a retracted state) of the electronic device (500), the screen size (e.g., screen area) of the externally visible rollable display (530) may be made minimal (e.g., substantially minimal).

[0266] According to one embodiment, in the third state (e.g., intermediate state) of the electronic device (500), the screen size (e.g., screen area) of the rollable display (530) visible to the outside may be smaller than that of the first state (e.g., extended state) and larger than that of the second state (e.g., retracted state). For example, in the third state (e.g., intermediate state) of the electronic device (500), the screen size (e.g., screen area) of the rollable display (530) visible to the outside may be smaller than the maximum size (e.g., maximum screen area) and larger than the minimum size (e.g., minimum screen area).

[0267] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include a front side (500a) (e.g., a first side, a side where a screen is displayed), a back side (500b) (e.g., a second side) facing in an opposite direction to the front side (500a), and a side surface (not shown) surrounding a space between the front side (500a) and the back side (500b).

[0268] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include a first housing (510) including a first side member (511) and a second housing (520) including a second side member (521).

[0269] According to one embodiment, the first side member (511) may include a first side (5111) having a first length along a first direction (e.g., an x-axis direction), a second side (5112) extending from the first side (5111) to have a second length longer than the first length along a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side (5111) (e.g., a y-axis direction), and a third side (5113) extending from the second side (5112) substantially parallel to the first side (5111) and having the first length.

[0270] In one embodiment, the first side member (511) may be formed at least partially of a conductive material (e.g., metal). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first side member (511) may include a first support member (512) extending to at least a portion of the first space (5101) of the first housing (510).

[0271] In one embodiment, the second side member (521) may include a fourth side member (5211) that corresponds at least partially with the first side member (5111) and has a third length, a fifth side member (5212) that extends from the fourth side member (5211) in a direction substantially parallel to the second side member (5112) and has a fourth length that is longer than the third length, and a sixth side member (5213) that extends from the fifth side member (5212) to correspond with the third side member (5113) and has a third length.

[0272] In one embodiment, the second side member (521) may be formed at least partially of a conductive material (e.g., metal). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the second side member (521) may include a second support member (522) that extends to at least a portion of the second space (5201) of the second housing (520).

[0273] In one embodiment, the first side (5111), the fourth side (5211), and the third side (5113) and the sixth side (5213) can be slidably coupled to each other. In one embodiment, in the second state (e.g., the retracted state), the fourth side (5211) can be arranged to overlap the first side (5211) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside.

[0274] In one embodiment, in the second state (e.g., the retracted state), the sixth side (5213) may be arranged to overlap with the third side (5213) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the fourth side (5211) and the sixth side (5213) may be arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside in the second state (e.g., the retracted state).

[0275] According to one embodiment, in the second state (e.g., the retracted state), the second support member (522) may be arranged to overlap the first support member (512) so as to be substantially invisible from the outside. For example, a portion of the second support member (522) may be arranged to overlap the first support member (512) so as to be invisible from the outside in the second state (e.g., the retracted state). The remaining portion of the second support member (522) may be arranged to be visible from the outside.

[0276] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a rear cover (513) disposed on at least a portion of the first housing (510) at the rear (500b). According to one embodiment, the rear cover (513) may be disposed through at least a portion of the first support member (512).

[0277] According to one embodiment, the rear cover (513) may be formed integrally with the first side member (511).

[0278] In one embodiment, the rear cover (513) may be formed of a polymer, a coated or colored glass, a ceramic, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. In one embodiment, the rear cover (513) may extend to at least a portion of the first side member (511).

[0279] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first support member (512) may be replaced with a rear cover (513). In one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include another rear cover (e.g., a second rear cover) disposed on at least a portion of the second support member (522) in the second housing (520), or replacing at least a portion of the second support member (522).

[0280] According to one embodiment, the rollable display (530) may include a first portion (530a) (e.g., a flat portion) and a second portion (530b) (e.g., a bendable portion). For example, the first portion (530a) (e.g., a flat portion) may be arranged so as to be initially visible from the outside at all times. For example, the second portion (530b) (e.g., a bendable portion) may extend from the first portion (530a) and be at least partially accommodated into a second space (5201) of the second housing (520) such that at least a portion thereof is not visible from the outside in a second state (e.g., a retracted state).

[0281] According to one embodiment, the first portion (530a) may be positioned to receive support from the first housing (510).

[0282] According to one embodiment, the second portion (530b) may be arranged to at least partially support the bandable member.

[0283] According to one embodiment, the rollable display (530) can be extended (e.g., screen expansion) by moving the second housing (520) along a designated first direction (direction ①). The display (530) can be extended from the first portion (530a) while being supported by the bendable member in a state where the second housing (520) is extended along the designated first direction (direction ①). The rollable display (530) can be arranged to form substantially the same plane as the first portion (530a) and be visible from the outside.

[0284] According to one embodiment, the rollable display (530) can be retracted (e.g., the screen is reduced) by moving the second housing (520) along a designated second direction (② direction). The second part (530b) of the rollable display (530) can be accommodated in the second space (5201) of the second housing (520) in a state where the second housing (520) is retracted along the designated second direction (② direction) and can be arranged so as not to be visible from the outside. Accordingly, the electronic device (500) can induce the display area of ​​the rollable display (530) to be varied as the second housing (520) is moved in a sliding manner along a designated direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) from the first housing (510).

[0285] According to one embodiment, the first housing (510) and the second housing (520) can be operated in a sliding manner with respect to each other so that their overall widths are variable.

[0286] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may be configured to have a third width (W3) greater than the first width (W1) by moving at least a portion of a bendable member accommodated in a second space (5201) of a second housing (520) to have an additional second width (W2) in a first state (e.g., an extended state). For example, the rollable display (530) may have a display area substantially corresponding to the first width (W1) in the second state (e.g., an extended state). The rollable display (530) may have an expanded display area substantially corresponding to the third width (W3) in the first state (e.g., an extended state).

[0287] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may be configured to have a first width (W1) from the second side (5112) to the fifth side (5212) in a second state (e.g., an inlet state).

[0288] According to one embodiment, the insertion / withdrawal operation of the electronic device (500) may be performed automatically. For example, when the electronic device (500) detects a triggering operation for changing from a second state (e.g., an insertion state) to a first state (e.g., an extraction state) in a state in which the driving module is not operated, the electronic device (500) may operate a driving module disposed inside the electronic device (500). For example, when the electronic device (500) detects a triggering operation for changing from a first state (e.g., an extraction state) to a second state (e.g., an insertion state) in a state in which the driving module is not operated, the electronic device (500) may operate a driving module disposed inside the electronic device (500).

[0289] According to one embodiment, the triggering operation of the withdrawal / introduction of the rollable display may include an operation of detecting a movement distance by which the second housing is moved in a second direction (e.g., direction ②) in which the second housing is to be introduced by a push-pull section. For example, the electronic device (500) is operatively connected to a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) and may operate or stop the drive module through a drive motor control module for controlling the drive motor of the drive module.

[0290] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include at least one of an audio input device (e.g., a microphone (503)), an audio output device (e.g., a call receiver (506) or a speaker (507)), a sensor module (504, 517), a camera module (a first camera module (505) or a second camera module (516)), a connector port (508), a key input device (not shown), or an indicator (not shown) disposed in a first space (5101) of a first housing (510). In one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may be configured such that at least one of the above-described components is omitted, or other components are additionally included. In one embodiment, at least one of the above-described components may be disposed in a second space (5201) of a second housing (520).

[0291] In one embodiment, the audio input device may include a microphone (503). In one embodiment, the audio input device (e.g., microphone (503)) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. The audio output device may include, for example, a call receiver (506) and a speaker (507). In one embodiment, the speaker (507) may be exposed to the outside through at least one speaker hole formed in the first housing (510) in a first state (e.g., an extended state).

[0292] According to one embodiment, a connector port (508) (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) type C terminal) may be exposed to the outside through a connector port hole formed in a first housing (510) in a first state (e.g., an extended state).

[0293] According to one embodiment, the call receiver (506) may include an operative speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) without a separate speaker hole.

[0294] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (504, 517) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (500) or an external environmental state. For example, the sensor module (504, 517) may include a first sensor module (504) (e.g., a proximity sensor or a light sensor) disposed on the front (500a) of the electronic device (500) and / or a second sensor module (517) (e.g., a heart rate monitoring (HRM) sensor) disposed on the rear (500b).

[0295] According to one embodiment, the first sensor module (504) may be positioned on the front side (500a) of the electronic device (500), below the rollable display (530) (e.g., lower in the z-axis direction).

[0296] According to one embodiment, a digitizer (e.g., digitizer (860) of FIG. 8) may be placed below (e.g., lower in the z-axis direction) the rollable display (530).

[0297] According to one embodiment, the first sensor module (504) and / or the second sensor module (517) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris recognition sensor), a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor), a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., a 6-axis sensor, a geomagnetic sensor), an acceleration sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor.

[0298] According to one embodiment, the camera module may include a first camera module (505) positioned on the front (500a) of the electronic device (500) and a second camera module (516) positioned on the rear (500b). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include a flash (518) positioned near the second camera module (516). According to one embodiment, the camera modules (505, 516) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, a memory, and / or an image signal processor.

[0299] According to one embodiment, the first camera module (505) may be positioned under the rollable display (530) and configured to capture an object through a portion of the active area of ​​the rollable display (530). According to one embodiment, the flash (518) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0300] According to one embodiment, among the camera modules, the first camera module (505) and among the sensor modules (504, 517), some of the sensor modules (504) may be arranged to detect the external environment through the rollable display (530). For example, the first camera module (505) or some of the sensor modules (504) may be arranged in the first space (5201) of the first housing (510) so as to be in contact with the external environment through a transparent area or a perforated opening formed in the rollable display (530).

[0301] According to one embodiment, the area facing the first camera module (505) of the rollable display (530) may be formed as a transparent area having a specified transmittance as part of the area displaying content.

[0302] According to one embodiment, the transparent area of ​​the rollable display (530) may be formed to have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. This transparent area may include an area overlapping with an effective area (e.g., a field of view area) of the first camera module (505) through which light passes to be imaged by the image sensor to create an image. For example, the transparent area of ​​the rollable display (530) may include an area with a lower pixel density and / or wiring density than the surrounding area. For example, the transparent area may replace the opening described above. For example, some camera modules (505) may include an under-display camera (UDC).

[0303] According to one embodiment, some sensor modules (504) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the rollable display (530) in the internal space of the electronic device (500).

[0304] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may include at least one antenna (A1, A2) electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) disposed in a first space (5101) of a first housing (510).

[0305] According to one embodiment, at least one antenna (A1, A2) may include a first antenna (A1) disposed in an upper region of the electronic device (500) and a second antenna (A2) disposed in a lower region.

[0306] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may further include at least one additional antenna disposed on the second side (5112) of the first housing (510) and / or the fifth side (5212) of the second housing (520).

[0307] According to one embodiment, the first antenna (A1) may include a first conductive portion (511) segmented through at least one non-conductive portion (5111, 5112) on a third side (5113) of the first side member (511).

[0308] According to one embodiment, the first conductive portion (511) is arranged to be segmented through a first non-conductive portion (5111) and a second non-conductive portion (5112) spaced apart at a specified interval, and can be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1).

[0309] According to one embodiment, the second antenna (A2) may include a second conductive portion (521) segmented through at least one non-conductive portion (5211, 5212) on the first side (5111) of the first side member (511).

[0310] According to one embodiment, the second conductive portion (521) is arranged to be segmented through a third non-conductive portion (5211) and a fourth non-conductive portion (5212) spaced apart at a specified interval, and may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1).

[0311] According to one embodiment, a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in a designated frequency band (e.g., about 800 MHz to 6000 MHz) (e.g., a legacy band) via the first conductive portion (511) and / or the second conductive portion (512).

[0312] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may further include at least one antenna module (e.g., a 5G antenna module or antenna structure) disposed in an internal space (e.g., a first space (5101) or a second space (5201)). The at least one antenna module (e.g., a 5G antenna module or antenna structure) may be disposed to transmit and receive wireless signals in a frequency band ranging from about 3 GHz to 100 GHz via another wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1).

[0313] An electronic device (500) according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include a driving module disposed in an internal space (e.g., a second space (5201)) for an insertion / withdrawal operation.

[0314] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) can detect a triggering operation in which the second housing (520) is pressed in a second direction (e.g., direction ②) in which the second housing (520) is to be retracted by a push-pull section when the driving module is not driven and in a first state (e.g., a slide-out state). When the triggering operation is detected, the second housing (500) can be automatically retracted (push and pull-in operation) (e.g., a slide-in operation) through the driving module.

[0315] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (500) may use a push-pull operation as a triggering operation for driving the drive module. For example, the electronic device (500) may detect a triggering operation in which the drive module is not driven and the second state (e.g., slide-in state) is in a second state in which the second housing (500) is to be pulled in is pressed by a push-pull section. When the trigger operation is detected, the second housing (520) may be automatically pulled out (e.g., push and pull-out operation) (e.g., slide-out operation) through the drive module.

[0316] The electronic device (500) of FIG. 5A may include a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (850) of FIG. 8) including a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) and a touch sensor IC (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8).

[0317] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an unfolded state of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a folded state of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0318] The multi-foldable electronic device (600) of FIGS. 6A and 6B may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0319] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B , a multi-foldable electronic device (600) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing structure including a first housing (610), a second housing (620), and a third housing (630). The multi-foldable electronic device (600) may include a foldable display (640) (e.g., a flexible display) disposed in an internal space provided in the housing structure, a first speaker (671) disposed inside the first housing (610), and a second speaker (672) disposed inside the third housing (630). The multi-foldable electronic device (600) may include a first hinge portion (650) connecting the first housing (610) and the second housing (620), and a second hinge portion (660) connecting the second housing (620) and the third housing (630).

[0320] In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (600) can be folded such that the first portion (641) and the second portion (642) come into contact (e.g., come into proximity). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (600) can be folded such that the second portion (642) and the third portion (643) come into contact (e.g., come into proximity).

[0321] As an example, the multi-foldable electronic device (600) may be folded so that the second portion (642) and the third portion (643) are in contact (e.g., brought into proximity), and then the first portion (641) and the third portion (643) are folded so that the first portion (641) and the third portion (643) are in contact (e.g., brought into proximity).

[0322] As an example, the first part (641) and the third part (643) of the multi-foldable electronic device (600) may be folded so that the second part (642) and the third part (643) are in contact with each other (e.g., in proximity), and the first part (641) and the third part (643) are in contact with each other (e.g., in proximity).

[0323] The multi-foldable electronic device (600) of FIG. 6A may include a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (850) of FIG. 8) including a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) and a touch sensor IC (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8).

[0324] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a first side (e.g., a front side) of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a second side (e.g., a rear side) of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0325] The electronic device (700) of FIGS. 7A and 7B may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0326] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , an electronic device (700) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 ) may include a first side (or front side) (710A), a second side (or back side) (710B), and a housing (710). The electronic device (700) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display (701) (e.g., the display (810) of FIG. 8 ).

[0327] In one embodiment, the display (701) may be supported by a housing (710). For example, the display (710) may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) display, an organic light emitting diodes (OLED) display, or a micro LED display.

[0328] In one embodiment, the housing (710) may include a side surface (710C) that surrounds a space between the first surface (710A) and the second surface (710B). In one embodiment, the housing (710) may also refer to a structure that forms a portion of the first surface (710A), the second surface (710B), and the side surface (710C).

[0329] In one embodiment, the first side (710A) may be formed by a front plate (702) that is at least partially substantially transparent (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate comprising various coating layers).

[0330] According to one embodiment, the second side (710B) may be formed by a substantially opaque back plate (711). The back plate (711) may be formed by, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the back plate (711) may also be formed by transparent glass.

[0331] In one embodiment, the side (710C) may be formed by a side bezel structure (718) (or “side member”) that is coupled to the front plate (702) and the back plate (711) and comprises a metal and / or polymer. In one embodiment, the back plate (711) and the side bezel structure (718) may be formed integrally and comprise the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

[0332] According to one embodiment, the front plate (702) may include two first regions (710D) that extend seamlessly from the first side (710A) toward the rear plate (711). The two first regions (710D) may be positioned at both ends of a long edge of the front plate (702).

[0333] According to one embodiment, the back plate (711) may include two second regions (710E) that extend seamlessly from the second side (710B) toward the front plate (702).

[0334] In one embodiment, the front plate (702) (or the back plate (711)) may include only one of the first regions (710D) (or the second regions (710E)). In one embodiment, some of the first regions (710D) or the second regions (710E) may not be included.

[0335] In embodiments, when viewed from the side of the electronic device (700), the side bezel structure (718) may have a first thickness (or width) on a side that does not include the first regions (710D) or the second regions (710E). In embodiments, when viewed from the side of the electronic device (700), the side bezel structure (718) may have a second thickness (or width) that is thinner than the first thickness on a side that includes the first regions (710D) or the second regions (710E).

[0336] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (700) may include at least one of a display (701), an audio input device (703) (e.g., the input module (150) of FIG. 1, a microphone), an audio output device (707, 714) (e.g., the audio output module (155) of FIG. 1, a speaker) (e.g., an audio module), sensor modules (704, 719) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1), a camera module (705, 712) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1), a flash (713), a key input device (717), an indicator (not shown), and connectors (708, 709). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (700) may omit at least one of the components (e.g., the key input device (717)) or may additionally include other components.

[0337] In one embodiment, the display (701) is visually visible through the upper portion of the front plate (702).

[0338] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the display (701) may be visible through the front plate (702) forming the first area (710D) of the first surface (710A) and the side surface (710C).

[0339] For example, a display module (e.g., a display module (860) of FIG. 1 in FIG. 8) may include a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (850) of FIG. 8) including a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) and a touch sensor IC (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8). The display module (e.g., a display module (160) of FIG. 1 in FIG. 8, a display module (160) of FIG. 8) may include a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch. For example, the display (701) may be coupled with or disposed adjacent to the touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (850) of FIG. 8) and / or the pressure sensor. For example, the display (701) may be coupled with or disposed adjacent to a digitizer (e.g., a digitizer (860) of FIG. 8) that detects a magnetic field-type electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0340] According to one embodiment, at least some of the sensor modules (704, 719) and / or at least some of the key input device (717) may be disposed in the first area (710D) and / or the second area (710E).

[0341] According to one embodiment, the back surface of the screen display area of ​​the display (701) may include at least one of a first sensor module (704), camera modules (705, 712) (e.g., an image sensor), an audio output device (714) (e.g., an audio module), and a fingerprint sensor.

[0342] According to one embodiment, at least some of the sensor modules (704, 719) and / or at least some of the key input device (717) may be disposed in the first areas (710D) and / or the second areas (710E).

[0343] In one embodiment, the audio input device (703) may include a microphone. In one embodiment, the input device (703) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound.

[0344] According to one embodiment, the audio output device (707, 714) may include an audio output device (707) that operates as an external speaker and an audio output device (714) that operates as a call receiver.

[0345] In some embodiments, the acoustic input device (703) (e.g., a microphone), the acoustic output device (707, 714), and the connectors (708, 709) may be arranged in the internal space of the electronic device (700). The acoustic input device (703) (e.g., a microphone), the acoustic output device (707, 714), and the connectors (708, 709) may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the housing (710). In some embodiments, the hole formed in the housing (710) may be used in common for the acoustic input device (703) (e.g., a microphone) and the acoustic output device (707, 714). In some embodiments, the acoustic output device (707, 714) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the hole formed in the housing (710).

[0346] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules (704, 719) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (700) or an external environmental state. The sensor modules (704, 719) may include a first sensor module (704) (e.g., a proximity sensor) disposed on a first surface (710A) of the housing (710) and / or a second sensor module (719) (e.g., a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor) disposed on a second surface (710B) of the housing (710) and / or a third sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor). For example, the fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the first surface (710A) (e.g., the display (701)) and / or the second surface (710B) of the housing (710).

[0347] The electronic device (700) may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., a geomagnetic sensor (700) of FIG. 7), an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or an illuminance sensor, which are not shown.

[0348] According to one embodiment, the camera modules (705, 712) may include a first camera module (705) disposed on a first side (710A) of the electronic device (700), and a second camera module (712) disposed on a second side (710B). A flash (713) may be disposed around the camera modules (705, 712). The camera modules (705, 712) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (713) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0349] According to one embodiment, the first camera module (705) may be arranged on the lower part of the display panel of the display (701) in an under-display camera (UDC) manner. According to one embodiment, two or more lenses (wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be arranged on one side of the electronic device (700). According to one embodiment, a plurality of first camera modules (705) may be arranged on a first side (e.g., a side on which a screen is displayed) of the electronic device (700) in an under-display camera (UDC) manner.

[0350] According to one embodiment, the key input device (717) may be disposed on a side surface (710C) of the housing (710). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (700) may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices (717), and the key input devices (717) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on the display (701). According to one embodiment, the key input device (717) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the display (701).

[0351] According to one embodiment, the connectors (708, 709) may include a first connector hole (708) that can accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device, and / or a second connector hole (709, or an earphone jack) that can accommodate a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals with the external electronic device. The first connector hole (708) may include a port of a universal serial bus (USB) type A, USB type B, or USB type C. When the first connector hole (708) supports a USB type C, the electronic device (700) (e.g., the electronic device (800) of FIG. 8) may support USB power delivery (PD) charging.

[0352] According to one embodiment, some of the first camera modules (705, 712) and / or the first sensor module (704, 719) of the sensor modules (704, 719) may be arranged to be visually visible through the display (701).

[0353] According to one embodiment, when the first camera module (705) is arranged in an under display camera (UDC) manner, the first camera module (705) may not be visually visible to the outside.

[0354] According to one embodiment, the first camera module (705) may be arranged to overlap with the display area, and may also display a screen in the display area corresponding to the first camera module (705). The first sensor module (704) may also be arranged to perform its function without being visually exposed through the front plate (702) in the internal space of the electronic device (700).

[0355] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0356] The electronic device (800) of FIG. 8 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0357] Referring to FIG. 8, an electronic device (800) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a processor (120) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a memory (130) (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1), a sensor module (176), and a display module (160) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1).

[0358] In one embodiment, the memory (130) (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1, the memory (130) of FIG. 4) may include one or more of a High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a phase-change random access memory (PRAM), a magnetic random access memory (MRAM), a resistive random access memory (RRAM), a flash memory, and / or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0359] According to one embodiment, a display module (160) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) may include a display (810), a display driver IC (DDIC) (830) (e.g., a display driver) for driving the display (810), a touch circuit (850), a digitizer (860), and a digitizer driver (870). For example, all or part of a sensor module (176) may be included in the display module (160).

[0360] According to one embodiment, the DDIC (830) may include an interface module (831), a memory (833) (e.g., a buffer memory), an image processing module (835), or a mapping module (837).

[0361] According to one embodiment, the DDIC (830) can receive image information including image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command for controlling the image data from another component of the electronic device through the interface module (831).

[0362] According to one embodiment, image information may be received from a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) (e.g., main processor (121) of FIG. 1) (e.g., application processor) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., auxiliary processor (123) of FIG. 1) (e.g., graphics processing unit) that operates independently of the functions of the main processor (121).

[0363] According to one embodiment, the DDIC (830) can communicate with a touch circuit (850) or a sensor module (880 (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1)) through an interface module (831). In addition, the DDIC (830) can store at least some of the received image information in a memory (833). As an example, the DDIC (830) can store at least some of the received image information in a frame unit in the memory (833).

[0364] According to one embodiment, the image processing module (835) may perform preprocessing or postprocessing (e.g., resolution, brightness, or size adjustment) on at least a portion of the image data based on characteristics of the image data or characteristics of the display (810).

[0365] According to one embodiment, the mapping module (837) may generate a voltage value or a current value corresponding to the image data pre-processed or post-processed through the image processing module (835). According to one embodiment, the generation of the voltage value or the current value may be performed at least in part based on, for example, the properties of the pixels of the display (810) (e.g., the arrangement of the pixels (RGB stripe or pentile structure), or the size of each sub-pixel).

[0366] According to one embodiment, at least some pixels of the display (810) may be driven based at least in part on, for example, the voltage value or current value, so that visual information (e.g., text, an image, or an icon) corresponding to the image data may be displayed through the display (810).

[0367] According to one embodiment, the touch circuit (850) may include a touch sensor (851) and a touch sensor IC (853) for controlling the touch sensor (851).

[0368] According to one embodiment, the touch sensor IC (853) may control the touch sensor (851) to detect a touch input or hovering input for a specific location of the display (810). For example, the touch sensor IC (853) may detect the touch input or hovering input by measuring a change in a signal (e.g., voltage, light quantity, resistance, or charge quantity) for a specific location of the display (810). The touch sensor IC (853) may provide information (e.g., location, area, pressure, or time) regarding the detected touch input or hovering input to the processor (120).

[0369] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the touch circuit (850) (e.g., touch sensor IC (853)) may be included as part of the DDIC (830) or the display (810).

[0370] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the touch circuit (850) (e.g., the touch sensor IC (853)) may be included as part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor (123)) disposed external to the display module (160).

[0371] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (880) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an illuminance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor (e.g., an iris recognition sensor), a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor), a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., a 6-axis sensor, a geomagnetic sensor), an acceleration sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or a fingerprint recognition sensor. The electronic device (800) may include a control circuit for controlling the sensor module (880).

[0372] According to one embodiment, the touch sensor (851) or sensor module (880) may be positioned between pixels of a pixel layer of the display (810), or above or below the pixel layer.

[0373] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a digitizer (860) for detecting an input (e.g., a touch input or a hovering input) of an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen). For example, the digitizer (860) may convert analog coordinates (e.g., a position) of the electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen) into digital coordinate data. The digitizer (860) may transmit the digital coordinate data to the processor (120) and / or the DDIC (830).

[0374] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may obtain digital coordinate data input from the digitizer (860). The processor (120) may detect an input (e.g., a touch input or a hovering input) through an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen) based on the digital coordinate data. For example, the digitizer (860) may include a plurality of x-axis channels and a plurality of y-axis channels. The processor (120) may sense the position of the electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen) using sensing signals (e.g., EMR signals) received from the x-axis channels and y-axis channels arranged in the digitizer (860). For example, a digitizer (860) may have a plurality of x-axis channels and a plurality of y-axis channels sequentially arranged, and a processor (120) may sense the position of an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen) using sensing signals (e.g., EMR signals) received from three consecutive channels (e.g., three adjacent channels).

[0375] In one embodiment, the digitizer (860) may be hidden from the outside by the display (810), electronic components, and mechanisms.

[0376] For example, the digitizer (860) may be disposed integrally with the flat display (810) or disposed adjacent to the flat display (810). For example, when the digitizer (860) is applied to the flat display (810), the digitizer (860) may include one EMR (electro magnetic resonance) sheet (or EMR film). A plurality of x-axis channels and a plurality of y-axis channels for detecting the position of an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen) may be disposed on one EMR sheet.

[0377] For example, the digitizer (860) may be disposed integrally with a flexible display or a foldable display, or may be disposed adjacent to the flexible display or the foldable display. For example, the digitizer (860) may be disposed at the lower (e.g., bottom) portion of the display (810) in the z-axis direction (e.g., the z-axis direction of FIG. 2A).

[0378] For example, when a digitizer (860) is applied to a flexible display or a foldable display, the digitizer (860) may include a plurality of electro magnetic resonance (EMR) sheets (or EMR films). A plurality of x-axis channels and a plurality of y-axis channels for detecting the position of an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen) may be arranged on the plurality of EMR sheets.

[0379] FIG. 9 is a drawing (900) showing an electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) positioned in a user's pocket.

[0380] Referring to FIG. 9, the external display (e.g., the sub-display (331) of FIG. 3D) of the foldable electronic device (920) may have a smaller screen size and a smaller overall area of ​​the touch sensor compared to a bar-type display (e.g., the display (701) of FIG. 7). When the foldable electronic device (920) is placed in a user's pocket (910, inside the pocket) in a folded state, an over-touch may occur when the user's body (e.g., thigh, buttocks) and the external display (e.g., the sub-display (331) of FIG. 3D) of the foldable electronic device (920) come into close proximity.

[0381] When the size of the external display (e.g., the sub-display (331) of FIG. 3D) is small, the area in contact with the touch sensor also becomes smaller, so that the touch can be determined by setting the data distribution of the touch area (e.g., NodeCountPN30) to 20%. For example, if the data distribution reference value for malfunction of the external display (331) and the internal display (e.g., the flexible display (330) of FIG. 3A) is set to the same value (20%), the number of nodes of the external display (331) is smaller than that of the internal display (e.g., the flexible display (330)), so that the touch recognition rate of the external display (331) may decrease. In this case, the recognition rate of the foldable electronic device (920) being located in a pocket (910, in a pocket) may decrease, and malfunctions in response to finger touch may occur. Here, 'NodeCountPN30' indicates that the range of the count positive and negative values ​​of each touch node is set to 30.

[0382] When a touch occurs due to proximity between the user's body (e.g., thigh, buttocks) and the external display of the foldable electronic device (920) (e.g., sub-display (331) of FIG. 3D), touch characteristics different from those of a finger touch appear.

[0383] One embodiment of the present disclosure utilizes the characteristics of touch data acquired from the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit (850) of FIG. 8) of the foldable electronic device (920) to determine whether the foldable electronic device (920) is positioned in the user's hand, in the user's pocket (910, in the pocket) (or in the bag). When the foldable electronic device (900) is positioned in the user's pocket (910) (or in the bag), the touch re-input can be controlled and the touch processing operation can be controlled (e.g., limited) to prevent an unintended mistouch (e.g., a touch error).

[0384] For example, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3A, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4A, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5A, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6A, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7A, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) can sensitively set a pocket recognition area condition and determine a finger touch when the touch sensitivity and the area condition are satisfied. At this time, the characteristics of an area where an external display (e.g., a sub-display (331) of FIG. 3D) and an object (e.g., a finger, a thigh, a buttocks, or a conductive object) are in proximity (e.g., touching) can be utilized. Normal finger touch and abnormal body (e.g. thigh, buttock) touch (or challenging object touch) can be distinguished based on the maximum touch sensitivity, touch shape, and size of the touch area.

[0385] For example, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3A, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4A, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5A, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6A, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7A, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) may determine that a touch is a normal finger touch intended by a user when the amount of change in the touched area is small. At this time, a normal finger touch and an abnormal body (e.g., thigh, buttock) touch (or conductive object touch) can be distinguished based on the amount of change in the touch area.

[0386] For example, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3a, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5a, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6a, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7a, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) may restrict a touch processing operation for a certain period of time (e.g., 100 ms, 300 ms, 500 ms, 1000 ms, 3000 ms) immediately after being taken out of a pocket (910, inside a pocket). At this time, immediately after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket (910) (or bag), the noise of the touch generated in the pocket (910) (or bag) remains, so the touch processing operation is restricted for a certain period of time, and the touch processing operation can be performed normally after the certain period of time has elapsed.

[0387] For example, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A, electronic device (300) of FIG. 3A, electronic device (400) of FIG. 4A, electronic device (500) of FIG. 5A, electronic device (600) of FIG. 6A, electronic device (700) of FIG. 7A, electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) can enhance touch gesture recognition (distance, time, and size of touch area) conditions after being taken out of a pocket (910) (or a bag). At this time, after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket (910) (or bag), the touch operation can be prevented by strengthening the conditions for touch gesture recognition (distance, time, and size of the touch area) using a sensor module (e.g., proximity sensor, light sensor, acceleration sensor, motion sensor, 6-axis sensor).

[0388] For example, when the electronic device is placed in a pocket (910) (or a bag), a foldable electronic device and a method of operating the same can be provided that can control touch re-input and control (e.g., limit) touch processing operations to prevent unintended mistouches (e.g., touch errors) by the user.

[0389] Figure 10 is a drawing showing an operation of processing touch coordinates in an electronic device.

[0390] Referring to FIG. 10, in operation 1010, a touch sensor IC (1000) (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8) may perform analog-to-digital conversion to convert analog touch sensing values ​​obtained from a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (853) of FIG. 8) into digital touch sensing values.

[0391] In operation 1020, the touch sensor IC (1000) can generate touch low data as a digital touch sensing value.

[0392] In operation 1030, the touch sensor IC (1000) can determine the baseline (1030).

[0393] In operation 1040, the touch sensor IC (1000) can set a baseline of raw data.

[0394] In operation 1050, the touch sensor IC (1000) can filter raw data for which a baseline is set.

[0395] In operation 1060, the touch sensor IC (1000) can generate touch signal data for touch processing based on raw data.

[0396] In operation 1070, the touch sensor IC (1000) may perform image processing based on touch signal data. For example, the image processing unit of the touch sensor IC (1000) may select an object area based on the center point of the touch. The touch sensor IC (1000) may calculate characteristics regarding the sensitivity and size of the touch area. The touch sensor IC (1000) may determine a touch ID for the corresponding object area.

[0397] In operation 1080, the touch sensor IC (1000) can generate a touch position report for the location where the touch was made. For example, the touch position report unit of the touch sensor IC (1000) can determine the coordinate position for each touch ID. The touch sensor IC (1000) can provide the determined touch coordinate to a processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 8). At this time, the touch sensor IC (1000) can not provide the determined touch coordinate to the processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 8) or can hold it for a certain period of time when controlling (e.g., limiting) the touch processing operation.

[0398] In operation 1090, the touch sensor IC (1000) can perform a touch gesture operation based on a touch position report.

[0399] For example, operations 1010 to 1090 can all be performed in the touch sensor IC (1000).

[0400] For example, operations 1010 to 1090 may all be performed in the processor (120).

[0401] For example, the touch sensor IC (1000) and the processor (120) can perform operations 1010 to 1090 in a mixed manner.

[0402] For example, information about touch coordinates and touch type can be transmitted from the touch sensor IC (1000) to the processor (120), and the processor (120) can perform the remaining operations.

[0403] Figures 11 to 12c are drawings (1200) showing the characteristics of touch data resulting from finger touch.

[0404] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 12c, a touch can be made (1100) with a finger (1120) on a display (1110) (e.g., a touch screen) of an electronic device.

[0405] For example, when a touch is made by a finger (1120), touch values ​​for the location where the finger (1120) touches the entire area of ​​the touch sensor (e.g., touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) can be generated (1210).

[0406] For example, depending on the touch intensity of the finger (112), the size of the area where the finger (1120) touches the entire area of ​​the touch sensor (e.g., the touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) and the touch values ​​increase (1220, 1230).

[0407] In the case of a finger (112) touch, the center point can be maintained without change even if the touch values ​​and the size of the area at the location where the touch was made change.

[0408] FIG. 13 is a drawing (1300, 1400) showing the characteristics of touch data resulting from an accidental touch of a user's body (e.g., a thigh or buttocks) when an electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) is positioned in a user's pocket (inside a pocket). FIGS. 14a to 14c are drawings (1400) showing the characteristics of touch data resulting from an accidental touch of a user's body (e.g., a thigh or buttocks) when an electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) is positioned in a user's pocket (inside a pocket).

[0409] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 14c, when the electronic device is located in a pocket (inside a pocket) (or inside a bag), a touch may be made between the display (1310) (e.g., a touch screen) of the electronic device and a conductive object on the user's body (e.g., thigh, buttocks) or inside the bag (1300).

[0410] For example, a touch may be generated by electrostatic means even if a fabric (1330) is positioned between the display (1310) (e.g., a touch screen) and the user's body (e.g., thigh, buttocks) or a conductive object.

[0411] For example, when a touch occurs between the display (1310) (e.g., a touch screen) and the user's body (e.g., a thigh, a buttocks), large-area touch values ​​can be generated (1410).

[0412] For example, depending on the user's body movement, large-area touch values ​​may be generated (1420) at multiple locations. Depending on the user's body movement, large-area touch values ​​may be generated (1420) at multiple locations, and the size of the touch area and the touch values ​​may change.

[0413] FIG. 15 is a drawing (1500) showing obtaining and utilizing peak strength (e.g., maximum strength), touch area, major value, and minor value based on touch data.

[0414] Referring to FIG. 15, an electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can determine whether a finger touch is a normal finger touch or an in-pocket (e.g., an abnormal touch) by reflecting the touch characteristics of the finger touch (e.g., touch strength and touch shape).

[0415] For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) can determine whether the peak strength (1510) (e.g., 200) of touch data of a touch area (1520) received at a touched location exceeds a preset reference value (e.g., 180). If the peak strength (1510) (e.g., 200) of touch data of a touch area (1520) exceeds the preset reference value (e.g., 180), the processor (120) can determine that it is a finger touch and perform a touch processing operation according to the finger touch.

[0416] For example, the processor (120) can obtain the major and minor values ​​of the touch data of the touch area (1520) received at the touched location. The processor (120) can determine whether the size of the touch area (1520) is less than a preset size (e.g., 30). If the size of the touch area (1520) is less than the preset size (e.g., 30), the processor (120) can determine that it is a small-area finger touch and perform a touch processing operation according to the finger touch.

[0417] For example, the processor (120) can determine whether the ratio of the major value and the minor value obtained in the touch area (1520) is less than a preset ratio (e.g., ±25%). If the ratio of the major value and the minor value obtained in the touch area (1520) is less than a preset ratio (e.g., ±25%), the processor (120) can determine that it is a finger touch and perform a touch processing operation according to the finger touch.

[0418] According to one embodiment, an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3a, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5a, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6a, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7a, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) can sensitively adjust a pocket recognition area and size conditions, but quickly switch to finger touch determination when a condition estimated as a finger touch is satisfied. Through this, a non-input for a normal finger touch intended by a user is prevented from occurring.

[0419] According to one embodiment, an electronic device including a large-screen display (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3A, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4A, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5A, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6A, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7A, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) can determine whether a touch is a finger touch or an auto-touch inside a pocket by setting a data distribution (e.g., NodeCountPN30) of a touch area to 20% (e.g., 1062 touch nodes). On the other hand, a foldable electronic device including a display of a small screen (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3a, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5a, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6a, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7a, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) can determine whether it is a finger touch or an auto-touch inside a pocket (in a pocket) by setting the data distribution of the touch area (e.g., NodeCountPN30) to 30% (e.g., 72 touch nodes).

[0420] In an operation of recognizing that the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, the electronic device (300) of FIG. 3a, the electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a, the electronic device (500) of FIG. 5a, the electronic device (600) of FIG. 6a, the electronic device (700) of FIG. 7a, the electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, the electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, the electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, is located in a pocket (inside a pocket), the processor (120) may set the data distribution (e.g., NodeCountPN30) of the touch area to 30% (e.g., 72 touch nodes) to determine whether it is a finger touch or an untouch in the pocket (inside a pocket). Here, 'NodeCountPN30' indicates that the range of the count positive and negative values ​​of each touch node is set to 30. The touch sensitivity inside a pocket is not great, and the size of the finger is small and the touch area has a predefined shape (e.g., circle, oval, shape with a certain curvature), so considering this, the data distribution of the touch area (e.g., NodeCountPN30) can be set to 30% (e.g., 72 touch nodes).

[0421] FIG. 16a and FIG. 16b are drawings (1600) showing examples of touch data according to a touch of a thumb.

[0422] Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, in the case of a touch with the thumb, the touch area (1610, 1620) may appear relatively larger in size compared to other fingers. A processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) may perform an operation to determine whether a finger touch or an in-pocket (inside a pocket) is recognized by reflecting the size characteristics of the touch area (1610, 1620) of the thumb so that the touch with the thumb is normally processed.

[0423] For example, after touching a display (e.g., display (810) of FIG. 8) with a thumb, the size and touch intensity of the touch area (1610, 1620) may change somewhat due to the movement of the thumb, but the center point of the touch may be maintained constant. The processor (120) may perform an operation to determine whether a finger touch or an untouch inside a pocket (in a pocket) is recognized by reflecting the characteristics of the size and touch intensity of the touch area (1610, 1620) according to the thumb touch.

[0424] FIG. 17a and FIG. 17b are drawings (1700) showing examples of touch data according to a touch of two fingers.

[0425] Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) may perform an operation to determine whether a finger touch or an in-pocket (inside a pocket) is recognized by reflecting the characteristics of a case where a display (e.g., display (810) of FIG. 8) is touched with two fingers.

[0426] For example, the processor (120) can perform an operation to determine whether a two-finger touch is recognized or an overtouch is recognized inside a pocket (inside a pocket) by reflecting the size characteristics, distribution characteristics, and distance characteristics of the touch location of the two-finger touch area (1710, 1720) of the two fingers so that the two-finger touch is processed normally.

[0427] For example, after touching the display (810) with two fingers, the size and touch intensity of the touch area (1710, 1720) may change somewhat depending on the movement of the two fingers, but the center point of the touch may remain constant. The processor (120) may perform an operation to determine whether a finger touch or an in-pocket (inside a pocket) is recognized by reflecting the size characteristics, distribution characteristics, and distance characteristics of the touch location of the touch area (1710, 1720) according to the two-finger touch.

[0428] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may apply (e.g., perform) an action to determine whether a finger touch (e.g., a thumb touch and a two-finger touch) or an in-pocket touch (inside a pocket) is recognized when the display (e.g., the display (810) of FIG. 8) is turned on (e.g., a screen display).

[0429] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may perform operations for recognizing finger touch (e.g., including thumb touch and two-finger touch) or recognizing an untouch inside a pocket (inside a pocket), recognizing the user's step, recognizing the folding / unfolding state of an electronic device, and applying (e.g., performing) the operation when the display (e.g., display (810) of FIG. 8) is in a lock screen state using a sensor module (e.g., sensor module (880) of FIG. 8).

[0430] For example, when a specific application is running on an electronic device (e.g., a game application is running), the processor (120) may not perform an operation to determine whether a finger touch is recognized (e.g., a thumb touch and a two-finger touch) or an auto-touch is recognized inside a pocket (in a pocket).

[0431] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0432] Referring to FIG. 18, in operation 1810, a touch sensor IC (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8) of a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (850) of FIG. 8) can receive touch data from a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8).

[0433] In operation 18150, the touch sensor IC (853) can obtain (extract) touch coordinates, touch ID, and touch characteristics based on touch data.

[0434] In operation 1820, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) may determine whether a touch judgment (e.g., a finger touch or a pocket touch) is required using a sensor other than the touch sensor (851) (e.g., a sensor module (880) of FIG. 8) (e.g., a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, a 6-axis sensor).

[0435] As a result of the judgment of operation 1820, if touch judgment using a sensor other than the touch sensor (851) (e.g., sensor module (880) of FIG. 8) (e.g., proximity sensor, light sensor, motion sensor, acceleration sensor, 6-axis sensor) is not required (e.g., No), the processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) can perform operation 1825.

[0436] For example, operation 1820 may be performed first, and then operation 1810 may be performed. If operation 1820 is performed first, operation 1810 may not be performed.

[0437] For example, if it is identified (confirmed) that an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3a, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5a, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6a, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7a, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25)) is located in a pocket (inside a pocket), an operation of determining touch data may not be performed.

[0438] In operation 1825, the processor (120) may determine that the input touch is a finger touch based on the touch coordinates, touch ID, and touch characteristics.

[0439] In operation 1830, the processor (120) can perform touch processing according to a finger touch input.

[0440] As a result of the judgment of operation 1820, if a touch judgment using a sensor other than the touch sensor (851) (e.g., a sensor module (880) of FIG. 8) (e.g., a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, a 6-axis sensor) is required (e.g., Yes), the processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 8) can perform operation 1835.

[0441] At operation 1835, the processor (120) may determine that the electronic device is located within a pocket (e.g., in a pocket, in a bag).

[0442] If it is determined as a result of the determination of operation 1835 that the electronic device is not located in a pocket (e.g., in a pocket, in a bag) (e.g., No), the processor (120) may perform operation 1825.

[0443] As a result of the determination of operation 1835, if it is determined that the electronic device is located in a pocket (e.g., in a pocket, in a bag) (e.g., Yes), the processor (120) may perform operation 1840.

[0444] At operation 1840, the processor (120) may determine whether the peak strength (e.g., maximum strength) of the touch data exceeds a preset reference value.

[0445] As a result of the judgment of operation 1840, if the peak strength (e.g., maximum strength) of the touch data does not exceed a preset reference value (e.g., No), the processor (120) may perform operation 1845.

[0446] As a result of the judgment of operation 1840, if the peak strength (e.g., maximum strength) of the touch data does not exceed a preset reference value (e.g., No), the processor (120) may perform operation 1845.

[0447] At operation 1845, the processor (120) may determine that the input touch is a touch (e.g., an overtouch, a touch error) inside the pocket (inside the pocket).

[0448] In operation 1850, the processor (120) may perform an anti-touch operation to prevent an over-touch (e.g., prevent an over-touch processing operation from being performed) when the electronic device is placed in a pocket (or bag). For example, when performing the anti-touch operation, the processor (120) may perform a notification (e.g., display) through a user interface (UI) that limits touch judgment, limits touch sensitivity, and / or limits touch judgment. For example, when performing the anti-touch operation, the processor (120) may turn off the operation of the display (e.g., hide the screen).

[0449] As a result of the judgment of operation 1840, if the peak strength (e.g., maximum strength) of the touch data does not exceed a preset reference value (e.g., No), the processor (120) may perform operation 1845.

[0450] As a result of the judgment of operation 1840, if the peak strength (e.g., maximum strength) of the touch data exceeds a preset reference value (e.g., Yes), the processor (120) may perform operation 1855.

[0451] In operation 1855, the processor (120) may determine whether the touch area (e.g., the size of the touch area) is less than a reference value.

[0452] As a result of the judgment of operation 1855, if the touch area (e.g., the size of the touch area) is not less than the reference value (e.g., small-area touch) (e.g., large-area touch) (e.g., No), the processor (120) may perform operation 1845.

[0453] For example, a case where the touch area (e.g., the size of the touch area) is less than a reference value can be defined as a small-area touch.

[0454] For example, a large-area touch can be defined as a case where the touch area (e.g., the size of the touch area) is not less than a reference value.

[0455] As a result of the judgment of operation 1855, if the touch area (e.g., the size of the touch area) is less than a reference value (e.g., a small-area touch) (e.g., Yes), the processor (120) can perform operation 1860.

[0456] At operation 1860, the processor (120) can determine whether the shape of the touch area is a predefined shape (e.g., circular, oval, or shape with a certain curvature).

[0457] As a result of the judgment of operation 1860, if the shape of the touch area is a predefined shape (e.g., a circle, an oval, a shape with a certain curvature) (e.g., Yes), the processor (120) can perform operation 1825.

[0458] As a result of the judgment of operation 1860, if the shape of the touch area is not a predefined shape (e.g., a circle, an oval, a shape with a certain curvature) (e.g., No), the processor (120) can perform operation 1845.

[0459] At operation 1845, the processor (120) may determine that the input touch is a touch (e.g., an overtouch, a touch error) inside the pocket (inside the pocket).

[0460] In operation 1850, the processor (120) may perform an anti-touch operation to prevent an over-touch (e.g., prevent an over-touch processing operation from being performed) when the electronic device is located in a pocket (or bag).

[0461] According to one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) and a memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 8) may be operatively connected. For example, the memory (130) may include instructions for executing the processor (120), the display driver IC (e.g., display driver IC (830) of FIG. 8), and the touch sensor IC (e.g., touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8). For example, the memory (130) may include a computing program. The computing program may include instructions for executing the processor (120), the display driver IC (e.g., display driver IC (830) of FIG. 8), and the touch sensor IC (e.g., touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8).

[0462] According to one embodiment, the operations illustrated in FIG. 18 may be performed by the electronic device loading instructions stored in the memory (130). For example, the operations illustrated in FIG. 18 may be performed by the processor (120) loading instructions stored in the memory (130). For example, the operations illustrated in FIG. 18 may be performed by the touch sensor IC (853) loading instructions stored in the memory (130). For example, the operations illustrated in FIG. 18 may be performed sequentially, or at least some of the operations may be performed in parallel.

[0463] FIGS. 19A to 19F are drawings (1900) showing how to determine touch characteristics according to the amount of change in a touch area during multiple frames.

[0464] Referring to FIGS. 19A to 19E, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3A, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4A, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5A, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6A, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7A, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) can determine whether an input touch is a finger touch or an in-pocket (or bag) overtouch. The electronic device can perform touch processing according to a finger touch input or perform an overtouch prevention operation according to the determination result of whether the input touch is a finger touch or an in-pocket (or bag) overtouch.

[0465] According to one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) can acquire the change in size of a touch area over a plurality of frames (e.g., 5 touch frames). Here, a frame is a touch frame for acquiring touch data, and one frame (e.g., 1 touch frame) can be set to 8 ms.

[0466] In one embodiment, when the electronic device is placed in a pocket (inside a pocket), a large-area touch area may be sensed due to a touch between a display (e.g., display (810) of FIG. 8) and a body part of the user (e.g., thigh, buttocks). In addition, the amount of change in the touch area may vary significantly between adjacent frames (e.g., adjacent touch frames).

[0467] For example, if the size of the touch area of ​​the first frame (1910) is '7' and the size of the touch area of ​​the second frame (1920) is '17', the change in the size of the touch area between the first frame (1910) and the second frame (1920) can be '10'. For example, if the size of the touch area of ​​the second frame (1920) is '17' and the size of the touch area of ​​the third frame (1930) is '42', the change in the size of the touch area between the second frame (1920) and the third frame (1930) can be '25'. For example, if the size of the touch area of ​​the third frame (1930) is '42' and the size of the touch area of ​​the fourth frame (1940) is '39', the change in the size of the touch area between the third frame (1930) and the fourth frame (1940) can be '-3'. For example, if the size of the touch area of ​​the fourth frame (1940) is '39' and the size of the touch area of ​​the fifth frame (1950) is '49', the change in the size of the touch area between the fourth frame (1940) and the fifth frame (1950) can be '10'.

[0468] Referring to FIG. 19f, when a user touches a display (e.g., display (810) of FIG. 8) with a finger, a small touch area may be sensed. Additionally, the amount of change in the touch area may vary slightly between adjacent frames (e.g., adjacent touch frames).

[0469] For example, if the size of the touch area of ​​the first frame (1960) is '4' and the size of the touch area of ​​the second frame (1970) is '7', the change in the size of the touch area between the first frame (1960) and the second frame (1970) can be '3'.

[0470] For example, if the size of the touch area of ​​the second frame (1970) is '7' and the size of the touch area of ​​the third frame (1980) is '6', the change in the size of the touch area between the second frame (1970) and the third frame (1980) can be '1'.

[0471] According to one embodiment, in order to distinguish between a finger touch and an in-pocket (or bag) touch, the processor (120) may calculate a difference value (e.g., a change in the touch area size) of the touch area size (Area(Idi)) between the current frame (frame N) and the previous frame (frame N-1) using mathematical expression 1. The processor (120) may determine whether the difference value (e.g., a change in the touch area size) of the touch area size (Area(Idi)) between the frames is less than or equal to a preset reference value (e.g., a stable approaching threshold).

[0472]

[0473] For example, if the difference value (e.g., change in touch area size) of the touch area size (Area(Idi)) between frames is less than or equal to a preset reference value (e.g., stable approaching threshold), the processor (120) can determine that it is a finger touch.

[0474] For example, if the difference value (e.g., change in touch area size) of the touch area size (Area(Idi)) between frames is not less than a preset reference value (e.g., stable approaching threshold), the processor (120) may determine that the touch is inside a pocket (or inside a bag).

[0475] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0476] Referring to FIG. 20, in operation 2010, a touch sensor IC (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8) of a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (850) of FIG. 8) can receive touch data from a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8).

[0477] In operation 2015, the touch sensor IC (853) can obtain (extract) touch coordinates, touch ID, and touch characteristics based on touch data.

[0478] In operation 2020, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) may determine whether a touch judgment (e.g., whether it is a finger touch or a pocket touch) is required using a sensor other than the touch sensor (851) (e.g., sensor module (880) of FIG. 8) (e.g., proximity sensor, light sensor, motion sensor, acceleration sensor, 6-axis sensor).

[0479] As a result of the judgment of operation 2020, if touch judgment using a sensor other than the touch sensor (851) (e.g., sensor module (880) of FIG. 8) (e.g., proximity sensor, light sensor, motion sensor, acceleration sensor, 6-axis sensor) is not required (e.g., No), the processor (120) can perform operation 2025.

[0480] In operation 2025, the processor (120) may determine that the input touch is a finger touch based on the touch coordinates, touch ID, and touch characteristics.

[0481] In operation 2030, the processor (120) can perform touch processing according to a finger touch input.

[0482] As a result of the judgment of operation 2020, if a touch judgment using a sensor other than the touch sensor (851) (e.g., a sensor module (880) of FIG. 8) (e.g., a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, a 6-axis sensor) is required (e.g., Yes), the processor (120) can perform operation 2035.

[0483] At operation 2035, the processor (120) can determine whether the size of the touch area is less than a reference value.

[0484] As a result of the judgment of operation 2035, if the size of the touch area is less than the reference value (e.g., Yes), the processor (120) can perform operation 2040.

[0485] As a result of the judgment of operation 2035, if the size of the touch area is not less than the reference value (e.g., No), the processor (120) can perform operation 2045.

[0486] In operation 2040, the processor (120) can determine whether the difference value (e.g., touch area size change amount) of the touch area size (Area(Idi)) between frames is less than or equal to a preset reference value (e.g., stable approaching threshold).

[0487] As a result of the judgment of operation 2040, if the difference value (e.g., change in touch area size) of the touch area size (Area(Idi)) between the frames is not less than a preset reference value (e.g., stable approaching threshold) (e.g., No), the processor (120) can perform operation 2045.

[0488] As a result of the judgment of operation 2040, if the difference value (e.g., change in touch area size) of the touch area size (Area(Idi)) between the frames is less than or equal to a preset reference value (e.g., stable approaching threshold) (e.g., Yes), the processor (120) can perform operation 2055.

[0489] In operation 2055, the processor (120) can determine whether the number (N) of frames in which the difference value (e.g., the amount of change in the touch area size) between the frames (Area(Idi)) is less than or equal to a preset reference value (e.g., stable approaching threshold) is less than or equal to the reference number (e.g., 3) (N ≤ 3).

[0490] As a result of the judgment of operation 2055, if the number (N) of frames in which the difference value (e.g., change in touch area size) of the touch area size (Area(Idi)) between frames is less than or equal to a preset reference value (e.g., stable approaching threshold) is less than or equal to the reference number (e.g., 3) (e.g., Yes), the processor (120) can perform operation 2025.

[0491] In operation 2025, the processor (120) may determine that the input touch is a finger touch. For example, in the case of a finger touch, the difference value (e.g., change in touch area size) of the touch area size (Area(Idi)) between frames may exhibit a small characteristic (e.g., smaller than a reference value). The processor (120) may determine whether the input touch is a finger touch or a pocket touch based on the difference value (e.g., change in touch area size) of the touch area size (Area(Idi)) between frames.

[0492] In operation 2030, the processor (120) can perform touch processing according to a finger touch input.

[0493] As a result of the judgment of operation 2055, if the number (N) of frames in which the difference value (e.g., change in touch area size) of the touch area size (Area(Idi)) between frames is less than or equal to a preset reference value (e.g., stable approaching threshold) is not less than or equal to the reference number (e.g., 3) (e.g., No), the processor (120) may perform operation 2045.

[0494] In operation 2045, the processor (120) may determine that the input touch is a touch (e.g., a mistouch, a touch error) inside a pocket (inside a pocket). For example, in the case of a touch inside a pocket, a characteristic may be exhibited in which the difference value (e.g., the amount of change in the size of the touch area) between frames in the size of the touch area (Area(Idi)) is large (e.g., greater than a reference value). The processor (120) may determine whether the input touch is a finger touch or a touch inside a pocket based on the difference value (e.g., the amount of change in the size of the touch area) between frames in the size of the touch area (Area(Idi)).

[0495] In operation 2050, the processor (120) may perform an anti-touch operation to prevent an over-touch (e.g., prevent an over-touch processing operation from being performed) when the electronic device is located in a pocket (or bag).

[0496] According to one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) and a memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 8) may be operatively connected. For example, the memory (130) may include instructions for executing the processor (120), the display driver IC (e.g., display driver IC (830) of FIG. 8), and the touch sensor IC (e.g., touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8). For example, the memory (130) may include a computing program. The computing program may include instructions for executing the processor (120), the display driver IC (e.g., display driver IC (830) of FIG. 8), and the touch sensor IC (e.g., touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8).

[0497] According to one embodiment, the operations illustrated in FIG. 20 may be performed by the electronic device loading instructions stored in the memory (130). For example, the operations illustrated in FIG. 20 may be performed by the processor (120) loading instructions stored in the memory (130). For example, the operations illustrated in FIG. 20 may be performed by the touch sensor IC (853) loading instructions stored in the memory (130). For example, the operations illustrated in FIG. 20 may be performed sequentially, or at least some of the operations may be performed in parallel.

[0498] FIGS. 21A to 21F are drawings (2100) showing characteristics of touch data resulting from an overtouch of a user's body (e.g., thigh or buttocks) when an electronic device (e.g., foldable electronic device) is positioned in the user's pocket (inside the pocket).

[0499] Referring to FIGS. 21A to 21F, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3A, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4A, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5A, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6A, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7A, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) may determine whether the electronic device is taken out (e.g., released) from a pocket (or a bag). Immediately after the electronic device is taken out (e.g., released) from a pocket (or a bag), a touch processing operation may be restricted for a certain period of time (e.g., 100 ms, 300 ms, 500 ms, 1000 ms, 3000 ms). When a user moves while the electronic device is placed in a pocket (inside a bag), small-area touch re-inputs (or touch noise remains) may occur due to the user's movement. Since small-area touches may occur (or touch noise remains) for a certain period of time immediately after the electronic device is taken out (e.g., released) from a pocket (or bag), an ot-touch weaving operation can be performed to prevent ot-touches due to touch re-inputs (e.g., to prevent ot-touch processing operations from being performed).

[0500] For example, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3a, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5a, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6a, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7a, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) may restrict touch input (e.g., restrict touch processing operations) for a certain period of time (e.g., 100 ms, 300 ms, 500 ms, 1000 ms, 3000 ms) after being taken out of a pocket (inside a pocket). The electronic device can process the touch input (e.g., perform a touch processing action) after a certain amount of time (e.g., 100ms, 300ms, 500ms, 1000ms, 3000ms) has elapsed.

[0501] For example, an operation to limit touch input (e.g., limit touch processing operations) may be performed regardless of whether the operation of the display (e.g., display (810) of FIG. 8) is on (e.g., showing the screen) or off (e.g., not showing the screen).

[0502] For example, when the operation of the display (810) is on (e.g., screen display), it is possible to determine whether the electronic device has been taken out of the pocket (inside the pocket) using a sensor other than the touch sensor (e.g., the touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) (e.g., the sensor module (880) of FIG. 8) (e.g., a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, a 6-axis sensor).

[0503] For example, when the display (810) is turned off (e.g., the screen is not displayed), it is possible to determine whether the electronic device has been taken out of the pocket (inside the pocket) using a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) without using other sensors (e.g., a sensor module (880) of FIG. 8) (e.g., a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, a 6-axis sensor).

[0504] In one embodiment, when an electronic device is withdrawn (e.g., released) from a pocket (or bag), a small area of ​​touch re-input may occur (or touch noise may remain) for a period of time (e.g., 100 ms, 300 ms, 500 ms, 1000 ms, 3000 ms).

[0505] For example, as the electronic device is taken out (e.g., released) from a pocket (or bag), the touch data of the first frame (2110), the touch data of the second frame (2120), the touch data of the third frame (2130), the touch data of the fourth frame (2140), the touch data of the fifth frame (2150), and the touch data of the sixth frame (2160) may change over time. As the electronic device is taken out (e.g., released) from a pocket (or bag), new touch inputs (2151, 2152, 2161, 2162) may be generated.

[0506] Figures 22a to 22d are drawings (2200) showing the characteristics of touch data according to palm touch.

[0507] Referring to FIGS. 22A to 22D, after the electronic device is taken out (e.g., released) from a pocket (or bag), when the display (810) is touched with the palm of the hand,

[0508] As time passes, the touch data of the first frame (2210), the touch data of the second frame (2220), the touch data of the third frame (2230), and the touch data of the fourth frame (2240) may change. As the palm is lifted from the display (810), new touch inputs may be generated based on multiple small touches or residual touches.

[0509] For example, after a large-area touch area is formed on the display (810) by the palm, even if the palm is lifted from the display (810), the touch input may remain for a certain period of time while the size of the touch area (2231) is reduced.

[0510] For example, after a large-area touch area is formed on the display (810) by a palm, even if the palm is lifted from the display (810), the large-area touch area (2232) may remain for a certain period of time, or new small-scale touch inputs may be generated.

[0511] FIG. 23 is a drawing showing an operation method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0512] Referring to FIG. 23, in operation 2310, a touch sensor IC (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8) of a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (850) of FIG. 8) can receive touch data from a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8).

[0513] In operation 2315, the touch sensor IC (853) can obtain (extract) touch coordinates, touch ID, and touch characteristics based on touch data.

[0514] In operation 2320, for example, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) may determine whether the operation of a display (e.g., display (810) of FIG. 8) is on (e.g., screen display) or off (e.g., screen not display).

[0515] For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120) of FIG. 8) can obtain location information (e.g., whether the electronic device is located in a pocket or in a user's hand) of an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3A, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4A, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5A, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6A, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7A, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIGS. 24 and 25)) using sensors other than a touch sensor (851) (e.g., a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, a 6-axis sensor).

[0516] For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) can set a touch block timer value (x) based on whether the operation of a display (e.g., display (810) of FIG. 8) is on (e.g., screen display) or off (e.g., screen not display).

[0517] For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) may set a touch block timer value (x) based on a touch judgment (e.g., whether it is a pocket touch where the electronic device is located in the pocket or a finger touch where the electronic device is located in the user's hand) using a sensor (e.g., sensor module (880) of FIG. 8) other than the touch sensor (851) (e.g., proximity sensor, light sensor, motion sensor, acceleration sensor, 6-axis sensor).

[0518] For example, the touch block timer value (x) may be a time value set to suspend touch judgment for a certain period of time.

[0519] For example, the processor (120) may set the touch block timer value (x) to 100 ms, 300 ms, or 1000 ms. Without being limited thereto, the processor (120) may set the touch block timer value (x) within 3000 ms.

[0520] At operation 2325, the processor (120) may perform a judgment operation (e.g., initiate an operation) to limit touch re-input processing.

[0521] In operation 2330, the processor (120) can determine whether the electronic device is located in the pocket (inside the pocket). For example, the operation of determining whether the electronic device is located in the pocket (inside the pocket) can apply the operation contents described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 20. For example, the operation of determining whether the electronic device is located in the pocket (inside the pocket) can apply a touch determination (e.g., whether the electronic device is a pocket touch when the electronic device is located in the pocket or a finger touch when the electronic device is located in the user's hand) using a sensor (e.g., a sensor module (880) of FIG. 8) other than the touch sensor (851) acquired in operation 2320 (e.g., a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, a 6-axis sensor). As a result of the determination in operation 2330, if the electronic device is not located in the pocket (inside the pocket) (e.g., No), the processor (120) can perform operation 2335.

[0522] In operation 2335, the processor (120) may perform touch processing according to a finger touch input. For example, the processor (120) may obtain finger touch coordinates (e.g., gesture) and perform touch processing according to the finger touch input.

[0523] As a result of the determination of operation 2330, if the electronic device is located in the pocket (e.g., Yes), the processor (120) may perform operation 2345.

[0524] In operation 2345, when the electronic device is placed in the pocket (inside the pocket), the processor (120) may withhold touch judgment (e.g., limit touch input, limit touch processing).

[0525] For example, when the electronic device is placed in a pocket (inside a pocket), the processor (120) may perform an operation of holding touch determination (e.g., limiting touch input, limiting touch processing) for a preset period of time (e.g., 100 ms, 300 ms, or 1000 ms). The processor (120) may maintain a state of holding touch determination (e.g., limiting touch input, limiting touch processing) until the preset period of time (e.g., 100 ms, 300 ms, or 1000 ms) has elapsed.

[0526] For example, the processor (120) can decrement the touch block timer value (x) by '-1' (e.g., decrement by 1 ms). The operation of decrementing the touch block timer value (x) can be performed until the set value (e.g., 100 ms, 300 ms, or 1000 ms) of the touch block timer value (x) becomes '0'.

[0527] For example, when the touch block timer value (x) becomes '0', since a preset time (e.g., 100 ms, 300 ms, or 1000 ms) has elapsed, the processor (120) can perform touch processing according to the finger touch input. For example, the processor (120) can obtain finger touch coordinates (e.g., gesture) and perform touch processing according to the finger touch input.

[0528] For example, operations according to FIG. 23 can be performed regardless of whether the display (810) is on (e.g., showing the screen) or off (e.g., not showing the screen).

[0529] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may not perform an operation to limit an input touch processing operation when the display (810) is on (e.g., a screen display).

[0530] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may not perform an operation to limit an input touch processing operation when a specific application is running (e.g., a game application is running).

[0531] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may not apply the reinforcement condition of touch gesture input when a specific application is running (e.g., running a game application).

[0532] According to one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) and a memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 8) may be operatively connected. For example, the memory (130) may include instructions for executing the processor (120), the display driver IC (e.g., display driver IC (830) of FIG. 8), and the touch sensor IC (e.g., touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8). For example, the memory (130) may include a computing program. The computing program may include instructions for executing the processor (120), the display driver IC (e.g., display driver IC (830) of FIG. 8), and the touch sensor IC (e.g., touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8).

[0533] According to one embodiment, the operations illustrated in FIG. 23 may be performed by the electronic device loading instructions stored in the memory (130). For example, the operations illustrated in FIG. 23 may be performed by the processor (120) loading instructions stored in the memory (130). For example, the operations illustrated in FIG. 23 may be performed by the touch sensor IC (853) loading instructions stored in the memory (130). For example, the operations illustrated in FIG. 23 may be performed sequentially, or at least some of the operations may be performed in parallel.

[0534] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a sensor hub is integrated and operates within a processor. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a processor and a sensor hub operate separately.

[0535] Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, an electronic device (2400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A, the electronic device (300) of FIG. 3A, the electronic device (400) of FIG. 4A, the electronic device (500) of FIG. 5A, the electronic device (600) of FIG. 6A, the electronic device (700) of FIG. 7A, the electronic device (800) of FIG. 8)) includes a display module (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1, the display module (160) of FIG. 8), a processor (2420) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1, the processor (120) of FIG. 8), a memory (2430) (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1, the memory (130) of FIG. 8), a touch sensor (e.g., the touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8), a touch sensor It may include an IC (2410) (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8), a sensor module (2440) (e.g., a sensor module (176) of FIG. 1, a sensor module (880) of FIG. 8). For example, the electronic device (2400) may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device (2400) may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0536] For example, the sensor module (2440) may include a gyro sensor (2441), a proximity sensor (2442), and an ambient light sensor (2443). Without being limited thereto, the sensor module (2440) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor), a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., a 6-axis sensor, a geomagnetic sensor), an acceleration sensor, and / or a motion sensor.

[0537] For example, the processor (2420) may be operatively connected to the display module (160) to control the operation of the display module (160).

[0538] For example, the processor (2420) may be operatively connected to the touch sensor IC (2410) to control the operation of the touch sensor IC (2410).

[0539] For example, the processor (2420) may be operatively connected to a sensor module (2440) to control the operation of the sensor module (2440).

[0540] According to one embodiment, the processor (2420) may include a central processing unit (CPU) (2421) (e.g., a main processor (121) of FIG. 1) (e.g., a core processor), and a sensor hub (2422) (e.g., a secondary processor (123) of FIG. 1).

[0541] For example, a sensor hub (2422) may be integrated and placed within the processor (2420).

[0542] For example, the processor (2420) and the sensor hub (2422) may be arranged separately.

[0543] For example, the sensor hub (2422) and the touch sensor IC (2410) can be connected via the processor (2420).

[0544] For example, the sensor hub (2422) and the touch sensor IC (2410) can be directly connected without going through the processor (2420).

[0545] According to one embodiment, when the operation of the display (e.g., the display (810) of FIG. 8) is turned on (e.g., a screen is displayed), the processor (120) can obtain sensing information of sensors disposed in the sensor module (2440). When the operation of the display (e.g., the display (810) of FIG. 8) is turned on (e.g., a screen is displayed), the processor (120) can utilize the sensing information of the sensors disposed in the sensor module (2440). For example, when the operation of the display (e.g., the display (810) of FIG. 8) is turned off, the processor (120) cannot obtain sensing information of the sensors disposed in the sensor module (2440). When the operation of the display (e.g., the display (810) of FIG. 8) is turned off, the processor (120) cannot utilize the sensing information of the sensors disposed in the sensor module (2440).

[0546] For example, when the display (e.g., the display (810) of FIG. 8) is turned off (e.g., the screen is not displayed), the sensing information of the sensors arranged in the sensor module (2440) cannot be utilized, so the processor (120) can use the touch data input from the touch IC (2410) to determine whether a finger touches or a touch is made inside a pocket (inside a pocket). For example, when the display (e.g., the display (810) of FIG. 8) is turned off (e.g., the screen is not displayed), the processor (120) wakes up, and the processor (120) operates the sensor module (2440) to utilize the sensing information of the sensors to determine whether a finger touches or a touch is made inside a pocket (inside a pocket).

[0547] FIGS. 26A and 26B are drawings (2600) showing examples of characteristics of large-area touch and small-area touch re-input due to a touch of a user's body (e.g., thigh or buttocks) when an electronic device (e.g., foldable electronic device) is positioned in a user's pocket (inside a pocket).

[0548] Referring to FIG. 26A, when an electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) is placed in a user's pocket (inside a pocket), a touch may be generated by the user's body (e.g., a thigh or buttocks). For example, a large-area touch input (2610) may be generated by a touch inside a pocket (inside a pocket). In addition, a small-area touch re-input (2620) may occur when the electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) is taken out from the user's pocket (inside a pocket).

[0549] FIGS. 27A and 27B are drawings (2700) showing characteristics of a large-area touch due to an overtouch of a user's body (e.g., a thigh or buttocks) when an electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) is positioned in a user's pocket (inside a pocket), and an example of a swipe touch re-input occurring.

[0550] Referring to FIGS. 27A and 27B , when an electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) is positioned within a user's pocket (inside a pocket), a touch may be generated by the user's body (e.g., a thigh or buttocks). For example, a touch input (2710) of a touch swipe may be generated by a touch within a pocket (inside a pocket). In addition, a re-input (2720) of a touch swipe may occur when the electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) is taken out from the user's pocket (inside a pocket).

[0551] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3a, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5a, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6a, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7a, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIGS. 24 and 25) may restrict an input touch processing operation for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms) after the electronic device is taken out of a pocket (in a pocket).

[0552] In one embodiment, after an electronic device is taken out of a pocket (inside a pocket), small-area touch inputs may be generated or previous residual touches may remain for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms), and in this case, mistouches should be prevented. To this end, after an electronic device is taken out of a pocket (inside a pocket), conditions for touch gesture input may be strengthened for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms), thereby preventing mistouches due to re-input of touches.

[0553] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may perform an operation to limit an input touch processing operation when the display (810) is turned off (e.g., the screen is not displayed).

[0554] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may not perform an operation to limit an input touch processing operation when the display (810) is on (e.g., a screen display).

[0555] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may not perform an operation to limit an input touch processing operation when a specific application is running (e.g., a game application is running).

[0556] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may not apply the reinforcement condition of touch gesture input when a specific application is running (e.g., running a game application).

[0557] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may change the conditions for double-tap (e.g., continuous touch) input to wake up the electronic device after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket.

[0558] For example, the processor (120) can adjust the interval (e.g., time) between double taps (e.g., continuous touches) to wake up the electronic device from 600 ms to 400 ms (600 ms -> 400 ms).

[0559] For example, the processor (120) can adjust the effective time of double taps (e.g., continuous touches) to wake up the electronic device from 600 ms to 400 ms (600 ms -> 400 ms).

[0560] For example, the processor (120) can adjust the maximum touch size (major) of double taps (e.g., continuous touches) for waking up the electronic device from 84 to 42 (double tap touch maximum size (major) 84 -> 42).

[0561] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may limit (e.g., limit the occurrence of a double-tap event) the touch processing of a double-tap (e.g., continuous touch) for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms) after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket.

[0562] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may limit the performance of touch processing of a touch swipe (e.g., suspend the touch processing of a touch swipe) after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket (inside the pocket).

[0563] For example, the processor (120) may limit the performance of touch processing of a touch swipe (e.g., suspend the touch processing of a touch swipe) for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms) after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket (inside the pocket).

[0564] For example, the processor (120) may reduce the starting area of ​​a touch swipe for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms) after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket. The processor (120) may reduce the starting area of ​​the touch swipe from 10 mm to 5 mm (10 mm -> 5 mm).

[0565] For example, the processor (120) can increase the length of the touch swipe for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms) after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket. The processor (120) can increase the length of the touch swipe from 25 mm to 35 mm (25 mm -> 35 mm).

[0566] In an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, the electronic device (2400) of FIGS. 24 and 25), the processor (120) may restrict (suspend touch processing) of a double tap (e.g., continuous touch) and / or a touch swipe for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms) after the electronic device is taken out of a pocket (inside a pocket), so that the processor (120) may prevent an accidental touch after the electronic device is taken out of a pocket (inside a pocket).

[0567] For example, when multiple finger touch inputs are recognized, such as multiple consecutive touches (e.g., multiple double-taps) or multiple swipes, the likelihood of touch inputs being misoperated can be significantly reduced. In this case, actions that strengthen touch input timeouts or recognition conditions can be reset, allowing touch inputs to be recognized immediately without delay.

[0568] FIG. 28 is a drawing showing an operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0569] Referring to FIG. 28, in operation 2810, a touch sensor IC (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8) of a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (850) of FIG. 8) can receive touch data from a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8).

[0570] In operation 2815, the touch sensor IC (853) can obtain (extract) touch coordinates, touch ID, and touch characteristics based on touch data.

[0571] At operation 2820, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) may determine whether the operation of a display (e.g., display (810) of FIG. 8) is on (e.g., screen display) or off (e.g., screen not display).

[0572] As a result of the judgment of operation 2820, if the operation of the display (810) is on (e.g., screen display) (e.g., Yes), the processor (120) can perform operation 2835.

[0573] In operation 2835, the processor (120) may perform touch processing according to a finger touch input. For example, the processor (120) may obtain finger touch coordinates (e.g., gesture) and perform touch processing according to the finger touch input.

[0574] As a result of the judgment of operation 2820, if the operation of the display (810) is in an off (e.g., screen not displayed) state (e.g., No), operation 2825 can be performed.

[0575] At operation 2825, the processor (120) may perform a judgment operation (e.g., initiate an operation) to limit touch re-input processing.

[0576] In operation 2830, the processor (120) can determine whether an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A, the electronic device (300) of FIG. 3A, the electronic device (400) of FIG. 4A, the electronic device (500) of FIG. 5A, the electronic device (600) of FIG. 6A, the electronic device (700) of FIG. 7A, the electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, and the electronic device (2400) of FIGS. 24 and 25) is located in a pocket. For example, the operation of determining whether the electronic device is located in a pocket can apply the operation contents described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 20. For example, the operation of determining whether an electronic device is located in a pocket (inside a pocket) can be applied to determine a touch (e.g., whether it is a pocket touch where the electronic device is located in a pocket or a finger touch where the electronic device is located in a user's hand) using a sensor other than the touch sensor (851) (e.g., a sensor module (880) of FIG. 8) (e.g., a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, a 6-axis sensor).

[0577] As a result of the determination of operation 2830, if the electronic device is not located in the pocket (e.g., No), the processor (120) may perform operation 2835.

[0578] In operation 2835, the processor (120) may perform touch processing according to a finger touch input. For example, the processor (120) may obtain finger touch coordinates (e.g., gesture) and perform touch processing according to the finger touch input.

[0579] As a result of the determination of operation 2830, if the electronic device is located in the pocket (e.g., Yes), the processor (120) may perform operation 2840.

[0580] In operation 2840, the processor (120) can determine whether the electronic device is taken out from the pocket (inside the pocket). For example, the operation of determining whether the electronic device is located in the pocket (inside the pocket) can apply the operation contents described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 20. For example, the operation of determining whether the electronic device is located in the pocket (inside the pocket) can apply touch determination (e.g., whether the electronic device is a pocket touch when it is located in the pocket or a finger touch when the electronic device is located in the user's hand) using a sensor other than the touch sensor (851) (e.g., the sensor module (880) of FIG. 8) (e.g., a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, a 6-axis sensor).

[0581] As a result of the determination of operation 2840, if the electronic device is taken out from inside the pocket (e.g., Yes), the processor (120) may perform operation 2835.

[0582] In operation 2835, the processor (120) may perform touch processing according to a finger touch input. For example, the processor (120) may obtain finger touch coordinates (e.g., gesture) and perform touch processing according to the finger touch input.

[0583] If the result of the determination of operation 2840 is that the electronic device is not taken out from inside the pocket (e.g., No) (e.g., the electronic device is located inside the pocket), the processor (120) may perform operation 2845.

[0584] In operation 2845, when the electronic device is placed in the pocket (inside the pocket), the processor (120) may perform an operation to suspend touch judgment (e.g., limit touch input, limit touch processing).

[0585] For example, when the electronic device is placed in a pocket (inside a pocket), the processor (120) may set the touch block timer value (x) to 100 ms, 300 ms, or 1000 ms. The processor (120) may perform an operation of suspending touch determination (e.g., restricting touch input, restricting touch processing) for a preset time (e.g., 100 ms, 300 ms, or 1000 ms). Without being limited thereto, the processor (120) may set the touch block timer value (x) within 3000 ms. For example, the processor (120) may maintain a state of suspending touch determination (e.g., restricting touch input, restricting touch processing) until a preset time (e.g., 100 ms, 300 ms, or 1000 ms) has elapsed.

[0586] For example, the processor (120) can decrement the touch block timer value (x) by '-1' (e.g., decrement by 1 ms). The operation of decrementing the touch block timer value (x) can be performed until the set value (e.g., 100 ms, 300 ms, or 1000 ms) of the touch block timer value (x) becomes '0'.

[0587] For example, when the touch block timer value (x) becomes '0', since a preset time (e.g., 100 ms, 300 ms, or 1000 ms) has elapsed, the processor (120) can perform touch processing according to the finger touch input. For example, the processor (120) can obtain finger touch coordinates (e.g., gesture) and perform touch processing according to the finger touch input.

[0588] According to one embodiment, when the display (810) is turned on (e.g., screen display), an action of holding touch judgment (e.g., limiting touch input, limiting touch processing) may not be performed.

[0589] According to one embodiment, when the display (810) is turned off (e.g., the screen is not displayed), an operation of suspending touch judgment (e.g., limiting touch input, limiting touch processing) can be performed.

[0590] According to one embodiment, when the display (810) is off (e.g., not displayed on the screen), the processor (120) can adjust the interval (e.g., time) between double taps (e.g., continuous touches) to wake up the electronic device from 600 ms to 400 ms (600 ms -> 400 ms).

[0591] According to one embodiment, when the display (810) is off (e.g., the screen is not displayed), the processor (120) can adjust the effective time of double taps (e.g., continuous touch) to wake up the electronic device from 600 ms to 400 ms (600 ms -> 400 ms).

[0592] According to one embodiment, when the display (810) is off (e.g., the screen is not displayed), the processor (120) can adjust the maximum touch size (major) of double taps (e.g., continuous touches) for waking up the electronic device from 84 to 42 (double tap touch maximum size (major) 84 -> 42).

[0593] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) can lower the minimum recognition sensitivity.

[0594] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may limit (e.g., limit the occurrence of a double-tap event) from performing touch processing of a double-tap (e.g., continuous touch) for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms) when the display (810) is turned off (e.g., screen not displayed) after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket.

[0595] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may limit the touch processing of a touch swipe (e.g., suspend the touch processing of a touch swipe) when the display (810) is turned off (e.g., the screen is not displayed) after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket.

[0596] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may limit (e.g., suspend) touch processing of a touch swipe for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms) when the display (810) is turned off (e.g., screen not displayed) after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket.

[0597] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) can reduce the starting area of ​​the touch swipe for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms) when the display (810) is turned off (e.g., the screen is not displayed) after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket. The processor (120) can reduce the starting area of ​​the touch swipe from 10 mm to 5 mm (10 mm -> 5 mm).

[0598] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) can increase the length of the touch swipe for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms) when the display (810) is turned off (e.g., the screen is not displayed) after the electronic device is taken out of the pocket. The processor (120) can increase the length of the touch swipe from 25 mm to 35 mm (25 mm -> 35 mm).

[0599] According to one embodiment, the operations according to FIG. 28 may be performed regardless of whether the display (810) is on (e.g., showing a screen) or off (e.g., not showing a screen).

[0600] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIGS. 24 and 25) can prevent an accidental touch after the electronic device is taken out of a pocket (inside a pocket) by restricting (holding touch processing) touch processing of a double tap (e.g., continuous touch) and / or a touch swipe for a certain period of time (e.g., 1000 ms, 2000 ms, 3000 ms).

[0601] According to one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 8) and a memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 8) may be operatively connected. For example, the memory (130) may include instructions for executing the processor (120), the display driver IC (e.g., display driver IC (830) of FIG. 8), and the touch sensor IC (e.g., touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8). For example, the memory (130) may include a computing program. The computing program may include instructions for executing the processor (120), the display driver IC (e.g., display driver IC (830) of FIG. 8), and the touch sensor IC (e.g., touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8).

[0602] According to one embodiment, the operations illustrated in FIG. 28 may be performed by the electronic device loading instructions stored in the memory (130). For example, the operations illustrated in FIG. 28 may be performed by the processor (120) loading instructions stored in the memory (130). For example, the operations illustrated in FIG. 28 may be performed by the touch sensor IC (853) loading instructions stored in the memory (130). For example, the operations illustrated in FIG. 28 may be performed sequentially, or at least some of the operations may be performed in parallel.

[0603] FIG. 29 is a drawing showing an example of an electronic device (e.g., a foldable notebook PC, a foldable tablet PC) that can be used by folding or unfolding the display.

[0604] Referring to FIG. 29, in order to prevent mistouch of a foldable notebook PC or foldable tablet PC that can be used by folding or unfolding the display (2910) along the folding axis (F) of the electronic device (2900), the operations of the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 18, the operations of the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 20, the operations of the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 23, and the operations of the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 28 may be applied. When the electronic device (2900) is positioned in a pocket (in a pocket) or a bag (in a bag), mistouch can be prevented by applying the operations of the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 18, the operations of the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 20, the operations of the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 23, and the operations of the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 28.

[0605] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3a, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5a, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6a, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7a, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) comprises a foldable housing including a first housing part and a second housing part, an external display (e.g., a sub-display (331) of FIG. 3d) accommodated in the foldable housing in a first direction so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is unfolded and folded, and 8, a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (330) of FIG. 3a) accommodated in the foldable housing in a second direction so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is unfolded, a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) disposed inside or outside the external display (331, 810), a display driver (DDIC) (e.g., a display driver IC (830) of FIG. 8) driving the external display (331, 810) and the flexible display (330), a touch sensor driver (touch IC) (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8) driving the touch sensor (851), and the display driver (DDIC) (830) and the touch sensor driver (touch The processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1, the processor (120) of FIG. 8) that controls the operation of the touch sensor driver (touch IC) (853) may be included. When the processor (120) is executed, the processor (120) may obtain touch data from the touch sensor driver (touch IC) (853) while the external display (331, 810) is turned off.The processor (120) can, when executed, determine whether the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is located in a pocket based on the touch data. When the processor (120) determines that the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is located in a pocket, the processor (120) can perform a touch error prevention operation, but can suspend the touch determination based on the touch data for a preset period of time.

[0606] According to one embodiment, the touch data may include touch coordinates where a touch is sensed, a touch ID for distinguishing each touch, and a touch characteristic. The touch characteristic may include information on a touch area, information on a continuous touch, information on a time interval of the continuous touch, and information on a touch swipe. Based on the touch coordinates, the touch ID, and the touch characteristic, the processor (120) may determine whether the touch data is a finger touch or a touch when the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is placed in a pocket.

[0607] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may determine whether the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) has been taken out of the pocket after the preset time has elapsed. The processor (120) may perform a touch determination when the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) has been taken out of the pocket.

[0608] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) may include a plurality of sensors for sensing a distance to an object, brightness around the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400), movement of the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400), and speed of movement of the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400). The above processor (120) can determine whether the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) has been taken out of the pocket based on at least one sensing data input from the plurality of sensors.

[0609] According to one embodiment, if the processor (120) determines that the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) has been taken out of the pocket, the processor (120) may withhold touch determination for a preset period of time after the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) has been taken out of the pocket.

[0610] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may set a touch block timer value to a predetermined time value when it is determined that the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is located in a pocket. The processor (120) may decrement the touch block timer value in predetermined time units until the touch block timer value becomes '0'. When the touch block timer value becomes '0', the processor (120) may determine whether the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is located in a pocket.

[0611] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may perform touch judgment of a finger touch input when it is determined that the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) has been taken out of a pocket.

[0612] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may withhold touch determination if it is determined that the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is located in a pocket.

[0613] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may change the conditions for continuous touch input after the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is taken out of a pocket. At this time, at least one of the minimum recognition strength, the time interval between continuous touches, the effective time of continuous touches, and the maximum touch size of continuous touches may be adjusted.

[0614] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) can reduce the time interval between the consecutive touches, reduce the effective time of the consecutive touches, and reduce the maximum touch size of the consecutive touches.

[0615] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may limit the performance of touch processing of the continuous touch for a certain period of time.

[0616] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may change the conditions for input of a touch swipe after the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is taken out of a pocket. At this time, the processor (120) may adjust at least one of a starting area of ​​the touch swipe and a length of the touch swipe.

[0617] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) can reduce the starting area of ​​the touch swipe and reduce the length of the touch swipe.

[0618] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may limit the performance of touch processing of the touch swipe for a certain period of time.

[0619] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may perform a touch judgment based on the touch data without performing the touch error prevention operation when the external display (331, 810) is on.

[0620] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may perform touch judgment based on the touch data without performing the touch error prevention operation when a preset application is executed.

[0621] In an operating method of a foldable electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) includes an external display (331, 810) accommodated in the foldable housing in a first direction so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is unfolded and folded, and the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, The method may include a flexible display (330) accommodated in the foldable housing in a second direction so as to be visible to the outside when unfolded (2400), a touch sensor (851) disposed inside or outside the external display (331, 810), a display driver for driving the external display (331, 810) and the flexible display (330), a touch sensor driver for driving the touch sensor (851), and a processor (120) for controlling the operation of the display driver and the touch sensor driver. In the operating method, when the processor (120) is executed, touch data from the touch sensor driver (touch IC) (853) may be acquired in a state where the external display (331, 810) is turned off. In the above operating method, it is possible to determine whether the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is located in a pocket based on the touch data. In the above operating method, if it is determined that the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is located in a pocket, a touch error prevention operation is performed, but the touch determination based on the touch data can be held for a preset time.

[0622] According to one embodiment, the touch data may include touch coordinates where a touch is sensed, a touch ID for distinguishing each touch, and a touch characteristic. The touch characteristic may include information on a touch area, information on a continuous touch, information on a time interval of the continuous touch, and information on a touch swipe. Based on the touch coordinates, the touch ID, and the touch characteristic, the processor (120) may determine whether the touch data is a finger touch or a touch when the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is placed in a pocket.

[0623] According to one embodiment, it may be determined whether the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) has been taken out of the pocket after the preset time has elapsed. If the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) has been taken out of the pocket, a touch determination may be performed.

[0624] According to one embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) has been taken out of a pocket based on at least one sensing data input from a plurality of sensors.

[0625] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a, an electronic device (300) of FIG. 3a, an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4a, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5a, an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6a, an electronic device (700) of FIG. 7a, an electronic device (800) of FIG. 8, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 24, an electronic device (2400) of FIG. 25) comprises a foldable housing including a first housing part and a second housing part, an external display (e.g., a sub-display (331) of FIG. 3d) accommodated in the foldable housing in a first direction so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is unfolded and folded, and 8, a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (330) of FIG. 3a) accommodated in the foldable housing in a second direction so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is unfolded, a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (851) of FIG. 8) disposed inside or outside the external display (331, 810), a display driver (DDIC) (e.g., a display driver IC (830) of FIG. 8) driving the external display (331, 810) and the flexible display (330), a touch sensor driver (touch IC) (e.g., a touch sensor IC (853) of FIG. 8) driving the touch sensor (851), the display driver (DDIC) (830) and the touch sensor driver (touch It may include a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1, processor (120) of FIG. 8) that controls the operation of the IC) (853), and a memory (130) that includes instructions.

[0626] When the above-described input lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can obtain touch data from the touch sensor driver (touch IC) (853) in a state where the external display (331, 810) is turned off. When the above-described input lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device can determine whether the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is located in a pocket based on the touch data. When the above-described force lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device may perform a touch error prevention operation if it is determined that the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is located in a pocket, but may hold off on making a touch judgment based on touch data for a preset period of time.

[0627] According to one embodiment, the touch data may include touch coordinates where a touch is sensed, a touch ID for distinguishing each touch, and a touch characteristic. The touch characteristic may include information on a touch area, information on a continuous touch, information on a time interval of the continuous touch, and information on a touch swipe. When the input lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) may determine, based on the touch coordinates, the touch ID, and the touch characteristic, whether the touch data is a finger touch or a touch when the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is placed in a pocket.

[0628] According to one embodiment, when the above-described force lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can determine whether the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) has been taken out of the pocket after the preset time has elapsed. The electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can perform touch judgment when the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is taken out of a pocket.

[0629] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) may include a plurality of sensors for sensing a distance to an object, brightness around the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400), movement of the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400), and speed of movement of the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400). The electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can determine whether the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) has been taken out of the pocket based on at least one sensing data input from the plurality of sensors.

[0630] According to one embodiment, when the force lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) may withhold touch determination for a preset time after the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is withdrawn from the pocket.

[0631] According to one embodiment, when the input lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device may set the touch block timer value to a predetermined time value if it is determined that the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is located in a pocket. The electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) may decrement the touch block timer value by a predetermined time unit until the touch block timer value becomes '0'. The electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can determine whether the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is located in a pocket when the touch block timer value becomes '0'.

[0632] According to one embodiment, when the above-described force lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can perform touch judgment of a finger touch input when it is determined that the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) has been taken out of a pocket.

[0633] According to one embodiment, when the above force lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) may withhold the touch determination if it is determined that the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is located in a pocket.

[0634] According to one embodiment, when the above-described force lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can change the conditions for continuous touch input after the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is taken out of the pocket. At this time, at least one of the minimum recognition strength, the time interval between continuous touches, the effective time of continuous touches, and the maximum touch size of continuous touches can be adjusted.

[0635] According to one embodiment, when the force lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can reduce the time interval between the consecutive touches, reduce the effective time of the consecutive touches, and reduce the maximum touch size of the consecutive touches.

[0636] According to one embodiment, when the above force lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can limit the performance of touch processing of the continuous touch for a certain period of time.

[0637] According to one embodiment, when the input lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can change the conditions for input of a touch swipe after the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) is taken out of a pocket. At this time, the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can adjust at least one of a start area of ​​the touch swipe and a length of the touch swipe.

[0638] According to one embodiment, when the input lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can reduce the starting area of ​​the touch swipe and reduce the length of the touch swipe.

[0639] According to one embodiment, when the above force lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) may limit the performance of touch processing of the touch swipe for a certain period of time.

[0640] According to one embodiment, when the force lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can perform touch judgment based on the touch data without performing the touch error prevention operation when the external display (331, 810) is in an on state.

[0641] According to one embodiment, when the above force lines are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (101, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 2400) can perform touch judgment based on the touch data without performing the touch error prevention operation when a preset application is executed.

[0642] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device, A foldable housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part; An external display accommodated in the foldable housing in a first direction, so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device is unfolded and folded; A flexible display accommodated in the foldable housing in a second direction so as to be visible to the outside when the electronic device is unfolded; A touch sensor positioned inside or outside the above external display; A display driver (DDIC) driving the external display and the flexible display; A touch sensor driver (touch IC) that drives the above touch sensor; A processor controlling the operation of the display driver (DDIC) and the touch sensor driver (touch IC); and memory containing instructions; When the above force lines are executed by the processor, the electronic device, Acquire touch data from the above touch sensor driver (touch IC), Based on the above touch data, determine whether the electronic device is located in a pocket, If the above electronic device is determined to be located in a pocket, perform touch error prevention operation. Suspend touch judgment based on touch data for a preset period of time; Electronic devices.

2. In paragraph 1, The above touch data includes touch coordinates where the touch is sensed, a touch ID for distinguishing each touch, and touch characteristics. The above touch features include information on the touch area, information on continuous touch, information on the time interval of continuous touch, and information on touch swipe. When the above force lines are executed by the processor, the electronic device, Based on the touch coordinates, the touch ID, and the touch characteristics, determining whether the touch data is a finger touch or a touch when the electronic device is placed in a pocket. Electronic devices.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, When the above force lines are executed by the processor, the electronic device, After the above preset time has elapsed, determine whether the electronic device has been taken out of the pocket, Performing touch judgment when the above electronic device is taken out of the pocket; Electronic devices.

4. In paragraph 3, The electronic device includes a plurality of sensors for sensing a distance to an object, brightness around the electronic device, movement of the electronic device, and speed of movement of the electronic device. When the above instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device determines whether the electronic device has been taken out of the pocket based on at least one sensing data input from the plurality of sensors. Electronic devices.

5. In paragraph 4, When the above instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device, If it is determined that the electronic device has been taken out of the pocket, the touch judgment is withheld for a preset period of time after the electronic device has been taken out of the pocket. Electronic devices.

6. In paragraph 4, When the above instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device, If the above electronic device is determined to be located in a pocket, the touch block timer value is set to a certain time value, The touch block timer value is decremented by a certain time unit until the touch block timer value becomes '0', When the above touch block timer value becomes '0', it determines whether the electronic device is located in the pocket. Electronic devices.

7. In paragraph 5, When the above force lines are executed by the processor, the electronic device, When the electronic device is determined to have been taken out of the pocket, touch judgment of finger touch input is performed. Electronic devices.

8. In paragraph 6, When the above force lines are executed by the processor, the electronic device, If the above electronic device is determined to be located in a pocket, touch judgment is withheld. Electronic devices.

9. In paragraph 7, When the above force lines are executed by the processor, the electronic device, Changing the conditions for continuous touch input after the above electronic device is taken out of the pocket; Adjusting at least one of the minimum recognition strength, the time interval between consecutive touches, the valid time of consecutive touches, and the maximum touch size of consecutive touches; Electronic devices.

10. In paragraph 9, When the above force lines are executed by the processor, the electronic device, Reducing the time interval between the above consecutive touches, reducing the effective time of the consecutive touches, and reducing the maximum touch size of the consecutive touches. Electronic devices.

11. In clause 10, When the above force lines are executed by the processor, the electronic device, Restricting the touch processing of the above continuous touches for a certain period of time; Electronic devices.

12. In paragraph 7, When the above force lines are executed by the processor, the electronic device, Change the conditions for input of touch swipe after the above electronic device is taken out of the pocket, Adjusting at least one of the starting area of ​​the touch swipe and the length of the touch swipe, Electronic devices.

13. In paragraph 12, When the above force lines are executed by the processor, the electronic device, Reducing the starting area of ​​the above touch swipe, and reducing the length of the above touch swipe, Electronic devices.

14. In paragraph 13, When the above force lines are executed by the processor, the electronic device, Restricting the touch processing of the above touch swipe for a certain period of time; Electronic devices.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, When the above force lines are executed by the processor, the electronic device, When the external display is on, the touch judgment is performed based on the touch data without performing the touch error prevention operation. Electronic devices.

Images