Multi-foldable electronic device and control method of same multi-foldable electronic device

Abstract

A multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a first housing including a first sensor; a second housing foldably coupled to a first side of the first housing and including a second sensor; a third housing foldably coupled to a second side of the first housing and including a third sensor; a first hinge assembly coupled between the first housing and the second housing; a second hinge assembly coupled between the first housing and the third housing; a flexible display including a first display area disposed in the first housing, a second display area disposed in the second housing, and a third display area disposed at the front surface of the third housing; a processor; and a memory storing instructions, wherein in the case where the first housing and the third housing are unfolded using the second hinge assembly, and the first housing and the second housing are folded using the first hinge assembly, the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the multi-foldable electronic device to: receive a touch input on a first portion of the third display area; after receiving the touch input on the first portion, detect an unfolding movement of the first hinge assembly; and deactivate the touch input on the first portion of the third display area on the basis of the unfolding movement of the first hinge assembly.

Description

Multi-foldable electronic device and control method of the multi-foldable electronic device

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention disclose a multi-foldable electronic device including a plurality of hinge assemblies and a method for controlling a touch input of the multi-foldable electronic device.

[0002] The use of foldable electronic devices that fold and unfold in either a horizontal or vertical direction is increasing.

[0003] The above foldable electronic device can be operated in a folded or unfolded state with the first housing and the second housing centered around the hinge assembly.

[0004] The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display disposed at least partially across the first housing, the hinge assembly, and the second housing.

[0005] The above foldable electronic device can provide a user with various information, such as text, images, and / or videos, using a flexible display.

[0006] The above information may be provided as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art in connection with the present disclosure.

[0007] There is increasing user demand for expanded displays in foldable electronic devices. Foldable electronic devices may be implemented in the form of multi-foldable electronic devices comprising a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing.

[0008] The multi-foldable electronic device may include a flexible display disposed at least partially across the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing.

[0009] The above multi-foldable electronic device can be operated in an in-folding and / or out-folding manner with the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing using the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly.

[0010] The above multi-foldable electronic device may, for example, have a second housing folded first with respect to a first housing positioned in the middle, and a third housing folded later.

[0011] The multi-foldable electronic device may, for example, have a first housing and a third housing that are unfolded using a second hinge assembly, and a first housing and a second housing that are folded using the first hinge assembly. For example, when a user touches a part of a third display area of ​​a flexible display disposed in the third housing to unfold the second housing that is folded relative to the first housing, an execution screen of an application that is not intended by the user may be displayed in the third display area.

[0012] Various embodiments of the present invention can provide a multi-foldable electronic device capable of ignoring a touch input generated when a second housing or a third housing is unfolded or folded, and a method of controlling the multi-foldable electronic device.

[0013] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0014] A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing including a first sensor, a second housing foldably coupled to a first side of the first housing and including a second sensor, a third housing foldably coupled to a second side of the first housing and including a third sensor, a first hinge assembly coupled between the first housing and the second housing, a second hinge assembly coupled between the first housing and the third housing, a flexible display including a first display area disposed in the first housing, a second display area disposed in the second housing, and a third display area disposed on a front side of the third housing, a processor, and a memory storing instructions. In one embodiment, when the first housing and the third housing are unfolded using the second hinge assembly and the first housing and the second housing are folded using the first hinge assembly, the instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the multi-foldable electronic device to receive a touch input on a first portion of the third display area, detect a movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly after receiving the touch input on the first portion, and deactivate the touch input on the first portion of the third display area based on the movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly.

[0015] A method for controlling a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an operation of detecting, by the multi-foldable electronic device, that a first housing and a third housing are unfolded using a second hinge assembly, using a first sensor and / or a third sensor. According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of detecting, by the first sensor and / or a second sensor, that the first housing and the second housing are folded using the first hinge assembly. According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of receiving a touch input on a first portion of a third display area of ​​a flexible display to unfold the second housing from the first housing. According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of detecting a movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly after receiving the touch input on the first portion. According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of deactivating the touch input on the first portion of the third display area based on the movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the method for controlling the multi-foldable electronic device may be performed using a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs. According to one embodiment, the one or more programs may include instructions and / or commands that are executed when executed by a processor of the multi-foldable electronic device.

[0017] According to various embodiments of the present invention, by ignoring a touch input to a portion of a display area that occurs when a part of a housing of a multi-foldable electronic device is unfolded or folded, execution of an application that is not intended by a user can be prevented.

[0018] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0019] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0020] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 1b is a block diagram of a display module according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2A is a schematic drawing of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state viewed from the front according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear in an unfolded state.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing a state in which the first housing and the second housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention are folded and the first housing and the third housing are unfolded.

[0025] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic drawings showing a folded state of a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a rear view of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention with some components removed.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a drawing schematically showing a folded state of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing showing a state in which the first housing and the third housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention are unfolded and the first housing and the second housing are folded.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the first housing and the third housing are unfolded, the first housing and the second housing are folded, and the second housing is unfolded from the first housing.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the first housing and the third housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention are unfolded, and the second housing is folded relative to the first housing while the first housing and the second housing are unfolded.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the first housing and the second housing are unfolded, the first housing and the third housing are folded, and the third housing is unfolded from the first housing.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling touch input of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling touch input of a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1A, 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 at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0037] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or 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.

[0038] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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).

[0042] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0043] 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. In 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.

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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).

[0053] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0054] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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)).

[0057] 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.

[0058] FIG. 1b is a block diagram (105) of a display module (160) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1B, the display module (160) may include a display (161) and a display driver IC (DDI) (165) for controlling the display (161). The DDI (165) may include an interface module (165a), a memory (165b) (e.g., a buffer memory), an image processing module (165c), or a mapping module (165d). The DDI (165) may receive, for example, 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 (101) through the interface module (165a). According to one embodiment, the image information may be received from a processor (120) (e.g., a main processor (121) (e.g., an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit)) that operates independently of the function of the main processor (121). The DDI (165) can communicate with the touch circuit (168) or the sensor module (176) through the interface module (165a). In addition, the DDI (165) can store at least a portion of the received image information in the memory (165b), for example, on a frame basis. The image processing module (165c) can, for example, perform preprocessing or postprocessing (e.g., resolution, brightness, or size adjustment) on at least a portion of the image data based on at least the characteristics of the image data or the characteristics of the display (161). The mapping module (165d) can generate a voltage value or a current value corresponding to the image data preprocessed or postprocessed through the image processing module (165c). According to one embodiment, the generation of the voltage value or the current value can be performed based at least in part on, for example, the properties of the pixels of the display (161) (e.g., the arrangement of the pixels (RGB stripe or pentile structure), or the size of each subpixel).At least some pixels of the display (161) 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 (161).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may further include a touch circuit (168). The touch circuit (168) may include a touch sensor (168a) and a touch sensor IC (168b) for controlling the touch sensor (168a). The touch sensor IC (168b) may control the touch sensor (168a) to detect, for example, a touch input or a hovering input for a specific location of the display (161). For example, the touch sensor IC (168b) may detect the touch input or the 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 (161). The touch sensor IC (168b) may provide information (e.g., location, area, pressure, or time) regarding the detected touch input or hovering input to the processor (120). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the touch circuit (168) (e.g., touch sensor IC (168b)) may be included as part of the display driver IC (165), or as part of the display (161), or as part of another component (e.g., auxiliary processor (123)) disposed external to the display module (160).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor) of the sensor module (176), or a control circuit therefor. In this case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit therefor may be embedded in a part of the display module (160) (e.g., the display (161) or the DDI (165)) or a part of the touch circuit (168). For example, when the sensor module (176) embedded in the display module (160) includes a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor may obtain biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image) associated with a touch input through a part of the display (161). For example, when the sensor module (176) embedded in the display module (160) includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information associated with a touch input through a part or the entire area of ​​the display (161). According to one embodiment, the touch sensor (168a) or sensor module (176) may be positioned between pixels of a pixel layer of the display (161), or above or below the pixel layer.

[0062] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0063] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0064] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0065] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this 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.

[0067] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0068] FIG. 2a is a schematic drawing of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state viewed from the front according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2b is a schematic drawing of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state viewed from the rear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the embodiments of the electronic device (101) disclosed in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be included in the embodiments of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed below. For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 2B may include the processor (120), the memory (130), the input module (150), the audio output module (155), the display module (160), the audio module (170), the sensor module (176), the interface (177), the connection terminal (178), the haptic module (179), the camera module (180), the antenna module (197), and / or the subscriber identification module (196) disclosed in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a multi-foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge assembly (201) (e.g., a first hinge module), a second hinge assembly (202) (e.g., a second hinge module), and / or a flexible display (240).

[0071] In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may be disposed between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230). The second housing (220) may be operably coupled to a first side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) of the first housing (210). The third housing (230) may be operably coupled to a second side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) of the first housing (210). For example, the first housing (210) may be operably coupled at a first side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) with at least a portion of the second housing (220) via a first hinge assembly (201), and at a second side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) with at least a portion of the third housing (230) via a second hinge assembly (202).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) can be foldably coupled to a first side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) of the first housing (210). The first hinge assembly (201) can be coupled between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The first hinge assembly (201) can be arranged such that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be folded or unfolded with respect to each other. The first hinge assembly (201) can include a hinge device, a hinge member, a hinge plate, a hinge structure, or a hinge module. The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be rotatably coupled about a first folding axis (A1) using the first hinge assembly (201).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the third housing (230) can be foldably coupled to a second side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) of the first housing (210). The second hinge assembly (202) can be coupled between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). The second hinge assembly (202) can be arranged such that the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) can be folded or unfolded relative to each other. The second hinge assembly (202) can include a hinge device, a hinge member, a hinge plate, a hinge structure, or a hinge module. The first housing (210) and the third housing (230) can be rotatably coupled about a second folding axis (A2) using the second hinge assembly (202).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be folded such that the second housing (220) is first folded relative to the first housing (210) via the first hinge assembly (201), and the third housing (230) is later folded relative to the first housing (210) via the second hinge assembly (202). For example, the second housing (220) may be folded relative to the first housing (210) via the first hinge assembly (201) in an in-folding manner. For example, the second housing (220) may be folded relative to the first housing (210) while rotating in the z-axis direction and the -x-axis direction via the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the third housing (230) can be folded in an in-folding manner relative to the first housing (210) via the second hinge assembly (202). For example, the third housing (230) can be folded relative to the first housing (210) while rotating in the z-axis direction and the x-axis direction via the second hinge assembly (202).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the width (W2) of the second housing (220) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions) may be configured to be smaller than the width (W1) of the first housing (210) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions). The width (W1) of the first housing (210) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions) may be configured to be substantially the same as the width (W3) of the third housing (230) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions). According to various embodiments, the width (W3) of the third housing (230) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions) may be configured to be larger or smaller than the width (W1) of the first housing (210) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are disposed on both sides with respect to the first folding axis (A1) on which the first hinge assembly (201) is disposed, and may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the first folding axis (A1). According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may also have a symmetrical shape with respect to the first folding axis (A1). The angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may vary depending on whether the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are disposed on opposite sides of the second folding axis (A2) on which the second hinge assembly (202) is disposed, and may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the second folding axis (A2). According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the second folding axis (A2). The angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) may vary depending on whether the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0078] In one embodiment, the width of the second hinge assembly (202) may be configured to be wider than the width of the first hinge assembly (201). For example, when the second housing (220) is first folded with respect to the first housing (210), and the third housing (230) is folded with respect to the first housing (210), and the third housing (230) is placed on top of the second housing (220), the width of the second hinge assembly (202) may be configured to be wider than the width of the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the first hinge assembly (201) may be a first folding hinge, a slim hinge, or a small hinge having a narrower width than the second hinge assembly (202). For example, the second hinge assembly (202) may be a second in-folding hinge, wide hinge, or big hinge that is wider than the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the second hinge assembly (202) may have a larger radius of curvature than the first hinge assembly (202). The first hinge assembly (201) may have a smaller radius of curvature than the second hinge assembly (202). In one embodiment, the width of the second hinge assembly (202) is described as being wider than the width of the first hinge assembly (201), but is not limited thereto, and the width of the first hinge assembly (201) may be wider than the width of the second hinge assembly (202) depending on the type and / or operation of the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0079] In one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may be disposed on the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230). For example, the flexible display (240) may be disposed across at least a portion of the front surfaces (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230). The flexible display (240) may be a first display, a foldable display, or a main display. In various embodiments, a sub-display (250) may be disposed on the rear surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the third housing (230). The sub-display (250) may be a second display or an auxiliary display. The flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250) may include the display module (160) disclosed in FIGS. 1A and 1B . The flexible display (240) and / or sub-display (250) may include at least some embodiments related to the display module (160) disclosed in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0080] In this document, a surface on which a flexible display (240) (e.g., a display module (160) of FIGS. 1A and 1B) is disposed may be defined as a front surface (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of a multi-foldable electronic device (200), and a surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as a rear surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). A surface surrounding a space between the front surface (e.g., in the z-axis direction) and the rear surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) may be defined as a side surface of the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may include a first display area (240a) disposed in the first housing (210), a second display area (240b) disposed in the second housing (220), and a third display area (240c) disposed in the third housing (230) (e.g., the front). The first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) may be integrally formed to form the flexible display (240). According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the flexible display (240) may be configured to be disposed on most of the front surface (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). At least a portion of the flexible display (240) may be deformed into a flat surface or a curved surface. The division of the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) may be an exemplary physical division. The flexible display (240) may be formed as a seamless, single full screen. According to one embodiment, the sub-display (250) may include a fourth display area (250d). For example, the sub-display (250) may be arranged on the rear side (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the third housing (230).

[0082] According to one embodiment, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (210) may include a first side member (213) that is connected to at least a portion of the first hinge assembly (201) and the second hinge assembly (202), and is arranged to face the front (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), a second side member (212) that faces the opposite direction of the first side member (211), and / or surrounds at least a portion of a first space between the first side member (211) and the second side member (212).

[0083] According to one embodiment, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the second housing (220) may include a third side (221) that is connected to at least a portion of the first hinge assembly (201) and is arranged to face the front (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), a fourth side (222) that faces in an opposite direction to the third side (221), and / or a second side member (223) that surrounds at least a portion of a second space between the third side (221) and the fourth side (222).

[0084] According to one embodiment, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the third housing (230) may include a fifth face (231) that is connected to at least a portion of the second hinge assembly (202) and arranged to face the front (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), a sixth face (232) that faces in an opposite direction to the fifth face (231), and / or a third side member (233) that surrounds at least a portion of a third space between the fifth face (231) and the sixth face (232).

[0085] According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first side (211), the third side (221), and the fifth side (231) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). When the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the second side (212), the fourth side (222), and the sixth side (232) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., the -z-axis direction).

[0086] According to various embodiments, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) are in a folded state, the first side (211) and the third side (221) may be arranged to face each other. When the third housing (230) is arranged on the upper side (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220) in a folded state with respect to the first housing (210) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), the fourth side (222) of the second housing (220) and the fifth side (231) of the third housing (230) may be arranged to face each other.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a recess (245) formed to accommodate a flexible display (240) through structural combination of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230). The recess (245) may have substantially the same size as the flexible display (240).

[0088] According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) form an angle of about 180°, and the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) form substantially the same plane and may be arranged to face substantially the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). The fourth display area (250d) of the sub-display (250) may be arranged to face the opposite direction to the third display area (240c).

[0089] According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a fully unfolded state, the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) may form an angle of about 175° to about 185°. For example, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a partially unfolded state, an angle of about 10° to about 175° may be formed between the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230). For example, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state, an angle of about 0° to about 10° may be formed between the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230).

[0090] According to various embodiments, the unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be defined by expressions such as “open state” or “unfolded state”, the fully unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be defined by expressions such as “fully open state” or “fully unfolded state”, the partially unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be defined by expressions such as “intermediate state”, “partially open state” or “partially folded state”, and the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be defined by expressions such as “closed state” or “folded state”.

[0091] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may form an angle that allows them to stop at a designated folding angle between a folded state and an unfolded state (e.g., a free stop function) using the first hinge assembly (201). In various embodiments, the second housing (220) may also be rotated to move toward a second face (212) (e.g., a rear face) of the first housing (210) while being pressed in an unfolding direction (e.g., a -z-axis direction) based on the designated inflection angle using the first hinge assembly (201).

[0092] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) can form an angle that allows them to stop at a designated folding angle between a folded state and an unfolded state using the second hinge assembly (202). In various embodiments, the third housing (230) can also be rotated to move toward a second side (212) (e.g., a rear side) of the first housing (210) while being pressed in an unfolding direction (e.g., a -z-axis direction) based on the designated inflection angle using the second hinge assembly (202).

[0093] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (240) may be arranged to be supported by the first side (211) of the first housing (210), the first hinge assembly (201), the third side (221) of the second housing (220), the second hinge assembly (202), and the fifth side (231) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the sub-display (250) (e.g., the fourth display area (250d)) may be arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside through the sixth side (232) in the interior space of the third housing (230). In various embodiments, the sub-display (250) may also be arranged to be visible from the outside through the fourth side (222) in the interior space of the second housing (220).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may be primarily used when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, and the sub-display (250) may be primarily used when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (270) disposed on a second side (212) of a first housing (210), a second rear cover (280) disposed on a fourth side (222) of a second housing (220), and / or a third rear cover (290) disposed on a sixth side (232) of a third housing (230). In various embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover (270) may be formed integrally with a portion of the first side member (213). In various embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover (280) may be formed integrally with a portion of the second side member (223). In various embodiments, at least a portion of the third rear cover (290) may be formed integrally with a portion of the third side member (233). According to one embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover (270), the second rear cover (280), and the third rear cover (290) 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.

[0096] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover (270) may be formed by 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. According to various embodiments, the second rear cover (280) may be formed by 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. According to various embodiments, the third rear cover (290) may be formed by a substantially transparent plate, such as, for example, glass or polymer. The sub-display (250) (e.g., the fourth display area (250d)) may be arranged so as to be visible from the outside through the third rear cover (290) in the internal space of the third housing (230).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first grip sensor (272), a second grip sensor (282), and / or a third grip sensor (292).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the first grip sensor (272) may be disposed in the first housing (210). The first grip sensor (272) may detect whether a user of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) has gripped at least a portion of the first housing (210) with a hand (e.g., a palm and / or fingers). For example, the second grip sensor (282) may be disposed in the second housing (220). The second grip sensor (282) may detect whether a user has gripped at least a portion of the second housing (220) with a hand. For example, the third grip sensor (292) may be disposed in the third housing (230). The third grip sensor (292) may detect whether a user has gripped at least a portion of the third housing (230) with a hand.

[0099] According to various embodiments, the functions and operations of the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), and / or the third grip sensor (292) described above may also be performed using a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (168) of FIG. 1B) of the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250). For example, the flexible display (240) may detect, using a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (168) of FIG. 1B), whether a user has gripped the first housing (210) (e.g., a first display area (240a)), the second housing (220) (e.g., a second display area (240b)), or the third housing (230) (e.g., a third display area (240c) and / or a fourth display area (250d)).

[0100] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one of an input module (261), an audio output module (263, 265), a sensor module (267a, 267b, 267c), a camera module (271a, 271b, 271c), a key input device (273), an indicator (not shown), or a connector port (275). In various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the above-described components or may additionally include at least one other component.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the input module (261) may include at least one microphone positioned to detect the direction of sound. The input module (261) may include the input module (150) disclosed in FIG. 1A.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the audio output module (263, 265) may include at least one speaker. The audio output module (263, 265) may include a call receiver (263) disposed through the sixth side (232) of the third housing (230), and a speaker (265) disposed on a portion of an upper portion (e.g., in the y-axis direction) and a portion of a lower portion (e.g., in the -y-axis direction) of the second side member (223) of the second housing (220) and / or a portion of an upper portion (e.g., in the y-axis direction) and a portion of a lower portion (e.g., in the -y-axis direction) of the third side member (233) of the third housing (230). The audio output module (263, 265) may include the audio output module (155) disclosed in FIG. 1A.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the input module (261), the audio output module (263, 265) and the connector port (275) are disposed in the space of the first housing (210), the second housing (220) and / or the third housing (230) and can be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (210), the second housing (220) and / or the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the holes formed in the first housing (210), the second housing (220) and / or the third housing (230) may be used in common for the input module (261) and the audio output module (263, 265). In one embodiment, the audio output module (263, 265) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the holes formed in the second housing (220) and / or the third housing (230).

[0104] According to various embodiments, the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c) may include a first camera module (271a) disposed on a first side (211) of the first housing (210), a second camera module (271b) disposed on a second side (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third camera module (271c) disposed on a sixth side (232) of the third housing (230). According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a flash (295) disposed near the second camera module (271b). The flash (295) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to one embodiment, the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and / or image signal processors. In one embodiment, at least one of the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c) 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), the second housing (220), and / or the third housing (230). For example, the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c) may include the camera module (180) disclosed in FIG. 1A.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). According to various embodiments, the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may include a first sensor module (267a) disposed on a first surface (211) of the first housing (210), a second sensor module (267b) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third sensor module (267c) disposed on a sixth surface (232) of the third housing (230). For example, the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may include the sensor module (176) disclosed in FIG. 1A.

[0106] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may further include at least one of a sensor module not shown, for example, a 6-axis sensor (e.g., an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor), an angle sensor, a Hall sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a folding and unfolding detection sensor, a proximity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an illuminance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor), and a fingerprint recognition sensor.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the key input device (273) may be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the key input device (273) may also be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the third side member (233) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the key input devices (273), and the key input devices (273) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250). In various embodiments, the key input device (273) may be implemented using a touch sensor (e.g., the touch sensor (168a) of FIG. 1B) and / or a pressure sensor included in the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250). In one embodiment, the key input device (273) may include a power button and / or a volume control button of the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the connector port (275) 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 (e.g., the external electronic devices 102, 104, 108 of FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the connector port (275) may also perform a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals with the 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. For example, the connector port (275) may be formed in a portion of the first side member (213) of the first housing (210). For example, the connector port (275) may include the connection terminal (178) disclosed in FIG. 1A.

[0109] According to various embodiments, at least one of the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c), at least one of the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c), and / or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through at least one display (240, 250). For example, at least one camera module (271a, 271c), at least one sensor module (267a, 267c) and / or an indicator may be arranged in an interior space of at least one housing (210, 220, 230), below an active area (display area) of at least one display (240, 250), and may be arranged to be in contact with the external environment through a perforated opening or transparent area up to a cover member (e.g., a window layer (not shown) of the flexible display (240) and / or a third rear cover (290)).

[0110] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the first housing and the second housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention are folded and the first housing and the third housing are unfolded. FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are schematic diagrams illustrating a state in which the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention are folded.

[0111] According to one embodiment, FIG. 3 may be a drawing viewed from the -y-axis direction, showing a state in which the second housing (220) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is folded toward the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is unfolded at about 180° with respect to the first housing (210).

[0112] According to one embodiment, FIG. 4A may be a drawing viewed from the -y-axis direction, in which the second housing (220) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is first folded toward the first housing (210), and the third housing (230) is later folded toward the first housing (210), so that the third housing (230) is positioned on the upper side (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220).

[0113] According to one embodiment, FIG. 4B may be a perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) are folded toward the first housing (210), and at least a portion of the sub-display (250) (e.g., the fourth display area (250d)) is exposed to the outside. For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B may be folded in a G-type shape. According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may also be folded in various types (e.g., Z-type) shapes.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4a and 4b, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge assembly (201) and a second hinge assembly (202).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may first be folded onto the top (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the first housing (210) via a first hinge assembly (201) (e.g., a first folding hinge).

[0116] In one embodiment, after the second housing (220) is folded toward the first housing (210) via the first hinge assembly (201), the third housing (230) can be folded toward the first housing (210) via the second hinge assembly (202) (e.g., a second folding hinge) and placed on top (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220).

[0117] In one embodiment, the first hinge assembly (201) can have a first width. The second hinge assembly (202) can have a second width. For example, the second width can be wider than the first width. In various embodiments, the second housing (220) can be folded relative to the first housing (210), and the third housing (230) can be folded relative to the first housing (210), such that the third housing (230) is positioned on top (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220), so that the second width of the second hinge assembly (202) can be configured to be wider than the first width of the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the first hinge assembly (201) may include a first folding hinge, slim hinge, or small hinge having a narrower width than the second hinge assembly (202). For example, the second hinge assembly (202) may include a second folding hinge, wide hinge, or big hinge having a wider width than the first hinge assembly (201).

[0118] In one embodiment, when the second housing (220) is folded toward the first housing (210) via the first hinge assembly (201) (e.g., the first in-folding hinge), and then the third housing (230) is folded toward the second housing (220) via the second hinge assembly (202) (e.g., the second in-folding hinge), such that the third housing (230) is disposed on the upper side (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220), at least a portion of the sub-display (250) (e.g., the fourth display area (250d)) disposed on the sixth side (232) of the third housing (230) may be visually exposed to the outside of the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0119] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a rear view of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention with some components removed.

[0120] According to one embodiment, FIG. 5 may be a schematic drawing of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIG. 2b according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the first rear cover (270), the second rear cover (280), and the third rear cover (290) removed or omitted, as viewed from the rear (e.g., in the -z-axis direction).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first printed circuit board (501) and a first sensor (510). The second housing (220) may include a second printed circuit board (502) and a second sensor (520). The third housing (230) may include a third printed circuit board (503) and a third sensor (530).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the first printed circuit board (501) and the second printed circuit board (502) may be electrically connected using a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (525) (e.g., a first conductive connecting member). The first flexible circuit board (525) may be disposed partially across the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).

[0123] In one embodiment, the first printed circuit board (501) and the third printed circuit board (503) can be electrically connected using a second flexible circuit board (535) (e.g., a second conductive connecting member). The second flexible circuit board (535) can be disposed partially across the first housing (210) and the third housing (230).

[0124] In one embodiment, the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520) can detect an angle (e.g., a folding angle and an unfolding angle) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded or unfolded via the first hinge assembly (201), the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520) can detect the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the first sensor (510) or the second sensor (520) can include a six-axis sensor and / or an angle sensor. For example, the first sensor (510) or the second sensor (520) can include an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. The acceleration sensor can sense the angle (e.g., inclination angle) at which the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) is tilted with respect to the direction of gravity (e.g., the ground or floor). The gyro sensor can sense the angular velocity of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). The gyro sensor can sense the rotational speed or rotational angle of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). The first sensor (510) or the second sensor (520) can be configured by integrating an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0125] In one embodiment, the first sensor (510) and / or the third sensor (530) can detect an angle (e.g., a folding angle and an unfolding angle) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). For example, when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded or unfolded via the second hinge assembly (202), the first sensor (510) and / or the third sensor (530) can detect the angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). For example, the third sensor (530) can include a six-axis sensor and / or an angle sensor. For example, the third sensor (530) can include an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. The acceleration sensor can sense the angle (e.g., inclination angle) at which the first housing (210) and / or the third housing (230) are tilted with respect to the direction of gravity (e.g., the ground). The gyro sensor can sense the angular velocity of the first housing (210) and / or the third housing (230). The gyro sensor can sense the rotational speed or rotational angle of the first housing (210) and / or the third housing (220). The third sensor (530) can be configured by integrating the acceleration sensor and the gyro sensor.

[0126] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed below may include at least some of the embodiments described in FIGS. 1A to 5. Embodiments related to the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed below may be integrated and applied to, for example, the embodiments of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIGS. 1A to 5. In the description of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) according to various embodiments of the present invention disclosed below, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those in the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1A to 5 described above, and redundant descriptions of their functions may be omitted.

[0127] FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 6, a multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a flexible display (240), a sub-display (250), a memory (130), and / or a processor (120).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first sensor (510) and a first grip sensor (272). The second housing (220) may include a second sensor (520) and a second grip sensor (282). The third housing (230) may include a third sensor (530) and a third grip sensor (292).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), the third sensor (530), the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), the third grip sensor (292), the flexible display (240), the sub-display (250), the memory (130), and the processor (120) can be electrically or operatively connected.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (510) may be disposed in the first housing (210). The first sensor (510) may detect an angle (e.g., a folding angle and an unfolding angle) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and transmit the detected angle information to the processor (120). For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded or unfolded through the first hinge assembly (201), the first sensor (510) may detect the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the first sensor (510) may include at least one of a 6-axis sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angle sensor, a folding or unfolding measurement sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a Hall sensor, a gyro sensor, a motion sensor, and a proximity sensor. According to various embodiments, the first sensor (510) is not limited to the above-described sensor, and various other sensors may be used as long as they can detect the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the second sensor (520) may be disposed in the second housing (220). The second sensor (520) may detect an angle (e.g., a folding angle and an unfolding angle) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and transmit the detected angle information to the processor (120). For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded or unfolded through the first hinge assembly (201), the second sensor (520) may detect the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the second sensor (520) may include at least one of a 6-axis sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angle sensor, a folding or unfolding measurement sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a Hall sensor, a gyro sensor, a motion sensor, and a proximity sensor. According to various embodiments, the second sensor (520) is not limited to the above-described sensor, and various other sensors may be used as long as they can detect the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the third sensor (530) may be disposed in the third housing (230). The third sensor (530) may detect an angle (e.g., a folding angle and an unfolding angle) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) and transmit the detected angle information to the processor (120). For example, when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded or unfolded through the second hinge assembly (202), the third sensor (530) may detect the angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). For example, the third sensor (530) may include at least one of a 6-axis sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angle sensor, a folding or unfolding measurement sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a Hall sensor, a gyro sensor, a motion sensor, and a proximity sensor. According to various embodiments, the third sensor (530) is not limited to the above-described sensor, and various other sensors may be used as long as they can detect the angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230).

[0134] According to various embodiments, at least one of the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), and the third sensor (530) can detect rotation information and / or inclination information (e.g., slope information) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). For example, at least one of the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), and the third sensor (530) can detect whether the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a horizontal state unfolded with respect to the direction of gravity (e.g., the ground) or in a vertical state erected with respect to the direction of gravity. For example, at least one of the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), and the third sensor (530) can detect a usage state, a placement state, and / or a mounting state of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and / or the third housing (230).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the first grip sensor (272) may be disposed in the first housing (210). The first grip sensor (272) may detect whether a user has gripped the first housing (210) and transmit the detected signal to the processor (120). According to one embodiment, the second grip sensor (282) may be disposed in the second housing (220). The second grip sensor (282) may detect whether a user has gripped the second housing (220) and transmit the detected signal to the processor (120). According to various embodiments, the first grip sensor (272) and / or the second grip sensor (282) may detect whether a user has gripped the area around the first hinge assembly (201) and transmit the detected signal to the processor (120). According to one embodiment, the third grip sensor (292) may be disposed in the third housing (230). The third grip sensor (292) may detect whether a user has gripped the third housing (230) and transmit the detected signal to the processor (120).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) (e.g., the first display or the main display) may include a first display area (240a), a second display area (240b), and a third display area (240c). The flexible display (240) may display execution screens of different applications on the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) under the control of the processor (120). For example, the first display area (240a) may display the execution screen of the first application. The second display area (240b) may display the execution screen of the second application. The third display area (240c) may display the execution screen of the third application. According to various embodiments, the flexible display (240) can display substantially the same application execution screen on the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) under the control of the processor (120).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the sub-display (250) (e.g., the second display or the auxiliary display) may include a fourth display area (250d). The sub-display (250), under the control of the processor (120), may display an execution screen of an application that is substantially the same as or different from the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c). For example, the fourth display area (250d) may display an execution screen of a fourth application.

[0138] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may display an execution screen of an application on the sub-display (250) (e.g., the fourth display area (250d)) under the control of the processor (120) when the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are folded. For example, when the third housing (230) is unfolded (e.g., unfolded approximately 180°) with respect to the first housing (210), the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may display an execution screen of an application displayed on the sub-display (250) (e.g., the fourth display area (250d)) on the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) when the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are folded.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can recognize that a user has gripped the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and / or the third housing (230) using the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), and / or the third grip sensor (292) when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded to about 180° using the second hinge assembly (202), and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201). For example, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) recognizes that the user has gripped at least one of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) through the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), and / or the third grip sensor (292), the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may recognize that the user is making a motion to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210). For example, when a touch input is detected (e.g., received) for a portion of a third display area (240c) of a flexible display (240) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) while the user is holding at least one of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230), and a movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201) is detected, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can deactivate the touch input for a portion of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can determine whether a user performs a touch input on a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210), for example, when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded by about 180° using the second hinge assembly (202) and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201). For example, upon receiving (e.g., detecting) a touch input to a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8), the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect, using at least one of the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), and the third grip sensor (292), whether the user has gripped at least one of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210). The multi-foldable electronic device (200) can disable touch input on a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) based on whether at least one of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) is in a grip state.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect whether a user has gripped at least one of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210) using at least one of the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), and the third grip sensor (292), for example, when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded by about 180° using the second hinge assembly (202), and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can determine whether the user performs a touch input on a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may ignore the touch input to a portion of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) or deactivate the touch input to a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8)) when the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520) detect a movement of the first hinge assembly (201) unfolding within a specified time based on the touch input being released.

[0143] According to one embodiment, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) detects a movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201) through the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520) within a certain time after the release of the touch input from the time when a touch input is detected for a portion of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8)), the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may ignore the touch input for a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8)) or deactivate the touch input for a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the specified time may include a time from when a touch input is detected to a portion of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) to immediately after the touch input is released.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the deactivation of the touch input for a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) may be adjusted to a sensitivity at which a user's touch input is ignored, under the control of the processor (120). For example, the portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) may be an area overlapping at least a portion of the second hinge assembly (202).

[0146] According to one embodiment, disabling a touch input for a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) may include, for example, an operation of a touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit (168) of FIG. 1B) lowering the sensitivity of a touch input for a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8)). For example, disabling a touch input for a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) may include an operation of a touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit (168) of FIG. 1B) not transmitting information about a touch input for a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) to the processor (120). For example, disabling a touch input for a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) may include an operation in which the processor (120) does not process a touch input signal for a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the state in which the sensitivity is adjusted so that the user's touch input for a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) is ignored may mean, for example, that the minimum current change value of the touch detection electrode of the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit (168) of FIG. 1b) for recognizing a touch input is significantly increased. For example, the touch circuit (168) of the display module (160) may adjust the touch sensitivity (e.g., recognition sensitivity) for recognizing a touch of at least one of the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), the third display area (240c), and the fourth display area (250d). For example, adjusting the touch sensitivity (e.g., recognition sensitivity) of the touch circuit (168) may mean adjusting a threshold value representing the minimum current change value of the touch detection electrode for recognizing a touch input. According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can switch a portion (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) of the third display area (240c) that is in an inactive state to be activated when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201) and the first display area (240a) is activated. For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can switch a touch input on a portion (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) of the third display area (240c) that is in an inactive state to be activated when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201) and the first display area (240a) is activated.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250) may include a touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit (168) of FIG. 1B). The touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit (168) of FIG. 1B) may include a touch sensor (168a) and a touch sensor IC (168b) disclosed in FIG. 1B. The touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit (168) of FIG. 1B) may receive (e.g., detect) a touch input and / or a hovering input for a designated location of the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250). For example, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit (168) of FIG. 1B) may or may not operate under the control of the processor (120). For example, at least some of the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), the third display area (240c), and the fourth display area (250d) of the flexible display (240) and the sub-display (250) may be activated and / or deactivated under the control of the processor (120). For example, the touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit (168) of FIG. 1B) may not transmit a touch input received through at least some of the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250) to the processor (120). For example, based on the usage state (e.g., arrangement state) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), the processor (120) may activate or deactivate at least a portion of the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), the third display area (240c), and the fourth display area (250d) of the flexible display (240) and the sub-display (250). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may ignore (e.g., deactivate) a touch input to a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) under the control of the processor (120).For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can activate or deactivate a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) under the control of the processor (120). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can activate or deactivate a touch input on a portion of the third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) under the control of the processor (120).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) receives (e.g., detects) a touch input on a portion of a third display area (240c) of a flexible display (240) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded by about 180° using the second hinge assembly (202) and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201), and after receiving the touch input on the first portion (801), detects a movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201), and based on the movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201), folds a portion of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8). 1 may be configured to disable (e.g., ignore) touch input on the first part (801). For example, the unfolding movement of the first hinge assembly (201) may include the unfolding movement of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) at a specified angle.

[0150] According to various embodiments, in the present document, receiving a touch input on a portion of a second display area (240b) of a flexible display (240) (e.g., the first portion (1101) of FIG. 11) and / or a portion of a third display area (240c) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) may include, for example, detection, confirmation, recognition, or judgment.

[0151] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250) may display the initial screen, setting screen, and / or execution screens of various applications of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). The flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250) may provide a user interface (UI) that may provide various services to a user of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). For example, the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250) may provide a screen that may set functions and operations of a specified application through the input module (150).

[0152] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250) may perform a display function and an input function. The flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250) may include a display (e.g., the display (161) of FIG. 1B) and a touch circuit (e.g., the touch circuit (168) of FIG. 1B) to perform the display function and the input function. The display (161) may visually provide a menu, input data, function setting information, and various information of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to a user. The display (161) may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), and an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED). The touch circuit (168) may include a touch sensor (e.g., touch sensor (168a) of FIG. 1B) or a pressure sensor, such as a capacitive overlay, a resistive overlay, or an infrared beam.

[0153] According to various embodiments, the memory (130) may store the initial screen, setting screen, and / or various applications of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) provided through the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250). The memory (130) may store a user interface (UI) that may provide various services to the user of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). The memory (130) may perform a function of storing a program for processing and controlling the processor (120) (e.g., the program (140) of FIG. 1A), an operating system (e.g., the operating system (142) of FIG. 1A), various applications, and input / output data. The memory (130) may store a program that controls the overall operation of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). The memory (130) may store various setting information required for processing functions in the multi-foldable electronic device (200). The memory (130) may store at least one executable instruction. For example, the memory (130) may store at least one instruction that, when executed by the processor (120), causes the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to perform at least one operation. For example, the at least one instruction may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium may be tangible and non-transitory. The memory (130) and / or the recording medium may store one or more programs including at least one instruction.

[0154] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may have a first housing (210) and a third housing (230) that can be unfolded about 180° using a second hinge assembly (202), and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) that can be folded using a first hinge assembly (201). For example, the instructions stored in the memory (130) may be configured to, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to receive a touch input on a portion (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240), detect a movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201) after receiving the touch input on the portion (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8), and disable (e.g., ignore) the touch input on the portion (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8) of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) based on the movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the deactivation may include ignoring touch input to a portion of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) (e.g., the first portion (801) of FIG. 8).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may be operatively connected to a first sensor (510), a second sensor (520), a third sensor (530), a first grip sensor (272), a second grip sensor (282), a third grip sensor (292), a flexible display (240), a sub-display (250), and a memory (130). The processor (120) may control functions and operations of the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), the third sensor (530), the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), the third grip sensor (292), the flexible display (240), the sub-display (250), and the memory (130). The processor (120) may be configured to access the memory (130) and execute at least one instruction. A multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one processor (120).

[0156] According to various embodiments, the processor (120) may control the overall operation of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) and the signal flow between internal components, and may perform a function of processing data. The processor (120) may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor, and / or a communication processor. The processor (120) may include a single core processor or a multi-core processor. The processor (120) may be composed of at least one processor. For example, the processor (120) may include an application processor (e.g., the main processor (121) of FIG. 1A) and a sensor hub processor (e.g., the auxiliary processor (123) of FIG. 1A). For example, the sensor hub processor may be operatively connected to the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), and the third sensor (530), and may transmit information detected and / or sensed through at least one of the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), and the third sensor (530) to the application processor. For example, the sensor hub processor may be operatively connected to the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), and the third grip sensor (292), and may transmit information detected and / or sensed through at least one of the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), and the third grip sensor (292) to the application processor.

[0157] In various embodiments, an operation executed in the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be performed and / or executed by at least one instruction stored in the processor (120) and / or the memory (130). For example, in this document, an embodiment in which the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may perform a certain operation may be interpreted to mean that the operation is performed by at least one instruction stored in the processor (120) and / or the memory (130).

[0158] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a folded state of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the first housing and the third housing of the multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention are unfolded and the first housing and the second housing are folded.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 7, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be folded such that the second housing (220) is first folded toward the first housing (210) using the first hinge assembly (201), and the third housing (230) is later folded toward the first housing (210) using the second hinge assembly (202). In this case, the fourth display area (250d) of the sub-display (250) arranged on the rear side (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the third housing (230) can be visually exposed to the outside.

[0160] According to one embodiment, when the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) are folded, the fourth display area (250d) of the sub-display (250) can display an execution screen (710) of an application.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the execution screen (710) of the application may include a screen on which the application is operated. For example, the application may refer to software used by a user by running on a computer operating system (OS) or mobile operating system. For example, the application may include at least one of a word processor, a spreadsheet, a social network system (SNS), a chatting app, a map, a music player, and a video player. For example, the application may include a specific application such as a drawing program or a photo editor. Applications according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include various types of software that can be designed by a user using an input module (e.g., the input module (150) of FIG. 1A).

[0162] Referring to FIG. 8, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be configured such that the second housing (220) can be folded toward the first housing (210) using the first hinge assembly (201), and the third housing (230) can be unfolded at about 180° with respect to the first housing (210) using the second hinge assembly (202).

[0163] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, when the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are folded and the execution screen (710) of the application is displayed on the fourth display area (250d) of the sub-display (250), and as shown in FIG. 8, when the third housing (230) is unfolded at about 180° with respect to the first housing (210), the execution screen (710) of the application displayed on the fourth display area (250d) of the sub-display (250) can be displayed on the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240).

[0164] According to one embodiment, a third display area (240c) disposed on the front side (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the third housing (230) may include a first portion (801) and a second portion (802). For example, the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may be an area adjacent to the second hinge assembly (202). For example, the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may be an area overlapping at least a portion of the second hinge assembly (202). For example, the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may include an area that is touched by, for example, a part of a user's body (e.g., a thumb) to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may include a first width (W1), and the second portion (802) may include a second width (W2). The first width (W1) of the first portion (801) may be narrower than the second width (W2) of the second portion (802).

[0166] According to one embodiment, when the third housing (230) is unfolded about 180° with respect to the first housing (210) using the second hinge assembly (202), and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201), and the user unfolds the second housing (220) from the first housing (210), the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may be an area where a touch input is performed, for example, using the user's thumb.

[0167] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the first housing and the third housing are unfolded, the first housing and the second housing are folded, and the second housing is unfolded from the first housing.

[0168] In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can have the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) unfolded approximately 180° using the second hinge assembly (202). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect that the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded approximately 180° using the second hinge assembly (202) using the first sensor (510) and / or the third sensor (530).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may have a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that may be folded using the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may detect that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201) using the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520).

[0170] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect whether there is a touch input to the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) for the user to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can receive a touch input to the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) for the user to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210).

[0171] According to one embodiment, when a user's touch input is received for the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c), the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can determine, for example, that the user grips the third housing (230) using the left hand (910) and grips the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) using the right hand (920). For example, the touch input for the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) can be, for example, a touch input of the user's thumb for unfolding the second housing (220) from the first housing (210).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect a motion of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201) when there is a received signal related to a user's touch input to the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) and the user attempts to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210). For example, the motion of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201) may include a motion of unfolding the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) at a specified angle. For example, the motion of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201) may be determined based on a change in sensitivity of a first sensor (510) (e.g., a Hall sensor) disposed in the first housing (210) or a second sensor (520) (e.g., a Hall sensor) disposed in the second housing (220).

[0173] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can disable (e.g., ignore) a touch input of the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) based on the unfolding movement of the first hinge assembly (201).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can activate a first portion (801) of a third display area (240c) that is in an inactive state when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201) and the first display area (240a) is activated. For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can activate an area corresponding to a touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) that is in an inactive state when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201) and the first display area (240a) is activated.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may ignore the touch input to the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) or deactivate the touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) when the first hinge assembly (201) detects a movement of unfolding within a specified time through the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520) based on the touch input being released after the touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c).

[0176] According to one embodiment, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) detects a movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201) through the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520) within a certain time after the release of the touch input from the time when the touch input is detected on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c), the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may ignore the touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) or deactivate the touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the deactivation of the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may be a state adjusted to a sensitivity (e.g., about 0 phi to 3 phi) at which the user's touch input is ignored. For example, the activation of the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may be a state adjusted to a sensitivity (e.g., about 4 phi to 6 phi) at which the user's touch input is recognized.

[0178] According to various embodiments, when a user's touch input is received on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) while an execution screen of a specific application is displayed on the third display area (240c), even if the first hinge assembly (201) detects an unfolding movement, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may ignore the touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) or may not deactivate the touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c). For example, the specific application may include a drawing board or a photo editor capable of editing pictures or images.

[0179] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the first housing and the third housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention are unfolded, and the second housing is folded relative to the first housing while the first housing and the second housing are unfolded.

[0180] In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can have the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) unfolded approximately 180° using the second hinge assembly (202). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect that the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded approximately 180° using the second hinge assembly (202) using the first sensor (510) and / or the third sensor (530).

[0181] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may have a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that may be unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may detect that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201) using the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect whether there is a touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) for the user to fold the second housing (220) with respect to the first housing (210). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can receive a touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) for the user to fold the second housing (220) with respect to the first housing (210).

[0183] According to one embodiment, when a user's touch input to the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) is received (e.g., detected), the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can determine, for example, that the user grips the third housing (230) using the left hand (910) and grips the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) using the right hand (920). For example, the touch input to the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) can be, for example, a touch input of the user's thumb for folding the second housing (220) with respect to the first housing (210).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect a folding motion of the first hinge assembly (201) when a user's touch input is received for the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) and the user attempts to fold the second housing (220) with respect to the first housing (210). For example, the folding motion of the first hinge assembly (201) may include a motion in which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded at a specified angle. For example, the folding motion of the first hinge assembly (201) can be determined based on a change in the sensitivity of a first sensor (510) (e.g., a Hall sensor) disposed in the first housing (210) or a second sensor (520) (e.g., a Hall sensor) disposed in the second housing (220).

[0185] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can disable (e.g., ignore) a touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) based on the folding movement of the first hinge assembly (201).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can activate a touch input (e.g., an area corresponding to a touch input) on a first portion (801) of a third display area (240c) that is in an inactive state when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201) and the third display area (240c) is activated.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the deactivation of the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may be a state adjusted to a sensitivity (e.g., about 0 phi to 3 phi) at which the user's touch input is ignored. For example, the activation of the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may be a state adjusted to a sensitivity (e.g., about 4 phi to 6 phi) at which the user's touch input is recognized.

[0188] According to various embodiments, when a user's touch input is received on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) while an execution screen of a specific application is displayed on the third display area (240c), the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may ignore the touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) or may not deactivate the touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) even if the first hinge assembly (201) detects a folding movement. For example, the specific application may include a drawing board or a photo editor capable of editing pictures or images.

[0189] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the first housing and the second housing are unfolded, the first housing and the third housing are folded, and the third housing is unfolded from the first housing.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can have a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that can be unfolded approximately 180° using the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded approximately 180° using the first hinge assembly (201) using the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520).

[0191] In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may have a first housing (210) and a third housing (230) that may be folded using a second hinge assembly (202). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may detect that the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded using the second hinge assembly (202) using a first sensor (510) and / or a third sensor (530).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect whether there is a touch input to the first part (1101) of the second display area (240b) of the flexible display (240) for the user to unfold the third housing (230) from the first housing (210). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can receive a touch input to the first part (1101) of the second display area (240b) of the flexible display (240) for the user to unfold the third housing (230) from the first housing (210).

[0193] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may, when a user's touch input is received for the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b), determine that the user has gripped the third housing (230) using, for example, the left hand (910). For example, the touch input for the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b) may be, for example, a touch input of the user's thumb for unfolding the third housing (230) from the first housing (210).

[0194] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect a movement of unfolding the second hinge assembly (202) when there is a user's touch input to the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b) and the user attempts to unfold the third housing (230) from the first housing (210). For example, the movement of unfolding the second hinge assembly (202) can include a movement of unfolding the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) at a specified angle.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can disable touch input on the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b) based on the unfolding movement of the second hinge assembly (202).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can activate a touch input on a first portion (1101) of a second display area (240b) that is in an inactive state when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded using the second hinge assembly (202) and the first display area (240a) is activated.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may ignore the touch input to the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b) or deactivate the touch input on the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b) if the first sensor (510) and / or the third sensor (530) detects a movement of the second hinge assembly (202) unfolding within a specified time based on the release of the touch input after the touch input on the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b).

[0198] According to one embodiment, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) detects a movement of unfolding the second hinge assembly (202) through the first sensor (510) and / or the third sensor (530) within a certain time after the release of the touch input from the time when the touch input is detected on the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b), the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can ignore the touch input on the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b) or deactivate the touch input on the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b).

[0199] According to one embodiment, the deactivation of the touch input on the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b) may be a state adjusted to a sensitivity (e.g., about 0 phi to 3 phi) at which the user's touch input is ignored. For example, the activation of the touch input on the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b) may be a state adjusted to a sensitivity (e.g., about 4 phi to 6 phi) at which the user's touch input is recognized.

[0200] According to various embodiments, when a user's touch input is received on the first part (1101) of the second display area (240b) while an execution screen of a specific application is displayed on the second display area (240b), the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may ignore the touch input on the first part (1101) of the second display area (240b) or may not deactivate the touch input on the first part (1101) of the second display area (240b) even if the second hinge assembly (202) detects an unfolding movement. For example, the specific application may include a drawing program or a photo editor capable of editing pictures or images.

[0201] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling touch input of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0202] The method disclosed below may include, for example, the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1A to 11. The method disclosed below may be integrated and applied to, for example, the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 2A to 11. In embodiments related to the method below, the operations may be performed sequentially, but may not necessarily be performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed. For example, the order of the operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the operations may not all be performed, but at least some of them may be performed. The operations disclosed below may be performed by instructions stored in the processor (120) and / or the memory (130) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0203] In operation 1210, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect, using the first sensor (510) and / or the third sensor (530), that the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded (e.g., about 180°) using the second hinge assembly (202).

[0204] In operation 1220, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201) using the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520).

[0205] In operation 1230, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may receive a touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) for the user to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may detect that a touch input is received on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) for the user to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210).

[0206] In operation 1240, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect a movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201) when there is a user touch input to the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c). For example, the movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201) can include a movement of unfolding the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) at a specified angle.

[0207] At operation 1250, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can disable touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) based on the unfolding movement of the first hinge assembly (201).

[0208] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling touch input of a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0209] The method disclosed below may include, for example, the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1A to 12. The method disclosed below may be integrated and applied to, for example, the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 2A to 12. In embodiments related to the method below, the operations may be performed sequentially, but may not necessarily be performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed. For example, the order of the operations may be performed in parallel. For example, the operations may not all be performed, but at least some of them may be performed. The operations disclosed below may be performed by instructions stored in the processor (120) and / or the memory (130) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0210] In operation 1310, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect, using the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520), that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded (e.g., about 180°) using the first hinge assembly (201).

[0211] In operation 1320, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect that the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded using the second hinge assembly (202) using the first sensor (510) and / or the third sensor (530).

[0212] In operation 1330, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect whether there is a touch input on the first part (1101) of the second display area (240b) of the flexible display (240) for the user to unfold the third housing (230) from the first housing (210). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can receive a touch input on the first part (1101) of the second display area (240b) of the flexible display (240) for the user to unfold the third housing (230) from the first housing (210).

[0213] In operation 1340, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect a movement of unfolding the second hinge assembly (202) when there is a user touch input to the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b). For example, the movement of unfolding the second hinge assembly (202) can include a movement of unfolding the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) at a specified angle.

[0214] In operation 1350, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can disable (e.g., ignore) a touch input on the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b) based on the unfolding movement of the second hinge assembly (202).

[0215] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-foldable electronic device (200) includes a first housing (210) including a first sensor (510), a second housing (220) foldably coupled to a first side of the first housing (210) and including a second sensor (520), a third housing (230) foldably coupled to a second side of the first housing (210) and including a third sensor (530), a first hinge assembly (201) coupled between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), a second hinge assembly (202) coupled between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), a first display area (240a) disposed in the first housing (210), a second display area (240b) disposed in the second housing (220), and the It may include a flexible display (240) including a third display area (240c) arranged on the front of the 3 housing (230), a processor (120), and a memory (130) storing instructions.

[0216] According to one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded using the second hinge assembly (202) and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201), the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to receive a touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c), detect a movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201) after receiving the touch input on the first part (801), and deactivate (e.g., ignore) the touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c) based on the movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201). there is.

[0217] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may further include a sub-display (250) including a fourth display area (250d) arranged on the rear side of the third housing (230). According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to display an execution screen (710) of an application on the fourth display area (250d) when the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are folded, and to display the execution screen (710) of the application on the third display area (240c) when the third housing (230) is unfolded from the first housing (210).

[0218] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may further include a first grip sensor (272) disposed in the first housing (210), a second grip sensor (272) disposed in the second housing (220), and a third grip sensor (230) disposed in the third housing (230). According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to detect whether at least one of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) is in a grip state when receiving the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) using at least one of the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), and the third grip sensor (292), and to deactivate the touch input on the first portion (801) based on the fact that at least one of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) is in a grip state.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to deactivate the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) if the first hinge assembly (201) detects a movement of unfolding within a certain time after the release of the touch input from the time at which the touch input is detected on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c).

[0220] According to one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201) and the first display area (240a) is activated, the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to switch the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) to be activated.

[0221] According to one embodiment, the deactivation of the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may include a state in which the sensitivity of the touch input is adjusted to be ignored.

[0222] According to one embodiment, the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may include an area overlapping at least a portion of the second hinge assembly (202).

[0223] According to one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded using the second hinge assembly (202) and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201), the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to receive a touch input on the first part (1101) of the second display area (240b), detect a movement of unfolding the second hinge assembly (202) after receiving the touch input on the first part (1101), and deactivate the touch input on the first part (1101) of the second display area (240b) based on the movement of unfolding the second hinge assembly (202).

[0224] According to one embodiment, the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b) may include an area overlapping at least a portion of the first hinge assembly (201).

[0225] According to one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201), and the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded using the second hinge assembly (202), and when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201), the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to detect a movement of folding the first hinge assembly (201), receive a touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c), and, based on the movement of folding the first hinge assembly (201), display a touch input on the third display area (240c). The touch input on the first part (801) can be disabled.

[0226] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) and the sub-display (250) include a touch circuit (168), and the deactivation of the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may include a state in which a touch input received through the touch circuit (168) is not transmitted to the processor (120), or a state in which the processor (120) ignores a touch input received through the touch circuit (168).

[0227] According to one embodiment, the first hinge assembly (201) may include a hinge that folds in an in-folding manner, and the second hinge assembly (202) may include a hinge that folds in an in-folding manner.

[0228] According to one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded using the second hinge assembly (202) and the first display area (240a) is activated, the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to activate the touch input on the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b).

[0229] According to one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201) and the third display area (240c) is activated, the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to activate the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c).

[0230] A method for controlling a multi-foldable electronic device (200) including a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a third housing (230) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an operation (1210) of detecting that the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded using a second hinge assembly (202) using a first sensor (510) and / or a third sensor (530).

[0231] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation (1220) of detecting that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201) using the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520).

[0232] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation (1230) of receiving a touch input to a first portion (801) of a third display area (240c) of a flexible display (240) to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210).

[0233] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation (1240) of detecting a movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201) after receiving the touch input on the first portion (801).

[0234] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation (1250) of deactivating the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) based on the unfolding movement of the first hinge assembly (201).

[0235] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of displaying an execution screen (710) of an application on a fourth display area (250d) arranged on the rear surface of the third housing (230) when the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are folded; and an operation of displaying the execution screen (710) of the application on the third display area (240c) when the third housing (230) is unfolded from the first housing (210).

[0236] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of deactivating the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) when detecting a movement of the first hinge assembly (201) unfolding within a certain time after the release of the touch input from the time at which the touch input is detected on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c).

[0237] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of activating the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201) and the first display area (240a) is activated.

[0238] According to one embodiment, the deactivation of the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may include a state in which the sensitivity of the touch input is adjusted to be ignored.

[0239] According to one embodiment, the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) may include an area overlapping at least a portion of the second hinge assembly (202).

[0240] Although the present invention has been described above according to various embodiments of the present invention, it is obvious that changes and modifications made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within a scope that does not depart from the technical characteristics of the present invention also belong to the present invention.

Claims

1. In a multi-foldable electronic device (200), A first housing (210) including a first sensor (510); A second housing (220) foldably coupled to the first side of the first housing (210) and including a second sensor (520); A third housing (230) foldably coupled to the second side of the first housing (210) and including a third sensor (530); A first hinge assembly (201) coupled between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220); A second hinge assembly (202) coupled between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230); A flexible display (240) including a first display area (240a) arranged in the first housing (210), a second display area (240b) arranged in the second housing (220), and a third display area (240c) arranged on the front of the third housing (230); Processor (120); and Includes a memory (130) for storing instructions, When the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded using the second hinge assembly (202), and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201), The above instructions, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to: Receiving a touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c), After receiving the touch input on the first part (801), the first hinge assembly (201) detects the unfolding movement, A multi-foldable electronic device that disables the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) based on the unfolding movement of the first hinge assembly (201).

2. In paragraph 1, It further includes a sub-display (250) including a fourth display area (250d) arranged on the rear side of the third housing (230), The above instructions, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to: When the first housing (210), the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are folded, the application execution screen (710) is displayed in the fourth display area (250d). A multi-foldable electronic device that displays the execution screen (710) of the application in the third display area (240c) when the third housing (230) is unfolded from the first housing (210).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, It further includes a first grip sensor (272) arranged in the first housing (210), a second grip sensor (272) arranged in the second housing (220), and a third grip sensor (230) arranged in the third housing (230). The above instructions, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to detect, when receiving the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c), whether at least one of the first housing (210), the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) is in a grip state by using at least one of the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282) and the third grip sensor (292), A multi-foldable electronic device that disables the touch input on the first portion (801) based on at least one of the first housing (210), the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) being in a grip state.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above instructions, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to deactivate the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) if the first hinge assembly (201) detects a movement of unfolding within a certain time after the release of the touch input from the time at which the touch input to the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) is detected.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, When the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201) and the first display area (240a) is activated, The above instructions, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to activate the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A multi-foldable electronic device in which the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) is deactivated, and the sensitivity of the touch input is adjusted to be ignored.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, A multi-foldable electronic device in which the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) overlaps at least a portion of the second hinge assembly (202).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, When the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded using the second hinge assembly (202), and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201), The above instructions, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to: Receiving a touch input on the first part (1101) of the second display area (240b), After receiving the touch input on the first part (1101), the second hinge assembly (202) detects the unfolding movement, A multi-foldable electronic device that disables the touch input on the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b) based on the unfolding movement of the second hinge assembly (202).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, A multi-foldable electronic device in which the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b) overlaps at least a portion of the first hinge assembly (201).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, When the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded using the first hinge assembly (201), and the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded using the second hinge assembly (202), and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201), The above instructions, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to: The above first hinge assembly (201) detects the folding movement, Receiving a touch input on the first part (801) of the third display area (240c), A multi-foldable electronic device that disables the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) based on the folding movement of the first hinge assembly (201).

11. In paragraph 2, The above flexible display (240) and the above sub-display (250) include a touch circuit (168), A multi-foldable electronic device in which the deactivation of the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) is a state in which the touch input received through the touch circuit (168) is not transmitted to the processor (120) or the processor (120) ignores the touch input received through the touch circuit (168).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above first hinge assembly (201) includes a hinge that folds in an in-folding manner, The second hinge assembly (202) is a multi-foldable electronic device including a hinge that folds in an in-folding manner.

13. In paragraph 8, When the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded using the second hinge assembly (202) and the first display area (240a) is activated, The above instructions, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to activate the touch input on the first portion (1101) of the second display area (240b).

14. In paragraph 10, When the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201) and the third display area (240c) is activated, The above instructions, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to activate the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c).

15. A method for controlling a multi-foldable electronic device (200) including a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a third housing (230), An operation (1210) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) detecting that the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are unfolded using the second hinge assembly (202) using the first sensor (510) and / or the third sensor (530); An operation (1220) of detecting that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded using the first hinge assembly (201) using the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520); An operation (1230) of receiving a touch input to a first part (801) of a third display area (240c) of a flexible display (240) to unfold the second housing (220) from the first housing (210); After receiving the touch input on the first part (801), an operation (1240) of detecting a movement of unfolding the first hinge assembly (201); and A method including an operation (1250) of deactivating the touch input on the first portion (801) of the third display area (240c) based on the unfolding movement of the first hinge assembly (201).

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