Electronic device comprising flexible display, and operating method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device according to one embodiment comprises: a housing including a first housing and a second housing; a hinge for rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing; a display which is disposed in the housing and is folded or unfolded in an out-folding manner, and which includes a first display area corresponding to the first housing, a second display area corresponding to the second housing and a folding area corresponding to the hinge; and a sensor, and, in a state in which the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a designated angle, can be instructed to: use the sensor to determine a display area held by a user from among the first display area and the second display area; on the basis that the determined display area is the second display area, deactivate the second display area, activate the first display area and display a virtual key corresponding to a function of the electronic device through at least a part of the folding area; and, on the basis that the determined display area is the first display area, deactivate the first display area and the folding area and activate the second display area.

Description

Electronic device including a flexible display and method of operating the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a flexible display and a method of operating the same.

[0002] With the advancement of electronic technology, electronic devices including various types of flexible displays are being developed. For example, electronic devices including flexible displays may include foldable displays, bendable displays, or rollable displays.

[0003] An electronic device including a foldable display may be implemented in an in-folding method, where the display can be folded inward, or in an out-folding method, where the display can be folded outward. For example, the in-folding method may be a method of implementing the electronic device such that the display regions face each other when the electronic device is fully folded. The out-folding method may be a method of implementing the electronic device such that the entire display region is exposed to the outside and the display regions face different directions when the electronic device is fully folded.

[0004] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] An electronic device implemented by an in-folding method may include a sub-display that is exposed to the outside when fully folded, in addition to a main display that is not exposed to the outside when fully folded. On the other hand, an electronic device implemented by an out-folding method may have a display that is exposed to the outside when fully folded. An electronic device implemented by an out-folding method may not include a separate sub-display, and accordingly, may be implemented to have a thinner thickness than that of an electronic device implemented by an in-folding method.

[0006] An electronic device implemented by an out-folding method (hereinafter referred to as the "electronic device") may have a function that the user does not want executed on the electronic device by touching the display when the user's hand touches the display while the display is grasped by the user's hand in a completely folded state.

[0007] In addition, if a user of an electronic device holds the device with one hand in a direction where physical keys (e.g., volume control keys, power key) located on the side of the device are difficult to reach with a finger (e.g., thumb) while the device is fully folded, it may be difficult to input the said physical keys using the hand holding the device. For example, if a user holds the electronic device with their right hand such that the part of the palm following the thumb (e.g., the part within the palm that contacts or is adjacent to the thumb) is adjacent to the axis of the device's folding, it may be difficult to press a physical key located on the left side of the electronic device with the thumb of the right hand.

[0008] In addition, if the area facing the user within the display is primarily used while the electronic device is fully folded, burn-in may occur in a display implemented by an OLED (organic light-emitting diode).

[0009] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device comprising a flexible display that, in an electronic device operating in an out-folding manner, can activate a portion of the display based on an area held by a user within the display (and the posture of the electronic device) and display a virtual key in the activated area, and a method of operating the same.

[0010] The technical problems that the present disclosure aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0011] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a housing comprising a first housing and a second housing, a hinge configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing, a display disposed in the housing and configured to be folded or unfolded in an out-folding manner, at least one processor comprising a sensor and a processing circuit, and a memory for storing instructions. The display may include a first display area corresponding to the first housing, a second display area corresponding to the second housing, and a folding area corresponding to the hinge. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the display area held by the user among the first display area and the second display area to be determined using the sensor while the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the second display area to be disabled and the first display area to be enabled and to display a virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device through at least a portion of the folding area, based on the fact that the determined display area is the second display area. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the first display area and the folding area to be disabled and the second display area to be enabled, based on the fact that the determined display area is the first display area.

[0012] A method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment may include, when the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, an operation of determining a display area grasped by a user among the first display area and the second display area using the sensor, wherein the electronic device comprises: a housing including a first housing and a second housing; a hinge configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing; a display disposed in the housing and configured to be folded or unfolded in an out-folding manner, and including a first display area corresponding to the first housing, a second display area corresponding to the second housing, and a folding area corresponding to the hinge; and a sensor. The method may include, based on the determination that the determined display area is the second display area, an operation of deactivating the second display area, activating the first display area, and displaying a virtual key corresponding to a function of the electronic device through at least a portion of the folding area. The above method may include the operation of deactivating the first display area and the folding area and activating the second display area based on the fact that the determined display area is the first display area.

[0013] According to one embodiment, in a non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, may cause an electronic device comprising: a housing including a first housing and a second housing; a hinge configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing; a display disposed in the housing and configured to be folded or unfolded in an out-folding manner, comprising a first display area corresponding to the first housing, a second display area corresponding to the second housing, and a folding area corresponding to the hinge; and a sensor, wherein the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, the sensor may be used to determine a display area held by a user among the first display area and the second display area. When the above computer-executable instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the second display area to be disabled and the first display area to be enabled and to display a virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device through at least a portion of the folding area, based on the fact that the determined display area is the second display area. When the above computer-executable instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the first display area and the folding area to be disabled and the second display area to be enabled, based on the fact that the determined display area is the first display area.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an electronic device based on a change in a display area held by a user, according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting a setting to activate a display area not held by a user, according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting up a virtual key and activating a fingerprint sensor according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a method of setting a first setting or a second setting according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to one embodiment.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0034] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., a program (140)), and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0035] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0036] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0037] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0038] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0039] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0040] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0041] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0042] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0043] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0044] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0045] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0046] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0047] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0048] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0049] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0050] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0051] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0052] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0053] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0054] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0055] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0056] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said 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 said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0057] The term “module” as used in the 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, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof 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).

[0058] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated 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 that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer 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 an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM It can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0060] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components 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.

[0061] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the unfolded state of an electronic device (200) according to one embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a folded state of an electronic device (200) according to one embodiment.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, an electronic device (200) may include a housing comprising a first housing (201) and a second housing (202), a flexible display (203), and a hinge (also referred to as a “hinge module” or “hinge structure”) that rotatably connects the first housing (201) and the second housing (202).

[0064] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may further include a hinge cover (299). The hinge cover (299) may be positioned substantially between the first housing (201) and the second housing (202) and may block the hinge from being visually exposed to the outside. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (299) may isolate the internal space of the electronic device (200) from the external space. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (299) may be visually exposed to the outside when the electronic device (200) is unfolded, and may be visually concealed when the electronic device (200) is folded.

[0065] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may be a foldable electronic device that can be folded or unfolded by an out-folding method. For example, the electronic device (200) may be implemented by an out-folding method in which the flexible display (203) of the electronic device (200) is folded outward. For example, the electronic device (200) may rotate between a state in which the first housing (201) and the second housing (202) are unfolded side by side on one side of each other (e.g., a state in which the flexible display (203) is fully unfolded so that the first display area (A1) and the second display area (A2) face the same direction) and a state in which they are folded facing each other (e.g., a state in which the flexible display (203) is fully folded so that the first display area (A1) and the second display area (A2) face opposite directions).

[0066] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, when the electronic device (200) (e.g., first housing (201) and second housing (202)) is unfolded, the flexible display (203) can output a screen in substantially one direction, for example, in the +Z direction, through the entire area.

[0067] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the first display area (A1) (hereinafter referred to as the "first display area") of the flexible display (203) may be positioned facing the +Z direction, and the second display area (A2) (hereinafter referred to as the "second display area") of the flexible display (203) may be positioned facing the -Z direction. For example, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the flexible display (203) may include areas (e.g., the first display area (A1) and the second display area (A2)) that are positioned facing opposite directions.

[0068] In one embodiment, the flexible display (203) may include a folding area (A3) positioned at a position corresponding to the position of the hinge, and when the electronic device (200) is folded, the folding area (A3) may be positioned substantially facing the +X-axis direction.

[0069] In one embodiment, the first housing (201) and / or the second housing (202) may include a front surface that accommodates a flexible display (203) (hereinafter, the surface on which the flexible display (203) is placed is referred to as the front surface) and a rear surface on which a rear plate (201b, 202b) is placed (hereinafter, the surface opposite to the front surface is referred to as the rear surface). The electronic device (200) may include a plurality of electrical components disposed in the space between the flexible display (203) and the rear plate, for example, a circuit board, various sensor modules, a battery, an audio input / output module, a camera module, a haptic module, an antenna, and / or a connection terminal. The first housing (201) may rotate around a first rotation axis (P1) by being coupled with a hinge, and the second housing (202) may rotate around a second rotation axis (P2) by being coupled with a hinge. Around the first rotation axis (P1), the first The rotation of the housing (201) and / or the rotation of the second housing (201) around the second rotation axis (P2) may be referred to as the rotation of the first housing (201) and / or the second housing (202) around the hinge. In one embodiment, the first housing (201) and the second housing (202) may be arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the hinge.

[0070] In one embodiment, the flexible display (203) may include a first display area (A1) corresponding to the first housing (201) (e.g., disposed on one side of the first housing (201)), a folding area (A3) disposed corresponding to the hinge (e.g., at a position corresponding to the position of the hinge), and / or a second display area (A2) corresponding to the second housing (202) (e.g., disposed on one side of the second housing (202). For example, the flexible display (203) may be disposed or extended from one side of the first housing (201) across the area where the hinge is disposed to one side of the second housing (202).

[0071] In one embodiment, the flexible display (203) can output a screen through an area substantially corresponding to the entire front surface of the electronic device (200).

[0072] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200), for example, the first housing (201) and / or the second housing (202), may include at least one sensor area (S1, S2) provided with at least one sensor module. For example, the electronic device (200) may include a first sensor area (S1) provided on the front or side of the first housing (201) and / or a second sensor area (S2) provided on the front. A fingerprint recognition sensor (also referred to as "fingerprint sensor") may be disposed in the first sensor area (S1), for example. The fingerprint recognition sensor may include, for example, an optical fingerprint recognition sensor or an ultrasonic fingerprint recognition sensor and may be disposed on the side of the first housing (201) (or the second housing (202)) or inside the flexible display (203). The electronic device (200) may include at least one of a sensor module provided in the second sensor area (S2), for example, a camera module, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator. In the second sensor area (S2), the sensor module(s) may be positioned inside the flexible display (203).

[0073] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a notch portion protruding from a second sensor area (S2) into a first display area (A1) of the flexible display (203). The notch portion may be a structure forming a first housing (201) (or a second housing (202)), and at least some of the sensor modules may be disposed in the notch portion. The notch portion may be polygonal, circular, or elliptical in shape. In one embodiment, in the second sensor area (S2), the flexible display (203) may include a transparent area that allows external light to be incident inward. For example, among the sensor modules, an optical sensor such as a camera module or a proximity sensor may be disposed corresponding to the transparent area of ​​the flexible display (203). In one embodiment, the flexible display (203) may include a recess corresponding to the notch portion. For example, a part of the flexible display (203) corresponding to the notch (e.g., the second sensor area (S2)) can be removed.

[0074] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) (e.g., sensor area (S1, S2) or sensor module) is not limited to the configuration described above and may include additional sensor areas or additional sensor modules depending on the function mounted on the electronic device (200) or the function of each sensor module. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may not include some of the sensor modules mentioned above.

[0075] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a camera module (221) disposed on the rear (e.g., the rear of the second housing (202)). In one embodiment, the camera module may be interpreted as one of the sensor modules and may include a plurality of cameras, at least one infrared projector, at least one infrared receiver, or a flash. A user may photograph a subject using the camera module (221) provided on the rear of the electronic device (200) (e.g., the second housing (202)). In one embodiment, the camera module (221) may be disposed at a different location, for example, at a location indicated by reference numeral "223a" or "223b", and the electronic device (200) may further include additional camera modules or sensor modules at a location different from the location indicated in FIG. 2.

[0076] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one key input device (211a, 211b) disposed on the side of the first housing (201) (and / or the second housing (202)). The key input device (211a, 211b) may include, for example, a volume control key (211a) and / or a power key (211b), and depending on the embodiment, the key input device (211a, 211b) illustrated may be omitted or additional key input devices may be provided. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may further include soft keys provided through a flexible display (203).

[0077] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one connector hole (213a, 213b) formed on a side (e.g., a side, top surface, and / or bottom surface of the first housing (201) and / or the second housing (202)). The connector holes (213a, 213b) may include, for example, a first connector hole (213a) for connecting a charging / data cable and a second connector hole (213b) for connecting an audio device (e.g., an earphone). In one embodiment, the data cable may refer to a cable provided to the audio device. For example, the electronic device (200) may omit the second connector hole (213b) and connect to the audio device through the first connector hole (213a). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may not include the connector holes (213a, 213b). For example, the electronic device (200) can wirelessly connect with other electronic devices or additional devices such as earphones by including functions such as wireless charging, Bluetooth communication, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct or IrDA (infrared data association).

[0078] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a plurality of acoustic output holes (215a, 215b) and a plurality of acoustic input holes (217a, 217b). In the illustrated embodiment, the acoustic output holes (215a, 215b) may be formed at the top and bottom of the first housing (201) (and / or the second housing (202)), respectively. In one embodiment, the acoustic output holes (215a, 215b) may be formed at the side of the first housing (201) and the side of the second housing (202), respectively. The acoustic input holes (217a, 217b) may be formed at the top and bottom of the electronic device (200), for example, the first housing (201), respectively. The electronic device (200) can perform functions such as audio beam forming, active noise canceling (ANC), echo canceling (EC), noise suppression (NS), and / or feedforward (FF) in voice call or audio recording mode by acquiring external sound through a plurality of acoustic input holes (217a, 217b). In one embodiment, an acoustic input hole not shown may be further formed on the rear of the first housing (201) (and / or the second housing (202)). The electronic device (200) can acquire external sound in shooting mode through the acoustic input hole formed on the rear of the first housing (201). The more varied the number and orientation of the acoustic input holes (217a, 217b), the more the electronic device (200) can provide improved performance in audio beam forming, active noise canceling (ANC), echo canceling (EC), noise suppression (NS), and / or feedforward (FF) functions.

[0079] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is unfolded, the first housing (201) and the second housing (202) may be positioned to form a specified angle relative to each other, for example, an angle of 180 degrees. When the electronic device (200) is unfolded at the specified angle, the flexible display (203) can output a screen in the +Z direction through substantially the entire area. In one embodiment, the first housing (201) and the second housing (202) may be unfolded at an angle between a position where they are folded facing each other and a position at the specified angle. When the electronic device (200) is unfolded at an angle, the first display area (A1) and the second display area (A2) of the flexible display (203) can output a screen in different directions. For example, when the electronic device (200) is unfolded at an angle, the electronic device (200) can provide a screen to two users sitting facing each other. When displaying the screen in a tilted unfolded state, the screen displayed in the first display area (A1) and the screen displayed in the second display area (A2) may be the same or different from each other.

[0080] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the flexible display (203) may be substantially visually exposed to the outside. For example, the electronic device (200) may output a screen using a first display area (A1), a second display area (A2), and / or a folding area (A3). In one embodiment, while the electronic device (200) is operating in standby mode, the electronic device (200) may disable the screen of the flexible display (203) and enable some areas according to a specified setting. For example, while the electronic device (200) is operating in standby mode, the electronic device (200) may at least partially enable the first display area (A1) to output daily information such as time or weather. For example, while the electronic device (200) is operating in standby mode, the electronic device (200) can activate at least one of the first display area (A1), the second display area (A2), or the folding area (A3) to provide visual information regarding the operating status or to display notification information such as messages or news.

[0081] In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the folding area (A3) of the flexible display (203) may change during the operation of folding or unfolding the electronic device (200). For example, as the electronic device (200) gradually unfolds from a folded state, the radius of curvature of the folding area (A3) may gradually increase. During the operation of folding or unfolding the electronic device (200), the electronic device (200) can adjust the screen output through the folding area (A3). For example, by adjusting the aspect ratio of the screen in the folding area (A3) according to the change in the radius of curvature, the electronic device (200) can compensate for distortion of the output screen caused by deformation of the folding area (A3).

[0082] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device (401) according to one embodiment.

[0083] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an electronic device (401) according to one embodiment.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5, in one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may be included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 and / or the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3.

[0085] In one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may be a foldable electronic device that can be folded or unfolded by an out-folding method. For example, the electronic device (401) may operate by an out-folding method in which the display (410) of the electronic device (401) folds outward. For example, in FIG. 5, the electronic device (401) may include a housing comprising a first housing (501) and a second housing (502), a hinge rotatably connecting the first housing (501) and the second housing (502), and a display (410). When the electronic device (401) is fully unfolded (e.g., when the first housing (501) and the second housing (502) are unfolded side by side on one side of each other), the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) (and the folding area (413)) may face in the same direction. When the electronic device (401) is fully folded (e.g., when the first housing and the second housing are folded to face each other), the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) may face in opposite directions and be exposed to the outside.

[0086] In one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may include a display (410), a sensor (420), a memory (430), and a processor (440).

[0087] In one embodiment, the display (410) may be included in the display module (160) of FIG. 1 and / or the flexible display (203) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0088] In one embodiment, the display (410) may be a flexible display (e.g., a foldable display).

[0089] In one embodiment, the display (410) may include a first display area (411) corresponding to a first housing (501) (e.g., the first display area (A1) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) (hereinafter referred to as the "first display area"), a second display area (412) corresponding to a second housing (502) (e.g., the second display area (A2) of FIG. 2) (hereinafter referred to as the "second display area"), and a folding area (413) corresponding to a hinge (e.g., the folding area (A3) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) (hereinafter referred to as the "folding area"). For example, the first display area (411) may be placed in the first housing (501), the second display area (412) may be placed in the second housing (502), and the folding area (413) may be an area placed at a position corresponding to the position of the hinge.

[0090] In one embodiment, the sensor (420) may be included in the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1.

[0091] In one embodiment, the sensor (420) may include a folding detection sensor (421), a touch sensor (422), a grip sensor (423), a fingerprint sensor (424), and a motion sensor (425).

[0092] In one embodiment, the folding detection sensor (421) may be a sensor for detecting an angle between the first housing (501) and the second housing (502) (hereinafter also referred to as the "folding angle") or a folding state of the electronic device (401) (e.g., a state where the electronic device (401) is completely folded, a state where the electronic device (401) is completely unfolded, and an intermediate state between the state where the electronic device (401) is completely folded and the state where the electronic device (401) is completely unfolded).

[0093] In one embodiment, the folding detection sensor (421) may include a Hall sensor disposed in one of the first housing (501) and the second housing (502), and a magnet disposed in the other housing. The Hall sensor may acquire sensing data for detecting the folding angle by detecting a change in the electromagnetic field (or magnetic flux density) generated by the magnet while at least one of the first housing (501) or the second housing (502) rotates around the hinge. However, it is not limited thereto, and the folding detection sensor (421) may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an angle sensor, a load cell, an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or an electromagnetic sensor.

[0094] In one embodiment, the touch sensor (422) may be a sensor for acquiring a user's touch input. The touch sensor (422) may be implemented using various methods, including a capacitive method.

[0095] In one embodiment, the touch sensor (422) may be implemented integrally with or separately from the display (420). The touch sensor (422) implemented integrally with the display (420) may be referred to as a "touch display" or a "touch screen". In one embodiment, the area where the touch sensor (422) is placed may be substantially the same as the area where the display (420) is placed.

[0096] In one embodiment, the touch sensor (422) can acquire sensing data for an area that is grasped (e.g., touched) by the hand when the electronic device (401) is grasped by the user's hand.

[0097] In one embodiment, the grip sensor (423) can acquire sensing data based on the user's grip of the electronic device (401). For example, the grip sensor (423) can acquire sensing data that changes upon the user's touch of a conductive member (hereinafter referred to as the "grip sensor pattern") (e.g., the capacitance of a capacitor located between the grip sensor pattern and the ground included in the PCB (printed circuit board)). The grip sensor (423) can transmit the acquired sensing data to a processor (440) via communication (e.g., I2C (inter-integrated circuit) communication). The processor (440) can determine whether the user is gripping the electronic device (401) based on the sensing data received from the grip sensor (423).

[0098] In one embodiment, in FIG. 5, the grip sensor pattern may include a first grip sensor pattern (511) (hereinafter referred to as the "first grip sensor pattern") disposed in a first housing (501) (e.g., disposed at the bottom of the first housing (501)) and a second grip sensor pattern (512) (hereinafter referred to as the "second grip sensor pattern") disposed in a second housing (502) (e.g., disposed at the bottom of the second housing (502)). The grip sensor (423) may include a first grip sensor (hereinafter referred to as the "first grip sensor") which is electrically connected to a first grip sensor pattern (511) and a PCB placed in the first housing (501) (e.g., ground of the PCB placed in the first housing (501)), and a second grip sensor (hereinafter referred to as the "second grip sensor") which is electrically connected to a second grip sensor pattern (512) and a PCB placed in the second housing (502) (e.g., ground of the PCB placed in the second housing (502)).

[0099] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine whether a user grasps the first display area (411) corresponding to the first housing (501) based on sensing data received from the first grip sensor (e.g., sensing data obtained from the first grip sensor). The processor (440) can determine whether a user grasps the second display area (412) corresponding to the second housing (502) based on sensing data received from the second grip sensor (e.g., sensing data obtained from the second grip sensor).

[0100] In one embodiment, some of the plurality of antennas included in the electronic device (401) may be used as a first grip sensor pattern (511) and / or a second grip sensor pattern (512).

[0101] In one embodiment, the fingerprint sensor (424) (also referred to as the “fingerprint recognition sensor”) may be a sensor for recognizing a user’s fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor (424) may include an optical fingerprint recognition sensor that recognizes a fingerprint using light or an ultrasonic fingerprint recognition sensor that recognizes a fingerprint using ultrasound.

[0102] In one embodiment, the fingerprint sensor (424) may be placed below (or within) the folding area (413). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the fingerprint sensor (520) may be placed below (or within) the folding area (413) so that fingerprint recognition by the fingers (e.g., thumb, index finger) of the hand holding the electronic device (401) can be performed when the electronic device (401) is held by one hand of a user and the electronic device (401) is fully folded.

[0103] In one embodiment, the motion sensor (425) (also referred to as the “inertial sensor”) may be a sensor for detecting the movement and / or attitude (or orientation) of the electronic device (401). For example, the motion sensor (425) may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or a geomagnetic sensor.

[0104] In one embodiment, the memory (430) may be included in the memory (130) of FIG. 1.

[0105] In one embodiment, the memory (430) may store information necessary for the electronic device (401) to perform an operation. The information that the memory (430) stores for the electronic device (401) to perform an operation will be described in detail later. The memory (430) may store instructions. The instructions may cause the electronic device (401) to perform an operation when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (e.g., processor (440)).

[0106] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may be the processor (120) of FIG. 1.

[0107] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can control the overall operation of the electronic device (401). The processor (440) may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may execute the instructions that cause the electronic device (401) to perform an operation, either individually or collectively.

[0108] In FIG. 4, the electronic device (401) is illustrated as including, but is not limited to, a display (410), a sensor (420), a memory (430), and a processor (440). For example, the electronic device (401) may further include at least one component of the components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or the components included in the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. For example, the electronic device (401) may not include some of the components illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0109] FIG. 6 is a flowchart (600) for explaining the operation of an electronic device (401) according to one embodiment.

[0110] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device (401) according to one embodiment.

[0111] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device (401) according to one embodiment.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, in operation 601, in one embodiment, when the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, a sensor (420) can be used to determine the display area held by the user among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412).

[0113] In one embodiment, an electronic device (401) (e.g., an electronic device (401) operating in an out-folding manner) can detect that the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than a specified angle (e.g., about 20 degrees or less) (hereinafter referred to as the "specified angle") by using a sensor (420) (e.g., a folding detection sensor (421)). For example, the electronic device (401) can detect that the angle formed by the first housing (501) and the second housing (502) (hereinafter referred to as the "folding angle") is less than or equal to the specified angle by using the folding detection sensor (421). For example, the electronic device (401) can detect that the first housing (501) and the second housing (502) are completely folded by using the folding detection sensor (421).

[0114] In one embodiment, the electronic device (401) can determine the display area held by the user among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) using the sensor (420) based on obtaining an input for waking up the electronic device (401) while the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle. For example, the electronic device (401) can determine the display area held by the user among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) using the sensor (420) based on an input for turning on the display (410) while the electronic device (401) is fully folded (e.g., a double touch input to the display).

[0115] In one embodiment, the electronic device (401) can determine the display area held by the user among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) using a sensor (420) based on an input that switches the state of the electronic device (401) to a state where the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle. For example, the electronic device (401) can determine the display area held by the user among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) using a sensor (420) based on an input that switches the state of the electronic device (401) from a state where the folding angle exceeds a specified angle (e.g., the electronic device (401) is fully unfolded) to a state where the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle (e.g., the electronic device (401) is fully folded).

[0116] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine, using a grip sensor (423) and / or a touch sensor (422), a display area that is grasped (e.g., touched) by a user among a first display area (411) and a second display area (412) of a display (410).

[0117] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine, using a grip sensor (423), a display area held by a user among a first display area (411) and a second display area (412) of a display. For example, the processor (440) can determine whether the first display area (411) corresponding to the first housing (501) is held by a user based on sensing data received from a first grip sensor placed in the first housing (501) (e.g., sensing data obtained from the first grip sensor and changed by the user touching the first grip sensor pattern (511)). The processor (440) can determine whether the user grasps the second display area (412) corresponding to the second housing (502) based on sensing data received from the second grip sensor (423) placed in the second housing (502) (e.g., sensing data obtained from the second grip sensor and changed by the user touching the second grip sensor pattern (512)).

[0118] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine, using a touch sensor (422), a display area among a first display area (411) and a second display area (412) of a display where a touch by the user's palm (hereinafter also referred to as "palm touch") is input.

[0119] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can distinguish between a palm touch and a touch by a finger (and a touch by a stylus pen) based on sensing data obtained from the touch sensor (422) (e.g., recognize a palm touch). For example, the processor (440) can distinguish between a palm touch and a touch by a finger based on the size and / or shape of the touched area (e.g., the touched display area). When a touch is made by a finger, the size of the area touched by the finger may be about 4 mm in diameter and the shape of the area touched by the finger may be circular. When a touch is made by a stylus pen, the size of the area touched by the stylus pen may be smaller than the size of the area touched by the finger. When a touch is made by a palm, the size of the area touched by the palm may be larger than the size of the area touched by the finger and the shape of the area touched by the palm may have a specified shape. The processor (440) can recognize a palm touch based on the size of the touched area being greater than the specified size and / or the shape of the touched area corresponding to the specified shape. For example, the processor (440) can distinguish between a palm touch and a finger touch (and a stylus pen touch) based on the movement speed of the touched area (also referred to as "touch motion speed"). When touched by a palm, the area touched by the palm (e.g., the trace of the touched area) may not move (or change) or may move at a slower speed. When touched by a finger (and a stylus pen touch), the area touched by the finger may move at a faster speed. The processor (440) can recognize a palm touch based on the movement speed of the touched area being less than a specified speed. For example, the processor (440) can distinguish between a palm touch and a finger touch (and a stylus pen touch) based on the distance from other touches. When touched by a palm, the distance between the area touched by the palm and other touch areas may be greater.When a touch is made by a finger (and a touch made by a stylus pen), there may be no other touch area other than the area touched by the finger, or the distance between other touch areas may be shorter. The processor (440) may recognize a palm touch based on whether there is another touch area other than the touched area and / or whether the distance between the touched area and other touch areas is greater than or equal to a specified distance. In one embodiment, the processor (440) may distinguish between a palm touch and a touch made by a finger (and a touch made by a stylus pen) by combining at least two of the above-mentioned size and / or shape of the touched area, the speed of movement of the touched area, whether there is another touch area other than the touched area and / or whether the distance between the touched area and other touch areas is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

[0120] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine a display area that is grasped (e.g., touched) by a user among a first display area (411) and a second display area (412) of a display by using a grip sensor (423) and a touch sensor (422). For example, the operation of determining a display area grasped by a user by the grip sensor (423) may be more accurate than the operation of determining a display area grasped by a user by the touch sensor (422) (e.g., determining a display area grasped by a user by recognizing a palm touch). Since grip sensor patterns (e.g., first grip sensor pattern (511) and second grip sensor pattern (512)) are placed on a part of the electronic device (401) and the touch sensor (422) is placed to correspond substantially to the entire area of ​​the display, the operation of determining the display area held by the user by the touch sensor (422) can determine whether the electronic device (401) is held by the user over a wider display area compared to the operation of determining the display area held by the user by the grip sensor (423). The processor (440) can determine the display area held by the user using the grip sensor (423) prior to the touch sensor (422). The processor (440) can determine which display area among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) is held by the user by using the touch sensor (422), based on whether it is determined by using the grip sensor (423) that both the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) are held by the user, or whether it is determined by using the grip sensor (423) that both the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) are not held by the user.

[0121] In operation 603, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may disable the second display area (412) and enable the first display area (411) and display a virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device (401) on at least a portion of the folding area (413), based on the fact that the determined display area (e.g., the display area determined to be grasped by the user in operation 601) (hereinafter also referred to as the "grasped display area") is the second display area (412).

[0122] In operation 605, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may disable the first display area (411) and the folding area (413) and enable the second display area (412) based on the fact that the determined display area is the first display area (411).

[0123] Hereinafter, operations 603 and 605 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8.

[0124] In one embodiment, depending on whether the user's hand holding the electronic device (401) is right or left, and the display area held by the user's hand among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412), the ability to touch the folding area (413) (e.g., a virtual key to be displayed in the folding area (413)) using the fingers of the hand holding the electronic device (401) may vary.

[0125] In one embodiment, reference numeral 701 of FIG. 7 may indicate a case where a user grasps a second display area (412) of an electronic device (401) in a completely folded state using a right hand (710). In this case, the user may touch the folding area (413) using a finger of the hand holding the electronic device (401) (e.g., the thumb of the right hand (710)). For example, in reference numeral 701 of FIG. 7, the electronic device (401) may be folded at an angle less than or equal to the specified angle, and the electronic device (401) may be in a state where two axes passing through the corners of the display parallel to the axis of the hinge are located on the left side of the electronic device (401) and the axis of the hinge is located on the right side of the electronic device (401). In the state of the electronic device (401) indicated by reference numeral 701 of FIG. 7, the user can touch the virtual key displayed through a part of the folding area (413) using the thumb of the right hand (710) holding the electronic device (401).

[0126] In one embodiment, reference numeral 702 of FIG. 7 may indicate a case where a user grasps a first display area (411) of an electronic device (401) in a completely folded state using their right hand (710). In this case, it may be difficult for the user to touch the folding area (413) using the fingers of the hand holding the electronic device (401) (e.g., the thumb of the right hand). For example, in the state of the electronic device (401) of reference numeral 702 of FIG. 7, even if a virtual key is displayed through a part of the folding area (413), it may be difficult for the user to touch the virtual key using the fingers of the hand holding the electronic device (401) (e.g., the thumb of the right hand (710)).

[0127] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may disable the second display area (412) based on the fact that the grasped display area (e.g., the display area determined to be grasped by the user in operation 601) is the second display area (412), as shown in reference numeral 701 of FIG. 7. For example, the processor (440) may control the display (410) so that the screen is not displayed through the second display area (412) based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412). For example, the processor (440) may control the display so that black data is displayed through the second display area (412) based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412). For example, the processor (440) can control the display (410) so that power is not supplied to the second display area (412) based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412). For example, the processor (440) can control the display driving IC (DDI) of the display (410) so that power is not supplied to the second display area (412) based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412).

[0128] In one embodiment, the operation of deactivating the second display area (412) may include the operation of deactivating the touch sensor (422) corresponding to the second display area (412). For example, the processor (440) may ignore the touch input when a touch input is made to the area of ​​the touch sensor (422) placed at a position corresponding to the location of the second display area (412), based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412). For example, the processor (440) may control the touch IC so that the touch IC of the touch sensor (422) does not transmit the touch input to the processor (440) when a touch input is made to the area of ​​the touch sensor (422) placed at a position corresponding to the location of the second display area (412), based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412). For example, the processor (440) can prevent the function of the electronic device (401) (e.g., the function of the electronic device (401) corresponding to the touch input) from being executed by the touch input when a touch input is made to the area of ​​a touch sensor (422) placed at a position corresponding to the location of the second display area (412), based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412).

[0129] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can activate the first display area (411) based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412). For example, the processor (440) can control the first display area (411) so that a screen is displayed through the first display area (411) based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412).

[0130] In one embodiment, the operation of activating the first display area (411) may include the operation of activating a touch sensor (422) corresponding to the first display area (411). For example, the processor (440) may execute a function of an electronic device (401) corresponding to the touch input when a touch input is made to the area of ​​the touch sensor (422) placed at a position corresponding to the location of the first display area (411), based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412).

[0131] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can display a virtual key (also referred to as a “soft key”) (hereinafter referred to as a “virtual key”) corresponding to the function of the electronic device (401) through at least a portion of the folding area (413), based on the fact that the grasped display area is a second display area (412).

[0132] In one embodiment, a virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device (401) may include at least one of a volume control key (also referred to as a “volume key”) or a power key (also referred to as a “power key”). However, the virtual key displayed through at least a portion of the folding area (413) is not limited to the aforementioned volume control key and power key. For example, as described through FIG. 5, a fingerprint sensor (424) may be placed at a location corresponding to a position within the folding area (413) (e.g., below the folding area (413)). When a fingerprint sensor (424) is placed at a location corresponding to a position within the folding area (413), the processor (440) may display a fingerprint image (e.g., a fingerprint icon) that guides fingerprint input at a location corresponding to the position of the fingerprint sensor (424) within the folding area (413). For example, the processor (440) can display objects of an application running on the electronic device (401) (e.g., a scroll bar for controlling the functions of the running application, an icon) through a part of the folding area (413).

[0133] In one embodiment, a virtual key corresponding to a function of an electronic device (401) displayed through a part of a folding area (413) may be a virtual key displayed in addition to or in place of a physical key placed on the side of the electronic device (401).

[0134] In one embodiment, within the folding area (413), the location where the power key is displayed and the location corresponding to the location of the fingerprint sensor (424) may be substantially the same. For example, the processor (440) may display a power key (hereinafter also referred to as a "virtual power key") as a virtual key at a location corresponding to the location of the fingerprint sensor (424) within the folding area (413).

[0135] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may perform an operation corresponding to the virtual power key or an operation recognizing the user's fingerprint, depending on the type of touch input, when the location where the virtual power key is displayed within the folding area (413) and the location corresponding to the location of the fingerprint sensor (424) are substantially the same. For example, when the location where the virtual power key is displayed within the folding area (413) and the location corresponding to the location of the fingerprint sensor (424) are substantially the same, the processor (440) may perform an operation corresponding to the virtual power key (e.g., an operation to turn on or turn off the display, or an operation to power on or power off the electronic device (401)) based on a long press input for the virtual power key (and a touch input with pressure greater than or equal to the threshold pressure) or a touch input with pressure greater than or equal to the threshold pressure, and may perform an operation recognizing the user's fingerprint based on a touch input that is input for a shorter time than the touch time of the long press input for the virtual power key or a touch input with pressure less than the threshold pressure.

[0136] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the processor (440) may display volume control keys (811, 812) and a power key (821) as virtual keys through at least a portion of the folding area (413), based on the fact that the grasped display area is a second display area (412). However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (440) can display volume control keys (811, 812) and power key (821) as virtual keys through at least a portion of the folding area (413) based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412), and indicate that the volume control keys (811, 812) and power key (821) are displayed in a portion of the folding area (413), and display indicators (811-1, 812-1) and indicator (821-1) corresponding to the volume control keys (811, 812) and power key (821), respectively, through the first display area (411). By displaying indicators (811-1, 812-1, 821-1) through the first display area (411), a user looking at the first display area (411) can be made aware that volume control keys (811, 812) and a power key (821) are displayed in the folding area (413) (and can perform functions through the volume control keys (811, 812) and the power key (821)). In one embodiment, the indicators (811-1, 812-1, 821-1) may be referred to as graphic objects.

[0137] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may activate a portion of a touch sensor (422) corresponding to an area where a virtual key is displayed within a folding area (413) so that a function corresponding to a virtual key is performed based on an input for a virtual key (e.g., volume control key (811, 812), power key (821)), based on the fact that the grasped display area is a second display area (412).

[0138] In one embodiment, when a portion of the touch sensor (422) corresponding to the area where a virtual key is displayed within the folding area (413) is activated, the touch sensitivity of the activated portion within the touch sensor (422) can be set such that the touch sensitivity of the activated portion within the touch sensor (422) is lower than the touch sensitivity of other portions of the touch sensor (422). For example, the processor (440) can set a threshold touch intensity for the activated portion within the touch sensor (422) such that the threshold touch intensity set for the activated portion within the touch sensor (422) is greater than the threshold touch intensity set for other portions of the touch sensor (422).

[0139] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may disable a portion of the touch sensor (422) corresponding to the remaining area excluding the area where a virtual key is displayed within the folding area (413), based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412). By doing so, the function corresponding to the touch input may not be executed by a touch input to the portion of the touch sensor (422) corresponding to the remaining area excluding the area where a virtual key is displayed within the folding area (413).

[0140] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can activate the fingerprint sensor (424) to enable fingerprint input to the fingerprint sensor (424) based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412).

[0141] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may disable the first display area (411) and the folding area (413) based on the fact that the grasped display area (e.g., the display area determined to be grasped by the user in operation 601) is the first display area (411), as shown in reference numeral 702 of FIG. 7.

[0142] In one embodiment, the operation of deactivating the first display area (411) and the folding area (413) may include the operation of deactivating a portion of the touch sensor (422) corresponding to the first display area (411) and the folding area (413).

[0143] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can activate the second display area (412) based on the fact that the grasped display area is the first display area (411). For example, the processor (440) can control the second display area (412) so that a screen is displayed through the second display area (412) based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412).

[0144] In one embodiment, the operation of activating the second display area (412) may include the operation of activating a touch sensor (422) corresponding to the second display area (412).

[0145] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may not display a virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device (401) through the folding area (413) based on the fact that the grasped display area is the first display area (411).

[0146] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may disable the fingerprint sensor (424) so ​​that fingerprint input to the fingerprint sensor (424) is possible based on the fact that the grasped display area is the first display area (411). However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (440) may enable the fingerprint sensor (424) so ​​that fingerprint input to the fingerprint sensor (424) is possible using a finger (e.g., index finger of the right hand (710)) even when the grasped display area is the first display area (411).

[0147] In one embodiment, examples of the aforementioned operations 603 and 605 may be examples of cases where a first setting (hereinafter referred to as the “first setting”) is set, which determines that the electronic device (401) is held by the user’s right hand (710) when the electronic device (401) is held by the user (e.g., when the electronic device (401) is held by one hand of the user). For example, the processor (440) may set the setting of the electronic device (401) to the first setting as a default. The processor (440) may disable the second display area (412) and enable the first display area (411) and display a virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device (401) on at least a part of the folding area (413) when the setting of the electronic device (401) is set to the first setting, based on the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412).

[0148] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may change the setting of the electronic device (401) from a first setting to a second setting that determines that the electronic device (401) is held by the user's left hand when the electronic device (401) is held by the user (e.g., when the electronic device (401) is held by one hand of the user) based on user input. When the setting of the electronic device (401) is set to the second setting, the processor (440) may disable the second display area (412) and the folding area (413) and enable the first display area (411) based on the fact that the held display area is the second display area (412). The processor (440) can disable the first display area (411) and enable the second display area (412) and the folding area (413) based on the fact that the grasped display area is the first display area (411) when the setting of the electronic device (401) is set to the second setting.

[0149] In the examples described above, it was explained that the first setting is set as default and the setting of the electronic device (401) is changed from the first setting to the second setting based on user input, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (440) may change the setting of the electronic device (401) from the second setting to the first setting based on user input, with the second setting set as default.

[0150] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can perform an operation based on the posture of the grasped display area and the electronic device (401).

[0151] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine the orientation of the electronic device (401) using a motion sensor (425). For example, reference numerals 701 and 702 of FIG. 7 may indicate an orientation of the electronic device (401) (hereinafter referred to as the “first orientation”) that is substantially the same as the direction in which the bottom side (e.g., bottom side (232) of FIG. 2) of the sides of the electronic device (401) (e.g., sides (231, 232, 233, 234) of FIG. 2) faces and the direction of gravity. An attitude of an electronic device (401) in which the direction in which the lower side of the electronic device (401) faces is substantially opposite to the direction of gravity (e.g., in reference numerals 701 and 702 of FIG. 7, the electronic device (401) in the first attitude is rotated 180 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise around the Z-axis) may be referred to as a “second attitude.”

[0152] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine the posture of the electronic device (401) among a first posture and a second posture through a motion sensor (425).

[0153] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can perform operations 603 and 605 based on the fact that when the setting of the electronic device (401) is set to the first setting, the posture of the electronic device (401) is the first posture.

[0154] In one embodiment, when the setting of the electronic device (401) is set to the first setting, the second display area (412) and the folding area (413) can be disabled and the first display area (411) enabled, based on the fact that the posture of the electronic device (401) is the second posture and the fact that the grasped display area is the second display area (412).

[0155] In one embodiment, when the setting of the electronic device (401) is set to the first setting, based on the position of the electronic device (401) being the second position, based on the grasped display area being the first display area (411), the first display area (411) can be disabled and the second display area (412) enabled, and a virtual key can be displayed through at least a part of the folding area (413).

[0156] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may display an always-on-display (AOD) screen through the display that includes information (e.g., recommended information) guiding the user to hold a display area among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) based on the usage history of the first display area (411) and the second display area (412). For example, the processor (440) may check the usage time of the first display area (411) (e.g., accumulated usage time of the first display area (411)) and the usage time of the second display area (412) (e.g., accumulated usage time of the second display area (412). The processor (440) may display an AOD screen through the display (410) that includes information guiding the first display area (411) to be activated when the electronic device (401) (e.g., an electronic device (401) in a folded state at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle) is held by one hand when the usage time of the first display area (411) is longer than the usage time of the second display area (412). The processor (440) may display an AOD screen through the display (410) that includes information guiding the second display area (412) to be activated when the electronic device (401) is held by one hand when the usage time of the second display area (412) is longer than the usage time of the first display area (411). Through this, when the display (410) is implemented by an OLED (organic light-emitting diode), the burn-in phenomenon occurring in the display area primarily used by the user can be minimized.

[0157] FIG. 9 is a flowchart (900) for explaining the operation of an electronic device (401) based on a change in a display area held by a user according to one embodiment.

[0158] In one embodiment, the operations of FIG. 9 may be performed after the operations of FIG. 6 have been performed.

[0159] In operation 901, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may determine whether the grip on the display area that was grasped through the sensor (420) is maintained. For example, the processor (440) may determine whether the grip on the display area determined to be grasped through operation 603 or operation 605 is maintained through the grip sensor (423) and / or the touch sensor (422). For example, the processor (440) may periodically determine whether the grip on the grasped display area is maintained through the grip sensor (423) and / or the touch sensor (422). For example, the processor (440) may determine whether the user's grip on the grasped display area is currently detected through the grip sensor (423) and / or the touch sensor (422).

[0160] In one embodiment, the operation of determining whether to grip the display area through the touch sensor (422) and the operation of determining whether to maintain the grip may include the operation of determining whether to grip the display area and the operation of determining whether to maintain the grip based on a palm touch recognized through the touch sensor (422).

[0161] If it is determined in operation 901 that the grip on the display area that was held is not maintained, in operation 903, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may determine whether a grip on another display area is detected. For example, if it is determined that the first display area (411) is not maintained, the processor (440) may determine, through the grip sensor (423) and / or touch sensor (422), whether a grip on the second display area (412) as a display area different from the first display area (411) is detected. For example, if it is determined that the second display area (412) is not maintained, the processor (440) may determine, through the grip sensor (423) and / or touch sensor (422), whether a grip on the first display area (411) as a display area different from the second display area (412) is detected.

[0162] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine whether a grip on the other display area is detected through the grip sensor (423) when a grip on either the first display area (411) or the second display area (412) is detected through the grip sensor (423). The processor (440) can determine whether a grip on the other display area is detected through the touch sensor (422) when a grip on either the first display area (411) or the second display area (412) is detected through the touch sensor (422).

[0163] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may determine whether a grip on another display area is detected through the touch sensor (422) based on the fact that a grip on another display area is not detected through the grip sensor (423). The processor (440) may determine whether a grip on another display area is detected through the grip sensor (423) based on the fact that a grip on another display area is not detected through the touch sensor (422).

[0164] In one embodiment, if it is determined in operation 903 that no gripping of another display area is detected, the processor (440) may determine that the electronic device (401) is not gripped by the user. In this case, the processor (440) may prevent the operations described through operations 603 and 605 from being performed (and disable the settings associated with the operations of operations 603 and 605), and enter a sleep state.

[0165] If it is determined in operation 903 that a grip on another display area has been detected, in operation 905, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may disable the other display area and enable the display area that was previously gripped. For example, the processor (440) may enable a display area that was previously gripped but is not currently gripped, and disable a display area that was previously not gripped but is currently gripped.

[0166] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may determine whether to display a virtual key through at least a portion of the folding area (413) based on the currently held display area, the posture of the electronic device (401) (e.g., a first posture or a second posture), and the setting of the electronic device (401) (e.g., a first setting or a second setting).

[0167] FIG. 10 is a flowchart (1000) for explaining the operation of an electronic device (401) according to one embodiment.

[0168] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device (401) according to one embodiment.

[0169] In one embodiment, in the examples described above, operations 603 and 605 are described as being performed based on a first setting (a first setting that determines that the electronic device (401) is held by the user's right hand when the electronic device (401) is held by one hand of the user) or a second setting (a second setting that determines that the electronic device (401) is held by the user's left hand when the electronic device (401) is held by one hand of the user), but are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (401) may perform operations based on determining which hand, either the user's right hand or left hand, is holding the electronic device (401). This will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11, in operation 1001, in one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine, through the sensor (420), the display area held by the user and the hand holding the electronic device (401) between the user's right hand or left hand.

[0171] In one embodiment, as described through operation 601 of FIG. 6, the processor (440) can determine the display area held by the user among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) through the grip sensor (423) and / or touch sensor (422).

[0172] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine which hand, either the right or left hand of the user, is holding the display area through the grip sensor (423) and / or the touch sensor (422). For example, the processor (440) can determine which hand, either the right or left hand of the user, is holding the display area of ​​the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) based on the location of the area where a touch is input by the hand (hereinafter referred to as the "touch area") within the display area held by the user among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412), and / or the shape of the touch area. For example, the processor (440) may determine whether the second display area (412) is held by the user's right hand or left hand based on whether the location of the touch area within the second display area (412) and / or the shape of the touch area corresponds to the shape of the palm of the left hand or the shape of the palm of the right hand when the second display area (412) is held by a hand. However, the operation of determining which hand among the user's right hand or left hand is holding the display area of ​​either the first display area (411) or the second display area (412) is not limited to the examples described above.

[0173] In operation 1003, in one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine the posture of the electronic device (401) through a sensor (420) (e.g., a motion sensor (425)).

[0174] In one embodiment, the posture of the electronic device (401) may include a first posture or a second posture. The first posture may be a posture of the electronic device (401) in which the direction in which the bottom side (e.g., bottom side (232) of FIG. 2) of the sides of the electronic device (401) (e.g., sides (231, 232, 233, 234) of FIG. 2) is facing is substantially the same as the direction of gravity as the direction in which the bottom side of the sides of the electronic device (401) is facing is substantially opposite (e.g., in FIG. 7, reference numerals 701 and 702, the electronic device (401) in the first posture is rotated 180 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise around the Z-axis).

[0175] In operation 1005, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may determine whether to display a virtual key in at least a portion of the folding area (413) and the area to be activated (and the area to be deactivated) among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412), based on the display area determined in operation 1001 and the hand holding the electronic device (401) (e.g., whether the hand holding the electronic device (401) is a right hand or a left hand), and the posture of the electronic device (401) determined in operation 1003.

[0176] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can activate a display area among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) that is not held by the user, and deactivate a display area held by the user.

[0177] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may determine whether to display a virtual key in at least a portion of the folding area (413) based on the display area determined in operation 1001, the hand holding the electronic device (401), and the posture of the electronic device (401) determined in operation 1003.

[0178] In one embodiment, based on the display area determined in operation 1001 and the hand holding the electronic device (401), and the posture of the electronic device (401) determined in operation 1003, if the virtual key can be touched by the finger (e.g., thumb) of the hand holding the electronic device (401) when assuming that the virtual key is displayed in the folding area (413), the virtual key can be displayed through the folding area (413).

[0179] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (401) is in a fully folded state, the area within the display held by the user's palm may be closer to the hinge axis than to the corners of the display parallel to the hinge axis, and assuming that a virtual key is displayed in the folding area (413), the virtual key may be touchable by the fingers (e.g., thumb) of the hand holding the electronic device (401). In this case, the processor (440) may display the virtual key through the folding area (413).

[0180] In one embodiment, reference numeral 1101 of FIG. 11 may indicate an electronic device (401) in which the second display area (412) is held by the right hand and the electronic device (401) is in a first position. Reference numeral 1102 of FIG. 11 may indicate an electronic device (401) in which the second display area (412) is held by the right hand and the electronic device (401) is in a second position.

[0181] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can disable the second display area (412) and enable the first display area (411) and display a virtual key through a part of the folding area (413) when the electronic device (401) is in a state such that, as in reference numeral 1101, the second display area (412) is held by the right hand and the posture of the electronic device (401) is the first posture.

[0182] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may disable the second display area (412) and enable the first display area (411) and not display a virtual key through part of the folding area (413) when the electronic device (401) is in a state such that, as in reference numeral 1102, the second display area (412) is held by the right hand and the posture of the electronic device (401) is the second posture.

[0183] Although not illustrated in FIG. 11, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may determine the area (or location) for displaying the virtual keys (e.g., virtual keys (811, 812, 821)) differently depending on whether the posture of the electronic device (401) is a first posture or a second posture when displaying the virtual keys through a part of the folding area (413). For example, the processor (440) may display the virtual keys in the upper area of ​​the folding area (413) when the posture of the electronic device (401) is a first posture, as shown in reference numeral 1101 of FIG. 11. The processor (440) may display the virtual keys in the lower area of ​​the folding area (413) when the posture of the electronic device (401) is a second posture, as shown in reference numeral 1102 of FIG. 11.

[0184] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device (401) according to one embodiment.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 12, in the examples described above, it was assumed that the electronic device (401) is in portrait mode when folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, but is not limited thereto.

[0186] In one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may be in landscape mode when folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, as shown in FIG. 12. The processor (440) may determine that the electronic device (401) is in landscape mode through a motion sensor (425).

[0187] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, the vertical mode of the electronic device (401) may be a mode that operates in a posture of the electronic device (401) in which the vertical length of the electronic device (401) is longer than the horizontal length. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, the vertical mode of the electronic device (401) may be a mode that operates in a posture of the electronic device (401) in which the direction in which the bottom side (e.g., bottom side (232) of FIG. 2) among the sides of the electronic device (401) (e.g., sides (231, 232, 233, 234) of FIG. 2) faces is substantially the same as or opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0188] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, the horizontal mode of the electronic device (401) may be a mode that operates in a posture of the electronic device (401) in which the horizontal length of the electronic device (401) is longer than the vertical length. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, the horizontal mode of the electronic device (401) may be a mode that operates in a posture of the electronic device (401) in which the direction in which the left side (e.g., the left side (233) of FIG. 2) or the right side (e.g., the right side (234) of FIG. 2) among the sides of the electronic device (401) (e.g., the sides (231, 232, 233, 234) of FIG. 2) faces is substantially the same as the direction of gravity.

[0189] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may display at least one of a virtual key (a virtual key corresponding to a function of the electronic device (401)) (e.g., a volume control key, a power key) or an object for controlling an application running on the electronic device (401) through at least a portion of the folding area (413), based on the electronic device (401) being in landscape mode when folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0190] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can identify an application being executed based on the fact that the electronic device (401) is in landscape mode while folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle. The processor (440) can display an object for controlling the identified application through the folding area (413). For example, the processor (440) can display an object for controlling the video application through the folding area (413), such as a progress bar indicating the playback progress of the video and a virtual button for starting / pausing / ending playback, based on the fact that a video application is being executed when the electronic device (401) is in landscape mode while folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle. For example, when the electronic device (401) is in landscape mode while folded at an angle less than a specified angle, the processor (440) may display objects for controlling a music application through the folding area (413), such as a button for adjusting the volume of music, a progress bar indicating the progress of music playback, a virtual button for starting / stopping / ending music playback, and a button for adjusting the volume of music. For example, when the electronic device (401) is in landscape mode while folded at an angle less than a specified angle, the processor (440) may display objects for acquiring an image (e.g., a still image or a video) through the folding area (413) based on the execution of a camera application. However, when the electronic device (401) is in landscape mode while folded at an angle less than a specified angle, the objects for controlling the application and the application displayed through the folding area (413) are not limited to the examples described above.

[0191] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can disable the display area held by the user among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) and enable the display area not held by the user, even when the electronic device (401) is in landscape mode while folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle.

[0192] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting a setting to activate a display area not held by a user, according to one embodiment.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 13, in one embodiment, the processor (440) can set a setting (hereinafter referred to as "setting for automatic selection of main screen in folding state") to disable the display area held by the user and enable the display area not held by the user among the first display area (411) and the second display area (412) when the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, based on user input.

[0194] In one embodiment, the screen (1410) may include an object (1311) for turning on or off a setting for automatic selection of the main screen in a folding state.

[0195] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can turn on (e.g., set) or off (e.g., disable) a setting for automatic selection of the main screen in a folding state based on a touch input to the object (1311).

[0196] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a method for setting up a virtual key and activating a fingerprint sensor (424) according to one embodiment.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 14, in one embodiment, the processor (440) may set a setting (hereinafter referred to as the "side key activation setting") and / or a setting (hereinafter referred to as the "side fingerprint recognition activation setting") related to whether to display a virtual key through the folding area (413) when the first display area (411) or the second display area (412) is grasped by the user while the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, based on user input.

[0198] In one embodiment, the screen (1410) may include an object (1311) for turning on or off a setting for automatic selection of the main screen in a folding state, an object (1411) for a side key activation setting, and an object (1412) for a side fingerprint recognition activation setting.

[0199] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may turn the side key activation setting on or off based on touch input to the object (1411). For example, when the side key activation setting is turned on, a virtual key may be displayed through the folding area (413) based on the position of the display area and the electronic device (401) held by the user (and whether the electronic device (401) is held by the right hand or the left hand).

[0200] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may turn on or off a side fingerprint recognition activation setting based on a touch input to the object (1412). For example, when the side fingerprint recognition activation setting is turned on, a fingerprint sensor (424) placed at a position corresponding to a location within the folding area (413) may be activated based on the position of the display area and the electronic device (401) held by the user (and whether the electronic device (401) is held by the right hand or the left hand).

[0201] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may display a screen (1410) further including an object (1411) and an object (1412) based on the setting for automatic selection of the main screen in a folding state being turned on (e.g., when the setting for automatic selection of the main screen in a folding state is turned on by a touch input to the object (1311).

[0202] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a method of setting a first setting or a second setting according to one embodiment.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, the processor (440) can set a setting (hereinafter referred to as the "main hand activation setting") for determining whether the electronic device (401) is held by the user's right hand or left hand when the first display area (411) or the second display area (412) is held by the user while the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, based on user input.

[0204] In one embodiment, the screen (1510) may include an object (1311) for turning on or off a setting for automatic selection of the main screen in a folding state, an object (1411) for a side key activation setting, an object (1412) for a side fingerprint recognition activation setting, an object (1511) for turning on or off a primary hand activation setting, an object (1521) for setting a first setting, and an object (1522) for setting a second setting.

[0205] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may turn on or off a primary hand activation setting based on a touch input to an object (1511). The processor (440) may set a first setting based on a user input touching an object (1521) when the primary hand activation setting is turned on. The processor (440) may set a second setting based on a user input touching an object (1522) when the primary hand activation setting is turned on.

[0206] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may set the first setting as the default when the primary hand activation setting is off.

[0207] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can display object (1511) through a display based on the side key activation setting and the side fingerprint recognition activation setting being turned on based on touch input to object (1411) and object (1412). The processor (440) can display object (1521) and object (1522) through a display based on the primary hand activation setting being turned on based on touch input to object (1511).

[0208] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining an electronic device (401) according to one embodiment.

[0209] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device (401) according to one embodiment.

[0210] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining the operation of an electronic device (401) according to one embodiment.

[0211] With reference to FIGS. 16 through 18, the operation of an electronic device (401) comprising two housings (201, 202) rotatably connected through a single hinge and a display (410) disposed on the housings (201, 202) has been described through FIGS. 2 through 15, but is not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the above examples may be applied in the same or similarly to an electronic device (401) comprising three or more housings rotatably connected through two or more hinges and a display disposed on said housings.

[0212] In one embodiment, in FIG. 16, the electronic device (401) may include a first housing (1631), a second housing (1632), and a third housing (1633) rotatably coupled through two hinges. In one embodiment, a display (1640) (e.g., a display (410)) that can be folded or unfolded may be disposed on the first housing (1631), the second housing (1632), and the third housing (1633).

[0213] In one embodiment, the display (1640) may include a first display area (1641) corresponding to a first housing (1631) (e.g., a display area placed on the first housing (1631) within the display), a first folding area (1651) corresponding to a first hinge (e.g., a display area placed on the first hinge within the display), a second display area (1642) corresponding to a second housing (1632) (e.g., a display area placed on the second housing (1632) within the display), a second folding area (1652) corresponding to a second hinge (e.g., a display area placed on the second hinge within the display), and a third display area (1643) corresponding to a third housing (1633) (e.g., a display area placed on the third housing (1633) within the display).

[0214] In one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may be an electronic device in which the display (1640) can be folded or unfolded based on the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion in an out-folding manner.

[0215] In one embodiment, reference numeral 1601 of FIG. 16 may represent an electronic device (401) in a fully unfolded state. For example, in reference numeral 1601, the electronic device may be in a fully unfolded state in which a first display area (1641), a second display area (1642), and a third display area (1643) are oriented substantially in the same direction.

[0216] In one embodiment, reference numeral 1602 of FIG. 16 may indicate a state in which a portion of the display (1640) is folded. For example, in reference numeral 1602, the electronic device (401) may be in a state in which the first display area (1641) and the second display area (1642) are oriented substantially in the same direction, and the direction of the third display area (1643) is opposite to the direction of the first display area (1641) and the second display area (1642). For example, reference numeral 1602 may indicate a state in which the electronic device (401) is in a state in which the third housing (1633) is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow (1661) (e.g., clockwise) from a state in which the electronic device (401) is fully unfolded.

[0217] In one embodiment, reference numeral 1603 of FIG. 16 may indicate a state in which the electronic device (401) is completely folded. For example, in reference numeral 1603, the electronic device (401) may be in a state in which the first display area (1641) and the second display area (1642) are exposed to the outside and face in opposite directions to each other, and the direction of the third display area (1643) is the same as the direction of the first display area (1641) and opposite to the direction of the second display area (1642). For example, reference numeral 1603 may indicate a state in which the electronic device (401) has the first housing (1631) rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow (1662) (e.g., counterclockwise) from the state of the electronic device of reference numeral 1602.

[0218] In one embodiment, the processor (440) can determine the display area held by the user among the first display area (1641) and the second display area (1642) using the sensor (420) when the electronic device (401) is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle. For example, the processor (440) can determine the display area held by the user among the first display area (1641) and the second display area (1642) through the folding detection sensor (421) when the electronic device (401) is completely folded, such as the state of the electronic device (401) of reference numeral 1603 in FIG. 16.

[0219] In one embodiment, reference numeral 1701 of FIG. 17 may indicate a case where a user grasps a second display area (1642) of an electronic device (401) in a completely folded state using a right hand (1661). In reference numeral 1701, the processor may determine the display area grasped by the user as the second display area (1642). Reference numeral 1702 of FIG. 17 may indicate a case where a user grasps a first display area (1641) of an electronic device (401) in a completely folded state using a right hand (1671). For example, the state of the electronic device (401) of reference numeral 1702 may be a state where the electronic device (401) in the state of reference numeral 1701 is rotated 180 degrees with respect to the Y-axis. In reference numeral 1702, the processor (440) can determine the display area grasped by the user as the first display area (1641).

[0220] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may disable the second display area (1642) and enable the first display area (1641) based on the fact that the determined display area (e.g., the display area determined to be grasped by the user) is the second display area (1642), and display a virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device (401) on at least a portion of the first folding area (1651). For example, in reference numeral 1801 of FIG. 18, the processor (440) may display at least one of a volume control key (1811, 1812) and a power key (1813) as virtual keys through the first folding area (1651). For example, in reference numeral 1801 of FIG. 18, the processor may display volume control keys (1811, 1812) and a power key (1813) as virtual keys through a first folding area (1651), and display indicators (1811-1, 1812-1) and an indicator (1813-1) corresponding to the volume control keys (1811, 1812) and the power key (1813), respectively, through a first display area (1641).

[0221] In one embodiment, the processor (440) may disable the first display area (1641) and enable the second display area (1642) based on the fact that the determined display area (e.g., the display area determined to be grasped by the user) is the first display area (1641), and display virtual keys corresponding to the functions of the electronic device (401) on at least a portion of the second folding area (1652). For example, in reference numeral 1802 of FIG. 18, the processor (440) may display at least one of a volume control key (1821, 1822) and a power key (1823) as virtual keys through the second folding area (1652). For example, in reference numeral 1802 of FIG. 18, the processor (440) can display volume control keys (1821, 1822) and a power key (1823) as virtual keys through the second folding area (1652), and display indicators (1821-1, 1822-1) and an indicator (1823-1) corresponding to the volume control keys (1821, 1822) and the power key (1823), respectively, through the first display area (1641).

[0222] In one embodiment, although not described through FIGS. 16 to 18, the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 16 may perform operations identical or similar to at least some of the operations of the electronic device described through FIGS. 2 to 15.

[0223] In one embodiment, through FIGS. 16 to 18, the operation of an electronic device (401) that folds or unfolds in an out-folding manner based on two hinges has been described, but is not limited thereto. For example, for an electronic device that can be folded or unfolded in an in-folding manner through at least one of two or more hinges and can be folded or unfolded in an out-folding manner through at least one other hinge, at least some of the operations of the electronic device (401) described through FIGS. 2 to 18 may be performed in the same or similar manner.

[0224] An electronic device (e.g., electronic device (401)) according to one embodiment may include a housing comprising a first housing (e.g., first housing (201)) and a second housing (e.g., first housing (202)), a hinge configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing, a display (e.g., display (410)) disposed in the housing and configured to be folded or unfolded in an out-folding manner, a sensor (e.g., sensor (420)), at least one processor (e.g., processor (440)) comprising a processing circuit, and a memory (e.g., memory (430)) for storing instructions. The display may include a first display area (e.g., first display area (411)) corresponding to the first housing, a second display area (e.g., second display area (412)) corresponding to the second housing, and a folding area (e.g., folding area (413)) corresponding to the hinge. When the above commands are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may be caused to determine, using the sensor, a display area held by a user among the first display area and the second display area while the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle. When the above commands are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may be caused to disable the second display area and enable the first display area based on the fact that the determined display area is the second display area, and to display a virtual key (e.g., virtual keys (811, 812, 821)) corresponding to the function of the electronic device through at least a portion of the folding area.When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the first display area and the folding area to be disabled and the second display area to be enabled, based on the fact that the determined display area is the first display area.

[0225] In one embodiment, the instructions may cause the electronic device to determine the display area held by the user among the first display area and the second display area, based on obtaining an input to wake up the electronic device in a state where the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, or based on switching the state of the electronic device to a state where the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle.

[0226] In one embodiment, the virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device may include at least one of a volume control key (e.g., volume control key (811, 812)) or a power key (e.g., power key (821)).

[0227] In one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may further cause the part corresponding to the second display area in the touch sensor (e.g., touch sensor (422)) included in the sensor to be deactivated and the part corresponding to the first display area and the part corresponding to the area where the virtual key is displayed in the folding area within the touch sensor to be activated, based on the fact that the determined display area is the second display area. The touch sensitivity of the part corresponding to the area where the virtual key is displayed in the folding area within the touch sensor may be set lower than the touch sensitivity of other parts within the touch sensor. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may further cause the part corresponding to the first display area and the part corresponding to the folding area within the touch sensor to be deactivated and the part corresponding to the second display area within the touch sensor to be activated, based on the fact that the determined display area is the first display area.

[0228] In one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may be caused to disable the second display area and enable the first display area and display the virtual key through at least a portion of the folding area, based on the first setting that determines the electronic device is held by the user's right hand when the electronic device is held by the user being set as a default. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may be caused to disable the first display area and the folding area and enable the second display area, based on the first setting that determines the display area is the first display area.

[0229] In one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may further cause the electronic device to change the setting of the electronic device from the first setting to a second setting in which the electronic device is determined to be held by the user's left hand when the electronic device is held by the user, based on user input.

[0230] In one embodiment, the instructions may further cause the electronic device to determine, using the sensor, the display area held by the user and the hand holding the electronic device among the user's right hand and left hand, when the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor.

[0231] When executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the above commands may further cause the electronic device to determine the orientation of the electronic device using the sensor when the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to the specified angle. The orientation of the electronic device may include an orientation in which the direction in which the bottom side (e.g., bottom side (232)) among the sides of the electronic device (e.g., sides (231, 232, 233, 234)) is facing is substantially the same as the direction of gravity, or an orientation in which the direction in which the bottom side is facing is substantially opposite to the direction of gravity. When executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the above commands may further cause the electronic device to determine whether to display the virtual key through at least a portion of the folding area and the display area to be activated among the first display area and the second display area, based on the display area held by the user, the determined hand, and the determined orientation.

[0232] In one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may further cause the fingerprint sensor included in the sensor and positioned below the folding area to be activated based on the fact that the determined display area is the second display area.

[0233] In one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may further cause the display through the display an always-on-display (AOD) screen that includes information guiding the display area to be grasped by the user among the first display area and the second display area based on the usage history of the first display area and the second display area.

[0234] In one embodiment, the instructions may further cause the electronic device to display at least one of the virtual key or an object for controlling an application running on the electronic device through at least a portion of the folding area, based on the electronic device being in landscape mode when the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to the specified angle. The landscape mode may be a mode in which the electronic device operates in a position in which the direction in which the left side (e.g., left side (233)) or the right side (e.g., right side (234)) of the sides of the electronic device faces is substantially the same as the direction of gravity.

[0235] A method of operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment may include, when the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, an operation of determining a display area grasped by a user among the first display area and the second display area using the sensor, wherein the electronic device comprises: a housing including a first housing and a second housing; a hinge configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing; a display disposed in the housing and configured to be folded or unfolded in an out-folding manner, and including a first display area corresponding to the first housing, a second display area corresponding to the second housing, and a folding area corresponding to the hinge; and a sensor. The method may include, based on the determination that the determined display area is the second display area, an operation of deactivating the second display area, activating the first display area, and displaying a virtual key corresponding to a function of the electronic device through at least a portion of the folding area. The above method may include the operation of deactivating the first display area and the folding area and activating the second display area based on the fact that the determined display area is the first display area.

[0236] In one embodiment, the operation of determining the display area held by the user may include the operation of determining the display area held by the user among the first display area and the second display area, based on obtaining an input for waking up the electronic device in a state where the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, or based on switching the state of the electronic device to a state where the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to the specified angle.

[0237] In one embodiment, the virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device may include at least one of a volume control key or a power key.

[0238] In one embodiment, the method may further include, based on the fact that the determined display area is the second display area, an operation of deactivating a portion corresponding to the second display area in a touch sensor included in the sensor, and an operation of activating a portion corresponding to the first display area within the touch sensor and a portion corresponding to the area where the virtual key is displayed within the folding area within the touch sensor. The touch sensitivity of the portion corresponding to the area where the virtual key is displayed within the folding area within the touch sensor may be set lower than the touch sensitivity of other portions within the touch sensor. The method may further include, based on the fact that the determined display area is the first display area, an operation of deactivating the portion corresponding to the first display area and the portion corresponding to the folding area within the touch sensor, and activating a portion corresponding to the second display area within the touch sensor.

[0239] In one embodiment, the operation of deactivating the second display area and activating the first display area and displaying the virtual key through at least a portion of the folding area, and the operation of deactivating the first display area and the folding area and activating the second display area may include the operation of deactivating the second display area and activating the first display area and displaying the virtual key through at least a portion of the folding area based on the first setting that determines that the electronic device is held by the right hand of the user when the electronic device is held by the user being set as a default, based on the determined display area being the second display area, and the operation of deactivating the first display area and the folding area and activating the second display area based on the determined display area being the first display area.

[0240] In one embodiment, the method may further include, based on user input, an operation of changing the setting of the electronic device from the first setting to a second setting in which the electronic device is determined to be held by the user's left hand when the electronic device is held by the user.

[0241] In one embodiment, the method may further include, using the sensor, an action of determining the display area held by the user and the hand holding the electronic device among the user's right hand and left hand, while the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle. The method may further include, using the sensor, an action of determining the posture of the electronic device while the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle. The posture of the electronic device may include a posture in which the direction in which the bottom side of the electronic device faces is substantially the same as the direction of gravity, or a posture in which the direction in which the bottom side faces is substantially opposite to the direction of gravity. The method may further include, based on the display area held by the user, the determined hand, and the determined posture, an action of determining the display area to be activated among the first display area and the second display area, and whether to display the virtual key through at least a portion of the folding area.

[0242] In one embodiment, the method may further include the operation of activating a fingerprint sensor included in the sensor and positioned below the folding area, based on the fact that the determined display area is the second display area.

[0243] In one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of displaying an AOD screen through the display that includes information guiding a display area to be grasped by the user among the first display area and the second display area, based on the usage history of the first display area and the second display area.

[0244] According to one embodiment, in a non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, may cause an electronic device comprising: a housing including a first housing and a second housing; a hinge configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing; a display disposed in the housing and configured to be folded or unfolded in an out-folding manner, comprising a first display area corresponding to the first housing, a second display area corresponding to the second housing, and a folding area corresponding to the hinge; and a sensor, wherein the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, the sensor may be used to determine a display area held by a user among the first display area and the second display area. When the above computer-executable instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the second display area to be disabled and the first display area to be enabled and to display a virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device through at least a portion of the folding area, based on the fact that the determined display area is the second display area. When the above computer-executable instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the first display area and the folding area to be disabled and the second display area to be enabled, based on the fact that the determined display area is the first display area.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (401), A housing comprising a first housing and a second housing; A hinge configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing; A display (410) disposed in the above housing and configured to be folded or unfolded in an out-folding method - the display comprises a first display area (411) corresponding to the first housing, a second display area (412) corresponding to the second housing, and a folding area (413) corresponding to the hinge -; Sensor (420); At least one processor (440) including processing circuitry; and It includes memory (430) for storing instructions, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: When the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, the sensor is used to determine the display area held by the user among the first display area and the second display area, and Based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the second display area, the second display area is disabled and the first display area is enabled, and a virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device is displayed through at least a portion of the folding area, and An electronic device that causes the first display area and the folding area to be deactivated and the second display area to be activated, based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the first display area.

2. In Paragraph 1, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: An electronic device that causes to determine the display area held by the user among the first display area and the second display area, based on obtaining an input for waking up the electronic device in a state where the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, or based on switching the state of the electronic device to a state where the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to the specified angle.

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, The virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device comprises at least one of a volume control key or a power key.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: Based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the second display area, the part corresponding to the second display area in the touch sensor included in the sensor is deactivated, and the part corresponding to the first display area and the part corresponding to the area where the virtual key is displayed within the folding area within the touch sensor are activated, and -the touch sensitivity of the part corresponding to the area where the virtual key is displayed within the folding area within the touch sensor is set lower than the touch sensitivity of other parts within the touch sensor-, and An electronic device that, based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the first display area, further causes the portion corresponding to the first display area and the portion corresponding to the folding area within the touch sensor to be deactivated, and the portion corresponding to the second display area within the touch sensor to be activated.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: Based on a first setting that determines that the electronic device is gripped by the user's right hand when the electronic device is gripped by the user being set by default: Based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the second display area, the second display area is disabled and the first display area is enabled, and the virtual key is displayed through at least a portion of the folding area, and An electronic device that causes the first display area and the folding area to be deactivated and the second display area to be activated, based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the first display area.

6. In Paragraph 5, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: An electronic device that, based on user input, causes the setting of the electronic device to change from the first setting to a second setting in which the electronic device is determined to be held by the user's left hand when the electronic device is held by the user.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: When the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, the sensor is used to determine the display area held by the user and the hand holding the electronic device among the user's right hand and left hand. Using the sensor above, the posture of the electronic device is determined when the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to the specified angle—the posture of the electronic device includes a posture in which the direction in which the lower side of the electronic device faces is substantially the same as the direction of gravity or a posture in which the direction in which the lower side faces is substantially opposite to the direction of gravity—and An electronic device that further causes to determine whether to display the virtual key through at least a portion of the folding area and the display area to be activated among the first display area and the second display area, based on the display area held by the user, the determined hand, and the determined posture.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: An electronic device that further causes to activate a fingerprint sensor included in the sensor, positioned below the folding area, based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the above-determined second display area.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: An electronic device that further causes an always-on-display (AOD) screen to be displayed through the display, the display including information that guides the display area to be grasped by the user among the first display area and the second display area based on the usage history of the first display area and the second display area.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: Based on the fact that the mode of the electronic device is landscape mode when the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to the specified angle, it further causes at least one of an object for controlling the virtual key or an application running on the electronic device to be displayed through at least a portion of the folding area, and The above horizontal mode is an electronic device in which the electronic device operates in a mode in which the direction in which the left or right side of the electronic device faces is substantially the same as the direction of gravity.

11. In a method of operating an electronic device, An operation of determining a display area grasped by a user among the first display area and the second display area using the sensor when the electronic device, comprising a housing including a first housing and a second housing, a hinge configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing, a display disposed in the housing and configured to fold or unfold in an out-folding manner and including a first display area corresponding to the first housing, a second display area corresponding to the second housing, and a folding area corresponding to the hinge, and a sensor, in a state where the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle; Based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the second display area, the operation of deactivating the second display area, activating the first display area, and displaying a virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device through at least a portion of the folding area; and A method comprising the operation of deactivating the first display area and the folding area and activating the second display area based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the first display area.

12. In Paragraph 11, The operation of determining the display area grasped by the above user is, A method comprising the operation of determining the display area held by the user among the first display area and the second display area, based on obtaining an input for waking up the electronic device in a state where the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, or based on switching the state of the electronic device to a state where the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to the specified angle.

13. In Paragraph 11 or 12, A method in which the virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device comprises at least one of a volume control key or a power key.

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 through 13, Based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the second display area, the operation of deactivating the portion corresponding to the second display area in the touch sensor included in the sensor, and the operation of activating the portion corresponding to the first display area within the touch sensor and the portion corresponding to the area where the virtual key is displayed within the folding area within the touch sensor - the touch sensitivity of the portion corresponding to the area where the virtual key is displayed within the folding area within the touch sensor is set lower than the touch sensitivity of other portions within the touch sensor -; and A method further comprising the operation of deactivating the portion corresponding to the first display area and the portion corresponding to the folding area within the touch sensor, and activating the portion corresponding to the second display area within the touch sensor, based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the first display area.

15. In a non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, said computer-executable instructions, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, an electronic device: A housing comprising a first housing and a second housing, a hinge configured to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing, a display disposed in the housing and configured to fold or unfold in an out-folding manner and comprising a first display area corresponding to the first housing, a second display area corresponding to the second housing, and a folding area corresponding to the hinge, and a sensor, wherein, when the electronic device is folded at an angle less than or equal to a specified angle, the sensor is used to determine a display area grasped by a user among the first display area and the second display area, and Based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the second display area, the second display area is disabled and the first display area is enabled, and a virtual key corresponding to the function of the electronic device is displayed through at least a portion of the folding area, and A computer-readable storage medium that causes the first display area and the folding area to be disabled and the second display area to be enabled, based on the fact that the above-determined display area is the first display area.

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