Foldable electronic device, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for adaptively displaying visual object

Abstract

This foldable electronic device comprises: at least one processor including processing circuitry; a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part; a flexible display including a first display area corresponding to the first housing part and a second display area corresponding to the second housing part; at least one sensor; an NFC circuit in the first housing part; and a memory which stores one or more programs configured to be individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, and includes one or more storage media, wherein the one or more programs may include instructions for causing the foldable electronic device to: receive a signal from an external electronic device by using the NFC circuit; and display a visual object associated with the external electronic device and located in the first display area, on the basis of the signal received through the at least one sensor while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

Description

Foldable electronic device, method, and non-transient computer-readable storage medium for adaptively displaying visual objects

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device, a method, and a non-transient computer-readable storage medium for adaptively displaying a visual object.

[0002] A foldable electronic device may include rotatably coupled housing parts and a flexible display. The flexible display may be bent according to the rotation of the housing parts. The flexible display may include display areas corresponding to each of the housing parts.

[0003] 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.

[0004] A foldable electronic device is described. The foldable electronic device may include at least one processor comprising a processing circuit; a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; a flexible display that is partially bent as the second housing part is rotated relative to the first housing part and includes a first display area corresponding to the first housing part and a second display area corresponding to the second housing part and extending from the first display area; at least one sensor; a near field communication (NFC) circuit within the first housing part; at least one coil electrically connected to the NFC circuit and exposed within the first housing part so as to face the rear side of the first housing part; and a memory comprising one or more storage media configured to store one or more programs configured to be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to receive a signal from an external electronic device through the at least one coil using the NFC circuit. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to be associated with the external electronic device and to display a visual object located within the first display area among the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor.The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to be associated with the external electronic device and to display a visual object located within the second display area among the first display area and the second display area, or to display a visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are unfolded through the at least one sensor.

[0005] A method is described. The method may be performed in a foldable electronic device comprising: a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; a flexible display that is partially bent as the second housing part is rotated relative to the first housing part and comprises a first display area corresponding to the first housing part and a second display area corresponding to the second housing part and extending from the first display area; at least one sensor; a near field communication (NFC) circuit within the first housing part; and at least one coil electrically connected to the NFC circuit and exposed within the first housing part so as to face the rear side of the first housing part. The method may include the operation of receiving a signal from an external electronic device through the at least one coil using the NFC circuit. The above method may include an operation of displaying a visual object associated with the external electronic device and located within the first display area among the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The above method may include an operation of displaying a visual object associated with the external electronic device and located within the second display area among the first display area and the second display area, or a visual object associated with the external electronic device and located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are unfolded through the at least one sensor.

[0006] A non-transient computer-readable storage medium is described. The non-transient computer-readable storage medium may store one or more programs. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to receive a signal from an external electronic device by means of the NFC circuit, through the at least one coil, when executed by the foldable electronic device comprising: a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; a flexible display that is partially bent as the second housing part is rotated relative to the first housing part and includes a first display area corresponding to the first housing part and a second display area corresponding to the second housing part and extending from the first display area; at least one sensor; a near field communication (NFC) circuit within the first housing part; and at least one coil electrically connected to the NFC circuit and exposed within the first housing part so as to face the rear side of the first housing part. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a visual object located within the first display area among the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device.The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a visual object located within the second display area among the first display area and the second display area, or to display a visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are unfolded through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0007] A foldable electronic device is described. The foldable electronic device may include at least one processor comprising a processing circuit; a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; a display comprising a first display area disposed in the first housing part and a second display area disposed in the second housing part; at least one sensor; a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signals with at least one external electronic device; and a memory comprising one or more storage media configured to store one or more programs configured to be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to transmit data for an application executed on the foldable electronic device to the external electronic device via the near-field communication link using the communication circuit when a near-field communication link between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device is established using the communication circuit, or to receive data for an application executed on the external electronic device from the external electronic device via the near-field communication link using the communication circuit. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display, through the display, a first UI for the application running on the foldable electronic device or a second UI for the application running on the external electronic device in a designated display area among the first display area and the second display area, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

[0008] A method is described. The method may be performed within a foldable electronic device comprising: a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; a display comprising a first display area disposed in the first housing part and a second display area disposed in the second housing part; at least one sensor; and a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from at least one external electronic device. The method may include, when a near-field communication link is established between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device using the communication circuit, transmitting data for an application running on the foldable electronic device to the external electronic device via the near-field communication link using the communication circuit, or receiving data for an application running on the external electronic device from the external electronic device via the near-field communication link using the communication circuit. The above method may include an operation of displaying a first UI for an application running on the foldable electronic device or a second UI for an application running on the external electronic device through the display in a designated display area among the first display area and the second display area, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

[0009] A non-transient computer-readable storage medium is described. The non-transient computer-readable storage medium may store one or more programs. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to transmit data for an application executed on the foldable electronic device to the external electronic device via the short-range communication link using the communication circuit when the short-range communication link between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device is established using the communication circuit, when the foldable electronic device is executed by the foldable electronic device, wherein the short-range communication link between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device is established using the communication circuit, or to receive data for an application executed on the external electronic device from the external electronic device via the short-range communication link using the communication circuit. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display, through the display, a first UI for the application executed on the foldable electronic device or a second UI for the application executed on the external electronic device in a designated display area among the first display area and the second display area, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates an example of displaying a visual object related to data received from an external electronic device.

[0011] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary foldable electronic device.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operations of an electronic device for displaying visual objects related to data received from an external electronic device.

[0013] FIG. 4a illustrates an example of displaying a visual object located within a first display area.

[0014] FIG. 4b illustrates an example of displaying a visual object positioned across the boundary between a first display area and a second display area.

[0015] FIG. 5a illustrates an example of another visual object located within the first display area being displayed.

[0016] FIG. 5b illustrates an example of another visual object being displayed positioned across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area.

[0017] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate examples of displaying a visual object indicating that the battery of a foldable electronic device is being charged.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of displaying high-importance information located within a first display area.

[0019] FIGS. 8A and FIGS. 8B illustrate examples of multi-foldable electronic devices displaying visual objects.

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a multi-foldable electronic device comprising four housing parts.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 11a illustrates an example of a first state of an electronic device.

[0023] FIG. 11b illustrates an example of a second state of an electronic device.

[0024] FIG. 11c illustrates an example of a third state of an electronic device.

[0025] FIG. 12a is a plan view of an electronic device with the flexible display removed.

[0026] FIG. 12b is a rear view of an electronic device with the rear cover and display removed.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates an example of displaying a visual object related to data received from an external electronic device.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a foldable electronic device (100) may be described as a device comprising rotatably coupled housing parts (e.g., a first housing part and a second housing part). For example, the foldable electronic device (100) may be one of various types of mobile devices such as a foldable type smartphone, tablet, wearable device, cellular phone, personal computer (PC) (e.g., laptop), and / or other similar computing devices having various form factors comprising rotatably coupled housing parts.

[0030] State (105) can be described as a state in which the first housing part and the second housing part of the foldable electronic device (100) are partially folded. In state (105), the foldable electronic device (100) can identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded. While identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, the foldable electronic device (100) can receive data from an external electronic device (115). The external electronic device (115) may be one of various forms of mobile devices such as smartphones having various form factors (e.g., bar-type smartphones, foldable-type smartphones, or rollable-type smartphones), tablets, wearable devices, cellular phones, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops and / or desktops), and / or other similar computing devices, which include circuits (or circuitry) for transmitting data to the foldable electronic device (100).

[0031] A foldable electronic device (100) may include a flexible display (110). The flexible display (110) may include a first display area (110-1) corresponding to a first housing part and a second display area (110-2) corresponding to a second housing part and extending from the first display area (110-1). The foldable electronic device (100) may display a visual object (125) associated with data received from an external electronic device (115) using the flexible display (110).

[0032] A foldable electronic device (100) can display a visual object (125) positioned across a boundary (120) between a first display area (110-1) and a second display area (110-2) of a flexible display (110). As the visual object (125) positioned across the boundary (120) between the first display area (110-1) and the second display area (110-2) is displayed on a folded portion of the flexible display (110) (e.g., the boundary (120) between the first display area (110-1) and the second display area (110-2)), distortion may be caused. A user may feel discomfort due to the distortion caused to the visual object (125).

[0033] A foldable electronic device (100) can display a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (110-2) among the first display area (110-1) and the second display area (110-2) of a flexible display (110). In a state where the first housing part and the second housing part of the foldable electronic device (100) are partially folded, the first display area (110-1) corresponding to the first housing part may be positioned facing the user's front direction, and the second display area (110-2) corresponding to the second housing part may be positioned facing the user's downward direction. By displaying a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (110-2), the foldable electronic device (100) can cause the user's gaze to be directed downward. Looking downward may be relatively more uncomfortable for the user than looking forward. A user viewing a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (110-2) may feel discomfort.

[0034] A method may be required to resolve user inconvenience caused by a visual object (125) located across the boundary (120) between the first display area (110-1) and the second display area (110-2) and a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (110-2). To resolve this inconvenience, the foldable electronic device (100) may display a visual object located within the first display area (110-1) among the first display area (110-1) and the second display area (110-2), which is related to data obtained from an external electronic device (115), while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded. The foldable electronic device (100) may perform operations exemplified in the description of FIGS. 3 through 9 to display the visual object located within the first display area (110-1). The foldable electronic device (100) may include components for performing the above operations. The components may be exemplified within the description of FIG. 2.

[0035] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary foldable electronic device.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, the foldable electronic device (200) may be one of various types of mobile devices, such as a foldable type smartphone, tablet, wearable device, cellular phone, personal computer (PC) (e.g., laptop), and / or other similar computing devices, having various form factors including rotatably coupled housing parts. For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may include or correspond to the foldable electronic device (100) of FIG. 1. For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may include at least a part of the electronic device (1001) of FIG. 10 or correspond to at least a part of the electronic device (1001) of FIG. 10. For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may include at least a part of the electronic device (1100) of FIGS. 11a to 12b, or correspond to at least a part of the electronic device (1100) of FIGS. 11a to 12b. For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part. For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one processor (210) (e.g., processor (1020) of FIG. 10), memory (220) (e.g., memory (1030) of FIG. 10), flexible display (230) (e.g., display module (1060) of FIG. 10), at least one sensor (240) (e.g., sensor module (1076) of FIG. 10), NFC (near field communication) circuit (250), and at least one coil (260). For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may further include a communication circuit (270) (e.g., communication module (1090) of FIG. 10).

[0037] At least one processor (210) may include a processing circuit. For example, at least one processor (210) may include a CPU (central processing unit) (e.g., including a processing circuit). For example, at least one processor (210) may include a GPU (graphic processing unit) (e.g., including a processing circuit) and / or an NPU (neural processing unit) (e.g., including a processing circuit). For example, at least one processor (210) may be described as an application processor. For example, at least one processor (210) may be configured to control a memory (220), a flexible display (230), at least one sensor (240), an NFC circuit (250), at least one coil (260), and a communication circuit (270). At least one processor (210) may be configured to execute instructions stored in memory (220) individually or collectively to cause the foldable electronic device (200) to perform at least some of the operations illustrated in the description of FIG. 1. At least one processor (210) may be configured to execute instructions stored in memory (220) to cause the foldable electronic device (200) to perform at least some of the operations illustrated in the description of FIG. 3 through 9.

[0038] For example, the term “processor” as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits comprising at least one processor, and one or more of said at least one processor may be configured to perform the various functions described below in a distributed manner, individually and / or collectively. As used below, where “processor,” “at least one processor,” and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform various functions, these terms encompass, for example, but not limited to, situations where one processor performs some of the cited functions and another processor(s) perform other parts of the cited functions, and also situations where one processor can perform all of the cited functions. Additionally, said at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform the enumerated / disclosed various functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions.

[0039] The memory (220) may include one or more storage media. For example, the memory (220) may store various data used by at least one component of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., at least one processor (210), a flexible display (230), at least one sensor (240), an NFC circuit (250), at least one coil (260), and / or a communication circuit (270)). For example, the data may include input data or output data for software and related commands. The memory (220) may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0040] A flexible display (230) can output visualized information under the control of at least one processor (210). For example, the flexible display (230) may include a flat panel display (FPD) and / or electronic paper. The FPD may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), and / or one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, one or more LEDs may include organic LEDs (OLEDs). For example, the flexible display (230) may be partially bent as a second housing part is rotated relative to the first housing part. For example, the flexible display (230) may include a first display area corresponding to the first housing part and a second display area corresponding to the second housing part and extending from the first display area. For example, the flexible display (230) may be configured to display visual objects.

[0041] At least one sensor (240) may include a circuit for generating and / or outputting electrical information (e.g., sensor data) that can be processed by at least one processor (210) from non-electrical information (or stored in memory (220)). For example, at least one sensor (240) may generate or output data representing translational motion of the foldable electronic device (200) measured in each of three axes (e.g., x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) and / or rotational motion of the foldable electronic device (200) measured in each of the rotational directions of each of the three axes (e.g., roll direction, pitch direction, and yaw direction), such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Data representing translational motion may include accelerations for each of the three axes. To measure acceleration, at least one sensor (240) may include an acceleration sensor. Data representing rotational motion may include angular velocities for each of the rotational directions. To measure the angular velocity, at least one sensor (240) may include a gyroscope. At least one sensor (240) may include a Hall sensor. For example, at least one sensor (240) may be configured to identify (or measure) the angle between the first housing part and the second housing part. For example, at least one sensor (240) may be configured to identify whether the first housing part and the second housing part are folded, or whether the first housing part and the second housing part are unfolded, or whether the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

[0042] The NFC circuit (250) may be configured to perform NFC. For example, NFC may be described as a wireless communication technology that enables two devices to recognize each other and exchange data in a band of about 13.56 MHz (e.g., from about 13.56 MHz to 13.57 MHz). For example, the NFC circuit (250) may be configured to receive a signal (or data) from an external electronic device or to transmit a signal (or data) to an external electronic device. For example, the NFC circuit (250) may be included within a first housing part.

[0043] At least one coil (260) may include a loop antenna. At least one coil (260) may be configured to perform NFC by forming a magnetic field. For example, at least one coil (260) may be configured to receive a signal (or data) from an external electronic device or to transmit a signal (or data) to an external electronic device based on the magnetic field formed by at least one coil (260) and the magnetic field formed by at least one coil within an external electronic device. For example, at least one coil (260) may be electrically connected to an NFC circuit (250). For example, at least one coil (260) may be exposed within a first housing part so as to face the rear side of the first housing part.

[0044] The communication circuit (270) may include hardware components to support the transmission and / or reception of signals between the foldable electronic device (200) and an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (115) of FIG. 1 and / or the external electronic device (405) of FIG. 4a). For example, the communication circuit (270) may include at least one of a modulator and demodulator (MODEM), an antenna, and an optic / electronic (O / E) converter. The communication circuit (270) may support the transmission and / or reception of electrical signals based on protocols such as Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth low energy), Wi-Fi P2P (peer to peer), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wi-Fi Aware. For example, the communication circuit (270) may support a short-range communication network. For example, the communication circuit (270) may be used to establish a communication link between the foldable electronic device (200) and the external electronic device. For example, the communication circuit (270) can be used to receive data from an external electronic device.

[0045] The foldable electronic device (200) illustrated in the description of FIG. 2 may perform at least some of the operations illustrated in the descriptions of FIG. 3 through 9. For example, the operations illustrated in the descriptions of FIG. 3 through 9 may be caused by (or within) the foldable electronic device (200) under the control of at least one processor (210).

[0046] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary operations of an electronic device for displaying visual objects related to data received from an external electronic device.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, in operation 300, at least one processor (210) can receive a signal from an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (405) of FIG. 4a) through at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250). For example, at least one processor (210) can receive a signal from an external electronic device via NFC while the NFC mode is enabled. For example, at least one processor (210) can receive a signal from an external electronic device via NFC while at least one coil (260) of a foldable electronic device (200) is adjacent to at least one coil of an external electronic device. For example, receiving a signal from an external electronic device through at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250) may be referred to as an NFC tag and / or an NFC contact.

[0048] For example, the signal may include information for data to be received from an external electronic device through at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250). For example, at least one processor (210) may display a user interface (or window, or visual object) that inquires whether to receive data from an external electronic device using a flexible display (230) based on receiving the signal.

[0049] According to another embodiment, the signal may include information about an external electronic device. For example, the information about the external electronic device may include the name of the external electronic device, the access address of the external electronic device, and / or the type of the external electronic device. For example, the signal may include information corresponding to information contained in an advertising packet advertised from the external electronic device. For example, at least one processor (210) may establish a communication link with the external electronic device using a communication circuit (270) based on receiving the signal. The foldable electronic device (200) may be connected to the external electronic device via a communication link. For example, the communication link may be used for direct wireless communication between the foldable electronic device (200) and the external electronic device. For example, direct wireless communication may be described as wireless communication in which the wireless signal between the foldable electronic device (200) and the external electronic device does not pass through another device (e.g., a server and / or an access point). For example, direct wireless communication may include wireless communication based on a short-range communication network (e.g., the first network (1098) of FIG. 10) (e.g., Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth low energy), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi P2P (peer to peer), Wi-Fi direct, Wi-Fi aware, UWB (ultra-wide band), and / or IrDA (infrared data association)).

[0050] According to another embodiment, the foldable electronic device (200) may further include a camera. For example, the camera may be referred to as the camera module (1080) of FIG. 10. At least one processor (210) may identify external objects through the camera. For example, at least one processor (210) may extract at least one external electronic device among the external objects that can be connected to the foldable electronic device (200) via a communication link (or near-field communication link). For example, an artificial intelligence (AI) model may be used to extract at least one external electronic device among the external objects that can be connected to the foldable electronic device (200) via a communication link (or near-field communication link). For example, at least one processor (210) may display at least one visual object representing the extracted at least one external electronic device through a flexible display (230). For example, at least one processor (210) can identify user input for a visual object representing the external electronic device among the at least one visual objects. Based on the user input for the visual object representing the external electronic device, at least one processor (210) can request the external electronic device to establish the communication link (or local area communication link) using the communication circuit (270). Based on the request to the external electronic device to establish the communication link (or local area communication link), at least one processor (210) can establish the communication link (or local area communication link) using the communication circuit (270).

[0051] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) can identify a visual encryption code (e.g., a visual identifier, or a QR (quick response) code, or a barcode) displayed on the display of an external electronic device through the camera. For example, the visual encryption code may be described as a code for connection with the external electronic device. For example, based on identifying the visual encryption code displayed on the display of the external electronic device, at least one processor (210) can establish a communication link (or near-field communication link) between the foldable electronic device (200) and the external electronic device using a communication circuit (270).

[0052] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) may display a visual encryption code (e.g., a visual identifier, or a QR code, or a barcode) through a flexible display (230). For example, the visual encryption code may be described as a code for connection with the foldable electronic device (200). For example, an external electronic device may identify the visual encryption code through a camera included in the external electronic device. Based on identifying the visual encryption code, the external electronic device may establish a communication link (or near-field communication link) between the foldable electronic device (200) and the external electronic device.

[0053] In operation 310, at least one processor (210) can receive data from an external electronic device through at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250). For example, at least one processor (210) can identify a user input indicating to receive data through a UI (or window, or visual object) that inquires whether to receive data from an external electronic device based on receiving a signal from the external electronic device. For example, at least one processor (210) can request data from the external electronic device through at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250) based on the user input indicating to receive data. For example, the external electronic device can receive a request for data from the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the external electronic device can transmit data to the foldable electronic device (200) based on receiving the request for data. For example, at least one processor (210) can receive data from an external electronic device through at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250).

[0054] According to another embodiment, an external electronic device may transmit data to a foldable electronic device (200) via a communication link. At least one processor (210) may receive data from an external electronic device via a communication link using a communication circuit (270). For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may be required to be located relatively close to the external electronic device while receiving data from the external electronic device in order to receive data from the external electronic device using an NFC circuit (250). For example, at least one processor (210) may receive data from the external electronic device even when the foldable electronic device (200) is located relatively far from the external electronic device by receiving data from the external electronic device via a communication link.

[0055] For example, the data may include media content (e.g., text, images, video, and / or audio signals). For example, at least one processor (210) may receive a preview image obtained from an external electronic device using a camera of the external electronic device. For example, at least one processor (210) may receive data from an external electronic device for an application (e.g., a game application) running on the external electronic device. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0056] In operation 320, at least one processor (210) can identify whether the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through at least one sensor (240). For example, at least one processor (210) can identify the angle between the first housing part and the second housing part through at least one sensor (240). For example, at least one processor (210) can identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded based on the angle between the first housing part and the second housing part within a threshold range (e.g., a range from 50 degrees to 120 degrees). For example, the first housing part and the second housing part being partially folded can be defined as a half-folded state (or a flex mode of the foldable electronic device (200)). For example, at least one processor (210) can identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded based on an angle between the first housing part and the second housing part exceeding a critical angle (e.g., 150 degrees). For example, the first housing part and the second housing part being not folded can be defined as the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0057] For example, at least one processor (210) can identify whether the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded when receiving a signal from an external electronic device using an NFC circuit (250). According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) can identify whether the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded when receiving data from an external electronic device.

[0058] In FIG. 3, operations 300, 310, and 320 are shown sequentially, but this is exemplary, and at least one processor (210) may perform operations 300, 310, and 320 sequentially, or perform operations 300, 320, and 310 sequentially, or perform operations 300 and 310 while performing operation 320.

[0059] In operation 330, at least one processor (210) can display a visual object located within the first display area among the first display area and the second display area based on a signal (or data) received from an external electronic device while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through at least one sensor (240). Displaying a visual object located within the first display area is exemplified in the description of FIG. 4a.

[0060] FIG. 4a illustrates an example of displaying a visual object located within a first display area.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4a, the state (400) can be described as a half-folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). In the state (400), at least one processor (210) can receive a signal from an external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded. For example, after receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405), the at least one processor (210) can receive data from the external electronic device (405). For example, the data may be received from the external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250), or received from the external electronic device (405) via a communication link using a communication circuit (270).

[0062] For example, at least one processor (210) can display a visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1) among the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) of the flexible display (230) based on a signal received from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded. For example, at least one processor (210) can display a visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1) based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405) after receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405) through at least one coil (260) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

[0063] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) can display a visual object (410) located within a first display area (230-1) based on identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded within a reference time from the time of receiving a signal from an external electronic device (405). For example, after at least one processor (210) identifies that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded within a reference time from the time of receiving a signal from an external electronic device (405), the visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1) can be displayed based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405).

[0064] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) can display a visual object (410) located within a first display area (230-1) based on receiving data from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

[0065] For example, the visual object (410) may be associated with the signal, or with the external electronic device (405), or with the data. As an example without limitation, if audio (or video) data is received from the external electronic device (405), the visual object (410) may include a UI for playing the audio (or video) data. If text data is received from the external electronic device (405), the visual object (410) may include the text data and / or other text data for which a translation has been performed on the text data. If a preview image obtained using the camera of the external electronic device (405) is received from the external electronic device (405), the visual object (410) may include the preview image. If data for a screen displayed within the external electronic device (405) is received from the external electronic device (405), the visual object (410) may include a UI for controlling the external electronic device (405). When data for an application (e.g., a game application) running within the external electronic device (405) is received from the external electronic device (405), the visual object (410) may include a UI for said application. For example, the application for the visual object (410) may be controlled by the foldable electronic device (200) or by the external electronic device (405). At least one processor (210) may control the application for the visual object (410) based on a control input. The external electronic device (405) may control the application for the visual object (410) based on a control input. For example, the control input may be identified through the input module (1050) of FIG. 10, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) may transmit data to an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded. For example, the data may be transmitted via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250) or via a communication circuit (270). For example, the data may be described as data for an application running within the foldable electronic device (200). For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (410) located within a first display area (230-1) based on transmitting data to the external electronic device (405). For example, the visual object (410) displayed within the first display area (230-1) based on transmitting data to the external electronic device (405) may include a user interface (UI) for an application running within the foldable electronic device (200), but is not limited thereto.

[0067] For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (410) located within a first display area (230-1), so that the visual object (410) is displayed spaced apart from the boundary between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2). For example, as the visual object (410) is displayed spaced apart from the boundary between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) while the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, distortion of the visual object (410) caused by the partial folding of the first housing part and the second housing part may not be caused. For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1), so that the visual object (410) can be seen by the user from the front direction. For example, since the visual object (410) is shown to the user from the front direction, it may be relatively comfortable for the user to view the visual object (410).

[0068] According to another embodiment, the visual object (410) may be located within a designated display area among the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2). For example, the designated display area may be pre-set or set (or changed) by the user. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0069] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) may further establish another communication link between the foldable electronic device (200) and another external electronic device (not shown) using the communication circuit (270). While at least one processor (210) identifies that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, the at least one processor (210) may further receive other data from another external electronic device (not shown) via the other communication link using the communication circuit (270). For example, the other data may include data for an application running in the other external electronic device (not shown). For example, the application running in the other external electronic device (not shown) may correspond to an application running in the external electronic device (405) or may be different from an application running in the external electronic device (405). For example, if an application running in another external electronic device (not shown) corresponds to an application running in the external electronic device (405), at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (410) located in the first display area (230-1) through a flexible display (230) based on receiving other data from the other external electronic device (not shown). For example, if an application running in the other external electronic device (not shown) is different from an application running in the external electronic device (405), at least one processor (210) may further display a UI for other data located in the second display area (230-2) through a flexible display (230) based on receiving other data from the other external electronic device (not shown).For example, at least one processor (210) can simultaneously display a visual object (410) located in a first display area (230-1) and a UI located in a second display area (230-2) through a flexible display (230). For example, among the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2), the area where the visual object (410) and the UI are to be displayed may be pre-set or set (or changed) by a user.

[0070] Referring again to FIG. 3, in operation 340, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object located within the second display area among the first display area and the second display area, or display a visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, based on a signal (or data) received from an external electronic device while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through at least one sensor (240). Displaying a visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area is exemplified in the description of FIG. 4b.

[0071] FIG. 4b illustrates an example of displaying a visual object positioned across the boundary between a first display area and a second display area.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4b, the state (415) can be described as an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200). In the state (415), at least one processor (210) can receive a signal from an external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded. For example, after receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405), the at least one processor (210) can receive data from the external electronic device (405). For example, the data may be received from the external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250), or received from the external electronic device (405) via a communication link using a communication circuit (270).

[0073] For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (425) located across the boundary (420) of the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) of the flexible display (230) based on a signal received from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, or display a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) among the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) of the flexible display (230). For example, at least one processor (210) can display a visual object (425) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405) after receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405) through at least one coil (260) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded.

[0074] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (425) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) based on identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded within a reference time from the time of receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405). For example, after at least one processor (210) identifies that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded within a reference time from the time of receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405), it may display a visual object (425) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405).

[0075] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (425) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) based on receiving data from an external electronic device (405) while identifying whether the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded.

[0076] For example, a visual object (425) located across the boundary (420) and a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) may be associated with the signal, or with an external electronic device (405), or with the data. For example, a visual object (425) located across the boundary (420) and a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) may correspond to a visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1) of FIG. 4a.

[0077] For example, since the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded within the state (415), distortion may not be caused to the visual object (425) positioned across the boundary (420). For example, even if at least one processor (210) displays the visual object (425) positioned across the boundary (420), the visual object (425) may be displayed without distortion.

[0078] For example, since the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded within the state (415), the second display area (230-2) may face the user's front direction. For example, even if at least one processor (210) displays a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2), the visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) may face the user's front direction. For example, since the visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) faces the user's front direction, displaying the visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) within the state (415) may not cause inconvenience to the user.

[0079] For example, at least one processor (210) may receive a signal from an external electronic device (405) while displaying another visual object located within the first display area (230-1) via the flexible display (230). For example, at least one processor (210) may identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded via at least one sensor (240). For example, based on identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, at least one processor (210) may move another visual object located within the first display area (230-1) to the second display area (230-2) to display the visual object located within the first display area (230-1). Moving another visual object located within the first display area (230-1) to the second display area (230-2) is illustrated in the description of FIG. 5a.

[0080] FIG. 5a illustrates an example of another visual object located within the first display area being displayed.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5a, the state (500) can be described as a state before the foldable electronic device (200) receives a signal from an external electronic device (405). In the state (500), at least one processor (210) can display another visual object (505) located within a first display area (230-1) via a flexible display (230). For example, while displaying another visual object (505) located within the first display area (230-1), at least one processor (210) can receive a signal from the external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250). For example, after receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405), at least one processor (210) can receive data from the external electronic device (405). For example, data may be received from an external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250), or received from an external electronic device (405) via a communication link using a communication circuit (270).

[0082] The foldable electronic device (200) can transition from state (500) to state (510) based on receiving data from an external electronic device (405). In state (510), at least one processor (210) can move another visual object (505) located in the first display area (230-1) to the second display area (230-2) and display the visual object (410) located in the first display area (230-1) based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded. For example, the visual object (410) may correspond to the visual object (410) of FIG. 4a.

[0083] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) identifies that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded within a reference time from the time of receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405), and then, based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405), moves another visual object (505) located in the first display area (230-1) to the second display area (230-2), and displays the visual object (410) located in the first display area (230-1).

[0084] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) can move another visual object (505) located in the first display area (230-1) to the second display area (230-2) and display the visual object (410) located in the first display area (230-1) based on receiving data from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

[0085] For example, at least one processor (210) can move another visual object (505) located within the first display area (230-1) to the second display area (230-2) and display the other visual object (505) and the visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1) concurrently. For example, by at least one processor (210) displaying the visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1), the visual object (410) can be seen by the user from the frontal direction of the user. For example, since the visual object (410) is seen by the user from the frontal direction of the user, it may be relatively comfortable for the user to view the visual object (410).

[0086] For example, at least one processor (210) may receive a signal from an external electronic device (405) while displaying another visual object located across the boundary between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) through the flexible display (230). For example, at least one processor (210) may identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through at least one sensor (240). For example, based on identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, at least one processor (210) may move another visual object located across the boundary between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) to the second display area (230-2) or reduce the other visual object so that it is located within the second display area (230-2) in order to display a visual object located within the first display area (230-1). Moving another visual object located across the boundary between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) to the second display area (230-2), or shrinking another visual object so that it is located within the second display area (230-2), is exemplified in the description of FIG. 5b.

[0087] FIG. 5b illustrates an example of another visual object being displayed positioned across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 5b, the state (515) can be described as a state before the foldable electronic device (200) receives a signal from the external electronic device (405). In the state (515), at least one processor (210) can display another visual object (520) located across the boundary (420) between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) through the flexible display (230). For example, while displaying the other visual object (520) located across the boundary (420), at least one processor (210) can receive a signal from the external electronic device (405) through at least one coil (260) using the NFC circuit (250). For example, after receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405), at least one processor (210) can receive data from the external electronic device (405). For example, data may be received from an external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250), or received from an external electronic device (405) via a communication link using a communication circuit (270).

[0089] The foldable electronic device (200) can transition from state (515) to state (525) based on receiving data from an external electronic device (405). In state (525), at least one processor (210) can display another visual object (530) located in the second display area (230-2) with a reduced size (or move the other visual object (520) to the second display area (230-2)) and display a visual object (410) located in the first display area (230-1) by reducing another visual object (520) located across the boundary (420) based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

[0090] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) can identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded within a reference time from the time of receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405), and then, based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405), reduce another visual object (520) located across the boundary (420) to display another visual object (530) located within the second display area (230-2) with a reduced size (or move the other visual object (520) to the second display area (230-2), and display the visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1).

[0091] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) can display another visual object (530) located within the second display area (230-2) with a reduced size (or move the other visual object (520) to the second display area (230-2)) by reducing another visual object (520) located across the boundary (420) based on receiving data from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, and display the visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1).

[0092] For example, at least one processor (210) can display another visual object (530) (or another visual object (520)) with a reduced size located within the second display area (230-2) and display the visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1) so that the other visual object (530) (or other visual object (520)) with a reduced size and the visual object (410) can be displayed simultaneously. For example, by at least one processor (210) displaying the visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1), the visual object (410) can be seen by the user from the front direction. For example, since the visual object (410) is seen by the user from the front direction, it may be relatively comfortable for the user to view the visual object (410).

[0093] For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may further include a rechargeable battery. For example, the external electronic device (405) may include a wireless charging device for charging the rechargeable battery of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object indicating that the rechargeable battery is being charged via a flexible display (230) while the rechargeable battery is being charged by the external electronic device (405), which is a wireless charging device. Displaying a visual object indicating that the rechargeable battery is being charged is illustrated in the description of FIGS. 6a and 6b.

[0094] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate examples of displaying a visual object indicating that the battery of a foldable electronic device is being charged.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 6a, the state (600) can be described as a half-folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). In the state (600), at least one processor (210) can identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through at least one sensor (240). For example, while the at least one processor (210) identifies that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, it can charge a rechargeable battery from an external electronic device (605) through at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250). For example, the external electronic device (605) can be described as a wireless charging device.

[0096] For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (610) located within the first display area (230-1) among the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) of the flexible display (230), based on charging a rechargeable battery from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded. For example, the visual object (610) may include an indicator indicating that the rechargeable battery is being charged. For example, the visual object (610) may include text (e.g., “78%”) and / or an image indicating the state of charge (SoC) of the rechargeable battery.

[0097] For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (610) located within a first display area (230-1), so that the visual object (610) is displayed spaced apart from the boundary between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2). For example, as the visual object (610) is displayed spaced apart from the boundary between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) while the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, distortion of the visual object (610) caused by the partial folding of the first housing part and the second housing part may not be caused. For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (610) located within the first display area (230-1), so that the visual object (610) can be seen by the user from the front direction. For example, since the visual object (610) is shown to the user from the front direction, it may be relatively comfortable for the user to view the visual object (610).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 6b, the state (615) can be described as an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200). In the state (615), at least one processor (210) can identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through at least one sensor (240). For example, while the at least one processor (210) identifies that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, it can charge a rechargeable battery from an external electronic device (605) through at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250).

[0099] For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (620) located across the boundary (420) between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) of the flexible display (230), or display a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) among the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2). For example, the shape of the visual object (620) located across the boundary (420) may correspond to the shape of the visual object (610) located within the first display area (230-1) of FIG. 6A.

[0100] For example, since the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded within the state (615), distortion may not be caused to the visual object (620) positioned across the boundary (420). For example, even if at least one processor (210) displays the visual object (620) positioned across the boundary (420), the visual object (620) may be displayed without distortion.

[0101] For example, since the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded within the state (615), the second display area (230-2) may face the user's front direction. For example, even if at least one processor (210) displays a visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2), the visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) may face the user's front direction. For example, since the visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) faces the user's front direction, displaying the visual object (not shown) located within the second display area (230-2) within the state (615) may not cause inconvenience to the user.

[0102] For example, when the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, a visual object located within the first display area (230-1) may not be visible to other users. For example, when the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (or information) of relatively high sensitivity (or importance) within the first display area (230-1). Displaying a visual object (or information) of relatively high sensitivity (or importance) within the first display area (230-1) is exemplified in the description of FIG. 7.

[0103] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of displaying high-importance information located within a first display area.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 7, the state (700) can be described as a half-folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). In the state (700), at least one processor (210) can identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through at least one sensor (240). For example, while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, the at least one processor (210) can detect an event that displays information (705) with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority). For example, the sensitivity (or importance) may be predetermined (or preset) for the information, or set (or changed) by the user. For example, information (705) with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) may include security information, personal information, ID (identifier) ​​information, password information, and / or privacy information. For example, an event displaying information (705) of relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) may include running an application (e.g., a messenger application) of relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) (in the foreground) and / or receiving an input displaying information (705) of relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority).

[0105] For example, at least one processor (210) may display information (705) with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) in a first display area (230-1) based on detecting an event that displays information (705) with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded. For example, at least one processor (210) may display information (or visual object, or UI) (710) (e.g., virtual keyboard or soft keyboard) with relatively low sensitivity (or importance, or priority) in a second display area (230-2). For example, at least one processor (210) can display information (705) with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) in a first display area (230-1) and information (710) with relatively low sensitivity (or importance, or priority) in a second display area (230-2), thereby displaying information (705) with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) and information (710) with relatively low sensitivity (or importance, or priority) simultaneously.

[0106] According to another embodiment, a display area (e.g., a first display area (230-1) or a second display area (230-2)) to display information with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) may be preset or set (or changed) by the user. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0107] For example, at least one processor (210) may display information (705) with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) in a first display area (230-1) so that information (705) with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) may not be shown to other users. For example, at least one processor (210) may display information (705) with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) in a first display area (230-1) so that information (705) with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) may be shown to the user from the front direction. For example, since information (705) with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority) is shown to the user from the front direction, it may be relatively comfortable for the user to view information (705) with relatively high sensitivity (or importance, or priority).

[0108] For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may further include a third housing part rotatably coupled to a second housing part. For example, the flexible display (230) may further include a third display area corresponding to the third housing part and extending from a second display area (230-2). For example, the foldable electronic device (200) further including the third housing part may be referred to as a multi-foldable electronic device. The display of a visual object by the foldable electronic device (200), which is a multi-foldable electronic device, is illustrated in the description of FIGS. 8a and 8b.

[0109] FIGS. 8A and FIGS. 8B illustrate examples of multi-foldable electronic devices displaying visual objects.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 8a, the state (800) can be described as a half-folded state of a foldable electronic device (200) which is a multi-foldable electronic device. In the state (800), at least one processor (210) can identify, through at least one sensor (240), that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, and the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded. For example, the state of the foldable electronic device (200) in which the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, and the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded, may be referred to as a flex state (or flex mode). For example, at least one processor (210) can receive a signal from an external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded. For example, after receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405), the at least one processor (210) can receive data from the external electronic device (405). For example, the data may be received from the external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250), or received from the external electronic device (405) via a communication link using a communication circuit (270).

[0111] For example, at least one processor (210) can display a visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1) among the first display area (230-1), second display area (230-2), and third display area (230-3) of the flexible display (230) based on a signal received from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded. For example, at least one processor (210) can display a visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1) based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405) after receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405) through at least one coil (260) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded. For example, the visual object (410) can correspond to the visual object (410) of FIG. 4a.

[0112] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) can display a visual object (410) located within a first display area (230-1) based on identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded within a reference time from the time of receiving a signal from an external electronic device (405). For example, after at least one processor (210) identifies that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded within a reference time from the time of receiving a signal from an external electronic device (405), the visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1) can be displayed based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405).

[0113] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) can display a visual object (410) located within a first display area (230-1) based on receiving data from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded.

[0114] For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (410) located within a first display area (230-1), so that the visual object (410) may be displayed spaced apart from the boundary between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2). For example, as the visual object (410) is displayed spaced apart from the boundary between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) while the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, distortion of the visual object (410) caused by the partial folding of the first housing part and the second housing part may not be caused.

[0115] For example, with the first housing part and the second housing part partially folded and the second housing part and the third housing part not folded, the first display area (230-1) may be positioned in the front direction of the user, and the second display area (230-2) and the third display area (230-3) may be positioned in the lower direction of the user. For example, by displaying a visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1) by at least one processor (210), the visual object (410) may be seen by the user in the front direction. For example, since the visual object (410) is seen by the user in the front direction, it may be relatively comfortable for the user to view the visual object (410).

[0116] According to another embodiment, while a visual object (410) located within a first display area (230-1) is being displayed, at least one processor (210) may further display a UI located within a second display area (230-2) and / or a third display area (230-3). For example, the UI located within the second display area (230-2) and / or the third display area (230-3) may be described as a UI for setting (or controlling) an application for the visual object (410) located within the first display area (230-1). For example, at least one processor (210) may receive touch input through the UI located within the second display area (230-2) and / or the third display area (230-3). For example, at least one processor (210) can set (or control) an application for a visual object (410) located within a first display area (230-1) based on the touch input.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 8b, the state (805) can be described as a half-folded state of a foldable electronic device (200) which is a multi-foldable electronic device. In the state (805), at least one processor (210) can identify, through at least one sensor (240), that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, and the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded. For example, the state of the foldable electronic device (200) in which the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, and the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, can be referred to as a flex state (or flex mode). For example, at least one processor (210) can receive a signal from an external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, and the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded. For example, after receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405), the at least one processor (210) can receive data from the external electronic device (405). For example, the data may be received from the external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250), or received from the external electronic device (405) via a communication link using a communication circuit (270).

[0118] For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (810) located across the boundary (420) between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) of the flexible display (230) based on a signal received from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, or display a visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) among the first display area (230-1), the second display area (230-2), and the third display area (230-3). For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (810) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405) after receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded. For example, the visual object (810) located across the boundary (420) and the visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) may be described by reference to the description of the visual object (410) of FIG. 4a.

[0119] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (810) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) based on identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded within a reference time from the time of receiving a signal from an external electronic device (405). For example, at least one processor (210) may, after identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded within a reference time from the time of receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405), display a visual object (810) located across the boundary (420) or display a visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2).

[0120] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (810) located across a boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within a first display area (230-1) or a second display area (230-2) based on receiving data from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded.

[0121] For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (810) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2), so that the visual object (810) located across the boundary (420) and the visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) may be displayed apart from the boundary (815) between the second display area (230-2) and the third display area (230-3). For example, when the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, a visual object (810) positioned across the boundary (420) and a visual object (not shown) positioned within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) are displayed spaced apart from the boundary (815) between the second display area (230-2) and the third display area (230-3), so that distortion may not be caused to the visual object (810) positioned across the boundary (420) and the visual object (not shown) positioned within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) due to the partial folding of the second housing part and the third housing part.

[0122] For example, in a state where the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, and the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) may be located in the front direction of the user, and the third display area (230-3) may be located in the downward direction of the user. For example, by at least one processor (210) displaying a visual object (810) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within a first display area (230-1) or a second display area (230-2), the visual object (810) located across the boundary (420) and the visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) can be seen by the user in the frontal direction. For example, because the visual object (810) located across the boundary (420) and the visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) are seen by the user in the frontal direction, viewing the visual object (810) located across the boundary (420) and the visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) is It can be relatively convenient for the user.

[0123] For example, since the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded within the state (805), distortion may not be caused to the visual object (810) positioned across the boundary (420). For example, even if at least one processor (210) displays the visual object (810) positioned across the boundary (420), the visual object (810) may be displayed without distortion.

[0124] According to another embodiment, while a visual object (810) located within a first display area (230-1) and / or a second display area (230-2) is being displayed, at least one processor (210) may further display a UI located within a third display area (230-3). For example, the UI located within the third display area (230-3) may be described as a UI for setting (or controlling) an application for the visual object (810) located within the first display area (230-1) and / or the second display area (230-2). For example, at least one processor (210) may receive touch input through the UI located within the third display area (230-3). For example, at least one processor (210) can set (or control) an application for a visual object (810) located within a first display area (230-1) and / or a second display area (230-2) based on the touch input.

[0125] For example, the foldable electronic device (200), which is a multi-foldable electronic device, may further include a fourth housing part rotatably coupled to a third housing part. For example, the flexible display (230) may further include a fourth display area corresponding to the fourth housing part and extending from the third display area (230-3). The display of a visual object by the foldable electronic device (200) including the fourth housing part is illustrated in the description of FIG. 9.

[0126] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a multi-foldable electronic device comprising four housing parts.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 9, the state (900) can be described as a half-folded state of a foldable electronic device (200) including a fourth housing part. In the state (900), at least one processor (210) can identify, through at least one sensor (240), that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, and the third housing part and the fourth housing part are not folded. For example, the state of the foldable electronic device (200) in which the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, and the third housing part and the fourth housing part are partially folded may be referred to as a flex state (or flex mode). For example, at least one processor (210) can receive a signal from an external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, and the third housing part and the fourth housing part are not folded. For example, after receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405), the at least one processor (210) can receive data from the external electronic device (405). For example, the data may be received from the external electronic device (405) via at least one coil (260) using an NFC circuit (250), or received from the external electronic device (405) via a communication link using a communication circuit (270).

[0128] For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (905) located across the boundary (420) between the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) of the flexible display (230) based on a signal received from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, and the third housing part and the fourth housing part are not folded, or display a visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) among the first display area (230-1), the second display area (230-2), the third display area (230-3), and the fourth display area (230-4). For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (905) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405) after receiving a signal from the external electronic device (405) through at least one coil (260) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, the second housing part and the third housing part and the fourth housing part are not folded. For example, the visual object (905) located across the boundary (420) and the visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) may be described by reference to the description of the visual object (410) of FIG. 4a.

[0129] According to another embodiment, while a visual object (810) located within a first display area (230-1) and / or a second display area (230-2) is being displayed, at least one processor (210) may further display a UI located within a third display area (230-3) and / or a fourth display area (230-4). For example, the UI located within the third display area (230-3) and / or the fourth display area (230-4) may be described as a UI for setting (or controlling) an application for the visual object (810) located within the first display area (230-1) and / or the second display area (230-2). For example, at least one processor (210) may receive touch input through the UI located within the third display area (230-3) and / or the fourth display area (230-4). For example, at least one processor (210) can set (or control) an application for a visual object (810) located within a first display area (230-1) and / or a second display area (230-2) based on the touch input.

[0130] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (905) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) based on identifying that within a reference time from the time of receiving a signal from an external electronic device (405), the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, and the third housing part and the fourth housing part are not folded. For example, at least one processor (210) can identify that within a reference time from the time of receiving a signal from an external electronic device (405) the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, and the third housing part and the fourth housing part are not folded, and then, based on receiving data from the external electronic device (405), display a visual object (905) located across the boundary (420) or display a visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2).

[0131] According to another embodiment, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (905) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) based on receiving data from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, and the third housing part and the fourth housing part are not folded.

[0132] For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (905) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2), so that the visual object (905) located across the boundary (420) and the visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) may be displayed apart from the boundary (815) of the second display area (230-2) and the third display area (230-3). For example, when the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, a visual object (905) positioned across the boundary (420) and a visual object (not shown) positioned within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) are displayed spaced apart from the boundary (815) between the second display area (230-2) and the third display area (230-3), so that distortion may not be caused to the visual object (905) positioned across the boundary (420) and the visual object (not shown) positioned within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) due to the partial folding of the second housing part and the third housing part.

[0133] For example, in a state where the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, and the third housing part and the fourth housing part are not folded, the first display area (230-1) and the second display area (230-2) may be located in the front direction of the user, and the third display area (230-3) and the fourth display area (230-4) may be located in the bottom direction of the user. For example, by at least one processor (210) displaying a visual object (905) located across the boundary (420) or a visual object (not shown) located within a first display area (230-1) or a second display area (230-2), the visual object (905) located across the boundary (420) and the visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) can be seen by the user in the frontal direction. For example, because the visual object (905) located across the boundary (420) and the visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) are seen by the user in the frontal direction, seeing the visual object (905) located across the boundary (420) and the visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) or the second display area (230-2) is It can be relatively convenient for the user.

[0134] For example, since the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded within the state (900), distortion may not be caused to the visual object (905) positioned across the boundary (420). For example, even if at least one processor (210) displays the visual object (905) positioned across the boundary (420), the visual object (905) may be displayed without distortion.

[0135] In FIG. 9, a state of a foldable electronic device (200) is shown in which the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, and the third housing part and the fourth housing part are not folded, but in a state of a foldable electronic device (200) in which one of the first housing part and the second housing part, the second housing part and the third housing part, and the third housing part and the fourth housing part is partially folded and the rest are not folded, at least one processor (210) can display a visual object.

[0136] For example, at least one processor (210) may display a visual object (not shown) located within a first display area (230-1) based on a signal received from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded, and the third housing part and the fourth housing part are not folded. According to another embodiment, while the visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) is displayed, at least one processor (210) may further display a UI located within a second display area (230-2), a third display area (230-3), and / or a fourth display area (230-4). For example, a UI located within a second display area (230-2), a third display area (230-3), and / or a fourth display area (230-4) may be described as a UI for setting (or controlling) an application for a visual object (not shown) located within a first display area (230-1). For example, at least one processor (210) may receive touch input through a UI located within the second display area (230-2), a third display area (230-3), and / or a fourth display area (230-4). For example, at least one processor (210) may set (or control) an application for a visual object (not shown) located within the first display area (230-1) based on the touch input.

[0137] For example, at least one processor (210) can display a visual object (not shown) located within at least one display area among a first display area (230-1), a second display area (230-2), and a third display area (230-3) based on a signal received from an external electronic device (405) while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded, and the third housing part and the fourth housing part are partially folded. According to another embodiment, while the visual object (not shown) located within at least one display area among the first display area (230-1), the second display area (230-2), and the third display area (230-3) is displayed, at least one processor (210) can further display a UI located within a fourth display area (230-4). For example, a UI located within the fourth display area (230-4) may be described as a UI for setting (or controlling) an application for a visual object (not shown) located within at least one of the first display area (230-1), the second display area (230-2), and the third display area (230-3). For example, at least one processor (210) may receive touch input through the UI located within the fourth display area (230-4). For example, at least one processor (210) may set (or control) an application for a visual object (not shown) located within at least one of the first display area (230-1), the second display area (230-2), and the third display area (230-3) based on the touch input.

[0138] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 10, in a network environment (1000), an electronic device (1001) may communicate with an electronic device (1002) through a first network (1098) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device (1004) or a server (1008) through a second network (1099) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1001) may communicate with the electronic device (1004) through a server (1008). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1001) may include a processor (1020), memory (1030), input module (1050), sound output module (1055), display module (1060), audio module (1070), sensor module (1076), interface (1077), connection terminal (1078), haptic module (1079), camera module (1080), power management module (1088), battery (1089), communication module (1090), subscriber identification module (1096), or antenna module (1097). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (1078)) may be omitted from the electronic device (1001), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (1076), camera module (1080), or antenna module (1097)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (1060)).

[0140] The processor (1020) can, for example, execute software (e.g., program (1040)) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (1001) connected to the processor (1020) and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (1020) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (1076) or communication module (1090)) in volatile memory (1032), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (1032), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (1034). According to one embodiment, the processor (1020) may include a main processor (1021) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (1023) 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 (1001) includes a main processor (1021) and an auxiliary processor (1023), the auxiliary processor (1023) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (1021) or to be specialized for a specified function. The auxiliary processor (1023) may be implemented separately from the main processor (1021) or as part thereof.

[0141] The auxiliary processor (1023) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (1001) (e.g., display module (1060), sensor module (1076), or communication module (1090)) on behalf of the main processor (1021) while the main processor (1021) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (1021) while the main processor (1021) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1023) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (1080) or communication module (1090)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1023) (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 (1001) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (1008)). 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.

[0142] The memory (1030) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (1001) (e.g., processor (1020) or sensor module (1076)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (1040)) and related commands. The memory (1030) may include volatile memory (1032) or non-volatile memory (1034).

[0143] The program (1040) may be stored as software in memory (1030) and may include, for example, an operating system (1042), middleware (1044), or an application (1046).

[0144] The input module (1050) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (1001) (e.g., processor (1020)) from outside the electronic device (1001) (e.g., user). The input module (1050) 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).

[0145] The sound output module (1055) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (1001). The sound output module (1055) 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.

[0146] The display module (1060) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (1001). The display module (1060) 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 (1060) 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.

[0147] The audio module (1070) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (1070) can acquire sound through the input module (1050) or output sound through the sound output module (1055) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1002)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (1001).

[0148] The sensor module (1076) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (1001) (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 (1076) 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.

[0149] The interface (1077) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (1001) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1002)). According to one embodiment, the interface (1077) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0150] The connection terminal (1078) may include a connector through which the electronic device (1001) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1002)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (1078) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0151] The haptic module (1079) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (1079) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0152] The camera module (1080) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (1080) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0153] The power management module (1088) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (1001). According to one embodiment, the power management module (1088) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0154] The battery (1089) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (1001). According to one embodiment, the battery (1089) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0155] The communication module (1090) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (1001) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1002), electronic device (1004), or server (1008)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (1090) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (1020) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (1090) may include a wireless communication module (1092) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (1094) (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 (1004) through a first network (1098) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) direct or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (1099) (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 (1092) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (1001) within a communication network such as the first network (1098) or the second network (1099) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (1096).

[0156] The wireless communication module (1092) 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 (1092) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (1092) 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 beamforming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (1092) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (1001), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1004)), or network system (e.g., second network (1099)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (1092) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for realizing URLLC.

[0157] An antenna module (1097) 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 (1097) 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 (1097) 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 (1098) or a second network (1099), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (1090). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (1090) 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 (1097).

[0158] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (1097) 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (1001) and an external electronic device (1004) through a server (1008) connected to a second network (1099). Each of the external electronic devices (1002, or 1004) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (1001). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (1001) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (1002, 1004, or 1008). For example, if the electronic device (1001) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (1001) 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 (1001). The electronic device (1001) 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 (1001) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (1004) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (1008) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (1004) or server (1008) may be included within the second network (1099). The electronic device (1001) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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).

[0164] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (1040)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (1036) or external memory (1038)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (1001)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (1020)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (1001)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored from 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-transient' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0165] 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 distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0168] FIG. 11a illustrates an example of a first state of an electronic device.

[0169] FIG. 11b illustrates an example of a second state of an electronic device.

[0170] FIG. 11c illustrates an example of a third state of an electronic device.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 11a, FIG. 11b, and FIG. 11c, the electronic device (1100) may be described as a foldable electronic device (200). The electronic device (1100) may include a housing structure (1101), a flexible display (1140), a first hinge structure (1150), a second hinge structure (1160), and a display (1170). The housing structure (1101) may include a first housing part (1110), a second housing part (1120), and a third housing part (1130). In the present disclosure, the housing structure (1101) may be referred to as a housing, a foldable housing, and / or a multi-foldable housing.

[0172] The first housing part (1110) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (1120) by the first hinge structure (1150). The second housing part (1120) and the first housing part (1110) can be rotated about the first hinge structure (1150). While the first housing part (1110) is rotated about the first hinge structure (1150), the second housing part (1120) can be rotated about the first hinge structure (1150). For example, when the second housing part (1120) and the first housing part (1110) are rotated about the first hinge structure (1150), the angular displacement of the second housing part (1120) may be substantially the same as the angular displacement of the first housing part (1110).

[0173] The third housing part (1130) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (1120) by the second hinge structure (1160). The second housing part (1120) and the third housing part (1130) can be rotated about the second hinge structure (1160). While the second housing part (1120) is rotated about the second hinge structure (1160), the third housing part (1130) can be rotated about the second hinge structure (1160). For example, when the second housing part (1120) and the third housing part (1130) are rotated about the second hinge structure (1160), the angular displacement (or angular change) of the second housing part (1120) may be substantially the same as the angular displacement of the third housing part (1130). For example, the housing structure (1101) may include a first housing part (1110), a second housing part (1120) rotatably coupled to the first housing part (1110), and a third housing part (1130) rotatably coupled to the second housing part (1120). Two folding axes of the electronic device (1100) may be formed in the first hinge structure (1150) and the second hinge structure (1160), respectively. In terms of including a plurality of folding axes, the electronic device (1100) may be referred to as a multi-foldable electronic device (or trifold device).

[0174] The first hinge structure (1150) and the second hinge structure (1160) can change the state of the electronic device. The first hinge structure (1150) and the second hinge structure (1160) can provide (or enable) a first state (1100a) of the electronic device (1100) (or a first state (1100a) of the housing structure (1101). The first state (1100a) of the electronic device (1100) (or a first state (1100a)) of the housing structure (1101) can be described as an unfolded state (or fully-opened state, fully-unfolded state, unfolded state, or unfolded state) of the electronic device (1100) (or housing structure (1101)). In the first state (1100a), the front of the first housing part (1110), the front of the second housing part (1120), and the front of the third housing part (1130) may define the front of the electronic device (1100). In the first state (1100a), the front of the first housing part (1110), the front of the second housing part (1120), and the front of the third housing part (1130) may face the same direction. In the first state (1100a), the electronic device (1100) may provide the user with a large display area of ​​the flexible display (1140).

[0175] The first hinge structure (1150) and the second hinge structure (1160) can provide a second state (1100b) of the electronic device (1100). The second state (1100b) of the electronic device (1100) can be described as a state in which the electronic device (1100) is partially folded and partially unfolded (or a partially-closed state, a partially-opened state, a partially-folded state, or a half-folded state). The second state (1100b) may be referred to as a single-fold state and / or a single-fold state in terms of only one folding axis (e.g., the first hinge structure (1150)) among a plurality of folding axes (e.g., folding axes formed in each of the first hinge structure (1150) and the second hinge structure (1160)). For example, in the second state (1100b), the front of the second housing part (1120) and the front of the third housing part (1130) may face in the same direction, and the front of the first housing part (1110) and the front of the second housing part (1120) may face in opposite directions. For example, in the second state (1100b), the first housing part (1110) and the second housing part (1120) may be folded, and the second housing part (1120) and the third housing part (1130) may be unfolded. In the second state (1100b), the electronic device (1100) may provide visual information through a part of the flexible display (1140) (e.g., a third display area (1140c)).

[0176] The electronic device (1100) can change from the first state (1100a) to the third state (1100c) through the second state (1100b). The electronic device (1100) can change from the first state (1100a), which is an unfolded state, to the second state (1100b), which is a partially unfolded state. For example, the electronic device (1100) can change from the first state (1100a), in which the first housing part (1110), the second housing part (1120), and the third housing part (1130) face the same direction, to the second state (1100b), in which the front of the first housing part (1110) faces the front of the second housing part (1120). The electronic device (1100) can change from the second state (1100b), which is a partially unfolded state, to the third state (1100c), which is a folded state. For example, when changing from the second state (1100b) to the third state (1100c), the folded first housing part (1110) and the second housing part (1120) can be placed on the third housing part (1130).

[0177] The first hinge structure (1150) and the second hinge structure (1160) can provide a third state (1100c) of the electronic device (1100) (or a third state (1100c) of the housing structure (1101). The third state (1100c) of the electronic device (1100) (or a third state (1100c) of the housing structure (1101)) can be described as a folded state (or a closed state, a fully-folded state, a folded state, or a multi-folded state) of the electronic device (1100) (or the housing structure (1101)). The third state (1100c) may be referred to as a multi-fold state and / or a multi-fold state in that all of the plurality of folding axes (e.g., folding axes formed in each of the first hinge structure (1150) and the second hinge structure (1160)) are folded. In the third state (1100c), the front of the first housing part (1110) and the front of the second housing part (1120) may face in opposite directions, and the front of the second housing part (1120) and the front of the third housing part (1130) may face in opposite directions. In the third state (1100c), the front of the first housing part (1110) and the front of the third housing part (1130) may face in the same direction. For example, in the third state (1100c), the front of the second housing part (1120) may face the front of the first housing part (1110), and the front of the third housing part (1130) may face the rear of the first housing part (1110). In the third state (1100c), the rear of the second housing part (1120) may be exposed to the outside. A display (1170) may be placed on the rear of the second housing part (1120). In the third state (1100c), the rear of the third housing part (1130) may be exposed to the outside. A rear camera (1175) may be placed on the rear of the third housing part (1130).In the third state (1100c), the electronic device (1100) can be folded to improve portability and can provide visual information through a display (1170) positioned on the rear of the second housing part (1120).

[0178] As described above, the display (1170) may be placed on the rear side (e.g., the second side) of the second housing part (1120). The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the display (1170) may be placed on the rear side (e.g., the second side) of the third housing part (1130). An electronic device (1100) including the display (1170) placed on the rear side of the second housing part (1120) may be referred to as an e-type electronic device (or an e-type multi-foldable electronic device). An electronic device (1100) including the display (1170) placed on the rear side of the third housing part (1130) may be referred to as a G-type electronic device (or a G-type multi-foldable electronic device). In the view that the flexible display (1140) is folded concavely, the e-type electronic device and / or G-type electronic device may be referred to as an in-folding electronic device. The embodiments are not limited thereto, and with reference to FIG. 11c, an embodiment of an electronic device comprising the flexible display (1140) among the flexible display (1140) and the display (1170) is described. In the present disclosure, the flexible display (1140) may be referred to as the first display, and the display (1170) may be referred to as the second display.

[0179] The electronic device (1100) may further include a key button (1139). The key button (1139) may be exposed from a structure (e.g., an opening) formed on the side of the third housing part (1130) and may partially protrude outside the electronic device (1100). The key button (1139) may provide physical input to a processing circuit inside the electronic device (1100) by pressure transmitted from the outside. The key button (1139) may not be included in the electronic device (1100) and may be implemented in other forms, such as a soft key displayed on a flexible display (1140) or a display (1170).

[0180] The key button (1139) may be positioned on the side of the third housing part (1130) so as to be exposed to the outside in the third state (1100c). As the key button (1139) is positioned on the side of the third housing part (1130), it may be positioned in the direction in which the side of the third housing part (1130) faces. Even if the position of the key button (1139) positioned on the side of the third housing part (1130) is changed to the first state (1100a) by a user looking at the display (1170) in the third state (1100c), the position of the key button (1139) positioned on the side of the third housing part (1130) may not be moved. For example, referring to FIG. 11a, in the first state (1100a), when the flexible display (1140) is viewed from above, the key button (1139) may be positioned on the right side. Referring to FIG. 11b, in the third state (1100c), when viewing the display (1170) from above, the key button (1139) may be positioned on the right.

[0181] A flexible display (1140) may define the appearance of an electronic device (1100) at least partially. The flexible display (1140) may be partially disposed within a housing structure (1101). The flexible display (1140) may define the front of the electronic device (1100). For example, the flexible display (1140) may be disposed on the front side and / or the first side of a first housing part (1110), a second housing part (1120), and a third housing part (1130). The flexible display (1140) may include a first unbendable portion (1141), a second unbendable portion (1142), a third unbendable portion (1143), a first bendable portion (1144), and a second bendable portion (1145). A first unbendable portion (1141) of the flexible display (1140) may be placed on the front of the first housing part (1110). A second unbendable portion (1142) of the flexible display (1140) may be placed on the front of the second housing part (1120). A third unbendable portion (1143) of the flexible display (1140) may be placed on the front of the third housing part (1130).

[0182] A flexible display (1140) may be configured to be partially bent within a folded state of an electronic device (1100), including the state of FIG. 11b (1100b) (e.g., single folded state) and / or the state of FIG. 11c (1100c) (e.g., multi-folded state). The portion of the flexible display (1140) that is bent in the folded state may be referred to as a bendable portion. Referring to FIG. 11a through 11c, a first bendable portion (1144) of the flexible display (1140) may be positioned between a first unbendable portion (1141) and a third unbendable portion (1143) of the flexible display (1140). For example, a first bendable portion (1144) of the flexible display (1140) may be placed on a first hinge structure (1150) connecting a first housing part (1110) and a second housing part (1120). A second bendable portion (1145) of the flexible display (1140) may be placed between a second unbendable portion (1142) and a third unbendable portion (1143) of the flexible display (1140). For example, a second bendable portion (1145) of the flexible display (1140) may be placed on a second hinge structure (1160) connecting a second housing part (1120) and a third housing part (1130).

[0183] The first hinge structure (1150) and the second hinge structure (1160) may have the first unbendable portion (1141) of the flexible display (1140), the second unbendable portion (1142) of the flexible display (1140), and the third unbendable portion (1143) of the flexible display (1140) oriented substantially in the same direction. In the first state (1100a), the first bendable portion (1144) and the second bendable portion (1145) may be positioned in substantially the same horizontal plane as the first unbendable portion (1141), the second unbendable portion (1142), and the third unbendable portion (1143).

[0184] The first hinge structure (1150) and the second hinge structure (1160) can provide a second state (1100b) of the electronic device (1100). In the second state (1100b), the first unbendable portion (1141) of the flexible display (1140) may face the second unbendable portion (1142) of the flexible display (1140), and the third unbendable portion (1143) of the flexible display (1140) may face the same direction as the second unbendable portion (1142) of the flexible display (1140). For example, the second unbendable portion (1142) and the third unbendable portion (1143) may be positioned substantially on the same horizontal plane.

[0185] In the second state (1100b), the first bendable portion (1144) of the flexible display (1140) is bent by the first hinge structure (1150), so that the first bendable portion (1144) of the flexible display (1140) can be folded such that the first unbendable portion (1141) of the flexible display (1140) and the second unbendable portion (1142) of the flexible display (1140) face in different directions.

[0186] In the second state (1100b), the second bendable portion (1145) of the flexible display (1140) is maintained in an unfolded state by the second hinge structure (1160), so that the second bendable portion (1145) of the flexible display (1140) can be unfolded such that the second unbendable portion (1142) of the flexible display (1140) and the third unbendable portion (1143) of the flexible display (1140) face each other in the same direction.

[0187] The first hinge structure (1150) and the second hinge structure (1160) can provide a third state (1100c) of the electronic device (1100). In the third state (1100c), the second unbendable portion (1142) of the flexible display (1140) faces the first unbendable portion (1141) of the flexible display (1140), and the third unbendable portion (1143) of the flexible display (1140) may face the rear surface of the first housing part (1110).

[0188] In the third state (1100c), the first bendable portion (1144) of the flexible display (1140) is bent by the first hinge structure (1150), so that the first bendable portion (1144) of the flexible display (1140) can be folded such that the first unbendable portion (1141) of the flexible display (1140) and the second unbendable portion (1142) of the flexible display (1140) face in different directions.

[0189] In the third state (1100c), the second bendable portion (1145) of the flexible display (1140) is bent by the second hinge structure (1160), so that the second bendable portion (1145) of the flexible display (1140) can be folded such that the second unbendable portion (1142) of the flexible display (1140) and the third unbendable portion (1143) of the flexible display (1140) face in different directions. The second bendable portion (1145) may further include a first deformation portion (1145a), a second deformation portion (1145b), and a flat portion (1145c). The first deformation portion (1145a) may be positioned between the planar portion (1145c) and the second unbendable portion (1142), and the second deformation portion (1145b) may be positioned between the planar portion (1145c) and the third unbendable portion (1143). The planar portion (1145c) may be positioned between the first deformation portion (1145a) and the second deformation portion (1145b). The planar portion (1145c) may be supported by a support plate (e.g., the support plate (1264) of FIG. 12a) that is distinct from the hinge plates of the second hinge structure (1160) (e.g., the third hinge plate (1262) and the fourth hinge plate (1263) of FIG. 12a). Regardless of the state of the electronic device (1100), the planar portion (1145c) may remain flat. The first deformation part (1145a) and the second deformation part (1145b) are unfolded in the first state (1100a) and the second state (1100b), and in the third state (1100c), the first deformation part (1145a) and the second deformation part (1145b) can be bent so that the second unbendable part (1142) and the third unbendable part (1143) face in different directions. In the third state (1100c), the first housing part (1110) can be positioned between the second housing part (1120) and the third housing part (1130).In the third state (1100c), the second bendable portion (1145) of the flexible display (1140) placed on the second hinge structure (1160) may partially face the side (1110c) of the first housing part (1110).

[0190] The display area of ​​the flexible display (1140) may include a first display area (1140a), a second display area (1140b), and a third display area (1140c). The display area represents an area capable of providing visual information from the flexible display (1140). In a first state (1100a), the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (1140) may be visible from the front of the housing structure (1101). For example, in a first state (1100a), the first display area (1140a), the second display area (1140b), and the third display area (1140c) of the flexible display (1140) may be visually exposed. The electronic device (1100) may provide a large display area to the user that includes the first display area (1140a), the second display area (1140b), and the third display area (1140c).

[0191] In the second state (1100b), the display area of ​​the flexible display (1140) may be partially visible from the front of the third housing part (1130). For example, the third display area (1140c) may be visually exposed, while the first display area (1140a) and the second display area (1140b) may not be visually exposed.

[0192] In the third state (1100c), the display area of ​​the flexible display (1140) may not be visible. For example, in the third state (1100c), the first display area (1140a), the second display area (1140b), and the third display area (1140c) of the flexible display (1140) may not be visually exposed.

[0193] In a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (1140) is used to display a screen within a first state (1100a) of the electronic device (1100), the first display area (1140a), the second display area (1140b), and the third display area (1140c) of the flexible display (1140) may be activated. In a non-limiting example, within a third state (1100c), the first display area (1140a), the second display area (1140b), and the third display area (1140c) of the flexible display (1140) may be deactivated. In a non-limiting example, within a second state (1100b) of the electronic device (1100), when the flexible display (1140) is used to display a screen, the third display area (1140c) may be activated, and the first display area (1140a) and the second display area (1140b) of the flexible display (1140) may be deactivated.

[0194] In a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (1140) is used to display a screen within a first state (1100a) of the electronic device (1100), the first display area (1140a), the second display area (1140b), and the third display area (1140c) of the flexible display (1140) may display visual information. In a non-limiting example, within a third state (1100c), the first display area (1140a), the second display area (1140b), and the third display area (1140c) of the flexible display (1140) may provide a black image. As a non-limiting example, in a second state (1100b) of the electronic device (1100), when the flexible display (1140) is used to display a screen, the third display area (1140c) may provide visual information, and the first display area (1140a) and the second display area (1140b) of the flexible display (1140) may provide a black image.

[0195] Referring to the third state (1100c) of FIG. 11c, in the multi-fold state, with respect to the first hinge structure (1150), the first display area (1140a) of the flexible display (1140) corresponding to the first housing part (1110) may face the second display area (1140b) of the flexible display (1140) corresponding to the second housing part (1120). In the multi-fold state, with respect to the second hinge structure (1160), the third display area (1140c) of the flexible display (1140) corresponding to the third housing part (1130) may face the rear side (or second side) of the first housing part (1110). For example, with respect to the first hinge structure (1150), the angle between the first housing part (1110) and the second housing part (1120) may be substantially 0°, and with respect to the second hinge structure (1160), the angle between the second housing part (1120) and the third housing part (1130) may be substantially 0°. In the multi-fold state, the first housing part (1110) may be located between the second housing part (1120) and the third housing part (1130). In the multi-fold state, no part of the flexible display (1140) is visible.

[0196] Referring to the second state (1100b) of FIG. 11b, in a single fold state, with respect to the first hinge structure (1150), the first display area (1140a) of the flexible display (1140) corresponding to the first housing part (1110) may face the second display area (1140b) of the flexible display (1140) corresponding to the second housing part (1120). In a single fold state, with respect to the second hinge structure (1160), the third display area (1140c) of the flexible display (1140) corresponding to the third housing part (1130) may face the same direction as the second display area (1140b) of the flexible display (1140) corresponding to the second housing part (1120). For example, the third display area (1140c) and the second display area (1140b) may be located on the same plane. For example, with respect to the first hinge structure (1150), the angle between the first housing part (1110) and the second housing part (1120) may be substantially 0°, and with respect to the second hinge structure (1160), the angle between the second housing part (1120) and the third housing part (1130) may be substantially 180°. In a single fold state, the first housing part (1110) and the second housing part (1120) may overlap each other with respect to the front side of the second housing part (1120). In a single fold state, the second housing part (1120) and the third housing part (1130) may overlap each other with respect to the side of the second housing part (1120). In the single-fold state, the third display area (1140c) of the flexible display (1140) corresponding to the third housing part (1130) is visible. In the single-fold state, because the second housing part (1120) and the third housing part (1130) overlap, the first display area (1140a) and the second display area (1140b) of the flexible display (1140) are not visible.

[0197] Referring to the first state (1100a) of FIG. 11a, in the unfolded state, all of the first display area (1140a), the second display area (1140b), and the third display area (1140c) of the flexible display (1140), corresponding to the first housing part (1110), the second housing part (1120), and the third housing part (1130) respectively, may face in the same direction. For example, all of the first display area (1140a), the second display area (1140b), and the third display area (1140c) may be located on the same plane. For example, with respect to the first hinge structure (1150), the angle between the first housing part (1110) and the second housing part (1120) may be substantially 180°. For example, with respect to the second hinge structure (1160), the angle between the second housing part (1120) and the third housing part (1130) may be substantially 180°. In the unfolded state, the front sides of the first housing part (1110), the second housing part, and the third housing part (1130) may not overlap each other. In the unfolded state, the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (1140) (e.g., the first display area (1140a), the second display area (1140b), and the third display area (1140c)) is visible.

[0198] FIG. 12a is a plan view of an electronic device with the flexible display removed.

[0199] FIG. 12b is a rear view of an electronic device with the rear cover and display removed.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 12a and FIG. 12b, the electronic device (1100) may include a first hinge structure (1150) and a second hinge structure (1160). The first width (w1) of the first hinge structure (1150) may be narrower than the second width (w2) of the second hinge structure (1160). The difference between the first width (w1) of the first hinge structure (1150) and the second width (w2) of the second hinge structure (1160) may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the first housing part (1110). For example, the second hinge structure (1160) may have a second width (w2) wider than the first width (w1) so that, according to the third state (1100c), the first housing part (1110) is positioned between the second housing part (1120) and the third housing part (1130). The first hinge structure (1150) may be referred to as a narrow hinge structure in that it has a narrower width than the second hinge structure (1160). The second hinge structure (1160) may be referred to as a wide hinge structure in that it has a wider width than the first hinge structure (1150).

[0201] The first hinge structure (1150) may include a first set of gears (1251), a first hinge plate (1252), and a second hinge plate (1253). The first hinge plate (1252) may be coupled to a first support portion (1111) of a first housing part (1110). The second hinge plate (1253) may be coupled to a second support portion (1121) of a second housing part (1120). The gears (g111, g112, g113, g114) included in the first set of gears (1251) may be configured to rotate the first hinge plate (1252) and the second hinge plate (1253). For example, the gears (g111, g112, g113, g114) included in the first set of gears (1251) can rotate the second hinge plate (1253) (or the second housing part (1120)) in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (1252) (or the first housing part (1110)). After the first hinge plate (1252) (or the first housing part (1110)) is rotated, the gears (g111, g112, g113, g114) included in the first set of gears (1251) can be rotated according to the rotation of the first hinge plate (1252) (or the first housing part (1110)). The second hinge plate (1253) (or the second housing part (1120)) may be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (1252) according to the rotation of the gears included in the first set of gears (1251). The gears (g111, g112, g113, g114) included in the first set of gears (1251) may include a first gear (g111), a second gear (g112), a third gear (g113), and a fourth gear (g114). The first gear (g111) may be positioned adjacent to the first hinge plate (1252), and the fourth gear (g114) may be positioned adjacent to the second hinge plate (1253). The second gear (g112) and the third gear (g113) can be positioned between the first gear (g111) and the fourth gear (g114).The first gear (g111), the second gear (g112), the third gear (g113), and the fourth gear (g114) can be engaged sequentially. Depending on the first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) of the first gear (g111), the second gear (g112) engaged with the first gear (g111) can be rotated in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotational direction. Depending on the second rotational direction of the second gear (g112), the third gear (g113) engaged with the second gear (g112) can be rotated in the first rotational direction. Depending on the first rotational direction of the third gear (g113), the fourth gear (g114) can be rotated in the second rotational direction. As the first gear (g111) and the fourth gear (g114) rotate in different directions, the first housing part (1110) connected to the first hinge plate (1252) and the second housing part (1120) connected to the second hinge plate (1253) can be folded or unfolded.

[0202] The second hinge structure (1160) may include a second set of gears (1261), a third hinge plate (1262), a fourth hinge plate (1263), and a support plate (1264). The third hinge plate (1262) may be coupled to the second support portion (1121) of the second housing part (1120). The fourth hinge plate (1263) may be coupled to the third support portion (1131) of the third housing part (1130). The gears (g121, g122, g123, g124, g125, g126) included in the second set of gears (1261) may be configured to rotate the third hinge plate (1262) and the fourth hinge plate (1263). For example, the gears (g121, g122, g123, g124, g125, g126) included in the second set of gears (1261) can rotate the fourth hinge plate (1263) (or the third housing part (1130)) in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (1262) (or the second housing part (1120)). After the third hinge plate (1262) (or the second housing part (1120)) is rotated, the gears (g121, g122, g123, g124, g125, g126) included in the second set of gears (1261) can be rotated according to the rotation of the third hinge plate (1262) (or the second housing part (1120)). The fourth hinge plate (1263) (or the third housing part (1130)) can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (1262) according to the rotation of the gears (g121, g122, g123, g124, g125, g126) included in the second set (1261) of gears.

[0203] The gears (g121, g122, g123, g124, g125, g126) included in the second set (1261) of gears may include a first gear (g121), a second gear (g122), a third gear (g123), a fourth gear (g124), a fifth gear (g125), and a sixth gear (g126). The first gear (g121) may be positioned adjacent to the third hinge plate (1262), and the sixth gear (g126) may be positioned adjacent to the fourth hinge plate (1263). The second gear (g122), the third gear (g123), the fourth gear (g124), and the fifth gear (g125) may be positioned between the first gear (g121) and the sixth gear (g126). The first gear (g121), second gear (g122), third gear (g123), fourth gear (g124), fifth gear (g125), and sixth gear (g126) can be engaged sequentially. Depending on the first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) of the first gear (g121), the second gear (g122) engaged with the first gear (g121) can be rotated in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotational direction. Depending on the second rotational direction of the second gear (g122), the third gear (g123) engaged with the second gear (g122) can be rotated in the first rotational direction. Depending on the first rotational direction of the third gear (g123), the fourth gear (g124) can be rotated in the second rotational direction. Depending on the rotation of the fourth gear (g124) in the second rotational direction, the fifth gear (g125) engaged with the fourth gear (g124) can be rotated in the first rotational direction. Depending on the rotation of the fifth gear (g125) in the first rotational direction, the sixth gear (g126) engaged with the fifth gear (g125) can be rotated in the second rotational direction. As the first gear (g121) and the sixth gear (g126) rotate in different directions, the second housing part (1120) connected to the third hinge plate (1262) and the third housing part (1130) connected to the fourth hinge plate (1263) can be folded or unfolded.

[0204] The first hinge structure (1150) and the second hinge structure (1160) may further include a spiral structure. The spiral structure may include a spiral groove formed in each hinge plate or a rotating member connected to the hinge plate and a moving member sliding along the spiral groove. The hinge plates connected to the hinge structure may be configured to rotate by substantially the same angular displacement through the spiral structure.

[0205] The electronic device (1100) may include a first printed circuit board (1271), a second printed circuit board (1272), and a third printed circuit board (1273).

[0206] A first printed circuit board (1271) may be placed on a first support portion (1111) of a first housing part (1110). Hardware components within the first housing part (1110) may be mounted on the first printed circuit board (1271). A second printed circuit board (1272) may be placed on a second support portion (1121) of a second housing part (1120). A third printed circuit board (1273) may be placed on a third support portion (1131) of a third housing part (1130). Hardware components within the third housing part (1130) may be mounted on the third printed circuit board (1273).

[0207] Hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (1271) may support or operate independently of hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (1272) and / or hardware components placed on the third printed circuit board (1273).

[0208] Hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (1272) may support or operate independently of hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (1271) or the third printed circuit board (1273). Hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (1272) may include a speaker, a front camera, and / or a display driving circuit.

[0209] Hardware components disposed on the third printed circuit board (1273) may include at least one processor including a processing circuit (e.g., application processor (AP), communication processor (CP)), memory including one or more storage media, communication circuits, and a rear camera (1175). The rear camera (1175) may be exposed through a structure (e.g., an opening) on ​​the rear of the third housing part (1130).

[0210] The electronic device (1100) may further include a sub-printed circuit board (1275) and flexible printed circuit boards (1280, 1290). The sub-printed circuit board (1275) may be disposed in at least a portion of the first housing part (1110), the second housing part (1120), and the third housing part (1130). The flexible printed circuit boards (1280, 1290) may include a first flexible printed circuit board (1280) and a second flexible printed circuit board (1290). The first flexible printed circuit board (1280) may electrically connect the printed circuit boards disposed in each of the housing parts (1110, 1120, 1130). The second flexible printed circuit board (1290) can connect the printed circuit board and the sub-printed circuit board (1275) within the housing part in which the sub-printed circuit board (1275) is placed by the second flexible printed circuit board (1290).

[0211] Components within the electronic device (1100) may be connected to at least one processor within the third printed circuit board (1273) via flexible printed circuit boards (1280, 1290). For example, a signal received from an antenna placed in the third housing part (1130) may be transmitted to the third printed circuit board (1273) where at least one processor (e.g., AP or CP) is placed via a signal path (a) provided by the first flexible printed circuit board (1280). A driving circuit for a flexible display (1140) placed in the first housing part (1110) may be connected to the third printed circuit board (1273) where at least one processor (e.g., AP) is placed via a sub-printed circuit board (1275) and a signal path (b) provided by the first flexible printed circuit board (1280). A driving circuit for a display (1170) connected to a sub-printed circuit board (1275) placed in a second housing part (1120) can be electrically connected to a third printed circuit board (1273) on which at least one processor (e.g., AP) is placed, through a signal path (c) provided by the sub-printed circuit board (1275), the first flexible printed circuit board (1280), and the second flexible printed circuit board (1290).

[0212] The electronic device (1100) may further include batteries. Each of the batteries may be attached to support parts (1111, 1121, 1131) included in the housing parts (1110, 1120, 1130). The support parts (1111, 1121, 1131) may support rechargeable batteries.

[0213] The arrangement of hardware components is exemplary, and unlike the above, the rear camera (1175) and the second printed circuit board (1272) may be placed in the third housing part (1130), and the third printed circuit board (1273) may be placed in the second housing part (1120).

[0214] The first housing part (1110) and the third housing part (1130) are shown to rotate in opposite directions relative to the second housing part (1120), but are not limited thereto. For example, while changing from the first state (1100a) to the third state (1100c), the first housing part (1110) may rotate counterclockwise relative to the second housing part (1120), and the third housing part (1130) may rotate counterclockwise relative to the second housing part (1120). As the first housing part (1110) and the third housing part (1130) rotate in the same direction, a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (1140) in the second state may be visually exposed.

[0215] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0216] As described above, the foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) comprises: at least one processor (e.g., at least one processor (210) of FIG. 2) including a processing circuit; a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 2) which is partially bent as the second housing part is rotated relative to the first housing part and includes a first display area corresponding to the first housing part and a second display area corresponding to the second housing part and extending from the first display area; at least one sensor (e.g., at least one sensor (240) of FIG. 2); a near field communication (NFC) circuit (e.g., the NFC circuit (250) of FIG. 2) within the first housing part; and at least one coil (e.g., FIG. 2) electrically connected to the NFC circuit and exposed within the first housing part toward the rear side of the first housing part. It may include a memory (e.g., memory (220) of FIG. 2) comprising at least one coil (260) of 2), and one or more programs configured to be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, and including one or more storage media. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to receive a signal from an external electronic device through the at least one coil using the NFC circuit.The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to be associated with the external electronic device and to display a visual object (e.g., a visual object (410) of FIG. 4a) located within the first display area among the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a visual object located within the second display area among the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are unfolded through the at least one sensor, or to display a visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area (e.g., the visual object (425) of FIG. 4b) associated with the external electronic device.

[0217] For example, the above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to receive data from the external electronic device through the at least one coil using the NFC circuit after receiving the signal from the external electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object associated with the data and located within the second display area, or to display the visual object associated with the data and located across the boundary, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor.

[0218] For example, the above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to identify whether the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded based on receiving the data from the external electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object associated with the data and located within the second display area, or to display the visual object associated with the data and located across the boundary, based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor.

[0219] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a communication circuit. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to establish a communication link with the external electronic device using the communication circuit based on receiving the signal from the external electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to receive data from the external electronic device through the communication link using the communication circuit. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object located within the first display area and associated with the data based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object associated with the data and located within the second display area, or to display the visual object associated with the data and located across the boundary, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor.

[0220] For example, the above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to identify whether the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded based on receiving the data from the external electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object associated with the data and located within the second display area, or to display the visual object associated with the data and located across the boundary, based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor.

[0221] For example, the one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a visual object located within the first display area based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to move another visual object located within the first display area into the second display area based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor.

[0222] For example, the above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded based on identifying an angle between the first housing part and the second housing part within a threshold range through the at least one sensor. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded based on identifying an angle between the first housing part and the second housing part exceeding a threshold angle through the at least one sensor.

[0223] For example, the signal may include a signal for charging the battery of the foldable electronic device. The visual object located within the first display area, the visual object located within the second display area, and / or the visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area may include a visual object indicating that the battery of the foldable electronic device is being charged.

[0224] For example, the housing may further include a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part. The flexible display may further include a third display area corresponding to the third housing part and extending from the second display area. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object located within the first display area based on the signal received while identifying through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded and that the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to be associated with the external electronic device and to display a visual object located within the second display area and / or the third display area among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, or to display the visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor.

[0225] For example, the housing may further include a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part. The flexible display may further include a third display area corresponding to the third housing part and extending from the second display area. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a visual object located within the first display area and / or the second display area among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, based on the signal received while identifying through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and that the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to be associated with the external electronic device and to display a visual object located within the third display area among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, or to display a visual object located across the boundary between the second display area and the third display area, based on the signal received while identifying through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and that the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded.

[0226] The method described above may be performed in a foldable electronic device comprising: a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; a flexible display that is partially bent as the second housing part is rotated relative to the first housing part and comprises a first display area corresponding to the first housing part and a second display area corresponding to the second housing part and extending from the first display area; at least one sensor; a near field communication (NFC) circuit within the first housing part; and at least one coil electrically connected to the NFC circuit and exposed within the first housing part so as to face the rear side of the first housing part. The method may include the operation of receiving a signal from an external electronic device through the at least one coil using the NFC circuit. The above method may include an operation of displaying a visual object associated with the external electronic device and located within the first display area among the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The above method may include an operation of displaying a visual object associated with the external electronic device and located within the second display area among the first display area and the second display area, or a visual object associated with the external electronic device and located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are unfolded through the at least one sensor.

[0227] For example, the above method may include an operation of receiving data from the external electronic device through the at least one coil using the NFC circuit after receiving the signal from the external electronic device. The above method may include an operation of displaying the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The above method may include an operation of displaying the visual object associated with the data and located within the second display area, or displaying the visual object associated with the data and located across the boundary, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor.

[0228] For example, the method may include an operation of identifying whether the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded based on receiving the data from the external electronic device. The method may include an operation of displaying the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The method may include an operation of displaying the visual object associated with the data and located within the second display area, or displaying the visual object associated with the data and located across the boundary, based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor.

[0229] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a communication circuit. The method may include an operation of establishing a communication link with the external electronic device using the communication circuit based on receiving the signal from the external electronic device. The method may include an operation of receiving data from the external electronic device through the communication link using the communication circuit. The method may include an operation of displaying the visual object located within the first display area and related to the data based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The method may include an operation of displaying the visual object located within the second display area and related to the data, or displaying the visual object located across the boundary and related to the data based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor.

[0230] For example, the method may include an operation of identifying whether the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded based on receiving the data from the external electronic device. The method may include an operation of displaying the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The method may include an operation of displaying the visual object associated with the data and located within the second display area, or displaying the visual object associated with the data and located across the boundary, based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor.

[0231] For example, the method may include an operation of displaying a visual object located within the first display area based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor. The method may include an operation of moving another visual object located within the first display area into the second display area before the signal is received, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor.

[0232] For example, the method may include an operation of identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded based on identifying an angle between the first housing part and the second housing part within a threshold range through the at least one sensor. The method may include an operation of identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded based on identifying an angle between the first housing part and the second housing part exceeding a threshold angle through the at least one sensor.

[0233] For example, the signal may include a signal for charging the battery of the foldable electronic device. The visual object located within the first display area, the visual object located within the second display area, and / or the visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area may include a visual object indicating that the battery of the foldable electronic device is being charged.

[0234] For example, the housing may further include a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part. The flexible display may further include a third display area corresponding to the third housing part and extending from the second display area. The method may include an action of displaying the visual object located within the first display area based on the signal received while identifying through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded and that the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded. The method may include an action of displaying the visual object located within the second display area and / or the third display area among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, or displaying the visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, in relation to the external electronic device.

[0235] For example, the housing may further include a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part. The flexible display may further include a third display area corresponding to the third housing part and extending from the second display area. The method may include an operation of displaying a visual object located within the first display area and / or the second display area among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, based on the signal received while identifying through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and that the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded. The above method may include, based on the signal received while identifying through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and that the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded, displaying a visual object associated with the external electronic device and located within the third display area among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, or displaying a visual object associated with the external electronic device and located across the boundary between the second display area and the third display area.

[0236] As described above, the non-transient computer-readable storage medium may store one or more programs. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to receive a signal from an external electronic device through the at least one coil using the NFC circuit when executed by the foldable electronic device, the foldable electronic device comprising a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; a flexible display that is partially bent as the second housing part is rotated relative to the first housing part and includes a first display area corresponding to the first housing part and a second display area corresponding to the second housing part and extending from the first display area; at least one sensor; a near field communication (NFC) circuit within the first housing part; and at least one coil electrically connected to the NFC circuit and exposed within the first housing part so as to face the rear side of the first housing part. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a visual object located within the first display area among the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device.The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a visual object located within the second display area among the first display area and the second display area, or to display a visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are unfolded through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0237] For example, the one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to receive data from the external electronic device via the at least one coil using the NFC circuit after receiving the signal from the external electronic device when executed by the foldable electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object located within the first display area and associated with the data based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object associated with the data and located within the second display area, or to display the visual object associated with the data and located across the boundary, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0238] For example, the one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to identify whether the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded based on receiving the data from the external electronic device when executed by the foldable electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object located within the second display area associated with the data, or to display the visual object located across the boundary associated with the data, based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0239] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a communication circuit. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to establish a communication link with the external electronic device using the communication circuit, based on receiving the signal from the external electronic device when executed by the foldable electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to receive data from the external electronic device through the communication link using the communication circuit when executed by the foldable electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object associated with the data and located within the second display area, or to display the visual object associated with the data and located across the boundary, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0240] For example, the one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to identify whether the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded based on receiving the data from the external electronic device when executed by the foldable electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object located within the second display area associated with the data, or to display the visual object located across the boundary associated with the data, based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0241] For example, the one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a visual object located within the first display area based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor when the foldable electronic device is executed. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to move another visual object located within the first display area into the second display area based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor when the foldable electronic device is executed.

[0242] For example, the one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, based on identifying an angle between the first housing part and the second housing part within a threshold range through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to identify that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, based on identifying an angle between the first housing part and the second housing part exceeding a threshold angle through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0243] For example, the signal may include a signal for charging the battery of the foldable electronic device. The visual object located within the first display area, the visual object located within the second display area, and / or the visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area may include a visual object indicating that the battery of the foldable electronic device is being charged.

[0244] For example, the housing may further include a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part. The flexible display may further include a third display area corresponding to the third housing part and extending from the second display area. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the visual object located within the first display area based on the signal received while identifying, through the at least one sensor, that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded when executed by the foldable electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to be associated with the external electronic device and to display a visual object located within the second display area and / or the third display area among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, or to display the visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0245] For example, the housing may further include a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part. The flexible display may further include a third display area corresponding to the third housing part and extending from the second display area. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a visual object located within the first display area and / or the second display area among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, based on the signal received while identifying through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded when executed by the foldable electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a visual object located within the third display area among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, or to display a visual object located across the boundary between the second display area and the third display area, based on the signal received while identifying through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0246] As described above, the foldable electronic device may include at least one processor comprising a processing circuit, a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, a display comprising a first display area disposed in the first housing part and a second display area disposed in the second housing part, at least one sensor, a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signals with at least one external electronic device, and a memory comprising one or more storage media configured to store one or more programs configured to be executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to transmit data for an application executed on the foldable electronic device to the external electronic device via the near-field communication link using the communication circuit when a near-field communication link between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device is established using the communication circuit, or to receive data for an application executed on the external electronic device from the external electronic device via the near-field communication link using the communication circuit. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display, through the display, a first UI for the application running on the foldable electronic device or a second UI for the application running on the external electronic device in a designated display area among the first display area and the second display area, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

[0247] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a camera. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to identify external objects identified through the camera. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to extract, using an artificial intelligence model, at least one external electronic device among the external objects that can be connected to the foldable electronic device via a near-field communication link. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display at least one visual object representing the extracted at least one external electronic device through the display. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to request the external electronic device to establish the near-field communication link between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device using the communication circuit, based on user input regarding the visual object representing the external electronic device among the at least one visual objects.

[0248] For example, the above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to establish the near-field communication link using the communication circuit, based on identifying a visual encryption code displayed on the display of the other device among the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device through a camera module included in either the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device in the situation where it is identified that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor.

[0249] For example, the external electronic device may be a first external electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to transmit data for an application running on the foldable electronic device to at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device, or to receive data for an application running on at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device from at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device, when a different short-range communication link is established between the foldable electronic device and the second external electronic device using the communication circuit. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the first UI or a third UI for the application running on at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device in the designated display area among the first display area and the second display area, through the display, when a short-range communication link other than that between the foldable electronic device and the second external electronic device is established using the communication circuit, and when it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

[0250] For example, the housing may further include a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part. The display may further include a third display area disposed in the third housing part. The at least one sensor may include a touch sensor for identifying a touch input from at least one of the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the first UI or the second UI on at least some of the two display areas disposed in the two adjacent housing parts that are not folded together, among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, through the display in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded or that the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a third UI for identifying the touch input in a display area other than the two display areas through the display, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded or that the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded.

[0251] For example, the housing may further include a fourth housing part rotatably coupled to the third housing part. The display may further include a fourth display area disposed in the fourth housing part. The at least one sensor may include a touch sensor for identifying a touch input from at least one of the first display area, the second display area, the third display area, and the fourth display area. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the first UI or the second UI on at least some of the two or three display areas placed on at least two or three adjacent housing parts that are not folded together, through the display, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, or the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, or the third housing part and the fourth housing part are partially folded. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the first UI or the second UI on at least some of the two or three display areas placed on at least two or three adjacent housing parts that are not folded together, through the display, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, or the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, or the third housing part and the fourth housing part are partially folded.The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a fourth UI for identifying the touch input in two or one display area other than the two or three display areas through the display in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, or the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, or the third housing part and the fourth housing part are partially folded.

[0252] For example, a user control input for controlling the application executed on the foldable electronic device or the application executed on the external electronic device may include a first control input identified through an input module included in the foldable electronic device, and a second control input that receives input data identified through an input module included in the external electronic device from the external electronic device using the communication circuit.

[0253] For example, the application executed on the foldable electronic device may include a first application and a second application different from the first application. The first application may have a first priority. The second application may have a second priority different from the first priority. The first priority and the second priority may be set as defaults in advance or specified by a user. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a UI for the application having a higher priority between the first application and the second application in the designated display area via the display when the near-field communication link between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device is not established in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

[0254] The method described above may be performed within a foldable electronic device comprising: a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; a display comprising a first display area disposed on the first housing part and a second display area disposed on the second housing part; at least one sensor; and a communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from at least one external electronic device. The method may include, when a near-field communication link is established between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device using the communication circuit, transmitting data for an application running on the foldable electronic device to the external electronic device via the near-field communication link using the communication circuit, or receiving data for an application running on the external electronic device from the external electronic device via the near-field communication link using the communication circuit. The above method may include an operation of displaying a first UI for an application running on the foldable electronic device or a second UI for an application running on the external electronic device through the display in a designated display area among the first display area and the second display area, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

[0255] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a camera. The method may include an operation of identifying external objects identified through the camera. The method may include an operation of extracting, among the external objects, at least one external electronic device that can be connected to the foldable electronic device via a near-field communication link using an artificial intelligence model. The method may include an operation of displaying at least one visual object representing the extracted at least one external electronic device through the display. The method may include an operation of requesting the external electronic device to establish the near-field communication link between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device using the communication circuit, based on user input regarding the visual object representing the external electronic device among the at least one visual objects.

[0256] For example, the above method may include the operation of establishing the near-field communication link using the communication circuit based on identifying a visual encryption code displayed on the display of the other device among the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device through a camera module included in either device among the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device in the situation where it is identified that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor.

[0257] For example, the external electronic device may be a first external electronic device. The method may include, when a different short-range communication link is established between the foldable electronic device and the second external electronic device using the communication circuit, transmitting the data for the application running on the foldable electronic device to at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device, or receiving data for the application running on at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device from at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device. The method may include, when a different short-range communication link is established between the foldable electronic device and the second external electronic device using the communication circuit, and in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, displaying the first UI or the third UI for the application running on at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device through the display in the designated display area among the first display area and the second display area.

[0258] For example, the housing may further include a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part. The display may further include a third display area disposed in the third housing part. The at least one sensor may include a touch sensor for identifying a touch input from at least one of the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area. The method may include an operation of displaying the first UI or the second UI on at least some of the two display areas disposed in the two adjacent housing parts that are not folded together, among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, through the display, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded or that the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded. The above method may include an operation of displaying a third UI for identifying the touch input in a display area other than the two display areas through the display, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded or that the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded.

[0259] For example, the housing may further include a fourth housing part rotatably coupled to the third housing part. The display may further include a fourth display area disposed in the fourth housing part. The at least one sensor may include a touch sensor for identifying a touch input from at least one of the first display area, the second display area, the third display area, and the fourth display area. The method may include an operation of displaying the first UI or the second UI on at least some of the two or three display areas disposed in at least two or three adjacent housing parts that are not folded together, among the first display area, the second display area, the third display area, and the fourth display area, through the display, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, or the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, or the third housing part and the fourth housing part are partially folded. The above method may include an operation of displaying a fourth UI for identifying the touch input in two or one display area other than the two or three display areas through the display, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, or the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, or the third housing part and the fourth housing part are partially folded.

[0260] For example, a user control input for controlling the application executed on the foldable electronic device or the application executed on the external electronic device may include a first control input identified through an input module included in the foldable electronic device, and a second control input that receives input data identified through an input module included in the external electronic device from the external electronic device using the communication circuit.

[0261] For example, the application running on the foldable electronic device may include a first application and a second application different from the first application. The first application may have a first priority. The second application may have a second priority different from the first priority. The first priority and the second priority may be set as defaults in advance or specified by a user. The method may include an operation in which, when the first housing part and the second housing part are identified as partially folded through the at least one sensor and the near-field communication link between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device is not established, a UI for the application having a higher priority between the first application and the second application is displayed in the designated display area through the display.

[0262] As described above, the non-transient computer-readable storage medium may store one or more programs. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to transmit data for an application executed on the foldable electronic device to the external electronic device via the short-range communication link using the communication circuit when the short-range communication link between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device is established using the communication circuit, when the foldable electronic device is executed by the foldable electronic device, the foldable electronic device may transmit data for an application executed on the foldable electronic device to the external electronic device via the short-range communication link using the communication circuit, or receive data for an application executed on the external electronic device from the external electronic device via the short-range communication link using the communication circuit. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display, through the display, a first UI for the application executed on the foldable electronic device or a second UI for the application executed on the external electronic device in a designated display area among the first display area and the second display area, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0263] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a camera. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to identify external objects identified through the camera when executed by the foldable electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to extract, using an artificial intelligence model, at least one external electronic device among the external objects that can be connected to the foldable electronic device via a near-field communication link when executed by the foldable electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display at least one visual object representing the extracted at least one external electronic device through the display when executed by the foldable electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to request the external electronic device to establish the near-field communication link between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device using the communication circuit, based on user input regarding a visual object representing the external electronic device among the at least one visual object when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0264] For example, the above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to establish the near-field communication link using the communication circuit, based on identifying a visual encryption code displayed on the display of the other device among the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device through a camera module included in either the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device, in a situation where, when executed by the foldable electronic device, the first housing part and the second housing part are identified as partially folded through the at least one sensor.

[0265] For example, the external electronic device may be a first external electronic device. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to transmit data for an application running on the foldable electronic device to at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device, or to receive data for an application running on at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device from at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device, when a different near-field communication link is established between the foldable electronic device and the second external electronic device using the communication circuit when executed by the foldable electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the first UI or a third UI for the application executed on at least one of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device in the designated display area among the first display area and the second display area, through the display, when a short-range communication link is established between the foldable electronic device and the second external electronic device using the communication circuit when executed by the foldable electronic device, and when it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded.

[0266] For example, the housing may further include a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part. The display may further include a third display area disposed in the third housing part. The at least one sensor may include a touch sensor for identifying a touch input from at least one of the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the first UI or the second UI on at least some of the two display areas disposed in the two adjacent housing parts that are not folded together, among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, through the display, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded or the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded when executed by the foldable electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a third UI for identifying the touch input in a display area other than the two display areas through the display when executed by the foldable electronic device.

[0267] For example, the housing may further include a fourth housing part rotatably coupled to the third housing part. The display may further include a fourth display area disposed in the fourth housing part. The at least one sensor may include a touch sensor for identifying a touch input from at least one of the first display area, the second display area, the third display area, and the fourth display area. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display the first UI or the second UI on at least some of the two or three display areas placed on at least two or three adjacent housing parts that are not folded together, through the display, when the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, or the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, or the third housing part and the fourth housing part are partially folded, in a situation where it is identified through the at least one sensor when executed by the foldable electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a fourth UI for identifying the touch input through the display in a situation where, when executed by the foldable electronic device, it is identified through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, or the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, or the third housing part and the fourth housing part are partially folded.

[0268] For example, a user control input for controlling the application executed on the foldable electronic device or the application executed on the external electronic device may include a first control input identified through an input module included in the foldable electronic device, and a second control input that receives input data identified through an input module included in the external electronic device from the external electronic device using the communication circuit.

[0269] For example, the application executed on the foldable electronic device may include a first application and a second application different from the first application. The first application may have a first priority. The second application may have a second priority different from the first priority. The first priority and the second priority may be set as defaults in advance or specified by a user. The one or more programs may include instructions that cause the foldable electronic device to display a UI for the application having a higher priority between the first application and the second application in the designated display area via the display when the foldable electronic device is executed, in a situation where the first housing part and the second housing part are identified as partially folded through the at least one sensor and the near-field communication link between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device is not established.

[0270] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device, At least one processor including a processing circuit; A housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; A flexible display comprising a second housing part that is partially bent as it is rotated relative to the first housing part, a first display area corresponding to the first housing part, and a second display area corresponding to the second housing part and extending from the first display area; At least one sensor; NFC (near field communication) circuit inside the first housing part above; At least one coil electrically connected to the NFC circuit and exposed within the first housing part so as to face the rear side of the first housing part; and Memory comprising one or more programs configured to be executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, and including one or more storage media, The above one or more programs are: Using the NFC circuit above, a signal is received from an external electronic device through the at least one coil; Based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor, a visual object associated with the external electronic device and located within the first display area among the first display area and the second display area is displayed; and Based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are unfolded through the at least one sensor: Displaying a visual object associated with the above external electronic device and located within the second display area among the first display area and the second display area, or To display a visual object associated with the above external electronic device and positioned across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, Instructions including those that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device Foldable electronic device.

2. In Claim 1, The above one or more programs are: After receiving the signal from the external electronic device, data is received from the external electronic device through the at least one coil using the NFC circuit; Based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor, the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area is displayed; and Based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor: Displaying the visual object associated with the above data and located within the above second display area, or To display the visual object associated with the above data and located across the above boundary, Instructions including those that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device Foldable electronic device.

3. In Claim 2, The above one or more programs are: Based on receiving the data from the external electronic device, it is determined whether the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, and Based on receiving data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor, displaying the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area; and Based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor: Displaying the visual object associated with the above data and located within the above second display area, or To display the visual object associated with the above data and located across the above boundary, Instructions including those that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device Foldable electronic device.

4. In Claim 1, It further includes a communication circuit; The above one or more programs are: Based on receiving the signal from the external electronic device, a communication link is established with the external electronic device using the communication circuit; Using the above communication circuit, receive data from the external electronic device through the above communication link; Based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor, the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area is displayed; and Based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor: Displaying the visual object associated with the above data and located within the above second display area, or To display the visual object associated with the above data and located across the above boundary, Instructions including those that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device Foldable electronic device.

5. In Claim 4, The above one or more programs are: Based on receiving the data from the external electronic device, it is determined whether the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, and Based on receiving data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor, displaying the visual object associated with the data and located within the first display area; and Based on receiving the data while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor: Displaying the visual object associated with the above data and located within the above second display area, or To display the visual object associated with the above data and located across the above boundary, Instructions including those that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device Foldable electronic device.

6. In Claim 1, The above one or more programs are: Based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor, a visual object located within the first display area is displayed, and another visual object located within the first display area is moved into the second display area before the signal is received. Instructions including those that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device Foldable electronic device.

7. In Claim 1, The above one or more programs are: Based on identifying the angle between the first housing part and the second housing part within a critical range through the at least one sensor, identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded; and Based on identifying the angle between the first housing part and the second housing part exceeding a threshold angle through the at least one sensor, to identify whether the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded, Instructions including those that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device Foldable electronic device.

8. In Claim 1, The above signal is, Includes a signal for charging the battery of the above-mentioned foldable electronic device, and The visual object located within the first display area, the visual object located within the second display area, and / or the visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, A visual object indicating that the battery of the above-mentioned foldable electronic device is being charged, Foldable electronic device.

9. In Claim 1, The above housing is, It further includes a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part, and The above flexible display is, It further includes a third display area corresponding to the third housing part and extended from the second display area, The above one or more programs are: Displaying the visual object located within the first display area based on the signal received while identifying through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded; and Based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded through the at least one sensor: Displaying a visual object associated with the above external electronic device and located within the second display area and / or the third display area among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, or To display the visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, Instructions including those that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device Foldable electronic device.

10. In Claim 1, The above housing is, It further includes a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part, and The above flexible display is, It further includes a third display area corresponding to the third housing part and extended from the second display area, The above one or more programs are: Based on the signal received while identifying through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are partially folded, a visual object associated with the external electronic device and located within the first display area and / or the second display area among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area is displayed; and Based on the signal received while identifying through the at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are not folded and the second housing part and the third housing part are not folded: Displaying a visual object associated with the above external electronic device and located within the third display area among the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area, or To display a visual object associated with the above external electronic device and positioned across the boundary between the second display area and the third display area, Instructions including those that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device Foldable electronic device.

11. A method performed in a foldable electronic device comprising a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, a flexible display that is partially bent as the second housing part is rotated relative to the first housing part and includes a first display area corresponding to the first housing part and a second display area corresponding to the second housing part and extending from the first display area, at least one sensor, a near field communication (NFC) circuit within the first housing part, and at least one coil electrically connected to the NFC circuit and exposed within the first housing part so as to face the rear side of the first housing part, wherein the method comprises: The operation of receiving a signal from an external electronic device through at least one coil using the NFC circuit above; An operation of displaying a visual object located within the first display area among the first display area and the second display area, associated with the external electronic device, based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor; and Based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are unfolded through the at least one sensor: An operation of displaying a visual object associated with the above external electronic device and located within the second display area among the first display area and the second display area, or A method comprising an operation of displaying a visual object located across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, associated with the above external electronic device. method.

12. In a non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs, When the above one or more programs are executed by a foldable electronic device comprising: a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; a flexible display that is partially bent as the second housing part is rotated relative to the first housing part and includes a first display area corresponding to the first housing part and a second display area corresponding to the second housing part and extending from the first display area; at least one sensor; a near field communication (NFC) circuit within the first housing part; and at least one coil electrically connected to the NFC circuit and exposed within the first housing part toward the rear side of the first housing part: Using the NFC circuit above, a signal is received from an external electronic device through the at least one coil; Based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded through the at least one sensor, a visual object associated with the external electronic device and located within the first display area among the first display area and the second display area is displayed; and Based on the signal received while identifying that the first housing part and the second housing part are unfolded through the at least one sensor: Displaying a visual object associated with the above external electronic device and located within the second display area among the first display area and the second display area, or To display a visual object associated with the above external electronic device and positioned across the boundary between the first display area and the second display area, Instructions that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device, Non-transient computer-readable storage media.

13. In a foldable electronic device, At least one processor including a processing circuit; A housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; A display comprising a first display area disposed in the first housing part and a second display area disposed in the second housing part; At least one sensor; A communication circuit that transmits and receives signals to and from at least one external electronic device; and Memory comprising one or more programs configured to be executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, and including one or more storage media, The above one or more programs are: When a near-field communication link is established between the foldable electronic device and an external electronic device using the above communication circuit, data for an application running on the foldable electronic device is transmitted to the external electronic device via the near-field communication link using the above communication circuit, or data for an application running on the external electronic device is received from the external electronic device via the near-field communication link using the above communication circuit, and In a situation where it is identified through at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, the first UI for the application running on the foldable electronic device or the second UI for the application running on the external electronic device is displayed through the display in a designated display area among the first display area and the second display area. Instructions including those that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device Foldable electronic device.

14. In Claim 13, Includes more cameras; The above one or more programs are: Identify external objects through the above camera; Among the above external objects, at least one external electronic device capable of being connected to the foldable electronic device via a near-field communication link is extracted using an artificial intelligence model; Displaying at least one visual object representing the extracted at least one external electronic device through the display; and Based on user input regarding a visual object representing the external electronic device among the at least one visual object, the communication circuit is used to request the external electronic device to establish the near-field communication link between the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device. Instructions including those that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device Foldable electronic device.

15. In Claim 13, The above one or more programs are: In the situation where it is identified through the above at least one sensor that the first housing part and the second housing part are partially folded, Based on identifying a visual encryption code displayed through the display of the other device among the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device through a camera module included in either of the foldable electronic device and the external electronic device, the short-range communication link is established using the communication circuit. Instructions including those that cause the above-mentioned foldable electronic device Foldable electronic device.

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