Foldable device including transparent display

Abstract

This electronic device may comprise a first housing part, a second housing part, and a display. The display may include: a first display portion disposed within the first housing part to emit light toward the front surface of the first housing part and to emit light toward the rear surface of the first housing part through a light-transmitting portion of the first housing part; and a second display portion disposed within the second housing part to emit light toward the front surface of the second housing part. When the first housing part and the second housing part are folded, the electronic device can activate the first display portion and deactivate the second display portion to provide content via the first display portion.

Description

Foldable device including a transparent display

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable device including a transparent display.

[0002] The electronic device may include a foldable housing. The foldable housing may include a plurality of housing parts, and each of the housing parts may be rotatably coupled to an adjacent housing part. The electronic device may also include a flexible display disposed within the foldable housing and configured to fold according to the folded state of the foldable housing.

[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 in relation to the present disclosure.

[0004] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a housing and a flexible display. The housing may include a first housing part comprising a light-transmittance portion and a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part so that the housing may be folded or unfolded. The flexible display may include a first display portion disposed within the first housing part to emit light toward the front direction of the first housing part and to emit light toward the rear direction of the first housing part through the light-transmittance portion, and a second display portion disposed within the second housing part to extend from the first display portion and to emit light toward the front direction of the second housing part. When the housing is folded, the second display portion may face the first display portion. The electronic device may include at least one processor comprising a processing circuit and a memory comprising one or more storage media for storing instructions. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the first display portion to be activated to provide content through the first display portion when the housing is folded. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the second display portion facing the first display portion to be deactivated when the housing is folded.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a housing. The housing may include a first housing part comprising a light-transmittance portion, and a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part so that the housing may be folded or unfolded. The electronic device may include a flexible display. The flexible display may include a first display portion disposed within the first housing part to emit light toward the front direction of the first housing part and to emit light toward the rear direction of the first housing part through the light-transmittance portion, and a second display portion disposed within the second housing part to extend from the first display portion and to emit light toward the front direction of the second housing part. When the housing is folded, the second display portion may face the first display portion. The electronic device comprises a first polarizer disposed between the light-transmittance portion of the first housing part and the first display portion; It may include a second polarizer disposed between the first polarizer and the first display portion and spaced apart from the first polarizer; at least one processor including a processing circuit; and a memory including one or more storage media for storing instructions. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the first display portion and the second display portion to activate so as to provide a first content through the first display portion and the second display portion when the housing is unfolded.When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the first display portion to be activated to provide the second content through the first display portion when the housing is folded. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device may cause the second display portion facing the first display portion to be deactivated when the housing is folded. The first polarizer and the second polarizer may be configured to be aligned in a first arrangement so as to block light emitted from the first display portion toward the rear direction of the first housing part to provide the first content toward the front direction of the first housing part when the housing is unfolded. The first polarizer and the second polarizer may be configured to be aligned in a second arrangement different from the first arrangement so that light emitted from the first display portion toward the rear of the first housing part is transmitted, in order to provide the second content through the light-transmitting portion of the first housing part when the housing is folded.

[0006] A method for controlling an electronic device according to one embodiment is disclosed. The electronic device may include a housing and a flexible display. The housing may include a first housing part comprising a light-transmittance portion, and a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part so that the housing may be folded or unfolded. The flexible display may include a first display portion disposed within the first housing part to emit light toward the front direction of the first housing part and to emit light toward the rear direction of the first housing part through the light-transmittance portion, and a second display portion disposed within the second housing part to extend from the first display portion and to emit light toward the front direction of the second housing part. When the housing is folded, the second display portion may face the first display portion. The above method may include the operation of activating the first display portion and deactivating the second display portion facing the first display portion so as to provide content through the first display portion when the housing is folded.

[0007] In one embodiment, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is disclosed for storing one or more programs executable by an electronic device. The electronic device may include a housing and a flexible display. The housing may include a first housing part comprising a light-transmittance portion, and a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part so that the housing may be folded or unfolded. The flexible display may include a first display portion disposed within the first housing part to emit light toward the front direction of the first housing part and to emit light toward the rear direction of the first housing part through the light-transmittance portion, and a second display portion disposed within the second housing part to extend from the first display portion and to emit light toward the front direction of the second housing part. When the housing is folded, the second display portion may face the first display portion. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the electronic device to activate the first display portion to provide content through the first display portion when the housing is folded, when executed by the electronic device. The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the electronic device to deactivate the second display portion facing the first display portion.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 2a is a front perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2b shows the rear view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 show an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows examples of folded states of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6a shows an electronic device including an optical structure according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6b is a diagram showing the mechanism of the optical structure.

[0015] FIG. 7a shows an exemplary screen displayed on an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIGS. 7b and 7c show exemplary screens displayed on an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9a shows an electronic device for providing a stereoscopic image according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIGS. 9b and FIGS. 9c are drawings for explaining a method for providing a stereoscopic image according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10a shows an electronic device for providing a stereoscopic image according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10b is a drawing for explaining a method for providing a stereoscopic image according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11a illustrates an electronic device for providing an augmented reality (AR) service according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 11b is a diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device to provide an AR service according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates an electronic device for providing an augmented reality (AR) service according to a comparative example.

[0025] FIG. 13a shows an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 13b shows an electronic device in a single-folded state according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 13c shows an electronic device in a multi-folded state according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 14a shows an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 14b shows an electronic device in a single-folded state according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 14c shows an electronic device in a multi-folded state according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 15a shows an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 15b shows an electronic device in a first single-folded state according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 15c shows an electronic device in a second single-folded state according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 15d shows an electronic device in a multi-folded state according to one embodiment.

[0035] Identical or similar components in the drawings may be assigned the same reference numerals. Descriptions of components having the same reference numeral may be applied identically or in a corresponding manner when referring to different drawings, unless otherwise noted, and redundant descriptions of components having the same reference numeral may not be repeated. In the following descriptions referring to specific drawings, reference numerals from other drawings may be referenced.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0038] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0039] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0040] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0041] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0042] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0043] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0044] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0045] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0046] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0047] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0048] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0049] The haptic module (179) 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 (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0050] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0051] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0052] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0053] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) direct or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0054] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) 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.

[0055] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0056] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0059] FIG. 2a is a front perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 2b shows the rear view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2a, an electronic device (200) may include a housing (201). The housing (201) may include a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) rotatably coupled to the first housing part. Depending on the rotation of the second housing part (220) relative to the first housing part (210), the housing (201) may be folded or unfolded around a folding axis (f). In this respect, the housing (201) may be referred to as a foldable housing. An electronic device (200) including the housing (201) may be referred to as a foldable electronic device.

[0062] The electronic device (200) may include a flexible display (260) disposed within a housing (201). The flexible display (260) may be deformable into a shape corresponding to the folded state of the housing (201).

[0063] The flexible display (260) may include a first display portion (261) disposed within a first housing part (210) and a second display portion (262) extending from the first display portion (261) and disposed within a second housing part (220). A central portion of the flexible display (260) that overlaps with the folding axis (f) may be substantially flat when the housing (201) is unfolded and may be bent according to the folding of the housing (201). The central portion of the flexible display (260) may include a portion of the first display portion (261) and a portion of the second display portion (262) extending from said portion of the first display portion (261). The remainder of the first display portion (261) and the remainder of the second display portion (262) may be substantially flat regardless of the folding state of the housing (201).

[0064] A first display portion (261) of a flexible display (260) may define a first area of ​​the external front surface of an electronic device (200) (e.g., when the electronic device (200) is unfolded). For example, the first display portion (261) of the flexible display (260) may include a front surface (261A) that forms the first area of ​​the external front surface of the electronic device (200). The front surface (261A) of the first display portion (261) may be visually exposed to the outside through a first housing part (210). For example, the first display portion (261) may include a first window that forms the front surface (261A) of the first display portion (261). For example, the first window of the first display portion (261) may be formed to be substantially transparent. For example, the first window of the first display portion (261) may comprise a polymer and / or glass. Additionally, the first display portion (261) may comprise one or more first protective films laminated on the first window, in which case the front surface (261A) of the first display portion (261) may be formed by the one or more first protective films. The first window of the first display portion (261) may be understood as being included in the first housing part (210) in that it forms part of the exterior of the electronic device (200). In this case, the first window of the first display portion (261) may be referred to as the front light-transmitting portion of the first housing part (210).

[0065] A second display portion (262) of a flexible display (260) may define a second area of ​​the outer front surface of an electronic device (200) (e.g., when the electronic device (200) is unfolded). For example, the second display portion (262) of the flexible display (260) may include a front surface (262A) that forms the second area of ​​the outer front surface of the electronic device (200). The front surface (262A) of the second display portion (262) may be visually exposed to the outside through a second housing part (220). For example, the second display portion (262) may include a second window that forms the front surface (262A) of the second display portion (262). For example, the second window of the second display portion (262) may be formed substantially transparent. For example, the second window of the second display portion (262) may comprise a polymer and / or glass. Additionally, the second display portion (262) may comprise one or more second protective films laminated on the second window, in which case the front surface (262A) of the second display portion (262) may be formed by the one or more second protective films. The first window of the first display portion (261) may be formed integrally with the second window of the second display portion (262). The one or more first protective films of the first display portion (261) may be formed integrally with the one or more second protective films of the second display portion (262). The second window of the second display portion (262) may be understood to be included in the second housing part (220) in that it forms part of the exterior of the electronic device (200). In this case, the second window of the second display part (262) can be referred to as the front light-transmitting part of the second housing part (220).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2b, the first housing part (210) may include a first rear cover (212). The first rear cover (212) may define a first area of ​​the external rear surface of the electronic device (200) (or the first housing part (210)) opposite to the first area of ​​the external front surface of the electronic device (200).

[0067] The first rear cover (212) of the first housing part (210) may be configured to transmit light. For example, the first rear cover (212) of the first housing part (210) may be formed to be substantially transparent. For example, the first rear cover (212) of the first housing part (210) may include a polymer and / or glass configured to transmit light. The first rear cover (212) of the first housing part (210) may be referred to as a light transmittance portion or a rear light transmittance portion of the first housing part (210). The light transmittance portion of the first housing part (210) may be referred to as a light transmittance surface, a light transmittance plane, or a light transmittance side.

[0068] The second housing part (220) may include a second rear cover (222). The second rear cover (222) may define a second area of ​​the outer rear surface of the electronic device (200) (or the second housing part (220)) opposite to the second area of ​​the outer front surface of the electronic device (200). The second rear cover (222) of the second housing part (220) may be formed substantially opaque, for example, without limitation. For example, the second rear cover (222) may include a polymer and / or glass formed substantially opaque.

[0069] Referring again to FIG. 2a, a front direction (210A) and a rear direction (210B) opposite to the front direction (210A) of the first housing part (210) may be defined. The front direction (210A) of the first housing part (210) may be a direction perpendicular to the first display part (261) and facing the first area of ​​the outer front surface of the electronic device (200). The rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210) may be a direction perpendicular to the first display part (261) and facing the first area (or first rear cover (212)) of the outer rear surface of the electronic device (200) (or the first housing part (210)).

[0070] Additionally, a front direction (220A) and a rear direction (220B) opposite to the front direction (220A) of the second housing part (220) may be defined. The front direction (220A) of the second housing part (220) may be a direction perpendicular to the second display part (262) and facing the second region of the outer front surface of the electronic device (200). The rear direction (220B) of the second housing part (220) may be a direction perpendicular to the second display part (262) and facing the second region (or second rear cover (222)) of the outer rear surface of the electronic device (200) (or the second housing part (220)).

[0071] FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 show an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (200) may include a hinge structure (230). A first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) may be rotatably connected through the hinge structure (230). In FIG. 3, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) are shown arranged approximately 90 degrees through the hinge structure (230).

[0073] The electronic device (200) may include an optical structure (380) (or optical member) disposed within the first housing part (210). The optical structure (380) may be disposed between the first rear cover (212) of the first housing part (210) and the first display part (261).

[0074] The first display portion (261) may include a back surface (261B) opposite to the front surface (261A). The back surface (261B) of the first display portion (261) may face an optical structure (380).

[0075] A first display portion (261) may be disposed within the first housing portion (210) such that it emits light in the front direction (210A) of the first housing portion (210) and / or emits light in the rear direction (210B) of the first housing portion (210). For example, the first display portion (261) may emit light through both the front (261A) and the back (261B), and the first display portion (261) may be disposed within the first housing portion (210) such that the front (261A) of the first display portion (261) faces the front direction (210A) of the first housing portion (210) and the back (261B) of the first display portion (261) faces the rear direction (210B) of the first housing portion (210).

[0076] Light emitted from the first display part (261) toward the front direction (210A) of the first housing part (210) can be transmitted to the outside (e.g., through the first window of the first display part (261)).

[0077] The optical structure (380) may be configured to block light optionally (e.g., according to specified conditions). The optical structure (380) positioned between the first display portion (261) and the first rear cover (212) may transmit or block light emitted from the first display portion (261) toward the rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210). For example, referring to FIG. 4, the optical structure (380) may include a polarizing liquid crystal element (481). The polarizing liquid crystal element (481) may selectively transmit or block light of a specific polarization state (e.g., light emitted from the first display portion (261)) by using liquid crystal molecules that align in response to an applied electric field.

[0078] Referring again to FIG. 3, for example, light emitted from the first display part (261) toward the rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210) can be transmitted to the outside by passing through the optical structure (380) and the first rear cover (212). For another example, light emitted from the first display part (261) toward the rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210) can be blocked by the optical structure (380).

[0079] A second display portion (262) may be disposed within the second housing part (220) to emit light toward (and / or toward) the front direction (220A) of the second housing part (220). For example, the second display portion (262) may be disposed within the second housing part (220) such that a front (262A) configured to emit light faces toward the front direction (220A) of the second housing part (220) (or is exposed to the front of the second housing part (220)).

[0080] The second display portion (262) may be configured to emit light through both the front (262A) and the rear (262B). Additionally, the first display portion (261) may be configured to emit light through both the front (261A) and the rear (261B). To this end, the flexible display (260) may be formed to be substantially transparent. For example, the flexible display (260) may include a transparent OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display. For example, stacks of the flexible display (260) may be formed to be substantially transparent. For example, a flexible display (260) may include a substrate formed of a substantially transparent polymer (e.g., polyimide), a first electrode layer (e.g., anode) formed of a substantially transparent conductive material (e.g., indium tin oxide) on the substrate, and a second electrode layer (e.g., cathode) formed of a substantially transparent conductive material. Between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, a light-emitting layer containing an organic material may be disposed, and on the opposite side of the substrate, a substantially transparent encapsulation layer that seals the organic material contained in the flexible display (260) may be disposed. Accordingly, light from the light-emitting layer may be emitted to the front (e.g., the substrate or the encapsulation layer) and the back (e.g., the encapsulation layer or the substrate) of the flexible display (260).

[0081] The second display portion (262) may be configured to emit light toward the rear direction (220B) of the second housing part (220). However, light emitted from the second display portion (262) toward the rear direction (220B) of the second housing part (220) may be blocked inside the second housing part (220). For example, referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (200) may include an opaque member (440) located within the second housing part (220). The opaque member (440) may block light from the second display portion (262) emitted toward the rear direction (220B) of the second housing part (220). The opaque member (440) may include, for example, an opaque portion of the second housing part (220) disposed below the second display portion (262), which is not limited to, for example (e.g., a bracket for supporting the second display portion (262)). For another example, the opaque member (440) may include an opaque substrate included in the second display portion (262). In this case, the substrate of the second display portion (262) may be formed to be substantially opaque.

[0082] FIG. 5 shows examples of folded states of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0083] 501 in FIG. 5 indicates a state in which the housing (201) is folded (or completely folded). Referring to 501 in FIG. 5, when the housing (201) is folded, the first housing part (210) may be placed on the second housing part (220). When the housing (201) is folded, the first display part (261) of the first housing part (210) may face the second display part (262) of the second housing part (220). When the housing (201) is folded, the first display part (261) may overlap the second display part (262).

[0084] When the housing (201) is folded, the optical structure (380) can be configured to transmit light. Accordingly, light emitted from the display (260) (e.g., the first display portion (261)) can be transmitted to the outside through the optical structure (380) and the first rear cover (212).

[0085] 502 of FIG. 5 represents a first intermediate state of the housing (201). Referring to 502 of FIG. 5, in the first intermediate state of the housing (201), the angle between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be a first angle (A1). The first angle (A1) may be larger than the angle between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) in the folded state of 501. The first angle (A1) may be an acute angle, for example, but is not limited to.

[0086] In the first intermediate state of the housing (201), the optical structure (380) may be configured to transmit light. Accordingly, light emitted from the display (260) (e.g., the first display portion (261)) may be transmitted to the outside through the optical structure (380) and the first rear cover (212).

[0087] 503 of FIG. 5 represents a second intermediate state of the housing (201). Referring to 503 of FIG. 5, in the second intermediate state of the housing (201), the angle between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be a second angle (A2). The second angle (A2) may be larger than the first angle (A1) of 502. The second angle (A2) may be an obtuse angle, for example, without limitation.

[0088] In the second intermediate state of the housing (201), the optical structure (380) may be configured to block light. Accordingly, the screen displayed by the first display part (261) may be visible in the front direction (210A) of the first housing part (210) and may not be visible in the rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210). Additionally, in the second intermediate state of the housing (201), the screen displayed by the second display part (262) may be visible in the front direction (220A) of the second housing part (220) and may not be visible in the rear direction (220B) of the second housing part (220). Accordingly, the flexible display (260) can display a screen facing the front direction (210A) of the first housing part (210) using the first display portion (261) and a screen facing the front direction (220A) of the second housing part (220) using the second display portion (262).

[0089] 504 of FIG. 5 indicates the housing (201) in an unfolded state (or fully unfolded state). Referring to 504 of FIG. 5, when the housing (201) is unfolded, the angle between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be a third angle (A3). The third angle (A3) may be larger than the second angle (A2) of 503. The third angle (A3) may be, for example, about 180 degrees, without limitation.

[0090] When the housing (201) is unfolded, the optical structure (380) may be configured to block light. Accordingly, the screen displayed by the first display part (261) may be visible in the front direction (210A) of the first housing part (210) and may not be visible in the rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210). Additionally, in the unfolded state (or fully unfolded state) of the housing (201), the screen displayed by the second display part (262) may be visible in the front direction (220A) of the second housing part (220) and may not be visible in the rear direction (220B) of the second housing part (220). Accordingly, the flexible display (260) can display a screen facing the front direction (210A) of the first housing part (210) using the first display portion (261) and a screen facing the front direction (220A) of the second housing part (220) using the second display portion (262).

[0091] As described above, by selectively blocking or transmitting light through an optical structure (380), a screen output to the front direction (210A) or rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210) can be provided using a single display. The electronic device according to the comparative example may include a main display (e.g., the main display (1260) of FIG. 12) installed on the front of the first housing part (210), and additionally, may include an auxiliary display (e.g., the auxiliary display (1265) of FIG. 12) installed on the rear of the first housing part (210). In cases such as state (501) and state (502), the main display of the electronic device according to the comparative example may be turned off because it is difficult to see from the outside, and only the auxiliary display may operate. Conversely, in cases such as conditions (503) and (504), the auxiliary display of the electronic device according to the comparative example may be turned off to reduce power consumption, and only the main display may operate. Since there are not many scenarios in which both displays mounted on the electronic device according to the comparative example are used, usability may be reduced. Furthermore, because complex circuit configurations and physical space are required to mount these two displays, the weight and volume of the device may increase, and manufacturing costs may also increase. In contrast, the electronic device (200) according to one embodiment can provide a screen on both sides through a single display, so the aforementioned problems may be reduced and / or resolved.

[0092] FIG. 6a shows an electronic device including an optical structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 6b is a diagram showing the mechanism of the optical structure.

[0093] Including FIG. 6a, the optical structure (380) may include a first polarizer (681) and a second polarizer (682) alternatively or additionally to the polarizing liquid crystal element (481) of FIG. 4. The first polarizer (681) may be spaced apart from the second polarizer (682). The first polarizer (681) may be positioned between the first rear cover (212) and the second polarizer (682). The second polarizer (682) may be positioned between the first polarizer (681) and the first display portion (261).

[0094] The first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) may be configured to block or transmit light depending on the folded state of the electronic device (200).

[0095] For example, referring to FIG. 6b, the first polarizer (681) may include a first end (681a) connected to the hinge structure (230) and a second end (681b) opposite to the first end (681a). The second polarizer (682) may include a first end (682a) connected to the hinge structure (230) and a second end (682b) opposite to the first end (682a). The position where the first end (681a) of the first polarizer (681) is connected to the hinge structure (230) and the position where the first end (682a) of the second polarizer (682) is connected to the hinge structure (230) may be different from each other, and since the first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) are spaced apart from each other, the arrangement of the first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) may vary depending on the folded state of the electronic device (200) through the hinge structure (230).

[0096] For example, in a fully unfolded state (601) (e.g., 504 in FIG. 5), the first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) can be aligned in a first arrangement. For example, the first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) can be arranged such that the second end (681b) of the first polarizer (681) and the second end (682b) of the second polarizer (682) are offset by a first length (d1). At this time, the first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) can block light.

[0097] For example, in an intermediate state (602) (e.g., between 502 and 503 in FIG. 5), the first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) may be aligned in a second arrangement. For example, the first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) may be arranged such that the second end (681b) of the first polarizer (681) and the second end (682b) of the second polarizer (682) are offset by a second length (d2). The second length (d2) may be smaller than the first length (d1).

[0098] For example, in a completely folded state (603) (e.g., 501 in FIG. 5), the first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) can be aligned in a third arrangement. For example, the first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) can be arranged so that the second end (681b) of the first polarizer (681) and the second end (682b) of the second polarizer (682) coincide. At this time, the first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) can transmit light.

[0099] FIG. 7a shows an exemplary screen displayed on an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 7b and FIG. 7c show exemplary screens displayed on an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 7a, the electronic device (200) can display a screen (701) using a first display portion (261) and display a screen (702) using a second display portion (262) when the housing (201) is unfolded. The screen (701) and the screen (702) may include one or more contents.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 7b, the electronic device (200) can display a screen (703) using a first display portion (261) when the housing (201) is folded. The screen (703) may correspond to a mirrored version of the screen (701) of FIG. 7a. For example, the screen (701) of FIG. 7a may include a visual object such as “R”, and the screen (703) may be, “ As such, the screen (701) may include a mirror image object of the visual object. For example, the screen (701) of FIG. 7a may include an image, and the screen (703) may include a mirror image of the image included in the screen (701) of FIG. 7a. Accordingly, even if the housing (201) is folded, the screen (703) displayed through the first display part (261) can be displayed in the correct direction without being flipped.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, when the housing (201) is unfolded, the screen (701) is displayed through the first display portion (261). When the housing (201) is folded, the electronic device (200) can display a vertically symmetrical screen (703) through the first display portion (261).

[0103] For example, the screen (703) of FIG. 7b may be a screen that is vertically symmetrical to the screen (701) of FIG. 7a. For example, the electronic device (200) may include at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1), such as a gravity acceleration sensor. The first housing part (210) may include a first side part (210a) and a second side part (210b) opposite to the first side part (210a) and adjacent to (or coupled to) the hinge structure (230). The electronic device (200) may use the at least one sensor to determine whether the first side part (210a) or the second side part (210b) of the first housing part (210) is facing the direction of gravity (g) (or is in portrait mode). When the electronic device (200) identifies that the first side part (210a) or the second side part (210b) of the first housing part (210) is facing the direction of gravity, it can use the first display part (261) to display a first screen (701) that is vertically symmetrical and a screen (703).

[0104] Additionally, the electronic device (200) may disable the second display portion (262) when the housing (201) is folded. For example, the electronic device (200) may enable the first display portion (261) and disable the second display portion (262) so that a screen (703) is provided when the housing (201) is folded. In the present disclosure, disabling a specific display portion may include controlling the pixels included in the display portion so that the display portion provides a black image (or black screen) (704). In the present disclosure, disabling a specific display portion may include turning off the pixels so that light is not emitted from the pixels included in the display portion so that the display portion provides a black image (or black screen) (704), or controlling the display portion so that the brightness of the pixels is reduced to a minimum level. In the present disclosure, disabling a specific display portion may include turning off the display portion.

[0105] For example, by deactivating the second display portion (262) that overlaps the first display portion (261) and the optical structure (380) when the housing (201) is folded, the screen of the second display portion (262) can be prevented from being visible from the outside by passing through the first display portion (261) and the optical structure (380). Additionally, by deactivating the second display portion (262) that overlaps the first display portion (261) and the optical structure (380) when the housing (201) is folded, the performance of the display (260) can be improved. For example, by deactivating the second display portion (262) when the housing (201) is folded, the performance of the first display portion (261) (e.g., screen brightness and contrast ratio, etc.) can be improved, and the power consumption of the display (260) can be reduced.

[0106] Referring to 7c, the electronic device (200) can display a screen (705) using the first display portion (261) when the housing (201) is folded. The screen (705) may correspond to a mirror image version of the screen (701) of FIG. 7a. For example, the screen (701) of FIG. 7a may include a visual object such as “R”, and the screen (705) may be, “ As such, the screen (701) may include a mirror image object of the visual object. For example, the screen (701) of FIG. 7a may include an image, and the screen (705) may include a mirror image of the image included in the screen (701) of FIG. 7a. Accordingly, even if the housing (201) is folded, the screen (705) displayed through the first display part (261) can be displayed in the correct direction without being flipped.

[0107] For example, the screen (705) may be a screen that is symmetrical to the screen (701) of FIG. 7a. For example, the first housing part (210) may include a third side part (210c) extending from the first end of the first side part (210a) to the first end of the second side part (210b), and a fourth side part (210d) extending from the second end of the first side part (210a) to the second end of the second side part (210b) and opposite to the third side part (210c). The electronic device (200) may identify whether the third side part (210c) or the fourth side part (210d) of the first housing part (210) is facing the direction of gravity (g) (or is in landscape mode) using the at least one sensor. When the electronic device (200) identifies that the third side part (210c) or the fourth side part (210d) of the first housing part (210) is facing the direction of gravity, it can use the first display part (261) to display a first screen (701) that is symmetrical to the left and right (705).

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7c, when the housing (201) is unfolded, the screen (701) is displayed through the first display portion (261). When the housing (201) is folded, the electronic device (200) can display a screen (705) that is symmetrical to the screen (701) through the first display portion (261). The electronic device (200) can disable the second display portion (262) when the housing (201) is folded. For example, when the housing (201) is folded, the electronic device (200) can enable the first display portion (261) to provide the screen (705) and disable the second display portion (262) to provide a black image (or black screen) (704).

[0109] Although not illustrated, the electronic device (200) may include a light source disposed within the first housing part (210). The light source may be used to compensate for the optical characteristics of the first display part (261). For example, when the housing (201) is folded, the light emitted from the first display part (261) may have reduced transmittance through the optical structure (380). The light source may compensate for the transmittance of the first display part (261) by operating when the housing (201) is folded. The light source may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) or an auxiliary backlight device.

[0110] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0111] The operations of FIG. 8 and the operations of the electronic device (200) described in this disclosure may be performed by at least one processor of the electronic device (200) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) comprising a processing circuit. For example, the electronic device (200) may include a memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1) comprising one or more storage media for storing instructions. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device (200) may cause the operations of FIG. 8 and the operations of the electronic device (200) described in this disclosure.

[0112] The operations of Fig. 8 are explained with reference to the aforementioned drawings.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation 810, the electronic device (200) can identify the folded state of the housing (201). For example, the electronic device (200) can identify the folded state of the housing (201) using the at least one sensor.

[0114] In operation 820, the electronic device (200) can identify whether the housing (201) is folded. For example, the electronic device (200) can identify whether the housing (201) is folded depending on whether the angle between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) is less than or equal to a reference angle (or threshold angle). The reference angle may be an angle corresponding to the first angle (A1) of 502 in FIG. 5 and the second angle (A2) of 503 in FIG. 5. For example, the electronic device (200) can determine that the housing (201) is folded if the folded state of the housing (201) is 501 or 502 in FIG. 5. For example, the electronic device (200) can determine that the housing (201) is unfolded if the folded state of the housing (201) is 503 or 504 in FIG. 5. If the electronic device (200) identifies in operation 820 that the housing (201) is folded (operation 820: yes), operation 830 may be performed, and if not (operation 820: no), operation 840 may be performed.

[0115] In operation 830, the electronic device (200) can enable the first display portion (261) to provide content through the first display portion (261) and disable the second display portion (262). For example, referring to FIG. 7b, the electronic device (200) can use the first display portion (261) to display a screen (703) and disable the second display portion (262) (e.g., so that a screen (704) is provided). For example, referring to FIG. 7c, the electronic device (200) can use the first display portion (261) to display a screen (705) and disable the second display portion (262) (e.g., so that a screen (704) is provided). Additionally, as described above with reference to FIGS. 7b and 7c, the electronic device (200) can display either an up-down symmetrical screen (703) of the screen (701) or a left-right symmetrical screen (705) of the screen (701) based on a value obtained using the gravitational acceleration.

[0116] Additionally, in operation 830, the electronic device (200) can control the polarizing liquid crystal element (481) to transmit light emitted from the first display portion (261) in order to provide the content.

[0117] Additionally, in operation 830, the first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) may be arranged as in the state (603) of FIG. 6b to transmit light emitted from the first display portion (261).

[0118] In operation 840, the electronic device (200) can activate the first display part (261) and the second display part (262) to provide content through the first display part (261) and the second display part (262). For example, referring to FIG. 7a, the electronic device (200) can display a screen (701) using the first display part (261) and display a screen (702) using the second display part (262).

[0119] Additionally, in operation 840, the electronic device (200) can control the polarizing liquid crystal element (481) to block light emitted from the first display portion (261). Additionally, in operation 840, the first polarizing plate (681) and the second polarizing plate (682) can be arranged as in the state (601) of FIG. 6b to block light emitted from the first display portion (261). Accordingly, the screen displayed through the first display portion (261) may not be visible from the rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210).

[0120] FIG. 9a shows an electronic device for providing a stereoscopic image according to one embodiment. FIG. 9b and FIG. 9c are drawings for explaining a method for providing a stereoscopic image according to one embodiment.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 9a, the electronic device (200) may include an optical structure (980) (e.g., the optical structure (380) of FIG. 3). For example, the optical structure (980) may include a polarized blind barrier.

[0122] The first display portion (261) may include a first group of pixels (a1) and a second group of pixels (a2). The second display portion (262) may include a first group of pixels (b1) and a second group of pixels (b2). The optical structure (980) may optically separate the first group of pixels (a1) and the second group of pixels (a2) such that light emitted from the first group of pixels (a1) of the first display portion (261) is visible only to the user's left eye (EL), and light emitted from the second group of pixels (a2) of the first display portion (261) is visible only to the user's right eye (ER). Additionally, the optical structure (980) can optically separate the first group of pixels (b1) and the second group of pixels (b2) so that light emitted from the first group of pixels (b1) of the second display part (262) is visible only to the user's right eye (ER), and light emitted from the second group of pixels (b2) of the second display part (262) is visible only to the user's left eye (EL). Additionally, the optical structure (980) can optically separate the first group of pixels (a1) of the first display part (261) and the first group of pixels (b1) of the second display part (262) so that light emitted from the first group of pixels (a1) of the first display part (261) is visible only to the user's left eye (EL), and light emitted from the first group of pixels (b1) of the second display part (262) is visible only to the user's right eye (ER).

[0123] By using pixels of the first display portion (261) and the second display portion (262) that are optically separated through the optical structure (980) to transmit different images to the left eye (EL) and the right eye (ER), a stereoscopic image can be provided to the user without 3D glasses (e.g., parallax barrier method).

[0124] For example, referring to FIG. 9b, an electronic device (200) may acquire a first stereo image (901) and a second stereo image (902) for providing 3D content. The first stereo image (901) may include an image of the 3D content viewed from a first direction, and the second stereo image (902) may include an image of the 3D content viewed from a second direction different from the first direction.

[0125] The electronic device (200) can acquire a mirror image (903) of the first stereo image (901). For example, when the electronic device (200) in a folded state operates in portrait mode (e.g., when the first side part (210a) or the second side part (210b) of the first housing part (210) faces the direction of gravity (g) as in FIG. 7b), the mirror image (903) may be an image in which the first stereo image (901) is symmetrically reflected up and down. As another example, when the electronic device (200) in a folded state operates in landscape mode (e.g., when the third side part (210c) or the fourth side part (210d) of the first housing part (210) faces the direction of gravity (g) as in FIG. 7c), the mirror image (903) may be an image in which the first stereo image (901) is symmetrically reflected left and right.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the electronic device (200) can obtain a left eye stereo image (904) by reconstructing the mirror image (903) such that the mirror image (903) is displayed on a first group of pixels (a1) among the pixels included in a first display portion (261) and other pixels (e.g., a second group of pixels (a2)) are displayed transparently.

[0127] The electronic device (200) can obtain a right eye stereo image (905) by reconstructing the second stereo image (902) such that the second stereo image (902) is displayed on the first group of pixels (b1) among the pixels included in the second display portion (262) and the other pixels (e.g., the second group of pixels (b2)) are displayed transparently (or in black).

[0128] The electronic device (200) can display a left-eye stereo image (904) on a first display portion (261) and a right-eye stereo image (905) on a second display portion (262).

[0129] As shown in reference numeral (906), when the electronic device (200) is folded, the left eye stereo image (904) and the right eye stereo image (905) can be displayed superimposed through the first display portion (261) and the second display portion (262).

[0130] The optical structure (980) can optically separate the left eye stereo image (904) and the right eye stereo image (905) so that the left eye stereo image (904) is visible only to the left eye (EL) and the right eye stereo image (905) is visible only to the right eye (ER). Accordingly, through the binocular parallax between the left eye (EL) and the right eye (ER) provided through the optical structure (980), 3D content based on the left eye stereo image (904) and the right eye stereo image (905) can be provided to the user with a sense of depth.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 9c, the optical structure (980) may include a plurality of blind bars (982) arranged in parallel. The distance (y) at which the user views the stereoscopic image may vary depending on the distance (dx1) between two adjacent bars among the plurality of blind bars (982), the distance (dy1) between the optical structure (980) and the first display part (261), the distance (dy2) between the first display part (261) and the second display part (262), the area (dx2) of the partial screen of the first display part (261) (e.g., the area of ​​the first group of pixels (a1)), and the area (dx3) of the partial screen of the second display part (262) (e.g., the area of ​​the first group of pixels (b1)).

[0132] FIG. 10a shows an electronic device for providing a stereoscopic image according to one embodiment. FIG. 10b is a drawing for explaining a method for providing a stereoscopic image according to one embodiment.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 10a, the second display portion (262) may include a first group of pixels (b1) and a second group of pixels (b2). The optical structure (980) may optically separate the first group of pixels (b1) and the second group of pixels (b2) such that light emitted from the first group of pixels (b1) of the second display portion (262) is visible only to the user's right eye (ER), and light emitted from the second group of pixels (b2) of the second display portion (262) is visible only to the user's left eye (EL).

[0134] By using the first group of pixels (b1) and the second group of pixels (b2) of the second display part (262) that are optically separated through the optical structure (980) to transmit different images to the left eye (EL) and the right eye (ER), a stereoscopic image can be provided to the user without 3D glasses (e.g., parallax barrier method).

[0135] For example, referring to FIG. 10b, an electronic device (200) may acquire a first stereo image (1001) and a second stereo image (1002) for providing 3D content. The first stereo image (1001) may include an image of the 3D content viewed from a first direction, and the second stereo image (1002) may include an image of the 3D content viewed from a second direction different from the first direction.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b, the electronic device (200) can obtain a left-eye stereo image (1003) by reconstructing the first stereo image (1001) so that the first stereo image (1001) is displayed only on the pixels (b2) of the second group of the second display portion (262).

[0137] The electronic device (200) can obtain a right eye stereo image (1004) by reconstructing the second stereo image (1002) so that the second stereo image (1002) is displayed only on the pixels (b1) of the first group of the second display portion (262).

[0138] The electronic device (200) can display a left-eye stereo image (1003) and a right-eye stereo image (1004) on a second display portion (262). For example, the electronic device (200) can display the right-eye stereo image (1004) using a first group of pixels (b1) of the second display portion (262) and display the left-eye stereo image (1003) using a second group of pixels (b2) of the second display portion (262).

[0139] As indicated by reference numeral (1005), when the electronic device (200) is folded, the electronic device (200) can control the pixels included in the first display portion (261) so that the first display portion (261) remains substantially transparent. Accordingly, when the electronic device (200) is folded, the left eye stereo image (1003) and the right eye stereo image (1004) can be seen through the first display portion (261).

[0140] The optical structure (980) can optically separate the left eye stereo image (1003) and the right eye stereo image (1004) so ​​that the left eye stereo image (1003) is visible only to the left eye (EL) and the right eye stereo image (1004) is visible only to the right eye (ER). Accordingly, through the binocular parallax between the left eye (EL) and the right eye (ER) provided through the optical structure (980), 3D content based on the left eye stereo image (1003) and the right eye stereo image (1004) can be provided to the user with a sense of depth.

[0141] FIG. 11a illustrates an electronic device for providing an augmented reality (AR) service according to one embodiment. FIG. 11b is a diagram showing a method for the electronic device to provide an AR service according to one embodiment.

[0142] FIG. 12 illustrates an electronic device for providing an augmented reality (AR) service according to a comparative example.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 11a, the electronic device (200) may include an optical structure (1180) (e.g., the optical structure (380) of FIG. 3 or the optical structure (980) of FIG. 9a) and a camera (1185) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1).

[0144] The electronic device (200) can control the optical structure (1180) to transmit light in order to provide AR services. Accordingly, the external environment (1101) can be seen by the user (E) through the first display part (261).

[0145] The electronic device (200) can display AR content as an overlay on an external environment (1101) visible through the first display portion (261). While displaying the AR content through the first display portion (261), the electronic device (200) can provide visual information using the second display portion (262) or disable the second display portion (262).

[0146] For example, referring to FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b, in the camera shooting step (1110), the electronic device (200) can acquire real-time image data corresponding to an external environment (1101) using a camera (1185).

[0147] In the still image capture step (1120), the electronic device (200) can acquire a still image based on the real-time image data acquired in the camera shooting step (1110).

[0148] In the image analysis step (1130), the electronic device (200) can perform image analysis based on the still image obtained in the still image capture step (1120). The electronic device (200) can generate image extraction information through the image analysis.

[0149] In the user stage (1140), the electronic device (200) can obtain user processing information. The user processing information may include, for example, user location information, field of view information, and information about the posture of the electronic device (200), without limitation.

[0150] In the virtual image step (1150), the electronic device (200) can acquire a virtual image based on the image extraction information and the user processing information. The virtual image may include the AR content.

[0151] The electronic device (200) can display the virtual image as an overlay on the actual image visible through the first display portion (261). Accordingly, the AR content can be provided to the user during the video viewing step (1160).

[0152] Referring to FIG. 12, the electronic device (1200) of the comparative example may include a main display (1260) and an auxiliary display (1265) provided on the opposite side of the main display (1260). Unlike the first display portion (261) of the electronic device (200) of FIG. 11a, the main display (1260) and the auxiliary display (1265) may be opaque. Accordingly, light from the external environment (1101) may not be transmitted through the main display (1260) and the auxiliary display (1265).

[0153] Accordingly, in order to provide an AR service, unlike the electronic device (200) of FIG. 11b which displays AR content overlaid on a real image on the first display portion (261), the electronic device (1200) of the comparative example must provide AR content as an overlay on a captured image obtained through the camera (1185). Accordingly, a delay factor may occur in the AR service provided by the electronic device (1200) of the comparative example, and this may impair the user experience.

[0154] FIG. 13a shows an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 13b shows an electronic device in a single-folded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 13c shows an electronic device in a multi-folded state according to one embodiment.

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c, an electronic device (1300) (e.g., electronic device (200)) may include a housing (1301) (e.g., housing (201)). The housing (1301) may include a first housing part (1310) (e.g., first housing part (210)), a second housing part (1320) (e.g., second housing part (220)) rotatably coupled to a first side portion of the first housing part (1310), and a third housing part (1330) rotatably coupled to a second side portion of the first housing part (1310) opposite to the first side portion.

[0156] The electronic device (1300) may include a flexible display (1360) (e.g., a flexible display (260)) disposed within a housing (1301). The flexible display (1360) may include a first display portion (1361) (e.g., a first display portion (261)) disposed within a first housing part (1310), a second display portion (1362) (e.g., a second display portion (262)) extending from a first side of the first display portion (1361) and disposed within a second housing part (1320), and a third display portion (1363) extending from a second side of the first display portion (1361) opposite to the first side and disposed within a third housing part (1330).

[0157] The first display portion (1361) may include a front (1361A) (e.g., front (261A)) and a back (1361B) (e.g., back (261B)) opposite to the front (1361A). The first display portion (1361) may be configured to emit light through the front (1361A) and / or in the direction toward which the front (1361A) faces. Additionally, the first display portion (1361) may be configured to emit light through the back (1361B) and / or in the direction toward which the back (1361B) faces.

[0158] The second display portion (1362) may include a front (1362A) (e.g., front (262A)) and a back (1362B) (e.g., back (262B)) opposite to the front (1362A). The second display portion (1362) may be configured to emit light through the front (1362A) and / or in the direction toward which the front (1362A) faces. Optionally or additionally, the second display portion (1362) may be configured to emit light through the back (1362B) and / or in the direction toward which the back (1362B) faces.

[0159] The third display portion (1363) may include a front (1363A) (e.g., front (261A)) and a back (1363B) (e.g., back (261B)) opposite to the front (1363A). The third display portion (1363) may be configured to emit light through the front (1363A) and / or in the direction facing the front (1363A). Additionally, the third display portion (1363) may be configured to emit light through the back (1363B) and / or in the direction facing the back (1363B).

[0160] The electronic device (1300) may include a first optical structure disposed within a first housing part (1310) so as to face the back surface (1361B) of the first display part (1361). For the first optical structure for the first display part (1361), the description of the optical structures (380, 980, or 1180) for the first display part (261) described above may be applied substantially the same, similarly, or in a corresponding manner.

[0161] The first housing part (1310) may include a first rear cover that forms at least partially the rear surface of the first housing part (1310). For the first rear cover, the description of the first rear cover (212) of the first housing part (210) described above may be applied substantially the same, similar, or correspondingly. For example, the first optical structure may be disposed between the first rear cover of the first housing part (1310) and the first display part (1361). The first optical structure may be configured to transmit or block light emitted from the first display part (1361). Light from the first display part (1361) that has passed through the first optical structure may pass through the first rear cover and be transmitted to the outside.

[0162] The electronic device (1300) may include a second optical structure disposed within a third housing part (1330) so as to face the back surface (1363B) of the third display part (1363). For the second optical structure for the third display part (1363), the description of the optical structures (380, 980, or 1180) for the first display part (261) described above may be applied substantially the same, similarly, or in a corresponding manner.

[0163] The third housing part (1330) may include a second rear cover that forms at least partially the rear surface of the third housing part (1330). For the second rear cover, the description of the first rear cover (212) of the first housing part (210) described above may be applied substantially the same, similar, or correspondingly. For example, the second optical structure may be disposed between the second rear cover of the third housing part (1330) and the third display part (1363). The second optical structure may be configured to transmit or block light emitted from the third display part (1363). Light from the third display part (1363) that has passed through the second optical structure may pass through the second rear cover and be transmitted to the outside.

[0164] The electronic device (1300) may include an opaque member located within the second housing part (1320). The description of the opaque member (440) described above may be applied to the opaque member in a substantially identical, similar, or corresponding manner. For example, the opaque member may be a part (e.g., a bracket) of the second housing part (1320) formed to be opaque to support the back surface (1362B) of the second display part (1362) and to block light emitted through the back surface (1362B) of the second display part (1362). For example, the opaque member may be a substrate of the second display part (1362) formed to be opaque to define at least a portion of the back surface (1362B) of the second display part (1362) and to block light emitted in the direction toward which the back surface (1362B) of the second display part (1362) faces.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 13a, the electronic device (1300) may include a camera module (1385) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1) disposed within a second housing part (1320). The camera module (1385) may be configured to acquire an image corresponding to the rear direction of the second housing part (1320).

[0166] When the electronic device (1300) is unfolded, the first housing part (1310), the second housing part (1320), and the third housing part (1330) may be placed on substantially the same plane. When the electronic device (1300) is unfolded, the flexible display (1360) may be substantially flat. For example, when the electronic device (1300) is unfolded, the first display part (1361), the second display part (1362), and the third display part (1363) may be substantially parallel and oriented in the same direction.

[0167] When the electronic device (1300) is in an unfolded state, the first optical structure of the first housing part (1310) may be configured to block light emitted from the first display part (1361), and the second optical structure of the third housing part (1330) may be configured to block light emitted from the third display part (1363). Accordingly, the first display part (1361) can display content through the front (1361A) among the front (1361A) and the back (1361B), the second display part (1362) can display content through the front (1362A) among the front (1362A) and the back (1362B), and the third display part (1363) can display content through the front (1363A) among the front (1363A) and the back (1363B).

[0168] Referring to FIG. 13b, in a single-folded state of the electronic device (1300), the first housing part (1310) and the second housing part (1320) may be placed substantially on the same plane, and the third housing part (1330) may be placed on the first housing part (1310). In a single-folded state of the electronic device (1300), the first display part (1361) and the second display part (1362) may be substantially parallel and oriented in the same direction. In a single-folded state of the electronic device (1300), the first display part (1361) and the third display part (1363) may be substantially parallel and oriented in opposite directions. For example, in a single-folded state of the electronic device (1300), the first display part (1361) and the third display part (1363) may face each other. For example, in a single-folded state of the electronic device (1300), the first display portion (1361) and the third display portion (1363) can overlap each other in a vertical direction.

[0169] In a single-folded state of the electronic device (1300), the first optical structure of the first housing part (1310) may be configured to block light emitted from the first display part (1361), and the second optical structure of the third housing part (1330) may be configured to transmit light emitted from the third display part (1363).

[0170] In a single-folded state of the electronic device (1300), a screen containing content (e.g., screen (703) or screen (705)) may be displayed on the second display portion (1362) and the third display portion (1363), and the first display portion (1361) may be deactivated. At this time, the screen displayed on the third display portion (1363) may include a screen in which a specific screen is vertically symmetrical or horizontally symmetrical, as described above with reference to FIGS. 7b and 7c.

[0171] Compared to the second display part (1362), the screen provided through the third display part (1363) is a screen that has passed through the second optical structure of the third housing part (1330), so a difference in brightness may occur between the screen of the second display part (1362) and the screen of the third display part (1363). To compensate for this, an auxiliary light source may be placed within the third housing part (1330).

[0172] Referring to FIG. 13c, in a multi-folded state of the electronic device (1300), the third housing part (1330) can be placed on the second housing part (1320), and the first housing part (1310) can be placed on the third housing part (1330).

[0173] In the multi-folded state of the electronic device (1300), the third display portion (1363) may be positioned above the second display portion (1362), and the first display portion (1361) may be placed on the third display portion (1363). In the multi-folded state of the electronic device (1300), the first display portion (1361), the second display portion (1362), and the third display portion (1363) may overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0174] In a multi-folded state of the electronic device (1300), the first optical structure of the first housing part (1310) may be configured to transmit light emitted from the first display part (1361), and the second optical structure of the third housing part (1330) may be configured to block light emitted from the third display part (1363).

[0175] In a multi-folded state of the electronic device (1300), a screen containing content (e.g., screen (703) or screen (705)) may be displayed on the first display portion (1361), and the second display portion (1362) and the third display portion (1363) may be deactivated. At this time, the screen displayed on the first display portion (1361) may include a screen in which a specific screen is vertically symmetrical or horizontally symmetrical, as described above with reference to FIGS. 7b and 7c.

[0176] FIG. 14a shows an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 14b shows an electronic device in a single-folded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 14c shows an electronic device in a multi-folded state according to one embodiment.

[0177] Referring to FIGS. 14a, 14b, and 14c, an electronic device (1400) (e.g., electronic device (200)) may include a housing (1401) (e.g., housing (201)). The housing (1401) may include a first housing part (1410) (e.g., first housing part (210)), a second housing part (1420) (e.g., second housing part (220)) having a first side portion rotatably coupled to the first housing part (1410), and a third housing part (1430) rotatably coupled to a second side portion of the second housing part (1420) opposite to the first side portion.

[0178] The electronic device (1400) may include a flexible display (1460) (e.g., a flexible display (260)) disposed within a housing (1401). The flexible display (1460) may include a first display portion (1461) (e.g., a first display portion (261)) disposed within a first housing part (1410), a second display portion (1462) (e.g., a second display portion (262)) disposed within a second housing part (1420), and a third display portion (1463) disposed within a third housing part (1430). The second display portion (1462) may extend from the first display portion (1461) to the third display portion (1463).

[0179] The first display portion (1461) may include a front (1461A) (e.g., front (261A)) and a back (1461B) (e.g., back (261B)) opposite to the front (1461A). The first display portion (1461) may be configured to emit light through the front (1461A) and / or in the direction toward which the front (1461A) faces. Additionally, the first display portion (1461) may be configured to emit light through the back (1461B) and / or in the direction toward which the back (1461B) faces.

[0180] The second display portion (1462) may include a front (1462A) (e.g., front (262A)) and a back (1462B) (e.g., back (262B)) opposite to the front (1462A). The second display portion (1462) may be configured to emit light through the front (1462A) and / or in the direction toward which the front (1462A) faces. Optionally or additionally, the second display portion (1462) may be configured to emit light through the back (1462B) and / or in the direction toward which the back (1462B) faces.

[0181] The third display portion (1463) may include a front (1463A) (e.g., front (261A)) and a back (1463B) (e.g., back (261B)) opposite to the front (1463A). The third display portion (1463) may be configured to emit light through the front (1463A) and / or in the direction facing the front (1463A). Additionally, the third display portion (1463) may be configured to emit light through the back (1463B) and / or in the direction facing the back (1463B).

[0182] The electronic device (1400) may include a first optical structure disposed within a first housing part (1410) so as to face the back surface (1461B) of the first display part (1461). For the first optical structure for the first display part (1461), the description of the optical structures (380, 980, or 1180) for the first display part (261) described above may be applied substantially the same, similarly, or in a corresponding manner.

[0183] The first housing part (1410) may include a first rear cover that forms at least partially the rear surface of the first housing part (1410). For the first rear cover, the description of the first rear cover (212) of the first housing part (210) described above may be applied substantially the same, similar, or correspondingly. For example, the first optical structure may be disposed between the first rear cover of the first housing part (1410) and the first display part (1461). The first optical structure may be configured to transmit or block light emitted from the first display part (1461). Light from the first display part (1461) that has passed through the first optical structure may pass through the first rear cover and be transmitted to the outside.

[0184] The electronic device (1400) may include a second optical structure disposed within a third housing part (1430) so as to face the back surface (1463B) of the third display part (1463). For the second optical structure for the third display part (1463), the description of the optical structures (380, 980, or 1180) for the first display part (261) described above may be applied substantially the same, similarly, or in a corresponding manner.

[0185] The third housing part (1430) may include a second rear cover that forms at least partially the rear surface of the third housing part (1430). For the second rear cover, the description of the first rear cover (212) of the first housing part (210) described above may be applied substantially the same, similar, or correspondingly. For example, the second optical structure may be disposed between the second rear cover of the third housing part (1430) and the third display part (1463). The second optical structure may be configured to transmit or block light emitted from the third display part (1463). Light from the third display part (1463) that has passed through the second optical structure may pass through the second rear cover and be transmitted to the outside.

[0186] The electronic device (1400) may include an opaque member located within the second housing part (1420). The description of the opaque member (440) described above may be applied to the opaque member in a substantially identical, similar, or corresponding manner. For example, the opaque member may be a part (e.g., a bracket) of the second housing part (1420) formed to be opaque to support the back surface (1462B) of the second display part (1462) and to block light emitted through the back surface (1462B) of the second display part (1462). For example, the opaque member may be a substrate of the second display part (1462) formed to be opaque to define at least a portion of the back surface (1462B) of the second display part (1462) and to block light emitted in the direction toward which the back surface (1462B) of the second display part (1462) faces.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 14a, the electronic device (1400) may include a camera module (1485) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1) disposed within a second housing part (1420). The camera module (1485) may be configured to acquire an image corresponding to the rear direction of the second housing part (1420).

[0188] When the electronic device (1400) is unfolded, the first housing part (1410), the second housing part (1420), and the third housing part (1430) may be placed on substantially the same plane. When the electronic device (1400) is unfolded, the flexible display (1460) may be substantially flat. For example, when the electronic device (1400) is unfolded, the first display part (1461), the second display part (1462), and the third display part (1463) may be substantially parallel and oriented in the same direction.

[0189] When the electronic device (1400) is in an unfolded state, the first optical structure of the first housing part (1410) may be configured to block light emitted from the first display part (1461), and the second optical structure of the third housing part (1430) may be configured to block light emitted from the third display part (1463). Accordingly, the first display part (1461) can display content through the front (1461A) among the front (1461A) and the back (1461B), the second display part (1462) can display content through the front (1462A) among the front (1462A) and the back (1462B), and the third display part (1463) can display content through the front (1463A) among the front (1463A) and the back (1463B).

[0190] Referring to FIG. 14b, in a single-folded state of the electronic device (1400), the second housing part (1420) and the third housing part (1430) can be placed substantially on the same plane, and the first housing part (1410) can be placed on the second housing part (1420).

[0191] In the single-folded state of the electronic device (1400), the second display portion (1462) and the third display portion (1463) may be substantially parallel and oriented in the same direction. In the single-folded state of the electronic device (1400), the first display portion (1461) and the second display portion (1462) may be substantially parallel and oriented in opposite directions. For example, in the single-folded state of the electronic device (1400), the first display portion (1461) and the second display portion (1462) may face each other. For example, in the single-folded state of the electronic device (1400), the first display portion (1461) and the second display portion (1462) may overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0192] In a single-folded state of the electronic device (1400), the first optical structure of the first housing part (1410) may be configured to transmit light emitted from the first display part (1461), and the second optical structure of the third housing part (1430) may be configured to block light emitted from the third display part (1463).

[0193] In a single-folded state of the electronic device (1400), a screen containing content (e.g., screen (703) or screen (705)) may be displayed on the first display portion (1461) and the third display portion (1463), and the second display portion (1462) may be deactivated. At this time, the screen displayed on the first display portion (1461) may include a screen in which a specific screen is vertically symmetrical or horizontally symmetrical, as described above with reference to FIGS. 7b and 7c.

[0194] Compared to the third display part (1463), the screen provided through the first display part (1461) is a screen that has passed through the first optical structure of the first housing part (1410), so a difference in brightness may occur between the screen of the third display part (1463) and the screen of the first display part (1461). To compensate for this, an auxiliary light source may be placed within the first housing part (1410).

[0195] Referring to FIG. 14c, in a multi-folded state of the electronic device (1400), the first housing part (1410) can be placed on the second housing part (1420), and the third housing part (1430) can be placed on the first housing part (1410).

[0196] In the multi-folded state of the electronic device (1400), the first display portion (1461) may be placed on the second display portion (1462), and the third display portion (1463) may be positioned on the first display portion (1461). In the multi-folded state of the electronic device (1400), the first display portion (1461), the second display portion (1462), and the third display portion (1463) may overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0197] In the multi-folded state of the electronic device (1400), the second optical structure of the third housing part (1430) may be configured to transmit light emitted from the third display part (1463), and the first optical structure of the first housing part (1410) may be configured to block light emitted from the first display part (1461).

[0198] In a multi-folded state of the electronic device (1400), a screen containing content (e.g., screen (703) or screen (705)) may be displayed on the third display portion (1463), and the first display portion (1461) and the second display portion (1462) may be deactivated. At this time, the screen displayed on the third display portion (1463) may include a screen in which a specific screen is vertically symmetrical or horizontally symmetrical, as described above with reference to FIGS. 7b and 7c.

[0199] FIG. 15a shows an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 15b shows an electronic device in a first single-folded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 15c shows an electronic device in a second single-folded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 15d shows an electronic device in a multi-folded state according to one embodiment.

[0200] Referring to FIGS. 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d, an electronic device (1500) (e.g., electronic device (200)) may include a housing (1501) (e.g., housing (201)). The housing (1501) may include a first housing part (1510) (e.g., first housing part (210)), a second housing part (1520) (e.g., second housing part (220)) rotatably coupled to a first side portion of the first housing part (1510), and a third housing part (1530) rotatably coupled to a second side portion of the first housing part (1510) opposite to the first side portion.

[0201] The electronic device (1500) may include a flexible display (1560) (e.g., a flexible display (260)) disposed within a housing (1501). The flexible display (1560) may include a first display portion (1561) (e.g., a first display portion (261)) disposed within a first housing part (1510), a second display portion (1562) (e.g., a second display portion (262)) disposed within a second housing part (1520), and a third display portion (1563) disposed within a third housing part (1530). The first display portion (1561) may extend from the second display portion (1562) to the third display portion (1563).

[0202] The first display portion (1561) may include a front (1561A) (e.g., front (261A)) and a back (1561B) (e.g., back (261B)) opposite to the front (1561A). The first display portion (1561) may be configured to emit light through the front (1561A) and / or in the direction toward which the front (1561A) faces. Additionally, the first display portion (1561) may be configured to emit light through the back (1561B) and / or in the direction toward which the back (1561B) faces.

[0203] The second display portion (1562) may include a front (1562A) (e.g., front (262A)) and a back (1562B) (e.g., back (262B)) opposite to the front (1562A). The second display portion (1562) may be configured to emit light through the front (1562A) and / or in the direction toward which the front (1562A) faces. Optionally or additionally, the second display portion (1562) may be configured to emit light through the back (1562B) and / or in the direction toward which the back (1562B) faces.

[0204] The third display portion (1563) may include a front (1563A) (e.g., front (261A)) and a back (1563B) (e.g., back (261B)) opposite to the front (1563A). The third display portion (1563) may be configured to emit light through the front (1563A) and / or in the direction facing the front (1563A). Additionally, the third display portion (1563) may be configured to emit light through the back (1563B) and / or in the direction facing the back (1563B).

[0205] The electronic device (1500) may include a first optical structure disposed within a first housing part (1510) so as to face the back surface (1561B) of the first display part (1561). For the first optical structure for the first display part (1561), the description of the optical structures (380, 980, or 1180) for the first display part (261) described above may be applied substantially the same, similarly, or in a corresponding manner.

[0206] The first housing part (1510) may include a first rear cover that forms at least partially the rear surface of the first housing part (1510). For the first rear cover, the description of the first rear cover (212) of the first housing part (210) described above may be applied substantially the same, similar, or correspondingly. For example, the first optical structure may be disposed between the first rear cover of the first housing part (1510) and the first display part (1561). The first optical structure may be configured to transmit or block light emitted from the first display part (1561). Light from the first display part (1561) that has passed through the first optical structure may pass through the first rear cover and be transmitted to the outside.

[0207] The electronic device (1500) may include a second optical structure disposed within a third housing part (1530) so as to face the back surface (1563B) of the third display part (1563). For the second optical structure for the third display part (1563), the description of the optical structures (380, 980, or 1180) for the first display part (261) described above may be applied substantially the same, similarly, or in a corresponding manner.

[0208] The third housing part (1530) may include a second rear cover that forms at least partially the rear surface of the third housing part (1530). For the second rear cover, the description of the first rear cover (212) of the first housing part (210) described above may be applied substantially the same, similar, or correspondingly. For example, the second optical structure may be disposed between the second rear cover of the third housing part (1530) and the third display part (1563). The second optical structure may be configured to transmit or block light emitted from the third display part (1563). Light from the third display part (1563) that has passed through the second optical structure may pass through the second rear cover and be transmitted to the outside.

[0209] The electronic device (1500) may include an opaque member located within the second housing part (1520). The description of the opaque member (440) described above may be applied to the opaque member in a substantially identical, similar, or corresponding manner. For example, the opaque member may be a part (e.g., a bracket) of the second housing part (1520) formed to be opaque to support the back surface (1562B) of the second display part (1562) and to block light emitted through the back surface (1562B) of the second display part (1562). For example, the opaque member may be a substrate of the second display part (1562) formed to be opaque to define at least a portion of the back surface (1562B) of the second display part (1562) and to block light emitted in the direction toward which the back surface (1562B) of the second display part (1562) faces.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 15a, the electronic device (1500) may include a camera module (1585) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1) disposed within a second housing part (1520). The camera module (1585) may be configured to acquire an image corresponding to the rear direction of the second housing part (1520).

[0211] When the electronic device (1500) is unfolded, the first housing part (1510), the second housing part (1520), and the third housing part (1530) may be placed on substantially the same plane. When the electronic device (1500) is unfolded, the flexible display (1560) may be substantially flat. For example, when the electronic device (1500) is unfolded, the first display part (1561), the second display part (1562), and the third display part (1563) may be substantially parallel and oriented in the same direction.

[0212] When the electronic device (1500) is in an unfolded state, the first optical structure of the first housing part (1510) may be configured to block light emitted from the first display part (1561), and the second optical structure of the third housing part (1530) may be configured to block light emitted from the third display part (1563). Accordingly, the first display part (1561) can display content through the front (1561A) among the front (1561A) and the back (1561B), the second display part (1562) can display content through the front (1562A) among the front (1562A) and the back (1562B), and the third display part (1563) can display content through the front (1563A) among the front (1563A) and the back (1563B).

[0213] Referring to FIG. 15b, in the first single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first housing part (1510) and the third housing part (1530) may be placed substantially on the same plane, and the second housing part (1520) may be placed on the first housing part (1510).

[0214] In the first single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first display portion (1561) and the third display portion (1563) may be substantially parallel and oriented in the same direction. In the first single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first display portion (1561) and the second display portion (1562) may be substantially parallel and oriented in opposite directions. For example, in the first single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first display portion (1561) and the second display portion (1562) may face each other. For example, in the first single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first display portion (1561) and the second display portion (1562) may overlap each other in a vertical direction.

[0215] In the first single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first optical structure of the first housing part (1510) may be configured to block light emitted from the first display part (1561), and the second optical structure of the third housing part (1530) may be configured to block light emitted from the third display part (1563).

[0216] In the first single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), a screen containing content (e.g., screen (703) or screen (705)) may be displayed on the third display portion (1563), and the first display portion (1561) and the second display portion (1562) may be deactivated. In the first single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the screen displayed on the third display portion (1561) may be provided through the front (1563A) of the third display portion (1563).

[0217] Referring to FIG. 15c, in the second single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first housing part (1510) and the second housing part (1520) may be placed substantially on the same plane, and the first housing part (1510) may be placed on the third housing part (1530).

[0218] In the second single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first display portion (1561) and the second display portion (1562) may be substantially parallel and oriented in the same direction. In the second single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first display portion (1561) and the third display portion (1563) may be substantially parallel and oriented in opposite directions. For example, in the second single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first display portion (1561) and the third display portion (1563) may overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0219] In the second single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first optical structure of the first housing part (1510) may be configured to block light emitted from the first display part (1561), and the second optical structure of the third housing part (1530) may be configured to block light emitted from the third display part (1563).

[0220] In the second single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), a screen containing content (e.g., screen (703) or screen (705)) may be displayed on the first display portion (1561) and the second display portion (1562), and the third display portion (1563) may be disabled. In the second single-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the screen displayed on the first display portion (1561) may be provided through the front (1561A) of the first display portion (1561), and the screen displayed on the second display portion (1562) may be provided through the front (1562A) of the second display portion (1562).

[0221] Referring to FIG. 15d, in a multi-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first housing part (1510) can be placed on the third housing part (1530), and the second housing part (1520) can be placed on the first housing part (1510).

[0222] In the multi-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first display portion (1561) may be positioned above the third display portion (1563), and the second display portion (1562) may be placed on the first display portion (1561). In the multi-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the first display portion (1561), the second display portion (1562), and the third display portion (1563) may overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0223] In the multi-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the second optical structure of the third housing part (1530) may be configured to block light emitted from the third display part (1563), and the first optical structure of the first housing part (1510) may be configured to block light emitted from the first display part (1561).

[0224] In the multi-folded state of the electronic device (1500), a screen containing content (e.g., screen (703) or screen (705)) may be displayed on the third display portion (1563), and the first display portion (1561) and the second display portion (1562) may be deactivated. In the multi-folded state of the electronic device (1500), the screen displayed on the third display portion (1563) may be provided through the front (1563A) of the third display portion (1563).

[0225] Each of the aforementioned electronic devices (1300, 1400, and 1500) can be referred to as a multi-foldable device.

[0226] 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 pertains.

[0227] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include a housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) and a flexible display (260; 1360; 1460; 1560). The above housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) may include a first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) comprising a light-transmittance portion (212), and a second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) rotatably coupled to the first housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) so that the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) can be folded or unfolded. The flexible display (260; 1360; 1460; 1560) comprises a first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) disposed within the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) so as to emit light toward the front direction (210A) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) and to emit light toward the rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) through the light-transmitting part (212), and a second housing part (220; 1320; 1420) extending from the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561); It may include a second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) disposed within the second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) to emit light toward the front direction (220A) of the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501). When the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded, the second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) may face the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561).The electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include at least one processor (120) including a processing circuit and a memory (130) including one or more storage media for storing instructions. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may cause the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) to be activated so as to provide content through the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may cause the second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) facing the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) to be disabled when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded.

[0228] In one embodiment, deactivating the second display portion (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) may include controlling pixels included in the second display portion (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) so that the second display portion (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) provides a black image.

[0229] In one embodiment, deactivating the second display portion (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) may include turning off the second display portion (262; 1362; 1462; 1562).

[0230] In one embodiment, the second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) may include a front (262A; 1362A; 1462A; 1562A) facing in the same direction as the front direction (220A) of the second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) and a rear (262B; 1362B; 1462B; 1562B) opposite to the front (262A; 1362A; 1462A; 1562A). The second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) may include an opaque portion (440) facing the rear surface (262B; 1362B; 1462B; 1562B) of the second display portion (262; 1362; 1462; 1562).

[0231] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include at least one sensor (176) including a gravity acceleration sensor. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may cause the first image containing the content to be displayed using the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is unfolded. The above instructions may cause the mode of the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) to be identified as portrait mode or landscape mode based on a value obtained through the at least one sensor (176) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded at an angle less than a threshold angle while displaying the first image when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120). The above instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), may cause the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) to display a first mirror image in which the first image is an image that is vertically symmetrical, in response to identifying that the mode of the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) is the portrait mode.The above instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), may cause the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) to display a second mirror image in which the first image is a left-right symmetrical image in response to identifying that the mode of the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) is the landscape mode.

[0232] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include an optical structure (380) disposed between the light-transmitting portion (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) and the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561). The optical structure (380; 481; 681; 682; 980; 1180) may be configured to block light emitted from the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) toward the light-transmitting part (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is unfolded. When the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded, it can be configured to transmit light emitted from the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) toward the light-transmitting part (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510).

[0233] In one embodiment, the optical structure (380; 481; 681; 682; 980; 1180) may include a polarizing liquid crystal element (481). When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may cause the optical structure (380; 481; 681; 682; 980; 1180) to control the polarizing liquid crystal element (481) so that when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is unfolded, the optical structure (380; 481; 681; 682; 980; 1180) blocks the light emitted from the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) toward the light-transmitting part (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510). When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may cause the optical structure (380) to transmit the light emitted from the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) toward the light-transmitting part (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded, thereby causing the polarizing liquid crystal element (481) to transmit the light emitted from the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) toward the light-transmitting part (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510).

[0234] In one embodiment, the optical structure (380; 481; 681; 682; 980; 1180) may include a first polarizer (681) disposed between the light-transmitting portion (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) and the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561); and a second polarizer (682) disposed between the first polarizer (681) and the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) and spaced apart from the first polarizer (681). The first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) can be aligned in a first arrangement so that when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is unfolded, the light emitted from the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) toward the light-transmitting part (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) is transmitted. When the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded, it can be aligned in a second arrangement different from the first arrangement so that the light emitted from the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) toward the light-transmitting part (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) is blocked.

[0235] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include a hinge structure (230) that rotatably connects the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) and the second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520). The first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) may each be coupled to the hinge structure (230). While the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded, the first polarizer (681) may rotate about a first axis through the hinge structure (230). The second polarizing plate can rotate around a second axis different from the first axis through the hinge structure (230) in order to be aligned with the second arrangement with respect to the first polarizing plate (681).

[0236] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include an optical structure (380) disposed between the light-transmitting portion (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) and the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561). When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may be caused to display a first stereo image (904) for providing 3D content using the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may be caused to display a second stereo image (905) for providing the 3D content using the second display portion (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded. The optical structure (380; 481; 681; 682; 980; 1180) may be configured to optically separate the first stereo image (904) and the second stereo image (905) so that at a specific observation position, the first stereo image (904) is visible to one eye of the user and the second stereo image (905) is visible to the other eye of the user.

[0237] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include an optical structure (380) disposed between the light-transmitting portion (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) and the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561). When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may be caused to display a first stereo image (1003) for providing 3D content using a first group of pixels (b1) among the pixels included in the second display portion (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may be caused to display a second stereo image (1004) for providing the 3D content using a second group of pixels (b2) among the pixels included in the second display portion (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded. The above instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) to control the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) so that the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) is substantially transparent while displaying the first stereo image (1003) and the second stereo image (1004) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded.The optical structure (380; 481; 681; 682; 980; 1180) may be configured to optically separate the first stereo image (1003) and the second stereo image (1004) so ​​that at a specific observation position, the first stereo image (1003) is visible to one eye of the user and the second stereo image (1004) is visible to the other eye of the user.

[0238] The electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include at least one camera (1185). When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may cause the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) to control the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) so that a substantially transparent area is formed on the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561). The above instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) to display a visual object based at least on an image of an external environment obtained using the at least one camera (1185) in a superimposed manner on the transparent area of ​​the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561).

[0239] In one embodiment, the visual object may include augmented reality content.

[0240] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include a light source disposed within the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) and for compensating for the optical characteristics of the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561).

[0241] In one embodiment, the second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) may be rotatably coupled to a first side portion of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510). The housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) may include a third housing part (1330) rotatably coupled to a second side portion of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) opposite to the first side portion. The flexible display (260; 1360; 1460; 1560) may include a third display portion (1363) disposed within the third housing part (1330) to emit light toward the front direction of the third housing part (1330) and to emit light toward the rear direction of the third housing part (1330). The first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) may extend from the second display portion (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) to the third display portion (1363). When the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded, the front of the third housing part (1330) may face the front of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510), and the rear of the third housing part (1330) may face the front of the second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520). When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may cause the third display part (1363) to be deactivated when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded.

[0242] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include a housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) and a flexible display (260; 1360; 1460; 1560). The above housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) may include a first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) comprising a light-transmittance portion (212), and a second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) rotatably coupled to the first housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) so that the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) can be folded or unfolded. The flexible display (260; 1360; 1460; 1560) comprises a first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) disposed within the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) so as to emit light toward the front direction (210A) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) and to emit light toward the rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) through the light-transmitting part (212), and a second housing part (220; 1320; 1420) extending from the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561); It may include a second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) disposed within the second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) to emit light toward the front direction (220A) of the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501). When the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded, the second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) may face the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561).The electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include a first polarizer (681) disposed between the light-transmitting portion (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) and the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561), a second polarizer (682) disposed between the first polarizer (681) and the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) and spaced apart from the first polarizer (681), at least one processor (120) including a processing circuit; and a memory (130) including one or more storage media for storing instructions. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may cause the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) and the second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) to be activated so as to provide a first content through the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) and the second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is unfolded. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may cause the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) to be activated to provide second content through the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded.When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may cause the second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) facing the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) to be disabled when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded. The first polarizer (681) and the second polarizer (682) can be aligned in a first arrangement so as to block light emitted from the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) toward the rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) in order to provide the first content toward the front direction (210A) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is unfolded. When the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded, in order to provide the second content through the light-transmitting portion (212) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510), the light emitted from the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) toward the rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) can be transmitted and configured to be aligned with a second arrangement different from the first arrangement.

[0243] In one embodiment, the second display portion (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) may include a front facing the same direction as the front direction (220A) of the second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) and a rear facing opposite to the front. The second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) may include an opaque portion facing the rear of the second display portion (262; 1362; 1462; 1562).

[0244] In one embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may cause the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) to display a first image containing the first content using the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is unfolded. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may be caused to display a second image, which includes the second content and is a mirror image of the first image, by using the first display portion (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded while the first screen is displayed.

[0245] A method for controlling an electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) according to one embodiment is disclosed. The electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include a housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) and a flexible display (260; 1360; 1460; 1560). The above housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) may include a first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) comprising a light-transmittance portion (212), and a second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) rotatably coupled to the first housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) so that the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) can be folded or unfolded. The flexible display (260; 1360; 1460; 1560) comprises a first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) disposed within the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) so as to emit light toward the front direction (210A) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) and to emit light toward the rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) through the light-transmitting part (212), and a second housing part (220; 1320; 1420) extending from the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561); It may include a second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) disposed within the second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) to emit light toward the front direction (220A) of 1520.When the above housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded, the second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) may face the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561). The above method may include the operation of activating the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) and deactivating the second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) facing the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) so as to provide content through the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded.

[0246] In one embodiment, a non-transient computer-readable storage medium is disclosed for storing one or more programs executable by an electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500). The electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) may include a housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) and a flexible display (260; 1360; 1460; 1560). The above housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) may include a first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) comprising a light-transmittance portion (212), and a second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) rotatably coupled to the first housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) so that the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) can be folded or unfolded. The flexible display (260; 1360; 1460; 1560) comprises a first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) disposed within the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) so as to emit light toward the front direction (210A) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) and to emit light toward the rear direction (210B) of the first housing part (210; 1310; 1410; 1510) through the light-transmitting part (212), and a second housing part (220; 1320; 1420) extending from the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561); It may include a second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) disposed within the second housing part (220; 1320; 1420; 1520) to emit light toward the front direction (220A) of 1520.When the above housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded, the second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) may face the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561). The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) to activate the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) to provide content through the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561) when the housing (201; 1301; 1401; 1501) is folded when executed by the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500). The above one or more programs may include instructions that cause the electronic device (200; 1300; 1400; 1500) to disable the second display part (262; 1362; 1462; 1562) facing the first display part (261; 1361; 1461; 1561).

[0247] 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.

[0248] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be a device 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.

[0249] 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, each of the 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 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 a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any component (e.g., the first) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., the second), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationally," it means that said component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0250] 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).

[0251] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored 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-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0252] 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.

[0253] 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 among 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.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, Housing, the above housing is: A first housing part including a light-transmittance portion, and The housing comprises a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part so that the housing can be folded or unfolded; Flexible display, the flexible display is: A first display part disposed within the first housing part to emit light toward the front direction of the first housing part and emit light toward the rear direction of the first housing part through the light-transmitting part, and A second display part extending from the first display part and disposed within the second housing part to emit light toward the front direction of the second housing part, and When the above housing is folded, the second display portion faces the first display portion; At least one processor including a processing circuit; and The memory includes one or more storage media that store instructions, and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: When the above housing is folded: To provide content through the first display part, the first display part is activated, and Causing the second display portion facing the first display portion to be deactivated, Electronic device.

2. In Claim 1, Deactivating the second display portion includes controlling pixels included in the second display portion so that the second display portion provides a black image. Electronic device.

3. In Claim 1, Deactivating the second display portion includes turning off the second display portion. Electronic device.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The second display portion includes a front facing in the same direction as the front direction of the second housing part and a rear facing opposite to the front. The second housing part includes an opaque portion facing the rear surface of the second display portion. Electronic device.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, It includes at least one sensor including a gravity acceleration sensor, and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: When the above housing is unfolded, the first display portion is used to display a first image including the content, and When the housing is folded at an angle less than a threshold angle while displaying the first image, the mode of the electronic device is identified as portrait mode or landscape mode based on a value obtained through the at least one sensor, and In response to identifying that the mode of the electronic device is the portrait mode, the first display portion is used to display a first mirror image in which the first image is an image that is vertically symmetrical, and In response to identifying that the mode of the electronic device is the landscape mode, causing to display a second mirror image, in which the first image is a left-right symmetrical image, using the first display portion. Electronic device.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, It includes an optical structure disposed between the light-transmitting portion of the first housing part and the first display portion, and The above optical structure is: When the above housing is unfolded, it blocks light emitted from the first display portion toward the light-transmitting portion of the first housing part, and When the above housing is folded, it is configured to transmit light emitted from the first display portion toward the light-transmitting portion of the first housing part. Electronic device.

7. In Claim 6, The above optical structure includes a polarizing liquid crystal element, and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: When the housing is unfolded, the polarizing liquid crystal element is controlled so that the optical structure blocks the light emitted from the first display portion toward the light-transmitting portion of the first housing part, and When the above housing is folded, the optical structure causes the polarizing liquid crystal element to transmit the light emitted from the first display portion toward the light-transmitting portion of the first housing part, thereby causing the polarizing liquid crystal element to be controlled. Electronic device.

8. In Claim 6, The above optical structure is: A first polarizer disposed between the light-transmitting portion of the first housing part and the first display portion; and It includes a second polarizer disposed between the first polarizer and the first display portion and spaced apart from the first polarizer, and The first polarizer and the second polarizer are: When the above housing is unfolded, it is aligned in a first arrangement so that the light emitted from the first display portion toward the light-transmitting portion of the first housing part is transmitted, and When the housing is folded, the light emitted from the first display portion toward the light-transmitting portion of the first housing part is blocked, and the second arrangement is arranged differently from the first arrangement. Electronic device.

9. In Claim 8, It includes a hinge structure that rotatably connects the first housing part and the second housing part, and The first polarizer and the second polarizer are each coupled to the hinge structure, and While the above housing is folded: The first polarizer rotates about a first axis through the hinge structure, and The second polarizing plate rotates around a second axis different from the first axis through the hinge structure in order to be aligned with the second arrangement with respect to the first polarizing plate. Electronic device.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 5, It includes an optical structure disposed between the light-transmitting portion of the first housing part and the first display portion, and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: When the above housing is folded: Using the first display portion above, a first stereo image for providing 3D content is displayed, and Using the second display portion above, cause to display a second stereo image for providing the 3D content, and The optical structure is configured to optically separate the first stereo image and the second stereo image so that at a specific observation position, the first stereo image is visible to one eye of the user and the second stereo image is visible to the other eye of the user. Electronic device.

11. In any one of claims 1 to 5, It includes an optical structure disposed between the light-transmitting portion of the first housing part and the first display portion, and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: When the above housing is folded: Displaying a first stereo image for providing 3D content using pixels of a first group among the pixels included in the second display portion, and Displaying a second stereo image for providing the 3D content using pixels of a second group among the pixels included in the second display portion, and While displaying the first stereo image and the second stereo image, causing the first display portion to be substantially transparent, and The optical structure is configured to optically separate the first stereo image and the second stereo image so that at a specific observation position, the first stereo image is visible to one eye of the user and the second stereo image is visible to the other eye of the user. Electronic device.

12. In any one of claims 1 to 11, Includes at least one camera, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the electronic device: Control the first display portion so that a substantially transparent area is formed in the first display portion, and Causing a visual object based at least on an image of an external environment acquired using at least one camera to be superimposed on the transparent area of ​​the first display portion, Electronic device.

13. In any one of claims 1 to 12, A light source disposed within the first housing part and for compensating for the optical characteristics of the first display part, Electronic device.

14. In a method for controlling an electronic device, the electronic device comprises: Includes a housing and a flexible display, The above housing is: A first housing part including a light-transmittance portion, and The housing includes a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part so that the housing can be folded or unfolded, and The above flexible display is: A first display part disposed within the first housing part to emit light toward the front direction of the first housing part and emit light toward the rear direction of the first housing part through the light-transmitting part, and A second display part extending from the first display part and disposed within the second housing part to emit light toward the front direction of the second housing part, and When the above housing is folded, the second display portion faces the first display portion; The above method is: When the above housing is folded: The method includes the operation of activating the first display portion and deactivating the second display portion facing the first display portion to provide content through the first display portion. method.

15. In a non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs executable by an electronic device, the electronic device comprises: Includes a housing and a flexible display, The above housing is: A first housing part including a light-transmittance portion, and The housing includes a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part so that the housing can be folded or unfolded, and The above flexible display is: A first display part disposed within the first housing part to emit light toward the front direction of the first housing part and emit light toward the rear direction of the first housing part through the light-transmitting part, and A second display part extending from the first display part and disposed within the second housing part to emit light toward the front direction of the second housing part, and When the above housing is folded, the second display portion faces the first display portion; When the above one or more programs are executed by the electronic device, When the above housing is folded: Activating the first display portion to provide content through the first display portion; and To disable the second display portion facing the first display portion, Instructions including those that cause the above electronic device Computer-readable storage media.

Images