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

Abstract

A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first housing; a second housing rotatably coupled to a first side of the first housing; a third housing rotatably coupled to a second side of the first housing; a flexible display including a first display area disposed in the first housing, a second display area disposed in the second housing, and a third display area disposed on the front surface of the third housing; a sub-display including a fourth display area disposed on the rear surface of the third housing; a first sensor for detecting a first angle between the first housing and the second housing; a second sensor for detecting a second angle between the first housing and the third housing; a plurality of grip sensors for detecting whether a user grips the electronic device with both hands; memory for storing instructions; and at least one processor, wherein, when executed by the at least one processor, the instructions can instruct the electronic device to: detect the first angle and the second angle from the first sensor and the second sensor, respectively, and whether the user is gripping with both hands from the plurality of grip sensors; if the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the predetermined values and the user gripping with both hands is detected, change, from a first threshold value to a second threshold value, the threshold value for allowing a folding mode of the electronic device to be executed; and execute the folding mode if the first sensor and the second sensor detect that the first angle and / or the second angle is less than the second threshold value.

Description

Multifoldable electronic device and control method of said multifoldable electronic device

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention disclose a multi-foldable electronic device comprising a plurality of hinge assemblies and a method for controlling a change in a folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device.

[0002] The use of foldable electronic devices that fold and unfold horizontally or vertically is increasing.

[0003] The above-described foldable electronic device can operate the first housing and the second housing in a folded state or an unfolded state centered on the hinge assembly.

[0004] The above-described foldable electronic device can be operated in an in-folding and / or out-folding manner, for example, by using a hinge structure to rotate the first housing and the second housing.

[0005] The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display disposed at least partially across a first housing, a hinge assembly, and a second housing.

[0006] The above-described foldable electronic device can provide various information to the user, such as text, images, and / or videos, using a flexible display.

[0007] As user demand for the expansion of the display of foldable electronic devices increases, the foldable electronic device may be implemented in the form of a multi-foldable electronic device including a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing.

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

[0009] When using a multi-foldable electronic device with the display unfolded, the flexible user can hold the housing of the electronic device with both hands.

[0010] The user may have to release one of their hands from holding the electronic device to touch the center area of ​​the display. In this case, considering the size and weight of the multi-foldable electronic device, the user may find it difficult to support the device with one hand.

[0011] Therefore, the user can fold a portion of the display to touch the center area while maintaining a two-handed grip. However, if the folding mode of the multi-foldable electronic device is implemented collectively based on the partial folding of the display contrary to the user's intention, changes may occur in the arrangement of content on the display before and after folding, or the display may become deactivated, potentially causing inconvenience to the user in using the multi-foldable electronic device.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0013] A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing.

[0014] A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second housing rotatably coupled to a first side of the first housing.

[0015] A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a third housing rotatably coupled to a second side of the first housing.

[0016] A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a flexible display comprising a first display area disposed in the first housing, a second display area disposed in the second housing, and a third display area disposed on the front of the third housing.

[0017] A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a sub-display comprising a fourth display area disposed on the rear surface of the third housing.

[0018] A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first sensor that detects a first angle between the first housing and the second housing.

[0019] A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second sensor that detects a second angle between the first housing and the third housing.

[0020] A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of grip sensors that detect whether a user is gripping the electronic device with both hands.

[0021] A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a memory for storing instructions and at least one processor.

[0022] In a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device may detect the first angle and the second angle from the first sensor and the second sensor, and whether the user is gripping with both hands from the plurality of grip sensors.

[0023] In a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device may be able to change the threshold value at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed from the first threshold value to the second threshold value when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to a predetermined value and the user's two-hand gripping is detected.

[0024] In a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to execute the folding mode when it detects that at least one of the first angle or the second angle is less than a second threshold value from the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0025] A control method for a multi-foldable electronic device including a first housing, a second housing, a third housing, a flexible display, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a plurality of grip sensors according to one embodiment of the present invention may include detecting a first angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and a second angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) from the first sensor and the second sensor, and detecting whether the user is gripping with both hands from the plurality of grip sensors.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of changing the threshold value at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed from the first threshold value to the second threshold value when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to a predetermined value and the user’s two-hand gripping is detected.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of executing the folding mode when at least one of the first angle or the second angle is detected from the first sensor and the second sensor to be less than a second threshold value.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a control method for the multi-foldable electronic device may be performed using a non-transient computer-readable storage medium that stores one or more programs. One or more programs according to one embodiment may include instructions and / or commands that are executed when executed by a processor of the multi-foldable electronic device.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-foldable electronic device can provide an electronic device and a method capable of preventing an unintended folding mode from being executed by detecting the user's intention to touch the center area of ​​a large display and changing the threshold of the angle at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed.

[0030] A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention can increase the user's convenience of using the electronic device by identifying the user's intention to fold the display and changing the threshold value at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed according to the user's intention, thereby preventing the deactivation of the display and changes in the arrangement of content caused by unnecessary folding modes.

[0031] 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 from the description below.

[0032] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a display module according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state viewed from the front according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state viewed from the rear according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the first housing and the second housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention are folded, and the first housing and the third housing are unfolded.

[0038] FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic drawings showing the first housing, second housing, and third housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention in a folded state.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing various examples of a user’s two-handed gripping of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIGS. 10 and 11 are drawings showing the folding mode of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0043] FIGS. 13 and 14 are drawings showing that the folding mode of a multi-foldable electronic device is executed after the folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is changed.

[0044] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device when the folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device is changed and user input is obtained according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device when the folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device is changed and user input is obtained according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device when the folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device is changed and user input hovering is obtained according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIGS. 18 and 19 are drawings illustrating cases where the folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is changed and user input hovering is obtained.

[0048] FIG. 20 is a flowchart indicating whether the folding mode of a multi-foldable electronic device is executed when the folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is changed and user input hovering is obtained.

[0049] FIGS. 21 to 23 are drawings showing various changes in the folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention through a display.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] 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)).

[0052] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., a program (140)), and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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).

[0063] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be perceived by the user through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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.

[0067] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0068] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0073] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a display module (160) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 2, the display module (160) may include a display (161) and a display driver IC (DDI) (165) for controlling the display. The DDI (165) may include an interface module (165a), a memory (165b) (e.g., buffer memory), an image processing module (165c), or a mapping module (165d). The DDI (165) may receive image information, including, for example, image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command for controlling said image data, from another component of the electronic device (101) through the interface module (165a). According to one embodiment, the image information may be received from a processor (120) (e.g., a main processor (121) (e.g., an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit) that operates independently of the function of the main processor (121). The DDI (165) can communicate with the touch circuit (168) or sensor module (176) through the interface module (165a). Additionally, the DDI (165) can store at least a portion of the received image information in memory (165b), for example, in frame units. The image processing module (165c) can perform preprocessing or postprocessing (e.g., resolution, brightness, or size adjustment) on at least a portion of the image data based at least on the characteristics of the image data or the characteristics of the display (161), for example. The mapping module (165d) can generate voltage values ​​or current values ​​corresponding to the image data preprocessed or postprocessed through the image processing module (165c). According to one embodiment, the generation of voltage values ​​or current values ​​can be performed based at least partially on the attributes of the pixels of the display (161), for example, (e.g., array of pixels (RGB stripe or pentile structure), or the size of each subpixel).At least some pixels of the display (161) are driven, for example, based on at least some of the voltage value or current value, so that visual information (e.g., text, image, or icon) corresponding to the image data can be displayed through the display (161).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may further include a touch circuit (168). The touch circuit (168) may include a touch sensor (168a) and a touch sensor IC (168b) for controlling the same. The touch sensor IC (168b) may control the touch sensor (168a) to detect a touch input or hovering input for a specific location on the display (161), for example. For example, the touch sensor IC (168b) may detect a touch input or hovering input by measuring a change in a signal (e.g., voltage, light intensity, resistance, or charge) for a specific location on the display (161). The touch sensor IC (168b) may provide information regarding the detected touch input or hovering input (e.g., location, area, pressure, or time) to the processor (120). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the touch circuit (168) (e.g., touch sensor IC (168b)) may be included as part of the display driver IC (165) or the display (161), or as part of another component (e.g., auxiliary processor (123)) placed outside the display module (160).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may further include at least one sensor of the sensor module (176) (e.g., fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, pressure sensor, or light sensor) or a control circuit for the same. In this case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit for the same may be embedded in a part of the display module (160) (e.g., display (161) or DDI (165)) or a part of the touch circuit (168). For example, if the sensor module (176) embedded in the display module (160) includes a biometric sensor (e.g., fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor may obtain biometric information (e.g., fingerprint image) associated with a touch input through a part of the display (161). For example, if the sensor module (176) embedded in the display module (160) includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information associated with a touch input through a part or the entire area of ​​the display (161). According to one embodiment, a touch sensor (168a) or a sensor module (176) may be placed between pixels of a pixel layer of a display (161), or above or below the pixel layer.

[0077] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0078] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0079] 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).

[0080] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM It can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0082] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0083] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state viewed from the front according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state viewed from the rear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] According to various embodiments, the embodiments of the electronic device (101) disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be applied to a multi-foldable electronic device (200) having two or more hinge angles and N housings similar to the multi-foldable electronic device (200), and to a multi-foldable electronic device (200) having various folding forms (G-type, Z-type, E-type, rollable, etc.). For example, if the electronic device (101) has four housings and one housing is folded, it may have the same form as the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4. That is, various embodiments of the present invention may also be applied to a multi-foldable electronic device (200) having two or more hinge angles similar to the multi-foldable electronic device (200) and to a multi-foldable electronic device (200) having various folding forms (G-type, Z-type, E-type, rollable, etc.).

[0085] According to various embodiments, embodiments of the electronic device (101) disclosed in FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 may be included in embodiments of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed below. For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 may include the 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), antenna module (197) and / or subscriber identification module (196) disclosed in FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a multi-foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge assembly (201) (e.g., a first hinge module), a second hinge assembly (202) (e.g., a second hinge module) and / or a flexible display (240).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may be positioned between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230). The second housing (220) may be foldably connected to the first side (e.g., x-axis direction) of the first housing (210). The third housing (230) may be foldably connected to the second side (e.g., -x-axis direction) of the first housing (210). For example, the first housing (210) may have its first side (e.g., x-axis direction) operatively connected to at least a portion of the second housing (220) through a first hinge assembly (201), and its second side (e.g., -x-axis direction) operatively connected to at least a portion of the third housing (230) through a second hinge assembly (202).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may be foldably coupled to a first side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) of the first housing (210). A first hinge assembly (201) may be coupled between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The first hinge assembly (201) may be positioned so that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be folded or unfolded relative to each other. The first hinge assembly (201) may include a hinge device, a hinge member, a hinge plate, a hinge structure, or a hinge module. The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be rotatably coupled about a first folding axis (A1) using the first hinge assembly (201).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the third housing (230) may be foldably coupled to a second side (e.g., in the -x axis direction) of the first housing (210). A second hinge assembly (202) may be coupled between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). The second hinge assembly (202) may be positioned so that the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) can be folded or unfolded relative to each other. The second hinge assembly (202) may include a hinge device, a hinge member, a hinge plate, a hinge structure, or a hinge module. The first housing (210) and the third housing (230) may be rotatably coupled about a second folding axis (A2) using the second hinge assembly (202).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may first fold a second housing (220) relative to a first housing (210) through a first hinge assembly (201), and later fold a third housing (230) relative to the first housing (210) through a second hinge assembly (202). For example, the second housing (220) may be folded in an in-folding manner relative to the first housing (210) through the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the second housing (220) may be folded relative to the first housing (210) while rotating in the z-axis direction and the -x-axis direction through the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the third housing (230) may be folded in an in-folding manner relative to the first housing (210) through the second hinge assembly (202). For example, the third housing (230) can be folded into the first housing (210) while rotating in the z-axis and x-axis directions through the second hinge assembly (202).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the width (W2) of the second housing (220) in the horizontal direction (e.g., x-axis and -x-axis directions) may be configured to be smaller than the width (W1) of the first housing (210) in the horizontal direction (e.g., x-axis and -x-axis directions). The width (W1) of the first housing (210) in the horizontal direction (e.g., x-axis and -x-axis directions) may be configured to be substantially the same as the width (W3) of the third housing (230) in the horizontal direction (e.g., x-axis and -x-axis directions). According to various embodiments, the width (W3) of the third housing (230) in the horizontal direction (e.g., x-axis and -x-axis directions) may be configured to be larger or smaller than the width (W1) of the first housing (210) in the horizontal direction (e.g., x-axis and -x-axis directions).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned on both sides of the first folding axis (A1) on which the first hinge assembly (201) is positioned, and may have a shape that is asymmetric with respect to the first folding axis (A1). According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may have a shape that is symmetric with respect to the first folding axis (A1). The angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may vary depending on whether the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are positioned on both sides of the second folding axis (A2) on which the second hinge assembly (202) is positioned, and may have a shape that is substantially symmetric with respect to the second folding axis (A2). According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) may have a shape that is asymmetric with respect to the second folding axis (A2). The angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) may vary depending on whether the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the width of the second hinge assembly (202) may be configured to be wider than the width of the first hinge assembly (201). For example, when the second housing (220) is folded first with respect to the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is folded with respect to the first housing (210) so that the third housing (230) is positioned on top of the second housing (220), the width of the second hinge assembly (202) may be configured to be wider than the width of the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the first hinge assembly (201) may be a first folding hinge, a slim hinge, or a small hinge that is narrower than the second hinge assembly (202). For example, the second hinge assembly (202) may be a second folding hinge, a wide hinge, or a big hinge that is wider than the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the second hinge assembly (202) may have a larger radius of curvature than the first hinge assembly (202). The first hinge assembly (201) may have a smaller radius of curvature than the second hinge assembly (202). In one embodiment, the width of the second hinge assembly (202) is described as being wider than the width of the first hinge assembly (201), but is not limited thereto, and depending on the type and / or operation of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), the width of the first hinge assembly (201) may be configured to be wider than the width of the second hinge assembly (202).

[0095] According to one embodiment, a flexible display (240) may be disposed on a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a third housing (230). For example, the flexible display (240) may be disposed across at least a portion of the front (e.g., z-axis direction) of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230). The flexible display (240) may be a first display, a foldable display, or a main display. According to various embodiments, a sub-display (250) may be disposed on the rear (e.g., z-axis direction) of the third housing (230). The sub-display (250) may be a second display or an auxiliary display. The flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250) may include a display module (160) disclosed in FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2. The flexible display (240) and / or sub-display (250) may include at least some embodiments related to the display module (160) disclosed in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0096] In this document, the surface on which the flexible display (240) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) is placed may be defined as the front (e.g., z-axis direction) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), and the opposite side of the front may be defined as the rear (e.g., -z-axis direction) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). The surface surrounding the space between the front (e.g., z-axis direction) and the rear (e.g., -z-axis direction) may be defined as the side of the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may include a first display area (240a) disposed in a first housing (210), a second display area (240b) disposed in a second housing (220), and a third display area (240c) disposed in a third housing (230) (e.g., front). The first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) may be formed integrally to constitute the flexible display (240). According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the flexible display (240) may be configured to be disposed over most of the front surface (e.g., z-axis direction) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). The flexible display (240) may be deformed into a flat or curved surface in at least some area. The separation of the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) may be an exemplary physical separation. The flexible display (240) may be formed as a single, seamless, full screen. According to one embodiment, the sub-display (250) may include a fourth display area (250d). For example, the sub-display (250) may be positioned on the rear (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the third housing (230).

[0098] According to one embodiment, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (210) may include a first surface (211) positioned to face the front of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., z-axis direction), a second surface (212) facing in the opposite direction of the first surface (211), and / or a first side member (213) surrounding at least a portion of the first space between the first surface (211) and the second surface (212).

[0099] According to one embodiment, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the second housing (220) may include a third side (221) which is connected to at least a portion of the first hinge assembly (201) and is positioned to face the front of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., z-axis direction), a fourth side (222) which faces in the opposite direction of the third side (221), and / or a second side member (223) which surrounds at least a portion of the second space between the third side (221) and the fourth side (222).

[0100] According to one embodiment, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the third housing (230) may include a fifth face (231) positioned to face the front (e.g., z-axis direction) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), a sixth face (232) facing in the opposite direction of the fifth face (231), and / or a third side member (233) surrounding at least a portion of the third space between the fifth face (231) and the sixth face (232).

[0101] According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first surface (211), the third surface (221), and the fifth surface (231) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., z-axis direction). When the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the second surface (212), the fourth surface (222), and the sixth surface (232) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., z-axis direction).

[0102] According to various embodiments, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) are in a folded state, the first surface (211) and the third surface (221) may be arranged to face each other. When the third housing (230) is in a folded state with respect to the first housing (210) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), if the third housing (230) is placed on the upper side (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220), the fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220) and the fifth surface (231) of the third housing (230) may be arranged to face each other.

[0103] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a recess (245) formed to accommodate a flexible display (240) through the structural combination of a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a third housing (230). The recess (245) may have substantially the same size as the flexible display (240).

[0104] According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) form an angle of approximately 180°, and the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) form substantially the same plane and may be arranged to face substantially the same direction (e.g., z-axis direction). The fourth display area (250d) of the sub-display (250) may be arranged to face in the opposite direction to the third display area (240c).

[0105] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can form an angle that can stop at a specified folding angle between a folded state and an unfolded state using the first hinge assembly (201) (e.g., free stop function). In various embodiments, the second housing (220) may also rotate to move toward a second surface (212) (e.g., rear) of the first housing (210) while being pressed in the unfolding direction (e.g., -z-axis direction) relative to a specified inflection angle using the first hinge assembly (201).

[0106] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) can form an angle that can stop at a specified folding angle between a folded state and an unfolded state using the second hinge assembly (202). In various embodiments, the third housing (230) may also rotate to move toward the second surface (212) (e.g., rear side) of the first housing (210) while being pressed in the unfolding direction (e.g., -z-axis direction) relative to a specified inflection angle using the second hinge assembly (202).

[0107] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (240) may be positioned to be supported by the first surface (211) of the first housing (210), the first hinge assembly (201), the third surface (221) of the second housing (220), the second hinge assembly (202), and the fifth surface (231) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the sub-display (250) (e.g., the fourth display area (250d)) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside at least partially through the sixth surface (232) in the interior space of the third housing (230). In various embodiments, the sub-display (250) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside through the fourth surface (222) in the interior space of the second housing (220).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) can be mainly used when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, and the sub-display (250) can be mainly used when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (270) disposed on a second side (212) of a first housing (210), a second rear cover (280) disposed on a fourth side (222) of a second housing (220), and / or a third rear cover (290) disposed on a sixth side (232) of a third housing (230). In various embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover (270) may be formed integrally with a portion of the first side member (213). In various embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover (280) may be formed integrally with a portion of the second side member (223). In various embodiments, at least a portion of the third rear cover (290) may be formed integrally with a portion of the third side member (233). According to one embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover (270), the second rear cover (280), and the third rear cover (290) may be formed as a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) or an opaque plate.

[0110] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover (270) may be formed by an opaque plate, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the materials. According to various embodiments, the second rear cover (280) may be formed by an opaque plate, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the materials. According to various embodiments, the third rear cover (290) may be formed through a substantially transparent plate, for example, glass or polymer. The sub-display (250) (e.g., the fourth display area (250d)) may be positioned within the interior space of the third housing (230) so as to be visible from the outside through the third rear cover (290).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a plurality of grip sensors. That is, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first grip sensor (272), a second grip sensor (282), and / or a third grip sensor (292).

[0112] According to one embodiment, a first grip sensor (272) may be placed in a first housing (210). The first grip sensor (272) may detect whether a user of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) has grasped at least a portion of the first housing (210) using a hand (e.g., palm and / or fingers). For example, a second grip sensor (282) may be placed in a second housing (220). The second grip sensor (282) may detect whether a user has grasped at least a portion of the second housing (220) using a hand. For example, a third grip sensor (292) may be placed in a third housing (230). The third grip sensor (292) may detect whether a user has grasped at least a portion of the third housing (230) using a hand.

[0113] According to various embodiments, the function and operation of the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), and / or the third grip sensor (292) described above may be performed using a touch circuit (e.g., touch circuit (168) of FIG. 2) of a flexible display (240) and / or a sub-display (250). For example, the flexible display (240) can detect whether a user has grasped the first housing (210) (e.g., first display area (240a)), the second housing (220) (e.g., second display area (240b)), and the third housing (230) (e.g., third display area (240c) and / or fourth display area (250d)) using a touch circuit (e.g., touch circuit (168) of FIG. 2).

[0114] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one of an input module (261), an acoustic output module (263, 265), a sensor module (267a, 267b, 267c), a camera module (271, 272, 271c), a key input device (273), an indicator (not shown), or a connector port (275). In various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the above-described components or additionally include at least one other component.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the input module (261) may include at least one microphone positioned to detect the direction of sound. The input module (261) may include the input module (150) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the acoustic output module (263, 265) may include at least one speaker. The acoustic output module (263, 265) may include a call receiver (263) disposed through the sixth side (232) of the third housing (230), and a speaker (265) disposed in part of the upper (e.g., y-axis direction) and lower (e.g., -y-axis direction) of the second side member (223) of the second housing (220) and / or part of the upper (e.g., y-axis direction) and lower (e.g., -y-axis direction) of the third side member (233) of the third housing (230). The acoustic output module (263, 265) may include the acoustic output module (155) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0117] According to one embodiment, an input module (261), an acoustic output module (263, 265), and a connector port (275) are disposed in the space of a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and / or a third housing (230) and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and / or the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the holes formed in the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and / or the third housing (230) may be used in common for the input module (261) and the acoustic output module (263, 265). In one embodiment, the acoustic output module (263, 265) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that is operated with the holes formed in the second housing (220) and / or the third housing (230) excluded.

[0118] According to various embodiments, the camera modules (271, 272, 271c) may include a first camera module (271) disposed on a first surface (211) of a first housing (210), a second camera module (272) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third camera module (271c) disposed on a sixth surface (232) of a third housing (230). According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a flash (295) disposed near the second camera module (272). The flash (295) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to one embodiment, the camera modules (271, 272, 271c) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In one embodiment, at least one of the camera modules (271, 272, 271c) includes two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors, and may be disposed together on any one side of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and / or the third housing (230). For example, the camera module (271, 272, 271c) may include the camera module (180) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) can generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). According to various embodiments, the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may include a first sensor module (267a) disposed on a first surface (211) of a first housing (210), a second sensor module (267b) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third sensor module (267c) disposed on a sixth surface (232) of a third housing (230). For example, the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may include the sensor module (176) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0120] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may further include at least one of the following sensor modules not illustrated, for example, a 6-axis sensor (e.g., accelerometer and gyroscope), an angle sensor, a Hall sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a folding and unfolding detection sensor, a proximity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, an illuminance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a distance detection sensor (e.g., a TOF (time of flight) sensor, a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor), and a fingerprint recognition sensor.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the key input device (273) may be positioned to be exposed to the outside through the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the key input device (273) may be positioned to be exposed to the outside through the third side member (233) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the key input devices (273), and the key input devices (273) that are not included may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys, on the flexible display (240) and / or sub-display (250). In various embodiments, the key input device (273) may be implemented using a touch sensor (e.g., touch sensor (168a) of FIG. 2) and / or a pressure sensor included in the flexible display (240) and / or sub-display (250). In one embodiment, the key input device (273) may include a power button and / or volume control button of the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the connector port (275) may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (102, 104, 108) of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the connector port (275) may perform the function of transmitting and receiving audio signals with the external electronic device, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) for performing the function of transmitting and receiving audio signals. For example, the connector port (275) may be formed in a part of the first side member (213) of the first housing (210). For example, the connector port (275) may include the connection terminal (178) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0123] According to various embodiments, at least one camera module (271, 271c) among the camera modules (271, 272, 271c), at least one sensor module (267a, 267c) among the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c), and / or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through at least one display (240, 250). For example, at least one camera module (271, 271c), at least one sensor module (267a, 267c) and / or an indicator may be positioned in the internal space of at least one housing (210, 220, 230), below the display area of ​​at least one display (240, 250), and may be positioned to come into contact with the external environment through an opening or transparent area perforated to a cover member (e.g., a window layer (not shown) of the flexible display (240) and / or a third rear cover (290)).

[0124] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the first housing and the second housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a folded state, and the first housing and the third housing in an unfolded state. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are schematic diagrams showing the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a folded state.

[0125] According to one embodiment, FIG. 5 may be a view taken from the -y-axis direction in which the second housing (220) of a multi-foldable electronic device (200) is folded toward the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is unfolded approximately 180° relative to the first housing (210).

[0126] According to one embodiment, FIG. 6 may be a view taken from the -y-axis direction in which the second housing (220) of a multi-foldable electronic device (200) is first folded toward the first housing (210), and the third housing (230) is later folded toward the first housing (210), so that the third housing (230) is positioned on the upper side (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220).

[0127] According to one embodiment, FIG. 7 may be a schematic perspective view showing that at least a portion of a sub-display (250) (e.g., a fourth display area (250d)) is exposed to the outside when the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) are folded toward the first housing (210). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIG. 3, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 may be folded in a G-type shape. According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be folded in various types (e.g., Z-type).

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, a multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge assembly (201) and a second hinge assembly (202).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) can first be folded to the upper part (e.g., z-axis direction) of the first housing (210) through the first hinge assembly (201) (e.g., first in-folding hinge).

[0130] According to one embodiment, after the second housing (220) is folded against the first housing (210) through the first hinge assembly (201), the third housing (230) can be folded toward the first housing (210) through the second hinge assembly (202) (e.g., a second in-folding hinge) and positioned on the upper part (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the first hinge assembly (201) may have a first width. The second hinge assembly (202) may have a second width. For example, the second width may be wider than the first width. According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) is folded relative to the first housing (210), and the third housing (230) is folded relative to the first housing (210), so that the third housing (230) must be positioned on the upper part (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220), the second width of the second hinge assembly (202) may be configured to be wider than the first width of the first hinge assembly (201). For example, the first hinge assembly (201) may include a first folding hinge, a slim hinge, or a small hinge that is narrower in width compared to the second hinge assembly (202). For example, the second hinge assembly (202) may include a second folding hinge, a wide hinge, or a big hinge that is wider than the first hinge assembly (201).

[0132] According to one embodiment, when the second housing (220) is folded against the first housing (210) through the first hinge assembly (201) (e.g., the first in-folding hinge) and the third housing (230) is folded toward the second housing (220) through the second hinge assembly (202) (e.g., the second in-folding hinge) so that the third housing (230) is positioned on the upper side (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220), at least a portion of the sub-display (250) (e.g., the fourth display area (250d)) positioned on the sixth side (232) of the third housing (230) may be visually exposed to the outside of the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (510) can detect an angle (e.g., folding angle and unfolding angle) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) means an acute angle (interior angle). For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded or unfolded through the first hinge assembly (201), the first sensor (510) can detect an angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the first sensor (510) may include a 6-axis sensor and / or an angle sensor. For example, the first sensor (510) may include an accelerometer and a gyroscope. An acceleration sensor can sense the angle (e.g., inclination angle) at which the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) is tilted with respect to the direction of gravity (e.g., ground or floor surface). A gyroscope sensor can sense the angular velocity of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). A gyroscope sensor can sense the rotational speed or rotation angle of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). The first sensor (510) may be configured to integrate an acceleration sensor and a gyroscope sensor.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the second sensor (520) can detect an angle (e.g., folding angle and unfolding angle) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). The angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) means an acute angle (interior angle). For example, when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded or unfolded through the second hinge assembly (202), the second sensor (520) can detect an angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). For example, the second sensor (520) may include a 6-axis sensor and / or an angle sensor. For example, the second sensor (520) may include an accelerometer and a gyroscope. An acceleration sensor can sense the angle (e.g., inclination angle) at which the first housing (210) and / or the third housing (230) is tilted with respect to the direction of gravity (e.g., the ground). A gyroscope sensor can sense the angular velocity of the first housing (210) and / or the third housing (230). A gyroscope sensor can sense the rotational speed or rotation angle of the first housing (210) and / or the third housing (220). The second sensor (520) may be configured to integrate the acceleration sensor and the gyroscope sensor.

[0135] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 8, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a flexible display (240), a first sensor (510), a second sensor (520), a plurality of grip sensors (272, 282, 292), a memory (130) and / or a processor (120).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first sensor (510), a second sensor (520), and a first grip sensor (272). The second housing (220) may include the first sensor (510) and the second grip sensor (282). The third housing (230) may include the second sensor (520) and the third grip sensor (292).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), the third grip sensor (292), the flexible display (240), the sub-display (250), the memory (130), and the processor (120) may be electrically or operationally connected.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (510) may be placed in the first housing (210) or the second housing (220). The first sensor (510) may detect an angle (e.g., folding angle and unfolding angle) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and transmit the detected angle information to the processor (120). The angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) detected by the first sensor (510) means an acute angle (interior angle).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (510) can detect that the first angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle value and transmit the detection result to the processor (120). For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded or unfolded through the first hinge assembly (201), the first sensor (510) can detect the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the first sensor (510) may include at least one of a 6-axis sensor, an accelerometer, an angle sensor, a folding or unfolding measurement sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a Hall sensor, a gyroscope, a motion sensor, and a proximity sensor. According to various embodiments, the first sensor (510) is not limited to the sensor described above, and various other sensors may be used as long as they can detect the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the second sensor (520) may be placed in the first housing (210) or the third housing (230). The second sensor (520) may detect an angle (e.g., folding angle and unfolding angle) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) and transmit the detected angle information to the processor (120). The angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) detected by the second sensor (520) means an acute angle (interior angle).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the second sensor (520) can detect that the second angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle value and transmit the detection result to the processor (120). For example, when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded or unfolded through the second hinge assembly (202), the second sensor (520) can detect the angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). For example, the second sensor (520) may include at least one of a 6-axis sensor, an accelerometer, an angle sensor, a folding or unfolding measurement sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a Hall sensor, a gyroscope, a motion sensor, and a proximity sensor. According to various embodiments, the second sensor (520) is not limited to the sensor described above, and various other sensors may be used as long as they can detect the angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230).

[0143] According to various embodiments, at least one of the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) can detect rotation information and / or tilt information (e.g., tilt information) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). For example, at least one of the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) can detect whether the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a horizontal state unfolded with respect to the direction of gravity (e.g., the ground) or in a vertical state upright with respect to the direction of gravity. For example, at least one of the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) can detect the usage state, placement state, and / or mounting state of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and / or the third housing (230).

[0144] According to one embodiment, a first grip sensor (272) may be placed in a first housing (210). The first grip sensor (272) may detect whether a user has grasped the first housing (210) and transmit the detected signal to a processor (120). According to one embodiment, a second grip sensor (282) may be placed in a second housing (220). The second grip sensor (282) may detect whether a user has grasped the second housing (220) and transmit the detected signal to a processor (120). According to various embodiments, the first grip sensor (272) and / or the second grip sensor (282) may detect whether a user has grasped the area around the first hinge assembly (201) and transmit the detected signal to a processor (120). According to one embodiment, a third grip sensor (292) may be placed in a third housing (230). The third grip sensor (292) can detect whether the user has grasped the third housing (230) and transmit the detected signal to the processor (120). According to various embodiments, the first grip sensor (272) and / or the third grip sensor (292) can detect whether the user has grasped the area around the second hinge assembly (202) and transmit the detected signal to the processor (120).

[0145] According to one embodiment, a plurality of grip sensors (first grip sensor (272), second grip sensor (282), third grip sensor (292)) can detect whether a user has grasped the multi-foldable electronic device (200) with one hand and / or with both hands, and can transmit the detected signal to a processor (120).

[0146] According to one embodiment, a flexible display (240) (e.g., a first display or a main display) may include a first display area (240a), a second display area (240b), and a third display area (240c). The flexible display (240) may display various content including different images, videos, and / or text in the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) under the control of a processor (120). The flexible display (240) may display an execution screen of an application in the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) under the control of a processor (120). For example, the first display area (240a) may display an execution screen of a first application. The second display area (240b) can display the execution screen of the second application. The third display area (240c) can display the execution screen of the third application.

[0147] According to one embodiment, a sub-display (250) (e.g., a second display or an auxiliary display) may include a fourth display area (250d). The sub-display (250) may display content including different images, videos and / or text in the fourth display area (250d) under the control of the processor (120). It may display an execution screen of an application that is substantially the same or different from the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c). For example, the fourth display area (250d) may display an execution screen of a fourth application.

[0148] Content displayed on the flexible display (240) and / or sub-display (250) may be displayed on at least one of the parts of the flexible display (240), namely the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c), or simultaneously or individually on the sub-display (250).

[0149] According to various embodiments, the memory (130) may store an initial screen, a settings screen, and / or various applications of a multi-foldable electronic device (200) provided through a flexible display (240) and / or a sub-display (250). The memory (130) may store a user interface (UI) capable of providing various services to a user of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). The memory (130) may perform the function of storing a program (e.g., the program (140) of FIG. 1) for processing and controlling the processor (120), an operating system (e.g., the operating system (142) of FIG. 1), various applications, and input / output data. The memory (130) may store a program that controls the overall operation of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). The memory (130) may store various settings information required for function processing in the multi-foldable electronic device (200). The memory (130) may store at least one executable instruction. For example, the memory (130) may store at least one instruction that causes at least one operation of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to be performed when executed by the processor (120). For example, at least one instruction may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium may be tangible and non-transitory. The memory (130) and / or the recording medium may store one or more programs containing at least one instruction.

[0150] In one embodiment, the memory (130) may store instructions for changing the folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) and executing the folding mode under the control of the processor (120). For example, when the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) (first angle) and the angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) (second angle) are greater than or equal to a predetermined value and are held by both hands by a user, the instructions stored in the memory (130) may, when executed by the processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to change the threshold for executing the folding mode of the electronic device (200) from the first threshold to the second threshold, and to execute the folding mode of the electronic device (200) when at least one of the first angle and the second angle from the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) is less than the second threshold.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the size or length of the hinge connecting each housing may differ depending on the folding shape of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) (G-type, Z-type, E-type, rollable, etc.). That is, the threshold value at which the folding mode is executed for each housing may be set differently.

[0152] For example, in one embodiment, when the angle (first angle) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and is held by both hands by a user, the instructions stored in the memory (130) can cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to change the threshold value at which the folding mode of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) of the electronic device (200) is executed from the first-1 threshold value to the second-1 threshold value, and to execute the folding mode of the electronic device (200) when the first angle from the first sensor (510) is less than the second-1 threshold value.

[0153] In another example, in one embodiment, when the angle (second angle) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and is held by both hands by a user, the instructions stored in the memory (130) can cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to change the threshold value at which the folding mode of the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) of the electronic device (200) is executed from the first-2 threshold value to the second-2 threshold value, and to execute the folding mode of the electronic device (200) when the second angle from the second sensor (520) is less than the second-2 threshold value.

[0154] In one embodiment, the folding mode of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be a mode that disables at least one of the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c). The folding mode of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be executed when the angle between the housings is less than a predetermined value. When the folding mode is executed, the display of the display area present in the housing being folded may be disabled. Disabled display may include turning off the LED within the corresponding display area (cutting off the power supply) or controlling the LED to emit black light.

[0155] However, in addition to deactivating a part of the display, the folding mode of the electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include content including an image or video that was displayed on the entire display being divided and relocated to a housing other than the housing that is folded and displayed.

[0156] In one embodiment, the memory (130) may store instructions to obtain user input from a user through a flexible display (240) while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to a second threshold, and to compare the first angle and the second angle with the first threshold and the second threshold when the first angle or the second angle is detected increasing from the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520), and to maintain the folding mode threshold at the second threshold when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold. Additionally, the memory (130) may store instructions to change the threshold back from the second threshold to the first threshold when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the first threshold, under the control of the processor (120).

[0157] In one embodiment, the memory (130) may, under the control of the processor (120), obtain user input from the user through the flexible display (240) while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, compare the first angle and the second angle with the second threshold when the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) detect that the first angle or the second angle is decreasing, and change the threshold back from the second threshold to the first threshold when the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) detect that at least one of the first angle or the second angle is less than the second threshold, and store instructions for executing a folding mode.

[0158] In one embodiment, the memory (130) may store instructions for acquiring user input hovering from a user through a flexible display (240) while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to a second threshold, and for changing the threshold from the second threshold to a third threshold, under the control of the processor (120).

[0159] User input hovering refers to the act of a user bringing a finger or pen, etc., close to the display to input user input. That is, when a user brings a specific tool close to the display for user input, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect a user input hovering signal.

[0160] In one embodiment, the memory (130) may store instructions for acquiring user input hovering from a user through a flexible display (240) while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to a second threshold under the control of the processor (120), and for not executing a folding mode regardless of the first angle and the second angle until user input is acquired through the flexible display (240).

[0161] In one embodiment, the memory (130) can store instructions for executing a folding mode and changing the threshold from the second threshold to the first threshold when it detects that at least one of the first angle or the second angle is less than the second threshold from the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) under the control of the processor (120).

[0162] In one embodiment, the memory (130) may store instructions for displaying on the flexible display (240) that the threshold value has been changed from a first threshold value to a second threshold value under the control of the processor (120).

[0163] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may be operatively connected to the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), the third grip sensor (292), the flexible display (240), the sub-display (250), and the memory (130). The processor (120) may control the functions and operations of the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282), the third grip sensor (292), the flexible display (240), the sub-display (250), and the memory (130). The processor (120) may be configured to access the memory (130) and execute at least one instruction. The multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one processor (120).

[0164] According to various embodiments, the processor (120) may perform the function of controlling the overall operation of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) and the flow of signals between internal components, and processing data. The processor (120) may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor, and / or a communication processor. The processor (120) may include a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. The processor (120) may be composed of at least one processor. For example, the processor (120) may include an application processor (e.g., the main processor (121) of FIG. 1) and a sensor hub processor (e.g., the auxiliary processor (123) of FIG. 1). For example, the sensor hub processor is operatively connected to the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) and can transmit information detected and / or sensed through at least one of the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) to the application processor. For example, the sensor hub processor is operatively connected to the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282) and the third grip sensor (292) and can transmit information detected and / or sensed through at least one of the first grip sensor (272), the second grip sensor (282) and the third grip sensor (292) (e.g., information on a user's electronic device grip) to the application processor.

[0165] In various embodiments, an operation performed in a multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be performed and / or executed by at least one instruction stored in a processor (120) and / or memory (130). For example, in this document, an embodiment in which the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can perform any operation may be interpreted to mean that it is performed by at least one instruction stored in a processor (120) and / or memory (130).

[0166] According to various embodiments, the processor (120) detects that the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) (first angle) and the angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) (second angle) is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is held by both hands by a user, changes the threshold value at which the folding mode of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is executed from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, and can execute the folding mode of the electronic device (200) when at least one of the first angle and the second angle is less than the second threshold value from the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520). The folding mode of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be executed when the angle between the housings is less than a predetermined value. When the folding mode is executed, the display of the display area present in the housing being folded may be deactivated. Deactivating the display may include turning off the LED within the display area (cutting off the power supply) or controlling the LED to emit black light.

[0167] However, in addition to deactivating a part of the display, the folding mode of the electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include content including an image or video that was displayed on the entire display being divided and relocated to a housing other than the housing that is folded and displayed.

[0168] In one embodiment, the size or length of the hinge connecting each housing may differ depending on the folding type of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) (G-type, Z-type, E-type, rollable, etc.). That is, the threshold value at which the folding mode is executed for each housing may be set differently.

[0169] For example, in one embodiment, when the angle (first angle) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and is held by both hands by a user, the processor (120) changes the threshold value at which the folding mode of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) of the electronic device (200) is executed from the first-1 threshold value to the second-1 threshold value, and can execute the folding mode of the electronic device (200) when the first angle from the first sensor (510) is less than the second-1 threshold value.

[0170] In another example, in one embodiment, the angle (second angle) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and the processor (120) can cause the multi-foldable electronic device (200) to change the threshold value at which the folding mode of the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) of the electronic device (200) is executed from the first-2 threshold value to the second-2 threshold value, and to execute the folding mode of the electronic device (200) when the second angle from the second sensor (520) is less than the second-2 threshold value.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) obtains user input from the user through the flexible display (240) while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, and when the first angle or the second angle is detected to be increasing from the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520), compares the first angle and the second angle with the first threshold and the second threshold, and if the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, the folding mode threshold can be maintained at the second threshold. Additionally, the processor (120) can change the threshold back from the second threshold to the first threshold if the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) obtains user input from a user through a flexible display (240) while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to a second threshold, compares the first angle and the second angle with a second threshold when the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) detect that the first angle or the second angle is decreasing, and when the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) detect that at least one of the first angle or the second angle is less than the second threshold, changes the threshold back from the second threshold to the first threshold and can execute a folding mode.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) obtains user input hovering from the user through the flexible display (240) while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, and can change the threshold from the second threshold to the third threshold.

[0174] User input hovering refers to the act of a user bringing a finger or pen, etc., close to the display to input user input. That is, when a user brings a specific tool close to the display for user input, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect a user input hovering signal.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) obtains user input hovering from the user through the flexible display (240) while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, and may not execute the folding mode regardless of the first angle and the second angle until user input is obtained through the flexible display (240).

[0176] According to one embodiment, if the processor (120) detects that at least one of the first angle or the second angle is less than the second threshold from the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520), it can change the threshold from the second threshold back to the first threshold and execute a folding mode.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) can notify the user by displaying on the flexible display (240) that the folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) has changed from a first threshold to a second threshold.

[0178] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing various examples of a user’s two-handed gripping of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] According to various embodiments, the first grip sensor (272) and / or the second grip sensor (282) can detect whether the user has grasped the area around the first hinge assembly (201), and the first grip sensor (272) and / or the third grip sensor (292) can detect whether the user has grasped the area around the second hinge assembly (202).

[0180] That is, according to various embodiments, a plurality of grip sensors (first grip sensor (272), second grip sensor (282), third grip sensor (292)) can detect whether the user has grasped the multi-foldable electronic device (200) with one hand and / or with both hands, and the form in which the user grasps the electronic device (200) with both hands may include not only the form in which the left and right sides of the electronic device (200) are grasped with both hands (9-A), but also the form in which the top and bottom sides of the electronic device (200) are grasped with both hands (9-B). However, it is not limited thereto and may include the case in which at least two sides among the left, right, top, and bottom sides of the electronic device (200) are grasped.

[0181] FIGS. 10 and 11 are drawings showing the folding mode of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the multifoldable electronic device (200) can execute a folding mode when a user folds at least one of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and / or the third housing (230). The electronic device (200) determines whether to execute the folding mode by comparing the angle (first angle) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (322) and / or the angle (second angle) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) with a predetermined folding mode threshold.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a user can use the multi-foldable electronic device (200) with both hands. The user can use the electronic device with the flexible display (240) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) fully unfolded, at which time the angle (10-A') between each housing may be approximately 180˚ (10-A).

[0184] The user can fold the housing of the electronic device (200) according to the user's intention to use the electronic device (200) (10-B). When the user folds at least one housing of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), the user can determine whether to execute the folding mode by comparing the angle between each housing with a predetermined folding mode threshold.

[0185] For example, a multi-foldable electronic device (200) can execute a folding mode (10-C) when the angle (11-A) between the housings is less than a threshold value. That is, the angle 10-B' corresponds to a case where it is greater than or equal to the folding mode threshold value, and the angle 10-C' corresponds to a case where it is less than the folding mode threshold value.

[0186] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment (see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14).

[0187] In the following embodiments, each operation of FIG. 12 may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation of FIG. 12 may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0188] According to one embodiment, operations 1000 to 1300 of FIG. 12 may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1).

[0189] In various embodiments, before performing the operation, the electronic device (200) may perform an operation of establishing a communication connection (e.g., pairing) with an external electronic device.

[0190] In one embodiment, the processor (120) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) (or the multi-foldable electronic device (200)) can detect whether the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) (first angle) and the angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) (second angle) is greater than or equal to a predetermined value through the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520), and whether the user is gripping the electronic device (200) with both hands through the plurality of grip sensors (272, 282, 292) (1000).

[0191] The processor (120) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can detect, using the first sensor (510) and / or the second sensor (520), that the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are unfolded to a predetermined angle using the first hinge assembly (201) and the second hinge assembly (202). The predetermined value can be set to a value that allows the user to perceive the electronic device (200) as a large display screen (e.g., about 180˚). That is, when the first angle and the second angle are greater than the predetermined value, the current multi-foldable electronic device (200) may correspond to the state in which the flexible display (240) is used by the user as a large display screen state that is nearly straight.

[0192] The processor (120) can change the angle threshold between each housing, where the folding mode of the electronic device (200) is executed, from the first threshold to the second threshold (1100) when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to a predetermined value and the user holds the multi-foldable electronic device (200) with both hands (example of 1000). Specifically, a user using the electronic device (200) while holding a large display screen with both hands may fold a housing that is temporarily located far from a specific area in order to touch a specific area of ​​the display. Since this is not a folding event to execute the folding mode, the processor (120) can change the folding mode threshold from the first threshold to the second threshold so that the folding mode of the electronic device (200) is executed according to the user's intention. For example, the changed threshold may be smaller than the one before the change. That is, the second threshold may be set to be smaller than the first threshold.

[0193] After the threshold of the folding mode is changed, the processor (120) can compare a first angle or a second angle with a second threshold (1200). If at least one of the first angle or the second angle is less than the second threshold (e.g., 1200), the processor (120) can execute the folding mode of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) (1300).

[0194] FIGS. 13 and 14 are drawings showing that the folding mode of a multi-foldable electronic device is executed after the folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is changed.

[0195] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a user can use the multi-foldable electronic device (200) with both hands. The user can use the electronic device with the flexible display (240) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) fully unfolded, at which time the angle (14-A') between each housing may be approximately 180˚ (14-A). Referring to 14-A, the user is using the widely unfolded flexible display (240) in a state of holding it with both hands.

[0196] The user may fold the housing of the electronic device (200) according to the user's intention to use the electronic device (200) (14-B). For example, the user may temporarily fold the housing away from a specific area to input user input to a specific area currently present on the wide display (14-C). Since this folding event is not intended to execute a folding mode, the folding mode threshold may be changed to a smaller value by the processor (120). That is, it may be changed from a first threshold (13-A') to a second threshold (13-B').

[0197] That is, even if the housing is further folded by the user (14-D), the angle between the housings (14-D') does not reach the value for executing the folding mode due to the change in the threshold, so the folding mode of the electronic device (200) may not be executed (14-D). However, if the housing is further folded even after the user inputs user input, this may be an intention to execute the folding mode. That is, if the angle between the housings (14-E') becomes less than the changed threshold (second threshold, 13-B'), the processor (120) can execute the folding mode of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) (14-E).

[0198] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device when the folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device is changed and user input is obtained according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0199] In the following embodiments, each operation of FIG. 15 may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation of FIG. 15 may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0200] According to one embodiment, operations 2000 to 2610 of FIG. 15 may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1).

[0201] Since the 2000 to 2100 operations of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment are substantially the same as the 1000 to 1100 operations of FIG. 12 described above, a detailed description thereof may be replaced by the description of FIG. 12.

[0202] In one embodiment, the processor (120) can determine whether user input is obtained on the flexible display (240) after changing the folding mode threshold of the electronic device (200) from a first threshold to a second threshold. Specifically, the processor (120) can determine whether user input is obtained from the user through the flexible display (240) because the folding mode is not executed while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold (2200).

[0203] The processor (120) can detect whether the first angle or the second angle increases when user input is obtained from the user while the first angle and the second angle are above the second threshold (e.g., 2200). That is, by detecting whether the user unfolds the housing of the electronic device (200) again after user input, it can determine whether the user has an intention to execute the folding mode. If the first angle or the second angle increases (e.g., 2300), it is considered that the user has no intention to execute the folding mode, and the threshold change can be controlled. If the first angle or the second angle decreases (e.g., No, X in 2300), it is described in detail in FIG. 16.

[0204] When the processor (120) detects that the first angle or the second angle increases after user input, it can compare the first angle and the second angle with the first threshold and the second threshold (2400).

[0205] When the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the first threshold (e.g., 2500), the processor (120) may change the folding mode threshold of the electronic device (200) back from the second threshold to the first threshold (2600), assuming that the user has no intention of executing folding mode.

[0206] The processor (120) can maintain the folding mode threshold of the electronic device (200) at the second threshold (2610) when the first angle and the second angle are less than the first threshold or greater than the second threshold (No in 2500 and Yes in 2510).

[0207] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device when the folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device is changed and user input is obtained according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0208] In the following embodiments, each operation of FIG. 16 may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation of FIG. 16 may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the 3000 to 3400 operations of FIG. 16 may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1).

[0210] A processor (120) according to one embodiment can detect whether the first angle or the second angle increases or decreases when user input is obtained from a user while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to a second threshold. That is, it can determine whether the user intends to execute a folding mode by detecting whether the user unfolds the housing of the electronic device (200) again after user input.

[0211] The processor (120) can maintain the folding mode threshold of the electronic device (200) at the second threshold when the first angle or the second angle is maintained without increase or decrease (3000 no). (3310).

[0212] When the processor (120) detects that the first angle or the second angle is decreasing (e.g., 3000), it can compare the first angle and the second angle with a second threshold to determine whether the user intends to execute folding mode (3100).

[0213] If at least one of the first angle or the second angle is less than the second threshold (e.g., 3200), the processor (120) may change the folding mode threshold back from the second threshold to the first threshold, assuming that the user has an intention to execute the folding mode rather than a simple user input intention (3300). Additionally, since the current threshold is less than the second threshold, the processor (120) may execute the folding mode of the electronic device (200) according to the user's intention to execute the folding mode (3400).

[0214] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device when the folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device is changed and user input hovering is acquired, according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See FIG. 18 and 19)

[0215] In the following embodiments, each operation of FIG. 17 may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation of FIG. 17 may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0216] According to one embodiment, operations 4000 to 4300 of FIG. 17 may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1).

[0217] Since the 4000 to 4100 operations of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment are substantially the same as the 1000 to 1100 operations of FIG. 12 described above, a detailed description thereof may be replaced by the description of FIG. 12.

[0218] In one embodiment, the processor (120) can determine whether hovering for user input is obtained on the flexible display (240) after changing the folding mode threshold of the electronic device (200) from a first threshold to a second threshold. Specifically, the processor (120) can determine whether hovering for user input is obtained from the user through the flexible display (240) because the folding mode is not executed while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold (4200).

[0219] When the processor (120) obtains hovering for user input from the user while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold (e.g., 4200), it can determine that there is an intention of user input in the user's housing folding behavior. That is, the folding mode execution threshold of the electronic device (200) can be changed from the second threshold to the third threshold (4300). At this time, user input hovering is input, which means that the user needs to fold the housing further for user input. Therefore, the processor (120) can change the folding mode threshold to the third threshold, which is smaller than the second threshold (4300).

[0220] FIGS. 18 and 19 are drawings illustrating cases where the folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is changed and user input hovering is obtained.

[0221] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a user can use the multi-foldable electronic device (200) with both hands. The user can use the electronic device with the flexible display (240) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) unfolded, at which time the angle (19-A') between each housing may be approximately 180˚ (19-A). Referring to 19-A, the user is using the widely unfolded flexible display (240) while holding it with both hands.

[0222] The user may fold the housing of the electronic device (200) according to the user's intention to use the electronic device (200). For example, the user may temporarily fold the housing away from a specific area to input user input to a specific area currently present on a wide display (19-B). Since this folding event is not intended to execute the folding mode, the folding mode threshold may be changed by the processor (120) from a first threshold (18-A') to a second threshold (18-B'). Due to the change in threshold, the angle between the housings (19-B') does not reach the value for executing the folding mode, so the folding mode of the electronic device (200) may not be executed (19-B).

[0223] Depending on the user's input intent, user input hovering may be detected first. That is, the user may further fold a specific housing for user input, and accordingly, the electronic device (200) may detect the user input hovering signal (19-C). The electronic device (200) identifies the user input intent and, at this time, may change the folding mode threshold to a third threshold (18-C') which is smaller than the second threshold (18-B'). That is, when user input hovering is input from the user, the folding mode threshold may be changed to the third threshold, which is a smaller value. That is, even if the housing is further folded by the user (19-D), due to the change in threshold, the angle between the housings (19-D') does not reach the value for executing the folding mode, so the folding mode of the electronic device (200) may not be executed (19-D).

[0224] FIG. 20 is a flowchart indicating whether the folding mode of a multi-foldable electronic device is executed when the folding mode threshold of the multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is changed and user input hovering is obtained.

[0225] In the following embodiments, each operation of FIG. 20 may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation of FIG. 20 may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0226] According to one embodiment, operations 5000 to 5300 of FIG. 20 can be understood as being performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1).

[0227] Since the 5000 to 5200 operations of FIG. 20 according to one embodiment are substantially the same as the 4000 to 4200 operations of FIG. 17 described above, a detailed description thereof may be replaced by the description of FIG. 17.

[0228] The processor (120) may determine that there is an intention for user input in the user's housing folding behavior when hovering for user input is obtained from the user while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold (e.g., 5200). Specifically, since the processor (120) detecting user input hovering indicates that the user intended user input, the folding mode of the electronic device (200) may not be executed regardless of the first angle and the second angle until user input is obtained in a specific area of ​​the flexible display (240) (5300). That is, even if the first angle or the second angle reaches the second threshold, the folding mode may not be executed until user input is obtained in a specific area of ​​the flexible display (240).

[0229] FIGS. 21 to 23 are drawings showing various changes in the folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention through a display.

[0230] When a folding event of the electronic device (200) occurs according to the user's user input intention, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can change the folding mode threshold to a smaller value.

[0231] Referring to FIG. 21, the electronic device (200) can display content in a display area where user input is obtained larger than the content in a surrounding display area to inform the user through the flexible display (240) that the folding mode threshold has been changed (21-B). The content in the display area may include application icons, widget icons, etc.

[0232] Referring to FIG. 22, the electronic device (200) can display the contrast, color, and / or brightness of the display area where user input is acquired differently from the content size of the surrounding display area in order to notify the user through the flexible display (240) that the folding mode threshold has been changed (22-B).

[0233] Referring to FIG. 23, the electronic device (200) can display the degree of folding or the remaining degree until the folding mode is executed as a gauge. That is, by displaying the degree of folding or the remaining degree until the folding mode is executed as a gauge, the user can be notified through the flexible display (240) if the folding mode threshold is changed.

[0234] For example, when the housing is folded according to the user's input intent, the folding mode threshold can be changed from the first threshold to the second threshold. In this case, the second threshold corresponds to a value smaller than the first threshold. That is, even if the user of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) folds a specific housing at the same angle, the gauge display may be displayed differently depending on the folding mode threshold. Specifically, when the threshold is the first threshold before the change, the gauge display may appear as 23-A'. However, when the housing is folded according to the user's input intent and the threshold is changed to the second threshold, since more folding must occur than before the threshold change for the actual folding mode to occur, even if the housing is folded at the same angle as 23-A in 23-B, the gauge display showing the degree of folding until the folding mode is executed may appear as 23-B', which is smaller than 23-A'.

[0235] A multi-foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first housing (210); a second housing (220) rotatably coupled to a first side of the first housing (210); a third housing (230) rotatably coupled to a second side of the first housing (210); a flexible display (240) comprising a first display area (240a) disposed in the first housing (210), a second display area (240b) disposed in the second housing (220), and a third display area (240c) disposed on the front of the third housing (230); a sub-display (250) comprising a fourth display area (250d) disposed on the rear of the third housing (230); a first sensor (510) for detecting a first angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220); and the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). It may include a second sensor (520) for detecting a second angle between them, a plurality of grip sensors (272, 282, 292) for detecting whether the user is gripping the electronic device (200) with both hands, a memory (130) for storing instructions, and at least one processor (120). According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device detects the first angle and the second angle from the first sensor and the second sensor, and whether the user is gripping with both hands from the plurality of grip sensors, and if the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to a predetermined value and the user is gripping with both hands, the threshold for executing the folding mode of the electronic device is changed from the first threshold to the second threshold, and if at least one of the first angle or the second angle is detected from the first sensor and the second sensor as being less than the second threshold, the folding mode can be executed.

[0236] According to one embodiment, the folding mode of the electronic device can disable at least one of the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c).

[0237] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device may obtain user input from the user through the flexible display while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, compare the first angle and the second angle with the first threshold and the second threshold when the first angle or the second angle is detected to be increasing from the first sensor and the second sensor, and maintain the threshold as the second threshold when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0238] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device may change the threshold from the second threshold to the first threshold when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0239] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device may obtain user input from the user through the flexible display while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, compare the first angle and the second angle with the second threshold when the first sensor and the second sensor detect that the first angle or the second angle is decreasing, and change the threshold back from the second threshold to the first threshold when the first sensor and the second sensor detect that at least one of the first angle or the second angle is less than the second threshold, and execute the folding mode.

[0240] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device can obtain user input hovering from the user through the flexible display while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, and change the threshold from the second threshold to the third threshold.

[0241] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, user input hovering is obtained from the user through the flexible display while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, and the folding mode may not be executed regardless of the first angle and the second angle until user input is obtained through the flexible display.

[0242] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, if at least one of the first angle or the second angle is detected from the first sensor and the second sensor to be less than the second threshold, the threshold is changed back from the second threshold to the first threshold, and the folding mode can be executed.

[0243] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device may display the first angle or the second angle by comparing it with the first threshold value when the threshold value at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed is the first threshold value.

[0244] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device may compare the first angle or the second angle with the second threshold value and display it on the flexible display when the threshold value at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed changes from the first threshold value to the second threshold value.

[0245] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device may acquire user input hovering from the user through at least one of the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, and may display the size of the icon present in the display area where the user input hovering is acquired larger.

[0246] A method for controlling a change in a folding mode threshold of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a first housing, a second housing, a third housing, a flexible display, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a plurality of grip sensors, may include: detecting a first angle between the first housing and the second housing and a second angle between the first housing and the third housing from the first sensor and the second sensor, and detecting whether the user is gripping with both hands from the plurality of grip sensors; changing the threshold of the folding mode of the electronic device from a first threshold to a second threshold when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to a predetermined value and the user is gripping with both hands; and executing the folding mode when at least one of the first angle or the second angle is detected to be less than the second threshold from the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0247] According to one embodiment, the flexible display includes a first display area disposed in the first housing, a second display area disposed in the second housing, and a third display area disposed on the front of the third housing, and the folding mode of the electronic device may be a mode that disables at least one of the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area.

[0248] According to one embodiment, the method may further include the operation of obtaining user input from the user through the flexible display while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, the operation of comparing the first angle and the second angle with the first threshold and the second threshold when the first angle or the second angle is detected to be increasing from the first sensor and the second sensor, and the operation of maintaining the threshold at the second threshold when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0249] According to one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of changing the threshold from the second threshold back to the first threshold when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0250] According to one embodiment, the method may further include the operation of obtaining user input from the user through the flexible display while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold; the operation of comparing the first angle and the second angle with the second threshold when the first sensor and the second sensor detect that the first angle or the second angle is decreasing; the operation of changing the threshold back from the second threshold to the first threshold when the first sensor and the second sensor detect that at least one of the first angle or the second angle is less than the second threshold; and the operation of executing the folding mode.

[0251] According to one embodiment, the method may further include the operation of obtaining user input hovering from the user through the flexible display while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, and the operation of changing the threshold from the second threshold to a third threshold.

[0252] According to one embodiment, the method may further include the operation of obtaining user input hovering from the user through the flexible display while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, and the operation of not executing the folding mode regardless of the first angle and the second angle until user input is obtained through the flexible display.

[0253] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of changing the threshold from the second threshold back to the first threshold when at least one of the first angle or the second angle is detected from the first sensor and the second sensor to be less than the second threshold, and an operation of executing the folding mode.

[0254] According to one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of comparing the first angle or the second angle with the first threshold value and displaying it on the flexible display when the threshold value at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed is the first threshold value.

[0255] According to one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of comparing the first angle or the second angle with the second threshold value and displaying it on the flexible display when the threshold value at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed is changed from a first threshold value to a second threshold value.

[0256] According to one embodiment, the flexible display may include a first display area disposed in the first housing, a second display area disposed in the second housing, and a third display area disposed on the front of the third housing, and may further include an operation of obtaining user input hovering from the user through at least one of the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, and an operation of displaying the size of an icon existing in the display area where the user input hovering is obtained larger.

[0257] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-foldable electronic device can provide an electronic device and a method capable of preventing an unintended folding mode from being executed by detecting the user's intention to touch the center area of ​​a large display and changing the threshold of the angle at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed.

[0258] A multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention can increase the user's convenience of using the electronic device by identifying the user's intention to fold the display and changing the threshold value at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed according to the user's intention, thereby preventing the deactivation of the display and changes in the arrangement of content caused by unnecessary folding modes.

Claims

In a multi-foldable electronic device (200), First housing (210); A second housing (220) rotatably coupled to the first side of the first housing (210); A third housing (230) rotatably coupled to the second side of the first housing (210); A flexible display (240) comprising a first display area (240a) disposed in the first housing (210), a second display area (240b) disposed in the second housing (220), and a third display area (240c) disposed on the front of the third housing (230); A sub-display (250) including a fourth display area (250d) positioned on the rear of the third housing (230); A first sensor (510) for detecting a first angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220); A second sensor (520) for detecting a second angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230); A plurality of grip sensors (272, 282, 292) that detect whether the user is gripping the electronic device (200) with both hands Memory (130) for storing instructions; and It includes at least one processor (120); and When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, Detecting the first angle and the second angle from the first sensor and the second sensor, and detecting whether the user is gripping with both hands from the plurality of grip sensors, When the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to a predetermined value and the user’s two-hand gripping is detected, the threshold value at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed is changed from the first threshold value to the second threshold value, and An electronic device that executes the folding mode when detecting from the first sensor and the second sensor that at least one of the first angle or the second angle is less than a second threshold value. In Article 1, The folding mode of the above electronic device is, An electronic device in a mode that disables at least one of the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c). In Article 1, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, While the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold value, user input is obtained from the user through the flexible display, and When an increase in the first angle or the second angle is detected from the first sensor and the second sensor, the first angle and the second angle are compared with the first threshold and the second threshold, and An electronic device that maintains the threshold value at the second threshold value when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold value. In Paragraph 3, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device that changes the threshold value back from the second threshold value to the first threshold value when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the first threshold value. In Article 1, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, While the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold value, user input is obtained from the user through the flexible display, and When the first angle or the second angle is detected to decrease from the first sensor and the second sensor, the first angle and the second angle are compared with a second threshold value, and If at least one of the first angle or the second angle is detected to be less than the second threshold from the first sensor and the second sensor, the threshold is changed back from the second threshold to the first threshold, and An electronic device that enables the above folding mode to be executed. In Article 1, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, While the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, user input hovering is obtained from the user through the flexible display, and An electronic device that changes the above threshold from a second threshold to a third threshold. In Article 1, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, While the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, user input hovering is obtained from the user through the flexible display, and An electronic device that prevents the folding mode from being executed regardless of the first angle and the second angle until user input is obtained through the flexible display. In Article 1, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, If at least one of the first angle or the second angle is detected to be less than the second threshold from the first sensor and the second sensor, the threshold is changed back from the second threshold to the first threshold, and An electronic device that enables the above folding mode to be executed. In Article 1, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device that, when the threshold value at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed is a first threshold value, compares the first angle or the second angle with the first threshold value and displays it on the flexible display. In Article 1, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, An electronic device that, when the threshold at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed changes from a first threshold to a second threshold, compares the first angle or the second angle with the second threshold and displays it on the flexible display. In Article 1, When the above instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the electronic device, While the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold, user input hovering is obtained from the user through at least one of the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c), and, An electronic device that makes the size of an icon existing in a display area where the above user input hovering is acquired larger. A method for controlling a folding mode threshold change of a multi-foldable electronic device (200) comprising a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a flexible display (240), a first sensor (510), a second sensor (520), and a plurality of grip sensors (272, 282, 292), wherein An operation to detect whether the user is gripping with both hands from the plurality of grip sensors, the first angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and the second angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) from the first sensor and the second sensor; When the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to a predetermined value and the user’s two-hand gripping is detected, the operation of changing the threshold value at which the folding mode of the electronic device is executed from the first threshold value to the second threshold value; and A method comprising the operation of executing the folding mode when at least one of the first angle or the second angle is detected from the first sensor and the second sensor to be less than a second threshold. In Paragraph 12, An operation of obtaining user input from the user through the flexible display while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold; When detecting that the first angle or the second angle increases from the first sensor and the second sensor, the operation of comparing the first angle and the second angle with a first threshold and a second threshold; and A method further comprising the operation of maintaining the threshold value at the second threshold value when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold value. In Paragraph 13, A method further comprising the operation of changing the threshold from the second threshold back to the first threshold when the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the first threshold. In Paragraph 12, An operation of obtaining user input from the user through the flexible display while the first angle and the second angle are greater than or equal to the second threshold; An operation of comparing the first angle and the second angle with a second threshold value when detecting that the first angle or the second angle is decreasing from the first sensor and the second sensor; An operation to change the threshold back from the second threshold to the first threshold when at least one of the first angle or the second angle is detected from the first sensor and the second sensor to be less than the second threshold; and A method further comprising the operation of executing the above folding mode.

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