Multi-window control method and electronic device using same

Abstract

A multi-window control method and an electronic device using same are provided. The electronic device comprises: a display; one or more processors including processing circuitry; and a memory for storing instructions, wherein, when executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors, the instructions can instruct the electronic device to: divide, on the basis of a first divider bar and a second divider bar parallel to each other, a display area of the display into a first partial area, a second partial area, and a third partial area arranged side by side; sense a first drag input of dragging, toward the second partial area, the first divider bar from among the first divider bar disposed between the first partial area and the second partial area and the second divider bar disposed between the second partial area and the third partial area; when a touch hold point of the first drag input passes through a dismiss affordance boundary of the second partial area, display a dismiss affordance representing that the second partial area is dismissed according to the first drag input; and, when the touch hold point of the first drag input passes through the dismiss affordance boundary and then passes through a dismiss boundary of the second partial area, dismiss the second partial area in the display area.

Description

Multi-window control method and electronic device using the same

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a multi-window control method and an electronic device using the same.

[0002] Recently, electronic devices can provide the ability to display the execution screens of two or more applications together on a single screen. For example, an electronic device can split the display area into two or more regions and display the execution screen of an application in each split region.

[0003] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a display. The electronic device may include one or more processors including processing circuits. The electronic device may include a memory for storing instructions. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may cause the display area of ​​the display to be divided into a first partial area, a second partial area, and a third partial area arranged side by side based on a first dividing bar and a second dividing bar that are parallel to each other. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may cause the first dividing bar to be dragged toward the second partial area, among the first dividing bar placed between the first partial area and the second partial area and the second dividing bar placed between the second partial area and the third partial area. When instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may be caused to display a dismis affordance indicating that the second part region is dismised according to the first drag input when the touch hold point of the first drag input passes the dismis affordance boundary of the second part region. When instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may be caused to dismis the second part region in the display area when the touch hold point of the first drag input passes the dismis affordance boundary and then passes the dismis boundary of the second part region.

[0004] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a display. The electronic device may include one or more processors including a processing circuit. Instructions, when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, may cause the electronic device to divide the display area of ​​the display into a first partial area and a second partial area based on a dividing bar. Instructions, when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, may cause the electronic device to sense a drag input that drags the dividing bar toward the first partial area. Instructions, when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, may cause the electronic device to display a stash affordance indicating that the first partial area is displayed in a stash state according to the drag input when the touch-hold point of the drag input passes the stash affordance boundary of the first partial area. When instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may cause the first part area to display the first part area in a stash state when the touch hold point of the drag input passes the stash affordance boundary and then passes the dismiss affordance boundary of the first part area.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device may include the operation of dividing a display area of ​​a display of an electronic device into a first partial area, a second partial area, and a third partial area arranged side by side based on a first dividing bar and a second dividing bar that are parallel to each other. The method may include the operation of sensing a first drag input that drags the first dividing bar, among the first dividing bar arranged between the first partial area and the second partial area and the second dividing bar arranged between the second partial area and the third partial area, toward the second partial area. When the touch hold point of the first drag input passes the dismis affordance boundary of the second partial area, the method may include the operation of displaying a dismis affordance indicating that the second partial area is dismised according to the first drag input. When the touch hold point of the first drag input passes the dismis affordance boundary and then passes the dismis boundary of the second partial area, the method may include the operation of dismising the second partial area in the display area.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a display. The electronic device may include one or more processors including processing circuits. The electronic device may include a memory for storing instructions. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may cause the display area of ​​the display to be divided into a first partial area, a second partial area, and a third partial area arranged side by side based on a first dividing bar and a second dividing bar that are parallel to each other. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may cause the first dividing bar, among the first dividing bar placed between the first partial area and the second partial area and the second dividing bar placed between the second partial area and the third partial area, to be dragged toward the second partial area by sensing a first drag input. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may cause the size of the second partial area to be reduced according to the first drag input. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may be caused to reduce the size of a third part area according to the drag input while keeping the size of the second part area fixed, if the drag input towards the second part area continues after the width of the second part area has narrowed below the minimum width according to the first drag input. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may be caused to selectively dismiss one of the second part area and the third part area if the drag input towards the second part area continues after the width of the second part area and the width of the third part area have each narrowed below the minimum width according to the first drag input.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a display. The electronic device may include one or more processors including processing circuits. The electronic device may include a memory for storing instructions. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may cause the display area of ​​the display to be divided into a first partial area, a second partial area, and a third partial area arranged side by side based on a first dividing bar and a second dividing bar that are parallel to each other. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may cause the first dividing bar to be dragged toward the first partial area, among the first dividing bar placed between the first partial area and the second partial area and the second dividing bar placed between the second partial area and the third partial area. When instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may be caused to display a stash affordance indicating that the first part region is displayed in a stash state according to the second drag input when the touch hold point of the second drag input passes the stash affordance boundary of the first part region. When instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may be caused to display the first part region in a stash state when the touch hold point of the second drag input passes the dismiss affordance boundary of the first part region after passing the stash affordance boundary.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a display. The electronic device may include one or more processors including processing circuits. The electronic device may include a memory for storing instructions. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may cause the display area of ​​the display to be divided into a first partial area, a second partial area, and a third partial area arranged side by side based on a first dividing bar and a second dividing bar that are parallel to each other. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may cause the first dividing bar, among the first dividing bar placed between the first partial area and the second partial area and the second dividing bar placed between the second partial area and the third partial area, to be dragged toward the second partial area by sensing a first drag input. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may cause the size of the second partial area to be reduced according to the first drag input. When instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may be caused to reduce the size of a third part area according to a drag input while keeping the size of the second part area fixed, if a drag input toward the second part area is sustained after the width of the second part area has narrowed below the minimum width according to a first drag input. When instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors, the electronic device may be caused to selectively stash one of the second part area and the third part area if a drag input toward the second part area is sustained after the widths of the second part area and the third part area, respectively, have narrowed below the minimum width according to a first drag input.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2a is a drawing showing an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment, FIG. 2b is a drawing showing a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing an example of an electronic device in a fully unfolded state or a partially unfolded intermediate state according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a drawing exemplarily showing a display area in a parallel 3-division state according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 4a and 4b are drawings exemplarily illustrating a transition operation between a vertical 3-segment state and a parallel 3-segment state according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4c is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a screen rotation operation in a parallel 3-segment state according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a flowchart exemplarily illustrating a screen rotation operation in a parallel 3-segment state based on rotation conditions according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a flowchart exemplarily illustrating a multi-window control operation including partial area dismissal control according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIGS. 7a to 7c are drawings illustrating an example of desmishing a partial area based on drag input according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B are drawings illustrating an example of resizing and desizing a partial area based on drag input according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a flowchart exemplarily illustrating a multi-window control operation including dismissal control of a plurality of partial regions according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIGS. 10a to 10g are drawings illustrating an example of resizing and desizing a plurality of partial regions based on drag input according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a drawing exemplarily illustrating a function of fixing a partial area according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIGS. 12a and 12b are drawings exemplarily illustrating multi-touch based resize and dismiss operations according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIGS. 13a, FIGS. 13b, FIGS. 14a, and FIGS. 14b are drawings exemplarily illustrating the operation of changing a split layout by dragging and dropping an application execution icon according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIGS. 15a and FIGS. 15b are drawings exemplarily illustrating an interaction based on the position of a touch hold point of a drag input according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIGS. 16a to 16f are drawings exemplarily illustrating the operation of changing a split layout by dragging and dropping a popup window according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIGS. 17a to 17e are drawings exemplarily illustrating an operation of changing a divided state based on the expansion and contraction of an expandable display according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a resize operation and a dismiss operation based on single-touch drag and multi-touch drag according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIGS. 19a and 19b are drawings exemplarily illustrating a resize operation and a dismiss operation based on drag speed according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a flowchart exemplarily illustrating a multi-window control operation including partial area stash control according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIGS. 21a to 21d are drawings illustrating examples of resizing, stashing, and dismissing a partial area based on drag input according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIGS. 22a to 22f are drawings illustrating examples of resizing, stashing, and dismissing partial regions based on drag input in a 2-split state according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 23 is a flowchart exemplarily illustrating a multi-window control operation including stash control of a plurality of partial regions according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIGS. 24a to 24h are drawings illustrating examples of resizing, stashing, and dismissing a plurality of partial regions based on drag input according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIGS. 25a to 25d are drawings exemplarily illustrating a stash operation using user interface elements according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIGS. 26a to 26c are drawings exemplarily illustrating a dismiss cancellation operation using user interface elements according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 27 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating an operation of recommending a previously used application according to one embodiment.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are given the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment. 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 the server (108).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display (160), audio module (170), sensor (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera (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 (176), camera (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display (160)).

[0039] The processor (120) may be implemented as one or more IC (integrated circuit (or circuitry)) chips and may perform various data processing operations. The processor (120) may include at least one electrical circuit and may process instructions (or programs (140), data, etc.) stored in memory (130) individually or collectively in a distributed manner. The processor (120) may include a processor assembly comprising one or more processing circuits. The processor (120) may include any processing circuit that is operative to control the performance and operation of one or more components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., memory (130), display (160), camera (180), communication module (190), and / or sensor (176)).

[0040] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0041] 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 (160), sensor (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 (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.

[0042] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related instructions. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a display (160). The electronic device (101) may include one or more processors (120) including processing circuits. The electronic device (101) may include a memory (130) for storing instructions. When the instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may cause the display area of ​​the display (160) to be divided into a first partial area, a second partial area, and a third partial area arranged side by side based on a first dividing bar and a second dividing bar that are parallel to each other. When instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may cause to sense a first drag input that drags the first dividing bar, among a first dividing bar placed between a first part area and a second part area and a second dividing bar placed between a second part area and a third part area, toward the second part area. When instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may cause to display a dismis affordance indicating that the second part area is dismised according to the first drag input when the touch hold point of the first drag input passes the dismis affordance boundary of the second part area. When instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may cause the second part area in the display area to dismiss when the touch hold point of the first drag input passes the dismiss affordance boundary and then passes the dismiss boundary of the second part area.

[0044] According to one embodiment, while the size of the second partial area decreases according to the first drag input, the size of the first partial area increases, and the size of the third partial area may be fixed. According to one embodiment, when the second partial area is dismissed in the display area, the first partial area may be displayed in the area where the second partial area was displayed before the second partial area was dismissed.

[0045] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may be caused to display a user interface element that restores the display (160) state prior to dismissal for a predetermined time after dismissal when a second partial region is dismissed.

[0046] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may be caused to sense a second drag input that drags a first dividing bar toward a first partial area.

[0047] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may be caused to display a stash affordance indicating that the first part region is displayed in a stash state (160) according to the second drag input when the touch hold point of the second drag input passes the stash affordance boundary of the first part region.

[0048] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may cause the first part area to display the first part area in a stash state when the touch hold point of the second drag input passes the stash affordance boundary and then passes the dismiss affordance boundary of the first part area.

[0049] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may be caused to display a stash dismissal affordance indicating that the first portion of the stash state is dismissed when the touch hold point of the second drag input passes the stash affordance boundary and then passes the dismissal affordance boundary of the first portion of the stash state.

[0050] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may cause the first partial area in a stash state in the display area to be dismissed when the touch hold point of the second drag input passes the dismissal affordance boundary and then passes the dismissal boundary of the first partial area.

[0051] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may be caused to output haptic feedback at one or more of the following times: when the touch hold point of the second drag input reaches the stash affordance boundary of the first part area, when the first part area is displayed in a stash state (160) according to the second drag input, and when the first part area is dismissed according to the second drag input.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the stash affordance may include visual feedback in which the execution screen of the first application in the first partial area is pushed out of the display area in response to the second drag input.

[0053] According to one embodiment, as the size of the residual area left in the display area of ​​the execution screen of the first application decreases, the brightness of the residual area may decrease.

[0054] According to one embodiment, in a stash state, the execution state of the first application is maintained, and a residual area of ​​the execution screen of the first application can be displayed (160) in a first partial area.

[0055] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may be caused to display a stash dismissal affordance indicating that the first part of the stash state is dismissed when the touch hold point of the second drag input passes the stash affordance boundary and then passes the dismissal affordance boundary of the first part of the stash state. The stash dismissal affordance may include visual feedback indicating that the size of the remaining area of ​​the execution screen of the first application displayed (160) in the first part of the stash state is reduced according to the second drag input.

[0056] According to one embodiment, when instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may be caused to restore the first partial area and display one or more of the second and third partial areas in a stash state instead of the first partial area when a touch input to the first partial area is sensed.

[0057] According to one embodiment, instructions may cause the electronic device (101), when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), to divide the display area into a fourth sub-area, a fifth sub-area, and a sixth sub-area based on a third sub-area and a fourth sub-area that are perpendicular to each other when a vertical 3-dividend request based on a touch input to a first sub-area or a second sub-area is received. When instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may cause the applications of the first sub-area, the second sub-area, and the third sub-area to be displayed in the fourth sub-area, the fifth sub-area, and the sixth sub-area.

[0058] According to one embodiment, instructions may cause the electronic device (101), when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), to divide the display area using a dividing bar perpendicular to the first dividing bar and a dividing bar parallel to the second dividing bar, when a vertical 3-dividing request is based on a first touch input to the first dividing bar. Instructions may cause the electronic device (101), when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), to divide the display area using a dividing bar perpendicular to the second dividing bar and a dividing bar parallel to the first dividing bar, when a vertical 3-dividing request is based on a second touch input to the second dividing bar.

[0059] According to one embodiment, instructions may cause the electronic device (101) to receive a screen rotation request when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120). Instructions may cause the electronic device (101) to ignore the screen rotation request when it is expected that one or more of the first partial area, the second partial area, and the third partial area will not satisfy rotation conditions including one or more of a predetermined minimum width and a predetermined minimum height after screen rotation. Instructions may cause the electronic device (101) to perform screen rotation in accordance with the screen rotation request when it is expected that the first partial area, the second partial area, and the third partial area will satisfy rotation conditions after screen rotation.

[0060] According to one embodiment, instructions may cause an electronic device (101) to sense a third drag input for dragging an application execution icon or a pop-up window in a display area that includes a first partial area and a second partial area in a left-right 2-split state of a horizontal screen or an up-down 2-split state of a vertical screen when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120). When instructions are executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101) may cause the display area to be divided into a first partial area, a second partial area, and a third partial area based on a first split bar and a second split bar when an application execution icon is dropped into a trigger area located opposite the first partial area within the second partial area or when a touch hold point of a pop-up window is released.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a display (160). The electronic device (101) may include one or more processors (120) including processing circuits. Instructions, when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to divide the display area of ​​the display (160) into a first partial area and a second partial area based on a dividing bar. Instructions, when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to sense a drag input that drags the dividing bar toward the first partial area. Instructions may cause the electronic device (101), when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), to display a stash affordance indicating that the first part area is displayed in a stash state (160) according to the drag input when the touch hold point of the drag input passes the stash affordance boundary of the first part area. Instructions may cause the electronic device (101), when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), to display the first part area in a stash state when the touch hold point of the drag input passes the stash affordance boundary and then passes the dismis affordance boundary of the first part area.

[0062] According to one embodiment, instructions may cause the electronic device (101), when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), to display a stash dismissal affordance indicating that the first part of the stash state is dismissed when the touch-hold point of the drag input passes the dismissal affordance boundary of the first part of the stash state. Instructions may cause the electronic device (101), when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (120), to dismiss the first part of the stash state in the display area when the touch-hold point of the drag input passes the dismissal affordance boundary of the first part of the stash state.

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] A display (160) (e.g., a display) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., a user) outside of the electronic device (101). The display (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 (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.

[0067] 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).

[0068] The sensor (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 (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. For example, the sensor (176) may include an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0072] The camera (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera (180) may include one or more lenses, one or more image sensors, one or more image signal processors, or one or more flashes.

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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.

[0075] A 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 circuits. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors (CP) that operate independently of a 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 region 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 relation)) 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., 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 a first network (198) or a second network (199), using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0076] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for 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.

[0077] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to an external source (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive it from an external source. 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).

[0078] According to one embodiment, 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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).

[0081] Each of the external electronic devices (102, 104) and the server (108) may be of the same or different type 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 the server (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 request may perform at least part of the requested function or service, or additional functions or services 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.

[0082] FIG. 2a is a drawing showing an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment, FIG. 2b is a drawing showing a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing an example of an unfolded state or a partially unfolded intermediate state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0083] The electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2a to 2c may be a foldable or bendable electronic device as an example of the electronic device (101) shown in FIG. 1.

[0084] FIG. 2c illustrates a spatial coordinate system defined by X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. Here, the X-axis may represent the width direction of the electronic device, the Y-axis may represent the length direction of the electronic device, and the Z-axis may represent the height (or thickness) direction of the electronic device. In the description of FIG. 2a through 2c, the term 'first direction' may refer to a direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, in one embodiment, an electronic device (200) may include a foldable housing (201) and a flexible or foldable display (250) (hereinafter abbreviated as “display” (250)) (e.g., display (160) of FIG. 1) disposed within the space formed by the foldable housing (201). According to one embodiment, the surface on which the display (250) is disposed (or the surface on which the display (250) is seen from outside the electronic device (200)) may be defined as the front of the electronic device (200). The opposite side of the front may be defined as the rear of the electronic device (200). Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front and the rear may be defined as the side of the electronic device (200).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing (201) may include a first housing structure (210), a second housing structure (220) including a sensor area (222), a first rear cover (215), a second rear cover (225), and a hinge structure (230). Here, the hinge structure (230) may include a hinge cover that covers a foldable portion of the foldable housing (201). The foldable housing (201) of the electronic device (200) is not limited to the form and combination shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing structure (210) and the first rear cover (215) may be formed integrally, and the second housing structure (220) and the second rear cover (225) may be formed integrally.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the first housing structure (210) is connected to the hinge structure (230) and may include a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second housing structure (220) is connected to the hinge structure (230) and may include a third surface facing a third direction and a fourth surface facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. The second housing structure (220) may rotate about the hinge structure (230) relative to the first housing structure (210). The electronic device (200) may be variable between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may have the first surface facing the third surface when fully folded, and the third direction may be the same as the first direction when fully unfolded.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) are arranged on both sides of the folding axis (S) and may have a shape that is symmetrical overall with respect to the folding axis (S). As described below, the angle or distance between the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (200) is an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state that is partially unfolded (or partially folded). According to one embodiment, unlike the first housing structure (210), the second housing structure (220) additionally includes the sensor area (222) where various sensors are arranged, but may have a mutually symmetrical shape in the other areas.

[0090] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2a, the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may together form a recess that accommodates a display (250). According to one embodiment, due to the sensor area (222), the recess may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (S). According to one embodiment, the recess may have a first width (w1) between a first part (210a) parallel to the folding axis (S) in the first housing structure (210) and a first part (220a) formed at the edge of the sensor area (222) in the second housing structure (220). The above recess may have a second width (w2) formed by a second part (210b) of the first housing structure (210) and a second part (220b) parallel to the folding axis (S) that does not correspond to the sensor area (222) of the second housing structure (220). In this case, the second width (w2) may be formed to be longer than the first width (w1). According to one embodiment, the first part (220a) and the second part (220b) of the second housing structure (220) may have different distances from the folding axis (S). The width of the recess is not limited to the illustrated example. In another embodiment, the recess may have multiple widths by the shape of the sensor area (222) or a part having an asymmetric shape of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220). According to one embodiment, the sensor area (222) may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the second housing structure (220). However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area (222) are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor area (222) may be provided at another corner of the second housing structure (220) or in any area between the top corner and the bottom corner.In one embodiment, components for performing various functions embedded in the electronic device (200) may be exposed to the front of the electronic device (200) through a sensor area (222) or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (222). In one embodiment, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensors may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor. According to one embodiment, the sensor area (222) in the second housing structure (220) may be omitted or formed at a location different from that shown in the drawing.

[0091] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be formed of a metal or non-metal material having a selected size of rigidity to support the display (250). The at least portion formed of the metal material may provide a ground plane of the electronic device (200) and may be electrically connected to a ground line formed on a printed circuit board disposed inside the foldable housing (201).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (215) is positioned on one side of the folding axis (S) on the rear of the electronic device (200) and may have a substantially rectangular periphery, for example, and the periphery may be wrapped by the first housing structure (210). Similarly, the second rear cover (225) is positioned on the other side of the folding axis (S) on the rear of the electronic device (200) and its periphery may be wrapped by the second housing structure (220).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (215) and the second rear cover (225) may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (S). However, the first rear cover (215) and the second rear cover (225) do not necessarily have mutually symmetrical shapes, and in another embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include the first rear cover (215) and the second rear cover (225) of various shapes. In yet another embodiment, the first rear cover (215) may be formed integrally with the first housing structure (210), and the second rear cover (225) may be formed integrally with the second housing structure (220).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (215), the second rear cover (225), the first housing structure (210), and the second housing structure (220) may form a space in which various components of the electronic device (200) (e.g., a printed circuit board, or a battery) may be placed. According to one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear of the electronic device (200). For example, at least a portion of a sub-display may be visually exposed through the first rear area (216) of the first rear cover (215). In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear area (226) of the second rear cover (225). In one embodiment, the sensor may include a proximity sensor and / or a rear camera.

[0095] According to one embodiment, a front camera exposed to the front of the electronic device (200) through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (222) or a rear camera exposed through a second rear area (226) of the second rear cover (225) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. A flash may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (infrared camera, wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be disposed on one side of the electronic device (200).

[0096] Referring to FIG. 2b, a hinge cover may be configured to be positioned between a first housing structure (210) and a second housing structure (220) to cover an internal component (e.g., a hinge structure (230)). According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (230) may be covered by a part of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) or exposed to the outside, depending on the state of the electronic device (200) (unfolded status, intermediate status, or folded status).

[0097] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2a, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., fully unfolded state), the hinge structure (230) may be covered by the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) and not exposed. As another example, as shown in FIG. 2b, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., fully folded state), the hinge structure (230) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220). As another example, when the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded with a certain angle, the hinge structure (230) may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220). However, in this case, the exposed area may be smaller than in a completely folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge structure (230) may include a curved surface.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the display (250) may be placed in a space formed by the foldable housing (201). For example, the display (250) may be seated on a recess formed by the foldable housing (201) and may be visible from the outside through the front of the electronic device (200). For example, the display (250) may constitute most of the front of the electronic device (200). Thus, the front of the electronic device (200) may include the display (250), a portion of the first housing structure (210) adjacent to the display (250), and a portion of the second housing structure (220). And, the rear of the electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (215), a portion of the first housing structure (210) adjacent to the first rear cover (215), a second rear cover (225), and a portion of the second housing structure (220) adjacent to the second rear cover (225).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the display (250) may mean a display in which at least some area can be deformed into a flat or curved surface. According to one embodiment, the display (250) may include a folding area (253), a first area (251) positioned on one side (e.g., the left side of the folding area (253) shown in FIG. 2a) with respect to the folding area (253), and a second area (252) positioned on the other side (e.g., the right side of the folding area (253) shown in FIG. 2a).

[0100] However, the division of the display (250) shown in FIG. 2a is exemplary, and the display (250) may be divided into multiple areas (e.g., four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, the areas of the display (250) may be divided by a folding area (203) that extends parallel to the folding axis (S), but in other embodiments, the display (250) may be divided into areas based on a different folding axis (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the width direction of the electronic device).

[0101] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display (250) may be combined with or placed adjacent to a touch panel equipped with a touch detection circuit and a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch. For example, the display (250) may be combined with or placed adjacent to a touch panel that detects an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) type stylus pen, as an example of a touch panel.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the first region (251) and the second region (252) may have a shape that is symmetrical overall with respect to the folding region (253). However, unlike the first region (251), the second region (252) may include a notch cut according to the presence of the sensor region (222), but otherwise may have a shape that is symmetrical to the first region (251). In other words, the first region (251) and the second region (252) may include a part that has a shape that is symmetrical to each other and a part that has a shape that is asymmetrical to each other.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the edge thickness of the first region (251) and the second region (252) may be formed differently from the edge thickness of the folding region (253). The edge thickness of the folding region (253) may be formed thinner than the thickness of the first region (251) and the second region (252). In terms of thickness, the first region (251) and the second region (252) may have an asymmetrical shape when viewed from a cross-section. For example, the edge of the first region (251) may be formed to have a first radius of curvature, and the edge of the second region (252) may be formed to have a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature. In another embodiment, the first region (251) and the second region (252) in terms of thickness may have a symmetrical shape when viewed in cross-section of the first region (251) and the second region (252).

[0104] Hereinafter, the operation of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) and each area of ​​the display (250) according to the state of the electronic device (200) (e.g., folded status, unfolded status, or intermediate status) will be described.

[0105] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a), the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be arranged to face in the same direction at an angle of 180 degrees. The surface of the first region (251) and the surface of the second region (252) of the display (250) may form an angle of 180 degrees to each other and may face in the same direction (e.g., the front direction of the electronic device). The folding region (253) may form a plane with the first region (251) and the second region (252).

[0106] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b), the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first region (251) and the surface of the second region (252) of the display (250) may face each other by forming a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 and 10 degrees). The folding region (253) may be formed of a curved surface having at least a portion having a predetermined curvature.

[0107] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an intermediate state, the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be arranged at a certain angle to each other. The surface of the first region (251) and the surface of the second region (252) of the display (250) may form an angle that is larger than in the folded state and smaller than in the unfolded state. The folding region (253) may be formed of a curved surface having at least a portion of a certain curvature, wherein the curvature may be smaller than in the folded state.

[0108] Figure 2c (a) shows the fully unfolded state of the electronic device (200), and Figure 2c (b) shows the intermediate state in which the electronic device (200) is partially unfolded. As described above, the electronic device (200) can be varied between a folded state and an unfolded state. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can be folded in two ways: 'in-folding,' where the front of the electronic device (200) is folded to form an acute angle when viewed from the folding axis direction (e.g., the S-axis in Figure 2a), and 'out-folding,' where the front of the electronic device (200) is folded to form an obtuse angle. For example, the electronic device (200) may have a first surface of the first housing structure (210) facing the third surface of the second housing structure (220) in a folded state in an in-folding manner, and in an unfolded state, the first surface of the first housing structure (210) and the third surface of the second housing structure (220) may face the same direction (e.g., a direction parallel to the Z-axis).

[0109] For example, the electronic device (200) may have the second side of the first housing structure (210) facing the fourth side of the second housing structure (220) while folded in an out-folding manner.

[0110] Additionally, the electronic device (200) may include a plurality of hinge axes, although not shown in the drawing (e.g., two mutually parallel hinge axes including the S axis of FIG. 2a and another axis parallel to the S axis), and in this case, the electronic device (200) may be folded in a 'multi-folding' manner that combines the in-folding and out-folding methods.

[0111] The above in-folding type may mean a state in which the display (250) is not exposed to the outside in a fully folded state. The above out-folding type may mean a state in which the display (250) is exposed to the outside in a fully folded state. Fig. 2c (b) shows an intermediate state in which the electronic device (200) is partially unfolded during the in-folding process.

[0112] For convenience, the following description focuses on the state in which the electronic device (200) is folded in an in-folding manner, but it should be noted that these descriptions may also apply to the state in which the electronic device (200) is folded in an out-folding manner.

[0113] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary parallel three-part split display area according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) may divide a display area (310) of a display (e.g., display (160) of FIG. 1, display (250) of FIG. 2a and 2c) into a first sub-area (311), a second sub-area (312), and a third sub-area (313) based on a first split bar (321) and a second split bar (322). The first split bar (321) may be positioned between the first sub-area (311) and the second sub-area (312), and the second split bar (322) may be positioned between the second sub-area (312) and the third sub-area (313).

[0114] The first partial area (311), the second partial area (312), and the third partial area (313) may each correspond to a window. The first partial area (311), the second partial area (312), and the third partial area (313) may form a multi-window. The application screen of an application currently running may be displayed in the first partial area (311), the second partial area (312), and the third partial area (313), respectively. For example, Application A may be displayed in the first partial area (311), Application B may be displayed in the second partial area (312), and Application C may be displayed in the third partial area (313).

[0115] The first dividing bar (321) and the second dividing bar (322) may be parallel to each other. The first partial region (311), the second partial region (312), and the third partial region (313) may be arranged side by side. The first partial region (311), the second partial region (312), and the third partial region (313) may form a parallel 3-split state. The parallel 3-split state may be distinguished from the perpendicular 3-split state. In the perpendicular 3-split state, three partial regions may be formed based on two dividing bars that are perpendicular to each other. Parallel 3-split can be called parallel bars-based 3-split, and perpendicular 3-split can be called perpendicular bars-based 3-split or T-split.

[0116] A parallel 3-split state may be suitable for horizontally or vertically elongated display forms. For example, in new form factors that combine smartphone and tablet form factors (e.g., foldable devices, sliderable devices), a parallel 3-split state and a vertical 3-split state may be provided depending on the situation. For example, a parallel 3-split state may be used when a horizontally or vertically elongated screen is provided in these new form factors. In a vertical 3-split state, the aspect ratios of the partial regions do not match each other, which may cause inconvenience. In a parallel 3-split state, the aspect ratios of the partial regions may match or be similar. For example, multiple smartphone applications can be conveniently used in a parallel 3-split state.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may perform multi-window control including one or more of resize, stash, and dismiss among one or more of the first partial area (311), the second partial area (312), and the third partial area (313) in a parallel 3-partition state. Resize may be an operation to adjust the size of the partial areas (e.g., the first partial area (311), the second partial area (312), and the third partial area (313)). Stash may be an operation to display only a portion of the entire execution screen of an application in the display area (310) while maintaining the execution state of the application running in the partial area (e.g., Application A, Application B, Application C). Dismiss may be an operation to remove the partial area. By dismiss, the application may be minimized. The minimized state may indicate a state in which the application is running in the background without the execution screen of the application being displayed in the display area (310).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can perform multi-window control (e.g., resize, stash, dismiss) based on user input for the control area of ​​the first split bar (321) and the control area of ​​the second split bar (322). The electronic device can sense user input for the control area of ​​the first split bar (321) and the control area of ​​the second split bar (322). For example, the control area of ​​the first split bar (321) may include a first handle (3211), and the control area of ​​the second split bar (322) may include a second handle (3221), but is not limited thereto. For example, user input may include touch input (e.g., short touch input (tap input), long touch input), drag input, and swipe input, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] FIGS. 4a and 4b are drawings exemplarily illustrating a transition operation between a vertical 3-split state and a parallel 3-split state according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) can divide a display area (310) in a vertical 3-split state into a fourth partial area (411), a fifth partial area (412), and a sixth partial area (413) based on a third dividing bar (421) and a fourth dividing bar (422) that are perpendicular to each other. The electronic device may receive a parallel 3-split request based on a touch input (e.g., a tap input) to the third split bar (421) (or the fourth split bar (422)). The tap input may be a short touch input. For example, the electronic device may display a menu window (431) containing a user interface element (4311) that provides a parallel 3-split switching function based on a touch input to the third split bar (421). The electronic device may receive a parallel 3-split request based on a touch input to the user interface element (4311) and switch the vertical 3-split state to a parallel 3-split state based on the parallel 3-split request.

[0120] The electronic device may divide the display area (310) in a parallel 3-partition state into a first part area (311), a second part area (312), and a third part area (313) based on a first dividing bar (321) and a second dividing bar (322) that are parallel to each other. The electronic device may display applications of the fourth part area (411), the fifth part area (412), and the sixth part area (413) in the first part area (311), the second part area (312), and the third part area (313). For example, the electronic device may display application A of the fourth part area (411) in the first part area (311), display application B of the fifth part area (412) in the second part area (312), and display application C of the sixth part area (413) in the third part area (313), but is not limited thereto.

[0121] A partial area (e.g., a first partial area (311)) may include a window handle area (e.g., a first window handle (3111)). The window handle area may be used to control the partial area corresponding to the window. For example, when a short touch input (e.g., a tap input) is received on the window handle area, the electronic device may provide a menu window containing user interface elements that provide various control functions. When a long touch input is received on the window handle area, the electronic device may transform the partial area into a pop-up window and move the pop-up window based on a drag input on the pop-up window following the long touch input on the window handle area. The electronic device may change the split layout of the display area (310) based on a drag-and-drop input on the pop-up window. Adjustment of the split layout will be described in detail later.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 4b, the electronic device may receive a vertical 3-split request based on a touch input (e.g., a tap input) for the second split bar (322) (or the first split bar (321)) in a parallel 3-split state. For example, the electronic device may display a menu window (331) including a user interface element (3311) that performs a vertical 3-split transition according to a touch input for the second split bar (322). The electronic device may receive a vertical 3-split request based on a touch input (e.g., a tap input) for the user interface element (3311) and transition the parallel 3-split state to a vertical 3-split state according to the vertical 3-split request.

[0123] The electronic device may display applications of the first partial area (311), the second partial area (312), and the third partial area (313) in the fourth partial area (411), the fifth partial area (412), and the sixth partial area (413). For example, the electronic device may display application A of the first partial area (311) in the fourth partial area (411), display application B of the second partial area (315) in the fifth partial area (412), and display application C of the third partial area (313) in the sixth partial area (413), but is not limited thereto.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can process a vertical 3-split request based on a first touch input to the first split bar (321) and a vertical 3-split request based on a second touch input to the second split bar (322) separately from each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 4b, when the vertical 3-split request is based on a second touch input to the second split bar (322), the electronic device can divide the display area (310) using a split bar that intersects the second split bar (322) perpendicularly (e.g., a fourth split bar (422)) and a split bar that is parallel to the first split bar (321) (e.g., a third split bar (421)). Unlike FIG. 4b, when a vertical 3-split request is based on a first touch input to the first split bar (321), the electronic device can split the display area (310) using a split bar perpendicularly intersecting the first split bar (321) and a split bar parallel to the second split bar (322).

[0125] FIG. 4c is a diagram illustrating, in an exemplary manner, a screen rotation operation of a parallel 3-split state according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4c, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) may switch a horizontal parallel 3-split state to a vertical parallel 3-split state or switch a vertical parallel 3-split state to a horizontal parallel 3-split state based on a screen rotation request. A horizontal parallel 3-split state may mean a parallel 3-split state in which a first partial area (311), a second partial area (312), and a third partial area (313) are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. A vertical parallel 3-split state may mean a parallel 3-split state in which a first partial area (311), a second partial area (312), and a third partial area (313) are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0126] The horizontal direction and the vertical direction may be perpendicular to each other. The horizontal direction may be referred to as the first direction, and the vertical direction may be referred to as the second direction. For example, a horizontal parallel 3-division state may be applied to the display area (310) in a horizontal screen rotation state. A vertical parallel 3-division state may be applied to the display area (310) in a vertical screen rotation state. The horizontal screen rotation state may be referred to as a horizontal orientation screen or a landscape orientation screen, and the vertical screen rotation state may be referred to as a vertical orientation screen or a portrait orientation screen.

[0127] The electronic device can divide the display area (310) into a first partial area (311), a second partial area (312), and a third partial area (313) using the first dividing bar (321) and the second dividing bar (322) in a parallel 3-divided state in the horizontal direction. At this time, the first partial area (311), the second partial area (312), and the third partial area (313) can be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The electronic device can divide the display area (310) into a seventh partial area (414), an eighth partial area (415), and a ninth partial area (416) using the fifth dividing bar (323) and the sixth dividing bar (324) in a parallel 3-divided state in the vertical direction. At this time, the seventh partial area (414), the eighth partial area (415), and the ninth partial area (416) can be arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0128] The electronic device can rotate the screens of applications in the first partial area (311), the second partial area (312), and the third partial area (313) from the vertical screen to the horizontal screen, respectively, according to the screen rotation from the horizontal parallel 3-split state to the vertical parallel 3-split state. The electronic device can rotate the screens of applications in the seventh partial area (414), the eighth partial area (415), and the ninth partial area (416) from the horizontal screen to the vertical screen, respectively, according to the screen rotation from the vertical parallel 3-split state to the horizontal parallel 3-split state.

[0129] A screen rotation request may be generated based on one or more of user input and sensor input. For example, user input may be received through user interface elements by a user who wishes to rotate the screen, but is not limited thereto. Sensor input may be generated by one or more sensors (e.g., gyroscope, accelerometer) that sense rotation of the electronic device exceeding a certain angle, but is not limited thereto.

[0130] FIG. 5 is a flowchart exemplarily illustrating a screen rotation operation in a parallel 3-split state based on rotation conditions according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, in operation (510), the electronic device may receive a screen rotation request. The screen rotation request may be generated based on one or more of user input and sensor input.

[0131] In operation (520), the electronic device can check whether the current screen state is a multi-window state. A multi-window state may indicate a state in which multiple windows (e.g., multiple partial regions) are displayed in a display area (e.g., the display area (310) of FIG. 3). If the current screen state is not a multi-window state, the electronic device can perform screen rotation in operation (530).

[0132] If the current screen state is a multi-window state, in operation (540), the electronic device can check whether each partial area satisfies the rotation condition after screen rotation. For example, the rotation condition may include one or more of a predetermined minimum width and a predetermined minimum height. As will be explained again below, the minimum width and minimum height of the rotation condition may be distinguished from the minimum width and minimum height of the resize.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can calculate one or more of the width and height that each part region will have after rotation when each part region is rotated, and can compare one or more of the width and height that each part region will have with the rotation conditions. For example, the electronic device can compare the minimum width with the width that each part region will have, and / or compare the minimum height with the height that each part region will have. For example, if the width that each part region will have is smaller than the minimum width, or the height that each part region will have is smaller than the minimum height, the electronic device can determine that the rotation conditions are not satisfied.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may determine that the rotation condition will ultimately be satisfied if all partial regions are expected to satisfy the rotation condition. If one or more of the partial regions are expected not to satisfy the rotation condition, the electronic device may determine that the rotation condition will ultimately not be satisfied.

[0135] If it is expected that the rotation condition will not be satisfied, in operation (550), the electronic device may ignore the screen rotation request and maintain the current split state. If it is expected that the rotation condition will be satisfied, in operation (560), the electronic device may perform screen rotation. For example, the electronic device may perform screen rotation to switch the horizontal parallel 3-split state to a vertical parallel 3-split state, or switch the vertical parallel 3-split state to a horizontal parallel 3-split state.

[0136] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating, exemplarily, a multi-window control operation including dismissal control of a partial area according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, in operation (610), an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) can divide a display area of ​​a display (e.g., display (160) of FIG. 1, display (250) of FIG. 2a and 2c) into a first partial area, a second partial area, and a third partial area arranged side by side based on a first dividing bar and a second dividing bar that are parallel to each other.

[0137] In operation (620), the electronic device can sense a drag input in which the first dividing bar, which is positioned between the first and second partial areas, and the second dividing bar, which is positioned between the second and third partial areas, are dragged toward the second partial area. The touch hold point of the drag input can move toward the second partial area. The size of the second partial area may decrease according to the drag input. While the size of the second partial area decreases according to the drag input, the size of the first partial area increases, and the size of the third partial area may be fixed. The drag input may start at the initial touch point, be maintained along the touch hold point, and then terminate when a release occurs.

[0138] In operation (630), the electronic device may display a dismiss affordance indicating that the second part region is dismissed according to the drag input when the touch hold point of the drag input passes the dismiss affordance boundary of the second part region. The dismiss affordance boundary may mean the boundary at which the dismiss affordance begins to be displayed according to the drag input.

[0139] In operation (640), the electronic device may dismiss the second partial area in the display area when the touch hold point of the drag input passes the dismiss affordance boundary and then passes the dismiss boundary of the second partial area. The drag input may be maintained from operation (620) to operation (640), and may be maintained even after operation (640) if no release occurs. Dismissing may be an operation that removes the partial area. By dismissing, the execution of an application (e.g., Application B) displayed in the partial area (e.g., the second partial area) may be stopped or minimized. When the drag input is released after the touch hold point of the drag input passes the dismiss boundary, the electronic device may definitively dismiss the second partial area. When the drag input is released after the touch hold point of the drag input returns to before the dismiss boundary, the electronic device may maintain the second partial area without dismissing it. The release of a drag input may mean that the touch hold of the drag input ends.

[0140] Hereinafter, the multi-window control operation of FIG. 6 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7a to 7c, FIG. 8a, and FIG. 8b. FIG. 7a to 7c may represent an example in which desmithing is performed without resizing, and FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b may represent an example in which resizing and desmithing are performed. In this case, in the example of FIG. 7a to 7c, a desmithing affordance boundary may not exist, and in the example of FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b, a desmithing affordance boundary may exist.

[0141] FIGS. 7a to 7c are drawings illustrating an example of desmishing a partial area based on drag input according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) can divide a display area (701) into a first partial area (311), a second partial area (312), and a third partial area (313) based on a first dividing bar (321) and a second dividing bar (322). The electronic device can display an execution screen of application A in the first partial area (311), display an execution screen of application B in the second partial area (312), and display an execution screen of application C in the third partial area (313).

[0142] The electronic device can sense a drag input based on a touch hold point (711) for a first dividing bar (321) in a display area (701). The electronic device can dismiss the second part area (312) when a first drag input in a direction (7111) toward the second part area (312) passes the dismiss boundary (762) of the second part area (312), and can dismiss the first part area (311) when a second drag input in a direction (7112) toward the first part area (311) passes the dismiss boundary (761) of the first part area (311). The desmith boundary (761) of the first partial area (311) can be set within the first partial area (311), and the desmith boundary (762) of the second partial area (312) can be set within the second partial area (312).

[0143] The display area (702) may indicate the next situation of the display area (701). The display area (702) may indicate the case where a first drag input of direction (7111) is sensed. The touch hold point (712) of the first drag input may continue to move in direction (7121). The electronic device may display a dismissal affordance (781) indicating that the second partial area (312) is dismissed according to the first drag input. The second partial area (312) may display the execution screen of application B. The dismissal affordance (781) may indicate that the execution screen of application B gradually becomes smaller as the touch hold point (712) of the first drag input continues to move in direction (7121). The user may anticipate that the second partial area (312) will be dismissed through the dismissal affordance (781). The electronic device can display a dismis affordance (781) until the touch hold point (712) reaches the dismis boundary (762).

[0144] If the first drag input is released before the touch hold point (712) reaches the dismiss boundary (762), the electronic device can return the first split bar (321) to an initial position (e.g., the touch hold point (711) where the first drag input started). If the first drag input is released before the touch hold point (712) reaches the dismiss boundary (762), a return affordance indicating that the first split bar (321) returns to an initial position (e.g., the touch hold point (711)) may be displayed. For example, the return affordance may be displayed from the time the touch hold point (712) of the first drag input passes the initial position until it reaches the dismiss boundary (762). For example, the electronic device may display the afterimage of the first split bar (321) at the initial position as the return affordance. The user can expect that through the return affordance, when the first drag input is released before the touch hold point (712) reaches the dismiss boundary (762), the first split bar (321) returns to its initial position.

[0145] FIGS. 7a through 7c may correspond to examples where dismis is performed without resizing. In this case, the electronic device may display the dismis affordance (781) of the second partial area (312) as soon as the first drag input in the direction (7111) is sensed.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 7b, the display area (703) may represent the next situation of the display area (702). When the touch hold point (713) of the first drag input continues to move past the dismiss boundary (762), the electronic device may dismiss the second partial area (312) in the display area (703). When the second partial area (312) is dismissed in the display area (703), the first partial area (311) may be displayed in the area where the second partial area (312) was displayed before the second partial area (312) was dismissed. The display area (704) may represent the next situation of the display area (703). When the first drag input is released from the touch hold point (713), the electronic device may definitively dismiss the second partial area (312). When the touch hold point (713) of the first drag input returns to before the dismiss boundary (762), the electronic device can display the dismiss affordance (781) again in the second partial area (312). When the second partial area (312) is dismissed, the electronic device can remove the first dividing bar (321). The electronic device can divide the first partial area (311) and the third partial area (313) using the second dividing bar (322).

[0147] If the first drag input is not released and the touch hold point (713) passes the dismiss boundary of the third partial area (313), the electronic device can dismiss the third partial area (313) as the second partial area (312). In this case, the electronic device can dismiss the second partial area (312) and the third partial area (313) in succession. The third dismiss boundary can be set within the third partial area (313).

[0148] Referring to FIG. 7c, the electronic device can sense a drag input based on a touch hold point (712) for a second dividing bar (322) in a display area (705). The electronic device can dismiss the second part area (312) when a drag input in the direction (7121) toward the second part area (312) passes the dismiss boundary (762) of the second part area (312), and can dismiss the third part area (313) when a drag input in the direction (7122) toward the third part area (313) passes the dismiss boundary (763) of the third part area (313). The desmith boundary (762) of the second partial area (312) can be set within the second partial area (312), and the desmith boundary (763) of the third partial area (313) can be set within the third partial area (313).

[0149] FIGS. 8a and 8b are drawings illustrating an example of resizing and desizing a partial area based on drag input according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) can divide a display area (801) into a first partial area (311), a second partial area (312), and a third partial area (313) based on a first dividing bar (321) and a second dividing bar (322). The electronic device can display an execution screen of application A in the first partial area (311), display an execution screen of application B in the second partial area (312), and display an execution screen of application C in the third partial area (313).

[0150] FIGS. 8a and FIG. 8b may correspond to examples in which resizing and desmishing are performed. For example, the electronic device may adjust the size of the first partial area (311) and the second partial area (312) according to the drag input when the touch hold point (811) of the drag input moves in the direction (8111) or the direction (8112). The ratio between the size of the first partial area (311) and the size of the second partial area (312) may be adjusted according to the drag input. The electronic device may reflect the movement of the touch hold point (811) in the resizing between resizing boundaries corresponding to the minimum width (821) and the minimum width (822). The resizing boundary corresponding to the minimum width (821) and the resizing boundary corresponding to the minimum width (822) may correspond to the desmishing affordance boundary (831) and the desmishing affordance boundary (832). The minimum width (821) and the minimum width (822) may have the same width, but are not limited thereto. The minimum width (e.g., minimum width (821), minimum width (822)) may be predetermined.

[0151] A minimum width (e.g., minimum width (821), minimum width (822)) may refer to a screen width for displaying a partial area (e.g., first partial area (311), second partial area (312), third partial area (313)) in a normal state (e.g., not in a stashed state). For example, if a drag input is received to adjust a partial area to be smaller than the minimum width, the electronic device may stash and / or dismiss the partial area. Depending on the screen rotation state (e.g., landscape screen, portrait screen), a minimum height may be defined instead of a minimum width. For example, a minimum width may be defined for a landscape screen and a minimum height may be defined for a portrait screen. The minimum width and minimum height of the resize may be distinguished from the minimum width and minimum height of the rotation condition.

[0152] A resize boundary may be set based on a minimum width. A resize boundary may refer to a boundary where resizing based on a drag input no longer occurs. A dismith affordance boundary (e.g., dismith affordance boundary (831), dismith affordance boundary (832)) may correspond to a resize boundary. A dismith affordance boundary may refer to a boundary where a dismith affordance begins to be displayed based on a drag input. If the dismith affordance boundary and the resize boundary are set at the same location, the electronic device may stop resizing and display the dismith affordance when the drag input passes through the resize boundary and the dismith affordance boundary. An example in which the dismith affordance boundary and the resize boundary are set at the same location is described below, but is not limited thereto.

[0153] The electronic device can sense a drag input based on a touch hold point (811) for a first dividing bar (321) in a display area (801). The electronic device can resize and desmith the second part area (312) as a first drag input in a direction (8111) toward the second part area (312) passes the desmith affordance boundary (832) and desmith boundary (862) of the second part area (312), and can resize and desmith the first part area (311) as a second drag input in a direction (8112) toward the first part area (311) passes the desmith affordance boundary (831) and desmith boundary (861) of the first part area (311).

[0154] The electronic device may output haptic feedback at one or more times among the time point when the touch hold point of the drag input (e.g., touch hold point (811)) reaches the resize boundary (e.g., dismis affordance boundary (831), dismis affordance boundary (832)) of the partial area (e.g., first partial area (311), second partial area (312)), and the time point when the partial area is dismised according to the drag input. The dismis affordance boundary (831) and the dismis boundary (861) of the first partial area (311) may be set within the first partial area (311), and the dismis affordance boundary (832) and the dismis boundary (862) of the second partial area (312) may be set within the second partial area (312).

[0155] The display area (802) may indicate the following situation of the display area (801). The display area (802) may indicate the case where a first drag input of direction (8111) is sensed. When the touch hold point (812) of the first drag input reaches the dismis affordance boundary (832), the width of the second part area (312) becomes the minimum width (822), and resizing of the second part area (312) in direction (8121) may no longer occur. When the touch hold point (812) moves in direction (8122), the electronic device may adjust the size of the second part area (312) according to the movement of the touch hold point (812). When the touch hold point (812) of the first drag input moves in the direction (8121) past the dismis affordance boundary (832), the electronic device can display a dismis affordance in the second partial area (312).

[0156] Referring to FIG. 8b, the display area (803) may indicate the following situation of the display area (802). The electronic device may display a dismis affordance (881) indicating that the second partial area (312) is dismised according to the first drag input when the touch hold point (813) of the first drag input moves in the direction (8131) past the dismis affordance boundary (832). The second partial area (312) may display the execution screen of Application B. The dismis affordance (881) may indicate that the execution screen of Application B gradually becomes smaller as the touch hold point (813) of the first drag input continues to move in the direction (8131). The user can anticipate that the second partial area (312) will be dismised through the dismis affordance (881). The electronic device can display a dismis affordance (881) until the touch hold point (813) reaches the dismis boundary (862).

[0157] If the first drag input is released before the touch hold point (813) reaches the dismis boundary (862), the electronic device can return the first split bar (321) to the dismis affordance boundary (832). If the first drag input is released before the touch hold point (813) reaches the dismis boundary (862), a return affordance indicating that the first split bar (321) returns to the dismis affordance boundary (832) may be displayed. For example, the return affordance may be displayed from the time the touch hold point (813) of the first drag input passes the dismis affordance boundary (832) until it reaches the dismis boundary (862). For example, the electronic device may display the afterimage of the first split bar (321) at the dismis affordance boundary (832) as the return affordance. The user can expect that through the return affordance, if the first drag input is released before the touch hold point (813) reaches the dismiss boundary (862), the first split bar (321) returns to the dismiss affordance boundary (832).

[0158] The display area (804) may represent the next situation of the display area (803). When the touch hold point (814) of the first drag input continues to move past the dismiss boundary (862), the electronic device may dismiss the second partial area (312) in the display area (804). When the second partial area (312) is dismissed in the display area (804), the first partial area (311) may be displayed in the area where the second partial area (312) was displayed before the second partial area (312) was dismissed. When the first drag input is released at the touch hold point (814), the electronic device may definitively dismiss the second partial area (312). When the touch hold point (814) of the first drag input returns to before the dismiss boundary (862), the electronic device can display the dismiss affordance (881) again in the second partial area (312). When the second partial area (312) is dismissed, the electronic device can remove the first dividing bar (321). The electronic device can divide the first partial area (311) and the third partial area (313) using the second dividing bar (322).

[0159] When the touch hold point (814) of the first drag input passes the dismiss boundary of the third partial area (313), the electronic device can dismiss the third partial area (313) as the second partial area (312). In this case, the electronic device can dismiss the second partial area (312) and the third partial area (313) in succession.

[0160] FIG. 9 is a flowchart exemplarily illustrating a multi-window control operation including dismissal control of a plurality of partial regions according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, in operation (910), an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) can divide a display area of ​​a display (e.g., display (160) of FIG. 1, display (250) of FIG. 2a and 2c) into a first partial region, a second partial region, and a third partial region arranged side by side based on a first dividing bar and a second dividing bar that are parallel to each other.

[0161] In operation (920), the electronic device can sense a drag input in which the first dividing bar, which is positioned between the first partial area and the second partial area, and the second dividing bar, which is positioned between the second partial area and the third partial area, are dragged toward the second partial area. In operation (930), the electronic device can reduce the size of the second partial area according to the drag input. While the size of the second partial area is reduced according to the drag input in operation (930), the size of the first partial area is increased, and the size of the third partial area can be fixed.

[0162] In operation (940), if the width of the second partial area becomes narrower than the minimum width according to the drag input and the drag input towards the second partial area continues, the electronic device can reduce the size of the third partial area according to the drag input while keeping the size of the second partial area fixed. In operation (950), if the width of the second partial area and the width of the third partial area each become narrower than the minimum width according to the drag input and the drag input towards the second partial area continues, the electronic device can selectively dismiss one of the second partial area and the third partial area. The drag input can be maintained from operation (920) to operation (950), and if no release occurs, it can be maintained even after operation (940).

[0163] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may perform selective dismissal manually based on user selection or perform selective dismissal automatically based on dismissal conditions. For example, if the width of the second partial area and the width of the third partial area each become narrower than the minimum width according to drag input, the electronic device may display a selection interface requesting a selection for at least one of the second partial area and the third partial area, and dismiss at least one of the second partial area and the third partial area based on the selection input to the selection interface. For example, the electronic device may remove at least one of the second partial area and the third partial area based on dismissal conditions.

[0164] Dismissal conditions applicable to automatically performing selective dismissal can be set based on one or more of the following: application addition time point, application combination preference (personal, general), focus duration, focus retention status, preferred content type, preferred application category, and user behavior patterns. For example, the electronic device can automatically remove applications that were added earlier or later. For example, the electronic device can retain applications that the user personally likes to combine, or applications that general users like to combine. For example, the electronic device can remove applications that have had little focus time. For example, the electronic device can remove applications that lost focus first. For example, the electronic device can set priorities for types of content handled by applications, such as video, images, combinations of images and text, and text, and can perform dismissal according to these priorities. For example, the electronic device can set priorities for application categories, such as games, finance, communication, video, and music, and can perform dismissal according to these priorities. For example, an electronic device can analyze the type of content handled by an application or the category of an application to train a user's disposal pattern for an application combination, set priorities based on the trained pattern, and perform disposal according to the priority.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the electronic device can dismiss both the second part region and the third part region based on dismiss conditions. For example, if both the second part region and the third part region satisfy the dismiss conditions, the electronic device can dismiss both the second part region and the third part region. For example, the electronic device can simultaneously dismiss parts of a plurality of applications (e.g., the second part region and the third part region) that are not focused for a certain period of time or longer.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may provide visual cues regarding a portion of an application that satisfies a dismis condition. For example, the electronic device may adjust the brightness of the portion of the application that satisfies the dismis condition (e.g., dim or blink), display information regarding the dismis condition of the said portion (e.g., a description that the dismis condition is satisfied, a description of which dismis condition is satisfied), or adjust the display state (e.g., brightness) of user interface elements for dismising the said portion (e.g., user interface element (10121a), user interface element (10121a) of FIG. 10e, user interface element (10113), user interface element (10114) of FIG. 10f). The visual cues may help the user determine the dismis target.

[0167] FIGS. 10a to 10g are drawings illustrating an example of resizing and desizing a plurality of partial regions based on drag input according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) can divide a display area (1001) into a first partial region (311), a second partial region (312), and a third partial region (313) based on a first dividing bar (321) and a second dividing bar (322). The electronic device can display an execution screen of application A in the first partial region (311), display an execution screen of application B in the second partial region (312), and display an execution screen of application C in the third partial region (313).

[0168] FIGS. 10a to 10g may correspond to examples in which resizing and desmishing of multiple partial regions are performed. For example, the electronic device may adjust the size of a first partial region (311), a second partial region (312), and a third partial region (313) according to the drag input when the touch hold point (1011) of the drag input moves in the direction (10111) or the direction (10112). The ratio between the size of the first partial region (311), the size of the second partial region (312), and the size of the third partial region (313) may be adjusted according to the drag input. The electronic device may reflect the movement of the touch hold point (1011) to resizing boundaries corresponding to the minimum width (1021) and the extended minimum width (1022) in the resizing. The resize boundary of the minimum width (1021) and the resize boundary of the extended minimum width (1022) may correspond to the dismith affordance boundary (1031) and the dismith affordance boundary (1032). The extended minimum width (1022) may be twice the minimum width (1021), but is not limited thereto. The minimum width (e.g., minimum width (1021)) and the extended minimum width (e.g., extended minimum width (1022)) may be predetermined.

[0169] The electronic device can sense a drag input based on a touch hold point (1011) for a first dividing bar (321) in a display area (1001). The electronic device can resize and desmith one or more of the second part area (312) and the third part area (313) as a first drag input in a direction (10111) toward the second part area (312) passes the desmith affordance boundary (1032) and the desmith boundary (1062) of the second part area (312), and can resize and desmith the first part area (311) as a second drag input in a direction (10112) toward the first part area (311) passes the desmith affordance boundary (1031) and the desmith boundary (1061) of the first part area (311). The electronic device may output haptic feedback at one or more times among the time when a touch hold point of a drag input (e.g., touch hold point (1011)) reaches a resize boundary (e.g., dismis affordance boundary (1031), dismis affordance boundary (1032)) of a partial area (e.g., first partial area (311), second partial area (312), third partial area (313)), and the time when the partial area is dismised according to the drag input. The dismis affordance boundary (1031) and the dismis boundary (1061) of the first partial area (311) may be set within the first partial area (311), and the dismis affordance boundary (1032) and the dismis boundary (1062) of the second partial area (312) and the third partial area (313) may be set within the second partial area (312) and the third partial area (313).

[0170] The display area (1002) may indicate the following situation of the display area (1001). The display area (1002) may indicate the case where a first drag input of direction (10111) is sensed. When the width of the second part area (312) becomes the minimum width (1023) due to the touch hold point (1012) of the first drag input, the second part area (312) may no longer be resized toward direction (10121). When the touch hold point (1012) moves toward direction (10122), the electronic device may adjust the size of the second part area (312) according to the movement of the touch hold point (1012). When the touch hold point (1012) of the first drag input moves toward direction (10121), the electronic device may adjust the size of the third part area (313) while keeping the size of the second part area (312) fixed.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 10b, the display area (1003) may represent the following situation of the display area (1002). When the touch hold point (1013) of the first drag input reaches the dismis affordance boundary (1032) corresponding to the expanded minimum width (1022), and the width of the second part area (312) becomes the minimum width (1023) and the width of the third part area (313) becomes the minimum width (1023), resizing in the direction (10131) of the second part area (312) and the third part area (313) may no longer occur. When the touch hold point (1013) moves in the direction (10132), the electronic device may adjust the size of the third part area (313) according to the movement of the touch hold point (1013). The extended minimum width (1022) may correspond to the sum of the minimum width (1023) and the minimum width (1024). When the touch hold point (1013) moves in the direction (10141) past the dismis affordance boundary (1032), the electronic device may display the dismis affordance of the second partial area (312) and / or the third partial area (313).

[0172] The display area (1004) may indicate the following situation of the display area (1003). When the touch hold point (1014) moves in the direction (10141) past the dismis affordance boundary (1032), the electronic device may display the dismis affordance of the second part area (312) and / or the third part area (313). The display area (1004) may indicate an example in which the dismis affordance (1081) of the third part area (313) is displayed, but is not limited thereto. The third part area (313) may display the execution screen of Application C. The dismis affordance (1081) may represent the execution screen of Application C gradually becoming smaller as the touch hold point (1014) of the first drag input continues to move in the direction (10141). The electronic device can display a dismis affordance (1081) until the touch hold point (1014) reaches the dismis boundary (1062). If the first drag input is released before the touch hold point (1014) reaches the dismis boundary (1062), the electronic device can return the first split bar (321) to the dismis affordance boundary (1032). If the touch hold point (1014) moves in the direction (10142), the electronic device can adjust the size of the third partial area (313) according to the movement of the touch hold point (1014).

[0173] If the first drag input is released before the touch hold point (1014) reaches the dismis boundary (1062), a return affordance may be displayed indicating that the first split bar (321) returns to the dismis affordance boundary (1032). For example, the return affordance may be displayed from the time the touch hold point (1014) of the first drag input passes the dismis affordance boundary (1032) until it reaches the dismis boundary (1062). For example, the electronic device may display the afterimage of the first split bar (321) at the dismis affordance boundary (1032) as a return affordance. The user can expect that through the return affordance, if the first drag input is released before the touch hold point (1014) reaches the dismiss boundary (1062), the first split bar (321) returns to the dismiss affordance boundary (1032).

[0174] Referring to FIG. 10c, the display area (1005) may represent the next situation of the display area (1004). When the touch hold point (1015) of the first drag input continues to move past the dismiss boundary (1062), the electronic device may dismiss the third partial area (313) in the display area (1005). When the first drag input is released from the touch hold point (1015), the electronic device may definitively dismiss the third partial area (313). When the touch hold point (1015) of the first drag input returns to before the dismiss boundary (1062), the electronic device may display the dismiss affordance (1081) again in the third partial area (313). When the third partial area (313) is dismissed, the electronic device may remove the second dividing bar (322).

[0175] Referring to FIG. 10d, the display area (10071) may represent a different example from the display area (1004) for the next situation of the display area (1003) of FIG. 10b. When the touch hold point (1017) moves in the direction (10171) past the dismis affordance boundary (1032), the electronic device may display the dismis affordance (1082) of Application B and the dismis affordance (1083) of Application C in the combined area (10115) of the second part area (312) and the third part area (313). The electronic device may display the dismis affordance (1082) and the dismis affordance (1083) until the touch hold point (1017) reaches the dismis boundary (1062). If the first drag input is released before the touch hold point (1017) reaches the dismis boundary (1062), the electronic device can return the first dividing bar (321) to the dismis affordance boundary (1032). If the touch hold point (1017) moves in the direction (10172), the electronic device can divide the integrated area (10115) into a second partial area (312) and a third partial area (313) according to the movement of the touch hold point (1017), and adjust the size of the third partial area (313).

[0176] If the first drag input is released before the touch hold point (1017) reaches the dismis boundary (1062), a return affordance may be displayed indicating that the first split bar (321) returns to the dismis affordance boundary (1032). For example, the return affordance may be displayed from the time the touch hold point (1017) of the first drag input passes the dismis affordance boundary (1032) until it reaches the dismis boundary (1062). For example, the electronic device may display the afterimage of the first split bar (321) at the dismis affordance boundary (1032) as a return affordance. The user can expect that through the return affordance, when the first drag input is released before the touch hold point (1017) reaches the dismiss boundary (1062), the first split bar (321) returns to the dismiss affordance boundary (1032).

[0177] Referring to FIG. 10e, the display area (10072) may represent the next state of the display area (10071). As the touch hold point (1018) of the first drag input continues to move past the dismis boundary (1062), the electronic device may display a selection interface requesting a selection for one of the second partial area (312) and the third partial area (313) in the integrated area (10115). For example, the electronic device may display the user interface element (10121a) of the dismis affordance (1082) and the user interface element (10131a) of the dismis affordance (1083) as the selection interface.

[0178] The electronic device may dismiss at least one of the second partial area (312) and the third partial area (313) based on a user's selection input to the selection interface. For example, if the user selects a user interface element (10121a) of the dismiss affordance (1082), the second partial area (312) may be dismissed, and if the user interface element (10131a) of the dismiss affordance (1083) is selected, the third partial area (313) may be dismissed. The display area (1008) may represent an example where the user interface element (10131a) of the dismiss affordance (1083) is selected. When the user interface element (10131a) is selected, the third partial area (313) may be dismissed as in the display area (1008). When the third partial area (313) is dismissed, the electronic device can remove the second dividing bar (322).

[0179] Referring to FIG. 10f and FIG. 10g, display area (10073), display area (10074), and display area (10075) may represent other examples of a selection interface. For example, in display area (10073), dismith affordance (1082) and dismith affordance (1083) may be arranged vertically in the integrated area (10115). A user interface element (10113) may be displayed in dismith affordance (1082), and a user interface element (10114) may be displayed in dismith affordance (1083). In display area (10074), dismith affordance (1082) and dismith affordance (1083) may be displayed. The user can select (e.g., tap) one of the dismiss affordances (1082) and (1083), and the unselected one may be dismissed. Referring to the display area (10075), a selection window may be displayed asking the user to select an application to dismiss. The user may select (e.g., tap) one of the applications (e.g., Application B, Application C), and a portion of the selected application may be dismissed.

[0180] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating, in an exemplary manner, a function for fixing a partial area according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) can divide a display area (1101) into a first partial area (311), a second partial area (312), and a third partial area (313) based on a first dividing bar (321) and a second dividing bar (322). According to one embodiment, the electronic device may provide a pin function for fixing the partial area. The pin function may be applied to one or more of the first partial area (311), the second partial area (312), and the third partial area (313) by user control and / or automatically. A portion of the pinned area (e.g., one or more of the first portion (311), the second portion (312), and the third portion (313)) may be resized but may not be dismissed.

[0181] For example, FIG. 11 may show an example in which a pin function is applied to a second partial area (312). A user interface element (11011) may indicate that the second partial area (312) is fixed via a pin function. An electronic device may sense a drag input in a display area (1101). As the touch hold point (1111) of the drag input moves to a dismith affordance boundary (1131) corresponding to an extended minimum width (1123), the second partial area (312) and the third partial area (313) may be reduced to a minimum width (1121) and a minimum width (1122), respectively. When the touch hold point (1111) moves in a direction (11112), the electronic device may resize the second partial area (312).

[0182] When the touch hold point (1111) moves in the direction (11111) beyond the dismiss affordance boundary (1131) and the dismiss boundary (1161), the electronic device may dismiss a partial area where the pin function is not applied (e.g., a third partial area (313)). For example, when the touch hold point (1111) of a drag input moves in the direction (11111), the second partial area (312), such as the display area (1102), is retained, and the third partial area (313) may be dismissed. The electronic device may display a dismiss affordance (1181) in the third partial area (313) as the touch hold point (1112) moves in the direction (11121). The electronic device can desmis the third partial area (313) as the touch hold point (1112) passes the desmis boundary (1161). When the touch hold point (1112) moves in the direction (11122), the electronic device can resize the second partial area (312).

[0183] FIGS. 12a and 12b are drawings exemplarily illustrating multi-touch based resize and dismiss operations according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) can divide a display area (1201) into a first partial area (311), a second partial area (312), and a third partial area (313) based on a first dividing bar (321) and a second dividing bar (322). When multi-touch is sensed for the first dividing bar (321) and the second dividing bar (322) based on the touch hold point (1211) and the touch hold point (1212), and drag input moving the touch hold point (1211) in the direction (12111) and drag input moving the touch hold point (1212) in the direction (12121) are sensed, the electronic device can move the first dividing bar (321) in the direction (12111) and move the second dividing bar (322) in the direction (12121) to expand the second partial area (312), such as the display area (1202).

[0184] Referring to FIG. 12b, when multi-touch is sensed for a first dividing bar (321) and a second dividing bar (322) based on a touch hold point (1213) and a touch hold point (1214) in a display area (1203), and when a drag input is sensed for the touch hold point (1213) to move in a direction (12131) and a drag input for the touch hold point (1214) to move in a direction (12141), the electronic device can move the first dividing bar (321) in a direction (12131) and the second dividing bar (322) in a direction (12141) to reduce the second partial area (312). The electronic device can display a dissmith affordance (1281) in the second partial area (312).

[0185] When multi-touch is sensed for the first dividing bar (321) and the second dividing bar (322) based on the touch hold point (1215) and the touch hold point (1216) in the display area (1240), and when drag input moving the touch hold point (1215) in the direction (12151) and drag input moving the touch hold point (1216) in the direction (12161) are sensed, the electronic device can move the first dividing bar (321) in the direction (12151) and move the second dividing bar (322) in the direction (12161) to expand the second partial area (312) as in the display area (1204). The electronic device can display a dismis affordance (1282) in the first partial area (311) and display a dismis affordance (1283) in the third partial area (313).

[0186] FIGS. 13a, FIGS. 13b, FIGS. 14a, and FIGS. 14b are drawings exemplarily illustrating the operation of changing a split layout by dragging and dropping an application execution icon according to one embodiment. An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) can determine a new split layout based on a screen rotation state (e.g., horizontal screen, vertical screen), an existing split layout (e.g., top-bottom 2-split, left-right 2-split), and the drop position of the application execution icon.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 13a, the electronic device can divide the display area (1301) of a horizontal screen into a first partial area (1311) and a second partial area (1312) arranged vertically above and below each other, and display the execution screen of Application A in the first partial area (1311) and the execution screen of Application B in the second partial area (1312). The electronic device can divide the display area (1301) into the first partial area (1311) and the second partial area (1312) based on a dividing bar (13011) arranged between the first partial area (1311) and the second partial area (1312).

[0188] The electronic device senses a drag input for dragging the execution icon (13012) of application C and can change the split layout of the display area (1301) based on the location where the execution icon (13012) is dropped. For example, the display area (1301) may include trigger areas (1321 to 1327). The electronic device can change the split layout of the display area (1301) based on where the execution icon (13012) is dropped among the trigger areas (1321 to 1327).

[0189] Trigger areas (1321 to 1323) may be placed in the upper portion area (e.g., the first portion area (1311)) of the top and bottom two-part layout of the horizontal screen. Trigger areas (1324 to 1326) may be placed in the lower portion area (e.g., the second portion area (1312)) of the top and bottom two-part layout of the horizontal screen. Trigger area (1327) may be placed in the central area of ​​the top and bottom two-part layout of the horizontal screen.

[0190] When the execution icon (13012) is dropped into the trigger area (1321) located at the top left, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1331) to the display area (1301). The split layout (1331) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the top area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the left of the first sub-region (1311) according to the split layout (1331). When the execution icon (13012) is dropped into the trigger area (1322) located at the top center, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1332) to the display area (1301). The split layout (1332) may represent an existing upper and lower 2-part division. The electronic device may minimize Application A and display the execution screen of Application C in the first sub-region (1311). When an execution icon (13012) is dropped into a trigger area (1323) located at the top right, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1333) to the display area (1301). The split layout (1333) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the top area. The electronic device can add a third sub-region to the right of the first sub-region (1311) according to the split layout (1333).

[0191] When the execution icon (13012) is dropped into the trigger area (1324) located at the bottom left, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1334) to the display area (1301). The split layout (1334) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the bottom area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the left of the second sub-region (1312) according to the split layout (1334). When the execution icon (13012) is dropped into the trigger area (1325) located at the bottom center, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1335) to the display area (1301). The split layout (1335) may represent an existing upper and lower 2-part division. The electronic device may minimize Application B and display the execution screen of Application C in the second sub-region (1312). When an execution icon (13012) is dropped into a trigger area (1326) located at the bottom right, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1336) to the display area (1301). The split layout (1336) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the bottom area. The electronic device can add a third sub-region to the right of the second sub-region (1312) according to the split layout (1336).

[0192] When the execution icon (13012) is dropped into the trigger area (1327) positioned in the center, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1337) to the display area (1301). The electronic device can display the execution screen of application C as a pop-up window according to the split layout (1337).

[0193] Referring to FIG. 13b, the electronic device can divide the display area (1302) of a horizontal screen into a first partial area (1341) and a second partial area (1342) arranged left and right of each other, and display the execution screen of Application A in the first partial area (1341) and the execution screen of Application B in the second partial area (1342). The electronic device can divide the display area (1302) into the first partial area (1341) and the second partial area (1342) based on a dividing bar (13021) arranged between the first partial area (1341) and the second partial area (1342).

[0194] The electronic device senses a drag input for dragging the execution icon (13022) of application C and can change the split layout of the display area (1302) based on the location where the execution icon (13022) is dropped. For example, the display area (1302) may include trigger areas (1351 to 1359). The electronic device can change the split layout of the display area (1302) based on where the execution icon (13022) is dropped among the trigger areas (1351 to 1359).

[0195] Trigger areas (1351 to 1353, 1358) may be placed in the left portion of a left-right 2-split layout of a horizontal screen (e.g., the first portion of 1341). Trigger areas (1354 to 1356, 1359) may be placed in the right portion of a left-right 2-split layout of a horizontal screen (e.g., the second portion of 1342). Trigger area (1357) may be placed in the center portion of a left-right 2-split layout of a horizontal screen.

[0196] In a display area (1302) that includes a first partial area (1341) and a second partial area (1342) in a left-right 2-split state of a horizontal screen, when an execution icon (13022) is dropped into a trigger area (1358) located opposite the second partial area (1342) within the first partial area (1341), the electronic device may apply a split layout (1368) to the display area (1302). The split layout (1368) may represent a parallel 3-split. The electronic device may divide the display area (1302) into a first partial area (1341), a second partial area (1342), and a third partial area (e.g., an additional partial area to the left of the first partial area (1341)) arranged side by side in the horizontal direction based on a first split bar and a second split bar that are parallel to each other.

[0197] In a display area (1302) that includes a first partial area (1341) and a second partial area (1342) in a left-right 2-split state of a horizontal screen, when an execution icon (13022) is dropped into a trigger area (1359) located opposite the first partial area (1341) within the second partial area (1342), the electronic device may apply a split layout (1369) to the display area (1302). The split layout (1369) may represent a parallel 3-split. The electronic device may divide the display area (1302) into a first partial area (1341), a second partial area (1342), and a third partial area (e.g., an additional partial area to the right of the second partial area (1342)) arranged side by side in a direction based on a first split bar and a second split bar that are parallel to each other.

[0198] When the execution icon (13022) is dropped into the trigger area (1351) located at the upper right of the split bar (13021) within the first partial area (1341), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1361) to the display area (1302). The split layout (1361) may represent a vertical 3-split including two partial areas in the left area. The electronic device may add a third partial area to the top of the first partial area (1341) according to the split layout (1361). When the execution icon (13022) is dropped into the trigger area (1352) located at the center right of the split bar (13021) within the first partial area (1341), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1362) to the display area (1302). The split layout (1362) may represent an existing left-right 2-split. The electronic device can minimize Application A and display the execution screen of Application C in the first partial area (1341). When the execution icon (13022) is dropped into the trigger area (1353) located at the bottom right of the split bar (13021) within the first partial area (1341), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1363) to the display area (1302). The split layout (1363) may represent a vertical 3-split including two partial areas in the left area. The electronic device can add a third partial area to the bottom of the first partial area (1341) according to the split layout (1363).

[0199] When the execution icon (13022) is dropped into the trigger area (1354) located at the top left of the split bar (13021) within the second partial area (1342), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1364) to the display area (1302). The split layout (1364) may represent a vertical 3-split including two partial areas in the right area. The electronic device may add a third partial area to the top of the second partial area (1342) according to the split layout (1364). When the execution icon (13022) is dropped into the trigger area (1355) located at the center left of the split bar (13021) within the second partial area (1342), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1365) to the display area (1302). The split layout (1365) may represent an existing left-right 2-split. The electronic device can minimize Application B and display the execution screen of Application C in the second partial area (1342). When the execution icon (13022) is dropped into the trigger area (1356) located at the bottom left of the split bar (13021) within the second partial area (1342), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1366) to the display area (1302). The split layout (1366) may represent a vertical 3-split including two partial areas in the right area. The electronic device can add a third partial area to the bottom of the second partial area (1342) according to the split layout (1366).

[0200] When the execution icon (13022) is dropped into the trigger area (1357) positioned in the center, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1367) to the display area (1302). The electronic device can display the execution screen of application C as a pop-up window according to the split layout (1367).

[0201] Referring to FIG. 14a, the electronic device can divide the display area (1401) of a vertical screen into a first partial area (1411) and a second partial area (1412) arranged left and right of each other, and display the execution screen of Application A in the first partial area (1411) and the execution screen of Application B in the second partial area (1412). The electronic device can divide the display area (1401) into the first partial area (1411) and the second partial area (1412) based on a dividing bar (14011) arranged between the first partial area (1411) and the second partial area (1412).

[0202] The electronic device senses a drag input for dragging the execution icon (14012) of application C and can change the split layout of the display area (1401) based on the location where the execution icon (14012) is dropped. For example, the display area (1401) may include trigger areas (1421 to 1427). The electronic device can change the split layout of the display area (1401) based on where the execution icon (14012) is dropped among the trigger areas (1421 to 1427).

[0203] Trigger areas (1421 to 1423) may be placed in the left portion of the left-right 2-split layout of the vertical screen (e.g., the first portion of the 1411). Trigger areas (1424 to 1426) may be placed in the right portion of the right-right 2-split layout of the vertical screen (e.g., the second portion of the 1412). Trigger area (1427) may be placed in the center portion of the left-right 2-split layout of the vertical screen.

[0204] When the execution icon (14012) is dropped into the trigger area (1421) located at the top left, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1431) to the display area (1401). The split layout (1431) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the left area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the top of the first sub-region (1411) according to the split layout (1431). When the execution icon (14012) is dropped into the trigger area (1422) located at the center left, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1432) to the display area (1401). The split layout (1432) may represent an existing left-right 2-part division. The electronic device may minimize Application A and display the execution screen of Application C in the first sub-region (1411). When an execution icon (14012) is dropped into a trigger area (1423) located at the bottom left, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1433) to the display area (1401). The split layout (1433) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the left area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the bottom of the first sub-region (1411) according to the split layout (1431).

[0205] When the execution icon (14012) is dropped into the trigger area (1424) located at the top right, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1434) to the display area (1401). The split layout (1434) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the right area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the top of the second sub-region (1412) according to the split layout (1434). When the execution icon (14012) is dropped into the trigger area (1425) located at the center right, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1435) to the display area (1401). The split layout (1435) may represent an existing left-right 2-part division. The electronic device may minimize Application B and display the execution screen of Application C in the second sub-region (1412). When an execution icon (14012) is dropped into a trigger area (1426) located at the bottom right, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1436) to the display area (1401). The split layout (1436) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the right area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the bottom of the second sub-region (1412) according to the split layout (1436).

[0206] When the execution icon (14012) is dropped into the trigger area (1427) positioned in the center, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1437) to the display area (1401). The electronic device can display the execution screen of application C as a pop-up window according to the split layout (1437).

[0207] Referring to FIG. 14b, the electronic device can divide the display area (1402) of a vertical screen into a first partial area (1441) and a second partial area (1442) arranged vertically above and below each other, and display the execution screen of Application A in the first partial area (1441) and the execution screen of Application B in the second partial area (1442). The electronic device can divide the first partial area (1441) and the second partial area (1442) based on a dividing bar (14021) placed between the first partial area (1441) and the second partial area (1442).

[0208] The electronic device senses a drag input for dragging the execution icon (14022) of application C and can change the split layout of the display area (1402) based on the location where the execution icon (14022) is dropped. For example, the display area (1402) may include trigger areas (1451 to 1459). The electronic device can change the split layout of the display area (1402) based on where the execution icon (14022) is dropped among the trigger areas (1451 to 1459).

[0209] Trigger areas (1451 to 1453, 1458) may be placed in the upper partial area (e.g., the first partial area (1441)) of the vertical screen's top-bottom 2-split layout. Trigger areas (1454 to 1456, 1459) may be placed in the lower partial area (e.g., the second partial area (1442)) of the vertical screen's top-bottom 2-split layout. Trigger area (1457) may be placed in the central area of ​​the vertical screen's top-bottom 2-split layout.

[0210] In a display area (1402) that includes a first partial area (1441) and a second partial area (1442) in a vertical 2-part split state, when an execution icon (14022) is dropped into a trigger area (1458) located opposite the second partial area (1442) within the first partial area (1441), the electronic device may apply a split layout (1468) to the display area (1402). The split layout (1468) may represent a parallel 3-part split. The electronic device may divide the display area (1402) into a first partial area (1441), a second partial area (1442), and a third partial area (e.g., an additional partial area above the first partial area (1441)) arranged vertically side by side based on a first split bar and a second split bar that are parallel to each other.

[0211] In a display area (1402) that includes a first partial area (1441) and a second partial area (1442) in a vertical 2-part split state, when an execution icon (14022) is dropped into a trigger area (1459) located opposite the first partial area (1441) within the second partial area (1442), the electronic device may apply a split layout (1469) to the display area (1402). The split layout (1469) may represent a parallel 3-part split. The electronic device may divide the display area (1402) into a first partial area (1441), a second partial area (1442), and a third partial area (e.g., an additional partial area at the bottom of the second partial area (1442)) arranged vertically side by side based on a first split bar and a second split bar that are parallel to each other.

[0212] When the execution icon (14022) is dropped into the trigger area (1451) located at the bottom left of the split bar (14021) within the first partial area (1441), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1461) to the display area (1402). The split layout (1461) may represent a vertical 3-split including two partial areas in the top area. The electronic device may add a third partial area to the left of the first partial area (1441) according to the split layout (1461). When the execution icon (14022) is dropped into the trigger area (1452) located at the bottom center of the split bar (14021) within the first partial area (1441), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1462) to the display area (1402). The split layout (1462) may represent an existing upper and lower 2-split. The electronic device can minimize Application A and display the execution screen of Application C in the first partial area (1441). When the execution icon (14022) is dropped into the trigger area (1453) located at the bottom right of the split bar (14021) within the first partial area (1441), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1463) to the display area (1402). The split layout (1463) may represent a vertical 3-split including two partial areas in the top area. The electronic device can add a third partial area to the right of the first partial area (1441) according to the split layout (1461).

[0213] When the execution icon (14022) is dropped into the trigger area (1454) located at the top-left end of the split bar (14021) within the second partial area (1442), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1464) to the display area (1402). The split layout (1464) may represent a vertical 3-part split including two partial areas in the bottom area. The electronic device may add a third partial area to the left of the second partial area (1442) according to the split layout (1464). When the execution icon (14022) is dropped into the trigger area (1455) located at the top-center end of the split bar (14021) within the second partial area (1442), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1465) to the display area (1402). The split layout (1465) may represent an existing upper and lower 2-part split. The electronic device can minimize Application B and display the execution screen of Application C in the second partial area (1442). When the execution icon (14022) is dropped into the trigger area (1456) located at the upper right side of the split bar (14021) within the second partial area (1442), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1466) to the display area (1402). The split layout (1466) may represent a vertical 3-split including two partial areas in the bottom area. The electronic device can add a third partial area to the right of the second partial area (1442) according to the split layout (1466).

[0214] When the execution icon (14022) is dropped into the trigger area (1457) positioned in the center, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1467) to the display area (1402). The electronic device can display the execution screen of application C as a pop-up window according to the split layout (1467).

[0215] FIGS. 15a and 15b are drawings illustrating an interaction based on the location of a touch hold point of a drag input according to one embodiment. An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2a through 2c) may display a visual clue (e.g., shading) in an area where an additional partial area is to be placed based on the touch hold point of a drag input for an application execution icon. Referring to FIG. 15a, the electronic device may sense a drag input in which the execution icon (1521) of application C is dragged along a path (1522) while the display area (1501) is divided into a first partial area (1511) and a second partial area (1512). When the touch hold point of a drag input for the execution icon (1521) is located in the trigger area (1531) (e.g., the trigger area (1356) in FIG. 13b), the electronic device may display a visual cue (1541) in the area where a third partial area to be executed for Application C is to be placed, based on a new partition layout (e.g., the partition layout (1366) in FIG. 13b) corresponding to the trigger area (1531). The electronic device may display the visual cue (1541) overlapping with an existing partial area (e.g., the second partial area (1512)). The user may recognize the execution location of Application C based on the visual cue (1541).

[0216] The display area (1502) may indicate the next situation of the display area (1501). When the execution icon (1521) moves along the path (1522) and is located in the trigger area (1532) (e.g., the trigger area (1359) in FIG. 13b), the electronic device may display a visual cue (1542) in the area where a third sub-area to which application C will be executed is to be placed, based on a new sub-layout (e.g., the sub-layout (1369) in FIG. 13b) corresponding to the trigger area (1532). The electronic device may display the visual cue (1542) overlapping with the existing sub-area (e.g., the second sub-area (1512)).

[0217] Referring to FIG. 15b, the electronic device may display a third partial area (1513) in advance before the execution icon (1521) is dropped, based on the touch hold point of the drag input for the execution icon (1521). The electronic device may determine a new split layout based on the trigger area (e.g., trigger area (1531), trigger area (1532)) to which the touch hold point of the drag input for the execution icon (1521) belongs, and place existing partial areas (e.g., first partial area (1511), second partial area (1512)) and a new partial area (e.g., third partial area (1513)) in a display area (e.g., display area (1503), display area (1504)) based on the new split layout.

[0218] The electronic device can sense a drag input in which an execution icon (1521) of application C is dragged along a path (1522) while the display area (1503) is divided into a first partial area (1511) and a second partial area (1512). When the touch hold point of the drag input for the execution icon (1521) is located in a trigger area (1531) (e.g., the trigger area (1356) in FIG. 13b), the electronic device determines a new split layout (e.g., the split layout (1366) in FIG. 13b) corresponding to the trigger area (1531), and can display the first partial area (1511), the second partial area (1512), and the third partial area (1513) in the display area (1503) based on the new split layout. According to the new split layout, the existing partial areas (e.g., the second partial area (1512)) and the third partial area (1513) can be displayed without overlapping each other.

[0219] The display area (1504) may indicate the next situation of the display area (1503). When the execution icon (1521) moves along the path (1522) and is located in the trigger area (1532) (e.g., the trigger area (1359) in FIG. 13b), the electronic device determines a new split layout (e.g., the split layout (1369) in FIG. 13b) corresponding to the trigger area (1532), and can display a first part area (1511), a second part area (1512), and a third part area (1513) in the display area (1504) based on the new split layout. According to the new split layout, the existing part area (e.g., the second part area (1512)) and the third part area (1513) can be displayed without overlapping each other.

[0220] FIGS. 16a through 16f are drawings exemplarily illustrating an operation of changing a split layout by dragging and dropping a pop-up window according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 16a, an existing split layout (e.g., existing split layout (1601), existing split layout (1603)) may be in a 3-split state. When user input (e.g., a long touch) is sensed for a window handle area of ​​a target part area among the partial areas of the 3-split state (e.g., the first window handle (3111) in FIG. 4a), an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) in FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) in FIG. 2a through 2c) may transform the target part area into a pop-up window and may move the pop-up window based on a drag input for the pop-up window following the long touch input on the window handle of the target part area. Shaded partial areas in the existing split layout (1601) and existing split layout (1603) may represent the target part area.

[0221] The electronic device can transform a target partial area into a pop-up window and apply a temporary partition layout (e.g., temporary partition layout (1602), temporary partition layout (1604)) to the remaining partial areas of an existing partition layout (e.g., existing partition layout (1601), existing partition layout (1603)) (e.g., partial areas that are not the target partial area, unshaded partial areas). For example, if the electronic device transforms the target partial area of ​​the existing partition layout (1601) into a pop-up window, it can display the remaining partial areas using the temporary partition layout (1602). If the electronic device transforms the target partial area of ​​the existing partition layout (1603) into a pop-up window, it can display the remaining partial areas using the temporary partition layout (1604). The existing partition layout (1601) may include a vertical parallel 3-part, and the existing partition layout (1603) may include a horizontal parallel 3-part. The temporary split layout (1602) can represent an upper and lower 2-split, and the temporary split layout (1604) can represent a left and right 2-split.

[0222] The electronic device can determine a new split layout based on the screen rotation state (e.g., landscape screen, portrait screen), temporary split layout (e.g., top-bottom 2-split, left-right 2-split), and the touch hold position of the drag input for the popup window.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 16b, the electronic device can transform a target partial area into a pop-up window and display a temporary split layout in an upper and lower two-part layout in a display area (1605) of a horizontal screen. The temporary split layout may include a first partial area (1611a) and a second partial area (1612a). The electronic device can display an execution screen of Application A in the first partial area (1611a) and an execution screen of Application B in the second partial area (1612a). Below, an example is described in which the target partial area is a third partial area where Application C is executed, but is not limited thereto.

[0224] The electronic device can sense a drag input that drags a pop-up window of a third partial area and determine a new divided layout of the display area (1605) based on the location of a touch hold point at the time point when the drag input is released. For example, the display area (1605) may include trigger areas (1621a to 1627a). The electronic device can determine a new divided layout of the display area (1605) based on where the touch hold point is located among the trigger areas (1621a to 1627a) at the time when the drag input is released.

[0225] Trigger areas (1621a to 1623a) may be placed in the left area of ​​an upper / lower 2-split layout of a horizontal screen. Trigger areas (1624a to 1626a) may be placed in the right area of ​​an upper / lower 2-split layout of a horizontal screen. Trigger area (1627a) may be placed in the center area of ​​an upper / lower 2-split layout of a horizontal screen.

[0226] When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1621a) positioned at the top left, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1631a) to the display area (1605). The split layout (1631a) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the top area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the left of the first sub-region (1611a) according to the split layout (1631a). When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1622a) positioned at the center left, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1632a) to the display area (1605). The split layout (1632a) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions on the right. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the left area of ​​the vertical 3-part division according to the split layout (1632a). When a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located in a trigger area (1623a) positioned at the bottom left, the electronic device may apply a split layout (1633a) to the display area (1605). The split layout (1633a) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the bottom area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the left of the second sub-region (1612a) according to the split layout (1633a).

[0227] When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1624a) positioned at the top right, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1634a) to the display area (1605). The split layout (1634) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the top area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the right of the first sub-region (1611a) according to the split layout (1634a). When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1625a) positioned at the center right, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1635a) to the display area (1605). The split layout (1635a) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions on the left. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the right area of ​​the vertical 3-part division according to the split layout (1635a). When a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located in a trigger area (1626a) positioned at the bottom right, the electronic device may apply a split layout (1636a) to the display area (1605). The split layout (1636a) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the bottom area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the right of the second sub-region (1612) according to the split layout (1636a).

[0228] When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1627a) positioned in the center, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1637a) to the display area (1605). The electronic device can display the execution screen of application C as a pop-up window according to the split layout (1637a).

[0229] Referring to FIG. 16c, the electronic device can transform a third partial area where application C is executed into a pop-up window and display a temporary split layout of left and right 2-parts in the display area (1606) of the horizontal screen. The temporary split layout may include a first partial area (1611b) and a second partial area (1612b). The electronic device can display an execution screen of application A in the first partial area (1611b) and an execution screen of application B in the second partial area (1612b).

[0230] The electronic device can sense a drag input that drags a pop-up window of a third partial area and determine a new divided layout of the display area (1606) based on the location of a touch hold point at the time the drag input is released. For example, the display area (1606) may include trigger areas (1621b to 16211b). The electronic device can determine a new divided layout of the display area (1606) based on where the touch hold point is located among the trigger areas (1621b to 16211b) when the drag input is released.

[0231] Trigger areas (1621b to 1623b, 15210b) may be placed in the left area of ​​a left-right 2-split layout of a horizontal screen. Trigger areas (1627b to 1629b, 16211b) may be placed in the right area of ​​a left-right 2-split layout of a horizontal screen. Trigger areas (1624b to 1626b) may be placed in the center area of ​​a left-right 2-split layout of a horizontal screen.

[0232] In a display area (1606) that includes a first partial area (1611b) and a second partial area (1612b) in a left-right 2-split state of a horizontal screen, when a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located at a trigger area (16210b) located opposite the second partial area (1612b) within the first partial area (1611b), the electronic device may apply a split layout (16310b) to the display area (1606). The split layout (16310b) may represent a horizontal parallel 3-split. The electronic device may divide the display area (1606) into a first partial area (1611b), a second partial area (1612b), and a third partial area (e.g., an additional partial area to the left of the first partial area (1611b)) based on a first split bar and a second split bar that are parallel to each other.

[0233] In a display area (1606) that includes a first partial area (1611b) and a second partial area (1612b) in a left-right 2-split state of a horizontal screen, when a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located at a trigger area (16211b) located opposite the first partial area (1611b) within the second partial area (1612b), the electronic device may apply a split layout (16311b) to the display area (1606). The split layout (16311b) may represent a horizontal parallel 3-split. The electronic device may divide the display area (1606) into a first partial area (1611b), a second partial area (1612b), and a third partial area (e.g., an additional partial area to the right of the second partial area (1612b)) based on a first split bar and a second split bar that are parallel to each other.

[0234] When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1621b) positioned at the top center of the first partial area (1611b), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1631b) to the display area (1606). The split layout (1631b) may represent a vertical 3-part split including two partial areas in the left area. The electronic device may add a third partial area to the top of the first partial area (1611b) according to the split layout (1631b). When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1622b) positioned at the top center of the first partial area (1611b), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1632b) to the display area (1606). The split layout (1632b) may represent a left-right 2-part split, which is a temporary split layout. The electronic device can display the execution screen of application C as a pop-up window according to the split layout (1632b). When a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located at the trigger area (1623b) positioned at the center bottom of the first partial area (1611b), the electronic device can apply the split layout (1633b) to the display area (1606). The split layout (1633b) may represent a vertical 3-part split including two partial areas in the left area. The electronic device can add a third partial area to the bottom of the first partial area (1611b) according to the split layout (1633b).

[0235] When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located at the trigger area (1627b) positioned at the top center of the second partial area (1612b), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1637b) to the display area (1606). The split layout (1637b) may represent a vertical 3-split including two partial areas in the right area. The electronic device may add a third partial area to the top of the first partial area (1611b) according to the split layout (1637b). When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located at the trigger area (1628b) positioned at the top center of the second partial area (1612b), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1638b) to the display area (1606). The split layout (1638b) may represent a left-right 2-split, which is a temporary split layout. The electronic device can display the execution screen of application C as a pop-up window according to the split layout (1638b). When a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located at the trigger area (1629b) positioned at the center bottom of the second partial area (1612b), the electronic device can apply the split layout (1639b) to the display area (1606). The split layout (1639b) may represent a vertical 3-part split including two partial areas in the right area. The electronic device can add a third partial area to the bottom of the second partial area (1612b) according to the split layout (1639b).

[0236] When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1624b) positioned at the top center of the display area (1606), the electronic device may apply a split layout (1634b) to the display area (1606). The split layout (1634b) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the bottom area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the top area according to the split layout (1634b). When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1625b) positioned at the center of the display area (1606), the electronic device may apply a split layout (1635b) to the display area (1606). The split layout (1635b) may represent a horizontal parallel 3-part division. The electronic device may add a third partial area between the first partial area (1611b) and the second partial area (1612b) according to the split layout (1635b). When a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located at the trigger area (1626b) positioned at the center bottom of the display area (1606), the electronic device may apply the split layout (1636b) to the display area (1606). The split layout (1636b) may represent a vertical 3-part split including two partial areas in the upper area. The electronic device may add a third partial area to the lower area according to the split layout (1636b).

[0237] Referring to FIG. 16d, the electronic device can transform a target partial area into a pop-up window and display a temporary split layout of left and right 2-parts in the display area (1607) of the vertical screen. The temporary split layout may include a first partial area (1611c) and a second partial area (1612c). The electronic device can display an execution screen of Application A in the first partial area (1611c) and an execution screen of Application B in the second partial area (1612c).

[0238] The electronic device can sense a drag input that drags a pop-up window of a third partial area and determine a new divided layout of the display area (1607) based on the location of a touch hold point at the time the drag input is released. For example, the display area (1607) may include trigger areas (1621c to 1627c). The electronic device can determine a new divided layout of the display area (1607) based on where the touch hold point is located among the trigger areas (1621c to 1627c) when the drag input is released.

[0239] Trigger areas (1621c to 1623c) may be placed in the top area of ​​a left-right 2-split layout of a vertical screen. Trigger areas (1624c to 1626c) may be placed in the bottom area of ​​a left-right 2-split layout of a vertical screen. Trigger area (1627c) may be placed in the center area of ​​a top-bottom 2-split layout of a vertical screen.

[0240] When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1621c) positioned at the top left, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1631c) to the display area (1607). The split layout (1631c) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the left area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the top of the first sub-region (1611c) according to the split layout (1631c). When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1622c) positioned at the top center, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1632c) to the display area (1607). The split layout (1632c) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions at the bottom. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the top area of ​​the vertical 3-part division according to the split layout (1632c). When a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located in a trigger area (1623c) positioned at the top right, the electronic device may apply a split layout (1633c) to the display area (1607). The split layout (1633c) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the right area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the top of the second sub-region (1612c) according to the split layout (1633c).

[0241] When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1624c) positioned at the bottom left, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1634c) to the display area (1607). The split layout (1634c) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the left area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the bottom of the first sub-region (1611c) according to the split layout (1634c). When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1625c) positioned at the bottom center, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1635c) to the display area (1607). The split layout (1635c) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions at the top. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the bottom area of ​​the vertical 3-part division according to the split layout (1635c). When a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located in a trigger area (1626c) positioned at the bottom right, the electronic device may apply a split layout (1636c) to the display area (1607). The split layout (1636c) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the right area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the bottom of the second sub-region (1612c) according to the split layout (1636c).

[0242] When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1627c) positioned in the center, the electronic device can apply a split layout (1637c) to the display area (1607). The electronic device can display the execution screen of application C as a pop-up window according to the split layout (1637c).

[0243] Referring to FIG. 16e, the electronic device can transform a third partial area where application C is executed into a pop-up window and display a temporary split layout in an upper and lower two-part layout in a display area (1608) of a vertical screen. The temporary split layout may include a first partial area (1611d) and a second partial area (1612d). The electronic device can display an execution screen of application A in the first partial area (1611d) and an execution screen of application B in the second partial area (1612d).

[0244] The electronic device can sense a drag input that drags a pop-up window of a third partial area and determine a new divided layout of the display area (1608) based on the location of a touch hold point when the drag input is released. For example, the display area (1608) may include trigger areas (1621d to 16211d). The electronic device can determine a new divided layout of the display area (1608) based on where the touch hold point is located among the trigger areas (1621d to 16211d) when the drag input is released.

[0245] Trigger areas (1621d to 1623d, 16210d) may be placed in the top area of ​​a vertical 2-split layout of a vertical screen. Trigger areas (1627d to 1629d, 16211d) may be placed in the bottom area of ​​a vertical 2-split layout of a vertical screen. Trigger areas (1624d to 1626d) may be placed in the center area of ​​a vertical 2-split layout of a vertical screen.

[0246] In a display area (1608) that includes a first partial area (1611d) and a second partial area (1612d) in a vertical 2-part state, when a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located at a trigger area (16210d) located opposite the second partial area (1612d) within the first partial area (1611d), the electronic device may apply a split layout (16310d) to the display area (1608). The split layout (16310d) may represent a vertical parallel 3-part. The electronic device may divide the display area (1608) into a first partial area (1611d), a second partial area (1612d), and a third partial area (e.g., an additional partial area above the first partial area (1611d)) based on a first split bar and a second split bar that are parallel to each other.

[0247] In a display area (1608) that includes a first partial area (1611d) and a second partial area (1612d) in a vertical 2-part state, when a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located at a trigger area (16211d) located opposite the first partial area (1611d) within the second partial area (1612d), the electronic device may apply a split layout (16311d) to the display area (1608). The split layout (16311d) may represent a vertical parallel 3-part. The electronic device may divide the display area (1608) into a first partial area (1611d), a second partial area (1612d), and a third partial area (e.g., an additional partial area at the bottom of the second partial area (1612d)) based on a first split bar and a second split bar that are parallel to each other.

[0248] When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1621d) positioned in the left center of the first partial area (1611d), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1631d) to the display area (1608). The split layout (1631d) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two partial areas in the top area. The electronic device may add a third partial area to the left of the first partial area (1611d) according to the split layout (1631d). When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1622d) positioned in the center of the first partial area (1611d), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1632d) to the display area (1608). The split layout (1632d) may represent an upper and lower 2-part division, which is a temporary split layout. The electronic device can display the execution screen of Application C as a pop-up window according to the split layout (1632d). When a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1623d) positioned in the right center of the first partial area (1641), the electronic device can apply the split layout (1633d) to the display area (1608). The split layout (1633d) may represent a vertical 3-part split including two partial areas in the top area. The electronic device can add a third partial area to the right of the first partial area (1611d) according to the split layout (1633d).

[0249] When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1627d) positioned in the left center of the second partial area (1612d), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1637d) to the display area (1608). The split layout (1637d) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two partial areas in the bottom area. The electronic device may add a third partial area to the left of the second partial area (1612d) according to the split layout (1637d). When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1628d) positioned in the center of the second partial area (1612d), the electronic device can apply a split layout (1638d) to the display area (1608). The split layout (1638d) may represent an upper and lower 2-part division, which is a temporary split layout. The electronic device can display the execution screen of application C as a pop-up window according to the split layout (1638d). When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located at the trigger area (1629d) positioned at the right center of the second partial area (1612d), the electronic device can apply the split layout (1639d) to the display area (1608). The split layout (1639d) may represent a vertical 3-part split including two partial areas in the bottom area. The electronic device can add a third partial area to the right of the second partial area (1612d) according to the split layout (1639d).

[0250] When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1624d) positioned in the left center of the display area (1608), the electronic device may apply a split layout (1634d) to the display area (1608). The split layout (1634d) may represent a vertical 3-part division including two sub-regions in the right area. The electronic device may add a third sub-region to the left area according to the split layout (1634d). When a drag input is released when the touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1625d) positioned in the center of the display area (1608), the electronic device may apply a split layout (1635d) to the display area (1608). The split layout (1635d) may represent a vertical parallel 3-part division. The electronic device may add a third partial area between the first partial area (1611d) and the second partial area (1612d) according to the split layout (1635d). When a drag input is released when a touch hold point is located in the trigger area (1626d) positioned in the right center of the display area (1608), the electronic device may apply the split layout (1636d) to the display area (1608). The split layout (1636d) may represent a vertical 3-part split including two partial areas in the left area. The electronic device may add a third partial area to the right area according to the split layout (1636d).

[0251] Referring to FIG. 16f, the electronic device may display a visual clue (e.g., shading) in the area where a target partial area (e.g., a third partial area) is to be placed based on the touch hold point of a drag input for a popup window. For example, the electronic device may sense a drag input dragging a popup window (1613e) while the display area (1609) of a horizontal screen is divided into a first partial area (1611e) and a second partial area (1612e) according to a temporary split layout of left and right 2-parts. If the touch hold point (1621e) of the drag input is located in the trigger area (1631e) (e.g., the trigger area (1625b) in FIG. 16c), the electronic device may display a visual clue (1641e) in the area where a third partial area is to be placed where an application (e.g., Application C) of the popup window (1613e) is to be executed. The electronic device may display a visual cue (1641e) after arranging the first partial area (1611e) and the second partial area (1612e) according to a new partition layout (e.g., the partition layout (1635b) of FIG. 16c). The user may recognize the execution location of application C based on the visual cue (1641e).

[0252] The electronic device can sense a drag input for dragging a popup window (1613e) while the display area (16010) of the horizontal screen is divided into a first partial area (1611e) and a second partial area (1612e) according to a temporary split layout of left and right 2-parts. When the touch hold point (1622e) of the drag input is located in the trigger area (1632e) (e.g., the trigger area (1624b) in FIG. 16c), the electronic device can display a visual cue (1642e) in the area where the third partial area, where the application (e.g., Application C) of the popup window (1613e) is to be executed, is to be placed. The electronic device can display the visual cue (1642e) after placing the first partial area (1611e) and the second partial area (1612e) according to the new split layout (e.g., the split layout (1634b) in FIG. 16c).

[0253] The electronic device can sense a drag input for dragging a popup window (1613e) while the display area (16011) of the horizontal screen is divided into a first partial area (1611e) and a second partial area (1612e) according to a temporary split layout of left and right 2-parts. When the touch hold point (1623e) of the drag input is located in the trigger area (1633e) (e.g., the trigger area (1627b) in FIG. 16c), the electronic device can display a visual cue (1643e) in the area where a third partial area is to be placed for the application (e.g., Application C) of the popup window (1613e) to be executed. The electronic device can display the visual cue (1643e) after placing the first partial area (1611e) and the second partial area (1612e) according to the new split layout (e.g., the split layout (1637b) in FIG. 16c).

[0254] The electronic device can sense a drag input for dragging a popup window (1613e) while the display area (16012) of the horizontal screen is divided into a first partial area (1611e) and a second partial area (1612e) according to a temporary split layout of left and right 2-parts. When the touch hold point (1624e) of the drag input is located in the trigger area (1634e) (e.g., the trigger area (1628b) of FIG. 16c), the electronic device can display the popup window (1613e) after arranging the first partial area (1611e) and the second partial area (1612e) according to a new split layout (e.g., the split layout (1638b) of FIG. 16c) corresponding to the temporary split layout of left and right 2-parts.

[0255] The electronic device can sense a drag input for dragging a popup window (1613e) while the display area (16013) of the horizontal screen is divided into a first partial area (1611e) and a second partial area (1612e) according to a temporary split layout of left and right 2-parts. When the touch hold point (1625e) of the drag input is located in the trigger area (1635e) (e.g., the trigger area (16211b) in FIG. 16c), the electronic device can display a visual cue (1645e) in the area where a third partial area is to be placed for the application (e.g., Application C) of the popup window (1613e) to be executed. The electronic device can display the visual cue (1645e) after placing the first partial area (1611e) and the second partial area (1612e) according to the new split layout (e.g., the split layout (16311b) in FIG. 16c).

[0256] FIGS. 17a through 17e are drawings exemplifying an operation of changing a divided state based on the expansion and contraction of an expandable display according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the display (e.g., display (160) of FIG. 1, display (250) of FIG. 2a and FIG. 2c) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a through 2c) may be an expandable display (e.g., foldable display, sliderable display). The electronic device may change a divided state based on the expansion and contraction of the expandable display.

[0257] Referring to FIG. 17a, the electronic device can display a first partial area (1711) and a second partial area (1712) by dividing the display area (1701) into upper and lower two parts. When the display area (1701) is extended into a display area (1702), the electronic device can display a third partial area (1713) and a fourth partial area (1714) by dividing the display area (1702) into left and right two parts. The third partial area (1713) may correspond to the first partial area (1711), and the fourth partial area (1714) may correspond to the second partial area (1712), but is not limited thereto. When the display area (1702) is extended to the display area (1703), the electronic device may display a third partial area (1713), a fourth partial area (1714), and a fifth partial area (1715) by dividing the display area (1703) into parallel three parts. According to one embodiment, the electronic device may display an application picker (17151) for executing additional applications in the fifth partial area (1715).

[0258] Referring to FIG. 17b, when an application (e.g., Application C) is selected from the application picker (17151), the electronic device may display the execution screen of the selected application in a fifth sub-region (1715) of the display area (1704). When the display area (1704) is reduced to the display area (1705), the electronic device may minimize one or more of the applications in the third sub-region (1713) (e.g., Application A), the applications in the fourth sub-region (1714) (e.g., Application B), and the applications in the fifth sub-region (1715) (e.g., Application C). FIG. 17b illustrates an example where Application C is minimized, but is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device may remove the applications in the sub-region that have become physically invisible. As another example, the electronic device may remove applications based on removal conditions. For example, removal conditions can be set based on one or more of the following: application addition time, application combination preference (personal, general), focus duration, focus retention status, preferred content type, preferred application category, and user behavior patterns.

[0259] For example, the electronic device can automatically remove applications that were added earlier or later. For example, the electronic device can retain applications that the user personally likes to combine, or applications that general users like to combine. For example, the electronic device can remove applications that have been focused for less time. For example, the electronic device can remove applications that lost focus first. For example, the electronic device can set priorities for the types of content handled by applications, such as video, images, combinations of images and text, and text, and perform removals according to these priorities. For example, the electronic device can set priorities for application categories, such as games, finance, communication, video, and music, and remove applications according to these priorities. For example, the electronic device can analyze the types of content handled by applications or application categories to train user removal patterns for application combinations, set priorities based on the trained patterns, and remove applications according to those priorities.

[0260] Referring to FIG. 17c, the electronic device may display a third partial area (1713), a fourth partial area (1714), and a fifth partial area (1715) in a display area (1704). When the fifth partial area (1715) becomes invisible to the user due to folding of the display (e.g., out-folding), as in the display area (1706), the electronic device may apply a key guard to the fifth partial area (1715) to prevent malfunction (e.g., malfunction caused by gripping). The electronic device may lower the screen brightness of the fifth partial area (1715) compared to the third partial area (1713) and the fourth partial area (1714). Area (17061) may exemplarily represent the folding state of the display.

[0261] Referring to FIG. 17d, when the electronic device is flipped as in area (17071), the electronic device may release the key guard state of the fifth partial area (1715) visible to the user in the display area (1707) and apply the key guard to the third partial area (1713) and the fourth partial area (1714) not visible to the user. The electronic device may sense that the electronic device is flipped by using one or more sensors of the electronic device (e.g., a gyroscope, an accelerometer). The electronic device may restore the screen brightness of the fifth partial area (1715) and lower the screen brightness of the third partial area (1713) and the fourth partial area (1714) relative to the fifth partial area (1715).

[0262] Referring to FIG. 17e, when a swipe input (1711a) in a certain direction (17111) is sensed in at least a portion of the third part area (1713) and the fourth part area (1714), or when the electronic device is positioned vertically or nearly vertically to the ground, the electronic device may activate the third part area (1713), the fourth part area (1714), and the fifth part area (1715) so that all of the third part area (1713), the fourth part area (1714), and the fifth part area (1715) of the display area (1709) can be used in situations such as when a user shares the screen with another user. For example, the electronic device may unlock the key guards of the third part area (1713) and the fourth part area (1714) and restore the screen brightness. The electronic device may sense that the electronic device is positioned using one or more sensors of the electronic device (e.g., a gyroscope, an accelerometer). Area (17091) can exemplarily show the folding state of the display.

[0263] FIG. 18 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a resize operation and a dismiss operation based on a single touch drag and a multi-touch drag according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 18, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) can sense a single touch drag input based on a touch point (1811) on a first dividing bar (321) in a display area (1801). The electronic device can perform a resize operation according to the single touch drag input. For example, the electronic device can increase the size of a first partial area (311) and decrease the size of a second partial area (312) according to a single touch drag input of direction (18111).

[0264] The electronic device can sense a multi-touch drag input based on touch points (1812, 1813) on the first dividing bar (321) in the display area (1802). The electronic device can perform a dismiss operation according to the multi-touch drag input. For example, the electronic device can dismiss the second part area (312) and / or the third part area (313) according to the multi-touch drag input of direction (18121).

[0265] FIGS. 19a and 19b are drawings exemplarily illustrating a resize operation and a dismiss operation based on drag speed according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 19a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2a through 2c) can sense a drag input based on a touch point (1814) on a first dividing bar (321) in a display area (1901). If the drag input is a slow drag input, the electronic device can perform a resize operation. For example, the electronic device can increase the size of the first partial area (311) and decrease the size of the second partial area (312) according to a slow drag input of direction (18141). For example, the electronic device can classify the drag input as either a slow drag input or a fast drag input by comparing the drag speed with a predetermined threshold speed, but is not limited thereto.

[0266] The electronic device can sense a drag input based on a touch point (1815) for the first dividing bar (321) in the display area (1902). If the drag input is a fast drag input, the electronic device can perform a dismiss operation. For example, the electronic device can dismiss the second sub-area (312) according to a fast drag input of direction (18151).

[0267] Referring to FIG. 19b, the electronic device can sense a drag input based on a touch point (1816) for a first dividing bar (321) in a display area (1903). If the drag input is a slow drag input, the electronic device can dismiss a sub-area adjacent to the touch point (1816). For example, the electronic device can display a dismiss affordance (1981) in a second sub-area (312) adjacent to the touch point (1816) according to a slow drag input of direction (18161) and dismiss the second sub-area (312). For example, the electronic device can classify the drag input as either a slow drag input or a fast drag input by comparing the drag speed to a predetermined threshold speed, but is not limited thereto.

[0268] The electronic device can sense a drag input based on a touch point (1817) for a first dividing bar (321) in a display area (1904). If the drag input is a fast drag input, the electronic device can dismiss the next part area of ​​the part area adjacent to the touch point (1817). For example, the electronic device can display a dismiss affordance (1982) in a third part area (313), which is the next part area of ​​the second part area (312) adjacent to the touch point (1817), in accordance with a fast drag input of direction (18171), and dismiss the third part area (313).

[0269] FIG. 20 is a flowchart exemplarily illustrating a multi-window control operation including stash control of partial areas according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 20, in operation (2010), an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) can divide a display area of ​​a display (e.g., display (160) of FIG. 1, display (250) of FIG. 2a and 2c) into a first partial area, a second partial area, and a third partial area arranged side by side based on a first dividing bar and a second dividing bar that are parallel to each other.

[0270] In operation (2020), the electronic device can sense a drag input in which the first dividing bar is dragged toward the first part area, among the first dividing bar positioned between the first part area and the second part area and the second dividing bar positioned between the second part area and the third part area. In operation (2030), when the touch hold point of the drag input passes the stash affordance boundary of the first part area, the electronic device can display a stash affordance indicating that the first part area is displayed in a stash state according to the drag input.

[0271] A stash may be an action that displays only a portion of the entire execution screen of an application (e.g., Application A, Application B, Application C) in a partial area (e.g., first partial area, second partial area, third partial area) while maintaining the execution state of the application running in that area. For example, a stash affordance may include, but is not limited to, visual feedback that the execution screen of the application in the partial area is pushed out of the display area in response to a drag input. For example, an electronic device may reduce the brightness of the residual area as the size of the residual area of ​​the application execution screen remaining in the display area decreases, but is not limited to. For example, in the stash state, the execution state of the application is maintained, and the residual area of ​​the application execution screen may be displayed in the partial area, but is not limited to.

[0272] In operation (2040), the electronic device may display the first partial area in a stash state when the touch hold point of the drag input passes the stash affordance boundary and then passes the dismis affordance boundary of the first partial area. The touch state of the drag input may be maintained in operations (2010) to (2040). The touch state of the drag input may be maintained even after operation (2010) until release. When the touch hold point of the drag input passes the stash affordance boundary and then passes the dismis affordance boundary of the first partial area, the electronic device may further display a stash dismis affordance indicating that the first partial area in a stash state is dismised. When the touch hold point of the drag input passes the dismis affordance boundary and then passes the dismis boundary of the first partial area, the electronic device may dismis the first partial area in a stash state in the display area.

[0273] For example, the stash dismis affordance may include, but is not limited to, visual feedback that the size of the remaining area of ​​the application's execution screen displayed in a partial area in a stash state decreases with drag input. For example, the stash dismis affordance may display a different visual effect from the dismis affordance, but is not limited to. For example, the stash dismis affordance may include visual feedback that the size of the remaining area decreases while the remaining area of ​​the application's execution screen is displayed in a partial area, and the dismis affordance may include visual feedback that the size of the application's full execution screen decreases while the application's full execution screen is displayed in a partial area, but is not limited to.

[0274] The electronic device can output haptic feedback at one or more of the following times: when the touch hold point of the drag input reaches the stash affordance boundary of the partial area, when the partial area is displayed in a stash state according to the drag input, and when the partial area is dismissed according to the drag input.

[0275] FIGS. 21a through 21d are drawings illustrating examples of resizing, stashing, and dismissing partial regions based on drag input according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 21a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a through 2c) can divide a display area (2101) into a first partial region (311), a second partial region (312), and a third partial region (313) based on a first dividing bar (321) and a second dividing bar (322). The electronic device can display an execution screen of application A in the first partial region (311), display an execution screen of application B in the second partial region (312), and display an execution screen of application C in the third partial region (313).

[0276] FIGS. 21a through 21d may correspond to examples in which resizing, stashing, and dismising are performed. For example, the electronic device may adjust the size of the first partial area (311) and the second partial area (312) according to the drag input when the touch hold point (2111) of the drag input moves in the direction (21111) or the direction (21112). The ratio between the size of the first partial area (311) and the size of the second partial area (312) may be adjusted according to the drag input. The electronic device may reflect the movement of the touch hold point (2111) in the resizing between resizing boundaries corresponding to the minimum width (2121) and the minimum width (2122). The resizing boundary of the minimum width (2121) and the resizing boundary of the minimum width (2122) may correspond to the stash affordance boundary (2131) and the stash affordance boundary (2132). The minimum width (2121) and the minimum width (2122) may have the same width, but are not limited thereto.

[0277] A resize boundary may be set based on a minimum width (e.g., minimum width (2121), minimum width (2122)). A resize boundary may refer to a boundary where resizing based on a drag input no longer occurs. A stash affordance boundary (e.g., stash affordance boundary (2131), stash affordance boundary (2132)) may correspond to a resize boundary. A stash affordance boundary may refer to a boundary where a stash affordance begins to be displayed based on a drag input. If the stash affordance boundary and the resize boundary are set at the same location, the electronic device may stop resizing and display the stash affordance when the drag input passes through the resize boundary and the desmith affordance boundary. An example in which the desmith affordance boundary and the resize boundary are set at the same location is described below, but is not limited thereto.

[0278] The electronic device can sense a drag input based on a touch hold point (2111) for a first dividing bar (321) in a display area (2101). The electronic device can resize, stash, and dissimilate the first part area (311) as a second drag input in a direction (21112) toward the first part area (311) passes through the stash affordance boundary (2131), dissimilation affordance boundary (2141), and dissimilation boundary (2151) of the first part area (311), and can resize the second part area (312) until a first drag input in a direction (21111) toward the second part area (312) reaches the stash affordance boundary (2132).

[0279] The electronic device may output haptic feedback at one or more of the following points in time: when the touch hold point of the drag input reaches the resize boundary of the partial area (e.g., stash affordance boundary (2131), stash affordance boundary (2132)), when the partial area is displayed in a stash state according to the drag input, and when the partial area is dismissed according to the drag input. The stash affordance boundary (2131), dismiss affordance boundary (2141), and dismiss boundary (2151) of the first partial area (311) may be set within the first partial area (311), and the stash affordance boundary (2132) of the second partial area (312) and the third partial area (313) may be set within the second partial area (312) and the third partial area (313).

[0280] The display area (2102) may indicate the following situation of the display area (2101). The display area (2102) may indicate the case where a second drag input of direction (21112) is sensed. When the touch hold point (2112) of the second drag input reaches the stash affordance boundary (2131), the width of the first partial area (311) becomes the minimum width (2121), so that resizing of the first partial area (311) in the direction (21121) may no longer occur. The electronic device may output haptic feedback when the touch hold point (2112) of the second drag input reaches the stash affordance boundary (2131). When the touch hold point (2112) of the second drag input moves in the direction (21121) past the stash affordance boundary (2131), the electronic device can display a stash affordance in the first partial area (311).

[0281] Referring to FIG. 21b, the display area (2103) may indicate the following situation of the display area (2102). When the electronic device moves in the direction (21131) past the stash affordance boundary (2131) of the second drag input, the electronic device may display a stash affordance (2171) indicating that the first partial area (311) is displayed in a stash state according to the second drag input. The first partial area (311) may display the execution screen of application A. The stash affordance (2171) may indicate that as the touch hold point (2113) of the second drag input continues to move in the direction (21131), the execution screen of application A is pushed out of the display area (2103) while maintaining its size. The user can expect the first partial region (311) to be stashed through the stash affordance (2171).

[0282] The display area (2104) may indicate the following situation of the display area (2103). The electronic device may display a stash affordance (2171) until the touch hold point (2114) reaches the dissmith affordance boundary (2141). The electronic device may reduce the brightness of the stash affordance (2171) as the size of the remaining area left in the first partial area (311) of the entire execution screen of application A decreases.

[0283] If the second drag input is released before the touch hold point (2113) reaches the dismis affordance boundary (2141), the electronic device can return the first split bar (321) to the stash affordance boundary (2131). If the second drag input is released before the touch hold point (2113) reaches the dismis affordance boundary (2141), a return affordance indicating that the first split bar (321) returns to the stash affordance boundary (2131) may be displayed. For example, the return affordance may be displayed from the time the touch hold point (2113) of the second drag input passes the stash affordance boundary (2131) until it reaches the dismis affordance boundary (2141). For example, the electronic device may display the afterimage of the first split bar (321) at the stash affordance boundary (2131) as a return affordance. Through the return affordance, the user can anticipate that if the second drag input is released before the touch hold point (2113) reaches the dissimilar affordance boundary (2141), the first split bar (321) returns to the stash affordance boundary (2131).

[0284] Referring to FIG. 21c, the display area (2105) may indicate the next state of the display area (2104). When the touch hold point (2115) of the second drag input continues to move past the dismiss affordance boundary (2141), the electronic device may make the first partial area (311) a stashed state. The dismiss affordance boundary (2141) may correspond to a stash boundary. When the touch hold point (2115) of the second drag input passes past the dismiss affordance boundary (2141), the electronic device may display a stash dismiss affordance (2191) indicating that the first partial area (311) in the stashed state is dismissed according to the second drag input. The stash dismiss affordance (2191) may include visual feedback that the size of the remaining area of ​​Application A displayed in the first partial area (311) in a stash state is reduced according to the second drag input. The user can anticipate that the first partial area (311) in the stash state will be dismissed through the stash dismiss affordance (2191).

[0285] If the second drag input is released before the touch hold point (2115) reaches the dismis boundary (2151), the electronic device can return the first split bar (321) to the dismis affordance boundary (2141). If the second drag input is released before the touch hold point (2115) reaches the dismis boundary (2151), a return affordance indicating that the first split bar (321) returns to the dismis affordance boundary (2141) may be displayed. For example, the return affordance may be displayed from the time the touch hold point (2115) of the second drag input passes the dismis affordance boundary (2141) until it reaches the dismis boundary (2151). For example, the electronic device may display the afterimage of the first split bar (321) at the dismis affordance boundary (2141) as a return affordance. Through the return affordance, the user can anticipate that if the second drag input is released before the touch hold point (2115) reaches the dismis affordance boundary (2151), the first split bar (321) returns to the dismis affordance boundary (2141).

[0286] The stash dismith affordance (2191) may produce a different visual effect from the dismith affordance (e.g., the dismith affordance (781) of FIG. 7a), but is not limited thereto. For example, the stash dismith affordance (2191) may include visual feedback that the size of the remaining area of ​​application A is reduced while the remaining area of ​​application A is displayed in the first partial area (311), and the dismith affordance may include visual feedback that the size of the entire execution screen of application A is reduced while the entire execution screen of application A is displayed in the first partial area (311), but is not limited thereto.

[0287] When the touch hold point (2116) of the second drag input continues to move past the dismiss boundary (2151), the electronic device can dismiss the first partial area (311) in the display area (2106). When the first partial area (311) is dismissed in the display area (2106), the second partial area (312) can be displayed in the area where the first partial area (311) was displayed before the second partial area (311) was dismissed. When the second drag input is released from the touch hold point (2116), the electronic device can definitively dismiss the first partial area (311). When the touch hold point (2116) of the second drag input returns to before the dismiss boundary (2151), the electronic device can display the stash dismiss affordance (2191) again in the first partial area (311). When the first partial area (311) is dismissed, the electronic device can remove the first dividing bar (321).

[0288] Referring to FIG. 21d, the electronic device may display a first partial area (311) of a display area (2107) in a stashed state. When a touch input (2117) (e.g., a tap input) is received for the first partial area (311) in the stashed state, the electronic device may release the stashed state of the first partial area (311) as in the display area (2108) and display the first partial area (311) in a normal state (e.g., a non-stashed state). The electronic device may stash another partial area (e.g., a third partial area (313)) instead of the first partial area (311).

[0289] FIGS. 22a through 22f are drawings illustrating examples of resizing, stashing, and dismissing partial regions based on drag input in a two-part state according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 22a, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a through 2c) can divide a display area of ​​a display (e.g., display (160) of FIG. 1, display (250) of FIG. 2a and 2c) into a first partial region (2211a) and a second partial region (2212a) based on a dividing bar (2210a). The electronic device can place the dividing bar (2210a) at a base position (2224a).

[0290] The electronic device can set a split ratio adjustable range (2223a) based on minimum heights (2221a, 2222a). When the split bar (2210a) moves within the split ratio adjustable range (2223a), the electronic device can adjust the split ratio of the first part area (2211a) and the second part area (2212a) by resizing them in response to the movement of the split bar (2210a). When the split bar (2210a) moves outside the split ratio adjustable range (2223a), the electronic device can perform a stash operation and a dismiss operation.

[0291] According to one embodiment, stash affordance boundaries may be set at both ends of the adjustable division ratio range (2223a). The stash boundaries (2241a, 2242a) may correspond to dismith affordance boundaries. The electronic device may perform a stash operation and a dismith operation based on the stash affordance boundaries, the stash boundaries (2241a, 2242a), and the dismith boundaries (2251a, 2252a). According to one embodiment, the electronic device senses a drag input that drags a dividing bar (2210a) toward a first partial area (2211a), and when the touch hold point of the drag input passes the stash affordance boundary of the first partial area (2211a) (e.g., the upper boundary of the dividing ratio adjustable range (2223a)), it displays a stash affordance indicating that the first partial area (2211a) is displayed in a stash state according to the drag input, and when the touch hold point of the drag input passes the stash affordance boundary and then passes the dismis affordance boundary of the first partial area (2211a) (e.g., the stash boundary (2241a)), it can display the first partial area (2211a) in a stash state.

[0292] Referring to FIG. 22b, a display of a different form factor from FIG. 22a is illustrated. The electronic device can divide the display area into a first partial area (2211b) and a second partial area (2212b) based on a dividing bar (2210b). The electronic device can place the dividing bar (2210b) at a base position (2224b). The electronic device can set a dividing ratio adjustable range (2223b) based on minimum widths (2221b, 2222b). When the dividing bar (2210b) moves within the dividing ratio adjustable range (2223b), the electronic device can adjust the dividing ratio of the first partial area (2211b) and the second partial area (2212b) by resizing them in response to the movement of the dividing bar (2210b). When the split bar (2210b) moves outside the split ratio adjustable range (2223b), the electronic device can perform a stash operation and a dismiss operation based on the stash affordance boundaries (e.g., the two end boundaries of the split ratio adjustable range (2223b)), stash boundaries (2241b, 2242b), and dismiss boundaries (2251b, 2252b).

[0293] Referring to FIG. 22c, a display having the same form factor as FIG. 22b is shown in a rotated state. The electronic device can divide the display area into a first partial area (2211c) and a second partial area (2212c) based on a dividing bar (2210c). The electronic device can place the dividing bar (2210c) at a base position (2224c). The electronic device can set a dividing ratio adjustable range (2223c) based on minimum heights (2221c, 2222c). When the dividing bar (2210c) moves within the dividing ratio adjustable range (2223c), the electronic device can adjust the dividing ratio of the first partial area (2211c) and the second partial area (2212c) by resizing them in response to the movement of the dividing bar (2210c). When the split bar (2210c) moves outside the split ratio adjustable range (2223c), the electronic device can perform a stash operation and a dismiss operation based on the stash affordance boundaries (e.g., the two end boundaries of the split ratio adjustable range (2223c)), stash boundaries (2241c, 2242c), and dismiss boundaries (2251c, 2252c).

[0294] Referring to FIG. 22d, the electronic device can sense a drag input for dragging the dividing bar (2210a) based on a touch input (2213a) for the dividing bar (2210a) in the display area (2201d). The electronic device can stash the first partial area (2211a) based on a first drag input of direction (2214a) and stash the second partial area (2212a) based on a second drag input of direction (2215a). The electronic device can release the stash state of the first partial area (2211a), make the second partial area (2212a) stash state, and expand the first partial area (2211a) based on a touch input (2216a) (e.g., a tap input) for the first partial area (2211a) in the stash state in the display area (2202d). The electronic device can release the stash state of the second part area (2212a) based on a touch input (2217a) (e.g., a tap input) for the second part area (2212a) in the stash state in the display area (2203d), put the first part area (2211a) into a stash state, and expand the second part area (2212a).

[0295] Referring to FIG. 22e, the electronic device may display a user interface element (2215e) that switches the display position based on a touch input (2213e) (e.g., a tap input) for a dividing bar (2210a). The electronic device may switch the position of a first partial area (2211a) and a second partial area (2212a) based on a touch input (2214e) (e.g., a tap input) for the user interface element (2215e). While switching the position of the first partial area (2211a) and the second partial area (2212a), the electronic device may release the stash state of the second partial area (2212a) and put the first partial area (2211a) into a stash state.

[0296] Referring to FIG. 22f, the electronic device can sense a drag input for dragging the dividing bar (2210b) based on a touch input (2213f) for the dividing bar (2210b) in the display area (2201f). The electronic device can stash a first partial area (2211b), such as the display area (2202f), based on a first drag input of direction (22131f), and can stash a second partial area (2212b), such as the display area (2203f), based on a second drag input of direction (22132f).

[0297] The electronic device can display an execution screen (2211f) of Application A in a first partial area (2211b) and an execution screen (2212f) of Application B in a second partial area (2212b). In a stash affordance and stash state, the execution screens of the applications (e.g., execution screen of Application A (2211f), execution screen of Application B (2212f)) can be divided into an invisible area (e.g., first invisible area (22111f), second invisible area (22121f)) that is not displayed outside the display area (e.g., display area (2202f), display area (2203f)) and a visible area (e.g., first visible area (22112f), second visible area (22122f)) that remains in the display area and is displayed. The visible area may be referred to as a remaining area.

[0298] The electronic device may display a first visible area (22112f) of the execution screen (2211f) of application A in a first partial area (2211b) of a display area (2202f), and display an execution screen (2212f) of application B in a second partial area (2212b). The electronic device may display an execution screen (2211f) of application A in a first partial area (2211b) of a display area (2203f), and display a second visible area (22122f) of the execution screen (2212f) of application B in a second partial area (2212b).

[0299] FIG. 23 is a flowchart exemplarily illustrating a multi-window control operation including stash control of a plurality of partial regions according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 23, in operation (2310), an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) can divide a display area of ​​a display (e.g., display (160) of FIG. 1, display (250) of FIG. 2a and 2c) into a first partial region, a second partial region, and a third partial region based on a first dividing bar and a second dividing bar that are parallel to each other.

[0300] In operation (2320), the electronic device can sense a drag input in which the first dividing bar, which is positioned between the first partial area and the second partial area, and the second dividing bar, which is positioned between the second partial area and the third partial area, are dragged toward the second partial area. In operation (2330), the electronic device can reduce the size of the second partial area according to the drag input. While the size of the second partial area is reduced according to the drag input in operation (2330), the size of the first partial area is increased, and the size of the third partial area can be fixed.

[0301] In operation (2340), if the width of the second partial area becomes narrower than the minimum width according to the drag input and the drag input towards the second partial area continues, the electronic device may reduce the size of the third partial area according to the drag input while keeping the size of the second partial area fixed. In operation (2350), if the width of the second partial area and the width of the third partial area each become narrower than the minimum width according to the drag input and the drag input towards the second partial area continues, the electronic device may selectively stash at least one of the second partial area and the third partial area. For example, the electronic device may stash the third partial area, but is not limited thereto. The touch state of the drag input may be maintained in operations (2320) through (2350). The touch state of the drag input may be maintained even after operation (2350) until release.

[0302] FIGS. 24a through 24h are drawings illustrating examples of resizing, stashing, and dismissing a plurality of partial regions based on drag input according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 24a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a through 2c) can divide a display area (2401) into a first partial region (311), a second partial region (312), and a third partial region (313) based on a first dividing bar (321) and a second dividing bar (322). The electronic device can display an execution screen of application A in the first partial region (311), display an execution screen of application B in the second partial region (312), and display an execution screen of application C in the third partial region (313).

[0303] FIGS. 24a through 24g may correspond to examples in which resizing and stashing of multiple partial regions are performed. The electronic device may sense a drag input based on a touch hold point (2411) for a first dividing bar (321) in a display area (2401). When the touch hold point (2411) of the drag input moves in the direction (2411a), the electronic device may adjust the size of the second partial region (312) and the third partial region (313) according to the drag input. The electronic device may reflect the movement of the touch hold point (2411) to a stash affordance boundary (2431) corresponding to an extended minimum width (2421) in the resizing.

[0304] The electronic device may resize, stash, and dismiss one or more of the second part region (312) and the third part region (313) as the touch hold point (2411) of the drag input passes through the stash affordance boundary (2431), stash boundaries (2441, 2442), and dismiss boundaries (2451, 2452) of the second part region (312) and the third part region (313). The stash boundary (2441) and the dismiss boundary (2451) may be for the third part region (313), and the stash boundary (2442) and the dismiss boundary (2452) may be for the second part region (312). The electronic device may output haptic feedback at one or more of the following times: when the touch hold point (2411) of the drag input reaches the resize boundary (e.g., stash affordance boundary (2431)), when a partial area (e.g., second partial area (312), third partial area (313)) is stashed according to the drag input, and when a partial area is dismissed according to the drag input.

[0305] The display area (2402) may represent the following situation of the display area (2401). When the width of the second part area (312) becomes the minimum width (2422) due to the touch hold point (2412) of the drag input, resizing in the direction (2412a) of the second part area (312) may no longer occur. When the touch hold point (2412) of the drag input moves in the direction (2412a), the electronic device may adjust the size of the third part area (313) while keeping the size of the second part area (312) fixed.

[0306] Referring to FIG. 24b, the display area (2403) may represent the following situation of the display area (2402). When the touch hold point (2413) of the drag input reaches the stash affordance boundary (2431) corresponding to the minimum width (2421) extended along the direction (2413a), and the width of the second part area (312) becomes the minimum width (2422) and the width of the third part area (313) becomes the minimum width (2423), then resizing of the second part area (312) and the third part area (313) in the direction (2413a) may no longer occur. The extended minimum width (2421) may correspond to the sum of the minimum width (2422) and the minimum width (2443).

[0307] The display area (2404) may indicate the next situation of the display area (2403). When the touch hold point (2414) moves in the direction (2414a) past the stash affordance boundary (2431), the electronic device may display the stash affordance (2471) of the third part area (313), indicating that the third part area (313) is displayed in a stash state according to the drag input. Referring to FIG. 24c, the display area (2405) may indicate the next situation of the display area (2404). When the touch hold point (2415) moves in the direction (2415a) past the stash boundary (2441), the electronic device may make the third part area (313) into a stash state.

[0308] The display area (2406) may indicate the next situation of the display area (2405). When the touch hold point (2416) moves past the stash boundary (2441) in the direction (2416a), the electronic device may display a stash affordance (2472) of the second part area (312) indicating that the second part area (312) is displayed in a stash state according to the drag input. Referring to FIG. 24d, the display area (2407) may indicate the next situation of the display area (2406). When the touch hold point (2417) moves past the stash boundary (2442) in the direction (2417a), the electronic device may make the second part area (312) into a stash state.

[0309] The display area (2408) may indicate the next situation of the display area (2407). When the touch hold point (2418) moves past the stash boundary (2442) in the direction (2418a), the electronic device may display a stash dismissal affordance (2491) of the third part area (313) indicating that the third part area (313) in the stash state is dismissed according to the drag input. Referring to FIG. 24e, the display area (2409) may indicate the next situation of the display area (2408). When the touch hold point (2419) moves past the dismissal boundary (2451) in the direction (2419a), the electronic device may dismiss the third part area (313). The display area (24010) may indicate the next situation of the display area (2409). When the touch hold point (24110) passes the dismiss boundary (2452), the electronic device can dismiss the second partial area (312).

[0310] Referring to FIG. 24f, the electronic device may display a second sub-region (312) and a third sub-region (313) of a display area (24011) in a stashed state. When a touch input (24111) (e.g., a tap input) is received for the second sub-region (312) in the stashed state, the electronic device may release the stashed state of the second sub-region (312) as in the display area (24012), bring the second sub-region (312) into a normal state (e.g., a non-stashed state), and expand the second sub-region (312). The electronic device may stash another sub-region (e.g., a first sub-region (311)) instead of the second sub-region (312). When a touch input (24112) (e.g., a tap input) is received for a first partial area (311) in a stash state in a display area (24012), the electronic device may release the stash state of the first partial area (311) as in the display area (24013) of FIG. 24g, return the first partial area (311) to a normal state, and expand the first partial area (311). The electronic device may stash another partial area (e.g., a second partial area (312)) instead of the first partial area (311).

[0311] Referring to FIG. 24g, when a touch input (24113) (e.g., a tap input) is received for a third sub-region (313) of a display area (24013) in a stashed state, the electronic device may release the stashed state of the third sub-region (313) as in the display area (24014), bring the third sub-region (313) into a normal state (e.g., a non-stashed state), and expand the third sub-region (313). The electronic device may stash another sub-region (e.g., a first sub-region (311)) instead of the third sub-region (313). When a touch input (24114) (e.g., a tap input) is received for a second partial area (312) in a stash state in a display area (24014), the electronic device may release the stash state of the second partial area (312) as in the display area (24015) of FIG. 24h, make the second partial area (312) a normal state, and expand the second partial area (312). The electronic device may stash another partial area (e.g., a third partial area (313)) instead of the second partial area (312).

[0312] Referring to FIG. 24h, when a touch input (24115) (e.g., a tap input) is received for a third sub-region (313) of a display area (24015) in a stashed state, the electronic device may release the stashed state of the third sub-region (313) as in the display area (24016), bring the third sub-region (313) into a normal state (e.g., a non-stashed state), and expand the third sub-region (313). The electronic device may stash another sub-region (e.g., a second sub-region (312)) instead of the third sub-region (313). When a touch input (24116) (e.g., a tap input) is received for a second partial area (312) in a stash state in a display area (24016), the electronic device can release the stash state of the second partial area (312), make the second partial area (312) a normal state, and expand the second partial area (312).

[0313] FIGS. 25a to 25d are drawings exemplarily illustrating a stash operation using user interface elements according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 25a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) can divide a display area (2501) into a first partial area (311), a second partial area (312), and a third partial area (313) based on a first dividing bar (321) and a second dividing bar (322). The electronic device can display an execution screen of application A in the first partial area (311), display an execution screen of application B in the second partial area (312), and display an execution screen of application C in the third partial area (313).

[0314] FIGS. 25a through 25d may correspond to examples in which resizing, stashing, and dismissing are performed. For example, the electronic device may adjust the size of the first partial area (311) and the second partial area (312) according to the drag input when the touch hold point (2511) of the drag input moves in the direction (25111) or the direction (25112). The electronic device may reflect the movement of the touch hold point (2511) between resizing boundaries based on the minimum width (2521) in the resizing. The resizing boundaries may correspond to the stash affordance boundary (2531) and the stash affordance boundary (2532).

[0315] Referring to FIG. 25b, the display area (2502) may represent the following situation of the display area (2501). The display area (2502) may represent the case where a first drag input of direction (25111) is sensed in the display area (2501). When the touch hold point of the first drag input reaches the stash affordance boundary (2531), the electronic device may display a user interface element (25121) that stashes the first partial area (311). The electronic device may display the user interface element (25121) in the first partial area (311), but is not limited thereto. When a touch input (2512) (e.g., a tap input) for the user interface element (25121) is sensed, the electronic device may put the first partial area (311) into a stash state, as in the display area (2503).

[0316] Referring to FIG. 25c, the display area (2504) may indicate the following situation of the display area (2501). The display area (2504) may indicate the case where a second drag input of direction (25112) is sensed in the display area (2501). When the touch hold point of the second drag input reaches the stash affordance boundary (2532) according to the minimum width (2522) (or extended minimum width), the electronic device may display a user interface element (25141) that stashes the second partial area (312) and / or the third partial area (313). The electronic device may display the user interface element (25141) in the second partial area (312), but is not limited thereto. The display area (2504) illustrates an example where the size of the third part area (313) is fixed regardless of the second drag input, but an example where the sizes of the second part area (312) and the third part area (313) are adjusted according to the second drag input may also be possible. When a touch input (2514) (e.g., a tap input) for the user interface element (25141) is sensed, the electronic device may make the second part area (312) and / or the third part area (313) stash. The display area (2505) may illustrate an example where the second part area (312) and the third part area (313) are stashed.

[0317] Referring to FIG. 25d, the display area (2506) may indicate a state in which the first partial area (311) is dismissed. When the touch hold point of the drag input for the first dividing bar (321) in the display area (2501) of FIG. 25a, the display area (2502) of FIG. 25b, or the display area (2503) of FIG. 25b crosses the dismiss boundary (2551), the electronic device may dismiss the first partial area (311). The display area (2507) may indicate a state in which the second partial area (312) is dismissed. When the touch hold point of the drag input for the second dividing bar (322) in the display area (2501) of FIG. 25a or the display area (2504) of FIG. 25c crosses the dismiss boundary (2552), the electronic device can dismiss the second partial area (312).

[0318] The electronic device may output haptic feedback at one or more of the following times: when the touch hold point of the drag input reaches the resize boundary of the partial area (e.g., stash affordance boundary (2531), stash affordance boundary (2532)), when the partial area is displayed in a stash state according to the touch input, and when the partial area is dismissed according to the drag input.

[0319] FIGS. 26a to 26c are drawings exemplarily illustrating a dismiss cancellation operation using user interface elements according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 26a, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a to 2c) may divide a display area (2601) into a first partial area (311), a second partial area (312), and a third partial area (313) based on a first dividing bar (321) and a second dividing bar (322). The electronic device may display an execution screen of application A in the first partial area (311), display an execution screen of application B in the second partial area (312), and display an execution screen of application C in the third partial area (313).

[0320] The electronic device can stash the first partial area (311) based on a drag input to the first dividing bar (321). When the touch hold point (2611) of the drag input moves in the direction (26111) while in the stash state, the electronic device can display a stash dismiss affordance (2691) in the first partial area (311) like a display area (2602). Referring to FIG. 26b, when the touch hold point (2613) of the drag input passes the dismiss boundary (2651), the electronic device can dismiss the first partial area (311) like a display area (2603). When the drag input is released while the drag input is located at the touch hold point (2613), the electronic device can definitively dismiss the first partial area (311) like a display area (2604).

[0321] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may display a user interface element (26141) that restores the display state prior to dismissal for a predetermined time after dismissal. Dismissal may refer to a deterministic dismissal following the dismissal of a drag input. The display state prior to dismissal may represent a display state that appears when the drag input is released while the touch hold point of the drag input is returned to a position just before passing the dismissal boundary (e.g., dismissal boundary (2651)) that caused the dismissal. The display state may include, but is not limited to, one or more combinations of applications executed through the positions of the split bars (e.g., first split bar (321), second split bar (322)), combinations of partial regions (e.g., first partial region (311), second partial region (312), third partial region (313), and combinations of partial regions). Affordances (e.g., dissmith affordance, stash affordance, stash dissmith affordance) may be restored based on the positions of the split bars, but are not limited thereto.

[0322] For example, when a first partial area (311) in a display area (2604) is definitively dismissed, the electronic device may display a user interface element (26141) that restores a display state including the location of the dividing bars (first dividing bar (321), second dividing bar (322)) and partial areas (first partial area (311), second partial area (312), third partial area (313)) of the display area (2605). When a touch input (e.g., a tap input) (2614) for the user interface element (26141) is sensed, the electronic device may display a display area (2605) corresponding to the display state prior to dismissal of FIG. 26c.

[0323] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating, in an exemplary manner, an operation of recommending previously used applications according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 27, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a through 2c) may display a dismiss affordance (2781) in a second partial area (312) in accordance with a drag input in a direction (27111) based on a touch hold point (2711) in a display area (2701). The electronic device may dismiss the second partial area (312) in accordance with the drag input. According to one embodiment, the electronic device may display an application combination recommendation icon (27121), application recommendation icons (27122), and / or recently executed applications (27123) in the display area (2702). When the application combination recommendation icon (27121) is selected, applications corresponding to the application combination recommendation icon (27121) (e.g., Application A and Application B) can be displayed through a split layout corresponding to the application combination recommendation icon (27121). For example, the electronic device can display recently used application combinations as recently used split layouts, as shown in the display area (2701).

[0324] An electronic device according to one embodiment 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 tablet computer), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. An electronic device according to an embodiment of this document is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0325] One embodiment 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.

[0326] The term "module" as used in an embodiment 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 an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0327] One embodiment 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.

[0328] According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0329] According to one embodiment, 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 one embodiment, one or more of the components or operations among the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to one embodiment, 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.

[0330] The embodiments described above may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or combinations of hardware and software components. For example, the devices, methods, and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose computer, such as, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions. The processing unit may execute an operating system (OS) and software applications executed on said operating system. Additionally, the processing unit may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing unit may be described as being used as a single unit, but those skilled in the art will understand that the processing unit may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing unit may include multiple processors or one processor and one controller. Additionally, other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0331] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, and may configure a processing unit to operate as desired or command the processing unit independently or collectively. Software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, or computer storage medium or device so as to be interpreted by the processing unit or to provide instructions or data to the processing unit. Software may be distributed over networked computer systems and may be stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on computer-readable recording media.

[0332] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination, and the program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the embodiment or those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0333] The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the embodiment, and vice versa.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101; 200), Display (160); One or more processors (120) including processing circuits; and Memory (130) for storing instructions Includes, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101; 200) causes, The display area of ​​the above display (160) is divided into a first partial area, a second partial area, and a third partial area arranged side by side based on a first dividing bar and a second dividing bar that are parallel to each other, and Sensing a first drag input that drags the first dividing bar, which is positioned between the first partial area and the second partial area, and the second dividing bar, which is positioned between the second partial area and the third partial area, toward the second partial area, and When the touch hold point of the first drag input passes the boundary of the dismis affordance of the second partial region, a dismis affordance is displayed indicating that the second partial region is dismised according to the first drag input, and If the touch hold point of the first drag input passes the dismissal affordance boundary and then passes the dismissal boundary of the second partial area, it causes the second partial area to be dismissed in the display area. Electronic device (101; 200).

2. In Paragraph 1, While the size of the second partial area decreases according to the first drag input, the size of the first partial area increases, and the size of the third partial area is fixed. When the second partial region is dismissed in the display area, the first partial region is displayed in the area where the second partial region was displayed before the second partial region was dismissed. Electronic device (101; 200).

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101; 200) causes, When the second partial area is dismissed, it further causes to display a user interface element that restores the display (160) state prior to dismissal for a predetermined time after dismissal. Electronic device (101; 200).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101; 200) causes, Detecting a second drag input that drags the first split bar toward the first partial area, and When the touch hold point of the second drag input passes the boundary of the stash affordance of the first partial area, a stash affordance is displayed indicating that the first partial area is displayed in a stash state (160) according to the second drag input. If the touch hold point of the second drag input passes the stash affordance boundary and then passes the dissmith affordance boundary of the first partial area, it further causes the first partial area to be displayed in the stash state. Electronic device (101; 200).

5. In Paragraph 4, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101; 200) causes, If the touch hold point of the second drag input passes the stash affordance boundary and then passes the dismis affordance boundary of the first partial region, a stash dismis affordance is displayed indicating that the first partial region in the stash state is dismised. If the touch hold point of the second drag input passes the dismissal boundary of the first partial area after passing the dismissal affordance boundary, it further causes the first partial area in the stash state to be dismissed in the display area. Electronic device (101; 200).

6. In Paragraph 5, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101; 200) causes, Further causing to output haptic feedback at one or more of the following times: when the touch hold point of the second drag input reaches the stash affordance boundary of the first partial area; when the first partial area is displayed (160) in the stash state according to the second drag input; and when the first partial area is dismissed according to the second drag input. Electronic device (101; 200).

7. In Paragraph 4, The above stash affordance is A visual feedback including the execution screen of the first application in the first partial area being pushed out of the display area according to the second drag input. Electronic device (101; 200).

8. In Paragraph 7, As the size of the residual area remaining in the display area among the execution screens of the first application decreases, the brightness of the residual area decreases, and In the above stash state, the execution state of the first application is maintained, and the residual area of ​​the execution screen of the first application is displayed (160) in the first partial area. Electronic device (101; 200).

9. In Paragraph 8, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101; 200) causes, If the touch hold point of the second drag input passes the stash affordance boundary and then passes the dismis affordance boundary of the first partial region, it further causes to display a stash dismis affordance indicating that the first partial region in the stash state is dismised, and The above stash reduction affordance is A visual feedback including a reduction in the size of the remaining area of ​​the execution screen of the first application displayed (160) in the first partial area in the stash state according to the second drag input. Electronic device (101; 200).

10. In Paragraph 4, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101; 200) causes, When a touch input is sensed for the first partial area of ​​the above-mentioned stash state, the first partial area is restored, and one or more of the second partial area and the third partial area are further caused to be displayed in the stash state instead of the first partial area. Electronic device (101; 200).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 10, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101; 200) causes, When a vertical 3-split request based on touch input to the first split bar or the second split bar is received, the display area is divided into a fourth sub-area, a fifth sub-area, and a sixth sub-area based on a third split bar and a fourth split bar that are perpendicular to each other, and Further causing the applications of the first part area, the second part area, and the third part area to be displayed in the fourth part area, the fifth part area, and the sixth part area, Electronic device (101; 200).

12. In Paragraph 11, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101; 200) causes, If the above vertical 3-split request is based on a first touch input to the first split bar, the display area is divided using a split bar perpendicularly intersecting the first split bar and a split bar parallel to the second split bar, and If the above vertical 3-split request is based on a second touch input to the second split bar, causing the display area to be divided using a split bar perpendicularly intersecting the second split bar and a split bar parallel to the first split bar, Electronic device (101; 200).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 12, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101; 200) causes, Receive a screen rotation request, If it is expected that one or more of the first partial area, the second partial area, and the third partial area will not satisfy a rotation condition including one or more of a predetermined minimum width and a predetermined minimum height after screen rotation, the screen rotation request is ignored, and If the first partial area, the second partial area, and the third partial area are expected to satisfy the rotation condition after screen rotation, further causing the screen rotation to be performed in accordance with the screen rotation request, Electronic device (101; 200).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 13, When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors (120), the electronic device (101; 200) causes, In the display area comprising the first partial area and the second partial area in a left-right 2-split state of a horizontal screen or an up-down 2-split state of a vertical screen, a third drag input for dragging an application execution icon or a pop-up window is sensed, and When the application execution icon is dropped into a trigger area located opposite the first part area within the second part area based on the third drag input, or when the third drag input is released when a touch hold point for the popup window is located in the trigger area, it further causes the display area to be divided into the first part area, the second part area, and the third part area based on the first dividing bar and the second dividing bar. Electronic device (101; 200).

15. A method performed by an electronic device (101; 200), The operation (610) of dividing the display area of ​​the display (160) of the electronic device (101; 200) into a first partial area, a second partial area, and a third partial area arranged side by side based on a first dividing bar and a second dividing bar that are parallel to each other; An operation (620) of sensing a first drag input of dragging the first dividing bar toward the second part area among the first dividing bar positioned between the first part area and the second part area and the second dividing bar positioned between the second part area and the third part area; An operation (630) of displaying a dismis affordance indicating that the second partial area is dismised according to the first drag input when the touch hold point of the first drag input passes the boundary of the dismis affordance of the second partial area; and When the touch hold point of the first drag input passes the dismissal affordance boundary and then passes the dismissal boundary of the second partial area, the operation (640) of dismissing the second partial area in the display area A method including

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