KR20210075438A - Foldable electronic device and method for displaying user interface in the foldable electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

According to various embodiments, the electronic device includes relates to a foldable housing. The electronic device includes: a hinge structure; a first housing structure comprising a first surface facing in a first direction and a second surface facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the first surface and second surface are connected to the hinge structure; and a second housing structure comprising a third surface facing in a third direction and a fourth surface facing in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, wherein the third surface and fourth surface are connected to the hinge structure, and the second housing structure is folded with the first housing structure around the hinge structure. Accordingly, when the electronic device changes from a folding mode to an unfolding mode, a user interface according to the unfolding mode may be quickly generated.

Description

FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING USER INTERFACE IN THE FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a foldable electronic device and a method of displaying a user interface in the foldable electronic device.

Recently, electronic devices have been developed with a deformable structure capable of adjusting a display size to satisfy portability and usability. For example, research and development on a foldable electronic device in which a housing can be in a folded state or an unfolded state by using a hinge structure is being actively conducted. The foldable electronic device is expected to be a next-generation electronic device capable of increasing user convenience by being able to increase the area of a display in an unfolded state while reducing a volume in a folded state. The foldable electronic device may include an in-folding electronic device that is folded inward while facing the display, and an out-folded electronic device that is folded outward while the display is exposed to the outside.

The foldable electronic device may include a hinge structure, a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure, and a second housing structure, and a main display in which at least a part of the foldable electronic device is folded may be formed on the front surface of the foldable electronic device. In the foldable electronic device, an in-folding method and/or an out-folding method is performed by rotating the first housing structure and the second housing structure with respect to each other in a range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees through a hinge structure. can be operated with Also, the foldable electronic device may include a sub-display that is driven independently of the main display, and the sub-display may be exposed through a rear surface of the foldable electronic device.

In the foldable electronic device, a user interface (eg, a content display method) displayed on a display may be implemented differently based on a folding operation and an unfolding operation. For example, the foldable electronic device may increase the size of its screen during an unfolding operation, and it is necessary to render an image corresponding to the enlarged screen. Since the foldable electronic device takes hundreds of milliseconds to render an image, it may be difficult to seamlessly switch screens.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, before performing the unfolding operation, by detecting a preparation operation for the unfolding operation, and quickly performing image rendering in response to the detection, the user interface may be displayed seamlessly. Various embodiments of the present disclosure may seamlessly display a user interface through a display in a foldable electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device is a foldable housing, comprising a hinge structure, a first surface connected to the hinge structure, a first surface facing in a first direction, and a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. a first housing structure comprising: a third surface connected to the hinge structure, a third surface facing a third direction, and a fourth surface facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction; It may include a second housing structure that is collapsible with the first housing structure. In a folded state, the electronic device is in an in-folding form in which the first surface faces the third surface, or an out-folding form in which the second surface faces the fourth surface, and in a fully unfolded state. a foldable housing in which the third direction is the same as the first direction, at least one display formed based on the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, or the fourth surface of the foldable housing; a sensor module, a memory, and a processor operatively coupled to the foldable housing, the at least one display, the sensor module, and the memory. According to an embodiment, the processor is configured to identify a ready posture for switching from the folded state of the foldable housing to the fully unfolded state through the sensor module, and in response to the confirmed ready posture, the fully unfolded state When a user interface (UI) corresponding to , is configured, and a transition from the folded state to the fully unfolded state is performed within a set time, the configured user interface may be displayed through the at least one display.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device includes a first housing structure connected to a hinge structure and including a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. and a third surface connected to the hinge structure, a third surface facing a third direction, and a fourth surface facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, wherein the first housing structure is folded around the hinge structure. a second housing structure, in an in-folding form in which the first surface faces the third surface in a folded state, or an out-folding form in which the second surface faces the fourth surface, and in a fully unfolded state In the foldable housing having the same third direction as the first direction, confirming a ready posture for switching from the folded state to the fully unfolded state, in response to the confirmed ready posture, corresponding to the fully unfolded state The method may include configuring a user interface, and displaying the configured user interface through at least one display of the electronic device when the transition from the folded state to the fully unfolded state is performed within a set time.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the electronic device changes from a folding mode to an unfolding mode, a user interface according to the unfolding mode may be quickly generated, and the user interface may be quickly displayed through a display. According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device changes from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, a user interface intended by a user may be seamlessly displayed. Various embodiments may detect a landscape mode and a portrait mode of the foldable electronic device, and display a user interface corresponding to each mode through a display. According to various embodiments, user convenience for the foldable electronic device may be improved. In addition, various effects directly or indirectly identified through this document may be provided.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
2 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
3 is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
5 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating at least one pressure sensor disposed on a side surface of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of configuring and displaying a user interface in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart for describing in detail a method of configuring and displaying a user interface in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a diagram for explaining a process of detecting an unfolding preparation operation in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of an unfolding preparation operation in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an unfolding preparation operation in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of an unfolding preparation operation in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a time table for detecting a ready posture for switching to an unfolding mode in an electronic device and generating a user interface in response to the ready posture according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an unfolding preparation operation in an out-folding type electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of detecting a landscape mode or a portrait mode and displaying a user interface according to the detected mode in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a diagram illustrating a process of displaying a user interface when an unfolding operation is performed based on a portrait mode in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17A and 17B are diagrams illustrating a process of displaying a user interface when an unfolding operation is performed based on a landscape mode in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17C is a diagram illustrating a process of displaying a user interface including a keypad in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in a network environment 100 , an electronic device 101 communicates with an electronic device 102 through a first network 198 (eg, a short-range wireless communication network) or a second network 199 . It may communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 through (eg, a long-distance wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 through the server 108 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a processor 120 , a memory 130 , an input device 150 , a sound output device 155 , a display device 160 , an audio module 170 , and a sensor module ( 176 , interface 177 , haptic module 179 , camera module 180 , power management module 188 , battery 189 , communication module 190 , subscriber identification module 196 , or antenna module 197 . ) may be included. In some embodiments, at least one of these components (eg, the display device 160 or the camera module 180 ) may be omitted or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101 . In some embodiments, some of these components may be implemented as one integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module 176 (eg, a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented while being embedded in the display device 160 (eg, a display).

The processor 120, for example, executes software (eg, a program 140) to execute at least one other component (eg, a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120 . It can control and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or operation, the processor 120 converts commands or data received from other components (eg, the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190 ) to the volatile memory 132 . may be loaded into the volatile memory 132 , process commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 , and store the resulting data in the nonvolatile memory 134 . According to an embodiment, the processor 120 includes a main processor 121 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor), and a secondary processor 123 (eg, a graphic processing unit, an image signal processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor 121 . , a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). Additionally or alternatively, 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 or as a part of the main processor 121 .

The auxiliary processor 123 may be, for example, on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (eg, sleep) state, or when the main processor 121 is active (eg, executing an application). ), together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (eg, the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) It is possible to control at least some of the related functions or states. According to an embodiment, the coprocessor 123 (eg, an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (eg, the camera module 180 or the communication module 190). have.

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

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

The input device 150 may receive a command or data to be used by a component (eg, the processor 120 ) of the electronic device 101 from the outside (eg, a user) of the electronic device 101 . The input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (eg, a stylus pen).

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

The display device 160 may visually provide information to the outside (eg, a user) of the electronic device 101 . The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the corresponding device. According to an embodiment, the display device 160 may include a touch circuitry configured to sense a touch or a sensor circuit (eg, a pressure sensor) configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch. .

The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electric signal or, conversely, convert an electric signal into a sound. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires a sound through the input device 150 , or an external electronic device (eg, a sound output device 155 ) connected directly or wirelessly with the electronic device 101 . The sound may be output through the electronic device 102 (eg, a speaker or a headphone).

The sensor module 176 detects an operating state (eg, power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an external environmental state (eg, user state), and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the sensed state. can do. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, It may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols that may be used for the electronic device 101 to directly or wirelessly connect with an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102 ). According to an 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.

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

The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (eg, vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 180 may capture still images and moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101 . According to an embodiment, the power management module 388 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery 189 may 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 cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 is a direct (eg, wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108). It can support establishment and communication through the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor 120 (eg, an application processor) and support direct (eg, wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 190 is a wireless communication module 192 (eg, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (eg, : It may include a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module is a first network 198 (eg, a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network 199 (eg, a cellular network, the Internet, or It may communicate with an external electronic device via a computer network (eg, a telecommunication network such as a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (eg, a single chip) or may be implemented as a plurality of components (eg, multiple chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module 192 uses the subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 . The electronic device 101 may be identified and authenticated.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to the outside (eg, an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include one antenna including a conductor formed on a substrate SIM tray (eg, a PCB) or a radiator formed with a conductive pattern. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 is selected from a plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190 . can be A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device through at least one selected antenna. According to some embodiments, other components (eg, RFIC) other than the radiator may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197 .

At least some of the components are connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (eg, a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and a signal ( e.g. commands or data) can be exchanged with each other.

According to an embodiment, the command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 through the server 108 connected to the second network 199 . Each of the electronic devices 102 and 104 may be the same or a different type of the electronic device 101 . According to an embodiment, all or part of the operations performed by the electronic device 101 may be executed by one or more of the external electronic devices 102 , 104 , or 108 . For example, when the electronic device 101 needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or other device, the electronic device 101 may perform the function or service itself instead of executing the function or service itself. Alternatively or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform at least a part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit a result of the execution to the electronic device 101 . The electronic device 101 may process the result as it is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology This can be used.

2 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 3 is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

Referring to FIG. 2 , the electronic device 200 (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) includes a first housing structure 210 including at least one space in which at least one display can be disposed, and a second 2 housing structure 220 , at least one display 230 (eg, a flexible display, a foldable display, or a first display) disposed in the at least one space, a second housing structure 220 ) disposed on one side of a second display (eg, a sub-display), a hinge structure configured to fold the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 with respect to each other (eg, the hinge structure of FIG. 4 ( 264)), a hinge cover (eg, hinge cover 265 in FIG. 4 ) that covers the foldable portions of the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 . The surface on which the first display 230 is disposed may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device 200 , and the opposite surface of the front surface may be defined as the rear surface of the electronic device 200 . Also, a surface surrounding the space between the front and rear surfaces may be defined as a side surface of the electronic device 200 .

In one embodiment, the pair of housing structures 210 , 220 includes a first housing structure 210 , a second housing structure 220 including a sensor area 231d , a first back cover 240 , and a second A rear cover 250 may be included. The pair of housing structures 210 and 220 of the electronic device 200 are not limited to the shapes and combinations shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , and may be implemented by combinations and/or combinations of other shapes or parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing structure 210 and the first rear cover 240 may be integrally formed, and the second housing structure 220 and the second rear cover 250 may be integrally formed. can be formed.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 may be configured as a single housing (not shown), and a folded portion of the single housing is made of a flexible material (not shown). this can be The hinge structure 264 is not separately configured and may be replaced with a flexible material. According to an embodiment, the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 may be disposed on both sides about the folding axis (axis A), and may be folded or unfolded about the folding axis (axis A). . According to an embodiment, the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 may determine whether the electronic device 200 is in a flat stage or a closing state, a folding state, or Depending on whether the state is in the intermediate state, the angle or distance formed from each other may vary. At least a partial area of the first housing structure 210 or the second housing structure 220 may include a sensor area 231d in which various sensors are disposed. In another embodiment, the sensor arrangement area 231d may be additionally disposed or replaced in at least a partial area of the second housing structure 220 .

According to an embodiment, an angle between the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 may be adjusted by a hinge structure (eg, the hinge structure 264 of FIG. 4 ). According to an exemplary embodiment, when the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 face the same plane (eg, front) or are parallel to the same axis (X-axis), the electronic device 200 may be referred to as an unfolded state (eg, an unfolded state). According to an embodiment, in the electronic device 200 , the first display 230 may be disposed in a space in which the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 are formed, and the first display 230 is It may include a first surface 211 and a third surface 221 , and a flexible region capable of being bent at a predetermined angle may be formed between the first surface 211 and the third surface 221 . According to an embodiment, in the first display 230 in which at least a partial area is bendable, there may be a bendable area in various shapes other than the first surface 211 and the third surface 221 , and may be bent. The available area is not limited to one. According to various embodiments, the hinge structure (eg, 264 in FIG. 3 ) may be disposed in an area where the first display 230 can be bent, and when the first display 230 is bent, the first display 230 . It can be supported so that it can maintain a constant angle while being bent.

According to one embodiment, the first housing structure 210 includes a first surface 211 disposed to face the front side, a second surface 212 facing a direction opposite to the first surface 211, and a first surface ( A first side member 213 surrounding at least a portion of the space between the 211 and the second surface 212 may be included. In an embodiment, the first side member 213 includes a first side member 213a disposed parallel to the folding axis (axis A), and a first side member extending from one end of the first side surface 213a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis. It may include a second side surface 213b and a third side surface 213c extending in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis) from the other end of the first side surface 213a.

In one embodiment, in the second housing structure 220 , at least a portion of the second housing structure 220 is connected to a hinge structure (eg, the hinge structure 264 of FIG. 4 ), and faces the front surface of the electronic device 200 . At least a portion of the space between the third surface 221 disposed to face, the fourth surface 222 facing the opposite direction of the third surface 221, and the third surface 221 and the fourth surface 222 It may include an enclosing second side member 223 . In one embodiment, the second side member 223 is a fourth side member 223a disposed parallel to the folding axis (axis A), and a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (axis A) from one end of the fourth side member 223a. It may include a fifth side surface 223b extending to the , and a sixth side surface 223c extending in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis) from the other end of the fourth side surface 223a. In an embodiment, the third surface 221 may face the first surface 211 in the folded state.

In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 is formed to accommodate the first display 230, at least a portion of which is bendable through structural shape coupling of the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 . A recess 201 may be included. According to an embodiment, the recess 201 may have substantially the same size as the first display 230 . In one embodiment, due to the sensor area 231d, the recess 201 may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis). For example, the recess 201 is between the first portion 220a of the second housing structure 220 and the first portion 210a formed at the edge of the sensor area 231d of the first housing structure 210 . may have a first width W1 in the second housing structure 210 and the second part 220b of the second housing structure 210 and the sensor area 213d of the first housing structure 210, but do not correspond to the folding axis (A axis) ) may have a second width W2 by the second portion 210b parallel to the second portion 210b. According to various embodiments, the width of the recess 201 may not be limited to the illustrated example. According to various embodiments, the recess 201 may have two or more different widths, or may have the same width.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 may be formed of a metallic material or a non-metallic material having a stiffness of a selected size to support the first display 230 . .

In an embodiment, the sensor area 231d may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the first housing structure 210 . However, the arrangement, shape, or size of the sensor area 231d may not be limited to the illustrated example. According to various embodiments, a front camera device, a receiver, a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, At least one of an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an indicator may be disposed. In various embodiments, the components may be disposed inside the electronic device without a separate sensor area. For example, at least some of the components may be disposed under the first display 230 or may be exposed through a partial area of the first display 230 .

In one embodiment, the first back cover 240 may be disposed on the second side 212 of the first housing structure 210 and may have a substantially rectangular periphery. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the edge may be surrounded by the first housing structure 210 . Similarly, the second back cover 250 may be disposed on the fourth face 222 of the second housing structure 220 , and at least a portion of an edge thereof may be surrounded by the second housing structure 220 . .

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear cover 240 and the second rear cover 250 may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A axis). In another embodiment, the first back cover 240 and the second back cover 250 may include a variety of different shapes. In another embodiment, the first rear cover 240 may be integrally formed with the first housing structure 210 , and the second rear cover 250 may be integrally formed with the second housing structure 220 . .

In one embodiment, the first back cover 240 , the second back cover 250 , the first housing structure 210 , and the second housing structure 220 are connected to the electronic device 200 through a structure coupled to each other. It may provide a space in which various components (eg, a printed circuit board, an antenna module, a sensor module, or a battery) can be placed. In an embodiment, one or more components may be disposed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 200 . For example, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first rear region 241 of the first rear cover 240 . In various embodiments, the sensor may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera device and/or a flash. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the sub-display 252 (eg, the second display) may be visually exposed through the second rear region 251 of the second rear cover 250 . In another embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a speaker module 253 disposed through at least a partial area of the second rear cover 250 .

The first display 230 may be disposed in a space formed by the first and second housing structures 210 and 220 . For example, the first display 230 may be seated in a recess 201 formed by the first and second housing structures 210 and 220 , and may be seated in a substantial portion of the front surface of the electronic device 200 . It can be arranged to occupy most of the Accordingly, the front surface of the electronic device 200 includes the first display 230 and a partial region (eg, an edge region) of the first housing structure 210 adjacent to the first display 230 and a portion of the second housing structure 220 . It may contain some regions (eg edge regions). In an embodiment, the rear surface of the electronic device 200 includes a first rear cover 240 , a partial region (eg, an edge region) of the first housing structure 210 adjacent to the first rear cover 240 , and a second rear surface. and a partial region (eg, an edge region) of the second housing structure 220 adjacent to the cover 250 and the second back cover 250 .

In an embodiment, the first display 230 may refer to a display in which at least a partial area can be deformed into a flat surface or a curved surface. In an embodiment, the first display 230 includes a folding area 231c, a first area 231a disposed on one side (eg, a right area of the folding area 231c) with respect to the folding area 231c, and the other side. It may include a second region 231b disposed on (eg, a region to the left of the folding region 231c). For example, the first region 231a is disposed on the first side 211 of the first housing structure 210 , and the second region 231b is the third side 221 of the second housing structure 220 . can be placed in In an embodiment, the division of regions of the first display 230 is exemplary, and the first display 230 may be divided into a plurality (eg, four or more or two) regions according to a structure or function. have. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the region of the first display 230 may be divided by the folding region 231c extending parallel to the y-axis or the folding axis (A-axis), but in another embodiment The regions of the first display 230 may be divided based on another folding area (eg, a folding area parallel to the x-axis) or another folding axis (eg, a folding axis parallel to the x-axis). The above-described region division of the display is merely a physical division by a pair of housing structures 210 and 220 and a hinge structure (eg, the hinge structure 264 of FIG. 4 ), and substantially a pair of housing structures 210 and 220 . ) and a hinge structure (eg, the hinge structure 264 of FIG. 4 ), the first display 230 may display one full screen. In one embodiment, the first region 231a, unlike the second region 231b, is a notch region cut according to the presence of the sensor region 231d (eg, the notch region 233 in FIG. 4 ). )) may be included. In an embodiment, the first region 231a and the second region 231b may include a portion having a shape symmetric to each other and a portion having a shape asymmetric to each other.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the hinge cover 265 may be disposed between the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 to cover internal components (eg, the hinge structure 264 of FIG. 4 ). It can be configured to In an embodiment, the hinge cover 265 may include an operating state of the electronic device 200 (eg, a flat state, a first designated state, an unfolding state, a folded state, a second 2 According to a designated state or a folding state), a portion of the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 may cover or may be exposed to the outside.

Hereinafter, the operation of the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 according to the operating state of the electronic device 200 (eg, a flat state, an unfolding state and a folded state) and Each region of the first display 230 will be described.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a flat state, the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 may form a horizontal angle (eg, 180 degrees). have. In the unfolded state (eg, the first designated state), the first area (eg, 231a of FIG. 2 ) and the second area (eg, 231b of FIG. 2 ) of the display may be disposed to face the same direction. Also, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the folding area (eg, 231c of FIG. 2 ) may form the same plane as the first area 231a and the second area 231b. In another embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 are, for example, the second housing structure 220 based on the first housing structure 210 . ) may be rotated at an angle of 360 degrees so that the second surface 212 and the fourth surface 222 are reversely folded to face each other.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in an intermediate state, the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 are at a certain angle (eg, 10 degrees) from each other. to 90 degrees). The first area (eg, 231a of FIG. 2 ) and the second area (eg, 231b of FIG. 2 ) of the first display 230 may form an angle larger than the folded state and smaller than the unfolded state. At least a portion of the folding area (eg, 231c of FIG. 2 ) may be formed of a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and the curvature at this time may be smaller than that in a folded state.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state, the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 may be disposed to face each other. An angle between the first area (eg, 231a in FIG. 2 ) and the second area (eg, 231b in FIG. 2 ) of the first display 230 forms an acute angle (eg, between 0 and 10 degrees), They can be placed facing each other. At least a portion of the folding area (eg, 231c of FIG. 2 ) may be formed as a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

Referring to FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes a first housing structure 210 , a second housing structure 220 , a first display 230 , a first back cover 240 , and a second It may include a rear cover 250 , a support member assembly 260 , and at least one printed circuit board 270 . In this document, the first display 230 (eg, a main display) may be referred to as a display module or a display assembly.

The first display 230 may include a display panel 231 (eg, a flexible display panel) and one or more plates 232 or layers on which the display panel 231 is mounted. In an embodiment, the plate 232 may be disposed between the display panel 231 and the support member assembly 260 . A display panel 231 may be disposed on at least a portion of one surface of the plate 232 . The plate 232 may include a first plate 2321 and a second plate 2322 divided based on the hinge structure 264 . The plate 232 may include at least one auxiliary material layer (eg, a graphite member) and/or a conductive plate (eg, a Cu sheet) disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 231 . In one embodiment, the plate 232 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display panel 231 . For example, a partial area of the first plate 2321 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the notch area 233 of the display panel 231 .

The support member assembly 260 includes a first support member 261 (eg, a first support plate), a second support member 262 (eg, a second support plate), a first support member 261 and a second support member. A hinge structure 264 disposed between the members 262 , a hinge cover 265 covering the hinge structure 264 when viewed from the outside, and a first support member 261 and a second support member 262 . It may include at least one wiring member 263 (eg, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) crossing the .

In an embodiment, the support member assembly 260 may be disposed between the plate 232 and the at least one printed circuit board 270 . For example, the first support member 261 may be disposed between the first area 231a of the first display 230 and the first printed circuit board 271 . The second support member 262 may be disposed between the second area 231b of the first display 230 and the second printed circuit board 272 .

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the wiring member 263 and the hinge structure 264 may be disposed inside the support member assembly 260 . The wiring member 263 may be disposed in a direction crossing the first support member 261 and the second support member 262 (eg, an x-axis direction). The wiring member 263 may be disposed in a direction (eg, an x-axis direction) perpendicular to a folding axis (eg, a y-axis or the folding axis A of FIG. 2 ) of the folding area 231c.

In one embodiment, at least one printed circuit board 270 is disposed on the side of the first printed circuit board 271 and the second support member 262 disposed on the first support member 261 side, as mentioned above. and a second printed circuit board 272 disposed thereon. The first printed circuit board 271 and the second printed circuit board 272 include a support member assembly 260 , a first housing structure 210 , a second housing structure 220 , a first rear cover 240 and It may be disposed inside the space formed by the second rear cover 250 . Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device 200 may be mounted on the first printed circuit board 271 and the second printed circuit board 272 .

In one embodiment, in the first space of the first housing structure 210 , the first printed circuit board 271 is disposed in the space formed through the first support member 261 , the first of the first support member 261 . It may include a first battery 291 , at least one sensor module 281 , or at least one camera module 282 disposed at a position facing the swelling hole 2611 . The first housing structure 210 is a window glass disposed to protect the at least one sensor module 281 and the at least one camera module 282 at a position corresponding to the notch area 233 of the first display 230 . (283). In one embodiment, in the second space of the second housing structure 220 , the second printed circuit board 272 and the second support member 262 are disposed in the second space formed through the second support member 262 . A second battery 292 disposed at a position facing the second swelling hole 2621 may be included. According to an embodiment, the first housing structure 210 and the first support member 261 may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the second housing structure 220 and the second support member 262 may also be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the second display 252 may be disposed in the second space of the second housing structure 220 . According to an embodiment, the second display 252 may be arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a partial area of the second rear cover 250 . According to various embodiments, the second display 252 may be arranged to occupy substantially the majority of the fourth surface 222 of the second housing structure 220 . For example, the fourth side 222 of the second housing structure 220 may be a second display 252 and some area (eg, an edge area) of the second back cover 250 adjacent the second display 252 . can be exposed.

In one embodiment, the first housing structure 210 may include a first rotational support surface 214 , and the second housing structure 220 may include a second rotational support corresponding to the first rotational support surface 214 . It may include a face 224 . The first rotation support surface 214 and the second rotation support surface 224 may include curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surfaces included in the hinge cover 265 .

5 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) includes a processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ), a memory (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1 ), and a display (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ). : The display device 160 of FIG. 1 ), a wireless communication unit (eg, the communication module 190 of FIG. 1 ), and a sensor unit (eg, the sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ) may be included. The electronic device 101 may include a foldable electronic device including a first housing structure and a second housing structure that are structurally connected in opposite directions based on a hinge structure. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include at least one display 160 (eg, the first display 501 or the second display 502 ). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 is in a folding mode in which the first housing structure and the second housing structure face each other and is folded, and in an unfolding mode in which the first housing structure and the second housing structure are completely unfolded. It can be operated in one of the (unfolding mode) modes.

According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may determine whether the electronic device 101 is in the folding mode or the unfolding mode through the sensor unit 176 . The sensor unit 176 may include a folding sensor 504 for detecting whether the electronic device 101 is folded. The processor 120 may use the folding sensor 504 to detect a folding mode and/or an unfolding mode, and may calculate a folding angle. For example, the processor 120 may determine whether the state is switched from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, or whether the state is switched from the unfolding mode to the folding mode. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may use the sensor unit 176 to identify a ready posture for the electronic device 101 to switch from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may activate at least one display 160 in response to the confirmed ready posture, and may generate a user interface to be displayed in response to the unfolding mode. The processor 120 may display the generated user interface through the display 160 . According to an embodiment, when the conversion from the folding mode to the unfolding mode is completed within a set time, the processor 120 may display the generated user interface through the display 160 .

According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may calculate the folding angle through the folding sensor 504, and when the folding angle increases by more than a set threshold value, it can be confirmed that the state is switched from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. have. For example, when the folding angle is about 0 degrees, the processor 120 may identify the folding mode, and when the folding angle is about 180 degrees, the processor 120 may confirm the unfolding mode. When the folding angle increases from about 0 degrees to more than a set threshold, the processor 120 may confirm that the electronic device 101 is in a ready posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. According to an embodiment, in response to the ready posture, the processor 120 may activate at least one display 160 and generate a user interface corresponding to the unfolding mode. The processor 120 may display the generated user interface through the display 160 .

According to another embodiment, when the mode is switched, the processor 120 may determine whether a folding mode corresponding to an in-folding shape or a folding mode corresponding to an out-folding shape is available. have. For example, referring to FIG. 3 , the in-folding form is a form in which the first surface 211 and the third surface 221 are folded inward to face each other, and the out-folding form is the second surface 212 and the fourth surface. The surface 222 may be in the form of being folded outward to face each other. Based on the folding angle, the processor 120 may determine whether the electronic device 101 is in a folding mode corresponding to an in-folding shape or a folding mode corresponding to an out-folding shape.

According to an embodiment, the memory 130 may store a program (eg, the program 140 of FIG. 1 ) driven in the electronic device 101 as software, for example, the program may be stored in the operating system (operating system) OS) 142 , middleware 144 or application 146 . The operating system 142 may control resources related to the electronic device 101, for example, Android, iOS, Windows, Symbian, Tizen, or Sea ( bada) may be included. The application 146 may include specific software running in the electronic device 101 .

According to an embodiment, the middleware 144 may perform various functions so that the application 146 may efficiently use the system resource of the electronic device 101 . According to an embodiment, the middleware 144 may include a window manager 510 and a power manager 520 , and at least one manager (eg, an application manager) for driving the electronic device 101 . ) (not shown), a resource manager (not shown), or a connectivity manager (not shown)).

According to an embodiment, the window manager 510 may manage a graphical user interface (GUI) resource displayed through the display 160 . For example, the window manager 510 may generate a user interface based on information about the display 160 (eg, size information, resolution information, brightness information, or pixel information), The generated user interface may be displayed through the display 160 .

According to an embodiment, the power manager 520 operates together with a basic input/output system (BIOS) and the like to manage a battery or power source (eg, the power management module 188 of FIG. 1 ), and electronic Power information necessary for the operation of the device 101 may be provided to the processor 120 . For example, the power manager 520 may perform a process (eg, a procedure) for activating the display 160 of the electronic device 101 .

According to an embodiment, the display 160 may include a first display 501 or a second display 502 . According to an embodiment, the first display 501 includes a first housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 210 of FIG. 2 ) and a second housing structure (eg, the second housing structure of FIG. 2 ) of the electronic device 101 . and a flexible display disposed across the housing structure 220 . The first display 501 may be activated in a state in which the electronic device 101 is fully unfolded (eg, an unfolding mode). According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may check an unfolding mode of the electronic device 101 , and may display a user interface by activating the first display 501 in the unfolding mode. According to an embodiment, the second display 502 may include a sub-display disposed on one side of the first housing structure 210 or the second housing structure 220 . The second display 502 may be activated in a folded state (eg, a folding mode) of the electronic device 101 . For example, when the first display 501 is in an in-folding form, the electronic device 101 may activate the second display 502 . According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may check a folding mode of the electronic device 101 , and may display a user interface by activating the second display 502 in the folding mode. According to an embodiment, the size of the first display 501 may be larger than the size of the second display 502 . According to an embodiment, when switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, the processor 120 may generate and display a user interface corresponding to the size of the first display 501 . According to another embodiment, the electronic device 101 may have an out-folding shape in which the first display 501 is folded outward. For example, when the electronic device 101 is folded corresponding to an outfolding shape, the processor 120 activates at least a partial area of the first display 501 and displays a user interface based on the activated partial area. can do.

According to an embodiment, the sensor unit 176 may include a folding sensor 504 , a pressure sensor 505 , a grip sensor 506 , a gyro sensor 507 , or an acceleration sensor 508 . . According to an embodiment, at least one sensor may be disposed outside or inside the electronic device 101, and a sensing value may be measured/acquired using the at least one sensor. For example, the processor 120 may detect whether the electronic device 101 is folded using the folding sensor 504 . The processor 120 may detect the folding mode and/or the unfolding mode using the folding sensor 504 and may calculate a folding angle. The processor 120 may measure the pressure applied to the electronic device 101 using the pressure sensor 505 . The processor 120 may detect whether the electronic device 101 is gripped by the user using the grip sensor 506 . The processor 120 may detect the posture and rotation of the electronic device 101 using one of the gyro sensor 507 and the acceleration sensor 508 .

According to various embodiments, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 determines a ready posture for the folding mode or the unfolding mode with respect to the electronic device 101 using at least one sensor included in the sensor unit 176 . can be checked When the ready posture is confirmed, the processor 120 may configure a user interface to be displayed through the display 160 . According to an embodiment, the processor 120 controls the window manager 510 of the middleware 144 to configure a user interface, and controls the power manager 520 of the middleware 144 to display (160) can be activated. According to an embodiment, the first display 501 activated in the unfolding mode and the second display 502 activated in the folding mode may not be the same. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may generate/display a user interface corresponding to the first display 501 in the unfolding mode according to the transition from the folding mode to the unfolding mode.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 101 is a foldable housing, connected to a hinge structure (eg, the hinge structure 264 of FIG. 4 ), the hinge structure 264 , and is directed in a first direction. connected to a first housing structure (eg, first housing structure 210 in FIG. 2 ) comprising a face, a second face facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the hinge structure 264, A second housing that includes a third surface facing a third direction and a fourth surface facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and is folded with the first housing structure 210 about the hinge structure 264 . structure (eg, the second housing structure 220 of FIG. 2 ). The electronic device 101 has an in-folding shape in which the first side faces the third side in a folded state, or an out-folding shape in which the second side faces the fourth side, and is fully unfolded. ) in a foldable housing in which the third direction is the same as the first direction, at least one formed based on the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, or the fourth surface of the foldable housing of the display 160 , the sensor module (eg, the sensor unit 176 ), the memory 130 , and the foldable housing, the at least one display 160 , the sensor module 176 and the memory 130 . may include a processor 120 operatively coupled to the According to an embodiment, the processor 120 checks a ready posture for switching from the folded state to the fully unfolded state of the foldable housing through the sensor module 176 , and responds to the confirmed ready posture Thus, a user interface (UI) corresponding to the fully unfolded state is configured, and when the conversion from the folded state to the fully unfolded state is performed within a set time, the configured user interface is displayed on the at least one display 160 . can be displayed through

According to various embodiments, in response to the confirmed ready posture, the processor 120 determines the at least one display 160 to be activated in response to the fully unfolded state, and displays the at least one display 160 . can be activated.

According to various embodiments, the processor 120 may operate in the folding mode in the folded state of the electronic device 101 , and may operate in the unfolding mode in the fully unfolded state of the electronic device 101 .

According to various embodiments, the processor 120 configures a first user interface corresponding to the folding mode and a second user interface corresponding to the unfolding mode differently, and the second user interface is based on the first user interface. can be composed of

According to various embodiments, the at least one display 160 further includes a first display 501 to be activated in response to the folding mode and a second display 502 to be activated in response to the unfolding mode, The processor 120 displays the first user interface based on the first display 501 in the folding mode, and displays the second user interface based on the second display 502 in the unfolding mode. interface can be displayed.

According to various embodiments, the sensor module 176 further includes a pressure sensor 505 , and the processor 120 measures a pressure value according to a user input through the pressure sensor 505 , and the measurement When the applied pressure value exceeds a set threshold value, the prepared posture for switching from the folded state to the fully unfolded state may be checked.

According to various embodiments, the sensor module 176 further includes a grip sensor 506 , and the processor 120 detects a pressure value according to a user input based on a grip area corresponding to the grip sensor 506 . measurement, and when the measured pressure value exceeds a threshold value, it is possible to confirm the preparation posture for switching from the folded state to the fully unfolded state.

According to various embodiments, the sensor module 176 further includes a gyro sensor 507 and an acceleration sensor 508 , and the processor 120 includes at least one of the gyro sensor 507 and the acceleration sensor 508 . Through one, a direction change with respect to the electronic device 101 may be checked, and in response to the direction change, the ready posture for changing from the folded state to the fully unfolded state may be identified.

According to various embodiments, the processor 120 identifies the direction of the electronic device 101 using at least one of the gyro sensor 507 and the acceleration sensor 508 , and One of a landscape mode and a portrait mode may be determined based on the orientation, and the user interface may be configured based on the determined mode.

According to various embodiments, the memory 130 further includes a power manager 520 and a window manager 510 , and the processor 120 controls activation of the at least one display by the power manager 520 . , and configure the user interface corresponding to the at least one display by the window manager 510 .

According to various embodiments, if the transition from the folded state to the fully unfolded state is not performed within the set time, the processor 120 stops the configuration of the user interface, and the at least one display 160 to be activated ) can be cut off.

6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating at least one pressure sensor disposed on a side surface of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6A illustrates at least one pressure sensor disposed in the electronic device 200 in an unfolding mode. 6B illustrates a process of detecting a ready posture according to a user's input when switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode.

Referring to FIG. 6A , the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 ) has a first housing structure (eg, the first housing of FIG. 2 ) connected to a hinge structure (eg, the hinge structure 264 of FIG. 4 ). structure 210) and a second housing structure (eg, the second housing structure 220 of FIG. 2), and may operate in an unfolding mode [A]. For example, the unfolding mode [A] may be a mode in which the user interface is displayed through the first display 230 in a state in which the first housing structure 210 and the second housing structure 220 are fully unfolded.

According to an embodiment, in the electronic device 200 , the first pressure sensor module 610 is disposed based on the first side member 213 of the first housing structure 210 , and the second housing structure 220 is A second pressure sensor module 620 may be disposed based on the second side member 223 . For example, the first pressure sensor module 610 may include at least one pressure sensor (eg, Ch1, Ch2, ?? Ch8), and the second pressure sensor module 620 may include at least one pressure sensor ( eg Ch9, Ch10, ?? Ch16). According to an embodiment, the pressure sensing area may be determined based on an area in which at least one pressure sensor is disposed. For example, the at least one pressure sensor may be disposed at least partially based on the side member. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is switched from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, a force of a certain amount or more must be applied to perform the mode change.

According to an embodiment, the processor 120 of the electronic device 200 may measure a pressure value corresponding to a user's input based on the first pressure sensor module 610 and the second pressure sensor module 620 . When the measured pressure value exceeds a set threshold value, the processor 120 may detect a ready posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode.

Referring to FIG. 6B , the electronic device 200 is in the folding mode [B], and one surface of the first housing structure 210 and one surface of the second housing structure 220 may overlap each other. For example, the folding mode [B] may be a mode in which the first display 230 is folded inward and the user interface is displayed through the second display (eg, the second display 252 of FIG. 2 ). .

According to an embodiment, the sensing area for the user's touch may be determined based on the arrangement position of the first pressure sensor module 610 and the arrangement position of the second pressure sensor module 620 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may detect the user's right hand input 611 (eg, the first input) based on at least one pressure sensor included in the first pressure sensor module 610 , , a user's left hand input 621 (eg, a second input) may be detected based on at least one pressure sensor included in the second pressure sensor module 620 . For example, the electronic device 200 may measure a first pressure value 613 corresponding to the first input 611 and measure a second pressure value 623 corresponding to the second input 621 . can do. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may measure a pressure value according to a user input (eg, the first input 611 and the second input 621) based on at least one pressure sensor, Based on the measured pressure value, it can be confirmed that the posture is ready for switching to the unfolding mode.

According to an embodiment, in the processor 120 of the electronic device 200 , the first pressure value 613 corresponding to the first input 611 is greater than or equal to a set first threshold value 650-1, or , when the second pressure value 623 corresponding to the second input 621 is greater than or equal to a set second threshold value 650-2, it may be confirmed that the posture is ready for switching the unfolding mode. According to an embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200) switches from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, a side member (eg, the first side member 213 , the second The second side member 223) requires a force of a certain amount or more. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 has a first pressure value 613 corresponding to the first input 611 equal to or greater than a set first threshold value 650-1 or corresponding to the second input 621 . When the second pressure value 623 is greater than or equal to the set second threshold value 650-2, it may be confirmed that the posture is ready for switching to the unfolding mode. The processor 120 may partially perform at least some operations corresponding to the unfolding mode. According to one embodiment, when the first pressure value 613 is less than the first threshold value 650-1, and/or when the second pressure value 623 is less than the second threshold value 650-2, the processor ( 120) may maintain a standby state.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of configuring and displaying a user interface in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In operation 701 , the processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) is completely in a folded state (eg, a folding operation, a folding mode) of the electronic device 101 . You can check the posture ready to switch to the unfolded state (eg, unfolding operation, unfolding mode). The foldable electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 ) may be easily switched from the folding mode to the unfolding mode or from the unfolding mode to the folding mode. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 101 is switched from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, side members of the electronic device 101 (eg, the first side member 213 and the second side member 223 of FIG. 2 ) )) may require more than a certain amount of force. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may measure a pressure value of the pressure applied to the side member of the electronic device 101 using at least one pressure sensor disposed on the side member, and the measurement It is possible to check whether the posture is ready for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode based on the pressure value obtained.

In operation 703 , the processor 120 may configure a user interface corresponding to a state in which the electronic device 101 is fully unfolded (eg, an unfolded mode). According to an embodiment, when operating in the unfolding mode, the electronic device 101 may display a user interface based on a first display (eg, the first display 230 of FIG. 2 ). According to an embodiment, in response to the confirmation of the ready posture in operation 701 , the electronic device 101 may configure a user interface corresponding to the first display 230 .

In operation 705 , when the conversion from the folding mode to the unfolding mode is performed within a set time, the processor 120 may display the configured user interface through the first display 230 . According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may determine whether the conversion is performed within a set time, and when the conversion is completed within the set time, the configured user interface may be displayed on the first display 230 . have. According to another embodiment, the processor 120 may use a folding sensor (eg, the folding sensor 504 of FIG. 5 ) to calculate an angle according to the transition from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, and the angle is constant. If the angle is greater than or equal to about 110 degrees, it can be confirmed that the above conversion has been performed. For example, when the processor 120 increases from a folding angle (eg, about 0 degrees) corresponding to the folding mode to a folding angle (eg, about 180 degrees) corresponding to the unfolding mode, the predetermined angle (eg: 110 degrees) or higher, it can be confirmed that the conversion has been performed. According to another embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a grip sensor (eg, the grip sensor 506 of FIG. 5 , a hole that detects a user's ready posture (eg, a posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode) of the user). sensor), and the processor 120 may use the grip sensor to identify a ready posture in which the user intends to switch from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. The processor 120 may display the configured user interface through the first display 230 when detecting a change according to the transition from the confirmed ready posture to the unfolding mode.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 101 may use at least one sensor to identify a ready posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. In response to the confirmation of the ready posture, the electronic device 101 may configure a user interface corresponding to the display according to the unfolding mode (eg, the first display 230 of FIG. 2 ). When the switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode is performed within a set time, the electronic device 101 may display the configured user interface through the first display 230 .

8 is a flowchart for describing in detail a method of configuring and displaying a user interface in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In operation 801 , the processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) uses a sensor module (eg, the sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ) to prepare a posture It is possible to collect data related to (e.g., ready posture for transition from folding mode to unfolding mode). For example, the sensor module 176 may be disposed at least partially outside or inside the electronic device 101 , and may include a pressure sensor (eg, the pressure sensor 505 of FIG. 5 ), a grip sensor (eg, FIG. 5 ). of the grip sensor 506 ), a gyro sensor (eg, the gyro sensor 507 of FIG. 5 ), and/or an acceleration sensor (eg, the acceleration sensor 508 of FIG. 5 ). For example, the electronic device 101 is attached to a first side member (eg, the first side member 213 of FIG. 2 ) and/or a second side member (eg, the second side member 223 of FIG. 2 ). At least partially a pressure sensor 505 and/or a grip sensor 506 may be disposed. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may collect data related to the ready posture based on the pressure sensor 505 and/or the grip sensor 506 . The data may include a sensed value measured using the sensor module 176 .

In operation 803, the processor 120 may determine whether the posture is ready for transition to a fully unfolded state (eg, an unfolded mode). For example, the processor 120 measures at least one sensed value using the sensor module 176 , and the state of the electronic device 101 changes from the folding mode to the unfolding mode based on the measured sensed value. You can check whether you are ready for the transition.

When the ready posture for switching to the unfolding mode is confirmed in operation 803, in operation 805, the processor 120 performs a display (eg, FIG. 5 ) corresponding to the fully unfolded state (eg, unfolding mode) of the electronic device 101 . A procedure for activating the first display 501 of the . For example, the electronic device 101 may display a user interface through the first display 501 in the unfolding mode. In operation 805 , the processor 120 may perform a procedure for activating (eg, turning on) the first display 501 .

In operation 807 , the processor 120 may configure/create a user interface corresponding to a fully unfolded state (eg, an unfolded mode). For example, the processor 120 may configure the user interface based on the size of the first display 501 . According to an embodiment, the activation operation of the first display 501 in operation 805 and the user interface configuration operation in operation 807 may occur simultaneously or sequentially. Referring to FIG. 8 , although operation 807 is shown to be operated after operation 805, the present invention is not limited thereto.

In operation 809, the processor 120 may check whether the transition from the folded state (eg, the folding mode) to the fully unfolded state (eg, the unfolding mode) of the electronic device 101 is completed within a set time. For example, completion of the transition from the folding mode to the unfolding mode may include a state of performing the transition from the folding mode to the unfolding mode.

When the transition from the folded state to the fully unfolded state is completed in operation 809, the processor 120 activates (eg, turns on) the first display 501 in operation 811 and displays the user interface configured in operation 807 can be displayed According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may calculate an angle at which the electronic device 101 is folded using a folding sensor (eg, the folding sensor 504 of FIG. 5 ), and the calculated angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle. In this case, it can be confirmed that the conversion is completed. For example, when the processor 120 increases from a folding angle (eg, about 0 degrees) corresponding to the folding mode to a folding angle (eg, about 180 degrees) corresponding to the unfolding mode, the calculated angle is constant. When the angle (eg, about 110 degrees) or more is reached, it can be confirmed that the conversion is completed. According to another embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a grip sensor (eg, the grip sensor 506 of FIG. 5 , a hall sensor) that detects the user's ready posture (eg, a posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode). ), and the processor 120 may use the grip sensor to identify a ready posture in which the user intends to switch from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. Upon detecting a change according to the transition from the confirmed ready posture to the unfolding mode, the processor 120 may confirm that the conversion is completed.

If the conversion is not completed within the time set in operation 809 , the processor 120 may stop the activation procedure of the first display 501 to reduce current consumption of the first display 501 . The processor 120 may stop configuring the user interface.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 120 of the electronic device 101 checks the ready posture from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, and in response to the check of the ready posture, a procedure corresponding to the unfolding mode (eg: Activation of the first display 501 and configuration of a user interface) can be quickly performed. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 quickly configures a user interface according to the unfolding mode and seamlessly displays it on the display, thereby improving usability of the electronic device 101 .

9 is a diagram for explaining a process of detecting an unfolding preparation operation in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 ) includes one surface of a first housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 210 of FIG. 2 ) and a second housing structure (eg, FIG. 2 ). One surface of the second housing structure 220) may be in a folding mode state in which one surface is overlapped with each other. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 corresponds to the first side member (eg, the first side member 213 of FIG. 2 ) to a first pressure sensor module (eg, the first pressure sensor module of FIG. 6 ) 610)) may be disposed, and a second pressure sensor module (eg, the second pressure sensor module 620 of FIG. 6 ) corresponding to the second side member (eg, the second side member 223 of FIG. 2 )) This can be placed Referring to FIG. 9 , the user may hold the electronic device 200 with both hands to switch from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is switched from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, a force of a certain amount or more may be required. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may measure the first pressure value according to the user's right hand input (eg, the first input 910 ) through the first pressure sensor module 610 , and the second The second pressure value according to the user's left hand input (eg, the second input 920 ) may be measured through the pressure sensor module 620 . According to an embodiment, when the measured first pressure value exceeds a set first threshold value, the electronic device 200 indicates that the holding state of the electronic device 200 is a ready posture for switching to the unfolding mode. can be checked According to an embodiment, when the measured second pressure value exceeds a set second threshold value, the electronic device 200 indicates that the holding state of the electronic device 200 is a ready posture for switching to the unfolding mode. can be checked

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 determines that the distance (d) 901 between the first position corresponding to the first input 910 and the second position corresponding to the second input 920 is less than or equal to a set length. At this time, it may be confirmed that the holding state of the electronic device 200 is a ready posture for switching to the unfolding mode. When the distance (d) 901 between the first position corresponding to the first input 910 and the second position corresponding to the second input 920 exceeds the set length, the ready posture for the transition is it may not be According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may set a first touch area corresponding to the first input 910 and a second touch area corresponding to the second input 920 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 detects a user's input (eg, the first input 910 and/or the second input 920) based on the first touch area and the second touch area. can do. For example, the distance between the first touch area and the second touch area may be determined to be equal to or less than the set length.

10 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of an unfolding preparation operation in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10 , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 ) includes one surface of a first housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 210 of FIG. 2 ) and a second housing structure (eg, FIG. 2 ). In the folding mode in which one surface of the second housing structure 220) overlapped with each other, the user may be in a state of being held with one hand. The electronic device 200 may display the first user interface through a second display (eg, the second display 252 of FIG. 2 ) disposed on one surface of the second housing structure 220 . For example, the first user interface may be a user interface configured based on the size of the second display 252 .

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may identify a ready posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. For example, the electronic device 200 corresponds to a first pressure sensor module (eg, in FIG. 6 ) corresponding to the first side member (eg, the first side member 213 of FIG. 2 ) of the first housing structure 210 . A first pressure sensor module 610) may be disposed, and a second pressure sensor module (eg, the second side member 223 of FIG. 2 ) corresponding to the second side member of the second housing structure 220 . Example: The second pressure sensor module 620 of FIG. 6 ) may be disposed. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 provides a first input 910 (eg, a user's right hand input) to the first pressure sensor module 610 and a second input to the second pressure sensor module 620 . 920 (eg, the user's left hand input) may be detected. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may measure a first pressure value according to the first input 910 and a second pressure value according to the second input 920 , and the measured pressure value is set. When the threshold value is exceeded, it may be confirmed that the holding state of the electronic device 200 is a ready posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. According to an embodiment, when the distance (d) 901 between the first location corresponding to the first input 910 and the second location corresponding to the second input 920 is less than a set distance, the electronic device 200 It can be confirmed that the holding state of ) is a ready posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 confirms the ready posture for switching to the unfolding mode, the user interface 1010 corresponding to the first display (eg, the first display 230 of FIG. 2 ) can be configured/created. For example, the user interface 1010 may be generated based on the size of the first display 230 . According to an embodiment, the user interface 1010 may be generated based on a set format and type.

According to an embodiment, when the conversion from the folding mode to the unfolding mode is completed within a set time, the electronic device 200 may display the user interface through the first display 230 . According to an embodiment, when it is confirmed that the electronic device 200 is ready to switch from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, the electronic device 200 may configure and generate a user interface and perform an activation procedure for the first display 230 . can be done When the electronic device 200 is switched from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, the electronic device 200 may seamlessly display a user interface, and the usability of the electronic device 200 may be improved.

11 is a diagram illustrating a second embodiment of an unfolding preparation operation in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11 , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 ) includes one surface of a first housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 210 of FIG. 2 ) and a second housing structure (eg, FIG. 2 ). The second housing structure 220) may be in a folding mode in which one surface is overlapped with each other. In the electronic device 200 , the first sensor module 1110 may be disposed to correspond to the first side member (eg, the first side member 213 of FIG. 2 ), and the second housing structure 220 may be The second sensor module 1120 may be disposed to correspond to the side member (eg, the second side member 223 of FIG. 2 ). For example, the first sensor module 1110 and the second sensor module 1120 may include at least one pressure sensor (eg, the pressure sensor 505 in FIG. 5 ) or at least one grip sensor (eg, the grip in FIG. 5 ). sensor 506). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may implement the sensing region 1100 corresponding to the side member.

According to an embodiment, the sensing region 1100 may be a physical component implemented in the form of a groove on the side of the electronic device 200 . For example, the sensing area 1100 may guide the input area to the user when switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. The input area may be implemented at a position at which the user presses the electronic device 200 to unfold the electronic device 200 when switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. According to an embodiment, the sensing region 1100 may be implemented in a form that is distinct from surrounding structures. For example, in the side member of the electronic device 200 , the sensing region 1100 may be implemented as a component having a different color or a different material. According to an embodiment, by guiding the sensing region 1100 to a user, the electronic device 200 may be easily switched from the folding mode to the unfolding mode.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may detect a user's input based on at least one sensor (eg, the pressure sensor 505 and the grip sensor 506 ) disposed in the sensing area 1100 . . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may identify a ready posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode through the sensing region 1100 .

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 confirms the ready posture for switching to the unfolding mode, the user interface 1130 corresponding to the first display (eg, the first display 230 of FIG. 2 ) can be configured/created. For example, the user interface 1130 may be generated based on the size of the first display 230 . According to an embodiment, the user interface 1130 may be generated based on a set format and type.

According to an embodiment, when the conversion from the folding mode to the unfolding mode is completed, the electronic device 200 may display the user interface through the first display 230 . According to an embodiment, when it is confirmed that the electronic device 200 is ready to switch from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, the electronic device 200 may configure and generate a user interface and perform an activation procedure for the first display 230 . can be done When the electronic device 200 is switched from the folding mode to the unfolding mode, the electronic device 200 may seamlessly display a user interface, and the usability of the electronic device 200 may be improved.

12 is a diagram illustrating a third embodiment of an unfolding preparation operation in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12 , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 ) includes one surface of a first housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 210 of FIG. 2 ) and a second housing structure (eg, FIG. 2 ). In the folding mode in which one surface of the second housing structure 220) overlapped with each other, the user may be in a state of being held with one hand. The electronic device 200 may display the first user interface through a second display (eg, the second display 252 of FIG. 2 ) disposed on one surface of the second housing structure 220 . For example, the first user interface may be a user interface configured based on the size of the second display 252 .

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may identify a ready posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. For example, the electronic device 200 may include a gyro sensor (eg, the gyro sensor 507 of FIG. 5 ) and/or an acceleration sensor (eg, the acceleration sensor of FIG. 5 ) for detecting a direction change with respect to the electronic device 200 . (508)) may be mounted. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may detect a direction change 1210 with respect to the electronic device 200 based on the gyro sensor 507 and the acceleration sensor 508 . When the direction change 1210 is detected, the electronic device 200 may confirm that the posture is ready to change from the folding mode to the unfolding mode.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 confirms a preparation posture for switching to the unfolding mode (eg, a direction change 1210 with respect to the electronic device 200 ), the first display (eg, FIG. 2 ) It is possible to configure/create a user interface 1220 corresponding to the first display 230 of the . For example, the user interface 1220 may be generated based on the size of the first display 230 . According to an embodiment, the user interface 1220 may be generated based on a set format and type.

According to an embodiment, when the conversion from the folding mode to the unfolding mode is completed, the electronic device 200 may display the user interface through the first display 230 .

According to another embodiment, the electronic device 200 may check the ready posture according to the change based on the first embodiment of FIG. 10 and the second embodiment of FIG. 11 , and based on the third embodiment of FIG. 12 . It is also possible to additionally confirm the preparation posture. The third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 may be utilized as an embodiment supplementing the first and second embodiments.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device 200 stores the user's operation characteristics and data sensed through the sensor unit (eg, the sensor unit 176 of FIG. 1 ) in a memory (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1 ). It is possible to predict/confirm the transition from the folding mode to the unfolding mode based on the operation characteristic and the sensing data. For example, the electronic device 200 may calculate a switching probability from the folding mode to the unfolding mode by applying a learning algorithm based on the operation characteristic and the sensing data, and in the folding mode based on the probability The transition to the unfolding mode can be predicted. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may configure a user interface according to the transition to the unfolding mode according to the prediction.

13 is a time table for detecting a ready posture for switching to an unfolding mode in an electronic device and generating a user interface in response to the ready posture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13 , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 ) includes one surface of a first housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 210 of FIG. 2 ) and a second housing structure (eg, FIG. 2 ). The second housing structure 220 of FIG. 2) may be a foldable electronic device in a folding mode in which one surface overlaps each other.

In operation 1301, the electronic device 200 may be in a standby state for detecting a user's input. For example, the electronic device 200 may be in a folded state in which the first housing structure and the second housing structure are folded.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may detect a ready posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode using at least one sensor. For example, the electronic device 200 measures a pressure value according to a user input based on at least one pressure sensor disposed on the side member, and when the measured pressure value exceeds a threshold value, the folding mode It can be confirmed that the posture is ready for switching to the unfolding mode. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 confirms the ready posture for switching to the unfolding mode, the electronic device 200 may activate a display corresponding to the unfolding mode (eg, the first display 501 of FIG. 5 ). and a user interface to be displayed through the first display 501 may be configured. For example, the electronic device 200 may configure a user interface in operation 1303 and activate the first display 501 in operation 1305 .

In operation 1303 , the processor of the electronic device 200 (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) configures a user interface according to the unfolding mode through a window manager (eg, the window manager 510 of FIG. 5 ). . For example, the time it takes to construct a user interface may be about 500 ms. In operation 1305 , the processor 120 of the electronic device 200 may activate the first display 501 corresponding to the unfolding mode through a power manager (eg, the power manager 520 of FIG. 5 ). For example, the time it takes to activate the first display 501 may be about 400 ms. According to an embodiment, after being activated, the first display 501 may display a black frame image of about 100 ms.

According to an embodiment, the processor 120 of the electronic device 200 may display the user interface based on the activated first display 501 when the electronic device 200 is in a [fully unfolded state]. have. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may seamlessly display a user interface on a display (eg, the first display 501 ). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may use a folding sensor (eg, the folding sensor 504 of FIG. 5 ) to calculate the angle of the electronic device 200 according to the transition from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. If the angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, it may be confirmed that the conversion is completed (eg, the electronic device 200 is fully unfolded). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may use a grip sensor (eg, the grip sensor 506 of FIG. 5 ) to identify a ready posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. When the electronic device 200 detects a change according to the transition from the confirmed ready posture to the unfolding mode, the electronic device 200 may confirm that the conversion has been completed (eg, the electronic device 200 is fully unfolded).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may set a time (eg, about 240 ms) for changing from the [ready posture] to the [folded state]. The set time may be an average consumption time for the user to change from the [ready posture] to the [folded state] through the learning algorithm. According to an embodiment, if the electronic device 200 does not change from the [ready posture] to the [folded state] within a set time, the electronic device 200 may turn off the display or stop configuring the user interface. The electronic device 200 cuts off power supplied to the display, thereby reducing power consumed through the display. The set time may be set by a developer and a user.

According to an embodiment, the processor 120 of the electronic device 200 may check a state transition from the [ready posture] to the [folded state] for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. The processor 120 may perform a procedure corresponding to the folding mode (eg, activation of the display 1305 and configuration of the user interface 1303) from the time of the [folded state]. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 performs the above procedure quickly, so that usability of the electronic device 200 may be improved. According to an embodiment, when the user operates the foldable electronic device, the electronic device 200 may control the switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode to be smoothly performed.

14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an unfolding preparation operation in an out-folding type electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14 , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 ) is an out-folding electronic device 1400 . For example, an in-folding electronic device may include an electronic device in which a display activated in the unfolding mode is folded inward when the electronic device is switched from the unfolding mode to the folding mode. The out-folding electronic device 1400 may include an electronic device in which a display activated in the unfolding mode is folded outward when the electronic device 1400 is switched from the unfolding mode to the folding mode. According to an embodiment, FIGS. 10 , 11 , and/or 12 show an embodiment of an in-folding electronic device, and FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of an out-folding electronic device 1400 .

According to another embodiment, when the out-folding electronic device 1400 is in the folding mode, the display 1411 may be at least partially activated, and based on the activated display area, a user interface corresponding to the folding mode ( 1421) can be displayed.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device 1400 may identify a ready posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. For example, the electronic device 1400 may set at least a partial area of the display 1410 as a touch area (eg, the first touch area 1401 and the second touch area 1403 ), and the touch area 1401 , 1403), it is possible to confirm the preparation posture. According to another embodiment, the electronic device 1400 may detect a first input to the first touch area 1401 and a second input to the second touch area 1403 , and the first input and the second input may be detected. 2 based on the input, it is possible to check the ready posture according to the transition from the folding mode to the unfolding mode. According to another embodiment, the electronic device 1400 includes a side member (eg, the first housing structure 210 of FIG. 2 , the second housing structure 220 of FIG. 2 ) according to a housing structure (eg, the second housing structure of FIG. 2 ). A pressure sensor (eg, the pressure sensor 505 of FIG. 5 ) may be disposed at least partially on the first side member 213 and the second side member 223 of FIG. 2 . For example, the electronic device 1400 may measure a pressure value in response to a user input through the pressure sensor 505 . The electronic device 1400 may set a pressure sensing region 1405 in which the pressure sensor 505 is disposed, and may measure a pressure value of the pressure sensing region 1405 . According to another embodiment, when the measured pressure value is equal to or greater than a set threshold value, the electronic device 1400 may identify a ready posture according to the transition from the folding mode to the unfolding mode.

According to another embodiment, in response to the confirmation of the ready posture, the electronic device 1400 may configure the user interface 1422 corresponding to the unfolding mode. According to another embodiment, the electronic device 1400 may at least partially activate the display 1413 corresponding to the unfolding mode.

According to another embodiment, when the conversion from the folding mode to the unfolding mode is completed, the electronic device 1400 may display the configured user interface 1422 through the display 1413 corresponding to the unfolding mode.

According to another embodiment, if the conversion from the folding mode to the unfolding mode is not completed within a set time, the electronic device 1400 may stop supplying power to the display and display the display of the user interface corresponding to the unfolding mode. You can stop the configuration. The electronic device 1400 may reduce power consumption according to the transition from the folding mode to the unfolding mode.

15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of detecting a landscape mode or a portrait mode and displaying a user interface according to the detected mode in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15 , a processor (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) of an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) uses a sensor module (eg, the sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ). to confirm the ready posture (eg, the ready posture for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode). Operation 1501 may be an operation after confirming the preparation posture.

In operation 1501 , the processor 120 may perform a procedure for activating a display (eg, the first display 501 of FIG. 5 ) corresponding to the fully unfolded state (eg, unfolding mode) of the electronic device 101 . have. For example, the electronic device 101 may display a user interface through the first display 501 in the unfolding mode. The electronic device 101 may activate the first display 501 to display a user interface.

In operation 1503 , the processor 120 uses the gyro sensor (eg, the gyro sensor 507 of FIG. 5 ) and the acceleration sensor (eg, the acceleration sensor 508 of FIG. 5 ) to the direction of the electronic device 101 (eg, landscape mode or portrait mode). For example, the processor 120 may determine whether the electronic device 101 is gripped by the user in a landscape mode or a portrait mode in a gripped state.

In operation 1505 , the processor 120 may determine one of a landscape mode and a portrait mode based on the identified orientation of the electronic device 101 . For example, the user interface displayed through the display in the landscape mode and the user interface displayed through the display in the portrait mode may be different. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may execute at least one application in response to the determined mode.

16 is a diagram illustrating a process of displaying a user interface when an unfolding operation is performed based on a portrait mode in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16 , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 ) includes one surface of a first housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 210 of FIG. 2 ) and a second housing structure (eg, FIG. 2 ). One surface of the second housing structure 220) may be in a folding mode state in which one surface is overlapped with each other.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may be configured by a user based on a gyro sensor (eg, the gyro sensor 507 of FIG. 5 ) and an acceleration sensor (eg, the acceleration sensor 508 of FIG. 5 ). mode] can be confirmed. The electronic device 200 may confirm that the posture is ready for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is switched from the folding mode to the unfolding mode based on the [portrait mode] form, the electronic device 200 configures the user interface 1610 corresponding to the [portrait mode] and displays (eg, : The user interface 1610 may be displayed through the display device 160 of FIG. 1 . For example, if the transition occurs while the user interface according to the folding mode is displayed, the electronic device 200 may configure the user interface 1610 corresponding to the [portrait mode], and set the user interface 1610 to the [portrait mode]. The user interface 1610 may be displayed through a corresponding display. The user interface 1610 may include a home screen including an icon for at least one application.

17A and 17B are diagrams illustrating a process of displaying a user interface when an unfolding operation is performed based on a landscape mode in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 17C is a diagram illustrating a process of displaying a user interface including a keypad in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

17A and 17B , the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 ) includes one surface of a first housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 210 of FIG. 2 ) and a second housing structure ( Example: One surface of the second housing structure 220 of FIG. 2 may be in a folding mode state overlapping each other. Based on the gyro sensor (eg, the gyro sensor 507 of FIG. 5 ) and the acceleration sensor (eg, the acceleration sensor 508 of FIG. 5 ), the electronic device 200 indicates that the electronic device 200 has been gripped by the user in the [landscape mode] form. can be checked The electronic device 200 may confirm that the posture is ready for switching from the folding mode to the unfolding mode.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is switched from the folding mode to the unfolding mode based on the [landscape mode] form, the electronic device 200 configures the user interfaces 1710 and 1720 corresponding to the [landscape mode], and displays The user interfaces 1710 and 1720 may be displayed through (eg, the display device 160 of FIG. 1 ). For example, the electronic device 200 may display a user interface 1710 for at least one running application. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may execute an application set in response to the [landscape mode] and display a user interface 1710 for the executed application. For example, the electronic device 200 may display the user interface 1720 for a home screen including an icon for at least one application. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 sets at least one suitable application (eg, a game and video-related application) in the [Landscape mode] form, and displays an execution screen of the application in response to the [Landscape mode] can do. For example, the at least one application may include an application that provides a user interface suitable for a user based on an aspect ratio of [Landscape Mode].

Referring to FIG. 17C , the electronic device 200 divides the display (eg, the first display 501 of FIG. 5 ) into a first area and a second area based on the hinge structure, and corresponds to the first area with the keypad (1731) can be displayed. For example, the electronic device 200 may use a folding sensor (eg, the folding sensor 504 of FIG. 5 ) to check an angle according to the folding mode or the unfolding mode of the electronic device 200 . For example, when the electronic device 200 stops at an angle of about 110 degrees, the electronic device 200 may display the keypad 1731 corresponding to the first area. According to an embodiment, when displaying the keypad 1731 in the first area, the electronic device 200 may display an execution screen for at least one application in response to the second area. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may display the user interface 1730 including the keypad 1731 in correspondence to the first area, and an execution screen for at least one application in correspondence to the second area. can be displayed.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may at least partially control at least one application displayed on the second area in response to a user input on the keypad 1731 .

According to various embodiments, a method of operating an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 ) is connected to a hinge structure (eg, the hinge structure 264 of FIG. 4 ) and is directed in a first direction. connected to a first housing structure (eg, first housing structure 210 in FIG. 2 ) comprising a face, a second face facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the hinge structure 264, A second housing that includes a third surface facing a third direction and a fourth surface facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and is folded with the first housing structure 210 about the hinge structure 264 . It includes a structure (eg, the second housing structure 220 of FIG. 2 ) and has an in-folding shape in which the first surface faces the third surface in a folded state, or when the second surface faces the fourth surface In the foldable housing in which the third direction is the same as the first direction in the fully unfolded state, the operation of confirming a ready posture for switching from the folded state to the fully unfolded state, the confirmed ready posture In response to the operation of configuring the user interface corresponding to the fully unfolded state, and when the conversion from the folded state to the fully unfolded state is performed within a set time, the configured user interface is displayed on at least one display of the electronic device. It may include an operation of displaying through ( 160 ).

The method according to various embodiments may further include, in response to the confirmed ready posture, determining the at least one display to be activated in response to the fully unfolded state, and activating the at least one display. can

The method according to various embodiments may further include operating the electronic device 101 in a folding mode in a folded state and operating in an unfolding mode in a fully unfolded state of the electronic device 101 .

The configuring of the user interface according to various embodiments may include configuring a first user interface corresponding to the folding mode, and configuring a second user interface corresponding to the unfolding mode, different from the first user interface. and the second user interface may be configured based on the first user interface.

According to various embodiments, the at least one display 160 may further include a first display 501 to be activated in response to the folding mode and a second display 502 to be activated in response to the unfolding mode. have. The displaying of the user interface may include displaying the first user interface based on the first display 501 in the folding mode, and displaying the first user interface based on the second display 502 in the unfolding mode. and displaying the second user interface.

The operation of confirming the ready posture according to various embodiments may be performed according to a user input through a pressure sensor (eg, the pressure sensor 505 of FIG. 5 ) included in the sensor module 176 of the electronic device 101 . It may include an operation of measuring a pressure value, and an operation of confirming the ready posture for switching from the folded state to the fully unfolded state when the measured pressure value exceeds a set threshold value.

The operation of confirming the ready posture according to various embodiments may include a gyro sensor (eg, the gyro sensor 507 of FIG. 5 ) and an acceleration sensor (eg, FIG. 5 ) included in the sensor module 176 of the electronic device 101 . 5) through at least one of the acceleration sensors 508), confirming a direction change with respect to the electronic device 101, and in response to the direction change, for transitioning from the folded state to the fully unfolded state. It may include an action to confirm the ready posture.

The operation of configuring the user interface according to various embodiments is performed in the power manager (eg, the power manager 520 of FIG. 5 ) included in the memory (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device 101 . performing a procedure for activation of the at least one display 160 by the at least one display 160 and the at least one display (eg, the window manager 510 of FIG. 5 ) included in the memory 130 ). 160) and configuring the user interface.

According to various embodiments, if the transition from the folded state to the fully unfolded state is not performed within the set time, stopping the configuration of the user interface, and power to the at least one display 160 to be activated It may further include the operation of stopping the supply.

The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may have various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (eg, a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present document is not limited to the above-described devices.

The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or more of the item, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, "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 "A , B, or C" each may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first”, “second”, or “first” or “second” may simply be used to distinguish the component from other components in question, and may refer to components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order) is not limited. It is said that one (eg, first) component is "coupled" or "connected" to another (eg, second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively". When referenced, it means that one component can be connected to the other component directly (eg by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as, for example, logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integrally formed part or a minimum unit or a part of the part that performs one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document include one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (eg, internal memory 136 or external memory 138) readable by a machine (eg, electronic device 101). may be implemented as software (eg, the program 140) including For example, the processor (eg, the processor 120 ) of the device (eg, the electronic device 101 ) may call at least one of one or more instructions stored from a storage medium and execute it. This makes it possible for the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one command called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (eg, electromagnetic wave), and this term is used in cases where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and It does not distinguish between temporary storage cases.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. The computer program product is distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (eg compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or through an application store (eg Play Store™) or on two user devices ( It can be distributed (eg downloaded or uploaded) directly between smartphones, eg, online. In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (eg, a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a singular or a plurality of entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations among the above-described corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (eg, a module or a program) may be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component are executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations are executed in a different order, or omitted. or one or more other operations may be added.

In addition, the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in the present specification and drawings are merely provided for specific examples in order to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present invention and help the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and to extend the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. It is not meant to be limiting. Therefore, in the scope of various embodiments of the present invention, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, all changes or modifications derived based on the technical ideas of various embodiments of the present invention should be interpreted as being included in the scope of various embodiments of the present invention.

101 electronic device 120 processor
130: memory 142: operating system
144: middleware 146: application
160: display 176: sensor unit
501: first display 502: second display
504: folding sensor 505: pressure sensor
506: grip sensor 507: gyro sensor
508: accelerometer 510: window manager
520: power manager

Claims (20)

In an electronic device,
A foldable housing comprising:
hinge structure;
a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure and including a first surface facing in a first direction and a second surface facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and
a second connected to the hinge structure, including a third surface facing in a third direction, and a fourth surface facing in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and folded with the first housing structure around the hinge structure a housing structure comprising:
In a folded state, the first surface is in an in-folding form facing the third surface, or in an out-folding form in which the second surface faces the fourth surface, and in a fully unfolded state, the third a foldable housing having the same direction as the first direction;
at least one display formed based on the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, or the fourth surface of the foldable housing;
sensor module;
Memory; and
a processor operatively coupled to the foldable housing, the at least one display, the sensor module, and the memory;
The processor is
Checking a ready posture for switching from the folded state to the fully unfolded state of the foldable housing through the sensor module;
In response to the confirmed ready posture, configure a user interface (UI) corresponding to the fully unfolded state,
When the transition from the folded state to the fully unfolded state is performed within a set time, the electronic device displays the configured user interface through the at least one display. The method of claim 1,
The processor is
In response to the confirmed ready posture, the electronic device determines the at least one display to be activated in response to the fully unfolded state, and activates the at least one display. The method of claim 1,
The processor is
Operates in a folding mode in the folded state,
An electronic device operating in an unfolding mode in the fully unfolded state. 4. The method of claim 3,
The processor is
a first user interface corresponding to the folding mode and a second user interface corresponding to the unfolding mode are configured differently;
The second user interface is an electronic device configured based on the first user interface. 5. The method of claim 4,
The at least one display further includes a first display to be activated in response to the folding mode and a second display to be activated in response to the unfolding mode,
The processor is
In the folding mode, displaying the first user interface based on the first display,
In the unfolding mode, the electronic device displays the second user interface based on the second display. The method of claim 1,
The sensor module further comprises a pressure sensor,
The processor is
Measuring the pressure value according to the user input through the pressure sensor,
When the measured pressure value exceeds a set threshold value, the electronic device for checking the ready posture for switching from the folded state to the fully unfolded state. 7. The method of claim 6,
The sensor module further comprises a grip sensor,
The processor is
Measure the pressure value according to the user input based on the grip area corresponding to the grip sensor,
When the measured pressure value exceeds a threshold value, the electronic device confirms the preparation posture for switching from the folded state to the fully unfolded state. The method of claim 1,
The sensor module further includes a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor,
The processor is
confirming a direction change with respect to the electronic device through at least one of the gyro sensor and the acceleration sensor;
In response to the change of direction, the electronic device confirms the ready posture for switching from the folded state to the fully unfolded state. 9. The method of claim 8,
The processor is
identifying the direction of the electronic device using at least one of the gyro sensor and the acceleration sensor;
determining one of a landscape mode or a portrait mode based on the orientation of the electronic device;
An electronic device that configures the user interface based on the determined mode. The method of claim 1,
The memory further includes a power manager and a window manager,
The processor is
The electronic device performs a procedure for activating the at least one display by the power manager, and configures the user interface corresponding to the at least one display by the window manager. 3. The method of claim 2,
The processor is
If the transition from the folded state to the fully unfolded state is not performed within the set time, the configuration of the user interface is stopped and power supply to the at least one display to be activated is stopped. A method of operating an electronic device, comprising:
a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure, the first housing structure including a first surface facing in a first direction, a second surface facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and connected to the hinge structure, in a third direction a third surface facing the third surface and a fourth surface facing in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and a second housing structure folded with the first housing structure about the hinge structure, wherein the second housing structure is folded in the folded state. A foldable housing in which one side faces the third side in an in-folding form or in an out-folding form in which the second side faces the fourth side, and in a fully unfolded state, the third direction is the same as the first direction in,
checking a ready posture for switching from the folded state to the fully unfolded state;
configuring a user interface corresponding to the fully unfolded state in response to the confirmed ready posture; and
and displaying the configured user interface through at least one display of the electronic device when the transition from the folded state to the fully unfolded state is performed within a set time. 13. The method of claim 12,
determining the at least one display to be activated in response to the fully unfolded state in response to the confirmed ready posture; and
and activating the at least one display. 13. The method of claim 12,
operating in a folding mode when in the folded state; and
When the fully unfolded state, the method further comprising an operation of operating in an unfolding mode. 15. The method of claim 14,
The operation of configuring the user interface comprises:
configuring a first user interface corresponding to the folding mode; and
different from the first user interface, comprising the operation of configuring a second user interface corresponding to the unfolding mode,
wherein the second user interface is configured based on the first user interface. 16. The method of claim 15,
The at least one display further includes a first display to be activated in response to the folding mode and a second display to be activated in response to the unfolding mode,
The operation of displaying the configured user interface comprises:
displaying the first user interface based on the first display in the folding mode; and
and displaying the second user interface based on the second display in the unfolding mode. 13. The method of claim 12,
The operation to check the ready posture is,
measuring a pressure value according to a user input through a pressure sensor included in the sensor module of the electronic device; and
and checking the ready posture for switching from the folded state to the fully unfolded state when the measured pressure value exceeds a set threshold value. 13. The method of claim 12,
The operation to check the ready posture is,
checking a direction change with respect to the electronic device through at least one of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor included in a sensor module of the electronic device; and
and in response to the direction change, confirming the readiness posture for transitioning from the folded state to the fully unfolded state. 13. The method of claim 12,
The operation of configuring the user interface comprises:
performing a procedure for activating the at least one display by a power manager included in a memory of the electronic device; and
and configuring the user interface corresponding to the at least one display by a window manager included in the memory. 13. The method of claim 12,
stopping the configuration of the user interface when the transition from the folded state to the fully unfolded state is not performed within the set time; and
and stopping power supply to the at least one display to be activated.

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