RU2816495C1 - Electronic device comprising flexible display and method of controlling it - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: wireless communication equipment.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to personal or portable communication devices. Electronic device may include a flexible display and at least one processor which is configured to identify the folding angle of the electronic device, identify the displacement of the printed layer of the flexible display according to the identified folding angle, generating a section of virtual dead space, substantially adjacent to a section of the boundary of the printed layer based on the identified displacement, and outputting at least a portion of the generated section of the virtual dead space in a given colour on the flexible display.

EFFECT: invention provides elimination of discomfort for the eyes of the user when the layers of the flexible display are displaced.

15 cl, 17 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[1] Various exemplary embodiments relate to an electronic device, for example, an electronic device having at least a pair of housings rotatably coupled to each other, and/or a method for controlling them.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[2] As electronic, information and communication technologies evolve, various functions are integrated into a single portable communications device or electronic device. For example, a smartphone includes a music player function, an imaging device or an electronic notebook, and a communication function, and can be provided with additional functions by installing additional applications.

[3] In addition to the features (eg, applications) or information available on portable communications devices or electronic devices, users can search, select, and obtain additional information by accessing the network. Although a direct access scheme (eg, wired connection) for network access allows for fast and stable communication, the user's area may be limited to a fixed location or a certain amount of space. The wireless communication scheme for network access is less limited in position or space, and its transmission speed or stability gradually reaches the same level as the direct access scheme. In the future, it is expected that the wireless communication scheme will provide a faster and more stable communication environment than the direct access scheme.

[4] With the proliferation of personal or portable communication devices such as smartphones, user demands for portability and ease of use are increasing. For example, a touch screen display may be an output device that displays, for example, visual information and also provides a virtual keypad that replaces a mechanical input device (eg, a push-button input device). As a result, portable communications devices or electronic devices can provide the same or enhanced consumer performance (eg, larger screen) while miniaturizing. On the other hand, due to the commercialization of flexible displays such as foldable or rollable displays, the portability and usability of electronic devices are expected to be further enhanced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Technical problem

[5] In general, the display may include a light-emitting layer, a protective layer (eg, a window sheet or a front plate), and/or a plurality of layers disposed between the light-emitting layer and the protective layer. The "multiple layers" may include, for example, a polarizing plate, a touch detection electrode layer, a printing layer, a decorative film, and/or at least one adhesive layer bonding adjacent layers to each other. The flexible display may also include a plurality of such layers, and relative displacement may occur between different layers in a folding or rolling operation. For example, the position of the printed layer relative to the light-emitting layer may be different in a folded or rolled state compared to a flat state. When this relative displacement is recognized by the user with the naked eye, the user may experience discomfort due to defects or damage to the electronic device or flexible display.

[6] Various exemplary embodiments may provide a flexible display that relieves discomfort caused by relative displacement in the flexible display, an electronic device including the flexible display, and/or a method for controlling them.

[7] Various exemplary embodiments may provide a flexible display that implements various user experiences using relative displacement in the flexible display, an electronic device including the flexible display, and/or a method for controlling them.

[8] An electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment may include a flexible display and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to identify a fold angle of the electronic device, identify an offset of the printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified fold angle, generate a portion of the virtual dead space substantially contacting a portion of the boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified offset, and display at least a portion of the generated portion of the virtual dead space in a specified color on the flexible display.

[9] An electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment may include a flexible display and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to identify a folding angle of the electronic device, identify an offset of the printed layer of the flexible display according to the identified folding angle, generate a region of virtual dead space based on the identified offset, wherein the center of the printed layer moves when the electronic device is folded, substantially aligned with the center of the virtual dead space portion, and display at least a portion of the generated virtual dead space portion in a predetermined color on the flexible display.

[10] A method for controlling an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment may include identifying a folding angle of the electronic device, identifying an offset of the printed layer of the flexible display according to the identified folding angle, generating a portion of the virtual dead space substantially contacting a portion of the boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display, at based on the identified offset, and displaying at least a portion of the generated virtual dead space portion in a predetermined color on the flexible display.

Useful results

[11] According to various exemplary embodiments, a screen corresponding to the relative offset in the flexible display may be provided, thereby using the relative offset visually recognizable on the display portion of the screen (eg, the active portion) as a decorative effect. For example, discomfort that a user may experience can be alleviated while providing a new experience to the user using relative displacement in the flexible display.

[12] In addition, this document may provide various directly or indirectly identified results.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[13] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electronic device in a network environment according to various example embodiments.

[14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flat state of an electronic device according to various exemplary embodiments.

[15] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an electronic device in a folded state according to various exemplary embodiments.

[16] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device according to various exemplary embodiments.

[17] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a loop structure or loop module of an electronic device according to various exemplary embodiments.

[18] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view showing a configuration of an electronic device in a flat state according to various exemplary embodiments.

[19] FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view showing a folded configuration of an electronic device according to various exemplary embodiments.

[20] FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view showing the configuration of an electronic device in a flat state according to one of various exemplary embodiments.

[21] FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view showing housings arranged at an angle to each other in an electronic device according to one of various exemplary embodiments.

[22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a plurality of layers in a first alignment state in a flexible display of an electronic device according to another of various exemplary embodiments.

[23] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a plurality of layers in a second alignment state in a flexible display of an electronic device according to another of various exemplary embodiments.

[24] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a plurality of layers in a first alignment state in a flexible display of an electronic device according to another of various exemplary embodiments.

[25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a plurality of layers in a second alignment state in a flexible display of an electronic device according to another of various exemplary embodiments.

[26] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing exemplary user experiences implemented by an electronic device according to various exemplary embodiments.

[27] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing other exemplary user experiences implemented by an electronic device according to various exemplary embodiments.

[28] FIG. 16 and 17 are illustrative diagrams showing a method of operating an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

OPTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[29] In FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. According to FIG. 1, an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 may communicate with an electronic device 102 through a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless network) or at least one of the electronic device 104 or a server 108 through a second network 199 (e.g., a wireless network long-range communications). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 through a server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, an audio output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, connector 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power control module 188, battery 189, communications module 190, subscriber identification module (SIM) 196, or antenna module 197. In some embodiment , at least one of the components (e.g., connector 178) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiment, some of the components (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180 or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single component (eg, display module 160).

[30] Processor 120 may execute, for example, software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 coupled to processor 120 and may perform various data processing operations or calculations. According to an embodiment, during at least a portion of the data processing or calculation operations, processor 120 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 134 (eg, including internal memory 136 and external memory 138). According to an embodiment, processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), sensor hub processor, or communications processor (CP)), which may be used independently of or in conjunction with the main processor 121. For example, when the electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be configured to consume less power than the main processor 121 or be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor 121.

[31] The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190) among the components of the electronic device 101, in place of the main processor 121. when the main processor 121 is in an inactive (eg, sleeping) state, or in conjunction with the main processor 121 when the main processor 121 is in an active state (eg, running an application). According to an embodiment, an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communications processor) may be implemented as part of another component (for example, a camera module 180 or a communications module 190) operably coupled to the auxiliary processor 123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, a neural processor) may include a hardware design configured to process the artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model can be generated by machine learning. Such training may be carried out, for example, by electronic device 101, where artificial intelligence is carried out through a separate server (for example, server 108). The learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or stimulated learning. An artificial intelligence model may include many layers of an artificial neural network. The artificial neural network can be a deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), deep belief network (DBN), bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more of them but is not limited to this. The artificial intelligence model may additionally or alternatively include a software design that is different from a hardware design.

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

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

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

[35] The audio output unit 155 may output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The audio output unit 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as playing media or playing a recording. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the loudspeaker or as part of it.

[36] The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside (eg, to the user) of the electronic device 101. The display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, a holographic device, and the projector. . According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may include a tactile sensor configured to sense a touch or a pressure sensor configured to sense a force generated by a touch.

[37] Audio module 170 can convert sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, audio module 170 may receive audio through input module 150 or output audio through audio output module 155 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly coupled to the electronic device. 101.

[38] The sensor module 176 may sense an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., the state of a user) external to the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected condition. According to an embodiment, sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor. , humidity sensor or light sensor.

[39] Interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols allowing electronic device 101 to communicate with an external electronic device (eg, electronic device 102) directly (eg, via wires) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[40] Connector 178 may include a connector through which electronic device 101 can physically couple to an external electronic device (eg, electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, connector 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

[41] The haptic module 179 may convert the electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (eg, vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be recognized by the user through his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

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

[43] Power control module 188 may control power supplied to electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, power control module 188 may be implemented as at least a portion of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[44] Battery 189 may provide power to at least one component of electronic device 101. In an embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a primary cell that is not rechargeable, a secondary cell that is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

[45] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (eg, wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (eg, electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108) and communicating through the established communication channel . Communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors that are capable of operating independently of processor 120 (eg, application processor (AP)) and support direct (eg, wired) communications or wireless communications. According to an embodiment, communications module 190 may include a wireless communications module 192 (e.g., a cellular communications module, a short-range wireless communications module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communications module) or a wired communications module 194 (e.g., a local area network communications module (LAN) or power line communication (PLC) module). A respective one of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communications network, such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communications network, the Internet, or a computer network (eg, a LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (eg, a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (eg, multiple chips) separate from each other.Wireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate electronic device 101 on a communications network, such as first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriber information (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196.

[46] The wireless communication module 192 may support a 5G network, following a 4G network, and a new generation communication technology, such as new radio (NR) access technology. NR access technology can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), machine type streaming communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC). Wireless module 192 may support high frequency band (eg, millimeter wave) to achieve, for example, high data rates. Wireless communication module 192 may support various technologies to improve high frequency performance, such as beamforming, massive multiple input multiple output (massive MIMO), full-field MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beamforming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (eg, electronic device 104), or a network system (eg, second network 199). According to an embodiment, wireless module 192 may support peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB implementation, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC implementation, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0 .5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round-trip time of 1 ms or less) to implement URLLC.

[47] The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from (e.g., to or from an external electronic device) the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element consisting of a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (for example, a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (eg, an antenna array). In such a case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication circuit used in a communication network, such as first network 198 or second network 199, may be selected, for example, by communication module 190 (eg, wireless module 192) from among the plurality of antennas. The communication module 190 and the external electronic device can then exchange signal or power through the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be further formed as part of the antenna module 197.

[48] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a millimeter wave antenna module. According to an embodiment, a millimeter wave antenna module may include a circuit board, an RFIC located on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the circuit board and capable of supporting a predetermined high frequency band (e.g., millimeter wave), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an antenna array) located on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top or side surface) of a printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in a specified high frequency range.

[49] At least some of the above-described components may be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) through a peripheral communication circuit (e.g., a general purpose input and output (GPIO) bus, a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI).

[50] According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via a server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the electronic devices 102 or 104 may be the same type of device as the electronic device 101, or other type. According to an embodiment, all or some of the operations to be performed on the electronic device 101 may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 is to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or other device, electronic device 101, instead of or in addition to performing a function or service, may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service. One or more external electronic devices receiving the request may implement at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or additional service associated with the request, and transfer the result of the implementation to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result, with additional with or without processing the result, as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC) or client-server computing technology can be used, for example. Electronic device 101 may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to smart services (eg, smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or technologies related to IoT.

[51] In FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electronic device 200 in a flat state according to various exemplary embodiments. In fig. 3 is a diagram showing the electronic device 200 in a folded state according to various exemplary embodiments. In fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device 200 according to various example embodiments.

[52] In describing various exemplary embodiments, by way of example, a configuration may be considered in which a pair of housings (eg, first housing 210 and second housing 220) are pivotally connected directly or indirectly to each other by at least a hinge structure (eg, a module 202 loops containing the loop in Fig. 4 and/or 5). However, it should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the electronic device 200 according to various example embodiments. For example, the electronic device 200 according to various exemplary embodiments may include three or more housings, a “pair of housings” according to an embodiment disclosed below may indicate “two housings rotatably connected to each other among three or more housings.”

[53] In the following detailed description, "+X/-X direction", "+Y/-Y direction" or "+Z/-Z direction" may be referred to, and the Cartesian coordinate system to be described below is described on the basis of the width X direction , the length direction Y or the thickness direction Z of the first body 210 as a whole in FIG. 2-4. For example, the direction definitions may vary differently according to embodiments or based on other designs of the electronic device 200 used as a reference. In addition, in the following detailed description, reference is made to the "front surface" or "back surface" of the electronic device 200 or housings 210 and 220, and regardless of the relative positions (e.g., flat state or folded state) of the housings 210 and 220, the surface, on which houses the flexible display 230 shown in FIG. 2 is defined as the "front surface of the electronic device 200 (or housings 210 and 220)", and the surface facing in the opposite direction of the surface on which the flexible display 230 is located is defined as the "rear surface of the electronic device 200 (or housings 210 and 220)" ". According to some embodiment, it may be referred to as “a configuration in which the electronic device 200 includes a display,” and “display” may refer to the flexible display 230 shown in FIG. 2-4.

[54] Referring to FIG. 2 and 3, according to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a pair of housings 210 and 220 rotatably connected directly or indirectly to each other, a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover 240 in FIGS. 3-4) covering the collapsible parts of the housings 210 and 220, and a flexible or foldable display 230 located in the space defined by the housings 210 and 220. According to an embodiment, the surface on which the foldable flexible display 230 is located may be defined as a first surface 210a and/or a third surface 220a of the electronic device 200 and/or housings 210 and 220. In another embodiment, the surface opposite the first surface 210a and/or third surface 220a is a second surface 210b and/or fourth surface 220b of the electronic device 200 and/or housings 210, 220. In another In an embodiment, the surface surrounding the space between the first surface 210a and the second surface 210b and/or the space between the third surface 220a and the fourth surface 220b can be defined as a side surface (for example, the first side surface 211a and the second side surface 221a) of the electronic device 200 and/or or housings 210 and 220.

[55] According to various embodiments, housings 210 and 220 may include a first housing (or first housing structure) 210, a second housing (or second housing structure) 220 including a sensor portion 224, a first back cover 280, a second back cover a cover 290 and a hinge structure or a hinge module 202 including a hinge. According to some embodiment, a sensor portion 224 may be provided on the first housing 210 (see FIG. 8), or additional sensor portions that are not shown may be provided on the first housing 210 and the second housing, respectively. The housings 210 and 220 of the electronic device 200 are not limited to the shapes or combination shown in FIG. 2 and 3, and may be implemented in other forms or other combinations and/or bundles of components. For example, in another embodiment, the first body 210 and the first back cover 280 may be formed together, and the second body 220 and the second back cover 290 may be formed together.

[56] According to various embodiments, the first body 210 may be coupled directly or indirectly to the hinge structure 202 for rotation about a first rotation axis (e.g., the first rotation axis C1 in FIG. 4), and include a first surface 210a facing a first direction (eg, the +Z direction), and a second surface 210b facing in a second direction (eg, the -Z direction) opposite the first direction. The second body 220 may be coupled directly or indirectly to the hinge structure 202 for pivoting about a second pivot axis (e.g., the second pivot axis C2 in FIG. 4), including a third surface 220a facing in a third direction and a fourth surface 220b facing in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and rotate about the hinge structure 202 relative to the first body 210. The third direction may indicate the Z-axis direction and be specified as a +Z direction or a -Z direction according to the flat state or the folded state. For example, electronic device 200 may enter a folded state or an expanded state. According to an embodiment, the distance between the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2 may be set differently according to the design of the hinge or hinge module 202. In some embodiment, the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 may be formed substantially parallel, and in another embodiment, the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 may be coincident with each other to form a folding axis A in FIG. 2. The design configuration of the loop or loop module 202 will be further described with reference to FIG. 5.

[57] In FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a loop structure or loop module 202 in an electronic device (eg, electronic device 200 in FIGS. 2-4) according to various exemplary embodiments.

[58] Additionally, according to FIG. 5, the hinge structure or hinge module 202 may include a hinge bracket 241, hinge arms 243a and 243b, and/or hinge pins 245a and 245b. According to an embodiment, multiple (eg, a pair) loop structures or loop modules 202 may be spaced apart in the electronic device 200. For example, a pair of loop modules 202 may be spaced at predetermined spacing in the y-axis direction. According to an embodiment, wiring (not shown) electrically connecting directly or indirectly to internal components of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be located in the gap or space between two hinge modules 202 (each hinge module contains a hinge), intersecting the first pivot axis C1 and/or or the second axis of rotation C2.

[59] According to various embodiments, the hinge bracket 241 may be substantially located within the hinge cover 240 and attached to the inner surface of the hinge cover 240. According to an embodiment, the first hinge arm 243a among the hinge arms 243a and 233b may be located or fixed on the first middle plate 252 and pivotally connected to the hinge bracket 241. For example, the first hinge pin 245a of the hinge pins 245a and 245b may pivotally connect the first hinge arm 243a to the hinge bracket 241. In another embodiment, the second hinge arm 243b among the hinge arms 243a and 233b may be located or fixed on the second middle plate 254 and pivotally connected to the hinge bracket 241. For example, the second hinge pin 245b of the pivot pins 245a and 245b may pivotally connect the second hinge arm 243b to the hinge bracket 241.

[60] According to various embodiments, the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2 may be substantially formed by hinge pins 245a and 245b. For example, the hinge pins 245a and 245b may be rotatably positioned on the hinge bracket 241 while remaining parallel to the Y-axis. In some embodiments, the hinge pins 245a and 245b may be attached to the hinge bracket 241, and the hinge arms 243a and 243b may be rotatably or rotatably connect directly or indirectly to hinge pins 245a and 245b. According to an embodiment, the distance between the first pivot axis C1 and the second pivot axis C2 may be set according to the distance between the hinge pins 245a and 245b on the hinge bracket 241.

[61] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state, the first surface 210a may face the third surface 220a, and when the electronic device 200 is in a flat state, the third direction may be aligned with the first direction. For example, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 can be rotated relative to each other between a first position in which the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are folded facing each other, and a second position in which the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are unfolded under a specified angle (for example, 180 degrees) from the first position. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is unfolded, the first and third directions may be the +Z direction, and the second and fourth directions may be the -Z direction. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is folded, the first and fourth directions may be the +Z direction, and the second and third directions may be the -Z direction. Unless otherwise noted, directions will be described based on the flat state of the electronic device 200.

[62] According to various embodiments, the first body 210 and the second body 220 may be located on either side of the folding axis A and are symmetrical in shape with respect to the folding axis A as a whole. As described below, the angle or distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may vary depending on whether the electronic device 200 is in a flat state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. According to an embodiment, although the second housing 220 further includes a sensor portion 224 in which various sensors are located, unlike the first housing 210, the second housing 220 may have a symmetrical shape in a different portion.

[63] According to various embodiments, electronic device 200 may include a structure into which a digital pen (eg, a stylus) can be inserted. For example, a hole 223 into which a digital pen can be inserted may be formed in a side surface of the first housing 210 or a second housing 220 of the electronic device 200. Since the digital pen can be inserted into the hole 223, the user can avoid the inconvenience of having to carry the digital pen separately. feather.

[64] According to various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may collectively define a recess to receive the display 230. In an embodiment, the display 230 may have a partially asymmetrical shape due to the sensor portion 224.

[65] According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be formed at least in part from a metallic material or a non-metallic material of a given rigidity to support the display 230. At least the portion made of the metallic material may provide a ground plane for the electronic device 200 and may be electrically coupled directly or indirectly to a ground line formed on a circuit board (eg, circuit boards 262 and 264 in FIG. 4).

[66] According to various embodiments, the sensor portion 224 may be configured to have a predetermined portion adjacent one corner of the second housing 220. However, the configuration, shape, and size of the sensor portion 224 are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiment, a sensor portion 224 may be provided at another corner of the second housing 220 or at any portion between the top corner and the bottom corner. According to an embodiment, components for performing various functions embedded in the electronic device 200 can be observed on the front surface of the electronic device 200 through the sensor portion 224 or through one or more openings provided in the sensor portion 224. In various embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensors may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, a light sensor, or a proximity sensor.

[67] According to various embodiments, the first back cover 280 may be located on the rear surface of the electronic device 200 (e.g., the first housing 210) on one side of the folding axis A and have, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery that may be surrounded by the first housing 210 Similarly, the second rear cover 290 may be located on the rear surface of the electronic device 200 (e.g., the second housing 220) on the other side of the folding axis A, and its periphery may be surrounded by the second housing 220.

[68] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 280 and the second rear cover 290 may be substantially symmetrical in shape about the folding axis (A-axis). However, the first back cover 280 and the second back cover 290 are not necessarily symmetrical in shape, and in another embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a first back cover 280 and a second back cover 290 that are different in shape. In another embodiment, the first back cover 280 may be formed in conjunction with the first body 210, and the second back cover 290 can be formed in common with the second body 220.

[69] According to various embodiments, the first back cover 280, the second back cover 290, the first housing 210, and the second housing 220 may define a space where various components (eg, a circuit board or battery) of the electronic device 200 can be located. According to an embodiment, one or more components may be located or visible on a rear surface of the electronic device 200. For example, the electronic device 200 may include an auxiliary display that is at least partially visually observable through the first rear portion 282 of the first rear cover 280. In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually visible through a second rear portion 292 of the second rear cover 290. In various embodiments, sensors exposed through the second rear portion 292 may include a proximity sensor and/or a rear camera.

[70] According to various embodiments, a front camera viewed on the front surface of the electronic device 200 through one or more openings provided in the sensor portion 224 or a rear camera viewed through a second rear portion 292 of the second rear cover 290 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor and/or an image signal processor. In some embodiment, the second rear portion 292 may include a flash, including, for example, an LED or a xenon lamp. In some embodiment, two or more lenses (IR camera, wide-angle lens, and telephoto lens) and image sensors may be located on the same surface of the electronic device 200.

[71] Referring to FIG. 3, the hinge cover 240 may be positioned between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and is configured to receive and cover internal components (eg, the hinge structure or hinge module 202 of FIG. 4). According to an embodiment, the hinge cover 240 may be covered by the first body 210 and the second body 220 or protruded outward according to the state (flat state or folded state) of the electronic device 200. According to the embodiment, in the first position, for example, in the folded state illustrated in fig. 3, the first body 210 and the second body 220 may be folded, substantially facing each other, and the hinge cover 240 may visibly protrude into an external space. In another embodiment, in a second position, such as the flat state illustrated in FIG. 2, the first body 210 and the second body 220 may be deployed at an angle of 180 degrees from the first position, and the hinge cover 240 may be substantially masked by the first body 210 and the second body 220. In another example, when the first body 210 and the second body 220 are in In the intermediate state in which they are folded at a certain angle, the hinge cover 240 may partially protrude outward between the first body 210 and the second body 220. However, in this case, the exposed area may be smaller than in the fully folded state. According to an embodiment, the hinge cover 240 may include a curved surface.

[72] According to various embodiments, the display 230 may be located in the space defined by the housings 210 and 220. For example, the display 230 may be recessed in a recess defined by the housings 210 and 220 and form substantially the front surface of the electronic device 200. Accordingly, the front surface of the electronic device 200 may include a partial portion of the first housing 210 and a partial portion of the second housing 220 that are adjacent to the display 230. Additionally, the rear surface of the electronic device 200 may include a first back cover 280, a partial portion of the first housing 210 adjacent a first rear cover 280, a second rear cover 290, and a partial portion of the second housing 220 adjacent the second rear cover 290.

[73] According to various embodiments, the display 230 may be referred to as a flexible display having at least a portion of a portion that is deformable into a flat or curved surface. According to an embodiment, the display 230 may include a folding portion 233, a first portion 231 located on one side of the folding portion 233 (e.g., the left side of the folding portion 233 illustrated in FIG. 2), and a second portion 232 located on the other side of the portion. 233 folding (for example, the right side of the folding portion 233 illustrated in FIG. 2).

[74] However, the portion dividing the display 230 illustrated in FIG. 2 is exemplary, and the display 230 may be divided into several (eg, four or more or two) areas according to design or function. For example, although the display portion 230 may be divided by a folding portion 233 extending parallel to the Y-axis or the folding axis (A-axis) according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, a portion of the display 230 may be divided by another folding portion (eg, a folding portion parallel to the X-axis) or another folding axis (eg, a folding axis parallel to the X-axis) in another embodiment. In an embodiment, the display 230 may be combined with or positioned adjacent to touch sensing circuitry, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digital tablet capable of sensing a magnetic stylus pen.

[75] According to various embodiments, the first portion 231 and the second portion 232 may be symmetrical in shape with respect to the folding portion 233 as a whole. However, unlike the first portion 231, the second portion 232 may include a cutout or transparent portion consistent with the presence of the sensor portion 224 and may be symmetrical to the first portion 231 in a different portion. In other words, the first portion 231 and the second portion 232 may include portions having a symmetrical shape and portions having an asymmetrical shape.

[76] Operations of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and each portion of the display 230 according to the states (eg, the unfolded state or the flat state and the folded state) of the electronic device 200 will be described below.

[77] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in a flat state (such as the state illustrated in FIG. 2), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be positioned at a predetermined angle, such as 180 degrees, and the first portion 231 and the second portion 232 of the display 230 may be oriented in the same direction. For example, the surface of the first portion 231 and the surface of the second portion 232 of the display 230 may form an angle of 180 degrees and face the same direction (eg, the front direction of the electronic device 200). The folding portion 233 may be located in the same plane as the first portion 231 and the second portion 232.

[78] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state (eg, the state illustrated in FIG. 3), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may face each other. The surface of the first portion 231 and the surface of the second portion 232 of the display 230 may form an acute angle (eg, 0 degrees to 10 degrees) and face each other. At least a portion of the folding portion 233 may be formed as a curved surface of a predetermined curvature.

[79] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in an intermediate state, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be positioned at some angle relative to each other, such as any angle between the first position in FIG. 3 and the second position in FIG. 2. The surface of the first portion 231 and the surface of the second portion 232 of the display 230 may be at an angle greater than in the folded state and less than in the flat state. At least a portion of the folding portion 233 may be formed as a curved surface of a predetermined curvature that may be less than that in the folded state.

[80] Referring to FIG. 4, electronic device 200 may include housings 210 and 220, a display 230, and circuit boards 262 and 264. Housings 210 and 220 may include a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a bracket assembly 250, a first back cover 280, a second back cover cover 290 and hinge design 202.

[81] According to various embodiments, the display 230 may include a display panel 235 and at least one support plate 237 on which the display panel 235 is mounted. The support plate 237 may be positioned between the display panel 235 and the bracket assembly 250.

[82] According to various embodiments, the staple assembly 250 may include a first center plate 252 and a second center plate 254. A hinge structure or hinge module 202 may be positioned between the first center plate 252 and the second center plate 254. When viewed from the outside, the module 202 the hinge may be covered by a hinge cover (eg, hinge cover 240 in FIG. 3). According to an embodiment, wiring (not shown) traversing the first middle plate 252 and the second middle plate 254 may be located on the staple assembly 250.

[83] According to various embodiments, the circuit boards 262 and 264 may include a first circuit board 262 located on the first middle plate 252 and a second circuit board 264 located on the second middle plate 254. the first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264 may be located within the space defined by the staple assembly 250, the first housing 210, the second housing 220, the first back cover 280, and the second back cover 290. Electrical/electronic components for implementing various functions of the electronic device 200 may be mounted on the first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board board 264. In some embodiment, each of the first circuit board 262 and the second circuit board 264 can be interpreted as one of electrical/electronic components.

[84] According to various embodiments, when the display 230 is connected directly or indirectly to the staple assembly 250, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 can be assembled to connect directly or indirectly to both sides of the staple assembly 250. For example, the first body 210 may include a first side piece 211 surrounding at least a portion of the side surface of the first middle plate 252, and the second body 220 may include a second side piece 221 surrounding at least a portion of the side surface of the second middle plate 254 The first housing 210 may include a first rotational support surface 212, and the second housing 220 may include a second rotational support surface 222 corresponding to the first rotational support surface 212. The first rotation support surface 212 and the second rotation support surface 222 may include curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surface included in the hinge cover 240. According to an embodiment, the first side piece 211 may include a first side surface 211a at least partially surrounding the space between the first surface 210a and the second surface 210b and perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction. According to an embodiment, the second side piece 221 may include a second side surface surrounding at least a portion between the third and fourth surfaces 220a and 220b and perpendicular to the third or fourth direction.

[85] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a flat state (for example, the electronic device in FIG. 2), the first rotation support surface 212 and the second rotation support surface 222 may hide the hinge cover 240, and thus the cover 240 loops may be no or minimally observed on the rear surface of the electronic device 200. In another example, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state (e.g., the electronic device in FIG. 3), the first rotation support surface 212 and the second rotation support surface 222 may be maximally open the hinge cover 240 to the outside of the electronic device 200.

[86] According to various embodiments, electronic device 200 may include at least one battery 269a and 269b. For example, electronic device 200 may include batteries 269a and 269b housed in one of housings 210 and 220 or two housings 210 and 220, respectively. Batteries 269a and 269b may be located substantially adjacent circuit boards 262 and 264 and supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, batteries 269a and 269b may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[87] According to various embodiments, relative displacement may occur between different parts of the electronic device 200 during a folding or unfolding operation. For example, when the housings 210 and 220 are moved relative to the hinge cover 240 in a folding or unfolding operation, the hinge cover 240 may be hidden or opened outward. According to an embodiment, the rear surface of the electronic device 200 (eg, the surface facing in the opposite direction of the surface on which the display 230 is located) may be extended relative to the front surface of the electronic device 200, such as the surface on which the display 230 is located in a folding operation. In another embodiment, the front surface of the electronic device 200 may be tapered relative to the rear surface of the electronic device 200 in a folding operation. For example, in a folding or unfolding operation, a relative displacement may occur between the front and rear surfaces of the electronic device 200. This relative displacement may be proportional to the thickness of the electronic device 200 (eg, thickness measured in the Z-axis direction). In some embodiment, the display 230 is a structure or electronic component that is not substantially expandable or compressible, and the relative displacement may be resolved by moving the housings 210 and 220 relative to the hinge cover 240 or selectively exposing the hinge cover 240 on the rear surface of the electronic device 200.

[88] According to various embodiments, display 230 may include a light emitting layer (e.g., first layer L1 in FIG. 6 or 10) including multiple pixels (e.g., pixels P1, P2, and P3 in FIG. 10), and a protective layer (for example, a second layer L2 in Fig. 6 or 10 as a window sheet or glass plate), and further include at least one more layer (for example, a third layer L3 in Fig. 6 or 10 as a polarizing plates, an electrode layer for detecting a touch, a printed layer, a decorative film and/or at least one adhesive layer connecting adjacent layers to each other) between the light-emitting layer and the protective layer. Relative displacement may occur in the display 230 according to the unfolding or folding operation. For example, the protective layer may be contracted or expanded relative to the light-emitting layer during the unfolding or folding operation. The relative offset in display 230 will be further described with reference to FIG. 6 and 7.

[89] In FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view showing the configuration of electronic devices 300 (eg, electronic devices 101, 102, 104 and 200 in FIGS. 1-4) in a flat state according to various exemplary embodiments. In fig. 7 is a schematic sectional view showing a folded configuration of the electronic device 300 according to various exemplary embodiments.

[90] Referring to FIG. 6 and 7, display 230 may include a first layer L1 (eg, a light-emitting layer) located on the support plate 237, a second layer L2 (eg, a protective layer) substantially defining an outer surface, and at least one third layer L3 , located between the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. In some embodiment, the support plate 237 can be interpreted essentially as a component of the display 230. The display panel 235 in FIG. 4 can be interpreted as a component including a first layer L1 and at least one third layer L3. In some embodiment, when a plurality of third layers L3 are provided, some or all of the plurality of third layers L3 may be interpreted as being included in the display panel 235 in FIG. 4.

[91] According to various embodiments, the first layer L1 may be located closer to the rear surface (eg, the surface facing the -Z direction in FIG. 6) of the electronic device 300 than the other layers of the display 230, and include a plurality of pixels ( for example, pixels P1, P2 and P3 in Fig. 10) for receiving an electrical signal and outputting visual information (for example, text, image or video). The second layer L2 is a layer directly exposed to the outside, which can protect other layers forming the display 230 from the external environment. The second layer L2 may include, for example, a synthetic resin film, for example formed from polyimide, acrylic and/or polycarbonate (PC), or thin glass, and its exposed surface may be coated with a scratch-resistant material, such as a resin ultraviolet curing. According to an embodiment, the third layer L3 may include, for example, a polarizing plate and, according to an embodiment, further include a touch sensing electrode layer, a printing layer, a decorative film, and/or at least one adhesive layer connecting adjacent layers together.

[92] According to various embodiments, in the flat state of FIG. 6, both ends of the layers L1, L2 and L3 may be aligned or positioned at a predetermined distance or spacing G from the inner walls of the housings 210 and 220. When each of the housings 210 and 220 is positioned on one side of the other, the front surface (e.g., surface facing the +Z direction in Fig. 6, on which the display 230 is located) and the rear surface of the electronic device 300 may have substantially the same length in the X-axis direction. 7, when the housings 210 and 220 are folded while facing each other, the hinge cover 240 can open outward and thus the length of the rear surface of the electronic device 300 can increase compared to the length of its front surface. As described above, the display 230 is a structure or electronic component that is not substantially expandable or compressible, and the relative movement (e.g., rotation) between the housings 210 and 220, and the hinge cover 240 may allow a folding or unfolding operation while preventing significant changes in length display 230.

[93] According to various embodiments, relative movement or displacement may occur between layers L1, L2, and L3 of display 230 during an unfolding operation or a folding operation. For example, the second layer L2 may be located as close as possible to the inner walls of the housings 210 and 220, relative to the first layer L1 located on the innermost side of the display 230 when folded. According to the folded state illustrated in FIG. 7, the second layer L2 may be positioned to be surrounded by the first layer L1, have a smaller radius of curvature at the curved portion (eg, folding portion 133 in FIG. 2) than the first layer L1, and move to the right relative to the first layer L1. For example, when the layers L1, L2 and L3 of the display 230 are aligned with the same distance or gap G from the inner walls of the housings 210 and 220 in a flat state, the spacing G from the inner walls of the housings 210 and 220 may be different for the layers L1, L2 and L3 folded. The difference in the gap G between the folded state and the flat state may be proportional to the thickness of the display 230 (eg, the thickness measured in the Z-axis direction in FIG. 6). The gap G illustrated in FIG. 6 may allow relative movement or offset between layers L1, L2, and L3 of display 230 and prevent or reduce direct contact of at least one (e.g., the second layer in FIG. 7) of layers L1, L2, and L3 of display 230 with internal walls of buildings 210 and 220.

[94] According to various embodiments, relative movement or offset between layers L1, L2, and L3 of display 230 can be visually perceived. For example, when the third layer L3 includes a decorative layer or a printed layer (for example, the printed layer L3' in FIG. 8), for example, a design or character, and/or when the printed layer L3' is provided between the second layer L2 and the third layer L3 , the relative movement of the printing layer L3' relative to the first layer L1 can be visually recognized by the user. This relative movement will be further described with reference to FIG. 8 and 9. Although the configuration of the printed layer L3' formed on the outer surface of the second layer L2 is shown in FIG. 8 and 9, this illustrates the position of a sensor portion (eg, sensor portion 224 of FIG. 2) or an electronic component (eg, print layer L3' in the X-axis direction relative to sensor module 176 of FIG. 1, camera module 180 of FIG. 1 and/or camera module 276 in Fig. 8), and it should be noted that the printed layer L3' may be formed on the inner surface of the second layer L2 (eg, between the second layer L2 and the third layer L3). When describing the embodiment in FIG. 8 and 9, it can be determined that the direction in which the camera module 276 receives light is parallel to the Z-axis, and the relative displacement occurs between layers L1, L2, L3 and L3' of the display 230 in the X-axis direction.

[95] In FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view showing the configuration of an electronic device 400 (eg, electronic devices 101, 102, 104 and 200 in FIGS. 1-4) in a flat state according to one of various exemplary embodiments. In fig. 9 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the electronic device 400 in a state in which the housings 210 and 220 are positioned at an angle to each other according to one of various exemplary embodiments.

[96] Referring to FIG. 8 and 9, electronic device 400 may include a sensor, such as a camera module 276 (e.g., sensor module 176 or camera module 180 in FIG. 1) located in correspondence with a sensor area (e.g., sensor area 224 in FIG. 2 ). The camera module 276 may be located on a support member (e.g., the first middle plate 252 in FIG. 4) and receive light along a path passing through a portion (e.g., transparent portion T) of the display 230. The display 230 may be substantially transparent in a portion or portion corresponding to the sensor portion 224 or the camera module 276 so that external light can enter the camera module 276. In the display 230, a “substantially transparent portion” can be interpreted as a portion in which there are no light output pixels. As described below, in a structure where a sensor (eg, camera module 276) is arranged overlapping with the display 230, a portion of the display 230 (eg, the first layer L1 or the light emitting layer) may not output screen or light. The area that is part of the display 230 and does not output screen or light can be defined as "dead space (eg, DS dead space in FIG. 10)" or "dead zone". In another embodiment, transparent portions provided in a plurality of layers L1, L2, and L3 may be aligned to provide a transparent portion T of the display 230, and the sensor portion 224 may be formed to correspond to a portion of the transparent portion T of the display 230. For example, the printed layer L3 ' can hide the edges of transparent areas provided in a plurality of layers L1, L2 and L3, defining a sensor area 224. In another embodiment, a printed layer L3' may be formed to define a sensor region, further obscuring the boundary between the region where the pixels are located (eg, pixels P1, P2, and P3 in FIG. 10) and the region (eg, the region designated ' NP' in Fig. 10), where there are no pixels. In another embodiment, although not shown, the dead space may include a first portion corresponding to the transparent portion T and a second portion around the first portion. The first portion may be transparent and thus transmit light, while the second portion may be substantially opaque and thus block light.

[97] According to various embodiments, when the camera module 276, the transparent portion T of the display 230, and/or the printed layer L3' (eg, the sensor portion 224) are aligned, a path may be provided in which external light falls on the camera module 276. In the flat state in Fig. 8, the camera module 276, the transparent portion T of the display 230, and/or the sensor portion 224 may be aligned in the Z-axis d direction, and the light incidence path may be substantially parallel to the Z-axis. According to an embodiment, the relative displacement may occur between layers L1, L2 , L3 and L3' of the display 230 in a folding operation. In a flat state, the housings 210 and 220 may be positioned at an angle of approximately 180 degrees with respect to each other, and the state in which the layers L1, L2, L3 and L3' of the display 230 are aligned as shown in FIG. 6 or 8 is defined as the "first alignment state". Since the angle between the bodies 210 and 220 is gradually reduced according to the folding operation, the layers L1, L2, L3 and L3' of the display 230 may gradually move or deform relative to each other, entering an alignment state different from the first alignment state. According to FIG. 9, the second layer L2 and/or the printed layer L3' (e.g., sensor portion 224) may move in the -X direction relative to the first layer L1 in the first housing 210. For example, the camera module 276 may be substantially attached to the first middle plate 252 and /or the first layer L1, and the printed layer L3' or the sensor portion 224 can be moved in the X-axis direction relative to the first layer L1 and/or the camera module 276.

[98] In various embodiments, when the housings 210 and 220 of the electronic device 400 are unfolded or tilted relative to each other, a user can operate the electronic device 400 by placing it on a flat surface (eg, a desk or dining table). For example, a user can make a video call or watch a broadcast or video recording while the housings 210 and 220 of the electronic device 400 are mounted on a flat surface in an inclined state relative to each other. According to an embodiment, the printed layer L3' on the first layer L1 may be differentiated according to a flat state or an inclined state due to the relative displacement between layers L1, L2, L3 and L3' of the display 230. In a portable electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal, changing the position of the printed layer L3 in the flat state and folded state is within about 1 mm. Although it is difficult for the user to substantially perceive this change in position, the change in position can be visually recognized by the user who adjusts the angle between the housings 210 and 220 differently and/or frequently. The numerical value given for illustrative purposes regarding the change in position of the printed layer L3 according to the flat state and the folded state is not limiting to various exemplary embodiments, and may vary according to the size (eg, thickness) of the electronic device or flexible display actually manufactured. The displacement of the printed layer L3' and/or the sensor portion 224 according to the change in the angle between the bodies 210 and 220 will be described with reference to FIG. 10-13.

[99] FIG. 10 illustrates a plurality of layers L1, L2, L3 and L3' in a first alignment state in a flexible display 230 (eg, display 230 in FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 4) in electronic devices 101, 102, 104 and 200 in FIG. 1-4) according to another of various exemplary embodiments. Fig. 11 illustrates a plurality of layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' in a second alignment state in a flexible display 230 in an electronic device according to another of various exemplary embodiments.

[100] Referring to FIG. 10 and 11, the print layer L3 may be provided to protect a sufficient actual area over which the display 230 can display the screen while hiding the edges of the transparent portions formed in the layers L1, L2, L3 and L3' of the display 230 even if relative displacement occurs. For example, when viewed from outside an electronic device (for example, the electronic device 200 in FIGS. 2-4), the portion NP in which the pixels P1, P2, and P3 are not located, such as the dead space DS, may have a size corresponding to the size of the printed layer L3 '. In the first alignment state, for example, the flat state in FIG. 2, the print layer L3' and the dead space DS may be arranged in substantially concentric circles aligned with the camera module 276. When the dead space DS is sized to match the size of the print layer L3', the sensor portion 224 may move relative to the camera module 276, and the print layer L3' may cover a portion of the first layer L1, for example, pixels P1, P2, and P3 in the portion outside the dead space DS in a folded state or in a second alignment state in which the housings 210 and 220 are positioned at an angle to each other, as shown in FIG. 11. For example, in a state in which the housings 210 and 220 are positioned at an angle to each other (for example, the second alignment state in FIG. 11), a portion of the screen output by the display 230 may be covered with a printing layer L3' and thus , may not be transmitted to the user.

[101] According to various embodiments, when the dead space DS and the print layer L3' are concentrically aligned in a flat state, relative movement of the sensor portion 224 relative to the camera module 276 may result in a misalignment between the centers of the dead space DS and the print layer L3', as shown in fig. 11. Although the change in the position of the printed layer L3' is a natural phenomenon caused by the relative position of the housings 210 and 220 and not a defect or damage to the electronic device 200/400, the user may experience discomfort when sensing the change in the position of the printed layer L3'.

[102] FIG. 12 illustrates a plurality of layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' in a first alignment state in a flexible display 230 (e.g., display 230 in FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 4) in an electronic device (e.g., electronic devices 101, 102, 104, and 200 in Fig. 1-4) according to another of various exemplary embodiments. Fig. 13 illustrates a plurality of layers L1, L2, L3, and L3' in a second alignment state in a flexible display 230 in an electronic device according to another of various exemplary embodiments.

[103] Referring to FIG. 12 and 13, compared with the embodiment in FIG. 10 and 11, the screen may not be blocked even when the print layer L3' moves over the camera module 276 or the first layer L1 in a structure where the portion NP where the pixels P1, P2 and P3 are not placed on the first layer L1 and/or the dead space DS additionally expanded. For example, when viewed from outside the electronic device, the printed layer L3' may not deviate from the dead space DS and may not substantially block the screen output from the display 230 even if a relative position change occurs. Although the center of the dead space DS and the center of the printed layer L3' may diverge slightly according to a change in the position of the printed layer L3' in the structure where the dead space DS expands, the printed layer L3' may not cover the output screen, thereby preventing or alleviating user discomfort due to with defects or damage. In some embodiment, when the dead space DS and the printing layer L3' have the same color, the effect of preventing or alleviating discomfort can be increased. However, the expansion of DS dead space may indicate that the area where the screen is displayed is becoming substantially smaller.

[104] A flexible display and/or electronic device including a flexible display according to various exemplary embodiments (e.g., display 230 and/or electronic device 200 in FIGS. 2-4) may have a dead space DS that is substantially sized to size of the printed layer L3', and prevent or alleviate user discomfort caused by a change in relative position. For example, when the relative position of the printed layer L3' changes, the display 230 (for example, the first layer L1 or the light-emitting layer) may output a virtual dead space (for example, a virtual dead space VS1 or VS2 in Fig. 14 or 15) having substantially the same color or brightness as DS dead space. The implementation configuration of the virtual dead space will be further described with reference to FIG. 14 and 15.

[105] In FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of user experience implemented by an electronic device (eg, electronic devices 101, 102, 104 and 200 in FIGS. 1-4) according to various exemplary embodiments.

[106] Referring to FIG. 14, the dead space DS, the print layer L3' and/or the pixels P1, P2 and P3 of the first layer L1 (eg, the light emitting layer) may be arranged in a similar or substantially the same manner as in FIG. 10. For example, the ratio of the area where the screen is displayed on the display 230 may be increased by minimizing or reducing the dead space DS. According to an embodiment, when the print layer L3' moves from the dead space DS and covers the screen (eg, text, image, or video) is output from the display 230, the electronic device (eg, processor 120 in FIG. 1) may output the virtual dead space VS1 to part of the screen, and the printed layer L3' can be positioned so as not to substantially deviate from the virtual dead space VS1. The virtual dead space VS1 can be implemented in a circular or elliptical shape, and the position and size of the virtual dead space VS1 can be set in accordance with the portion where the actual dead space DS and the printed layer L3' are located.

[107] According to various embodiments, the relative offset of the printed layer L3' or sensor portion 224 relative to the camera module 276 (containing the camera) and/or the first layer L1 (eg, dead space DS) may vary depending on the thickness of the display 230, the distance from rotation axis (eg, folding axis A in FIG. 2 or hinge axis C1 and C2 in FIG. 4), and tilt angle (eg, folding angle) between housings 210 and 220). For example, the relative displacement of the printed layer L3' or the sensor portion 224 according to the tilt angle can be calculated during the design process of an electronic device (eg, electronic devices 101, 102, 104 and 200 in FIGS. 1-4). Electronic device and/or processor 120 in FIG. 1 may sense the angle of inclination between housings 210 and 220 in real time using another sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor or sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 including at least one sensor) and determine the position or size of the virtual dead space VS1 based on the data (eg, differences in radius between the dead space DS and the printed layer L3' and/or offsets of the printed layer L3' according to the tilt angle) calculated during the design process, and the recorded tilt angle.

[108] In FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example of user experience implemented by an electronic device (eg, electronic devices 101, 102, 104 and 200 in FIGS. 1-4) according to various exemplary embodiments.

[109] Referring to FIG. 15, an electronic device (eg, electronic device 101, 102, 104, 200 in FIGS. 1-4) and/or processor 120 in FIG. 1 may determine the size and position of the virtual dead space VS2 based on the dead space radius DS and the offset of the printed layer L3' (eg, sensor area 224). In the first alignment state in FIG. 10, the dead space DS and the print layer L3' can be arranged on concentric circles, and when the print layer L3' moves relative to the dead space DS, a virtual dead space VS2 can be formed around the print layer L3'. "Generating virtual dead space VS2" may indicate that a circle having substantially the same color as the dead space DS and/or the print layer L3' is displayed on the screen. According to an embodiment, the virtual dead space VS2 may have a radius equal to the sum of the radius of the actual dead space DS and the offset of the printing layer L3' and be located substantially on a circle concentric with the circle of the printing layer L3. For example, an electronic device (eg, electronic devices 101, 102, 104, 200 in FIGS. 1-4) and/or processor 120 in FIG. 1 can determine the size of the virtual dead space based on the angle of inclination between the bodies 210 and 220 and data calculated during the design process (for example, the radius of the dead space D and the offset of the printed layer according to the angle of inclination), and display the virtual dead space on the screen at a position where the virtual dead space forms a circle concentric with the printed layer.

[110] According to various embodiments, compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the virtual dead space VS2 and the print layer L3' may be arranged on a larger concentric circle according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15. For example, although the text, image or video display portion of the screen is somewhat reduced in the second alignment state in FIG. 15, the printed layer L3' may not cover the text, image or video output from the display. In some embodiment, compared to the embodiment of FIG. 12 or 13, text, image or video may be output using additional portions in the first alignment state according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15.

[111] In FIG. 16 and 17 are illustrative diagrams showing a method of operating an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the function or operation described with reference to FIG. 16 may be related to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, and the function or operation described with reference to FIG. 17 may be related to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15.

[112] Referring to FIG. 16, the electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment can identify the folding angle of the electronic device 101 in operation 1610. The electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment can detect the tilt angle between the housings 210 and 220 in real time by detecting the magnitude of the magnetic force using, for example, Hall sensor. To this end, a first lookup table specifying the relationship between magnetic force values (or changes in magnetic force) detected by the Hall sensor and inclination angles may be stored in advance in the electronic device 101 according to an exemplary embodiment (for example, during the design process of the electronic device 101). The electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment can identify the folding angle of the electronic device 101 using the first lookup table. In step 1620, the electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment may identify an offset of the printing layer L3' according to the identified folding angle. A second lookup table specifying the relationship between folding angles and offsets of the printing layer L3' may be stored in advance in the electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment. The electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment can identify the offset of the printing layer L3' according to the identified folding angle using the second lookup table. The electronic device 101 according to an exemplary embodiment may generate a virtual dead space portion substantially contacting the portion of the portion boundary corresponding to the printing layer L3' in step 1630. The electronic device 101 according to an exemplary embodiment may generate a virtual dead space portion by establishing, for example, a difference between the sum diameter of the dead space DS and the identified offset and the difference in radius between the dead space DS and the printed layer L3' (in other words, the diameter of the dead space DS+identified offset is the difference between the radius of the dead space DS and the radius of the printed layer L3') as the long axis of the virtual dead space (in the case of an elliptical virtual dead space) or the diameter of the virtual dead space (in the case of a circular virtual dead space). According to an exemplary embodiment, when the virtual dead space has an elliptical shape, the electronic device 101 can determine that the short axis of the virtual dead space has a value between the length of the long axis of the virtual dead space and the diameter of the actual dead space DS. The electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment can determine the virtual dead space portion according to the long axis length and the short axis length determined as described above. At step 1640, electronic device 101 according to an exemplary embodiment may output at least a portion of the virtual dead space portion generated at step 1630 in a specified color (eg, black). The electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment can output the remaining portion of the virtual dead space portion excluding the actual dead space portion DS and the printing layer L3' in a predetermined color.

[113] Referring to FIG. 17, the electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment can identify the folding angle of the electronic device 101 in operation 1710. The electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment can detect the tilt angle between the housings 210 and 220 in real time by detecting the magnitude of the magnetic force using, for example, Hall sensor. To this end, a first lookup table specifying the relationship between magnetic force values (or changes in magnetic force) detected by the Hall sensor and inclination angles may be stored in advance in the electronic device 101 according to an exemplary embodiment (for example, during the design process of the electronic device 101). The electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment can identify the folding angle of the electronic device 101 using the first lookup table. In operation 1720, the Electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment may identify the offset of the printing layer L3' according to the identified folding angle. A second lookup table specifying the relationship between folding angles and offsets of the printing layer L3' may be stored in advance in the electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment. The electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment can identify the offset of the printing layer L3' according to the identified folding angle using the second lookup table. The electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment can generate a virtual dead space portion such that the position to which the center of the portion (for example, the printing layer L3') corresponding to the printing layer is moved substantially coincides with the center of the virtual dead space portion based on the identified offset in operation 1730. The electronic device 101 according to an exemplary embodiment may determine the size of the virtual dead space based on the angle of inclination between the housings 210 and 220 and data (for example, dead space radius DS and offset of the printed layer according to the inclination angle) calculated during the design process, and display the virtual dead space on the screen at a position where the virtual dead space forms a circle concentric with the printing layer. For example, the electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment may determine the virtual dead space VS2 such that the virtual dead space VS2 has a radius equal to the sum of the radius of the actual dead space DS and the offset of the printed layer L3'. Accordingly, the position to which the center of the portion (eg, the printing layer L3') corresponding to the printing layer is moved by folding substantially coincides with the center of the virtual dead space portion. At operation 1740, electronic device 101 according to an exemplary embodiment may output at least a portion of the portion of virtual dead space generated at operation 1730 in a specified color (eg, substantially black). The electronic device 101 according to the exemplary embodiment can output the remaining portion of the virtual dead space portion excluding the actual dead space portion DS and the printing layer L3' in a predetermined color.

[114] An electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment may include a flexible display and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to identify a fold angle of the electronic device, identify an offset of the printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified fold angle, generate a portion of the virtual dead space substantially contacting a portion of the boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified offset, and display at least a portion of the generated portion of the virtual dead space in a specified color on the flexible display.

[115] An electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment may include a flexible display and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to identify a folding angle of the electronic device, identify an offset of the printed layer of the flexible display according to the identified folding angle, generate a region of virtual dead space based on the identified offset, wherein the center of the printed layer moves when the electronic device is folded, substantially aligned with the center of the virtual dead space portion, and display at least a portion of the generated virtual dead space portion in a predetermined color on the flexible display.

[116] A method for controlling an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment may include identifying a folding angle of the electronic device, identifying an offset of the printed layer of the flexible display according to the identified folding angle, generating a portion of the virtual dead space substantially contacting a portion of the boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display, at based on the identified offset, and displaying at least a portion of the generated virtual dead space portion in a predetermined color on the flexible display.

[117] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic device. Electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communications device (eg, a smartphone), a computing device, a portable media device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an exemplary embodiment, electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

[118] It is clear that the various embodiments of the present invention and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to specific embodiments and to include various variations, equivalents, or replacements for the corresponding embodiment. With respect to the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to denote similar or related elements. It should be understood that the singular form of the noun corresponding to an element may include one or more instances, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. Each of the expressions used herein, for example, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B or C”, may include any of, or all possible combinations of, the elements listed together in the corresponding one of the expressions. Terms used herein, for example, “1st” and “2nd” or “first” and “second” may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding component from another, and do not limit the components in another aspect (for example, importance or order) It should be understood that if an element (eg, the first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operational” or “communicatively”, “connected to”, “associated with”, “connected to” or “connected to” " to another element (eg, a second element), this means that the element may be connected to another element directly (for example, via wires), without wires, or through at least third element(s).

[119] As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms such as logic, logic block, part, or circuit. A module may be a single integral component or a minimal unit or part thereof configured to perform 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). So each "module" here can contain a schema.

[120] Various embodiments set forth herein may be implemented in software (eg, as a program 140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (eg, internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that read by a machine (eg, electronic device 101). For example, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one of one or more instructions stored on a storage medium and execute it with or without the use of one or more other components under the control of the processor . This allows the machine to operate to carry out at least one function according to the at least one invoked instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executed by an interpreter. The computer-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (such as an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not distinguish between the case where data is semi-permanently stored on the storage medium and when data is temporarily stored on the medium data.

[121] In an embodiment, the method according to various example embodiments may be included and provided in a computer program product. A computer software product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a read-only compact disc (CD-ROM)), or distributed (e.g., downloaded or downloaded) online through an application store (e.g., PlayStore™) or directly between two user devices (for example, smartphones). When distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored on a computer-readable storage medium, such as in the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server.

[122] According to various embodiments, each component (eg, module or program) of the components described above may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately located in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (eg, modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more of the functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similar to how they are performed by the corresponding one of the plurality of components prior to integration. In various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order or eliminated, or one or more other operations may be added.

[123] Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in combination with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims (26)

1. Electronic device containing: flexible display and at least one processor, wherein at least one processor is configured to: identification of the folding angle of the electronic device, identifying the displacement of the printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified folding angle, generating a portion of virtual dead space substantially contacting a portion of the boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified offset, and controls for displaying at least a portion of the generated portion of the virtual dead space in a predetermined color on the flexible display. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor module comprising at least one sensor configured to identify a folding angle. 3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured such that a portion of the flexible display corresponding to a printed layer of the flexible display is provided in a color substantially the same as a specified color. 4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the virtual dead space portion is substantially in contact with a portion of the boundary of the actual dead space portion while substantially contacting a portion of the boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display. 5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine the long axis of the virtual dead space region by at least calculating the difference between the sum of the diameter of the actual dead space region and the identified offset and the difference between the radius of the region actual dead space and radius of the printed layer of the flexible display. 6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine the short axis of the virtual dead space as a value between the length of the determined long axis of the virtual dead space and the diameter of the actual dead space. 7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to control to output the remaining portion excluding the portion of the actual dead space and the printed layer of the flexible display in a predetermined color. 8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to identify an offset of the printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified folding angle using at least a lookup table previously stored in the memory of the electronic device. 9. A method of controlling an electronic device including a flexible display, comprising the steps of: identify the folding angle of the electronic device, identifying displacement of the printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified folding angle, generating a portion of virtual dead space substantially in contact with at least a portion of the boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified offset, and displaying at least part of the generated area of virtual dead space in a given color on a flexible display. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising presenting a portion of the flexible display corresponding to a printed layer of the flexible display in a color substantially the same as the predetermined color. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the virtual dead space portion is substantially in contact with a portion of the boundary of the actual dead space portion while substantially contacting a portion of the boundary of the printed layer of the flexible display. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of determining the long axis of the virtual dead space portion by at least calculating the difference between the sum of the diameter of the actual dead space portion and the identified offset and the difference between the radius of the actual dead space portion and the printed radius flexible display layer. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising determining the short axis of the virtual dead space as a value between the length of the determined long axis of the virtual dead space and the diameter of the actual dead space. 14. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of outputting the remaining portion excluding the portion of the actual dead space and the printed layer of the flexible display in a given color. 15. The method of claim 9, further comprising identifying an offset of the printed layer of the flexible display based on the identified folding angle using at least a lookup table previously stored in the electronic device.