WO2022108304A1

WO2022108304A1 - Electronic device comprising expandable screen and operating method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2022108304A1
Application number: PCT/KR2021/016803
Authority: WO
Inventors: 박경태; 홍성민; 김양욱; 김완규; 오영학; 이상언
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2020-11-17
Filing date: 2021-11-16
Publication date: 2022-05-27

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present document, an electronic device may comprise: a first housing; a second housing slidably movable from the first housing to a first direction; a third housing movable from the second housing to a second direction different from the first direction; a flexible display, at least a part of which is disposed in the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing and in which a display area is changed in at least the first direction or the second direction according to sliding of the second housing or the third housing; and a processor configured to display an icon on the basis of a shape of the display area changed according to the sliding of the second housing or the third housing. Various other embodiments are possible.

Description

Electronic device including expandable screen and operating method therefor

Various embodiments of the present document relate to an electronic device including an expandable screen and an operating method thereof.

Electronic devices are being provided in various forms such as smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), or personal digital assistants (PDA) with the development of digital technology. Electronic devices are being designed to provide a larger screen while maintaining portability.

The electronic device, for example, may be implemented with a screen in an expandable form factor, and a corresponding user experience (UX) is required.

Various embodiments of the present document may provide an electronic device including an expandable screen capable of providing an intuitive user experience corresponding to screen expansion or reduction, and an operating method thereof.

The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. There will be.

According to one embodiment of the present document, the electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing slidable from the first housing in a first direction, and moving from the second housing in a second direction different from the first direction. Possible third housing, said first housing, said second housing, and at least partly located in said third housing, such that in accordance with the sliding movement of said second housing or said third housing at least in said first direction or said second direction and a flexible display in which a display area is variable, and a processor configured to display an icon based on a shape of the display area that is deformed according to a sliding movement of the second housing or the third housing.

According to one embodiment of the present document, the electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing slidable from the first housing in a first direction, and moving from the second housing in a second direction different from the first direction. Possible third housing, said first housing, said second housing, and at least partly located in said third housing, such that in accordance with the sliding movement of said second housing or said third housing at least in said first direction or said second direction A flexible display with a variable display area, and a processor configured to display a first type of first icon corresponding to at least one or more applications and a second type of second icon corresponding to at least one other application through the flexible display; may include

According to an embodiment of the present document, in the method of operating an electronic device, the electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing slidable from the first housing in a first direction, and a first direction from the second housing. It may include a third housing movable in a second direction different from the first. At least a portion of the electronic device is positioned in the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing, so that at least the first direction or the second direction according to the sliding movement of the second housing or the third housing A flexible display having a variable display area may be included, and the method may include detecting sliding movement of the second housing or the third housing, and displaying an icon based on the shape of the display area. can

An electronic device including an expandable screen and an operating method thereof according to various embodiments of the present document may provide an intuitive user experience corresponding to screen expansion or reduction, thereby improving user satisfaction or usability.

In addition, effects obtainable or predicted by various embodiments of the present document may be directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present document.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

2 illustrates an electronic device including an expandable screen according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a structure of a portion indicated by reference numeral 'A' in the electronic device of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.

4 is a block diagram of the electronic device of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.

5 illustrates an operation flow of the electronic device of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, or 10 are reference views for explaining the operation flow of FIG. 5 .

11 illustrates an operation flow of the electronic device of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

12 or 13 is, for example, a reference diagram for explaining the operation flow of FIG. 11 .

14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the electronic device of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is, for example, a reference diagram for explaining the operation flow of FIG. 14 .

16 illustrates an operation flow of the electronic device of FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is, for example, a reference diagram for explaining the operation flow of FIG. 16 .

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present document will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

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

The processor 120, for example, executes software (eg, the program 140) to execute at least one other component (eg, hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. It can control and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or computation, the processor 120 converts commands or data received from other components (eg, the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190 ) to the volatile memory 132 . may be stored in the volatile memory 132 , and may process commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 , and store the result data in the non-volatile memory 134 . According to an embodiment, the processor 120 is the main processor 121 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor 123 (eg, a graphic processing unit, a neural network processing unit) a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, when the electronic device 101 includes the main processor 121 and the sub-processor 123 , the sub-processor 123 may use less power than the main processor 121 or may be set to be specialized for a specified function. can The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from or as a part of the main processor 121 .

The auxiliary processor 123 is, for example, on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (eg, sleep) state, or the main processor 121 is active (eg, executing an application). ), together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (eg, the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) It is possible to control at least some of the related functions or states. According to an embodiment, the co-processor 123 (eg, an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (eg, the camera module 180 or the communication module 190). have. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, a neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. Artificial intelligence models can be created through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, in the electronic device 101 itself on which the artificial intelligence model is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (eg, the server 108). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but the above-described example is not limited to The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. Artificial neural networks include deep neural networks (DNNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), restricted boltzmann machines (RBMs), deep belief networks (DBNs), bidirectional recurrent deep neural networks (BRDNNs), It may be one of deep Q-networks, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the above example. The artificial intelligence model may include, in addition to, or alternatively, a software structure in addition to the hardware structure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols that may be used for the electronic device 101 to directly or wirelessly connect with an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102 ). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module comprises a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first side (eg, underside) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (eg, mmWave band); and a plurality of antennas (eg, an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent to a second side (eg, top or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the designated high frequency band. can

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

According to an embodiment, the command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 through the server 108 connected to the second network 199 . Each of the external

electronic devices

102 or 104 may be the same as or different from the electronic device 101 . According to an embodiment, all or a part of operations executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more external

electronic devices

102 , 104 , or 108 . For example, when the electronic device 101 is to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or other device, the electronic device 101 may perform the function or service itself instead of executing the function or service itself. Alternatively or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform at least a part of the function or the service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit a result of the execution to the electronic device 101 . The electronic device 101 may process the result as it is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. For this, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device 101 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199 . The electronic device 101 may be applied to an intelligent service (eg, smart home, smart city, smart car, or health care) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 illustrates an electronic device 2 including an expandable screen according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a structure 300 of a portion indicated by reference numeral 'A' in the electronic device 2 of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.

2 and 3 , the electronic device 2 may include a housing (or a housing structure) 20 and a flexible display 30 . The housing 20 includes a first housing (or a first housing structure) 21 , a second housing (or a second housing structure) 22 , or a third housing (or a third housing structure) 23 . may include The second housing 22 and the third housing 23 may be slidable in different directions with respect to the first housing 21 . A sliding structure for sliding of the second housing 22 may be provided between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22 . A sliding structure for sliding of the third housing 23 may be provided between the first housing 21 and the third housing 23 . The sliding structure may include, for example, a guide rail and a slide or a roller guided and moved by the guide rail. The sliding structure may be implemented in a variety of other ways. The flexible display 30 may form a screen (or display area) S that is viewed from the outside of the electronic device 2 . The flexible display 30 includes a first area (①) corresponding to the first housing 21, a second area (②) extending from the first area (①) and corresponding to the second housing 22, and a first It may include a third area (③) extending from the area (①) and corresponding to the third housing (23). At least a part of the second region (②) may be drawn out of the electronic device 2 or drawn into the inside of the electronic device 2 according to the sliding of the second housing 22 , and thus the first direction (+ The size of the screen S in the x-axis direction) may vary. At least a portion of the third region (③) may be drawn out of the electronic device 2 or drawn into the inside of the electronic device 2 according to the sliding of the third housing 23, and thus the second direction (+) The size of the screen S in the y-axis direction) may vary.

The state in which the screen S is extended in the first direction (eg, the +x axis direction) is, for example, a state in which the second housing 22 is moved to the maximum in which the second housing 22 is not moved any more in the first direction, and the electronic device (2) may be referred to as a 'first open state', a 'first screen extended state', or a 'first display area extended state'. The state in which the screen S is extended in the second direction (eg, the +y-axis direction) is, for example, a state in which the third housing 22 is moved to the maximum in which the third housing 22 is no longer moved in the second direction, and the electronic device (2) may be referred to as a 'second open state', a 'second screen extended state', or a 'second display area extended state'. The state in which the screen S is expanded in the first direction and the second direction includes, for example, the first open state and the second open state, and includes a 'third open state' and a ' It may be referred to as a 'third screen extended state' or a 'third display area extended state' (refer to FIG. 2 ). The state in which the screen S is not expanded is, for example, a state in which the second housing 22 is not moved in the first direction with respect to the first housing 21 and a state in which the third housing 23 is moved in the second direction. The non-moved state may be referred to as a 'closed state' of the electronic device 2 .

According to some embodiments, when the second housing 22 is moved at least partially in the first direction (eg, the +x axis direction) with respect to the first housing 21, the 'slide out ( slide-out)'. When the second housing 22 is at least partially moved in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the first housing 21 (eg, the -x axis direction), the second housing 22 'slides in (slide)' -in)'. When the third housing 23 is at least partially moved in the second direction (eg, the +y-axis direction) with respect to the first housing 21 , it may be referred to as a 'slide out' of the third housing 23 . When the third housing 23 is moved at least partially in a direction opposite to the second direction (eg, -y-axis direction) with respect to the first housing 21, it is a 'slide-in' of the third housing 23. may be referred to.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second area (②) of the flexible display 30 is a bent portion of the flexible display 30 when the state of the electronic device 2 changes, for example, a first bendable area ) or other terms such as a first bendable section. The third area (③) of the flexible display 30 is a bent portion of the flexible display 30 when the state of the electronic device 2 changes. may be referred to as terms.

According to some embodiments, in the electronic device 2 having the screen S expandable in response to the slide-out of the second housing 22 or the slide-out of the third housing 23, the flexible display 30 is ' It may also be referred to by other terms such as 'expandable display' or 'slide-out display'.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 2 may include a first support structure 31 coupled to the first housing 21 or formed at least partially integrally with the first housing 21 . The first area (①) of the flexible display 30 may be disposed or combined with the first support structure 31 . The electronic device 2 may include a second support structure 32 positioned in the second housing 22 to correspond to the second region ② of the flexible display 30 . The electronic device 2 may include a third support structure 33 positioned in the third housing 23 to correspond to the third region ③ of the flexible display 30 . In the slide out of the second housing 22, the second support structure 32 moves away from the first support structure 31 associated with the first region ①, and at least a portion of the second region ② It may be withdrawn to the outside through between the second housing 22 and the second support structure 32 . In the slide-in of the second housing 22, the second support structure 32 is brought closer to the first support structure 31 coupled to the first region (①), and at least a portion of the second region (②) is It may be introduced into the interior of the housing 20 through between the second housing 22 and the second support structure 32 . In the slide out of the third housing 23, the third support structure 33 moves away from the first support structure 31 associated with the first region ①, and at least a portion of the second region ② It may be drawn out through the space between the third housing 23 and the third support structure 33 . In the slide-in of the third housing 23, the third support structure 33 comes closer to the first support structure 31 coupled to the first region ①, and at least a part of the second region ② It may be introduced into the housing 20 through between the third housing 23 and the third support structure 33 .

According to an embodiment, the second support structure 32 may include a first curved portion 32a corresponding to the second area ② of the flexible display 30 . In some embodiments, the second support member 32 may be referred to as a 'first curved member', a 'first curved support member', or a 'first curved support structure'. In the slide-out of the second housing 22 , at least a portion of the second region (②) included in the flexible display 30 is external through the curved space between the second housing 22 and the first curved portion 32a. can be withdrawn. In the slide-in of the second housing 22 , at least a portion of the second region ② included in the flexible display 30 passes through the curved space between the second housing 22 and the first curved portion 32a of the housing. (20) may be introduced into the interior.

According to an embodiment, the third support structure 33 may include a second curved portion 33a corresponding to the third area ③ of the flexible display 30 . In some embodiments, the third support member 33 may be referred to as a 'second curved member', a 'second curved support member', or a 'second curved support structure'. In the slide-out of the third housing 23 , at least a portion of the third region ③ included in the flexible display 30 is externally passed through the curved space between the third housing 23 and the second curved portion 33a. can be withdrawn. In the slide-in of the third housing 23 , at least a portion of the third region ③ included in the flexible display 30 passes through the curved space between the third housing 23 and the second curved portion 33a of the housing. (20) may be introduced into the interior.

According to an embodiment, the first radius of curvature at which the second area (②) of the flexible display 30 is bent corresponding to the first curved portion 32a is the third area (③) of the flexible display 30 is the second It may be different from the second radius of curvature that is bent corresponding to the curved portion 33a.

The first display support structure 36 and the second display support structure 37 may be disposed or coupled to the rear surface of the flexible display 30 , for example. The rear surface of the flexible display 30 may refer to a surface positioned opposite to a surface from which light is emitted from a display panel including a plurality of pixels. According to an embodiment, the first display support structure 36 may be disposed on the rear surface of the second region (②) included in the flexible display 30 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the second display support structure 37 may be disposed on the rear surface of the third region ③ included in the flexible display 30 . In the slide out or slide in of the second housing 22 , the first display support structure 36 may be moved while rubbing the first curved portion 32a of the second support structure 32 . In the slide out or slide in of the third housing 23 , the second display support structure 37 may move while rubbing the second curved portion 33a of the third support structure 33 .

The first display support structure 36 is configured such that, in one embodiment, the second area (②) of the flexible display 30 is maintained in a shape that is smoothly connected to the first area (①) of the flexible display 30 . (②) can be supported. The first display support structure 36 is configured such that, in transition between a closed state and an open state (eg, a first open state or a third open state) of the electronic device 2 , the second region (②) becomes the first region (①). It can contribute to being mobile while maintaining a form that is seamlessly connected to the

The second display support structure 37 is, in an embodiment, the third area so that the third area (③) of the flexible display 30 is smoothly connected to the first area (①) of the flexible display 30 . (③) can be supported. The second display support structure 37 is configured such that, in the transition between the closed state and the open state (eg, the second open state or the third open state) of the electronic device 2 , the third region (③) becomes the first region (①). It can contribute to being mobile while maintaining a form that is seamlessly connected to the

According to one embodiment, the first display support structure 36 or the second display support structure 37 may include a multi-bar structure (or multi-bar assembly). . As the first multi-bar structure, the first display support structure 36 is configured, for example, in a direction (eg, y) orthogonal to the first direction (eg, the +x axis direction) of the slide out of the second housing 22 . axial direction) may include a form in which a plurality of support bars are arranged. As the second multi-bar structure, the second display support structure 37 is configured to, for example, a direction (eg, x) orthogonal to a second direction (eg, the +y-axis direction) of the slide-out of the third housing 23 . axial direction) may include a form in which a plurality of support bars are arranged. The multi-bar structure may have flexibility due to, for example, portions having a relatively thin thickness between the plurality of support bars. In some embodiments, the multi-bar structure may be implemented without connecting portions connecting the plurality of support bars. In some embodiments, the multi-bar structure may be referred to by another term, such as a 'flexible track'.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device 2 includes a first rail portion (not shown) for guiding the movement of the display support structure (eg, the first display support structure 36 or the second display support structure 37 ). may include The first rail unit may include, for example, a first guide rail and a second guide rail. One side of the display support structure may be positioned or inserted into the first guide rail. The other side of the display support structure may be positioned or inserted into the second guide rail. The display support structure may be moved while being guided by the first guide rail and the second guide rail. The first guide rail and the second guide rail may include grooves or recesses corresponding to movement paths of the display support structures.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device 2 may further include a support sheet (not shown) disposed or coupled to the rear surface of the flexible display 30 . In this case, the first display support structure 36 or the second display support structure 47 may be disposed on the support sheet. The support sheet may contribute to durability of the flexible display 30 . The support sheet may reduce the effect of a load or stress that may occur in transition between the closed state and the open state of the electronic device on the flexible display 30 . The support sheet may prevent the flexible display 30 from being damaged by a force transmitted therefrom when the second housing 22 is moved or a force transmitted therefrom when the third housing 23 is moved. .

The screen S is not smooth due to lifting due to the elasticity of the flexible display 30 and/or the support sheet in the expanded state (eg, the first open state, the second open state, or the third open state) of the screen S ) can be formed. In order to prevent such a lifting phenomenon, a tension device (or a tension structure) (not shown) for the flexible display 30 and/or the support sheet may be formed. The tension device may contribute to a smooth slide operation while maintaining the tension applied to the flexible display 30 and/or the support sheet. For example, the tensioning device may apply tension to the flexible display 30 and the support sheet using a belt (eg, a wire-type or chain-type belt).

According to some embodiments, the sliding structure associated with the second housing 22 may include a resilient structure. For example, when the second housing 22 is moved a set distance by an external force, due to the elastic structure included in the sliding structure, the closed state to the first open state or the first closed state to the first open state without any further external force can be switched to a state (eg semi-automatic slide motion). The sliding structure associated with the third housing 23 may include a resilient structure. For example, when the third housing 23 is moved a set distance by an external force, due to the elastic structure included in the sliding structure, the closed state to the second open state, or the second open state to the closed state without any further external force can be switched to a state (eg semi-automatic slide motion).

According to some embodiments, when a signal is generated through an input device included in the electronic device 2 , the electronic device 2 moves from a closed state to a first open state due to a driving device such as a motor connected to the second housing 22 . state, or from a first open state to a closed state. When a signal is generated through an input device included in the electronic device 2, a driving device such as a motor connected to the third housing 23 causes the electronic device 2 to move from a closed state to a second open state, or to a second open state. It can be switched from an open state to a closed state. For example, when a signal is generated through a hardware button or a software button provided through the screen S, the state of the electronic device 2 may be switched. According to some embodiments, when a signal is generated from various sensors such as a pressure sensor, the state of the electronic device 2 may be switched.

According to some embodiments, the second support structure 32 or the third support structure 33 may be replaced by a rotating member such as a roller or pulley. In some embodiments, the rotating member is a curved member, a curved support member, or a rotatably embodied curved member based on friction with a display support structure (eg, the first display support structure 36 or the second display support structure 37 ). It may be defined as a curved support structure.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 2 may include at least some of the components included in the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 . The electronic device 2 may be, for example, the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 .

4 is a block diagram of the electronic device 2 of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4 , in an embodiment, the electronic device 2 includes a processor 410 , a memory 420 , a display module 430 , a state transition module 440 , a sensor module 450 , or an input module ( 460) may be included. According to various embodiments, the electronic device 2 may be implemented as the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 , including at least some of the components of the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 , or additionally including other components. can According to some embodiments, the electronic device 2 may be implemented by omitting some of the components of the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 .

The processor 410 (eg, the processor 120 of FIG. 1 ) may include, for example, a micro controller unit (MCU), and operates an operating system (OS) or embedded software program to A plurality of hardware components connected to the processor 410 may be controlled. The processor 410 may include, for example, a plurality of hardware components according to instructions (eg, the program 140 of FIG. 1 ) stored in the memory 420 (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1 ). can control them.

The display module 430 (eg, the display module 160 of FIG. 1 ) may include, for example, a flexible display 30 , a touch sensing circuit 431 , or a display driving circuit 432 . In the flexible display 30 , in one embodiment, a portion thereof (eg, the second region ② or the third region ③ in FIG. 2 ) is drawn out from the internal space of the electronic device 2 or the electronic device 2 ) may be located in the electronic device 2 so as to be retractable into the internal space. The touch sensing circuit (or touch sensor) 431 is, for example, a transmitter Tx (transmitter) including a plurality of first electrode lines (or a plurality of driving electrodes), and a plurality of second electrode lines It may include a receiver Rx (receiver) including a plurality of receiving electrodes (or a plurality of receiving electrodes). A touch sensor integrated circuit (IC) (not shown) may supply a current (eg, alternating current) to the touch sensing circuit 431 , and an electric field may be formed between a transmitter and a receiver of the touch sensing circuit 431 . For example, when a finger touches the screen or reaches within a threshold distance from the screen, a change in the electric field may occur, and a change in capacitance (or voltage drop) may occur in relation thereto. When the change in capacitance is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the touch sensor IC may generate an electrical signal related to coordinates on the screen as a valid touch input or a hovering input and output it to the processor 410 . The processor 410 may recognize coordinates on the screen based on an electrical signal received from the touch sensor IC. The display driving circuit 432 is, for example, a circuit for controlling the flexible display 30 , and may include a display drive integrated circuit (DDI) or a DDI chip. According to an embodiment, the display driving circuit 432 may include a touch display driver IC (TDDI) disposed in a chip on panel (COP) or chip on film (COF) manner. A signal commanded by the processor 410 may be transmitted to the display driving circuit 432 . The display driving circuit 432 may serve as a signal path between the flexible display 30 and the processor 410 to control pixels through TFTs in the flexible display 30 .

The state conversion module 440 may change the state of the electronic device 2 according to, for example, a control signal from the processor 410 . The state conversion module 440 may include a motor and a motor driving circuit electrically connected to the motor (eg, a motor controller or a motor driver). The motor driving circuit may control the motor based on the control signal received from the processor 410, and the rotation direction, rotation angle, rotation amount, rotation torque, rotation speed, rotation acceleration, or rotation angular speed of the motor may be adjusted. have. A state of the electronic device 2 may be switched by controlling a motor driven and connected to the second housing 22 or the third housing 23 . The motor driving circuit may include, for example, a motor encoder for detecting a driving state of the motor. The motor encoder, for example, detects the rotational direction, rotational angle, rotational amount, rotational speed, rotational acceleration, or rotational angular velocity of the rotational shaft by marking a disk coupled with the rotational shaft of the motor, and electronically recognizable scales and marks on the disk Possible detectors may be included.

The sensor module 450 (eg, the sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ) measures, for example, a physical quantity or detects an operating state of the electronic device 2 , and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding thereto can do. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 450 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, It may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor. According to various embodiments, the sensor module 450 may further include at least one control circuit for controlling at least one sensor included therein.

The input module 460 (eg, the input module 150 of FIG. 1 ) may receive, for example, a user input. The input module 460 may include, for example, a key input device. According to an embodiment, the key input device may include, for example, a key of various types, such as a physical key, a capacitive key, or an optical key. In various embodiments, the input module 460 may include a touch sensing circuit 431 . In various embodiments, the input module 460 may include at least a portion of the sensor module 450 . The input module 460 may include other various types of user interfaces.

According to an embodiment, the memory 420 (eg, the memory 130 of FIG. 1 ) includes a closed state/open state check instruction 421 , a display area determination instruction 422 , a content display instruction 423 , and a state transition The instruction 424 or the applications 425 (eg, the application 146 of FIG. 1 ) may be stored.

The closed state/open state check instruction 421 may include, for example, the processor 410 using at least one sensor included in the sensor module 450 to determine the closed state and open state of the electronic device 2 (eg: a first open state, a second open state, or a third open state (see FIG. 2 )), or a transition between states. According to an embodiment, the processor 410 uses a magnetic material and a magnetic sensor (eg, hall IC) of the sensor module 450 to close the closed state, the open state, and an intermediate state between the closed state and the open state of the electronic device 2 . , or a transition between states. When the magnetic sensor and the magnetic body are positioned adjacently within a threshold distance, the magnetic sensor may detect the magnetic body. When the magnetic sensor and the magnetic body are positioned beyond the threshold distance, it may be difficult for the magnetic sensor to detect the magnetic body. The magnetic sensor may provide an electrical signal generated by sensing a magnetic material to the processor 410 . For example, referring to FIG. 2 , in the first open state or the third open state of the electronic device 2 , the first magnetic sensor located in the first housing 21 is located in the second housing 22 . It may be difficult to detect the first magnetic body. For example, in the second open state or the third open state of the electronic device 2 , the second magnetic sensor located in the first housing 21 is configured to sense the second magnetic body located in the third housing 23 . It can be difficult. In the first open state of the electronic device 2 , it is difficult for the first magnetic sensor located in the first housing 21 to sense the first magnetic body located in the second housing 22 , and The positioned second magnetic sensor may detect the second magnetic body positioned in the third housing 23 . In the second open state of the electronic device 2 , the first magnetic sensor located in the first housing 21 may sense the first magnetic body located in the second housing 22 , and the first housing 21 . It may be difficult for the second magnetic sensor positioned in the to detect the second magnetic body positioned in the third housing 23 . In the closed state of the electronic device 2 , the first magnetic sensor located in the first housing 21 can sense the first magnetic body located in the second housing 22 , and is located in the first housing 21 . The second magnetic sensor may detect the second magnetic body located in the third housing 23 . According to various embodiments, various other sensors may be utilized to confirm a closed state, an open state, an intermediate state between a closed state and an open state, or a transition between the closed state and the open state of the electronic device 2 . For example, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the second housing 22 , the second support structure 32 , the third housing 23 , the third support structure 33 , the flexible display 30 , and the first A sensor capable of sensing the position and/or movement of the display support structure 36 , or the second display support structure 37 may be utilized. In some embodiments, the electronic device 2 is in a closed state or an open state (eg, a first open state, a second open state, an open state, or a third open state), or a transition between states may be identified.

The display area determination instruction 422 may include, for example, the closed state, the first open state, and the second open state of the electronic device 2 that the processor 410 confirms based on the closed state/open state confirmation instruction 421 . It may include instructions for determining the display area of the flexible display 30 in response to the state or the third open state. The display area is a screen viewed from the outside of the electronic device 2 , and may be an active area among the flexible displays 30 that enable an image to be output. The processor 410 may adjust the display area according to the closed state, the first open state, the second open state, or the third open state. Areas other than the display area may be deactivated.

The content display instruction 423 may include, for example, instructions that cause the processor 410 to display content in response to the display area identified based on the display area determination instruction 422 . The content may relate to the applications 425 (eg, the application 146 of FIG. 1 ) stored in the memory 420 .

The state change instruction 424 , for example, may include instructions that cause the processor 410 to control the state change module 440 in response to a user input.

FIG. 5 shows an operation flow 500 of the electronic device 2 of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment. 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, or 10 are reference views for explaining the operation flow of FIG. 5 .

Referring to FIG. 5 , in operation 501 , the processor 410 may check the display area extension form (or the display area form). The shape of the display area (or screen) may vary according to a closed state or an open state of the electronic device 2 . Referring to FIG. 6 , in the closed state of the electronic device 2 , for example, a substantially rectangular first display area S1 may be provided. Referring to FIG. 7A , in the first open state of the electronic device 2 , the second display area S2 in the form of extending the first display area S1 in the +x axis direction may be provided. Referring to FIG. 8A , in the second open state of the electronic device 2 , the third display area S3 in the form of extending the first display area S1 in the +y-axis direction may be provided. Referring to FIG. 9A , in the third open state of the electronic device 2 , a fourth display area S4 in which the first display area S1 is extended in the +x-axis direction and the +y-axis direction is provided. can The processor 410 may, for example, confirm the display area expansion form by executing the closed state/open state check instruction 421 and the display area determination instruction 422 stored in the memory 420 of FIG. 4 .

According to an embodiment, in operation 503 , the processor 410 may display an icon in response to a display area extension form (or a display area form).

Referring to FIG. 6 , the processor 410 may display a lock screen through the first display area S1 in the closed state of the electronic device 2 . The lock screen may refer to, for example, a screen displayed in a locked state when a lock function is set. In the lock screen, input manipulation by the touch sensing circuit 431 may be limitedly possible. An icon related to a designated application among the applications 425 of FIG. 4 may be displayed on a lock screen, for example, an icon 601 related to a call application or an icon 602 related to a camera application. When the icon 601 related to the call application is selected by a user input (eg, a touch input), the processor 410 may execute the call application and change the call application execution screen from the lock screen. When the icon 602 related to the camera application is selected by a user input, the processor 410 may execute the camera application and switch from the lock screen to the execution screen of the camera application. When a designated touch input (eg, a touch input related to a swipe gesture) is detected on the lock screen, the processor 410 releases the lock function (eg, terminates the lock application) and displays a home screen can do. Referring to FIG. 7A , for example, in the first open state (or the first display area extended state) of the electronic device 2 , the processor 410 may display a lock screen or a home screen through the second display area S2 . A screen is displayed (hereinafter, FIGS. 7A to 13 are shown as a lock screen), and at least one first type of

icon

710, 720, 730, or 740) may be further indicated. In an embodiment, the first type of icon may be displayed in a form corresponding to the first display area extension form.

According to an embodiment, the first type of icon may relate to a plurality of applications, and the processor 410 may designate a plurality of applications to the first type of icon. The processor 410 may generate an image related to the first type of icon by using the icon images related to a plurality of applications. An image of any one first type of icon 710 is provided in a form in which, for example, icon images ⓐ and ⓑ for two applications are displayed in two

regions

710a and 710b on the image, respectively. can be The two

regions

710a and 710b on the image in which icon images ⓐ and ⓑ related to two applications are displayed may be implemented differently as indicated by reference numeral '711'. The image of any one first type of icon 720 is, for example, icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ) for three applications in three

regions

720a, 720b, and 720c on the image, respectively. It may be provided in the indicated form. The three

regions

720a, 720b, and 720c on the image in which the icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ) for the three applications are displayed are implemented differently as indicated by reference numerals '721', '722', and '723'. can be The image of any one of the first types of the icon 730 is, for example, the icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ, ⓓ) of the four applications in the four

regions

730a, 730b, 730c, 730d) may be provided in the form respectively indicated. According to another embodiment, the first type of icon 740 may relate to one application, and the processor 410 may designate one application to the first type of icon. According to various embodiments, the first type of icon may relate to a variety of applications that are not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8A , in the second open state (or the second display area extended state) of the electronic device 2 , the processor 410 displays a lock screen or a home screen through the third display area S3, , at least one second type of

icon

810 , 820 , or 830 may be additionally displayed in response to the second display area expansion form related to the second open state. According to an embodiment, the second type of icon may be displayed in a form corresponding to the second display area extension form.

According to an embodiment, the second type of icon may relate to a plurality of applications, and the processor 410 may designate a plurality of applications to the second type of icon. The processor 410 may generate an image related to the second type of icon by using the icon images related to a plurality of applications. An image of any one second type of icon 810 is provided, for example, in a form in which icon images ⓐ and ⓑ for two applications are displayed in two

regions

810a and 810b on the image, respectively. can be An image of any one of the second type of icons 820 is, for example, icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ) of three applications in three

regions

820a, 820b, and 820c on the image, respectively. It may be provided in the indicated form. According to another embodiment, the image of the second type of icon 830 may relate to one application, and the processor 410 may designate one application to the second type of icon 830 . According to various embodiments, the second type of icon may relate to a number of applications that are not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9A , in the third open state (or the third display area extended state) of the electronic device 2 , the processor 410 displays a lock screen or a home screen through the fourth display area S4, , at least one third type of

icon

910 , 920 , 930 , or 940 may be additionally displayed in response to the third display area expansion form related to the third open state. According to an embodiment, the third type of icon may be displayed in a form corresponding to the extension form of the third display area.

According to an embodiment, the third type of icon may relate to a plurality of applications, and the processor 410 may designate a plurality of applications to the third type of icon. The processor 410 may generate an image related to the third type of icon by using the icon images related to a plurality of applications. An image of any one third type of icon 910 is provided, for example, in a form in which icon images ⓐ and ⓑ for two applications are displayed in two

regions

910a and 910b on the image, respectively. can be Two regions on an image in which icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ) for two applications are displayed may be implemented differently as indicated by reference numeral '911'. An image of any one of the third types of icons 920 is, for example, icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ) of three applications in three

regions

920a, 920b, and 920c on the image, respectively. It may be provided in the indicated form. The three regions on the image in which icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ) of the three applications are displayed may be implemented differently as indicated by reference numeral '921'. The image of the icon 930 of any one third type is, for example, the icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ, ⓓ) of the four applications are displayed in the four

areas

930a, 930b, 930c, 930d) may be provided in the form respectively indicated. The four regions on the image in which icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ, ⓓ) of the four applications are displayed may be implemented differently as indicated by reference numeral '931'. According to another embodiment, the third type icon 940 may relate to one application, and the processor 410 may designate one application to the third type icon 940 . According to various embodiments, the third type of icon may relate to a number of applications that are not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

An icon displayed according to operation 503 of FIG. 5 (eg, the

first type icon

710 , 720 , or 730 of FIG. 7A , the

second type icon

810 , 820 , or 830 of FIG. 8A , or FIG. 9A ) The third type of

icon

910 , 920 , 930 , or 940 ) may relate to, for example, one or more applications designated by a user. As another example, an icon displayed according to operation 503 of FIG. 5 may relate to one or more applications selected based on a usage history (eg, usage frequency).

According to an embodiment, in operation 505 , the processor 410 may confirm selection of an icon through a user input (eg, a touch input). If the selection of the icon is confirmed, in operation 507 , the processor 410 may display the execution content (or execution screen) of the application for the selected icon.

For example, referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , when an icon 720 of the first type for three applications among the icons displayed on the second display area S2 is selected as a user input, the processor 410 Three applications can be executed, and the screen can be switched from the lock screen or home screen to the execution screen of the applications. Execution screens for the three applications may be displayed in the divided or three

different display areas

701 , 702 , and 703 of the second display area S2 , respectively. When generating the first type of icon 720 , the processor 410 may designate

display areas

701 , 702 , and 703 in which execution screens of three applications are displayed to the first type of icon 720 . have. The image of the first type of icon 720 includes three application icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ) may be provided in the form respectively indicated. In the display area indicated by reference numeral '701', execution content of an application corresponding to the ⓐ icon image may be displayed. In the display area indicated by reference numeral '702', the execution content of the application corresponding to the icon image ⓑ may be displayed. In the display area indicated by reference numeral '703', execution content of an application corresponding to the ⓒ icon image may be displayed. Although not shown, when another

icon

710 , 730 , or 740 displayed on the second display area S2 is selected by a user input, the processor 410 may perform operation 507 in the same manner.

For example, referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B , when an icon 810 of a second type related to two applications among icons displayed on the third display area S3 is selected as a user input (eg, a touch input), , the processor 410 may execute two applications and switch from the lock screen to the execution screen of the applications. Execution screens for the two applications may be displayed in the divided or two

different display areas

801 and 802 of the third display area S3, respectively. When generating the second type of icon 810 , the processor 410 may designate

display areas

801 and 802 in which execution screens of two applications are displayed to the second type of icon 810 . The image of the second type of icon 810 is in a form in which icon images ⓐ and ⓑ of two applications are respectively displayed in

regions

810a and 810b on the image arranged to correspond to the

display regions

801 and 802 . can be provided. Execution content of an application corresponding to the ⓐ icon image may be displayed in the display area indicated by reference numeral '801'. In the display area indicated by reference numeral '802', the execution content of the application corresponding to the icon image ⓑ may be displayed.

For example, referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B , when a third type of icon 921 related to three applications among the icons displayed on the fourth display area S4 is selected as a user input (eg, a touch input), , the processor 410 may execute three applications and switch from the lock screen or home screen to the execution screen of the applications. Execution screens for the three applications may be respectively displayed in the divided or three

different display areas

901 , 902 , and 903 of the fourth display area S4 . When generating the third type of icon 921 , the processor 410 may designate

display areas

901 , 902 , and 903 in which execution screens of three applications are displayed to the third type of icon 921 . have. The image of the third type of icon 921 includes icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ) of three applications in

regions

921a, 921b, and 921c on the image arranged in correspondence to the

display regions

901 , 902 , and 903 . ) may be provided in each indicated form. In the display area indicated by reference numeral '901', the execution content of the application corresponding to the ⓐ icon image may be displayed. In the display area indicated by reference numeral '902', the execution content of the application corresponding to the ⓑ icon image may be displayed. In the display area indicated by reference numeral '903', execution content of an application corresponding to the ⓒ icon image may be displayed.

10 illustrates a display area 1000 of an electronic device according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , according to another embodiment, the display area 1000 is expandable in at least one of the +x-axis direction, the -x-axis direction, the +y-axis direction, and the -y-axis direction. For example, it may be located in the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 . The processor (eg, the processor 410 of FIG. 4 ) may generate and display icons corresponding to the display area expansion form according to the operation flow of FIG. 5 , and display execution content of the application in response to the selection of the icon can do.

11 illustrates an operation flow 1100 of the electronic device 2 of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment. 12 or 13 is, for example, a reference diagram for explaining the operation flow of FIG. 11 .

Referring to FIG. 11 , in operation 1101 , the processor 410 may detect a user input (eg, a touch input) regarding icon display. In operation 1103 , the processor 410 may check the display area extension form (or the display area form). Operation 1103 may be substantially the same as operation 501 of FIG. 5 , and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In operation 1105 , the processor 410 may display at least one icon corresponding to the display area extension form (or the display area form). 12 , for example, when a designated touch input (eg, various touch inputs such as a single touch for more than a threshold time) is detected on the second display area S2 in the first open state, the processor ( 410 ) may confirm the first display area expansion form with respect to the first open state. In response to the touch input in the first display area extension form, the processor 410 may display at least one

first type icon

1210 , 1220 , or 1230 corresponding to the first display area extension form. . The image of the first type of

icon

1210 , 1220 , or 1230 may be provided, for example, in a form in which icon images related to a plurality of applications are displayed in a plurality of regions on the image (eg, FIG. 7A ) Reference). Referring to FIG. 13 , for example, when a designated touch input is detected on the fourth display area S4 in the third open state, the processor 410 may check the third display area expansion form with respect to the third open state. have. In response to the touch input in the third display area extension form, the processor 410 may display at least one

third type icon

1310 , 1320 , or 1330 corresponding to the third display area extension form. . The image of the

third type icon

1310 , 1320 , or 1330 may be provided, for example, in a form in which icon images related to a plurality of applications are displayed in a plurality of regions on the image (eg, FIG. 9A ) Reference).

According to an embodiment, in operation 1107 , the processor 410 may confirm selection of an icon. When the selection of the icon is confirmed, in operation 1107 , the processor 410 may display the execution content of the application for the selected icon.

For example, referring to FIG. 12 , among the icons displayed on the second display area S2 , the first type of icon 1210 for two applications is a user input (eg, a single touch to the icon 1210 ). drag), the processor 410 may execute two applications and switch from the lock screen or home screen to the execution screen of the applications. Execution screens for the two applications may be displayed in the divided or two different display areas 1201a and 1202a of the second display area S2, respectively. When generating the first type icon 1210 , the processor 410 may designate display areas 1201a and 1202a in which execution screens of two applications are displayed to the first type icon 1210 . The image of the first type of icon 1210 may be provided in a form in which icon images ⓐ and ⓑ of two applications are respectively displayed in regions on the image arranged to correspond to the display regions 1201a and 1202a.

For example, referring to FIG. 12 , among the icons displayed on the second display area S2 , the first type of icon 1220 for three applications is a user input (eg, a single touch to the icon 1220 ). drag), the processor 410 may execute three applications and switch from the lock screen or home screen to the execution screen of the applications. Execution screens for the three applications may be displayed in the divided or three

different display areas

1201b, 1202b, and 1203b of the second display area S2, respectively. When generating the first type of icon 1220, the processor 410 may designate

display areas

1201b, 1202b, and 1203b in which execution screens of three applications are displayed to the first type of icon 1220. have. The image of the first type of icon 1220 is provided in a form in which the icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ) of three applications are respectively displayed in the regions on the image arranged to correspond to the

display regions

1201b, 1202b, and 1202c. can be

For example, referring to FIG. 12 , among the icons displayed on the second display area S2 , the first type of icon 1230 for four applications is a user input (eg, a single touch to the icon 1230 ). drag), the processor 410 may execute four applications and switch from the lock screen or home screen to the execution screen of the applications. Execution screens for the four applications may be displayed in the divided or different four

display areas

1201c, 1202c, 1203c, and 1204c of the second display area S2, respectively. When the processor 410 generates the first type of icon 1230, the

display areas

1201c, 1202c, 1203c, and 1204c in which execution screens of four applications are displayed are placed on the first type of icon 1230. can be specified. In the image of the first type of icon 1230, icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ, ⓓ) of four applications are displayed in regions on the image arranged to correspond to the

display regions

1201c, 1202c, 1203c, and 1204c, respectively. It may be provided in the indicated form.

For example, referring to FIG. 13 , among the icons displayed on the fourth display area S4 , a third type of icon 1310 for two applications is a user input (eg, a single touch to the icon 1310 ). drag), the processor 410 may execute two applications and switch from the lock screen or home screen to the execution screen of the applications. Execution screens for the two applications may be displayed in the divided or two

different display areas

1301a and 1302a of the second display area S2, respectively. When generating the third type icon 1310 , the processor 410 may designate

display areas

1301a and 1302a in which execution screens of two applications are displayed to the second type icon 810 . The image of the second type of icon 810 may be provided in a form in which icon images ⓐ and ⓑ of two applications are respectively displayed in regions on the image arranged to correspond to the

display regions

1301a and 1301b.

For example, referring to FIG. 13 , among the icons displayed on the fourth display area S4 , a third type of icon 1320 for three applications is a user input (eg, a single touch to the icon 1320 ). drag), the processor 410 may execute three applications and switch from the lock screen or home screen to the execution screen of the applications. Execution screens for the three applications may be displayed in the divided or three

different display areas

1301b, 1302b, and 1303b of the fourth display area S4, respectively. When generating the third type of icon 1320, the processor 410 may designate

display areas

1301b, 1302b, and 1303b in which execution screens of three applications are displayed to the third type of icon 1320. have. The image of the third type of icon 1320 is provided in a form in which the icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ) of three applications are respectively displayed in regions on the image arranged corresponding to the

display regions

1301b, 1302b, and 1303b. can be

For example, referring to FIG. 13 , among the icons displayed on the fourth display area S4 , the third type icon 1330 for four applications is a user input (eg, a single touch to the icon 1330 ). drag), the processor 410 may execute four applications and switch from the lock screen or home screen to the execution screen of the applications. Execution screens for the four applications may be displayed in the divided or different four

display areas

1301c, 1302c, 1303c, and 1304c of the fourth display area S4, respectively. When the processor 410 generates the third type of icon 1330, the

display areas

1301c, 1302c, 1303c, and 1304c in which execution screens of four applications are displayed are placed on the third type of icon 1330. can be specified. In the image of the third type of icon 1330 , icon images (ⓐ, ⓑ, ⓒ, ⓓ) of four applications are displayed in regions on the image arranged to correspond to the

display regions

1301c, 1302c, 1303c, and 1304c, respectively. It may be provided in the indicated form.

FIG. 14 illustrates an operation flow 1400 of the electronic device 2 of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is, for example, a reference diagram for explaining the operation flow of FIG. 14 .

Referring to FIG. 14 , in operation 1401 , the processor 410 may enter a user-defined icon creation mode. For example, when at least one designated user input is sensed, the processor 410 may enter a user-defined icon creation mode.

According to an embodiment, in operation 1403 , the processor 410 may confirm selection of at least one icon (or application) through a user input.

According to an embodiment, in operation 1405 , the processor 410 may confirm selection of an icon type through a user input. The icon type may include, for example, a first icon type corresponding to the first display area expansion form regarding the first open state of the electronic device 2 . The icon type may include, for example, a second icon type corresponding to a second display area expansion state related to the second open state of the electronic device 2 . The icon type may include, for example, a third icon type related to a third display area extended state related to the third open state of the electronic device 2 .

According to an embodiment, in operation 1407 , the processor 410 may generate an icon based on the at least one icon selected in operation 1403 and the icon type selected in operation 1405 .

15 , for example, a plurality of icons including a first icon 1510 , a second icon 1520 , and a third icon 1530 are displayed on a screen 1501 (eg, a home screen). can be When the first icon 1510 is touched and then dragged to the second icon 1520 and released, the processor 410 may enter a user-defined icon creation mode (operation 1401 ). The processor 410 may determine the first icon 1510 and the second icon 1520 as targets of the user-defined icon (operation 1403 ). The processor 410 may display a list 1502 of icon types that can be created with respect to the first icon 1510 and the second icon 1520 on the screen 1501 . The processor 410 may generate one icon related to the first icon 1510 and the second icon 1520 as an icon type selected through a user input from the list. For another example, if the first icon 1510 is touched and then dragged to the third icon 1530 via the second icon 1520 and released, the processor 410 may enter the user-defined icon creation mode ( 1401 action). The processor 410 may determine the first icon 1510 , the second icon 1520 , and the third icon 1530 as targets of the user-defined icon (operation 1403 ). The processor 410 may display a list 1503 of icon types that can be created with respect to the first icon 1510 , the second icon 1520 , and the third icon 1530 . The processor 410 may generate one icon related to the first icon 1510 , the second icon 1520 , and the third icon 1530 as an icon type selected through a user input from the list. A first type, a second type, or a third type of icons related to at least one icon may be generated through the method according to the example of FIG. 15 . According to some embodiments, without being limited to the example of FIG. 15 , icons of a first type, a second type, or a third type for at least one icon may be generated through various menu entry methods. According to various embodiments, instructions related to the operation flow 1400 of FIG. 14 may be stored in the memory 420 of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 16 shows an operation flow 1600 of the electronic device 2 of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 is, for example, a reference diagram for explaining the operation flow of FIG. 16 .

Referring to FIG. 16 , in operation 1601 , the processor 410 may detect a user input (eg, a touch input) regarding icon display. In operation 1605, the processor 410 may display at least one icon. Referring to FIG. 17 , for example, when a designated touch input is sensed on the first display area S1 in a closed state, the processor 410 displays a first type of icon, a second type of icon, and a third type of icon. A list 1705 including at least one of the icons may be displayed on the first display area S1. In some embodiments, the list 1705 may be displayed in the edge area 1706 of the first display area S1 . In some embodiments, the edge region 1706 is, for example, one of the second regions ② of the flexible display 30 positioned corresponding to the curved portion 32a of the second support structure 32 in FIG. 3 . may apply to some. The display position of the list 1705 may also vary based on user input.

According to an embodiment, in operation 1605 , the processor 410 may confirm selection of an icon through a user input. When the selection of the icon is confirmed, in operation 1607 , the processor 410 may change the display area in response to the selected icon. For example, the processor 410 may change the display area by controlling the state change module 440 of FIG. 4 according to the state change instruction 424 of FIG. 4 . In operation 1609 , the processor 410 may execute an application for the selected icon and display execution content of the application.

For example, when an icon 1710 of a first type for two applications from among the icons included in the list 1705 is selected through a user input, the processor 410 performs the state transition module 440 of FIG. 4 . can be controlled to switch to the first display area extension form (eg, the first open state). The processor 410 may execute two applications related to the selected first type icon 1710 , and may convert the lock screen to the execution screen of the applications. Execution screens for the two applications may be respectively displayed in the divided or two

different display areas

1701a and 1702a of the second display area S2 of the first display extension type. When generating the first type of icon 1710 , the processor 410 may designate

display areas

1701a and 1702a in which execution screens of two applications are displayed to the first type of icon 1710 .

For example, if the second type icon 1720 for two applications among the icons included in the list 1705 is selected through a user input, the processor 410 performs the state transition module 440 of FIG. 4 . can be controlled to switch to a second display area extension form (eg, a second open state). The processor 410 may execute two applications related to the selected second type of icon 1720 , and may convert the lock screen to the execution screen of the applications. Execution screens for the two applications may be displayed in the divided or two

different display areas

1701b and 1702b of the third display area S3 of the second display extension type, respectively. When generating the second type of icon 1720 , the processor 410 may designate

display areas

1701b and 1702b in which execution screens of two applications are displayed to the first type of icon 1710 .

For example, if the third type icon 1730 for three applications among the icons included in the list 1705 is selected through a user input, the processor 410 performs the state transition module 440 of FIG. 4 . can be controlled to switch to a third display area extension form (eg, a third open state). The processor 410 may execute three applications related to the selected third type of icon 1730 , and may convert the lock screen to the execution screen of the applications. Execution screens for the three applications may be displayed in the divided or three

different display areas

1701c, 1702c, and 1703c of the fourth display area S4 of the third display extension type, respectively. When the processor 410 generates the third type of icon 1730, the

display areas

1701c, 1702c, and 1703c in which execution screens of three applications are displayed may be assigned to the third type of icon 1730. have.

According to an embodiment of the present document, an electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing slidable from the first housing in a first direction, and a second housing movable from the second housing in a second direction different from the first direction. It may include a third housing. At least a portion of the electronic device is positioned in the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing, so that at least the first direction or the second direction according to the sliding movement of the second housing or the third housing A flexible display having a variable display area may be included. The electronic device may include a processor configured to display an icon based on a shape of the display area that is deformed according to the sliding movement of the second housing or the third housing.

According to an embodiment of this document, the processor may be set to display a shape of an icon corresponding to a shape of the display area.

According to an embodiment of the present document, the processor may be configured to designate a plurality of applications to the icon, and to display an image of the icon using icon images related to the plurality of applications.

According to an embodiment of the present document, when selection of the icon is confirmed, the processor executes a plurality of applications designated for the icon and displays execution screens of the plurality of applications in different areas of the display area. can be set.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present document, when the processor generates the icon, the different areas of the display area in which execution screens of the plurality of applications are displayed may be set to be assigned to the icon.

According to an embodiment of the present document, on the image of the icon, icon images of the plurality of applications may be arranged to correspond to the different areas of the display area.

According to an embodiment of the present document, the processor may be configured to designate one application to the icon and display the shape of the icon corresponding to the shape of the display area.

According to an embodiment of the present document, when selection of the icon is confirmed, the processor may be set to transform the display area into a shape specified for the icon.

According to an embodiment of the present document, when selection of the icon is confirmed, the processor executes at least one application designated for the icon and displays an execution screen of the at least one application on the modified display area. can be set.

According to one embodiment of the present document, the electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing slidable from the first housing in a first direction, and moving from the second housing in a second direction different from the first direction. A possible third housing may be included. At least a portion of the electronic device is positioned in the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing, so that at least the first direction or the second direction according to the sliding movement of the second housing or the third housing A flexible display having a variable display area may be included. The electronic device may include a processor configured to display a first icon of a first type corresponding to at least one or more applications and a second icon of a second type corresponding to at least one other application through the flexible display.

According to an embodiment of the present document, when the first icon of the first type is selected, the processor slides the second housing and displays an execution screen of the one or more applications on the display area that is changed accordingly. can be set to display.

According to one embodiment of the present document, when the second icon of the second type is selected, the processor slides the third housing and executes the at least one other application in the display area that is changed accordingly. It can be set to display the screen.

According to one embodiment of the present document, when selection of the first icon or the second icon is confirmed, the processor executes a plurality of applications designated for the icon, and displays execution screens of the plurality of applications with each other in the display area. It can be set to display in other areas.

According to an embodiment of the present document, in the method of operating an electronic device, the electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing slidable from the first housing in a first direction, and a first direction from the second housing. It may include a third housing movable in a second direction different from the first. At least a portion of the electronic device is positioned in the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing, so that at least the first direction or the second direction according to the sliding movement of the second housing or the third housing A flexible display having a variable display area may be included. The method may include sensing a sliding movement of the second housing or the third housing. The method may include displaying an icon based on the shape of the display area.

According to an embodiment of the present document, the operation of displaying the icon based on the shape of the display area may display the shape of the icon corresponding to the shape of the display area.

According to an embodiment of the present document, the method may further include designating a plurality of applications to the icon, and displaying an image of the icon using icon images related to the plurality of applications.

According to one embodiment of the present document, in the method, when selection of the icon is confirmed, a plurality of applications designated for the icon are executed, and execution screens of the plurality of applications are displayed in different areas of the display area. It may further include an operation to

According to an embodiment of the present document, the method includes, if selection of the icon is confirmed, transforming the display area into a shape specified for the icon, executing at least one application specified for the icon, and performing the at least The method may further include displaying an execution screen of one application on the modified display area.

According to an embodiment of the present document, the method may further include, when generating the icon, designating the different areas of the display area in which execution screens of the plurality of applications are displayed to the icon. have.

The embodiments of the present document disclosed in the present specification and drawings are merely provided as specific examples to easily explain the technical content according to the embodiments of the present document and help the understanding of the embodiments of the present document, and limit the scope of the embodiments of the present document It's not what you want to do. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the present document should be interpreted as being included in the scope of various embodiments of the present document, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, changes or modifications.

Claims

In an electronic device,

a first housing;

a second housing slidable from the first housing in a first direction;

a third housing movable from the second housing in a second direction different from the first direction;

At least a portion of the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing are positioned so that the display area is changed in at least the first direction or the second direction according to the sliding movement of the second housing or the third housing. flexible display; and

and a processor configured to display an icon based on a shape of the display area that is deformed according to the sliding movement of the second housing or the third housing.
The method of claim 1,

The processor is

An electronic device configured to display a shape of an icon corresponding to a shape of the display area.
The method of claim 1,

The processor is

Designating a plurality of applications to the icon,

An electronic device configured to display an image of the icon by using the icon images for the plurality of applications.
The method of claim 1,

The processor is

When the selection of the icon is confirmed, a plurality of applications designated for the icon are executed,

An electronic device configured to display execution screens of the plurality of applications in different areas of the display area.
5. The method of claim 4,

The processor is

When the icon is created, the different areas of the display area in which execution screens of the plurality of applications are displayed are set to be assigned to the icon.
5. The method of claim 4,

On the image of the icon, icon images of the plurality of applications are arranged to correspond to the different areas of the display area.
The method of claim 1,

The processor is

Designate one application to the icon,

An electronic device configured to display the shape of the icon corresponding to the shape of the display area.
The method of claim 1,

The processor is

An electronic device configured to transform the display area into a shape specified for the icon when the selection of the icon is confirmed.
9. The method of claim 8,

The processor is

When the selection of the icon is confirmed, the electronic device is configured to execute at least one application designated for the icon and display an execution screen of the at least one application on the modified display area.
A method of operating an electronic device, comprising:

The electronic device is

a first housing, a second housing slidable from the first housing in a first direction, a third housing movable from the second housing in a second direction different from the first direction, and

At least a portion of the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing are positioned so that the display area is changed in at least the first direction or the second direction according to the sliding movement of the second housing or the third housing. including a flexible display,

sensing the sliding movement of the second housing or the third housing; and

and displaying an icon based on the shape of the display area.
11. The method of claim 10,

The operation of displaying the icon based on the shape of the display area includes:

A method of displaying the shape of the icon corresponding to the shape of the display area.
11. The method of claim 10,

Designating a plurality of applications to the icon, and displaying an image of the icon using icon images related to the plurality of applications.
11. The method of claim 10,

When the selection of the icon is confirmed, executing a plurality of applications designated for the icon, and displaying execution screens of the plurality of applications in different areas of the display area.
11. The method of claim 10,

when the selection of the icon is confirmed, transforming the display area into a shape specified for the icon; and

The method further comprising executing at least one application specified in the icon and displaying an execution screen of the at least one application on the modified display area.
15. The method of claim 14,

and designating the different areas of the display area in which execution screens of the plurality of applications are displayed to the icon when generating the icon.