User interface provision method and electronic device for supporting same

Disclosed is a portable electronic device including a housing including a first surface and a second surface facing a direction opposite to the first surface, a display including a touchscreen panel exposed through the first surface of the housing and having a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the display has a first side and a third side extending with a first length in a first direction, and a second side and a fourth side substantially perpendicular to the first direction and extending with a second length which is less than the first length, and wherein a ratio of the first length to the second length is x:9, in which the x is equal to or greater than 16, a wireless communication circuit, a processor, and a memory. The memory stores instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to display at least one first icon having a first size on a first region in contact with the second side or the fourth side of the display or adjacent to the second side or the fourth side while longitudinally extending, display at least one second icon having a second size on the first region, based at least partially on an event occurring inside the electronic device or an event received through the wireless communication circuit, receive a user input for selecting the at least one second icon through the first region of the display, and perform a function associated with the event, based on the received user input. Besides, various embodiments understood through the specification are possible.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a National Phase Entry of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2017/007043, which was filed on Jul. 3, 2017, and claims a priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0083961, which was filed on Jul. 4, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure relates to a method for providing a user interface and an electronic device supporting the same.

BACKGROUND ART

Electronic devices, such as smartphones, may support various multimedia functions. For example, the electronic devices may support a camera function and a function of reproducing a moving picture. A portable electronic device may include a display that is able to display various pieces of content to support such multimedia functions.

Recently, as a user having a preference for a large screen is increased, studies and researches have been consistently performed to increase the size of the display in an electronic device such as a smartphone. When the size of the display is increased, the internal structure of the electronic device and the arrangement of modules included in the electronic device may be changed.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The electronic device may have various parts, such as physical keys or cameras, arranged in a front surface region in which the display is disposed. However, when the display occupies most of the front surface region of the electronic device, that is, the electronic device includes a full front display, the electronic device may have the shortage of space to arrange the above-described parts.

Embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may provide a method for providing a user interface by using a display region and an electronic device supporting the same.

Technical Solution

According to an embodiment disclosed in the present disclosure, a portable electronic device may include a housing including a first surface and a second surface facing a direction opposite to the first surface, a display including a touchscreen panel exposed through the first surface of the housing and having a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the display has a first side and a third side extending with a first length in a first direction, and a second side and a fourth side substantially perpendicular to the first direction and extending with a second length which is less than the first length, and wherein a ratio of the first length to the second length is x:9, in which the x is equal to or greater than 16, a wireless communication circuit included in the housing, a processor included in the housing and electrically connected with the display and the wireless communication circuit, and a memory included in the housing and electrically connected with the processor. The memory may store instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to display at least one first icon having a first size on a first region in contact with the second side or the fourth side of the display or adjacent to the second side or the fourth side while longitudinally extending, to display at least one second icon having a second size on the first region, based at least partially on an event occurring inside the electronic device or an event received through the wireless communication circuit, to receive a user input for selecting the at least one second icon through the first region of the display, and to perform a function associated with the event, based on the received user input.

According to an embodiment disclosed in the present disclosure, a method for providing a user interface of an electronic device including a display may include outputting, to a top end of the display, an indicator bar including at least one first object corresponding to state information of the electronic device, creating at least one second object, based at least partially on an event occurring inside the electronic device or an event received through a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device, outputting the at least one second object to the indicator bar, receiving a user input for selecting the second object through a region that the indicator bar is output, and performing a function associated with the event, based on the received user input.

Advantageous Effects

According to embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure, the user interface is provided through the object output to the specified region of the display, thereby realizing the display occupying the most part of the front surface region of the electronic device.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be described with reference to accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modification, equivalent, and/or alternative on the various embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. With regard to description of drawings, similar components may be marked by similar reference numerals. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless otherwise specified. In this disclosure, the expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A or/and B”, or “one or more of A or/and B”, and the like may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The terms, such as “first”, “second”, and the like may be used to refer to various components regardless of the order and/or the priority and to distinguish the relevant components from other components, but do not limit the components. When an component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), the component may be directly coupled with/to or connected to the other component or an intervening component (e.g., a third component) may be present.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of, for example, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones, electronic book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) players, medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted-devices (HMDs), a fabric or garment-integrated type (e.g., an electronic apparel), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or tattoos), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit). According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of, for example, televisions (TVs), digital versatile disc (DVD) players, audios, refrigerators, air conditioners, cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air cleaners, set-top boxes, home automation control panels, security control panels, media boxes (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), game consoles (e.g., Xbox™ or PlayStation™), electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, electronic picture frames, and the like.

According to another embodiment, an electronic device may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measurement devices (e.g., a blood glucose monitoring device, a heartbeat measuring device, a blood pressure measuring device, a body temperature measuring device, and the like), a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computed tomography (CT), scanners, and ultrasonic devices), navigation devices, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), event data recorders (EDRs), flight data recorders (FDRs), vehicle infotainment devices, electronic equipment for vessels (e.g., navigation systems and gyrocompasses), avionics, security devices, head units for vehicles, industrial or home robots, drones, automatic teller's machines (ATMs), points of sales (POSs) of stores, or internet of things (e.g., light bulbs, various sensors, sprinkler devices, fire alarms, thermostats, street lamps, toasters, exercise equipment, hot water tanks, heaters, boilers, and the like). According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one of parts of furniture or buildings/structures, electronic boards, electronic signature receiving devices, projectors, or various measuring instruments (e.g., water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, or wave meters, and the like). According to various embodiments, the electronic device may be a flexible electronic device or a combination of two or more above-described devices. Furthermore, an electronic device according to an embodiment of this disclosure may not be limited to the above-described electronic devices. In this disclosure, the term “user” may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses the electronic device.

FIG. 1is a perspective view and a six-sided view of a first type of electronic device, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 1, according to an embodiment, an electronic device100may include a housing110, a cover glass120, a display panel130, a camera module140, a receiver hole150, and a home key160. For example, the housing110may include a first surface111(hereinafter, referred to as “front surface”) facing a first direction, a second surface112(hereinafter, referred to as “rear surface”) facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, a side surface113surrounding a space between the first surface111and the second surface112. In the present disclosure, the side surface113refers to a surface that is visually viewed when the thinner surface of the electronic device100is viewed, the front surface111, which is a surface excluding the side surfaces113, is a surface to expose a screen output through the display panel130to the outside, and the rear surface112refers to a surface opposite to the front surface111. According to an embodiment, although a partial screen of the display panel130may be exposed to the outside through the rear surface112and/or the side surface113, the front surface111may be provided such that the most region of the front surface111outputs the screen of the display panel130, which is different from the rear surface112and/or the side surface113.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover glass120may protect, from the outside, at least one component (e.g., the display panel130, or the like) seated on the housing110while covering at least a portion of the outer appearance of the electronic device100. For example, the cover glass120may be coupled to the housing110with a space in which the components of the electronic device100are received inside the housing110. The cover glass120may constitute at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device100. For example, the cover glass120may constitute an entire portion of the front surface of the electronic device100. For another example, the cover glass120may constitute portions of the front surface and the side surface of the electronic device100. The cover glass120may be substantially provided in the form of a plane surface. The cover glass120may be provided in the form of a curved surface that at least a part of the top, bottom, left, and/or right end of the cover glass120is bent. At least a partial region of the cover glass120may be provided with transparent material (e.g., glass), and a screen output through the display panel130may be displayed on an outer portion through a transparent region of the cover glass120. The cover glass120may be formed of a material such as a tempered glass, plastic (e.g., PET), or aluminum oxide.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel130may be disposed under the cover glass120. The display panel130may be bent such that at least a part of the left, right, top and/or bottom end of the display panel130constitute a curved surface, and may be seated inside the housing110. The display panel130may constitute a full front display occupying the most portion of the front surface of the electronic device100.

As the display panel130occupies the most portion of the front surface of the electronic device100, other components of the electronic device100may be disposed at the periphery of the electronic device100. For example, the camera module140may be disposed at the outermost top end of the front surface111of the housing110.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel130may include an active region132, an inactive region133, and a printed circuit board (PCB) connection part (not illustrated). The active region132may be exposed through a transparent region of the cover glass120. The active region132may output light depending on an electrical signal supplied through the scan line and the data line. The aspect ratio of the active region132may be, for example, 19:9.

According to one embodiment, the active region132may occupy the front surface111and at least a portion of the side surface113. For example, the active region132may be arranged in the form of surrounding the front surface111and the side surface113. According to an embodiment, the active region132of the electronic device100may be closer to the side surface113than a typical active region. The side surface113of the active region132may perform a function as a soft key for adjusting a volume.

The soft key, which is an object implemented in software, may support and perform a specified function in response to a user input for selecting the soft key. For example, when the soft key is selected, a command (or input signal) corresponding to the specified function may be transmitted to the associated module (e.g., processor). The soft key may include, for example, a home key160, a cancel key, a menu key, or the like, which is configured to perform a screen control function. The home key160may support a home screen to be output in response to a user input. The cancel key may cancel the output of the current screen and support the previous screen to be output, in response to the user input. The menu key may support a menu screen to be output in response to a user input. The position of the soft key may be changed based on a grip state of a user or a user history of the soft key. For example, the soft key may be output in a region adjacent to the lower edge of the front surface111of the active region132. The active region132may occupy the most part of the front surface111, for example, about 90% or more of the region of the front surface111.

According to various embodiments, the periphery of the active region132may be a black matrix (BM) region. According to an embodiment, a light emitting layer may be arranged under the BM region of the display panel130. The color of the BM region may be changed according to the operation of the light emitting layer under the BM region.

According to an embodiment, the color of the BM region may be changed depending on the surrounding environment. For example, the color of the BM region may be changed depending on the color of the opaque region printed on the periphery of the cover glass120. When the color of the opaque region is white, the color of the BM region may be changed to white, and when the color of the opaque region is black, the color of the BM region may be changed to black.

According to one embodiment, the BM region may be the remaining region that the image is not output in the active region132. For example, when a picture is output at a specific ratio (e.g., 4:3), the top and bottom ends of the active region132that no picture is displayed may be the BM region. For another example, when a moving picture is output at a specific ratio (e.g., 16:9), the top and bottom ends of the active region132that no moving picture is displayed may be the BM region. The color of the BM region may be changed depending on the color of the surrounding environment, for example, the opaque region.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inactive region133may be a region surrounding the active region132. According to one embodiment, the inactive region133of the electronic device may be formed to be narrower than the inactive region133of a typical electronic device. At least a portion of the inactive region133may be exposed through the cover glass120. The inactive region133may be, for example, a region covered by an opaque masking layer as the periphery of the display panel130. The opaque masking layer may be formed by printing a layer on the cover glass120. The ratio of the thickness of the inactive region133in the widthwise direction to the thickness of the inactive region133in the lengthwise direction may be, for example, 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1. For another example, the ratio of the thicknesses of the top end of the inactive region133, the side end of the inactive region133, to the bottom end of the inactive region133may be, for example, 2:1:4.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the PCB connection part may be connected with one end of the inactive region133. Scan lines and data lines disposed in the active region132may be connected with the PCB through the PCB connection part. The display panel130may include one or more opening parts (or openings) or one or more cutouts. For example, the display panel130may include one opening131formed at the top end of the active region132. The display panel130may be bent such that the opening131is positioned at the corner and may be disposed inside the housing110. For example, the display panel130may be bent and disposed along the diameter of the opening131. When the display panel130is bent and disposed along the diameter of the opening131, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the opening131may have a U-shaped space whens viewed from the front surface111. At least one component (e.g., the camera module140) of the electronic device100may be exposed to the outside through the space formed by the opening131.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the opening131is formed in the display panel130, the active region132that outputs light may be lost. The size of the opening131formed in the display panel130may be larger than a specified size. When the opening131is formed in the display panel130, the diameter of the active region132lost by the opening131may be, for example, about 8.34 mm or more. When the display panel130is bent such that the opening131is positioned at the corner, the region of the opening131viewed from the front surface111may be reduced. For example, when the diameter of the active region132lost by the shape of the opening131is about 8.34 mm, the diameter of a space defined by the opening131viewed from the front surface111may be about 4.95 mm. As described above, the opening131is formed in the display panel130and then the display panel130is disposed such that the opening131is positioned at the corner, thereby reducing the size of the opening131exposed through the front surface111. The display panel130may constitute a touchscreen display together with the cover glass120, the touch panel (not illustrated), and/or a polarizer (not illustrated).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module140may be arranged and disposed in one or more openings or in one or more cutouts. For example, the camera module140may be disposed in a space defined by one or more openings or one or more cutouts. For example, the camera module140may be disposed in a space defined by the opening131formed in the top end of the active region132. The camera module140may be exposed to the outside through the cover glass120. For example, the camera module140may be viewed from the outside through the cover glass120in a state that the camera module140is disposed under the cover glass120. The camera module140may obtain an image by sensing light incident thereto from the outside through the cover glass120.

According to one embodiment, the camera module140may be disposed to be exposed to the outside through the central region of the top end of the cover glass120. As the camera module140is disposed at the central region of the electronic device100, it is easy to set a focal point while taking an image using the front camera, and the aesthetics of the electronic device100may be improved. According to an embodiment, the camera module140may be disposed adjacent to the periphery of the front surface111to reduce the influence on the appearance of the front surface111of the housing110.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the receiver hole150may transmit sound generated by a receiver (not illustrated) disposed inside the housing110to the outside. The receiver hole150may be formed in the side surface113of the housing110. For example, the receiver hole150may be formed in the metal frame of the side surface113. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the electronic device100may include a plurality of receiver holes150. The sound generated by the receiver may be transmitted to the outside without affecting the display panel130occupying the front surface111by providing the receiver hole150in the side surface113. AlthoughFIG. 1illustrates that the receiver hole150is formed in the side surface113of the housing110, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the receiver hole150may be formed in the top end of the front surface111of the housing110. In addition, when the receiver of electronic device100includes a piezo-speaker, the electronic device100may not include the receiver hole.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the home key160may be disposed at the bottom end of the front surface111of the electronic device100. The home key160may be a physical key or a soft key. When the home key160is a physical key, the display panel130may include the opening131or a cutout formed in the bottom end of the active region132to dispose the home key160. The home key160may be disposed in the space formed by the opening131or the cutout.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the home key160may be implemented as a soft key at the bottom end of the front surface111of the electronic device100. When the home key160is a soft key, a fingerprint sensor may be disposed under the region for the home key160of the display panel130. The cover glass120may include a recess formed on the position where the fingerprint sensor is disposed.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device100may include the display panel130exposed through the front surface111of the electronic device100and the camera module140positioned inside the display panel130. For example, the active region132of the display panel130, at least a portion of the inactive region133, and the camera module140may be exposed to the outside through the front surface111. For another example, the active region132of the display panel130and the camera module140are exposed through the front surface111, and the inactive region133of the display panel130is disposed under the side surface113or the rear surface112.

FIG. 2is a perspective view and a six-sided view of a second type of an electronic device, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 2, according to an embodiment, an electronic device200may include a housing210, a cover glass220, a display panel230, a camera module240, a receiver hole250, and a home key260. The housing210may include a front surface211, a rear surface212, and a side surface213. The housing210may have the small radius of curvature in the edge portion thereof. In addition, the housing210may have the side surface213which is flat.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover glass220may occupy the most part of the front surface211of the electronic device200. The cover glass220may be provided in the form of a flat surface and/or provided in the form of a curved surface bent at the left end and/or the right end thereof.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel230may be disposed under the cover glass220. The display panel230may be bent such that the left end and/or right end of the display panel230constitute a curved surface, and may be seated inside the housing210. The display panel230may include the same or similar configuration as the display panel130ofFIG. 1. In other words, the display panel230may include an active region232, an inactive region233, and a PCB connection part (not illustrated).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module240may be disposed in a space defined by, for example, an opening231provided at the top end of the active region232. The camera module240may be exposed to the outside through the cover glass220. The camera module240may obtain an image by sensing light incident thereto from the outside through the cover glass220.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the receiver hole250may transmit sound generated by a receiver (not illustrated) disposed inside the housing210to the outside. The receiver hole250may be formed in the top end of the housing210. AlthoughFIG. 2illustrates that the receiver hole250is formed in the top end of the front surface211of the housing210, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the receiver hole250may be formed in the side surface213of the housing210. In addition, when the receiver of electronic device200includes a piezo-speaker, the electronic device200may not include the receiver hole.

The home key260may be disposed adjacent to the edge region of the bottom end of the front surface211of the electronic device200. The home key260may be a physical key or a soft key.

FIG. 3is a perspective view and a six-sided view of a third type of an electronic device, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 3, according to an embodiment, an electronic device300may include a housing310, a cover glass320, a display panel330, a camera module340, a receiver hole350, and a home key360. The housing310, the cover glass320, the receiver hole350and the home key360ofFIG. 3may be components the same as or similar to the housing110, the cover glass120, the receiver hole150, and the home key160illustrated inFIG. 1.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel330may be disposed under the cover glass320. The display panel330may be bent such that at least one of the top end, the bottom end, the left end and/or right end of the display panel230constitutes a curved surface, and may be seated inside the housing110. The display panel330may include an active region332, an inactive region333, and a PCB connection part (not illustrated).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display panel330according to an embodiment may include one cutout331such that a recess is formed in a corner of the active region332. For example, the display panel330may include the cutout331formed at a left top end or a right top end of the active region332. The display panel330may be bent such that the cutout331is positioned at the corner and may be disposed inside the housing310. For example, the display panel330may be bent and disposed along the center of the cutout331. When the display panel330is bent and disposed along the center of the cutout331, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the cutout331may have an L-shaped space whens viewed from a front surface311of the electronic device300. At least one module of the electronic device300may be exposed through the space defined by the cutout331. For example, the camera module340may be disposed in a space defined by the cutout331.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the cutout331is formed in the display panel330, the active region332that outputs light may be damaged, which affects the design of the electronic device300. In addition, the size of the cutout331formed in the display panel330may be larger than a specified size. When the display panel330is bent such that the cutout331is positioned at the corner, the region of the cutout331viewed from the front surface311may be reduced. As described above, the cutout331is formed in the display panel330and then the display panel330is bent and disposed such that the cutout331is positioned at the corner, thereby reducing the size of the cutout331exposed through the front surface311.

According to an embodiment, the display panel330may include a first opening formed in the active region332and a second opening formed in the inactive region333or the PCB connection part. The display panel330may be disposed inside the housing310by being bent so that the first opening and the second opening overlap each other. When the display panel330may be bent and disposed such that the first opening overlaps with the second opening, the first opening and the second opening may form an O-shaped space when viewed from the front surface311of the electronic device300. At least one module of the electronic device300may be exposed through the space defined by the first opening and the second opening. For example, the camera module340may be disposed in a space defined by the first opening and the second opening. As illustrated inFIG. 3, when the camera module340is exposed to the outside through the left top end or the right top end of the cover glass320, a user-familiar physical user interface (PUI) may be provided.

FIG. 4is a view illustrating an internal structure of an upper portion of an electronic device, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4, according to one embodiment, an electronic device400may include a metal frame410, a segment420, a PCB430, a camera module440, and a receiver450. The metal frame410may constitute at least a portion of the side surface of the electronic device400. The left end and the right end of the metal frame410may be formed to have a thickness thinner than thicknesses of the top end and the bottom end of the metal frame410. The metal frame410may be a side-surface housing of the electronic device400. The metal frame410may perform as an antenna radiator of the electronic device400. The metal frame410may be formed of a plurality of conductors. The metal frame410may be segmented by one or more segments420.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the segment420may be interposed between a plurality of conductors included in the metal frame410. For example, the segment420may be located at the left top end and the right top end of the metal frame410. The segment420may constitute a portion of the side surface of the electronic device400. The segment420may be made of an insulator to prevent electricity from being conducted.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module440may be disposed, for example, in the central region of the top end of the PCB430. The receiver450may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The receiver450may be disposed at the top end of the PCB430. When the camera module440is disposed at the central region of the top end of the PCB430, the receiver450may be arranged such that the long edge thereof faces the longitudinal direction. The receiver450may include a piezo-speaker. When the receiver450includes a piezo-speaker, the sound generated by the receiver450may be transmitted to the outside even if a receiver hole is not formed in the housing of the electronic device400.

FIG. 5is a view of a bracket of some modules, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 5, according to one embodiment, an electronic device500may include a metal frame510and a bracket520. The metal frame510may include one or more receiver holes formed in the central region of the top end of the metal frame510.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bracket520may be provided to receive at least one module. For example, the bracket520may be provided to receive the camera module and the receiver. The bracket520may be provided to receive the camera module on the left side thereof and to receive the receiver on the right side thereof. The bracket520may include holes for mounting the camera module and the receiver. The bracket520may be seated in the housing such that the camera module is disposed at the center of the top end of the electronic device500.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bracket520may perform a function of a duct for guiding the sound generated by the receiver to the receiver hole. As the camera is disposed, the length of the duct according to one embodiment may be longer than the length of a duct typically employed. The sound generated by the receiver may be transmitted to the receiver hole along the bracket520and then may be output to the outside.

FIG. 6is a view illustrating a mounting structure of the camera module, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 6, according to an embodiment, an electronic device600may include a metal frame610, a cover glass620, a display panel630, a camera module640, and a buffer member650. The metal frame610may constitute at least a portion of the side-surface housing of the electronic device600. The metal frame610may be laterally adjacent to the cover glass620, the display panel630, and the camera module640.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover glass620may be disposed adjacent to the metal frame610. The cover glass620may constitute at least a portion of the front-surface housing of the electronic device600. The display panel630may be disposed under the cover glass620. The display panel630may include an opening or a cutout.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera module640may be disposed in a space defined by the opening or the cutout provided in the display panel630. As the camera module640in a space defined by the opening or the cutout is arranged, the camera module640may be exposed to the outside through the cover glass620and the light may be introduced into the camera module640from outside.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the buffer member650may be interposed between the camera module640and the display panel630. The buffer member650may mitigate the impact to be applied between the camera module640and the display panel630. The buffer member650may prevent dust, moisture, and the like from being introduced into the camera module640. The buffer member650may be formed through, for example, sponge, tape, bonding or the like.

FIG. 7Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating a first type of stack structure for an upper portion of the electronic device according to an embodiment,FIG. 7Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating a second type of stack structure for an upper portion of the electronic device according to an embodiment, andFIG. 7Cis a cross-sectional view illustrating a third type of stack structure for the upper portion of the electronic device, according to one embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the camera module761may be disposed in the form that the camera module761is inserted in an opening formed in the OCA721, the polarizing plate731, the display panel741, and the rear-surface member751, as illustrated inFIG. 7A. In addition, the camera module761may be exposed to the outside through the cover glass711.

According to one embodiment, the camera module762may be disposed in the form that the camera module762is inserted into an opening formed in the rear-surface member752(or rear-surface adhesive layer), as illustrated inFIG. 7B. In this case, a light emitting device and/or a driving device disposed adjacent to the camera module762may be removed from the display panel742. The camera module762may be exposed to the outside through the cover glass712, the OCA722, the polarizing plate732, and the display panel742.

According to one embodiment, the camera module763may be disposed in the form that the camera module763is inserted into an opening formed in the rear-surface member753(or rear-surface adhesive layer), as illustrated inFIG. 7C. In this case, a partial region of the display panel743adjacent to the camera module763may be excluded to ensure the transparency. The camera module763may be exposed to the outside through the cover glass713, the OCA723, and the polarizing plate733.

FIG. 8is a view illustrating a mounting structure of a sensor module, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 8, according to one embodiment, an electronic device800may include a housing810and a sensor module820. According to one embodiment, the housing810may include at least one hole such that the sensor module820is exposed to the outside. The housing810may include at least one hole formed in the outer portion of the display panel. For example, the housing810may include at least one hole formed in a position corresponding to an opening or a cutout provided in the display panel. For another example, the housing810may include at least one hole formed in a side surface of the housing810. For another example, the housing810may include at least one hole formed in an outer portion of a front surface of the housing810. The housing810may be provided such that the sensor module820may be mounted. For example, the housing810may have a space allowing the sensor module820to be inserted therein and seated thereon.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor module820may be mounted to the housing810. When the sensor module820is mounted on the housing810, the sensor module820may perform sensing through a hole formed in the housing810. The sensor module820may include, for example, a proximity sensor and/or an illumination sensor. The sensor module820may sense the illuminance and sense the proximity of an object through a hole formed in the housing810.

FIG. 9is a cross-sectional view illustrating an upper portion of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 9, according to one embodiment, an electronic device900may include a metal frame910, an internal housing920, and a receiver930. The metal frame910may constitute at least a portion of the side-surface housing of the electronic device900. The metal frame910may be laterally adjacent to the internal housing920. The internal housing920may be laterally adjacent to the metal frame910. The internal housing920may receive the receiver930.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the metal frame910and/or the internal housing920may include a receiver hole formed in the direction that the metal frame910and/or the internal housing920extends. The receiver hole may be formed between the metal frame910and the cover glass. The sound generated by the receiver930may be output to the outside by being transmitted to the receiver hole.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the receiver930may be mounted inside the internal housing920. The receiver930may be disposed at a position that the sound generated by the receiver930is transmitted to the receiver hole.

FIG. 10is a view illustrating an internal structure of a left top end of an electronic device, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 10, according to an embodiment, an electronic device may include metal frames1011and1012, a segment1020, connection members1031and1032, and a substrate1040. The metal frames1011and1012may constitute at least a portion of the side-surface housing of the electronic device. The metal frames1011and1012may perform as an antenna radiator of the electronic device. The metal frames1011and1012may be formed of a plurality of conductors. The metal frames1011and1012may be segmented by at least one segment1020.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the segment1020may be interposed between a plurality of conductors included in the metal frames1011and1012. For example, the segment1020may be located at the left top end of the metal frames1011and1012. The segment1020may be made of an insulator to prevent electricity from being conducted. The segment1020may include a reinforcing protruding structure for improving the strength of the segment1020.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connection members1031and1032may connect the metal frames1011and1012and the substrate1040. For example, the connection members1031and1032may be in contact with the metal frames1011and1012. The connection members1031and1032may be in contact with the exposed portions of the metal frames1011and1012to be utilized contacts with an antenna radiator. The connection members1031and1032may be fixed on the substrate1040.

FIG. 11is a view illustrating a cover glass according to one embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 11, according to an embodiment, a cover glass1110may include a layer1111(e.g., black masking) opaquely printed on one side to cover the apex of an active region1112of a display panel1120. The layer1111, which is opaque, may be roundly printed on the region of the cover glass1110corresponding to a corner part1121of the active region1112so that the corner part1121of the active region1112is viewed to be rounded.

According to one embodiment, an active region1132of a display panel1140may be formed to be rounded. In this case, a layer1131, which is opaque, may be roundly printed along the active region1132of the display panel1140at the corner part of a cover glass1130.

FIG. 12illustrates a display panel of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 12, according to an embodiment, a display panel1201may include an active region1211, an inactive region1221, and a PCB connection part1231. The display panel1201may include a cutout1241formed in the center region of the top end of the active region1211. The cutout1241may be formed by concavely cutting the display panel1201. In the active region1211, light emitting devices may be arranged. A screen may be output to the active region1211depending on the operation of the light emitting device. The active region1211may have the shape of a rectangle. The inactive region1221may be a region surrounding the active region1211. The PCB connection part1231may be connected to one end of the inactive region1221. For example, the PCB connection part1231may be connected to a bottom end of the inactive region1221. A PCB connection part1231may connect lines extending from an active region1231to a PCB.

According to an embodiment, a display panel1202may include an active region1212, an inactive region1222, and a PCB connection part1232. The corner part of the active region1212may be formed to be rounded. In this case, the corner part of the inactive region1222may be rounded with the same or similar curvature as that of the corner part of the active region1212.

According to various embodiments, the display panels1201and1202may be provided in the electronic device in the state that the active regions1211and1212are flat, or may be provided in the electronic device in the state that at least one of top, bottom, left, and/or right ends of the active regions1211and1212is bent such that the active regions1211and1212constitute the curved surface.

FIG. 13Ais a view illustrating a first type of a display panel, according to an embodiment,FIG. 13Bis a view illustrating a second type of a display panel, according to an embodiment, andFIG. 13Cis a view illustrating a third type of a display panel, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 13A, according to an embodiment, a display panel1301may include an active region1311, an inactive region1321, and a PCB connection part1331. The display panel1301may include an opening1341formed in the center region of the top end of the active region1311. The opening1341may be formed throughout the active region1311, the inactive region1321, and the PCB connection part1331. When the display panel1301is bent and disposed along the center of the opening1341, the opening1341may form a U-shaped space when viewed from the front of the electronic device. In this case, a part of the active region1311may overlap with the PCB connection part1331. Various modules such as a camera module may be disposed in the space formed by the opening1341. The display panel1301may include a U-shaped cutout formed at the bottom end thereof. AlthoughFIG. 13Aillustrates that the cutout is formed in the bottom end of the display panel1301, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the display panel1301may not include the cutout at the bottom end thereof. The inactive region1321may surround the active region1311. The PCB connection part1331may be connected with one end of the inactive region1321. For example, the PCB connection part1331may be connected with a top end of the inactive region1321. The PCB connection part1331may connect lines extending from an active region1311with a PCB.

Referring toFIG. 13B, according to an embodiment, a display panel1302may include an active region1312, an inactive region1322, and a PCB connection part1332. The display panel1302may include a cutout1342formed in the left top end of the active region1312. When the display panel1302is bent and disposed along the center of the cutout1342, the cutout1342may form an L-shaped space when viewed from the front of the electronic device. In this case, a part of the active region1312may overlap with the PCB connection part1332. Various modules, such as a camera module, may be disposed in the space formed by the cutout1342.

Referring toFIG. 13C, according to an embodiment, a display panel1303may include an active region1313, an inactive region1323, and a PCB connection part1333. The display panel1303may include a first opening1343formed at the left top end of the active region1313and a second opening1353formed in the PCB connection part1333. When the display panel1303is bent and disposed such that the first opening1343overlaps with the second opening1353, the first opening1343and the second opening1353may form an O-shaped space when viewed from the front surface of the electronic device. In this case, a part of the active region1313may overlap with the PCB connection part1333. Various modules, such as a camera module, may be disposed in a space defined by the first opening1343and the second opening1353.

FIG. 14is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of an electronic device, according to one embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 14, according to an embodiment, an electronic device1400may include a cover glass1410, a housing1420, a polarizing plate1430, an encapsulating layer1440, a light emitting layer1450, a thin film transistor (TFT)1460, a substrate1470, a buffer member1475, a copper/graphite layer1480, a cushion layer1485, a display driver IC1490, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)1495.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the polarizing plate1430may be disposed under the cover glass1410. The polarizing plate1430may polarize light generated in the light emitting layer1450to realize a desired color.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulating layer1440may prevent moisture from being infiltrated into the light emitting layer1450. The encapsulating layer1440may be formed to surround the light emitting layer1450. The encapsulating layer1440may include inorganic materials and organic materials, and may be formed as a thin film.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting layer1450may generate light. The light emitting layer1450may include various types of light emitting devices

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the TFT1460may transmit an electrical signal to the light emitting layer1450such that light is generated from the light emitting layer1450.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the substrate1470may support the TFT1460, the light emitting layer1450, the encapsulating layer1440, and the polarizing plate1430. The substrate1470may include, for example, polyamide.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the buffer member1475may be disposed outside the bending portions of the TFT1460and the substrate1470. The buffer member1475may reduce the pressure applied to the substrate1470when the substrate1470is bent. The buffer member1475may be, for example, a stress neutralization layer (SNL).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the copper/graphite layer1480may be disposed under the substrate1470. The copper/graphite layer1480may block the noise of the TFT1460and help heat radiation.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cushion layer1485may be disposed under the copper/graphite layer1480. The cushion layer1485may have a function of relieving the pressure applied from the housing1420.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the display driver IC1490may drive a display module. The display driver IC1490may drive or control, for example, the TFT1460.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the FPCB1495may connect the display with a main PCB of the electronic device1400. The FPCB1495may be omitted depending on the implementation forms of the present invention. In this case, the display and the main PCB of the electronic device1400may be directly connected with each other through a connector.

FIG. 15is a view illustrating a wiring structure around the opening formed in the display panel according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 15, the display panel may include a scan line1510and a data line1520. Typically, the scan line1510extends in a widthwise direction of the display panel, and the data line1520extends in a lengthwise direction of the display panel. The path of the scan line1510and the data line1520needs to be changed when an opening1530is formed in the display panel. When scan lines1510meets the opening1530, the scan lines1510may be arranged to be bent upward and downward, respectively, along the periphery of the opening1530. When the scan lines1510bent upward and downward extend along the periphery of the opening1530and meet with each other, the scan lines1510may again extend in the widthwise direction of the display panel. When data lines1520meets the opening1530, the data lines1520may be arranged to be bent leftward and rightward along the periphery of the opening1530. When the data lines1520bent leftward and rightward extend along the periphery of the opening1530and meet with each other, the data lines1520may again extend in the lengthwise direction of the display panel.

FIG. 16is a view for explaining a ratio of a screen output through a display panel according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 16, according to an embodiment, the aspect ratio of a screen output by the display panel may be 19:9. According to an embodiment, the aspect ratio of the screen may be, at the ratio in the vertical direction, greater than a typical screen having the aspect ratio of 16:9. The display panel may output one image at an aspect ratio of 19:9.

According to one embodiment, the display panel may output an image split into three regions. In this case, for example, the display panel may output an image having an aspect ratio of 1.5:9 at the top end and the bottom end, and an image having an aspect ratio of 16:9 in the central region. The aspect ratio between the top end and the bottom end may be variously changed. The top end may output, for example, an indicator bar that provides a communication state, a remaining battery level, a current time, and/or a notification icon. The bottom end may output, for example, a soft key that may perform functions such as menu calls and/or cancellations. The central region may output one image at an aspect ratio of 16:9. When reproducing an image having an aspect ratio of 16:9, for example, an HD (high-definition) image, the display panel displays an image on the central region, simultaneously displays the indicator bar on the top end, and may output the soft key associated with the reproduction of the image on the bottom end. Since the content output through the display represents the highest frequency in the content aspect ratio of 16:9, a convenient user interface may be provided when outputting normal content according to the above-described screen configuration.

According to one embodiment, the display panel may output an image split into two parts. In this case, the display panel may output, for example, an image having an aspect ratio of 13:9 on the upper region and an image having an aspect ratio of 6:9 on the lower region. For another example, the display panel may output an image having an aspect ratio of 16:9 on the upper region and an image having an aspect ratio of 3:9 on the lower region. According to various embodiments, the aspect ratio of the upper region and the aspect ratio of the lower region may be varied. The display panel may output the execution screen of the first application in the upper region and output the execution screen of the second application on the lower region. According to various embodiments, the display panel may output two or more split images such as three or four split images.

FIG. 17is a view illustrating a soft key output differently depending on an application type according to an embodiment. According to various embodiments, electronic devices1701and1702may display soft keys associated with an executed application in bottom ends1721and1722of display panels1711and1712.

Referring toFIG. 17, the electronic device1701may display, for example, a home screen on the display panel1711. The user may perform a function for changing the state or setting of the electronic device1701on the home screen. When a home screen is displayed on the display panel1711, the electronic device1701displays a menu key for supporting the change in the state or the setting of the electronic device on the bottom end1721of the display panel1711, together with a home key and a cancel key. The home key, the cancel key, and the menu key may be provided through soft keys.

For another example, the electronic device1702may execute a multimedia reproduction application capable of searching for and reproducing an image. When the multimedia reproduction application is executed, the electronic device1702may display the execution screen of the multimedia reproduction application on the display panel1712. The user may perform functions such as playing back, pausing, stop, rewinding, or fast forwarding of a moving picture when the multimedia reproduction application is executed. When the execution screen of the multimedia reproduction application is displayed on the display panel1712, the electronic device1702displays a moving picture control key for supporting a control function of the moving picture together with a home key and a cancel key on the bottom end1722of the display panel1712.

FIG. 18is a view illustrating that the screen of a display is split, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 18, according to an embodiment, a screen of a display may include a first screen region1810and a second screen region1830. The first screen region1810may occupy a top end of the display, and may have the aspect ratio of, for example, 16:9. The first screen region1810, which serves as a main screen region, may be the region on which an execution screen1811of the first application activated is output. For example, the execution screen1811of the first application executed in foreground may be output to the first screen region1810.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second screen region1830may occupy the bottom end of the display, and may have the aspect ratio of, for example, 2:3. The second screen region1830, which serves a sub-screen region, may be a region that a list of applications is output such that at least one of an application running in background or an executable application is selected. For example, an execution screen1831of the second application, an execution screen1833of the third application, and an execution screen1835of the fourth application may be output together on the second screen region1830. According to one embodiment, the second screen region1830may be split by the number of execution screens of the application to be output, and the execution screen of each application may be output to the split regions.

According to one embodiment, when a designated user input occurs for the execution screen of the application output to the second screen region1830, the display may output the execution screen of the selected application to the first screen region1810, and may output the execution screen of the application, which is previously output in the first screen region1810, on the second screen region1830. For example, when an input for dragging the execution screen1831of the second application output to the second screen region1830to the first screen region1810occurs, the display may output the execution screen1831of the second application to the first screen region1810and output the execution screen1811of the first application, which is previously output in the first screen region1810, to the second screen region1830. In this case, the electronic device may activate (e.g., switch to foreground) the second application moved to the first screen region1810and deactivate (switch to background) the first application moved to the second screen region1830.

FIG. 19is a view illustrating a screen that is split differently depending on an application type, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 19, according to an embodiment, an electronic device1900may output an execution screen for a plurality of applications through split screen regions of a display. According to various embodiments, the electronic device1900may split the screen based on at least one of the type and number of applications to be output on the screen, the type and the characteristic of the content to be output on the execution screen of the application, and specified user information.

For example, the electronic device1900may split the screen region to correspond to the number of applications to be displayed on the screen. In the drawing, the electronic device1900splits the screen region into two parts and outputs an execution screen1911of the first application to a first screen region1910, and an execution screen1931of the second application to a second screen region1930.

For another example, the electronic device1900may designate the ratios of the split screen regions to different values depending on the type of application, and the type and characteristic of the content to be displayed on the execution screen of the application. As illustrated in the drawing, the electronic device1900may designate the ratio of the first screen region1910to correspond to the ratio of content (e.g., an image, a moving picture, or the like) to be output on the execution screen1911of the first application. In addition, the electronic device1900may fully output the content on the execution screen1911of the first application when the execution screen1911of the first application is output to the first screen region1910. For example, the electronic device1900may exclude regions of a letterbox and a pillarbox associated with the content when specifying the ratio of the first screen region1910. Accordingly, the content may be fully output to the first screen region1910.

According to one embodiment, when the first screen region1910is designated depending on the execution screen1911of the first application, the electronic device1900may designate the remaining region of the display as the second screen region1930. In the drawing, the execution screen1931of the message application is output to the second screen region1930. If the second screen region1930is designated, the ratio of the second screen region1930may not be changed even if a soft input panel1933for inputting a message is output during the execution of the message application. For example, the electronic device1900may output the soft input panel1933only within the second screen region1930. Accordingly, the electronic device1900may maintain the ratio of the first screen region1910even if the soft input panel1933is output.

FIG. 20is a view illustrating the switching of a screen split, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 20, according to an embodiment, an electronic device2000may output an execution screen of a plurality of applications through split screen regions of a display. In the left part of the drawing, the electronic device2000outputs an execution screen2051of the first application to a first screen region2010, and an execution screen2053of the second application to a second screen region2030. According to one embodiment, when a screen switching key2050output to the bottom end of the screen of a display is selected, the electronic device2000switch the execution screens of applications output to the first screen region2010and the second screen region2030. For example, the electronic device200outputs an execution screen2053of the second application to the first screen region2010and outputs the execution screen2051of the first application to the second screen region2030, as illustrated in the right side of the drawing. According to one embodiment, the screen switching key2050may be output, as a soft key, adjacent to another soft key (e.g., a home key or the like) output to the bottom end of the display.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device2000may designate the ratios of the screen regions to different values depending on the type of an application to be output, and the type and characteristic of the content to be displayed on the execution screen of the application when the screen is switched. Alternatively, the electronic device2000may switch the execution screen of the application while maintaining the ratio of the screen area. When switching the execution screen of an application while maintaining the ratio of the screen region, the electronic device2000may resize the execution screen of the application to prevent the execution screen of the application from being cut off. For example, an execution screen of an application for reproducing a moving picture may be resized to correspond to a ratio of the moving picture, and an execution screen of a message application may be cropped in some regions.

FIG. 21is a view illustrating a method for splitting a screen, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 21, according to an embodiment, an electronic device2100may split a display into a first screen region2110, a second screen region2130, and a third screen region2150, as in a first state2101. The first screen region2110may occupy the top end of the display, the second screen region2130may occupy the central region of the display, and the third screen region2150may occupy the bottom end of the display

According to various embodiments, the electronic device2100may change the ratio of the split screen region of the display to correspond to a designated user input (e.g., a gesture input). For example, when an input2171causing the second screen region2130to slide in the upper direction of the display occurs as in the first state2101, the electronic device2100may reduce the first screen region2110and may enlarge the third screen region2150as in the second state2103. For another example, when an input2173causing the second screen region2130to slide in the lower direction of the display occurs as in the second state2103, the electronic device2100may enlarge the first screen region2110and may reduce the third screen region2150as in the third state2105. In the second state2103and third state2105, as the inputs2171and2173to slide continuously occur to move the upper and lower edges of the second screen region2130to the upper and lower edges of the display, the first screen region2110, and the third screen region2150are completely reduced and disappeared.

FIG. 22Ais a view illustrating a notification provided using an object output on a screen, according to an embodiment,FIG. 22Bis a view illustrating a plurality of notifications provided, according to an embodiment,FIG. 22Cis a view illustrating the shape of a notification object, according to an embodiment,FIG. 22Dis a view illustrating activation and deactivation of an output region of a notification object, according to an embodiment, andFIG. 22Eis a view illustrating that a notification is provided in a lock screen, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 22A to 22E, an electronic device2200may output a notification object, which is used to provide the notification, to a top end2210of the display, in response to occurrence of the notification. The notification may include, for example, a system notification, a user setting notification, or a communication notification with an external electronic device. The system notification may be a notification occurring from a system (e.g., a processor) of the electronic device2200and may include a status notification of the electronic device2200(e.g., a communication connection state notification or a low battery state notification). The user setting notification may be a notification that occurs when a specified condition is satisfied based on information set by a user, and may include, for example, a schedule notification. The communication notification with the external electronic device is a notification occurring through communication with the external electronic device connected with the electronic device2200through wired/wireless communication. The notification includes a telephone reception notification, a message reception notification, an e-mail reception notification, or a data reception notification.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device2200may output the notification object to an indicator bar including state information (e.g., communication connection state information, current time information, or remaining battery level amount information, or the like) of the electronic device2200. For another example, the electronic device2200may output, to the indicator bar, an execution icon2211for an application supporting output of detailed information of the notification object. For example, the execution icon2211supporting the execution of the application may be output to the indicator bar together with an image (or an icon) representing state information of the electronic device2200. The drawing illustrates that, as a new e-mail is received, the electronic device2200outputs a text for informing the reception of the new e-mail and the execution icon2211for an e-mail application to the indicator bar, together with the status information image (or icon) of the electronic device2200. Accordingly, when the execution icon2211for the e-mail application is selected, the electronic device2200may execute the e-mail application and may output an execution screen of the e-mail application for displaying detailed information of the received e-mail on a specific region (e.g., a central region) of the display.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device2200may change and output graphical properties (e.g., color, background color, edge thickness, brightness, or transparency) of an execution icon2211for an application that supports the output of detailed information of the notification object, thereby supporting the user to intuitively recognize the occurrence of the notification. For another example, the electronic device2200may output the execution icon2211for the application to the upper layer of the indicator bar. In other words, the electronic device2200may output a layer including the execution icon2211for the application above the layer including the indicator bar. Accordingly, even if a touch input to the indicator bar is not supported, or when there lacks a new additional space for a new display object (e.g., the notification object and the execution icon2211for the application) as the number of display objects (e.g., images or icons) is increased, it is possible to support the output of the execution icon2211for the application and the touch input to the execution icon2211for the application.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device2200may output an execution icon2233for an application, which supports the output of detailed information of the notification object in response to the occurrence of the notification, to a bottom end2230of the display. For example, the electronic device2200may output the execution icon2233for the application to a region for a specified soft key2231(e.g., a home key) occupying a portion of the bottom end2230of the display. Alternatively, the electronic device2200may replace the image of the specified soft key2231with the execution icon2233for the application to be output. Accordingly, a user may select the execution icon2233for the application by selecting the soft key2231output in the bottom end of the display. For example, the user may select the execution icon2233for the application by his or her gripped hand while holding the electronic device2200with one hand, thereby enhancing the convenience. The electronic device2200performs the above-described function to perform a specified function of the soft key2231in response to a user input for selecting the soft key2231before the notification occurs, and to execute an application for supporting the output of the detailed information of the notification object in response to the user input for selecting the soft key2231after the notification occurs.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device2200may output, to the display, at least one notification object for providing a plurality of notifications in response to the occurrence of the notifications. According to one embodiment, the electronic device2200may sequentially output notification objects corresponding to the respective notifications to the display according to the priorities of the notifications. Referring toFIG. 22B, the electronic device2200may determine the priority of the notification through priority information2201. For example, even if a first notification (e.g., a schedule alarm), a second notification (e.g., receiving of an e-mail), and a third notification (e.g., receiving of an e-mail) sequentially occur according to times2203that the notifications occur, the electronic device2200may output only the second notification, which has the highest priority, to the indicator bar according to the priorities of the notifications. Alternatively, the electronic device2200may sequentially output the second notification, the third notification, and the first notification from the left region to the right region of the indicator bar, according to the priorities for the notifications. For another example, the electronic device2200may analyze the type of notification, and may sequentially output notification objects corresponding to notifications from the left region to the right region of the indicator bar, based on the frequency that each type of notification occurs or the last occurrence time of the notification. The electronic device2200may preferentially output the notification of the most recently occurring notification or a notification having higher priority based on information of the user, to the left region of the indicator bar. Alternatively, the electronic device2200may output only a notification that the user wants to receive based on the setting information of the user. For example, the electronic device2200may output the execution icon2233for an application, which supports output of a notification having the higher priority based on the setting information of the user, to the region the specified soft key2231. Alternatively, the electronic device2200may replace the image of the specified soft key2231with the execution icon2233for the application to be output.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device2200may output an object (e.g., the execution icon2211for the application), which corresponds to the notification, among the display objects output to the indicator bar, larger than an object corresponding to the state information of the electronic device2200, as illustrated inFIG. 22C. The electronic device2200may display the execution icon2211for the application corresponding to the notification, larger than a first state icon2213, a second state icon2215, a third state icon2217, and a fourth state icon2219corresponding to the state information of the electronic device2200. In addition, the electronic device2200may apply an animation effect to the object corresponding to the notification (e.g., the execution icon2211for the application) or may differently output the background image, the background color, the boundary shape, or the boundary color of the object, such that a user may more easily recognize the occurrence of the notification. According to various embodiments, the electronic device2200may align and output some of the display objects output to the indicator bar, in a plurality of lines. For example, the electronic device2200may align and output objects (e.g., the first state icon2213, the second state icon2215, the third state icon2217, and the fourth state icon2219) which correspond to the state information of the electronic device2200, among the display objects in two lines at the right region of the indicator bar. In this case, the electronic device2200may equally divide the right region of the indicator bar by the number of corresponding objects, output the objects one by one to the divided regions, and arrange the objects such that the objects are horizontally arranged.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device2200may receive a user input for the object corresponding to the notification in various manners. For example, the electronic device2200may receive a touch input, a double tap input, a force touch input (e.g., a touch input to apply a pressure having a specified intensity or more), a gesture input, a swipe input, or the like. Alternatively, the electronic device2200may differently handle a user input for the object based on the screen output state of the display (e.g., screen on/off state), whether an execution screen of the application has been output to the central region of the display, or the type of the application.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device2200may activate or deactivate a region that the execution icon2211for the application is output, based on the type of an application for supporting the output of the notification. In addition, the electronic device2200may activate or deactivate the region that the execution icon2211for the application is output, based on a functional state, such as an always on display (AOD) state, a lock state, a home screen state, or an in-app state, of the electronic device2200. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 22D, the electronic device2200activates a region that an execution icon2211afor an e-mail application is output in a first state2271that a new e-mail is received, and deactivate the region that an execution icon2211bof a schedule application is output, in a second state2273that a schedule alarm occurs. In this case, the electronic device2200may support the user to select the execution icon2211afor the e-mail application in the first state2271, and may support the user not to select the execution icon2211bof the schedule application in the second state2273. The electronic device2200also activates the region that the execution icon2211afor the e-mail application is output as in the first state2271and replaces the image of the specified soft key2231with an icon2233a. However, the electronic device2200may not replace the image of the specified soft key2231with the execution icon2211bof the schedule application set to be deactivated, as in the second state2273.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device2200may output a notification object corresponding to the occurrence of a notification to the display even if the functional state of the electronic device2200is a lock state. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 22E, when a fingerprint recognition key2231is output as a soft key in the bottom end of a lock screen2250, the electronic device2200may output an execution icon2233for application which supports the output of the detailed information of the notification object to the region for the fingerprint recognition key2231. Alternatively, the electronic device2200may replace the image of the fingerprint recognition key2231with the execution icon2233for the application to be output. According to an embodiments, when a notification occurs in the state that a pattern input object2251is output at the central region of the lock screen2250, the electronic device2200may output the notification object in response to the occurrence of the notification to the indicator bar when the notification occurs.

FIG. 23is a view illustrating notification processing using an object output on a screen, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 23, according to an embodiment, an electronic device2300may output an execution icon2311for an application, which supports the output of the detailed information of a notification object for providing the notification to the top end (e.g., the indicator bar) of a display2310in response of the occurrence of the notification. The electronic device2300may perform a specified function for the notification when a specified user input for the execution icon2311for the application occurs.

According to one embodiment, when an input2331for selecting an execution icon2311for an application occurs, the electronic device2300may execute an application for supporting the output of detailed information of the notification object and may output an execution screen of the application including the detailed information of the notification object to a specific region (e.g., a central region) of the display2310. In this case, the electronic device2300may terminate the output of the execution icon2311for the application.

According to one embodiment, when an input2333of swiping the execution icon2311for the application to the right occurs, the electronic device2300may terminate the output of the execution icon2311for the application and may provide the notification again when the confirmation of the notification is not completed for a specific time of period. In other words, after the output of the execution icon2311for the application is terminated, the electronic device2300may output the execution icon2311for the application again when the user does not confirm the notification for a specific time of period.

According to one embodiment, when an input2335of swiping the execution icon2311for the application to the left occurs, the electronic device2300terminates the output of the execution icon2311for the application. In this case, the electronic device2300may not provide the notification again, even if the confirmation of the notification is not completed for a specific time of period.

According to one embodiment, when an input2337for swiping the execution icon2311for the application downward occurs, the electronic device2300may output a display object (e.g., the pop-up object) including at least a portion of the detailed information of the notification object to a specific region (e.g., a central region) of the display2310. For example, the electronic device2300may set the transparency of the pop-up object and may output the pop-up object to the specific region of the display2310such that the pop-up object is blurred. For another example, the electronic device2300may include an input field in the pop-up object to make a response to the notification. In other words, when a new e-mail is received, the electronic device2300may output the pop-up object including a text input field such that a text input in the pop-up object is possible.

FIG. 24is a view illustrating another form of providing a notification by using a soft key, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 24, according to an embodiment, an electronic device2400may support the irradiation of light to a bottom end2410of a display in response to the occurrence of the notification. The left part of the drawing illustrates that light is irradiated through a light emitting device2430disposed under a left edge of the bottom end2410of the display, in response to the notification. According to various embodiments, the electronic device2400may control the light emitting device2430to irradiate light in different color based on the number of notifications which occur.

According to one embodiment, when there occurs an input of selecting the region for the light emitting device2430in the bottom end2410of the display, the electronic device2400may output a notification object (e.g., a soft key) for providing the notification to the bottom end2410of the display. For another example, when a plurality of notifications occurs, the electronic device2400may sequentially output the identification information (e.g., index) of notification objects corresponding to the notifications, and may output the detailed information of the notification object corresponding to the notification which is lastly received. The right part of the drawing illustrates that the electronic device2400outputs identification information of a first notification object2431, identification information of a second notification object2432, identification information of a third notification object2433, and the detailed information of the notification object2433to the bottom end2410of the display. For one example, the first notification object2431includes state change information of the electronic device2400, the second notification object2432includes information of a singer of a song currently reproduced, and the third notification object2433may include control function information of the song currently reproduced.

FIG. 25is a view for explaining a user input region for a soft key, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 25, according to an embodiment, an electronic device2500may include a display2510, and a bezel region2530provided to surround the display2510. The bezel region2530may form a part of the housing. The bezel region2530may be provided, for example, in the upper layer of the inactive region when referring to the above-described drawings.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device2500may output a soft key2511to a portion of an edge region of the display2510. The drawing illustrates a state in which the electronic device2500outputs the soft key2511to the bottom end of a display2510. The electronic device2500may perform at least one function included in the electronic device2500when a user input to the soft key2511occurs.

According to various embodiments, when outputting the soft key2511set to perform a specific function to the display2510, the electronic device2500may output the soft key2511in smaller size such that the display of another display object output to the display2510is not restricted. Accordingly, an input2551for selecting the soft key2511may be out of the output region of the soft key2511. When the user input2551is out of the output region of the soft key2511, the electronic device2500may erroneously recognize the user input2551for the soft key2511as a touch input for a display object output to a region adjacent to an output region of the soft key2511. To prevent this, the electronic device2500may set an output region of the soft key2511and a region adjacent to the output region of the soft key2511as a user input region for the soft key2511.

For example, the electronic device2500may set the user input region to have the width wider than a width2571of a region for the soft key2511. For example, the electronic device2500may set top and bottom ends of the user input region to be increased by a first width2573and a second width2575from a width2571of the soft key2511. However, the user input region is not limited thereto. Although the drawing illustrates only the width of the user input region, the length of the user input region may be set to be longer than the length of the region for the soft key2511.

FIG. 26is a view illustrating the addition of the soft key, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 26, according to an embodiment, an electronic device2600may output a soft key to a bottom end2611of a display2610. For example, the electronic device2600outputs a home key2631to the center of the bottom end2611of the display2610, outputs a menu key2632to the left side of the home key2631, and outputs a cancellation key2633to the right side of the home key2631.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device2600may further output an additional soft key to the bottom end2611of the display2610, in response to user setting or the occurrence of a notification. For example, the electronic device2600may output a first additional soft key2634to the left side of the menu key2632and a second additional soft key2635to the right side of the cancellation key2633. According to one embodiment, the electronic device2600may rearrange soft keys previously output to the bottom end2611of the display2610, when outputting the additional soft keys. In other words, electronic device2600may reduce the spacing of the previously output soft keys to provide an output space for the additional soft key. For another example, the output of the additional soft key may be terminated by user setting or upon the confirmation of the notification. In this case, the electronic device2600may recover the interval of the previously output soft keys.

FIG. 27is a view for explaining a method for confirming the execution state of an application using a soft key, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 27, according to an embodiment, an electronic device2700may output a soft key2711to a bottom end of a display2710. For example, the electronic device2700may output an execution icon of an application specified to the soft key2711. According to various embodiments, the electronic device2700may output the soft key2711to the bottom end of the display2710, by the user setting or in response to the occurrence of the notification. The drawing shows a state in which an execution icon of an application (e.g., a message application) frequently used by the electronic device2700is output to the right region of the bottom end of the display2710with the soft key2711.

According to one embodiment, when an input2731for selecting the soft key2711occurs, the electronic device2700may determine the execution state of an application corresponding to the soft key2711. When the application is not executed, the electronic device2700may execute the application and may output an execution screen2713of the application to a specific region (e.g., the central region) of the display2710. Alternatively, when application is executed and activated (executed in foreground), the electronic device2700may ignore the user input2731. Alternatively, when the application is executed and deactivated (executed in background), the electronic device2700may output the execution screen2713for the application for a specified time of period. According to an embodiment, the electronic device2700may output the execution screen2713for the application differently, depending on the intensity or the duration of the user input2731. For example, the electronic device2700may activate the application when the duration of the user input2731exceeds a specified time of period (e.g., a long press input), and may output the execute screen2713for the application to a specific region of the display2710. In this regard, the execution screen2713for the application may be an execution screen running in real time, instead of a screen obtained by capturing the last execution screen for the application or a preview screen.

FIG. 28is a view illustrating execution of an application using a soft key, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 28, according to an embodiment, an electronic device2800may output a soft key2811to a bottom end of a display2810. According to one embodiment, the electronic device2800may output the soft key2811in the bottom end of the display2810to support the rapid execution of a specified application.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device2800may execute an application corresponding to the soft key2811when a user input2831specified for the soft key2811occurs. For example, the electronic device2800may output an execution screen2813of the specified application to the display2810when the duration of the user input2831for selecting the soft key2811is equal to or less than a specific time (when a short press is input). In this case, the electronic device2800may execute the specified application when the specified application is not executed.

For another example, the electronic device2800may output the list2815of executable applications included in the electronic device2800to the display2810when the duration of the user input2831for selecting the soft key2811exceeds a specified time (e.g., when a long press is input). The electronic device2800may execute the selected application and output the execution screen of the executed application to the display2810when any one of the list2815of executable applications output on the display2810is selected.

FIG. 29is a view illustrating a gesture input to a soft key region, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 29, according to an embodiment, an electronic device2900may process a user input specified for the bottom end of a display2910. According to one embodiment, when a gesture input2931specified in the soft key region output in the bottom end of the display2910is generated, the electronic device2900may output an execution screen of any one application of the applications included in the electronic device2900to the display2910.

For example, the electronic device2900may output an execution screen of the previously executed application when an input for swiping to the left in the soft key region occurs. For another example, the electronic device2900may output an execution screen of an application, which is earliest terminated, when an input for swiping to the right in the soft key region occurs.

FIG. 30is a view illustrating the movement of an application object using a soft key, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 30, according to an embodiment, an electronic device3000may output a notification object3011(e.g., a pop-up object) to a top end (e.g., an indicator bar) of a display3010, in response to the occurrence of the notification. According to an embodiment, the notification object3011may include a confirmation button for supporting a user to confirm the content of the notification, and an end button for supporting the user to terminate the notification object3011.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device3000may output a soft key3013to a bottom end of the display3010to adjust the position of the notification object3011. For example, when the soft key3013is selected, the electronic device3000may move the notification object3011, which is output to the top end of the display3010, to the bottom end of the display3010and may output the notification object3011. Accordingly, the user may easily handle the electronic device3000with one hand. For example, when the notification object3011is output to the top end of the display3010, it may be difficult for a user to select the confirmation button or the end button with a hand gripping the electronic device3000in the state that the user grips the electronic device3000with the hand. However, when the user selects the soft key3013output to the bottom end of the display3010, since the notification object3011moves to the bottom end of the display3010, the user may easily select the confirmation button or the end button included in the notification object3011.

FIG. 31is a view illustrating the execution of an application using a soft key in a lock screen, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 31, according to an embodiment, an electronic device3100may output a lock screen3111to a display3110. According to one embodiment, when the notification occurs in the state that the lock screen3111is output, the electronic device3100may output an execution icon3115for an application for supporting the output of the detailed information for providing the notification to a specified soft key3113included in the lock screen3111. The drawing illustrates the state that the execution icon3115for the application is output to the soft key3113output at the center of the bottom end of the lock screen3111.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device3100may terminate the output of the lock screen3111in response to the selection of the soft key3113and output an execution screen3117of the application to the display3110. According to various embodiments, the electronic device3100may first determine if unlocking is possible when the soft key3113is selected (3131).

The electronic device3100may maintain the output of the lock screen3111corresponding to the selection (3131) of the soft key3113when the unlocking is difficult (e.g., when it is determined that a user is not authenticated).

FIG. 32is a view illustrating a gesture input to an object output region, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 32, according to an embodiment, an electronic device3200may process a user input (e.g., gesture input) specified for an object output region output to a display3210. According to one embodiment, the electronic device3200may output a display object3211(e.g., a quick panel) supporting the change of the state or the setting of the electronic device3200to the top end of the display3210when the specified gesture input occurs in an indicator bar region output to the top end of the display3210

According to one embodiment, the electronic device3200may output a list3213of at least one notification object for providing at least one notification to a bottom end of the display3210when the specified gesture input3233occurs in the soft key region output to the bottom end of the display3210.

FIG. 33is a view illustrating another gesture input to a soft key region, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 33, according to an embodiment, an electronic device3300may output an execution icon for an application which supports the output of the detailed information of a notification object for providing the notification to a soft key3311output in the bottom end of a display3310, in response to the occurrence of the notification. Accordingly, the electronic device3300may execute the application corresponding to the selection of the soft key3311, and output the execution screen of the executed application to the display3310.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device3300may process a user input (e.g., a gesture input) specified for the region for the soft key3311output to the bottom end of the display3310. According to one embodiment, when an input3331for swiping in the upper direction of the display3310in the region of the soft key3311, the electronic device3300may create a first additional screen region3313in the bottom end of the display3310. The first additional screen region3313may be overlaid with the bottom end of the display3310or the screen region of the display3310may be moved upward by the output part of the first additional screen region3313. When the screen region of the display3310is shifted upward and output, a portion of the top end of the screen region of the display3310may not be output, or the screen region of the display3310may be reduced proportionally.

According to one embodiment, when an input3333for swiping in the lower direction of the display3310in the region of the soft key3311, the electronic device3300may create a second additional screen region3315in the top end of the display3310. The second additional screen region3315may be overlaid with the top end of the display3310or the screen region of the display3310may be moved downward by the output part of the second additional screen region3315. When the screen region of the display3310is shifted downward and output, a portion of the bottom end of the screen region of the display3310may not be output, or the screen region of the display3310may be reduced proportionally.

According to various embodiments, a display object for supporting the change of the status or setting of the electronic device3300is output to the first additional screen region3313, and the list of at least one notification object for providing at least one notification may be output to the second additional screen region3315. Alternatively, a list of at least one notification object for providing at least one notification may be output to the first additional screen region3313, and the display object may be output to support the change of the state or the setting of the electronic device3300to the second additional screen region3315.

As described above, according to various embodiments, a portable electronic device may include a housing including a first surface and a second surface facing a direction opposite to the first surface, a display including a touchscreen panel exposed through the first surface of the housing and having a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the display has a first side and a third side extending with a first length in a first direction, and a second side and a fourth side substantially perpendicular to the first direction and extending with a second length which is less than the first length, and wherein a ratio of the first length to the second length is x:9, in which the x is equal to or greater than 16, a wireless communication circuit included in the housing, a processor included in the housing and electrically connected with the display and the wireless communication circuit, and a memory included in the housing and electrically connected with the processor. The memory may store instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to display at least one first icon having a first size on a first region in contact with the second side or the fourth side of the display or adjacent to the second side or the fourth side while longitudinally extending, to display at least one second icon having a second size on the first region, based at least partially on an event occurring inside the electronic device or an event received through the wireless communication circuit, to receive a user input for selecting the at least one second icon through the first region of the display, and to perform a function associated with the event, based on the received user input.

According to various embodiments, the first size may be less than the second size.

According to various embodiments, the at least one second icon is disposed closer to the first side than the at least one first icon.

According to various embodiments, the at least one first icon may include a plurality of first icons, and the instructions may cause the processor to arrange and display the plurality of first icons in the first direction and/or the second direction on the first region.

According to various embodiments, the at least one first icon may be associated with at least one of a communication connection state, a current time, and a remaining battery level.

According to various embodiments, the at least one second icon may be associated with at least one of a schedule notification, a telephone reception notification, a message reception notification, an e-mail reception notification, and a data reception notification.

According to various embodiments, the display may further include a second region distinguished from the first region and having a rectangular shape having a ratio of 16:9 or less. The instructions may cause the processor to display at least one of the at least one first icon and the at least one second icon on the first region while displaying a user interface of an application program on the second region.

According to various embodiments, the instructions may cause the processor to display, when receiving the user input for selecting the at least one second icon in a state that the at least one second icon is displayed on the first region, an execution screen of a function associated with the event on the second region, based on the received user input.

According to various embodiments, the at least one first icon may be associated with at least one of home screen output, previous screen output, and menu screen output.

According to various embodiments, the instructions may cause the processor to output the at least one second icon on a region that the at least one first icon is displayed, based at least partially on the event.

As described above, according to various embodiments, a method for providing a user interface of an electronic device including a display may include outputting, to a top end of the display, an indicator bar including at least one first object corresponding to state information of the electronic device, creating at least one second object, based at least partially on an event occurring inside the electronic device or an event received through a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device, outputting the at least one second object to the indicator bar, receiving a user input for selecting the second object through a region that the indicator bar is output, and performing a function associated with the event, based on the received user input.

According to various embodiments, a size of the at least one first object may be less than a size of the at least one second object.

According to various embodiments, the outputting of the at least one second object to the indicator bar may include disposing the at least one second object closer to a left edge of the display rather than the at least one first object.

According to various embodiments, the at least one first object may include a plurality of first objects, and the method for providing the user interface may further include arranging the plurality of first objects on an indicator bar in a widthwise direction and/or lengthwise direction.

According to various embodiments, the at least one first icon may be associated with at least one of a communication connection state, a current time, and a remaining battery level.

According to various embodiments, the at least one second icon may be associated with at least one of a schedule notification, a telephone reception notification, a message reception notification, an e-mail reception notification, and a data reception notification.

According to various embodiments, the method for providing the user interface may further include displaying a user interface of an application program on the central region of the display.

According to various embodiments, the method for providing the user interface may further include outputting an execution screen of a function associated with the event on the central region of the display.

According to various embodiments, the method for providing the user interface may further include outputting at least one soft key, which corresponds to a screen control function of the display, on a bottom end of the display, and the screen control function includes at least one of home screen output, previous screen output, and menu screen output.

According to various embodiments, the method for providing the user interface may further include outputting the at least one second object on a region that the at least one soft key is displayed, based at least partially on the event.

FIG. 34illustrates an electronic device3401in a network environment3400according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 34, the electronic device3401may include a bus3410, a processor3420, a memory3430, an input/output interface3450, a display3460, and a communication interface3470. According to an embodiment, the electronic device3401may not include at least one of the above-described components or may further include other component(s). The bus3410may interconnect the above-described components3410to3470and may include a circuit for conveying communications (e.g., a control message and/or data) among the above-described components. The processor3420may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). For example, the processor3420may perform an arithmetic operation or data processing associated with control and/or communication of at least other components of the electronic device3401.

The memory3430may include a volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. For example, the memory3430may store instructions or data associated with at least one other component(s) of the electronic device3401. According to an embodiment, the memory3430may store software and/or a program3440. The program3440may include, for example, a kernel3441, a middleware3443, an application programming interface (API)3445, and/or an application program (or “an application”)3447. At least a part of the kernel3441, the middleware3443, or the API3445may be referred to as an “operating system (OS)”. For example, the kernel3441may control or manage system resources (e.g., the bus3410, the processor3420, the memory3430, and the like) that are used to execute operations or functions of other programs (e.g., the middleware3443, the API3445, and the application program3447). Furthermore, the kernel3441may provide an interface that allows the middleware3443, the API3445, or the application program3447to access discrete components of the electronic device3401so as to control or manage system resources.

The middleware3443may perform, for example, a mediation role such that the API3445or the application program3447communicates with the kernel3441to exchange data. Furthermore, the middleware3443may process one or more task requests received from the application program3447according to a priority. For example, the middleware3443may assign the priority, which makes it possible to use a system resource (e.g., the bus3410, the processor3420, the memory3430, or the like) of the electronic device3401, to at least one of the application program3447and may process the one or more task requests. The API3445may be an interface through which the application program3447controls a function provided by the kernel3441or the middleware3443, and may include, for example, at least one interface or function (e.g., an instruction) for a file control, a window control, image processing, a character control, or the like. The input/output interface3450may transmit an instruction or data input from a user or another external device, to other component(s) of the electronic device3401or may output an instruction or data, received from other component(s) of the electronic device3401, to a user or another external device.

The display3460may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. The display3460may display, for example, various contents (e.g., a text, an image, a video, an icon, a symbol, and the like) to a user. The display3460may include a touch screen and may receive, for example, a touch, gesture, proximity, or hovering input using an electronic pen or a part of a user's body. For example, the communication interface3470may establish communication between the electronic device3401and an external device (e.g., the first electronic device3402, the second electronic device3404, or the server3406). For example, the communication interface3470may be connected to the network3462over wireless communication or wired communication to communicate with the external device (e.g., the second electronic device3404or the server3406).

For example, the wireless communication may include cellular communication using at least one of long-term evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UNITS), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), or the like. The wireless communication may include at least one of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), magnetic stripe transmission (MST), radio frequency (RF), a body area network, or the like. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication may include GNSS. The GNSS may be one of, for example, a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (Glonass), a Beidou navigation satellite system (hereinafter referred to as “Beidou”), or an European global satellite-based navigation system (hereinafter referred to as “Galileo”). Hereinafter, in this disclosure, “GPS” and “GNSS” may be interchangeably used. The wired communication may include at least one of, for example, a universal serial bus (USB), a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a recommended standard-232 (RS-232), powerline communication, a plain old telephone service (POTS), or the like. The network3462may include at least one of telecommunications networks, for example, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN), an Internet, or a telephone network.

Each of the first and second external electronic devices3402and3404may be a device of which the type is different from or the same as that of the electronic device3401. According to various embodiments, all or a portion of operations that the electronic device3401will perform may be executed by another or plural electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device3402, the second electronic device3404or the server3406). According to an embodiment, in the case where the electronic device3401executes any function or service automatically or in response to a request, the electronic device3401may not perform the function or the service internally, but, alternatively additionally, it may request at least a portion of a function associated with the electronic device3401at other electronic device (e.g., the electronic device3402or3404or the server3406). The other electronic device (e.g., the electronic device3402or3404or the server3406) may execute the requested function or additional function and may transmit the execution result to the electronic device3401. The electronic device3401may provide the requested function or service using the received result or may additionally process the received result to provide the requested function or service. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing may be used.

FIG. 35illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device3501, according to various embodiments. An electronic device3501may include, for example, all or a part of the electronic device3401illustrated inFIG. 34.

Referring toFIG. 35, the electronic device3501may include one or more processors (e.g., an application processor (AP))3510, a communication module3520, a subscriber identification module3524, a memory3530, a sensor module3540, an input device3550, a display3560, an interface3570, an audio module3580, a camera module3591, a power management module3595, a battery3596, an indicator3597, and a motor3598. The processor3510may drive, for example, an operating system (OS) or an application to control a plurality of hardware or software components connected to the processor3510and may process and compute a variety of data. For example, the processor3510may be implemented with a System on Chip (SoC). According to an embodiment, the processor3510may further include a graphic processing unit (GPU) and/or an image signal processor. The processor3510may include at least a part (e.g., a cellular module3521) of components illustrated inFIG. 35. The processor3510may load a command or data, which is received from at least one of other components (e.g., a nonvolatile memory), into a volatile memory and process the loaded instruction or data. The processor3510may store result data in the nonvolatile memory.

The communication module3520may be configured the same as or similar to the communication interface3470ofFIG. 34. The communication module3520may include the cellular module3521, a Wi-Fi module3523, a Bluetooth (BT) module3525, a GNSS module3527, a near field communication (NFC) module3528, and a radio frequency (RF) module3529. The cellular module3521may provide, for example, voice communication, video communication, a character service, an Internet service, or the like over a communication network. According to an embodiment, the cellular module3521may perform discrimination and authentication of the electronic device3501within a communication network by using the subscriber identification module (e.g., a SIM card)3524. According to an embodiment, the cellular module3521may perform at least a portion of functions that the processor3510provides. According to an embodiment, the cellular module3521may include a communication processor (CP). According to an embodiment, at least a part (e.g., two or more) of the cellular module3521, the Wi-Fi module3523, the BT module3525, the GNSS module3527, or the NFC module3528may be included within one Integrated Circuit (IC) or an IC package. For example, the RF module3529may transmit and receive a communication signal (e.g., an RF signal). For example, the RF module3529may include a transceiver, a power amplifier module (PAM), a frequency filter, a low noise amplifier (LNA), an antenna, or the like. According to another embodiment, at least one of the cellular module3521, the Wi-Fi module3523, the BT module3525, the GNSS module3527, or the NFC module3528may transmit and receive an RF signal through a separate RF module. The subscriber identification module3524may include, for example, a card and/or embedded SIM that includes a subscriber identification module and may include unique identify information (e.g., integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)).

The memory3530(e.g., the memory3430) may include an internal memory3532or an external memory3534. For example, the internal memory3532may include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), or the like), a nonvolatile memory (e.g., a one-time programmable read only memory (OTPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a flash memory, a hard drive, or a solid state drive (SSD). The external memory3534may include a flash drive such as compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), a multimedia card (MMC), a memory stick, or the like. The external memory3534may be operatively and/or physically connected to the electronic device3501through various interfaces.

The sensor module3540may measure, for example, a physical quantity or may detect an operation state of the electronic device3501. The sensor module3540may convert the measured or detected information to an electric signal. For example, the sensor module3540may include at least one of a gesture sensor3540A, a gyro sensor3540B, a barometric pressure sensor3540C, a magnetic sensor3540D, an acceleration sensor3540E, a grip sensor3540F, the proximity sensor3540G, a color sensor3540H (e.g., red, green, blue (RGB) sensor), a biometric sensor3540I, a temperature/humidity sensor3540J, an illuminance sensor3540K, or an UV sensor3540M. Although not illustrated, additionally or alternatively, the sensor module3540may further include, for example, an E-nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, and/or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module3540may further include a control circuit for controlling at least one or more sensors included therein. According to an embodiment, the electronic device3501may further include a processor that is a part of the processor3510or independent of the processor3510and is configured to control the sensor module3540. The processor may control the sensor module3540while the processor3510remains at a sleep state.

The input device3550may include, for example, a touch panel3552, a (digital) pen sensor3554, a key3556, or an ultrasonic input unit3558. For example, the touch panel3552may use at least one of capacitive, resistive, infrared and ultrasonic detecting methods. Also, the touch panel3552may further include a control circuit. The touch panel3552may further include a tactile layer to provide a tactile reaction to a user. The (digital) pen sensor3554may be, for example, a part of a touch panel or may include an additional sheet for recognition. The key3556may include, for example, a physical button, an optical key, or a keypad. The ultrasonic input device3558may detect (or sense) an ultrasonic signal, which is generated from an input device, through a microphone (e.g., a microphone3588) and may check data corresponding to the detected ultrasonic signal.

The display3560(e.g., the display3460) may include a panel3562, a hologram device3564, a projector3566, and/or a control circuit for controlling the panel3562, the hologram device3564, or the projector3566. The panel3562may be implemented, for example, to be flexible, transparent or wearable. The panel3562and the touch panel3552may be integrated into a single module. According to an embodiment, the panel3562may include a pressure sensor (or force sensor) that measures the intensity of touch pressure by a user. The pressure sensor may be implemented integrally with the touch panel3552, or may be implemented as at least one sensor separately from the touch panel3552. The hologram device3564may display a stereoscopic image in a space using a light interference phenomenon. The projector3566may project light onto a screen so as to display an image. For example, the screen may be arranged in the inside or the outside of the electronic device3501. The interface3570may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)3572, a universal serial bus (USB)3574, an optical interface3576, or a D-subminiature (D-sub)3578. The interface3570may be included, for example, in the communication interface3470illustrated inFIG. 34. Additionally or alternatively, the interface3570may include, for example, a mobile high definition link (MHL) interface, a SD card/multi-media card (MMC) interface, or an infrared data association (IrDA) standard interface.

The audio module3580may convert a sound and an electric signal in dual directions. At least a component of the audio module3580may be included, for example, in the input/output interface3450illustrated inFIG. 34. The audio module3580may process, for example, sound information that is input or output through a speaker3582, a receiver3584, an earphone3586, or the microphone3588. For example, the camera module3591may shoot a still image or a video. According to an embodiment, the camera module3591may include at least one or more image sensors (e.g., a front sensor or a rear sensor), a lens, an image signal processor (ISP), or a flash (e.g., an LED or a xenon lamp). The power management module3595may manage, for example, power of the electronic device3501. According to an embodiment, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger IC, or a battery or fuel gauge may be included in the power management module3595. The PMIC may have a wired charging method and/or a wireless charging method. The wireless charging method may include, for example, a magnetic resonance method, a magnetic induction method or an electromagnetic method and may further include an additional circuit, for example, a coil loop, a resonant circuit, a rectifier, or the like. The battery gauge may measure, for example, a remaining capacity of the battery3596and a voltage, current or temperature thereof while the battery is charged. The battery3596may include, for example, a rechargeable battery and/or a solar battery.

The indicator3597may display a specific state of the electronic device3501or a part thereof (e.g., the processor3510), such as a booting state, a message state, a charging state, and the like. The motor3598may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration and may generate the following effects:vibration, haptic, and the like. The electronic device3501may include a processing device (e.g., a GPU) for supporting a mobile TV. The processing device for supporting the mobile TV may process media data according to the standards of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), digital video broadcasting (DVB), MediaFLO™, or the like. Each of the above-mentioned components of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured with one or more components, and the names of the components may be changed according to the type of the electronic device. In various embodiments, some components of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device3501) may be omitted or other additional components may be added. Furthermore, some of the components of the electronic device may be combined with each other so as to form one entity, so that the functions of the components may be performed in the same manner as before the combination.

FIG. 36illustrates a block diagram of a program module, according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment, a program module3610(e.g., the program3440) may include an operating system (OS) to control resources associated with an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device3401), and/or diverse applications (e.g., the application program3447) driven on the OS. The OS may be, for example, Android™, iOS™, Windows™, Symbian™, Tizen™, or Bada™.

Referring toFIG. 36, the program module3610may include a kernel3620(e.g., the kernel3441), a middleware3630(e.g., the middleware3443), an application programming interface (API)3660(e.g., the API3445), and/or an application3670(e.g., the application program3447). At least a portion of the program module3610may be preloaded on an electronic device or may be downloadable from an external electronic device (e.g., the first electronic device3402, the second electronic device3404, the server3406, or the like).

The kernel3620(e.g., the kernel3441) may include, for example, a system resource manager3621or a device driver3623. The system resource manager3621may control, allocate, or retrieve system resources. According to an embodiment, the system resource manager3621may include a process managing unit, a memory managing unit, a file system managing unit, or the like. The device driver3623may include, for example, a display driver, a camera driver, a Bluetooth driver, a shared memory driver, a USB driver, a keypad driver, a Wi-Fi driver, an audio driver, or an inter-process communication (IPC) driver. The middleware3630may provide, for example, a function that the application3670needs in common, or may provide diverse functions to the application3670through the API3660to allow the application3670to efficiently use limited system resources of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the middleware3630may include at least one of a runtime library3635, an application manager3641, a window manager3642, a multimedia manager3643, a resource manager3644, a power manager3645, a database manager3646, a package manager3647, a connectivity manager3648, a notification manager3649, a location manager3650, a graphic manager3651, or a security manager3652.

The runtime library3635may include, for example, a library module that is used by a compiler to add a new function through a programming language while the application3670is being executed. The runtime library3635may perform input/output management, memory management, or capacities about arithmetic functions. The application manager3641may manage, for example, a life cycle of at least one application of the application3670. The window manager3642may manage a graphic user interface (GUI) resource that is used in a screen. The multimedia manager3643may identify a format necessary for playing diverse media files, and may perform encoding or decoding of media files by using a codec suitable for the format. The resource manager3644may manage resources such as a memory space or source code of the application3670. The power manager3645may manage a battery or power, and may provide power information for an operation of an electronic device. According to an embodiment, the power manager3645may operate with a basic input/output system (BIOS). The database manager3646may generate, search for, or modify database that is to be used in the application3670. The package manager3647may install or update an application that is distributed in the form of package file.

The connectivity manager3648may manage, for example, wireless connection. The notification manager3649may provide an event, for example, arrival message, appointment, or proximity notification to a user. For example, the location manager3650may manage location information about an electronic device. The graphic manager3651may manage a graphic effect that is provided to a user, or manage a user interface relevant thereto. The security manager3652may provide, for example, system security or user authentication. According to an embodiment, the middleware3630may include a telephony manager for managing a voice or video call function of the electronic device or a middleware module that combines diverse functions of the above-described components. According to an embodiment, the middleware3630may provide a module specialized to each OS kind to provide differentiated functions. Additionally, the middleware3630may dynamically remove a part of the preexisting components or may add new components thereto. The API3660may be, for example, a set of programming functions and may be provided with a configuration that is variable depending on an OS. For example, in the case where an OS is the android or the iOS, it may provide one API set per platform. In the case where an OS is the tizen, it may provide two or more API sets per platform.

The application3670may include, for example, applications such as a home3671, a dialer3672, an SMS/MMS3673, an instant message (IM)3674, a browser3675, a camera3676, an alarm3677, a contact3678, a voice dial3679, an e-mail3680, a calendar3681, a media player3682, an album3683, a watch3684, health care (e.g., measuring an exercise quantity, blood sugar, or the like) or offering of environment information (e.g., information of barometric pressure, humidity, temperature, or the like). According to an embodiment, the application3670may include an information exchanging application to support information exchange between an electronic device and an external electronic device. The information exchanging application may include, for example, a notification relay application for transmitting specific information to an external electronic device, or a device management application for managing the external electronic device. For example, the notification relay application may include a function of transmitting notification information, which arise from other applications, to an external electronic device or may receive, for example, notification information from an external electronic device and provide the notification information to a user. The device management application may install, delete, or update for example, a function (e.g., turn-on/turn-off of an external electronic device itself (or a part of components) or adjustment of brightness (or resolution) of a display) of the external electronic device which communicates with the electronic device, and an application running in the external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the application3670may include an application (e.g., a health care application of a mobile medical device) that is assigned in accordance with an attribute of an external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the application3670may include an application that is received from an external electronic device. At least a portion of the program module3610may be implemented by software, firmware, hardware (e.g., the processor3510), or a combination (e.g., execution) of two or more thereof, and may include modules, programs, routines, sets of instructions, processes, or the like for performing one or more functions.

The term “module” used in this disclosure may include a unit composed of hardware, software and firmware and may be interchangeably used with the terms “unit”, “logic”, “logical block”, “part” and “circuit”. The “module” may be an integrated part or may be a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof. The “module” may be implemented mechanically or electronically and may include at least one of an application-specific IC (ASIC) chip, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a programmable-logic device for performing some operations, which are known or will be developed. At least a part of an apparatus (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may be, for example, implemented by instructions stored in computer-readable storage media (e.g., the memory3430) in the form of a program module. The instruction, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor3420), may cause the processor to perform a function corresponding to the instruction. A computer-readable recording medium may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic media (e.g., a magnetic tape), an optical media (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) and a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magneto-optical media (e.g., a floptical disk)), and an internal memory. Also, the one or more instructions may contain a code made by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter. A module or a program module according to various embodiments may include at least one of the above components, or a part of the above components may be omitted, or other components may be further included. Operations performed by a module, a program module, or other components according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic method or some operations may be executed in different sequences or may be omitted. Alternatively, other operations may be added.