ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING COVER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING DISPLAY THEREOF

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device having a cover and a method for controlling a display of the electronic device. A method for controlling a display of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include activating a specific area to arrange an item in an item arrangement state, displaying an item candidate group in a side area of a touch screen display of the electronic device if the specific area is activated, selecting at least one item from the item candidate group, and arranging the selected item in the specific area. Another method for controlling a display of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include receiving an event in a state that a cover is closed, activating a first area of a touch screen display of the electronic device if the received event is a notification event, and displaying a screen corresponding to the notification event by activating a second area of the touch screen display of the electronic device if opening of the cover is detected.

The present application is related to and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0098988, filed on Jul. 13, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device having a cover and a method for controlling a display thereof.

BACKGROUND

Generally, a cover can be used to protect a display of an electronic device having a touch input function. The display can be protected by covering the front side of the display with the cover. The cover may have a transparent window in a portion, and a user can identify information, such as year/month/date/time information and battery residual amount information through the transparent window. Further, if a telephone call is received by the electronic device, the electronic device can identify a touch input through the transparent window so that the user can respond to the telephone call.

SUMMARY

To address the above-discussed deficiencies, it is a primary object to provide a method for controlling a display and an electronic device supporting the same according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured with a cover having a transparent window at the front side of the electronic device so that various functions available in the electronic device can be provided through an area determined by a user.

Further, a method for controlling a display and an electronic device supporting the same according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a user interface that can customize an arrangement of an item desired by a user in a state that the cover is closed onto the display of the electronic device.

Further, a method for controlling a display and an electronic device supporting the same according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide customized item information through the user interface in a state that the cover is closed onto the display of the electronic device.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a touch screen display, a cover formed with a transparent material and configured to operate the touch screen display in a state that at least a portion of the touch screen display is covered, and a processor configured to activate an adjustable specific area of the touch screen display according to a user gesture input in a state that the cover is closed.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a touch screen display; a cover formed with a transparent material and configured to operate the touch screen display in a state that at least a portion of the touch screen display is covered; a sensing unit configured to detect a closed state or an open state of the cover; and a processor configured to receive an event in a state that the cover is closed, to activate a first area of the touch screen display if the received event is a notification event, and to control the touch screen display to display a screen corresponding to the notification event by activating a second area of the touch screen display if opening of the cover is detected through the sensing unit.

A method for controlling a display of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include activating a specific area to arrange an item in an item arrangement state, displaying an item candidate group in a side area of a touch screen display of the electronic device if the specific area is activated, selecting at least one item from the item candidate group, and arranging the selected item in the specific area.

Another method for controlling a display of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include receiving an event in a state that a cover is closed, activating a first area of a touch screen display of the electronic device if the received event is a notification event, and displaying a screen corresponding to the notification event by activating a second area of the touch screen display of the electronic device if opening of the cover is detected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The expressions “comprise” and “include” used in the present disclosure indicate the existence of a correspondingly disclosed function, operation, or component, and they are not limited to at least one of an additional function, operation, or component. Further, it is meant by the terms “include” and “have” in the present disclosure that a characteristic, number, step, operation, element, component, or their combination exists in the disclosure; therefore, it should be understood that the existence or additional possibility of at least one characteristic, number, step, operation, element, component, or their combination is not excluded.

In the detailed description of the present disclosure, expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A and/or B”, and “one or more A and/or B” may include one of the listed words and their combinations. For example, “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, and “at least one A or B” may mean all of (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, and (3) including at least one A and at least one B

The terms are merely used to describe an embodiment of the present disclosure, and they do not limit the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context dictates otherwise.

Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, all the terms including a technical or scientific term used in the present disclosure will have the same meaning generally understood by those skilled in the art. It should be understood that terms defined in a generally used dictionary have the same meaning as in a related technical context, and they are not to be interpreted in an abnormal or excessively formal meaning unless clearly indicated in the present disclosure.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a smartphone, tablet PC (Personal Computer), mobile phone, video phone, e-book reader, netbook computer, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), MP3 player, camera, or wearable device such as an electronic clothing, electronic bracelet, electronic appcessory, electronic tattoo, smart mirror, and smart watch.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is described referring to the accompanying drawings. In this disclosure, the term “user” may indicate a person using an electronic device or a device using an electronic device (for example, artificial intelligent electronic device).

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a flip cover type case may be combined with the electronic device. The flip cover type case may include a cover covering the front side of the electronic device. The cover may be formed with a transparent material. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, if a partial area of a touch screen display is activated in a state that the front side of the electronic device is covered by the cover, an item displayed in the partial area can be transmitted through the cover having a transparent partial area.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the item may include an application icon installed in the electronic device and a web page favorite icon.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, “item arrangement area” is an area for managing items displayed according to activation of a partial area and responding to generation of an event in a state that a flip cover type case is combined with the electronic device and a case cover is closed. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device can arrange an item in the item arrangement area by adding the item. Further, the electronic device can move the location of the item arranged in the item arrangement area or delete the added item from the item arrangement area. Arranging an item desired by a user through the item arrangement area may be convenient for the user because the user can identify information of an item without having to open the cover.

FIGS. 1A and 1Bare schematic drawings illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 1A and 1B,FIG. 1Aillustrates an open state of a cover110whose flip cover type case is combined with the electronic device100, andFIG. 1Billustrates a closed state of the cover110whose flip cover type case is combined with the electronic device100(i.e., a state that the front side of the electronic device100is closed by the cover).

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device100can be combined with a flip cover type case. As shown inFIG. 1A, the flip cover type case may be configured with a holder120for securely fixing the electronic device100and a cover110for covering the front side of the electronic device100. Further, the flip cover type case may include a connector130for connecting the holder120and the cover110.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover110may be formed with a transparent material so that light can pass through at least a partial area of a touch screen display of the electronic device100. If a specific character or numeral is displayed on the touch screen display of the electronic device100, the specific character or numeral can be displayed outwards through the partial area of the cover110formed with a transparent material.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, in case that the cover110is formed with a transparent material through which light can pass from a partial area of the touch screen display, a color displayed outwards may be different from a color displayed on the touch screen display. For example, as shown inFIG. 1B, in case that at least a partial area of the touch screen display is formed with a pink, blue, or green material, if a flip cover type case is combined with the electronic device100and the front side of the electronic device100is closed by the cover110, the color of light passed through the partial area of the cover110may differ according to the color of the transparent material. Further, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, if at least a partial area of the touch screen display is activated, the electronic device100can detect a user input through the activated partial area of the touch screen display.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 2, the electronic device100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a communication unit210, storage unit220, touch screen display230, processor240, and sensing unit250.

The communication unit210can connect the electronic device100with an external electronic device. For example, the communication unit210can connect with an external electronic device through a wired or wireless communication network. The wireless communication may include a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), BT (Bluetooth), and NFC (Near Field Communication). Further, the wireless communication may include at least one cellular communication such as an LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, WCDMA, UMTS, WIBRO, or GSM. The wired communication may include at least one of a USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), RS-232 (Recommended Standard 232), or POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service).

The storage unit220may be configured with a program memory for storing an operating program of the electronic device100and a data memory for storing log information, content, and object generated while executing a program.

Particularly in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage unit220can store a program which controls at least a partial area (for example, first area or second area) of the touch screen display according to an event generated in a state that the cover110of the flip cover type case combined with the electronic device100is closed. Further, the storage unit220can store information related to locations of items arranged in a screen arrangement area, display of an item candidate group to be arranged in the item arrangement area, and a method for displaying the items.

The touch screen display230can be configured in an integral form including a display unit231and a touch panel232. The display unit231can display various screens according to the use of the electronic device100under the control of the processor240. The display unit231may be configured with an OLED (Organic Light Emitted Diode), AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitted Diode), flexible display, bended display, or 3-dimensional display. Further, the display unit231may be configured in a flexible, transparent, or wearable form. The touch panel232may be configured with a complex touch panel including a hand touch panel for detecting a hand gesture and a pen touch panel for detecting a pen gesture.

Particularly in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display unit231can display a guide under the control of the processor240if the electronic device100is in an item arrangement state for arranging an item. If an input signal for adjusting the size of the guide is detected to set the item arrangement area, the touch panel232can transmit the detected input signal to the processor240. Alternatively, if an input signal of drawing a single closed curve is detected to set the item arrangement area, the touch panel232can transmit the detected drawing signal to the processor240.

If the item arrangement area is set under the control of the processor240, the display unit231can display an item candidate group in a side area of the display unit231. The touch panel232can detect an input signal for selecting an item from the item candidate group displayed in the display unit231, and transmit the detected input signal to the processor240.

The display unit231can display a screen for arranging the selected item in the item arrangement area under the control of the processor240. If the touch panel232detects gesture signals for editing an item arranged in the item arrangement area such as a gesture signal for adjusting the size of an item, gesture signal for moving a location of an item, and gesture signal of deleting an item, the touch panel232can transmit the gesture signal to the processor240.

The display unit231can display the item arrangement area including the edited item responding to the editing gesture under the control of the processor240.

If an event is generated under the control of the processor240, the display unit231can activate at least a partial area of the display unit231corresponding to the type of the event.

If the display unit231detects generation of a first event under the control of the processor240, a partial area of the display unit231as a first area (i.e., item arrangement area) can be activated. The display unit231can display information of an item arranged in the item arrangement area such as current time information, battery information, information of a received message, call reception information, and absence information in response to the activation of the item arrangement area under the control of the processor240.

If the display unit231detects generation of a second event under the control of the processor240, a second area (i.e., whole area of the display unit231) can be activated and a corresponding screen (for example, home screen, or previously executed application screen) can be displayed.

The processor240controls general operations of the electronic device100and signal flows between internal components of the electronic device100, executes data processing, and supplies power from a battery to the components.

Particularly in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor240can determine an item arrangement state according to an input for detecting a closed state of the cover110(i.e., a state that the front side of the electronic device100is closed by the cover110) and the flip cover type case is combined with the electronic device100, or according to an input for detecting a long press in a state that the flip cover type case is combined with the electronic device100and the cover110is closed.

The processor240can detect a gesture to set an area for arranging the item in the item arrangement state. In the item arrangement state, the processor240can display a guide in the touch screen display230. The guide is used to set the item arrangement area easily and may have a rectangular form. The processor240can set the item arrangement area in a rectangular form corresponding to an input for adjusting the size of the guide. Alternatively, the processor240can set an area formed by drawing a single closed curve as an item arrangement area.

The processor240can display an item candidate group in a side area of the touch screen display230if the item arrangement area is set. The processor240can arrange an item selected from the displayed item candidate group in the item arrangement area. If a touch input generated at an item among the item candidate group, or an input of selecting an item from the item candidate group and dragging/releasing the item into the item arrangement area is detected, the processor240can arrange the item in the item arrangement area.

If the item is arranged in the item arrangement area, the processor240can perform editing operations such as an operation of adjusting the size of the item arranged in the item arrangement area, operation of moving the location of the item arranged in the item arrangement area, and operation of deleting the item arranged in the item arrangement area.

If an event is detected, processor240can identify the type of the event and activate at least a partial area of the touch screen display230corresponding to the type of the event. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the event may include a first event and a second event.

If a first event is generated, the processor240can activate at least a partial area of the touch screen display230as a first area (i.e., item arrangement area). The processor240can display information of an item arranged in the item arrangement area such as current time information, battery information, information of a received message, call reception information, and absence information in response to the activation of the item arrangement area.

If a second event is generated, the processor240can activate a second area (i.e., whole area of the display unit231) and display a corresponding screen (for example, home screen, or previously executed application screen).

The sensing unit250measures a physical quantity or detects an operating state of the electronic device100, and converts the measured or detected information to an electric signal. For example, the sensing unit250may include a hall sensor configured with a magnetic material.

Particularly in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hall sensor can be installed in the cover110. The hall sensor installed in the cover110can detect an open or closed state of the cover110. Namely, the sensing unit250can detect whether the cover110is closed or opened over the front side of the touch screen display230and transmit a corresponding signal to the processor240.

Further, the electronic device100can selectively include components having additional functions such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) module for receiving location information, audio processing unit including a microphone and a speaker, camera module for taking an image or a video, broadcast module for receiving a broadcasting signal, and input unit supporting a hard key based input; however, descriptions and drawings related to the above components will be omitted hereafter.

FIG. 3is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a display, of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3, the processor240detects an item arrangement state at operation301. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the item may include an application icon installed in the electronic device100and a web page favorite icon.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device100can determine the item arrangement state by detecting at least one of a state that the flip cover type case is combined with the electronic device100and the cover110is closed (i.e., the front side of the electronic device100is covered by the cover110) and a state that the flip cover type case is combined with the electronic device100and a long press is detected.

The electronic device100described hereafter according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is assumed to be combined with a flip cover type case and determines the item arrangement state by detecting a long press in a state that the cover110of the flip cover type case is closed.

If a long press is detected at a state that the cover110of the flip cover type case combined with the electronic device100is closed, the processor240determines that the electronic device is in the item arrangement state and detects a gesture of setting an area for arranging the item (hereafter, item arrangement area) at operation305. Namely, the processor240can detect a gesture for activating a specific area of the touch screen display230.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can display a guide in the touch screen display230in the item arrangement state. A user can set an item arrangement area easily through the guide. The guide may be formed in a rectangular form. If an input for adjusting the size of the rectangle (for example, an input for increasing or decreasing the size of the rectangle) is detected, the processor240can set the item arrangement area with a rectangular size corresponding to the input.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is assumed that the guide is displayed in the item arrangement state; however, the present disclosure is not limited to this and the item arrangement area can be set through a drawing in case that the guide is not displayed. For example, the processor240can set an area generated by drawing a single closed curve as the item arrangement area.

If the item arrangement area is set, the processor240displays an item candidate group in a side area of the touch screen display230at operation307. The side area of the touch screen display230may include a right, left, upper, or lower area. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is assumed that the item candidate group is displayed in a lower area of the touch screen display230.

As described above, the item candidate group may include an application icon and a web page favorite icon which can be arranged in the item arrangement area. Further, the item candidate group can be displayed in the lower area of the touch screen display230according to at least one of the order of names, frequency of application execution, and order set by a user.

The processor240arranges an item selected from the displayed item candidate group in the item arrangement area at operation309. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can detect an input for selecting an item from the item candidate group displayed in the side area of the touch screen display230. If an input for selecting an item is detected, the processor240can arrange the selected item in the item arrangement area. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the input for selecting an item may include a touch input detected from an item among the item candidate group, and an input for selecting an item from the item candidate group and dragging/releasing into the item arrangement area.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can arrange the items sequentially in the item arrangement area responding to inputs for selecting the items. Alternatively, the processor240can arrange the item in a location of the item arrangement area where the item is selected, dragged, and released.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, if an item is arranged in the item arrangement area, the processor240can perform an operation of editing the arranged item. The operation of editing the item may include an operation of resizing an item arranged in the item arrangement area, operation of moving a location of an item arranged in the item arrangement area, and operation of deleting an item arranged in the item arrangement area. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

The processor240determines completion of the item arrangement at operation311. Namely, the processor240can detect an input for terminating the item arrangement state. For example, the processor240may determine that the item arrangement state is terminated if an input for selecting an item from the item candidate group is not detected for a predetermined time, or if an operation of editing an item in the item arrangement area is not detected. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the item arrangement area may include a separate confirm button. If the confirm button is pressed, the processor240can determine that the item arrangement state is terminated. Beside this, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, an input for terminating the item arrangement state can be detected.

If the item arrangement is completed, the processor240can terminate the item arrangement state. If an input for terminating the item arrangement state is not detected, the processor240branches off to operation309, and repeats the operation of arranging an item selected from the item candidate group in the item arrangement area.

FIGS. 4A to 4Gare schematic drawings illustrating a method for controlling a display of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 4A to 4G, if a long press is detected in a state that the cover110of a flip cover type case is combined with the electronic device100, the processor240determines the item arrangement state and displays a guide401as shown inFIG. 4A. Alternatively, if the cover110of a flip cover type case combined with the electronic device100is identified to be closed, the processor240determines the item arrangement state and displays a guide401as shown inFIG. 4A. The guide401is an embodiment being displayed for an easier setting of the item arrangement area, and the guide401may not be displayed.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can set the item arrangement area by adjusting the size of the guide401as shown by411aof411,413aof413,415aof415inFIG. 4B. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this; and, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can set an area for arranging an item by drawing a line if the guide401is not displayed. For example, if an action of drawing a single closed curve such as a triangle, rectangle, circle, or polygon is detected, the processor240can set the area of the triangle, rectangle, circle, or polygon formed by drawing as the item arrangement area.

If the item arrangement area is set, the processor240can display an item candidate group423in a side area of the touch screen display230as shown by421ofFIG. 4C. The item candidate group423may include an application icon installed in the electronic device and a web site favorite icon.

The item candidate group423may include a plurality of items, and the processor240may display a scroll bar425if the plurality of items is not completely displayed in the side area. For example, if a drag427to the left is detected in a state that a clock item, battery item, and character message item are displayed in the item candidate group423, the processor240moves the item candidate group423to the left direction and displays hidden items such as an IM message item and a camera item as shown by431ofFIG. 4C.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can add items selected from the item candidate group423in the item arrangement area. For example, if a gesture443for selecting a clock item from the item candidate group423is detected as shown by441ofFIG. 4D, the processor240can display the clock item in the item arrangement area as shown by447of445inFIG. 4D. Here, the clock item can be arranged sequentially in the item arrangement area. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and if a gesture451of selecting, dragging, and releasing a character message item from the item candidate group423to the item arrangement area is detected as shown by449ofFIG. 4D, the processor240can arrange the character message item in the item arrangement area as shown by455of453inFIG. 4D. Here, the character message item may be arrange at a location of the item arrangement area where the gesture is released. Namely, items in the item arrangement area can be arranged at a fixed location or freely at a location designated by a user.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, when arranging an item of the item candidate group423in the item arrangement area, the processor240can arrange a plurality of identical items in the item arrangement area. For example, the processor240can arrange a plurality of clock items in the item arrangement area by repeatedly selecting from the item candidate group423. The processor240can set the plurality of clock items arranged in the item arrangement area with different time zones. Accordingly, a user can identify the times in different countries without opening the cover110.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, if an item is arranged in the item arrangement area, the processor240can perform an operation of editing the arranged item. As described before, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the operation of editing an item may include an operation of adjusting the size of an item arranged in the item arrangement area, operation of moving a location of an item arranged in the item arrangement area, and operation of deleting an item arranged in the item arrangement area.

The operation of editing an item will be described referring toFIGS. 4E to 4G.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can adjust the size of an item arranged in the item arrangement area. For example, as shown by461ofFIG. 4E, the processor240can detect an input463for adjusting the size of the character message item455in a state that the clock item447and the character message item455are arranged in the item arrangement area. Responding to the input463for adjusting the size, the processor240can display a resized character message item467as shown by465ofFIG. 4E.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can detect a gesture for moving a location of an item arranged in the item arrangement area. For example, as shown by471ofFIG. 4F, the processor240can detect an input473for moving the character message item455to the location of the clock item447in a state that the clock item447and the character message item455are arranged in the item arrangement area. Responding to the input473for moving the item, the processor240can display by interchanging the locations of the clock item447and the character message item455as shown by475ofFIG. 4F.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can detect an input for deleting an item arranged in the item arrangement area. For example as shown by481ofFIG. 4G, if a drag483for selecting the character message item455arranged in the item arrangement area continues to the area of the item candidate group423, the processor240can delete the character message item455from the item arrangement area and display a screen arranged with the clock item447positioned as shown by491ofFIG. 4G.

Alternatively in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the clock item447and the character message item455arranged in the item arrangement area may include a delete icon as shown by485ofFIG. 4G. If an input touching the delete icon is detected, the processor240can delete an icon corresponding to the touched delete icon in the item arrangement area. For example, if an input487touching the delete icon included in the character message item455is detected, the processor240can delete the character message item455from the item arrangement area. Namely, as shown by491ofFIG. 4G, the character message item455is deleted from the item arrangement area, and a screen arranged with the clock item447displayed as seen in an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5illustrates a method for controlling a display of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 5, the processor240maintains a waiting state at operation501. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the waiting state may be a state that the electronic device100is performing the basic operation. For example, the touch screen display230of the electronic device100may maintain an inactive state, operate periodically to identify a call reception or a message reception, or wait for a specific input from a user.

If an event is detected in the waiting state at operation503, the processor240identifies the type of event at operation505. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the event may include a first event and a second event. The first event may include a power key input event and notification events such as a mail reception and a message reception, which are detected in a state that the cover110of a flip cover type case combined with the electronic device100is closed. The second event may include an event of which the cover110of a flip cover type case combined with the electronic device100switches from a closed state to an open state.

The processor240activates an area of the touch screen display230corresponding to the type of event at operation507. For example, if a first event is generated, the processor240can activate a first area of the touch screen display230. The first area may be an item arrangement area set by a user's gesture as shown by411a,413a, or415aofFIG. 4B.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can display information of an item arranged in the item arrangement area responding to the activation of the item arrangement area. The item information may include current time information, battery information, information of a received message information, call reception information, and absence information.

If a second event is generated, the processor240activates a second area (i.e., whole area of the touch screen display230) and displays a corresponding screen (for example, a home screen or a previously execute application screen).

The operations ofFIG. 5will be described in more detail referring toFIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a display of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 6, while maintaining a waiting state at operation601, the processor240detects generation of an event at operation603. As described above, the event may include a first event and a second event.

The processor240identifies whether the generated event is a first event at operation605. As described above, the first event may include a power key input event and notification events such as a mail reception and a message reception, which are detected in a state that the cover110of a flip cover type case combined with the electronic device is closed.

If the event is a first event, the processor240activates at least a partial area of the touch screen display230as a first area responding to the first event at operation607.

The operation607ofFIG. 6will be described in more detail referring toFIG. 7.

If the event is not a first event, the processor240identifies whether the event is a second event at operation609. As described above, the second event may include an event which switches the cover110of a flip cover type case combined with the electronic device from a closed state to an open state.

If the event is a second event, the processor240activates a second area of the touch screen display230and displays a corresponding screen responding to the second event at operation611. Namely, the processor240can activate the whole area of the touch screen display230and display a corresponding screen. For example, the processor240can display a home screen or a previously executed application screen.

If the event is not a second event, the processor240branches off to operation601and maintains a waiting state.

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating a detailed process of operation607inFIG. 6.

Referring toFIG. 7, the processor240identifies whether a first event corresponds to a notification event at operation701. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the notification event may include a call reception, message reception, mail reception, information of push service, and SNS notification.

If the first event is a notification event, the processor240displays the notification event by activating a first area at operation703. For example, if a message is received, the processor240can display the content of the received message in the first area by activating the first area. Alternatively, if a message is received, the processor240can display the notification of the received message in the first area by activating the first area.

The processor240identifies whether the cover110of a flip cover type case combined with the electronic device is open at operation705. The cover110may be equipped with a sensor for detecting opening or closing of the cover110. By using the sensor, the processor240can identify whether the cover110is closed or opened over the front side of the touch screen display230.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, if the cover110is identified to be open, the processor240displays a screen corresponding to the notification event by activating the second area at operation707. For example, if the notification event is a message reception event, the processor240can execute a message application and display a message reception screen by activating the whole area of the touch screen display230as a second area, if the message is received and the cover110is open.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can detect at least one of a touch input, hovering input, and electronic pen input from an area corresponding to the received notification event in a state that the cover110of a flip cover type case combined with the electronic device100is closed. The processor240can execute a corresponding operation responding to the at least one input. For example, if a plurality of messages is detected, the processor240can detect the opening of the cover110after detecting an input for selecting one from the plurality of messages. If an input for selecting an item and opening of the cover110are detected, the processor240can execute a message application and display a message reception screen by activating the whole area of the touch screen display230as a second area.

If the first event is not a notification event, the processor240displays an item arranged in the activated first area at operation709. For example, the first event may include a power key input event. If the power key input event is detected, the processor240can display information of the item arranged in the item arrangement area by activating the first area. As described above, the information of item may include current time information, battery information, information of a received message, call reception information, and absence information.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the form of displaying the information of an item arranged in the information item arrangement area can be changed by a user. For example, the clock item arranged in the item arrangement area can be displayed in an analog or digital form according to a user setting. Alternatively, the battery item arranged in the item arrangement area can be displayed in a gauge or numeral form according to the user setting. If a character message event is received, the content of the received message or the notification for the received message can be displayed.

FIGS. 8A to 8Dare schematic drawings illustrating a method for controlling a display of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 8A to 8D, a clock item801, character message item803, battery item805, and IM message item807can be arranged in a first area as an item arrangement area as shown inFIG. 8A. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device100may maintain a basic operation (i.e., inactive state of the touch screen display230), operate periodically to identify a call or message reception, or wait for a specific input from a user.

In the waiting state, the processor240can receive a character message as shown by811and813ofFIG. 8B. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if a character message is received, the processor240can display a notification that a character message has been received as shown by811ofFIG. 8B. Here, the area of the clock item477can be set to activate as a default. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the clock item477may not be set to activate as a default.

Alternatively in various embodiments of the present disclosure, if the generated event is an item arranged in the first area as shown by813ofFIG. 8B, the processor240can activate the first area where the item is located. Namely, if a character message reception event is generated, the processor240does not activate the whole area of the first area as an item arrangement area but activates the area of a character message item803and clock item801in the first area, and controls to deactivate the areas of a battery item805and an IM message item807.

After outputting the notification by activating a partial area or the whole area of the first area responding to the reception of the character message, the processor240can detect opening of the cover of a flip cover type case combined with the electronic device. If the opening of the cover110is detected, the processor240can display the received character message by activating a second area of the touch screen display230and executing a character message application as shown by815ofFIG. 8B.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, if a plurality of events is received, the processor can notify the plurality of events in the first area as shown by821and823ofFIG. 8C. For example, the plurality of events is assumed to be a character message event and an IM message reception event.

If the character message and the IM message are received, the processor240can display a notification for the event as shown by821ofFIG. 8C. Namely, the notification can indicate that a character message and an IM message have been received. Here, the area of the clock item801can be set to activate as a default. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the area of the clock item801may be set inactive.

Alternatively in various embodiments of the present disclosure, if the character message and the IM message are received, the processor240can identify whether the received character message and IM message are items arranged in the first area as shown by823ofFIG. 8C. If the character message and the IM message are items arranged in the first area, a notification can be displayed by activating the partial areas of the first area where the character message and the IM message item are arranged. Namely, if the event of character message and IM message is received, the processor240does not activate the whole area of the first area but activates the areas of the character message item803and the IM message item807in the first area, and can control to deactivate the areas of the clock item801and the battery item805.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can detect an input for selecting one of the received character message and IM message. For example, the processor240can detect an input831for selecting the received IM message and opening of the cover110attached to the electronic device in a state that the reception of the character message and the IM message is being notified as shown by821ofFIG. 8C. Responding to the input831for selecting the IM message and the opening of the cover110attached to the electronic device, the processor240can execute a messenger application and display an IM message screen by activating the second area of the touch screen display230as shown by825ofFIG. 8C.

Alternatively in various embodiments of the present disclosure, responding to the reception of the character message and the IM message, the processor240can output a notification by activating the areas corresponding to the character message item803and the IM message item807in the first area as shown by823ofFIG. 8C. The processor240can detect an input833for selecting an area corresponding to the IM message item807among the activated areas and opening of the cover attached to the electronic device. If the input833for selecting an area corresponding to the IM message item807and opening of the cover110are detected, the processor240can execute a chatting application and display an IM message screen by activating the second area of the touch screen display230and executing a messenger application as shown by825ofFIG. 8C.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor240can detect a power key input event. Responding to the power key input event, the processor240can display information of an item arranged in the first area as shown inFIG. 8D. As described above, the item information may include current time information, battery information, information of a received message, call reception information, and absence information.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first area is set to411aas shown by411ofFIG. 4B, the processor240can display information of an arranged item by activating the first area411aresponding to the power key input event as shown by841ofFIG. 8D. If the first area is set to413aas shown by413ofFIG. 4B, the processor240can display information of an arranged item by activating the first area413aresponding to the power input event as shown by843ofFIG. 8D. If the first area is set to415aas shown by415ofFIG. 4B, the processor240can display information of an arranged item by activating the first area415aresponding to the power input event as shown by845ofFIG. 8D.

A method for controlling a display and an electronic device supporting the same according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can set functions provided through a transparent window formed at the front side of a cover. The functions provided through the transparent window can be set by a user, and thereby the electronic device can provide more various functions for the user. Further, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device can improve user convenience by providing customized item information for the user in a state that the cover covers a display of the electronic device.