Electronic device including hidden display and method for displaying information thereof

A method for displaying information at a foldable electronic device having a secondary display that is exposed when the foldable electronic device is folded, the method comprising: obtaining, by a processor, information associated with an exposure of the secondary display; displaying a first content item on the secondary display based on a size of an exposed area of the secondary display; and updating the secondary display in response to detecting a change in the size of the exposed area of the secondary display.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) from Korean patent application filed on Sep. 3, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and assigned Serial No. 10-2015-0125125, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device having a hidden display and a method for displaying information at the electronic device.

BACKGROUND

Recently, a variety of electronic devices having a flexible display have been developed and introduced.

For example, such a flexible display is applied to various kinds of electronic devices such as a smart phone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a laptop PC, and a wearable device, e.g., a wrist watch, an HMD (Head-Mounted Display), or the like.

An electronic device having a flexible display is often referred to as a foldable electronic device, which allows structural variations such as bending or folding.

SUMMARY

According to aspects of the disclosure, a method is provided for displaying information at a foldable electronic device having a secondary display that is exposed when the foldable electronic device is folded, the method comprising: obtaining, by a processor, information associated with an exposure of the secondary display; displaying a first content item on the secondary display based on a size of an exposed area of the secondary display; and updating the secondary display in response to detecting a change in the size of the exposed area of the secondary display.

According to aspects of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided comprising: a foldable body; a flexible primary display formed on one surface of the foldable body; a secondary display formed on another surface of the foldable body; a cover arranged to cover or expose the secondary display; and a memory; and at least one processor operatively coupled to the memory, configured to: obtain information associated with an exposure of the secondary display; display a first content item on the secondary display based on a size of an exposed area of the secondary display; and update the secondary display in response to detecting a change in the size of the exposed area of the secondary display.

According to aspects of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer readable-medium is provided that stores one or more processor-executable instructions which when executed by at least one processor cause the at least one processor to perform a method comprising the steps of: obtaining information associated with an exposure of a secondary display; displaying a first content item on the secondary display based on a size of an exposed area of the secondary display; and updating the secondary display in response to detecting a change in the size of the exposed area of the secondary display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and related detailed descriptions are discussed in the present specification, the present disclosure may have various modifications and several embodiments. However, various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a specific implementation form and it should be understood that the present disclosure includes all changes and/or equivalents and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In connection with descriptions of the drawings, similar components are designated by the same reference numeral.

The term “include” or “may include” which may be used in describing various embodiments of the present disclosure refers to the existence of a corresponding disclosed function, operation or component which can be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure and does not limit one or more additional functions, operations, or components. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms such as “include” or “have” may be construed to denote a certain characteristic, number, step, operation, constituent element, component or a combination thereof, but may not be construed to exclude the existence of or a possibility of addition of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the expression “or” or “at least one of A or/and B” includes any or all of combinations of words listed together. For example, the expression “A or B” or “at least A or/and B” may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

The expression “1”, “2”, “first”, or “second” used in various embodiments of the present disclosure may modify various components of the various embodiments but does not limit the corresponding components. For example, the above expressions do not limit the sequence and/or importance of the components. The expressions may be used for distinguishing one component from other components. For example, a first user device and a second user device indicate different user devices although both of them are user devices. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first structural element may be referred to as a second structural element. Similarly, the second structural element also may be referred to as the first structural element.

When it is stated that a component is “coupled to” or “connected to” another component, the component may be directly coupled or connected to another component or a new component may exist between the component and another component. In contrast, when it is stated that a component is “directly coupled to” or “directly connected to” another component, a new component does not exist between the component and another component.

The terms used in describing various embodiments of the present disclosure are only examples for describing a specific embodiment but do not limit the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be a device including a communication function. For example, the electronic device may applicable to or be one or a combination of a smart phone, a tablet Personal Computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a camera, a wearable device (for example, a Head-Mounted-Device (HMD) such as electronic glasses, electronic clothes, and electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic appcessory, an electronic tattoo, and a smart watch.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device may be applicable or implemented as a smart home appliance having a communication function. The smart home appliance may include at least one of a television receiver (TV), a Digital Video Disk (DVD) player, an audio player, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a TV box (for example, Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), game consoles, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, and an electronic frame.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of various types of medical devices (for example, Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), a scanner, an ultrasonic device and the like), a navigation device, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, an Event Data Recorder (EDR), a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), a vehicle infotainment device, electronic equipment for a ship (for example, a navigation device for ship, a gyro compass and the like), avionics, a security device, a head unit for a vehicle, an industrial or home robot, an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) of financial institutions, and a Point Of Sale (POS) device of shops.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of furniture or a part of a building/structure, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, and various types of measuring devices (for example, a water meter, an electricity meter, a gas meter, a radio wave meter and the like) including a camera function. The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be one or a combination of the above described various devices. Further, the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be a flexible device. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the above described devices.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The term “user” used in various embodiments may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or a device (for example, an artificial intelligence electronic device) which uses an electronic device.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a screen of an electronic device may be split into at least two windows according to a predefined split manner and displayed through a display of an electronic device. The windows are defined as split windows. According to one embodiment, the split windows are defined as windows displayed on a display of an electronic display not to be superposed one on another.

According to one embodiment, a popup window is defined as a window displayed on a display of an electronic device to hide or to be superposed on a portion of a screen under execution.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device using split window and a popup window is capable of displaying two or more application execution screens or function execution screens. Thus, the split windows and the popup window are defined as a multi-window.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the term “user” may indicate a person who uses an electronic device or a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses an electronic device.

FIG. 1is a diagram of an example of a network environment10including an electronic device100, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 1, the electronic device100includes a bus110, a processor120, a memory130, a input/output interface150, a display160and a communication module or interface170.

The bus110may be a circuit connecting the above described components and transmitting communication (for example, a control message) between the above described components. The processor120receives commands from other components (for example, the memory130, the input/output interface150, the display160, the communication interface170) through the bus110, analyzes the received commands, and executes calculation or data processing according to the analyzed commands. The processor120may include a microprocessor or any suitable type of processing circuitry, such as one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., ARM-based processors), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), a video card controller, etc. The memory130may include any suitable type of volatile or non-volatile memory, such as Random-access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Network Accessible Storage (NAS), cloud storage, a Solid State Drive (SSD), etc. In operation, the memory130stores commands or data received from the processor120or other components (for example, the input/output interface150, the display160, or the communication interface170) or generated by the processor120or other components. The memory may be any non-transitory device to store data for later retrieval. The memory130may include programming modules140, for example, a kernel141, middleware143, an Application Programming Interface (API)145, and an application147. Each of the aforementioned programming modules may be implemented by software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of two or more thereof.

The kernel141controls or manages system resources (for example, the bus110, the processor120, or the memory130) used for executing an operation or function implemented by the remaining other programming modules, for example, the middleware143, the API145, or the application147. Further, the kernel141provides an interface for accessing individual components of the electronic device100from the middleware143, the API145, or the application147to control or manage the components. The middleware143performs a relay function of allowing the API145or the application147to communicate with the kernel141to exchange data. Further, in operation requests received from the application147, the middleware143performs a control for the operation requests (for example, scheduling or load balancing) by using a method of assigning a priority, by which system resources (for example, the bus110, the processor120, the memory130and the like) of the electronic device100can be used, to the application134.

The API145is an interface by which the application147can control a function provided by the kernel141or the middleware143and includes, for example, at least one interface or function (for example, command) for a file control, a window control, image processing, or a character control. The input/output interface150can receive, for example, a command and/or data from a user, and transfer the received command and/or data to the processor120and/or the memory130through the bus110. The display160can display an image, a video, and/or data to a user.

According to an embodiment, the display160may display a graphic user interface image for interaction between the user and the electronic device100. According to various embodiments, the graphic user interface image may include interface information to activate a function for correcting color of the image to be projected onto the screen. The interface information may be in the form of, for example, a button, a menu, or an icon. The communication interface170establishes communication or connects communication between the electronic device100and the external device (for example, electronic device102,104or server106). For example, the communication interface170may access a network162through wireless or wired communication to communicate with the external device. The wireless communication may include at least one of, for example, WiFi, Bluetooth (BT), Near Field Communication (NFC), a Global Positioning System (GPS), and cellular communication, for example, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Long-Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS), Wireless Broadband (WiBro) or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and the like. The wired communication may include at least one of, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232), and a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS).

According to an embodiment, the server106may support driving of the electronic device100by performing at least one operation (or function) implemented by the electronic device100. For example, the server106may include a communication control server module that supports the communication interface170implemented in the electronic device100. For example, the communication control server module may include at least one of the components of the communication interface170to perform (on behalf of) at least one operations performed by the communication interface170.

FIG. 2is a diagram of an example of an electronic device200, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device200may configure, for example, a whole or a part of the electronic device100illustrated inFIG. 1. Referring toFIG. 2, the electronic device200includes one or more Application Processors (APs)210, a communication interface220, a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card224, a memory230, a sensor module240, an input device250, a display260, an interface270, an audio module280, a camera module291, a power managing module295, a battery296, an indicator297, and a motor298.

The AP210operates an operating system (OS) or an application program so as to control a plurality of hardware or software component elements connected to the AP210and execute various data processing and calculations including multimedia data. The AP210may be implemented by, for example, a System on Chip (SoC). According to an embodiment, the AP210may further include a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU).

The communication interface220(for example, communication interface170) transmits/receives data in communication between different electronic devices (for example, the electronic device104and the server106ofFIG. 1) connected to the electronic device200(for example, electronic device100ofFIG. 1) through a network. According to an embodiment, the communication interface220may include a cellular module221, a WiFi module223, a Bluetooth (BT) module225, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module227, a Near Field Communication (NFC) module228, and a Radio Frequency (RF) module229.

The cellular module221provides a voice, a call, a video call, a Short Message Service (SMS), or an Internet service through a communication network (for example, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), UMTS, WiBro, GSM or the like). Further, the cellular module221may distinguish and authenticate electronic devices within a communication network by using a subscriber identification module (for example, the SIM card224). According to an embodiment, the cellular module221performs at least some of the functions which can be provided by the AP210. For example, the cellular module221may perform at least some of the multimedia control functions.

According to an embodiment, the cellular module221may include a Communication Processor (CP). Further, the cellular module221may be implemented by, for example, an SoC.

According to an embodiment, the AP210or the cellular module221(for example, a communication processor) may load a command or data received from at least one of a non-volatile memory and other components connected to each of the AP210and the cellular module221to a volatile memory and process the loaded command or data. Further, the AP210or the cellular module221may store data received from at least one of other components or generated by at least one of other components in a non-volatile memory.

Each of the WiFi module223, the BT module225, the GPS module227, and the NFC module228may include, for example, a processor for processing data transmitted/received through the corresponding module. Although the cellular module221, the WiFi module223, the BT module225, the GPS module227, and the NFC module228are illustrated as blocks separate from each other inFIG. 2, at least some (for example, two or more) of the cellular module221, the WiFi module223, the BT module225, the GPS module227, and the NFC module228may be included in one Integrated Chip (IC) or one IC package according to one embodiment. For example, at least some (for example, the communication processor corresponding to the cellular module221and the WiFi processor corresponding to the WiFi module223) of the processors corresponding to the cellular module221, the WiFi module223, the BT module225, the GPS module227, and the NFC module228may be implemented by one SoC.

The RF module229transmits/receives data, for example, an RF signal. Although not illustrated, the RF module229may include, for example, a transceiver, a Power Amp Module (PAM), a frequency filter, a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) or the like. Further, the RF module229may further include a component for transmitting/receiving electronic waves over a free air space in wireless communication, for example, a conductor, a conducting wire, or the like. Although the cellular module221, the WiFi module223, the BT module225, the GPS module227, and the NFC module228share one RF module229inFIG. 2, at least one of the cellular module221, the WiFi module223, the BT module225, the GPS module227, and the NFC module228may transmit/receive an RF signal through a separate RF module according to one embodiment.

The SIM card224is a card including a Subscriber Identification Module and may be inserted into a slot formed in a particular portion of the electronic device. The SIM card224includes unique identification information (for example, Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (for example, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI).

The memory230(for example, memory130) may include an internal memory232or an external memory234. The internal memory232may include, for example, at least one of a volatile memory (for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), and the like), and a non-volatile Memory (for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a one-time programmable ROM (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 NAND flash memory, an NOR flash memory, and the like).

According to an embodiment, the internal memory232may be a Solid State Drive (SSD). The external memory234may further include a flash drive, for example, a Compact Flash (CF), a Secure Digital (SD), a Micro Secure Digital (Micro-SD), a Mini Secure Digital (Mini-SD), an extreme Digital (xD), or a memory stick. The external memory234may be functionally connected to the electronic device200through various interfaces. According to an embodiment, the electronic device200may further include a storage device (or storage medium) such as a hard drive.

The sensor module240measures a physical quantity or detects an operation state of the electronic device200, and converts the measured or detected information to an electronic signal. The sensor module240may include, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor240A, a gyro sensor240B, an atmospheric pressure (barometric) sensor240C, a magnetic sensor240D, an acceleration sensor240E, a grip sensor240F, a proximity sensor240G, a color sensor240H (for example, Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) sensor)240H, a biometric sensor240I, a temperature/humidity sensor240J, an illumination (light) sensor240K, and a Ultra Violet (UV) sensor240M. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module240may include, for example, a E-nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an Infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, a fingerprint sensor (not illustrated), and the like. The sensor module240may further include a control circuit for controlling one or more sensors included in the sensor module240.

The input device250includes a touch panel252, a (digital) pen sensor254, a key256, and an ultrasonic input device258. For example, the touch panel252may recognize a touch input in at least one type of a capacitive type, a resistive type, an infrared type, and an acoustic wave type. The touch panel252may further include a control circuit. In the capacitive type, the touch panel252can recognize proximity as well as a direct touch. The touch panel252may further include a tactile layer. In this event, the touch panel252provides a tactile reaction to the user.

The (digital) pen sensor254may be implemented, for example, using a method identical or similar to a method of receiving a touch input of the user, or using a separate recognition sheet. The key256may include, for example, a physical button, an optical key, or a key pad. The ultrasonic input device258is a device which can detect an acoustic wave by a microphone (for example, microphone288) of the electronic device200through an input means generating an ultrasonic signal to identify data and can perform wireless recognition. According to an embodiment, the electronic device200receives a user input from an external device (for example, computer or server) connected to the electronic device200by using the communication interface220.

The display260(for example, display160ofFIG. 1) includes a panel262, a hologram device264, and a projector266. The panel262may be, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AM-OLED). The panel262may be implemented as, for example, flexible, transparent, or wearable. The panel262may be configured by the touch panel252and one module. The hologram device264may show a stereoscopic image in the air by using interference of light. The projector266may project light on a screen to display an image. For example, the screen may be located inside or outside the electronic device200. According to an embodiment, the display260may further include a control circuit for controlling the panel262, the hologram device264, and the projector266.

The audio module280bi-directionally converts a sound and an electronic signal. At least some components of the audio module280may be included in, for example, the input/output interface150illustrated inFIG. 1. The audio module280processes sound information input or output through, for example, a speaker282, a receiver284, an earphone286, the microphone288or the like.

The camera module291is a device which can generate a photograph of a still image and a video. According to an embodiment, the camera module291may include one or more image sensors (for example, a front sensor or a back sensor), an Image Signal Processor (ISP) (not shown) or a flash (for example, an Light Emitting Diode (LED) or xenon lamp).

The power management module295manages power of the electronic device200. Although not illustrated, the power management module295may include, for example, a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), a charger Integrated Circuit (IC), or a battery or fuel gauge.

The PMIC may be mounted to, for example, an integrated circuit or an SoC semiconductor. The power management module295may include a charging method may be divided into wired and wireless methods. In one example, the charger IC may charge a battery and prevent over voltage or over current from flowing from a charger. According to an embodiment, the charger IC includes a charger IC for at least one of the wired charging method and the wireless charging method. The wireless charging method may include, for example, a magnetic resonance method, a magnetic induction method and an electromagnetic wave method, and additional circuits for wireless charging, for example, circuits such as a coil loop, a resonant circuit, a rectifier or the like may be added.

The battery fuel gauge measures, for example, a remaining quantity of the battery296, or a voltage, a current, or a temperature during charging. The battery296may store or generate electricity and supply power to the electronic device200by using the stored or generated electricity. The battery296may include a rechargeable battery or a solar battery. The indicator297shows particular statuses of the electronic device200or a part (for example, AP210) of the electronic device200, for example, a booting status, a message status, a charging status and the like. The motor298converts an electrical signal to a mechanical vibration.

Although not illustrated, the electronic device200may include a processing unit (for example, GPU) for supporting a module TV. The processing unit for supporting the mobile TV may process, for example, media data according to a standard of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), media flow or the like.

Each of the components of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more components and the name of the corresponding component may vary depending on a type of the electronic device. The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of the above described components, a few of the components may be omitted, or additional components may be further included. Also, some of the components of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined to form a single entity, and thus may equivalently execute functions of the corresponding components before being combined.

FIG. 3is a block diagram of an example of a programming module310, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The programming module310(for example, programming module140) may be included (stored) in the electronic device100(for example, memory130) illustrated inFIG. 1. At least some of the programming module310functionality may comprise or be formed of software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of at least two of software, firmware, and hardware. The programming module310may be executed in the hardware (for example, electronic device200) to include an Operating System (OS) controlling resources related to the electronic device (for example, electronic device100) or various applications (for example, applications370) driving on the OS. For example, the OS may comprise Android, iOS, Windows, Symbian, Tizen, Bada or the like. Referring toFIG. 3, the programming module310includes a kernel320, a middleware330, an Application Programming Interface (API)360, and applications370.

The kernel320(for example, kernel141ofFIG. 1) includes a system resource manager321and a device driver323. The system resource manager321may include, for example, a process manager, a memory manager, and a file system manager. The system resource manager321may perform a system resource control, allocation, and recall. The device driver323may include, for example, a display driver, a camera driver, a Bluetooth driver, a shared memory driver, a USB driver, a keypad driver, a WiFi driver, an audio driver, and the like. Further, according to an embodiment, the device driver323may include an Inter-Process Communication (IPC) driver. The middleware330includes a plurality of modules prepared in advance to provide functions required in common by the applications370. Further, the middleware330provides functions through the API360to allow the application370to efficiently use limited system resources within the electronic device. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the middleware300(for example, middleware143ofFIG. 1) includes at least one of a runtime library335, an application manager341, a window manager342, a multimedia manager343, a resource manager344, a power manager345, a database manager346, a package manager347, a connection manager348, a notification manager349, a location manager350, a graphic manager351, and a security manager352. The runtime library335includes, for example, a library module used by a complier to add a new function through a programming language while the application370is executed. According to an embodiment, the runtime library335executes input and output, management of a memory, a function associated with an arithmetic function and the like. The application manager341manages, for example, a life cycle of at least one of the applications370. The window manager342manages GUI resources used on the screen. The multimedia manager343detects a format required for reproducing various media files and performs an encoding or a decoding of a media file by using a codec suitable for the corresponding format. The resource manager344manages resources such as a source code, a memory, or a storage space of at least one of the applications370.

The power manager345operates together with a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) to manage a battery or power and provides power information required for the operation. The database manager346manages generation, search, and change of a database to be used by at least one of the applications370. The package manager347manages an installation or an update of an application distributed in a form of a package file.

The connection manager348manages, for example, a wireless connection such as WiFi or Bluetooth. The notification manager349displays or notifies a user of an event such as an arrival message, an appointment, a proximity alarm or the like, in a manner that does not disturb the user. The location manager350manages location information of the electronic device. The graphic manager351manages a graphic effect provided to the user or a user interface related to the graphic effect. The security manager352provides a general security function required for a system security or a user authentication. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device (for example, electronic device100or200) has a call function, the middleware330may further include a telephony manager for managing a voice of the electronic device or a video call function. The middleware330may generate a new middleware module through a combination of various functions of the aforementioned internal component modules and use the generated new middleware module. The middleware330may provide a module specified for each type of operating system to provide a differentiated function. Further, the middleware330may dynamically delete some of the conventional components or add new components. Accordingly, some of the components described in the embodiment of the present disclosure may be omitted, replaced with other components having different names but performing similar functions, or other components may be further included.

The API360(for example, API145ofFIG. 1) is a set of API programming functions, and may be provided with a different configuration according to an operating system. For example, in Android or iOS, a single API set may be provided for each platform. In Tizen, two or more API sets may be provided. The applications370, which may include an application similar to the application147ofFIG. 1, may include, for example, a preloaded application and/or a third party application. The applications370may include a home application371, a dialer application372, a Short Messaging Service (SMS)/Multlimedia Messaging Service (MMS) application373, an Instant Messaging (IM) application374, a browser application375, a camera application376, an alarm application377, a contact application378, a voice dial application379, an email application380, a calendar application381, a media player application382, an album application383, and a clock application384. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and the applications370may include any other similar and/or suitable application. At least a part of the programming module310can be implemented by commands stored in computer-readable storage media. When the commands are executed by at least one processor, e.g. the AP210, at least one processor can perform functions corresponding to the commands. The computer-readable storage media may be, for example, the memory230. At least a part of the programming module310can be implemented, e.g. executed, by, for example, the AP210. At least a part of the programming module310may include, for example, a module, a program, a routine, a set of instructions and/or a process for performing at least one function.

The titles of the aforementioned elements of the programming module, e.g. the programming module310, according to the present disclosure may vary depending on the type of the OS. The programming module according to the present disclosure may include at least one of the aforementioned elements and/or may further include other additional elements, and/or some of the aforementioned elements may be omitted. The operations performed by a programming module and/or other elements according to the present disclosure may be processed through a sequential, parallel, repetitive, and/or heuristic method, and some of the operations may be omitted and/or other operations may be added.

FIGS. 4A to 4Care diagrams illustrating an example of an electronic device200including a secondary display430, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Specifically,FIG. 4Ais a perspective view of the electronic device200having the secondary display430, andFIG. 4Bis a side view of the electronic device200being folded.

InFIGS. 4A and 4B, the electronic device200may include a main body410, a main display420, the secondary display430, and a cover440.

According to aspects of the disclosure, the main body410and the main display420may be arranged to slide with respect to each other. In this regard, the main body410may include a guide and/or groove acting as a path through which the main display420can slide.

The main body410may include various components implemented therein, such as a processor (e.g., the AP210), the memory230, the sensor module240, the input unit250, and the battery296ofFIG. 1.

The main body410may be formed of a flexible material which can be folded or bent when the flexible main display420is folded or bent.

A circuit board, which the above-mentioned components implemented may be mounted on or electrically connected to, may be also formed of a flexible material.

In another embodiment, the above-mentioned components implemented in the main body410may be also formed of a flexible material so as to be folded or bent.

The main display420may be formed of a flexible material. The main display420and the secondary display430may be the same as or similar to the display160ofFIG. 1or the display260ofFIG. 2.

When the electronic device200is folded, the main display420may become positioned in the interior of the electronic device200and thus protected by both the main body410and the cover440.

The main display420may be a transparent display. Together with at least a part of the secondary display430, the main display420may display information thereon.

The secondary display430is provided to the electronic device200, separately from the main display420. Namely, the main display420may be formed on one surface of the main body410, whereas the secondary display430may be formed on another surface.

The secondary display430may be formed at an upper region and/or a lower region of the main body410. The secondary display430may display information depending on a structural variation of the electronic device200(e.g., when the electronic device200is folded or bent).

The secondary display430may be formed as a transparent display. Together with at least a part of the main display420, the secondary display430may display information.

The cover440may be formed on the surface of the main body where the secondary display430is formed. The cover440may be bent or folded depending on a structural variation of the electronic device200(e.g., when the electronic device200is folded or bent).

Also depending on a structural variation of the electronic device200(e.g., when the electronic device200is folded or bent), the cover440may hide or expose the secondary display430formed at the upper region and/or the lower region of the main body410.

FIG. 4Cis a cross-sectional view of the electronic device200having the secondary display430, according to various embodiments of this disclosure.

The main body410may further include a hinge part411, a receptible part412, and a resilient part413.

The hinge part411acts as a supporting point when the main body410, the cover440, and/or the main display420are bent or folded. Namely, based on the hinge part411, the main body410, the cover440, and/or the main display420may be transformed structurally.

The receptible part412may cover a part of the main display420. The receptible part412may be connected with the resilient part413and thereby prevent the main display420from being separated from the main body410.

In various embodiments, when the main body410, the cover440, and/or the main display420are bent or folded, the receptible part412may receive a portion of the main display420.

In various embodiments, when the main body410, the cover440, and/or the main display420are unfolded, the receptible part412may expose the received portion of the main display420to the outside.

The resilient part413is connected between the receptible part412and the main display420. When the main display420is transformed structurally, the resilient part413may offer resilience between the receptible part412and the main display420and thereby prevent the main display420from being separated from the receptible part412.

FIG. 5is a flowchart of an example of a process, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

At operation501, the electronic device200may extract, using a 6-axis sensor, a quaternion data vector of the first region of the main display420and a quaternion data vector of the second region of the main display420.

The 6-axis sensor may be a sensor that uses three axes (X, Y, Z) of the acceleration sensor240E for sensing a spatial motion and also uses three axes (X, Y, Z) of the gyro sensor240B for sensing orientation.

In various embodiments, the electronic device200may be folded or bent on the hinge part411located centrally therein. When the electronic device200is folded or bent, the main display420may be also folded or bent on the hinge part411, so that folded regions of the main display420may face each other.

According to aspects of the disclosure, when the electronic device is folded, a first region of the main display may be disposed on one side of the fold, whereas a second region of the main display may be disposed on the other side of the fold.

At operation503, the electronic device200may calculate an inner product (v) of unit vectors associated with the first and second regions of the main display420. Each of the unit vectors may be calculated based on a different one of the quaternion data vectors.

At operation505, the electronic device200may calculate an angle between the first and second regions of the main display420by using the calculated inner product (v). In various embodiments, this angle may be calculated using Equation 1.
angle=cos−1ν×180/π  <Equation 1>

At operation507, the electronic device200may calculate an outer product (c) of vectors associated with the first and second regions of the main display420.

The electronic device200may then convert the calculated angle to the 360-degree scale by using both the calculated inner product (v) and the calculated outer product (c).

At operation509, the electronic device200may determine the extent to which the secondary display is exposed as a result of the folding/bending of the electronic device. Depending on the extracted angle between the first and second regions of the main display420, the electronic device200may determine whether the secondary display430protected by the cover440is exposed and how much the secondary display430is exposed.

FIG. 6is a diagram of an example of an electronic device having a secondary display, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. More particularly,FIG. 6illustrates the manner in which the electronic device obtains information associated with the exposure of the secondary display430included in the electronic device200.

As illustrated, the main body410and the cover440may be arranged to slide with respect to each other. In this regard, the main body410may include a guide and/or groove acting as a path through which the cover440can slide.

Additionally, the main body410may include, at the guide and/or groove, a sensor or switch610that detects the movement of the cover440.

By detecting the movement of the cover440through the sensor or switch610, the electronic device200may determine the exposure or not of the secondary display430and the extent of such exposure.

FIG. 7is a diagram of an example of an electronic device having a secondary display, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. More particularly,FIG. 7illustrates how the exposed portion of the secondary display430varies in size depending on the degree to which the electronic device200is bent.

As indicated by a reference numeral701, when the electronic device200is bent incompletely, an angle between the first and second regions of the main display420may be the first angle (θ1).

The electronic device200may calculate the first angle (θ1) by using the 6-axis sensor. In such circumstances, based on the calculated first angle (θ1), the electronic device200may recognize that the cover440exposes the secondary display430by the first area (A1).

In various embodiments, when the electronic device200is bent incompletely, the electronic device200may detect the movement of the cover440through the sensor or switch610, thereby recognizing that the cover440exposes the secondary display430by the first area (A1).

As indicated by a reference numeral703, when the electronic device200is completely bent, an angle between the first and second regions of the main display420may be the second angle (θ2).

The electronic device200may calculate the second angle (θ2) by using the 6-axis sensor. In such circumstances, based on the calculated second angle (θ2), the electronic device200may recognize that the cover440exposes the secondary display430by the second area (A2).

In various embodiments, when the electronic device200is completely bent, the electronic device200may detect the movement of the cover440through the sensor or switch610, thereby recognizing that the cover440exposes the secondary display430by the second area (A2).

FIGS. 8A-Bare diagrams of examples of an electronic device having a secondary display, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 8A, the electronic device200may include at least one or more secondary displays430.

The at least one or more secondary displays430may be formed at the upper region and/or lower region of the main body410. The at least one or more secondary displays430may display information, depending on a structural variation of the electronic device200(e.g., when the electronic device200is folded or bent).

When the electronic device200is unfolded as shown inFIG. 8A, the at least one or more secondary displays430may be exposed slightly or covered entirely.

In various embodiments, when the electronic device200is unfolded, the at least one or more secondary displays430may be covered with the cover440.

When the electronic device200is folded or bent as shown inFIG. 8B, the at least one or more secondary displays430may be exposed partially or totally. The greater the extent to which the electronic device200is bent, the greater the exposed area of the secondary displays430. As illustrated inFIG. 8B, the exposed area of a given one of the secondary displays may be a portion of the second display that is visible to the user and/or does not overlap with the cover440. InFIG. 8B, a cover fixing point441may be identical to the hinge part411discussed above.

FIG. 9is a flowchart of an example of a process, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

At operation901, the electronic device200may obtain information associated with the exposure of the secondary display430.

Namely, as discussed above, the electronic device200may detect, by using the 6-axis sensor or the sensor or switch610, the movement of the cover440resulting from a structural variation thereof and thereby obtain information which indicates at least one of: (i) whether the secondary display430is exposed, and (ii) the extent to which the secondary display430is exposed (e.g., the size of the exposed area of the secondary display). For example, this information may be information about an exposed area of the secondary display430.

At operation903, the electronic device200may determine whether to activate the secondary display430.

For example, based on the obtained information associated with the exposure of the secondary display430, the electronic device200may determine whether a condition for activating the secondary display is satisfied. According to various embodiments, at operation903, the electronic device200may determine whether to activate the display based on the size of an exposed area of the secondary display430.

In this example, it may be set to start a display operation on the secondary display430when the exposed area of the secondary display430is greater than a threshold (e.g., greater than a predetermined percentage of the entire area of the secondary display430).

According to various embodiments, at operation903, the electronic device200may be set to start a display operation on the secondary display430when the exposed area of the secondary display430is greater than a user-defined area.

According to various embodiments, at operation903, the electronic device200may be set to start a display operation on the secondary display430when an exposed position of the secondary display430coincides with a user's eye gaze.

At operation905, the electronic device200may display contents or information based on the size of the exposed area of the secondary display430.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device200may display totally or partially contents or information by considering the exposed area of the secondary display430.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device200may display text articles or icons based on the size of the exposed area of the secondary display430.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device200may display contents or information in proportion to the exposed area of the secondary display430. Further, in proportion to the size of the exposed area of the secondary display430, the electronic device200may add or remove contents or information.

According to various embodiments, the amount of contents or information to be displayed may be increased or decreased in proportion to the exposed area of the secondary display430.

According to various embodiments, the brightness of the secondary display430may be varied based on the size of the exposed area of the secondary display430.

At operation907, the electronic device200determines whether there is a change in the size of the exposed area of the secondary display430.

If the size of the exposed area of the secondary display430is changed, the electronic device200may update information displayed on the secondary display430depending on such a variation, at operation909. Otherwise, if the exposed area of the secondary display430is not changed, then the process returns to operation905.

FIG. 10is a diagram of an example of a user interface, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in screenshot1001, when the movement of the cover440causes the secondary display430to be exposed by the first area R1, the secondary display430may partially display icons.

Referring to screenshot1003, when the secondary display430is exposed by the second area R2, icons are completely displayed on the secondary display430. However, if the secondary display430is exposed by the first area R1which is smaller than the second area R2, such icons are partially displayed on the secondary display430.

Partially displaying the respective individual icons gives an effect as if each individual icon is partially covered with the cover440.

In various environments, each individual icon may be displayed in a size directly proportional to the size of the exposed area (e.g., R1or R2) of the secondary display430. Namely, each icon may be resized depending on the size of the exposed area (e.g., R1or R2) so as to be displayed entirely.

In this regard, if the size of the exposed area of the secondary display430changes while the electronic device200performs an operation of displaying information as shown in screenshot1001or1003, the electronic device200may update such information to be displayed on the secondary display430.

For example, if the exposed area of the secondary display430is expanded as shown in screenshot1003while icons are partially displayed on the secondary display430as shown in screenshot1001, these icons may be completely displayed.

On the contrary, if the size of the exposed area of the secondary display430is decreased as shown in screenshot1001while icons are completely displayed on the secondary display430as shown in screenshot1003, these icons may become partially displayed.

Stated succinctly, when the exposed area of the secondary display430has size R1, only a portion of a given content item (e.g., a calculator icon) may be displayed. However, when the exposed area is enlarged to size R2, the entire content item may become displayed.

FIG. 11is a diagram of an example of a user interface, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in screenshot1101, when the movement of the cover440causes the secondary display430to be exposed by the first area R1, the secondary display430may display text data.

The details in this example are as follows.

Referring to screenshot1103, when the secondary display430is exposed by the second area R2, icons are displayed on the secondary display430. However, if the secondary display430is exposed by the first area R1which is smaller than the second area R2, corresponding text data, instead of icons, is displayed on the secondary display430.

Each icon and corresponding text data may have the same functionality. For example, in example text data indicates ‘calculator’, this may correspond to a calculator icon.

Like this, if the exposed area of the secondary display430is varied while the electronic device200performs an operation of displaying information as shown in screenshot1101or1103, the electronic device200may update such information to be displayed on the secondary display430.

For example, if the exposed area of the secondary display430is expanded as shown in screenshot1103while text data is displayed on the secondary display430as shown in screenshot1101, the secondary display430may replace text data with corresponding icons.

On the contrary, if the exposed area of the secondary display430is contracted as shown in screenshot1101while icons are displayed on the secondary display430as shown in screenshot1103, the secondary display430may replace icons with corresponding text data.

Stated succinctly, when the exposed area of the secondary display430has size R1, the electronic device200may display a first content item on the secondary display (e.g., the word “calculator”). However, when the exposed area is enlarged to size R2, the electronic device200may replace the first content item with a second content item (e.g., the calculator icon). As illustrated, the first content item and the second content item may be different content items that have the same function.

FIG. 12is a diagram of an example of a user interface, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to screenshots1201and1203, contents or information may be displayed in proportion to the exposed area of the secondary display430. Further, such contents or information may be added or removed in proportion to the exposed area of the secondary display430. The added or removed contents or information may have a correlation. This correlation may mean the same kind of information. For example, a time of day, a day of the week, and a date, related to time in common, may have a correlation of the same kind.

If R2is greater than R1, the secondary display430may display much more contents or information in the example of the exposed area R2than in the example of the exposed area R1.

For example, when the exposed area of the secondary display430is R1, the secondary display430may display only a time of day among information about time. Also, when the exposed area of the secondary display430is R2, the secondary display430may display a day of the week and a date as well as a time of day.

In this regard, if the size of the exposed area of the secondary display430is changed while the electronic device200performs an operation of displaying information as shown in screenshot1201or1203, the electronic device200may update such information to be displayed on the secondary display430.

For example, if the exposed area of the secondary display430is expanded as shown in screenshot1203while information is partially displayed on the secondary display430as shown in screenshot1201, the secondary display430may further display additional information.

On the contrary, if the exposed area of the secondary display430is contracted as shown in screenshot1201while the whole information is displayed on the secondary display430as shown in screenshot1203, the secondary display430may remove part of displayed information.

FIG. 13is a diagram of an example of a user interface, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to screenshots1301,1303and1305, the brightness of the secondary display430may be varied depending on the size of the exposed area of the secondary display430.

For example, assume that the secondary display430is exposed by the exposed areas R1, R2, or R3. In this example, R3is greater than R1and smaller than R2.

The brightness of the secondary display430may become bright or dark, being directly proportional to the size of the exposed area of the secondary display430. As illustrated, the larger the exposed area of the secondary display430, the greater the brightness of the secondary display is set to be.

FIG. 14is a diagram of an example of a user interface, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to screenshots1401and1403, the amount of contents or information being displayed may be increased or decreased in proportion to the size of the exposed area of the secondary display430.

In this example, contents or information displayed increasingly or decreasingly may have no correlation. Namely, different kinds of contents or information may be displayed. For example, such contents or information may be icons or text articles which are linked to executable functions, respectively.

If R2is greater than R1, the secondary display430may display the greater amount of contents or information in the example of the exposed area R2than in the example of the exposed area R1.

For example, when the exposed area of the secondary display430is R1as shown in screenshot1401, some text articles linked to executable functions of the electronic device200may be displayed such as ‘download’, ‘call’, ‘contacts’, ‘settings’, ‘alarm’, ‘calculator’, ‘map’, and ‘messenger’.

By contrast, when the exposed area of the secondary display is R2as shown in screenshot1403, additional text articles linked to other executable functions such as ‘mail’, ‘video’, Internet′, ‘music’, and ‘gallery’ may be further displayed.

Meanwhile, if a user input is entered with regard to a selected one of displayed text articles as shown in screenshot1403, the electronic device200may perform a particular function corresponding to the selected article.

In various embodiments, a user input may be a drag-and-drop for a selected one of displayed articles as shown in screenshot1403, and the electronic device200may move a display position of the selected article as shown in screenshot1405.

For example, as shown in screenshot1405, the electronic device200may move leftwards the selected article, Internet′, displayed on the secondary display430in response to a user input.

FIGS. 15A and 15Bare diagrams illustrating aspects of the operation of an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 15A, the first user10may view the main display420, and the second user20may view the secondary display430.

Referring toFIG. 15B, the electronic device200may also display information, displayed on the secondary display430, on a part of the main display420.

Therefore, the first user10as shown inFIG. 15Acan view information that is also displayed on the secondary display430, through the main display420as shown inFIG. 15B.

FIG. 16is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the operation of an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the electronic device200may change a mode of information displayed on the secondary display430, depending on the orientation of the electronic device100.

For example, when the electronic device200is placed in a portrait orientation, information may be displayed on the secondary display430in a portrait mode (reference numeral1603). Similarly, when the electronic device200is placed in a landscape orientation (reference numeral1601), information may be displayed on the secondary display430in a landscape mode.

FIG. 17is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the operation of an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, if the secondary display430is formed as a transparent display, the user10may perceive an object30through the secondary display430. In this example, both the main body410and the main display420may be also formed as a transparent material at a position where the secondary display430is formed.

FIG. 18is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device being folded asymmetrically without a cover, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

As indicated by a reference numeral1801, the electronic device200may have a multi-joint structure in which the main display420is foldable asymmetrically without a cover. Additionally, as indicated by a reference numeral1803, the electronic device200may have a two-joint structure in which the main display420is foldable asymmetrically without a cover.

When the main display420is folded asymmetrically without a cover, the electronic device200may have, at a part thereof, a receptible space capable of receiving a loop that is formed at the location where the main display420is folded.

When the electronic device200is folded, the electronic device200may use, in the manner discussed with respect to the secondary display, the main display420contained in the receptible space.

FIG. 19is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device being folded asymmetrically without a cover, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

A reference numeral1901shows an example in which the electronic device200is unfolded. The main body410of the electronic device200may include a receptible part450and a light emitting part460. When the electronic device200is unfolded, the main display420may be placed out of the receptible part450and thereby exposed to the outside, and the light emitting part460may be turned off. The receptible part450may be formed of a transparent material. The main display420may be formed as a transparent display partially, i.e., at a portion to be contained in the receptible part450, or wholly.

A reference numeral1903shows an example where the electronic device200is folded. In this example, the main display420may be partially contained in the receptible part450, and the light emitting part460may be turned on. A portion of the main display420contained in the receptible part450may be used as the secondary display.

FIG. 20is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device having a secondary display, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

More particularly,FIG. 20shows one lateral side of the electronic device200having the secondary display430and being in an unfolded state. A reference numeral2001indicates, in a plan view, the secondary display430when the electronic device200is unfolded, and a reference numeral2002indicates, in a plan view, the secondary display430when the electronic device200is folded.

As indicated by the reference numeral2001, when the electronic device200having the secondary display430is unfolded, the cover440may cover at least a portion of the secondary display430formed on the main body410. Therefore, the secondary display430may be exposed partially, and the electronic device200may display information through the partially exposed secondary display430.

As indicated by the reference numeral2002, when the electronic device200having the secondary display430is folded on the central part of the main body410, the cover440may be placed out of the secondary display430formed on the main body410. Therefore, the secondary display430may be exposed completely to the outside.

FIG. 21is a diagram of an example of an electronic device having a secondary display, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. More particularly,FIG. 21shows one lateral side of the electronic device200having the secondary display430and being in an unfolded state. A reference numeral2101indicates, in a plan view, the secondary display430when the electronic device200is unfolded, and a reference numeral2102indicates, in a plan view, the secondary display430when the electronic device200is folded.

As indicated by the reference numeral2101, when the electronic device200having the secondary display430is unfolded, the cover440may cover completely the secondary display430. Therefore, the electronic device200may protect the secondary display430through the cover440without exposing the secondary display430to the outside.

As indicated by the reference numeral2102, when the electronic device200having the secondary display430is folded on the central part of the main body410, the cover440may be placed out of the secondary display430formed on the main body410. Therefore, the secondary display430may be exposed completely to the outside.

FIG. 22is a diagram of an example of an electronic device having a secondary display, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 23is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device ofFIG. 22that is taken along the line A-A′, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 22 and 23, the main display420or the cover440may be moved when the electronic device200is folded or unfolded. Further, the electronic device200may include a rail structure that prevents the main display420or the cover440, when moved, from being separated to the outside.

This rail structure of the electronic device200is formed on the main body410. Additionally, the rail structure may include a structure for supporting the main display420so as to protect the main display420from a vertical pressure and a structure for protecting edges of the main display420being moved.

The main display420or the cover440may be divided into two regions by the hinge part411. The first region of the main display420may be an upper region of the main display420, and the second region of the main display420may be a lower region of the main display420.

Similarly, the first region of the cover440may be an upper region of the cover411, and the second region of the cover440may be a lower region of the cover440.

In one example where the main display420or the cover440is divided into two regions by the hinge part411, one region may be movable when the electronic device200is folded or unfolded, and the other region may be fixed without any movement.

For example, the upper region of the main display420may be fixed, and the lower region of the main display420may be movable. In this example, a rail2210of the electronic device420may be disposed in the lower region of the main display420.

Alternatively, the lower region of the cover440may be fixed, and the upper region of the cover440may be movable. In this example, a rail2220of the electronic device420may be disposed in the upper region of the cover440.

The fixed regions of the main display420and the cover440may have a cross arrangement in the electronic device200. Similarly, the movable regions of the main display420and the cover440may have a cross arrangement in the electronic device200.

For example, if the upper region of the main display420is fixed, the lower region of the cover440may be fixed. When the upper region of the main display420is fixed, the lower region of the main display420may be movable. Also, when the lower region of the cover440is fixed, the upper region of the cover440may be movable.

Similarly, if the lower region of the main display420is fixed, the upper region of the cover440may be fixed. When the lower region of the main display420is fixed, the upper region of the main display420may be movable. Also, when the upper region of the cover440is fixed, the lower region of the cover440may be movable.

The rail structures2210and2220that allow the main display420or the cover440to be moved when the electronic device200is folded or unfolded may be located partly in the upper region from the hinge part411and located partly on the lower region. Additionally, at least one of such rail structures2210and2220may be located near the main display420, and at least one thereof may be located near the cover440.

FIG. 24is a diagram illustrating an example of a rail structure of the electronic device ofFIG. 22, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition,FIG. 25is a diagram illustrating another example of a rail structure of the electronic device ofFIG. 22, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 24 and 25, the rail structure2210of the electronic device200may prevent the main display420, when moved, from being separated from the electronic device200.

The main display420may be composed of a window421and a display422. The main body410may include the first rail415having a structure for supporting the main display420so as to protect the main display420from a vertical pressure, the second rail416having a structure for protecting edges of the main display420being moved, and an internal structure417thereof.

The first rail415may support the display422and have an L-shaped structure at the end thereof near the edge of the electronic device200. The second rail416may have a rail groove or guide structure for accommodating the L-shaped end of the first rail415at a portion thereof, and also have a 180-degree rotated L-shaped (i.e., reverse L-shaped) structure at the end thereof so as to protect the edge of the main display420being moved. Namely, the first rail415can be moved along the rail groove or guide structure of the second rail416, and the main display420can be moved while being inserted into the reverse L-shaped end of the second rail416.

As shown inFIG. 24, the first rail415may support the whole display422and be laterally extended out of the display422by the first distance (D1). In this example, a black matrix (BM) region may be formed within the second distance (D2).

As shown inFIG. 25, the first rail415may support at least part of the display422. In this example, the display421may be laterally extended out of the first rail415by the third distance (D3). The BM region may be formed within the fourth distance (D4). The second distance (D2) may be greater than the fourth distance (D4).

FIG. 26is a diagram illustrating an example of a hinge part of an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the hinge part411may be formed of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) capable of being foldable, and may include a radio frequency (RF) cable or the like on the FPCB.

FIG. 27is a diagram of an example of an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the electronic device200may include the main body410. Also, the main body410may include the main display420, the cover440, and the hinge part411a.

At least one secondary display may be formed at the upper region and/or the lower end of the main body410. The secondary display may display information depending on a structural variation of the electronic device200(e.g., when the electronic device200is folded or bent).

Referring toFIG. 27, the main display420may be fixed to at least a portion of the main body410. Namely, although any structural variation (e.g., even though the electronic device200is folded or bent) occurs at the electronic device200, the main display420may be fixed to at least a portion of the main body410without being moved. The hinge part411amay have a multi-axis structure. For example, the hinge part411amay have a bellows shape as shown. The electronic device200having the bellows-shaped hinge part411amay undergo a structural variation such as folding when the hinge part411areceives a bending momentum or force. In this example, the inside of the hinge part411amay undergo a bending stress. Specifically, when the hinge part411ais bent or folded, the inner portion of the bent or folded point may undergo a compression stress, and the outer portion of the bent or folded point may undergo a tension stress. Therefore, when folded or bent, the electronic device200having the bellows-shaped hinge part411amay rotate on the inner portion of the bent or folded point that undergoes a compression stress. Namely, in this example, the hinge part411amay rotate on an inner point of the neutral axis where a bending momentum is applied.

When the electronic device200is transformed structurally on the basis of the hinge part411a, the cover440disposed at a portion of the main body410may slide.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device200is transformed structurally on the basis of the hinge part411a, the upper half of the cover440and the lower half of the cover440, divided by the hinge part411adisposed at the center of the main body410, may slide at the same time.

According to various embodiments, when an electronic device200is transformed structurally on the basis of the hinge part411a, one of the upper and lower halves of the cover440, divided by the hinge part411adisposed at the center of the main body410, may slide whereas the other may be fixed.

FIG. 28is a diagram of an example of an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the electronic device200may include the main body410. Also, the main body410may include the main display420, the cover440, and the hinge part411b.

At least one secondary display may be formed at the upper region and/or the lower end of the main body410. The secondary display may display information depending on a structural variation of the electronic device200(e.g., when the electronic device200is folded or bent).

Referring toFIG. 28, the main display420may be fixed to at least a portion of the main body410. According to various embodiments, the main display420may be moved (e.g., sliding) when the electronic device200is transformed structurally.

The hinge part411bmay have a multi-axis structure. In other words, the hinge part411bmay have a multi-joint structure. For example, the multi-joint structure of the hinge part411bmay be based on one or more ball joints. When folded or bent, the electronic device200having the hinge part411bof a multi-joint structure may rotate on the neutral axis of the hinge part411bwhere a bending momentum is applied.

When the electronic device200is transformed structurally on the basis of the hinge part411b, the cover440disposed at a portion of the main body410may slide.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device200is transformed structurally on the basis of the hinge part411b, the upper half of the cover440and the lower half of the cover440, divided by the hinge part411bdisposed at the center of the main body410, may slide at the same time.

According to various embodiments, when an electronic device200is transformed structurally on the basis of the hinge part411b, one of the upper and lower halves of the cover440, divided by the hinge part411bdisposed at the center of the main body410, may slide whereas the other may be fixed.

FIG. 29is a diagram of an example of an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated, the electronic device200may include the main body410. Also, the main body410may include the main display420, the cover440, and the hinge part411c.

At least one secondary display may be formed at the upper region and/or the lower end of the main body410. The secondary display may display information depending on a structural variation of the electronic device200(e.g., when the electronic device200is folded or bent).

Referring toFIG. 29, the main display420may be fixed to at least a portion of the main body410. According to various embodiments, the main display420may be moved (e.g., sliding) when the electronic device200is transformed structurally.

The hinge part411cmay have a two-axis structure. When folded or bent, the electronic device200having the hinge part411cof a two-axis structure may rotate on the neutral axis (e.g., the center) of the hinge part411cwhere a bending momentum is applied.

When the electronic device200having the hinge part411cof a two-axis structure is folded or bent, the main body410may be completely folded and thereby both halves of the main display420may come in contact with each other. Further, in order to prevent the main display420from being separated from the main body410, the electronic device200having the hinge part411cof a two-axis structure may have a space for partially accommodating the main display420near the hinge part411c.

When the electronic device200is transformed structurally on the basis of the hinge part411c, the cover440disposed at a portion of the main body410may slide.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device200is transformed structurally on the basis of the hinge part411c, the upper half of the cover440and the lower half of the cover440, divided by the hinge part411cdisposed at the center of the main body410, may slide at the same time.

According to various embodiments, when an electronic device200is transformed structurally on the basis of the hinge part411c, one of the upper and lower halves of the cover440, divided by the hinge part411cdisposed at the center of the main body410, may slide whereas the other may be fixed.

The apparatuses and methods of the disclosure can be implemented in hardware, and in part as firmware or as software or computer code in conjunction with hardware that is stored on a non-transitory machine readable medium such as a CD ROM, a RAM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magneto-optical disk, or computer code downloaded over a network originally stored on a remote recording medium or a non-transitory machine readable medium and stored on a local non-transitory recording medium for execution by hardware such as a processor, so that the methods described herein are loaded into hardware such as a general purpose computer, or a special processor or in programmable or dedicated hardware, such as an ASIC or FPGA. As would be understood in the art, the computer, the processor, microprocessor controller or the programmable hardware include memory components, e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash, etc. that may store or receive software or computer code that when accessed and executed by the computer, processor or hardware implement the processing methods described herein. In addition, it would be recognized that when a general purpose computer accesses code for implementing the processing shown herein, the execution of the code transforms the general purpose computer into a special purpose computer for executing the processing shown herein. In addition, an artisan understands and appreciates that a “processor”, “microprocessor”, “controller”, or “control unit” constitute hardware in the claimed disclosure that contain circuitry that is configured for operation. Under the broadest reasonable interpretation, the appended claims constitute statutory subject matter in compliance with 35 U.S.C. § 101.

The definition of the terms “unit” or “module” as referred to herein are to be understood as constituting hardware circuitry such as a CCD, CMOS, a processor or microprocessor configured for a certain desired functionality, or a communication module containing hardware such as transmitter, receiver or transceiver, or a non-transitory medium comprising machine executable code that is loaded into and executed by hardware for operation, in accordance with statutory subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101 and do not constitute software per se.