Electronic device including pressure sensor and method for operating same

An electronic device includes: a housing structure; a flexible display provided on the housing structure; a pressure sensor including a first resistor and a second resistor that are provided in at least a portion of the flexible display; and a control circuit configured to detect a value associated with a pressure applied to the flexible display based on values corresponding to the first resistor and the second resistor in case that the flexible display is touched.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a by-pass continuation application of International Application No. PCT/KR2021/010014, filed on Jul. 30, 2021, which is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0095532, filed on Jul. 30, 2020 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to an electronic device including a pressure sensor that detects a touch pressure applied to a display, and a method of operating the same.

2. Description of Related Art

With the development of electronic, information, and communication technologies, various functions have come to be integrated into a single electronic device. For example, a smartphone may include functions of a sound playback device, an imaging device, or a digital diary, in addition to a communication function, and more various functions may be implemented in the smartphone through additional installation of applications.

As functional differences have been considerably reduced among these electronic devices of respective manufacturers, in order to satisfy consumers' purchasing desires, the electronic devices are becoming gradually slimmer and are being improved to increase the rigidity of electronic devices and to enhance the design aspects of the electronic devices, as well as to differentiate the functional elements thereof. These electronic devices are being transformed into various shapes, departing from a uniform rectangular shape. For example, an electronic device may have a transformable structure that is convenient to carry and enables a large-screen display to be used when the electronic device is used.

As the use of personal and portable electronic devices such as smartphones has become common, demands for portability and usability are increasing. For example, an electronic device having a foldable structure is easy to carry and is capable of providing an improved multimedia environment through a wider screen.

These miniaturized electronic devices or foldable electronic devices may acquire a plurality of pieces of information via various sensors and perform various functions by using the acquired information. For example, the electronic devices that perform such functions may include, in a display, a pressure sensor configured to detect a touch pressure.

A foldable electronic device may include a plate having a plurality of openings for supporting a folding area of a foldable display. When the pressure of an input received on the display is small, a pressure sensor included in a miniaturized electronic device or a foldable electronic device may not detect the small pressure of the input due to the thickness of the display, or the sensitivity of the detected input pressure may be low, and thus the sensing function of the pressure sensor may be deteriorated.

Alternatively, when a user input is received by the electronic device, a change may be caused in a resistor included in the pressure sensor by the temperature generated by a user's body which is in contact with the electronic device. As a result, an error is caused in a value identified from the pressure sensor, which may result in a measurement error with respect to the pressure of the user input.

Alternatively, since resistance values of resistors included in a pressure sensor disposed on the bendable portion are changed depending on the folding state (e.g., the folding angle) of a foldable electronic device, a pressure may be misidentified, which may cause malfunction of the electronic device.

SUMMARY

Provided is an electronic device including a pressure sensor capable of detecting an external input related to a foldable display in the electronic device.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device includes: a housing structure; a flexible display provided on the housing structure; a pressure sensor including a first resistor and a second resistor that are provided in at least a portion of the flexible display; and a control circuit configured to detect a value associated with a pressure applied to the flexible display based on values corresponding to the first resistor and the second resistor in case that the flexible display is touched.

The flexible display may include: a window; a display panel disposed on a rear surface of the window; a polarizer disposed between the window and the display panel; a touch panel disposed between the polarizer and the display panel; a plurality of touch sensors disposed on the touch panel and configured to detect a touch of an external object at a front surface of the window; a polymer member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel; a conductive plate attached to a rear surface of the polymer member and including a plurality of openings, the first resistor is disposed in an area of the flexible display other than the plurality of openings, and the second resistor is disposed on at least one of the plurality of openings.

A first proportion of the first resistor disposed on the plurality of openings may be less than a second proportion of the second resistor disposed on the plurality of openings, and in case that the flexible display is touched, a second change amount in a resistance value of the second resistor is greater than a first change amount in a resistance value of the first resistor.

The plurality of openings may have an equal size, and the plurality of openings may have at least one of an elongated bar-type shape, a circular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a rhombus shape, or an oval shape.

The plurality of openings may have different sizes, and the plurality of openings may have at least one of an elongated bar-type shape, a circular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a rhombus shape, or an oval shape.

The first resistor may be provided in a first zigzag pattern, the second resistor may be provided in a second zigzag pattern, and a shape of the first zigzag pattern and a shape of the second zigzag pattern have a predetermined interval.

A width the first resistor may be greater than or equal to a width of a support area provided between the plurality of openings.

A width the first resistor may be smaller than or equal to a width of a support area provided between the plurality of openings.

A width of the first resistor may be smaller than a width of the second resistor, and a thickness of the first resistor may be greater than a thickness of the second resistor.

A width of the first resistor may less than a width of the second resistor, and a thickness of the first resistor may be smaller than a thickness of the second resistor.

A width of the second resistor is greater than or equal to a width of a spatial area provided in the plurality of openings.

A width of the second resistor may be smaller than a width of a spatial area provided in the plurality of openings.

The conductive plate may include: a first flat portion facing the housing structure; a second flat portion facing the housing structure; and a bendable portion that integrally interconnects the first flat portion and the second flat portion so that the conductive plate is foldable via the plurality of openings.

The control circuit may be further configured to: obtain an at least one first value associated with a user input by using a touch sensor of the plurality of touch sensors, obtain at least one second value associated with a pressure of the user input by using the pressure sensor based on the first change amount in the resistance value of the first resistor and the second change amount in the resistance value of the second resistor, the second change amount being greater than the first change amount, and perform at least one control operation based on the at least one first value and the at least one second value.

The control circuit may be further configured to: compare the at least one first value with a first threshold value to obtain a first comparison result, based on the first comparison result, identify a second threshold value corresponding to the first comparison result, compare the at least one second value with the second threshold value to obtain a second comparison result, and perform at least one control operation based on the first comparison result and the second comparison result.

The electronic device may further include a hinge structure, the housing structure may include a first housing and a second housing connected to the hinge structure, and the control circuit is further configured to: based on the user input being positioned in a first area of the flexible display associated with the hinge structure and an angle between the first housing and the second housing being a first angle, reflect a first gain value on a value associated with the pressure of the user input, compare the value associated with the pressure of the user input on which the first gain value is reflected with the second threshold value, based on the angle between the first housing and the second housing being a second angle, reflect a second gain value on the value associated with the pressure of the user input, and compare the value associated with the pressure of the user input on which the second gain value is reflected with the second threshold value.

The control circuit may be further configured to: based on the angle between the first housing and the second housing being the first angle, configure the second threshold value to the at least one first value, and based on the angle between the first housing and the second housing being the second angle, configure the second threshold value to the at least one second value.

The first area of the flexible display associated with the hinge structure may include a first sub-area and a second sub-area, and the control circuit may be further configured to: based on the user input being positioned in the first sub-area, reflect a third gain value on the value associated with the pressure of the user input, and based on the user input being positioned in the second sub-area, reflect a fourth gain value on the value associated with the pressure of the user input, and based on the first sub-area being relatively more curved than the second sub-area in case that the angle between the first housing and the second housing is changed, the third gain value is greater than the fourth gain value.

The control circuit may be further configured to: based on the user input being positioned in the first sub-area, compare the value associated with the pressure of the user input on which the third gain value is reflected with a third threshold value, and based on the user input being positioned in the second sub-area, compare the value associated with the pressure of the user input on which the fourth gain value is reflected with a fourth threshold value.

According to one or more embodiments, provided is an electronic device in which the resistors included the pressure sensor of the electronic device are arranged in a structure that allows a resistance change amount due to a temperature associated with a user input to be canceled, thereby reducing a measurement error for the pressure of the user input, and a method of operating the same.

According to one or more embodiments, provided is an electronic device in which the resistors included in the pressure sensor of the electronic device are arranged in a structure that allows a difference in resistance change amounts to be increased by a user input, thereby facilitating the detection of the pressure of the user input received on the folding area, and a method of operating the same.

According to one or more embodiments, provided is an electronic device in which the electronic device executes an operation for compensating for pressure misidentified by a pressure sensor disposed on a bendable portion according to a folding state (e.g., a folding angle or the like) of the electronic device, thereby preventing a malfunction of the electronic device due to a misidentified pressure, and a method of operating the same. According to one or more embodiments, when a foldable display is folded, the shapes of resistors of a pressure sensor disposed to correspond to the folding area may be changed, thereby improve a pressure sensing function.

In an electronic device including a pressure sensor including a first resistor and a second resistor according to various embodiments of the disclosure, for example, the first resistor is disposed between a plurality of openings provided in a conductive plate of a flexible display and the second resistor is disposed on the plurality of openings. As a result, when an input made by an external object (e.g., a portion of a user's body) is received on the flexible display, the resistances of the first resistor and the second resistor are changed to have different values, and the control circuit is capable of detecting the pressure of the input based on a difference in resistance change amounts between the first and second resistors. Accordingly, the pressure sensor including the first resistor and the second resistor may easily detect a touch pressure of a small force applied to the flexible display, and as a result, an input on the flexible display may be stably detected.

Effects that can be obtained in the disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not described above will be clearly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art to which the disclosure belongs based on the following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device101in a network environment100according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG.1, the electronic device101in the network environment100may communicate with an electronic device102via a first network198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device104or a server108via a second network199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network).

FIG.2is a view illustrating an electronic device200according to various embodiments in an unfolded state.FIG.3is a view illustrating the electronic device200ofFIG.2according to various embodiments in a folded state.

The electronic device200ofFIGS.2and3may be at least partially similar to the electronic device101ofFIG.1, or may include another embodiment of the electronic device.

Referring toFIG.2, the electronic device200may include a pair of housing structures210and220rotatably coupled to each other via a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure264inFIG.4) so as to be folded with respect to each other, a hinge cover265that covers the foldable portions of the pair of housing structures210and220, and a display230(e.g., a flexible display or a foldable display) disposed in a space defined by the pair of housing structures210and220(hereinafter, the display will be referred to as a flexible display). In some embodiments, the hinge cover265may be a portion of the hinge structure264. In an embodiment, the electronic device200may include a foldable housing in which the pair of housing structures210and220are coupled to be pivotable from positions at which the pair of housing structures210and220are folded to face each other to positions at which the pair of housing structures210and220are parallel to each other. Herein, the surface on which the flexible display230is disposed may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device200, and the surface opposite the front surface may be defined as the rear surface of the electronic device200. In addition, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as the side surface of the electronic device200.

In an embodiment, the pair of housing structures210and220may include a first housing structure210including a sensor area231d, a second housing structure220, a first rear surface cover240, and a second rear surface cover250. The pair of housing structures210and220of the electronic device200are not limited to the shape and assembly illustrated inFIGS.2and3, but may be implemented by other combinations and/or assemblies of other shapes or components. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing structure210and the first rear surface cover240may be integrally configured, and the second housing structure220and the second rear surface cover250may be integrally configured.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220may be disposed on opposite sides about a first axis (e.g., a folding axis A), and may have generally symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis A. In some embodiments, the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are pivotable with respect to the hinge structure264or the hinge cover265about different folding axes, respectively. For example, each of the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220may be pivotably coupled to the hinge structure264or the hinge cover265. By pivoting the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220about the folding axis A or about different folding axes, respectively, the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are pivotable from positions at which the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are folded to each other to positions at which the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are inclined with respect to each other or the positions at which the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are parallel to each other. That is, the housing structures210and220are rotatable about a rotation axis by using the hinge structure264. The housing structures210and220may form an acute angle, a right angle, or a flat angle with each other as being rotated, and may form an obtuse angle to be out-folded. For example, when the housing structures210and220are rotated so that the electronic device200is out-folded, it may mean that the rear surfaces of respective housing structures210and220are rotated to face each other.

Herein, “located side by side” or “extending parallel to each other” may mean the state in which two structures are at least partially located next to each other or the state in which at least portions positioned next to each other are arranged parallel to each other. In some embodiments, “arranged side by side” may mean that two structures are arranged to be oriented in parallel directions or in substantially the same direction while being located next to each other. Expressions such as “side by side” and “parallel” may be used in the following detailed description, which will be readily understood according to the shapes or arrangements of the structures with reference to the accompanying drawings or the like.

According to an embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device200(e.g., the operating state) is an unfolded state (a half-folded state, an unfolded state, a flat state, or an open state), a folded state (a closed state or a folded state), or an intermediate state. According to an embodiment, the first housing structure210may further include a sensor area231din which various sensors are arranged unlike the second housing structure220, but the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220may have mutually symmetrical shapes in other areas. As another embodiment, the sensor arrangement area231dmay be additionally disposed in or replaced with at least a partial area of the second housing structure220.

In an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device200, the first housing structure210may be connected to the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure264inFIG.4) and include a first surface211disposed to face the front side of the electronic device200, a second surface212facing away from the first surface211, and a first side surface member213surrounding at least a portion of the space between the first surface211and the second surface212. In an embodiment, the first side surface member213may include a first side surface213aarranged parallel to the folding axis A, a second side surface213bextending from one end of the first side surface213ain a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A, and a third side surface213cextending from the other end of the first side surface213ain a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A. In describing various embodiments, expressions such as “parallel” or “perpendicular” are used in connection with the arrangements of the above-described side surfaces, but in some embodiments, the expressions may include the meaning of “partially parallel” or “partially perpendicular”. In some embodiments, expressions such as “parallel” or “perpendicular” may include an inclined arrangement relationship in an angular range within 10 degrees.

In an embodiment, the second housing structure220may be connected to the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure264inFIG.4), and in the unfolded state of the electronic device200, the second housing structure220may include a third surface221arranged to face the front side of the electronic device200, a fourth surface222facing away from the third surface221, and a second side surface member223surrounding at least a portion of the space between the third surface221and the fourth surface222. In an embodiment, the second side surface member223may include a fourth side surface223aarranged parallel to the folding axis A, a fifth side surface223bextending from one end of the fourth side surface223ain a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A, and a sixth side surface223cextending from the other end of the fourth side surface223ain a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A. In an embodiment, in the folded state, the third surface221may face the first surface211. In some embodiments, although there are some differences in specific shapes, the second side surface member223may be made, in shape and material, to be substantially the same as the first side surface member213.

In an embodiment, the electronic device200may include a recess201provided to accommodate the flexible display230through structural shape coupling of the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220. The recess201may have substantially the same size as the flexible display230. In an embodiment, due to the sensor area231d, the recess201may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A. For example, the recess201may have a first width W1between a first portion220aof the second housing structure220that is parallel to the folding axis A and a first portion210aof an edge of the sensor area231dof the first housing structure210, and a second width W2between a second portion220bof the second housing structure220and a third portion210bof the first housing structure210that does not correspond to the sensor area213dand is parallel to the folding axis A. In this case, the second width W2may be longer than the first width W1. For example, the recess201may have the first width W1from the first portion210aof the first housing structure210to the first portion220aof the second housing structure220, which are asymmetric to each other, and the second width W2from the third portion210bof the first housing structure210to the second portion220bof the second housing structure220, which are symmetric to each other. In an embodiment, the first portion210aand the third portion210bof the first housing structure210may have different distances from the folding axis A, respectively. The widths of the recess201are not limited to the illustrated example. In various embodiments, the recess201may have two or more different widths due to the shape of the sensor area213dor the asymmetric portions of the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220.

In an embodiment, the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220may be at least partially formed of a metal material or a non-metal material having the rigidity of a level selected in order to support the flexible display230. In another embodiment, the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220may at least partially include a conductive material. When the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220include a conductive material, the electronic device200may transmit/receive radio waves by using the portions formed of the conductive material in the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220. For example, a processor or a communication module (e.g., the processor120or the communication module190inFIG.1) of the electronic device200may perform radio communication by using at least a portion of the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220.

In an embodiment, the sensor area231dmay have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the first housing structure210. However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area231dare not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor area231dmay be provided at another corner of the first housing structure210or in any area between the upper and lower end corners. In another embodiment, the sensor area231dmay be disposed in at least one area of the second housing structure220. In another embodiment, the sensor area231dmay be disposed to extend over the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220. In an embodiment, the electronic device200may include components exposed to the front surface of the electronic device200through the sensor area231dor through one or more openings provided in the sensor area231d, and may perform various functions by using these components. The components disposed in the sensor area231dmay include at least one of, for example, a front camera module (e.g., the camera module180inFIG.1), a receiver (e.g., the audio module170inFIG.1), a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor (e.g., the sensor module176inFIG.1), or an indicator.

In an embodiment, the first rear surface cover240may be disposed on the second surface212of the first housing structure210, and may have a substantially rectangular periphery. In an embodiment, the edges of the first rear surface cover240may be at least partially enclosed by the first housing structure210. Similarly, the second rear surface cover250may be disposed on the fourth surface222of the second housing structure220, and the edges of the second rear surface cover250may be at least partially enclosed by the second housing structure220.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear surface cover240and the second rear surface cover250may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis A. According to another embodiment, the first rear surface cover240and the second rear surface cover250may have various different shapes. In a still another embodiment, the first rear surface cover240may be configured integrally with the first housing structure210, and the second rear surface cover250may be configured integrally with the second housing structure220.

In an embodiment, the first rear surface cover240, the second rear surface cover250, the first housing structure210, and the second housing structure220may provide, through a mutually coupled structure, a space in which various components (e.g., a printed circuit board, an antenna module, a sensor module, or a battery) of the electronic device200may be arranged. In an embodiment, one or more components may be disposed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device200. For example, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first rear surface area241of the first rear surface cover240. In various embodiments, the sensors may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera module, and/or a flash. In another embodiment, at least a portion of a sub-display252may be visually exposed through a second rear surface area251of the second rear surface cover250.

The flexible display230may be disposed in a space defined by the pair of housing structures210and220. For example, the flexible display230may be seated in the recess (e.g., the recess201inFIG.2) defined by the pair of housing structures210and220, and may be disposed to occupy substantially the majority of the front surface of the electronic device200. For example, the front surface of the electronic device200may include the flexible display230, and a partial area (e.g., an edge area) of the first housing structure210and a partial area (e.g., an edge area) of the second housing structure220, which are adjacent to the flexible display230. In an embodiment, the rear surface of the electronic device200may include the first rear surface cover240, a partial area (e.g., an edge area) of the first housing structure210adjacent to the first rear surface cover240, the second rear surface cover250, and a partial area (e.g., an edge area) of the second housing structure220adjacent to the second rear surface cover250.

In an embodiment, the flexible display230may be a flexible display in which at least a partial area is deformable into a flat shape or a curved shape. In an embodiment, the flexible display230may include a folding area231c, a first area231adisposed on one side of the folding area231c(e.g., the right area of the folding area231c), and a second area231bdisposed on the other side of the folding area231c(e.g., the left area of the folding area231c). For example, the first area231amay be disposed in the first surface211of the first housing structure210, and the second area231bmay be disposed in the third surface221of the second housing structure220. For example, the flexible display230may extend from the first surface211to the third surface across the hinge structure264inFIG.3, and at least an area corresponding to the hinge structure (e.g., the folding area231c) may be a flexible region that is deformable from a flat plate shape to a curved shape.

In an embodiment, the area division of the flexible display230is exemplary, and the flexible display230may be divided into multiple areas (e.g., four or more areas or two areas) depending on the structure or functions thereof. As an example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, the folding area231cextends in the direction of the vertical axis (e.g., the Y axis inFIG.4) parallel to the folding axis A, and the area of the flexible display230may be divided with reference to the folding area231cor the folding axis (the axis A). However, in another embodiment, the area of the flexible display230may be divided with reference to another folding area (e.g., a folding area parallel to the horizontal axis (e.g., the X axis inFIG.4)) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the X axis inFIG.4). The above-described area division of the flexible display is merely physical division based on the pair of housing structures210and220and the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure264inFIG.4), and the flexible display230may display one full screen substantially through the pair of housing structures210and220and the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure264inFIG.4). According to embodiments, the electronic device200may include a flexible display230that operates in a multi-folding manner in which a plurality of housings is alternately folded in opposite directions with respect to each other. For example, in the electronic device200, a plurality of housings may perform a folding operation with reference to a plurality of folding axes (e.g., folding axes parallel to the X axis and the Y axis ofFIG.4).

According to an embodiment, the first area231aand the second area231bmay have generally symmetrical shapes about the folding area231c. However, unlike the second area231b, the first area231amay include a notch area (e.g., the notch area233inFIG.4) which provides the sensor area231dand may have a shape symmetrical to the second area231bin the other area (e.g., the area other than the notch area). For example, the first area231aand the second area231bmay include mutually symmetrical portions and mutually asymmetrical portions.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the flexible display230(e.g., the first display) and the sub-display252(e.g., the second display) may include a fingerprint sensing area. For example, the fingerprint sensing area is an area in which a fingerprint sensor (e.g., the sensor module176inFIG.1) is embedded, and may include an area capable of measuring an external input (e.g., a fingerprint input). According to an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor may be disposed to at least partially overlap the flexible display230and/or the sub-display252when viewed from the front surface (e.g., the first surface211or the third surface221).

In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor may include a first fingerprint sensor configured to detect a fingerprint through at least a portion of the flexible display230configuring the third surface221and a second sensor configured to detect a fingerprint via at least a portion of the sub-display252. The first fingerprint sensor and the second fingerprint sensor may be disposed in, for example, the inner space of the second housing structure220and may be disposed to at least partially overlap each other. In an embodiment, the first fingerprint sensor and the second fingerprint sensor are mounted on at least one circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board270inFIG.4) to secure a mounting space and reduce the thickness of the electronic device200. The fingerprint sensors and the fingerprint sensor areas are not limited to the above-described examples, and may be configured to have different arrangement positions, number, sizes, or the areas of the sensing areas according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.3, the hinge cover265may be disposed between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220so as to cover internal components (e.g., the hinge structure264inFIG.4). Although the hinge cover265is disclosed separately from the hinge structure264for brevity of description, as mentioned above, the hinge cover265may partially configure the external appearance of the electronic device200while being a portion of the hinge structure264. In an embodiment, the hinge cover265may be covered by a portion of each of the first and second housing structures210and220or may be exposed to the outside depending on the operating state of the electronic device200(the unfolded state or the folded state).

For example, as illustrated inFIG.2, when the electronic device200is in the unfolded state, the hinge cover265may not be exposed by being covered by the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220. As another example, as illustrated inFIG.3, when the electronic device200is in the folded state (e.g., the completely folded state), the hinge cover265may be exposed to the outside between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220. As still another example, when the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are in the intermediate state in which the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are folded with a certain angle therebetween, the hinge cover265may be partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220. In this case, the exposed area may be smaller than that in the completely folded state. In an embodiment, the hinge cover265may include a curved surface.

Hereinafter, the operations of the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220and respective areas of the flexible display230according to the operating states (e.g., the unfolded state and the folded state) of the electronic device200will be described.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device200is in the unfolded state (e.g., the state ofFIG.2), the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220may form a first angle (e.g., about 180 degrees) therebetween, and the first area231aand the second area231bof the flexible display may be disposed to face substantially the same direction, for example, to display screens in directions parallel to each other. In addition, the folding area231cmay form the same plane as the first area231aand the second area231b. As another embodiment, when the electronic device200is in the unfolded state, the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220may form a second angle (e.g., about 360 degrees) therebetween, and the first area231aand the second area231bof the flexible display may be disposed to face substantially opposite directions, for example, to display screens in directions opposite to each other. For example, the electronic device200may be folded such that the second surface212and the fourth surface222face each other. In an embodiment, when the electronic device200is in the folded state (e.g., the state ofFIG.3), the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220may be disposed to face each other. For example, when the electronic device200is in the folded state (e.g., the state ofFIG.3), the first area231aand the second area231bof the flexible display230may face each other while forming a narrow angle (e.g., 0 to 10 degrees) therebetween. For example, when the electronic device200is in the folded state (e.g., the state ofFIG.3), at least a portion of the folding area231cmay provide a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device200is in the intermediate state, the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220may be disposed to form a certain angle (e.g., about 90 degrees) therebetween. For example, in the intermediate state, the first area231aand the second area231bof the flexible display230may form an angle larger than that in the folded state and smaller than that in the unfolded state. For example, at least a portion of the folding area231cmay be configured as a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and the curvature in this case may be smaller than that in the folded state.

FIG.4is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device200according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.4, in an embodiment, the electronic device200may include a flexible display230, a support member assembly260, at least one printed circuit board270(e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible FPCB (PCB), or a rigid-flexible PCB (RFPCB), a first housing structure210, a second housing structure220, a first rear surface cover240, and a second rear surface cover250. Herein, the flexible display230(e.g., a first display) may be referred to as a display module or a display assembly.

In an embodiment, the flexible display230may include a display panel231(e.g., a flexible display panel), and at least one plate232or layer on which the display panel231is seated. In an embodiment, the at least one plate232may include a conductive plate (e.g., Cu sheet or SUS sheet) disposed between the display panel231and the support member assembly260. According to an embodiment, the conductive plate may have substantially the same area as the flexible display, and the area facing the folding area of the flexible display may be configured to be bendable. The plate232may include at least one auxiliary material layer (e.g., a graphite member) disposed on the rear surface of the display panel231. In an embodiment, the plate232may have a shape corresponding to that of the display panel231. For example, a partial area of the first plate232may have a shape corresponding to that of a notch area233in the display panel231.

In an embodiment, the support member assembly260may include a first support member261(e.g., a first support plate), a second support member262(e.g., a second support plate), a hinge structure264disposed between the first support member261and the second support member262, a hinge cover265configured to cover the hinge structure264when the hinge structure264is viewed from the outside, and at least one wiring member263(e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) extending across the first and second support members261and262.

In an embodiment, the support member assembly260may be disposed between the plate232and the at least one printed circuit board270. For example, the first support member261may be disposed between the first area231aof the flexible display230and a first printed circuit board271. The second support member262may be disposed between the second area231bof the flexible display230and a second printed circuit board272.

According to an embodiment, the wiring member263and the hinge structure264may be at least partially disposed inside the support member assembly260. The wiring member263may be disposed in a direction across the first support member261and the second support member262(e.g., the x-axis direction). The wiring member263may be arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y axis or the folding axis A inFIG.1) of the folding area231c(e.g., in the x-axis direction).

In an embodiment, as described above, the at least one printed circuit board270may include a first printed circuit board271disposed on the first support member261side and a second printed circuit board272disposed on the second support member262side. The first printed circuit board271and the second printed circuit board272may be disposed in a space defined by the support member assembly260, the first housing structure210, the second housing structure220, the first rear surface cover240, and the second rear surface cover250. Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device200may be mounted on the first printed circuit board271and the second printed circuit board272.

In an embodiment, in the first space of the first housing structure210, the first printed circuit board271disposed in the space provided through the first support member261, a first battery291disposed at a position facing a first swelling hole2611in the first support member261, at least one sensor module281, or at least one camera module282may be included. In an embodiment, the at least one camera module282may include a plurality of camera modules. For example, the electronic device200may include a plurality of camera devices (e.g., a dual camera or a triple camera) which have different properties (e.g., angles of view) or functions, respectively. For example, a plurality of camera modules including lenses having different angles of view may be configured. Based on a user's selection, the electronic device200may control to use a camera module of an angle of view related to the user's selection. In addition, the plurality of cameras may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, a color camera, a monochrome camera, or an infrared (IR) camera (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) camera or a structured light camera). According to an embodiment, the IR camera may be operated as at least a part of the sensor module281. The first housing structure210may include a window glass283disposed in order to protect the at least one sensor module281and the at least one camera module282at a position corresponding to the notch area233in the flexible display230.

In an embodiment, in the second space of the second housing structure220, the second printed circuit board272disposed in the space provided through the second support member262and a second battery292disposed at a position facing a second swelling hole2621in the second support member262may be included. According to an embodiment, the first housing structure210and the first support member261may be configured integrally with each other. According to an embodiment, the second housing structure220and the second support member262may also be configured integrally with each other. According to an embodiment, in the second space of the second housing structure220, a sub-display252may be disposed. According to an embodiment, the sub-display252(e.g., the second display) may be disposed to be visible from the outside through at least one area of the second rear surface cover250.

In an embodiment, the first housing structure210may include a first rotation support surface214, and the second housing structure220may include a second rotation support surface224, which corresponds to the first rotation support surface214. The first rotation support surface214and the second rotation support surface224may include curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surface included in the hinge cover265.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device200is in the unfolded state (e.g., the state ofFIG.2), the first rotation support surface214and the second rotation support surface224may cover the hinge cover265not to expose or to minimally expose the hinge cover265to the rear surface of the electronic device200. In an embodiment, when the electronic device200is in the folded state (e.g., the state ofFIG.3), the first rotation support surface214and the second rotation support surface224may rotate along the curved surface included in the hinge cover265to expose the hinge cover265to the rear surface of the electronic device200as much as possible.

FIG.5Ais an exploded perspective view illustrating the laminated structure of the flexible display230of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.5Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating the laminated structure of the flexible display230of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.5A and5B, the flexible display230may include a window2301(e.g., a polyimide (PI) film, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or an ultra-thin glass (UTG)), a polarizer2302(e.g., a polarizing film), and a touch panel2303, a display panel2304, a polymer member2305, and a conductive plate2306which are sequentially disposed on the rear surface (e.g., the back surface) of the window2301. According to an embodiment, the window2301, the polarizer2302, the touch panel2303, the display panel2304, the polymer member2305, and the conductive plate2306may be arranged across at least a portion of a first surface (e.g., the first surface211inFIG.1) of a first housing structure (e.g., the first housing structure210inFIG.1) and at least a portion of a third surface (e.g., the third surface221inFIG.1) of a second housing structure (e.g., the second housing structure220inFIG.1). According to an embodiment, as at least a portion of a folding area h3facing a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure264inFIG.3) is folded or unfolded, the relative positions of a first area h1, which is a flat area corresponding to the first housing structure210of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200inFIG.1), and a second area, h2, which is a flat area corresponding to the second housing structure220of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200inFIG.1), may be changed. In an embodiment, a plurality of windows2301may be disposed. For example, a layer (e.g., the top surface) of one of the plurality of windows2301may be disposed via an adhesive having a weaker adhesive force or a thinner thickness than the adhesive material of another layer so as to be well-separated from the other layer. In an embodiment, the window2301may further include various coating layers provided on at least a portion of at least one of the top surface, the bottom surface, and/or the side surface thereof.

According to an embodiment, the window2301, the polarizer2302, the touch panel2303, the display panel2304, the polymer member2305, and the conductive plate2306may be attached to each other are via adhesive members2321,2322,2323, and2324. For example, each of the adhesive members2321,2322,2323, and2324may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-responsive adhesive, a light-responsive adhesive, a general adhesive, and a double-sided tape. According to an embodiment, the flexible display230may include another adhesive member2325(e.g., a double-sided tape or a waterproof member) disposed along the peripheral edges thereof on one surface (e.g., the rear surface or the back surface) of the conductive plate2306. According to an embodiment, the flexible display230may be attached to a support member assembly (e.g., the support member assembly260inFIG.4) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200inFIG.4) via the other adhesive member2325.

According to an embodiment, the polarizer (or a polarizing layer)2302(e.g., a polarizing film) may include a phase retardation layer (or a phase retarder). The polarizer and the phase retarder may improve outdoor visibility of a screen. According to an embodiment, the polarizer2302may allow light generated from a light source of the display panel2304and vibrating in a predetermined direction to selectively pass therethrough. According to various embodiments, a single layer obtained by combining a polarizer2302and a phase retarder may be provided, and such a layer may be defined as a “circular polarizer”. According to an embodiment, an adhesive member2321(e.g., an optically transparent adhesive member) may be located between the window2301and the polarizer2302, and may include, for example, OCA, optical clear resin (OCR), or super view resin (SVR).

According to an embodiment, the flexible display230may not include the polarizer2302(e.g., a circular polarizing plate (retarder)), and may include a color filter layer by a color filter on encapsulation (COE) method. For example, when the flexible display230does not include the polarizer2302, transmittance may be increased and thickness may be reduced. According to an embodiment, the color filter layer may perform a function that is the same as or similar to that of the polarizer2302applied to a flexible display including organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

According to an embodiment, the touch panel2303may include resistors (e.g., the first resistor731-1and the second resistor732-2inFIG.9A) included in a pressure sensor (e.g., the pressure sensor712inFIG.7A) to be described later. Respective resistors (e.g., the first resistor731-1or the second resistor732-2) may be arranged in areas corresponding to support areas2306aor spatial areas2306bat different ratios.

According to an embodiment, the display panel2304may include organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). For example, the display panel may include an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (e.g., a curved display).

According to various embodiments, the polymer member2305may be applied with a dark color (e.g., black) to help display a background when the flexible display is turned off. According to an embodiment, the polymer member2305may act as a cushion for preventing the flexible display230from being damaged by absorbing an impact from the exterior of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the conductive plate2306may be in the form of a metal sheet, wherein the conductive plate2306may be helpful in reinforcing the rigidity of the electronic device, and may be used to block ambient noise and dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat emission components. According to an embodiment, the conductive plate2306may include at least one of Cu, Al, steel use stainless (SUS) (e.g., stainless steel (STS)), or a CLAD (e.g., a stacked member in which SUS and Al are alternately disposed). In another embodiment, the conductive plate2306may include other alloy materials. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive plate2306may be implemented with an insulating material that does not conduct electricity. For example, a portion in which resistors (e.g., the first resistor731and the second resistor732) of the conductive plate2306are arranged is implemented with an insulating material, and the remaining portion of the conductive plate2306may be implemented with any of the above-described other alloy materials. According to an embodiment, the conductive plate2306may be attached to the polymer member2305via the adhesive member2324. For example, the adhesive member2324may include a plurality of adhesive members2324to provide a state change (e.g., an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state) of the conductive plate2306. For example, the adhesive members2324may include an adhesive member corresponding to the first area231aof the flexible display230and an adhesive member corresponding to the second area231bof the flexible display230. Respective adhesive members2324may be disposed to have an interval greater than the interval between the first flat portion2306-1and the second flat portion2306-2of the conductive plate2306. Through this, when the state of the conductive plate2306changes (e.g., in the folded state), mutual interference between the plurality of adhesive members2324and/or invasion into the folding area h3may be prevented.

According to various embodiments, the above-described conductive plate2306may include support areas2306aand spatial areas2306b. The spatial area2306bmay be defined as areas of the conductive plate2306in which openings K1are provided, and the support areas2306amay be defined as areas of the conductive plate2306other than the spatial areas2306b. Resistors (the first resistor731and the second resistor732) included in a pressure sensor712to be described later may be arranged on the conductive plate2306. Respective resistors (the first resistor731and the second resistor732) may be disposed on the openings K1in different ratios, which will be described later.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display230may include at least one functional member disposed between the polymer member2305and the conductive plate2306. According to an embodiment, the functional member may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, a heat dissipation sheet, a conductive/non-conductive tape, or an open cell sponge. According to an embodiment, when the functional member is bendable, the functional member may be arranged from the first housing structure (e.g., the first housing structure210inFIG.3) to at least a portion of the second housing structure (e.g., the second housing structure220inFIG.3) via the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure264inFIG.3). As another embodiment, the flexible display230may further include a detection member configured to detect an input made by an electromagnetic induction type writing member (e.g., an electronic pen). According to an embodiment, the detection member may include a digitizer. For example, the detection member may include a coil member disposed on a dielectric substrate to detect a resonance frequency of an electromagnetic induction scheme applied from the writing member.

In an embodiment, in the flexible display230, by removing (patterning) the laminated structures (e.g., the polymer member2305, or the conductive plate2306) disposed under the display panel2304in a portion overlapping the sensor module (e.g., the sensor module281inFIG.4) and/or the camera module (e.g., the camera module282inFIG.4) when viewed from the front surface (e.g., in the z-axis direction inFIG.4), it is possible to increase the transmittance of the corresponding area.

FIG.6is a configuration view of a conductive plate in the configuration of the flexible display230of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200inFIG.4) according to various embodiments of the disclosure. For example,FIG.6is a configuration view illustrating the flexible display230and the conductive plate when the rear surface (e.g., the back surface) of the flexible display230is viewed.

Referring toFIG.6, the conductive plate2306may include a first flat portion2306-1facing the first area h1of the flexible display230, a second flat portion2306-2facing the second area h2of the flexible display230, and a bendable portion2306-3facing the folding area h3of the flexible display230.

According to various embodiments, the bendable portion2306-3included in the conductive plate2306is bendable together with the folding area h3of the flexible display230. According to an embodiment, the bendable portion2306-3may allow the rear surface of the display panel (e.g., the display panel2304inFIG.5B) to be supported while being bent together with the folding area h3of the flexible display230.

According to various embodiments, openings (e.g., the openings K1inFIG.5B) may be provided in a partial area of the conductive plate2306. For example, the openings K1may be provided in at least a portion of the bendable portion2306-3.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display230may include an extension431disposed in a manner of being folded from the display panel2304to at least a partial area of the rear surface of the flexible display230. According to an embodiment, the flexible display230may include a connection pad434electrically connected to the extension431and having an electrical wiring structure including a control circuit720to be described later and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)432electrically connected to the connection pad434. According to an embodiment, the control circuit720may include a display driver IC (DDI), a touch display driver IC (TDDI), a pressure sensor panel IC, or a touch sensor panel IC mounted on the connection pad434having the electrical wiring structure. According to an embodiment, the connection pad434may include a separate FPCB or film including the control circuit720disposed through a chip on film (COF) method. According to an embodiment, the control circuit720may be connected through anisotropic conductive film bonding of the FPCB or the film in the COF method. According to various embodiments, the control circuit720may be disposed on the film through tape automated bonding (TAB) in the COF method. As another embodiment, the control circuit720may have a chip on panel (COP) structure directly mounted on the extension431without the connection pad434.

According to an embodiment, a plurality of elements4321may be mounted on the FPCB432, and the FPCB may include an electrical connector433electrically connected to a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board272inFIG.4) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200inFIG.4). According to an embodiment, the plurality of elements4321may include a passive element such as a touch sensor panel IC, a pressure sensor panel IC, a flash memory for a display, a diode for preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD), or a decap. As another embodiment, when the extension431, the connection pad434, and the FPCB432are disposed in an area of the flexible display230facing the first housing structure (e.g., the first housing structure210inFIG.2), the electrical connector433may be electrically connected to a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board271inFIG.4) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200inFIG.4).

Hereinafter, an example of components included in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) according to various embodiments will be described.

FIG.7Ais a view for describing an example of a configuration of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200ofFIG.4) according to various embodiments. The electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) is not limited to that illustrated inFIG.7A, and may include one or more components which may be more or less than those illustrated inFIG.7A.

According to various embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.7A, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200ofFIG.4) may include a display device701(e.g., the display module160inFIG.1) including sensors710including a touch sensor711and a pressure sensor712, a control circuit720including a sensor control circuit721and a display control circuit722, a memory730(e.g., the memory130inFIG.1) and a display panel740, and a processor760(e.g., the processor120inFIG.1).

According to various embodiments, the sensor control circuit721may identify values associated with an input (e.g., a user's touch, collision with an object, or the like) made by an external object and received on the flexible display by using the sensors710. For example, the sensor control circuit721may identify values associated with characteristics associated with a touch associated with an input made by an external object (e.g., a user's touch) (e.g., at least one of a touch position (coordinates), a touch area, touch sensitivity, a moving distance, or a duration time), and values associated with characteristics associated with pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity). In addition, the sensor control circuit721may include components that are configured detect characteristics associated with a touch and characteristics associated with pressure, respectively. For example, the sensor control circuit721may include a touch sensor panel IC (TSP IC) configured to identify values related with characteristics associated with a touch and a pressure sensor panel IC configured to identify values associated with characteristics associated with pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity).

According to various embodiments, the sensor control circuit721may identify values associated with an input (e.g., a user's touch, collision with an object, or the like) made by an external object and received on the flexible display by using the touch sensor711. The sensor control circuit721may drive (e.g., apply power to) the touch sensor711, and may identify an electrical value (e.g., at least one of a voltage value or a current value) generated from the touch sensor711by an input received based on applied power or a change in the electrical value. In other words, the touch sensor711may output an electrical value in response to the received input. The sensor control circuit721may identify at least one value associated with a touch (e.g., a value indicating the touch sensitivity, a value indicating the touch area, or values indicating touched coordinates) corresponding to the identified electrical value from the touch sensor711or a change in the electrical value and stored in advance in the electronic device101. The touch sensor711may include a touch sensor such as a contact-type capacitance-type touch sensor, a pressure-type resistive film-type touch sensor, an infrared sensing-type touch sensor, a surface ultrasonic conduction-type touch sensor, or a piezo-effect-type touch sensor.

According to various embodiments, the sensor control circuit721may identify values associated with the pressure of an input (e.g., a user's touch, collision with an object, or the like) made by an external object and received on the flexible display by using the pressure sensor712. The sensor control circuit721may drive (e.g., apply power to) the pressure sensor712, and may identify an electrical value (e.g., at least one of a voltage value or a current value) generated from the pressure sensor712based on the applied power or a change in the electrical value. In other words, the pressure sensor712may output an electrical value in response to the received input. The sensor control circuit721may identify at least one value (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity) associated with the pressure of the input stored in advance in the electronic device101and corresponding to the electrical value identified from the pressure sensor712or a change in the electrical value. The pressure sensor712may include a piezoresistive pressure sensor. An operation of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200ofFIG.4) using the pressure sensor712will be described in detail later.

According to various embodiments, the sensor control circuit721may adjust at least one value associated with an electrical value identified from sensing circuits (e.g., the touch sensor711or the pressure sensor712) or a pressure corresponding to the electrical value. For example, the sensor control circuit721may correct at least one value related to pressure by using correction values to identify at least one value associated with the corrected pressure. The correction values may include a gain value and an offset value, which will be described later. An expression for calculating at least one value associated with the corrected pressure of the sensor control circuit721(e.g., at least one value associated with corrected pressure=f(at least one value associated with corrected pressure and correction value) may be implemented as any linear or non-linear function. As an example, the sensor control circuit721may correct (adjust) at least one value associated with an input identified as gain value*(at least one value associated with identified input±offset value) and identify at least one value associated with a corrected (or adjusted) pressure (for example, at least one value associated with corrected pressure=gain value*(at least one value associated with identified input±offset value)). Meanwhile, an operation for correcting at least one value associated with the pressure of the sensor control circuit721is an example, and the sensor control circuit721may reflect a gain value and an offset value on at least one input value without being limited to the above description. For example, the sensor control circuit may use a gain value as a value for increasing the at least one value associated with the pressure and may reflect a gain value and an offset value on the at least one value with various calculation expressions using the offset value as a value for reducing the at least one value associated with the pressure. When a value identified from sensing circuits by the sensor control circuit721is adjusted by the gain value and/or the offset value, the identification of a value associated with pressure of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) may be facilitated.

In addition, the sensor control circuit721may identify an event corresponding to a received input by using the adjusted value and a threshold value and may information related to the identified event to a processor760(e.g., the processor120inFIG.1) so that the electronic device101is able to perform at least one operation corresponding to the event.

According to various embodiments, the memory730may store correction values (e.g., gain values and offset values to be described later) for adjusting a value associated with the pressure and information about events (e.g., threshold values configured for respective events). Although the memory730is illustrated as being included in the sensor control circuit721, the memory730may be included in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) separate from the sensor control circuit721without being limited to the illustration.

According to various embodiments, the display control circuit722may control the display panel740so that a graphic user interface (GUI) is displayed. The display control circuit722may be a display driver IC (DDI). According to various embodiments, the display device701may be a display driver IC (DDI) package. For example, the display driver IC (DDI) package may include a display driver IC (DDI) (or a DDI chip), a timing controller (T-CON), a graphics RAM (GRAM), or a power driver (power generating circuit).

According to various embodiments, the processor760(e.g., the processor120inFIG.1) may generally controls components of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4). For example, the processor760(e.g., the processor120inFIG.1) may control the components included in the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) to perform at least one operation corresponding to received information based on information about values associated with an input received from the sensor control circuit721or information about an event corresponding to the input.

Meanwhile, the operations of the above-described components may be configured to be executed in the processor760(e.g., the processor120inFIG.1). For example, the sensor control circuit721may transmit an electrical value detected from sensing circuits or a value associated with an input characteristic to the processor760(e.g., the processor120inFIG.1), and the processor760(e.g., the processor120inFIG.1) may perform operations of compensating for a value associated with the electrical value and/or the value associated with the input characteristic of the above-described sensor control circuit721and comparing the value with a threshold value.

FIG.7Bis a view illustrating a conductive plate2306is illustrated among the components of a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display230inFIG.6) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200inFIG.4) including resistors731and732included in a pressure sensor according to various embodiments of the disclosure, whereinFIG.7Bis a view obtained by enlarging the area B1ofFIG.6.

Referring toFIGS.5B and7Btogether, the conductive plate2306may be disposed on the rear surface of a polymer member of the flexible display230and may support the flexible display230so that the flexible display230can be folded or unfolded. For example, a plurality of openings K1spaced apart from each other may be provided in the bendable portion (e.g., the bendable portion2306-3inFIG.6) of the conductive plate2306. According to an embodiment, the plurality of openings K1may be provided in a metal plate (e.g., an SUS plate or a Cu plate) through a press process or a laser process. According to an embodiment, the plurality of openings K1may be provided along a first direction of the bendable portion2306-3(e.g., a longitudinal direction) (e.g., the y-axis direction) and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., a width direction) (e.g., the x-axis direction). According to an embodiment, the plurality of openings K1may have various shapes. For example, the plurality of openings K1may include at least one of an elongated bar-type shape, a circular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a rhombus shape, or an oval shape. In this embodiment, shapes other than the above-mentioned shapes may be applied to the plurality of openings K1.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of openings K1may be alternately arranged in a manner of being coincident with each other along the second direction of the bendable portion2306-3(e.g., the x-axis direction). According to an embodiment, the plurality of openings K1may be arranged at regular or non-regular intervals along the first direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) and/or the second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). According to an embodiment, the bendable portion2306-3may be deformable based on lattice structure punched with a plurality of openings K1and after being deformed, the bendable portion2306-3may have an elastic force to be restored to its original shape. By the elastic force, the bendable portion2306-3may be bent together with the folding area h3of the flexible display.

According to various embodiments, the degree to which the bendable portion2306-3is bent may be determined based on the intervals, shape, or arrangement density of the plurality openings K1. In other words, the elasticity of the bendable portion2306-3may be determined based on the intervals, shape, or arrangement density of the plurality openings K1. For example, the elasticity of the bendable portion2306-3may increase as the intervals between the plurality of openings K1increase or the arrangement density of the plurality of openings K1decreases. That is, when there are many openings K1, elasticity of the bendable portion2306-3may be lowered, and flexibility of the bendable portion2306-3may be increased.

The electronic device200according to various embodiments may include a touch panel including a plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303band a control circuit (e.g., the control circuit720inFIG.6). In various embodiments, the control circuit720may be implemented in a touch sensor driving circuit, but this is merely exemplary. At least some functions of the control circuit720may be implemented by a processor (e.g., the processor120inFIG.1) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1). The plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303bmay each include one or more first and second electrodes. The first electrodes2303amay extend in a vertical direction, and the second electrodes2303bmay extend in a horizontal direction. The first and second electrodes2303aand2303bmay be implemented, for example, in a mesh shape, and the number of the first and second electrodes2303aand2303bis not limited. According to an embodiment, the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303bmay be implemented as a transparent conductive layer (or film) based on various conductive materials such as an indium tin oxide (ITO).

In various embodiments, the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303bmay be implemented in a single layer or a plurality of layers. When the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303bis implemented in a single layer, first and second electrodes2303aand2303bmay be disposed on a substrate. In a portion in which at least one of the first electrodes2303aand at least one of the second electrodes2303boverlap, an insulating material may be located between the electrodes, and the first and second electrodes2303aand2303bmay be connected via bridges, respectively. The plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303bmay be implemented separately from the display panel (e.g., the display panel2304inFIG.5B) or may be implemented integrally with the display panel2304. For example, the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303bmay be implemented as on-cell touch active matrix organic light-emitting diodes (AMOLEDs) (OCTAs), and in this case, the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303bmay be deposited directly on an AMOLED display. In another example, the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303bmay be implemented as Youm-on-cell touch active matrix organic light-emitting diodes (AMOLEDs) (Y-OCTAs), and in this case, the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303bmay be deposited directly on a flexible AMOLED display. According to an embodiment, the touch sensors2303aand2303bmay be disposed between a window (e.g., the window2301inFIG.5B) and a polarizer (e.g., the polarizer2302inFIG.5B) (e.g., an add-on type). According to another embodiment, the touch sensors2303aand2303bmay be disposed between a polarizer (e.g., the polarizer2302inFIG.5B) and a display panel (e.g., the display panel2304inFIG.5B) (e.g., an on-cell type). According to another embodiment, the display panel (e.g., the display panel2304inFIG.5B) may include touch sensors2303aand2303bor a touch detection function (e.g., an in-cell type). According to an embodiment, in the electronic device200, the arrangement (e.g., a shape or positions) of the resistors (e.g., the first resistor731-1and the second resistor731-2) included in a pressure sensor (e.g., the pressure sensor712inFIG.7A) may be at least partially similar to the arrangement of the touch sensors2303aand2303b.

In an embodiment, a mutual capacitance may be formed between the first and second electrodes of the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303b. When a user's finger is brought into contact with the vicinity of the first and second electrodes, capacitances may be formed between the user's finger and the first and second electrodes2303aand2303b. Accordingly, capacitance values formed between the first and second electrodes and other electrodes may be changed respectively. The control circuit720(e.g., the sensor control circuit721inFIG.7A) may determine the position of a finger based on the difference in capacitance values.

According to an embodiment, among the plurality of resistor sensors included in a pressure sensor for detecting an input of an external object facing the front surface of the window (e.g., the window2301inFIG.5B), the first resistor731and the second resistor732may be disposed in the plurality of openings K1.

According to an embodiment, the ratio of the portion of the first resistor731disposed on at least some of the plurality of openings K1may be different from the ratio of the portion of the second resistor732disposed on at least some of the plurality of openings K1. For example, the ratio of the portion of the first resistor731disposed on at least some of the plurality of openings K1may be smaller than the ratio of the portion of the second resistor732disposed on at least some of the plurality of openings K1. Accordingly, when a user input is received on an area (e.g., the bendable portion2306-3) in which the first resistor731and the second resistor732are disposed, the second resistor732may be more deformed than the first resistor731based on the received user input.

According to an embodiment, the first resistor731may be disposed between the plurality of openings K1, for example, in the remaining area in which the openings K1are not provided. For example, the first resistor731may be disposed on a support area2306abetween the plurality of openings K1. The second resistor732may be disposed on the plurality of openings K1.

According to an embodiment, when an external object touches the front surface of the window2301to make an input, the shape of the first resistor731and/or the second resistor732may be changed. The change amount of the portions of the first resistor731and/or the second resistor732that are disposed on the openings K1may be different from the change amount of the portions of the first resistor731and the second resistor732that are not disposed on the openings K1. Since the portions disposed on the openings K1are deformed into the plurality of openings K1(e.g., bent simultaneously with being pressed), the change amount of the portions disposed on the openings K1may be larger than the change amount of the portions which are not disposed on the openings K1. In other words, by a user input, the portions disposed on the openings K1may be deformed to have a relatively smaller cross-sectional area and to be extended in length, compared to the portions not disposed on the openings K1. Accordingly, when the ratios of the portions of the resistors731and732disposed on the openings K1are different from each other, the change amounts of the resistors731and732in shape are different from each other, and accordingly, the resistance change amounts may also be different from each other.

At this time, the control circuit720(e.g., the sensor control circuit721inFIG.7A) may detect the pressure of a user input received on the folding area2306-3based on the difference in change amount between the first resistor and the second resistor. This will be described later with reference toFIGS.16and17.

According to various embodiments, the first resistor731may be configured in a first pattern, and the second resistor732may be configured in a second pattern. For example, the first resistor and the second resistor may be configured in a zigzag pattern shape. In this embodiment, the first resistor and the second resistor may be configured in a pattern having a shape other than the zigzag pattern shape.

FIG.7Cis an enlarged view of the area C1ofFIG.7Baccording to various embodiments, and is a view for describing the resistors included in the pressure sensor712and the operation of the sensor control circuit721using the resistors.

According to various embodiments, the pressure sensor712may include a plurality of resistors. For example, as illustrated inFIG.7C, the pressure sensor712may include a first resistor731, a second resistor732, a third resistor733, and a fourth resistor734, and the resistors may be connected to each other in the form of a Wheatstone bridge. At this time, the resistors included in the pressure sensor712may be implemented to satisfy a relationship as follows: the resistance values of the resistors are substantially the same (R1=R2=R3=R4), or the resistance values that are diagonal to each other on the Wheatstone bridge circuit are the same (R1=R2and R3=R4). In addition, the relationship of|resistance value R1of first resistor731×resistance value R3of third resistor733|=|resistance value R2of second resistor732×resistance value R4of fourth resistor734|may be satisfied. For example, when the resistance value R1of the first resistor and the resistance value R2of the second resistor are determined, it is possible to determine the resistance value R3of the third resistor and the resistance value R4of the fourth resistor to satisfy the above-mentioned relationships. Some of the resistors included in pressure sensor712may be disposed on a conductive plate2306to identify a user input. For example, referring toFIG.7C, among the plurality of resistors included in the pressure sensor712, the first resistor731and the second resistor732may be disposed on the conductive plate2306, and the remaining third resistor733and the fourth resistor734may be disposed at positions where the resistance values thereof are not changed by a user input (e.g., inside the sensor control circuit721or on a flexible circuit board). When the first resistor731and the second resistor732are disposed on the bendable portion2306-3including a support area2306aand a spatial area2306b, the first resistor731may be disposed on the openings K1at a first proportion, and the second resistor732may be disposed on the openings K1at a second proportion greater than the first proportion. According to an embodiment, the pressure sensor712may include a piezoresistive strain gauge pressure sensor. For example, a strain gauge configured to recognize strain due to a pressure may be used, and may be connected to a Wheatstone bridge.

According to an embodiment, the second resistor732may be disposed on the bendable portion2306-3to be relatively more deformed compared to the first resistor731by a user input. In contrast, the first resistor731may be disposed on the bendable portion2306-3to be relatively less deformed compared to the second resistor732by a user input. As an example, the first resistor731may be disposed on the bendable portion2306-3such that the first proportion of the first resistor731disposed on the plurality of openings K1becomes a predetermined value (e.g., 0). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and a plurality of resistors included in the pressure sensor712may be disposed on the conductive plate. For example, the first resistor731and the third resistor733may be disposed on the openings K1at the first portion, and the second resistor732and the fourth resistor734may be disposed on the openings K1at the second proportion greater than the first proportion. Hereinafter, an example will be described assuming that the third resistor733and the fourth resistor734are disposed at positions where the resistance values thereof are not changed by a user input (e.g., inside the sensor control circuit721or on a flexible circuit board). Accordingly, the third resistor733described below may be defined as a first fixed resistor (Rref1to be described later,) of which the resistance value does not change, and the fourth resistor734may also be defined as a second fixed resistor (Rref,2to be described later) of which the resistance value does not change.

According to various embodiments, the sensor control circuit721may include a power generator configured to apply power and a measuring instrument724configured to measure a value of an electrical signal according to the change amount of a resistor included in the pressure sensor712. For example, the power generator725may be connected to a first point P1between the first resistor731and the second resistor732disposed on a conductive plate, and a second point P2between the first fixed resistor and the second fixed resistor to apply power. In this case, a first potential V1may be generated at the first point P1, and a second potential V2may be generated at the second point P2. A measuring unit may be connected in series or parallel to the first point P1and the second point P2to measure the current value flowing between the first point P1and the second point P2or the voltage value between the first point P1and the second point P2(|Vo=V1−V2|, where V1is a voltage value or potential at the first point P1, and V2is a voltage value at the second point P2or potential). Since the resistors included in the pressure sensor712are connected in the form of a Wheatstone bridge, the potential difference between the first point P1and the second point P2becomes 0 or a specific value (e.g., a value close to 0), so that in the state in which a user input is not received, the current value and the voltage value measured by the measuring unit in the state in which no input is received may be 0 or a specific value (e.g., a value close to 0).

According to various embodiments, the sensor control circuit721may identify a value associated with the pressure of an input based on values corresponding to the first resistor731and the second resistor732. When a user input is received at a position corresponding to the pressure sensor712on the flexible display, the first resistor731and the second resistor732are deformed by the pressure of the user input. Thus, the resistance value of the first resistor731and the resistance value of the second resistor732may be changed. In response to the changed resistance value of the first resistor731and the changed resistance value of the second resistor732, a potential difference between the first point P1and the second point P2may be generated. Accordingly, when a user input is received, the measuring unit may measure the current value and the voltage value generated by the potential difference generated between the first point P1and the second point P2. The sensor control circuit721may process a measured electrical values (the current value or the voltage value) to identify a value indicating a pressure characteristic (e.g., sensitivity or strength) corresponding to the electrical value. For example, the sensor control circuit721may identify a value indicating a pressure characteristic corresponding to the identified electrical value among a plurality of values indicating pressure characteristics stored in advance in the electronic device (e.g., the memory730). Alternatively, without being limited thereto, the identified electrical value itself may be identified as a value indicating the pressure characteristic. Based on the fact that the resistance change amount of the second resistor732by a user input is greater than the resistance change amount of the first resistor731, the electrical value is measured from the pressure sensor712, which will be described later with reference toFIGS.16and17.

FIG.8Ais a view illustrating a first resistor731and a second resistor732disposed on a conductive plate (e.g., the conductive plate2306inFIG.5B) according to various embodiments, whereinFIG.8Ais an enlarged view of the area C1inFIG.7B,FIG.8Bis a view illustrating another embodiment of the first resistor731and the second resistor732disposed on the conductive plate2306according to various embodiments,FIG.8Cis a view illustrating another embodiment of the first resistor731and the second resistor732disposed on the conductive plate2306according to various embodiments,FIG.8Dis a view illustrating still another embodiment of the first resistor731and the second resistor732disposed on the conductive plate2306according to various embodiments,FIG.8Eis a view illustrating still another embodiment of the first resistor731and the second resistor732disposed on the conductive plate2306according to various embodiments,FIG.8Fis a view illustrating still another embodiment of the first resistor731and the second resistor732disposed on the conductive plate2306according to various embodiments, andFIG.8Gis a view illustrating still another embodiment of the first resistor731and the second resistor732disposed on the conductive plate2306according to various embodiments.

As illustrated inFIG.8Adescribed above, the width500(or the area or width of the cross-section) of the first resistor731may be greater than the width300of a support area2306abetween the plurality of openings K1, and the width600of the second resistor732may be greater than the width400of a spatial area2306bbetween the plurality of openings K1. For example, the structure of the widths500and600of the first resistor731and the second resistor732may facilitate the generation of a difference between a first change amount in the resistance of the first resistor731and a second change amount in the resistance of the second resistor732. Accordingly, with the structure of the widths500and600of the first resistor731and the second resistor732, it is possible not only to improve the detection of a touch pressure applied to the flexible display230, but also to improve touch pressure sensitivity for a small force.

According to various embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.8Adescribed above, the width300of the first resistor731may be smaller than the width500of the support area2306abetween the plurality of openings K1, and the width400of the second resistor732may be smaller than the width600of the spatial area2306bbetween the plurality of openings K1. For example, the structure of the widths300and400of the first resistor731and the second resistor732may also similarly facilitate the occurrence of a difference between the first resistance change amount of the first resistor731and the second resistance change amount of the second resistor732. As a result, it is possible not only to improve the detection of a touch pressure applied to the flexible display230, but also to improve touch pressure sensitivity for a small force.

According to various embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.8C, the width300of the first resistor731may be equal to the width500of the support area2306abetween the plurality of openings K1, and the width400of the second resistor732may be substantially the same as the width600of the spatial area2036bbetween the plurality of openings K1. For example, with the structure of the substantial equal widths300and400of the first resistor731and the second resistor732may further facilitate the generation of a difference between a first change amount in the resistance of the first resistor731and a second change amount in the resistance of the second resistor732. Accordingly, with the structure of the substantially equal widths300and400of the first resistor731and the second resistor732, it is possible not only to further improve the detection of a touch pressure applied to the flexible display230, but also to further improve touch pressure sensitivity for a small force.

According to various embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.8D, the interval700in the zigzag pattern of the first resistor731may be narrower than the interval800in the zigzag pattern of the second resistor732. For example, the interval700in the zigzag patterns of first resistors731may be narrow, and the interval800in the zigzag pattern of the second resistor732may be wide. In this case, the width701of the first resistor731may be smaller than the width801of the second resistor732. For example, in order to match the total resistance values of the first and second resistors731and732, when the interval700in the zigzag pattern of the first resistor731smaller than the interval800in the zigzag pattern of the second resistor732, the width801of the second resistor732may be made greater than the width701of the first resistor731. For example, the number of bent portions in the zigzag pattern of the first resistor731may be greater than the number of bent portions in the zigzag pattern of the second resistor732, and in this case, the width801of the second resistor732may be made greater than the width701of the first resistor731. Accordingly, the first and second resistors731and732may be designed to have substantially equal resistances with the total lengths thereof which are substantially the same depending on the interval structures700and800and the width structures701and801of the zigzag patterns.

In contrast, as illustrated inFIG.8E, the interval800in the zigzag pattern of the second resistor732may be narrower than the interval700in the zigzag pattern of the first resistor731. For example, the interval800in the zigzag pattern of the second resistor732may be narrow, and the interval700in the zigzag pattern of the first resistor731may be wide. In this case, the width801of the second resistor732may be smaller than the width701of the first resistor731. For example, in order to match the total resistance values of the first and second resistors731and732, when the interval800in the zigzag pattern of the second resistor732is smaller than the interval700in the zigzag pattern of the first resistor731, the width701of the first resistor731may be made greater than the width801of the second resistor732. For example, the number of bent portions in the zigzag pattern of the second resistor732may be greater than the number of bent portions in the zigzag pattern of the first resistor731, and in this case, the width701of the first resistor731may be made greater than the width801of the second resistor732. Accordingly, the first and second resistors731and732may be designed to have substantially equal resistances with the total lengths thereof which are substantially the same depending on the interval structures700and800and the width structures701and801of the zigzag patterns.

According to various embodiments, when the width702of the first resistor731ais smaller than the width of the second resistor732a, the thickness (or the area or width of the cross section) of the first resistor731amay be made greater than the thickness of the second resistor732a, as illustrated inFIG.8F. For example, the thickness of the first resistor731amay be greater than the thickness of the second resistor732a, and the width702of the first resistor731amay be smaller than the width802of the second resistor732a. For example, when the thickness of the first resistor731ais greater than the thickness of the second resistor732a, the width802of the second resistor732amay be made greater than the width702of the first resistor731ain order to match the total resistance values of the first and second resistance values of the first and second resistors731aand732a. Accordingly, the first and second resistors731aand732amay be designed to have substantially equal resistances with the total lengths thereof which are substantially the same depending on the thickness structures and the width structures702and802of the first and second resistors731aand732a.

In contrast, as illustrated inFIG.8G, when the thickness of the second resistor732bmay be made greater than that of the first resistor731bwhen the width802of the second resistor732bis smaller than the width702of the first resistor731b. For example, the thickness of the second resistor732bmay be made greater than the thickness of the first resistor731b. In this case, the width802of the second resistor732bmay be made smaller than the width702of the first resistor731b. For example, when the thickness of the second resistor732bis greater than the thickness of the first resistor731b, the width702of the first resistor731bmay be made greater than the width802of the second resistor732bin order to match the total resistance values of the first and second resistance values of the first and second resistors731band732b. Accordingly, the first and second resistors731band732bmay be designed to have substantially equal resistances with the total lengths thereof which are substantially the same depending on the thickness structures and the width structures702and802of the first and second resistors731band732b.

The resistors (e.g., the first resistor731,731a, or731b, the second resistor732,732a, or732b, the third resistor, and the fourth resistor described with reference toFIGS.8A to8Gmay be connected to each other in the form of a Wheatstone bridge as described above with reference toFIG.7C. In this case, the resistors described with reference toFIGS.8A to8Gmay be implemented to satisfy the relationship in which the resistance values of the resistors are substantially equal to each other (resistance value R1of first resistor731,731a, or731b=resistance value R2of second resistor732,732a, or732b=resistance value R3of third resistor=resistance value R4of fourth resistor), or the relationship in which the resistance values in the diagonal directions on the Wheatstone bridge are equal to each other (resistance value R1of first resistance731,731a, or731b=resistance value R2of second resistor732,732a, or732b, and resistance value R3of third resistor=resistance value R4of resistor). In addition, the relationship of|resistance value R1of first resistor731,731a, or731b×resistance value R3of third resistor|=|resistance value R2of second resistor732,732a, or732b×resistance value R4of fourth resistor|may be satisfied. For example, when the resistance value R1of the first resistor731,731a, or731band the resistance value R2of the second resistor732,732a, or732bare determined, it is possible to determine the resistance value R3of the third resistor and the resistance value R4of the fourth resistor to satisfy the above-mentioned relationships.

FIG.9Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating a laminated structure of a flexible display230of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200inFIG.4) according to various embodiments, andFIG.9Bis a view illustrating a plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303b, a first resistor731-2, and a second resistor732-2among the components of the flexible display230of the electronic device200according to various other embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.9A and9B, the flexible display230of the electronic device200may include a window2301, a polarizer2302, a touch panel2303, a display panel2304, a polymer member2305, a conductive plate2306, and a control circuit720. For example, the touch panel2303may include a plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303b, and a plurality of first resistors731-1and a plurality of second resistors R2-2included in a pressure sensor. For example, the window2301may be disposed on the front surface of the display panel2304, and the polarizer2302may be disposed between the window2301and the display panel2304. The touch panel2303may be disposed between the polarizer2302and the display panel2304. The plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303bmay be disposed on the touch panel2303and may be configured to detect a touch of an external object directed to the front surface of the window2301. The plurality of first and second resistors731-1and732-2included in the pressure sensor may be disposed to be spaced apart from and overlap the rear surfaces of the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303b, and may be configured to detect a touch pressure. The polymer member2305may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel2304. The conductive plate2306may support the flexible display230to be folded or unfolded. For example, a bendable portion2306-3of the conductive plate2306may include a plurality of openings K1disposed to be spaced apart from each other.

The conductive plate2306may include support areas2306aand spatial areas2306bprovided between the plurality of openings K1.

The control circuit720may be electrically connected to the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303band the plurality of first resistors731-1and second resistors732-2, and the control circuit720may be configured to detect touch information based on the change amount in capacitance between the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303bwith respect to a touch pressure of an external object with respect to the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303b.

Based on a first change amount and a second change amount in the resistances of the plurality of first resistors731-1and second resistors732-2generated by the pressure of an input of an external object to the first resistors731-1and the second resistors732-2, the control circuit720may detect information associated with the pressure of the input.

At least one of the components of the flexible display230may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the flexible display230ofFIG.5B, and a redundant description will be omitted below.

According to various embodiments, the widths of the plurality of first and second resistors731-1and732-2may be greater or smaller than the widths of the plurality of touch sensors. For example, as inFIG.9Bdescribed above, when the widths of the plurality of first resistors731-1and the second resistors732-2are smaller than the widths of the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303b, the plurality of first resistors731-1and the second resistors732-2may be disposed inside the plurality of touch sensors2303aand2303b. Accordingly, the plurality of first resistors731-1and the plurality of second resistors732-2may further facilitate the generation of a difference between the first and second change amounts in resistances, and the plurality of first resistors731-1and the plurality of second resistors732-2may improve detection of pressure based on forces of various magnitudes applied to the flexible display. Due to this, for example, the plurality of first resistors731-1and the plurality of second resistors732-2may easily detect an input even when the input is made with pressure based on a force of a small magnitude.

Hereinafter, an example of operations of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) according to various embodiments will be described.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) may detect an input made by an external object (e.g., a part of a user's body (finger)), and execute at least one operation corresponding to values associated with the detected input.

FIG.10is a flowchart1000for describing an example of operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the operations illustrated inFIG.10are not limited to the illustrated order and may be executed in various orders. In addition, according to various embodiments, a greater or smaller number of operations compared to the operations illustrated inFIG.10may be executed. Hereinafter, the operations ofFIG.10will be described with reference toFIG.11.

FIG.11is a view for describing an example of operations of executing operations corresponding to values associated with detected inputs of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may detect an input made by an external object in operation1001. For example, as illustrated in1101ofFIG.11, the electronic device101may receive a contact by a user's body on a flexible display. In addition, although not illustrated, for example, the electronic device101may receive a contact by an external object (e.g., various objects) other than a user's body on the flexible display.

According to various embodiments, the sensor control circuit721may identify electrical values (e.g., voltage or current) associated with inputs output from sensors710(e.g., the touch sensor711or the pressure sensor712) based on inputs by an external object (e.g., inputs by a portion of a user's body). For example, the sensor control circuit721may measure electrical values generated from each of the touch sensor711and the pressure sensor712in response to user inputs, as illustrated in1101ofFIG.11. The sensor control circuit721may identify values1111and1112associated with characteristics of inputs corresponding to measured electrical values. The characteristics associated with the inputs may include characteristics associated with a touch (e.g., at least one of a touch position (coordinates), a touch area, touch sensitivity, a moving distance, or a duration time)1111and characteristics associated with pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity)1112. According to an embodiment, the sensor control circuit721may transmit values (e.g., an electronic value or a digital value) associated with characteristics associated with an identified touch (e.g., at least one of a touch position (coordinates), a touch area, touch sensitivity, a moving distance, or a duration time)1111, and values associated with the characteristics associated with an identified pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity)1112together to a processor (e.g., the processor760inFIG.7A) to be processed (e.g., identifying a corresponding event and executing at least one operation). The values transmitted from the sensor control circuit721to the processor (e.g., the processor760inFIG.7A) according to the above-described embodiment may be as follows.

According to various embodiments, without being limited to those described above, the sensor control circuit721may transmit values associated with characteristics associated with an identified touch (e.g., at least one of a touch position (coordinates), a touch area, touch sensitivity, a moving distance, or a duration time)1111to the processor (e.g., the processor760inFIG.7A), and may transmit values associated with an identified pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity)1112in addition to the values associated with the characteristics associated with a touch to the processor (e.g., the processor760inFIG.7A). For example, a touch sensor panel IC included in the sensor control circuit721may transmit the values associated with a touch to the processor (e.g., the processor760inFIG.7A), and a pressure sensor panel IC included in the sensor control circuit721may transmit values related to characteristics associated with pressure to the processor (e.g., the processor760inFIG.7A). According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may identify first values associated with an input by using the touch sensor711in operation1002, and may identify second values associated with an input by using the input sensor712in operation1003.

According to various embodiments, the first values associated with an input are values indicating characteristics associated with a touch, and may be defined as values identified by using the touch sensor711. For example, the electronic device101may identify the first values indicating characteristics associated with the touch of an input based on electrical values identified from the touch sensor711. For example, the electronic device101may identify electrical values output from the touch sensor711and may identify values indicating the sensitivity (or magnitude or intensity) of a touch corresponding to the identified electrical values. In addition, for example, the electronic device101may sequentially apply power to electrodes for driving the touch sensor711, and based on the applied power, the electronic device101may detect an electrical value associated with at least one electrode among the plurality of electrodes or a change amount in the electrical value. As a result, the electronic device101may identify a value indicating at least one of the position (or coordinates), area, duration time, or moving distance of the touch of an input based on specific electrodes, of which the electrical value or the change amount of the electrical value is detected, among the plurality of electrodes.

According to various embodiments, the second values associated with an input are values indicating characteristics associated with pressure, and may be defined as values identified by using the pressure sensor712. For example, the electronic device101may identify the second values indicating characteristics associated with the pressure of an input based on electrical values identified from the pressure sensor712. For example, the electronic device101may identify electrical values identified from the pressure sensor712and may identify values indicating the sensitivity (or magnitude or intensity) of a pressure corresponding to the identified electrical values.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may adjust a value associated with a characteristic of an identified input to more accurately determine the characteristic of the received input. For example, as illustrated in1102ofFIG.11, the sensor control circuit721may identify a value associated with an input characteristic (1121), and may perform adjustment by reflecting (e.g., subtracting) an offset value from the value associated with the identified input characteristic and reflecting (multiplying or adding) a gain value on the subtracted value (1122) (gain value*(value associated with input characteristic−offset value)). The offset value reflection operation and the gain value reflection operation of the electronic device may be executed depending on the folded state of the electronic device or may be executed for each area, which will be described later with reference toFIGS.18A to23. Gain value*(value associated with input characteristic−offset value), which is a calculation expression (or a function) for calculating a value associated with the corrected input characteristic, is merely an example, and as described above in the description of the sensor control circuit721, a value associated with a corrected input characteristic may be calculated by using various calculation expressions.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may perform at least one operation corresponding to an identified first value and an identified second value in operation1004. For example, the electronic device101may identify an event corresponding to a value associated with a touch and a value associated with pressure, and may perform an operation corresponding to the identified event. The event may be at least one of information indicating the operation of the electronic device101to be performed in response to the identified input or information indicating the type of the identified input (e.g., single touch, drag, flickering, force touch, normal touch, or the like). For example, the event may include a first event indicating that the received input is an invalid input, and when the first event is identified, the electronic device101may execute an operation of ignoring the received input. For example, the event may include a second event indicating that the received input is a valid input and is of a drag type, and when the second event is identified, the electronic device101may switch (e.g., scroll) the currently displayed screen. The event may include an event indicating that a force touch is generated and an event indicating that a normal touch is generated. Examples of operations of the electronic device101will be described later with reference toFIGS.14to15C.

According to various embodiments, as illustrated in1103ofFIG.11, for respect events1130, values1131indicating characteristics (e.g., a touch area, touch sensitivity, a moving distance, and a duration time) associated with an identified touch corresponding to respective events and values1132indicating characteristics associated with pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity) may be pre-configured.

For example, respective events1130may be configured to correspond to values of pre-configured ranges for respective input characteristics1131and1132. The values in the pre-configured ranges may be configured to values in a high range or values in a low range with reference to a pre-configured threshold value. For example, as illustrated in1103of FIG.11, a specific event (e.g., event #1) may be configured to be identified when a value indicating a characteristic1131associated with a touch (e.g., touch sensitivity) is greater than a first threshold value and a value indicating a characteristic1132associated with pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity) is greater than a second threshold value. The electronic device101may compare each of a value associated with an identified touch and a value associated with an identified pressure with threshold values pre-configured for a specific event, and may execute an operation corresponding to the identified event based on the comparison result. For example, based on a result of comparing values associated with an identified input (e.g., the first value and the second value) with the threshold values associated with respective values, when identifying that the first value is greater than the first threshold value and the second value is greater than the second threshold value, the electronic device101may execute an operation corresponding to the first event. Without being limited the above description, the values in the pre-configured range may be configured to values in a range between a pre-configured maximum value and a pre-configured minimum value, instead of the values in the range based on the threshold values.

The above-described threshold values (or minimum and maximum values) may be pre-configured in the electronic device101for each event. In addition, the pre-configured threshold values may be configured, adjusted, or reset for respective folding state of the electronic device101and for respective areas of the bendable portion2306-3, which will be described later with reference toFIGS.16to18B.

In addition, for example, respective events1130may be configured to correspond to specific values pre-configured for respective input characteristics1131and1132. For example, for a specific event, a value indicating a characteristic related to a touch may be configured to a third value, and a value indicating a characteristic associated with pressure may be configured to a fourth value. The electronic device101may compare each of a value associated with an identified touch and a value associated with an identified pressure with threshold values associated with an event, and may execute an operation corresponding to the identified event based on the comparison result.

As described above, by executing an operation by identifying not only a characteristic associated with a touch associated with a received user input but also a characteristic associated with pressure various, the electronic device101may provide various types of operations in response to user inputs.

Hereinafter, another example of operations of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) according to various embodiments will be described.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) may identify a value associated with a touch of an identified input and configured a threshold value to be compared with a value associated with pressure according to the value associated with the identified touch.

FIG.12is a flowchart1200for describing another example of operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the operations illustrated inFIG.12are not limited to the illustrated order and may be executed in various orders. In addition, according to various embodiments, a greater or smaller number of operations compared to the operations illustrated inFIG.12may be executed. Hereinafter,FIG.12will be described with reference toFIG.13.

FIG.13is a view for describing an example of an operation of configuring a threshold value to be compared with a value associated with pressure according to a value associated with an identified touch of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may detect an input made by an external object in operation1201. For example, as illustrated in1301ofFIG.13, the electronic device101may receive a contact by a user's body (e.g., a finger). Since operation1201of the electronic device101may be executed in the same manner as the above-described operation1001of the electronic device101, a redundant description will be omitted.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may identify a first value associated with an input by using the touch sensor711in operation1202, and may identify a second value associated with an input by using the input sensor712in operation1203. For example, the sensor control circuit721may identify a value associated with a touch that corresponds to an electrical value identified by using the touch sensor711, and may identify a value associated with pressure corresponding to the electrical value identified by using the pressure sensor712. Since operations1202and1203of the electronic device101may be executed in the same manner as operations1002and1003of the electronic device101described above, a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may compare the identified second value with a second threshold value corresponding to the identified first value in operation1204.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may compare a value associated with an identified touch with a pre-configured first threshold value, and may configure a threshold value to be compared with the pressure based on the comparison result. For example, when identifying values indicating an input characteristic as illustrated in1302ofFIG.13, the sensor control circuit721may identify a magnitude relationship between the value associated with the identified touch (e.g., touch sensitivity) and the first threshold value. The first threshold value may be a value pre-configured to be compared with a value associated with a touch to be associated with a specific event (e.g., an event indicating that the above-mentioned force touch is generated). When the first value is smaller than or equal to (or not greater than) the first threshold value as illustrated in1303ofFIG.13, the sensor control circuit721may adjust a second threshold value pre-configured in order to compare with a value associated with pressure pre-configured in a first event to a smaller third threshold value. As a result, the criterion for determining whether a received input is valid is lowered, and thus it is possible to detect a user input, which has a small value indicating a characteristic associated with a touch, as a valid input. Alternatively, in contrast, when the first value is greater than the first threshold, the sensor control circuit721may adjust the second threshold pre-configured for comparing with a value associated with pressure pre-configured in a first event to a greater third threshold.

Without being limited to the above description, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may pre-configure, for the same type of events, threshold values to be compared with values associated with different pressures according to the magnitude relation between a value associated with an identified touch and a pre-configured first threshold value. For example, a first event indicating that the input is valid may be configured such that a value associated with a touch is greater than the first threshold value and a value associated with pressure is greater than the second threshold value, and a second event indicating that another input is valid may be set such that a value associated with a touch is smaller than (or not greater than) the first threshold value and a value associated with pressure is greater than the third threshold value.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may execute at least one operation in operation1205based on the comparison result. For example, as illustrated in1304ofFIG.13, the electronic device101may identify that a received user input is a valid input and may execute an operation (e.g., displaying an execution screen) corresponding to the user input. Since operation1205of the electronic device101may be executed in the same manner as the above-described operation1004of the electronic device101, a redundant description will be omitted.

Without being limited to the above description, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may set a threshold value to be compared with a value associated with a touch based on a value associated with pressure. The electronic device101may adjust the threshold value to be compared with the value associated with a touch according to the comparison result of the value associated with a pressure and the second threshold value.

As described above, by adjusting the threshold value to be compared with a characteristic value associated with the pressure of an input based on a characteristic value associated with the touch of the input, the electronic device101may identify various types of valid user inputs and based on this, the electronic device101may execute various types of operations.

Hereinafter, another example of operations of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1and the electronic device200inFIG.4) according to various embodiments will be described.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) may execute at least one operation based on the comparison result of the value associated with an identified touch and the threshold value associated with the touch and the comparison result of the value associated with a pressure and the threshold value associated with the pressure.

FIG.14is a flowchart1400for describing still another example of operations of the electronic device according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the operations illustrated inFIG.14are not limited to the illustrated order, and may be performed in various orders. In addition, according to various embodiments, a greater or smaller number of operations compared to the operations illustrated inFIG.14may be executed.

Hereinafter,FIG.14will be described with reference toFIGS.15A to15C.

FIG.15Ais a view for describing an example of operations executed based on a comparison result of a value and a threshold value associated with an input of an electronic device according to various embodiments.FIG.15Bis a view for describing another example of operations executed based on a comparison result of a value and a threshold value associated with an input of an electronic device according to various embodiments.FIG.15Cis a view for describing still another example of operations executed based on a comparison result of a value and a threshold value associated with an input of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may detect an input made by an external object in operation1401. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.15A to15C(e.g.,1501,1511,1521,1531, and1541), the electronic device101may receive a contact performed by a portion of a user's body (e.g., a finger) or an object. Since operation1401of the electronic device101may be executed in the same manner as operations1001and1201of the electronic device101described above, a redundant description will be omitted.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may identify at least one first value and at least one second value indicating characteristics associated with an input in operation1402. For example, the electronic device101may identify at least one first value indicating a characteristic of a touch (e.g., touch sensitivity, a touch area, a moving distance, or a duration time) and at least one second value indicating a characteristic of a pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity). Since operation1402of the electronic device101may be executed in the same manner as the above-described operations1002and1003of the electronic device101and the above-described operations1202and1203of the electronic device101, a redundant description will be omitted.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may compare the at least one first value with a first threshold value Th1in operation1403, and when the first value is greater than the first threshold value Th1, the electronic device101may compare the at least one second value with a second threshold value Th2in operation1404. For example, the electronic device101may compare at least one value associated with the touch of a received user input with the first threshold value Th1, and when the value is greater than the first threshold value Th1as a result of comparison, the electronic device101may compare at least one value associated with a pressure with the second threshold value Th2. For example, the electronic device101may compare a value indicating a touch sensitivity with the first threshold value Th1, and when the value indicating the touch sensitivity is greater, the electronic device101may compare a value indicating pressure sensitivity with the second threshold value Th2. As another example, the electronic device101may compare each of a value indicating a touch sensitivity and a value indicating a touch area with the first threshold value Th1, and when each of the value indicating the touch sensitivity and the value indicating the touch area is greater than the first threshold value Th1, the electronic device101may compare the value indicating the pressure sensitivity with the second threshold value Th2.

According to various embodiments, when the at least one second value is greater than the second threshold value Th2as a result of the comparison in operation1404, the electronic device101may execute a first operation corresponding to the at least one first value and the at least one second value in operation1405. For example, the electronic device101may determine that a force touch input has occurred, and may execute an operation corresponding to the force touch input. The second threshold value may be set to, for example, a value based on which it is possible to determine whether the received input is a force touch. As an example, as illustrated in1501ofFIG.15A, when identifying that a first value associated with the touch of a received user input (e.g., a value indicating a touch sensitivity) is greater than the first threshold value Th1and a second value associated with a pressure (e.g. a value indicating pressure sensitivity) is greater than the second threshold value Th2, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may identify that a force touch input has occurred. As shown in1502ofFIG.15A, in response to the force touch input, the electronic device101may identify an icon associated with the position of the identified force touch and may execute an application corresponding to the identified icon.

According to various embodiments, when the at least one second value is smaller than or equal to (or not greater than) the second threshold value Th2, in operation1406, the electronic device101may execute a second operation corresponding to the at least one first value and the at least one second value. For example, the electronic device101may determine that a normal touch input has occurred, and may execute an operation corresponding to the normal touch input. As an example, as illustrated in1511ofFIG.15A, when the first value associated with the touch of a received user input is greater than the first threshold value Th1and the second value associated with a pressure is smaller than or equal to (or not greater than) the second threshold value Th2, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may identify that a first normal touch input causing a second operation (e.g., a screen capture operation) has occurred. As illustrated in1512ofFIG.15A, in response to the first normal touch input, the electronic device101may capture the currently displayed screen and may acquire an image file corresponding to the currently displayed screen (1513).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may compare the at least one first value with the first threshold value Th1in operation1403, and when the at least one first value is smaller than or equal to (or not greater than) the first threshold value, the electronic device101may compare the at least one second value with the second threshold value Th2in operation1407. Since operation1407of the electronic device101may be executed in the same manner as operation1404of the electronic device101, a redundant description will be omitted. The second threshold value Th2in operation1407of the electronic device101may be different from the second threshold value Th2in operation1404. For example, for a purpose similar to that described above with reference toFIGS.12and13, in order to more accurately determine whether an input is valid, the electronic device101may set the second threshold value Th2in operation1407to be relatively greater than that in the case of operation1403(e.g., the operation in the case where the at least one first value related to a touch is smaller than or equal to the first threshold value Th1). In contrast, without being limited to the above description, the second threshold value Th2in operation1407may be set to be relatively smaller than that in operation1404.

According to various embodiments, when the at least one second value is greater than the second threshold value Th2as a result of the comparison in operation1407, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may execute a third operation corresponding to the at least one first value and the at least one second value in operation1408.

For example, the electronic device may identify that a touch input (e.g., a danger input) for inducing a third operation (e.g., an operation of displaying a warning text) has occurred. As an example, as illustrated in1521ofFIG.15B, when the first value associated with the touch of a received input (e.g., a value indicating a touch sensitivity) made by an external object is smaller than or equal to (or not greater than) the first threshold value Th1and the second value associated with a pressure (e.g. a value indicating pressure sensitivity) is greater than the second threshold value Th2, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may identify an event as a touch input causing an operation of displaying a warning phrase1523has occurred. As illustrated in1522ofFIG.15B, the electronic device101may display the warning phrase1523based on the identified event. As a specific example, when the electronic device101collides with another object or when a contact that may damage the electronic device101is caused, the electronic device101may detect an input in which a touch sensitivity is smaller than or equal to (or not greater than) the first threshold value Th1and pressure sensitivity is higher than the second threshold value Th2. In this case, the electronic device101may display a notification message including the warning phrase1523to warn a user of a situation in which the electronic device101may be damaged.

In addition, for example, the electronic device may identify that a second normal touch input for causing a fourth operation (e.g., a drawing operation) has occurred. As an example, as illustrated in1531ofFIG.15B, when the first value associated with the touch of a received input (e.g., a value indicating a touch area) made by an external object is smaller than or equal to (or not greater than) the first threshold value Th1and the second value associated with a pressure (e.g. a value indicating pressure sensitivity) is greater than the second threshold value Th2, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may identify an event as a second normal touch input causing a drawing operation has occurred. Accordingly, in response to the second normal touch input, the electronic device101may display a linear graphic object1533at a position corresponding to the moving path of the received input, as illustrated in1532ofFIG.15B. For example, when a value associated with a pressure (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity) is greater than the second threshold value Th2, the electronic device101may identify the user input received by the electronic device101as a force touch or normal touch input that causes the electronic device101to execute a specific operation.

According to various embodiments, when the at least one second value is smaller than or equal to (or not greater than) the second threshold value Th2as a result of comparison in operation1407, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may ignore the input and terminate the operation in operation1409. For example, the electronic device101may identify that an invalid input has occurred. As an example, as illustrated in1541ofFIG.15C, when a first value (e.g., a value indicating touch sensitivity) associated with a received touch input (e.g., a value indicating a touch sensitivity) made by an external object smaller than or equal to (or not greater than) the first threshold value Th1and a second value associated with a pressure (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity) is smaller than or equal to (or not greater than) the second value Th2, the electronic device101may identify an event as an invalid input has occurred. As illustrated in1542ofFIG.15C, in response to identifying the invalid input, the electronic device101may perform control such that an operation corresponding to the received input is not executed (1543).

Hereinafter, another example of operations of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1and the electronic device200inFIG.4) according to various embodiments will be described.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) may identify the second value associated with a pressure based on a change, which is caused by the pressure applied by an external object, in resistance values of resistors included in the pressure sensor.

FIG.16is a flowchart1600for describing still another example of operations of the electronic device according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the operations illustrated inFIG.16are not limited to the illustrated order, and may be executed in various orders. In addition, according to various embodiments, a greater or smaller number of operations compared to the operations illustrated inFIG.16may be executed. Hereinafter,FIG.16will be described with reference toFIG.17.

FIG.17is a view for describing an example of an operation of identifying a second value associated with a pressure based on a change in resistance values of resistors included in a pressure sensor of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may detect an input made by an external object in operation1601. For example, the electronic device101may receive an input made by a portion of a user's body on the folding area231c. Since operation1601of the electronic device101may be executed in the same manner as the above-described operations1001,1201and1401of the electronic device101, a redundant description will be omitted.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may identify the first value associated with a touch by using the touch sensor711in operation1602. For example, the sensor control circuit721may identify an electrical value output from the touch sensor711, and may identify at least one value indicating a characteristic associated with a touch corresponding to the identified electrical value. Since operation1602of the electronic device101may be executed in the same manner as operation1002of the electronic device101and operation1202of the electronic device101described above, a redundant description will be omitted.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may identify the second value associated with a pressure based on change amounts, which are caused by a touch, in operation1603in the first resistor731and the second resistor732included in the pressure sensor712. For example, when the sensor control circuit721receives a user's touch on the folding area231c, the sensor control circuit721may identify a value indicating a characteristic associated with a pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity) based on change amounts caused by the user's touch in the first resistor731and the second resistor732included in the pressure sensor712.

According to various embodiments, as illustrated in1701ofFIG.17, the power generator725(e.g., a voltage or current generator) included in the sensor control circuit721may be connected to one end of each of the first resistor731, which is disposed on the bendable portion2306-3, and the second fixed resistor734, which is disposed such that the shape thereof is not deformed by a user input, among the plurality of resistors included in the pressure sensor712. The power generator725may apply power through each end. The measuring instrument724included in the sensor control circuit721may be connected in parallel or series to a first point P1between the first resistor731and the second resistor732and a second point P2between the first fixed resistor733and the second fixed resistor734, and may identify a voltage value (an output voltage value) generated between the first point P1and the second point P2by the applied power (e.g., |Vo=V1−V2|, where V1is a voltage value or potential at the first point P1, V2is a voltage value or potential at the second point P2) or a current value (an output current value) flowing between the first point P1and the second point P2. In this case, as illustrated in1701ofFIG.17, when the user's touch is not received, based on the fact that the resistance values of the resistors are equal to each other or the relationship of |R1×Rref,2|=|R2×Rref,1|, the voltage value between the first point P1and the second point P2or the current value flowing between the first point P1and the second point P2may be detected by the measuring instrument724as zero or a specific value (e.g., a value close to zero). As illustrated in1702ofFIG.17, when a user input is received, the resistance value R1of the first resistor731is changed by a first resistance change amount and the resistance value R2of the second resistor732is changed by a second resistor change amount. Accordingly, the voltage value or current value between the first point P1and the second point P2is changed (e.g., increased) to a non-zero value. Thus, the sensor control circuit721(e.g., the measuring instrument724) may identify the changed voltage value between the first point P1and the second point P2or the changed current value between the first point P1and the second point P2, and may identify a value indicating a characteristic associated with a pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity) corresponding to the identified electrical value (e.g., the voltage value or the current value). As an example, the potential at the first point P1is changed from V1to V1−α:ΔR1+β·ΔR2(where α and β are proportional constants or variables) based on the change amount in the first resistor731and the change amount in the second resistor732, and the potential of the second point P2is maintained at V0. As a result, the voltage value (e.g., the output voltage value) between the first point P1and the second point P2is changed from |Vo| to |Vo−α:ΔR1+β·ΔR2|. For example, the voltage value between the first point P1and the second point P2may be changed in proportion to |β·66R2−α·ΔR1|. In this case, since the proportion of the second resistor732disposed on the openings K1is greater than the proportion of the first resistor731disposed on the openings K1, the shape of the second resistor732is more changed than that of the first resistor731by a user input. Thus, since the second resistor change amount becomes larger than the first resistor change amount, the output voltage value measured by the measuring instrument increases. Similarly, since the voltage value between the first point P1and the second point P2is increased, the current value between the first point P1and the second point P2and measured by the measuring instrument is increased. As a result, based on the fact that the second resistance change amount of the second resistor732disposed on the openings K1is greater than the first resistance change amount of the first resistor731, the electronic device101may identify an electrical value (e.g., a voltage value or a current value) generated by the pressure of a user input or a change in the electrical value.

When only a single resistor is disposed (e.g., only the second resistor732is disposed) on the bendable portion2306-3, a resistance change in the disposed resistor may be caused by a temperature (e.g., a body temperature) generated by a user input. Accordingly, since an error is generated in the voltage value identified by the resistance change amount due to the temperature, the value associated with the pressure of the input may not be accurately identified. However, as described above, when the first resistor731is disposed on the conductive plate2306and the second resistor732is disposed on the openings K1, resistance change amounts are caused in the first resistor731and the second resistor732by substantially the same temperature, and the change in output voltage values based on respective resistance change amounts may be canceled each other (due the change by |β·ΔR2−α·ΔR1|). Accordingly, a value associated with the pressure of an input may be more accurately identified.

In addition, when the first resistor731and the second resistor732are both disposed on the support area2306aor both disposed on the openings K1(or the spatial area2306b), no difference or a slight difference is caused by a user input between the change amount in the first resistor731and the change amount in the second resistor732. Thus, since the output voltage value detected from the pressure sensor712when receiving the user input is small or the change of voltage is small, it may be difficult to identify a value associated with the user input (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity). In other words, as described above, by disposing the first resistor731on the conductive plate2306and disposing the second resistor732on the openings K1, the output voltage value detected from the pressure sensor712is greatly changed, and thus a value associated with the pressure of the user input (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity) may be more easily identified.

According to various embodiments, in operation1604, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may execute at least one operation corresponding to the identified first value and second values. For example, the electronic device101may execute an operation corresponding to a value indicating a characteristic associated with a touch (e.g., a value indicating a touch sensitivity) and a value indicating a characteristic associated with a pressure (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity). Since operation1604of the electronic device101may be executed in the same manner as the above-described operations1004,1205,1405,1406,1408, and1409of the electronic device101, a redundant description will be omitted.

Hereinafter, still another example of operations of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) according to various embodiments will be described.

According to various embodiments, when the folding state is changed, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1or the electronic device200ofFIG.4) may initiate a value associated with a pressure generated by the changed folding state, so that it is possible to accurately identify whether an input received by the folding area is valid.

FIG.18Ais a flowchart1800for describing still another example of operations of the electronic device according to various embodiments.FIG.18Bis a flowchart1810for describing an example of operations of a processor, a sensor control circuit, and a sensing circuit included in an electronic device according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the operations illustrated inFIGS.18A and18Bare not limited to the illustrated order, and may be executed in various orders. In addition, according to various embodiments, a greater or smaller number of operations compared to the operations illustrated inFIGS.18A and18Bmay be executed. Hereinafter,FIGS.18A and18Bwill be described with reference toFIG.19.

FIG.19is a view for describing an operation of configuring a threshold value associated with a folding area when the folding state of an electronic device according to various embodiments is changed.

According to various embodiments, in operation1801, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may identify whether the folding state of the electronic device101is changed. The folding state may include at least one of whether the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220included in the electronic device101are in contact with each other (or state) (e.g., whether the electronic device is in the unfolded state (flat state or open state), in the folded state, or in the intermediate state), the angle between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220, or an angle range. The electronic device101may identify the contact state between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220by using a Hall sensor included in the electronic device101, or may identify the angle between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220rotated about the rotation axis with the hinge structure264by using a gyro sensor or the like.

According to various embodiments, when detecting a change in the folding state in operation1811ofFIG.18B, the processor760of the electronic device101may transmit folding state information indicating the changed folding state in operation1812to the sensor control circuit721. For example, as described above, the processor760may determine whether there is folding based on data from a sensor capable of detecting folding (e.g., a Hall sensor). The folding state information is information indicating whether the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are in contact with each other (or state), information indicating the angle between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220, or information indicating an angle range. For example, the folding state information may include information indicating a closed state or folded state corresponding to the state in which the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are in contact with each other, information indicating an unfolded state/an open state corresponding to the state in which the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220is not in contact with each other (e.g., the angle between the first and second housing structures is about 180 degrees), or information indicating the state in which the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220form an acute and/or obtuse angle therebetween (a half-folded state or an unfolded state). For example, the folding state information may include information indicating an angle value between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220sensed by the processor760.

According to various embodiments, in operation1802, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may set a correction value (an offset value) associated with a pressure based on the changed folding state, and in operation1803, the electronic device101may execute an operation corresponding to an input detected based on the set correction value (e.g., the offset value). Referring toFIG.19, as the folding state of the electronic device101is changed, the shapes of resistors (e.g., the first resistor731and the second resistor732) disposed on the bendable portion2306-3are changed (e.g., the lengths of the resistors are changed or the cross-sectional areas of the resistors are changed), whereby the resistance values of the resistors are changeable (e.g., R1and R2). In this case, based on the changed resistance values, the sensor control circuit721may identify a change in an electrical value identified from the pressure sensor712(e.g., the output voltage value is changed in proportion to |β·ΔR2−α·ΔR1|, where α and β are proportional constants or variables), and may identify a value associated with a pressure (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity) corresponding to the identified electrical value. Accordingly, when a user input is not received but the folding state of the electronic device101is changed, a predetermined input (e.g., the above-mentioned force touch input, or the above-mentioned second normal touch) made by a user may be misidentified by the sensor control circuit721as being received by the electronic device101. The electronic device101may pre-store or pre-configure an offset for correcting a value associated with a pressure for each folding state so that a malfunction of the electronic device101is not performed due to a misidentified value associated with a pressure for each folding state. The offset value may be set to a value generated according to a folding state and may have, for example, the same unit as a value associated with a pressure. When corrected by an offset value corresponding to a corresponding folding state, a value associated with a pressure may be corrected to a default value (e.g., 0 or a value close to 0). Accordingly, the electronic device101may compensate for the value associated with a misidentified pressure with an offset value by preventing an electrical value (e.g., an output voltage value) identified from the pressure sensor712by a change of the folding state from being identified as a valid input (e.g., a force touch input or a second normal touch input).

According to various embodiments, when a force is generated in the folding area231cby a change of the folding state, the sensor control circuit721may identify at least one electrical value from the touch sensor711and the pressure sensor712disposed in the area corresponding to the folding area231cas in operation1813ofFIG.18B. The sensor control circuit721may identify that the electric value is generated in the folding area231cbased on a first value identified from the touch sensor711in operation1814. As an example, the sensor control circuit721may identify the position where the input has occurred by identifying an electrode connected to the touch sensor711that returns an electrical value in response to the application of power. The sensor control circuit721may identify a value associated with a pressure (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity) based on a second value identified from the pressure sensor712in operation1815, and may compensate for the value associated with the pressure with the correction value (e.g., an offset value) corresponding to the folding state in operation1816. For example, in order to remove a value associated with the pressure identified by the change of the folding state, the sensor control circuit721may subtract a pre-stored offset value corresponding to the currently changed folding state from the value associated with the pressure (e.g., value associated with pressure—offset value). As an example, when the foldable electronic device101is in a closed state (or a folded state), in order to remove a value (e.g., 1) associated with the pressure identified by using the pressure sensor712disposed in the bendable portion2306-3, the sensor control circuit721may subtract an offset value (e.g., 1) from the value associated with the identified pressure. The sensor control circuit721may compare a threshold value with the corrected value associated with the pressure in operation1817, and executed an operation based on the comparison result in operation1818. For example, the sensor control circuit721may compare the value associated with the corrected pressure with the threshold value. For example, the threshold value may be a value set to determine whether the detected input is an invalid input or whether the detected input is a force touch input as described above with reference toFIGS.15AtoFIG.15C. That is, as an example, when the value associated with the corrected pressure is smaller than or equal to the threshold value, the sensor control circuit721may determine (or identify an event) that the input detected by the folding state change is an invalid input described inFIG.15C. As another example, the sensor control circuit721may not identify that the force touch input described above with reference toFIG.15Ahas not occurred. In response to the fact that an invalid input is identified, the sensor control circuit721may not transmit information associated with the corresponding input such that the input identified by the processor760is not processed. Accordingly, the malfunction of the electronic device101according to the change of the folding state may be prevented in advance. Without being limited thereto, some operations of the sensor control circuit721may be performed by the processor760. For example, operation1814and operations1816to1818may be executed by the processor760. That is, the sensor control circuit721may transmit a value associated with a touch (e.g., a value indicating a touch sensitivity) and a value associated with a pressure (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity) to the processor760, and when the processor760identifies that the current input is positioned in the folding area231c, the sensor control circuit721may execute an operation of compensating for the value associated with the pressure with the offset value corresponding to the folding state and determining whether the input is valid. According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may store and identify offset values corresponding to a plurality of folding states, respectively. For example, the electronic device101may stores different offset values for each of whether the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are in contact with each other, an angle range between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220, and an angle between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220, and may identify whether a value associated with an identified pressure is valid. For example, the offset value corresponding to a state in which the first housing structure210and the second housing structure are in contact with each other (e.g., a folded state) may be different from that corresponding to a state in which the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are not in contact with each other (e.g., an unfolded state/open state) (for example, the offset value may be small in the unfolded state/open state). As another example, considering that, as the angle between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220is smaller, the second resistor732included in the pressure sensor712is more deformed and the resistance of the second resistor732is more changed, offset values may be pre-stored in the electronic device101to correspond to a plurality of folding states, respectively, so that the smaller the angle or angle range between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220, the greater the offset value is set. However, this is merely an example.

According to various embodiments, without being limited to the above description, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may execute an operation of determining whether an input is valid by adjusting the threshold value to be compared to an identified pressure without correcting the value associated with the identified pressure with an offset value. In other words, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may adjust the threshold value in order to prevent misidentification of pressure due to a value associated with the pressure generated by the changed folding state (e.g., the folded state) when the folding state is changed. For example, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may set different threshold values for respective folding states (e.g., a folded state and an unfolded state). For example, for an unfolded state, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may set a first threshold value to be compared with a value associated with a pressure to be identified, and for a folded state, the electronic device101may set a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value in order to prevent the identification of a value (e.g., 1) associated with a pressure to be identified by using the pressure sensor712disposed in the bendable portion2306-3by the folded state. For example, the second threshold value may be greater than the first threshold value by a value (e.g., 1) associated with a pressure to be identified by using the pressure sensor712by the folded state. The electronic device101may store different threshold values for respective folding states (e.g., a folded state and an unfolded state) and when comparing a value associated with a pressure with a threshold value, the electronic device101may use a corresponding threshold value for each identified folding state.

Hereinafter, still another example of operations of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) according to various embodiments will be described.

According to various embodiments, when the folding state is changed, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) may reset the threshold value to be compared with the pressure associated with the folding area so as to make it possible to accurately identify whether an input is valid from the folding area.

FIG.20Ais a flowchart2000for describing still another example of operations of the electronic device according to various embodiments.FIG.20Bis a flowchart2010for describing an example of operations of a processor, a sensor control circuit, and a sensing circuit included in an electronic device according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the operations illustrated inFIGS.20A and20Bare not limited to the illustrated order, and may be executed in various orders. In addition, according to various embodiments, a greater or smaller number of operations compared to the operations illustrated inFIGS.20A and20Bmay be executed. Hereinafter,FIGS.20A and20Bwill be described with reference toFIG.21.

FIG.21Ais a view for describing an operation of configuring a gain value or a threshold value when the folding state of an electronic device according to various embodiments is changed.FIG.21Bis a view for describing an operation of configuring a gain value or a threshold value when the folding state of an electronic device according to various embodiments is changed.

According to various embodiments, in operation2001, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may identify whether the folding state of the electronic device101is changed. Since operation2001of the electronic device101may be executed in the same manner as the above-described operation1801of the electronic device101, a redundant description will be omitted.

According to various embodiments, when detecting a change in the folding state in operation2011ofFIG.20B, the processor760of the electronic device101may transmit folding state information indicating the changed folding state in operation2012to the sensor control circuit721. Since operations2011and2012may be executed in the same manner as above-described operations1811and1812, a redundant description will be omitted.

According to various embodiments, in operation2002, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may set a gain value or a threshold value associated with a pressure based on the changed folding state, and in operation2003, the electronic device101may execute an operation corresponding to a user input received in the folding area based on the set gain value and threshold value. Referring toFIG.19, the amount by which a resistor disposed in the bendable portion2306-3is changed by a user input may vary depending on the folding state (e.g., whether the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are in contact with each other). Accordingly, for the same input received on the folding area, the electrical values identified from the pressure sensor712may be different for respective folding states. As a result, for the same input received on the folding area, the sensor control circuit721may identify values associated with different pressures for respective folding states. For example, referring toFIGS.21A and21B, compared to the resistors included in the pressure sensor712disposed at a position corresponding to the folding area when the angle between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220is a first angle (e.g., about 180°), the resistors (e.g., the first resistor731and the second resistor732) included in the bendable portion2306-3may be more deformed in shape when the angle between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220is a second angle (e.g., out-folded to about 0° to about 360°). For example, compared to the case where the angle between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220is a first angle (e.g., about 180°) as illustrated inFIG.21A, when the angle between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220is a second angle (e.g., out-folded to about 0° to about 360°) as illustrated inFIG.21B, the resistance change amount of the second resistor732deformed by an input is small so that the electrical value identified by the sensor control circuit721may be smaller. Accordingly, in order to ensure that the electronic device101executes substantially the same operation in response to the same input for each folding state, the electronic device101may execute at least one of an operation of compensating for a value associated with the pressure with a gain value associated with the folding state (e.g., reflecting the gain value on the pressure sensitivity in the case of a folding state where the resistance change amount is small) or configuring a threshold value associated with the pressure corresponding to the folding state (e.g., lowering the threshold value in the case of a folding state where the resistance change amount is small). Hereinafter, it is described that both the operation of compensating with a gain value and the operation of configuring a threshold value are executed, but this is merely an example. At least one of an operation of compensating for a value associated with the pressure with a gain value associated with the folding state or an operation of configuring a threshold value associated with the pressure corresponding to the folding state may be executed.

For example, when a user input is received in the folding area, as in operation2013inFIG.20B, the sensor control circuit721may identify at least one electrical value from the touch sensor711and the pressure sensor712disposed in the area corresponding to the folding area. In operation2014, the sensor control circuit721may identify that the electrical value is generated in the folding area based on a first value identified from the touch sensor711. In operation2015, the sensor control circuit721may identify a value associated with the pressure (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity) based on a second value identified from the pressure sensor712, and in operation2016, the sensor control circuit may reflect (e.g., multiplying or adding) a gain value corresponding to the folding state on the value associated with the identified pressure. When the electronic device101is in a folding state in which a resistance change amount is small and thus a value associated with a small pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity) is identified, the electronic device101may reflect a larger gain value on the value associated with the pressure. For example, in the unfolded state/open state, the electronic device101may reflect a first gain value to the identified pressure sensitivity, and in the folded state, the electronic device101may reflect a second gain value smaller than the first gain value in the identified pressure sensitivity. In operation2016, the sensor control circuit721may compare the threshold value corresponding to the folding state with the value associated with the pressure on which the gain value is reflected. When the sensor control circuit721is in a folding state in which a resistance change amount is small and thus a value associated with a small pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity) is identified, the sensor control circuit721may set a threshold value for identifying the force touch input described above with reference toFIG.15Aor the second normal touch described above with reference toFIG.15Bto a relatively lower value. As an example, in the unfolded state/open state, the sensor control circuit721, the sensor control circuit721may set a first threshold value to identify a force touch, and in the folded state, the sensor control circuit721may reflect a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value in order to identify the force touch. This is an example, and without executing the operation of reflecting a gain value as described above, the sensor control circuit721may execute the operation of comparing a value associated with the identified pressure (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity) with a threshold value set depending on the folding state. Based on the comparison result in operation2017, the sensor control circuit721may transmit information indicating the comparison result. The information indicating the comparison result may include information indicating an event corresponding to an input (e.g., information indicating that a received input is a force touch). For example, the sensor control circuit721may transmit information indicating the comparison result to the processor760(operation2018) or may execute at least one operation (e.g., the operations inFIG.15A) in response to the event corresponding to the input. For example, in operation2019, the processor760may execute at least one operation (e.g., the operations inFIG.15A) in response to the event corresponding to the input. Meanwhile, without being limited thereto, some operations of the sensor control circuit721may be performed by the processor760. For example, operation2014and operations2016to2017may be executed by the processor760. That is, the sensor control circuit721may transmit a value associated with a touch (e.g., a value indicating a touch sensitivity) and a value associated with a pressure (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity) to the processor760, and when the processor760identifies that the current input is positioned in the folding area, the sensor control circuit721may execute an operation of determining the event of the input by comparing the threshold value corresponding to the folding state with the value associated with the pressure.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may store and identify gain values and/or threshold values corresponding to a plurality of folding states, respectively. For example, the electronic device101may stores different gain values and/or threshold values for each of whether the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are in contact with each other, an angle range between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220, and an angle between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220.

For example, as described above, the gain value or the threshold value corresponding to a state in which the first housing structure210and the second housing structure are in contact with each other (e.g., a folded state) may be different from that corresponding to a state in which the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220are not in contact with each other (e.g., an unfolded state/open state) (for example, the gain value may be smaller or the threshold value may be greater in the unfolded state/open state). As another example, considering that, as the angle between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220is smaller, the second resistor732included in the pressure sensor712is more deformed and the resistance change amount of the second resistor732is reduced, offset values may be pre-stored in the electronic device101to correspond to a plurality of folding states, respectively, so that the smaller the angle or angle range between the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220, the greater the gain value is set or the smaller the threshold value is set. However, this is merely an example.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may sequentially execute the above-described operations of adjusting a value associated with a pressure with an offset value or a gain value. For example, the electronic device101may subtract an offset value from a value associated with a pressure, and may identify a value compensated for by multiplying the subtracted result value by a gain value (e.g., pressure sensitivity−offset value→gain value*(pressure sensitivity−offset value)→gain value*(pressure sensitivity−offset value)>threshold value?). For example, when a value associated with a sensed pressure is a value identified when the electronic device is folded, the value may be subtracted by the offset value and become 0. Since the corrected value becomes 0, even if the gain value is multiplied, the resultant value is 0. Thus, it is possible to solve a problem of misidentifying the problem due to the increase of the pressure sensitivity corrected by the gain value.

Hereinafter, still another example of operations of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) according to various embodiments will be described.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) may set a gain value or a threshold value for each sub-area included in the folding area.

FIG.22is a flowchart2200for describing still another example of operations of the electronic device according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the operations illustrated inFIG.22are not limited to the illustrated order, and may be executed in various orders. In addition, according to various embodiments, a greater or smaller number of operations compared to the operations illustrated inFIG.22may be executed. Hereinafter,FIG.22will be described with reference toFIG.23.

FIG.23is a view for describing an operation of configuring a gain value or a threshold value for each sub-area included in a folding area of an electronic device according to various embodiments is changed.

According to various embodiments, in operation2201, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may identify whether the folding state of the electronic device101is changed. Since operation2201of the electronic device101may be executed in the same manner as the above-described operation1801of the electronic device101, a redundant description will be omitted.

According to various embodiments, when it is identified that a touch is received in the first sub-area in operation2202, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may reflect a first gain value on a value associated with the pressure in operation2203and compare a value associated with the pressure on which the set first gain value is reflected with a first threshold value in operation2204. For example, in an out-folded state (e.g., an out-folded and collapsed state), the electronic device101may receive a first user input on an area of a flexible display corresponding to a first sub-area2301included in a bendable portion2306-3. The electronic device101may set the first gain value to a value (e.g., pressure sensitivity) associated with the pressure identified by the received first user input. Alternatively, the electronic device101may compare the value associated with the pressure with the first threshold value for identifying a specific event (e.g., a force touch).

According to various embodiments, when it is identified that a touch is received in the second sub-area in operation2205, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may reflect a second gain value on a value associated with the pressure in operation2206and compare a value associated with the pressure on which the set second gain value is reflected with a second threshold value in operation2207. For example, in the out-folded state, the electronic device101may receive a second user input on an area of a flexible display corresponding to a second sub-area2302included in the bendable portion2306-3. The electronic device101may set a second gain value greater than the above-described first gain value to a value associated with the pressure (e.g., pressure sensitivity) identified by the received second user input. Alternatively, the electronic device101may compare the value associated with the pressure with the second threshold value smaller than the above-described first threshold value for identifying a specific event (e.g., a force touch).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101(e.g., the sensor control circuit721) may store and/or set different gain values and different threshold values such that the gain values and the threshold values are associated with respective sub-areas (e.g.,2311and2312) included in the bendable portion2306-3corresponding to the folding area231cof the flexible display. Referring toFIG.23, the bendable portion2306-3may include a plurality of sub-areas including first sub-areas2311and a second sub-area2312. Compared with the second sub-area2312, the first sub-areas2311may be defined as areas of the conductive plate that is further deformed according to the change of the folding state of the electronic device101. For example, the second sub-area2312may be an area closer to the rotation axes of the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220compared with the first sub-areas2311. Accordingly, for a plurality of respective sub-areas, the degrees to which the resistors (e.g., the first resistors731and second resistors732) included in the pressure sensor712are deformed by a user input may be different between the first and second sub-areas2311and2312. For example, as illustrated inFIG.23, when the electronic device101is out-folded, the degree to which the resistors (e.g., the first resistor731and the second resistors732) disposed in the first sub-areas2311are deformed by a user input may be greater than the degree to which the resistors (e.g., the first resistors731and the second resistors732) disposed in the second sub-area2312are deformed by the user input. Accordingly, the amounts by which the resistors (e.g., the first resistors731and the second resistors732) disposed in the second sub-area2312are changed by an input received on the folding area231ccorresponding to the second sub-area2302may be smaller than the amounts by which the resistors (e.g., the first resistors731and the second resistors732) disposed in the second sub-area2312are changed by the input received in the folding area231ccorresponding to the first sub-areas2311. Accordingly, a value associated with a pressure (e.g., a value indicating pressure sensitivity) identified from the pressure sensor712by substantially the same input may be relatively smaller in the second sub-area2312. The electronic device101may set a gain value for compensating for a value associated with a pressure corresponding to the second sub-area2302to be relatively greater than that of the first sub-areas2301, and may set the threshold value corresponding to the second sub-area2312to be smaller than that of the first sub-areas2311, so that the electronic device101may execute the same operation by substantially the same input received on the first sub-areas2301and the second sub-areas2312. In other words, for substantially the same input received in each of the sub-areas2311and2312, the electronic device101may adjust a value associated with a pressure identified for each sub-area to the same value or to one of values in a similar range, or may adjust a threshold value for identifying a specific value so that the same operation is executed in response to an input sensed by the electronic device101. Without being limited to the illustration, the degrees to which the resistors (e.g., the first resistors731and the second resistors732) disposed in the second sub-areas2312may be smaller than the degrees to which the resistors (e.g., the first resistors731and the second resistors732) disposed in the first sub-areas2311are deformed. In this case, the electronic device101may set a gain value for compensating for a value associated with a pressure corresponding to the second sub-area2312to be relatively smaller than that for the first sub-areas2311, and may set a threshold value for the second sub-area2312to be relatively greater than that for the first sub-areas2311.

Meanwhile, the operation of configuring the above-described gain value and threshold value for each of the sub-areas2311and2312may be applicable to the operation of configuring an offset value. That is, the electronic device101may set an offset value for each of the sub-areas2311and2312included in the folding area. For example, the electronic device101may set the offset value associated with the second sub-area2312to be greater than that for the first sub-areas2311. As a result, a value associated with a pressure and misidentified as being relatively greater in the second sub-area2312compared with that in the first sub-areas2311by the folding state of the electronic device101may be subtracted by a greater value.

Hereinafter, still another example of an electronic device101according to various embodiments will be described. As an example, the electronic device101may be implemented as a rollable electronic device3100. Even when the electronic device101is implemented as a rollable electronic device3100, an operation of configuring at least one of the above-described correction values (threshold values and offset values) or threshold values may be executed. Hereinafter, first, the rollable electronic device3100will be described.

FIG.24is an exploded perspective view for describing still another example of the electronic device3100according to various embodiments,FIG.25is a perspective view illustrating still another example of the electronic device3100according to various embodiments in the state in which a portion of a flexible display3103is accommodated in a second structure, andFIG.26is a perspective view illustrating another example of the electronic device3100according to various embodiments in the state in which most of the flexible display3103is exposed to the outside of a second structure3102. Referring toFIGS.24to26, the electronic device3100may include a rollable electronic device. The rollable electronic device3100may include a flexible display3103arranged to be slidable and configured to provide a screen (e.g., a display screen), first and second structures3101and3102, a first plate3111a, first and second brackets3111band3111c, an articulated hinge structure3113, and a flexible printed circuit board3135.

For example, a first area A1-1of the flexible display3103may be mounted on or attached to a first surface F1-1of the first plate3111a, and a second area A1-2of the flexible display3103may be attached to or supported on the articulated hinge structure3113. The articulated hinge structure3113may guide or support the deformation of the second area A2-1to a curved shape, and may suppress the deformation of the second area A2-1by an external force (e.g., contact by a user) while maintaining the second area A2-1in a flat state in the state of being exposed to the outside. In some embodiments, the first surface F1-1may be configured by coupling the first plate3111aand the first bracket3111b, and the first surface F1-1may include the front surface of the first plate3111a. According to an embodiment, a portion of the first area A1-1may be directly attached to the first bracket3111b, and another portion may be directly attached to the first plate3111a.

According to various embodiments, the first plate3111amay include an assembly hole3115aprovided through at least a portion thereof. Referring toFIG.24, a portion of an edge of the flexible display3103may enter the assembly hole3115a. In the state in which a portion of an edge of the flexible display3103enters the assembly hole3115a, the flexible display3103may be bonded to or mounted on the first plate3111a. In the state in which the flexible display3103is bonded to or mounted on the first plate3111a, a portion of the surface of the flexible display3103(e.g., the outer surface of an edge) may be coupled to the inner surface of the assembly hole3115ain the first plate3111a, and a portion of the surface of the flexible display3103(e.g., the outer surface of an edge) coupled in this way may be coupled to and supported by the second bracket3111c.

According to various embodiments, the first plate3111amay further include a wiring hole3115b, and at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board3135, for example, a bent portion B may be disposed inside the wiring hole3115b. In the state in which the flexible display3103is mounted on the first structure3101, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board3135(e.g., the bent portion B and a second connector3135b) may be exposed to a second surface of the first plate3111a. For example, the bent portion B may be at least partially disposed inside the wiring hole3115b, and a portion of the flexible printed circuit board3135between the second connector3135band the bent portion B may pass through the wiring hole3115band may be located on a second surface. The second surface may include the rear surface of the first plate3111a. In this state, when the first structure3101slides, the bent portion B of the flexible printed circuit board3135may be deformed. For example, a tensional force may be applied to the flexible printed circuit board3135due to the sliding of the first structure3101, and this tension force may be canceled by the deformation of the bent portion B. In some embodiments, the bent portion B may be substantially deformed within the space inside the wiring hole3115b.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device3100may further include a flexible printed circuit board3135. The flexible printed circuit board3135may connect the flexible display3103to a main circuit board. In some embodiments, a driving chip (e.g., a display control circuit, or a display driving circuit (DDI)) of the flexible display3103may be mounted on the flexible printed circuit board3135. When a touch panel is integrated into the flexible display3103, a touch panel driving chip (e.g., a sensor control circuit) may be mounted on the flexible printed circuit board3135. In an embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board3135may be electrically connected to the flexible display3103or the main circuit board by including connectors3135aand3135bprovided at opposite ends, respectively. In another embodiment, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board3135(e.g., the bent portion B) may be disposed in the electronic device3100in a bent state.

As illustrated inFIGS.24and25, the flexible display3103may be at least partially deformed into a curved shape while being maintained in a flat shape. In an embodiment, the first area A1-1of the flexible display3103may be mounted on or attached to the first surface F1-1of the first plate3111ato be maintained in a substantially flat plate shape. The second area A2-1may extend from the first area A1-1and may be supported on or attached to the articulated hinge structure3113. For example, the second area A2-1may be extended (or drawn out) along the sliding direction of the first structure3101, may be accommodated inside (drawn into) the second structure3102together with the articulated hinge structure3113, and may be at least partially deformed into a curved shape according to the deformation of the articulated hinge structure3113.

As described above with reference toFIGS.24and26, as the first structure3101slides on the second structure3102, the area of the flexible display3103exposed to the outside may vary. Based on the area of the flexible display3103to be exposed to the outside, the electronic device3100may change an area of the flexible display3103to be activated. For example, in the open state (FIG.26) or in the closed state (FIG.25), the electronic device3100may activate an area that is exposed to the outside of the second structure3102in the total area of the flexible display3103. For example, in the closed state, the electronic device3100may activate the first area A1-1of the flexible display3103and deactivate the second area A2-1of the flexible display3103. In the closed state, when there is no user input for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 seconds or 2 minutes), the electronic device3100may deactivate the entire area of the flexible display3103.

According to various embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS.24and26, in the open state, substantially the entire area (e.g., the first area A1-1and the second area A2-1) of the flexible display3103may be exposed to the outside, and the first area A1-1and the second area A2-1may be disposed to configure a plane. In an embodiment, even in the open state, a portion (e.g., one end) of the second area A2-1may be located to correspond to a roller, and the portion corresponding to the roller in the second area A2-1may be maintained in a curved shape. For example, in various embodiments disclosed herein, even if it is stated that “in the open state, the second area A2-1is disposed to configure a plane”, a portion of the second area A2-1may be maintained in a curved shape. Similarly, although it is stated that “in the closed state, the articulated hinge structure3113and/or the second area A2-1are accommodated in the second structure3102”, a portion of the articulated hinge structure3113and/or the second area A2-1may be located outside the second structure3102.

The entire area (e.g., the first area A1-1and the second area A2-1) of the flexible display3103of the rollable electronic device3100is an area that is visually exposed to allow an image to be output, the electronic device3100may adjust the exposure of the entire area to the outside according to the movement of the flexible display3103. For example, when the second structure3102at least partially slides from the first structure3101, it is possible to selectively expand the first and second areas A1-1and A2-1of the flexible display3103.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display3103may also be referred to as a slide-out display or an expandable display.

According to various embodiments, the rollable electronic device3100may include the above-described conductive plate (e.g., the conductive plate2306inFIG.5B). For example, the flexible display3103may include a conductive plate (e.g., the conductive plate2306ofFIG.5B). For example, the conductive plate may be disposed between the flexible display3103and the articulated hinge3113. A partial area and a remaining area of the conductive plate may have different patterns. For example, openings (e.g., the openings K1inFIG.5B) may be provided in a partial area of the conductive plate, and the openings K1are not provided in another partial area. Alternatively, openings having a pattern (e.g., shape, size, and/or arrangement interval) different from that of the openings (e.g., the opening K1ofFIG.5B) provided in a partial area of the conductive plate may be provided. For example, Like the openings K1which are provided in an area corresponding to the bendable portion2306-3of the conductive plate of the electronic device101as described above, the openings K1are provided in at least a portion of an area of the conductive plate corresponding to the second area A2-1of the flexible display3103(or an area curved according to drawing-out and/or drawing-in of the flexible display) of the rollable electronic device, and no openings may be provided in the remaining area corresponding to the first area A1-1. Alternatively, in the remaining area, openings may be provided in a pattern (e.g., shape, size, and/or arrangement interval) that is different from that of the openings K1provided in the second area A2-1.

According to another embodiment, the conductive plate (e.g., the conductive plate2306inFIG.5B) included in the expandable display may extend to a flat area (e.g., the first area A1-1), and openings K1may also be provided in at least a portion of the areas corresponding to the extension area (e.g., the second area A2-1) and the flat area (e.g., the first area A1-1).

The flexible display3103according to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is applicable to various transformable electronic devices configured such that the shape of a display and/or display area of a display are changeable through structural change of at least one housing.

Hereinafter, an example of an operation of configuring at least one of correction values (threshold values and offset values) or threshold values of the rollable electronic device3100will be described with reference toFIGS.27and28. According to various embodiments, to the operation of configuring at least one of correction values (threshold values and offset values) or threshold values of the rollable electronic device3100, the operations of the electronic device101described above with reference toFIGS.18A to23, in addition to the operations to be described below.

FIG.27Ais a view for describing an example of an operation of configuring a correction value (a gain value and/or an offset value) or a threshold value based on drawing-in or drawing-out of a flexible display3103of a rollable electronic device3100according to various embodiments.FIG.27Bis a view for describing an example of an operation of configuring a correction value (a gain value and/or an offset value) or a threshold value based on drawing-in or drawing-out of a flexible display3103of a rollable electronic device3100according to various embodiments.FIG.28is a view for describing an example of an operation of configuring different correction values (a gain value, and/or an offset value) or threshold values for respective areas of a conductive plate of a rollable electronic device3100according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the rollable electronic device3100may include resistors (e.g., the first resistor731and the second resistor732) for sensing pressure on an area (e.g., an area corresponding to the second area A2-1) in which the above-described openings K1of the conductive plate are provided. As described above, on an area of the conductive plate of the rollable electronic device3100in which the openings K1are provided (e.g., the area corresponding to the second area A2-1), some resistors (e.g., the first resistor731) may also be disposed on the openings K1at a first proportion, and other resistors (e.g., the second resistor732) may be disposed at a second proportion greater than the first proportion.

According to various embodiments, in the rollable electronic device3100, a correction value (e.g., a gain value and/or an offset value) and a threshold value may be set for accurate identifying a user input received on the flexible display3103corresponding the area of the conductive plate in which the openings K1are provided (e.g., the area corresponding to the second area A2-1).

For example, in the rollable electronic device3100, a correction value (e.g., a gain value and/or an offset value) and/or a threshold value) corresponding to a degree of deformation may be set based on the degree of deformation (or bending degree) of a portion of the area of the conductive plate in which the openings K1are provided (e.g., the area corresponding to the second area A2-1). For example, when the flexible display3103of the rollable electronic device101is drawn into the electronic device3100or drawn out of the electronic device3100based on the sliding of the first structure301, the degree of deformation (or the degree of bending) of a portion of the area the conductive plate in which the openings K1are provided (e.g., the area corresponding to the second area A2-1) may be changed. For example, when a portion of the area of the conductive plate in which the openings K1are provided (e.g., the area corresponding to the second area A2-1) is disposed corresponding to a roller according to drawing-in and/or drawing-out of the flexible display3103, the portion may be further deformed (or bent). As an example, as illustrated inFIGS.27A to27B, when the flexible display3103is drawn in (FIG.27A), a portion of the area of the conductive plate in which the openings K1are provided (e.g., the area corresponding to the second area A2-1) may be relatively further curved compared to the case where the flexible display3103is drawn out (FIG.27B). When a portion of the area of the conductive plate in which the openings K1are provided is further deformed (e.g.,FIG.27A), the rollable electronic device3100may execute at least one of an operation of configuring a relatively greater gain value, an operation of configuring a smaller correction value, or an operation of configuring a smaller threshold value. Since the description of the operations of configuring correction values and threshold values of the foldable electronic device101described above may be applicable mutatis mutandis, a redundant description will be omitted.

For example, in the rollable electronic device3100, a correction value (e.g., a gain value and an offset value) and/or a threshold value corresponding to the degree of deformation (or the degree of bending) may be configured for each of the sub-areas (e.g., the sub-areas2811and2812inFIG.28) of the area of the conductive plate in which openings K1are provided (e.g., the area corresponding to the second area A2-1). For example, in the state in which the flexible display3103is drawn out and/or drawn in, the sub-areas of the area of the conductive plate in which the openings K1are provided (e.g., the area corresponding to the second area A2-1) are may be deformed (or bent) to different degrees. As an example, as illustrated inFIG.28, in the state in which the flexible display3103is drawn in, the second sub-area2812of the area of the conductive plate in which the openings K1are provided (e.g., the area corresponding to the second area A2-1) may be more deformed (or bent) than the first sub-area2811. Alternatively, without being limited to the above description, the first sub-area2811may be more deformed (or bent) than the second sub-area2812. For a relatively more deformed sub-area (e.g., the second sub-area2812inFIG.28) of the area of the conductive plate in which the openings K1are provided, the rollable electronic device3100may execute at least one of an operation of configuring a gain value relatively greater than that of a relatively less deformed sub-area (e.g., the first sub-area2811inFIG.28), an operation of configuring a relatively smaller correction value than that of the relatively less deformed sub-area, or an operation of configuring a smaller threshold value than that of the relatively less deformed sub-area. Since the description of the operations of configuring correction values and threshold values of the foldable electronic device101described above may be applicable mutatis mutandis, a redundant description will be omitted.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device200inFIG.4) may include a housing structure (e.g., the first and second housings210and220inFIG.1), a flexible display (e.g.,230) disposed on the housing structure, a pressure sensor (e.g.,712) including a first resistor (e.g.,731) and a second resistor (e.g.,732) disposed in at least a portion of the flexible display, and a control circuit (e.g.,720), wherein the control circuit is configured to detect a value associated with a pressure applied to the flexible display based on values corresponding to the first resistor and the second resistor when the flexible display is touched.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit may include at least one of a touch sensor control circuit(e.g.,721) and a display driving circuit (e.g.,722).

According to various embodiments, the flexible display may include a window, a display panel disposed on the rear surface of the window, a polarizer disposed between the window and the display panel, a touch panel disposed between the polarizer and the display panel, a plurality of touch sensors disposed on the touch panel and configured to detect a touch of an external object facing a front surface of the window, a polymer member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel, a conductive plate attached to a rear surface of the polymer member and including a plurality of openings, the first resistor disposed in an area other than the plurality of openings, and the second resistor disposed on at least some of the plurality of openings.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of openings may have an equal size or different sizes, and the plurality of openings K1may include at least one of an elongated bar-type shape, a circular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a rhombus shape, or an oval shape.

According to various embodiments, the first resistor may be provided in a first pattern, and the second resistor may be provided in a second pattern, each of the shape of the first pattern and the shape of the second pattern may include a shape of a zigzag pattern, and the shape of the zigzag pattern of each of the first resistor and the second resistor may have a predetermined interval.

According to various embodiments, the first resistor may have a width that is greater or smaller than the width of a support area provided between the plurality of openings.

According to various embodiments, the first resistor may have a width that is equal to the width of the support area provided between the plurality of openings.

According to various embodiments, when the width of the first resistor is smaller than the width of the second resistor, the thickness of the first resistor may be greater or smaller than the thickness of the second resistor.

According to various embodiments, the width of the second resistor may be greater or smaller than the width of a spatial area provided in the plurality of openings.

According to various embodiments, the width of the second resistor may be equal to the width of the spatial area provided in the plurality of openings.

According to various embodiments, when the width of the second resistor is smaller than the width of the first resistor, the thickness of the second resistor may be greater than the thickness of the first resistor.

According to various embodiments, the conductive plate may include first and second flat portions facing the housing structure, and a bendable portion that integrally interconnects the first flat portion and the second flat portion and allows the conductive plate to be folded or unfolded via the plurality of openings which are spaced apart from each other.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a touch sensor, and the control circuit may be configured to acquire at least one first value associated with a user input in the same manner as operation using the touch sensor, to acquire a value associated with the pressure of the touch by using the pressure sensor, and to perform control such that at least one operation is executed based on the at least one first value and the at least one second value.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to compare the at least one first value with a first threshold value, to compare the at least one second value with the second threshold value, and to perform control such that the at least one operation is executed based on the comparison result with the first threshold value and a comparison result with the second threshold value.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit may be configured, based on a comparison result of the at least one first value with the first threshold value, to identify the second threshold value corresponding to the comparison result.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a hinge structure, wherein the housing structure may include a first housing and a second housing connected to the hinge structure, and the control circuit may be configured to reflect a first gain value on a value associated with the pressure of the touch when the input is positioned in a first area of the flexible display associated with the hinge structure and an angle between the first housing and the second housing is a first angle, to compare the value associated with the pressure of the touch on which the first gain value is reflected with the second threshold value, to reflect a second gain value on the value associated with the pressure of the touch when the angle between the first housing and the second housing is a second angle, and to compare the value associated with the pressure of the touch on which the second gain value is reflected with the second threshold value.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to configure the second threshold value to the first value when the angle between the first housing and the second housing is the first angle, and to configure the second threshold value to the second value when the angle between the first housing and the second housing is the second angle.

According to various embodiments, the first area on the flexible display associated with the hinge structure may include a first sub-area and a second sub-area, and the control circuit may be configured to reflect a third gain value on the value associated with the pressure of the touch when the touch is positioned in the first sub-area, and to reflect a fourth gain value on the value associated with the pressure of the touch when the touch is positioned in the second sub-area.

According to various embodiments, when the angle between the first housing and the second housing is changed, the first sub-area may be relatively more curved than the second sub-area, and the third gain value may be greater than the fourth gain value.

According to various embodiments, the control circuit may be configured to compare the value associated with the pressure of the touch on which the third gain value is reflected with a third threshold value when the touch is positioned in the first sub-area, and to compare the value associated with the pressure of the touch on which the fourth gain value is reflected with a fourth threshold value when the touch is positioned in the second sub-area.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a hinge structure, a housing structure including a first housing and a second housing connected to the hinge structure, a flexible display disposed on the housing structure, a conductive plate disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display and including a plurality of openings, a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, wherein a first proportion of the first resistor disposed on the plurality of openings is less than a second proportion of the resistor disposed on the plurality of openings, and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit may be configured to detect a value associated with a pressure applied to the flexible display based on values corresponding to the first resistor and the second resistor when a user input is received on the flexible display.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a hinge structure, a housing structure including a first housing and a second housing connected to the hinge structure, a flexible display disposed on the housing structure, a pressure sensor including a first resistor and a second resistor disposed in at least a portion of the flexible display, a touch sensor, and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit may be configured to receive a user input in an area corresponding to the hinge structure on the flexible display, to acquire at least one first value associated with a touch of the input by using the touch sensor, to acquire at least one second value associated with the pressure of the input by using the pressure sensor based on a first change amount in the resistance value of the first resistor and a second change amount in the resistance value of the second resistor, wherein the second change amount is greater than the first change amount, using the pressure sensor, and to execute at least one operation based on the at least one first value and the at least one second value.

As will be apparent to a person ordinarily skilled in the technical field to which the disclosure belongs, an electronic device including a pressure sensor according to various embodiments of the disclosure is not limited by the above-described embodiments and drawings, and may be variously substituted, modified, and changed within the technical scope of the disclosure.