Electronic device having a curved display and control method thereof

An electronic device and a method for controlling the same are provided. The electronic device includes a display including a main display area and an auxiliary display area extended from the main display area, a sensing part configured to detect a signal of an electronic pen located on the display, and a processor configured to control the electronic device according to the detected signal. The processor is further configured to, based on an area in which the signal is detected being a first area of the auxiliary display area, carry out a first function corresponding to the signal, and based on an area in which the signal is detected being a second area of the auxiliary display area, to carry out a second function corresponding to the signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of a Korean Patent Application Number 10-2017-0149878, filed on Nov. 10, 2017, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and the disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for controlling the electronic device. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an electronic device having a curved display and a method for controlling the electronic device.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years, a display of an electronic device such as a smartphone includes a main display area and an auxiliary display area. The auxiliary display area is implemented in a form of a curved surface.

Accordingly, the electronic device may provide various forms of UI through at least one of the main display area and auxiliary display area of the display. Further, the electronic device may detect a signal of an input device such as an electronic pen, and according to the detected signal, control a function of a UI displayed on at least one of the main display area and the auxiliary display area or a function of the electronic device.

In a case in which a signal generated from an input device such as an electronic pen is detected on the auxiliary display area, the electronic device may detect a signal of the input device only within a preset range. As described above, the electronic device may detect a signal of an input device located on the auxiliary display area within a preset range and thus, there is a problem that the electronic device is not used with respect to the auxiliary display area more efficiently.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to allow an electronic device which includes a main display area and an auxiliary display area, and includes a display in which the auxiliary display area is implemented in a form of a curved surface to further easily detect a signal generated from an input device such as an electronic pen.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to allow an auxiliary display area which is implemented in a form of a curved surface to perform various control functions based on the detected signal of the input device.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display including a main display area and an auxiliary display area extended from the main display area, a sensing part configured to detect a signal of an electronic pen located on the display, and a processor configured to control the electronic device according to the detected signal. The processor is further configured to, based on an area in which the signal is detected being a first area of the auxiliary display area, carry out a first function corresponding to the signal, and based on an area in which the signal is detected being a second area of the auxiliary display area, to carry out a second function corresponding to the signal.

The first area may be an area connected to the main display area based on a reference line from among the auxiliary display area. The second area may be an area disconnected from the main display area based on the reference line from among the auxiliary display area.

The reference line may be a line connecting points satisfying an equation shown below: D1+D2=D3. D1is a shortest distance between a first point of a portion of the display from which a curved surface area starts and a second point at which the signal is detected. D2is a shortest distance between the second point at which the signal is detected and an extended line that extends from a location of the electronic pen to the curved surface area in a vertical direction perpendicular to a horizontal direction, the main display area extending in the horizontal direction. D3is a shortest distance between a point of the portion of the display from which the curved surface area starts and a third point at which the curved surface area ends.

The processor may be configured to, based on the signal being detected in the first area, select at least one object displayed on the auxiliary display area, and based on the signal being detected in the second area, to scroll at least one of the main display area and the auxiliary display area.

The processor may be configured to, based on the signal being detected in the first area, select at least one object displayed on the auxiliary display area, and based on the signal being detected in the second area, to display a user interface (UI) screen including at least one icon on the auxiliary display area.

The processor may be configured to, while the main display area and the auxiliary display area are deactivated, based on the signal being detected in the second area, activate the auxiliary display area to display a UI screen including at least one icon.

The auxiliary display area may include a first auxiliary display area which is configured to extend from one side of the main display area and a second auxiliary display which is configured to extend from an other side of the main display area, the first auxiliary display area including a first area and a second area, the second auxiliary display area including a first area and a second area. The processor may be configured to, while a content is displayed on the display, based on the signal being detected in the second area of the first auxiliary display area, carry out a first function for controlling a displaying of the content, and while a content is displayed on the display, based on the signal being detected in the second area of the second auxiliary display area, to carry out a second function for controlling a displaying of the content.

The auxiliary display area may be an edge area of the display.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a method for controlling an electronic device is provided. The method includes detecting a signal of an electronic pen located on a display including a main display area and an auxiliary display area configured to extend from the main display area and include a curved surface area, and controlling the electronic device according to the detected signal. The controlling may include, based on an area in which the signal is detected being a first area of the auxiliary display area, carrying out a first function corresponding to the signal, and based on an area in which the signal is detected being a second area, carrying out a second function corresponding to the signal.

The first area may be an area connected to the main display area based on a reference line from among the auxiliary display area. The second area may be an area disconnected from the main display area based on the reference line from among the auxiliary display area.

The reference line may be a line connecting points satisfying an equation shown below: D1+D2=D3. D1is a shortest distance between a first point of a portion of the display from which a curved surface area starts and a second point at which the signal is detected. D2is a shortest distance between the second point at which the signal is detected and an extended line that extends from a location of the electronic pen to the curved surface area in a vertical direction perpendicular to a horizontal direction, the main display area of the display extending in the horizontal direction. D3is a shortest distance between a point of a portion of the display from which the curved surface area starts and a third point at which the curved surface area ends.

The controlling may include, based on the signal being detected in the first area, selecting at least one object displayed on the auxiliary display area, and based on the signal being detected in the second area, scrolling at least one of the main display area and the auxiliary display area.

The controlling may include, based on the signal being detected in the first area, selecting at least one object displayed on the auxiliary display area, and based on the signal being detected in the second area, displaying a user interface (UI) screen including at least one icon on the auxiliary display area.

The controlling may include, while the main display area and the auxiliary display area are deactivated, based on the signal being detected in the second area, activating the auxiliary display area to display a UI screen including at least one icon.

The auxiliary display area may include a first auxiliary display area which is configured to extend from one side of the main display area and a second auxiliary display which is configured to extend from an other side of the main display area, the first auxiliary display area including a first area and a second area, the second auxiliary display area including a first area and a second area. The controlling may include, while a content is displayed on the display, based on the signal being detected in the second area of the first auxiliary display area, carrying out a first function for controlling a displaying of the content, and while a content is displayed on the display, based on the signal being detected in the second area of the second auxiliary display area, carrying out a second function for controlling a displaying of the content.

The auxiliary display area may be an edge area of the display.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a computer program product that includes a non-transitory computer recording medium for storing a computer program that is capable of being executed by a user terminal is provided. The computer program includes an operation of detecting a signal of an electronic pen located on a display including a main display area and an auxiliary display area configured to extend from the main display area and include a curved surface area, and an operation of controlling the electronic device according to the detected signal. The operation of controlling may include, based on an area in which the signal is detected being a first area of the auxiliary display area, carrying out a first function corresponding to the signal, and based on an area in which the signal is detected being a second area of the auxiliary display area, carrying out a second function corresponding to the signal.

According to the various example embodiments described above, an electronic device which includes a main display area and an auxiliary display area, and includes a display in which an auxiliary display area is implemented in a form of a curved surface may detect a signal generated from an input device, such as an electronic pen, more easily.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure may have several embodiments, and the embodiments may be modified variously. In the following description, specific embodiments are provided with accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions thereof. However, this does not necessarily limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments to a specific embodiment form. Instead, modifications, equivalents and replacements included in the disclosed concept and technical scope of this specification may be employed. While describing exemplary embodiments, if it is determined that the specific description regarding a known technology obscures the gist of the disclosure, the specific description is omitted.

In the present disclosure, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from another entity, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or order between such entities. In embodiments of the present disclosure, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from another entity, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or order between such entities.

The terms used herein are solely intended to explain a specific exemplary embodiment, and not to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “include”, “comprise”, “is configured to,” etc., of the description are used to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combination thereof, and they should not exclude the possibilities of combination or addition of one or more features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or a combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, ‘a module’ or ‘a unit’ performs at least one function or operation, and may be realized as hardware, such as a processor or integrated circuit, software that is executed by a processor, or a combination thereof. In addition, a plurality of ‘modules’ or a plurality of ‘units’ may be integrated into at least one module and may be realized as at least one processor except for ‘modules’ or ‘units’ that should be realized in a specific hardware.

Further, in embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is described that a portion is connected to another portion, the portion may be either connected directly to the other portion, or connected indirectly via another medium. Further, when a certain portion includes a certain element, unless specified to the contrary, this means that another element may be additionally included, rather than precluding another element.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an example embodiment.

The electronic device100may receive a user command through an electronic pen or a touch input of a user. The electronic device100may, for example, be a portable terminal device such as a smartphone and a tablet PC. However, the example is not limited thereto, and the electronic device100may be a large-screen display device such as an electronic board which is capable of receiving a touch input.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the electronic device may include a display110, a sensing part120, and a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)130. The processor may be implemented as at least one processor, and the sensing part may be the same as a sensor.

The display110may display a content received from an external server such as a content server (not illustrated), or a pre-stored content-related data. In addition, the display110may display a UI screen including at least one icon for controlling operations of the electronic device100, or may display an execution screen corresponding to a selected icon.

The display110may include a main display area and an auxiliary display area which is formed to extend from the main display area and includes a curved surface area.

The auxiliary display area which is formed to extend from the main display area and includes a curved surface area may be formed to extend from at least one of left and right sides of the main display area.

However, the example is not limited thereto, and the auxiliary display area may be formed to extend from at least one of upper and lower sides of the main display area.

The sensing part120may detect a signal of an electronic pen200which is located on the display110as illustrated inFIG. 3which will be described later. The sensing part120and the display110may be implemented in a form of one touch screen.

In an implementation, the sensing part120may be implemented as a plurality of electrodes. The sensing part120may receive a signal transmitted from the electronic pen200approaching or coming in contact with the display110through at least one of the plurality of electrodes, and thereby detect a signal of the electronic pen200located on the display110.

A technique of detecting a signal of the electronic pen200located on the display110is a well-known art and thus, the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

The electronic pen200may be, without a power supply, implemented as a passive type in which a pen is activated by a signal generated through the sensing part120of the electronic device100and operated or an active type in which a pen is provided with a power supply in itself and operated.

When a signal generated from the electronic pen200located on the display110is detected through the sensing part120, the processor130may control the operations of the electronic device according to the detected signal.

When a signal is detected through the sensing part120, the processor130may determine an area in which the signal is detected. As a result of determination, in a case where the area in which the signal is detected is a main display area of the display110, the processor130may carry out a function corresponding to the signal in the main display area. For example, in a state in which a UI including at least one item is displayed in the main display area, when it is identified that a signal is detected in the main display area, the processor130may execute an item located in an area in which the signal is detected from among at least one item included in the displayed UI.

When it is identified that an area in which a signal is detected through the sensing part120is a preset first area from among the auxiliary display area, the processor130may carry out a first function corresponding to the signal. When it is identified that an area in which a signal is detected through the sensing part120is a preset second area from among the auxiliary display area, the processor130may carry out a second function corresponding to the signal.

The first area may be an area which is connected to the main display area based on a preset reference line from among the auxiliary display area. The second area may be an area which is disconnected from the main display area based on a preset reference line from among the auxiliary display area.

A reference line dividing the auxiliary display area into first and second areas may be a line connecting points satisfying the [mathematical formula 1] as shown below.
D1+D2=D3  [Mathematical formula 1]

The D1refers to a shortest distance between a first point of a portion of the display from which a curved surface area starts and a second point at which a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected.

The D2refers to a shortest distance between the second point at which the signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected and a line that extends from a position of the electronic pen200to the curved surface area in a vertical direction perpendicular to a horizontal direction in which the main display area extends.

The D3refers to a shortest distance between a point of the portion of the display from which the curved surface area starts and a third point at which the curved surface area ends.

Accordingly, when it is identified that a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the auxiliary display area, the processor130may identify whether the area at which the signal is detected is a first area or a second area based on a reference line set by the mathematical formula 1 described above.

As described above, when it is identified that a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in a first area or a second area of the auxiliary display area, the processor130may carry out a function corresponding to the detected signal through the example embodiment as described below.

In an implementation, when it is identified that a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the first area of the auxiliary display area, the processor130may select an object corresponding to a point at which the signal is detected in the first area from among at least one object displayed in the auxiliary display area, and execute the selected object.

When it is identified that a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the second area of the auxiliary display area, the processor130may carry out an operation of scrolling at least one of the main display area and the auxiliary display area.

In another implementation, in a state in which the main display area and the auxiliary display area are deactivated, when a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the second area of the auxiliary display area, the processor130may activate the auxiliary display area to display a UI screen including at least one icon.

In another implementation, when a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the second area of the auxiliary display area, the processor130may carry out a different function.

In detail, the auxiliary display area may include a first auxiliary display area which is formed to extend from one side of the main display area and a second auxiliary display area which is formed to extend from the other side of the main display area.

In a state in which a content is displayed on the display110including the main display area and the auxiliary display area, when a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the second area of the first auxiliary display area, the processor130may carry out a first function for controlling a displaying of the content.

In a state in which a content is displayed on the display110including the main display area and the auxiliary display area, when a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the second area of the second auxiliary display area, the processor130may carry out a second function for controlling a displaying of the content.

For example, the display110may display a web page screen through at least one of the main display area and the auxiliary display area. In a state that the web page screen is displayed, when a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the second area of the first auxiliary display area, the processor130may carry out a first function for moving the web page screen up, down, left, and right.

When a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the second area of the second auxiliary display area, the processor130may carry out a second function for moving the web page to a start page or last page of the web page screen.

FIG. 2is a detailed block diagram of an electronic device, according to an example embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the electronic device100may further include an input interface140, a communication interface150, a camera160, an audio output interface170, and a storage180in addition to the elements described above.

The input interface140may receive a user command, and may be an input means for receiving selection commands according to various user manipulations of a user and transferring the received selection commands to the processor130. The input interface140may be realized, as non-limiting examples, as a touch pad capable of receiving a touch input, a key pad including various function keys, number keys, character keys, etc.

The communication interface150may communicate with a terminal capable of performing wireless communication (not illustrated), a content server providing a content (not illustrated), a web server providing a web content, etc.

The communication interface150may be implemented as communication modules such as a near-field wireless communication module (not illustrated) and a wireless communication module (not illustrated). In this example, the near field wireless communication module (not illustrated) is a communication module which performs wireless communication with a terminal (not illustrated) located nearby, which may be, for example, a Bluetooth, a ZigBee, a near field communication (NFC), and etc. The wireless communication module (not illustrated) may access a mobile communication network according to various mobile communication standards, such as a Wi-Fi, a 3rd Generation (3G), a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a Long Term Evolution (LTE), and the like, and communicate with a content server (not illustrated), a web server (not illustrated), etc.

The camera160is to photograph still images or moving images according to the user command and may be implemented in plural like a front camera and a rear camera.

The audio output interface170may output an audio signal which is processed from audio data included in a content requested by a user.

The storage180may store an operating program for driving the electronic device100, an execution program for executing a plurality of applications, a content, data, and etc.

In this regard, the operating program may be a program which is, when the electronic device100is turned on, read in the storage180and compiled to operate each configuration of the electronic device100.

Meanwhile, the processor130described above may include a RAM131, a ROM132, a CPU133, and a GPU134. The RAM131, the ROM132, the CPU133, and the GPU134may be interconnected with each other via a bus.

The CPU133accesses the storage180and performs booting using the O/S stored in the storage180. In addition, the CPU133performs various operations using various programs, contents, and data stored in the storage180.

The GPU134generates a display screen including a variety of objects, such as an icon, an image, a text, and the like. In more detail, the GPU134calculates an attribute value, such as a coordinate value, shape, size and color of each of the objects to be displayed, according to a layout of a screen based on the received control command, and generates a display screen of various layouts including the object based on the calculated attribute value.

The ROM131may store a command set, and the like for system booting. If a turn-on command is input and the power is supplied, the CPU133copies the O/S stored in the memory180into the RAM124according to the command stored in the ROM131, and boots the system by executing the O/S. When the booting is completed, the CPU133may copy the various programs stored in the storage180to the RAM132, and perform various operations by implementing the programs copied to the RAM132.

The processor130may be implemented by a system-on-a chip (SOC) or a system on chip (Soc) by being combined with each of configurations described above.

Additionally, the operations of the above-described processor130may be performed by a program stored in the storage180. In this regard, the storage180may be implemented by using at least one of a memory card (e.g., an SD card and a memory stick) which can be mounted in or dismounted from a read only memory (ROM)131, a random access memory (RAM)132, or the electronic apparatus100, a non-volatile memory, a volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD).

The respective configurations of the electronic device100according to an example embodiment have been described above. Hereinafter, it will be described in detail an example of, in a case in which a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in an auxiliary display area of the electronic device100, identifying whether the signal is detected in a first area or a second area of the auxiliary display area.

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example display of an electronic device according to an example embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the display110may include a main display area310and an auxiliary display area320. As described above, the auxiliary display area320may be formed to extend from the main display area310.

In detail, the auxiliary display area320may be formed to extend from one side of the main display area310or may be formed to extend from the opposite sides of the main display area310.

Accordingly, the electronic device100may, based on an area in which a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected, identify whether the signal is detected in the main display area310or the auxiliary display area320, and carry out a function according to the signal in the identified area.

The above-described auxiliary display area320may be divided into first and second areas321and322based on a reference line connecting points identified based on the mathematical formula 1 described above.

In a case in which a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may carry out a first function according to the signal. In a case in which a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the second area322of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may carry out a second function according to the signal.

FIGS. 4 and 5are diagrams illustrating examples of determining a reference line for dividing an auxiliary display area in an electronic device into a first area and a second area according to various example embodiments.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the auxiliary display area320which is formed to extend from the main display area310may include a curved surface area which is capable of detecting a signal of an electronic pen200. The point A is a point on the display where the curved surface area410starts. The point B is a point on the display where the curved surface area410ends. In a case in which a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the curved surface area410, the point C may be a reference point of a reference line for determining whether the detected signal is detected in the first area321or the second area322.

Accordingly, in a case in which the point C is continued in one side direction, a reference line which serves as a reference for determining whether a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321or the second area322may be identified.

In detail, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the reference point for determining whether a signal generated in the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321or the second area322may be a point C2where distances of D1and D2correspond to a distance of D3. That is, the reference point may be a point prior to the distance of D3is longer than the distances of D1and D2.

In detail, the electronic device100may calculate a shortest distance (D1) between a first point of a portion of the display where the curved surface area410starts and an arbitrary second point (C2) of the curved surface area410. In addition, the electronic device100may calculate a shortest distance (D2) between the arbitrary second point (C2) and an extended line extending from an arbitrary position (C1) to the curved surface area410in a vertical a direction perpendicular to a horizontal direction in which the main display area extends.

The arbitrary second point (C2) is a point where it is predicted that a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected at the arbitrary position (C1) at which the electronic pen200is present.

In addition, the arbitrary position (C1) of the electronic pen200may be a point at which an extended line which extends by passing through the second point at which a signal is detected from the point E in a straight-lined direction and an extended line which extends from a point B where the curved surface area410ends to a straight-lined direction meet.

In addition, the electronic device100may calculate a shortest distance (D3) between a point of the portion of the display where the curved surface area410of the auxiliary display area320starts and the point B where the curved surface area410ends.

Thereafter, the electronic device100may identify whether a sum of the calculated shortest distance (D1) and the calculated shortest distance (D2) and the calculated shortest distance (D3) are identical to each other. As a result of identification, if the sum of the shortest distance (D1) and the shortest distance (D2) is larger than the shortest distance (D3), the electronic device100may change the second point (C2) at which it is predicted that a signal generated in the arbitrary position (C1) of the electronic pen200is detected, and re-perform a series of performing operations described above, based on the changed second point (C2).

When the sum of the shortest distance (D1) and the shortest distance (D2) are identical to the shortest distance (D3) through the series of performing operations, the electronic device100may identify the second point (C2) used in the corresponding condition as a reference point for dividing the auxiliary display area320into the first and second areas321and322. Thereafter, the electronic device100may identify that a line connecting the reference point is a reference line for dividing the auxiliary display area320into the first and second areas321and322.

After identifying a reference point for dividing the auxiliary display area320into the first and second areas321and322, when a signal generated from the electronic device200is detected on the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may identify which of the first area321and the second area322the signal generated from the electronic pen200is generated from, based on the predetermined reference line.

That is, the electronic device100may identify whether a point where a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected is included in the first area321connected to the main display area310based on the predetermined reference line, and according to whether the point is located in the second area322disconnected from the main display area321, identify whether the signal is detected at the first point321or the second point322.

Further, in a case in which a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may identify whether the signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320.

FIGS. 6 and 7are diagrams illustrating example operations of detecting a signal of an electronic pen in an auxiliary display area of an electronic device according to various example embodiments.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, a signal generated in the electronic pen200may be detected at a particular point (hereinafter referred to as “second point”) of the auxiliary display area320from among the main display area310and the auxiliary display area320included in the display110.

When a signal of the electronic pen200is detected at the second point (C2′), the electronic device100may calculate a shortest distance (D1′) between the first point of the portion of the display where the curved surface area410starts and the second point (C2′) where the signal of the electronic pen200is detected.

In addition, the electronic device100may calculate a shortest distance (D2′) between the second point (C2′) where the signal of the electronic pen200is detected and an extended line extending from the point C1′ at which the electronic pen200is located to the curved surface area410in a vertical direction.

The point at which the electronic pen200is located (C1′) may be a point at which an extended line which extends by passing through the second point (C2′) at which a signal of the electronic pen200is detected from the point E in a straight-lined direction and an extended line which extends from a point C3′ in a vertical direction meet.

In addition, the electronic device100may calculate a shortest distance (D3) between a point of the portion of the display where the curved surface area410starts and a third point (B) where the curved surface area410ends.

Thereafter, the electronic device100may identify whether the sum of D1and D2satisfies D3based on the mathematical formula 1 described above. As a result of identification, if the sum of D1and D2is less than D3, the electronic device100may identify that a signal of the electronic pen200detected in the auxiliary display area320is detected in the first area321of the auxiliary display area320.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, a signal generated in the electronic pen200may be detected at a particular point (hereinafter referred to as “second point”) of the auxiliary display area320from among the main display area310and the auxiliary display area320included in the display110.

When a signal of the electronic pen200is detected at the second point (C2″), the electronic device100may calculate a shortest distance (D1″) between the first point of the portion of the display where the curved surface area410starts and the second point (C2″) where the signal of the electronic pen200is detected.

In addition, the electronic device100may calculate a shortest distance (D2″) between the second point (C2″) where the signal of the electronic pen200is detected and an extended line extending from the point C1″ at which the electronic pen200is located to the curved surface area410in a vertical direction.

The point at which the electronic pen200is located (C1″) may be a point at which an extended line which extends by passing through a second point (C2″) at which a signal of the electronic pen200is detected from the point E in a straight-lined direction and an extended line which extends from the third point B where the curved surface area410ends to a straight-lined direction meet.

In addition, the electronic device100may calculate a shortest distance (D3″) between a point of the portion of the display where the curved surface area410starts and the third point (B) where the curved surface area410ends.

Thereafter, the electronic device100may identify whether the sum of D1and D2satisfies D3based on the mathematical formula 1 described above. As a result of identification, if the sum of D1and D2corresponds to D3, the electronic device100may identify that a signal of the electronic pen200detected in the auxiliary display area320is detected in the first area322of the auxiliary display area320.

When it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may carry out a first function or a second function according to a signal of the electronic pen detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320.

Hereinafter, an operation of carrying out a function according to a signal of the electronic pen200detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320in the electronic device100will be described in detail.

FIGS. 8-13are diagrams illustrating examples of carrying out a function according to a signal of an electronic pen detected through an auxiliary display area in an electronic device according to various example embodiments. The examples will be described with reference toFIGS. 3-7.

As illustrated in section (a) ofFIG. 8, the electronic device100may display a home screen810through the display110including the main display area310and the auxiliary display area320.

In a state that the home screen810is displayed, a signal generated from the electronic pen200may be detected through the auxiliary display area320.

When a signal of the electronic pen200is detected, the electronic device100may identify whether a signal of the electronic pen200detected through the auxiliary display area320is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320.

An operation of identifying whether a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320is described in detail above, and thus the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

As a result of identification, when it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area322of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may display a UI screen820including an icon corresponding to each of a plurality of applications through the auxiliary display area320.

That is, when it is identified that a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area322of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may display the home screen810on the main display area310, and display a UI screen820including an icon corresponding to each of the plurality of applications on the auxiliary display area320.

In a case in which the UI screen820is displayed on the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may display the home screen810on the main display area310through the example embodiment as shown below.

In an implementation, the electronic device100may display, on the main display area310, the home screen810with respect to a remaining area from which an area displayed on the auxiliary display area320is removed from among an entire area of the home screen810displayed on the display110.

In another implementation, the electronic device100may adjust a size of the home screen810displayed on the display110to a size capable of being displayed on the main display area310and display it.

In a state in which the home screen810is displayed, when a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected through the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may display the home screen810on the main display area310, and display a UI screen820including an icon corresponding to each of a plurality of applications on the auxiliary display area320.

As described above, in a state in which the home screen810is displayed on the main display area310and the UI screen820including an icon corresponding to each of a plurality of applications is displayed on the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may, as illustrated inFIG. 9, detect a signal generated from the electronic pen200from the auxiliary display area320.

When the signal of the electronic pen200is detected, the electronic device100may identify whether the signal is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320.

An operation of identifying whether a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320is described in detail above, and thus the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

As a result of identification, when it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may select an icon at a position near a point at which the signal of the electronic pen200is detected from among a plurality of icons included in the UI screen820displayed on the auxiliary display area320, and execute an application corresponding to the selected icon.

When it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area322of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may carry out an operation for scrolling the UI screen820displayed on the auxiliary display area320.

That is, after a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area322of the auxiliary display area320, when a signal according to up-and-down movement of the electronic device200is detected, the electronic device100may scroll the UI screen820displayed on the auxiliary display area320in a direction corresponding to a direction of the up-and-down movement of the electronic pen200.

As illustrated in section (a) ofFIG. 10, in a state in which the display110including the main display area310and the auxiliary display area320is a black screen mode, a signal generated from the electronic pen200may be detected through the auxiliary display area320.

In general, the black screen mode may be a mode in which a power is not supplied to the display110including the main display area310and the auxiliary display area320or a mode in which a power corresponding to a standby power of a minimum unit is supplied to at least one of the main display area310and the auxiliary display area320.

In an example embodiment, the black screen mode may be a state mode in which a power corresponding to a standby power of a minimum unit is supplied.

When a signal of the electronic pen200is detected through the auxiliary display area320in the black screen mode, the electronic device100may identify whether a signal of the electronic pen200detected through the auxiliary display area320is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320.

An operation of identifying whether a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320is described in detail above, and thus the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

As a result of identification, when it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may activate the auxiliary display area320in the black screen mode. Thereafter, as illustrated in section (b) ofFIG. 10, the electronic device100may display an execution screen UI1010for a preset application from among a plurality of applications through the activated auxiliary display area320.

However, the example is not limited thereto. In a state in which the electronic device100is in a black screen mode, when a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected through the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may activate the auxiliary display area320, and display the execution screen UI1010with respect to a preset application from among a plurality of applications through the activated auxiliary display area320.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, in a state in which a web page screen1110is displayed on the display110including the main display area310and the auxiliary display area320, a signal generated from the electronic pen200may be detected in the auxiliary display area320.

The auxiliary display area320may be formed to extend from each of the opposite sides of the main display area310. A signal of the electronic pen200may be detected through the auxiliary display area320extended from one side of the main display area310.

The electronic device100may identify whether the detected signal is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320.

An operation of identifying whether a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320is described in detail above, and thus the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

As a result of identification, when it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area322of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may carry out an operation for scrolling the web page screen1110displayed on the display110including the main display area310and the auxiliary display area320.

That is, after identifying that a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area322of the auxiliary display area320extended from one side of the main display area310, when a signal according to an up-and-down movement of the electronic pen200is detected, the electronic device100may scroll the web page screen1110in a direction corresponding to a direction of the up-and-down movement of the electronic pen200and display the scrolled web page screen111.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, in a state in which the web page screen1110is displayed through the display110including the main display area310and the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may detect a signal of the electronic pen200through the auxiliary display area320extended from the other side of the main display area310.

That is, as illustrated in section (a) ofFIG. 12, in a state in which the web page screen1110is displayed through the display110, the electronic device100may detect a signal of the electronic pen200through the auxiliary display area320extended from the other side of the main display area310.

When a signal of the electronic pen200is detected through the auxiliary display area320extended from the other side of the main display area310, the electronic device100may identify whether the detected signal is detected in the first area or second area322of the auxiliary display area320.

An operation of identifying whether a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320is described in detail above, and thus the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

As a result of identification, when it is identified that a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area322of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may convert the web page screen1110displayed on the display110to a web page screen1210corresponding a start page or last page of the corresponding web page screen1110, and display the web page screen1210.

However, the example is not limited thereto. When it is identified that a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area322of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may convert the web page screen1110displayed on the display110to a web page screen1210corresponding a previous page or next page of the corresponding web page screen1110, and display the web page screen1210.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, in a state in which a content image1310is displayed on the display110including the main display area310and the auxiliary display area320, a signal generated from the electronic pen200may be detected in the auxiliary display area320.

The auxiliary display area320may be formed to extend from each of the opposite sides of the main display area310. A signal of the electronic pen200may be detected through the auxiliary display area320extended from one side of the main display area310.

When a signal of the electronic pen200is detected through the auxiliary display area320extended from one side of the main display area310, the electronic device100may identify whether a signal of the electronic pen200detected through the auxiliary display area320is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320.

An operation of identifying whether a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320is described in detail above, and thus the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

As a result of identification, when it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area322of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may carry out an operation for adjusting a volume of the content image1310displayed on the display110according to the detected signal of the electronic pen200.

That is, after a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area322of the auxiliary display area320, when a signal according to an up-and-down or lateral movement of the electronic device200is detected, the electronic device100may adjust a volume of the content image1310and output it according to a direction of the up-and-down or lateral movement of the electronic pen200.

When it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may carry out a different operation from an operation for scrolling the UI screen1310displayed on the auxiliary display area320.

For example, when it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may change a channel according to the detected signal of the electronic pen, and display a content image of the changed channel through the display110.

When a signal of the electronic pen200is detected through the auxiliary display area320extended from the other side of the main display area310, the electronic device100may identify whether a signal of the electronic pen200detected through the auxiliary display area320is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320.

An operation of identifying whether a signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321or the second area322of the auxiliary display area320is described in detail above, and thus the detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

As a result of identification, when it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area322of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may change a reproduction section of the content image1310displayed on the display110according to the detected signal of the electronic pen200and display the changed image.

When it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may carry out a different operation from an operation for changing a reproduction section of the content image1310displayed on the display110.

For example, when it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area321of the auxiliary display area320, the electronic device100may carry out an operation of stopping reproduction of the content image1310displayed on the display110, etc. through the detected signal of the electronic pen200.

The respective configurations and operations of the electronic device100according to an example embodiment have been described above. Hereinbelow, a method for controlling an electronic device100according to an example embodiment will be described.

FIG. 14is a flowchart provided to explain a method for controlling an electronic device according to an example embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the electronic device100may detect a signal of the electronic pen located on the display, at operation S1410.

The display may include a main display area, and an auxiliary display area which is formed to extend from the main display area and includes a curved surface area.

Thereafter, the electronic device100may identify whether a signal generated from the electronic pen200located on the display is detected in the main display area of the display, at operation S1420.

As a result of identification, when it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the main display area of the display, the electronic device100may carry out a function corresponding to the signal of the electronic pen200in the main display area, at operation S1430.

For example, in a state in which a UI including at least one item is displayed in the main display area, when it is identified that a signal is detected in the main display area, the electronic device100may execute an item located in an area in which the signal is detected from among at least one item included in the displayed UI.

When it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the auxiliary display area of the display, the electronic device10may identify whether the detected signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area of the auxiliary display area, at operation S1440.

As a result of identification, when it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the first area of the auxiliary display area, the electronic device100may carry out a first function by the signal of the electronic pen200, at operation S1450.

As a result of identification, when it is identified that the signal of the electronic pen200is detected in the second area of the auxiliary display area, the electronic device100may carry out a second function by the signal of the electronic pen200, at operation S1460.

The first area may be an area which is connected to the main display area based on a preset reference line from among the auxiliary display area. The second area may be an area which is disconnected from the main display area based on a preset reference line from among the auxiliary display area.

A reference line dividing the auxiliary display area into first and second areas may be a line connecting points satisfying the mathematical formula 1 as shown above.

Accordingly, when it is identified that a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the auxiliary display area, the electronic device100may identify whether the area at which the signal is detected is a first area or a second area based on a reference line set by the mathematical formula 1 described above, and carry out a function corresponding to the corresponding signal in the identified area.

In an implementation, when it is identified that a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the first area of the auxiliary display area, the electronic device100may select an object corresponding to a point at which the signal is detected in the first area from among at least one object displayed in the auxiliary display area, and execute the selected object.

When it is identified that a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the second area of the auxiliary display area, the electronic device100may carry out an operation of scrolling at least one of the main display area and the auxiliary display area.

In another implementation, in a state in which a main display area and an auxiliary display area are deactivated, when a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in a second area of the auxiliary display area, the electronic device100may activate the auxiliary display area to display a UI screen including at least one icon.

In another implementation, when a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in a second area of the auxiliary display area, the electronic device100may carry out a different function.

In detail, the auxiliary display area may include a first auxiliary display area which is formed to extend from one side of the main display area and a second auxiliary display area which is formed to extend from the other side of the main display area.

In a state in which a content is displayed on the display including the main display area and the auxiliary display area, when a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the second area of the first auxiliary display area, the electronic device100may carry out a first function for controlling a displaying of the content.

In a state in which a content is displayed on the display including the main display area and the auxiliary display area, when a signal generated from the electronic pen200is detected in the second area of the second auxiliary display area, the electronic device100may carry out a second function for controlling a displaying of the content.

The aforementioned control method of the electronic device100according to various example embodiments may be encoded as software and stored in a non-transitory readable medium. The non-transitory readable medium may be installed in various devices.

The non-transitory computer readable medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently rather than storing data for a very short time, such as a register, a cache, a memory or etc., and is readable by an apparatus. In detail, the aforementioned various applications or programs may be stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium, for example, a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a hard disc, a Blu-ray disc, a universal serial bus (USB), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), and the like, and may be provided.