Patent Description:
An electronic device may include a flexible display. For example, a flexible display may be disposed in an electronic device in a form, in which at least one area thereof may be curved, foldable, or rollable. A display area that is visually exposed to an outer surface of the electronic device may be expanded or contracted. State of the art electronic devices are known from <CIT> and <CIT>, which disclose flexible displays comprising sensors to identify the location where the flexible display is bent.

The electronic device may include a strain gauge sensor for detecting a strain of the flexible display. In recent years, a strain gauge sensor having an enhanced sensitivity, by which a strain of the flexible display may be measured very precisely while a mounting space is minimized, have been required.

Various embodiments of the disclosure provide a display including a strain gauge sensor having an improved sensitivity, by which an expansion area of a display may be precisely measured, and an electronic device including the same.

A display according to an embodiment disclosed in the disclosure may include a first area that is an active area, at least one second area disposed in parallel to the first area and being expandable from the first area, a first strain gauge sensor disposed in the second area, and formed in a zigzag form in a first direction that is an expansion direction of the second area, and a second strain gauge sensor disposed to be spaced apart from the first strain gauge sensor in the second area, and formed in a zigzag form in the first direction, the first strain gauge sensor may include a plurality of first resistance areas, lengths of which become gradually smaller as they go from one side to an opposite side of the second area along a second direction that is different from the first direction, and a plurality of first connection areas connecting the plurality of first resistance areas, and the second strain gauge sensor may include a plurality of second resistance areas, lengths of which become gradually larger as they go from one side to an opposite side of the second area, and a plurality of second connection areas connecting the plurality of second resistance areas.

An electronic device according to an example disclosed in the disclosure may include a display including a first area exposed to a front surface of the electronic device and at least one second area disposed in parallel to the first area and exposed to the front surface of the electronic device, a first strain gauge sensor disposed in the second area, and a resistance value of which is changed in inverse proportion to an exposure extent of the second area, a second strain gauge sensor disposed to be spaced apart from the first strain gauge sensor in the second area, and a resistance value of which is changed in proportion to an exposure extent of the second area, and a sensor driver that senses changes in the resistance values of the first strain gauge sensor and the second strain gauge sensor to sense an exposure degree of the second area.

According to embodiments disclosed in the disclosure, the electronic device may precisely measure the expansion degree of the display by busing a change in the resistance of the at least one strain gauge sensor disposed in the display.

According to embodiments disclosed in the disclosure, because the strain gauge sensor is formed in a zigzag form in a large area of the display whereby a length thereof becomes larger, a sensitivity of the strain gauge sensor, which is proportional to the length may be enhanced.

According to embodiments disclosed in the disclosure, in the electronic device, the at least one strain gauge sensor is formed by using the conductive layer included in the display whereby a separate mounting space of the strain gauge sensor is not necessary.

According to embodiments disclosed in the disclosure, in the electronic device, the first to fourth strain gauge sensors are formed repeatedly at least once whereby the temperature components included in the first to fourth strain gauge sensors may be compensated for or offset. Accordingly, the resistance value of the strain gauge sensor may be prevented from being changed by a change in an external temperature.

In addition, various effects directly or indirectly recognized through the disclosure may be provided.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to limit specific embodied forms and includes various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a front surface when an electronic device is in first to third states according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a view illustrating a rear surface when the electronic device is in the first to third states according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, and a display <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may be a slidable or rollable electronic device, and may include a first state C1 (e.g., a slide-in state or a contraction mode), a second state C2 (e.g., a first slide-out state or a first expansion mode), and a third state C3 (e.g., a second slide-out state or a second expansion mode). The first state C1, the second state C2, and the third state C3 may be determined according to a relative location of the second housing <NUM> to the first housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may be strained between the first to third states C1, C2, and C3 through manipulation by a user or a mechanical operation.

In an embodiment, the first state C1 may mean a state, in which an extent (or size) of the display <NUM> that is visually exposed to a front surface of the electronic device <NUM> is reduced to a minimum size. The third state C3 may mean a state, in which the extent (or size) of the display <NUM> that is visually exposed to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> is expanded to a maximum size. The second state C2 may mean a state, in which the extent (or size) of the display <NUM> that is visually exposed to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> is expanded to be larger than the minimum size and smaller than the maximum size. Furthermore, in the first state C1, a portion (e.g., side parts <NUM> and <NUM> that face the y axis direction) of the second housing <NUM> is located inside the first housing <NUM> whereby the second housing <NUM> may be a slide-in state with respect to the first housing <NUM>. In the second state C2 and the third state C3, the parts <NUM> and <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> may be drawn from the first housing <NUM> whereby the second housing <NUM> be in a slide-out state with respect to the first housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be coupled to be slid with respect to each other. The second housing <NUM> may be coupled to one side of the first housing <NUM> to be slid. For example, the first housing <NUM> may be a fixed structure, and the second housing <NUM> may be a structure that may be moved with respect to the second housing <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> may be coupled to one side (e.g., the -x axis direction) of the first housing <NUM> to be slid in opposite directions (e.g., the +x/-x direction) with respect to the first housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be strained to the first state C1, the second state C2, and the third state C3 as the second housing <NUM> is slid with respect to the first housing <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may be strained from the first state C1 to the second state C2 or the third state C3 as the second housing <NUM> is moved in a first direction D1 with respect to the first housing <NUM>. In contrast, the electronic device <NUM> may be strained from any one of the second state C2 and the third state C3 to the first state C1 as the second housing <NUM> is moved in a second direction D2 with respect to the first housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the size (or extent) of the area of the display <NUM>, which is visually exposed to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, may be changed in correspondence to sliding of the second housing <NUM>. An exposure area of the display <NUM> may be expanded or contracted according to the sliding of the second housing <NUM> while being supported by at least one of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. At least a portion of the display <NUM> may be flexible.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a first area (or a basic area) A1 and a second area (or an exposure area or an expansion area) A2 that extends from the first area A1. The first area A1 may be maintained in a state, in which it is visually exposed to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. An extent of the second area A2, by which the second area A2 is visually exposed to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> according to the state of the electronic device <NUM>, may be changed. The second area A2 may be adjacent to one side (e.g., the +x axis direction) of the first area A1. For example, the first area A1 may mean a partial area of the display <NUM>, which is visually exposed to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> in the first to third states C1, C2, and C3. The second area A2 may mean an area that is located in an interior of the electronic device <NUM> in the first state C1 and, at least a portion of which is drawn from the interior of the electronic device <NUM> to be visually exposed to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first state C1 may be a state, in which the first area A1 is located toward the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> and the second area A2 is located inside the first housing <NUM>. An active area AA that may display an image in the first state C1 of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first area A1. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> may display an image through the first area A1 of the display <NUM> in the first state C1.

The second state C2 may be a state, in which a first expansion area a1 of the second area A2 is located toward the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> together with the first area A1. The active area AA that may display an image in the second state C1 of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first area A1, and the partial area a1 of the second area A2. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> may display an image through the first area A1 of the display <NUM>, and the first expansion area a1 of the second area A2, in the second state C2.

The third state C3 may be a state, in which a second expansion area a2 of the second area A2 is located toward the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> together with the first area A1. An extent of the second expansion area a2 may be larger than an extent of the first expansion area a1. The active area AA that may display an image in the second state C1 of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first area A1, and the second expansion area a2 of the second area A2. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> may display an image through the first area A1 of the display <NUM>, and the second expansion area a2 of the second area A2. In this way, in the electronic device <NUM>, the second area A2 may be additionally visually exposed to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> whereby an extent of the active area AA of the display <NUM> may be expanded.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the rear surface when the electronic device is in first to third states according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a view illustrating a strain gauge sensor of the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include at least one strain gauge sensor (strain gauge sensor) <NUM>, a resistance value of which is different according to an expansion degree of the display <NUM>. The strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be formed on a front surface (e.g., a surface which the +Z axis faces) of the second area A2. The strain gauge sensor <NUM> may include a plurality of resistance areas R1, R2, R3, · · · , and RN having different resistance values according to areas thereof with respect to a horizontal axis (e.g., the X axis) and/or a vertical axis (e.g., the Y axis). The strain gauge sensor <NUM> may have the plurality of resistance areas R1, R2, R3, ···, and RN that linearly increase or decrease in the second area A2. The strain gauge sensor <NUM> may have a total sum R210 of the resistance values of the plurality of resistance areas R1, R2, R3, ···, and RN that are connected in series to each other.

According to an expansion degree, a location of a rolling area RA of the second area A2 corresponding to a curved surface of the electronic device <NUM> may be changed. The expansion degree of the display may be sensed according to a resistance value of the strain gauge sensor <NUM> that corresponds to the rolling area RA to be physically strained.

According to an embodiment, according to the expansion degree of the display, which is sensed through the strain gauge sensor <NUM>, at least a partial area of the second area A2, which is not used as the active area AA, may not be exposed. The second area A2 that is not exposed may not display an image to reduce driving power. In the first state C1, the rolling area RA may overlap, among the resistance areas included in the strain gauge sensor <NUM>, a resistance area (e.g., R1 and R2), a resistance value is relatively small. Because the resistance area (e.g., R1 and R2) having a relatively small (or large) resistance value is strained, the first state C1, in which the second area A2 of the electronic device is not expanded, may be sensed through the strain gauge sensor <NUM>. Accordingly, the first area A1 of the display <NUM> may be activated (on) to display an image, and a maximum area of the second area A2 may be deactivated (off) to a black area BA that displays a black color.

In the second state C2, the rolling area RA may overlap, among the resistance areas included in the strain gauge sensor <NUM>, the resistance area, a resistance value of which is relatively intermediate. Because the resistance area having a relatively intermediate resistance value is strained, the second state C2, in which a portion of the second area A2 of the electronic device is expanded, may be sensed through the strain gauge sensor <NUM>. Accordingly, the first area A1 and a partial area of the second area A2 of the display <NUM> may be activated to display an image, and the remaining areas of the second area A2 may be deactivated (off) to the black area BA that displays a black area.

In the third state C3, the rolling area RA may overlap, among the resistance areas included in the strain gauge sensor <NUM>, the resistance area (e.g., RN-<NUM> and RN) having a relatively large (or small) resistance value. Because the resistance area (e.g., RN-<NUM> and RN) having a relatively large (small) resistance value is strained, the strain gauge sensor <NUM> may detect the third state C3, in which the second area A2 of the electronic device is expanded to a maximum area. Accordingly, the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the display <NUM> may be activated (on) to display an image.

According to various embodiments, the second area A2 that is not exposed may not display an image and thus may display a burn-in preventing image instead of displaying a black color. When the burn-in preventing image is displayed in the second area A2 that is not exposed, a driving frequency and/or a light emission frequency may be reduced for driving.

According to various embodiments, in the first state C1, the active area AA may include the first area A1, except for the second area A2, as illustrated in <FIG>, and may include a portion of the second area A2 as well as the first area A1 as illustrated in <FIG>. According to various embodiments, the first area A1 may not be included in the rolling area RA according to the shape of the housing (e.g.. , the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>).

The electronic device according to various embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, may include a first strain gauge sensor and a second strain gauge sensor formed in the display. Because the first strain gauge sensor and the second strain gauge sensor detect changes in the expansions and contracts in opposite directions, a sensing sensitivity of a strain of the display may be improved.

<FIG> and <FIG> are plan views illustrating the second area, in which the first strain gauge sensor and the second strain gauge sensor included in the display according to various embodiments, and <FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating changes in resistance values of the first strain gauge sensor and the second strain gauge sensor according to a location of the rolling area of the display panel included in the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the second area A2 of the display panel of the electronic device according to an embodiment may include a first strain area SG1 and a second strain area SG2. The first strain area SG1 and the second strain area SG2 may have the same or similar areas.

The first strain area SG1 and the second strain area SG2 may have an imaginary right triangular shape. An inclined area of the first strain area SG1 and an inclined area of the second strain area SG2 may be disposed to be adjacent to each other. A first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the first strain area SG1, and a second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the second strain area SG2. Sensitivies of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be the same. It becomes better as the sensitivities of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> become higher to detect a change of a locational state of the rolling area RA.

The sensitivity of at least any one of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> is as in Equation <NUM>. In Equation <NUM>, R may denote an electrical resistance, ε denotes a unit strain, ρ may denote a specific resistance, S may denote cross-sectional areas of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM>, "<NUM>" may denote lengths of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM><MAT>.

In Equation <NUM>, the sensitivities of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be inversely proportional to the cross-sectional areas of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM>. The sensitivities of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be proportional to changes in the lengths of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM>, respectively. Accordingly, at least any one of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be formed of a conductive material in a zigzag form such that the cross-sectional area thereof is small and the length thereof is large to enhance sensitivity.

The first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may have a repeated pattern that reciprocates forwards and rearwards in the expansion direction (e.g., the +X axis direction) of the second area A2. The first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may have a zigzag form, a length of which becomes gradually smaller as it goes from one side (e.g., the +Y axis direction) to an opposite side (e.g., the -Y axis direction) of the second area A2. The first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may include a plurality of first resistance areas <NUM> and a plurality of first connection areas <NUM>.

Lengths of the plurality of first resistance areas <NUM> may be formed along the expansion direction (e.g., the +X axis direction) of the second area A2. The lengths of the plurality of first resistance areas <NUM> may become gradually smaller as they go from one side of the second area A2 to an opposite side of the second area A2. The plurality of first resistance areas <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart from the adjacent first resistance areas <NUM> at uniform or irregular intervals. Because spacing directions and sliding directions of the plurality of first resistance areas <NUM> are perpendicular to each other, the plurality of first resistance areas <NUM> may not be disposed at a specific interval.

The plurality of first connection areas <NUM> may be disposed between the adjacent first resistance areas <NUM> to connect the adjacent first resistance areas <NUM>. The plurality of first connection areas <NUM> may have a similar or the same length. Some of the plurality of first connection areas <NUM> may be disposed to be close to the second strain gauge sensor <NUM>, and the remaining ones of the plurality of first connection areas <NUM> may be disposed to be far away from the second strain gauge sensor <NUM>. The first connection areas <NUM> that are disposed to be close to the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the first connection areas <NUM> that are disposed to be far away from the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be alternately disposed.

The second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be formed in a repeated pattern that reciprocates forwards and rearwards in the expansion direction (e.g., the +X axis direction) of the second area A2. The second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may have a zigzag form, a length of which becomes gradually larger as it goes from one side (e.g., the +Y axis direction) to an opposite side (e.g., the -Y axis direction) of the second area. The second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may include a plurality of second resistance areas <NUM> and a plurality of second connection areas <NUM>.

Lengths of the plurality of second resistance areas <NUM> may be formed along the expansion direction (e.g., the +X axis direction) of the second area A2. The lengths of the plurality of second resistance areas <NUM> may become gradually larger as they go from one side of the second area A2 to an opposite direction of the second area A2. The plurality of second resistance areas <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart from the adjacent second resistance areas <NUM> at uniform or irregular intervals. Because spacing directions and sliding directions of the plurality of second resistance areas <NUM> are perpendicular to each other, the plurality of second resistance areas <NUM> may not be disposed at a specific interval.

The plurality of second connection areas <NUM> may be disposed between the adjacent second resistance areas <NUM> to connect the adjacent second resistance areas <NUM>. The plurality of second connection areas <NUM> may have a similar or the same length. Some of the plurality of second connection areas <NUM> may be disposed to be closer to the first strain gauge sensor <NUM>, and the remaining ones of the plurality of second connection areas <NUM> may be disposed to be far away from the first strain gauge sensor <NUM>. The second connection areas <NUM> that are disposed to be close to the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second connection areas <NUM> that are disposed to be far away from the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be alternately disposed.

According to an embodiment, the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be formed on the same material as that of any one of the plurality of conductive layers disposed in at least any one of the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the display on the same layer as that thereof. Then, the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be formed not to influence a path of the light that is generated in the light emitting element of the display and is output to an outside.

According to various embodiments, the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be expanded or contracted as the second area A2 is expanded whereby a resistance value thereof may be changed. The resistance value of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be changed to be proportional to the exposure extent of the second area A2, which is exposed to an outside. The resistance value of the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be changed to be inversely proportional to the exposure extent of the second area A2, which is exposed to an outside. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the resistance value of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may gradually increase as it is slid out, and the resistance value of the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may gradually decrease as it is slid out.

For example, the rolling area RA may be strained from a first rolling state S1 to a second rolling state S2 according to the sliding out of the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>). When the rolling area RA is strained from the first rolling state S1 to the second rolling state S2, a change in the length of the first resistance area <NUM> of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may increase. Due to an increase of the change in the length of the first resistance area <NUM>, the resistance value of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, may increase by a change ΔR from an initial resistance value Ro. When the rolling area RA is strained from the first rolling state S1 to the second rolling state S2, the change in the length of the second resistance area <NUM> of the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may decrease. Due to a decrease of the change in the length of the second resistance area <NUM>, the resistance value of the second strain gauge sensor <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, may decrease by the change ΔR from the initial resistance value Ro.

According to various embodiments, locations of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be variously changed. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the resistance value of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may gradually decrease as it is slid out, and the resistance value of the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may gradually increase as it is slid out. For example, according to the sliding out of the second housing, the rolling area RA may be strained from the first rolling state S1 to the second rolling state S2. When the rolling area RA is strained from the first rolling state S1 to the second rolling state S2, the change in the length of the first resistance area <NUM> of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may decrease. Due to a decrease of the change in the length of the first resistance area <NUM>, the resistance value of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, may decrease by the change ΔR from the initial resistance value Ro. When the rolling area RA is strained from the first rolling state S1 to the second rolling state S2, the change in the length of the second resistance area <NUM> of the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may increase. Due to an increase of the change in the length of the second resistance area <NUM>, the resistance value of the second strain gauge sensor <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, may increase by the change ΔR from the initial resistance value Ro.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a Wheatstone bridge circuit <NUM> that may be implemented through the first strain gauge sensor and the second strain gauge sensor of the display according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, a first strain gauge sensor R1 (e.g., the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) and second strain gauge sensors R2 (e.g., the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) may correspond to resistances, values of which are changed according to the expansion and contraction of the second area A2. Resistances of the first strain gauge sensor R1 and the second strain gauge sensor R2 may be changed according to an expansion degree of the second area A2. The Wheatstone bridge circuit <NUM> may be constituted by using the first strain gauge sensor R1 and the second strain gauge sensor R2. An output voltage Vo that is proportional to the expansion degree of the second area A2 may be obtained through the Wheatstone bridge circuit <NUM>.

The Wheatstone bridge circuit <NUM> may use a half-bridge circuit for detecting changes of the first strain gauge sensor R1 and the second strain gauge sensor R2, in which the expansion and the contraction occur in opposite ways. The half-bridge circuit may include the first strain gauge sensor R1, the second strain gauge sensor R2, a first reference resistor Ra, and a second reference resistor Rb. The output voltage Vo of the half-bridge circuit is as in Equation <NUM>.

In the half-bridge circuit, initial resistance values Ro of the first strain gauge sensor R1, the second strain gauge sensor R2, the first reference resistor Ra, and the second reference resistor Rb may be the same. The first strain gauge sensor R1 may decrease by a change ΔR of the second strain gauge sensor R2, and the second strain gauge sensor R2 may increase by a change ΔR of the first strain gauge sensor R1. The changes ΔR of the first strain gauge sensor R1 and the second strain gauge sensor R2 may be very small as compared with the initial resistance value Ro. When the condition is satisfied, the output voltage Vo of the half-bridge circuit may be proximate as in Equation <NUM>.

Equation <NUM> may be replaced by Equation <NUM> by using a gauge coefficient k and a strain ε by a mechanical strain. In Equation <NUM>, the gauge coefficient k may be defined by a change in resistance, which is exerted by the gauge for a unit strain, and may be provided by a manufacturer of the electronic device. In Equation <NUM>, a precise strain of the second area A2 may be measured through the output voltage Vo of the half-bridge circuit.

In this way, an electric voltage Vex is distributed to the resistors by suppling the electric voltage Vex of a power supply <NUM>, a magnitude of the voltage Vo output from the half-bridge circuit may be changed according to the changes ΔR of the resistances of the first strain gauge sensor R1 and the second strain gauge sensor R2. An expansion degree of the second area A2 may be detected by the output voltage Vo of the half-bridge circuit.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating the second area, in which the first to fourth strain gauge sensors included in the display are disposed, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the second area A2 of the display panel of the electronic device according to an embodiment may include the first strain area SG1, the second strain area SG2, a third strain area SG3, and a fourth strain area SG4.

The first strain area SG1, the second strain area SG2, the third strain area SG3, and the fourth strain area SG4 may have an imaginary right triangular shape. An inclined area of the first strain area SG1 and an inclined area of the second strain area SG2 may be disposed to be adjacent to each other, and an inclined area of the third strain area SG3 and an inclined area of the fourth strain area SG4 may be disposed to be adjacent to each other. A first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the first strain area SG1, a second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the second strain area SG2, a third strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the third strain area SG3, and a fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the fourth strain area SG4.

At least any one of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM>, the second strain gauge sensor <NUM>, the third strain gauge sensor <NUM>, and the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be formed of a conductive material in a zigzag form having a small cross-sectional shape and a large length. Accordingly, the sensitivities of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM>, the second strain gauge sensor <NUM>, the third strain gauge sensor <NUM>, and the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM> for detecting a change in a locational state of the rolling area RA may be enhanced.

The first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the third strain gauge sensor <NUM> may have the same shape. The third strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM>. The first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the third strain gauge sensor <NUM> may have a zigzag form, a length of which becomes gradually smaller as it goes from one side (e.g., the +Y axis direction) to an opposite side (e.g., the -Y axis direction) of the second area A2.

The second strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM> may have the same shape. The second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the third strain gauge sensor <NUM>. The second strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM> may have a zigzag form, a length of which becomes gradually larger as it goes from one side (e.g., the Y axis direction) to an opposite direction (e.g., the -Y axis direction) of the second area.

The first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may include a plurality of first resistance areas <NUM> and a plurality of first connection areas <NUM>. The third strain gauge sensor <NUM> may include a plurality of third resistance areas <NUM> and a plurality of third connection areas <NUM>. The second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may include a plurality of second resistance areas <NUM> and a plurality of second connection areas <NUM>, and the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM> may include a plurality of fourth resistance areas <NUM> and a plurality of fourth connection areas <NUM>. Hereinafter, for convenience of description of the first to fourth strain gauge sensor, the first resistance area <NUM>, the second resistance area <NUM>, the first connection area <NUM>, and the second connection area <NUM> will be mainly described, and this also may be applied to the third resistance area <NUM>, the third resistance area <NUM>, the fourth connection area <NUM>, and the fourth connection area <NUM>. For example, the description of the first resistance area <NUM> and the first connection area <NUM> may be applied to the description of the third resistance area <NUM> and the third connection area <NUM>, and the description of the second resistance area <NUM> and the second connection area <NUM> may be applied to the description of the fourth resistance area <NUM> and the fourth connection area <NUM>.

Lengths of the plurality of first resistance areas <NUM> may be formed along the expansion direction (e.g., the +X axis direction) of the second area A2. The lengths of the plurality of first resistance areas <NUM> may become gradually smaller as they go from one side of the second area A2 to an opposite side of the second area A2. The plurality of first resistance areas <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart from the adjacent first resistance areas <NUM> at uniform or irregular intervals. Because a spacing direction and a sliding direction of the plurality of first resistance areas <NUM> are perpendicular to each other, the plurality of first resistance areas <NUM> may not be disposed at a specific interval.

The plurality of first connection areas <NUM> may be disposed between the adjacent first resistance areas <NUM> to connect the adjacent first resistance areas <NUM>. The plurality of second connection areas <NUM> may have a similar or the same length. Some of the plurality of second connection areas <NUM> may be disposed to be close to the second strain gauge sensor <NUM>, and the remaining ones of the plurality of second connection areas <NUM> may be disposed to be far away from the second strain gauge sensor <NUM>. The first connection areas <NUM> that are disposed to be close to the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the first connection areas <NUM> that are disposed to be far away from the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be alternately disposed.

Lengths of the plurality of second resistance areas <NUM> may be formed along the expansion direction (e.g., the +X direction) of the second area A2. The lengths of the plurality of second resistance areas <NUM> may become gradually larger as they go from one side of the second area A2 to an opposite side to the second area A2. The plurality of second resistance areas <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart the adjacent second resistance areas <NUM> at uniform or irregular intervals. Because a spacing direction and a sliding direction of the plurality of second resistance areas <NUM> are perpendicular to each other, the plurality of second resistance areas <NUM> may not be disposed at a specific interval.

The plurality of second connection areas <NUM> may be disposed between the adjacent second resistance areas <NUM> to connect the adjacent second resistance areas <NUM>. The plurality of second connection areas <NUM> may have a similar or the same length. Some of the plurality of second connection areas <NUM> may be disposed to be close to the first strain gauge sensor <NUM>, and the remaining ones of the plurality of second connection areas <NUM> may be disposed to be far away from the first strain gauge sensor <NUM>. The second connection areas <NUM> that are disposed to be close to the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second connection areas <NUM> that are disposed to be far away from the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be alternately disposed.

According to an embodiment, the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be formed of the same material on the same layer as any one of the plurality of conductive layers disposed in at least any one of the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the display. Then, the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be formed not to influence a path of the light that is output to an outside through the display.

According to various embodiments, the first to fourth strain gauge sensors <NUM> to <NUM> may be expanded or contracted as the second area A2 is expanded whereby the resistance values thereof may be changed. For example, according to the sliding out of the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>), the rolling area RA may be strained from the first rolling state S1 to the second rolling state S2. When the rolling area RA is strained from the first rolling state S1 to the second rolling state S2, the changes in the lengths of the first resistance area <NUM> of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the third resistance area <NUM> of the third strain gauge sensor <NUM> may decrease. Due to a decrease in the changes in the lengths of the first resistance area <NUM> and the third resistance area <NUM>, the resistance values of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the third strain gauge sensor <NUM> may decrease by the change ΔR from the initial resistance value Ro. When the rolling area RA is strained from the first rolling state S1 to the second rolling state S2, the changes in the lengths of the second resistance area <NUM> of the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the fourth resistance area <NUM> of the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM> may increase. Due to an increase in the changes in the lengths of the second resistance area <NUM> and the fourth resistance area <NUM>, the resistance values of the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM> may increase by the change ΔR from the initial resistance value Ro.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a full-bridge circuit that may be implemented through the first to fourth strain gauge sensors of the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the first strain gauge sensor R1 (e.g., the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> of <FIG>), the second strain gauge sensor R2 (e.g., the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> of <FIG>), the third strain gauge sensor R3 (e.g., the third strain gauge sensor <NUM> of <FIG>), and the fourth strain gauge sensor R4 (e.g., the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) may correspond to a resistance that is changed according to an expansion and a contraction of the second area A2. The resistances of the first strain gauge sensor R1, the second strain gauge sensor R2, the third strain gauge sensor R3, and the fourth strain gauge sensor R4 may be changed according to the expansion degree of the second area A2.

A Wheatstone bridge circuit <NUM> may be constituted by using the first strain gauge sensor R1, the second strain gauge sensor R2, the third strain gauge sensor R3, and the fourth strain gauge sensor R4. The output voltage Vo that is proportional to the expansion degree of the second area A2 may be obtained through the Wheatstone bridge circuit <NUM>.

The Wheatstone bridge circuit <NUM> may use a full-bridge circuit for detecting changes in the first strain gauge sensor R1 and the second strain gauge sensor R2, in which the expansion and the contraction occur in opposite ways, and changes in the third strain gauge sensor R3 and the fourth strain gauge sensor R4, in which the expansion and the contraction occur in opposite ways. The output voltage Vo of the full-bridge circuit is as in Equation <NUM>.

In the full-bridge circuit, the initial resistance values Ro of the first strain gauge sensor R1, the second strain gauge sensor R2, the third strain gauge sensor R3, the fourth strain gauge sensor R4 may be the same. Changes ΔR in the resistances of the first strain gauge sensor R1, the second strain gauge sensor R2, the third strain gauge sensor R3, the fourth strain gauge sensor R4 may be the same. The first strain gauge sensor R1 and the third strain gauge sensor R3 may decrease by the change ΔR in the resistance of the same magnitude, and the second strain gauge sensor R2 and the fourth strain gauge sensor R4 may increase by the change ΔR in the resistance of the same magnitude. The changes ΔR in the first strain gauge sensor R1, the second strain gauge sensor R2, the third strain gauge sensor R3, and the fourth strain gauge sensor R4 may be very small as compared with the initial resistance value Ro. When the condition is satisfied, the output voltage Vo of the full-bridge circuit may be proximate as in Equation <NUM> <MAT> as in the half-bridge circuit illustrated in <FIG>. Because Equation <NUM> may be replaced by Equation <NUM> <MAT> like in the half-bridge circuit <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, a precise strain of the second area may be measured through the output voltage Vo of the full-bridge circuit <NUM>.

In this way, when the electric voltage Vex is distributed to the resistances by supplying the electric voltage Vex of the power supply, a magnitude of the voltage Vo that is output from the full-bridge circuit according to the changes ΔR of the resistances of the first strain gauge sensor R1, the second strain gauge sensor R2, the third strain gauge sensor R3, and the fourth strain gauge sensor R4 may be changed. The expansion degree of the second area A2 may be detected by the output voltage Vo of the full-bridge circuit.

According to various embodiments, the first strain gauge sensor R1 and the second strain gauge sensor R2 illustrated in <FIG>, and the first strain gauge sensor R1, the second strain gauge sensor R2, the third strain gauge sensor R3, and the fourth strain gauge sensor R4 illustrated in <FIG> may be changed to specific magnitudes by an external temperature, as in Equations <NUM> and <NUM>. In Equations <NUM> and <NUM>, εm may be a mechanical strain of the second area, and εt may be a strain due to thermal expansion. <MAT><MAT>.

By substituting Equations <NUM> and <NUM> with Equation <NUM>, the factors εt due to the temperature change are offset, and thus it may be seen that temperature may be compensated for in the Wheatstone bridge circuit (e.g., the Wheatstone bridge circuit <NUM> of <FIG> and the Wheatstone bridge circuit <NUM> of <FIG>).

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating the second area, in which a plurality of strain area groups that may be implemented by the full-bridge circuit are disposed, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the second area A2 of the display according to various embodiments may include at least one strain group. The plurality of strain groups may include first to fourth strain areas SG1, SG2, SG3, and SG4. A first strain gauge sensor (e.g., the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed in the first strain area SG1. A second strain gauge sensor (e.g., the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed in the second strain area SG2. A third strain gauge sensor (e.g., the third strain gauge sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed in the third strain area SG3. A fourth strain gauge sensor (e.g., the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed in the fourth strain area SG4.

According to an embodiment, one strain sensor group including the first to fourth strain areas SG1, SG2, SG3, and SG4, as illustrated in <FIG>, may be formed in the second area A2. According to another embodiment, a plurality of strain sensor groups G1, G2, ···, and GM that are arranged in a row as illustrated in <FIG> may be formed in the second area A2. According to another embodiment, a plurality of strain sensor groups G11, G12, · · · , and GM that are arranged in a matrix form (N×M) (here, N and M are natural number that is larger than <NUM>) as illustrated in <FIG> may be formed in the second area A2.

According to various embodiments, a half-bridge circuit (e.g., the half-bridge circuit <NUM> of <FIG> or a full-bridge circuit (e.g., the full bridge circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) may be implemented by using the first to fourth strain gauge sensors (e.g., the first to fourth strain gauge sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> included in at least one strain sensor group G1, G2, ···, and GM. Accordingly, temperature is changed at a local portion of the display panel, for example, as in a touch of a screen by the user, the temperature may be precisely compensated for through the plurality of strain sensor groups G1, G2, ··· , and GM implemented by the half-bridge circuit or the full-bridge circuit.

According to various embodiments, the sensitivity of the strain gauge sensor (e.g., the first to fourth strain gauge sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) may be increased because it is complexly connected to a touch electrode array disposed on the display panel. For example, because the resistance value of the strain gauge sensor may include a component, by which a shape of a touch electrode array is changed, as well as a component, by which the shape of the strain gauge sensor is changed according to the expansion degree of the second area A2, the sensitivity of the strain gauge sensor may be enhanced.

<FIG> are views illustrating the first strain gauge sensor and the second strain gauge sensor disposed on the substrate of the display according to an embodiment, and <FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating a first strain gauge sensor and a second strain gauge sensor disposed on the substrate of the display according to another embodiment. Hereinafter, for convenience of description of a first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and a second strain gauge sensor <NUM>, a first resistance area <NUM> including a first sub area <NUM> and a second sub area <NUM>, and a first connection area <NUM> will be mainly described, and this also may be applied to a second resistance area <NUM> including a third sub area <NUM> and a fourth sub area <NUM>, and a second connection area <NUM>. For example, the description of the first resistance area <NUM> including the first sub area <NUM> and the second sub area <NUM> may be applied to the description of the second resistance area <NUM> including the third sub area <NUM> and the fourth sub area <NUM>, and the description of the first connection area <NUM> may be applied to the description of the second connection area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a display <NUM> according to various embodiments may include the first area A1 and the second area A2.

A plurality of sub pixels may be disposed in the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the display <NUM>. At least one thin film transistor may be disposed in each of the plurality of sub pixels. For example, when an image is implemented on the display <NUM> by using a light emitting element, each of the plurality of sub pixels may include at least one driving thin film transistor electrically connected to the light emitting element, and at least one switching thin film transistor electrically connected to the driving thin film transistor. At least one of the at least one driving thin film transistor and the at least one switching thin film transistor may include an N type transistor, or the remaining one of the at least one driving thin film transistor and the at least one switching thin film transistor may include a P type transistor.

A light shielding layer <NUM> may be disposed in the first area A1 of the display. The light shielding layer <NUM> may be disposed between at least any one of the at least one driving thin film transistor and the at least one switching transistor, and a substrate <NUM>. For example, the light shielding layer <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, may be disposed between a driving thin film transistor T1 and the substrate <NUM>. The light shielding layer <NUM> may shield the light input to an active layer <NUM> of the driving thin film transistor T1. The light shielding layer <NUM> may overlap the active layer <NUM> of the driving thin film transistor T1 while at least one buffer layer <NUM> and <NUM> being interposed therebetween. At least one gate insulation film <NUM> may be disposed between the active layer <NUM> of the driving thin film transistor T1 and a gate electrode <NUM>. At least one interlayer insulation film <NUM> may be disposed on the gate electrode <NUM> of the driving thin film transistor T1. At least one of the buffer layer <NUM> and <NUM>, the gate insulation film <NUM>, and the interlayer insulation film <NUM> may be formed of at least any one of an inorganic insulation material and an organic insulation material.

The light shielding layer <NUM> according to an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, may be formed in an island shape to be spaced apart from the adjacent light shielding layer <NUM>. The light shielding layer <NUM> according to an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, may be formed in a mesh form to be electrically connected to the adjacent light shielding layer <NUM> through a bridge <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> may be formed of the same material as that of the light shielding layer <NUM>. For example, a high-potential voltage VDD may be applied to the light shielding layers <NUM> that are electrically connected to each other. The light shielding layers <NUM>, to which the high-potential voltage VDD is applied, disperse positive charges (+) included in an interior of the substrate <NUM>, and thus may prevent characteristics of the driving thin film transistor T1 from being changed and prevent stains.

According to an embodiment, the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> may include the first resistance area <NUM> and the first connection area <NUM>. The first resistance area <NUM> may include the first sub area <NUM> and the second sub area <NUM>. An area of the first sub area <NUM> may be larger than that of the second sub area <NUM>. The first sub area <NUM> may have a similar or the same area as that of the light shielding layer <NUM> disposed in the first area A1. The second sub area <NUM> may connect the first sub areas <NUM> between the first sub areas <NUM>. The second sub area <NUM> may be formed in a direction that crosses the first connection area <NUM>. The second sub area <NUM> may reduce an overlapping area with a signal line disposed in the second area A2 and thus may reduce a parasite capacitance formed between the second sub area <NUM> and a signal line.

At least any one of the first sub area <NUM>, the second sub area <NUM>, and the first connection area <NUM> may be formed by using any one of a plurality of conductive layers disposed in at least any one of the first area A1 and the second area A2. For example, at least any one of the first sub area <NUM>, the second sub area <NUM>, and the first connection area <NUM> may be formed of the same material as that of the light shielding layer <NUM>, and may be disposed on the same layer (e.g., the substrate <NUM>) as that of the light shielding layer <NUM>.

In this way, the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> including the first sub area <NUM>, the second sub area <NUM>, and the first connection area <NUM>, and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> including the third sub area <NUM>, the fourth sub area <NUM>, and the second connection area <NUM> may be formed simultaneously (together) through the same mask process as that of the light shielding layer <NUM>. Accordingly, the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be implemented by a large-area strain gauge for high-precision patterning.

According to an embodiment, although the structure, in which the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> are disposed between the substrate <NUM> and the thin film transistor T1, has been described as an example, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be variously disposed. According to various embodiments, a metal layer that is operated by the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be disposed under the substrate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the light shielding layer <NUM> may not be disposed in the first area A1. For example, when the plurality of thin film transistors disposed in the first area A1 are formed of low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS), the light shielding layer <NUM> may not be disposed in the first area A1.

According to an embodiment, it has been described that the light shielding layer <NUM> has a size, by which the driving thin film transistor T1 included in each of the sub pixels disposed in the first area A1 is shielded, to overlap the driving thin film transistor T1, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and sizes of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be variously changed. According to various embodiments, the light shielding layer <NUM> may have a size, by which all of the plurality of thin film transistors included in the sub pixels disposed in the first area A1 are shielded, to overlap all of the plurality of thin film transistors.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments including at least one strain sensor group. In <FIG>, a case, in which one strain sensor group including first to fourth strain sensor areas is disposed in the display panel, will be described as an example.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device according to various embodiments may include a display panel <NUM>, a scan driver <NUM>, a display driver <NUM>, a data driver <NUM>, and a sensor driver <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may include the first area A1 and the second area A2. The plurality of sub pixels may be disposed in a matrix form in the first area A1 and the second area A2. The plurality of sub pixels may be disposed in an area, in which scan lines and data lines cross each other. At least one strain sensor group including the first to fourth strain areas SG1, SG2, SG3, and SG4 may be disposed in the second area A1. A first strain gauge sensor <NUM> (e.g., the first strain gauge sensor <NUM>) may be disposed in the first strain area SG1, a second strain gauge sensor <NUM> (e.g., the second strain gauge sensor <NUM>) may be disposed in the second strain area SG2, a third strain gauge sensor <NUM> (e.g., the third strain gauge sensor <NUM>) may be disposed in the third strain area SG3, and a fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM> (e.g., the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM>) may be disposed in the fourth strain area SG4. The first to fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be formed in a zigzag form that reciprocates forwards and rearwards in a first direction that is the expansion direction of the second area A2. The lengths of the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the third strain gauge sensor <NUM> may become gradually smaller as they go from one side to an opposite side of the second area A2 along a second direction that is different from the first direction. The lengths of the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM> may become gradually larger as they go from one side to an opposite side of the second area A2 along a second direction.

The data driver <NUM> is a means for generating a data signal, and may receive image data of R/G/B components from the display driver <NUM> and generate a data signal. The data driver <NUM> may apply the generated data signal to the sub pixels through data lines formed in the display panel <NUM>.

The scan driver <NUM> may generate scan signals that are sequentially supplied to a plurality of scan lines formed in the display panel <NUM>. The scan driver <NUM> may apply the scan signals to the sub pixels through scan lines.

The sensor driver <NUM> may sense the expansion degree of the second area A2 by using changes in the resistance values of the first to fourth strain gauge sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, which are changed according to the expansion degree of the second area A2. The sensor driver <NUM> may apply an input voltage to the first to fourth strain gauge sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. A first input voltage VDD of the same positive polarity may be applied to the first strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the fourth strain gauge sensor <NUM>, and a second input voltage VSS of the same negative polarity may be applied to the second strain gauge sensor <NUM> and the third strain gauge sensor <NUM>. For example, when the display panel <NUM> is a light emitting display panel, a high-potential voltage applied to the driving transistor connected to the light emitting element may be used as the first input voltage VDD and a low-potential voltage applied to the cathode terminal of the light emitting element may be used as the second input voltage VSS.

The sensor driver <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first to fourth strain gauge sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The sensor driver <NUM> may measure changes in the resistance values of the first to fourth strain gauge sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> by using output voltages Vo+ and Vo-output from the first to fourth strain gauge sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The sensor driver <NUM> may sense the expansion degree of the second area A2 through the changes in the measured resistance values. The sensor driver <NUM> may generate an area control signal for determining an extent of a black area (e.g., the black area BA of <FIG>) of the second area A2 of the display panel <NUM> according to the sensed expansion degree of the second area A2.

The display driver <NUM> may receive a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, a main clock signal MCLK, and the like, and may generate an image data signal, a scan control signal, a data control signal, and the like to provide them to the display panel <NUM>, the data driver <NUM>, the scan driver <NUM>, a power supply circuit (not illustrated), and the like.

The display driver <NUM> may provide the received image data to the data driver <NUM>. The display driver <NUM> may generate a scan control signal for controlling the scan driver <NUM> to control an operation timing of the scan driver <NUM>. The display driver <NUM> may generate a source control signal for controlling the data driver <NUM> to control an operation timing of the data driver <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display driver <NUM> may control an operation of at least any one of the data driver and the scan driver in response to the area control signal generated by the sensor driver <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device is in the first state (e.g., the first state C1 of <FIG> and <FIG>), the display driver <NUM> may control an operation of the data driver <NUM> such that no data signal is applied to the sub pixels disposed in the second area A2. When the electronic device is in the second state (e.g., the second state C2 of <FIG> and <FIG>), the display driver <NUM> may control an operation of the data driver <NUM> such that data signals are supplied to the sub pixels disposed in a partial area of the second area A2, which is exposed to the front surface of the electronic device. The display driver <NUM> may control an operation of the data driver <NUM> such that no data signal is applied to the sub pixels disposed in the remaining areas of the second area A2, which are not exposed to the front surface of the electronic device. When the electronic device is in the third state (e.g., the third state C3 of <FIG> and <FIG>), the display driver <NUM> may control an operation of the data driver <NUM> such that data signals are supplied to the sub pixels disposed in the second area A2.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the electronic device including the strain gauge sensor embedded in a via hole according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a view illustrating degrees of slip for locations of a resistance area included in the strain gauge sensor according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a view illustrating resistance values for locations of a strain gauge sensor according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments may include a case <NUM>, a first structure <NUM> (or a first housing), a second structure <NUM> (or a second housing), and a display <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may define at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device <NUM>. With respect to the case, the second structure <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be slid in opposite directions.

The case <NUM> may include a first side member <NUM>, a second side member <NUM>, and rear members <NUM> and <NUM>. The first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> may be disposed to face a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a sliding direction (e.g., the first direction D1 and the second direction D2) of the second structure <NUM>. The rear members <NUM> and <NUM> may include the frame <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. The rear members <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>, and may be connected to the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>, respectively.

The first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> may be disposed at opposite ends of the rear members <NUM> and <NUM>. As the second structure <NUM> and/or the display <NUM> is slid between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>, the second structure <NUM> and/or at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be inserted into an interior of the case <NUM> or drawn from the case <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is strained from the first state C1 to the second state C2 or the third state C3, at least the second structure <NUM> and a portion of the display <NUM> may be moved in the first direction D1 between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>, and another portion of the display <NUM> may be moved in the second direction D2. In contrast, when the electronic device <NUM> is strained from the second state C2 or the third state C3 to the first state C1, the second structure <NUM> and at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be moved in the second direction D2 between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>, and another portion of the display <NUM> may be moved in the first direction D1.

The frame <NUM> may be disposed such that at least a portion of the frame <NUM> overlaps the second structure <NUM> and/or the display <NUM>. Furthermore, the frame <NUM> overlaps the rear cover <NUM> to be covered by the rear cover <NUM>, and thus may not be visually exposed to the user.

The rear cover <NUM> may define at least a portion of the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the rear cover <NUM> may be disposed between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>. For example, the rear cover <NUM> may be disposed such that at least a portion thereof overlaps the frame <NUM> such that the frame <NUM> is prevented from being exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The first side member <NUM>, the second side member <NUM>, and/or the rear member (e.g., the frame <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>) of the case <NUM> may be integrally formed. In another embodiment, the first side member <NUM>, the second side member <NUM>, and/or the rear member (e.g., the frame <NUM> and/or the rear cover <NUM>) may be formed as separate configurations, and may be assembled or coupled to each other.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first roller member <NUM>, a second roller member <NUM>, and a belt member <NUM>. The second structure <NUM> may include a first support area <NUM>, and a second support area <NUM> that extends from the first support area <NUM>, and may be connected to the first structure <NUM> to be slid. The display <NUM> may be disposed on at least one surface of the second structure <NUM>.

The second structure <NUM> may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the first structure <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the second structure <NUM> may be disposed in an upward direction (e.g., the +Z axis direction) of the first structure <NUM>, and another portion thereof may be disposed in a downward direction (e.g., the -Z axis direction) of the first structure <NUM>.

A first support part <NUM> of the second structure <NUM> may be disposed in an upward direction (e.g., the +Z axis direction) of the first structure <NUM>, and at least a portion of the second support part <NUM> may be disposed in a downward direction (e.g., the -Z axis direction) of the first structure <NUM>.

At least a portion of the second support part <NUM> may be disposed in a space between the first structure <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. An extent of the second support part <NUM> disposed between the first structure <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM> may be different according to an operational state (e.g., the first to third states C1, C2, and C3) of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, as the second structure <NUM> is slid, at least a portion of the second support part <NUM> may be drawn from or inserted into a space between the first structure <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be moved together with the second structure <NUM>. For example, as the second structure <NUM> is slid, at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be drawn from or inserted into the space between the first structure <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>, together with the second support part <NUM>. When the second structure <NUM> is slid, at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be moved together with the second support part <NUM> of the second structure <NUM> in correspondence to rotation of the first roller member <NUM>.

The second structure <NUM> may be connected to the first structure <NUM> to be slid, by the first roller member <NUM>, the second roller member <NUM>, and the belt member <NUM>.

The second support part <NUM> may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the first roller member <NUM>, and the belt member <NUM> may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the second roller member <NUM>. The first roller member <NUM> and the second roller member <NUM> may be disposed to be rotated with respect to the first structure <NUM>. For example, opposite ends of the belt member <NUM> may be connected to the first support part <NUM> and the second support part <NUM> of the second structure <NUM>, respectively. For example, because the second structure <NUM> and the belt member <NUM> are connected to each other and the first roller member <NUM> and the second roller member <NUM> are disposed therebetween, the second structure <NUM> and the belt member <NUM> may be configured to be slid as the first roller member <NUM> and the second roller member <NUM> are rotated. In an embodiment, other components <NUM> and <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed in a space between the belt member <NUM> and the first structure <NUM> and/or a space between the second support part <NUM> and the first structure <NUM>.

The second support area <NUM> of the second structure <NUM> may include a form (e.g., a multi-joint module), in which a plurality of extending bars are arranged in substantially the same direction as that of a rotation axis of the first roller member <NUM>. The second support area <NUM> may be bent in parts having relatively small thicknesses between the plurality of bars. The second structure <NUM> may be referred as another term, such as a flexible track or a hinge rail.

The electronic device <NUM> may include the first to third states C1, C2, and C3. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may be strained to any one of the first to third states C1, C2, and C3 as the second structure <NUM> and the display <NUM> are moved in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 with respect to the case <NUM>, the first structure <NUM>, and the rear cover <NUM>. For example, according to the locations of the second structure <NUM> and the display <NUM>, any one of the first to third states C1, C2, and C3 of the electronic device <NUM> may be determined.

When the electronic device <NUM> is in the first state, it may be strained to the second state C2 or the third state C3 as at least a portion (e.g., the first support part <NUM>) of the second structure <NUM> is slid in the first direction D1. In contrast, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the second state C2 or the third state C3, it may be strained to the first state C1 as at least a portion (e.g., the first support part <NUM>) of the second structure <NUM> is slid in the second direction D2.

A strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be formed in the display <NUM>. The strain gauge sensor <NUM> may include a plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2, ···, and SSN that are embedded in via holes <NUM> that pass through, among a plurality of thin film layers, thin film layers <NUM> of at least two layers. When the electronic device <NUM> is in the first state C1, the thin film layers <NUM> and the strain gauge sensor <NUM> included in the display <NUM> may not be strained. For example, a side surface of an uppermost layer and a side surface of a lowermost layer included in the plurality of thin film layers <NUM> may coincide with each other.

When the electronic device is in the second state C2 or the third state C3, the thin film layers <NUM> included in the display <NUM>, and the strain gauge sensor <NUM> including the plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2, ···, and SSN may be strained. For example, the plurality of thin film layers <NUM> and the plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2,. , and SSN may be slipped. Slip degrees of the plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2,. , and SSN may increase as they become far away from a central axis of the roller member. A length of an arc of, among the plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2, ···, and SSN, a resistance area that is relatively close to a central axis (x=<NUM>) of the roller member <NUM>, the arc being formed while the central axis of the roller member <NUM> is a center thereof, may be relatively small. Because a slip degree (x=x1) of the resistance area that is relatively close to the central axis of the roller member <NUM> increase by a small degree, the resistance value may be small. A length of an arc of, among the plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2, · · · , and SSN, a resistance area that is relatively far away from the central axis (x=<NUM>) of the roller member <NUM>, the arc being formed while the central axis of the roller member <NUM> is a center thereof, may be relatively large. Because a slip degree (x=x2) of the resistance area that is relatively far away from the central axis of the roller member <NUM> increase by a large degree, the resistance value may be large.

In this way, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include at least one strain gauge sensor (strain gauge), a resistance value of which is different according to the expansion degree of the display <NUM>. As the second area A2 is expanded, a length of the strain gauge sensor <NUM> may increase and a cross-sectional area thereof decrease whereby an electrical resistance value increases. The increased resistance value of the strain gauge sensor <NUM> is measured, and thus the expansion degree of the second area A2 may be measured. The resistance of the strain gauge sensor <NUM> may increase in proportion of the number of the plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2, ···, and SSN included in the strain gauge sensor <NUM>. Accordingly, the sensitivity of the strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be enhanced by increasing the number of the plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2, · · · , and SSN.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the display including a window, to which the strain gauge sensor is applied, according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, a display <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a display panel <NUM> and a window <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may include an organic light emitting element or a liquid crystal element. The window <NUM> may be attached onto the display panel <NUM>. The window <NUM> may include at least one window substrate <NUM> and <NUM>, at least one bonding layer <NUM>, and at least one functional layer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The at least one window substrate <NUM> and <NUM> may be a transparent polymer base. For example, the at least one window substrate <NUM> and <NUM> may include polyimide (PI), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalene, poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), a copolymer thereof, or a combination thereof, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the at least one window substrate <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first window substrate <NUM> and the second window substrate <NUM>. The first window substrate <NUM> and the second window substrate <NUM> may be formed of the same material or different materials. The first window substrate <NUM> may be formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and the second window substrate <NUM> may be formed of polyimide (PI). An upper surface (e.g., a surface which the +Z axis faces) of the second window substrate <NUM> of the window <NUM> may be disposed on a side that is close to the user.

A polarizing plate <NUM> may be disposed between a touch sensor layer <NUM> and the first window substrate <NUM>. The polarizing plate <NUM> may function to enhance visibility and express a black color precisely by minimizing reflection of external light.

The touch sensor layer <NUM> may be disposed between the polarizing plate <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. The touch sensor layer <NUM> may recognize a location of a touch and a change in the location when a hand of a person or an object is touched through the window <NUM> and output a touch signal. A location of a touch point is identified from the touch signal of the touch sensor layer <NUM>, and an image corresponding to the identified location of the touch point may be displayed on the display panel <NUM>.

The buffer layer <NUM> may be located under the window substrates <NUM> and <NUM> and may function as a cushion that absorbs and/or alleviates an impact that is delivered to a lower side of the window substrates <NUM> and <NUM>. Due to the buffer layer <NUM>, the impact applied to the window <NUM> may be prevented or restrained from being delivered to the display panel <NUM>. Because the buffer layer <NUM> has bonding characteristics, it may be attached onto the display panel <NUM>. At least one lower film <NUM> as well as the buffer layer <NUM> may be interposed between the touch sensor layer <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>.

The bonding layer <NUM> may be disposed between the thin film layers included in the window <NUM> to couple them. The bonding layer <NUM> may be disposed between the first window substrate <NUM> and the second window substrate <NUM>. The bonding layer <NUM> may be disposed between the first window substrate <NUM> and the polarizing plate <NUM>. The bonding layer <NUM> may be disposed between the polarizing plate <NUM> and the touch sensor layer <NUM>. The bonding layer <NUM> may be disposed between the touch sensor layer <NUM> and the lower film <NUM>. The bonding layer <NUM> may be disposed between the lower film <NUM> and the buffer layer <NUM>. For example, the bonding layer <NUM> may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a thermal reaction adhesive, and a double-sided tape.

The bonding layer <NUM> may distribute stresses between the thin film layers, which are caused as the display is strained, and prevent separation. For example, the bonding layer <NUM> having bonding characteristics absorbs stresses cause by path differences of the thin film layers when the display is bent, and thus no slip may occur in the bonding layer <NUM>.

The window <NUM> may include a via hole <NUM> that passes through at least any one of the plurality of thin film layers included in the window <NUM>. For example, the via hole <NUM> may be formed to pass from an uppermost layer (e.g., the second window substrate <NUM>) of the window <NUM> to a lowermost layer (e.g., the buffer layer <NUM>) of the window <NUM>. A strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the via hole <NUM>. The strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be formed by embedding a conductive material in the via hole <NUM>. A length of the strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be strained according to the expansion degree of the display whereby the resistance value may be changed. For example, because a length-per-cross-sectional area of the strain gauge sensor <NUM> increases as the expansion degree of the display increases, the resistance value may increase.

<FIG> illustrates views illustrating the second area of the display according to various embodiments in detail.

Referring to <FIG>, a plurality of via holes <NUM> that pass through a multi-thin film layer <NUM> may be disposed in the second area of the display. Because the plurality of via holes <NUM> are formed to pass through the multi-thin film layer <NUM> in a thickness direction (e.g., the Z axis direction) of the multi-thin film layer <NUM>, a space occupied in the second area A2 may be small.

The resistance areas SS1, SS2, SS3,. of a strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the plurality of via holes <NUM>, respectively. The plurality of strain gauge sensors <NUM> may be included in an active area, in which the image of the second area A2 is displayed, or may be disposed in an inactive area, in which no image is displayed. Because the resistance areas SS1, SS2, SS3,. of the plurality of strain gauge sensors <NUM> are embedded in the via holes <NUM>, a space occupied in the second area A2 may be small. Accordingly, even when the plurality of strain gauge sensor <NUM> are disposed in the inactive area, the inactive area may not be significantly increased by the plurality of strain gauge sensor <NUM>.

The resistance areas SS1, SS2, SS3,. of the plurality of strain gauge sensors <NUM> may be connected to each other through connection members <NUM>. The connection members <NUM> may include a first connection member <NUM> and a second connection member <NUM>.

The first connection member <NUM> may contact lower surfaces (e.g., surfaces that face the -Z axis) of the plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2, SS3,. The first connection member <NUM> may include a conductive layer that is disposed under the plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2, SS3, ···. The second connection member <NUM> may contact upper surfaces (e.g., surfaces that face the +Z axis) of the plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2, SS3, ···. The second connection member <NUM> may be formed through a patterning process using the conductive layer disposed on the plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2, SS3,. , or may be formed through the same masking process using the conductive layer of the same material as that of the plurality of strain gauge sensors <NUM>. Because the first connection members <NUM> and the second connection members <NUM> are alternately disposed, the plurality of strain gauge sensors <NUM> including the plurality of resistance areas SS1, SS2, SS3, ···, the first connection members <NUM>, and the second connection members <NUM> may be disposed in a zigzag form. For example, the plurality of strain gauge sensors <NUM> may be formed in a zigzag form that reciprocates forwards and rearwards in a stack direction (e.g., the +Z axis direction or the -Z axis direction) of the multi-thin film layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the electronic device including the display, in which the plurality of strain gauge sensors are disposed, according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating the sensor driver illustrated in <FIG> in detail.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device according to various embodiments may include a display panel <NUM>, a scan driver <NUM>, a timing controller <NUM>, a data driver <NUM>, and a sensor driver <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may include the first area A1 and the second area A2. A plurality of sub pixels may be disposed in a matrix form in the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the display panel <NUM>. The plurality of sub pixels may be disposed in an area, in which they cross the scan lines and the data lines.

At least one strain gauge sensor <NUM> (e.g., the strain gauge sensor <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed in the second area A2. The strain gauge sensor <NUM> may sense the expansion degree of the second area A2 as the resistance value thereof is changed along the expansion direction of the second area A2.

The data driver <NUM> may receive image data of R/G/B components from the timing controller <NUM> and generate data signals. The data driver <NUM> may apply the generated data signals to the sub pixels through data lines formed in the display panel <NUM>.

The scan driver <NUM> may generate scan signals that are sequentially supplied to the plurality of scan lines formed in the display panel <NUM>. The scan driver <NUM> may apply the scan signals to the sub pixels through the scan lines.

The sensor driver <NUM> may sense the expansion degree of the second area A2 by using at least one strain gauge sensor <NUM>, a resistance value of which is changed according to the expansion degree of the second area A2. The sensor driver <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, may include a voltage supply part <NUM>, an analog-digital converter <NUM>, and an area controller <NUM>.

The voltage supply part <NUM> may apply an input voltage to the strain gauge sensor. A first input voltage of a positive polarity may be applied to a first input terminal of the strain gauge sensor <NUM>, and a second input voltage of a negative polarity may be applied to a second input terminal thereof. For example, when the display panel <NUM> is a light emitting display panel, a high-potential voltage applied to a driving transistor connected to a light emitting element may be used as the first input voltage VDD, and a low-potential voltage applied to a cathode terminal of the light emitting element may be used as the second input voltage VSS.

An input voltage supplied to the strain gauge sensor <NUM> may be divided by the strain gauge sensor <NUM> and a filter resistor Rc and may be provided to the analog-digital converter <NUM> as a sensing voltage. The sensing voltage may be changed according to the resistance value of the strain gauge sensor <NUM>, which is changed according to the expansion degree of the second area A2. The analog-digital converter <NUM> may convert the sensing voltage in an analog form, which is received from the strain gauge sensor, to a sensing signal in a digital form.

The area controller <NUM> may control a driving area of the second area A2 based on the sensing signal. The area controller <NUM> may supply an area control signal corresponding to the sensing signal to the timing controller <NUM>.

The timing controller <NUM> may provide the received input image data to the data driver <NUM>. The timing controller <NUM> may generate a scan control signal for controlling the scan driver <NUM> and control an operation timing of the scan driver <NUM>. The timing controller <NUM> may generate a source control signal for controlling the data driver <NUM> and control an operation timing of the data driver <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the timing controller <NUM> may control at least one operation of the data driver <NUM> and the scan driver <NUM> in response to the area control signal generated by the sensor driver <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device is in the first state (e.g., the first state C1 of <FIG> and <FIG>), the timing controller <NUM> may control an operation of the data driver <NUM> such that the data signals are supplied to the sub pixels disposed in the second area A2 in response to the area control signal. When the electronic device is in the second state (e.g., the second state C2 of <FIG> and <FIG>), the timing controller <NUM> may control an operation of the data driver <NUM> such that the data signal are supplied to some sub pixels disposed in the second area A2 and the data signal are not supplied to the remaining sub pixels in response to the area control signal. When the electronic device is in the third state (e.g., the third state C3 of <FIG> and <FIG>), the timing controller <NUM> may control an operation of the data driver <NUM> such that the data signals are not supplied to the sub pixels disposed in the second area A2 in response to the area control signal.

The display including the strain gauge sensor according to various embodiments disclosed in the disclosure may be included in the electronic device of various forms.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network).

The memory <NUM> may include internal memory <NUM> or external memory <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a display may include a first area that is an active area, at least one second area disposed in parallel to the first area and being expandable from the first area, a first strain gauge sensor disposed in the second area, and formed in a zigzag form in a first direction that is an expansion direction of the second area, and a second strain gauge sensor disposed to be spaced apart from the first strain gauge sensor in the second area, and formed in a zigzag form in the first direction, the first strain gauge sensor may include a plurality of first resistance areas, lengths of which become gradually smaller as they go from one side to an opposite side of the second area along a second direction that is different from the first direction, and a plurality of first connection areas connecting the plurality of first resistance areas, and the second strain gauge sensor may include a plurality of second resistance areas, lengths of which become gradually larger as they go from one side to an opposite side of the second area, and a plurality of second connection areas connecting the plurality of second resistance areas.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the display may further include a conductive layer disposed on a substrate of the first area, and at least one of the first resistance area, the second resistance area, the first connection area, and the second connection area may be formed of the same material as that of the conductive layer and is disposed on the same plane as that of the conductive layer.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the display may further include a light shielding layer disposed on a substrate of the first area, and at least any one of the first resistance area, the second resistance area, the first connection area, and the second connection area may be formed of the same material as that of the light shielding layer and is disposed on the same plane as that of the light shielding layer.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the display may further include a driving transistor overlapping the light shielding layer, and a light emitting element connected to the driving transistor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a high-potential voltage applied to the light shielding layer may be supplied to the first strain gauge sensor, and a low-potential voltage applied to a cathode terminal of the light emitting element may be supplied to the second strain gauge sensor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least any one of the first resistance area and the second resistance area may include a first sub area overlapping an active layer of the driving thin film transistor, and a second sub area not overlapping the active layer of the driving thin film transistor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a strain of the first strain gauge sensor may decrease and a strain of the second strain gauge sensor may increase as the second area is expanded.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the display may further include a third strain gauge sensor spaced apart from the second strain gauge sensor in the second direction, and having the same shape as that of the first strain gauge sensor, and a fourth strain gauge sensor spaced apart from the third strain gauge sensor in the first direction, and having the same shape as that of the second strain gauge sensor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a high-potential voltage applied to the light shielding layer may be supplied to at least any one of the first strain gauge sensor and the fourth strain gauge sensor, and a low-potential voltage applied to a cathode terminal of the light emitting element may be supplied to at least any one of the second strain gauge sensor and the third strain gauge sensor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first strain gauge sensor, the second strain gauge sensor, the third strain gauge sensor, and the fourth strain gauge sensor may be disposed repeatedly at least once in at least any one of the first direction and the second direction.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, strains of the first strain gauge sensor and the third strain gauge sensor may decrease and strains of the second strain gauge sensor and the fourth strain gauge sensor may increase as an extent of the second area exposed to an outside increases.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the third strain gauge sensor may include a plurality of third resistance areas, lengths of which become gradually smaller as they go from one side to an opposite side of the second area, and a plurality of third connection areas connecting the plurality of third resistance areas, and the fourth strain gauge sensor may include a plurality of fourth resistance areas, lengths of which become gradually larger as they go from one side to an opposite side of the second area, and a plurality of fourth connection areas connecting the plurality of fourth resistance areas.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least any one of the third resistance area, the fourth resistance area, the third connection area, and the fourth connection area may be formed of the same material as that of the light shielding layer and is disposed on the same plane as that of the light shielding layer.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least any one of the first resistance area, the second resistance area, the third resistance area, and the fourth resistance area may include a first sub area overlapping an active layer of the driving thin film transistor, and a second sub area not overlapping the active layer of the driving thin film transistor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a width of the second sub area in the second direction may be smaller than that of the first sub area.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device may include a display including a first area exposed to a front surface of the electronic device and at least one second area disposed in parallel to the first area and exposed to the front surface of the electronic device, a first strain gauge sensor disposed in the second area, and a resistance value of which is changed in inverse proportion to an exposure extent of the second area, a second strain gauge sensor disposed to be spaced apart from the first strain gauge sensor in the second area, and a resistance value of which is changed in proportion to an exposure extent of the second area, and a sensor driver that senses changes in the resistance values of the first strain gauge sensor and the second strain gauge sensor to sense an exposure degree of the second area.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first strain gauge sensor may be formed in a zigzag form in a first direction that is an exposure direction of the second area, and a length thereof becomes gradually smaller as it goes from one side to an opposite side of the second area along a second direction that is different from the first direction, and the second strain gauge sensor is formed in a zigzag form in the first direction, and a length thereof may become gradually smaller as it goes from one side to an opposite side of the second area.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the sensor driver may determine an extent of a black area of the second area according to the sensed exposure degree of the second area.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include a third strain gauge sensor spaced apart from the second strain gauge sensor in the second direction, and having the same shape as that of the first strain gauge sensor, and a fourth strain gauge sensor spaced apart from the third strain gauge sensor in the first direction, and having the same shape as that of the second strain gauge sensor.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may further include a light shielding layer disposed on a substrate in the first area, and at least any one of the first strain gauge sensor, the second strain gauge sensor, the third strain gauge sensor, and the fourth strain gauge sensor may be formed of the same material as that of the light shielding layer and is disposed on the same plane as that of the light shielding layer.

Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technologies described in the disclosure to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the embodiments and the terms include modification, equivalent, and/or alternative on the corresponding embodiments described herein. With regard to description of drawings, similar elements may be marked by similar reference numerals. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless otherwise specified. In the disclosure disclosed herein, the expressions "A or B", "at least one of A and/or B", "at least one of A and/or B", "A, B, or C", or "at least one of A, B, and/or C", and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "first," or "second," and the like, may express their elements regardless of their priority or importance and may be used to distinguish one element from another element but is not limited to these components. When an (e.g., first) element is referred to as being "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" or "connected to" another (e.g., second) element, it may be directly coupled with/to or connected to the other element or an intervening element (e.g., a third element) may be present.

According to the situation, the expression "adapted to or configured to" used herein may be interchangeably used as, for example, the expression "suitable for", "having the capacity to", "changed to", "made to", "capable of" or "designed to" in hardware or software. The expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" operating together with another device or other components. For example, a "processor configured to (or set to) perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing corresponding operations or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor) which performs corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs which are stored in a memory device (e.g., the memory <NUM>).

The term "module" used herein may include a unit, which is implemented with hardware, software, or firmware, and may be interchangeably used with the terms "logic", "logical block", "component", "circuit", or the like. The "module" may be a minimum unit of an integrated component or a part thereof or may be a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof. The "module" may be implemented mechanically or electronically and may include, for example, an application-specific IC (ASIC) chip, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a programmable-logic device for performing some operations, which are known or will be developed.

According to various embodiments, at least a part of an apparatus (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations) may be, for example, implemented by instructions stored in a computer-readable storage media (e.g., the memory <NUM>) in the form of a program module. The instruction, when executed by a processor (e.g., a processor <NUM>), may cause the processor to perform a function corresponding to the instruction. The computer-readable recording medium may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic media (e.g., a magnetic tape), an optical media (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) and a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magneto-optical media (e.g., a floptical disk)), an embedded memory, and the like. The one or more instructions may contain a code made by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter.

Claim 1:
A display comprising:
a first area (A1) that is an active area;
a second area (A2) disposed in parallel to the first area (A1) and being expandable from the first area (A1);
a first strain gauge sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) disposed in the second area (A2), and formed in a zigzag form in a first direction that is an expansion direction of the second area (A2); and
a second strain gauge sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) disposed to be spaced apart from the first strain gauge sensor (<NUM>) in the second area (A2), and formed in a zigzag form in the first direction,
wherein the first strain gauge sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>) includes:
a plurality of first resistance areas (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>), lengths of which become gradually smaller as they go from one side to an opposite side of the second area (A2) along a second direction that is different from the first direction; and
a plurality of first connection areas (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) connecting the plurality of first resistance areas (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and
wherein the second strain gauge sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>) includes:
a plurality of second resistance areas (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), lengths of which become gradually larger as they go from one side to an opposite side of the second area (A2); and
a plurality of second connection areas (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) connecting the plurality of second resistance areas (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).