Patent Description:
Due to the advancement of display technologies, various display apparatuses, such as flexible displays and transparent displays, have been developed. A device including a flexible display may be folded or unfolded by a user, and thus the size of the device may be reduced.

A flexible display may be realized in a form of an organic electroluminescent light-emitting display apparatus or a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus. The flexible display may be manufactured by using a flexible material, for example, by replacing a glass substrate of a general LCD apparatus or a general organic electroluminescent light-emitting display apparatus with a plastic film. Also, a foldable device may be manufactured by using a flexible material in at least a foldable region of the general LCD apparatus or the general organic electroluminescent light-emitting display apparatus.

Flexible displays may be used in electronic books that may replace magazines, textbooks, publications, and comic books. Flexible displays may be used in new portable information technology (IT) products, such as subminiature personal computers (PCs) having a foldable or rollable display, and smart cards for checking information in real-time.

Therefore, a user interface that reflects characteristics of the foldable device would be useful. <CIT> discloses a mobile terminal having a display unit implemented as an inner display region extended up to an outer display region, and a control method thereof.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a foldable display in which a lock state of a display unit is controlled, and a method of controlling the foldable device.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of exemplary embodiments.

According to the claimed embodiment, there is provided an electronic device as defined in the appended claims.

The controller may be further configured to display, on the display, an image indicating that the foldable device is in a lock state in response to the angle of the foldable device being equal to or greater than the first angle.

The controller may be further configured to control the display to change or move the image in response to detecting that the unfolding angle of the foldable device is increasing.

The controller may be further configured to release the foldable device from the lock state and display, on the display, a pre-set wallpaper in response to the angle of the foldable device being equal to or greater than the second angle.

The controller may be further configured to display a first mode wallpaper in response to the angle of the foldable device being within a first angle range, and display a second mode wallpaper in response to the angle of the foldable device being within a second angle range.

The foldable device may further include a biometric information recognizer configured to obtain biometric information, wherein the controller may be further configured to perform user authentication by using the biometric information, and in response to determining that the user authentication has succeeded, activate the touch panel.

The controller may be further configured to, in response to the sensing interface detecting an operation of unfolding the foldable device from a folded state, activate the biometric information recognizer and obtain the biometric information.

The controller may be further configured to, in response to the angle of the foldable device being equal to or greater than the first angle, provide, on the display, an interface indicating that the user authentication is being performed.

The biometric information recognizer may include at least one of a fingerprint recognizing sensor and an iris recognizing camera.

According to the claimed embodiment, there is provided a method as defined in the appended claims.

The method may further include displaying an image indicating that the foldable device is in a lock state in response to the angle of the foldable device being equal to or greater than the first angle.

The method may further include changing or moving the image in response to detecting that the angle of the foldable device is increasing.

The method may further include releasing the foldable device from the lock state and displaying a pre-set wallpaper in response to the angle of the foldable device being equal to or greater than the second angle.

The displaying of the wallpaper may include displaying a first mode wallpaper in response to the angle of the foldable device being within a first angle range, and displaying a second mode wallpaper in response to the angle of the foldable device being within a second angle range.

The method may further include performing user authentication by using biometric information of a user obtained through a biometric information recognizer, wherein the activating of the touch panel may include activating the touch panel in response to determining that the user authentication has succeeded.

The performing of the user authentication may include, in response to detecting an operation of unfolding the foldable device from a folded state, activating the biometric information recognizer and obtaining the biometric information.

The method may further include, in response to the angle of the foldable device being equal to or greater than the first angle, providing, on the display, an interface indicating that the user authentication is being performed.

According to an aspect of another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a flexible display device including: a display; a touch panel configured to detect a touch input; a sensing interface configured to detect an angle of the flexible display device; and a controller configured to, in response to determining that the angle of the flexible display device is greater than or equal to a first angle, activate the display, and in response to determining that the angle of the flexible display is greater than or equal to a second angle, activate the touch panel.

The second angle may be greater than the first angle.

The flexible device may further include a biometric information recognizer configured to receive biometric information from a user, and wherein the controller may be further configured to enter an unlock state in response to determining that the user is authorized.

The controller may be further configured to, in response to the detected angle being between the first angle and the second angle, display an image on the display indicating that the flexible display device is in a lock state.

The controller may be further configured to, in response to determining that the detected angle is increasing, move the image from a first position to a second position.

These and/or other aspects will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

One or more exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the one or more exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail if they would obscure the present disclosure with unnecessary detail. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like or similar elements throughout the specification.

Advantages and features of one or more exemplary embodiments and methods of accomplishing the same may be understood with reference to the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Although the terms including an ordinal number such as first, second, etc., can be used for describing various elements, the structural elements are not restricted by the terms. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first structural element may be named a second structural element. Similarly, the second structural element also may be named the first structural element.

Below, one or more exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. Terms such as "module" or "unit" should be considered in a broad sense and are not limited to any particular meaning or role.

Examples of a device described herein may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a laptop, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), and a navigation device, etc. However, configurations according to one or more exemplary embodiments may also be applied to a fixed terminal, such as a digital television (TV) or a desktop computer.

In the detailed description, if a region is "connected" to another region, the regions may be "directly connected," but may also be "electrically connected" via another device therebetween. Also, if a region "includes" an element, the region may further include other elements, unless stated otherwise.

Below, one or more exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings.

<FIG> are conceptual diagrams illustrating one or more exemplary embodiments.

As shown in <FIG>, according to an exemplary embodiment, a foldable device <NUM> may be released from a lock state when a user unfolds the foldable device <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lock state of the foldable device <NUM> may denote a case in which a display unit <NUM> is in an inactivated state and a touch panel <NUM> is in an inactivated state. Also, the lock state may denote a case in which the display unit <NUM> is activated but the touch panel <NUM> is in an inactivated state.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the foldable device <NUM> is in a lock state, the display unit <NUM> may be activated and display a screen, but because the touch panel <NUM> is in an inactivated state, a user input of touching the display unit <NUM> may not be detected.

For example, while a user unfolds the foldable device <NUM> in a folded state to use the foldable device <NUM>, an image indicating the lock state may be displayed on the display unit <NUM>. Also, because the touch panel <NUM> is in an inactivated state, a malfunction caused by an unintended touch input on the display unit <NUM> may be prevented.

An unlock state of the display unit <NUM> is a state in which the display unit <NUM> is released from the lock state. The unlock state may denote a state in which the display unit <NUM> is activated and the touch panel <NUM> is activated.

For example, when the foldable device <NUM> is in an unlock state, a pre-set wallpaper may be displayed on the display unit <NUM>, and because the touch panel <NUM> is activated, the touch panel <NUM> may detect a user input of touching the display unit <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the foldable device <NUM> is foldable, the foldable device <NUM> may provide a user interface (UI) through the display unit <NUM> when the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded. Accordingly, the user may unfold the foldable device <NUM> to use the foldable device <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of quickly and conveniently releasing display unit <NUM> from the lock state without having to perform a separate input (for example, a password input or a pattern input) to release the display unit <NUM> from the lock state after the user unfolds the foldable device <NUM> may be provided. In other words, when the user unfolds the foldable device <NUM> at least a predetermined angle, the foldable device <NUM> may determine that the display unit <NUM> is released from the lock state.

The foldable device <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment may have a symmetrical shape, as shown in <FIG>, or an asymmetrical shape, as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, areas of two surfaces of the foldable device <NUM>, which face each other while being folded, may be the same, and the two surfaces may be symmetrical such that the display unit <NUM> is not exposed when the foldable device <NUM> is folded.

Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the areas of the two surfaces of the foldable device <NUM> may not be the same and the two surfaces may be asymmetrical such that the display unit <NUM> provided inside is partially exposed when the foldable device <NUM> is folded.

<FIG> and <FIG> are block diagrams of a foldable device according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the foldable device <NUM> may include a sensing unit <NUM>, the display unit <NUM>, the touch panel <NUM>, and a controller <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the foldable device <NUM> may further include a video processor <NUM>, an audio processor <NUM>, an audio output unit <NUM> (e.g., audio outputter), a power supply <NUM>, a tuner unit <NUM> (e.g., tuner), a communicator <NUM>, a detector <NUM>, an input/output unit <NUM> (e.g., input/output interface), a storage unit <NUM> (e.g., memory), and a biometric information recognizer <NUM>.

The video processor <NUM> performs a process on video data received by the foldable device <NUM>. The video processor <NUM> may perform various image processes on the video data, such as decoding, scaling, noise filtering, frame rate conversion, and resolution conversion, etc..

The display unit <NUM> may display, on a screen, a video included in a broadcasting signal received through the tuner <NUM>, according to control of the controller <NUM>. Also, the display unit <NUM> may display content (e.g., a video) input through the communicator <NUM> or the input/output unit <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> may output an image stored in the storage unit <NUM> according to control of the controller <NUM>. Also, the display unit <NUM> may display a voice UI (e.g., including a voice command guide) for performing a voice recognized task corresponding to voice recognition, or a motion UI (e.g., including a user motion guide for motion recognition) for performing a motion recognized task corresponding to motion recognition (e.g., gesture).

Examples of the display unit <NUM> include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin-film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AM-OLED), a plasma display panel (PDP), a flexible display, a <NUM>-dimensional (3D) display, and an electrophoretic display, etc. Also, the display unit <NUM> may be transparent and/or wearable.

When the display unit <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment is realized as a flexible display, the foldable device <NUM> may be realized to be foldable.

Also, according to an exemplary embodiment of the foldable device <NUM>, the foldable device <NUM> may include at least two display units <NUM>. The at least two display units <NUM> may face each other by using a hinge.

The display unit <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment, may be activated according to control of the controller <NUM> when an unfolding angle detected by the sensing unit <NUM> (e.g., sensing interface) as the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded is equal to or greater than a first angle.

Also, the display unit <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment may display an image indicating that the foldable device <NUM> is in the lock state when the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is equal to or greater than the first angle, according to control of the controller <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the display unit <NUM> may change or move the image when it is detected that the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> increases, according to control of the controller <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the display unit <NUM> may release the foldable device <NUM> from the lock state and display a pre-set or predetermined wallpaper when the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is equal to or greater than a second angle, according to control of the controller <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment may display a first mode wallpaper when the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is within a first angle range, and display a second mode wallpaper when the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is within a second angle range, according to control of the controller <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the display unit <NUM> may display an interface indicating that user authentication is being performed, according to control of the controller <NUM>.

When the display unit <NUM> and the touch panel <NUM> are configured as a touch screen by forming a layer structure, the display unit <NUM> may be used as an output device and an input device.

The touch panel <NUM> may be configured to convert a change of pressure or capacitance generated in a region of the display unit <NUM> to an electric input signal. The touch panel <NUM> may be configured to detect a touch location, a touch area, and a touch pressure.

When the touch panel <NUM> receives a touch input, a signal corresponding to the touch input is transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal, and transmits data obtained by processing the signal to the controller <NUM>. Accordingly, the controller <NUM> determines which region of the display unit <NUM> is touched. The touch panel <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment, may be activated when the unfolding angle detected by the sensing unit <NUM> is equal to or greater than the second angle, according to control of the controller <NUM>. The touch panel <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment, may be activated when it is determined that user authentication using biometric information of the user, which is obtained by the biometric information recognizer <NUM>, has succeeded, according to control of the controller <NUM>.

The audio processor <NUM> performs a process on audio data. The audio processor <NUM> may perform various processes on the audio data, such as decoding, amplification, and noise filtering, etc. The audio processor <NUM> may include a plurality of audio processing modules to process audio corresponding to a plurality of pieces of content.

The audio output unit <NUM> (e.g., audio outputter) outputs audio included in a broadcasting signal received through the sensing unit <NUM>, according to control of the controller <NUM>. The audio output unit <NUM> may output audio (e.g., voice or sound) input through the communicator <NUM> or the input/output unit <NUM>. Also, the audio output unit <NUM> may output audio stored in the storage unit <NUM>, according to control of the controller <NUM>. The audio output unit <NUM> may include at least one of a speaker <NUM>, a headphone output terminal <NUM>, and a Sony/Philips Digital interface (S/PDIF) output terminal <NUM>. The audio output unit <NUM> may include any combination of the speaker <NUM>, the headphone output terminal <NUM>, and the S/PDIF output terminal <NUM>.

The power supply unit <NUM> supplies power from an external power source to the elements included in the foldable device <NUM>, according to control of the controller <NUM>. Also, the power supply unit <NUM> may supply power output from at least one battery provided inside the foldable device <NUM> to the elements included in the foldable device <NUM>, according to control of the controller <NUM>.

The tuner unit <NUM> may tune and select a frequency of a channel to be received by the foldable device <NUM> from among radio wave components of a wired or wireless broadcasting signal via amplification, mixing, and resonance. A broadcasting signal includes audio, video, and additional information (e.g., an electronic program guide (EPG)).

The tuner unit <NUM> may receive a broadcasting signal in a frequency band corresponding to a channel number (e.g., a cable channel number <NUM>) according to a user input (e.g., a control signal received from a control device, such as a channel number input, a channel up-down input, or a channel input in an EPG screen).

The tuner unit <NUM> may receive a broadcasting signal from any one of various sources, such as terrestrial broadcasting, cable broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and internet broadcasting, etc. The tuner unit <NUM> may receive a broadcasting signal from a source such as analog broadcasting or digital broadcasting. A broadcasting signal received through the tuner unit <NUM> may be decoded (e.g., audio decoding, video decoding or additional information decoding), and separated into audio, video, and/or additional information. The audio, the video, and/or the additional information may be stored in the storage unit <NUM> according to control of the controller <NUM>.

The foldable device <NUM> may include at least one tuner unit <NUM>. The tuner unit <NUM> may be realized as an all-in-one component of the foldable device <NUM>, or realized as a separate device electrically connected to the foldable device <NUM> (e.g., a tuner unit connected to a set-top box and the input/output unit <NUM>).

The sensing unit <NUM> may detect a state of the foldable device <NUM> or a state around the foldable device <NUM>, and transmit the detected state to the controller <NUM>.

The sensing unit <NUM> may include at least one of a magnetic sensor <NUM>, an acceleration sensor <NUM>, a hall sensor, a bending sensor, a temperature/humidity sensor <NUM>, an infrared sensor <NUM>, a gyroscope sensor <NUM>, a location sensor <NUM> (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), an atmospheric sensor <NUM>, a proximity sensor <NUM>, and an RGB sensor <NUM> (e.g., illuminance sensor), but it is not limited thereto.

Also, the sensing unit <NUM> may include a sensor for detecting a touch input of an input tool (e.g., stylus), and a sensor for detecting a touch input of the user. The sensor for detecting a touch input of the user may be included in a touch screen or a touch pad. The sensor for detecting a touch input of the input tool may be provided below or inside the touch screen or the touch pad.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensing unit <NUM> may detect an operation in which the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded or folded. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensing unit <NUM> may detect an operation in which the foldable device <NUM> is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state, or from an unfolded state to a folded state. For example, the hall sensor or the magnetic sensor <NUM> provided at a folding region may detect the operation in which the foldable device <NUM> is folded or unfolded.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensing unit <NUM> may detect whether a current state of the foldable device <NUM> is in a folded state or an unfolded state, and when the current state is changed, detect a folding or unfolding operation.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensing unit <NUM> may be provided at a location where the two surfaces of the foldable device <NUM> approach each other through folding, thereby detecting the folded state.

Also, the sensing unit <NUM> may detect the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM>. For example, when the foldable device <NUM> has a hinge structure, an angle between the two surfaces that are unfolded may be measured based on the hinge structure.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensing unit <NUM> may determine the folded state or the unfolded state and provide a result of the determining to the controller <NUM>. Also, the sensing unit <NUM> may provide information about the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> to the controller <NUM>.

The communicator <NUM> may connect an external device (e.g., an audio device) to the foldable device <NUM> according to control of the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may transmit/receive content to/from the external device, download an application from the external device, and/or browse the Internet.

The communicator <NUM> may include at least one of a wireless local area network (LAN) <NUM>, Bluetooth <NUM>, and wired Ethernet <NUM>, based on performance and a structure of the foldable device <NUM>. The communicator <NUM> may include any combination of the wireless LAN <NUM>, the Bluetooth <NUM>, and the wired Ethernet <NUM>.

The communicator <NUM> may include a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communicator, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communicator, a Zigbee communicator, an infrared data association (IrDA) communicator, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communicator, an ultra wideband (UWB) communicator, and an Ant+ communicator, but is not limited thereto.

The communicator <NUM> may transmit and receive a wireless signal to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. A wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, an image call signal, and/or a text/multimedia message.

The communicator <NUM> may include a broadcasting receiver that receives an external broadcasting signal and/or broadcasting related information through a broadcasting channel. Non-limiting examples of the broadcasting channel include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel.

The communicator <NUM> may receive a control signal of an external control device according to control of the controller <NUM>. The control signal may be a Bluetooth type, a radio frequency (RF) signal type, and/or a Wi-Fi type.

The detector <NUM> may detect voice of the user, an image of the user, or an interaction of the user.

A microphone <NUM> receives a voice uttered by the user. The microphone <NUM> converts the voice to an electric signal and outputs the electric signal to the controller <NUM>. The voice may include, for example, a voice corresponding to a menu or a function of the foldable device <NUM>. The microphone <NUM> may have a recognition range (e.g., <NUM>) from the microphone <NUM> to a location of the user, and may vary according to the volume of the voice and an ambient environment (e.g., a speaker sound and ambient noise).

The microphone <NUM> may be embedded in or separated from the foldable device <NUM>. When the microphone <NUM> is separated from the foldable device <NUM>, the microphone <NUM> may be electrically connected to the foldable device <NUM> through the communicator <NUM> and/or the input/output unit <NUM>.

A camera <NUM> may include a lens and an image sensor. The camera <NUM> may support optical zoom or digital zoom by using a plurality of lenses and image processing. A recognition range of the camera <NUM> may be variously set according to an angle of a camera and an ambient environment condition. When the camera <NUM> includes a plurality of cameras, the camera unit <NUM> may receive a 3D still image or a 3D motion by using the plurality of cameras.

The camera <NUM> may be embedded in or separated from the foldable device <NUM>. When the camera <NUM> is separated from the foldable device <NUM>, the camera <NUM> may be electrically connected to the foldable device <NUM> through the communicator <NUM> or the input/output unit <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the camera <NUM> may include an iris recognizing camera.

According to an exemplary embodiment, an optical receiver <NUM> receives an optical signal (including a control signal) from an external control device through an optical window of a bezel of the display unit <NUM>. The optical receiver <NUM> may receive an optical signal corresponding to a user input (e.g., touching, pressing, a touch gesture, voice, or motion) from the external control device. A control signal may be extracted from the optical signal according to control of the controller <NUM>.

The input/output unit <NUM> receives video (e.g., a moving image), audio (e.g., voice or music), and additional information (e.g., EPG), from an external source of the foldable device <NUM>, according to control of the controller <NUM>. The input/output unit <NUM> may include at least one of a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port <NUM>, a component jack <NUM>, a personal computer (PC) port <NUM>, and a universal serial bus (USB) port <NUM>. The input/output unit <NUM> may include any combination of the HDMI port <NUM>, the component jack <NUM>, the PC port <NUM>, and the USB port <NUM>.

A structure and operations of the input/output unit <NUM> may vary according to exemplary embodiments.

The controller <NUM> controls overall operations of the foldable device <NUM> and signal flows between the elements of the foldable device <NUM>, and processes data. The controller <NUM> may execute an operation system (OS) or various applications stored in the storage unit <NUM> when a user input is received or a pre-set stored condition is satisfied.

The controller <NUM> may include a random access memory (RAM) <NUM> that is used as a storage space for storing external signals or data or corresponding to various operations performed by the foldable device <NUM>, a read-only memory (ROM) <NUM> in which a control program for controlling the foldable device <NUM> is stored, and a processor <NUM> (e.g., main CPU).

The processor <NUM> may include a graphic processing unit (GPU) for performing a graphics process corresponding to a video. The processor <NUM> may be realized as a system-on-chip (SoC) including a core and the GPU. The processor <NUM> may include a single core, a dual core, a triple core, a quad core, or any plurality of cores.

Also, the processor <NUM> may include a plurality of processors. For example, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor and a sub-processor that operates in a sleep mode.

A graphics processor <NUM> generates a screen including various objects, such as an icon, an image, and text, by using a calculator and a rendering unit, etc. The calculator calculates an attribute value, such as a coordinate value, a shape, a size, or color, of each object to be displayed according to a layout of a screen, by using a user interaction detected by the detector <NUM>. The rendering unit generates a screen of various layouts including objects based on the attribute value calculated by the calculator. The screen generated by the rendering unit is displayed in a display region of the display unit <NUM>.

First through n-th interfaces, <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-n, are connected to the elements described above. One of the first through n-th interfaces <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-n may be a network interface connected to an external device through a network.

The RAM <NUM>, the ROM <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, the graphic processor <NUM>, and the first through n-th interfaces <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-n may be mutually connected to each other through an internal bus <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the "controller" may include the processor <NUM>, the ROM <NUM>, and the RAM <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller <NUM> of the foldable device <NUM> may activate the display unit <NUM> when the unfolding angle detected by the sensing unit <NUM> as the unfolding device <NUM> is unfolded is equal to or greater than a first angle, and activate the touch panel <NUM> when the unfolding angle detected by the sensing unit <NUM> is equal to or greater than a second angle.

The controller <NUM> of the foldable device <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment may display, on the display unit <NUM>, the image indicating that the foldable device <NUM> is in the lock state, when the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is equal to or greater than the first angle.

Also, the controller <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment may change or move the image when it is detected that the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> increases.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller <NUM> may release the display unit <NUM> from the lock state and display, on the display unit <NUM>, the pre-set wallpaper when the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is equal to or greater than the second angle.

The controller <NUM> may display the first mode wallpaper when the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is within the first angle range, and display the second mode wallpaper when the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is within the second angle range.

The controller <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment may perform user authentication by using the biometric information of the user, which is obtained through the biometric information recognizer <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller <NUM> may activate the biometric information recognizer <NUM> and obtain the biometric information when an operation the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded is detected through the sensing unit <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller <NUM> may activate the touch panel <NUM> when it is determined that the user authentication has succeeded.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller <NUM> may provide, to the display unit <NUM>, an interface indicating that the user authentication is being performed.

A structure and operations of the controller <NUM> may vary according to exemplary embodiments.

The storage unit <NUM> may store various types of data, programs, and/or applications for driving and controlling the foldable device <NUM> according to control of the controller <NUM>. The storage unit <NUM> may store input/output signal and/or data according to operations of the video processor <NUM>, the display unit <NUM>, the audio processor <NUM>, the audio output unit <NUM>, the power supply unit <NUM>, the tuner unit <NUM>, the communicator <NUM>, the detector <NUM>, and the input/output unit <NUM>. The storage unit <NUM> may store control programs for controls of the foldable device <NUM> and the controller <NUM>, applications initially provided by a manufacturer or downloaded from an external source, a GUI related to an application, an object for providing a GUI (for example, an image, text, an icon, or a button), user information, a document, databases, and/or related data.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the "storage unit" includes the storage unit <NUM>, the ROM <NUM>, the RAM <NUM>, and/or a memory card (e.g., a micro security digital (SD) card or a USB memory) provided in the foldable device <NUM>. The storage unit <NUM> may include a nonvolatile memory, a volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD).

The storage unit <NUM> may include a broadcast receiving module, a channel control module, a volume control module, a communication control module, a voice recognizing module, a motion recognizing module, an optical receiving module, a display control module, an audio control module, an external input control module, a power control module, a power control module of an external device connected wirelessly (for example, via Bluetooth), a voice database (DB), and/or a motion DB. A module or a DB of the storage unit <NUM> may be realized in a form of software to perform, in the foldable device <NUM>, a broadcasting receiving control function, a channel control function, a volume control function, a communication control function, a voice recognizing function, a motion recognizing function, an optical receiving control function, a display control function, an audio control function, an external input control function, a power control function, and/or a power control function of an external device connected wirelessly (for example, via Bluetooth). The controller <NUM> may perform a function by using the software stored in the storage unit <NUM>.

The biometric information recognizer <NUM> may include a fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> and an iris recognizing camera <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. The biometric information recognizer <NUM> may include a voice recognizing sensor, a face recognizing sensor, a palm line recognizing sensor, a vein distribution recognizing sensor, a retina recognizing sensor, a movement pattern recognizing sensor, such as a walking style recognizing sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) recognizing sensor, and/or a palm print recognizing sensor.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the biometric information recognizer <NUM> may recognize fingerprint information or iris information of the user according to control of the controller <NUM>, and transmit the fingerprint information or the iris information to the controller <NUM>.

More or less elements than the elements shown in <FIG> may be included in the foldable device <NUM>, according to performance of the foldable device <NUM>. Locations of the elements may change according to performance or a structure of the foldable device <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are flowcharts of a method of controlling the foldable device <NUM>, according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

In operation S401 of <FIG>, when the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded, the controller <NUM> may activate the display unit <NUM> when the unfolding angle detected by the sensing unit <NUM> is equal to or greater than a first angle.

For example, when the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded from a folded state to at least a first angle (e.g., <NUM>°), the display unit <NUM> may be activated. At this time, the foldable device <NUM> is in a lock state, and the image indicating the lock state may be displayed on the display unit <NUM>.

In operation S402 of <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may activate the touch panel <NUM> for detecting an input of touching the display unit <NUM> when the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> detected by the sensing unit <NUM> is equal to or greater than a second angle.

For example, when the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded to at least a second angle (e.g., <NUM>°), the controller <NUM> may display the pre-set wallpaper on the display unit <NUM>. When the touch panel <NUM> is activated, for example, a touch input of selecting an application displayed on the pre-set wallpaper may be detected. This may mean that the foldable device <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment is in the unlock state as the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded at least the second angle.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and second angles may be set when the foldable device <NUM> is manufactured, or may be set or changed by the user, but are not limited thereto.

The lock state may be realized after user authentication (e.g., biometric information recognition) for security of the foldable device <NUM>, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart for describing a UI when the display unit <NUM> is changed from the lock state to the unlock state. <FIG> illustrates a method of releasing the foldable device <NUM> from the lock state, according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams illustrating an interface in which the foldable device <NUM> is released from the lock state as the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded, according to one or exemplary embodiments.

The flowchart of <FIG> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

In operation S501 of <FIG>, the display unit <NUM> may be activated when the unfolding angle detected by the sensing unit <NUM> as the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded is equal to or greater than the first angle. In operation S502, the foldable device <NUM> may display the image indicating the lock state, on the display unit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> when the foldable device <NUM> in the folded state is unfolded at least the first angle (e.g., <NUM>°), the controller <NUM> may activate the display unit <NUM> and provide an interface for indicating the lock state. For example, as shown in the center diagram of <FIG>, a oval may be displayed and a icon i10 moving on the oval may be displayed.

In operation S503 of <FIG>, when it is detected that the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> increases, the controller <NUM> may change or move the image indicating the lock state.

For example, referring to <FIG>, when the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> increases, the foldable device <NUM> may move the icon i12 to the left to display an icon i12-<NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the user may intuitively recognize that the foldable device <NUM> is released from the lock state when the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded until an icon moving according to the unfolding angle reaches an end of the oval (e.g., center diagram of <FIG>).

In operation S504 of <FIG>, when the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> detected by the sensing unit <NUM> is equal to or greater than the second angle, the controller <NUM> may release the foldable device <NUM> from the lock state and display the pre-set wallpaper on the display unit <NUM>. Here, the controller <NUM> may activate the touch panel <NUM> for detecting an input of touching the display unit <NUM> in operation S505.

For example, as shown at the right side of <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may display, on the display unit <NUM>, the pre-set wallpaper when the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded to at least a second angle (e.g., <NUM>°), and detect the input of touching the display unit <NUM>. The foldable device <NUM> may be released from the lock state when the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded at least the second angle.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating releasing the foldable device <NUM> from the lock state according to the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> are diagrams illustrating releasing the foldable device <NUM> from the lock state according to the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment. The flowchart of <FIG> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the foldable device <NUM> is released from the lock state as the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded to at least a predetermined angle, the foldable device <NUM> may provide different service environments according to an unfolding angle range.

For example, when the unfolding angle range is from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, the foldable device <NUM> may execute a laptop mode, and when the unfolding angle range is from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, the foldable device <NUM> may execute a tablet mode. The device <NUM> may provide different wallpapers in the laptop mode and the tablet mode. For example, applications may be gathered to form a wallpaper in each of the laptop mode and the tablet mode. Also, different background images may be set for each mode. The wallpaper or the background image may be set when the foldable device <NUM> is manufactured, or may be initially set or changed by the user, but are not limited thereto.

As another example, different OSs may be driven in each mode according to the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM>. For example, when the unfolding angle range is from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, Windows may be driven, and when the unfolding angle range is from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, Android may be driven. Exemplary embodiments are not limited to these.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation S901, the controller <NUM> of the foldable device <NUM> may detect the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> through the sensing unit <NUM>.

In operation S902 of <FIG>, the controller <NUM> of the foldable device <NUM> may determine that the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is within the first angle range. In operation S903, the controller <NUM> may display, on the display unit <NUM>, the first mode wallpaper.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, while the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is within a first angle range (e.g., from <NUM>° to less than <NUM>°), the controller <NUM> may display, on the display unit <NUM>, an icon i15 to move up to a location corresponding to the first angle range. Also, as shown in <FIG>, when the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded in the first angle range, the controller <NUM> may display, on the display unit <NUM>, the first mode wallpaper, for example, a wallpaper in the laptop mode.

In operation S904 of <FIG>, the controller <NUM> of the foldable device <NUM> may determine that the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is within a second angle range. In operation S905, the controller <NUM> may display, on the display unit <NUM>, the second mode wallpaper.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, while the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is within the second angle range (e.g., from <NUM>° to <NUM>°), the controller <NUM> may display, on the display unit <NUM>, an icon i15-<NUM> to move up to a location corresponding to the second angle range. Also, as shown in <FIG>, when the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded in the second angle range, the controller <NUM> may display, on the display unit <NUM>, the second mode wallpaper, for example, a wallpaper in the tablet mode.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the foldable device <NUM> determines the unfolding angle range to selectively execute one of a plurality of different modes (e.g., the laptop mode and the tablet mode), but is not limited thereto.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the foldable device <NUM> may execute the laptop mode when the unfolding angle is within the first angle range, and execute the tablet mode when the unfolding angle is within the second angle range.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating user authentication using biometric information, according to an exemplary embodiment.

The foldable device <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment, may release the foldable device <NUM> from the lock state by performing the user authentication while the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded. The foldable device <NUM> may use the biometric information (e.g., fingerprint information or iris information) of the user for the user authentication. The biometric information recognizer <NUM> for obtaining the biometric information may be performed while recognizing an unfolding operation of the foldable device <NUM>. Accordingly, the user may recognize that the user authentication is performed while an operation the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded is performed.

The biometric information is not limited to the fingerprint information and the iris information, and may include voice information, face information, palm line information, vein distribution information, retina information, movement pattern information, such as walking style information, ECG information, and/or palm print information.

In operation S1101 of <FIG>, the controller <NUM> of the foldable device <NUM> may detect an operation in which the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded through the sensing unit <NUM>. In operation S1102, the foldable device <NUM> may activate the biometric information recognizer <NUM>, and perform the user authentication by using the biometric information obtained by the biometric information recognizer <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller <NUM> may perform the user authentication by comparing pre-stored fingerprint information and/or pre-stored iris information according to user identification (ID) information and currently obtained fingerprint information and/or currently obtained iris information.

In operation S1103 of <FIG>, when the unfolding angle of the foldable device <NUM> is at least the first angle, the display unit <NUM> is activated and an interface indicating that the user authentication is being performed is displayed on the display unit <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, when fingerprint authentication is being performed, a fingerprint image i16 may be displayed and move on the display unit <NUM> until fingerprint recognition is completed.

Also, as shown in <FIG>, when fingerprint authentication and iris authentication are performed, a fingerprint image i17 and an iris image i18 may be displayed on the display unit <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may display the fingerprint image i17 and the iris image i18 as moving images until the fingerprint authentication and the iris authentication are completed.

In operation S1104 of <FIG>, the controller <NUM> of the foldable device <NUM> may determine whether the user authentication has succeeded. When it is determined that the user authentication has succeeded, the controller <NUM> may release the display unit <NUM> from the lock state and activate the touch panel <NUM> in operation S1105. In operation S1106, the controller <NUM> may display the pre-set wallpaper on the display unit <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, a wallpaper pre-set to be displayed in the unlock state may be displayed on the display unit <NUM>.

When it is determined that the user authentication did not succeed in operation S <NUM>, the controller <NUM> of the foldable device <NUM> may maintain the lock state of the display unit <NUM> in operation S1107.

For example, the controller <NUM> may maintain the lock state and display, on the display unit <NUM>, a screen indicating that the biometric information does not match. Also, the controller <NUM> may display, on the display unit <NUM>, a screen requesting for user authentication again or a screen requesting to input a pre-stored password.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating an arrangement location of the biometric information recognizer <NUM>, according to one or more exemplary embodiments. The biometric information recognizer <NUM> may include the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> and the iris recognizing camera <NUM> as described above with reference to <FIG>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the foldable device <NUM> may be symmetrical (<FIG>) or asymmetrical (<FIG>).

The biometric information recognizer <NUM> may be arranged in the foldable device <NUM> in any one of various forms.

Referring to <FIG>, the biometric information recognizer <NUM> may be disposed on a lower housing rear surface <NUM> of a device region disposed below, when the foldable device <NUM> is folded.

For example, when the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> is disposed on the lower housing rear surface <NUM>, the foldable device <NUM> may be unfolded while an index finger of the user is touching the lower housing rear surface <NUM>. In this case, the user may unfold the foldable device <NUM> to perform the user authentication while releasing the display unit <NUM> from the lock state.

Alternatively, the biometric information recognizer <NUM> may be disposed on a lower housing side surface <NUM> of a device region disposed below when the foldable device <NUM> is folded. For example, when the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> is disposed on the lower housing side surface <NUM>, the foldable device <NUM> may be unfolded while a thumb of the user contacts the lower housing side surface <NUM>.

Alternatively, the biometric information recognizer <NUM> may be disposed on a lower housing side upper surface <NUM> of a device region disposed below, when the foldable device <NUM> is folded. For example, when the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> is disposed on the lower housing side upper surface <NUM>, the foldable device <NUM> may be unfolded while an index finger of the user contacts the lower housing side upper surface <NUM>.

Alternatively, the biometric information recognizer <NUM> may be disposed on an upper housing rear surface <NUM> of a device region disposed above when the foldable device <NUM> is folded. For example, the iris recognizing camera <NUM> may be disposed on the upper housing rear surface <NUM>.

The foldable device <NUM> that is asymmetrical as shown in <FIG> may include the biometric information recognizer <NUM> at a location corresponding to the foldable device <NUM> that is symmetrical as shown in <FIG>.

Also, when the foldable device <NUM> is asymmetrical, the biometric information recognizer <NUM> may be disposed on a lower housing top surface lower region <NUM> of a device region disposed below when the foldable device <NUM> is folded. For example, when the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> is disposed on the lower housing top surface lower region <NUM>, the foldable device <NUM> may be unfolded while a thumb of the user contacts the lower housing top surface lower region <NUM>. Also, the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> may operate even while the foldable device <NUM> is folded.

The biometric information recognizer <NUM> may be disposed on a lower housing top surface side region <NUM> of a device region disposed below when the foldable device <NUM> is folded. For example, when the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> is disposed on the lower housing top surface side region <NUM>, the foldable device <NUM> may be unfolded while the thumb of the user contacts the lower housing top surface side region <NUM>. The fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> may operate even while the foldable device <NUM> is folded.

The biometric information recognizer <NUM> may be disposed on a lower housing top surface upper region <NUM> of a device region disposed below when the foldable device <NUM> is folded.

For example, when the iris recognizing camera <NUM> is disposed on the lower housing top surface upper region <NUM>, an image of an eye of the user may be obtained through the iris recognizing camera <NUM> when the user holds and unfolds the foldable device <NUM>. The iris recognizing camera <NUM> may operate even when the foldable device <NUM> is folded.

When the iris recognizing camera <NUM> is disposed on the lower housing top surface upper region <NUM> of the foldable device <NUM>, the image of the eye of the user may be obtained through the iris recognizing camera <NUM> when the user unfolded the foldable device <NUM> at least a predetermined angle. <FIG> illustrates an example in which the iris recognizing camera <NUM> is disposed on a lower housing top surface upper region s4.

When the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> is disposed on the lower housing top surface upper region <NUM>, the foldable device <NUM> may be unfolded while the thumb of the user contacts the lower housing top surface upper region <NUM>. Also, the foldable device <NUM> may operate even when the foldable device <NUM> is folded.

The biometric information recognizer <NUM> may be disposed inside a lower housing display surface <NUM> exposed from a device region disposed below when the foldable device <NUM> is folded.

For example, when the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> is disposed on the lower housing display surface <NUM>, the foldable device <NUM> may be unfolded while the thumb of the user contacts the lower housing display surface <NUM>. The fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> may operate even when the foldable device <NUM> is folded.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating user authentication using biometric information, according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> is disposed on a lower housing side surface s1 (i.e., the lower housing side surface <NUM> of <FIG>) of the foldable device <NUM>.

For example, when the user holds and unfolds the foldable device <NUM>, the thumb of the user may contact the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> to operate the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM>.

Referring to the center diagram of <FIG>, when the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded at least a predetermined angle, the display unit <NUM> is activated and the fingerprint image i16 indicating that fingerprint recognition is being performed may be displayed on the display unit <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may display the fingerprint image i16 as a moving image until user authentication is completed.

Referring to the right side of <FIG>, when the fingerprint recognition has succeeded while the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded at least the predetermined angle, the foldable device <NUM> is released from the lock state and the pre-set wallpaper may be displayed.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which the iris recognizing camera <NUM> is disposed on a lower housing top surface upper region s3 (i.e., the lower housing top surface upper region <NUM> of <FIG>) of the foldable device <NUM>. Also, the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> is disposed on a lower housing display surface s2 (i.e., the lower housing display surface <NUM> of <FIG>) of the foldable device <NUM>.

Before or while the user unfolds the foldable device <NUM>, a finger of the user may contact the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> (i.e., the lower housing display surface s2), and the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> may be activated. Also, before or while the user unfolds the foldable device <NUM>, an eye image of the user may be obtained through the iris recognizing camera <NUM> on the lower housing top surface upper region s3.

Referring to <FIG>, when the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded at least a predetermined angle, the display unit <NUM> is activated, and the fingerprint image i17 indicating that fingerprint recognition is being performed and the iris image i <NUM> indicating that iris recognition is being performed may be displayed on the display unit <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may display the fingerprint image i17 and the iris image i18 as moving images until user authentication is completed.

Referring to <FIG>, when it is determined that the user authentication has succeeded through the fingerprint recognition and the iris recognition while the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded within a predetermined angle range, the foldable device <NUM> is released from the lock state and the pre-set wallpaper may be displayed.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which the iris recognizing camera <NUM> is disposed on the lower housing top surface upper region s4.

For example, when the iris recognizing camera <NUM> is disposed on the lower housing top surface upper region s4 of the foldable device <NUM>, the iris recognizing camera <NUM> may obtain the eye image of the user while the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded at least the predetermined angle.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> is disposed in an edge display surface s5.

As shown in <FIG>, the edge display surface s5 may be provided at one corner surface of the foldable device <NUM> and may be exposed even when the foldable device <NUM> is folded and/or unfolded. The edge display surface s5 may be a display region provided on an extending line of a display surface externally exposed while the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded and curved at least a predetermined angle.

For example, when the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> is disposed on the edge display surface s5, the foldable device <NUM> may be unfolded while the thumb of the user contacts the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> on the edge display surface s5.

Also, the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> may operate even when the foldable device <NUM> is folded.

As shown in <FIG>, when it is determined that user authentication has succeeded through fingerprint recognition while the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded to within a predetermined angle range, the foldable device <NUM> is released from the lock state and the pre-set wallpaper may be displayed.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which the iris recognizing camera <NUM> is disposed on an upper housing rear surface s7 (i.e., the upper housing rear surface <NUM> of <FIG>) of the foldable device <NUM>. Also, the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> may be disposed on a lower housing top surface side region s6 (i.e., the lower housing top surface side region <NUM> of <FIG>) of the foldable device <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment, user authentication may be performed while the foldable device <NUM> is folded. For example, fingerprint authentication may be performed when the user contacts a finger on the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> while the foldable device <NUM> is folded. Here, the foldable device <NUM> may obtain an eye image of the user through the iris recognizing camera <NUM> and perform iris authentication.

The controller <NUM> may display images i21 and i22 indicating that the user authentication is being performed on the display unit <NUM> exposed while the foldable device <NUM> is folded. The controller <NUM> may display the images i21 and i22 as moving images until the user authentication is completed.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate examples in which the display unit <NUM> exposed while the foldable device <NUM> is folded is released from the lock state through user authentication.

In <FIG>, the iris recognizing camera <NUM> is disposed on a lower housing side surface upper region s9 (the lower housing top surface upper region <NUM> of <FIG>) of the foldable device <NUM>. Also, the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> may be disposed on a lower housing top surface lower region s8 (i.e., the lower housing top surface lower region <NUM> of <FIG>) of the foldable device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a button k1 (e.g., a home key or a power key) may be disposed on a lower housing top surface lower region (i.e., the lower housing top surface lower region <NUM> of <FIG>) of the foldable device <NUM>. In this case, the user may press the button k1 to activate a display region of the display unit <NUM>, which is exposed when the foldable device <NUM> is folded. Also, a finger of the user may contact the button k1 to activate the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> disposed at the same location.

Referring to <FIG>, the foldable device <NUM> may receive an input of a power key k2 to activate the display region of the display unit <NUM>, which is exposed when the foldable device <NUM> is folded. Also, a finger of the user may contact a fingerprint recognizing sensor s10 to perform fingerprint recognition.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when it is determined that user authentication has succeeded by using fingerprint recognition and iris recognition, the foldable device <NUM> releases the display region from the lock state and display an interface pre-set to be displayed in the unlock state.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating an example in which the display unit <NUM> is released from the lock state as the foldable device <NUM> is unfolded, according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the foldable device <NUM> may be realized as a rollable device. As shown in <FIG>, the foldable device <NUM> may include a rollable display and a housing region into which the rollable display is rolled.

The foldable device <NUM> may be unrolled as the user pulls the rollable display rolled into the housing region. As another example, the foldable device <NUM> may be unrolled according to a user input of pressing a button provided on the foldable device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the foldable device <NUM> is unrolled as the rollable display rolled into the housing region is pulled, the display unit <NUM> may be released from the lock state.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the user unrolls the foldable device <NUM> to use the foldable device <NUM>, the display unit <NUM> may be quickly and conveniently released from the lock state without having to perform a separate input (e.g., a password input or a pattern input) for releasing the display unit <NUM> from the lock state.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate examples in which the display unit <NUM> is released from the lock state as user authentication is performed by using biometric information while the foldable device <NUM> is unrolled.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the foldable device <NUM> may include the biometric information recognizer <NUM>. The biometric information recognizer <NUM> may include the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> and the iris recognizing camera <NUM> as described above with reference to <FIG>.

The biometric information recognizer <NUM> may be utilized during an unfolding operation of the foldable device <NUM>. Accordingly, the user may recognize that the user authentication is performed while the foldable device <NUM> is unrolled.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate arrangement examples of the biometric information recognizer <NUM>, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

Referring to <FIG>, the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> may be disposed at a location where a finger of the user contacts to unroll the foldable device <NUM> by pulling the display region. For example, the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> on a surface s13 may be provided at one region on a housing or inside a display provided on the housing where a finger contacts to unroll the foldable device <NUM>. The fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> may be disposed on a bezel region s14 of a display rolled into the housing.

As a finger of the user contacts the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> before or while the user unrolls the foldable device <NUM>, the fingerprint recognizing sensor <NUM> may be activated.

The controller <NUM> may display an image i24 indicating that the user authentication is being performed, on the display unit <NUM> provided on the housing exposed while the foldable device <NUM> is rolled. The controller <NUM> may display the image i24 as a moving image until the user authentication is completed.

Referring to <FIG>, when it is determined that fingerprint authentication has succeeded while the foldable device <NUM> is unrolled, the foldable device <NUM> is released from the lock state and the pre-set wallpaper may be displayed.

Referring to <FIG>, the iris recognizing camera <NUM> on a surface s16 may be disposed on an upper region of a housing.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when the user unrolls the foldable device <NUM>, the iris recognizing camera <NUM> may be activated. While the foldable device <NUM> is unrolled, the iris recognizing camera <NUM> may obtain an eye image of the user and iris authentication may be performed according to control of the controller <NUM>.

As another example, when the foldable device <NUM> is unrolled as the user presses a button provided on the foldable device <NUM>, the iris recognizing camera <NUM> on the surface s16 may be activated when the button is pressed.

The controller <NUM> may display an image i25 indicating that the user authentication is being performed, on the display unit <NUM> provided on the housing exposed when the foldable device <NUM> is rolled. The controller <NUM> may display the image i25 as a moving image until the user authentication is completed.

Referring to <FIG>, when it is determined that iris authentication has succeeded while the foldable device <NUM> is unrolled, the foldable device <NUM> is released from the lock state and the pre-set wallpaper may be displayed.

The exemplary embodiments described above are only examples, and are not limiting. Also, orders of performing the operations are not limited, and some operations may be omitted, or at least one operation may be added according to one or more exemplary embodiments.

An exemplary embodiment may also be realized in a form of a computer-readable recording medium, such as a program module executed by a computer. A computer-readable recording medium may be an available medium accessible by a computer, and examples thereof include all volatile and non-volatile media and separable and non-separable media. Further, examples of the computer-readable recording medium may include a computer storage medium and a communication medium. Examples of the computer storage medium may include all volatile and non-volatile media and separable and non-separable media, which have been implemented by a method or technology, for storing information such as computer-readable commands, data structures, program modules, and other data. The communication medium may include a computer-readable command, a data structure, a program module, other data of a modulated data signal, or another transmission mechanism, and an example thereof includes an information transmission medium.

Also, "unit" may be a hardware component such as a processor and/or a circuit, and/or a software component executed by a hardware component such as a processor.

Although one or more exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the following claims. Hence, it will be understood that exemplary embodiments described above are not limiting. For example, each component described in a single type may be executed in a distributed manner, and components described distributed may also be executed in an integrated form.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), the device comprising:
a flexible display (<NUM>);
a sensor (<NUM>) for detecting whether the electronic device is unfolded;
a fingerprint recognition sensor (<NUM>) to sense fingerprint information of a user, and
a processor (<NUM>) configured to
perform an authentication of the user while the electronic device is unfolding based on the fingerprint information detected by the fingerprint recognition sensor (<NUM>),
control the flexible display (<NUM>), in response to an unfolded angle sensed through the sensor (<NUM>) being at least a first angle which is predetermined and less than a predetermined second angle at which the electronic device (<NUM>) can be unlocked, to provide a screen that user authentication is in progress, and
control the electronic device (<NUM>) to provide an unlocked screen on the flexible display (<NUM>) if the user is authenticated by the fingerprint information, and provide a locked screen on the flexible display (<NUM>) if the user is not authenticated.