Patent Description:
Recently, electronic devices including a foldable display are being developed. The electronic device including the foldable display, which is carried in a folded state, may provide improved portability. In addition, the electronic device including the foldable display may provide a wide screen.

If a conventional electronic device including the foldable display is folded or unfolded, a first display displays a first image or a second display displays a second display which is not associated with (or not related to) the first image.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method according to claim <NUM> for providing an image which dynamically changes, using a plurality of displays (or different portions of a foldable display) while an electronic device including a foldable display is folded or unfolded, and the electronic device according to claim <NUM> for supporting the same.

<CIT> relates to a mobile terminal using a display unit and a control method.

<CIT> relates to a hinged multi-screen computing device.

<CIT> relates to a foldable device having displays on both inner housing parts and a display on one outer housing part.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> according to an embodiment.

The electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a sound output device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. At least one (e.g., the display device <NUM> or the camera module <NUM>) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. Some of the components may be implemented as a single integrated circuitry.

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may be implemented as separate from, or as part of, the main processor <NUM>.

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control at least some functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM>, instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an active state (e.g., executing an application).

The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing a record, and the receiver may be used for incoming calls. The receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of, the speaker.

The display device <NUM> may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, the hologram device, and the projector.

The connecting terminal <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). The connecting terminal <NUM> may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module <NUM> may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or an electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via the user's tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. The haptic module <NUM> may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

The camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, image sensors, ISPs, or flashes.

The communication module <NUM> may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM> and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module <NUM> may include one or more CPs that are operable independently from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the AP) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. The communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM> via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or by a standard of the Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single integrated circuit or chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the SIM <NUM>.

The antenna module <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>. The antenna module <NUM> may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). The antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas. Another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module <NUM>.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

Each of the electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be a device of a same type as, or a different type from, the electronic device <NUM>. All or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device <NUM> may be executed at one or more of the external electronic device <NUM>, the external electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of performing the at least part of the function or the service or an additional function or an additional service to the electronic device <NUM>.

The electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

The terms used herein are not intended to limit present disclosure but include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. As used herein, such terms as "<NUM>st," "2nd," "first," and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, but does not limit the components in another aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it indicates that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

The term "module" may refer to a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, the term "module" may refer to a component implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

For example, a processor <NUM> of the machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. Wherein, the term "non-transitory" simply indicates that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

A method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

Each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities. One or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. In such a case, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. Operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

<FIG> illustrates a front view <NUM> and a rear view <NUM> of an electronic device <NUM> which is unfolded according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the front view <NUM> of the unfolded electronic device <NUM> and the rear view <NUM> of the unfolded electronic device <NUM> are shown. For example, the front view <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded and the rear view <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded.

The electronic device <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a hinge unit <NUM>, a first display <NUM>, and a second display <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are coupled by the hinge unit <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are coupled pivotably or rotatably based on the hinge unit <NUM>.

The first display <NUM> may be exposed to outside through a first area of the first housing <NUM> and a second area of the second housing <NUM>. For example, the first display <NUM> may be disposed on the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> across the hinge unit <NUM>.

The first display <NUM> may be a foldable display. The first display <NUM> may be folded or unfolded by rotating the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> based on the hinge unit <NUM>. Hereinafter, the first display <NUM> is, but not limited to, folded or unfolded. For example, the first display <NUM> may be implemented to bend, and examples of the first display <NUM> which is bent may be described identically or similarly to examples of the first display <NUM> which is folded or unfolded.

If the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded at a certain angle based on the hinge unit <NUM>, a first portion (e.g., a <NUM>-<NUM> display) of the first display <NUM> and a second portion (e.g., a <NUM>-<NUM> display) of the first display <NUM> may also be folded at the certain angle based on the hinge unit <NUM>. For example, in the front view <NUM>, the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> may be a left portion of the first display <NUM> based on an axis (a dotted line in the front view <NUM>) of the hinge unit <NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> may be a right portion of the first display <NUM> based on the axis of the hinge unit <NUM>. Hereinafter, the angle between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> (or the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>) based on the hinge unit <NUM> is referred to as a folding angle. The folding angle may be formed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

The second display <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through a third area of the first housing <NUM>. For example, the second display <NUM> may be disposed on the third area of the first housing <NUM> which faces away from the first area of the first housing <NUM>. The second display <NUM> may be disposed on the back of one surface of the first housing <NUM> including the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>. The second display <NUM> may be a non-foldable display.

The electronic device <NUM> may further include a third display <NUM>. The third display <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through a fourth area of the second housing <NUM>. For example, the third display <NUM> may be disposed on the fourth area of the second housing <NUM> which faces away from the second area of the second housing <NUM>. The third display <NUM> may be disposed on the back of one surface of the second housing <NUM> including the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>. The third display <NUM> may be a non-foldable display.

If the electronic device <NUM> further includes the third display <NUM>, the second display <NUM> and the third display <NUM> may be integrated. If the second display <NUM> and the third display <NUM> are integrated, the second display <NUM> and the third display <NUM> may rotate (or fold) based on the hinge unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration of an electronic device <NUM> based on a folding angle while the electronic device <NUM> changes from a folding state to an unfolding state according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the panel <NUM> shows the electronic device <NUM> is fully folded. For example, in the panel <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at a folding angle θ of about <NUM>°. If the electronic device <NUM> is fully folded, the first display <NUM> may enter an inactive state (e.g., a standby state or a power-saving state) which displays no content. If the electronic device <NUM> is fully folded, the second display <NUM> may display a designated content (e.g., a time) or enter the inactive state.

The panel <NUM> shows that the electronic device <NUM> is folded at a folding angle (or an acute angle) below <NUM>° or so. For example, the panel <NUM> shows that the folding angle θ of the electronic device <NUM> is about <NUM>°. If the folding angle θ of the electronic device <NUM> exceeds a first angle, the first display <NUM> may switch from the inactive state to an active state for displaying content.

The panel <NUM> shows that the electronic device <NUM> is folded at a folding angle θ over <NUM>° or so. For example, the panel <NUM> shows that the folding angle θ of the electronic device <NUM> is about <NUM>°. If the folding angle θ of the electronic device <NUM> exceeds a second angle which is greater than the first angle, the second display <NUM> may switch, but is not limited to, from the active state to the inactive state. The second display <NUM> may maintain the active state even if the folding angle θ of the electronic device <NUM> exceeds the second angle.

The panel <NUM> shows that the electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded. For example, in the panel <NUM>, the folding angle θ of the electronic device <NUM> is about <NUM>°.

While the electronic device <NUM> changes from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state in <FIG>, an example in which the electronic device <NUM> changes from the fully unfolded state to the fully folded state may be applied in the identical or similar manner.

Hereafter, the operation for changing the electronic device <NUM> from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state is referred to as an unfolding operation, and the operation for changing the electronic device <NUM> from the fully unfolded state to the fully folded state is referred to as a folding operation.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is fully folded, the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> face each other in <FIG> and <FIG>. When the electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded, the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> face away from each other. This is described below in greater detail with reference to <FIG>.

The electronic device <NUM> is folded based on, but is not limited to, the single hinge unit <NUM>. An example in which the electronic device <NUM> is folded based on a plurality of hinge units <NUM> is described below in greater detail with reference to <FIG>.

The electronic device <NUM> which is fully folded based on the single hinge unit <NUM> is described below in greater detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an electronic device <NUM> for providing an image using a foldable display according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first display <NUM>, a second display <NUM>, a first sensor <NUM>, a second sensor <NUM>, a gaze detector <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, and a memory <NUM>.

The first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM> are identical or similar to the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM> of <FIG> in at least part, and accordingly their redundant descriptions are omitted.

The first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM> may include touch screens combined with touch panels.

The first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM> may be identical or similar to in at least part the display device <NUM> of <FIG>.

The first sensor <NUM> may detect a folding angle.

The first sensor <NUM> may include a Hall effect sensor. For example, the first housing <NUM> (or the second housing <NUM>) may include a Hall effect sensor, and the second housing <NUM> (or the first housing <NUM>) may include a magnet (or a magnetic body). During the folding operation or the unfolding operation, the first sensor <NUM> implemented with the Hall effect sensor may detect the folding angle by detecting electrical characteristics (e.g., voltage) produced (or changed) by the magnet.

The first sensor <NUM> for detecting the folding angle is not limited to the Hall effect sensor. For example, the first sensor <NUM> may be implemented with a load cell, an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, or an electromagnetic sensor.

The second sensor <NUM> may detect a status (or posture) of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the second sensor <NUM> may detect an angle of the electronic device <NUM> with respect to the face of the Earth (or relative to the face of the Earth). For example, the second sensor <NUM> may detect a motion of the electronic device <NUM>.

The second sensor <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a sensor disposed in the first housing <NUM> to detect the angle of the first housing <NUM> in relation to the face of the Earth, and a sensor disposed in the second housing <NUM> to detect the angle of the second housing <NUM> in relation to the face of the Earth. The second sensor <NUM> may be disposed in either the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM>.

The second sensor <NUM> may include at least one of an accelerometer sensor, a gyro sensor, or a geomagnetic sensor, for detecting the status of the electronic device <NUM>.

The first sensor <NUM> and the second sensor <NUM> may be identical or similar in at least part to the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>.

The gaze detector <NUM> may detect a user's gaze direction or viewing direction (e.g., a gaze direction) for the electronic device <NUM>. The gaze detector <NUM> may detect the gaze direction by detecting a direction of a user's face. The gaze detector <NUM> may include a camera (e.g., an infrared camera) or a proximity camera.

The processor <NUM> may control to provide an image using the foldable display.

The processor <NUM> may control to display an image corresponding to a folding angle in a folding operation or an unfolding operation, which is described below in greater detail with reference to <FIG>.

The processor <NUM> may control to display an image corresponding to a folding angle and the status of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., an angle of the electronic device <NUM> in relation to the face of the Earth) in a folding operation or an unfolding operation, which is described below in greater detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The processor <NUM> may control to display an image corresponding to a folding angle and a gaze direction in a folding operation or an unfolding operation, which is described below in greater detail with reference to <FIG>.

Based on a user input, the processor <NUM> may control to acquire (or generate) an image to be displayed on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM> in a folding operation or an unfolding operation, which is described below in greater detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The processor <NUM> may be identical or similar in at least part to the processor <NUM> of <FIG>.

The memory <NUM> may store various information for providing the image using the foldable display.

The memory <NUM> may store a plurality of images corresponding to folding angles respectively. For example, the memory <NUM> may store images (or image frames) to be displayed on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM> in sequence (or in succession) according to an increase (or a decrease) of a folding angle. The memory <NUM> may include a table which maps the images to the folding angles respectively.

The memory <NUM> may store a plurality of images corresponding to the folding angles and the statuses (e.g., the angles of the electronic device <NUM> in relation to the face of the Earth).

The memory <NUM> may store a plurality of images corresponding to the folding angles and the gaze directions respectively.

The various information in the memory <NUM> is described below in greater detail.

The electronic device <NUM> may further include a component. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may further include the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, and the hinge unit <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may further include the third display <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of the components (e.g., the communication module <NUM>) of <FIG>.

The electronic device <NUM> may not include some of the components of <FIG>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may not include at least one of the second sensor <NUM> or the gaze detector <NUM>.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing which includes a first housing and a second housing, a hinge unit for rotating the first housing and the second housing, a first display exposed to outside through a first area of the first housing and a second area of the second housing, a second display exposed to the outside through a third area, which faces away from the first area, of the first housing, a first sensor for detecting a folding angle formed between the first housing and the second housing, a memory for storing a plurality of first images corresponding to a plurality of folding angles respectively, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor may be configured to acquire information of the folding angle, through the first sensor, identify an image corresponding to the folding angle among the plurality of the first images, identify at least one display for displaying the image among the first display and the second display, based on the folding angle, and display the image on the at least one display.

The first images may include a plurality of images which dynamically change based on the folding angle.

The first images may include a plurality of images including at least one object which dynamically changes based on the folding angle or a visual effect.

The at least one processor may be configured to, if the folding angle ranges from a first angle to a second angle, identify the second display as the display for displaying the image, and if the folding angle ranges from the second angle to a third angle, identify the first display as the display for displaying the image.

The at least one processor may be configured to, if the folding angle ranges from a fourth angle to a fifth angle, identify the second display as the at least one display for displaying the image, if the folding angle ranges from the fifth angle to a sixth angle, identify the first display and the second display as the at least one display for displaying the image, and if the folding angle ranges from the sixth angle to a seventh angle, identify the first display as the at least one display for displaying the image.

The electronic device may further include a second sensor for detecting an angle of the electronic device in relation to a face of the Earth, wherein the memory may be configured to store a plurality of second images corresponding to the folding angles and angles of the electronic device in relation to the face of the Earth, and the at least one processor may be configured to acquire angle information of the electronic device in relation to the face of the Earth, from the second sensor, identify an image corresponding to the folding angle and the angle of the electronic device, among the second images, and display the image corresponding to the folding angle and the angle of the electronic device, on the at least one display.

The electronic device may further include a gaze detector for detecting a gaze direction of a user, wherein the memory may be configured to store a plurality of third images corresponding to the folding angles and gaze directions, and the at least one processor may be configured to acquire gaze direction information from the gaze detector, identify an image corresponding to the folding angle and the gaze direction, among third images, and display the image corresponding to the folding angle and the gaze direction, on the at least one display.

The at least one processor may be configured to generate the first images, based on a user input.

The at least one processor may be configured to acquire an original image, display the original image on the first display or the second display, and generate the first images, based on a user input for the original image.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart of a method for providing an image using a foldable display according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may acquire folding angle information through the first sensor <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may acquire from the first sensor <NUM>, the folding angle information which is detected by the first sensor <NUM> and formed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> based on the hinge unit <NUM>.

In ta folding operation or an unfolding operation, the processor <NUM> may acquire the folding angle information through the first sensor <NUM>. The first sensor <NUM> may include a Hall effect sensor, a load cell, an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, or an electromagnetic sensor, for detecting the folding angle. The first sensor <NUM> may provide the detected folding angle information to the processor <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify an image corresponding to the folding angle.

The processor <NUM> may identify the image corresponding to the folding angle among a plurality of images (or image frames) stored in the memory <NUM> and corresponding to the folding angles respectively.

The images corresponding to the folding angles may be displayed in sequence (or in succession) according to the folding angle, in the folding operation or the unfolding operation. Hereafter, the images corresponding to the folding angles are referred to as a plurality of designated images.

The designated images may be created by a designer of the electronic device <NUM> or a third party service provider. The designated images may be generated based on a user input, which is described below in greater detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The designated images may include images which dynamically change as the folding angle changes.

The designated images may each include at least one object, and a visual representation of the at least one object may dynamically change while the folding angle increases or decreases in the folding operation or the unfolding operation. For example, the designated images may be displayed to move at least one object therein sequentially (or successively) while the folding angle increases or decreases in the folding operation or the unfolding operation.

The designated images may include a visual effect which dynamically changes while the folding angle increases or decreases in the folding operation or the unfolding operation.

The designated images are not limited thereto, and various examples of the designated images are described below in greater detail.

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify at least one display for displaying the image, based on the folding angle. The processor <NUM> may identify at least one display for displaying the image identified to correspond to the folding angle, based on the folding angle.

While the electronic device <NUM> fully folded (e.g., at the folding angle of <NUM>°) is unfolded to a first angle, the processor <NUM> may identify that the second display <NUM> is to display some of the designated images (some of the designated image frames). For example, if N-ary images are to be displayed while the folding angle changes from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, the processor <NUM> may identify that the second display <NUM> is to display M-ary designated images, wherein M is less than N, at the folding angle ranging from <NUM>° to the first angle. While the folding angle increases from the first angle to the second angle (e.g., <NUM>°) which is greater than the first angle, the processor <NUM> may identify that the first display <NUM> is to display some other of the designated images. For example, if the folding angle ranges from the first angle to the second angle, the processor <NUM> may identify that the first display <NUM> is to display (N-M)-ary designated images.

While the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded to a third angle, the processor <NUM> may identify that the second display <NUM> is to display some of the designated images. If the folding angle ranges from the third angle to a fourth angle, the processor <NUM> may identify that the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM> are to display some other of the designated images. If the folding angle ranges from the fourth angle to a fifth angle (e.g., <NUM>°), the processor <NUM> may identify that the first display <NUM> is to display yet some other of the designated images.

Identifying at least one display for displaying the image may include identifying a portion of at least one display for displaying the image. While the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded to a sixth folding angle, the processor <NUM> may identify that the portion of the display for displaying some of the designated images is the second display <NUM>. If the folding angle ranges from the sixth angle to a seventh angle, the processor <NUM> may identify that the portion of the display for displaying some other of the designated images is the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> which is part of the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>. If the folding angle ranges from the seventh angle to an eighth angle (e.g., <NUM>°), the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying yet some other of the designated images is the first display <NUM> including both of the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>.

Identifying at least one display for displaying the image may include identifying at least part of at least one display for displaying the image. While the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded to a ninth folding angle, the processor <NUM> may identify that at least part of the display for displaying some of the designated images is the second display <NUM>. If the folding angle ranges from the ninth angle to a tenth angle, the processor <NUM> may identify that at least part of the display for displaying other some of the designated images is at least part of the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, which increases (or decreases) according to the increase (or the decrease) of the folding angle, and the second display <NUM>. If the folding angle ranges from the tenth angle to an eleventh angle (e.g., <NUM>°), the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying yet other some of the designated images is the first display <NUM> including both of the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display the image on at least one display. For example, the processor <NUM> may display the image corresponding to the folding angle on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>.

In the folding operation or the unfolding operation, the processor <NUM> may sequentially display the designated images according to the folding angle, on at least one display.

If displaying the image on all of the second display <NUM> and at least part (e.g., at least part of the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> or the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>) of the first display <NUM> based on the folding angle, the processor <NUM> may display a visual representation as if the user views different parts of one image through the second display <NUM> and at least part of the first display <NUM>. For example, if the folding angle ranges from the third angle to the fourth angle, the processor <NUM> may display the image on the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and the second display <NUM>, to provide a visual sensation as if the user, who views the electronic device <NUM> in a vertical direction to a front surface (e.g., panel <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, views one continuous image on the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and the second display <NUM>.

While step <NUM> of identifying the image corresponding to the folding angle precedes step <NUM> of identifying the at least one display for displaying the image based on the folding angle, step <NUM> may precede step <NUM> or step <NUM>, and step <NUM> may be performed in parallel (or concurrently) with step <NUM>.

If the electronic device <NUM> includes the third display <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display the image corresponding to the folding angle on at least one of the first display <NUM>, the second display <NUM>, or the third display <NUM> in the identical or similar manner to <FIG>. For example, while the second display <NUM> faces the Earth and the electronic device <NUM> is unfolded from the fully folded state, the processor <NUM> may display the image corresponding to the folding angle on at least one of the third display <NUM> or the first display <NUM>.

In the folding operation or the unfolding operation, the image displayed by the processor <NUM> on at least one of the third display <NUM> or the first display <NUM> may be different from the image displayed by the processor <NUM> on at least one of the second display <NUM> or the first display <NUM>. For example, while the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded with the third display <NUM> facing the Earth, the processor <NUM> may display an image including, but not limited to, an object which gradually increases in size, on at least one of the second display <NUM> or the first display <NUM>. While the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded with the third display <NUM> facing the Earth, the processor <NUM> may display an image including, but is not limited to, an object which gradually decreases in size, on at least one of the third display <NUM> or the first display <NUM>. In the folding operation or the unfolding operation, the image displayed by the processor <NUM> on at least one of the third display <NUM> or the first display <NUM> may be the same as the image displayed by the processor <NUM> on at least one of the second display <NUM> or the first display <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration of a method for providing an image including an object using a foldable display according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may display an image including an object <NUM> indicating a watch, on the second display <NUM> while the electronic device <NUM> is fully folded as shown in panel <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may display a basic screen on the second display <NUM> as shown in panel <NUM> while the electronic device <NUM> is fully folded. However, the image displayed in the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is not limited to the example of panel <NUM>. For example, if the electronic device <NUM> is fully folded, the processor <NUM> may display no image on the second display <NUM>. For example, if the electronic device <NUM> is fully folded, based on a user input, the processor <NUM> may display an image on the second display <NUM> as shown in panel <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may display screens of panel <NUM> through panel <NUM>, as the folding angle increases in the unfolding operation.

While the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded to the first folding angle, the processor <NUM> may display an image including an object which dynamically changes, on the second display <NUM>. For example, while the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded to the first folding angle, the processor <NUM> may sequentially (or successively) display images including an object indicating the Moon, which rotatably moves and changes in size, on the second display <NUM>.

At the folding angle ranging from the first angle to the second angle, the processor <NUM> may display an image including an object which dynamically changes, on the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>. For example, while the folding angle increases from the first angle to the second angle, the processor <NUM> may display images including an object <NUM> indicating part of the Moon which rotatably moves and changes in size, on the second display <NUM> and display images including an object <NUM> indicating other part of the Moon than the part of the Moon of the object <NUM>, which rotatably moves and changes in size, on the first display <NUM>. As shown in panel <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display the object <NUM> and the object <NUM> on the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>, as if the user views the object indicating the single (the same) Moon on the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>.

At the folding angle ranging from the second angle to the third angle (<NUM>°), the processor <NUM> may display an image including an object which dynamically changes, on the first display <NUM>. For example, as shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM>, as the folding angle increases from the second angle to the third angle, the processor <NUM> may display images including objects <NUM> through <NUM> indicating the Moon which rotatably moves and changes in size, on the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>.

The panel <NUM> may display a screen of the electronic device <NUM> fully unfolded.

As shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM>, in the unfolding operation, the processor <NUM> may display the designated images including the object indicating the Moon which rotatably moves and changes in size, on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>.

If the user unfolds the electronic device <NUM> quickly, the processor <NUM> may display images including an object which dynamically changes in response to the unfolding (or folding) speed of the electronic device <NUM>, on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>.

While the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is fully unfolded in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> fully unfolded may be fully folded in the identical or similar manner.

<FIG> and <FIG> are illustrations of a method for providing an image including a visual effect using a plurality of surfaces on a foldable display according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the folding operation or the unfolding operation, the processor <NUM> may display images including a visual effect which dynamically changes, using surfaces of various sizes, positions, and angles, on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>.

As shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, while the electronic device <NUM> switches from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state, the processor <NUM> may display images including a visual effect of spreading the surfaces as if turning over pages of a book, on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>.

As shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, while the electronic device <NUM> switches from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state, the processor <NUM> may display images including a visual effect of responding in three dimensions by crossing two surfaces, on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>.

While the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is fully unfolded in <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> fully unfolded may be fully folded in the identical or similar manner.

In the folding operation or the unfolding operation, the processor <NUM> may provide a three-dimensional (3D) visual effect by displaying images including the visual effect which dynamically changes, using surfaces of various sizes, positions, and angles, on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are illustrations of a method for providing an image including a visual effect using a plurality of lines and points on a foldable display according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, in the folding operation or the unfolding operation, the processor <NUM> may display images including a visual effect which dynamically changes, using a plurality of lines and points, on at least one of the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>.

As shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, while the electronic device <NUM> switches from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state, the processor <NUM> may display images including a visual effect of giving depth to objects indicating points sequentially arranged, on at least one of the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>.

As shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, while the electronic device <NUM> switches from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state, the processor <NUM> may display images including a visual effect of changing color of objects indicating points sequentially arranged, on at least one of the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>.

As shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, while the electronic device <NUM> switches from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state, the processor <NUM> may display images including a visual effect of seamlessly connecting at least part of lines or points, on at least one of the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>.

While the electronic device <NUM> switches from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> fully unfolded may be fully folded in the identical or similar manner.

In the folding operation or the unfolding operation, the processor <NUM> may provide a 3D space to the user by displaying images including a 3D visual effect using a plurality of lines and points changing dynamically, on at least one of the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are illustrations of a method for providing an image based on a single original image using a foldable display according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may generate a plurality of designated images based on one image. For example, the processor <NUM> may receive from the user an input for acquiring (or selecting) an image (e.g., an original image) for creating the designated images. Based on the original image, the processor <NUM> may generate the designated images which dynamically change.

As shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, while the electronic device <NUM> switches from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state, the processor <NUM> may display the designated images generated based on the original image to expand from part of the original image to the whole original image, on at least one of the first display <NUM> and the second display <NUM>. The original image may be the image in panel <NUM> of <FIG>. In the unfolding operation, the processor <NUM> may display the designated images including the visual effect of panels <NUM> through <NUM>, on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>.

As shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, while the electronic device <NUM> switches from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state, the processor <NUM> may display the designated images generated based on the original image by panning, zooming in, expanding, and zooming out part of the original image, on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>. For example, while the electronic device <NUM> switches from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state, the processor <NUM> may display the designated images generated based on a panorama image by panning, expanding, and zooming out part of the panorama image, on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>. The original image may be the image in panel <NUM> of <FIG>.

As shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM> of <FIG>, while the electronic device <NUM> switches from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state, the processor <NUM> may display the designated images generated based on the original image by zooming out the original image, on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration of a method for providing an image including an object using a foldable display according to an embodiment. For example, <FIG> illustrates images displayed if the electronic device <NUM> further includes the third display <NUM> that is folded or unfolded.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may display an image including an object <NUM> indicating the Moon on the third display <NUM> in the electronic device <NUM> fully folded, as shown in panel <NUM>. However, the image displayed on the third display <NUM> in the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is not limited to the example of panel <NUM>.

As the folding angle increases according to the unfolding operation, the processor <NUM> may display screens of panels <NUM> through <NUM> on at least one of the third display <NUM> or the first display <NUM>.

While the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded to the first angle, the processor <NUM> may display an image including an object dynamically changing, on the third display <NUM>. For example, while the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded to the first angle, the processor <NUM> may sequentially (or successively) display images including the object indicating the Moon which rotatably moves and changes in size, on the third display <NUM>.

At the folding angle ranging from the first angle to the second angle, the processor <NUM> may display an image including an object which dynamically changes, on the first display <NUM> and the third display <NUM>. For example, while the folding angle increases from the first angle to the second angle, the processor <NUM> may display images including an object <NUM> indicating part of the Moon which rotatably moves and changes in size on the third display <NUM> and display an object <NUM> indicating other part of the Moon than the part of the Moon indicated by the object <NUM>, which rotatably moves and changes size, on the first display <NUM>. As shown in panel <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display the object <NUM> and the object <NUM> on the first display <NUM> and the third display <NUM>, as if the user views the object indicating the single (the same) Moon on the first display <NUM> and the third display <NUM>.

At the folding angle ranging from the second angle to the third angle (<NUM>°), the processor <NUM> may display an image including an object which dynamically changes, on the first display <NUM>. For example, as shown in panel <NUM> through <NUM>, as the folding angle increases from the second angle to the third angle, the processor <NUM> may display images <NUM> through <NUM> indicating the Moon which rotatably moves and changes in size, on the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>.

The screen in the diagram <NUM> is displayed in the electronic device <NUM> fully unfolded.

While the electronic device <NUM> switches from the fully folded state to the fully unfolded state in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> fully unfolded may be fully folded in the identical or similar manner.

As shown in <FIG>, in the folding operation or the unfolding operation, the method of the processor <NUM> for displaying the image dynamically changing on at least one of the third display <NUM> or the first display <NUM> may be similar to, but is not limited to, the method of the processor <NUM> for displaying the image dynamically changing on at least one of the second display <NUM> or the first display <NUM> of <FIG>.

For example, in the folding operation or the unfolding operation, the method of the processor <NUM> for displaying the image dynamically changing on at least one of the third display <NUM> or the first display <NUM> may be different from the method of the processor <NUM> for displaying the image dynamically changing on at least one of the second display <NUM> or the first display <NUM>. For example, while the third display <NUM> faces the Earth and the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded, the processor <NUM> may display an image including an object which gradually increases in size, on at least one of the second display <NUM> or the first display <NUM>. While the second display <NUM> faces the Earth and the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded, the processor <NUM> may display an image including an object which gradually decreases in size, on at least one of the third display <NUM> or the first display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method for providing an image using a foldable display by further considering a status of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Step <NUM> is identical or similar at least in part to step <NUM> of <FIG> and, accordingly, its further detailed descriptions are omitted.

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may acquire status (or posture) information of the electronic device <NUM> through the second sensor <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may acquire angle information of the electronic device <NUM> in relation to facing the Earth from the second sensor <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may acquire the angle information of the electronic device <NUM> in relation to facing the Earth, which is detected by the second sensor <NUM> disposed in at least one of the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify an image corresponding to the folding angle and the status of the electronic device <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may identify the image corresponding to the folding angle and the current status of the electronic device <NUM> among a plurality of designated images stored in the memory <NUM> and corresponding to the folding angles and the statuses of the electronic device <NUM>.

The designated images may be displayed in sequence (or in succession) according to the folding angle and the status of the electronic device <NUM>, in the folding operation or the unfolding operation.

The designated images may be created by the designer of the electronic device <NUM> or the third party service provider. The designated images may be generated based on a user input.

The designated images may include images which dynamically change according to the change of the folding angle and the status of the electronic device <NUM>.

The designated images may each include at least one object, and a visual representation of the at least one object may dynamically change while the folding angle increases or decreases and the status (e.g., the angle of the electronic device <NUM> in relation to facing the Earth) of the electronic device <NUM> changes in the folding operation or the unfolding operation.

The designated images may include a visual effect which dynamically changes while the folding angle increases or decreases and the status of the electronic device <NUM> changes in the folding operation or the unfolding operation.

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify at least one display for displaying the image, based on at least one of the folding angle or the status of the electronic device <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may identify at least one display for displaying the image based on the status of the electronic device <NUM>.

For example, if the second housing <NUM> is parallel while facing the Earth (e.g., the direction of the front surface of the second housing <NUM> is parallel while facing the Earth), the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying the image at the first folding angle is the second display <NUM> and the first display <NUM>. If the second housing <NUM> is tilted such that a left portion (e.g., the farthest portion from the hinge unit <NUM> in the second housing <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM> is closer to the Earth while facing the Earth than a right portion (e.g., the closest portion to the hinge unit <NUM> in the second housing <NUM>), the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying the image at the second folding angle which is greater than the first folding angle is the second display <NUM> and the first display <NUM>. If the second housing <NUM> is tilted such that its left portion is closer to the Earth while facing the Earth than the right portion, the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying the image at the third folding angle which is less than the first folding angle is the second display <NUM> and the first display <NUM>.

For example, if the second housing <NUM> is parallel with the Earth while facing the Earth, the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying the image at the fourth folding angle is the first display (e.g., if the second display <NUM> switches from the active state to the inactive state). If the second housing <NUM> is tilted such that its right portion is closer to the Earth while facing the Earth than the left portion, the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying the image at the fifth folding angle which is greater than the fourth folding angle is the first display <NUM>. If the second housing <NUM> is tilted such that its left portion is closer to the Earth while facing the Earth than the right portion, the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying the image at the sixth folding angle which is less than the fourth folding angle is the first display <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, in an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may display the image on at least one display. For example, the processor <NUM> may display the image corresponding to the folding angle and the status of the electronic device <NUM> on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration of a method for providing an image using a foldable display by considering a status of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in panels <NUM> through <NUM>, the second housing <NUM> is tilted such that a lower portion of the second housing <NUM> is closer to the Earth while facing the Earth than an upper portion.

With the electronic device <NUM> fully folded, the processor <NUM> may display an image including a first object <NUM> at the center of the second display <NUM> as shown in panel <NUM>.

If the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded to the first angle which is less than the folding angle of panel <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display images which move the first object <NUM> from the center of the second display <NUM> to an upper right portion of the second display <NUM>, on the second display <NUM>.

As shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM>, if the electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded from the folding angle of panel <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display images which move the first object <NUM> from the upper right portion of the first display <NUM> to a lower left portion of the first display <NUM>, on the first display <NUM>.

In panels <NUM> through <NUM>, the second housing <NUM> is parallel with the Earth while facing the Earth.

With the electronic device <NUM> fully folded, the processor <NUM> may display an image including a second object <NUM> at the center of the second display <NUM> as shown in panel <NUM>.

If the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded to the second angle which is less than the folding angle of panel <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display images which move the second object <NUM> from the center of the second display <NUM> to a right portion of the second display <NUM>, on the second display <NUM>.

As shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM>, if the electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded from the folding angle of panel <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display images which move the second object <NUM> from the right center portion of the first display <NUM> to a left center portion of the first display <NUM>, on the first display <NUM>.

In panels <NUM> through <NUM>, the second housing <NUM> is tilted such that the lower portion of the second housing <NUM> is farther from the Earth while facing the Earth than the upper portion.

With the electronic device <NUM> fully folded, the processor <NUM> may display an image including a third object <NUM> at the center of the second display <NUM> as shown in panel <NUM>.

While the electronic device <NUM> fully folded is unfolded to the third angle which is less than the folding angle of the diagram <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display images which move the third object <NUM> from the center of the second display <NUM> to a lower right portion of the second display <NUM>, on the second display <NUM>.

As shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM>, while the electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded from the folding angle of panel <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display images which move the third object <NUM> from the lower right portion of the first display <NUM> to an upper left portion of the first display <NUM>, on the first display <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the processor <NUM> displays the images including, but is not limited to, the object which moves according to the status of the electronic device <NUM> in the unfolding operation. For example, the processor <NUM> may display images including a different visual effect based on the status of the electronic device <NUM>, on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM> in the unfolding operation.

The unfolding operation is illustrated in <FIG> by way of example, but the folding operation may be applied in the identical or similar manner.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method for providing an image using a foldable display by considering a gaze direction according to an embodiment.

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may acquire gaze direction information through the gaze detector <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may acquire a user's gaze direction information for the electronic device <NUM> from the gaze detector <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may acquire the user's face direction information for the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the second housing <NUM>) detected through the gaze detector <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify an image corresponding to the folding angle and the gaze direction.

The processor <NUM> may identify the image corresponding to the folding angle and the current gaze direction among a plurality of designated images stored in the memory <NUM> and corresponding to the folding angles and the gaze directions.

The designated images may be displayed in sequence (or in succession) according to the folding angle and the gaze direction, in the folding operation or the unfolding operation.

The designated images may include images which dynamically change according to the change of the folding angle and the gaze direction.

The designated images may each include at least one object, and a visual representation of the at least one object may dynamically change while the folding angle increases or decreases and the gaze direction changes in the folding operation or the unfolding operation.

The designated images may include a visual effect which dynamically changes while the folding angle increases or decreases and the gaze direction changes in the folding operation or the unfolding operation.

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify at least one display for displaying the image, based on at least one of the folding angle or the gaze direction.

The processor <NUM> may identify at least one display for displaying the image based on the gaze direction.

For example, if the gaze direction faces away from the front surface direction of the second housing <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying the image at the first folding angle is the second display <NUM> and the first display <NUM>. If the gaze direction faces to the left portion of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., the farthest portion from the hinge unit <NUM> in the second housing <NUM>), the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying the image at the second folding angle which is less than the first folding angle is the second display <NUM> and the first display <NUM>. If the gaze direction faces to the left portion of the second housing <NUM> (e.g., the closest portion to the hinge unit <NUM> in the second housing <NUM>), the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying the image at the third folding angle which is greater than the first folding angle is the second display <NUM> and the first display <NUM>.

For example, if the gaze direction faces away from the front surface direction of the second housing <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying the image at the fourth folding angle is the first display <NUM>. If the gaze direction faces to the right portion of the second housing <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying the image at the fifth folding angle which is greater than the fourth folding angle is the first display <NUM>. If the gaze direction faces to the left portion of the second housing <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify that the display for displaying the image at the sixth folding angle which is less than the fourth folding angle is the first display <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display the image on at least one display. For example, the processor <NUM> may display the image corresponding to the folding angle and the gaze direction on at least one of the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>.

The method for displaying the image dynamically changing according to the gaze direction may be identical or similar at least in part to the method for displaying the image dynamically changing according to the status of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, if the user's gaze direction faces to the top end of the second display <NUM> and the first display <NUM>, the plurality of the images may be displayed as shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM>. For example, if the user's gaze direction faces to the middle of the second display <NUM> and the first display <NUM>, the plurality of the images may be displayed as shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM>. For example, if the user's gaze direction faces to the bottom of the second display <NUM> and the first display <NUM>, the plurality of the images may be displayed as shown in panels <NUM> through <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a method for acquiring an image to be displayed during a folding operation or an unfolding operation, based on a user input according to an embodiment.

<FIG> is an illustration of a method for acquiring an image to be displayed during a folding operation or an unfolding operation, based on a user input according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may acquire an image.

The processor <NUM> may acquire an original image by receiving from the user an input for acquiring the original image (or the basis for a plurality of designated images) to create a plurality of designated images. For example, using an application (e.g., a photo application or a gallery application), the processor <NUM> may acquire the original image by receiving a user input which selects the original image. For example, the processor <NUM> may acquire the original image by receiving a user input which captures (or screenshots) a running (or displayed) image on the second display <NUM> (or the first display <NUM>). For example, the processor <NUM> may acquire the original image by receiving the original image from the external electronic device <NUM> through the communication module <NUM>. However, the method for acquiring the original image is not limited thereto.

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display a screen for creating the designated images based on the original image, on the display (the second display <NUM> or the first display <NUM>).

If acquiring the original image, the processor <NUM> may display a screen <NUM> including an original image <NUM> on the display (the second display <NUM> or the first display <NUM>) as shown in <FIG>.

The processor <NUM> may display a guide <NUM> for creating the designated images in the original image on the display (the second display <NUM> or the first display <NUM>).

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may generate the designated images, based on a user input.

The processor <NUM> may receive a user input for moving the guide <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may move the guide <NUM> by receiving the input which touches and drags an area of the guide <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may generate images (or image portions in the area of the guide <NUM>) displayed in the guide <NUM> (included in the guide <NUM>), as the designated images while the guide <NUM> moves. For example, the processor <NUM> may generate the images displayed in the guide <NUM> as the designated images while the guide <NUM> moves, wherein the images displayed in the guide <NUM> correspond to the folding angles, respectively, while the guide <NUM> moves.

The processor <NUM> may receive a user input for magnifying or reducing the guide <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may magnify or reduce the guide <NUM>, by receiving an input which touches and drags at least one of vertexes <NUM> through <NUM> of the guide <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may generate images (or image portions in the area of the guide <NUM>) displayed in the guide <NUM> while the guide <NUM> is magnified or reduced, as the designated images. For example, the processor <NUM> may generate the images displayed in the guide <NUM>, as the designated images while the guide <NUM> is magnified or reduced, wherein the images displayed in the guide <NUM> while the guide <NUM> is magnified or reduced correspond to the folding angles, respectively.

Based on the user input, the processor <NUM> may set (or change) a width to height ratio (or a height to width ratio) of the guide <NUM>.

Based on the user input, the processor <NUM> may generate the designated images including a visual effect.

The processor <NUM> may receive an input which selects at least one of objects <NUM> through <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may generate the designated images including the visual effect corresponding to the selected object.

The object (e.g., the object <NUM>) may add the visual effect to the original image. For example, if the object <NUM> is selected, the processor <NUM> may generate a plurality of images with the visual effect added to the original image, as shown in <FIG>.

The object (e.g., the object <NUM>) may generate the designated images including a visual effect irrelevant to the original image. For example, if the object <NUM> is selected, the processor <NUM> may generate the designated images including the visual effect irrelevant to the original image, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>.

In step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may store the generated image in the memory <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may store the generated images in the memory <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the original image is acquired and then the designated images are generated, but is not limited to, based on the user input. If acquiring the original image, the processor <NUM> may generate the designated images, using a designated method, without the user input (e.g., automatically). For example, in response to capturing a first image displayed on the second display <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may generate the designated images, to sequentially magnify the first image at the folding angle ranging from the first angle to the second angle and to sequentially reduce the first image at the folding angle ranging from the second angle to the third angle.

A method according to an embodiment may include acquiring folding angle information through a first sensor which detects the folding angle formed if a first housing and a second housing of an electronic device rotate based on a hinge unit, identifying an image corresponding to the folding angle among a plurality of first images corresponding to a plurality of folding angles respectively, based on the folding angle, identifying at least one display for displaying the image, among a first display exposed to outside through a first area of the first housing and a second area of the second housing and a second display exposed to the outside through a third area, which faces away from the first area, of the first housing, and displaying the image on the at least one display.

Identifying the at least one display may include, if the folding angle ranges from a first angle to a second angle, identifying the second display as the display for displaying the image, and if the folding angle ranges from the second angle to a third angle, identifying the first display as the display for displaying the image.

Identifying the at least one display may include, if the folding angle ranges from a fourth angle to a fifth angle, identifying the second display as the at least one display for displaying the image, if the folding angle ranges from the fifth angle to a sixth angle, identifying the first display and the second display as the at least one display for displaying the image, and if the folding angle ranges from the sixth angle to a seventh angle, identifying the first display as the at least one display for displaying the image.

The method may further include acquiring angle information of the electronic device in relation to facing the Earth, from a second sensor which detects an angle of the electronic device in relation to facing the Earth, identifying an image corresponding to the folding angle and the angle of the electronic device, among the second images corresponding to the folding angles and angles of the electronic device in relation to facing the Earth, and displaying the image corresponding to the folding angle and the angle of the electronic device, on the at least one display.

The method may further include acquiring gaze direction information from a gaze detector which detects a gaze direction of a user, identifying an image corresponding to the folding angle and the gaze direction, among a plurality of third images corresponding to the folding angles and gaze directions, and displaying the image corresponding to the folding angle and the gaze direction, on the at least one display.

The method may further include generating the first images, based on a user input.

Generating the first images based on the user input may include acquiring an original image, displaying the original image on the first display or the second display, and generating the first images, based on a user input for the original image.

<FIG> is an illustration of a method for providing an image using a foldable display of a fully unfolded type according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, panel <NUM> shows the electronic device <NUM> which is unfolded, and panel <NUM> shows the electronic device <NUM> which is folded out.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a hinge unit <NUM>, and a first display <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be coupled. For example, one side of the first housing <NUM> and one side of the second housing <NUM> may be coupled. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be coupled by the hinge unit <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be coupled pivotably or rotatably based on the hinge unit <NUM>.

The first display <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through a first area of the first housing <NUM> and a second area of the second housing <NUM>. For example, the first display <NUM> may be disposed on the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> across the hinge unit <NUM>.

The first display <NUM> may be a foldable display. In an embodiment, the first display <NUM> may be folded or unfolded by rotating the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> based on the hinge unit <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may further include a second display which faces away from the first area of the first housing <NUM> or a third display which faces away from the second area of the second housing <NUM>.

In the folding operation or the unfolding operation, the processor may display an image which dynamically changes, on the first display <NUM>.

In the folding operation (e.g., from the status of the electronic device <NUM> of panel <NUM> to the status of the electronic device <NUM> of panel <NUM>), the processor may display an image including an object <NUM> which moves in response to the folding angle, on the first display <NUM>. For example, as shown in panel <NUM>, the processor may display the object <NUM> of the image at the center of the first display <NUM> while the electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded. While the electronic device <NUM> is folded, the processor may move the object <NUM> to the center of a <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, on at least one of the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and a <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>. The images displayed on at least one of the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> or the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> in the folding operation or the unfolding operation are not limited thereto.

The processor may display an image which dynamically changes on the first display <NUM> according to the folding angle, the status of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the angle of the electronic device <NUM> in relation to facing the Earth) or the user's gaze direction. The method for displaying the image which dynamically changes on the first display <NUM> according to the folding angle, the status of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the angle of the electronic device <NUM> in relation to facing the Earth) or the user's gaze direction is identical or similar at least in part to the method described above with reference to <FIG> and, thus, the details thereof are omitted.

Based on a user input, the processor may acquire an image to display in the folding operation or the unfolding operation. The method for acquiring the image to display in the folding operation or the unfolding operation based on the user input is identical or similar at least in part to the method described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> and, thus, the details thereof are omitted.

In the electronic device <NUM> which further includes at least one of the second display which faces away from the first area of the first housing <NUM> or the third display which faces away from the second area of the second housing <NUM>, the method for displaying the image which dynamically changes according to the folding angle is identical or similar at least in part to the method described above with reference to <FIG> and, thus, the details thereof are omitted.

<FIG> and <FIG> are illustrations of a method for providing an image using a foldable display including a plurality of hinge units according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a plurality of hinge units and is unfolded in <FIG>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a third housing <NUM>, a first hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>, a second hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>, and a first display <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be coupled. For example, one side of the first housing <NUM> and one side of the second housing <NUM> may be coupled, and the other side of the second housing <NUM> and one side of the third housing <NUM> may be coupled. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be coupled by the first hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> may be coupled by the second hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be coupled pivotably or rotatably based on the first hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> may be coupled pivotably or rotatably based on the second hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> fully unfolded may be fully folded by fully folding the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> based on the second hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM> along an arrow <NUM> and fully folding the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> based on the first hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM> along an arrow <NUM>.

The first display <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through a first area of the first housing <NUM>, a second area of the second housing <NUM>, and a third area of the third housing <NUM>. For example, the first display <NUM> may be disposed on the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, and the third housing <NUM> across the first hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM> and the second hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>.

The first display <NUM> may be a foldable display. The first display <NUM> may be folded or unfolded by rotating the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> based on the first hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>, or by rotating the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> based on the second hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of a second display which faces away from the first area of the first housing <NUM>, a third display which faces away from the second area of the second housing <NUM>, or a fourth display which faces away from the third area of the third housing <NUM>.

In the folding operation (e.g., from the status of the electronic device <NUM> of panel <NUM> to the status of the electronic device <NUM> of panel <NUM>), the processor may display an image including an object <NUM> which moves in response to the folding angle, on the first display <NUM>. For example, as shown in panel <NUM>, the processor may display the object <NUM> of the image at the center of the first display <NUM> while the electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded. While the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> are folded, the processor may move the object <NUM> to the center of a <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and a <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, on at least one of the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, or a <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>. The images displayed on at least one of the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, or a <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> in the folding operation or the unfolding operation are not limited thereto.

The processor may display an image which dynamically changes, on the first display <NUM> according to the folding angle, the status of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the angle of the electronic device <NUM> in relation to facing the Earth) or the user's gaze direction. The method for displaying the image which dynamically changes on the first display <NUM> according to the folding angle, the status of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the angle of the electronic device <NUM> in relation to facing the Earth) or the user's gaze direction is identical or similar at least in part to the method described above with reference to <FIG> and, thus, the details thereof are omitted.

Based on a user input, the processor may acquire an image to display in the folding operation or the unfolding operation. The method for acquiring the image to display in the folding operation or the unfolding operation based on the user input is identical or similar at least in part to the method described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> and, thus, the details thereof are omitted.

In the electronic device <NUM> which further includes at least one of the second display which faces away from the first area of the first housing <NUM>, the third display which faces away from the second area of the second housing <NUM>, or the fourth display which faces away from the third area of the third housing <NUM>, the method for displaying the image which dynamically changes according to the folding angle is identical or similar at least in part to the method described above with reference to <FIG> and, thus, the details thereof are omitted here.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a plurality of hinge units and is unfolded.

The first housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> may be coupled. For example, one side of the first housing <NUM> and one side of the second housing <NUM> may be coupled, and the other side of the second housing <NUM> and one side of the third housing <NUM> may be coupled. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be coupled by the first hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> may be coupled by the second hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be coupled pivotably or rotatably based on the first hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> may be coupled pivotably or rotatably based on the second hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> fully unfolded may fold the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> based on the first hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM> along an arrow <NUM> and fold the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> based on the second hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM> along an arrow <NUM>.

In the folding operation (e.g., from the status of the electronic device <NUM> of panel <NUM> to the status of the electronic device <NUM> of panel <NUM>), the processor may display an image including an object which moves in response to the folding angle, on the first display <NUM>. For example, as shown in panel <NUM>, the processor may display an object <NUM> of the image at the center of the first display <NUM> while the electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded. While the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded based on the first hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> are folded based on the second hinge unit <NUM>-<NUM>, the processor may display the object which is moving, on at least one of a <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, a <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, or a <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, as shown in panel <NUM>, if the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> form the first folding angle and the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> form the second folding angle, the processor may display an object <NUM>-<NUM> and an object <NUM>-<NUM> on the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, as if the user views the object indicating the single Moon (or the same Moon) on the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> and the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>. With the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, and the third housing <NUM> fully folded, the processor may display an object <NUM> at the center of the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, on the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>.

The images displayed on at least one of the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM>, or the <NUM>-<NUM> display <NUM>-<NUM> in the folding operation or the unfolding operation are not limited thereto.

The processor may display an image which dynamically changes, on the first display <NUM> according to the folding angle, the status of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the angle of the electronic device <NUM> in relation to facing the Earth) or the user's gaze direction. The method for displaying the image which dynamically changes on the first display <NUM> according to the folding angle, the status of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the angle of the electronic device <NUM> in relation to facing the Earth) or the user's gaze direction is identical or similar at least in part to the method described above with reference to <FIG> and, thus, details thereof are omitted.

Based on a user input, the processor may acquire an image to display in the folding operation or the unfolding operation. The method for acquiring the image to display in the folding operation or the unfolding operation based on the user input is identical or similar at least in part to the method described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> and, thus, details thereof are omitted.

In the electronic device <NUM> which further includes at least one of the second display which faces away from the first area of the first housing <NUM>, the third display which faces away from the second area of the second housing <NUM>, or the fourth display which faces away from the third area of the third housing <NUM>, the method for displaying the image which dynamically changes according to the folding angle is identical or similar at least in part to the method described above with reference to <FIG> and, thus, details thereof are omitted.

<FIG> is an illustration of a method for providing a screen for user authentication using a foldable display according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in the unfolding operation, the processor <NUM> may display a screen for the user authentication using a first display.

While the folding angle switches to the first angle in the electronic device <NUM> fully folded, the processor <NUM> may display objects <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> which dynamically change, on at least one of a first display <NUM> and a second display <NUM> as shown in panels <NUM> and <NUM>.

If the folding angle of the electronic device <NUM> ranges from the second angle to the third angle (e.g., the angles of the fully unfolded state), the processor <NUM> may perform the user authentication. For example, if the folding angle is the second angle, the processor <NUM> may activate a camera (e.g., the camera module <NUM>) and capture a user's iris for the user authentication. While the folding angle ranges from the second angle to the third angle, as shown in panel <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may continuously acquire user iris information through the camera. Based on the acquired user iris information, the processor <NUM> may display objects <NUM> and <NUM> indicating the user's eyes at positions of the user's eyes, on a screen <NUM> of the first display <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may further display guides <NUM> and <NUM> for guiding the user to place his/her eyes (or the objects <NUM> and <NUM>) to designated positions, to acquire more accurate user iris information, on the screen <NUM> of the first display <NUM>. However, the method for displaying the objects <NUM> and <NUM> indicating the user's eyes and the guides <NUM> and <NUM> is not limited thereto.

If the authentication based on the iris information is successful, as shown in panel <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display an unlock screen on the first display <NUM> in the electronic device <NUM> fully unfolded. Although not depicted in panel <NUM>, in an embodiment, if the authentication based on the iris information is successful, the processor <NUM> may display an image indicating the authentication success on the first display <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may display a text indicating the authentication success or change a shape or a color of the object <NUM> and <NUM>, on the first display <NUM>.

If the authentication based on the iris information fails, the processor <NUM> may display an image indicating the authentication failure. For example, the processor <NUM> may display a text indicating the authentication failure or change the shape or the color of the objects <NUM> and <NUM>, on the first display <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may display an image (or a text) for moving (or adjusting) the user's eye position such that the position of the object corresponds to the position of the guide for the sake of the authentication, on the first display <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the user is authenticated based on, but is not limited to, the user iris information. For example, the method of <FIG> may be applied to the user authentication based on user face (or facial feature) information in the identical or similar manner.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of housings, at least one hinge unit for rotating the housings, a display exposed to outside through the housings, a sensor for detecting at least one folding angle formed between the housings, a memory for storing a plurality of images corresponding to a plurality of folding angles respectively, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor may be configured to acquire information of the at least one folding angle, through the sensor, identify an image corresponding to the at least one folding angle among the plurality of the images, identify at least one of portions of the display for displaying the image, based on the at least one folding angle, and display the image through the at least one portion.

The images may include a plurality of images which dynamically change based on the at least one folding angle.

A data structure used in an embodiment of the present disclosure may be recorded in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium through various means. The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium includes a storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium (e.g., a ROM, a floppy disk, a hard disk) optical and a recording medium (e.g., a CD-ROM, or a digital versatile disk (DVD)).

The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium may store, in an electronic device, a program for acquiring folding angle information through a first sensor which detects the folding angle formed if a first housing and a second housing of an electronic device rotate based on a hinge unit, identifying an image corresponding to the folding angle among a plurality of first images corresponding to a plurality of folding angles respectively, based on the folding angle, identifying at least one display for displaying the image, among a first display exposed to outside through a first area of the first housing and a second area of the second housing and a second display exposed to the outside through a third area, which faces away from the first area, of the first housing, and displaying the image on the at least one display.

A method for providing an image using a foldable display and an electronic device supporting the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an image which dynamically changes, using a plurality of displays (or different portions of the foldable display) while the electronic device is folded or unfolded, thus providing improved user experience.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing including a first housing (<NUM>) and a second housing (<NUM>);
a hinge unit (<NUM>) configured to rotate the first housing and the second housing, the housing configured to move between a folded state and an unfolded state via the hinge unit;
a first display (<NUM>) disposed in a first area (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the first housing and a second area (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the second housing;
a second display (<NUM>) disposed in a third area of the first housing, located at an opposite side of the first area;
at least one sensor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a first sensor (<NUM>);
a memory (<NUM>) configured to store a plurality of image frames; and
at least one processor (<NUM>) configured to:
obtain, via the first sensor, information corresponding to a folding angle (Θ) between the first housing and the second housing,
based on the obtained information corresponding to a first folding angle smaller than a first angle, control to deactivate the first display and control to display, via the second display, an image frame included in the plurality of image frames,
based on the obtained information corresponding to a second folding angle greater than the first angle, control to deactivate the second display and control to activate the first display, and
based on the obtained information corresponding to a folding angle increasing from the second folding angle to a third folding angle, control to sequentially display, via the first display, image frames included in the plurality of image frames corresponding to a plurality of folding angles between the second folding angle to the third folding angle, to display an object included in the image frames, wherein the object is dynamically changed according to increasing the folding angle.