Patent Description:
An electronic device may display an image through a display disposed on a surface of the housing. A plurality of pixels for displaying the image may be disposed in the display. The display may receive signals and voltages for displaying the image from a display driver IC (DDI). Each of the plurality of pixels may receive a data voltage corresponding to the brightness and color of the image to be displayed in the current frame from the display driver IC.

The display may maintain the size of a display area constant. The display driver IC may turn on or turn off the display. The display driver IC may change an active area of the display based on a scenario specified by UX or SW. A processor may determine whether the display is turned on or turned off. The processor may identify an active area and a non-active area of the display area. Here, the active area may be an area in which contents are displayed. Here, the non-active area may be a display area that displays a black screen or that is partially turned off.

Conventional devices are known from <CIT> and <CIT>.

Recently, an electronic device including an extendable display of a slidable or rollable type in which only a partial area of the display is exposed and used and the size of a display area of the display is changed as needed has been developed. An extending portion that is a partial area of the display may be disposed inside the electronic device and may be extended outside the electronic device. The extending portion of the display may show an additional display area to a user. When the extending portion is extended outside the electronic device, contents may be additionally displayed in the additional display area.

A processor of the existing electronic device may determine only whether the display is turned on or turned off and is activated. Meanwhile, it may not be easy for the processor to measure how much the display is moved. That is, it may not be easy for the processor to accurately determine how much the additional display area is shown to the user. Accordingly, contents displayed in the additional display area may be cut off, or the additional display area may appear to be a black screen.

Various embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for measuring a start position and an end position of a display area and a movement distance of a display when moving the display area of the extendable display, and an electronic device to which the method is applied.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a housing formed to surround a first surface that faces a first direction, a second surface that faces a second direction opposite to the first direction, and at least a portion of a space between the first surface and the second surface, a PCB disposed in the space of the housing, a display that is configured to be extended in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction and that displays a screen, and at least one processor. The PCB includes a sensing unit. A sensing unit senses whether at least one among a plurality of sensing targets is disposed within a specified distance in the second direction of the display. The processor is configured to calculate movement information including at least one of a movement start position of the display, a movement end position of the display, and a movement distance of the display, based on sensing data received from the sensing unit.

An electronic device according to another embodiment of the disclosure includes a housing including a first surface that faces a first direction, a second surface that faces a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side surface formed to surround a space between the first surface and the second surface, a PCB disposed in the space of the housing, a display including a first area that is extended in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction and that displays a screen, a rotating unit that is disposed on the side surface of the housing and that moves the display, and at least one processor. The display includes a second area bent by the rotating unit. The rotating unit includes at least one sensing target. At least one sensing unit which senses the at least one sensing target is disposed on the side surface of the housing adjacent to the rotating unit. The processor is configured to calculate movement information including a movement distance of the display, based on sensing data received from at least one of the sensing unit.

An electronic device according to another embodiment of the disclosure includes a housing including a first surface that faces a first direction, a second surface that faces a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side surface formed to surround a space between the first surface and the second surface, a PCB disposed in the space of the housing, a display including a first area that is extended in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction and that displays a screen, and at least one processor. The PCB includes a sensing unit. A plurality of sensing targets sensed by the sensing unit within a first distance that is a specified interval and spaced apart from each other by the first distance are disposed in the second direction of the display. The processor is configured to calculate movement information including a movement start position of the display, a movement end position of the display, and a movement distance of the display, based on sensing data received from the sensing unit.

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, by accurately measuring a movement distance of a linear part and/or an angle of rotation of a rotating part of an extendable display, how much an additional display area is shown to a user may be determined.

Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the disclosure, by accurately measuring a start position and an end position of a display area of the extendable display for each detailed section, contents may be smoothly or seamlessly changed and displayed to correspond to the size of the display area.

With regard to description of the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals may be used to refer to identical or similar components.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure may be described with reference to accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

The driving unit <NUM> may move the display device <NUM> in or out of the electronic device <NUM>. The driving unit <NUM> may control the display device <NUM> to change between normal mode, in which the display device <NUM> is accommodated within the electronic device <NUM>, and expanded mode, in which the display device <NUM> is extended toward outer part of the electronic device <NUM>. The driving unit <NUM> may be a sliding type rail structure or motor. However, type or structure of the driving unit <NUM> is not limited thereto.

The rotating unit <NUM> may move the display device <NUM> in or out of the electronic device <NUM> or may function as a supporting part the display device <NUM> moves in or out of the electronic device <NUM>. The rotating unit <NUM> may insert the display device <NUM>, which is rollable, by rolling the display device <NUM> into the electronic device <NUM>. The rotating unit <NUM> may unroll the display device <NUM> to extend the display device <NUM> out of the electronic device <NUM>. The rotating unit <NUM> may be a rotation structure in cylinder type and disposed at side surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> illustrating the display device <NUM> according to various embodiments. Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) <NUM> to control the display <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may include an interface module <NUM>, memory <NUM> (e.g., buffer memory), an image processing module <NUM>, or a mapping module <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may receive image information that contains image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command to control the image data from another component of the electronic device <NUM> via the interface module <NUM>. For example, according to an embodiment, the image information may be received from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the main processor <NUM> (e.g., an application processor)) or the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphics processing unit) operated independently from the function of the main processor <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may communicate, for example, with touch circuitry <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> via the interface module <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may also store at least part of the received image information in the memory <NUM>, for example, on a frame by frame basis. The image processing module <NUM> may perform pre-processing or post-processing (e.g., adjustment of resolution, brightness, or size) with respect to at least part of the image data. According to an embodiment, the pre-processing or post-processing may be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more characteristics of the image data or one or more characteristics of the display <NUM>. The mapping module <NUM> may generate a voltage value or a current value corresponding to the image data pre-processed or post-processed by the image processing module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the generating of the voltage value or current value may be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more attributes of the pixels (e.g., an array, such as an RGB stripe or a pentile structure, of the pixels, or the size of each sub-pixel). At least some pixels of the display <NUM> may be driven, for example, based at least in part on the voltage value or the current value such that visual information (e.g., a text, an image, or an icon) corresponding to the image data may be displayed via the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include the touch circuitry <NUM>. The touch circuitry <NUM> may include a touch sensor <NUM> and a touch sensor IC <NUM> to control the touch sensor <NUM>. The touch sensor IC <NUM> may control the touch sensor <NUM> to sense a touch input or a hovering input with respect to a certain position on the display <NUM>. To achieve this, for example, the touch sensor <NUM> may detect (e.g., measure) a change in a signal (e.g., a voltage, a quantity of light, a resistance, or a quantity of one or more electric charges) corresponding to the certain position on the display <NUM>. The touch circuitry <NUM> may provide input information (e.g., a position, an area, a pressure, or a time) indicative of the touch input or the hovering input detected via the touch sensor <NUM> to the processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least part (e.g., the touch sensor IC <NUM>) of the touch circuitry <NUM> may be formed as part of the display <NUM> or the DDI <NUM>, or as part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor <NUM>) disposed outside the display device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display device <NUM> may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor) of the sensor module <NUM> or a control circuit for the at least one sensor. In such a case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit for the at least one sensor may be embedded in one portion of a component (e.g., the display <NUM>, the DDI <NUM>, or the touch circuitry <NUM>)) of the display device <NUM>. For example, when the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display device <NUM> includes a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor may obtain biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image) corresponding to a touch input received via a portion of the display <NUM>. As another example, when the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display device <NUM> includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information corresponding to a touch input received via a partial or whole area of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed between pixels in a pixel layer of the display <NUM>, or over or under the pixel layer.

<FIG> is a front view <NUM> illustrating a normal mode of a display <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may face a first direction (the +Z-axis direction) that is a front side. In front of the electronic device, a user may visually recognize a screen of the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a first housing <NUM> may form a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may protect a side surface of the display <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may include an opening formed in a side surface thereof.

In an embodiment, a second housing <NUM> may form upper and lower exteriors of the electronic device <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> may protect an upper portion and a lower portion of the display <NUM>. A connector terminal, a microphone hole, a speaker hole, and a sensor hole may be disposed in the second housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view <NUM> illustrating an extended mode of the display <NUM> of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment. The extended mode according to an embodiment may be an extended mode implemented by extension of the display device <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. For example, the extended mode may be a mode in which the display device <NUM> is extended outside the electronic device <NUM> by the driving unit <NUM> and/or the rotating unit <NUM> of <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be extended to a side of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., in the +X-axis direction). In the normal mode prior to the extension, the display <NUM> may be mounted in a state of being bent or rolled on the opposite side to the extension direction in the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be extended outside the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be extended while being unbent or sliding inside the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, and at least a partial area of the display <NUM> may protrude from inside the electronic device <NUM> via the opening formed in the side surface of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the size of the display <NUM> visually recognized by the user may be increased. In the extended mode of the display <NUM>, the size of the display <NUM> may be increased by an additional display area, as compared with when the display <NUM> is in the normal mode. The additional display area may be referred to as the first area in this disclosure.

In an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may protect the side surface of the extended display <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> may fix the upper portion and the lower portion of the display <NUM> to prevent the extended display <NUM> from being separated from the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view <NUM> illustrating a normal mode of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a rear view <NUM> illustrating an extended mode of the display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may have a sub-display <NUM>, a third housing <NUM>, and a camera hole <NUM> that face a second direction (the -Z-axis direction) that is a rear side. The sub-display <NUM> may display contents different from a screen displayed by the display <NUM>. The third housing <NUM> may protect the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The camera hole <NUM> may take an image of the outside.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be extended in a third direction (e.g., the -X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction to have a larger size than the third housing <NUM>. A protective member <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the display <NUM> to protect an edge of the rear surface of the extended display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view <NUM> illustrating a normal mode of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view <NUM> illustrating an extended mode of the display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a first area <NUM> and a second area <NUM>. The first area <NUM> and the second area <NUM> may be connected to each other on at least one boundary and may display one screen including continuous contents. In an embodiment, the first area <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be extended in a lateral direction of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the area of the first area <NUM> may be increased as the length of the first area <NUM> in the third direction (the -X-axis direction) is increased.

In an embodiment, the second area <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be embedded in a portion of the electronic device <NUM>. In the extended mode, the second area <NUM> may be extended outside the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., in the third direction of the electronic device <NUM>).

<FIG> is a side view <NUM> illustrating a normal mode of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a side view <NUM> illustrating an extended mode of the display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is an enlarged view <NUM> of <FIG>.

In an embodiment, a third housing <NUM> (e.g., the third housing <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The third housing <NUM> may protect the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> from an impact.

In an embodiment, a support member <NUM> may fix the positions of a PCB and the display <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be a bracket that supports modules, IC chips, and circuits such that the modules, the IC chips, and the circuits are disposed in specified positions in the inner space of the housing.

In an embodiment, a display mounting part <NUM> may have the display <NUM> mounted thereon. A transparent reinforced glass or plastic cover may cover the front surface (the +Z-axis direction) of the display mounting part <NUM> to protect the front surface of the display <NUM> and to allow a user to visually recognize a screen. A metal sheet (e.g., a Cu sheet) for stably supporting the display <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface (the -Z-axis direction) of the display mounting part <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a first area <NUM> (e.g., the first area <NUM> of <FIG>) may be an extended area of the display <NUM>. Although disposed on the opposite side to the first area <NUM> (e.g., in the left direction) and omitted in <FIG>, a second area (e.g., the second area <NUM> of <FIG>) may be an area in which a portion of the display <NUM> in an unexposed state inside the electronic device is additionally displayed in the extended mode. For example, the first area <NUM> may protrude from the display mounting part <NUM> in the third direction (the +X-axis direction) via an opening of a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>). In another example, the first area <NUM> may protrude outside the electronic device <NUM> by a driving unit (e.g., the driving unit <NUM> of <FIG>) such as a rail disposed on the display mounting part <NUM>. When the first area <NUM> is extended, the size of the display <NUM> visually recognized by the user may be increased. Due to the first area <NUM>, the area of the display <NUM> may be larger than the area of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and thus a large screen may be used as needed.

In an embodiment, referring to the enlarged view of <FIG>, the first area <NUM> may be mounted on the display mounting part <NUM>, or may be extended from the display mounting part <NUM> to the outside, by using a groove structure provided on an upper portion of the display mounting part <NUM>. One end of the first area <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the first housing <NUM>. For example, the one end of the first area <NUM> may include a curved surface having a curvature corresponding to the first housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>), a display mounting part <NUM> (e.g., the display mounting part <NUM> of <FIG>), a support member <NUM> (e.g., the support member <NUM> of <FIG>), a PCB <NUM>, a first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>), a third housing <NUM> (e.g., the third housing <NUM> of <FIG>), and a second housing <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>).

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may display a screen. The display <NUM> may be mounted in a space formed by the first housing <NUM>, the third housing <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. At least a portion of the display <NUM> may be extended in the third direction (e.g., the +X-axis direction) of the electronic device <NUM>. At least a partial area of the display <NUM> before the extension may be folded in the rear direction (the -Z-axis direction) of the electronic device <NUM>. When the display <NUM> is extended, the area folded in the rear direction (the -Z-axis direction) of the electronic device <NUM> may face the front direction (the +Z-axis direction) of the electronic device <NUM>. When the display <NUM> is extended, the area of the display <NUM> may be increased, and thus the display <NUM> may be expanded.

In an embodiment, the display mounting part <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the display <NUM>. The display mounting part <NUM> may support the display <NUM>. The display mounting part <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the display <NUM> folded in the rear direction (the -Z-axis direction) of the electronic device <NUM>. The display mounting part <NUM> may fix the display <NUM> folded in the rear direction (the -Z-axis direction) of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the support member <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the display mounting part <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may fix the positions of modules, IC chips, and circuits constituting the electronic device <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may include a metal member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the metal member <NUM> may be disposed on the front surface of the support member <NUM>. The metal member <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the display <NUM>. The metal member <NUM> may physically move the display <NUM>. For example, the metal member <NUM> may move the display <NUM> in the third direction (e.g., the +X-axis direction). The metal member <NUM> may be a metal plate having a belt structure or a rail structure made of a metallic material.

In an embodiment, the PCB <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the support member <NUM>. The modules, the IC chips, and the circuits constituting the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed on the PCB <NUM>. For example, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed on the PCB <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may be disposed to surround side surfaces of the display <NUM>, the display mounting part <NUM>, the support member <NUM>, and the PCB <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may protect the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be extended via the first housing <NUM>. For example, the first housing <NUM> may include an opening through which the display <NUM> protrudes.

In an embodiment, the third housing part <NUM> may be disposed to surround the rear surface of the PCB <NUM>. The third housing <NUM> may protect the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the second housing <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed to surround upper and lower portions of the display <NUM>, the display mounting part <NUM>, the support member <NUM>, and the PCB <NUM>. The second housing <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may protect upper and lower portions of the electronic device <NUM>. The second housing <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a plurality of holes, such as a connector terminal, a speaker hole, or a microphone hole.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the display <NUM>, the display mounting part <NUM>, and the metal member <NUM> of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the display mounting part <NUM> may have the display <NUM> mounted thereon. The metal member <NUM> may be disposed on the front surface of the display mounting part <NUM> to push or pull the display <NUM> in the third direction (e.g., the +X-axis direction).

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a sensing target <NUM>, a first sensing unit <NUM>, and a second sensing unit <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, a display <NUM> may move in the third direction (e.g., the +X-axis direction) from a display mounting part <NUM> (e.g., the display mounting part <NUM> of <FIG>). The display <NUM> may slide in the third direction (e.g., the +X-axis direction) based on rotation of a rotating unit <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the sensing target <NUM> may be disposed on the lower surface of the display <NUM>. The sensing target <NUM> may be a reference position for sensing a position before a movement of the display <NUM>, a movement distance, and/or a position upon completion of the movement. When the sensing target <NUM> is within a first distance, which is a specified interval, from the first sensing unit <NUM> or the second sensing unit <NUM> disposed on a PCB <NUM> (e.g., the PCB <NUM> of <FIG>), the sensing target <NUM> may be sensed by the first sensing unit <NUM> or the second sensing unit <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first sensing unit <NUM> and the second sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed on the upper surface of the PCB <NUM>. The first sensing unit <NUM> and the second sensing unit <NUM> may sense the sensing target <NUM>. When the sensing target <NUM> enters within the first distance, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may determine, through the first sensing unit <NUM> or the second sensing unit <NUM>, whether the sensing target <NUM> is located in a position corresponding to the first sensing unit <NUM> or the second sensing unit <NUM> in the first direction (the +Z-axis direction). When the sensing target <NUM> enters within the first distance, the first sensing unit <NUM> or the second sensing unit <NUM> may provide, to the processor <NUM>, sensing data indicating that the sensing target <NUM> closely approaches the first sensing unit <NUM> or the second sensing unit <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the sensing target <NUM> may be a magnet, and the first sensing unit <NUM> and the second sensing unit <NUM> may be Hall sensors or magnetic-force detection sensors. The first sensing unit <NUM> and the second sensing unit <NUM> may determine whether the sensing target <NUM> enters within the first distance from the first sensing unit <NUM> or the second sensing unit <NUM>, by sensing a change in a magnetic field due to the close approach of the sensing target <NUM>.

In an embodiment, when the distance between the sensing target <NUM> and the first sensing unit <NUM> is shorter than the first distance, the processor <NUM> may determine an extended mode (e.g., the extended mode of <FIG>) in which the display <NUM> is extended in the third direction (the +X-axis direction) and a first area (e.g., the first area <NUM> of <FIG>) is displayed to be large. The processor <NUM> may configure and display a screen of the display <NUM> in response to the extended mode.

In an embodiment, when the distance between the sensing target <NUM> and the second sensing unit <NUM> is shorter than the first distance, the processor <NUM> may determine a normal mode (e.g., the normal mode of <FIG>) in which the display <NUM> is mounted on the display mounting part <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may configure and display a screen of the display <NUM> in response to the normal mode.

<FIG> illustrates the case in which the sensing target <NUM> is disposed on the display <NUM> and the first sensing unit <NUM> and the second sensing unit <NUM> are disposed on the PCB <NUM>. However, without being limited thereto, the sensing target <NUM> may be disposed on the PCB <NUM>, and the first sensing unit <NUM> and the second sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed on the display <NUM>. Furthermore, <FIG> illustrates the case in which one sensing target <NUM> and two sensing units <NUM> and <NUM> are provided. However, without being limited thereto, two sensing targets <NUM> and one sensing unit <NUM> or <NUM> may be provided.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a sensing target <NUM> and a plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed on the upper surface of a PCB <NUM>. The plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other by a first distance that is a specified interval. When the sensing target <NUM> enters within the first distance, each of the plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may provide, to a processor <NUM>, sensing data indicating that the sensing target <NUM> is located in a corresponding position in the first direction (the +Z-axis direction).

In an embodiment, when the sensing target <NUM> is within the first distance from one of the plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may identify a movement distance and the current position of a display <NUM>, based on the position in which the sensing target <NUM> is sensed. The processor <NUM> may identify the size of a first area by which the display <NUM> is extended in the third direction (the +X-axis direction) and may calculate the size of a display area of the display <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may configure and display a screen of the display <NUM> in response to the size of the display area. When the display <NUM> moves in the third direction (the +X-axis direction or the - X-axis direction) and the size of the display area of the display <NUM> is changed, the processor <NUM> may reconfigure the screen in response to the change in the size of the display area.

<FIG> illustrates the case in which the sensing target <NUM> is disposed on the display <NUM> and the plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are disposed on the PCB <NUM>. However, without being limited thereto, the sensing target <NUM> may be disposed on the PCB <NUM>, and the plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed on the display <NUM>. Furthermore, <FIG> illustrates the case in which one sensing target <NUM> and N sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (N being a natural number of <NUM> or larger, N=<NUM> in <FIG>) are provided. However, without being limited thereto, N sensing targets <NUM> and one sensing unit <NUM> or <NUM> may be provided.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating sensing targets <NUM> and <NUM> and a plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

In an embodiment, the plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed to form at least one row facing the third direction (the X-axis direction). For example, the first row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be arranged to form a row facing the third direction (the X-axis direction) in an upper portion of a display <NUM>, and the second row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be arranged to form a row facing the third direction (the X-axis direction) in a lower portion of the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the sensing targets <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a direction different from the direction of movement of the display <NUM>. For example, based on the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the third direction (the X-axis direction), the first sensing target <NUM> may be disposed in the upper portion of the display <NUM>, and the first sensing target <NUM> may be disposed in the lower portion of the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the sensing targets <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed to be staggered with respect to each other based on the direction of movement of the display <NUM>. For example, the sensing targets <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed to be staggered with respect to each other based on the third direction (the X-axis direction).

In an embodiment, the first row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the second row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed to be staggered with respect to each other based on the direction of movement of the display <NUM>. For example, the first row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and the second row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed to be staggered with respect to each other by a distance shorter than a first distance D1 based on the third direction (the X-axis direction).

In an embodiment, each of the sensing units in the first row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may sense whether the first sensing target <NUM> is within the first distance D1. Each of the sensing units in the second row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may sense whether the second sensing target <NUM> is within the first distance D1.

In an embodiment, when the sensing targets <NUM> and <NUM>, the first row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and the second row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are disposed to be staggered with respect to one another based on the direction of movement of the display <NUM>, one of the first row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> or the second row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may sense whether the sensing targets <NUM> and <NUM> are moved or not, even though the display <NUM> moves less than the first distance D1. Accordingly, the distance of a sensing section for measurement of a movement distance of the display <NUM> may be decreased, and sensing resolution may be increased.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> illustrating components for measurement of a movement distance of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, a first sensor <NUM>, a second sensor <NUM>, a third sensor <NUM>,. , and a seventh sensor <NUM> may each sense whether a magnet <NUM> enters within a first distance. The first sensor <NUM>, the second sensor <NUM>, the third sensor <NUM>,. , and the seventh sensor <NUM> may each be triggered by the magnet <NUM>. The first sensor <NUM>, the second sensor <NUM>, the third sensor <NUM>,. , and the seventh sensor <NUM> may generate sensing data when the magnet <NUM> enters within the first distance.

In an embodiment, the first sensor <NUM>, the second sensor <NUM>, the third sensor <NUM>,. , and the seventh sensor <NUM> is electrically connected with an encoder <NUM>. The encoder <NUM> may convert the sensing data into movement information. The movement information may include a position before a movement of the display <NUM>, a position after the movement of the display <NUM>, and/or a movement distance of the display <NUM>. For example, the encoder <NUM> may convert the sensing data into the movement distance of the display <NUM> by patterning the arrangement of the first sensor <NUM>, the second sensor <NUM>, the third sensor <NUM>,. , and the seventh sensor <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a processor <NUM> may be configured to receive the movement information from the encoder <NUM>. Based on the movement information, the processor <NUM> may identify the position before the movement of the display <NUM>, the position after the movement of the display <NUM>, and/or the movement distance of the display <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may identify the size of a display area of the display <NUM> depending on the position before the movement of the display <NUM>, the position after the movement of the display <NUM>, and/or the movement distance of the display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> illustrating components for measurement of a movement distance of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to another embodiment.

In an embodiment, a sensor <NUM> may sense whether a first magnet <NUM>, a second magnet <NUM>, a third magnet <NUM>,. , or a seventh magnet <NUM> enters within a first distance. The sensor <NUM> may be triggered when the first magnet <NUM>, the second magnet <NUM>, the third magnet <NUM>,. , or the seventh magnet <NUM> enters within the first distance. The sensor <NUM> may estimate the position of the display <NUM> and may transfer movement information to a processor <NUM>. For example, the sensor <NUM> may estimate a movement distance of the display <NUM>, based on the number of times that the sensor <NUM> is triggered.

<FIG> illustrates the structure constituted by the first magnet <NUM>, the second magnet <NUM>, the third magnet <NUM>,. , or the seventh magnet <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> that senses the first magnet <NUM>, the second magnet <NUM>, the third magnet <NUM>,. , or the seventh magnet <NUM>. However, without being limited thereto, the first magnet <NUM>, the second magnet <NUM>, the third magnet <NUM>,. , or the seventh magnet <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> may be replaced with a plurality of electrical contacts. In the case in which the first magnet <NUM>, the second magnet <NUM>, the third magnet <NUM>,. , or the seventh magnet <NUM> and the sensor <NUM> are replaced with the plurality of electrical contacts, two electrical contacts may be electrically connected to cause a change of state when the two electrical contacts make contact with each other. Based on the electrical state change, the processor <NUM> may calculate whether the display <NUM> is moved and/or a movement distance of the display <NUM>. The plurality of electrical contacts may be implemented with a structure having a protruding structure, such as a pogo pin or a C-clip, and capable of performing up/down motion and/or a planer metal plate.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a sensing target <NUM> and a plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to another embodiment.

In an embodiment, the plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be a plurality of permittivity sensing patterns. Each of the permittivity sensing patterns may measure the permittivity of an object within a specified distance. When the permittivity of the object within the specified distance is changed, each of the permittivity sensing patterns may generate a notification signal to provide notification that the characteristics of the object are changed. The sensing target <NUM> may be a dielectric body. The sensing target <NUM> may be disposed on the lower surface of a display <NUM>. For example, the sensing target <NUM> may be disposed on a rail for a movement of the display <NUM>. The plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed under the display <NUM>. The plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed within a movement range in which the sensing target <NUM> is capable of moving depending on a movement of the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may sense whether the sensing target <NUM> enters within a first distance. Each of the plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may sense a change in permittivity. Each of the plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may sense movement information when the dielectric body enters within the first distance. Each of the plurality of sensing units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may transfer the sensed movement information to a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>). Based on the movement information, the processor <NUM> may calculate the movement distance of the display <NUM> and/or the size of a screen displayed on the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a first sensing pattern <NUM>, a second sensing pattern <NUM>, a third sensing pattern <NUM>, and a fourth sensing pattern <NUM> may each sense whether a dielectric body <NUM> enters within a first distance. When the dielectric body <NUM> enters within the first distance, each of the first sensing pattern <NUM>, the second sensing pattern <NUM>, the third sensing pattern <NUM>, and the fourth sensing pattern <NUM> may generate sensing data to notify of close approach of the dielectric body <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a permittivity detection sensor module <NUM> may receive the sensing data from the first sensing pattern <NUM>, the second sensing pattern <NUM>, the third sensing pattern <NUM>, and the fourth sensing pattern <NUM>. The permittivity detection sensor module <NUM> may generate movement information based on the sensing data and may transfer the movement information to a processor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating an extended mode (e.g., the extended mode of <FIG>) in which a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) is extended by extending a metal member <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a normal mode (e.g., the normal mode of <FIG>) in which the display <NUM> is retracted by retracting the metal member <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the metal member <NUM> may be disposed inside a housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>, the second housing <NUM>, and the third housing <NUM> of <FIG>). The metal member <NUM> may move the display <NUM> while changing the length of the metal member <NUM>. For example, the metal member <NUM> may be a belt type metal plate for physically moving the display <NUM>. In another example, the metal member <NUM> may be a structure such as a metal rail. The metal member <NUM> may move the display <NUM> in the third direction (the X-axis direction) while pushing or pulling the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may sense a change in resistance depending on a change in the length of the metal member <NUM>. The length of the metal member <NUM> may be changed depending on whether the display <NUM> is in the extended mode or the normal mode. For example, the length of the metal member <NUM> may be decreased to change the display <NUM> from the extended mode to the normal mode.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be electrically connected with the metal member <NUM> through electrical contacts at opposite sides of the metal member <NUM>. When the length of the metal member <NUM> is physically changed, the resistance value between the electrical contacts at the opposite sides of the metal member <NUM> may be changed. The processor <NUM> may sense the change in the resistance value between the electrical contacts at the opposite sides of the metal member <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may sense the change in the resistance value between the electrical contacts at the opposite sides of the metal member <NUM> by using an ADC.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to calculate a movement distance of the display <NUM> based on a change in resistance. Memory (e.g., the memory <NUM> of <FIG>) may store correlation data in the form of a table in which a resistance value and a change in the length of the metal member <NUM> are defined. The processor <NUM> may compare the sensed change in the resistance value between the electrical contacts at the opposite sides of the metal member <NUM> with the correlation data stored in advance. The processor <NUM> may calculate the movement distance of the display <NUM> based on the comparison result.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a sensing target <NUM> disposed on a rotating unit <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) and a sensing unit <NUM> disposed on a side surface of a housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the rotating unit <NUM> may be disposed on a side surface of the housing <NUM>. The rotating unit <NUM> may be disposed on a side surface of a display mounting part <NUM>. The rotating unit <NUM> may move a display <NUM> while rotating. For example, the rotating unit <NUM> may extend the display <NUM> outside the display mounting part <NUM> by sliding the display <NUM> in the third direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) while rotating.

In an embodiment, the rotating unit <NUM> may include at least one sensing target <NUM>. The sensing target <NUM> may be mounted on a surface of the rotating unit <NUM>. The sensing target <NUM> may be mounted in the Y-axis direction that is the long axis direction of the rotating unit <NUM>. The sensing target <NUM> may be a magnet. The sensing target <NUM> may be sensed by the sensing unit <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface of the housing <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed on a side surface of the display mounting part <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the rotating unit <NUM>. The sensing unit <NUM> may be a Hall sensor. The sensing unit <NUM> may sense a state in which the distance to the sensing target <NUM> is shortest. The sensing unit <NUM> may be electrically connected with a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>).

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may sense the number of revolutions of the rotating unit <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may count, through the sensing unit <NUM>, the number of times that the sensing target <NUM> passes through the point closest to the sensing unit <NUM> by rotation of the rotating unit <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may determine the count as the number of revolutions.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may calculate the movement distance of the display <NUM> based on the number of revolutions of the rotating unit <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may calculate the perimeter of the rotating unit <NUM> by multiplying the diameter of the rotating unit <NUM> and Pi. The processor <NUM> may calculate the movement distance of the display <NUM> by multiplying the perimeter of the rotating unit <NUM> by the number of revolutions.

In an embodiment, when a plurality of sensing targets <NUM> are disposed at different positions on the rotating unit <NUM>, the sensing unit <NUM> may additionally calculate the angle of rotation of the rotating unit <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may more precisely calculate the movement distance of the display <NUM> by using the angle of rotation of the rotating unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a rotation detection sensor <NUM> disposed on a rotating unit <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the rotation detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed inside the rotating unit <NUM>. The rotation detection sensor <NUM> may sense the number of revolutions and/or the angle of rotation of the rotating unit <NUM>. The rotation detection sensor <NUM> may count the number of revolutions once every time the angle of rotation exceeds <NUM> degrees. The rotation detection sensor <NUM> may be a gyro sensor. The rotation detection sensor <NUM> may be electrically connected with a processor <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may calculate the movement distance of a display <NUM> based on the number of revolutions of the rotating unit <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may calculate the movement distance of the display <NUM> by multiplying the perimeter of the rotating unit <NUM> by the number of revolutions. The processor <NUM> may calculate the size of a display area of the display <NUM> based on the movement distance of the display <NUM> and may configure and display a screen in response to the size of the display area.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a metal pattern <NUM> disposed on a rotating unit <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) and connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on a side surface of a housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>) according to another embodiment. <FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a metal pattern <NUM> disposed on the rotating unit <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> and a connecting part <NUM> disposed on the side surface of the housing <NUM> according to another embodiment. <FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a metal pattern <NUM> disposed on the rotating unit <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> and connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the side surface of the housing <NUM> according to another embodiment.

In an embodiment, the rotating unit <NUM> may further include at least one metal pattern <NUM> or <NUM>. The metal pattern <NUM> or <NUM> may be a structure capable of electrical contact with a terminal protruding from the housing <NUM>. The metal pattern <NUM> or <NUM> may be disposed on a surface of the rotating unit <NUM>. The metal pattern <NUM> or <NUM> may have a specified length. For example, the metal pattern <NUM> may have a specified length in the direction of rotation of the rotating unit <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In another example, the metal pattern <NUM> may have a specified length in the long axis direction of the rotating unit <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The metal pattern <NUM> or <NUM> may have a specified voltage such as a ground (GND) voltage. The metal pattern <NUM> or <NUM> may be electrically connected with a ground layer of a PCB <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface of the housing <NUM>. The connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be electrically connected with a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>). The connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM> may electrically connect the metal pattern <NUM> or <NUM> with the processor <NUM>. The connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be structures such as a C-clip or a pogo pin capable of metal contact. The connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM> may receive an electrical signal from the processor <NUM> and may transfer the electrical signal to the metal pattern <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may supply an electrical signal to the metal pattern <NUM> or <NUM> using the connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may calculate the number of revolutions and/or the angle of rotation of the rotating unit <NUM>, based on whether the connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM> and the metal pattern <NUM> or <NUM> are connected with each other. For example, the processor <NUM> may count the number of revolutions once every time the connecting parts <NUM> and <NUM> and the metal pattern <NUM> or <NUM> are connected with each other. The processor <NUM> may calculate the movement distance of a display <NUM>, based on the number of revolutions and/or the angle of rotation of the rotating unit <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may calculate the size of a display area of the display <NUM> based on the movement distance of the display <NUM> and may configure and display a screen in response to the size of the display area.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a dielectric body <NUM> disposed on a rotating unit <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) and a permittivity detection sensor <NUM> disposed on a side surface of a housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>) according to another embodiment. <FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a dielectric pattern <NUM> disposed on the rotating unit <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> and the permittivity detection sensor <NUM> disposed on the side surface of the housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the rotating unit <NUM> may further include at least one dielectric body <NUM> or <NUM>. The at least one dielectric body <NUM> or <NUM> may be disposed on a surface of the rotating unit <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, one dielectric body <NUM> may be disposed on a single portion of the surface of the rotating unit <NUM>. In another example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the dielectric pattern <NUM> may be disposed on the surface of the rotating unit <NUM> at a specified interval.

In an embodiment, the permittivity detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface of the housing <NUM>. The permittivity detection sensor <NUM> may be disposed on a side surface of a display mounting part <NUM>. The permittivity detection sensor <NUM> may sense a change in the permittivity of an adjacent object. The permittivity detection sensor <NUM> may determine whether the at least one dielectric body <NUM> or <NUM> approaches the permittivity detection sensor <NUM> at a distance shorter than a specified distance.

In an embodiment, the permittivity detection sensor <NUM> may be electrically connected with a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>). The permittivity detection sensor <NUM> may transfer sensing data to the processor <NUM> when the dielectric body <NUM> or <NUM> approaches the permittivity detection sensor <NUM> at a distance shorter than the specified distance.

In an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may calculate the number of revolutions and/or the angle of rotation of the rotating unit <NUM>, based on the sensing data provided from the permittivity detection sensor <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may count the number of revolutions once every time the dielectric body <NUM> of <FIG> is sensed by the permittivity detection sensor <NUM>. In another example, the processor <NUM> may add a specified rotation angle every time the dielectric pattern <NUM> of <FIG> is sensed by the permittivity detection sensor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may calculate the movement distance of a display <NUM>, based on the number of revolutions and/or the angle of rotation of the rotating unit <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may calculate the size of a display area of the display <NUM> based on the movement distance of the display <NUM> and may configure and display a screen in response to the size of the display area.

As used herein, each of such phrases as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as "1st" and "2nd", or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other 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 means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing formed to surround a first surface facing a first direction, a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and at least a portion of a space between the first surface and the second surface;
a PCB (<NUM>) disposed in the space of the housing;
a display (<NUM>) configured to be extended in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction and configured to display a screen; and
at least one processor (<NUM>),
wherein the PCB (<NUM>) includes a sensing unit (<NUM>),
wherein the sensing unit (<NUM>) is configured to sense whether at least one among a plurality of sensing targets (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is disposed within a specified distance in the second direction of the display (<NUM>),
wherein the processor (<NUM>) is configured to calculate movement information including at least one of a movement start position of the display (<NUM>), a movement end position of the display (<NUM>), and a movement distance of the display (<NUM>), based on sensing data received from the sensing unit (<NUM>).