Patent Description:
Functional differences between electronic devices from respective manufacturers have substantially decreased, and electronic devices are accordingly becoming slimmer in order to satisfy consumers demands. There is ongoing development to increase the rigidity of electronic devices, to enhance design aspects thereof, and to differentiate functional elements thereof. Accordingly, electronic devices are gradually evolving from conventional quadrangular shapes to various shapes. For example, electronic devices having various deformable structures have been developed such that they can be carried conveniently and, when used, large-screen displays can be utilized.

Conventional electronic devices including a flexible display having a display region that can be extended or reduced are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Electronic devices may include a rollable-type electronic device (hereinafter, referred to as a rollable electronic device) which can be deformed, when used, such that the display region of the display thereof can be extended or reduced. The rollable electronic device may include a first housing and a second housing (or a sliding plate), which may be coupled to each other to be able to move in an at least partially fitted-together type. For example, the second housing (or sliding plate) may be coupled so as to support a flexible display (or an extendable display) and to operate in an at least partially sliding type from the first housing. The second housing may be manually opened/closed by the user or may be automatically switched to an open/closed state by an internal driving mechanism, thereby inducing variation of the display area. According to an embodiment, a multi-window display method may solely be considered if the display size (resolution) is fixed, or if the display size is limited to two types (folded state and unfolded state) as in the case of a foldable electronic device. However, in the case of a device (for example, a slidable/rollable electronic device) having a display extendable to various sizes, a multi-window operation may be impeded by respective windows which are to be arranged according to the size, or by various icons, the sizes of which are to be changed accordingly. As a result, it may be difficult to execute a multi-window function in response to the user's intention, and erroneous operations may occur.

The invention as defined in the independent claims is best understood in light of the embodiments disclosed in the context of <FIG> and <FIG>. Other disclosed embodiments may not disclose the complete combination of features as claimed, but are nevertheless useful for understanding the invention.

An electronic device according to invention includes: a display; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: display at least a first window and a second window in a display region of the display, the display region corresponding to the part of the display that is exposed to the outside, and the size of the display region may be changed; identify a position of a user input; receive an input related to a size change of the display region of the display; and change a size of the display region of the display and display a window corresponding to the identified position of the user input in the display region of the display. The processor is further configured to receive a notification message and to display the notification message in the display region; receive a user input for extending the display region of the display at a position at which the notification message is displayed; in response to receiving the user input and based on the identified position of the user input, extend the display region, and execute an application related to the notification message to be displayed in the extended display region of the display.

An operation method of an electronic device according to the invention includes: displaying at least a first window and a second window in a display region of the display, the display region corresponding to the part of the display that is exposed to the outside, and the size of the display region may be changed; identifying a position of a user input; receiving an input related to a size change of the display region of the display; and changing a size of the display region of the display and displaying a window corresponding to the identified position of the user input in the display region of the display. The method further includes receiving a notification message and displaying the notification message in the display region; receiving a user input for extending the display region of the display at a position at which the notification message is displayed; in response to receiving the user input and based on the identified position of the user input, extending the display region, and executing an application related to the notification message to be displayed in the extended display region of the display.

An electronic device including a display having a display region that can be extended or reduced according to various embodiments is advantageous in that, when a multi-window operation is performed in the display region of the display, the arrangement of respective each multi-window is changed (or the size thereof is changed or icons are displayed) according to the display region of the display such that the multi-window can be manipulated in response to the user's intention.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure may be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings may be provided to help a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure defined by claims. Various specific details are included to help the understanding, but may be exemplary only. Accordingly, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of various embodiments described in the specification may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

Terms and words used in the following description and claims are used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure and may not be limited to bibliographical meanings. Accordingly, it may be apparent to those skilled in the art that the description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the content defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments, <FIG> is a perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments, and <FIG> is a side view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

In <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may be at least partially similar to the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>, or may further include other embodiments of an electronic device. A display <NUM> included in the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments may be a flexible display. A housing of the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments may be extended or reduced. When the housing of the electronic device <NUM> is extended or reduced, the display region of the display may also be extended or reduced. The entire region of the display <NUM> may not always be a display region, and the size of the display region of the display <NUM> may be changed. For example, when the housing of the electronic device <NUM> is extended, a partial region of the display <NUM>, which has not been exposed to the outside, may be exposed, and thus the display region of the display <NUM> may also be extended. On the other hand, when the housing of the electronic device <NUM> is reduced, a partial region of the display <NUM>, which has been exposed to the outside, may be hidden, and thus the display region of the display <NUM> may also be reduced.

According to various embodiments, <FIG> is a perspective view in which the housing of the electronic device <NUM> is reduced, and <FIG> is a perspective view in which the housing of the electronic device <NUM> is extended (or expanded). As illustrated in <FIG>, when a housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is reduced, the display region of the display <NUM> may also be reduced. For convenience, a user may carry the electronic device <NUM> in the state in which the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is reduced. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is extended, the display region of the display <NUM> may also be extended. For example, when a user watches multimedia or plays a game or when a user uses multiple services at the same time, the user may extend the housing <NUM> of the electronic device to use the extended display region of the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, <FIG> is a side view of the electronic device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be coupled to at least a portion of the display <NUM> so as to extend or reduce the display region of the display <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may include a multi-bar hinge <NUM> and/or a rolling bar <NUM> in order to extend or reduce of the display region of the display <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a motor <NUM> configured to control the rolling bar <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may receive an input related to the size change of the display region of the display <NUM> to extend or reduce of the display region of the display <NUM>. For example, when a portion of the display <NUM> is bent or rolled inward by the rolling bar <NUM>, the size of the display <NUM> exposed to the outside is reduced, and thus the display region of the display <NUM> may be reduced. On the other hand, when the portion of the display <NUM> rolled by the rolling bar <NUM> is unrolled, the size of the display <NUM> exposed to the outside is extended, and thus the display region of the display <NUM> may also be extended. The display region of the display <NUM> may be updated after the display <NUM> has been completely extended or reduced. The display region of the display <NUM> may be updated in real time/at regular time intervals while the display <NUM> is extended or reduced. The display region of the display <NUM> may be updated in units of a certain size of a region extended or reduced while the display <NUM> is extended or reduced.

According to various embodiments, the display region of the display <NUM> may be extended or reduced in a manual, automatic, or semiautomatic manner on the basis of the input related to the size change of the housing <NUM>. For example, when a user manually extends or reduces the housing <NUM> by using force, the display region of the display <NUM> may be extended or reduced. Alternatively, when the user extends or reduces the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> by pressing a hardware button (e.g., a side key) or a software button (e.g., a soft key), the display region of the display <NUM> may be automatically extended or reduced. The housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be extended or reduced by the motor <NUM>. Furthermore, when the user pushes or pulls the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> by using a force having a predetermined strength or more, the electronic device <NUM> may operate the motor <NUM> to extend or reduce the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> in an automatic or semiautomatic manner in response thereto. When the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is extended or reduced, the display region of the display <NUM> may also be extended or reduced.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a multi-bar hinge formed on the rear surface of the display in order to adjust the size of the housing <NUM>. The multi-bar hinge may roll the display <NUM>, and may support the display <NUM> to keep the display <NUM> flat.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may detect, using a magnet or a hall sensor disposed in the rear surface of the display <NUM>, the rotation amount of the motor <NUM> to sense a speed (or a size) at which the housing <NUM> is extended or reduced. The electronic device <NUM> may cascade, based on the sensed speed (or size), windows displayed in the display region of the display <NUM> or provide a gradation effect.

Hereinbefore, an example in which the display region of the display <NUM> is extended or reduced has been described using the electronic device <NUM>, the housing <NUM> of which is extended or reduced at one side thereof. However, the various embodiments may be applied to even the case in which the display region of the display <NUM> is extended or reduced by other methods for extending or reducing both sides of the housing <NUM> of the electronic device.

When the display region of the display <NUM> can be extended or reduced according to various embodiments, if necessary, the user may extend or reduce the display region of the display <NUM> to maximize the usage efficiency of the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may supply power based on the size of the display region of the display <NUM>, and may thus reduce power consumption.

<FIG> illustrates an example of extension of the display region of a display of an electronic device according to various embodiments, <FIG> illustrates an example of extension of the display region of a display of an electronic device according to various embodiments, and <FIG> illustrates an example of extension of the display region of a display of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a display, and a first window <NUM>-<NUM> and a second window <NUM>-<NUM> may be displayed in the display region of the display. For example, a moving image may be reproduced in the first window <NUM>-<NUM>, and a text message may be displayed in the second window <NUM>-<NUM>. Alternatively, in each of the first window <NUM>-<NUM> and the second window <NUM>-<NUM>, a different webpage according to the execution of one application may be displayed. In <FIG>, the first window <NUM>-<NUM> and the second window <NUM>-<NUM> are displayed in the same size. However, the first window <NUM>-<NUM> and the second window <NUM>-<NUM> may be displayed in different sizes.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may display a multi-window in the display region of the display. The electronic device <NUM> may identify the position of a user input (e.g., the position of a user's finger) in the display region of the display in which the multi-window is displayed. A user input may be positioned in a partial region <NUM>-<NUM> of the first window <NUM>-<NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, and may be positioned in a partial region <NUM>-<NUM> of the second window <NUM>-<NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, the user input may be positioned in a partial region <NUM>-<NUM> of a window boundary region <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The window boundary region <NUM> may be a region other than a window inner region.

According to various embodiments, the user input may be an input using one finger (e.g., a thumb) while a user grips the electronic device <NUM>, that is, when a user holds the electronic device <NUM>. Alternatively, the user input may be a touch input (e.g. sliding or swiping) using a finger or a pen that a user moves by a force having a predetermined strength or more in a direction in which the user desires to extend or reduce the display region of a display. The display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM> may be extended or reduced in a manual, automatic, or semiautomatic manner depending on the user input.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may display a window corresponding to the position of the user input in the display region of the display.

According to various embodiments, referring to <FIG>, when a user input <NUM>-<NUM> is identified in the partial region <NUM>-<NUM> of the first window, an extended first window <NUM>-<NUM> may be displayed in the entire display region of the display. The extended first window <NUM>-<NUM> may be extended with reference to the left upper end. When a user input <NUM>-<NUM> for reducing the display region of the display is received in the extended first window <NUM>-<NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may display the reduced first and second windows <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> in a re-reduced display region of the display. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may display only the reduced first windows <NUM>-<NUM> in the re-reduced display region of the display. Alternatively, in the electronic device <NUM>, an application corresponding to a window, which is not displayed in the display region of the display, may be terminated without any additional user input (not shown). For example, when the extended first window <NUM>-<NUM> is displayed the display region of the display, the second window <NUM>-<NUM> may be closed. That is, an application displayed in the second window <NUM>-<NUM> may be terminated.

According to various embodiments, referring to <FIG>, when a user input <NUM>-<NUM> is identified in the partial region <NUM>-<NUM> of the second window, an extended second window <NUM>-<NUM> may be displayed in the entire display region of the display. The extended second window <NUM>-<NUM> may be extended with reference to the left lower end. When a user input <NUM>-<NUM> for reducing the display region of the display is received in the extended second window <NUM>-<NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may display the reduced first and second windows <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> in a re-reduced display region of the display. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may display only the reduced second windows <NUM>-<NUM> in the re-reduced display region of the display (not shown). Alternatively, in the electronic device <NUM>, a window, which is not displayed in the display region of the display, may be closed. The display region of the display may be updated after the display is completely extended or reduced. The display region of the display may be updated in real time/at regular time intervals while the display is extended or reduced. The display region of the display may be updated in units of a certain size of a region extended or reduced while the display <NUM> is extended or reduced.

According to various embodiments, referring to <FIG>, when a user input <NUM>-<NUM> is identified in a partial region <NUM>-<NUM> of the window boundary region <NUM>, a third window <NUM> may be displayed in at least a portion of the display region of the display. The third window <NUM> may be a predetermined window. For example, the third window <NUM> may be a home screen. Alternatively, the third window <NUM> may be a screen on which a specific application is executed. For example, a user may set a messenger application as a specific application in order to respond to the case in which favorite applications are not displayed in the first window <NUM>-<NUM> or the second window <NUM>-<NUM>. When it is determined that the user input <NUM>-<NUM> is positioned in the partial region <NUM>-<NUM> of the window boundary region, the third window <NUM>, in which a messenger application has been executed, may be displayed in the extended display region of the display rather than in the first window <NUM>-<NUM> and the second window <NUM>-<NUM>. When a user input <NUM>-<NUM> for reducing the display region of the display is received in the displayed third window <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may display the first window <NUM>-<NUM> and the second window <NUM>-<NUM> in a re-reduced display region of the display. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> may display only the third window in the re-reduced display region of the display. Alternatively, in the electronic device <NUM>, a window, which is not displayed in the display region of the display, may also be closed.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an example of displaying a multi-window in the extended display region of a display in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, a multi-window may be displayed in the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>). Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first window <NUM>-<NUM> and the second window <NUM>-<NUM> may be displayed in the electronic device <NUM>. In the state in which the multi-window is displayed, the electronic device <NUM> may receive a notification message <NUM>, and the notification message <NUM> may be displayed at the edge region of the electronic device <NUM>. When an input <NUM> for extending the display region of a display is received at a position at which the notification message <NUM> is displayed, the display region of the display may be extended, and an application related to the notification message may be executed and displayed in the extended display region <NUM> of the display. For example, a user may hold the electronic device <NUM> in one hand. In this state, the notification message <NUM> may be received, and displayed in the edge region of the electronic device <NUM>. The user may use a finger to touch the notification message displayed in the edge region and move the notification message in a direction in which the display region of the display is to be extended. When the user input is received, the electronic device <NUM> may extend the display region of the display, and may display a screen for the execution of an application related to the notification message in the extended display region <NUM> of the display. The user may check the received notification message immediately without performing any additional operation, and may transmit a response message. Furthermore, the user may reduce the extended display region of the display to terminate the executed application.

According to various embodiments, the display region <NUM> of the display may be updated after the display is completely extended. The display region <NUM> of the display may be updated in real time/at regular time intervals while the display is extended. The display region <NUM> of the display may be updated in units of a certain size of a region extended while the display is extended.

<FIG> illustrate an example of manipulating three multi-windows in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may simultaneously display three windows <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the display region of a display. The three windows <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may display execution screens of different applications. Some of the three windows <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may also display different execution screens of the same application. For example, two of the three windows may display different pages found in an execution screen of one search application.

According to various embodiments, a user may extend the display region of a display to easily extend one desired window among multiple windows which have been simultaneously displayed. The user may extend the display region of the display so as to select a desired window of the multiple windows and further display a hidden region of the window. For example, the user may select a first window <NUM> as a desired window. The user may touch a partial region <NUM> of the first window <NUM> to extend the display region of a display. The display region of a display of the electronic device <NUM> may be extended by a user input <NUM>, and, as shown in <FIG>, a first window <NUM> may be displayed in the entire extended display region of the display. The first window <NUM> may be extended with reference to the left upper end.

According to various embodiments, the user may select a second window <NUM> as a desired window. The user may touch a partial region <NUM> of the second window <NUM> to extend the display region of the display. The display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM> may be extended by a user input <NUM>, and, as shown in <FIG>, a second window <NUM> may be displayed in the entire extended display region of the display. The second window <NUM> may be extended with reference to the left center.

According to various embodiments, the user may also select a third window <NUM> as a desired window. The user may touch a partial region <NUM> of the third window <NUM> to extend the display region of the display. The display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM> may be extended by a user input <NUM>, and, as shown in <FIG>, a third window <NUM> may be displayed in the entire extended display region of the display.

According to various embodiments, when the user extends the display region of the display by touching a window boundary region of a window, a window, in which a preset application has been executed, may be displayed in the extended display region of the display.

According to various embodiments, by extending the display region of the display as necessary, the user may view information displayed in a hidden region at once, and thus may easily acquire more types of information. Alternatively, by extending the display region of the display, the user may enlarge information viewed in the size of a previous window (increase the size of pictures or characters) to display the information larger. Further, the user may conveniently favorite applications by configuring the applications to be displayed when the display region of the display is extended, thereby conveniently using the applications.

In <FIG>, a touch input has been described as an example of a user input. However, the various embodiments may also be applied to other inputs (e.g., a pressure touch input, a gesture input, etc.) through which one of multi-windows can be selected.

<FIG> illustrate an example of manipulating a window while the display region of a display is extended according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may display two windows <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>. According to <FIG>, a first window <NUM>-<NUM> may be displayed with aspect ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> for example. A user may touch a partial region <NUM> of the first window <NUM>-<NUM> to extend the display region of a display.

According to various embodiments, <FIG> shows a first window <NUM>-<NUM> extended by a user input <NUM>. The first window <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG> may be extended while maintaining an aspect ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> like the first window <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, in the case of the first window <NUM>-<NUM>, a hidden region of the first window <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> may be further displayed. For example, a region, viewed by the movement of a scrollbar because the size of a window is small, may also be totally viewed in the extended display region of the display without the scrollbar.

<FIG> shows an example in which the extended first window <NUM>-<NUM> is zoomed in/out according to various embodiments. A user may easily zoom in/out a window displayed in the extended display region of the display. For example, the user may touch a partial region of the extended first window <NUM>-<NUM> and swipe (<NUM>) up or down. When the user touches a partial region of the extended first window <NUM>-<NUM> and swipes (<NUM>) up, the extended first window <NUM>-<NUM> may be zoomed in (that is, may be extended). When the user touches a partial region of the extended first window <NUM>-<NUM> and swipes (<NUM>) down, the extended first window <NUM>-<NUM> may be zoomed out (that is, may be reduced). In another example, the first window <NUM>-<NUM> may include a user interface <NUM> (e.g., a figure such as a circle) capable of aiding in zooming in/out. When swiping is performed from the center of the user interface <NUM> toward the outside thereof, the first window <NUM>-<NUM> may be extended, and when swiping is performed from the outside of the user interface <NUM> toward the center thereof, the first window <NUM>-<NUM> may be reduced.

In <FIG>, a swipe input has been described as an example of a user input for extending or reducing a window. However, a hardware key of the electronic device <NUM> may be used, or another input or gesture of the user may be used.

<FIG> illustrates an example of reducing the display region of a display in an electronic device according to various embodiments, and <FIG> illustrates an example of reducing the display region of a display in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, in an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>), the display region of a display may be extended, and the extended display region of the display may be reduced again. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first window <NUM>, a second window <NUM>, and a third window <NUM> may be displayed in the extended display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, a user may extend the display region of the display by touching a boundary region between the first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM> in the electronic device <NUM> in which the first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM> are displayed. When the display region of the display is extended by touching the boundary region between the first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM>, the third window <NUM> may be displayed in the extended display region of the display.

According to various embodiments, the user may reduce the display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM> without touching the display. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the user may reduce the display region of the display by pressing the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. When an input related to the reduction of the display region of the display is received without any user input, the electronic device <NUM> may return to a pre-extension state. That is, the electronic device <NUM> may display the first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM> in the reduced display region of the display.

According to various embodiments, the user may select one window, which is desired to be displayed in the display region of the display, in order to reduce the display region of the display. For example, the user may select the third window <NUM>, and, as illustrated in <FIG>, may touch the third window <NUM> and input a gesture related to reduction of the display region of the display. In this case, only the third window <NUM> may be displayed in the reduced display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM>. The gesture related to reduction of the display region of the display may be an operation of swiping on the display or pressing a specific button (e.g., a soft key or a hardware key).

According to various embodiments, the third window <NUM> may be displayed again when the display region of the display is extended. Alternatively, the third window <NUM> may be closed when the display region of the display is reduced.

According to various embodiments, the user may intuitionally and easily display a desired window in the display region of the display when reducing the display region of the display.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device having a housing, both sides of which are capable of being reduced or extended, according to various embodiments, <FIG> illustrates an electronic device having a housing, both sides of which are capable of being reduced or extended, according to various embodiments, and <FIG> illustrates an electronic device having a housing, both sides of which are capable of being reduced or extended, according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, in the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, one side of a housing may be extended or reduced, and, in an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) illustrated in <FIG>, both sides of a housing may be extended or reduced, and thus the display region of a display <NUM> may be extended or reduced. The display <NUM> may be a flexible display.

According to various embodiments, <FIG> is a perspective view of the electronic device <NUM> and illustrates only a portion of the display region of the display, which is not extended. <FIG> is a perspective of the electronic device <NUM> and illustrates only a portion of the extended display region of the display. In the electronic device <NUM>, the state in which the housing is not extended for ease of portability as illustrated <FIG> may be a default state. If necessary, the user may extend only of one side of the housing of the electronic device <NUM>, and furthermore, may also extend the housing at both sides thereof. According to various embodiments, the order of extending or reducing the housing of the electronic device <NUM> is not limited. When the housing of the electronic device <NUM> is extended or reduced, the display region of the display may also be extended or reduced.

According to various embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, a window may be displayed in a first region <NUM> by extension of one side of the display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM>, and a window may also be displayed in a second region <NUM> by extension of another side of the display region of the display. Like the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> may include at least one of a multi-bar hinge (e.g., the multi-bar hinge <NUM> in <FIG>), a rolling bar (e.g., the rolling bar <NUM> in <FIG>), and a motor (e.g., the motor <NUM> in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates one side surface of the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments. The display of the electronic device <NUM> may include: a region <NUM> shown in a default state, a first region <NUM> shown by extension one side of the display region of the display; and a second region <NUM> shown by extension of another side of the display region of the display. As described with reference to <FIG>, the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> of the display region of the display may be shown or hidden by the user's force or operation of the motor.

<FIG> illustrate an example of manipulating a multi-window by extending the display region of a display in an electronic device, a housing of which can be extended and reduced at both sides thereof, according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, <FIG> shows the state in which one side of the display region of a display of an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) is extended. A first window <NUM> and a second window <NUM> before being extended may be displayed in the display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM>. When a user inputs a gesture <NUM> for extending the display region of the display by touching a boundary region between the first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM>, a third window <NUM> may be further displayed in the extended display region of the display.

According to various embodiments, each of <FIG> and <FIG> show an example in which another side of the display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM> is extended. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the user may touch a boundary region between the first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM> to input a gesture <NUM> for extending the display region of the display. When the user inputs the gesture <NUM> for extending the display region of the display by touching a boundary region between the first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM>, a fourth window <NUM> may be displayed in the extended display region of the display. The first to fourth windows <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be displayed together in the display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the user may touch the second window <NUM> to input a gesture <NUM> for extending the display region of the display. When the user inputs the gesture <NUM> for extending the display region of the display by touching the second window <NUM>, a second window <NUM> may be displayed in the extended display region of the display. The third window <NUM>, in addition to the second window <NUM>, may be displayed together in the display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM>. In <FIG>, the second window <NUM> is displayed in a larger size than the third window <NUM>, but this may be changed by the configuration. For example, when the user configures windows to be displayed in the same size, the second window <NUM> and the third window <NUM> may be displayed in the same size.

According to various embodiments, the user's gesture of extending one side of the display region of the display may be the same as the user's gesture of extending another side of the display region of the display, differing only in the direction. Alternatively, completely different gestures may be used. The user's gesture may be, for example, the user's touch input using a hand or a tool (e.g., a pen) or an input using a hand holding the electronic device <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

<FIG> illustrate an example of manipulating a multi-window by reducing both extended sides of the display region of a display of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, <FIG> shows an example of reducing both sides of a display of an electronic device <NUM> in the state in which the display region of the display is extended at both sides thereof as shown in <FIG>. A first window <NUM>, a second window <NUM>, a third window <NUM>, and a fourth window <NUM> may be displayed in the display region of the display, which is extended at both sides thereof. When a user inputs a gesture <NUM> in a region corresponding to a boundary region between the first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM> in the third window <NUM> in order to reduce one side of the display region of the display, the third window <NUM> may not be displayed or may be closed, as shown in <FIG>. Subsequently, when the user inputs a gesture <NUM> in a region corresponding to a boundary region between the first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM> in the fourth window1040, the fourth window <NUM> may not be displayed or may be closed, as shown in <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the user may reduce both sides of the display region of the display at once. For example, the user may push both sides of a housing of the electronic device <NUM> to reduce both sides of the display region of the display at once. When both sides of the display region of the display are reduced at once, only the first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM> may be displayed in the display region of the display.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an example of manipulating a multi-window by reducing one of both extended sides of the display region of a display of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, <FIG> shows an example of reducing one side of the display region of a display of an electronic device <NUM> in the state in which the display region of the display is extended at both sides thereof as shown in <FIG>. A second window <NUM>-<NUM> and a third window <NUM> may be displayed in the display region of the display, which is extended at both sides thereof. When a user inputs a gesture <NUM> in order to reduce one side of the display region of the display, a window in which the user's gesture <NUM> is input may be reduced and displayed at one side of the display region of the display, as shown in <FIG>. A second window <NUM>-<NUM> and the third window <NUM> may be displayed in the display region of the display, which is reduced at one side thereof.

<FIG> is a flowchart of manipulation of a multi-window in an electronic device according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, in operation <NUM>, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may display a multi-window in the display region of a display. The number of multi-windows is not limited. Multi-windows may be displayed in the same size or in different sizes. In a multi-window, different applications may be executed and the execution screens of the applications may be displayed, and different execution screens of the same application may be displayed.

In operation <NUM>, according to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may identify the position of a user input. For example, the position of the user input may be the position of a hand (e.g., a finger) holding the electronic device <NUM>. In another example, the position of the user input may be the input position of a user's finger or tool (e.g., a stylus pen) touching the display of the electronic device <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, according to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may receive an input related to the size change of the display region of the display. The input related to the size change of the display region of the display may be an input related to extension or reduction of a housing. The input related to the size change of the display region of the display may be an input for moving at least a portion of a housing of an electronic device to extend or reduce the housing.

According to various embodiments, the input related to the size change of the display region of the display may be an input through a user's gesture. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may recognize the user's gesture of swiping toward one side of the housing as an input related to the size change of the display region of the display. Alternatively, when the user presses a hardware key (e.g., a side key) or a soft key, the electronic device <NUM> may recognize the pressing as an input related to the size change of the display region of the display. According to various embodiments, the user may preset a particular gesture (e.g., an operation of extending or reducing using multiple fingers) as an input related to the size change of the display region of the display.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may change the size of the display region of the display, and may display a window corresponding to the identified position of a user input in the display region of the display. According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may extend or reduce the display region of the display on the basis of the input related to the size change of the display region of the display. Further, the electronic device <NUM> may display the window corresponding to the identified position of a user input in the extended or reduced display region of the display. For example, when the identified user input is positioned in a predetermined window among multi-windows, the window in which the user input is positioned may be extended or reduced. The extended or reduced window may be displayed in all or a portion of the extended or reduced display region of the display. In another example, when the identified user input is positioned in a multi-window boundary region, a new window may be displayed in the extended display region of the display.

According to various embodiments, the size of the display region of the display may be changed in an automatic, semiautomatic, or manual manner. For example, the display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM> may be manually extended or reduced by the user's force. The display region of the display may be extended or reduced by the housing of the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may detect the strength of the user's force, and may manually extend or reduce the display region of the display when the detected strength of the user's force is equal to or smaller than a predetermined strength, and may automatically extend or reduce the display region of the display by using a motor when the detected strength of the user's force is equal to or larger than the predetermined strength. Alternatively, the display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM> may be automatically extended or reduced by a particular key (e.g., a hard key or a software key).

According to various embodiments, the display region of the display may be updated after the display is completely extended or reduced. The display region of the display may be updated in real time/at regular time intervals while the display is extended or reduced. The display region of the display may be updated in units of a certain size of a region extended or reduced while the display is extended or reduced.

In <FIG>, an example in which one side of the display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM> is extended or reduced has been described. However, as illustrated in <FIG>, another side of the display region of the display of the electronic device <NUM> may also be extended or reduced.

An electronic device according to various embodiments may include a display and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: display a multi-window in a display region of the display; identify a position of a user input; receive an input related to a size change of the display region of the display; and change a size of the display region of the display and display a window corresponding to the identified position of the user input in the display region of the display.

In the electronic device according to various embodiments, the input related to the size change of the display region of the display may be an input for increasing the size of the display region of the display.

The processor of the electronic device according to various embodiments may identify a window corresponding to the position of the user input in the multi-window.

The processor of the electronic device according to various embodiments may display the identified window in an extended display region of the display.

In the electronic device according to various embodiments, in the window displayed in the extended display region of the display, a pre-extension window may be extended and displayed, or a hidden region of the pre-extension window may be further displayed.

The processor of the electronic device according to various embodiments may determine that the position of the user input is a boundary of the multi-window.

The processor of the electronic device according to various embodiments may display a predetermined window in the display region of the display.

In the electronic device according to various embodiments, the predetermined window may be a window in which one of a home screen and a screen having a particular application executed thereon is displayed.

In the electronic device according to various embodiments, the input related to the size change of the display region of the display may be an input for reducing the size of the display region of the display.

The processor of the electronic device according to various embodiments may display the identified window in a reduced display region of the display.

The processor of the electronic device according to various embodiments may determine that the user input is positioned outside the display region of the display.

The processor of the electronic device according to various embodiments may display, in the reduced display region of the display, a multi-window displayed in a pre-extension display region of the display.

An operation method of an electronic device according to various embodiments may include: identifying a position of a user input; receiving an input related to a size change of a display region of a display; and changing a size of the display region of the display and displaying a window corresponding to the identified position of the user input in the display region of the display.

In the operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments, the input related to the size change of the display region of the display may be an input for increasing a size of the display region of the display.

In the operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments, the identifying of the position of the user input may be identifying a window corresponding to the position of the user input in the multi-window.

In the operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments, the displaying of the window corresponding to the identified position of the user input in the display region of the display may be displaying the identified window in an extended display region of the display.

In the operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments, the displaying of the identified window in the extended display region of the display may be extending and displaying a pre-extension window in the extended display region of the display or further displaying a hidden region of the pre-extension window in the extended display region of the display.

In the operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments, the identifying of the position of the user input may be identifying that the position of the user input is a boundary of the multi-window.

In the operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments, the displaying of the window corresponding to the identified position of the user input in the display region of the display may be displaying a predetermined window in the display region of the display.

In the operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the receiving of the input related to the size change of the display region of the display may include swiping a user interface graphical element displayed in the window.

In the operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, increasing a size of the display region of the display may include extending one of a second housing or a slidable plate to support the increased size of the display region of the display.

In the operation method of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the extension of one of the second housing or the slidable plate may be performed by at least one of a manual manipulation of a user and an automatic manipulation by an internal driving mechanism.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a display (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a processor (<NUM>),
wherein the processor (<NUM>) is configured to:
display (<NUM>) at least a first window and a second window in a display region of the display (<NUM>, <NUM>), the display region corresponding to the part of the display that is exposed to the outside, and the size of the display region may be changed;
identify (<NUM>) a position of a user input (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
receive (<NUM>) an input related to a size change of the display region of the display (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
change (<NUM>) a size of the display region of the display (<NUM>, <NUM>) and display a window corresponding to the identified position of the user input (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the display region of the display (<NUM>, <NUM>);
characterized in that the processor is further configured to:
receive a notification message (<NUM>) and display the notification message in the display region;
receive a user input for extending the display region of the display at a position at which the notification message (<NUM>) is displayed;
in response to receiving the user input and based on the identified position of the user input, extend the display region, and
execute an application related to the notification message (<NUM>) to be displayed in the extended display region of the display.