Patent Description:
An electronic device may display an image via a display disposed on a surface of a housing. A plurality of pixels for displaying the image may be arranged on 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 a brightness and a color of the image to be displayed in a current frame from the display driver IC.

In one example, a display of a general electronic device may be a flat panel display (FPD). The flat panel display may have a wide viewing angle because of being used in an electronic device with a plurality of viewers, such as a TV or a monitor. A display having an ideal wide viewing angle may have a spherical light distribution like a Lambertian surface shape.

Documents (<CIT>) and (<CIT>) disclose conventional organic light emitting display and documents (<CIT>) and (<CIT>) disclose conventional display devices.

Because a display of a portable electronic device such as a smart phone is viewed by a user from the front and displays personal content, it may be desirable to limit a viewing angle in a direction other than a forward direction.

Various embodiments disclosed in the disclosure are to provide a method for selectively limiting the viewing angle based on a screen displayed on the display and an electronic device to which the method is applied.

An electronic device according to one embodiment of the claimed invention includes a housing, a display viewed through at least a portion of the housing and displaying a screen using a plurality of pixels, a display driver IC for providing a data voltage and a light-emission signal for driving each of the plurality of pixels to the display, and a processor operatively connected to the display driver IC, the display includes a transistor layer including a plurality of light emitting elements, an encapsulation layer for covering the transistor layer, a touch electrode disposed on the encapsulation layer, and a protective layer disposed on the touch electrode, the protective layer includes a first area where a first protective layer having a first refractive index is disposed and a second area where a second protective layer having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index is disposed, the second area is disposed to overlap with at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements in a first direction, and a first boundary that is an interface between the first protective layer and the second protective layer forms an inclination of a first angle with the first direction, wherein the processor is configured to control the display driver IC to drive the plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the first area and the second area when the display is in a normal mode for displaying a screen at a first viewing angle and to control the display driver IC to drive only the plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the second area when the display is in a privacy mode for displaying the screen at a second viewing angle narrower than the first viewing angle.

In addition, an electronic device according to another embodiment of the claimed invention disclosed in the disclosure includes a housing, a display viewed through at least a portion of the housing and displaying a screen using a plurality of pixels, a display driver IC for providing a data voltage and a light-emission signal for driving each of the plurality of pixels to the display, and a processor operatively connected to the display driver IC, the display includes a transistor layer including a plurality of light emitting elements, an encapsulation layer for covering the transistor layer, a touch electrode disposed on the encapsulation layer, and a protective layer disposed on the touch electrode, the encapsulation layer includes a first area where a first encapsulation layer having a first refractive index is disposed and a second area where a second encapsulation layer having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index is disposed, the second area is disposed to overlap with at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements in a first direction, and an interface between the first encapsulation layer and the second encapsulation layer forms an inclination of a first angle with the first direction, wherein the display driver IC is controlled to drive the plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the first area and the second area when the display is in a normal mode for displaying a screen at a first viewing angle and the display driver IC is controlled to drive only the plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the second area when the display is in a privacy mode for displaying the screen at a second viewing angle narrower than the first viewing angle.

In addition, a method for controlling a viewing angle of a display of an electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in the disclosure includes determining whether the electronic device is in a privacy mode, operating the electronic device in the privacy mode or a normal mode, and determining whether an app executed by the electronic device or a page displayed by the display has been switched, the display includes a first area where a first protective layer having a first refractive index is disposed and a second area where a second protective layer having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index is disposed, the second area is disposed to overlap with at least one light emitting element disposed on the display in a first direction, and a first boundary that is an interface between the first protective layer and the second protective layer forms an inclination of a first angle with the first direction.

According to the embodiments disclosed in the disclosure, the viewing angle of the display may be limited by concentrating the distribution of the light emitted from the display in the forward direction of the display.

In addition, according to the embodiments disclosed in the disclosure, when it is necessary to reduce the viewing angle based on the screen displayed on the display, the mode of the electronic device may be switched to the privacy mode.

In addition, various effects that are directly or indirectly identified via the disclosure may be provided.

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

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

<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 subpixel). 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 view <NUM> illustrating a transistor layer <NUM>, a light emitting element <NUM>, an encapsulation layer <NUM>, a touch electrode <NUM>, a protective layer <NUM>, and a window <NUM> of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In one embodiment, the transistor layer <NUM> may form each of the plurality of pixels arranged on the display <NUM>. The transistor layer <NUM> may include a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs). The transistor layer <NUM> may include a driving transistor for driving the light emitting element <NUM> included in each of the plurality of pixels based on a data voltage and a light-emission control transistor that provides a light-emission signal for controlling a light-emission timing of the light emitting element <NUM> to the light emitting element <NUM>. The transistor layer <NUM> may connect the light emitting element <NUM> to a display driver IC (e.g., the display driver IC <NUM> in <FIG>).

In one embodiment, the light emitting element <NUM> may be included in the transistor layer <NUM>. The light emitting element <NUM> may be disposed on one surface directed in a first direction (a Z-axis direction) of the transistor layer <NUM>. The light emitting element <NUM> may be implemented as an organic light emitting diode (OLED). However, the disclosure may not be limited thereto, and the light emitting element <NUM> may be an active element that emits light at the light-emission timing set by the light-emission signal based on the data voltage.

In one embodiment, the light emitting element <NUM> may emit first light L1 and second light L2. The first light L1 may be emitted in the first direction (the Z-axis direction). The first light L1 may be emitted to be parallel to a direction in which a front surface of the display <NUM> is directed. The second light L2 may be emitted in a third direction that is a direction between the first direction (the Z-axis direction) and a second direction (an X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction. The third direction may be a direction forming a second angle θ2 with the first direction (the Z-axis direction). For example, the third direction may be a direction inclined from the first direction (the Z-axis direction) to the second direction (the X-axis direction) by the second angle θ2. The second light L2 may be emitted in a direction oblique to the direction in which the front surface of the display <NUM> is directed.

In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer <NUM> may cover the transistor layer <NUM> in the first direction (the Z-axis direction). The encapsulation layer <NUM> may cover the light emitting element <NUM> in the first direction (the Z-axis direction). The encapsulation layer <NUM> may be a thin film encapsulation (TFE) layer. The encapsulation layer <NUM> may prevent the light emitting element <NUM> from being damaged by an impact and/or external foreign substances.

In one embodiment, the touch electrode <NUM> may be disposed on the encapsulation layer <NUM>. The touch electrode <NUM> may be disposed on one surface directed in the first direction (the Z-axis direction) of the encapsulation layer <NUM>. The touch electrode <NUM> may have a structure in which conductive patterns cross each other in the second direction (the X-axis direction) and a fourth direction (a Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the second direction. For example, the touch electrode <NUM> may have a metal mesh structure on a XY plane. The touch electrode <NUM> may be a panel for sensing a touch of a user or a pen. For example, the touch electrode <NUM> may be formed in an on-cell manner.

In one embodiment, the protective layer <NUM> may be disposed on the touch electrode <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> may be disposed on one surface directed in the first direction (the Z-axis direction) of the touch electrode <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> may protect the touch electrode <NUM> from the impact and/or the external foreign substances. The protective layer <NUM> may include a first protective layer <NUM> and a second protective layer <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> may include a first area A1 and a second area A2.

In one embodiment, the first protective layer <NUM> may be disposed in the first area A1. The first protective layer <NUM> may have a first refractive index n1. For example, the first refractive index n1 may be about <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the second protective layer <NUM> may be disposed in the second area A2. The second protective layer <NUM> may have a second refractive index n2. The second refractive index n2 may be different from the first refractive index n1. The second refractive index n2 may be greater than the first refractive index n1. For example, the second refractive index n2 may be about <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the second area A2 may be disposed to overlap the light emitting element <NUM> in the first direction (the Z-axis direction). The plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> may be arranged on the display <NUM>. The second area A2 may overlap with at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> in the first direction (the Z-axis direction).

In one embodiment, a first boundary <NUM> may be formed at an interface between the first protective layer <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM>. The first boundary <NUM> may form an inclination of a first angle θ1 with the first direction (the Z-axis direction).

In one embodiment, the second light L2 may travel toward the first boundary <NUM>. The second light L2 may be incident toward the first boundary <NUM> at an incident angle θi formed between the second light L2 and a normal of the first boundary <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first boundary <NUM> may control the second light L2 to be directed in the first direction (the Z-axis direction).

In one embodiment, the window <NUM> may be disposed on the protective layer <NUM>. The window <NUM> may be disposed on one surface directed in the first direction (the Z-axis direction) of the protective layer <NUM>. The window <NUM> may protect the front surface of the display <NUM> from the external impact.

In one embodiment, at a boundary between the protective layer <NUM> and the window <NUM>, an anti-reflection member for preventing light incident from the outside toward the front surface of the display <NUM> from being reflected may be further disposed. The anti-reflection member may be a polarizing plate or a polarizing film. However, the disclosure may not be limited thereto, and the anti-reflection member may be a plate or a film that prevents the external light from being reflected. In addition, the anti-reflection member may be implemented in a pol-less structure including a color filter layer. For example, the color filter layer may include a color filter and a black pixel defining layer (PDL) having a polarization function.

In one embodiment, a first distance T1 that is a distance in the first direction (the Z-axis direction) between the light emitting element <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM> may be set. The first distance T1 may be a distance in the first direction (the Z-axis direction) between the light emitting element <NUM> and the first boundary <NUM>. A second distance D1 that is a distance in the second direction (the X-axis direction) between the light emitting element <NUM> and the first boundary <NUM> may be set.

In one embodiment, the first angle θ1 may be set based on the first distance T1 and the second distance D1. The first refractive index n1 and the second refractive index n2 may be properties determined by materials constituting the first protective layer <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM>. When the first distance T1 and the second distance D1 are set, the incident angle θi of the second light L2 toward the first boundary <NUM> may be set.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating the transistor layer <NUM>, the light emitting element <NUM>, the encapsulation layer <NUM>, the touch electrode <NUM>, the protective layer <NUM>, and the window <NUM> of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> in <FIG>) according to another embodiment. A configuration and functions of the transistor layer <NUM>, the light emitting element <NUM>, the touch electrode <NUM>, and the window <NUM> in <FIG> may be substantially the same as the configuration and the functions of the transistor layer <NUM>, the light emitting element <NUM>, the touch electrode <NUM>, and the window <NUM> in <FIG>.

The encapsulation layer <NUM> according to one embodiment may cover the transistor layer <NUM> and the light emitting element <NUM>. The encapsulation layer <NUM> may include a first encapsulation layer <NUM> and a second encapsulation layer <NUM>. The encapsulation layer <NUM> may include the first area A1 and the second area A2.

In one embodiment, the first encapsulation layer <NUM> may be disposed in the first area A1. The first encapsulation layer <NUM> may have the first refractive index n1. For example, the first refractive index n1 may be about <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the second encapsulation layer <NUM> may be disposed in the second area A2. The second encapsulation layer <NUM> may have the second refractive index n2. The second refractive index n2 may be different from the first refractive index n1. The second refractive index n2 may be greater than the first refractive index n1. For example, the second refractive index n2 may be about <NUM>.

In one embodiment, an interface <NUM> between the first encapsulation layer <NUM> and the second encapsulation layer <NUM> may form an inclination of the first angle θ1 in the first direction (the Z-axis direction).

In one embodiment, the second light L2 may travel towards the interface <NUM>. The second light L2 may be incident toward the interface <NUM> at the incident angle θi formed by the second light L2 and a normal of the interface <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the interface <NUM> may control the second light L2 to be directed in the first direction (the Z-axis direction).

In one embodiment, a third distance T2 that is a distance in the first direction (the Z-axis direction) between the light emitting element <NUM> and the second encapsulation layer <NUM> may be set. The third distance T2 may be a distance in the first direction (the Z-axis direction) between the light emitting element <NUM> and the interface <NUM>. A fourth distance D2 that is a distance in the second direction (the X-axis direction) between the light emitting element <NUM> and the interface <NUM> may be set.

In one embodiment, the first angle θ1 may be set based on the third distance T2 and the fourth distance D2. The first refractive index n1 and the second refractive index n2 may be properties determined by materials constituting the first encapsulation layer <NUM> and the second encapsulation layer <NUM>. When the third distance T2 and the fourth distance D2 are set, the incident angle θi of the second light L2 towards the interface <NUM> may be set.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the first distance T1 and the second angle θ2 are set, the second distance D1 may be calculated based on Mathematical Equation <NUM>. In addition, when the third distance T2 and the second angle θ2 are set, the fourth distance D4 may be calculated based on Mathematical Equation <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the second angle θ2 formed by the second light L2 with the first direction (the Z-axis direction) and the incident angle θi at which the second light L2 is incident on the first boundary <NUM> are set, the first angle θ1 formed by the first boundary <NUM> with the first direction (the Z-axis direction) may be calculated based on Mathematical Equation <NUM> below.

<FIG> is a graph <NUM> illustrating a reflectance R and a transmittance T based on the incident angle θi at which light emitted from a light emitting element (e.g., the light emitting element <NUM> in <FIG>) is incident on a first boundary (e.g., the first boundary <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In one embodiment, when the light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> is incident on the first boundary <NUM>, a portion of the light may be reflected and the remaining portion thereof may travel through the element by the difference in the refractive index between the first protective layer <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM>. The first refractive index n1 of the first protective layer <NUM> and the second refractive index n2 of the second protective layer <NUM> may be respectively set by the materials respectively constituting the first protective layer <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM>. The reflectance R and the transmittance T of the light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> may be set based on the incident angle θi of the light incident on the first boundary <NUM>. A direction in which the light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> travels may be controlled based on the set reflectance R and transmittance T.

In one embodiment, the reflectance R may change as the incident angle θi increases. When the incident angle θi is equal to or smaller than a first threshold value, the reflectance R may increase as the incident angle θi increases. The first threshold value may be equal to or greater than about <NUM> degrees and equal to or smaller than about <NUM> degrees. When the incident angle θi increases from a value equal to or smaller than the first threshold value to a value equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the reflectance R may increase discontinuously. When the incident angle θi is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the reflectance R may have a value of <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the transmittance T may change as the incident angle θi increases. When the incident angle θi is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value, the transmittance T may decrease as the incident angle θi increases. The first threshold value may be equal to or greater than about <NUM> degrees and equal to or smaller than about <NUM> degrees. When the incident angle θi increases from the value equal to or smaller than the first threshold value to the value equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the transmittance T may decrease. When the incident angle θi is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the transmittance T may have a value of <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when incident on the first boundary <NUM>, the light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> may travel from the second protective layer <NUM> having the second refractive index n2 toward the first protective layer <NUM> having the first refractive index n1. The second refractive index n2 may have the value greater than the first refractive index n1. The light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> may change the traveling direction thereof while traveling from the second protective layer <NUM> having a large refractive index to the first protective layer <NUM> having a small refractive index. The light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> may be controlled to be directed in the first direction (the Z-axis direction) by controlling the first refractive index n1 and the second refractive index n2.

In one embodiment, the incident angle θi may be set such that an effective reflectance Reff is equal to or greater than a specified value. For example, the incident angle θi may be set such that the effective reflectance Reff is equal to or greater than about <NUM>. The effective reflectance Reff may be an average value of a S-wave reflectance Rs and a P-wave reflectance Rp. The S-wave reflectance Rs and the P-wave reflectance Rp may be set by the first refractive index n1, the second refractive index n2, and the incident angle θi. Because the first refractive index n1 and the second refractive index n2 are the values respectively set by the materials respectively constituting the first protective layer <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM>, the S-wave reflectance Rs and the P-wave reflectance Rp may be set by the incident angle θi. Accordingly, the display <NUM> may be controlled to have the desired effective reflectance Reff by controlling the incident angle θi.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a viewing angle formed based on the first light L1 and the second light L2 emitted from the display <NUM> according to an embodiment.

In one embodiment, the display <NUM> may have a Lambertian-shaped light distribution. An angle between the first light L1 and the second light L2 in a first situation <NUM> may be a third angle θ3. An angle between the first light L1 and the second light L2 in a second situation <NUM> may be a fourth angle θ4.

In one embodiment, a viewing angle (VA) of the display <NUM> may be set based on the angle between the first light L1 and the second light L2. The first situation <NUM> where the angle between the first light L1 and the second light L2 is the third angle θ3 may be a normal mode in which the display <NUM> displays a screen at a first viewing angle. The second situation <NUM> where the angle between the first light L1 and the second light L2 is the fourth angle θ4 may be a privacy mode in which the display <NUM> displays the screen at a second viewing angle that is narrower than the first viewing angle.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a contrast ratio based on a viewing angle according to an embodiment.

In one embodiment, a contrast ratio (CR) of the display <NUM> may be changed as a magnitude of the viewing angle at which the user views the display <NUM> changes. When the user views the front surface of the display <NUM>, the contrast ratio may be a first front surface contrast ratio value. The first front surface contrast ratio value may be a ratio between a luminance of a central portion in a full white screen and a luminance of a central portion in a full black screen. The first front surface contrast ratio value as a viewing angle determined by a specification of the display <NUM> may have a maximum value in a forward direction. For example, the first front surface CR value may have a value equal to or greater than about <NUM> and equal to or smaller than about <NUM>. As the magnitude of the viewing angle at which the user views the display <NUM> increases, the contrast ratio may decrease.

In one embodiment, a viewing angle θVA of the display <NUM> may be defined as an angle at which the contrast ratio has a specified value. For example, the viewing angle θVA of the display <NUM> may be defined as an angle at which the contrast ratio is about <NUM>. When a viewing angle with respect to the forward direction when the contrast ratio is about <NUM> times is about <NUM> degrees, the viewing angle θVA of the display <NUM> may be defined as about <NUM> degrees.

In one embodiment, the display <NUM> of the portable electronic device <NUM> may be used by a single viewer viewing the display <NUM> from the front in most scenarios. When the viewing angle θVA of the display <NUM> is limited, the user may not expose personal content displayed on the display <NUM> in a direction other than the forward direction of the display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating the transistor layer <NUM>, the light emitting element <NUM>, the encapsulation layer <NUM>, the touch electrode <NUM>, a protective layer <NUM>, and the window <NUM> of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> in <FIG>) according to another embodiment. The transistor layer <NUM>, the light emitting element <NUM>, the encapsulation layer <NUM>, and the touch electrode <NUM> of the display <NUM> according to <FIG> may have substantially the same configuration and functions as the configuration and the functions of the transistor layer <NUM>, the light emitting element <NUM>, the encapsulation layer <NUM>, and the touch electrode <NUM> of the display <NUM> according to <FIG>.

In one embodiment, the protective layer <NUM> may be disposed on the touch electrode <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> may be disposed on one surface directed in the first direction (the Z-axis direction) of the touch electrode <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> may protect the touch electrode <NUM> from the impact and/or the external foreign substances. The protective layer <NUM> may include a first protective layer <NUM> and a second protective layer <NUM>. The protective layer <NUM> may include the first area A1 and the second area A2.

In one embodiment, the first protective layer <NUM> may be disposed in the first area A1. The first protective layer <NUM> may have the first refractive index n1. For example, the first refractive index n1 may be about <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the second protective layer <NUM> may be disposed in the second area A2. The second protective layer <NUM> may have the second refractive index n2. The second refractive index n2 may be different from the first refractive index n1. The second refractive index n2 may be smaller than the first refractive index n1. For example, the second refractive index n2 may be about <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the second area A2 may be disposed to overlap the light emitting element <NUM> in the first direction (the Z-axis direction). The plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> may be arranged on the display <NUM>. The second area A2 may overlap at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> in the first direction (the Z-axis direction).

In one embodiment, a first boundary <NUM> may be formed at an interface between the first protective layer <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM>. The first boundary <NUM> may form an inclination of the first angle θ1 with the first direction (the Z-axis direction).

In one embodiment, the second light L2 may travel toward the first boundary <NUM>. The second light L2 may be incident toward the first boundary <NUM> at the incident angle θi formed by the second light L2 and the normal of the first boundary <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first boundary <NUM> may control the second light L2 to be bent in the second direction (the X-axis direction). The second light L2 having an emission angle of the second angle θ2 from the light emitting element <NUM> may be refracted at an angle greater than the second angle θ2.

In one embodiment, the first refractive index n1 of the first protective layer <NUM> may be greater than a refractive index of the window <NUM>. The second light L2 may travel from a dense medium having a great refractive index to a sparse medium having a small refractive index. The second light L2 may be totally reflected at an interface between the protective layer <NUM> and the window <NUM>. The totally reflected second light L2 may not be emitted to the outside of the display <NUM>, and may travel inwardly of the display <NUM> or may be lost. The viewing angle of the display <NUM> may be limited by not emitting the second light L2 emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> to the outside.

<FIG> is a graph <NUM> illustrating a reflectance and the transmittance T based on the incident angle θi at which light emitted from a light emitting element (e.g., the light emitting element <NUM> in <FIG>) is incident on a first boundary (e.g., the first boundary <NUM> in <FIG>) according to another embodiment.

In one embodiment, when the light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> is incident on the first boundary <NUM>, a portion of the light may be reflected and the remaining portion thereof may travel through the element by the difference in the refractive index between the first protective layer <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM>. The first refractive index n1 of the first protective layer <NUM> and the second refractive index n2 of the second protective layer <NUM> may be respectively set by the materials respectively constituting the first protective layer <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM>. The reflectance and the transmittance T of the light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> may be set based on the incident angle θi of the light incident on the first boundary <NUM>. A direction in which the light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> travels may be controlled based on the set reflectance and transmittance T.

In one embodiment, the reflectance may change as the incident angle θi increases. When the incident angle θi is equal to or smaller than a second threshold value, the reflectance may decrease as the incident angle θi increases. The second threshold value may be equal to or greater than about <NUM> degrees and equal to or smaller than about <NUM> degrees. When the incident angle θi is a value equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, the reflectance R may have a value close to zero. When the incident angle θi increases to a value equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the reflectance may increase. When the incident angle θi is about <NUM> degrees, the reflectance may have a value close to one.

In one embodiment, the transmittance T may change as the incident angle θi increases. When the incident angle θi is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, the transmittance T may increase as the incident angle θi increases. The second threshold value may be equal to or greater than about <NUM> degrees and equal to or smaller than about <NUM> degrees. When the incident angle θi is a value equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, the transmittance T may have a value close to one. When the incident angle θi increases to the value equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the transmittance T may increase. When the incident angle θi is about <NUM> degrees, the transmittance T may have a value close to zero.

In one embodiment, the light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> may travel toward the first protective layer <NUM> having the first refractive index n1 from the second protective layer <NUM> having the second refractive index n2 when incident on the first boundary <NUM>. The second refractive index n2 may have the smaller value than the first refractive index n1. The light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> may change the traveling direction thereof while traveling from the second protective layer <NUM> having the small refractive index to the first protective layer <NUM> having the great refractive index. The light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> may be controlled to be totally reflected at the interface between the protective layer <NUM> and the window <NUM> by controlling the first refractive index n1 and the second refractive index n2.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating the first area A1 and the second area A2 of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In one embodiment, a plurality of light emitting elements (e.g., the light emitting element <NUM> in <FIG>) may include red sub-pixels <NUM> and <NUM>, green sub-pixels <NUM> and <NUM>, and blue sub-pixels <NUM> and <NUM>. The first area A1 may include the at least one red sub-pixel <NUM>, the at least one green sub-pixel <NUM>, and the at least one blue sub-pixel <NUM>. The second area A2 may include the at least one red sub-pixel <NUM>, the at least one green sub-pixel <NUM>, and the at least one blue sub-pixel <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a first boundary <NUM> may be formed between the first area A1 and the second area A2. The first boundary <NUM> may divide the first area A1 and the second area A2 from each other. The first boundary <NUM> may be formed as long as possible between the first area A1 and the second area A2.

In one embodiment, the first boundary <NUM> may be formed between each two of the plurality of pixels formed in the display <NUM>. The first boundary <NUM> may be formed in units of pixels. The first boundary <NUM> may be formed as wide as possible between the first area A1 and the second area A2.

In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may be set to control a display driver IC (e.g., the display driver IC <NUM> in <FIG>) to drive the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2 in case of the normal mode in which the display <NUM> displays the screen at the first viewing angle. The display driver IC <NUM> may be set to turn on all of the pixels arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2, so that the display <NUM> displays a screen having a general viewing angle.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be set to control the display driver IC <NUM> to drive the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 in the case of the privacy mode in which the display <NUM> displays the screen at the second viewing angle narrower than the first viewing angle. The display driver IC <NUM> may be set to selectively turn on only the pixels arranged in the second area A2, so that the display <NUM> displays a screen having a narrow viewing angle.

In one embodiment, when only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on, an arrangement of the turned on light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be different from an arrangement in the case in which all of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2 are turned on. For example, when only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on in <FIG>, the arrangement of the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may change to become an RGB pixel arrangement so as to be different from a pentile pixel arrangement of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2. When only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on, rendering and gamma tuning for the red sub-pixel <NUM>, the green sub-pixel <NUM>, and the blue sub-pixel <NUM> may be changed in the display driver IC <NUM> based on the change in the pixel arrangement.

In one embodiment, when only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on, a luminance of the display <NUM> may be about <NUM> % of that in the case in which all of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2 are turned on. When all of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2 are turned on, the number of effective pixels for each unit area may be <NUM>. In addition, when only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on, the number of effective pixels for each unit area may be <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may implement various embodiments in relation to a method for recognizing whether to switch the mode of the electronic device to the normal mode and/or the privacy mode.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may switch the mode of electronic device in an entirety of the display <NUM> to the normal mode and/or the privacy mode via setting of the electronic device <NUM> or a menu of a quick panel. When switching the mode of the electronic device to the normal mode and/or the privacy mode via the setting of the electronic device <NUM> or the menu of the quick panel, all applications may operate in the normal mode or the privacy mode in each corresponding mode.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may set an application to operate in the privacy mode. For example, the processor <NUM> may set a bank application as the application operating in the privacy mode. The processor <NUM> may switch the mode of the display <NUM> from the normal mode to the privacy mode when the application operating in the privacy mode is executed. For example, the processor <NUM> may switch the mode of the display <NUM> from the normal mode to the privacy mode when the bank application is executed while maintaining the normal mode in a state of displaying a home screen. The processor <NUM> may set the application operating in the privacy mode based on a predetermined condition, or the user may set whether to operate in the privacy mode for each application.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may switch the mode of the display <NUM> from the normal mode to the privacy mode when executing a specific function of a specific application. For example, the processor <NUM> may switch the mode of the display <NUM> from the normal mode to the privacy mode when executing a secret mode and/or a secret tap function of a browser application.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may switch the display <NUM> from the normal mode to the privacy mode when a function of inputting specific information is executed. For example, the processor <NUM> may switch the mode of the display <NUM> from the normal mode to the privacy mode when the user activates a function of inputting personal information such as an ID and/or a password.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may switch a mode of at least a partial area of the display <NUM> to the privacy mode when the display <NUM> simultaneously displays execution screens of a plurality of applications when the plurality of applications are executed. The display <NUM> may simultaneously display the execution screens of the plurality of applications with a split screen such as a multi window or a pop-up screen. When a plurality of applications including the application operating in the privacy mode are executed, the processor <NUM> may drive an entire area of the display <NUM> in the privacy mode or may drive only an area in which the application operating in the privacy mode is displayed in the privacy mode.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may switch the mode of the display <NUM> to the privacy mode based on an operation of a sensor (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>). For example, the processor <NUM> may switch the mode of the display <NUM> to the privacy mode when the electronic device <NUM> is raised to a vertical level of a user's face or when both eyes of the user are sensed.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may switch the mode of the display <NUM> to the privacy mode based on a folded state and/or an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may switch the mode of the display <NUM> to the privacy mode when the display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is folded in a book mode or the like.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may switch the mode of the display <NUM> to the privacy mode based on a reduced state and/or an expanded state of the screen of the rollable display <NUM> that may be rolled and unrolled. For example, the processor <NUM> may switch the mode of the display <NUM> to the privacy mode when the screen of the display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is in the expanded state. The processor <NUM> may switch the mode of the display <NUM> to the privacy mode so as to prevent the screen from being viewed from a side of the display <NUM> when a screen view area in which the screen may be viewed is increased.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating the first area A1 and the second area A2 of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> in <FIG>) according to another embodiment.

In one embodiment, the first boundary <NUM> may be formed between each two of the plurality of pixels formed in the display <NUM>. The first boundary <NUM> may be formed in units of pixels.

In one embodiment, when only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on, the arrangement of the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may change to become the RGB pixel arrangement so as to be different from a pentile pixel arrangement of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2. When only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on, the rendering and the gamma tuning for the red sub-pixel <NUM>, the green sub-pixel <NUM>, and the blue sub-pixel <NUM> may be changed in the display driver IC <NUM> based on the change in the pixel arrangement.

In one embodiment, when only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on, the luminance of the display <NUM> may be about <NUM> % of that in the case in which all of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2 are turned on. When all of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2 are turned on, the number of effective pixels for each unit area may be <NUM>. In addition, when only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on, the number of effective pixels for each unit area may be <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a plurality of light emitting elements (e.g., the light emitting element <NUM> in <FIG>) may include red sub-pixels <NUM> and <NUM>, green sub-pixels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and blue sub-pixels <NUM> and <NUM>. The first area A1 may include the at least one red sub-pixel <NUM>, the at least one green sub-pixel <NUM>, the at least one green sub-pixel <NUM>, and the at least one blue sub-pixel <NUM>. The second area A2 may include the at least one red sub-pixel <NUM>, the at least one green sub-pixel <NUM>, the at least one green sub-pixel <NUM>, and the at least one blue sub-pixel <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first boundary <NUM> may be formed between the first area A1 and the second area A2. The first boundary <NUM> may divide the first area A1 and the second area A2 from each other.

In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may be set to control a display driver IC (e.g., the display driver IC <NUM> in <FIG>) to drive the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2 in case of the normal mode in which the display <NUM> displays the screen at the first viewing angle. The display driver IC <NUM> may be set to turn on all of the pixels arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2, so that the display <NUM> displays the screen having the general viewing angle.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be set to control the display driver IC <NUM> to drive the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 in the case of the privacy mode in which the display <NUM> displays the screen at the second viewing angle narrower than the first viewing angle. The display driver IC <NUM> may be set to selectively turn on only the pixels arranged in the second area A2, so that the display <NUM> displays the screen having the narrow viewing angle.

In one embodiment, even when only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on, an arrangement of the turned on light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be maintained the same as an arrangement in the case in which all of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2 are turned on. For example, when only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on in <FIG>, an arrangement of the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may change to become a pentile pixel arrangement so as to maintain the same pixel arrangement as a pentile pixel arrangement of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2.

In one embodiment, when only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on, the luminance of the display <NUM> may be about <NUM> % of that in the case in which all of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2 are turned on. When all of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2 are turned on, the number of effective pixels for each unit area may be <NUM>. In addition, when only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on, the number of effective pixels for each unit area may be <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a first boundary <NUM> may be formed between the first area A1 and the second area A2. The first boundary <NUM> may divide the first area A1 and the second area A2 from each other.

In one embodiment, when only the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the second area A2 are turned on, an arrangement of the light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may change to become a pentile pixel arrangement so as to maintain the same pixel arrangement as a pentile pixel arrangement of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2.

In <FIG>, the display <NUM> of a RGB structure including the red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, and the blue sub-pixel is illustrated. However, the disclosure may not be limited thereto, and each of pixels including one or more sub-pixels of different colors may be disposed on the display <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may include pixels of an RGBW structure including the red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, the blue sub-pixel, and a white sub-pixel. As another example, the display <NUM> may include pixels of a CMY structure including a cyan sub-pixel, a magenta sub-pixel, and a yellow sub-pixel. A plurality of sub-pixels may be included in one of the plurality of pixels, and may emit light with a specified color. In this regard, the second area may include sub-pixels of different colors of the plurality of sub-pixels, and the number of each of the sub-pixels of the different colors may be equal to or greater than one. Accordingly, even when only the second area is driven in the privacy mode, the display <NUM> may express all colors.

In addition, in the content described above in connection with <FIG>, the method for reducing the viewing angle of the display <NUM> regardless of the colors of the sub-pixels such as the red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, and the blue sub-pixel was mainly described. However, the disclosure may not be limited thereto, and the processor <NUM> may apply a method for reducing the viewing angle only to a sub-pixel of a specified color to generate color distortion in the display <NUM>, thereby reducing visibility. For example, in the privacy mode in which the display <NUM> displays the screen at the second viewing angle that is narrower than the first viewing angle, the processor <NUM> may selectively turned off the green sub-pixels (e.g., the green sub-pixel <NUM> in <FIG>) and the blue sub-pixels (e.g., the blue sub-pixel <NUM> in <FIG>) among the plurality of sub-pixels arranged in the first area A1. In this case, a complete color may be expressed when the display <NUM> is viewed from the front, and an image may be expressed in red as green and blue are excluded when the display <NUM> is viewed from the side. The processor <NUM> may implement the privacy mode such that it is not easy to distinguish the content of the screen because of the color distortion in the screen of the display <NUM> when the display <NUM> is viewed from the side.

<FIG> is a view <NUM> illustrating a change in a viewing angle based on driving of a first light emitting element <NUM> and a second light emitting element <NUM> of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment, not forming part of the claimed invention. The transistor layer <NUM>, the encapsulation layer <NUM>, the touch electrode <NUM>, and the window <NUM> in <FIG> may have substantially the same configuration and functions as the configuration and the functions of the transistor layer <NUM>, the encapsulation layer <NUM>, the touch electrode <NUM>, and the window <NUM> in <FIG>.

In one embodiment, referring to a cross-sectional view <NUM>, a distance from the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> to the protective layer <NUM> may be a fifth distance T3. The plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> may include the first light emitting element <NUM> and the second light emitting element <NUM>. Each of the first light emitting element <NUM> and the second light emitting element <NUM> may define a pixel. A distance between the first light emitting element <NUM> and the second light emitting element <NUM> may be a sixth distance D3.

In one embodiment, the first light emitting element <NUM> may be disposed in the first area A1. The first light emitting element <NUM> may emit the first light L1 and the second light L2. The first light L1 may be emitted in the first direction (the Z-axis direction). The second light L2 may be emitted in the third direction between the first direction (the Z-axis direction) and the second direction (the X-axis direction).

In one embodiment, the second light emitting element <NUM> may be disposed in the second area A2. The second light emitting element <NUM> may emit third light L3 and fourth light L4. The third light L3 may be emitted in the first direction (the Z-axis direction). The fourth light L4 may be emitted in the fourth direction between the first direction (the Z-axis direction) and the second direction (the X-axis direction).

In one embodiment, the protective layer <NUM> may include the first protective layer <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM>. The first protective layer <NUM> may be disposed in the first area A1. The first protective layer <NUM> may have the first refractive index n1. The second protective layer <NUM> may have the second refractive index n2. The second refractive index n2 may be greater than the first refractive index n1. A second boundary <NUM> may be formed between the first protective layer <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the second light L2 and the fourth light L4 may travel toward the second boundary <NUM>. The second light L2 may be refracted in the second direction (the X-axis direction) at the second boundary <NUM>. The fourth light L4 may be totally reflected at the second boundary <NUM> and emitted to the second area A2.

In one embodiment, referring to a wide viewing angle mode <NUM>, when only the first light emitting element <NUM> in the first area A1 is driven, the viewing angle of the display <NUM> may be a wide optical viewing angle <NUM>. In the wide viewing angle mode <NUM>, the viewing angle of the display <NUM> may be increased by the refraction of the second light L2.

In one embodiment, referring to a privacy mode <NUM>, when only the second light emitting element <NUM> in the second area A2 is driven, the viewing angle of the display <NUM> may be a narrow viewing angle <NUM>. In the privacy mode <NUM>, the viewing angle of the display <NUM> may be reduced by the reflection of the fourth light L4.

In one embodiment, referring to a normal mode <NUM>, when both the first light emitting element <NUM> in the first area A1 and the second light emitting element <NUM> in the second area A2 are driven, the viewing angle of the display <NUM> may be a first viewing angle <NUM> combining the wide viewing angle <NUM> and the narrow viewing angle <NUM>. In the normal mode <NUM>, a viewing angle may have a Lambertian distribution substantially the same as that of the general display <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may be set to control a display driver IC (e.g., the display driver IC <NUM> in <FIG>) to drive the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> and <NUM> arranged in the first area A1 and the second area A2 in the case of the normal mode <NUM> in which the display <NUM> displays the screen at the first viewing angle <NUM>. The processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be set to control the display driver IC <NUM> to drive the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> arranged in the second area A1 in the case of the privacy mode <NUM> in which the display <NUM> displays the screen at the second viewing angle <NUM> that is the narrow viewing angle <NUM> narrower than the first viewing angle.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> illustrating a process of determining whether an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) is in a privacy mode (e.g., the privacy mode <NUM> in <FIG>) and then driving the electronic device in a normal mode (e.g., the normal mode <NUM> in <FIG>) or the privacy mode <NUM> according to an embodiment.

In operation <NUM>, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the privacy mode <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may identify an application (e.g., the application <NUM> in <FIG>) that is being executed on the electronic device <NUM> or displaying a screen on a display (e.g., the display <NUM> in <FIG>). The processor <NUM> may determine whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the privacy mode <NUM> depending on a type of the application <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may determine that the electronic device <NUM> is in the privacy mode <NUM> when the application <NUM> is a messenger, an e-mail, a social media app, and a photo gallery. As another example, the processor <NUM> may determine that the electronic device <NUM> is in the privacy mode <NUM> when executing the e-mail, the social media, or a separate user-specified page in a web browser or displaying the e-mail, the social media, or the separate user-specified page on the screen. When the electronic device <NUM> is not in the privacy mode <NUM> (operation <NUM> - NO), the processor <NUM> may proceed to operation <NUM>. When the electronic device <NUM> is in the privacy mode <NUM> (operation <NUM> - YES), the processor <NUM> may proceed to operation <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may activate the privacy mode <NUM> based on a place where the electronic device <NUM> is located and/or an environment around the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may activate the privacy mode <NUM> so as to prevent other people from viewing the display <NUM> when a public Wi-Fi supported by a subway or a cafe is connected to a wireless communication module (e.g., the wireless communication module <NUM> in <FIG>) or when it is identified using a global positioning system (GPS) that the place where the electronic device <NUM> is located is a public place. As another example, when an illuminance around the electronic device <NUM> is equal to or smaller than a specified illuminance, the processor <NUM> may activate the privacy mode <NUM> so as to reduce an effect on surrounding people by light emitted from the display <NUM> in directions other than a direction in which the front surface of the display <NUM> is directed.

The processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may be driven in the normal mode <NUM> in operation <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may be driven in the normal mode <NUM> when the type of the application <NUM> being executed or the screen displayed on the display <NUM> does not correspond to the privacy mode <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may determine that the electronic device <NUM> is in the normal mode <NUM> when the application <NUM> being executed or the screen displayed on the display <NUM> is a home menu, a settings menu, an always on display (AOD), a video player, a music player, a game, a News, or a community web browser. In the normal mode <NUM>, the display <NUM> may display the screen at the first viewing angle. The processor <NUM> may be set to control a display driver IC (e.g., the display driver IC <NUM> in <FIG>) that drives the display <NUM> to drive a plurality of light emitting elements (e.g., the light emitting element <NUM> in <FIG>) arranged in a first area (e.g., the first area A1 in <FIG>) and a second area (e.g., the second area A2 in <FIG>) of the display <NUM> in the normal mode <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine whether an app (e.g., the application <NUM> in <FIG>) or a page has been switched. The processor <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> when the app <NUM> executed in the electronic device <NUM> or the screen or the page displayed on the display <NUM> is switched (operation <NUM> - YES). The processor <NUM> may maintain operation <NUM> when the app <NUM> executed in the electronic device <NUM> or the screen or the page displayed on the display <NUM> is maintained (operation <NUM> - NO).

The processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may be driven in the privacy mode <NUM> in operation <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may drive the electronic device <NUM> in the privacy mode <NUM> when the type of the application <NUM> being executed in the electronic device <NUM> or the screen displayed on the display <NUM> corresponds to the privacy mode <NUM>. In the privacy mode <NUM>, the display <NUM> may display the screen at the second viewing angle that is narrower than the first viewing angle. The processor <NUM> may be set to control a display driver IC (e.g., the display driver IC <NUM> in <FIG>) that drives the display <NUM> to drive a plurality of light emitting elements (e.g., the light emitting element <NUM> in <FIG>) arranged in a second area (e.g., the second area A2 in <FIG>) of the display <NUM> in the privacy mode <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine whether the app <NUM> or the page has been switched in operation <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> when the app <NUM> executed in the electronic device <NUM> or the screen or the page displayed on the display <NUM> is switched (operation <NUM> - YES). The processor <NUM> may maintain operation <NUM> when the app <NUM> executed in the electronic device <NUM> or the screen or the page displayed on the display <NUM> is maintained (operation <NUM> - NO).

<FIG> is a front perspective view <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a rear perspective view <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a first surface (or a front surface) 1610A, a second surface (or a rear surface) 1610B, and a side surface 1610C for surrounding a space between the first surface 1610A and the second surface 1610B. According to an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may refer to some of the first surface 1610A, the second surface 1610B, and the side surface 1610C in <FIG>. The first surface 1610A of the housing <NUM> may include a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers) that is at least partially transparent. The second surface 1610B of the housing <NUM> may include a substantially opaque rear plate <NUM>. For example, the rear plate <NUM> may contain a coated or tinted glass, a ceramic, a polymer, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above-described materials. The side surface 1610C of the housing <NUM> may include a side bezel structure <NUM> (or a "side member") coupled with the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> and containing the metal and/or the polymer. According to an embodiment, the rear plate <NUM> and the side bezel structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other or may contain the same material (e.g., the metal material such as the aluminum).

The front plate <NUM> may include a first edge area 1610D that is bent from the first surface 1610A toward the rear plate <NUM> and extends seamlessly. The first edge area 1610D of the front plate <NUM> may be located at each of long edges at both sides of the front plate <NUM>. The rear plate <NUM> may include a second edge area 1610E that is bent from the second surface 1610B toward the front plate <NUM> and extends seamlessly. The second edge area 1610E may be located at each of long edges at both sides of the rear plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include only one of the first edge area 1610D of the front plate <NUM> or the second edge area 1610E of the rear plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the front plate <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM> may not include the first edge area 1610D and the second edge area 1610E. In an area not including the first edge area 1610D or the second edge area 1610E, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a first thickness (or width). In an area including the first edge area 1610D or the second edge area 1610E, the side bezel structure <NUM> may have a second thickness smaller than the first thickness.

The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include at least one of a display <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, an indicator (not shown), and connectors <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one (e.g., the key input device <NUM> or the indicator) of the components or additionally include another component.

The display <NUM> may be viewed through a significant portion of the front plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be viewed through the first surface 1610A and the first edge area 1610D of the front plate <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring an intensity (a pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer for detecting a magnetic field type stylus pen. At least a portion of each of the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> and/or at least a portion of the key input device <NUM> may be disposed in the first edge area 1610D and/or the second edge area 1610E.

The input device <NUM> may include a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a plurality of microphones arranged to sense a direction of the sound.

The sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include speakers. The sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include the external speaker <NUM> and the receiver <NUM> for a call. The input device <NUM>, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, and the connectors <NUM> and <NUM> may be exposed to an external environment via at least one hole defined in the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the hole defined in the housing <NUM> may be used in common for the input device <NUM> and the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) operated without the hole in the housing <NUM>.

The sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the sensor modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a proximity sensor) and a second sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) arranged on the first surface 1610A of the housing <NUM> and/or the third sensor module <NUM> (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on the second surface 1610B of the housing <NUM>. The fingerprint sensor may be disposed in the first surface 1610A (e.g., a home key button), a partial area of the second surface 1610B of the housing <NUM>, or below the display <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The camera modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include the first camera device <NUM> disposed on the first surface 1610A of the electronic device <NUM>, and the second camera device <NUM> and/or the flash <NUM> arranged on the second surface 1610B. Each of the first camera device <NUM> and the second camera device <NUM> may include one or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. For example, the flash <NUM> may include a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiment, the two or more lenses (e.g., a wide-angle lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, or a telephoto lens) and the image sensors may be arranged on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The key input device <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface 1610C of the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the key input devices <NUM> and the not included key input device <NUM> may be implemented in a form of a soft key or the like on the display <NUM>. In another embodiment, the key input device <NUM> may be implemented using the pressure sensor included in the display <NUM>.

The indicator may be disposed on the first surface 1610A of the housing <NUM>. The indicator may provide state information of the electronic device <NUM> in an optical form. The light emitting element may provide a light source that is in association with an operation of the camera module <NUM>. The indicator may include an LED, an IR LED, and the xenon lamp.

The connector holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first connector hole <NUM> that may accommodate therein a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from the external electronic device and/or the second connector hole (or an earphone jack) <NUM> capable of accommodating therein a connector for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from the external electronic device.

The first camera device <NUM>, the first sensor module <NUM>, or an indicator may be arranged to be visible through the display <NUM>. For example, the first camera device <NUM>, the first sensor module <NUM>, or the indicator may be located in an internal space of the electronic device <NUM> and may be in contact with the external environment through a through-hole extending to the front plate <NUM> of the display <NUM>. In another embodiment, the first sensor module <NUM> may be disposed to perform the function thereof without being visually exposed through the front plate <NUM> in the internal space of the electronic device. In this case, the through-hole may not be needed in an area of the display <NUM> facing the first sensor module <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) according to an embodiment. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may be at least partially similar to the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, or may further include another embodiment of the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a side member <NUM> (e.g., the side bezel structure <NUM> in <FIG>), a first support member <NUM> (e.g., a bracket or a support structure), a front plate <NUM> (e.g., a front surface cover), a display <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a second support member <NUM> (e.g. a rear case), an antenna <NUM>, and a rear plate <NUM> (e.g., a rear cover). The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may omit at least one (e.g., the first support member <NUM> or the second support member <NUM>) of the components or additionally include another component. At least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> or <FIG>, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted below.

The first support member <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> and connected to the side member <NUM> or integrally formed with the side member <NUM>. For example, the first support member <NUM> may contain a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., a polymer) material. The first support member <NUM> may have one surface coupled with the display <NUM> and the other surface coupled with the printed circuit board <NUM>. A processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include one of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. The memory may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The interface may include a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. For example, the interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> to the external electronic device, and may include the USB connector, the SD card/MMC connector, or the audio connector.

The battery <NUM> may supply the power to the at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may include a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM> may be disposed substantially on the same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally formed with and disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>. In another embodiment, the battery <NUM> may be disposed detachably from the electronic device <NUM>.

For example, the antenna <NUM> may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna <NUM> may perform short-range communication with the external device or wirelessly transmit/receive the power required for the charging. In another embodiment, the antenna may be formed by some of the side member <NUM> and/or the first support member <NUM> or a combination thereof.

According to one embodiment, the camera module <NUM> (e.g., the camera module <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed between the first support member <NUM> and the rear plate <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may be disposed to be directed in a direction of the front plate <NUM> through a through-hole <NUM> extending through both surfaces of the first support member <NUM>. According to one embodiment, a portion protruding through the through-hole <NUM> in the camera module <NUM> may be disposed to be close to a rear surface of the front plate <NUM> through at least one opening defined in a corresponding position of the display <NUM>. In another embodiment, when the camera module <NUM> is disposed between the display <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>, the through-hole <NUM> may be unnecessary. According to one embodiment, in the internal space of the electronic device <NUM>, the camera module <NUM> may be at least partially disposed in the through-hole <NUM> and the at least one opening of the display. The camera module <NUM> may be disposed to detect the external environment through a camera exposure area <NUM> of the front plate <NUM>.

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 comprising:
a housing;
a display (<NUM>) viewed through at least a portion of the housing and displaying a screen using a plurality of pixels;
a display driver IC (<NUM>) for providing a data voltage and a light-emission signal for driving each of the plurality of pixels to the display; and
a processor (<NUM>) operatively connected to the display driver IC (<NUM>),
wherein the display includes:
a transistor layer (<NUM>) including a plurality of light emitting elements (<NUM>);
an encapsulation layer (<NUM>) for covering the transistor layer (<NUM>);
a touch electrode (<NUM>) disposed on the encapsulation layer (<NUM>); and
a protective layer (<NUM>) disposed on the touch electrode (<NUM>),
wherein the protective layer (<NUM>) includes a first area (A1) where a first protective layer (<NUM>) having a first refractive index (n1) is disposed and a second area (A2) where a second protective layer (<NUM>) having a second refractive index (n2) different from the first refractive index (n1) is disposed,
wherein the second area (A2) is disposed to overlap with at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements (<NUM>) in a first direction,
wherein a first boundary (<NUM>) that is an interface between the first protective layer (<NUM>) and the second protective layer (<NUM>) forms an inclination of a first angle with the first direction, and
wherein the processor is configured to:
control the display driver IC (<NUM>) to drive the plurality of light emitting elements (<NUM>) arranged in the first area (A1) and the second area (A2) when the display is in a normal mode for displaying the screen at a first viewing angle; and
control the display driver IC (<NUM>) to only drive the plurality of light emitting elements (<NUM>) arranged in the second area (A2) when the display is in a privacy mode for displaying the screen at a second viewing angle narrower than the first viewing angle.