Patent ID: 12242300

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although this disclosure describes various example embodiments illustrated in the drawings in detail with reference thereto, the same is not for the purpose of limiting various embodiments to specific forms. For example, it would be apparent to a person skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains that various embodiments can be variously modified.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device101in a network environment100according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.1, the electronic device101in the network environment100may communicate with an electronic device102via a first network198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device104or a server108via a second network199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may communicate with the electronic device104via the server108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a processor120, memory130, an input device150, a sound output device155, a display device160, an audio module170, a sensor module176, an interface177, a haptic module179, a camera module180, a power management module188, a battery189, a communication module190, a subscriber identification module (SIM)196, or an antenna module197. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device160or the camera module180) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module176(e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device160(e.g., a display).

The processor120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device101coupled with the processor120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an example embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module176or the communication module190) in volatile memory132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory134. According to an embodiment, the processor120may include a main processor121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor123may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor121.

The auxiliary processor123may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device160, the sensor module176, or the communication module190) among the components of the electronic device101, instead of the main processor121while the main processor121is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor121while the main processor121is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module180or the communication module190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor123.

The memory130may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor120or the sensor module176) of the electronic device101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory130may include the volatile memory132or the non-volatile memory134.

The program140may be stored in the memory130as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)142, middleware144, or an application146.

The input device150may receive a command or data to be used by other component (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The input device150may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output device155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The sound output device155may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may be used for an incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display device160may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The display device160may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display device160may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

The audio module170may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module170may obtain the sound via the input device150, or output the sound via the sound output device155or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device101.

The sensor module176may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device101or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module176may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface177may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device101to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface177may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connecting terminal178may include a connector via which the electronic device101may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal178may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module179may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module179may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to an example embodiment, the power management module188may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery189may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the battery189may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module190may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device101and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102, the electronic device104, or the server108) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module190may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor120(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module190may include a wireless communication module192(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module194(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network198(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network199(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module192may identify and authenticate the electronic device101in a communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module196.

The antenna module197may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include an antenna including a radiating element composed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., PCB). According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include a plurality of antennas. In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network198or the second network199, may be selected, for example, by the communication module190(e.g., the wireless communication module192) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module190and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module197.

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

According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device101and the external electronic device104via the server108coupled with the second network199. Each of the electronic devices102and104may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device101may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices102,104, or108. For example, if the electronic device101should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.

FIG.2Ais a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the exterior of an electronic device according to various embodiments,FIG.2Bis a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the exterior of an electronic device according to various embodiments, andFIG.2Cis a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the exterior of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.2A,2BandFIG.2C, the housing210of the electronic devices201,202, and203according to various embodiments (for example, electronic device101) may include a first surface (for example, front surface) facing in a first direction and a second surface (for example, rear surface) facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

The electronic devices201,202, and203according to various embodiments may include a first display261exposed (or viewable) through substantially the entire area of the first surface. The electronic devices201,202, and203according to various embodiments may use all (or almost all (for example, 95% or more)) of the first surface as a display area because various elements (electronic components) (for example, receiver255and various sensors (for example, proximity sensor and luminance sensor)) conventionally disposed on the first surface are removed from the first surface. For example, various embodiments may use substantially all of the first surface as a display area without modifying the display as in the case of a notch design. The electronic devices201,202, and203according to various embodiments may include a first luminance sensor211on the upper end of the first surface. The first luminance sensor211normally has a very small size, and thus may not require form modification of the first display261as in the case of a notch design. In some embodiments, the first luminance sensor211may be disposed below the first display261.

The electronic devices201,202, and203according to various embodiments may include various elements removed from the first surface, and second displays262a,262b, and262c, on the second surface. The second displays262a,262b, and262cmay be exposed or viewable through a partial area of the second surface, and the various elements may be exposed through another area of the second surface.

The form (shape and size) of the second displays262a,262b, and262cand the various elements included on the second surface may be diversified. For example, the first electronic device201may have, as illustrated inFIG.2A, a receiver255and a second luminance sensor212disposed in the transverse direction on the upper end of the second surface, may have a camera module280disposed below the receiver255, may have a flash281disposed on the lower end of the camera module280, and may have a second display262adisposed on the lower end of the flash281and elongated in the longitudinal direction (rectangular shape).

As another example, with reference toFIG.2B, the second electronic device202may have a receiver255and a second luminance sensor212disposed in the transverse direction on the upper end of the second surface, may have a second display262bdisposed on the lower end of the receiver255, and may have two (or three or more) camera modules280and a flash281disposed in the longitudinal direction next to the second display262b.

As another example, the third electronic device203may have a receiver255and a second luminance sensor212disposed in the transverse direction on the upper end of the second surface, may have a camera module280, a flash281, and a fingerprint sensor276disposed in the transverse direction on the lower end of the receiver255and the second luminance sensor212, and may have a second display262cdisposed on the lower end of the camera module280, the flash281, and the fingerprint sensor276.

The user of the electronic devices201,202, and203according to various embodiments may make a voice call using the second surface on which the receiver255is disposed. In addition, the electronic devices201,202, and203according to various embodiments may have no separate camera module mounted on the first surface, and may enable the user to make a video call or to take selfies using the camera module280and the second displays262a,262b, and262cdisposed on the second surface.

The electronic devices201,202, and203may further include an antenna for short-distance wireless communication (for example, and without limitation, near-field communication (NFC), magnetic secure transmission (MST)), or a wireless charging antenna on the second or first surface.

Although the electronic devices201,202, and203illustrated inFIG.2A,2BandFIG.2Chave a first luminance sensor211disposed on the first surface, the first luminance sensor211may be omitted to further increase the size of the first display261, or may be disposed on another area (for example, upper-end side surface) of the housing210of the electronic devices201,202, and203.

FIG.3Ais a sectional view illustrating an example method for mounting a short-distance wireless communication antenna of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3A, the electronic device according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may include a housing310, a first display361, a first protective window31, a bracket32, a support33, a first printed circuit board34a, a second printed circuit board34b, a flexible printed circuit board34c, a short-distance wireless communication antenna397, a battery389, a second display362, and a second protective window35.

The housing310may include a first surface and a second surface. The first display361may be exposed or viewable through the first surface of the housing310. The first display361may include a heat-radiating sheet (not illustrated) for the purpose of diffusing heat inside the electronic device so as to lower the temperature therein or preventing and/or reducing the display panel361afrom a backlight bleeding, and/or various display sheets361bfor the purpose of blocking electromagnetic interference (EMI). The display sheets361bmay, for example, and without limitation, comprise a metal (for example, copper), film, graphite, or the like.

The first protective window31may protect the first display361. The first protective window31may, for example, include reinforced glass. The bracket32may support the first display361. The bracket32may at least partially include a metal.

The first printed circuit board34aand the second printed circuit board34bmay be disposed inside the housing310such that at least one electronic component is mounted thereon. The flexible printed circuit board34cmay electrically connect the first printed circuit board34aand the second printed circuit board34b.

The battery389may be positioned inside the housing310. For example, the battery389may be positioned between the bracket32and the second surface.

The second display362may be exposed or viewable through a partial area of the second surface of the housing310. The second display362may include no structure that interferes with transmission/reception of radio signals (for example, display sheet361b). For example, the second display362may include, for example, and without limitation, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

The second protective window35may protect the second display362. The second protective window35may, for example, include reinforced glass.

The support33may be positioned between the first printed circuit board34aand the second display362so as to support the second display362. The support33may, for example, include a metal (for example, steel use stainless (SUS)).

The short-distance wireless communication antenna397may be positioned (or disposed) at the lower end of the second display362. For example, the short-distance wireless communication antenna397may be disposed between the support33and the second display362. The short-distance wireless communication antenna397may not transmit/receive radio signals through the first surface of the electronic device, due to the metallic support33, and can transmit/receive radio signals through the second surface of the electronic device.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may include a wireless charging antenna (not illustrated) instead of the short-distance wireless communication antenna397. The electronic device may include both the short-distance wireless communication antenna397and the wireless charging antenna on the lower end of the second display362. Although not illustrated inFIG.3A, the electronic device may include, for example, and without limitation, a receiver, a camera module, a sensor module, and the like on the second surface.

FIG.3Bis a sectional view illustrating an example method for mounting a short-distance wireless communication antenna of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3B, the electronic device according to another embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may have a short-distance wireless communication antenna397mounted between a battery389and a second display362. For example, a battery389may be disposed on the lower end of a bracket32supporting a first display361, a support33may be disposed in a partial area of the lower end of the battery389so as to support the second display362, and a short-distance wireless communication antenna397may be disposed between the support portion33and the second display362. The short-distance wireless communication antenna397cannot transmit/receive radio signals through the first direction (first surface) due to the metallic bracket32and/or the first display361. However, since the second display362includes no metal housing, the short-distance wireless communication antenna397can transmit/receive radio signals through the second direction (second surface).

The electronic device may further include a camera module380and a receiver355in a partial area of the second surface.

FIG.3Cis a sectional view illustrating an example method for mounting a short-distance wireless communication antenna of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3C, the electronic device according to another embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may have a short-distance wireless communication antenna397disposed between a housing310and a second protective window35. For example, if the second surface having no second display362, no fingerprint sensor376, no camera module380, and no receiver355mounted thereon has a partial area large enough to mount a short-distance wireless communication antenna397, the short-distance wireless communication antenna397may be disposed between the housing310and the second protective window35. The second display362may be positioned on the lower end of the battery389and supported by the housing310. The second display362is not positioned on the upper portion of the short-distance wireless communication antenna397, and may be packaged by a metal housing.

FIG.3Dis a sectional view illustrating an example method for mounting a short-distance wireless communication antenna of an electronic device according to another embodiment, andFIG.3Eis a sectional view illustrating an example method for mounting a short-distance wireless communication antenna of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3DandFIG.3E, the electronic device according to another embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may have a short-distance wireless communication antenna397disposed between a housing310and a second display362. The housing310may include a nonmetallic material (for example, injection-molded material). A shielding structure (e.g., a shield) may be disposed between the short-distance wireless communication antenna397and the housing310. The shielding structure may, for example, include a shielding sheet37aas illustrated inFIG.3D. shielding structure may, for example, include a shielding material37b(for example, shielding paint) painted (or applied) to the housing310, as illustrated inFIG.3E. The short-distance wireless communication antenna397cannot transmit/receive radio signals through the first direction (first surface) due to the shielding sheet37aor the shielding material37b. However, since the second display362includes no metallic housing, the short-distance wireless communication antenna397is able to transmit/receive radio signals through the second direction (second surface).

FIG.3Fis a sectional view illustrating an example method for mounting a short-distance wireless communication antenna of an electronic device according to another embodiment, andFIG.3Gis a diagram illustrating an example of the short-distance wireless communication antenna inFIG.3F.

Referring toFIG.3FandFIG.3G, the electronic device according to another embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may have a short-distance wireless communication antenna397disposed in a partial area (for example, bezel area) of the upper end of a second display362. For example, the short-distance wireless communication antenna397may be a loop surrounding the bezel area of the second display362, as illustrated inFIG.3G. The structure inFIG.3FandFIG.3Gmay be used when the short-distance wireless communication antenna397cannot be disposed on the lower end of the second display362because the second display362is packaged by a metal housing.

FIG.3His a sectional view illustrating an example method for mounting a short-distance wireless communication antenna of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3H, the electronic device according to another embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may have a short-distance wireless communication antenna397disposed at the lower end of a first display361. For example, the short-distance wireless communication antenna397may be disposed between the first display361and the bracket32. The first display361may be a display (for example, OLED) not packaged by a metal housing. Since the first display361is not packaged by a metal housing, the short-distance wireless communication antenna397may transmit radio signals to the first direction (first surface) of the electronic device, or may receive radio signals from the first direction.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating an example structure for protecting a first display of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.4, the electronic device according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may include a structure for protecting the first display361from impacts. For example, a partial area311on the first surface of the housing310(hereinafter, referred to as first protrusion portion) may protrude higher than the surface of the first display361. The first protrusion portion311may be provided on the left/right side surfaces of the first display361. The first protrusion portion311may be provided on the upper/lower/left/right side surfaces thereof. The first display361may not contact the floor due to the at least one first protrusion portion311. At least a part of the outer periphery of the first display361may have a curvature. This is for the purpose of preventing and/or reducing the outer peripheral portion, which is relatively vulnerable to impacts, from contacting the floor. In some embodiments, the first display361may be flat with no curvature.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating an example structure for protecting a second display of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.5, the electronic device according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may include a structure for protecting the second display362from impacts. For example, a partial area312on the second surface of the housing310(hereinafter, referred to as second protrusion portion) may protrude higher than the surface of the second display362. At least one second protrusion portion312may be formed on the periphery of the second display362or on the outer periphery of the second surface of the electronic device. The second display362may not contact the floor due to the at least one second protrusion portion312.

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating an example method for adjusting the brightness of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.6, the processor (for example, processor120) of the electronic device according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may sense turning-on of the first display (for example, first display261or first display361) and/or the second display (for example, second displays262a,262b, and262cor second display362) in operation601. For example, the processor may turn on the first display and/or the second display in response to reception of a user input or an event (for example, a text message or a call).

The processor according to an embodiment may measure external luminance through the first luminance sensor (for example, first luminance sensor211) and/or the second luminance sensor (for example, second luminance sensor212) in operation603. The first luminance sensor may be positioned on the first surface of the electronic device, and the second luminance sensor may be positioned on the second surface thereof. In some embodiments, the first luminance sensor may be positioned on a side surface of the electronic device.

The processor according to an embodiment may determine representative luminance in operation605. For example, the processor may compare first luminance measured through the first luminance sensor and second luminance measured through the second luminance sensor, and may determine the higher value as the representative luminance. This is because one of the first and second luminance sensors may be covered by a hand or an external object. According to another example, the processor may determine the average value of the first luminance and the second luminance as the representative luminance. According to another example, the processor may determine the first luminance as the representative luminance when the first display faces upward, and may determine the second luminance as the representative luminance when the second display faces upward. According to another example, the processor may assign different weights to the first luminance and the second luminance, calculate the average value thereof, and may determine the calculated average value as the representative luminance. However, it will the understood that the various manners of determining the representative luminance are not limited to the above examples.

The processor according to an embodiment may control the brightness of the first display and/or the second display based on the determined representative luminance in operation607. In some embodiments, if the first luminance sensor and the second luminance sensor are unavailable, the processor may measure external luminance using various sensors (for example, image sensor) capable of confirming the external luminance, and may determine the measured luminance as the representative luminance.

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating an example method for providing information using a first display and a second display of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.7, the processor (for example, processor120) of the electronic device according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may sense occurrence of an event in operation701. The event may be an event that causes information to be provided (displayed) through the first display (for example, first display261or first display361) or the second display (for example, second displays262a,262b, and262cor second display362).

The processor according to an embodiment may measure external luminance through the first luminance sensor (for example, first luminance sensor211) and the second luminance sensor (for example, second luminance sensor212) in operation703.

The processor according to an embodiment may determine a representative display to provide (display) information based on the measured external luminance values in operation705. An example method for determining the representative display will be described in greater detail below with reference toFIG.8.

The processor according to an embodiment may control the electronic device to display information on the determined representative display in operation707.

It has been assumed in the description with reference toFIG.7that first luminance and second luminance are measured when an event occurs, and the representative display to provide information is accordingly determined. In some embodiments, the processor may periodically measure first luminance and second luminance in a standby state, may determine the representative display to display information, and may display information through the previously determined representative display when an event occurs. However, it will be understood that measuring the first and second luminance is not limited to the above examples.

FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating an example method for determining a representative display to provide information by an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.8, the processor (for example, processor120) of the electronic device according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may confirm whether or not measured luminance values are different in operation801. In some embodiments, the processor may confirm whether or not the difference between the measured luminance values exceeds a designated reference value.

If it is confirmed in operation801that the luminance values are not different (“No” in operation801), the processor may proceed to operation807(described later). If it is confirmed (“Yes”) in operation801that the luminance values are different, the processor may confirm in operation803whether an object (for example, hand, floor, or the like) is close to the display disposed on the surface having a low luminance value (for example, first surface or second surface).

If it is confirmed in operation803that no object is close (“No” in operation803), the processor may proceed to operation807(described later). If it is confirmed (“Yes”) in operation803that an object is close, the processor may determine the display, to which the object is not close, as the representative display in operation805. The processor according to an embodiment may confirm the direction of the electronic device in operation807. For example, the processor may confirm the direction of the electronic device using an acceleration sensor, a six-axis sensor, or the like.

The processor according to an embodiment may determine the representative display based on the direction of the electronic device in operation809. For example, the processor may determine the overlying display, among the first display and the second display, as the representative display based on the confirmed direction of the electronic device.

After determining the representative display, the processor may return to operation707inFIG.7.

FIG.9Ais a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.9A, the electronic device901according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may include a power control module (e.g., including power control circuitry)988, a battery989, a memory930, a camera module (e.g., including a camera)980, an audio module (e.g., including audio circuitry)970, a sensor module (e.g., including at least one sensor)976, a first subscriber identification module996a, a second subscriber identification module996b, a communication processor (e.g., including communication and/or processing circuitry)990, an antenna995, a first display961, a second display962, and a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)910.

The power control module988, the battery989, and the memory930according to an embodiment are configured the same as or similarly to the power management module188, the battery189, and the memory130inFIG.1, and detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated here.

The audio module970(for example, audio module170) may include various audio circuitry and convert a sound to an electric signal or may convert an electric signal to a sound. The audio module970according to an embodiment may output a speech sound through the receiver (not illustrated) (for example, receiver255) disposed on the second surface (rear surface) of the electronic device901during a call.

The sensor module976(for example, sensor module176) may include various sensors for sensing the state of the electronic device or the state of the external environment. For example, the sensor module976may include, for example, and without limitation, a sensor for confirming the direction of the electronic device (for example, acceleration sensor, gravity sensor, six-axis sensor, or the like), a sensor for user authentication (for example, iris sensor, fingerprint sensor, or the like), a sensor for measuring external luminance (for example, luminance sensor), or the like. The sensor module976may include a first luminance sensor disposed on the first surface of the electronic device901and a second luminance sensor disposed on the second surface thereof. In some embodiments, the first luminance sensor may be omitted or disposed on a side surface of the electronic device.

A part of the sensor module976may be disposed on the second surface. For example, and without limitation, a proximity sensor normally disposed on the first surface of the electronic device may be disposed on the second surface.

The first subscriber identification module996a(for example, subscriber identification module196) may store first subscriber information (for example, IMSI). The second subscriber identification module996b(for example, subscriber identification module196) may store second subscriber information (for example, IMSI). The first subscriber identification module996aand the second subscriber identification module996bmay interwork with the first display961and the second display962, respectively. The first subscriber identification module996aand the second subscriber identification module996bmay be subscriber identification modules of different nations or subscriber identification modules of different users.

The communication processor990may include various communication and/or processing circuitry and establish a communication channel with an external electronic device (for example, electronic device102, electronic device104, or server108) and may support communication through the establish communication channel. The communication processor990may include a first communication module (e.g., including communication circuitry)991and a second communication module (e.g., including communication circuitry)992. The first communication module991may support communication in a first frequency band (for example, and without limitation, 2G/3G/4G), and the second communication module992may support communication in a second frequency band (for example, and without limitation, 5G).

The antenna995may be connected to the first communication module991and the second communication module992so as to transmit/receive radio signals in frequency bands supported by the first communication module991and the second communication module992. In some embodiments, the antenna995may include multiple antennas according to the frequency band.

The first display961may be positioned at the first surface (front surface) of the electronic device901. The first display961may occupy substantially all (e.g., 95% or more) of the area of the first surface. The first display961may, for example, and without limitation, be a flat, edge, curved, or flexible display.

The second display962may be positioned at the second surface (rear surface) of the electronic device901. The second display962may occupy a partial area of the second surface (for example, at least a part of the area other than the area occupied by the receiver, the camera, the sensor, and the like). The second display962may have a size smaller than a size of the first display961. The second display962may have a resolution identical to or different from that of the first display961.

The processor910according to an embodiment may include various processing circuitry and may have a physical channel for providing data for screen display to the displays. For example, the processor910may provide various kinds of information through the first display961or the second display962. The processor910may include a screen selection module (e.g., including screen selection circuitry and/or executable program elements)911.

The screen selection module911may include various screen selection circuitry and/or various executable program elements and select one from the first display961and the second display962as the representative display, as described with reference toFIG.8, and may provide information to the selected representative display. For example, if a call request is received while using contents through the first display961(for example, web browser, moving image playback), the screen selection module911may transmit a screen corresponding to call reception to the first display961. If call reception is allowed, or upon sensing a direction change of the electronic device such that the user views the second surface of the electronic device, the screen selection module911may transmit a screen for call making to the second display962. As another example, if an event related to the first subscriber identification module996aoccurs, the screen selection module911may provide a screen corresponding to the event to the display (for example, first display961) configured to interwork with the first subscriber identification module996a. Similarly, if an event related to the second subscriber identification module996boccurs, the screen selection module911may provide a screen corresponding to the event to the display (for example, second display962) configured to interwork with the second subscriber identification module996b.

FIG.9Bis a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.9B, the electronic device902according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may include a power control module (e.g., including power control circuitry)988, a battery989, a memory930, a camera module (e.g., including a camera)980, an audio module (e.g., including audio circuitry)970, a sensor module (e.g., including at least one sensor)976, a first subscriber identification module996a, a second subscriber identification module996b, a communication processor (e.g., including communication and/or processing circuitry)990, an antenna95, a first display961, a second display962, a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)910, and a screen control module (e.g., including screen control circuitry)920.

Prior to detailed descriptions, repeated descriptions of the same elements of the electronic device902inFIG.9Bas those of the electronic device901inFIG.9Awill not be repeated here.

The processor910according to an embodiment may include various processing circuitry and provide various kinds of information through at least one of the first display961or the second display962. The processor910may include a screen output module912.

The screen output module912may include various screen output circuitry and/or executable program elements and transmit screen data corresponding to a screen to be outputted to the first display961and/or the second display962, and selected display information, to the screen control module920.

The screen control module920may include various screen control circuitry and may include, for example, and without limitation a switching module (e.g., including a switch). The screen control module920may be switched such that, based on the selected display information, screen data transmitted from the screen output module912is transmitted to the selected display. In some embodiments, if the first display961and the second display962have the same resolution, the screen control module920may operate such that screen data is transmitted both to the first display961and to the second display962.

FIG.9Cis a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device according to still another embodiment.

Referring toFIG.9C, the electronic device903according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101or electronic devices201,202, and203) may include a power control module (e.g., including power control circuitry)988, a battery989, a memory930, a camera module (e.g., including a camera)980, an audio module (e.g., including audio circuitry)970, a sensor module (e.g., including at least one sensor)976, a first subscriber identification module996a, a second subscriber identification module996b, a communication processor (e.g., including communication and/or processing circuitry)990, an antenna995, a first display961, a second display962, a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)910, a first graphic processor (e.g., including graphic processing circuitry)915, and a second graphic processor (e.g., including graphic processing circuitry)916.

Prior to detailed descriptions, repeated descriptions of the same elements of the electronic device903inFIG.9Cas those of the electronic devices901and902inFIG.9AandFIG.9Bwill not be repeated here.

The electronic device903according to an embodiment may include a first graphic processor915including various graphic processing circuitry for controlling the first display961and a second graphic processor916including various graphic processing circuitry for controlling the second display962. As a result, the processor910may separately control the first display961and the second display962. For example, the processor910may control the first graphic processor915and the second graphic processor916so as to display a screen on one of the first display961or the second display962or to simultaneously display identical or different screens on the first display961and the second display962. For example, the processor910may provide a message composition screen through the first display961and may play a moving image through the second display962.

The electronic device903according to an embodiment can separately control the first display961and the second display962such that different screens for respective business providers or nations may be separately provided on the first display961or the second display962. For example, a screen related to the first subscriber identification module996amay be provided on the first display961, and a screen related to the second subscriber identification module996bmay be provided on the second display962.

FIG.10is a flowchart illustrating an example method for making a call by an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.10, the processor (for example, processor120or processor910) of the electronic device according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101, electronic devices201,202, and203, or electronic devices901,902, and903) may receive a call request during use of the first display (for example, first display261, first display361, or first display961) disposed on the first surface in operation1001.

The processor according to an embodiment may display a call reception screen on the first display in operation1003. For example, the processor may display caller information and an item for accepting or rejecting the call on the first display.

The processor according to an embodiment may sense or establish call connection (e.g., connect call) in operation1005. For example, the processor may sense a touch (or dragging) on the call accepting item.

The processor according to an embodiment may lock the first display against touches and may induce a direction change to the second surface in operation1007. For example, the processor may display a popup message on the first display so as to indicate that a direction change to the second surface is necessary.

In some embodiments, upon receiving a call request in operation1001, the processor may omit operations1003and1005and may perform operation1007. In response to sensing a direction change of the electronic device, the processor may display a user interface (UI) on the second display (for example, second displays262a,262b, and262c, second display362, or second display962) disposed on the second surface so as to ask whether or not to accept the call, and may determine whether or not to connect the call based on a user input sensed through the UI. In another example, upon receiving a call request in operation1001, the processor may perform operation1007and, in response to sensing a direction change of the electronic device, may control the call to be made automatically through the receiver disposed on the second surface. As such, an embodiment may use the direction change of the electronic device as a trigger to accept the call, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The processor according to an embodiment may control a call-making procedure in operation1009. For example, the processor may turn off the second display if the second display approaches the user's face.

The processor according to an embodiment may confirm whether the call is over in operation1011. If it is confirmed in operation1011that the call is not over (“No” in operation1011), the processor may return to operation1009. If it is confirmed (“Yes”) in operation1011that the call is over, the processor may confirm the state of the electronic device in operation1013. For example, the processor may confirm which of the first display and the second display is facing upward using at least one of various sensors (for example, first luminance sensor, second luminance sensor, acceleration sensor, six-axis sensor, and the like).

The processor according to an embodiment may display a screen on the first display or the second display based on the state of the electronic device in operation1015.

FIG.11is a flowchart illustrating an example method for making a call while playing a moving image by an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.11, the processor (for example, processor120or processor910) of the electronic device according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101, electronic devices201,202, and203, or electronic devices901,902, and903) may receive a call request while playing a moving image through the first display (for example, first display261, first display361, or first display961) disposed on the first surface in operation1101.

The processor according to an embodiment may sense or establish call connection (e.g., connect call) in operation1103. The processor according to an embodiment may suspend the moving image playback and may turn off the first display in operation1105. In some embodiments, the processor may output a message on the first display to induce a direction change to the second surface when sensing call connection, and may turn off the first display when sensing completion of the direction change to the second surface.

In some embodiments, upon receiving a call request in operation1101, the processor may omit operation1103and may perform operation1105. In response to sensing a direction change of the electronic device, the processor may display a user interface (UI) on the second display (for example, second displays262a,262b, and262c, second display362, or second display962) disposed on the second surface to ask whether or not to accept the call, and may determine whether or not to connect the call based on a user input sensed through the UI. In another example, upon receiving a call request in operation1101, the processor may perform operation1105and, in response to sensing a direction change of the electronic device, may control the call to be made automatically through the receiver disposed on the second surface. As such, an embodiment may use the direction change of the electronic device as a trigger to accept the call.

The processor according to an embodiment may control a call-making procedure in operation1107. For example, the processor may turn off the second display if the second display approaches the user's face.

The processor according to an embodiment may confirm whether the call is over in operation1109. If it is confirmed in operation1109that the call is not over (“No” in operation1109), the processor may return to operation1107. If it is confirmed (“Yes”) in operation1109that the call is over, the processor may confirm the state of the electronic device in operation1111. For example, the processor may confirm which of the first display and the second display is facing upward using at least one of various sensors (for example, first luminance sensor, second luminance sensor, acceleration sensor, six-axis sensor, and the like).

The processor according to an embodiment may resume the moving image playback through the first display or the second display based on the state of the electronic device in operation1113. For example, the processor may resume the moving image playback through the second display if the second display faces upward after the call is over. In some embodiments, the processor may output a popup window on the second display so as to ask whether or not to resume the moving image playback, and may determine whether or not to resume the moving image playback through the second display according to the user's selection.

FIG.12is a flowchart illustrating an example method for operating a subscriber identification module of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.12, the processor (for example, processor120or processor910) of the electronic device according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101, electronic devices201,202, and203, or electronic devices901,902, and903) may receive a request for configuring a subscriber identification module in operation1201.

The processor according to an embodiment may interlink the first display (for example, first display261, first display361, or first display961) disposed on the first surface with the first subscriber identification module (for example, first subscriber identification module996a) in operation1203. For example, the processor may display information regarding multiple subscriber identification modules mounted on the electronic device, and may interlink the first subscriber identification module selected by the user with the first display.

The processor according to an embodiment may interlink the second display (for example, second displays262a,262b, and262c, second display362, or second display962) disposed on the second surface with the second subscriber identification module (for example, second subscriber identification module996b) in operation1205. For example, the processor may display information regarding multiple subscriber identification modules mounted on the electronic device, and may interlink the second subscriber identification module selected by the user with the second display.

The processor according to an embodiment may confirm whether or not there is a call request on the first display in operation1207. If it is confirmed (“Yes”) in operation1207that there is a request for a call (for example, outgoing call) on the first display, the processor may request a call using the first subscriber identification module in operation1209. If it is confirmed in operation1207that there is no request for a call on the first display (there is a call request on the second display), the processor may request a call using the second subscriber identification module in operation1211.

FIG.13is a flowchart illustrating an example method for controlling the use of a display through authentication by an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.13, the processor (for example, processor120or processor910) of the electronic device according to an embodiment (for example, electronic device101, electronic devices201,202, and203, or electronic devices901,902, and903) may receive a request for unlocking the electronic device in operation1301.

The processor according to an embodiment may output an authentication screen in operation1303. For example, the processor may output an authentication screen on the first display (for example, first display261, first display361, or first display961) or on the second display (for example, second displays262a,262b, and262c, second display362, or second display962).

The processor according to an embodiment may confirm whether or not authentication is successful in operation1305. For example, the processor may confirm whether or not authentication is successful using biometric information (for example, fingerprint, iris, face, or the like).

If it is confirmed in operation1305that authentication is successful, the processor may allow use of the first display and the second display in operation1307. If it is confirmed in operation1305that authentication is not successful, the processor may partially limit use of the first display and/or the second display in operation1309. For example, the processor may allow use of the first display or the second display alone, or may limit/prevent and/or reduce display of personal information.

According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101,201,202,203,901,902.903) may comprise: a housing (e.g., the housing210,310) comprising a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction; a first display (e.g., the first display261,361,961) viewable through the first surface; a battery (e.g., the battery189,389,989) disposed between the first display and the second surface; a second display (e.g., the second display262a,262b,262c,362,962) having a size smaller than a size of the first display and viewable through a partial area of the second surface; a short-distance wireless communication antenna (e.g., the antenna module197, the short-distance wireless communication antenna397, the antenna995) disposed at a lower end of the second display and configured to transmit/receive a short-distance wireless communication signal through the partial area of the second surface and the second display; and a shield (e.g., the shielding sheet37a, the shielding material37b) disposed at a lower end of the short-distance wireless communication antenna and configured to substantially block transmission/reception of the short-distance wireless communication signal through the first surface.

According to various example embodiments, the second display may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise a support (e.g., the support33) disposed between the battery and the shield to support the second display.

According to various example embodiments, the shield may comprise a shielding sheet or shielding paint.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise a bracket (e.g., the bracket32) supporting the first display.

According to various example embodiments, the housing may include at least one of: at least one first protrusion portion (e.g., the first protrusion portion311) protruding from the first surface to be higher than a surface of the first display; and/or at least one second protrusion portion (e.g., the second protrusion portion312) protruding from the second surface to be higher than a surface of the second display.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise: at least one electronic component comprising circuitry (e.g., the receiver255, the camera module280, the flash281, the fingerprint sensor276) exposed through a different area of the second surface; a first luminance sensor (e.g., the first luminance sensor211) disposed at the first surface; and a second luminance sensor (e.g., the second luminance sensor212) disposed at the second surface.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise: at least one processor (e.g., the processor12,910) operatively connected to the first display, the second display, the at least one electronic component, the first luminance sensor, and the second luminance sensor; and a memory (e.g., the memory130,930) operatively connected to the processor, wherein the memory is configured to store instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to control the electronic device to: measure external luminance using at least one of the first luminance sensor and the second luminance sensor; and control brightness of at least one of the first display and the second display, based on the measured external luminance.

According to various example embodiments, the instructions may, when executed, cause the at least one processor to determine a representative display to display information, based on at least one of luminance values measured through the first luminance sensor and the second luminance sensor, in response to occurrence of an event for information display.

According to various example embodiments, the instructions may, when executed, cause the at least one processor to: confirm, based on the luminance values measured through the first luminance sensor and the second luminance sensor being different, whether an object is within a specified proximity of the display disposed on the surface having the lower luminance value; and determine, based on the object being within the specified proximity of the display disposed on the surface having the lower luminance value, another display as the representative display.

According to various example embodiments, the instructions may, when executed, cause the at least one processor to control the electronic device to: notify that a direction change of the electronic device is necessary to cause the second display to be used in response to an incoming or outgoing call on the first display, lock the first display in response to sensing the direction change, and make a call automatically through a receiver disposed on the second surface, or lock the first display in response to sensing the direction change, display a user interface (UI) on the second display configured to ask whether to accept the call, and make the call based on an input sensed through the UI.

According to various example embodiments, the instructions may, when executed, cause the at least one processor to: confirm the direction of the electronic device based on the call being over; and determine a display to display a previous screen, based on the confirmed direction of the electronic device.

According to various example embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise: a first subscriber identification module (e.g., the first subscriber identification module996a) configured to be associated with the first display; and a second subscriber identification module (the second subscriber identification module996b) configured to be associated with the second display, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the at least one processor to control the electronic device to: provide a screen related to the first subscriber identification module on the first display; and provide a screen related to the second subscriber identification module on the second display.

According to various example embodiments, the instructions may, when executed, cause the at least one processor to control the electronic device to request a call using the first subscriber identification module based on a call request being sensed on the first display.

According to various example embodiments, the instructions may, when executed, cause the at least one processor to control the electronic device to: request a call using the second subscriber identification module based on a call request being sensed on the second display.

According to various example embodiments, the instructions may, when executed, cause the at least one processor to control the electronic device to: request authentication based on the electronic device being unlocked; and limit use regarding at least one of the first display and the second display, based on whether authentication is successful.

According to various example embodiments, the at least one processor may comprise: an application processor (e.g., the processor910); a first graphic processor (e.g., the first graphic processor915) configured to control the first display; and a second graphic processor (e.g., the second graphic processor916) configured to control the second display.

According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101,201,202,203,901,902.903) may comprise: a housing (e.g., the housing210,310) comprising a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction; a first display (e.g., the first display261,361,961) viewable through the first surface; a bracket (e.g., the bracket32) supporting the first display; a short-distance wireless communication antenna (e.g., the short-distance wireless communication antenna397ofFIG.3H) disposed between the first display and the bracket and configured to transmit/receive a short-distance wireless communication signal through a partial area of the first surface and the first display; a shield disposed between the short-distance wireless communication antenna and the bracket and configured to block transmission/reception of the short-distance wireless communication signal through the second surface; and a second display (e.g., the second display262a,262b,262c,362,962) having a size smaller than a size of the first display and viewable through a partial area of the second surface.

According to various example embodiments, the first display may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101,201,202,203,901,902.903) may comprise: a housing (e.g., the housing210,310) comprising a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction; a first display (e.g., the first display261,361,961) viewable through the first surface; a bracket (e.g., the bracket32) supporting the first display; a second display (e.g., the second display262a,262b,262c,362,962) having a size smaller than a size of the first display and viewable through a partial area of the second surface; and a short-distance wireless communication antenna (e.g., the short-distance wireless communication antenna397ofFIG.3G) disposed in a bezel area of the second display and surrounding the second display.

According to various example embodiments, elements conventionally disposed on the first surface (front surface) of the electronic device may be disposed on the second surface (rear surface) such that the entire first surface can be used as a display area. In addition, the electronic device according to various embodiments may have an additional display on the second surface and may appropriately control the display on the first surface and the display on the second surface, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, various embodiments may provide various structures for disposing a short-distance wireless communication antenna in connection with an electronic device including displays on the first and second surfaces, respectively. In addition, various embodiments may provide various services using the displays disposed on the first and second surfaces.

The electronic device according to various example embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, a home appliance, or the like. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. 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), the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used herein, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, or any combination thereof, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program140) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory136or external memory138, the memory930) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device101, the electronic device201,202,203, the electronic device901,902,903). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor120, the processor910) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device101, the electronic device201,202,203, the electronic device901,902,903) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The one or more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or a code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein, the “non-transitory” storage medium is a tangible device, and may not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

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

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

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims.