Patent ID: 12234173

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.1, a network environment includes an electronic device101that may communicate with an external electronic device102via a first network198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an external 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 module150, a sound output module155, a display module160, an audio module170, a sensor module176, an interface177, a connection terminal178, 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 of the components (e.g., the connection terminal178) 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 (e.g., the sensor module176, the camera module180, or the antenna module197) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module160).

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 one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may store 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)), or an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), 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. For example, when the electronic device101includes the main processor121and the auxiliary processor123, 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, for example, at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module160, 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 (e.g., executing an application) state. 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. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor123(e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic device101where the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server108). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

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 module150may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The input module150may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The sound output module155may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device101. The sound output module155may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

The display module160may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device101. The display module160may 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 module160may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or 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 module150, or output the sound via the sound output module155or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102(e.g., a speaker or a headphone)) directly 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 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 connection 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 connection terminal178may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an 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 one 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 device104via 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 legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication 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 or 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 module (SIM)196.

The wireless communication module192may support a 5G network, after a 4G network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module192may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module192may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module192may support various requirements specified in the electronic device101, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device104), or a network system (e.g., the second network199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module192may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing 1eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) for implementing URLLC.

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., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module197may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array 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 module190from 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.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module197may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

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 external electronic devices102or104may 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, or server108. 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, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device101may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device104may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server108may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device104or the server108may be included in the second network199. The electronic device101may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

FIG.2is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.FIG.3is a rear perspective view of the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, an electronic device101according to an embodiment may include a housing310including a front surface310A, a back surface310B, and a side surface310C surrounding a space between the front surface310A and the back surface310B. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the housing310may refer to a structure that defines a part of the front surface310A and the side surface310C inFIG.2, and the back surface310B inFIG.3. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the front surface310A may be provided by a substantially transparent front surface plate302(e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers). The back surface310B may be defined by the back surface plate311. The back surface plate311may be formed of, for example, glass, ceramic, a polymer, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of two or more of these materials. The side surface310C may be defined by a side bezel structure (or a “side member”)318coupled to the front surface plate302and the back surface plate311, and including a metal and/or a polymer. In some embodiments, the back surface plate311and the side bezel structure318may be integrally configured with each other, and may include the same material (e.g., glass, a metal material such as aluminum, or ceramic).

In the illustrated embodiment, the front surface plate302may include, at the opposite ends of long edges thereof, two first edge areas310D, which are bent from the front surface310A toward the back surface plate311and extend seamlessly. In the illustrated embodiment (seeFIG.3), the back surface plate311may include, at the opposite ends of long edges thereof, two second edge areas310E, which are bent from the back surface310B toward the front surface plate302and extend seamlessly. In some embodiments, the front surface plate302(or the back surface plate311) may include only one of the first edge areas310D (FIG.2) (or the second edge areas310E (FIG.3)). In another embodiment, some of the first edge areas310D or the second edge areas310E may not be included. In the embodiments described above, when viewed from a side of the electronic device101, the side bezel structure318may have a first thickness (or width) on the side surface portions that do not include the first edge areas310D or the second edge areas310E described above, and may have a second thickness, which is smaller than the first thickness, on the side surface portions that include the first edge areas310D or the second edge areas310E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include at least one of a display device301, an audio module303,307, or314(e.g., the audio module170inFIG.1), a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module176inFIG.1), a camera module305or312(e.g., the camera module180inFIG.1), a key input device317(e.g., the input module150inFIG.1), and a first connector hole308and/or a second connector hole309(e.g., the connection terminal178inFIG.1). In some embodiments, in the electronic device101, at least one of the components (e.g., the second connector hole309) may be omitted, or other components may be additionally included.

According to one embodiment, the display device301may be visually exposed through, for example, a substantial portion of the front surface plate302. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the display device301may be exposed through the front surface plate302defining the front surface310A and the first edge areas310D. In some embodiments, the edges of the display device301may be configured to be substantially the same as the shape of the periphery of the front surface plate302adjacent thereto. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the distance between the periphery of the display device301and the periphery of the front surface plate302may be substantially constant in order to enlarge the exposed area of the display device301.

According to an embodiment, the surface (or the front surface plate302) of the housing310may include a screen display area provided since the display device301is visually exposed. For example, the screen display area may include the front surface310A and the first edge areas310D.

In another embodiment (not illustrated), a portion of the screen display area (e.g., the front surface310A and the first edge areas310D) of the display device301may be provided with a recess or an opening and may include at least one of an audio module314, a sensor module (not illustrated), a light-emitting element (not illustrated), and a camera module305, which are aligned with the recess or the opening. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the back surface of the screen display area of the display device301may include at least one of an audio module314, a sensor module (not illustrated), a camera module305, a fingerprint sensor (not illustrated), and a light-emitting element (not illustrated). In another embodiment (not illustrated), the display device301may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch-sensitive circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring a touch intensity (pressure), and/or a digitizer configured to detect a magnetic field-type stylus pen. In some embodiments, at least some of the key input devices317may be disposed in the first edge areas310D and/or the second edge areas310E.

According to various embodiments, the first camera module305of the camera modules305and312and/or the sensor module may be arranged in the internal space of the electronic device to be in contact with the external environment through the transparent area of the display device301. According to an embodiment, the area of the display device301that faces the first camera module305may be configured as a transmission area having a predetermined transmittance as a portion of a content display area. According to an embodiment, the transmission area may have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. The transmission area may include an area overlapping the effective area (e.g., the view angle area) of the first camera module305through which light imaged by an image sensor to generate an image passes. For example, the transmission region of the display device301may include an area having a lower pixel density and/or a lower wiring density than the surrounding region. For example, the transmission area may replace a recess or opening.

According to an embodiment, the audio module303,307, or314may include a microphone hole303and a speaker hole307or314. The microphone hole303may include a microphone disposed therein to acquire external sound, and in some embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be disposed therein to be able to detect the direction of sound. The speaker hole307or314may include an external speaker hole307and a call receiver hole314. In some embodiments, the speaker hole307or314and the microphone hole303may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included without the speaker hole307or314(e.g., a piezo speaker). The audio module303,307, or314is not limited to the above-described structure, and may be variously changed in design depending on the structure of the electronic device101, for example, by mounting only some audio modules or by adding new audio modules.

According to an embodiment, sensor modules (not illustrated) may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to, for example, an internal operating state of the electronic device101or an external environmental state. The sensor modules (not illustrated) may include, for example, a first sensor module (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the front surface310A of the housing310, and/or a third sensor module (e.g., an HRM sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the back surface310B of the housing310. In some embodiments (not illustrated), the fingerprint sensor may be disposed not only on the front surface310A (e.g., the display device301) of the housing310, but also on the back surface310B. The electronic device101may further include at least one of a sensor module (not illustrated), such as a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric 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 sensor modules are not limited to the above-described structure, and may be variously changed in design depending on the structure of the electronic device101, for example, by mounting only some of the sensor modules or by adding new sensor modules.

According to an embodiment, the camera modules305and312may include, for example, a first camera module305disposed on the front surface310A of the electronic device101, a second camera module312disposed on the back surface310B, and/or a flash (not illustrated). The camera modules305and312may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash (not illustrated) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (e.g., an infrared camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens), and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device101. The camera modules305and312are not limited to the above-described structure, and may be variously changed in design depending on the structure of the electronic device101, for example, by mounting only some of the camera modules or by adding new camera modules.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a plurality of camera modules (e.g., a dual camera or a triple camera) having different properties (e.g., angles of view) or functions, respectively. For example, a plurality of camera modules305and312including lenses having different angles of view may be configured, and the electronic device101may control the change of the angles of view of the camera modules305and312executed therein based on a user's selection. For example, at least one of the camera modules305and312may be a wide-angle camera, and at least one of other camera modules may be a telephoto camera. Similarly, at least one of the camera modules305and312may be a front camera, and at least one of other camera modules may be a rear camera. In addition, the camera modules305and312may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, or an infrared (IR) camera (e.g., a time-of-flight (TOF) camera, or a structured light camera). According to an embodiment, the IR camera may be operated as at least a part of a sensor module. For example, the TOF camera may be operated as at least a part of a sensor module (not illustrated) for detecting a distance to a subject.

According to an embodiment, the key input devices317may be disposed on the side surface310C of the housing310. In another embodiment, the electronic device101may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices317, and a key input device317, which is not included in the above-mentioned key input devices, may be implemented in another type, such as a soft key, on the display device301.

According to an embodiment, the light-emitting element (not illustrated) may be disposed on, for example, the front surface310A of the housing310. The light-emitting element (not illustrated) may provide, for example, information about the state of the electronic device101in an optical form. In another embodiment, the light-emitting element (not illustrated) may provide a light source that is interlocked with, for example, the operation of the first camera module305. The light-emitting element (not illustrated) may include, for example, an LED, an IR LED, and/or a xenon lamp.

According to an embodiment, the connector holes308and309may include, for example, a first connector hole308capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting/receiving power and/or data to/from an external electronic device and/or a second connector hole309capable of accommodating a connector (e.g., an earphone jack) for transmitting/receiving an audio signal to/from an external electronic device.

According to an embodiment, a first camera module305of the camera modules305and312and/or some (not illustrated) of the sensor modules may be disposed to be exposed to the outside through at least a portion of the display device301. For example, the camera modules305may include a punch hole camera disposed inside a hole or recess provided in the back surface of the display device301. According to an embodiment, the second camera modules312may be disposed inside the housing310such that the lens is exposed to the back surface310B of the electronic device101. For example, the second camera modules312may be disposed on a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board340inFIG.4).

According to an embodiment, the first camera modules305and/or the sensor modules may be disposed from the internal space of the electronic device101to the front surface plate302of the display device301to come into contact with the external environment through a transparent area. In addition, some sensor modules304may be disposed in the internal space in the electronic device so as to implement the functions thereof without being visually exposed through the front surface plate302.

FIG.4is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.4, the electronic device101(e.g., the electronic device101inFIGS.1to3) according to various embodiments may include a support bracket370, a front surface plate320(e.g., the front surface plate302inFIG.2), a display330(e.g., the display device301inFIG.2), a printed circuit board340(e.g., a PCB, flexible PCB (FPCB), or a rigid flexible PCB (RFPCB)), a battery350(e.g., the battery189inFIG.1), a second support member360(e.g., the rear case), an antenna390(e.g., the antenna module197inFIG.1), and a back surface plate380(e.g., the back surface plate311inFIG.3). The support bracket370of the electronic device101according to an embodiment may include a side bezel structure371(e.g., the side bezel structure318inFIG.2) and a first support member372.

In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the first support member372or the second support member360) may be omitted from the electronic device101, or other components may be additionally included in the electronic device101. At least one of the components of the electronic device101may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device101inFIG.2orFIG.3, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

According to various embodiments, the first support member372may be disposed inside the electronic device101, and the first support member372may be connected to the side bezel structure371, or may be integrated with the side bezel structure371. The first support member372may be made of, for example, a metal material and/or a non-metal material (e.g., a polymer). The display330may be coupled to one surface of the first support member372, and the printed circuit board340may be coupled to the other surface of the first support member372.

According to various embodiments, on the printed circuit board340, a processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted. The processor may include one or more of, for example, a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processor, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. According to various embodiments, the printed circuit board340may include a flexible printed circuit board type radio frequency cable (FRC). For example, the printed circuit board340may be disposed on at least a portion of the first support member372, and may be electrically connected to an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module197inFIG.1) and a communication module (e.g., the communication module190inFIG.1).

According to an embodiment, the memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory.

According to an embodiment, the interface may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect, for example, the electronic device101to an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/an MMC connector, or an audio connector.

According to various embodiments, the battery350is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device101and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery350may be disposed on substantially the same plane as, for example, the printed circuit board340. The battery350may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device101, or may be detachably disposed on the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the second support member360(e.g., the rear case) may be disposed between the printed circuit board340and the antenna390. For example, the second support member360may include one surface to which at least one of the printed circuit board340and the battery350is coupled, and the other surface to which the antenna390is coupled.

According to various embodiments, the antenna390may be disposed between the back surface plate380and the battery350. The antenna390may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna390may perform short-range communication with, for example, an external electronic device, or may transmit/receive power required for charging to/from the external device in a wireless manner. In another embodiment, an antenna structure may be implemented by a part of the side bezel structure371, a part of the first support member372, or a combination thereof.

According to various embodiments, the back surface plate380may define at least a portion of the back surface (e.g., the back surface310B inFIG.3) of the electronic device101.

FIG.5is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure taken along line A-A′ inFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.5, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIGS.1to4) may include a housing310configured to mount therein electronic components, and the housing310may include a front surface plate320(e.g., the front surface plate302inFIG.2), a back surface plate380(e.g., the back surface plate311inFIG.3), a side bezel structure371(e.g., the side bezel structure318inFIG.2), and a first support member372. The side bezel structure371and the first support member372may be integrated with each other. Some or all of the front surface plate320, the back surface plate380, the side bezel structure371, and the first support member372ofFIG.5may be the same as the front surface plate320, the back surface plate380, and the side bezel structure371, and the first support member372ofFIG.4.

According to various embodiments, the first support member372may provide a space for accommodating a plurality of electronic components, and the side bezel structure371may surround at least a portion of the first support member372to cover the side surface of the electronic device101. The first support member372and the side bezel structure371may be connected, on the front surfaces thereof, to the display (e.g., the display330inFIG.4) to the front surface plate320so as to cover the internal space in which the plurality of electronic components are accommodated, and may be connected, on the back surfaces thereof, to the back surface plate380.

According to various embodiments, the front surface plate320and/or the back surface plate380may include flat portions and curved portions. For example, the front surface plate320may include a (1-1)thcurved portion320band a (1-2)thcurved portion320cextending from opposite ends of a first flat portion320adisposed in the center thereof. The (1-1)thcurved portion320band the (1-2)thcurved portion320cmay be implemented in shapes corresponding to each other, and may extend seamlessly toward the back surface plate380. As another example, the back surface plate380may include a (2-1)thcurved portion380band a (2-2)thcurved portion380cextending from opposite ends of a second flat portion380adisposed in the center thereof. The (2-1)thcurved portion380band the (2-2)thcurved portion380cmay be implemented in shapes corresponding to each other, and may extend seamlessly toward the front surface plate320.

FIGS.6A and6Bare enlarged cross-sectional views of the area S ofFIG.5, according to various embodiments.

FIGS.6A and6Bare views for describing the back surface plate380of the electronic device101according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, a plurality of layers may be disposed in the back surface plate380by being stacked.FIGS.6A and6Bare views for describing a first glass plate610and a second glass part620or630among the plurality of layers of the back surface plate380. The back surface plate380may include remaining layers other than the first glass plate610and the second glass part620or630, andFIGS.6A and6Bdo not illustrate the remaining layers, but only illustrate the first glass plate610and the second glass part620or630, which will be described below.FIGS.6A and6Bare views for describing various embodiments of the second glass part620or630. The description made with respect toFIG.6Amay be applicable to the description made with reference toFIG.6B. In the description made with reference toFIG.6B, a description overlapping with the description made with reference toFIG.6Awill be omitted. The description made with reference toFIGS.6A and6Bmay be applicable to the description made with reference to the drawings to be described later. In the description made with reference to the drawings to be described later, a description overlapping the description made with reference toFIGS.6A and6Bwill be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.6A and6B, according to various embodiments, the back surface plate380of the electronic device101may include a first glass plate610and a second glass part620or630. The first glass plate610may include a first surface611and a second surface612. For example, the first surface611of the first glass plate610may mean a surface facing a first direction, and the second surface612of the first glass plate610may mean a surface facing a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction. According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.6AandFIG.6B, the second glass part620or630may be disposed on the first surface611of the first glass plate610. According to another embodiment, although not illustrated, the second glass part620or630may be disposed on the second surface612of the first glass plate610.

Referring toFIG.6, according to various embodiments, the color of the first glass plate610and the color of the second glass part620or630may be different from each other, and the colors will be described later.

Referring toFIG.6A, according to various embodiments, the first glass plate610may include, on the first surface611, a pattern area613including a pattern having a predetermined shape. According to an embodiment, the pattern area613of the first glass plate610may include a plurality of areas spaced apart from each other on the first surface611. For example, inFIG.6A, the first glass plate610may include a pattern area613including a plurality of areas having an inverted triangular shape in cross section and spaced apart from each other. According to another embodiment, although not illustrated, the pattern area613of the first glass plate610may include a single area disposed on the first surface611. The pattern area613ofFIG.6Ais exemplary, and the shape of the pattern included in the pattern area613is not limited.

Referring toFIG.6A, according to various embodiments, the second glass part620may include a shape621corresponding to the pattern area613of the first glass plate610. For example, inFIG.6A, the second glass part620may include a plurality of shapes621disposed to be spaced apart from each other to correspond to the pattern area613including a plurality of areas having an inverted triangular shape in cross section and spaced apart from each other in the first glass plate610. As another example, although not illustrated, when the first glass plate610includes a pattern area including a single area, the second glass part620may include one shape corresponding to the pattern area.

Referring toFIG.6A, according to various embodiments, the second glass part620may be disposed in an area corresponding to the pattern area613on the first surface611of the first glass plate610, and may not be disposed in a base area614other than the pattern area613on the first surface611. The base area614may mean a flat area on the first surface611. According to an embodiment, by being disposed in an area corresponding to the pattern area613of the first glass plate610, the second glass part620may form one flat surface with the base area614other than the pattern area613on the first surface611of the first glass plate610. For example, referring toFIG.6A, the base area614and the second glass part620of the first glass plate610may be exposed to the outside while forming the same plane. For example, when the back surface plate380illustrated inFIG.6Ais viewed from above of the first surface611, at least a portion of the second glass part620may be disposed between a plurality of base areas614of the first glass plate610.

Referring toFIG.6B, according to various embodiments, the second glass part630may include a first area631corresponding to the pattern area613of the first glass plate610, and a second area632corresponding to the base area614other than the pattern area613of the first glass plate610. The first area631of the second glass part630may include a shape corresponding to the pattern area613of the first glass plate610(e.g., the shape621inFIG.6A). The second area632of the second glass part630may form a flat portion substantially parallel to the first surface611of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, the top surface of the first area631and the top surface of the second area632of the second glass part630may form a single plane. According to an embodiment, the thickness of the first area631and the thickness of the second area632of the second glass part630may be different from each other. For example, the thickness of the first area631of the second glass part630may be greater than the thickness of the second area632.

The second glass part620ofFIG.6Amay be referred to as a first-type second glass part620. For example, as described above, the first-type second glass part620may be disposed only in the area corresponding to the pattern area613of the first glass plate610.

The second glass part630ofFIG.6Bmay be referred to as a second-type second glass part630. For example, as described above, the second-type second glass part630may be disposed in an area corresponding to the pattern area613of the first glass plate610and an area corresponding to the base area614of the first glass plate610.

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating processes of manufacturing a back surface plate of an electronic device according to an embodiment.FIG.7will be described with reference toFIG.6.

According to various embodiments, the processes of manufacturing the back surface plate380may include a process of shaping a pattern on the first glass plate610, and a process of disposing the second glass part620or630on the first glass plate610having the pattern shaped thereon.

According to process11, according to various embodiments, the first glass plate610configured as a generally flat plate may be provided.

According to process12, according to various embodiments, a pattern having a predetermined shape may be shaped on the first surface611of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, through the thermal shaping process, the first glass plate610configured as a generally flat plate may be inserted into a mold structure to be shaped as a plate including a predetermined pattern (e.g., the pattern area613). According to an embodiment, the entire shape of the first glass plate610of the back surface plate380may be shaped through the thermal shaping process, and a pattern may be simultaneously shaped on a portion of the back surface plate380. Accordingly, an additional printed film lamination process is excluded, so that it is possible to save time and processing costs, and to provide a sense of beauty in design according to the thermally shaped pattern. According to another embodiment, the process of shaping the pattern on the first glass plate610may be a computer numerical control (CNC) (cutting and processing) process, but the pattern shaping process is not limited.

According to process13, according to various embodiments, a second glass plate740configured as a generally flat plate may be seated on the first surface611of the first glass plate610including the pattern area613.

According to an embodiment, in process13, among a plurality of surfaces of the second glass plate740, the surfaces to be in contact with the first surface611of the first glass plate610may be substantially flat.

According to an embodiment, the color of the second glass plate740may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. For example, the second glass plate740may have the same raw material as the first glass plate610, but may have a color different from that of the first glass plate610by including a separate additive. The additive may include cobalt, nickel and/or chromium, and the type of additive is not limited.

According to process14, according to an embodiment, the first glass plate610on which the second glass plate740is seated may be put into the first mold structure700. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, before the process13, the first glass plate610may be put into the first mold structure700, and thereafter, on the first surface611of the first glass plate610, the second glass plate740may be seated. According to an embodiment, the first mold structure700may include a first upper core structure710and a first lower core structure720. For example, putting the first glass plate610into the first mold structure700may means putting the first glass plate610into the inside of the first lower core structure720. Thereafter, according to various embodiments, while the first mold structure700is being heated, the first upper core structure710of the first mold structure700may be lowered to be coupled with the first lower core structure720. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, after the first mold structure700is heated, the first upper core structure710of the first mold structure700may be lowered to be coupled with the first lower core structure720. There is no limitation in the order of heating and coupling (or compressing), and heating and coupling (or compressing) may be performed simultaneously or sequentially. For example, the first upper core structure710may be lowered and may heat the second glass plate740to a softening point of the second glass plate740or higher while compressing the second glass plate740. For example, the first upper core structure710may be lowered to heat the second glass plate740to a melting point of the second glass plate740or higher while compressing the second glass plate740. Accordingly, the second glass plate740disposed between the first glass plate610on the second lower core structure720and the first upper core structure710may be subjected to a state change according to the internal high-temperature preheating process. For example, the state of the second glass plate740may be changed from a fixed shape to a variable shape according to the high-temperature preheating process. For example, the second glass plate740may be softened. Alternatively, for example, the state of the second glass plate740may be changed from a solid state to a liquid state according to the high-temperature preheating process. According to various embodiments, the second glass plate740changed to a state having fluidity may penetrate the pattern area613of the first glass plate610. In this case, the softening point of the first glass plate610may be higher than the softening point of the second glass plate740. For example, in the high-temperature preheating process of process14, the internal temperature of the first mold structure700may be higher than the softening point of the second glass plate740and lower than the softening point of the first glass plate610. As a result, the first glass plate610may maintain a shape-fixed state (e.g., a solid state).

Thereafter, according to various embodiments, according to process15, through a cooling process, the state of the second glass plate740, which has penetrated into the pattern area613of the first glass plate610, may be changed from a shape-variable state (e.g., a liquid state) to a shape-fixed state (e.g., a solid state). As a result, the second glass part620or630may be formed on the first glass plate610.

According to an embodiment, in process13, the volume of the second glass plate740seated on the first glass plate610may be determined based on the volume of the pattern area613of the first glass plate610. As a result, the second glass plate740may be deformed into the first-type second glass part620or the second-type second glass part630illustrated inFIGS.6A and6Bthrough processes14and15. For example, in process13, when the volume of the second glass plate740seated on the first glass plate610is a first volume, through processes14and15, the second glass part620may be formed only in an area corresponding to the pattern area613of the first glass plate610, whereby the first-type second glass part620may be formed. As another example, in process13, when the volume of the second glass plate740seated on the first glass plate610is a second volume larger than the first volume, through processes14and15, the second glass part630may also be formed in the area corresponding to the pattern area613of the first glass plate610and the area corresponding to the base area614of the first glass plate610, whereby the second-type second glass part630may be formed. As still another example, in process13, when the volume of the second glass plate740seated on the first glass plate610is a third volume larger than the second volume, through processes14and15to be described later, the second glass part630may be formed in the area corresponding to the pattern area613of the first glass plate610and the area corresponding to the base area614of the first glass plate610, whereby the second-type second glass part630, which is thicker than that in the case in which the volume of the second glass plate740is the second volume, may be formed.

FIGS.8A and8Bare views for describing a back surface plate of an electronic device according to various embodiments.FIGS.8A and8Bwill be described with reference toFIGS.6A and6B.

FIGS.8A and8Bare views showing various shapes and colors of the back surface plate380including the first glass plate610and the second glass part620or630illustrated inFIGS.6A and6B. Although the first-type second glass part620is illustrated inFIGS.8A and8B, the description made with reference toFIGS.8A and8Bmay also be applicable to the second-type second glass part630.

Referring toFIG.8A, the shape of the pattern area613of the first glass plate610is not limited. For example, the pattern area613may include a pattern having an inverted triangle, a rounded quadrangle, a quadrangle, or a semicircle in cross section. Accordingly, the second glass part620or630may include a shape621corresponding to the pattern area613.

According to various embodiments, the color of the second glass part620or630may be different from that of the first glass plate610. For example, inFIG.8A, the first glass plate610may be made of a transparent material.

Referring toFIG.8B, as inFIG.8A, the shape of the pattern area613is not limited. InFIG.8B, the first glass plate610may also have a color, and the color of the first glass plate610is not limited. Even in this case, the color of the second glass part620or630may be different from that of the first glass plate610.

FIGS.9A and9Bare enlarged cross-sectional views of the area S ofFIG.5, according to various embodiments.FIGS.10A and10Bare enlarged cross-sectional views of the area S ofFIG.5, according to various embodiments.FIGS.9A and9BandFIGS.10A and10Bwill be described with reference toFIGS.6A and6B.

The description of the first-type second glass part620and/or the second-type second glass part630illustrated inFIGS.6A and6Bmay be applicable to the description made with reference toFIGS.9A and9BandFIGS.10A and10B.FIGS.9A and9Bare views for describing an embodiment in which glass parts of the same type are disposed on respective surfaces.FIGS.10A and10Bare views for describing an embodiment in which glass parts of different types are disposed on respective surfaces.

Referring toFIG.9A, according to various embodiments, a back surface plate380may include a first glass plate610, a first-type second glass part913, and a first-type third glass part923. For example, the first-type second glass part913may be disposed on the first surface611of the first glass plate610including the first pattern area911, and the first-type third glass part923may be disposed on the second surface612of the first glass plate610including the second pattern area921. The first-type second glass part913may be disposed in an area corresponding to the first pattern area911of the first glass plate610, and the first-type third glass part923may be disposed in an area corresponding to the second pattern area921of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, inFIG.9A, the first glass plate610may be made of a transparent material or a material having a color. According to an embodiment, inFIG.9A, the color of the second glass part913may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, inFIG.9A, the color of the third glass part923may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, inFIG.9A, the color of the third glass part923may be different from or the same as the color of the second glass part913.

Referring toFIG.9B, according to various embodiments, a back surface plate380may include a first glass plate610, a second-type second glass part916, and a second-type third glass part926. For example, the second-type second glass part916may be disposed on the first surface611of the first glass plate610including the first pattern area911, and the second-type third glass part926may be disposed on the second surface612of the first glass plate610including the second pattern area921. The second-type second glass part916may include a first area914corresponding to the first pattern area911of the first glass plate610, and a second area915corresponding to the base area912other than the first pattern area911of the first glass plate610. The second-type third glass part926may include a third area924corresponding to the second pattern area921of the first glass plate610, and a fourth area925corresponding to the base area922other than the second pattern area921of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, inFIG.9B, the first glass plate610may be made of a transparent material or a material having a color. According to an embodiment, inFIG.9B, the color of the second glass part916may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, inFIG.9B, the color of the third glass part926may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, inFIG.9B, the color of the third glass part926may be different from or the same as the color of the second glass part916.

Referring toFIG.10A, according to various embodiments, a back surface plate380may include a first glass plate610, a first-type second glass part1013, and a second-type third glass part1025. For example, the first-type second glass part1013may be disposed on the first surface611of the first glass plate610including the first pattern area1011, and the second-type third glass part1025may be disposed on the second surface612of the first glass plate610including the second pattern area1021. The first-type second glass part1013may be disposed in an area corresponding to the first pattern area1011of the first glass plate610. The second-type third glass part1025may include a first area1023corresponding to the second pattern area1021of the first glass plate610, and a second area1024corresponding to the base area1022other than the second pattern area1021of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, inFIG.10A, the first glass plate610may be made of a transparent material or a material having a color. According to an embodiment, inFIG.10A, the color of the second glass part1013may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, inFIG.10A, the color of the third glass part1025may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, inFIG.10A, the color of the third glass part1025may be different from or the same as the color of the second glass part1013.

Referring toFIG.10B, according to various embodiments, a back surface plate380may include a first glass plate610, a second-type second glass part1035, and a first-type third glass part1043. For example, the second-type second glass part1035may be disposed on the first surface611of the first glass plate610including the first pattern area1011, and the first-type third glass part1043may be disposed on the second surface612of the first glass plate610including the second pattern area1021. The second-type second glass part1035may include a third area1033corresponding to the first pattern area1011of the first glass plate610, and a fourth area1034corresponding to the base area1012other than the first pattern area1011of the first glass plate610. The first-type third glass part1043may be disposed in an area corresponding to the second pattern area1021of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, inFIG.10B, the first glass plate610may be made of a transparent material or a material having a color. According to an embodiment, inFIG.10B, the color of the second glass part1035may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, inFIG.10B, the color of the third glass part1043may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, inFIG.10B, the color of the third glass part1043may be different from or the same as the color of the second glass part1035.

InFIGS.9A and9BandFIGS.10A and10B, the pattern shape of the first pattern area911or1011included in the first surface611of the first glass plate610and the pattern shape of the second pattern area921or1021included in the second surface612of the first glass plate610are illustrated as being the same as (or similar to) each other, it will be understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art that this is for convenience of description. For example, although not illustrated, the pattern shape of the first pattern area911or1011and the pattern shape of the second pattern area921or1021may be different from each other, and the shapes of the patterns are not limited. Alternatively, as another example, although not illustrated, the pattern shape of the first pattern area911or1011and the pattern shape of the second pattern area921or1021may be similar to (or the same as) each other, but the sizes (e.g., the horizontal widths and/or areas) of respective patterns may be different from each other, or intervals between a plurality of patterns may be different from each other. Accordingly, the shapes of the patterns and the intervals between the patterns illustrated inFIGS.9A and9BandFIGS.10A and10Bare exemplary, and there is no limitation thereto.

FIGS.11A and11Bare flowcharts illustrating processes of manufacturing a back surface plate of an electronic device according to an embodiment.FIGS.11A and11Bwill be described with reference toFIGS.9A and9B.

According to various embodiments, processes of manufacturing a back surface plate380may include a process of shaping a pattern on the first glass plate610, a process of disposing a second glass part (e.g.,913inFIG.9A) on a first surface611of the first glass plate610on which the pattern is shaped, and a process of disposing a third glass part (e.g.,923inFIG.9A) on a second surface612of the first glass plate610on which the pattern is shaped.

According to an embodiment, in the processes of manufacturing the back surface plate380, the order of executing the process of disposing the second glass part (e.g.,913inFIG.9A) on the first surface611of the first glass plate610and the process of disposing the third glass part (e.g.,923inFIG.9A) on the second surface612of the first glass plate610may be determined based on relative heights of a second softening point corresponding to the second glass part (e.g.,913inFIG.9A) and a third softening point corresponding to the third glass part (e.g.,923inFIG.9A). For example, a glass part having a high softening point may be disposed first. For example, when the second softening point of the second glass part (e.g.,913inFIG.9A) is higher than the third softening point of the third glass part (e.g.,923inFIG.9A), the process of disposing the second glass part (e.g.,913inFIG.9A) on the first surface611of the first glass plate610may be executed first.

With reference toFIGS.11A and11B, an embodiment in which, based on the fact that the second softening point corresponding to the second glass part (e.g.,913inFIG.9A) is lower than the third softening point corresponding to the third glass part (e.g.,923inFIG.9A), the process of disposing the third glass part (e.g.,923inFIG.9A) on the second surface612of the first glass plate610is executed first will be described.

FIGS.11A and11Bare views for describing the process of forming the shape ofFIG.9Aas an example, but a person ordinarily skilled in the art may understand that the description is applicable to the descriptions made with reference toFIGS.9B,10A, and10B.

According to process21, according to various embodiments, the first glass plate610configured as a generally flat plate may be provided.

According to process22, according to various embodiments, a pattern having a predetermined shape may be shaped on the first surface611and the second surface612of the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, in the thermal shaping process, the first glass plate610configured as a generally flat plate may be inserted into a mold structure to be shaped as a plate including a predetermined pattern, but there is no limitation to the pattern shaping method. There is no limitation in the order of a first process of shaping a first pattern area911including a pattern having a predetermined shape on the first surface611of the first glass plate610and a second process of shaping the second pattern area921including a pattern having a predetermined shape on the second surface612of the first glass plate610, and the first process and the second process may be sequentially performed or may be performed simultaneously. The pattern of the first pattern area911and the pattern of the second pattern area921may be the same (or similar) or different, and there is no limitation in the shapes of the patterns.

According to process23, according to various embodiments, a third glass plate1140configured as a generally flat plate may be seated on the second surface612of the first glass plate610including the second pattern area921.

According to an embodiment, in process23, among a plurality of surfaces of the third glass plate1140, the surfaces to be in contact with the second surface612of the first glass plate610may be substantially flat.

According to an embodiment, the color of the third glass plate1140may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. For example, the third glass plate1140may have the same raw material as the first glass plate610, but may have a color different from that of the first glass plate610by including a separate additive.

According to process24, according to an embodiment, the first glass plate610on which the third glass plate1140is seated may be put into the first mold structure1100(e.g., the first mold structure700inFIG.7). Alternatively, according to another embodiment, before the process23, the first glass plate610may be put into the first mold structure1100, and thereafter, on the second surface612of the first glass plate610, the third glass plate1140may be seated. According to an embodiment, the first mold structure1100may include a first upper core structure1110and a first lower core structure1120. For example, putting the first glass plate610into the first mold structure1100may means putting the first glass plate610into the inside of the first lower core structure1120. Thereafter, according to various embodiments, while the first mold structure1100is being heated, the first upper core structure1110of the first mold structure1100may be lowered to be coupled with the first lower core structure1120. For example, the first upper core structure1110maybe lowered to heat the third glass plate1140to a softening point of the third glass plate1140or higher while compressing the third glass plate1140. Accordingly, the third glass plate1140disposed between the first glass plate610on the second lower core structure1120and the first upper core structure1110may be subjected to a state change according to the internal high-temperature preheating process. For example, the state of the third glass plate1140may be changed from a shape-fixed state (e.g., a solid state) to a shape-variable state (e.g., a liquid state) according to a high-temperature preheating process. For example, the third glass plate1140may be melted. As a result, the third glass plate1140changed to a state having fluidity may penetrate the second pattern area921of the first glass plate610. In this case, the softening point of the first glass plate610may be higher than the softening point of the third glass plate1140. For example, in the high-temperature preheating process of process24, the internal temperature of the first mold structure1100may be higher than the softening point of the third glass plate1140and lower than the softening point of the first glass plate610. As a result, in process24, the first glass plate610may maintain the shape-fixed shape (e.g., a solid state).

Thereafter, according to various embodiments, according to process25, through a cooling process, the state of the third glass plate1140, which has penetrated into the second pattern area921of the first glass plate610, may be changed from a shape-variable state (e.g., a liquid state) to a shape-fixed state (e.g., a solid state). As a result, the third glass part923may be formed on the first glass plate610.

According to an embodiment, in process23, the volume of the third glass plate1140seated on the first glass plate610may be determined based on the volume of the second pattern area921of the first glass plate610, and as a result, the type of the third glass part923may be determined. In process25ofFIG.11A, the first-type third glass part923is illustrated, but as described above, the type of the third glass part923may be determined based on the volume of the third glass plate1140in process23.

Referring toFIG.11B, in process26, the first glass plate610on which the third glass part923is disposed may be turned upside down.

According to process27, according to various embodiments, a second glass plate1150configured as a generally flat plate may be seated on the first surface611of the first glass plate610including the first pattern area911.

According to an embodiment, in process27, among a plurality of surfaces of the second glass plate1150, the surfaces to be in contact with the first surface611of the first glass plate610may be substantially flat.

According to an embodiment, the color of the second glass plate1150may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. For example, the second glass plate1150may have the same raw material as the first glass plate610, but may have a color different from that of the first glass plate610by including a separate additive. According to an embodiment, the color of the second glass plate1150may be different from or equal to the color of the third glass plate1140. For example, when the color of the second glass plate1150is different from that of the third glass plate1140, the second glass plate1150may have the same raw material as the first glass plate610, but may have a color that is different from that of the third glass plate1140by including an additive that is different from that of the third glass plate1140. As another example, when the color of the second glass plate1150is the same as that of the third glass plate1140, the second glass plate1150may have the same raw material as the first glass plate610, but by including an additive that is different from that of the third glass plate1140, the second glass plate1150may have a softening point different from that of the third glass plate1140and a color equal to that of the third glass plate1140.

According to process28, according to an embodiment, the first glass plate610on which the second glass plate1150is seated may be put into the first mold structure1100. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, before the process27, the first glass plate610may be put into the first mold structure1100, and thereafter, on the first surface611of the first glass plate610, the second glass plate1150may be seated. Thereafter, according to various embodiments, while the first mold structure1100is being heated, the first upper core structure1110of the first mold structure1100may be lowered to be coupled with the first lower core structure1120. For example, the first upper core structure1110may be lowered and may heat the second glass plate1150to a softening point of the second glass plate1150or higher while compressing the second glass plate740. Accordingly, the second glass plate1150disposed between the first glass plate610on the second lower core structure1120and the first upper core structure1110may be subjected to a state change according to the internal high-temperature preheating process. For example, the state of the second glass plate1150may be changed from a shape-fixed state (e.g., a solid state) to a shape-variable state (e.g., a liquid state) according to a high-temperature preheating process. For example, the second glass plate1150may be melted. As a result, the second glass plate1150changed to a state having fluidity may penetrate the first pattern area911of the first glass plate610. In this case, the softening point of the second glass plate1150may be lower than the softening point of the first glass plate610and the softening point of the third glass plate1140. For example, in the high-temperature preheating process of process28, the internal temperature of the first mold structure1100may be higher than the softening point of the second glass plate1150, lower than the softening point of the first glass plate610, and lower than the softening point of the third glass plate1140(or the third glass part923). As a result, in process28, the first glass plate610and the third glass part923may maintain the shape-fixed shape (e.g., a solid state).

Thereafter, according to various embodiments, according to process29, through a cooling process, the state of the second glass plate1150, which has penetrated into the first pattern area911of the first glass plate610, may be changed from a shape-variable state (e.g., a liquid state) to a shape-fixed state (e.g., a solid state). As a result, the second glass part913may be formed on the first glass plate610.

According to an embodiment, in process27, the volume of the second glass plate1150seated on the first glass plate610may be determined based on the volume of the first pattern area911of the first glass plate610, and as a result, the type of the second glass part913may be determined. In process29ofFIG.11A, the first-type second glass part913is illustrated, but as described above, the type of the second glass part913may be determined based on the volume of the second glass plate1150in process27.

FIG.12is a flowchart illustrating processes of manufacturing a back surface plate of an electronic device according to an embodiment.FIG.12will be described with reference toFIGS.9A and9B.

According to various embodiments, processes of manufacturing a back surface plate380may include a process of shaping a pattern on the first glass plate610, a process of disposing a second glass part (e.g.,913inFIG.9A) on a first surface611of the first glass plate610on which the pattern is shaped, and a process of disposing a third glass part (e.g.,923inFIG.9A) on a second surface612of the first glass plate610on which the pattern is shaped.

With reference toFIG.12, an embodiment in which the process of disposing the second glass part (e.g.,913inFIG.9A) on the first surface611of the first glass plate610and the process of disposing the third glass part (e.g.,923inFIG.9A) on the second surface612of the first glass plate610are executed simultaneously will be described.

FIG.12is a view for describing the process of forming the shape ofFIG.9Aas an example, but a person ordinarily skilled in the art may understand that the description is applicable to the descriptions made with reference toFIGS.9B,10A, and10B.

According to process31, according to various embodiments, the first glass plate610configured as a generally flat plate may be provided.

According to process32, according to various embodiments, a pattern having a predetermined shape may be shaped on the first surface611and the second surface612of the first glass plate610. Process32may be understood with reference to process22.

According to process33, according to various embodiments, a third glass plate1240configured as a generally flat plate may be seated on the second surface612of the first glass plate610including the second pattern area921, and a second glass plate1250configured as a gradually flat plate may be seated under the first surface611of the first glass plate610including the first pattern area911. InFIG.12, the second surface612on which the third glass plate1240is seated faces upward, and the first surface611on which the second glass plate1250is seated faces downward. However, this is an example, and the upside-down state of the drawing illustrated in process33is also possible.

According to an embodiment, in process33, among the plurality of surfaces of the third glass plate1240, a surface to be in contact with the second surface612of the first glass plate610may be substantially flat, and among the plurality of surfaces of the second glass plate1250, a surface to be in contact with the first surface611of the first glass plate610may be substantially flat.

According to an embodiment, the color of the third glass plate1240may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. For example, the third glass plate1240may have the same raw material as the first glass plate610, but may have a color different from that of the first glass plate610by including a separate additive.

According to an embodiment, the color of the second glass plate1250may be different from the color of the first glass plate610. For example, the second glass plate1250may have the same raw material as the first glass plate610, but may have a color different from that of the first glass plate610by including a separate additive.

According to an embodiment, the color of the third glass plate1240and the color of the second glass plate1250may be different or may be the same based on the types of additives included in the third glass plate1240and the second glass plate1250.

According to process34, according to an embodiment, the first glass plate610on which the third glass plate1240and the second glass plate1250are seated may be put into the second mold structure1200. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, before process33, the second glass plate1250may be put into a second mold structure1200, the first glass plate610may be seated on the second glass plate1250, and the third glass plate1240may be seated on the first glass plate610. According to an embodiment, the second mold structure1200may include a second upper core structure1210and a second lower core structure1220. For example, putting the first glass plate610into the second mold structure1200may mean putting the first glass plate610into the second lower core structure1220. Thereafter, according to various embodiments, while the second mold structure1200is being heated, the second upper core structure1210of the second mold structure1200may be lowered to be coupled with the second lower core structure1220. For example, the second upper core structure1210may be lowered and may heat the third glass plate1240to the softening point of the third glass plate1240or higher and the second glass plate1250to the softening point of the second glass plate1250or higher while compressing the third glass plate1240and compressing the second glass plate1250via the second lower core structure1220. As a result, the second glass plate1250disposed between the second lower core structure1220and the first glass plate610and the third glass plate1240disposed between the first glass plate610and the second upper core structure1210may be subjected to a state change according to the internal high-temperature preheating process. For example, the state of the third glass plate1240and the state of the second glass plate1250may be changed from a shape-fixed state (e.g., a solid state) to a shape-variable state (e.g., a liquid state) according to a high-temperature preheating process. For example, the third glass plate1240and the second glass plate1250may be melted. Accordingly, the third glass plate1240changed to a state having fluidity may penetrate the second pattern area921of the first glass plate610, and the second glass plate1250changed to a state having fluidity may penetrate the first pattern area911of the first glass plate610. In this case, the softening point of the first glass plate610may be higher than the softening point of the third glass plate1240and the softening point of the second glass plate1250. For example, in the high-temperature preheating process of process34, the internal temperature of the second mold structure1200may be higher than the softening point of the third glass plate1240and the softening point of the second glass plate1250and lower than the softening point of the first glass plate610. As a result, in process34, the first glass plate610may maintain the shape-fixed shape (e.g., a solid state).

Thereafter, according to various embodiments, according to process35, through the cooling process, the state of the third glass plate1240, which has penetrated into the second pattern area921of the first glass plate610, may be changed from the shape-variable state (e.g., a liquid state) to a shape-fixed state (e.g., a solid state), and the state of the second glass plate1250, which has penetrated into the first pattern area911of the first glass plate610, may be changed from the shape-variable state (e.g., a liquid state) to the shape-fixed state (e.g., a solid state). Accordingly, the third glass part923may be formed on the second surface612of the first glass plate610, and the second glass part913may be formed on the first surface611of the first glass plate610.

According to an embodiment, in process33, the volume of the third glass plate1240and the volume of the second glass plate1250seated on the first glass plate610may be determined based on the volume of the second pattern area921and the volume of the first pattern area911of the first glass plate610, respectively. As a result, the type of the third glass part923and the type of the second glass part913may be determined. In step35ofFIG.12, the first-type third glass part923and the first-type second glass part913are illustrated, but as described above, the type of the third glass part923and the type of the second glass part913may be determined based on the volume of the third glass plate1240and the volume of the second glass plate1250in process33.

FIGS.13A and13Bare enlarged cross-sectional views of the area S ofFIG.5, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.13A and13B, according to various embodiments, a plurality of layers may be disposed in a back surface plate380by being stacked.

FIG.13Ais a view illustrating a back surface plate380including the first glass plate610illustrated inFIG.6Aand the first-type second glass part620disposed on the first surface611of the first glass plate610.

FIG.13Bis a view illustrating a back surface plate380including the first glass plate610illustrated inFIG.6Band the second-type second glass part630disposed on the first surface611of the first glass plate610.

InFIGS.13A and13B, the second surface612of the first glass plate610may face a first direction (+Z), and the first surface611may face a second direction (−Z) opposite to the first direction (+Z).

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.13A and13B, the back surface plate380may include a shield layer1320and/or a coating layer1310.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.13A and13Band the drawings to be described later (e.g.,FIGS.14A and14B,FIGS.15A and15B, andFIGS.16A and16B), when a back surface plate380includes a shield layer1320and/or a coating layer1310, the back surface plate380may not include a separate film layer. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the back surface plate380may include a separate film layer (not illustrated) (e.g., an anti-shattering film layer).

According to various embodiments, referring toFIGS.13A and13B, the shield layer1320may be disposed in the first direction (+Z) of the first glass plate610. The shield layer1320may include at least one layer. When the shield layer1320includes a plurality of layers, respective layers may be made of different materials. The shield layer1320may block a path of light directed to the outside or the inside of the electronic device101. For example, the shield layer1320may prevent light leakage of the electronic device101or block light provided to the electronic device101from the outside. According to an embodiment, the shield layer1320may be formed of a material using black ink, and may be manufactured through a light-blocking printing process.

According to various embodiments, the coating layer1310may be stacked in the second direction (−Z) of the first glass plate610. For example, referring toFIG.13A, the coating layer1310may be formed by performing a coating process on the entire plane formed by the second glass part620and the first surface611of the first glass plate610. As another example, referring toFIG.13B, the coating layer1310may be formed by performing a coating process on the entire plane facing the second (−Z) direction in the second glass part630. The coating layer1310may have a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first glass plate610and may be disposed to enclose the outer surface of the electronic device101to prevent foreign substances from penetrating into or contaminating the inside of the electronic device.

FIGS.14A and14Bare enlarged cross-sectional views of the area S ofFIG.5, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.14A and14B, according to various embodiments, a plurality of layers may be disposed in a back surface plate380by being stacked.

FIG.14Aillustrates the back surface plate380ofFIG.6Ain the upside-down state.

FIG.14Billustrates the back surface plate380ofFIG.6Bin the upside-down state.

InFIGS.14A and14B, the first surface611of the first glass plate610may face a first direction (+Z), and the second surface612may face a second direction (−Z) opposite to the first direction (+Z).

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.14A and14B, the back surface plate380may include a shield layer1420and/or a coating layer1410.

According to various embodiments, the shield layer1420may be disposed in the first direction (+Z) of the first glass plate610. For example, referring toFIG.14A, the shield layer1420may be disposed on the plane formed by the second glass part620and the first surface611of the first glass plate610. As another example, referring toFIG.14B, the shield layer1420may be disposed on a plane facing the first direction (+Z) in the second glass part630. The shield layer1420ofFIGS.14A and14Bmay be understood as being similar to the shield layer1320ofFIGS.13A and13B.

According to various embodiments, referring toFIGS.14A and14B, the coating layer1410may be disposed in the second direction (−Z) of the first glass plate610. The coating layer1410ofFIGS.14A and14Bmay be understood as being similar to the coating layer1310ofFIGS.13A and13B.

FIGS.15A and15Bare enlarged cross-sectional views of the area S ofFIG.5, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.15A and15B, according to various embodiments, a plurality of layers may be disposed in a back surface plate380by being stacked.

FIG.15Aillustrates a back surface plate380including the first glass plate illustrated inFIG.9A, a first-type second glass part913disposed on the first surface611of the first glass plate610, and a first-type third glass part923disposed on the second surface612of the first glass plate610.

FIG.15Billustrates a back surface plate380including the first glass plate illustrated inFIG.9B, a second-type second glass part916disposed on the first surface611of the first glass plate610, and a second-type third glass part926disposed on the second surface612of the first glass plate610.

InFIGS.15A and15B, the second surface612of the first glass plate610may face a first direction (+Z), and the first surface611may face a second direction (−Z) opposite to the first direction (+Z).

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.15A, the back surface plate380may include a shield layer1520and/or a coating layer1510. InFIG.15A, the shield layer1520may be disposed in the first direction (+Z) of the first glass plate610. For example, the shield layer1520may be disposed on a plane formed by the third glass part923and the second surface612of the first glass plate610. The shield layer1520ofFIG.15Amay be understood as being similar to the shield layer1320ofFIGS.13A and13B. InFIG.15A, the coating layer1510may be disposed in the second direction (−Z) of the first glass plate610. For example, the coating layer1510may be disposed on a plane formed by the second glass part913and the first surface611of the first glass plate610. The coating layer1510ofFIG.15Amay be understood as being similar to the coating layer1310ofFIGS.13A and13B.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.15B, the back surface plate380may include a shield layer1540and/or a coating layer1530. InFIG.15B, the shield layer1540may be disposed on a plane facing the first direction (+Z) in the third glass part926. The shield layer1540ofFIG.15Bmay be understood as being similar to the shield layer1320ofFIGS.13A and13B. InFIG.15B, the coating layer1530may be disposed on a plane facing the second direction (−Z) in the second glass part916. The coating layer1530ofFIG.15Bmay be understood as being similar to the coating layer1310ofFIGS.13A and13B.

FIGS.16A and16Bare enlarged cross-sectional views of the area S ofFIG.5, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.16A and16B, according to various embodiments, a plurality of layers may be disposed in a back surface plate380by being stacked.

FIG.16Aillustrates a back surface plate380including the first glass plate illustrated inFIG.10B, a second-type second glass part1035disposed on the first surface611of the first glass plate610, and a first-type third glass part1043disposed on the second surface612of the first glass plate610.

FIG.16Billustrates a back surface plate380including the first glass plate illustrated inFIG.10A, a first-type second glass part1013disposed on the first surface611of the first glass plate610, and a second-type third glass part1025disposed on the second surface612of the first glass plate610.

InFIGS.16A and16B, the second surface612of the first glass plate610may face a first direction (+Z), and the first surface611may face a second direction (−Z) opposite to the first direction (+Z).

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.16A, the back surface plate380may include a shield layer1620and/or a coating layer1610. InFIG.16A, the shield layer1620may be disposed in the first direction (+Z) of the first glass plate610. For example, the shield layer1620may be disposed on a plane formed by the third glass part1043and the second surface612of the first glass plate610. The shield layer1620ofFIG.16Amay be understood as being similar to the shield layer1320ofFIGS.13Aand13B. InFIG.16A, the coating layer1610may be disposed on a plane facing the second direction (−Z) in the second glass part1035. The coating layer1610ofFIG.16Amay be understood as being similar to the coating layer1310ofFIGS.13A and13B.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.16B, the back surface plate380may include a shield layer1640and/or a coating layer1630. InFIG.16B, the shield layer1640may be disposed on a plane facing the first direction (+Z) in the third glass part1025. The shield layer1640ofFIG.16Bmay be understood as being similar to the shield layer1320ofFIGS.13A and13B. InFIG.16B, the coating layer1630may be disposed on a plane formed by the second glass part1013and the first surface611of the first glass plate610. The coating layer1630ofFIG.16Bmay be understood as being similar to the coating layer1310ofFIGS.13A and13B.

A person ordinarily skilled in the art may understand that the various embodiments described herein may be organically applied to each other within an applicable range.

According to various embodiments, a back surface plate configured to form a back surface of an electronic device may include: a first glass plate (e.g.,610) including a first pattern area (e.g.,613) including a pattern having a predetermined shape on a first surface (e.g.,611); and a second glass part (e.g.,620or630) at least a portion of which is disposed on the first surface of the first glass plate, the second glass part including a first shape (e.g.,621or631) corresponding to the first pattern area, wherein the second glass part may have a color different from that of the first glass plate.

According to various embodiments, the second glass part may be disposed in an area corresponding to the first pattern area on the first surface, and may not be disposed in a base area (e.g.,614) other than the first pattern area on the first surface.

According to various embodiments, the first pattern area may include a plurality of areas (e.g.,613) disposed on the first surface to be spaced apart from each other, and the first shape of the second glass part may include a plurality of shapes (e.g.,621or631) corresponding to the plurality of areas.

According to various embodiments, the second glass part may be disposed in the area corresponding to the first pattern area to form one plane with the base area on the first surface of the first glass plate.

According to various embodiments, the second glass part may include a first area (e.g.,631) disposed in an area corresponding to the first pattern area on the first surface, and a second area (e.g.,632) disposed in a base area (e.g.,614) other than the first pattern area on the first surface.

According to various embodiments, a first thickness of the first area may be greater than a second thickness of the second area.

According to various embodiments, the back surface plate may further include: a shield layer (e.g.,1320,1420,1520,1540,1620, or1640) disposed on a second surface (e.g.,612) opposite to the first surface of the first glass plate; and a coating layer (e.g.,1310,1410,1510,1530,1610, or1630) disposed on the third surface of the second glass part, wherein the first surface and the third surface may face the same direction.

According to various embodiments, the first glass plate may further include a second pattern area (e.g.,921) provided on a second surface (e.g.,612) opposite to the first surface, the back surface plate may further include a third glass part (e.g.,923,926,1025, or1043) disposed on the second surface of the first glass plate and including a second shape (e.g.,923,924,1023, or1043) corresponding to the second pattern area, and the third glass part may have a color different from that of the first glass plate.

According to various embodiments, the third glass part may have a color different from that of the second glass part.

According to various embodiments, the softening point of the second glass part may be lower than the softening point of the first glass plate.

According to various embodiments, a method of manufacturing a back surface plate380may include: a process of shaping a first glass plate (e.g.,610) including a first pattern area (e.g.,613) including a pattern of a predetermined shape on a first surface (e.g.,611) (e.g., process12); a process of seating a second glass part (e.g.,740) having a color different from a color of the first glass plate on the first surface including the first pattern area (e.g., process13); a process of putting the first glass plate on which the second glass part is seated into a mold structure (e.g.,700) to be seated in an area of a lower core structure (e.g.,720) of the mold structure such that a second surface (e.g.,612) opposite to the first surface faces the lower core structure of the mold structure (e.g., process14); a process of preheating the second glass part at a high temperature, and lowering an upper core structure (e.g.,710) of the mold structure toward the lower core structure (e.g., process14); a process of causing the second glass part to penetrate into the first pattern area by pressing the second glass part by the upper core structure (e.g., process14); and a process of cooling (e.g., process15).

According to various embodiments, in the process of seating the second glass part on the first surface of the first glass plate, a surface that is in contact with the first surface among a plurality of surfaces of the second glass part may be substantially flat.

According to various embodiments, the softening point of the second glass part may be lower than the softening point of the first glass plate.

According to various embodiments, in the process of causing the second glass part to penetrate into the first pattern area, the second glass part may be penetrated into the first pattern area after the state of the material of the second glass part is changed to a fluid state.

According to various embodiments, in the process of seating the second glass part on the first surface of the first glass plate, the volume of the second glass part may be determined based on the volume of the first pattern area.

According to various embodiments, after the cooling, the method may further include: a process of disposing a shield layer (e.g.,1320,1420,1520,1540,1620, or1640) on the second surface of the first glass plate; and a process of disposing a coating layer (e.g.,1310,1410,1510,1530,1610, or1630) on a third surface of the second glass part, wherein the third surface may face the same direction as the first surface of the first glass plate.

According to various embodiments, the process of shaping the first glass plate including the first pattern area (e.g., process22) may further include shaping a second pattern area (e.g.,911) on the second surface of the first glass plate (e.g., process22).

According to various embodiments, after the process of cooling (e.g., process25), the method may further include: a process of seating a third glass part (e.g.,1150) having a color different from a color of the first glass plate on the second surface of the first glass plate on which the second glass part is disposed on the first surface (e.g., process27); a process of putting the first glass plate on which the third glass part is seated into the mold structure such that the first surface on which the second glass part is disposed is seated to face the lower core structure (e.g., process28); a process of preheating the third glass part at a high temperature, and lowering the upper core structure of the mold structure toward the lower core structure (e.g., process28); and a process of causing the third glass part to penetrate into the second pattern area by pressing the third glass part by the upper core structure (e.g., process28).

According to various embodiments, the softening point of the second glass part may be lower than the softening point of the first glass plate and higher than a softening point of the third glass part.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device101may include: a housing310including a front surface plate320facing a first direction and a back surface plate380facing a second direction opposite to the front surface plate, wherein at least a portion of the front surface plate includes a transparent area; a battery350disposed inside the housing; and a display330disposed in the housing and including a screen area exposed through the front surface plate, wherein the back surface plate may include: a first glass plate610including a first pattern area including a pattern having a predetermined shape on a first surface facing the second direction; and a second glass part (e.g.,620or630) disposed on the first glass plate in the second direction, and including a first shape corresponding to the first pattern area, wherein the second glass part may have a color different from that of the first glass plate.

The electronic device according to various 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, or a home appliance. 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 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), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., via a wired connection), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, 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) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device101). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor120) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device101) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it. 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 term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

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, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations 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, 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.