CN112150984B

CN112150984B - Flexible user terminal device and display method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN112150984B
Application number: CN202010962652.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金东澈; 朴炅完; 朴镇亨
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-07
Filing date: 2016-01-07
Publication date: 2023-04-07
Anticipated expiration: 2036-01-07
Also published as: CN112150984A; CN112150985A; CN112150985B

Abstract

Providing a bendable electronic device comprising: a flexible display divided into first and second regions when the electronic device is bent; a bending part for bending the electronic device or restoring the electronic device; a bending sensor for detecting a bending state of the bending portion. The bending portion bends the electronic apparatus to a first bent state of a first angle range by a first external pressure applied to the first or second region when the electronic apparatus is in the unbent state, and restores to the unbent state when no external pressure is applied to the first or second region in the first bent state, and bends the electronic apparatus to a second bent state by a second external pressure greater than the first external pressure applied to the first or second region when the electronic apparatus is in the unbent state, the second bent state being in a second angle range different from the first angle range, the electronic apparatus maintaining the second bent state even after the second external pressure is not applied to the first or second region.

Description

Flexible user terminal device and display method thereof

The present application is a divisional application of an application entitled "flexible user terminal apparatus and display method thereof" filed on 2016, 7/1/2016 and filed on 2016800103310.

Technical Field

Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a flexible display, and more particularly, to a method and a user terminal device for displaying digital content using a flexible display.

Background

With the development of display technology, user terminal devices provided with flexible displays are entering the market. A flexible display refers to a bendable display.

The flexible display is manufactured by replacing a glass substrate surrounding liquid crystals used in an existing Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) with a plastic film, and thus has flexibility and can be folded and unfolded. Since the flexible display uses a plastic substrate instead of a glass substrate, which is generally used, a low-temperature manufacturing process is used instead of the existing manufacturing process to prevent damage to the substrate.

Flexible displays are thin, light and impact resistant. In addition, flexible displays have several advantages. For example, it may be bent and curved. In addition, it can be manufactured in various forms. Due to these advantages, flexible displays can be used in many industrial fields instead of glass substrate based displays.

For example, flexible displays may be used in the field of electronic books, replacing publications such as magazines, textbooks, books and comics. In addition, the flexible display may be used in the field of new portable IT products, such as a subminiature PC coupled with a folded or rolled display, a smart card for real-time identification of information, and the like. In addition, since the flexible display uses a flexible plastic substrate, its application can be extended to the fields of clothing and medical diagnosis.

As flexible displays are widely used, new interface methods or information display methods using bendable or foldable properties of flexible displays are increasingly being learned and researched.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical scheme

How long and how many times a user uses a user terminal device may vary depending on the type of information when the user uses the user terminal device to view information.

For example, when a user uses content such as a movie or music, the time during which the user uses the user terminal device is related to the reproduction time of the content. On the other hand, when the user identifies brief information such as time, weather, messages, and the like, the time during which the user uses the user terminal device may be relatively short.

When a user uses short information such as flash information, the user generally identifies the information by simply pressing a home key or a power key of the user terminal device. In addition, when there is no input from the user, the displayed information needs to consume the battery of the user terminal until the displayed information fades out after a predetermined time and automatically disappears.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a bendable electronic device includes: a flexible display divided into a first region and a second region when the electronic device is bent; a bending portion for bending the electronic device or restoring the electronic device to an unbent state; a bending sensor for detecting a bending state of the bending portion. Wherein the bending portion bends the electronic apparatus to a first bent state of a first angle range by a first external pressure applied to the first region or the second region when the electronic apparatus is in the unbent state, and returns to the unbent state when the external pressure is not applied to the first region or the second region in the first bent state, and bends the electronic apparatus to a second bent state of a second angle range different from the first angle range by a second external pressure applied to the first region or the second region when the electronic apparatus is in the unbent state, wherein the electronic apparatus is maintained in the second bent state even after the second external pressure is not applied to the first region or the second region.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a bendable user terminal device includes: a flexible display device for a display device, the display device comprising a flexible display, configured to be divided into a first area and a second area in response to the user terminal device being bent; a bending sensor configured to detect a bending state of the user terminal apparatus; and a controller configured to control the flexible display to display information on the first area while the user terminal device is maintained in the bent state based on the detected bent state, and to control the flexible display not to display information on the first area in response to the user terminal device changing from the bent state to the unbent state.

The user terminal device may further include a bending portion configured to link two portions of the user terminal device, thereby enabling the user terminal device to be bent with reference to one axis, and the bending sensor may be configured to detect a bending state of the user terminal device based on the bending state of the bending portion.

The user terminal device may be in a bent state while maintaining an external pressure applied to the user terminal device in a bending direction, and the user terminal device may automatically change from the bent state to a non-bent state in response to removing the external pressure.

The user terminal device may be in a bent state while maintaining an external pressure applied to the user terminal device in a bending direction, and the user terminal device may be maintained in the bent state after removing the external pressure.

The controller may be further configured to control the flexible display to display information on the second area.

The user terminal device may further comprise a bending portion configured to link two portions of the user terminal device, thereby enabling the user terminal device to bend with reference to one axis, and the flexible display is divided into a first region and a second region with reference to the one axis.

In response to the curved state changing from the unbent state to the curved state, the controller may be further configured to change the first region from the deactivated state to the activated state and control the flexible display to display information on the first region.

The controller may be further configured to control the flexible display to display an execution screen of a first application on the first area while the user terminal device is in the bent state, and to display an execution screen of a second application on the first area in response to a change of the bent state from the bent state to the unbent state.

The controller may be further configured to control the flexible display to display an execution screen of an application on the first area while the user terminal device is in the bent state, and to display at least one UI element used in the application in response to the bent state changing from the bent state to the unbent state.

The information may include at least one of a message, time information, weather information, news information, and information about a missed call.

The controller is further configured to control the flexible display to display an execution screen of the first application on the first region in a post-bent state, and to input at least one command used in the first application in response to a change in the bent state from the post-bent state to the pre-bent state or the unbent state.

The bent state may include a post-bent state in which the user terminal device maintains the bent state without any external pressure and a pre-bent state in which the user terminal device automatically returns to a previous bent state without any external pressure.

The controller may be further configured to control the flexible display to display an execution screen of a first application on the first region in a post-bending state and to display an execution screen of a second application on the first region in a pre-bending state.

The controller may be further configured to control the flexible display to display an execution screen of the first application on the first region in a pre-bent state and to display at least one UI element used in the first application on the second region in a post-bent state.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a method performed by a user terminal apparatus to display content using a flexible display, the method including: displaying information on a first area of a flexible display while a user terminal device is in a bent state, wherein the flexible display is divided into a first area and a second area; and removing information on the first area in response to the change in the bent state from the bent state to the unbent state.

Displaying information on the first region of the flexible display may include maintaining a bent state while maintaining an external pressure applied to the user terminal device in a bending direction, and removing the information on the first region of the flexible display may include automatically changing the bent state from the bent state to a non-bent state in response to removing the external pressure.

Not displaying information on the first area may include displaying another information on the second area.

The flexible display may be divided into a first region and a second region with reference to one axis.

Displaying information on the first area may include changing the flexible display from a deactivated state to an activated state.

Displaying the information on the first region may include displaying an execution screen of the first application on the first region, and removing the information on the first region may include displaying an execution screen of the second application on the first region.

The bent state may include a post-bent state and a pre-bent state, the displaying of the information on the first region may include displaying an execution screen of the first application on the first region in the post-bent state and displaying at least one UI element used in the first application on the first region in the pre-bent state, and the user terminal device may be maintained in the bent state without any external pressure in the post-bent state and may automatically return to the previous bent state in the pre-bent state with any external pressure.

The information may include at least one of a message, time information, weather information, news information, and information on a missed call.

Technical effects

As described above, information can be provided to the user via the quick viewing window by a simple operation of the flexible display 20 in the deactivated state, i.e., bending. That is, the user can be quickly provided with information while holding the user terminal device 10 without having to press a button mounted on the user terminal device 10 or unlock the lock screen.

Drawings

The above and/or other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

fig. 1 illustrates a bent state of a user terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a user terminal device according to an example embodiment;

fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a user terminal apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment;

fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a software stack of a terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 5A to 5B illustrate a bent portion of a user terminal device according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of detecting a bending state according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 7 illustrates an operation of a bent portion of a user terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 8A to 8C illustrate an elastic portion of a bending portion according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 9 illustrates a screen displaying information on a flexible display when a bent state is changed between an unbent state and a pre-bent state according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 10 illustrates a screen displaying information on a flexible display when a bent state is changed between an unbent state and a pre-bent state according to another exemplary embodiment;

fig. 11 illustrates a screen displaying information on a flexible display when a bent state is changed between an unbent state and a pre-bent state according to still another exemplary embodiment;

fig. 12 illustrates a screen displaying information on a flexible display when a bent state is changed between an unbent state and a pre-bent state according to still another exemplary embodiment;

fig. 13A to 13B illustrate screens displaying information on a flexible display when a bent state is changed between an unbent state and a pre-bent state according to still another exemplary embodiment;

14A-14C illustrate various fast viewing windows according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 15 illustrates a screen displaying information on a flexible display when a bent state is changed between a post-bent state and a pre-bent state according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 16 illustrates a screen displaying information on a flexible display when a bent state is changed between a post-bent state and a pre-bent state according to another exemplary embodiment;

17A and 17B illustrate various fast viewing windows in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 18A to 18B illustrate screens of a flexible display when a bent state is changed in the order of an unbent state, a pre-bent state, and a post-bent state according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 19A to 19B illustrate screens of a flexible display when a bent state is changed in the order of an unbent state, a pre-bent state, and a post-bent state according to another exemplary embodiment;

fig. 20A to 20B illustrate screens of a flexible display when a bent state is changed in the order of an unbent state, a pre-bent state, and a post-bent state according to still another exemplary embodiment;

fig. 21A to 21B illustrate screens of a flexible display when a bent state is changed in the order of a non-bent state, a pre-bent state, and a post-bent state according to still another exemplary embodiment;

fig. 22A to 22B illustrate a method for configuring a fast viewing window according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a user terminal device to display information according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a user terminal device to display information according to another exemplary embodiment;

fig. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a user terminal device to display information according to still another exemplary embodiment; and

fig. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a user terminal device to display information according to still another exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, terms used in exemplary embodiments will be briefly explained, and exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Although the terms used in the exemplary embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used in consideration of functions in the present disclosure, the terms may be changed depending on the intention of a person skilled in the art and the introduction of new technology. In addition, in certain instances, terminology selected by the applicant may be used. In this case, the meanings of the terms will be explained in detail in the corresponding detailed description. Therefore, terms used in exemplary embodiments should be defined based on their meanings and descriptions of the present disclosure, not based on their names only.

Although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to explain various elements, the elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element without departing from the scope of the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element. The term "and/or" includes a combination of the plurality of described related items or any of the plurality of described related items.

In addition, the singular is intended to include the plural as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In addition, it should be understood that the terms "comprises" or "comprising," when used in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof.

In addition, a "module" or a "unit" used in the exemplary embodiments performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented by using hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. In addition, in addition to "modules" or "units" that need to be implemented by using specific hardware, a plurality of "modules" or a plurality of "units" may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by using at least one processor (not shown).

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be "directly connected" to the other element, and can be "electrically connected" to the other element with intervening elements between the element and the other element.

In addition, the term "user input" in the exemplary embodiment may include at least one of a touch input, a bending input, a voice input, a button input, and a multi-mode input, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, the term "touch input" in the exemplary embodiment refers to a touch gesture performed by a user on the display and the cover to control the device. Additionally, a "touch input" may include a touch that is not in contact with the display and is more than a predetermined distance from the display (e.g., floating or hovering). The touch input may include a touch and hold gesture, a tap gesture where the touch is then removed, a double tap gesture, a shake gesture, a flick gesture and a touch and drag gesture where the touch is then moved in one direction while still touching, a pinch gesture, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, the term "button input" in the exemplary embodiment refers to an input of a user to control a device by using a physical button attached to the device.

In addition, the term "motion input" in the exemplary embodiments refers to a motion made by a user to the device to control the device. For example, the motion input may include input of a vertical and horizontal rotation device, a tilting device, or a movement device.

In addition, the term "multiple input" in the exemplary embodiment refers to a combination of two or more input methods. For example, the device may receive touch and motion inputs from a user, and may receive touch input and voice input of a user.

In addition, the term "application" in the exemplary embodiments refers to a collection of computer programs designed to perform a specific function. Various applications are possible in the exemplary embodiments. For example, the applications may include a game application, a moving image playback application, a map application, a memo application, a calendar application, a phonebook application, a broadcast application, an exercise support application, a payment application, a photo folder application, and the like, but are not limited thereto.

In addition, the term "application identification information" in the exemplary embodiment may be unique information for distinguishing one application from other applications. For example, the application identification information may include an icon, an index item, link information, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, the term "User Interface (UI) element" in the exemplary embodiments refers to an element that can interact with a user and thus provide visual, auditory, or olfactory feedback according to user input. The UI element may be represented in the form of at least one of an image, text, and a moving image. In addition, an area in which the above information is not displayed but feedback can be provided according to user input may be referred to as a UI element. In addition, the UI element may be, for example, the above-described application identification information.

In addition, the "bent state of the user terminal device" in the exemplary embodiment refers to a state in which the user terminal device is bent. In contrast, "the unbent state of the user terminal device" used throughout the exemplary embodiments refers to a state in which the user terminal device is not bent. These terms will be described in detail below with reference to fig. 1.

All terms used herein including technical or scientific terms have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art unless they are defined otherwise. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as the context of the prior art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or exaggerated sense unless they are clearly defined in various exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating various states of a terminal apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to fig. 1, a terminal device 10 may be implemented in accordance with an exemplary embodiment to achieve various objectives. For example, the user terminal device 10 may include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet device, an electronic book device, a digital broadcasting device, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), a navigation device, or a wearable device such as a smart watch, smart glasses, a Head Mounted Display (HMD), or the like.

The terminal device 10 may employ the flexible display 20. The flexible display 20 may include various displays depending on how the shape of the flexible display 20 is deformed by an external force. For example, a foldable display may be folded and unfolded by a specific angle (or curvature), a bendable display may be bent and straightened by a specific curvature, and a rollable display may be rolled into a cylindrical shape. The flexible display 20 may provide a screen showing various information typically displayed on existing displays, such as an LCD, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, and the like. For example, the flexible display 20 may display an execution screen, a lock screen, a background screen, a home screen, and the like of an application.

In addition, the flexible display 20 may be provided with an input interface function of a touch screen or a touch pad. Accordingly, the flexible display 20 may detect a touch input of the user, and may control the user terminal device 10 according to the detected touch input.

The user terminal device 10 in the unbent state may be bent in response to the external pressure, and may automatically return to its unbent state after the external pressure is removed. Further, the user terminal device 10 in its bent state may straighten in response to an external pressure. Hereinafter, a screen displayed on a portion (e.g., the first region 20-1) of the flexible display 20 while maintaining an external pressure applied to the user terminal device 10 in a bending direction will be referred to as a quick viewing window.

View (a) of fig. 1 illustrates a user's hand holding the user terminal apparatus 10 in an unbent state. The user terminal device 10 may comprise a flexible display 20 and a bending portion 30. The bending portion 30 may include an element that enables bending of the user terminal device 10 up to a certain angle or a certain curvature, and an element that enables the bent user terminal device 10 to return to an unbent state. According to an exemplary embodiment, the bending part 30 may further include a bending sensor to detect a bending state of the user terminal device 10.

In view (a) of fig. 1, the flexible display 20 may be in a deactivated state while the user terminal device 100 is being held. Here, the deactivated state of the flexible display 20 may refer to a black screen state of the flexible display 20, a state in which the flexible display 20 is closed, or a state in which a display panel of the flexible display 20 is closed. In addition, the deactivated state of the flexible display 20 may refer to a state in which nothing is displayed on the flexible display 20.

While the user terminal device 10 is in an unbent state as shown in view (a) of fig. 1, an external pressure may be applied to the user terminal device 10. For example, the external pressure may be a force by which the user pushes the user terminal device 10 forward using the finger f1 placed on the upper portion of the rear surface of the user terminal device 10.

In this case, as shown in view (b) of fig. 1, the user terminal device 10 may be changed from a non-bent state to a bent state in which the user terminal device is bent with reference to the axis 12. In response to the user terminal device 10 bending, the flexible display 20 may be divided into a first region 20-1 and a second region 20-2. In this case, the first region 20-1 may be a region located above the axis 12, while the second region 20-2 is the other region of the flexible display 20 located below the axis 12. While the user terminal device 10 is in the bent state, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to activate the first region 20-1. The size of the divided area may be variously set in the exemplary embodiment and is not limited to a specific size. For example, the first area 20-1 may be about 40% of the display size of the flexible display 20.

The activated state of the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 may refer to a state in which the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 displays a screen having brightness, or a state in which a screen including information is displayed on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20.

In this case, the information may be, for example, short information of the content or flash information. For example, the brief information may be information such as time, weather, message, schedule, alarm, memo, news, and the like. In addition, the short information may be part of an application or control (e.g., a weather control, a schedule control, a notification control, a memo control, a gallery control, a camera control, a clock control, a feed control, etc.). Additionally, the information may be UI elements, such as menus, buttons, icons, and the like, that are capable of interacting with the user. Such information may be displayed in a visual effect. For example, the information may be displayed with a fade-in effect.

The external pressure applied to the user terminal device 10 may be removed while the user terminal device 10 is in the bent state. For example, the user may stop pushing the upper portion of the rear surface of the user terminal device 10 with the finger f 1.

In this case, as shown in view (c) of fig. 1, the user terminal device 10 can be changed from the bent state to the non-bent state with reference to one axis 12. In response to the user terminal device 10 not bending, the user terminal device 10 may change the first area 20-1 back to the deactivated state. As a result, the information displayed on the first area 20-1 may disappear. This information may disappear in a visual effect. For example, this information may be removed with a fade-out effect.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a user terminal device according to an example embodiment.

Referring to fig. 2, the user terminal device 10 may include a flexible display 20, a bending sensor 183, and a controller 190. In fig. 2, only certain elements related to the exemplary embodiment will be explained to prevent obscuring key features of the exemplary embodiment. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other elements may be included in addition to those shown in FIG. 2.

The bending sensor 183 may detect a bending state of the user terminal device 10. That is, the bending sensor 183 may detect at least one of a bent/unbent state indicating whether the user terminal device 10 is bent, a bending speed, a bending angle, and a bending time of the user terminal device 10. In addition, the bent state may include a post-bending state in which the user terminal device 10 maintains the bent state without any external pressure and a pre-bending state in which the user terminal device 10 automatically returns to the previous bent state without any external pressure.

The flexible display 20 may be activated or deactivated according to the bent state of the user terminal device 10. For example, the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 may be activated while the user terminal device 10 is in a bent state. Conversely, the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 may be deactivated when the user terminal device 10 returns to the unflexed state.

The controller 130 may be implemented as at least one processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), etc., and may control the overall operation of the user terminal device 10.

In particular, the controller 130 may control the flexible display 20 based on the bent state of the user terminal device 10. The controller 130 may control the flexible display 20 to display information on the first area 20-1 of the flexible display 20 while the user terminal device 10 is in the bent state, and in response to the user terminal device 10 changing from the bent state to the unbent state, the controller 130 may control the flexible display 20 to no longer display information on the first area 20-1.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the user terminal device 10 according to another exemplary embodiment.

Referring to fig. 3, the user terminal device 10 may include an image receiver 110, an image processor 120, a display 130, a communicator 140, a memory 150, an audio processor 160, an audio outputter 170, a sensor unit 180, and a controller (or processor) 190.

Fig. 3 illustrates various overall elements of the user terminal device 10 on the assumption that various functions such as a content providing function, a display function, and the like are provided to the user terminal device 10. Thus, according to exemplary embodiments, some elements shown in the drawings may be omitted or changed, or another element may be added.

Image receiver 110 may receive image data through various sources. For example, the image receiver 110 may receive broadcast data from an external broadcasting station, receive Video On Demand (VOD) data from an external server in real time, or receive image data from an external device.

The image processor 120 may be an element for processing image data received from the image receiver 110. The image processor 120 may perform various image processing operations with respect to the image data, such as decoding, scaling, noise filtering, frame rate conversion, resolution conversion, and so forth.

The display 130 may display at least one of an image frame of image data processed by the image processor 120 or various screens generated by the graphic processor 193.

Display 130 may be implemented in various forms. For example, the display may be, but is not limited to, an LCD, an OLED display, an Active Matrix (AM) -OLED, a plasma display panel, and the like. The display 130 may further include additional elements according to its implementation method. For example, when the display 130 employs a liquid crystal method, the display 130 may include an LCD display panel, a backlight unit supplying light to the LCD display panel, and a panel driving substrate driving the panel.

When the display 130 employs the flexible display 20, the display 130 may have a feature of being bent, curved, or curled without any damage by a thin and flexible substrate like paper. The display 130 may be manufactured using a plastic substrate as well as a commonly used glass substrate. When a plastic substrate is used, a low temperature manufacturing process may be used instead of the existing manufacturing process to prevent damage to the substrate. In addition, the display 130 may be manufactured by replacing a glass substrate surrounding liquid crystal, which is generally used in an LCD, an OLED display, an AM-OLED, a PDP, and the like, with a plastic film. As a result, the display 130 may be flexible such that it can be folded and unfolded. In addition, display 130 is thin, lightweight, and also resistant to impact. In addition, the display 130 may be manufactured in various forms as described above.

Display 130 may have an active matrix screen of a particular screen size (e.g., 3 inches, 4 inches, 4.65 inches, 5 inches, 6.5 inches, 8.4 inches, etc.) depending on the size of user terminal device 10. The display 130 may cover at least one side surface (e.g., at least one of the left, right, upper, and lower sides) of the user terminal device 10, and may be folded with a radius of curvature (e.g., a radius of curvature of 5 cm, 1 cm, 7.5 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, etc.) smaller than that effective for the operation of the display 130. The display 130 may be fixed to a side surface of the user terminal apparatus 10.

Display 130 may be implemented as a touch screen that includes touch sensor 181. The flexible display 20 implemented as a touch screen may have a function of detecting a touch input pressure as well as a touch input position and a touch area, and may have a function of detecting a proximity touch as well as a real touch.

The communicator 140 may be configured to communicate with external devices according to various communication protocols. For example, the communicator 140 may include a Wi-Fi chip 141, a bluetooth chip 142, a wireless communication chip 143, and a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip 144. The controller 190 may communicate with various external devices using the communicator 140.

Specifically, wi-Fi chip 141 and Bluetooth chip 142 communicate in the Wi-Fi protocol and the Bluetooth protocol, respectively. When the Wi-Fi chip 141 or the bluetooth chip 142 is used, various connection information such as an SSID and a session key may be exchanged first, and communication may be established using the connection information, and then various information may be exchanged. The wireless communication chip 143 refers to a chip that communicates according to various communication standards, such as IEEE, zigbee, third generation (3G), third generation partnership project (3 GPP), long Term Evolution (LTE), and the like. The NFC chip 144 refers to a chip operating in the NFC method using a 13.56MHz frequency band in various RF-ID frequency bands such as 135kHz, 13.56MHz, 433MHz, 860-960MHz, and 2.45 GHz.

The memory 150 may store various programs and data required for the operation of the user terminal device 10. The memory 150 may include a nonvolatile memory, a volatile memory, a flash memory, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), or a Solid State Drive (SSD). The memory 150 is accessible by the controller 190 and can read/record/correct/delete/update data under the control of the controller 190. In the present disclosure, the memory 150 may be defined to include a Read Only Memory (ROM) in the controller 190, a memory card (e.g., micro SD card, memory stick) mounted on a Random Access Memory (RAM) 191 or the user terminal device 10.

In particular, the memory 150 may store programs and data for configuring various screens to be displayed on the display area.

Hereinafter, the software stack of the user terminal device 100 will be explained with reference to fig. 4. Referring to fig. 4, software including an Operating System (OS) 410, a kernel 420, middleware 430, an application 440, and the like may be stored in the memory 150.

The OS 410 may control and manage the overall operation of the hardware. That is, the OS 410 is a layer responsible for basic functions with respect to hardware management, memory, security, and the like.

The kernel 420 may serve as a channel for the middleware 430 to receive various signals including a touch signal detected in the display 130.

The middleware 430 may include various software modules that control the operation of the user terminal device 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the middleware 430 may include an X11 module 430-1, an APP manager 430-2, a connectivity manager 430-3, a security module 430-4, a system manager 430-5, a multimedia framework 430-6, a main UI framework 430-7, a window manager 430-8, and a sub UI framework 430-9.

The X11 module 430-1 is a module that receives various event signals from various hardware provided in the user terminal apparatus 10. For example, an event may be generated upon detection of a user gesture, occurrence of a system alarm, execution or termination of a particular program, and so forth.

The APP manager 430-2 is a module that manages the execution states of various applications 440 installed in the memory 150. In response to detection of an application execution event by the X11 module 430-1, the APP manager 430-2 invokes and executes the application corresponding to the event.

The connectivity manager 430-3 is a module that supports wired or wireless network connections. The connectivity manager 430-3 may include various sub-modules. For example, the connectivity manager 430-3 may include a DNET module, a universal plug and play (UPnP) module, and the like.

The security module 430-4 is a module that manages and supports security processing of hardware, such as certificates, permissions, and the like.

The system manager 430-5 monitors the status of elements in the user terminal device 100 and provides the monitoring results to other modules. For example, when the battery life level is low, an error is generated, or network communication is disconnected, the system manager 430-5 may provide the monitoring result to the main UI frame 430-7 or the sub UI frame 430-9 and output a notification message or a notification sound.

The multimedia framework 430-6 is a module that reproduces multimedia content stored in the user terminal apparatus 10 or provided from an external source. Multimedia framework 430-6 may include a player module, a camcorder module, a sound processing module, and the like. Accordingly, the multimedia framework 430-6 can create various multimedia contents, generate screens and sounds, and reproduce them.

The main UI frame 430-7 is a module that provides various UIs to be displayed on the main area of the display 130, and the sub UI frame 430-9 is a module that provides various UIs to be displayed on the sub area. The main UI frame 430-7 and the sub UI frame 430-9 may include an image composition module configuring various UI elements, a coordinate composition module calculating coordinates for displaying the UI elements, a presentation module presenting the configured UI elements on the calculated coordinates, and a 2D/3D UI toolkit providing tools for configuring a UI in a 2D or 3D form.

The window manager 430-8 may detect touch events generated using the user's body or a pen, or other input events. When such an event is detected, the window manager 430-8 transmits an event signal to the main UI frame 430-7 or the sub UI frame 430-9 so that an operation corresponding to the event is performed.

In addition, various program modules not shown in fig. 4 may be included in the middleware 430. For example, a writing module that plots a line by tracking the dragged line when the user touches or drags on the screen, or an angle calculation module that calculates a pitch angle, a roll angle, and a yaw angle based on sensor values detected by the motion sensor 182 may be included in the middleware 430.

The application module 440 includes applications 440-1 to 440-n that support various functions. The application modules 440 may include program modules that provide various services. For example, a navigation program module, a game module, an electronic book module, a calendar module, a notification management module, etc. may be included in the application module 440. The application may be set as a default or may be temporarily set and used when the user uses the application. When a UI element is selected, the main CPU 194 can execute an application corresponding to the selected UI element using the application module 440.

The software stacks shown in FIG. 4 are merely examples, and example embodiments are not limited thereto. Thus, certain elements may be omitted or changed, and new elements may be added as necessary. For example, the memory 150 may store additional program modules, such as a sensing module for analyzing signals sensed by various sensors, a call information aggregating program module, a VoIP module, a web browser module and a messaging module for a messaging program, a Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Message Service (MMS) program, and an e-mail program, etc.

Referring back to fig. 3, the audio processor 160 is an element that processes audio data. The audio processor 160 may perform various processing operations with respect to the audio data, such as decoding, amplification, noise filtering, and so forth. The audio data processed by the audio processor 160 may be output to the audio outputter 170.

The audio outputter 170 may output various notification sounds or voice messages obtained and various audio data after various processing operations of the audio processor 160 such as decoding, amplification, and noise filtering. In particular, the audio outputter 170 may be implemented using a speaker. However, this is merely an example, and the audio outputter 170 may be implemented using any other output terminal that can output audio data.

The sensor unit 180 detects various user interactions. The sensor unit 180 may detect at least one of various changes of the user terminal device 10, such as a change in pitch angle, a change in illuminance, and a change in acceleration, and transmit a corresponding electrical signal to the controller 190. If the sensor unit 180 detects a state change made based on the user terminal device 10, a corresponding detection signal may be generated and transmitted to the controller 190. The sensor unit 180 may include various sensors. When the user terminal device 100 is activated (or according to user settings), power may be supplied to at least one sensor provided under the control of the sensor unit 180, and the sensor detects a state change.

The sensor unit 180 may include at least one of all types of sensing devices capable of detecting a change in the state of the user terminal apparatus 10. For example, the sensor unit 180 may include at least one of a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a noise sensor (e.g., a microphone), a video sensor (e.g., a camera module), and a timer.

The sensors included in the sensor unit 180 may be classified into a touch sensor 181, a motion sensor 182, and a bending sensor 183 according to sensing purposes. However, this is merely an example, and the sensors of the sensor unit 180 may be classified differently in other exemplary embodiments. This is not a physical classification of the sensors included in the sensor unit 180, and more than two sensors may be combined to be used as one or more of the

sensors

181, 182, and 183. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, certain elements or functions of the sensor unit 180 may be incorporated into the controller 190.

For example, the touch sensor 181 may acquire an output signal generated based on a user input from the touch sensor. The touch sensor 181 may calculate user input information such as a touch position or touch coordinates, the number of touches, a touch intensity, a cell ID, a touch angle, or a touch area based on the signal value, and determine the type of touch input using the calculated user input information. The touch sensor 181 may determine the type of touch input using a touch recognition algorithm, touch pattern data, and the like stored in the memory. If the type of touch input is determined, the touch sensor 181 may transmit information about the type of touch input to the controller 190. The touch sensor 181 may also detect a proximity touch position (or hover position) input by the user.

The controller 190 may perform certain functions on behalf of the touch sensor 181. For example, the touch sensor 181 may transmit a signal value acquired from the touch sensor or user input information calculated based on the signal value to the controller 190. The controller 190 may then determine the type of touch input based on the received signal values or user input information using a touch recognition algorithm, touch pattern data, etc. stored in the memory 150. In addition, when executing the phone application, for example, the controller 190 may detect that a call button of the phone application is selected based on the user input information or the type of touch input, and request the communicator 140 to make a call.

The motion sensor 182 may detect a motion (e.g., rotation, tilt, etc.) of the user terminal device 100 using a sensor. For example, at least one of an acceleration sensor, a tilt sensor, a gyro sensor, and a 3-axis magnetic sensor may be used to detect the motion of the user terminal device 100. The motion sensor 182 may send an electrical signal to the controller 190. For example, when an acceleration sensor is used, the motion sensor 182 may measure the gravitational acceleration of the user terminal device 10 with reference to each of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. The motion sensor 182 may measure the acceleration of motion and the acceleration of gravity of the user terminal device 10. When there is no motion in the user terminal device 10, only the gravitational acceleration may be measured.

It is assumed that the gravitational acceleration is a positive (+) value when the user terminal device 10 is placed with its front surface facing upward, and is a negative (-) value when the user terminal device 10 is placed with its rear surface facing upward. When the user terminal device 10 is placed with its rear surface contact plane, the X-axis and Y-axis components of the gravitational acceleration measured by the motion sensor 182 may be 0m/sec ² And the Z-axis component may be a certain positive value (e.g., +9.8 m/sec) ² ). On the other hand, when the user terminal device 10 is placed with its front surface contact plane, the X-axis and Y-axis components of the gravitational acceleration measured by the motion sensor 182 may be 0m/sec ² And the Z-axis component may be a specific negative value (e.g., -9.8 m/sec) ² )。

If the user terminal is installedThe device 10 is placed obliquely with respect to the table surface, and at least one axial component of the gravitational acceleration measured by the motion sensor 182 may be 0m/sec ² And (c) an other value. This value may be the square root of the sum of the squares of the three-axis components, i.e., a vector sum (e.g., 9.8 m/sec) ² ). In an exemplary embodiment where the motion sensor 182 detects acceleration in each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions on the coordinate system, the axes and the gravitational acceleration measured for the axes may vary depending on the location where the sensor is attached.

The bending sensor 183 may detect the bending state of the user terminal apparatus 10 using one or more sensors. For example, at least one of a positioning switch, a motion detection sensor, and a pressure sensor may be used to detect the bending state.

The bending sensor 183 may periodically transmit the value measured by the detection sensor or the bending state of the user terminal device 10 derived from the measured value to the controller 190. The bending sensor 183 may send the measured value or the bending state to the controller 190 based on the comparison result between the measured value and a specific threshold value, or based on a specific event.

In an exemplary embodiment, two positioning switches may be used to implement bend sensor 183. In this case, the bending angle of the user terminal device 10 may be determined based on whether each of the two positioning switches is in an on (on) state or an off (off) state. In addition, the bending speed of the user terminal device 10 may be measured based on the time taken for the two positioning switches to change from the on state to the off state or from the off state to the on state. In addition, the bending holding time of the user terminal device 10 may be measured based on how long the on or off state of each of the two positioning switches is maintained.

In another exemplary embodiment, two motion detection sensors may be used to implement the bend sensor 183. In this case, one of the motion detection sensors may be located at an upper portion of the user terminal device 10 with reference to the bending axis, and the other may be located at a lower portion of the user terminal device 10. The motion detection sensor may include one or more sensors of various types. For example, the motion detection sensor may include at least one of an acceleration sensor, a tilt sensor, a gyro sensor, and a magnetic field sensor. The bending angle of the user terminal device 10 may be measured according to the angle value detected by the motion detection sensor. In addition, the bending speed of the user terminal device 10 may be measured according to the speed value measured by the motion detection sensor. Further, the bending holding time of the user terminal device 10 may be measured based on the time at which the displacement value detected by the motion detection sensor is generated.

In another exemplary embodiment, a pressure sensor may be used to implement bend sensor 183. In this case, the bending angle of the user terminal device 10 may be measured based on the intensity of the pressure applied to the pressure sensor. In addition, the bending speed of the user terminal device 10 may be detected based on the speed of change of the pressure applied to the pressure sensor. In addition, the bending hold time of the user terminal device 10 may be measured based on the time during which the pressure applied to the pressure sensor is maintained.

In another exemplary embodiment, the bending sensor 183 may detect the bending state of the user terminal apparatus 10 based on the capacitance value or the resistance value of the touch panel acquired by the touch sensor 181. For example, the bending angle of the user terminal device 10 may be measured based on a capacitance value or a resistance value of a bent portion of the touch panel. In addition, the bending speed of the user terminal device 10 may be measured based on the change speed of the capacitance value or the resistance value. In addition, the bending retention time of the user terminal device 10 may be measured based on the time during which there is a change in the capacitance value or the resistance value.

The controller 190 controls the overall operation of the user terminal device 10 using various programs stored in the memory 150.

As shown in fig. 3, the controller 190 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a Random Access Memory (RAM) 191, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 192, a graphic processor 193, a main CPU 194, first to nth interfaces 195-1 to 195-n, and a bus 196. The RAM 191, the ROM 192, the graphic processor 193, the main CPU 194, and the first to nth interfaces 195-1 to 195-n may be connected to each other via a bus 196.

ROM 192 may store a set of commands for starting the system. When the user terminal apparatus 10 is turned on and supplies power, the main line CPU 194 copies the O/S stored in the memory 150 onto the RAM 191 in accordance with the command stored in the ROM 192, executes the O/S, and starts the system. When the startup is completed, the main CPU 194 copies various application programs stored in the memory 150 onto the RAM 191, executes the application programs copied onto the RAM 191, and performs various operations.

The graphic processor 193 generates a screen including various information such as items, images, texts, etc. using a calculator and a renderer. The calculator calculates attribute values of information to be displayed, such as coordinate values, shapes, sizes, colors, etc. of the information according to the layout of the screen, using the control command received from the sensor unit 180. The renderer generates screens including various layouts of information based on the attribute values calculated by the calculator. The screen generated by the renderer is displayed on the display area of the display 130.

The main CPU 194 accesses the memory 150 and performs boot using the O/S stored in the memory 150. In addition, the main CPU 194 performs various operations using various programs, contents, and data stored in the memory 150.

The first to nth interfaces 195-1 to 195-n are connected with the above-described various elements. One of the interfaces may be a network interface that provides connectivity with an external device through a network.

The controller 190 controls the display 130 to display information on the first area while the user terminal device 100 is maintained in the bent state based on the detected bent state, and controls the display 130 not to display information on the first area in response to the user terminal device 100 changing from the bent state to the unbent state.

Fig. 5A to 7 illustrate bending the user terminal device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.

In the exemplary embodiment to be explained with reference to fig. 5A to 7, the scenario is as follows. Initially, the user terminal device 10 is in an unbent state and then gradually becomes bent in response to an external pressure. Thereafter, when the external pressure is removed while the user terminal device 10 is bent less than the predetermined curvature or the predetermined angle, the user terminal device 10 may return toIts previous state, i.e. the unbent state. Hereinafter, a state from which the user terminal device 10 can return to its previous state in response to removal of the external pressure will be referred to as a pre-bending state. On the other hand, if the external pressure is continuously applied so that the user terminal device 10 is bent more than a predetermined curvature or a predetermined angle, the user terminal device 10 may maintain its bent state even after the external pressure is removed. Hereinafter, a state in which the user terminal device 10 remains bent even if no external pressure is applied to the user terminal device 10 will be referred to as a post-bending (step-bending) state. For example, the predetermined angle may be, but is not limited to, an angle between about 10 degrees and 25 degrees. The predetermined angle may vary depending on the elasticity or degree of wear of the elastic part for returning to its original state. For example, the pressure used to maintain the user terminal device 10 in the pre-flexed state may be, but is not limited to, about 0.9kfg/cm ² . In addition, the pressure for the user terminal device 10 to return from the post-bent state to the pre-bent state or the unbent state may be, but is not limited to, about 1.3kfg/cm ² 。

Meanwhile, the user terminal device 10 may operate to prevent a user's misoperation in response to external pressure applied by a user's finger. For example, while the user terminal device 10 is in the unbent state, the flexible display 20 may be in the deactivated state so that the user terminal device 10 may not process touch input on the flexible display 20. Thereafter, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to activate the first region 20-1 in response to applying the external pressure until the user terminal device 10 enters the pre-bending state. For example, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to activate the first area 20-1 and display the received message on the first area 20-1. In this case, the user terminal device 10 may not process the user touch input even though the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 is activated. Next, the user terminal device 10 may activate the second region 20-2 in response to continuously applying the external pressure to bring the user terminal device 10 into the post-bent state. For example, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a message input screen on the first area 20-1 and a keypad for inputting a message on the second area 20-2. In this case, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to process the user input on the flexible display 20. That is, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to receive a message input through the keypad displayed on the second region 20-2.

Fig. 5A illustrates a structure of a bent portion of the user terminal device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in fig. 5A, the bending portion 30 of the user terminal device 10 may include a first fixing portion 501, a second fixing portion 502, and an elastic portion 503 (e.g., a cylindrical spring, a leaf spring, etc.). In addition, the user terminal device 10 may further include a first bending detection section 183-1 and a second bending detection section 183-2 for detecting a bending state of the bending section 30.

Fig. 5A (a) illustrates an unbent state before the user terminal device 10 is bent. In the unbent state, the first locking portion 501-1 of the first fixing portion 501 and the second locking portion 502-1 of the second fixing portion 502 can be disengaged from each other. In this state, when the detection sensor of the first bending detection section 183-1 and the detection sensor of the second bending detection section 183-2 are the positioning switches for detecting pressing or contact, the detection sensors may be operated in an off state.

Next, when the external pressure 504 is applied until the user terminal device 10 is bent less than a predetermined curvature or a predetermined angle, the first and second fixing

portions

501 and 502 may move such that the first sliding portion 501-2 of the first fixing portion 501 and the second sliding portion 502-2 of the second fixing portion 502 contact each other. At this time, if the external pressure 504 is removed, the user terminal device 10 may return to its original state, i.e., the unbent state. That is, the first fixing portion 501 and the second fixing portion 502 may move due to the restoring force of the elastic portion 503 to allow the first sliding portion 501-2 and the second sliding portion 502-2 to slide and be disengaged from each other. In this case, the first fixing portion 501 and the second fixing portion 502 may return to the unbent state as shown in diagram (a) of fig. 5A.

In the pre-bending state shown in diagram (b) of fig. 5A, the detection sensor of the first bending detection section 183-1 may detect pressing or contact by the second fixing section 502 and may operate in an on (on) state. As a result, the first bending detection part 183-1 may transmit a detection signal of the second fixing part 502 to the controller 190. In response to the received detection signal of the second fixing portion 502, the controller 190 may determine that the user terminal device 10 is in the pre-bent state and control the flexible display 20 to display information on the first area 20-1 of the flexible display 20. For example, if the user terminal device 10 enters the pre-bent state from the non-bent state, the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 may be activated and display a received message.

If the external pressure 504 is continuously applied until the user terminal device 10 is bent more than a predetermined curvature or a predetermined angle, as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 5A, the first and second fixing

portions

501 and 502 may move to cause the first and second sliding portions 501-2 and 502-2 to further slide in opposite directions and cause the first and second locking portions 501-1 and 502-1 to contact each other. In this case, the user terminal device 10 can be maintained in the bent state even if the external pressure is removed. That is, the fixing force between the first and second locking portions 501-1 and 502-1 is stronger than the restoring force of the elastic portion 503 so that the user terminal device 10 can be maintained in the bent state.

In the post-bending state shown in diagram (c) of fig. 5A, the detection sensor of the first bending detection section 183-1 can detect the contact of the first fixing section 501, and the detection sensor of the second bending detection section 183-2 can detect the contact of the second fixing section 502, and thus both the first bending detection section 183-1 and the second bending detection section 183-2 can be operated in the on state. As a result, the first and second bending detection sections 183-1 and 183-2 can transmit detection signals of the first and second fixing

sections

501 and 502 to the controller 190. In response to receiving the detection signals of the first fixed portion 501 and the second fixed portion 502 for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 to 1 second), the controller 190 may determine that the user terminal device 10 is in the post-bent state and control the flexible display 20 to display another information on the first area 20-1 of the flexible display 20. In other words, if the user terminal device 10 enters the post-bent state, the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 may display a text message input window.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the user terminal device 10 based on the bent state detected by the bend sensor 183 of fig. 5A.

At S601, the controller 190 may check the bent state of the user terminal device 10. That is, the user terminal device 10 can monitor whether or not the bending detection signals are received from the first bending detection section and the second bending detection section.

At S602, the user terminal device 10 may determine that the detection sensor of the first bending detection section is in an on state or in an off state. If the detection sensor of the first bending detection part is in the OFF state (S602-OFF), the controller 190 may determine that the user terminal device 10 is in the unbent state, and thus perform a function corresponding to the unbent state in S603.

ON the other hand, if the detection sensor of the first bending detection section is in an ON state (S602-ON), the controller 190 may determine that the detection sensor of the second bending detection section is in an ON state or an off state at S604.

If the detection sensor of the second bending detection section is in the OFF state (S604-OFF), the controller 190 may determine that the user terminal device 10 is in the pre-bending state and perform a function corresponding to the pre-bending state at step S605.

ON the other hand, if the detection sensor of the second bending detection section is in the ON state (S604-ON), the controller 190 may determine that the user terminal device 10 is in the post-bending state, and thus perform a function corresponding to the post-bending state at S606.

Fig. 5B illustrates a structure of a bent portion of the user terminal device 10 according to another exemplary embodiment.

In fig. 5B, the bending part 30 of the user terminal device 10 may include a bending axis 511 and a lever 512. In addition, the user terminal device 10 may further include a first bending detection section 183-3 and a second bending detection section 183-4 that detect a bending state of the bending section 30. For example, the rod 512 may be implemented using an elastic material.

Diagram (a) of fig. 5B illustrates an unbent state of the user terminal device 10. In the unbent state, the bending axis 511 may be located in the first locking region 512-1. If the detection sensor of the first bending detection part 183-3 and the detection sensor of the second bending detection part 183-4 are implemented as a position switch for detecting pressing or contact, the detection sensors may be operated in an off state in a non-bent state.

If the external pressure 514 is applied to bend the user terminal device 10 less than the predetermined curvature or the predetermined angle, the bending axis 511 slides from the first locking region 512-1 toward the second locking region 512-3 along the sliding portion 512-2, as shown in diagram (B) of fig. 5B. In this case, if the external pressure is removed, the user terminal device 10 may return to its original state, i.e., the unbent state. That is, the bending shaft 511 may slide back to the first locking region 512-1 along the sliding portion 512-2 due to the restoring force of the lever 512.

In the pre-bending state shown in diagram (B) of fig. 5B, the detection sensor of the first bending detection section 183-3 can detect pressing or contact through the bending shaft 511, and thus can operate in an on state. As a result, the first bending detection part 183-3 can transmit a detection signal of the bending axis 511 to the controller 190. In response to receiving the detection signal of the bending axis 511, the controller 190 may determine that the user terminal device 10 is in the pre-bent state and control the flexible display 20 to display information on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20. In other words, if the user terminal device 10 enters the pre-bent state from the non-bent state, the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 may be activated and display the received message.

If the external pressure 514 is continuously applied until the user terminal device 10 is bent more than a predetermined curvature or a predetermined angle, the bending axis 511 may be continuously slid along the sliding portion 512-2 and positioned in the second locking region 512-3, as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 5B. In this post-bending state, the user terminal device 10 may not return to the unbent state even if the external pressure is removed. That is, the bending axis 511 is locked in the second locking region 512-3 due to the presence of the protrusions 515-1 and 515-2 formed on the second locking region 512-3, so that the user terminal device 10 can be maintained in a bent state even if the external pressure is removed.

In the post-bending state shown in diagram (c) of fig. 5B, the detection sensor of the second bending detection section 183-4 can detect pressing or contact through the bending shaft 511, and thus can operate in the on state. As a result, the second bending detection part 183-4 can transmit a detection signal of the bending axis 511 to the controller 190. In response to the controller 190 receiving the detection signal of the bending axis 511, the controller 190 may determine that the user terminal device 10 is in the post-bending state and control the flexible display 20 to display another information on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20. In other words, if the user terminal device 10 enters the post-bent state from the pre-bent state, the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 may display a text message input window.

Fig. 7 illustrates an operation of the bent portion of the user terminal device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.

In fig. 7, the bending part 30 of the user terminal device 10 may include a bending axis 511 and a lever 512. In addition, the user terminal device 10 may further include a bending sensor 183 to detect a bending state of the bending portion 30. Here, the detection sensor of the bending sensor 183 may be a pressure sensor (e.g., a strain gauge) and may correspond to a hatched portion in fig. 7. The pressure sensor may measure a change in the resistance value caused by the bending of the user terminal apparatus 10. As a result, an event signal indicating the impedance value or a change in the impedance value may be transmitted to the controller 190. The controller 190 may determine that the user terminal device 10 is in the unbent state, the pre-bent state, or the post-bent state based on the received event signal. The bent portion 30 may further include an elastic portion that enables the user terminal device 10 to automatically return to the unbent state from the pre-bent state without additional external force.

Fig. 8A to 8C illustrate an elastic portion of a bending portion according to an exemplary embodiment.

In fig. 8A, the elastic portion is a leaf spring 801. The flat spring 801 has an advantage of being easily connected to the user terminal device 10. Fig. 8A (a) illustrates the user terminal device 10 having the leaf spring 801 mounted thereon as viewed from the front. Fig. 8A (b) illustrates the user terminal device 10 having the leaf spring 801 mounted thereon as viewed from the side. Since the restoring force of the leaf spring 801 is strong, a specific structure for reinforcing the locking of the bending shaft 511 may be required. For example, as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 8A, the periphery 802 of the region where the bending shaft 511 moves in the lever 512 may be made of a metal material, thereby strengthening the force for locking the bending shaft 511. Furthermore, a reinforcing member 803 may be additionally installed on the periphery of the region where the bending shaft 511 is locked in the lever 512, thereby further reinforcing the force for locking the bending shaft 511.

As shown in FIG. 8B, portions 512-5 and 512-6 of rod 512 may be used as the resilient portions. In this case, if there is no other external force, the bending axis 511 located in the sliding portion 512-2 of the lever 512 can be automatically moved to the first locking region 512-1 by the restoring force of the elastic portions 512-5 and 512-6.

As shown in fig. 8C, the elastic part may be implemented using a needle spring 805 installed at the periphery of the sliding part 512-2 and the first locking region 512-1. In this case, if there is no other external force, the bent shaft 511 located in the sliding portion 512-2 of the lever 512 can be automatically moved to the first locking region 512-1 by the restoring force of the needle spring 805. The use of the needle spring 805 has the advantage that the restoring force can be easily adjusted (e.g., by the thickness of the spring).

Referring again to fig. 7, diagram (a) of fig. 7 illustrates a bent portion when the user terminal device 10 is in an unbent state.

In the unbent state, the bending axis 511 may be located in the first locking region 512-1 of the lever 512. Accordingly, the bending sensor 183 may detect the unbent state of the user terminal device 10 and transmit a signal indicating the unbent state to the controller 190.

Diagram (b) of fig. 7 illustrates a bent portion when the user terminal device 10 is in a pre-bent state in which the user terminal device 10 is bent less than a predetermined curvature or a predetermined angle.

In this pre-bending state, the bending axis 511 may be located in the sliding portion 512-2. In this case, in response to removal of the external pressure, the user terminal device 10 may return from the pre-bent state to the non-bent state. That is, if there is no other external force, the bending axis 511 may automatically return to the first locking region 512-1. In this pre-bending state, the bending sensor 183 may detect the pre-bending state of the user terminal apparatus 10 and transmit a signal indicating the pre-bending state to the controller 190.

Fig. 7 (c) illustrates a bent portion when the user terminal device 10 is in a post-bending state in which the user terminal device 10 is bent more than a predetermined curvature or a predetermined angle.

In this post-bent state, the bent axis 511 may be located in the second locking region 512-3 of the lever. In this case, the user terminal device 10 can be kept in the bent state even after the external pressure is removed. That is, the bent shaft 511 may not return to the first locking region 512-1 without any additional external force. In the post-bending state shown in diagram (c) of fig. 7, the bending sensor 183 may detect the post-bending state and transmit a signal indicating the post-bending state to the controller 190.

Fig. 9 to 14C illustrate displaying information on the flexible display in response to the user terminal device 10 changing from the non-bent state to the pre-bent state according to an exemplary embodiment.

In fig. 9 (a), the user terminal device 10 is in an unbent state. In this unbent state, the flexible display 20 of the user terminal device 10 may be in a deactivated state, e.g. in a sleep mode. At this time, external pressure may be applied to the user terminal device 10. For example, the external pressure may be a force that pushes the upper portion of the rear surface of the user terminal device 10 forward using the finger f 9.

In response to external pressure being applied, the user terminal device 10 may change from the unbent state to the pre-bent state, as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 9. In this pre-bent state, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display information on the first region 20-1 while external pressure is being applied to keep the user terminal device 10 from returning to the unbent state. In particular, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to change from the deactivated state to the activated state and further display information on the activated first area 20-1. For example, the information may be time information or weather information.

Next, in the pre-bent state of the user terminal device 10, the external pressure applied to the user terminal device 10 may be removed. For example, the user may stop pushing the upper portion of the rear surface of the user terminal device 10 with the finger f 9.

In response to the removal of the external pressure, the user terminal device 10 may change from the pre-bent state back to the non-bent state as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 9. As a result, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 not to display the information displayed in the pre-bent state on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20. For example, the user terminal device 10 may change the first area 20-1 to the deactivated state. The information displayed on the first area 20-1 may automatically disappear in response to the first area 20-1 changing to the deactivated state. Otherwise, the first region 20-1 may remain in the activated state, displaying different information. In other words, when the bent state returns from the pre-bent state to the unbent state, the information displayed on the first region 20-1 may be changed and/or the first region 20-1 may be deactivated.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the external pressure may be applied to the user terminal device 10 in an unbent state of the user terminal device 10, as shown in diagram (a) of fig. 10.

For example, the external pressure may be a force that pushes the front surface of the user terminal device 10 forward using the finger f10 while the user terminal device 10 is against the cradle 901, as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 10. In response to the application of the external pressure, the user terminal device 10 may change from the unbent state to the pre-bent state. As a result, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display information on the first region 20-1 while external pressure is being applied to keep the user terminal device 10 from returning to the unbent state, as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 10. For example, the information may be, but is not limited to, time information and weather information, as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 10.

Next, while the user terminal device 10 is in the bent state, the external pressure may be removed. For example, the user may stop pushing the front surface of the user terminal device 10 against the cradle 901 with the finger f 10. In response to the removal of the external pressure, the user terminal device 10 may change from the pre-bent state back to the unbent state, as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 10. As a result, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 not to display the time information and the weather information displayed in the pre-bent state on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 (as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 10). For example, the user terminal device 10 may change the first area 20-1 to the deactivated state. The information displayed on the first area 20-1 may automatically disappear in response to the first area 20-1 changing to the deactivated state. Otherwise, the first region 20-1 may remain in an activated state, displaying different information. In other words, when the bent state returns from the pre-bent state to the unbent state, the information displayed on the first region 20-1 may be changed and/or the first region 20-1 may be deactivated.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the user terminal device 10 may be in an unbent state, as shown in diagram (a) of fig. 11. In response to a message received in an unbent state, the user terminal device 10 controls the flexible display 20 to display an icon 1001 of the message or a part of the message on a certain region (e.g., an upper region) of the flexible display 20.

If an external pressure is applied to the user terminal device 10 in the unbent state, the user terminal device 10 may be changed from the unbent state to the pre-bent state as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 11. In this pre-bent state, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a message 1102 on the first area 20-1 while maintaining the external pressure to keep the user terminal device 10 from returning to the unbent state. A portion or all of the content of the received message may be displayed on the first area 20-1 of the flexible display 20.

At this time, if the external pressure is removed, the user terminal device 10 may be changed from the pre-bent state back to the non-bent state as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 11. When the user terminal device 10 returns to the unbent state, the flexible display 20 is controlled not to display a message on the first area 20-1 any more. In other words, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 not to display a part or all of the message displayed on the flexible display 20 in the pre-bent state. In addition, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 not to display the message icon 1001.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the user terminal device 10 may execute a music application in an unbent state, as shown in diagram (a) of fig. 12. When listening to music, if the user wishes to know information about the music, the user pushes forward an upper portion of the rear surface of the user terminal device 10 using the finger f12, thereby applying external pressure to the user terminal device 10.

In response to external pressure being applied, the user terminal device 10 may change from the unbent state to the pre-bent state, as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 12. As a result, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen including information 1201 about music (e.g., singer's name, lyrics, album of reproduced music, etc.) on the first area 20-1 while maintaining the external pressure to keep the user terminal device 10 from returning to the unbent state. In addition, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen (e.g., a pause button, a start button, a repeat button, a mode change button, etc.) including a UI element 1202 for controlling a music application on the first area 20-1. While external pressure is being applied, the music may pause or may remain playing.

If the external pressure is removed, the user terminal device 10 may be changed from the pre-bent state back to the non-bent state as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 12. In response to the user terminal device 10 not being bent, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 not to display information and/or UI elements on the music on the first area 20-1 of the flexible display 20 any more.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the user terminal device 10 may receive a user input of the user finger f13 selecting a content 1301 to be downloaded or an application in an unbent state, as shown in diagram (a) of fig. 13A. Even when the flexible display 20 is in the deactivated state, the user terminal device 10 can continue downloading content or applications from the server 1302, as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 13A.

At this time, the user may push an upper portion of the rear surface of the user terminal device 10 forward using the finger f12, thereby applying external pressure to the user terminal device 10.

In response to external pressure being applied, the user terminal device 10 may change from the unbent state to the pre-bent state, as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 13B. In this case, while maintaining the external pressure to keep the user terminal device 10 from returning to the unbent state, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display information about the content or application being downloaded, for example, a download status bar, on the first region 20-1.

If the external pressure is removed, the user terminal device 10 may return to the unbent state and control the flexible display 20 not to display information on the content or application on the first area 20-1 of the flexible display 20, as shown in diagram (d) of fig. 13B. For example, the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 may enter a deactivated state, such as a sleep mode, or display different information.

Fig. 14A through 14C illustrate various fast viewing windows according to an exemplary embodiment.

The user terminal device 10 may change from the unbent state to the pre-bent state in response to application of external pressure. In this pre-bent state, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display various fast viewing windows.

For example, as shown in diagram (a) of fig. 14A, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 in the pre-bent state to display a clock alarm screen.

As shown in diagram (b) of fig. 14A, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 in the pre-bent state to display a calendar or schedule screen.

As shown in diagram (c) of fig. 14B, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen showing a missed call in a pre-bent state.

As shown in diagram (d) of fig. 14B, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display the health information display screen in the pre-bent state. Here, the health information may be information such as the number of steps, heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar of the user, recommended health information, sleep information, and the like.

As shown in diagram (e) of fig. 14C, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a home screen in the pre-bent state.

As shown in diagram (f) of fig. 14C, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a home screen in an unbent state. In this case, in response to application of external pressure after selection of identification information 1301 (e.g., an icon) of an application included in the home screen, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display an execution screen of an application (e.g., a camera application) corresponding to the selected identification information, as shown in diagram (g) of fig. 14C.

As described above, information can be provided to the user via the quick viewing window by a simple operation (i.e., bending) of the flexible display 20 in the deactivated state. That is, the user can be quickly provided with information while holding the user terminal device 10 without having to press a button mounted on the user terminal device 10 or unlock the lock screen.

Fig. 15 to 16 illustrate screens of the flexible display 20 when the bent state is changed from the post-bent state to the pre-bent state according to an exemplary embodiment.

In fig. 15 (a), the user terminal device 10 is in a bent state. As described above, the post-bending state refers to a state in which the user terminal device 10 maintains its bent state even if external pressure is not applied. In the post-bending state, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display the execution screen 1501 of the first application on the first region 20-1. For example, the execution screen 1501 of the first application may be an execution screen of a camera application, as shown in diagram (a) of fig. 15. The execution screen of the camera application may include a preview screen showing a view before the view is photographed.

Next, while the user terminal device 10 is in the post-bent state, external pressure may be applied to the user terminal device 10. For example, the external pressure may be a force that pushes the upper portion of the front surface of the user terminal device 10 using the finger f 15.

As a result, the user terminal device 10 can be changed from the post-bending state to the pre-bending state as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 15. While the external pressure is being applied, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display the execution screen of the second application 1502 as a quick viewing window on the first region 20-1. For example, the execution screen 1501 of the second application 1502 may be an execution screen of a message application, as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 15.

Next, while the user terminal device 10 is in the pre-bent state, the external pressure may be removed. For example, the user may stop pushing the upper portion of the front surface of the user terminal device 10 with the finger f 15.

In response to removal of the external pressure, the user terminal device 10 may change from the pre-bent state back to its previous state, i.e., the post-bent state, as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 15. In response to the bent state returning to the pre-bent state, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display the execution screen of the first application 1501 on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20.

As described above, in response to receiving a message while the camera application is running while the user terminal device 10 is in the bent state as shown in fig. 15, the user can read the message via the quick viewing window by a simple operation. That is, the user can quickly identify a message by simply changing the user terminal device 10 to the pre-bent state without having to perform an operation for executing a message application.

Another exemplary embodiment will be explained with reference to fig. 16. In diagram (a) of fig. 16, the user terminal device 10 is in a post-bent state, and the flexible display 20 displays an execution screen 1601 of the first application. For example, as shown in diagram (a) of fig. 16, the execution screen 1601 of the first application may be an execution screen of a camera application.

Next, in the post-bending state of the user terminal device 10, an external pressure may be applied to the user terminal device 10. For example, the external pressure may be a force that pushes the upper portion of the front surface of the user terminal device 10 using the finger f 16.

In this case, the user terminal device 10 may be changed from the post-bending state to the pre-bending state as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 16. While the external pressure is being applied, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen 1602 including a UI element used in the first application. Further, the UI element may be used to control the sensor unit 180 through the first application. For example, the UI elements may include buttons for configuring a photographing control mode (e.g., an aperture priority mode, a shutter priority mode, a focus automatic/manual mode, a sensitivity adjustment priority mode, etc.), and buttons for configuring a photographing type (e.g., a panorama photographing mode, a moving image photographing mode, a still image photographing mode, etc.).

In response to the removal of the external pressure, the user terminal device 10 may change from the pre-bending state back to the post-bending state as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 16. As a result, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display the execution screen 1601 of the first application on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20.

Fig. 17A and 17B illustrate various fast viewing windows according to an exemplary embodiment.

In response to external pressure being applied, the user terminal device 10 may change from the post-bending state to the pre-bending state. In this pre-bent state, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display various fast viewing windows. For example, as shown in diagram (a) of fig. 17A, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 in the pre-bent state to display a clock alarm screen.

Further, as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 17A, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 in the pre-bent state to display a calendar or schedule screen.

Further, as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 17B, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen showing a missed call in a pre-bent state.

Further, as shown in diagram (d) of fig. 17B, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display the health information display screen in the pre-bent state. Here, the health information may be information such as the number of steps, heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar of the user, recommended health information, sleep information, and the like.

Fig. 18A to 21B illustrate screens of the flexible display 20 when the bent state is changed in the order of the unbent state, the pre-bent state, and the post-bent state according to an exemplary embodiment.

In diagram (a) of fig. 18A, the user terminal device 10 is in an unbent state and the flexible display 20 is in a deactivated state.

If external pressure is applied, the user terminal device 10 may be changed from the unbent state to the pre-bent state as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 18A. In this case, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display the first information on the first area 20-1 while the external pressure is being applied. For example, as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 18A, the first information may be information on a missed call.

Next, more external pressure may be applied to the user terminal device 10 in the pre-bent state. In this case, the external pressure may be a force that continuously pushes the upper portion of the rear surface of the user terminal device 10 forward using the finger f18 until the user terminal device 10 is bent more than a predetermined angle or a predetermined curvature.

In response to more external pressure, the user terminal device 10 may change from the pre-bent state to the post-bent state, as shown in fig. 18B. As described above, the post-bending state refers to a state in which the user terminal device 10 maintains its bent state even if the external pressure is removed. In the post-bent state, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display second information related to the first information on the first area 20-1. For example, the second information may be information indicating a number to dial a missed call, as shown in diagram (c-1) of fig. 18B. Alternatively, as shown in diagram (c-2) of fig. 18B, the second information may be a UI element for dialing a number of a missed call or sending a message.

In fig. 19A (a), the user terminal device 10 is in an unbent state. In response to the user terminal device 10 receiving the message in the unbent state, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display notification information 1901 indicating the receipt of the message on a specific region (e.g., on the upper disc) of the flexible display 20. The notification information 1901 may include at least one of a message icon and a part of the content of the message content.

At this time, if an external pressure is applied and thus the user terminal device 10 changes from the non-bent state to the pre-bent state as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 19A, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display the message content 1902 on the first area 20-1.

If the bent state is further changed from the pre-bent state to the post-bent state due to the external pressure, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a message input screen on the first region 20-1 and a keypad for inputting a message on the second region 20-2, as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 19B.

Next, in the post-bending state, an external pressure may be applied to the user terminal device 10 in a direction opposite to the previously applied external pressure. For example, the external pressure may be a force that pushes the upper portion of the front surface of the user terminal device 10 using the finger f19 to bend the user terminal device 10 by less than a predetermined angle or a predetermined curvature.

In response to the application of the external pressure in the opposite direction, the user terminal device 10 may change back to the pre-bent state (or the unbent state), as shown in diagram (d) of fig. 19B. As a result, the user terminal device 10 can transmit a message composed using the message input screen in the bent state through the communicator 140. In other words, at least one command used in the application may be input by changing the bent state while displaying the execution screen of the application.

In fig. 20A (a), the user terminal device 10 is in an unbent state. In this unbent state, the flexible display 20 of the user terminal device 10 may be in a deactivated state.

If an external pressure is applied, the user terminal device 10 may be changed from the unbent state to the pre-bent state as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 20A. In this case, while the external pressure is being applied, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a control screen including time information and/or weather information on the first region 20-1.

If the external pressure continues to cause the user terminal device 10 to change from the pre-bent state to the post-bent state, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display an execution screen (e.g., a preview screen) of the camera application on the first region 20-1, as shown in diagram (c-1) of fig. 20B. In addition, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to further display a screen including a UI element for manipulating the camera application on the second area 20-2, as shown in diagram (c-2) of fig. 20B.

In diagram (a) of fig. 21A, the flexible display 20 of the user terminal device 10 in the unbent state may be in a deactivated state.

If external pressure is applied so that the user terminal device 10 changes from the non-bent state to the pre-bent state, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen including a UI element 2101 for selecting a still image photographing mode and a UI element 2102 for selecting a moving image photographing mode on the first area 20-1 while the external pressure is being applied.

If the external pressure continues to cause the user terminal device 10 to change from the pre-bent state to the post-bent state, the UI element 2101 for capturing a still image is selected as illustrated in diagram (c-1) of fig. 21B. As a result, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display an execution screen (e.g., a preview screen) of a camera application for photographing a still image on the first area 20-1. In addition, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen including a UI element for taking a still image on the second area 20-2.

Alternatively, if the user terminal device 10 changes from the pre-bent state to the post-bent state, the UI element 2102 for shooting a moving image may be selected. As a result, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display an execution screen (e.g., a preview screen) of a camera application for photographing a moving image on the first area 20-1. In addition, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen including UI elements for photographing moving images on the second area 20-2.

In diagram (b) of fig. 21A, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen including guide information for photographing a still image and a moving image on the first area 20-1. For example, the guide information may indicate that the user terminal device 10 will enter the still image photographing mode when additional external pressure is applied to the user terminal device 10 for a predetermined time, and indicate that the user terminal device 10 will enter the moving image photographing mode if external pressure is additionally applied after the predetermined time elapses.

Accordingly, if additional external pressure is applied for a predetermined time, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen for photographing a still image, as shown in diagram (c-1) of fig. 21B. The bent state may be changed from a pre-bent state to a post-bent state in response to an additional external pressure.

On the other hand, if the additional external pressure is applied after the predetermined time, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen for photographing a moving image, as shown in diagram (c-2) of fig. 21B.

Fig. 22A to 22B illustrate a method for configuring a fast viewing window according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in fig. 22A, the user can determine applications, controls, contents, and the like to be displayed on the quick viewing window in response to the user terminal device 10 being bent or not bent.

Referring to diagram (a) of fig. 22A, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen 2201 for selecting a control, content, or the like. Next, the sensor unit 180 of the user terminal device 100 may detect a user input selecting the control 2201-1 by the finger f 22.

In response to detecting the user input, the user terminal device 100 may control the flexible display 20 to display a screen enabling the user to select a control 2201-1 on which the selected control is to be displayed, as shown in diagram (b) of fig. 22A. In this case, the screen on which the control is to be displayed may be the home screen 2102 or the quick view window. For example, if the sensor unit 180 of the user terminal device 100 can detect a user input of moving the selected control 2201-1 onto the icon 2203 representing the quick viewing window, the selected control 2201-1 is displayed on the quick viewing window.

In response to a user input moving the selected control 2201-1 onto the icon 2203, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display a quick view window on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 to indicate that the selected control 2201-1 is determined to be displayed on the quick view window, as shown in diagram (c) of fig. 22B.

Thereafter, if the user terminal device 10 changes from the non-bent state to the pre-bent state in response to the external pressure (e.g., by the finger f 22), the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display the determined control on the quick viewing window, as shown in diagram (d) of fig. 22B. In addition, if the user terminal device 10 returns to the unbent state in response to the external pressure, the user terminal device 10 may control the flexible display 20 to display the determined control on the quick viewing window.

Fig. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method for the user terminal device 10 to display information according to an exemplary embodiment.

In S2301, the user terminal device 10 may detect the bending state (binding state) of the user terminal device 10.

At 2302, the user terminal device 10 may determine whether the user terminal device 10 is in a bent state (bent state) (e.g., a pre-bent state or a post-bent state) based on the detected bent state (bending state).

If the user terminal device 10 is in the bent state (S2302-Y), the user terminal device 10 may display information on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 at S2303. The first region 20-1 may be a display region of the flexible display 20 formed on an upper portion of one axis with reference to which the user terminal device 10 is bent.

At S2304, the user terminal device 10 may detect the bending state (binding state) of the user terminal device 10.

At S2305, the user terminal device 10 may determine whether the user terminal device 10 is in an unbent state based on the bent state detected at S2304.

If it is determined that the user terminal device 10 is in the unbent state (S2305-Y), the user terminal device 10 may no longer display information on the first area 20-1 of the flexible display 20 at S2306. In other words, the user terminal device 10 removes the information displayed on the first area 20-1. For example, the user terminal device 10 may deactivate the flexible display 20 so no information is displayed on the first area 20-1. Alternatively, the user terminal device 10 may display different information, for example, a home screen, on the first area 20-1 and/or the second area 20-2 at S2306.

Fig. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a method of the user terminal device 10 displaying content according to another exemplary embodiment.

At S2401, the user terminal device 10 may detect a bent state of the user terminal device 10.

At 2402, the user terminal device 10 may determine whether the user terminal device 10 is in an unbent state based on the detected bent state.

If it is determined that the user terminal device 10 is in the unbent state (S2402-Y), the user terminal device 10 may deactivate the first region of the flexible display 20 at S2403.

At S2404, the user terminal device 10 may detect a bent state of the user terminal device 10.

At S2405, the user terminal device 10 may determine whether the user terminal device 10 is in the pre-bent state based on the bent state detected at S2404. If it is determined that the user terminal device 10 is in the pre-bent state (S2405-Y), the user terminal device 10 may display information on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 at S2406.

Fig. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a method of the user terminal device 10 displaying content according to another exemplary embodiment.

At S2501, the user terminal device 10 may detect the bent state of the user terminal device 10.

At 2502, the user terminal device 10 may determine whether the user terminal device 10 is in the post-bent state based on the detected bent state.

If it is determined that the user terminal device 10 is in the post-bent state (S2502-Y), the user terminal device 10 may display first information on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 at S2503. The first information may include, but is not limited to, content as described above, notification information (e.g., a message, information about a missed call, weather information, time information, alarm information, etc.), or a UI element. Further, the first information may be an execution screen of the first application.

At S2504, the user terminal device 10 may detect the bent state of the user terminal device 10.

At S2505, the user terminal device 10 may determine whether the user terminal device 10 is in the pre-bending state based on the bending state detected at S2504. If it is determined that the user terminal device 10 is in the pre-bent state (S2505-Y), the user terminal device 10 may display second information on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 at S2506. The second information may be different information from the first information. For example, the second information may be an execution screen of the second application.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a user according to another exemplary embodiment a flow chart of a method of displaying content by the terminal device 10.

At S2601, the user terminal device 10 may detect a bent state of the user terminal device 10.

At 2602, the user terminal device 10 may determine whether the user terminal device 10 is in a pre-bent state based on the detected bent state.

If it is determined that the user terminal device 10 is in the pre-bent state (S2602-Y), the user terminal device 10 may display information on the first region 20-1 of the flexible display 20 at S2603.

At S2604, the user terminal device 10 may detect a bent state of the user terminal device 10.

At S2605, the user terminal device 10 may determine whether the user terminal device 10 is in the post-bent state based on the bent state detected at S2604. In response to the user terminal device 10 being in the bent state (S2605-Y), the user terminal device 10 may display information on the first and second regions 20-1 and 20-2 of the flexible display 20 at S2606. For example, the user terminal device 10 may display a message input screen on the first region 20-1 and a keypad screen for inputting a message on the second region 20-2.

The above-described exemplary embodiments can be implemented as programs executable in a computer, and can be implemented in a general-purpose digital computer that operates the programs using a computer readable recording medium. In addition, the structure of data used in the above-described exemplary embodiments may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium in various ways. The computer-readable recording medium includes storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical read-out media (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.).

The foregoing exemplary embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Furthermore, the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A bendable electronic device, comprising:

a flexible display divided into a first region and a second region when the electronic device is bent;

a bending portion for bending the electronic device or restoring the electronic device to an unbent state;

a bending sensor for detecting a bending state of the bending portion;

wherein the bending portion bends the electronic device to a first bent state of a first angle range by a first external pressure applied to the first region or the second region when the electronic device is in the unbent state, and returns to the unbent state when the external pressure is not applied to the first region or the second region in the first bent state

When the electronic device is in an unbent state, the electronic device is bent to a second bent state of a second angle range different from the first angle range by a second external pressure applied to the first region or the second region, wherein the electronic device is maintained in the second bent state even after the second external pressure is not applied to the first region or the second region.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the curved portion includes a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion arranged in opposite directions,

wherein one end of the first coupling part includes a first sliding part and a first locking part, an

Wherein an end of the second coupling part facing the end of the first coupling part includes a second sliding part and a second locking part.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the unbent state is a state in which the first slide portion and the second slide portion are separated from each other,

wherein the first bending state is a state in which the first coupling part and the second coupling part move along the length of the overlap in an unbent state such that the first sliding part and the second sliding part contact each other, and

wherein the second bent state is a state in which the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion move along the length of the overlap in the unbent state so that the first locking portion and the second locking portion are coupled and locked after passing through the first bent state.

4. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the curved portion further comprises:

an elastic part connected to the first coupling part and the second coupling part,

wherein when the first external pressure is not applied to the first region or the second region while maintaining the first bent state, the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are moved to the unbent state by a restoring force of the elastic portion.

5. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the curved portion further comprises:

a first bending sensor located at a first location and a second bending sensor located at a second location.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the first bend sensor is turned on when the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion move to the first bend state, and

wherein the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion move to the second bending state and the first bending sensor and the second bending sensor are turned on.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the bending portion includes a bending axis and a rod that the bending axis moves,

wherein the lever comprises a first locking region, a sliding region and a second locking region, wherein the first locking region and the second locking region have a space larger than the bending axis, an

Wherein the sliding region is located between the first locking region and the second locking region, and a space from the first locking region to the second locking region becomes smaller.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the unbent state is a state in which the bending axis is located on the first locking region,

wherein the first bending state is a state in which the bending axis moves to be located in the sliding region in a non-bent state, an

Wherein the second bent state is a state in which the bending axis passes through the sliding region in the unbent state and is located in the second locking region.

9. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the rod has an elastic material, and

wherein when the first external pressure is not applied to the first region or the second region while maintaining the first bent state, the bending shaft is moved from the sliding region to the first locking region by the elastic force of the lever.

10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the bend sensor further comprises:

a first bending sensor located in the sliding region, and a second bending sensor located in the second locking region.

11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the first bend sensor is turned on based on the bend axis moving to the sliding region, and

wherein the first bend sensor is turned off and the second bend sensor is turned on based on the movement of the bend axis to the second locking region.