Foldable electronic devices

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a foldable electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing including a first housing and a second housing, a flexible display including a first display portion and a second display portion, a first camera module installed in the first housing and disposed adjacent to a cutting structure, and a second camera module and a third camera module installed in the second housing, wherein the first housing includes a notch having any suitable shape. When the first housing and the second housing are folded, at least one of the second camera module or the third camera module is disposed to face the same direction as the first camera module.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0042101 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 10, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device including a plurality of camera modules. Background Art

[0004] Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays that can be folded or unfolded have recently been marketed. Users can use the wide display screen of the foldable electronic device in the unfolded state, and can conveniently carry the foldable electronic device in the folded state. The foldable electronic device may include one or more camera modules. The foldable electronic device may take photos or videos using the camera module.

[0005] An ordinary bar-type electronic device (e.g., an ordinary rectangular smartphone rather than a foldable electronic device) may include a first camera module for front-facing photography (e.g., self-portrait) and a second camera module and / or a third camera module for photography. The first camera module, the second camera module, and the third camera module may include lenses with different characteristics (e.g., a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens).

[0006] The foldable electronic device may include an additional camera module similar to that used in a bar-type electronic device.

[0007] For example, in the case where an electronic device including a first camera module on a front surface and second and third camera modules on a rear surface is folded outward (a type in which the display is folded to face outward), the second and third camera modules may be hidden in the folded state. In order to take pictures in the folded state, the folded outward electronic device may additionally require a fourth and fifth camera modules.

[0008] In another example, in the case where the electronic device including the first camera module on the front surface and the second and third camera modules on the rear surface is folded inward (a type in which the display is folded to face inward), the first, second and third camera modules may be hidden in the folded state. In order to shoot in the folded state, the inwardly folded electronic device may additionally require a fourth, fifth and sixth camera modules.

[0009] As the number of camera modules increases, the space occupied by the camera modules in the housing increases, thereby reducing the space for other components and increasing the weight of the foldable electronic device.

[0010] The above information is provided as background information only to assist in understanding the present disclosure. No determination or assertion is made as to whether any of the above may be applicable as prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0011] Various aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above problems and / or disadvantages and provide at least the advantages described below. Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a foldable electronic device including a camera module exposed through a notch formed in a portion of a housing in a folded state.

[0012] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the illustrated embodiments.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes: a housing configured to be folded or unfolded by rotation of a first housing or a second housing, the first housing including a notch; a flexible display exposed through a first surface of the housing and including a first display portion installed in the first housing and a second display portion installed in the second housing; a first camera module installed in the first housing and exposed through the first surface, the first camera module being arranged adjacent to the notch; and a second camera module and a third camera module installed in the second housing and exposed through a second surface opposite to the first surface. When the first housing and the second housing are folded, at least one of the second camera module or the third camera module is arranged to face the same direction as the first camera module.

[0014] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The foregoing and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 A foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 The embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a folded state. Figure 1 camera modules for foldable electronic devices;

[0018] Figure 3 shows the field of view angles of the first camera module to the third camera module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of capturing an image when a foldable electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 is a view showing a screen in an unfolded state or a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 A foldable electronic device is shown in which camera modules overlap each other in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7 The embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a folded state. Figure 6 camera modules for foldable electronic devices;

[0023] Figure 8 An inwardly folded electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Fig. 9 A block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Like reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in understanding, but these details are to be considered exemplary only. Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications may be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0027] The terms and expressions used in the following description and claims are not limited to the written meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure as defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

[0028] It should be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0029] Figure 1A foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 The following description is made with respect to an outward folding type in which a flexible screen is exposed when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state and an unfolded state. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 , the foldable electronic device 101 may include a flexible display 110, a housing 120, a first camera module (or a first camera device) 130, a second camera module (or a second camera device) 140, a third camera module (or a third camera device 150), and / or a sensor 160. The foldable electronic device 101 may be folded around a folding line 123 so that the flexible display 110 faces outward (e.g., folded outward). Figure 1 An example is shown in which the foldable electronic device 101 includes a first camera module 130, a second camera module 140, and a third camera module 150. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the foldable electronic device 101 may further include a fourth camera module arranged side by side with the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 when the foldable electronic device 101 is unfolded.

[0031] The flexible display 110 may be folded in an outward folding type around a folding line 123. The flexible display 110 may include a first display portion 110a and a second display portion 110b. The first display portion 110a and the second display portion 110b may display various types of content, such as images or text.

[0032] The first display portion 110a and the second display portion 110b can be unfolded according to the rotation of the housing 120 (hereinafter referred to as the unfolded state). In the unfolded state, the first display portion 110a and the second display portion 110b can form a plane. In the unfolded state, the first display portion 110a and the second display portion 110b can display a complete content (for example, a network search screen). In another example, the first display portion 110a and the second display portion 110b can be divided into a plurality of parts and can perform multitasking operations.

[0033] The first display portion 110a and the second display portion 110b may be folded according to the rotation of the housing 120 (hereinafter referred to as a folded state). The first display portion 110a and the second display portion 110b may be arranged such that their effective areas face different directions in the folded state. In the folded state, the first display portion 110a may face a first direction, and the second display portion 110b may face a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0034] The housing 120 may be folded along a folding line 123. The housing 120 may include a first housing (or a first housing structure) 121 and a second housing (or a second housing structure) 122. According to an embodiment, the housing 120 may include a folding structure (e.g., a hinge structure) in a portion thereof corresponding to the folding line 123. For example, the first housing 121 and the second housing 122 may be unfolded or folded by rotation of the hinge structure (i.e., the folding structure).

[0035] The first housing 121 may have a first display portion 110 a installed therein. The first display portion 110 a may rotate together with the rotation of the first housing 121 .

[0036] According to various embodiments, the first housing 121 may include a notch (or opening) 121a (i.e., a blank area that prevents the first housing 121 from having the same shape as the corresponding second housing, which may also be referred to as a cutting structure or a cutting area). Figure 1 As shown, a small portion of a substantially square shape is removed to form a notch 121a having an L-shaped cutout structure or a through-opening structure. However, the notch 121a may have any suitable shape. For example, the notch 121a may be a structure in which a portion of the rectangular vertex region of the first housing 121 is removed. The first display portion 110a may have an "L" shape in an area adjacent to the notch 121a.

[0037] Figure 1 An example is shown in which the notch 121 a is located on the upper right side of the first housing 121 . However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the notch 121 a may be located on the upper left side of the second housing 122 .

[0038] The second housing 122 may have a second display portion 110 b installed therein. The second display portion 110 b may rotate together with the rotation of the second housing 122 .

[0039] The foldable electronic device 101 may include various components outside or inside the housing 120. For example, the foldable electronic device 101 may include a plurality of camera modules 130, 140, and 150, a sensor 160, buttons (e.g., a power button and a volume button), a speaker, and a receiver, which are at least partially exposed to the outside. In addition, the foldable electronic device 101 may include components such as a processor, a memory, a battery, a printed circuit board, or a communication circuit inside the housing 120.

[0040] The housing 120 may have a first camera module 130 mounted on a first surface (e.g., a front surface) on which the flexible display 110 is exposed. The first camera module 130 may be disposed to face the same direction as the flexible display 110 in the unfolded state. The first camera module 130 may be disposed to face the same direction as the first display portion 110a in the folded state.

[0041] The housing 120 may have a second camera module 140 and a third camera module 150 mounted on a second surface (a surface on which the flexible display 110 is not exposed) (e.g., a rear surface) opposite to the first surface. In the unfolded state, the first camera module 130 may face a different direction from the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150. The second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 may be mounted in a first portion 122b of the second housing 122 corresponding to the removal area 121b. In an embodiment, the first portion 122b may be an area that further protrudes upward beyond the remaining area of ​​the second housing 122.

[0042] In the folded state, the second and third camera modules 140 and 150 may face the same direction as the first camera module 130. The second and third camera modules 140 and 150 may be disposed (eg, at the upper right side) to be exposed through the removed area 121b near the notch 121a in the folded state.

[0043] In the folded state, the first camera module 130, the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 may all face the same direction. In an embodiment, the first camera module 130, the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 may be arranged in a row on the same axis (eg, A-A').

[0044] According to various embodiments, the first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150 may be different types of cameras. For example, the first camera module 130 may include an ultra-wide-angle lens, the second camera module 140 may include a telephoto lens, and the third camera module 150 may include a wide-angle lens.

[0045] The processor in the foldable electronic device 101 can collect image data by controlling the first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150 in various ways according to the unfolded state or the folded state (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0046] For example, in the unfolded state, the processor can take a selfie by using the first camera module 130, or can perform a video call. In another example, the processor can use the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 to take a composite image or a bokeh image.

[0047] In another example, in the folded state, the processor may capture a high-quality composite image or a bokeh image by simultaneously using the first camera module 130 , the second camera module 140 , and / or the third camera module 150 .

[0048] According to various embodiments, the second housing 122 may have a sensor 160 installed in the first portion 122b (eg, on the upper right side). The sensor 160 may sense various information around the foldable electronic device 101. Figure 1 An example is shown in which the sensor 160 is installed in the first part 122b (eg, on the upper right side). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor 160 may be provided on the periphery of the first surface of the second housing 122 (the surface facing the flexible display 110).

[0049] Figure 1 An example is shown in which the foldable electronic device 101 is folded in an outward folding type in which the first display portion 110a and the second display portion 110b of the flexible display 110 are exposed to the outside. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the foldable electronic device 101 may be folded in an inward folding type in which the first display portion 110a and the second display portion 110b face each other (see Figure 8 ).

[0050] Figure 2 The embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a folded state. Figure 1 camera modules for foldable electronic devices;

[0051] refer to Figure 2 , the foldable electronic device 101 may include a first camera module 130, a second camera module 140 and / or a third camera module 150. For example, the first camera module 130 may be installed in the first housing 121. The second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 may be installed in the second housing 122.

[0052] In the folded state, the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 may be exposed through the notch 121a. According to an embodiment, in the folded state, the first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150 may be arranged in a row on the virtual axis AA'. For example, the virtual axis AA' may be an axis parallel to the upper edge of the foldable electronic device 101.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 may be thicker elements or modules than the first camera module 130 .

[0054] The first shell 121 may have a first thickness T1. The second shell 122 may have a second thickness T2 in the remaining area except the first portion (or protruding area) 122b. The first thickness T1 may be equal to the second thickness T2. The first portion (or protruding area) 122b of the second shell 122 may have a third thickness T3 greater than the second thickness T2.

[0055] The first camera module 130 may have a thickness that allows it to be mounted in the first housing 121 having the first thickness T1. The second and third camera modules 140 and 150 may have a thickness that allows them to be mounted in the first portion 122b having the third thickness T3.

[0056] According to various embodiments, various elements that are difficult to be mounted in the portion having the second thickness T2 may be mounted in the first portion (or protruding region) 122 b .

[0057] The first portion (or protruding area) 122b of the second housing 122 may have a shape corresponding to the notch 121a to contact the notch 121a of the first housing 121 in the folded state or be formed within a designated distance from the notch 121a of the first housing 121.

[0058] Figure 3 The field of view angles of the first to third camera modules according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 3 This is merely illustrative, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0059] refer to Figure 3 , the foldable electronic device 101 may include a first camera module 130, a second camera module 140 and / or a third camera module 150. For example, the first camera module 130 may be installed in the first housing 121. The second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 may be installed in the second housing 122. The first camera module 130, the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 may be arranged to face the same direction in the folded state.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150 may have different field angles. The first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150 may have a first field angle F1, a second field angle F2, and a third field angle F3, respectively. For example, the first field angle F1, the second field angle F2, and the third field angle F3 may have a relationship of F1>F2>F3.

[0061] The foldable electronic device 101 may take photos or videos with various image effects through various combinations of the first camera module 130 , the second camera module 140 , and the third camera module 150 .

[0062] For example, the foldable electronic device 101 can take an image of the same object by using all of the first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150. The foldable electronic device 101 can generate one combined image by comparing and combining the first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150.

[0063] In another example, the foldable electronic device 101 may use the first camera module 130 and the third camera module 150 to generate a combined image having a different image effect than when the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 are used.

[0064] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of capturing an image when a foldable electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] refer to Figure 4 , at operation 410, in the unfolded state, the foldable electronic device 101 (or the processor in the foldable electronic device 101) can operate in a first mode (e.g., a selfie mode) using the first camera module 130 or in a second mode (e.g., a background shooting mode) using the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150.

[0066] At operation 420 , in the unfolded state, the foldable electronic device 101 may display image data acquired according to the first mode or the second mode through at least a portion of the flexible display 110 .

[0067] For example, in the first mode, the foldable electronic device 101 may collect image data through the first camera module 130. The foldable electronic device 101 may use the collected image data to display a preview image through at least a portion of the flexible display 110 (e.g., the second display portion 110b) or the entire flexible display 110. The user may take a selfie image while recognizing the displayed preview image.

[0068] In another example, in the second mode, the foldable electronic device 101 can collect image data through the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150. The foldable electronic device 101 can display a preview image through at least a portion of the flexible display 110 (e.g., the first display portion 110a) or the entire flexible display 110 using the collected image data. The user can capture images of surrounding objects while recognizing the displayed preview image. In the second mode, the foldable electronic device 101 can capture images with higher quality than in the first mode by using different types of camera modules at the same time, and can capture images with various effects (e.g., bokeh images).

[0069] At operation 430, the foldable electronic device 101 may determine whether the first housing 121 and the second housing 122 are changed to the folded state. For example, the foldable electronic device 101 may include a sensor (e.g., a magnet and a Hall sensor) for identifying the folded state of the first housing 121 and the second housing 122. The foldable electronic device 101 may detect whether the first housing 121 and the second housing 122 are changed to the folded state based on information recognized by the sensor.

[0070] At operation 440 , when the first housing 121 and the second housing 122 are changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, the foldable electronic device 101 may operate in a third mode combining and using at least two of the first camera module 130 , the second camera module 140 , and the third camera module 150 .

[0071] According to an embodiment, in the folded state, the foldable electronic device 101 may collect image data using all of the first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150. The first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150 may have different characteristics and may collect different image data about the same subject at the same time. The foldable electronic device 101 may compare and combine the image data collected by the camera modules 130, 140, and 150, and may generate a combined image to which various image effects are applied.

[0072] According to another embodiment, in the folded state, the foldable electronic device 101 can collect image data using the first camera module 130 and the second camera module 140. When the first camera module 130 and the second camera module 140 are used simultaneously, the foldable electronic device 101 can collect image data different from when the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 are used, and various image effects can be applied.

[0073] According to another embodiment, in the folded state, the foldable electronic device 101 may collect image data using the first camera module 130 and the third camera module 150. When the first camera module 130 and the third camera module 150 are used simultaneously, the foldable electronic device 101 may collect image data different from when the first camera module 130 and the second camera module 140 or the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 are used, and the foldable electronic device 101 may apply various image effects.

[0074] At operation 450, in the third mode, the foldable electronic device 101 may display image data acquired through a combination of at least two of the first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150 through at least one of the first display portion 110a or the second display portion 110b.

[0075] For example, when changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the foldable electronic device 101 may display a preview image through the first display portion 110a according to the default setting, and the second display portion 110b may remain in the screen-off state. When a separate user input (e.g., a touch input for switching the screen) is made, the foldable electronic device 101 may display a preview image through the second display portion 110b, and the first display portion 110a may be switched to the screen-off state.

[0076] According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device 101 is operated in the folded state, it may be determined whether the foldable electronic device 101 changes to the unfolded state. In this case, the foldable electronic device 101 operating in the third mode may be transformed into the first mode or the second mode. For example, when changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the foldable electronic device 101 may operate in the first mode according to a default setting, and when a separate user input is made, the foldable electronic device 101 may transition to the second mode.

[0077] Figure 5 2 is a view illustrating a screen in an unfolded state or a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is merely illustrative, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0078] refer to Figure 5 , in the unfolded state 501 , the foldable electronic device 101 can operate in the first mode or the second mode.

[0079] For example, in the first mode, the foldable electronic device 101 can collect image data using the first camera module 130. The foldable electronic device 101 can display a preview image through the first area 510 of the flexible display 110 (e.g., the upper area of ​​the second display portion 110b). Figure 5 Differently, the foldable electronic device 101 may display the preview image through the entire flexible display 110 .

[0080] In another example, in the second mode, the foldable electronic device 101 can collect image data using the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150. The foldable electronic device 101 can display a preview image through the second area 520 of the flexible display 110 (e.g., the upper area of ​​the first display portion 110a). Figure 5 Differently, the foldable electronic device 101 may display the preview image through the entire flexible display 110 .

[0081] In another example, the foldable electronic device 101 can operate in the first mode and the second mode at the same time. The foldable electronic device 101 can use the first camera module 130 to display a preview image through the first area 510 of the flexible display 110, and can use the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150 to display a preview image through the second area 520 of the flexible display 110. Figure 5 Differently, the foldable electronic device 101 may display an image obtained by combining an object image based on the first camera module 130 and a background image based on the second and third camera modules 140 and 150 through the entire flexible display 110 .

[0082] According to various embodiments, when operating in the first mode or the third mode, the foldable electronic device 101 may display a separate application execution screen on the third area 530 .

[0083] In the folded state 502 , the foldable electronic device 101 may operate in the third mode. In the third mode, the foldable electronic device 101 may combine and operate at least two of the first camera module 130 , the second camera module 140 , and the third camera module 150 .

[0084] For example, the foldable electronic device 101 can collect image data using all of the first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150. In another example, the foldable electronic device 101 can collect image data using the first camera module 130 and the second camera module 140, or can collect image data using the first camera module 130 and the third camera module 150.

[0085] The foldable electronic device 101 may display the acquired image data through the fourth area 540 of the first display portion 110 a .

[0086] For example, when the preview screen is recognized through the fourth area 540, the user can take a high-quality image or an image to which various effects are applied (eg, a bokeh image) using three camera modules.

[0087] In an embodiment, when a separate user input (eg, a touch input for switching screens) is made, the foldable electronic device 101 may display a preview image through the second display portion 110b, and the first display portion 110a may be switched to a screen-off state.

[0088] Figure 6 A foldable electronic device is shown in which camera modules overlap each other in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] refer to Figure 6 , the foldable electronic device 601 may include a flexible display 610, a housing 620, a first camera module 630, a second camera module 640, and a third camera module 650. The foldable electronic device 601 may be folded around a folding line 623 so that the flexible display 610 faces outward (folded outward).

[0090] Figure 6 An example is shown in which the foldable electronic device 601 includes a first camera module 630, a second camera module 640, and a third camera module 650. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0091] The flexible display 610 may be folded in an outward folding type around a folding line 623. The flexible display 610 may include a first display portion 610a and a second display portion 610b.

[0092] The first display portion 610a and the second display portion 610b may be unfolded according to the rotation of the housing 620. In the unfolded state, the first display portion 610a and the second display portion 610b may form one plane.

[0093] The first display portion 610a and the second display portion 610b may be folded according to the rotation of the housing 620. The first display portion 610a and the second display portion 610b may be arranged so that their effective areas face different directions in the folded state. In the folded state, the first display portion 610a may face a first direction, and the second display portion 610b may face a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0094] The housing 620 may be folded around a folding line 623. The housing 620 may include a first housing 621 and a second housing 622. The first housing 621 may have a first display portion 610a installed therein. The first display portion 610a may rotate together with the rotation of the first housing 621.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the first housing 621 may include a notch 621a. The notch 621a may be a structure in which a portion of a rectangular vertex region of the first housing 621 is removed. The first display portion 610a may have an "L" shape in a region adjacent to the notch 621a.

[0096] Figure 6 An example is shown in which the notch 621 a is located on the upper right side of the first housing 621 . However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the notch 621 a may be located on the upper left side of the second housing 622 .

[0097] The second housing 622 may have a second display portion 610 b installed therein. The second display portion 610 b may rotate together with the rotation of the second housing 622 .

[0098] The housing 620 may have a first camera module 630 mounted on a first surface (e.g., a front surface) on which the flexible display 610 is exposed. The first camera module 630 may be disposed to face the same direction as the flexible display 610 in the unfolded state. The first camera module 630 may be disposed to face the same direction as the first display portion 610a in the folded state.

[0099] The housing 620 may have a second camera module 640 and a third camera module 650 mounted on a second surface (a surface on which the flexible display 610 is not exposed) (e.g., a rear surface) opposite to the first surface. In the unfolded state, the first camera module 630 may face a different direction from the second camera module 640 and the third camera module 650.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the third camera module 650 may be installed in the first portion 622b corresponding to the removed area 621b of the second housing 622. For example, the first portion 622b may be an area further protruding upward beyond the remaining area of ​​the second housing 622. In an embodiment, the second camera module 640 may be provided in an area other than the first portion 622b.

[0101] In the folded state, the third camera module 650 may face the same direction as the first camera module 630. In contrast, the second camera module 640 may be hidden by the first housing 621.

[0102] The third camera module 650 may be disposed to be exposed through a removed area 621 b near the notch 621 a in the folded state (eg, at the upper right side).

[0103] In the folded state, the first camera module 630 and the third camera module 650 may face the same direction. In an embodiment, the first camera module 630 and the third camera module 650 may be arranged in a row on the same axis. The second camera module 640 may be hidden by the first housing 621.

[0104] According to various embodiments, the first camera module 630 and the third camera module 650 may be different types of cameras. For example, the first camera module 630 may include an ultra-wide-angle lens, and the third camera module 650 may include a telephoto lens.

[0105] The processor in the foldable electronic device 601 may collect image data by controlling the first camera module 630 , the second camera module 640 , and the third camera module 650 in various ways according to the unfolded state or the folded state.

[0106] For example, in the unfolded state, the processor can take a selfie using the first camera module 630, or can perform a video call. In another example, the processor can use the second camera module 640 and the third camera module 650 to take a composite image or a bokeh image.

[0107] In another example, in the folded state, the processor may capture a high-quality composite image or a bokeh image by using the first camera module 630 and the third camera module 650 simultaneously.

[0108] Figure 6 An example is shown in which the foldable electronic device 601 is folded in an outward folding type in which the first display portion 610a and the second display portion 610b of the flexible display 610 are exposed to the outside. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the foldable electronic device 601 can be folded in an inward folding type in which the first display portion 610a and the second display portion 610b face each other.

[0109] Figure 7 The embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a folded state. Figure 6 A camera module for a foldable electronic device.

[0110] refer to Figure 7 , the foldable electronic device 601 may include a first camera module 630, a second camera module 640, and a third camera module 650. The first camera module 630 may be installed in the first housing 621. The second camera module 640 and the third camera module 650 may be installed in the second housing 622.

[0111] In the folded state, the third camera module 650 may be exposed through the notch 621 a , and the second camera module 640 may be hidden by the first housing 621 .

[0112] According to various embodiments, the third camera module 650 may be a thicker element or module than the first camera module 630 and the second camera module 640 .

[0113] The first shell 621 may have a fourth thickness T4. The second shell 622 may have a fifth thickness T5 in the remaining area except the first portion (or protruding area) 622b. For example, the fourth thickness T4 may be equal to the fifth thickness T5. The first portion (or protruding area) 622b of the second shell 622 may have a sixth thickness T6 greater than the fifth thickness T5.

[0114] The first camera module 630 may have a thickness that allows it to be mounted in the first housing 621 having the fourth thickness T4. The second camera module 640 may have a thickness that allows it to be mounted in the second housing 622 having the fifth thickness T5. The third camera module 650 may have a thickness that allows it to be mounted in the first portion 622b having the sixth thickness T6.

[0115] According to various embodiments, various elements that are difficult to be mounted in the portion having the fifth thickness T5 may be mounted in the first portion (or the protruding region) 622 b .

[0116] The first portion (or protruding area) 622b of the second shell 622 may have a shape corresponding to the notch 621a to contact the notch 621a of the first shell 621 in the folded state or be formed within a designated distance from the notch 621a of the first shell 621.

[0117] Figure 8 An inwardly folded electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0118] refer to Figure 8 , the foldable electronic device 801 may include a flexible display 810, a housing 820, a first camera module 830, a second camera module 840, a third camera module 850, and a sub-display 870 that is exposed when the device is folded and unfolded. The foldable electronic device 801 may be folded around a folding line 823 so that the flexible display 810 faces inward (e.g., folded inward). Figure 8An example is shown in which the foldable electronic device 801 includes a first camera module 830, a second camera module 840, and a third camera module 850. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the foldable electronic device 801 may further include a fourth camera module arranged side by side with the second camera module 840 and the third camera module 850 when the foldable electronic device 801 is unfolded.

[0119] The flexible display 810 may be folded around the folding line 823 to hide and protect the flexible display 810. The flexible display 810 may include a first display portion 810a and a second display portion 810b.

[0120] The first display portion 810a and the second display portion 810b can be unfolded according to the rotation direction of the housing 820. In the unfolded state, the first display portion 810a and the second display portion 810b can form a plane. In the unfolded state, the first display portion 810a and the second display portion 810b can display a complete content (e.g., a network search screen). In another example, the first display portion 810a and the second display portion 810b can be divided into a plurality of portions and can perform multitasking operations.

[0121] The first display portion 810a and the second display portion 810b can be folded according to the rotation of the housing 820. In the folded state, the first display portion 810a and the second display portion 810b can be folded to face each other. In the folded state, the first display portion 810a and the second display portion 810b can be in a screen-off state.

[0122] The housing 820 may be folded around a folding line 823. The housing 820 may include a first housing 821 and a second housing 822. According to an embodiment, the housing 820 may include a folding structure (e.g., a hinge) in a portion thereof corresponding to the folding line 823. For example, the first housing 821 and the second housing 822 may be unfolded or folded by rotation of the hinge (i.e., the folding structure).

[0123] The first housing 821 may have a first display portion 810 a installed therein. The first display portion 810 a may rotate together with the rotation of the first housing 821 .

[0124] The second housing 822 may have a second display portion 810 b installed therein. The second display portion 810 b may rotate together with the rotation of the second housing 822 .

[0125] According to various embodiments, the second housing 822 may include a notch 822a (e.g., an L-shaped cutout structure). The notch 822a may be a structure in which a portion of the rectangular vertex region of the second housing 822 is removed. The second display portion 810b may have an "L" shape in an area adjacent to the notch 822a.

[0126] Figure 8 An example is shown where the notch 822a is located on the upper left side of the second housing 822. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the notch 822a may be located on the upper right side of the first housing 821. In this case, the first camera module 830 may be disposed in the first housing 821, and the second camera module 840, the third camera module 850, or the sub-display 870 may be disposed in the second housing 822.

[0127] The housing 820 may have a first camera module 830 mounted on a first surface (e.g., front surface) on which the flexible display 810 is exposed. The first camera module 830 may be arranged to face the same direction as the flexible display 810 in the unfolded state. In the folded state, the third camera module 830 may be exposed to the outside through the notch 822a.

[0128] The housing 820 may have a second camera module 840 and a third camera module 850 mounted on a second surface (a surface on which the flexible display 810 is not exposed) (e.g., a rear surface) opposite to the first surface. In the unfolded state, the first camera module 830 may face a different direction from the second camera module 840 and the third camera module 850.

[0129] In the folded state, the second camera module 840 and the third camera module 850 may face the same direction as the first camera module 830. The first camera module 830 may be disposed to be exposed through the notch 822a in the folded state (eg, at the upper right side).

[0130] In the folded state, the first camera module 830, the second camera module 840 and the third camera module 850 may all face the same direction. In an embodiment, the first camera module 830, the second camera module 840 and the third camera module 850 may be arranged in a row on the same axis.

[0131] According to various embodiments, the first camera module 830, the second camera module 840, and the third camera module 850 may be different types of cameras. For example, the first camera module 830 may include an ultra-wide-angle lens, the second camera module 840 may include a telephoto lens, and the third camera module 850 may include a wide-angle lens.

[0132] The processor in the foldable electronic device 801 may collect image data by controlling the first camera module 830 , the second camera module 840 , and the third camera module 850 in various ways according to the unfolded state or the folded state.

[0133] For example, in the unfolded state, the processor can take a selfie with the first camera module 830, or can perform a video call. In another example, the processor can use the second camera module 840 and the third camera module 850 to take a composite image or a bokeh image.

[0134] In another example, in the folded state, the processor may capture a high-quality composite image or a bokeh image by simultaneously using the first camera module 830 , the second camera module 840 , and the third camera module 850 .

[0135] The sub-display 870 may be mounted on the second surface (the surface on which the flexible display 810 is not exposed) (e.g., the rear surface) of the second housing 822. In an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the sub-display 870 may be in a screen-off state. In the folded state, the sub-display 870 may display content or may receive input from a user.

[0136] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an electronic device 901 (eg, Figure 1 The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, at least one of a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone, a computer device (e.g., a PDA: personal digital assistant), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a workstation, or a server), a portable multimedia device (e.g., an e-book reader or an MP3 player), a portable medical device (e.g., a heart rate, blood sugar, blood pressure, or body temperature measurement device), a camera, or a wearable device. The wearable device may include at least one of the following: an accessory-type device (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric or clothing-integrated device (e.g., an electronic garment), a body-connected device (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), or a bio-implantable circuit. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of the following: for example, a television, a DVD (digital video disc) player, an audio device, an audio accessory device (for example, a speaker, earphones or headphones), a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, an oven, a microwave, a washing machine, an air purifier, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a game console, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a portable camera or an electronic photo frame.

[0137] In another embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one of the following: a navigation device, a satellite navigation system (e.g., a global navigation satellite system (GNSS)), an event data recorder (EDR) (e.g., a black box for a car, ship, or airplane), a vehicle infotainment device (e.g., a head-up display for a vehicle), an industrial or domestic robot, a drone, an automated teller machine (ATM), a point of sale (POS), a measuring instrument (e.g., a water meter, an electric meter, or a gas meter), or an Internet of Things device (e.g., a light bulb, a sprinkler, a fire alarm, a thermostat, or a street lamp). The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may not be limited to the above-mentioned devices, and may provide the functions of multiple devices such as smart phones with a measurement function of personal biometric information (e.g., heart rate or blood sugar). In the present disclosure, the term "user" may refer to a person using an electronic device, or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) using the electronic device.

[0138] refer to Fig. 9 , the electronic device 901 in the network environment 900 may communicate with the electronic device 902 via the first network 998 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with the electronic device 904 or the server 908 via the second network 999 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 901 may communicate with the electronic device 904 via the server 908. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 901 may include a processor 920, a memory 930, an input device 950, a sound output device 955, a display device 960, an audio module 970, a sensor module 976, an interface 977, a haptic module 979, a camera module 980, a power management module 988, a battery 989, a communication module 990, a user identification module 996, or an antenna module 997. In any embodiment, at least one of the components (e.g., the display device 960 or the camera module 980) may be omitted from the electronic device 901, or one or more other components may be included in the electronic device 901. In any embodiment, some of the components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit.For example, the sensor module 976 (eg, a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illumination sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device 960 (eg, a display).

[0139] The processor 920 may run, for example, software (e.g., program 940) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware component or software component) of the electronic device 901 connected to the processor 920, and may perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operation, the processor 920 may load commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 976 or communication module 990) into the volatile memory 932, process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory 932, and store the resultant data in the non-volatile memory 934. According to an embodiment, the processor 920 may include a main processor 921 (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) and an auxiliary processor 923 (e.g., a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that is independent of or combined with the main processor 921 in operation. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 923 may be configured to consume less power than the main processor 921, or be configured to be specifically used for a specified function. The auxiliary processor 923 may be implemented separately from the main processor 921 , or may be implemented as a part of the main processor 921 .

[0140] When the main processor 921 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 923 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., display device 960, sensor module 976, or communication module 990) among the components of the electronic device 901 (not the main processor 921), or when the main processor 921 is in an active state (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 923 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., display device 960, sensor module 976, or communication module 990) among the components of the electronic device 901 together with the main processor 921. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 923 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., a camera module 980 or a communication module 990) that is functionally or operationally related to the auxiliary processor 923.

[0141] The memory 930 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 901 (e.g., the processor 920 or the sensor module 976). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 940) or input data or output data associated with a command of the software. The memory 930 may include a volatile memory 932 or a non-volatile memory 934.

[0142] The program 940 may be stored as software in the memory 930 , and may include, for example, an operating system 942 , middleware 944 , or an application 946 .

[0143] The input device 950 may receive commands or data to be used by other components (eg, the processor 920) of the electronic device 901 from outside the electronic device 901 (eg, a user). The input device 950 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, or a keyboard.

[0144] The sound output device 955 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 901. The sound output 955 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records, and the receiver can be used for incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker, or can be implemented as a part of the speaker.

[0145] The display device 960 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 901 (e.g., a user). The display device 960 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a control circuit for controlling a projector and corresponding devices. According to an embodiment, the display device 960 may include a touch circuit configured to detect a touch or a sensor circuit (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch.

[0146] The audio module 970 may convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, may convert an electrical signal into sound. According to an embodiment, the audio module 970 may obtain sound via the input device 950, or output sound via the sound output device 955 or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 902) (e.g., a speaker or earphone) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 901.

[0147] The sensor module 976 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 901 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) outside the electronic device 901, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 976 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0148] The interface 977 may support one or more specific protocols to be used to connect the electronic device 901 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 902). According to an embodiment, the interface 977 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0149] The connection end 978 may include a connector, wherein the electronic device 901 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 902) via the connector. According to an embodiment, the connection end 978 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0150] The haptic module 979 may convert the electrical signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electrical stimulation that can be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 979 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric sensor, or an electrical stimulator.

[0151] The camera module 980 may capture still image video. According to an embodiment, the camera module 980 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash (or electronic flash).

[0152] The power management module 988 may manage power supply to the electronic device 901. According to an embodiment, the power management module 988 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0153] The battery 989 may power at least one component of the electronic device 901. According to an embodiment, the battery 989 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0154] The communication module 990 may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 901 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 902, electronic device 904, or server 908), and may perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 990 may include one or more communication processors that can operate independently from the processor 920 (e.g., an application processor), and support direct (or, wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 990 may include a wireless communication module 992 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 994 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 998 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 999 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) separated from each other. The wireless communication module 992 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 901 in a communication network (such as the first network 998 or the second network 999) using user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 996.

[0155] The antenna module 997 may transmit a signal or power to the outside of the electronic device 901 (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive a signal or power from the outside of the electronic device 901 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 997 may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as the first network 998 or the second network 999) may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 990 (e.g., the wireless communication module 992). A signal or power may be exchanged between the communication module 990 and the external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna, or may be received from the external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna and the communication module 990.

[0156] At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and communicatively transmit signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.

[0157] According to an embodiment, a command or data may be sent or received (or exchanged) between the electronic device 901 and the external electronic device 904 via the server 908 connected to the second network 999. Each of the electronic device 902 and the electronic device 904 may be a device of the same type as the electronic device 901, or a device of a different type from the electronic device 901. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be executed in the electronic device 901 may be executed in one or more external electronic devices among the external electronic device 902, the external electronic device 904, or the server 908. For example, if the electronic device 901 should automatically execute a function or service or should execute a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 901 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service instead of executing the function or service, or the electronic device 901 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service in addition to executing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or execute another function or another service related to the request, and may provide the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 901 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request with or without further processing the result. To this end, for example, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, or client-server computing technology may be used.

[0158] According to various embodiments, a foldable electronic device (eg, Figure 1 The foldable electronic device 101 may include: a housing (eg, Figure 1 The housing 120 includes a first housing (eg, Figure 1 The first housing 121 and the second housing (eg, Figure 1 The second housing 122) and through the first housing (eg, Figure 1 121) or a second housing (eg, Figure 1 The second housing 122) is rotated to fold or unfold, and the first housing (eg, Figure 1 The first housing 121 includes a notch (eg, Figure 1 The notch 121a); ​​a flexible display (eg, Figure 1 The flexible display 110 is provided through a housing (eg, Figure 1 The first surface of the housing 120 is exposed, and includes a first housing (eg, Figure 1 The first display portion (eg, Figure 1The first display portion 110a) and the second housing (eg, Figure 1 The second display portion (eg, Figure 1 a second display portion 110b); a first camera module (eg, Figure 1 The first camera module 130 is mounted on the first housing (eg, Figure 1 The first housing 121 is provided with a recess (eg, Figure 1 and a second camera module (eg, Figure 1 A second camera module 140) and a third camera module (eg, Figure 1 The second camera module and the third camera module are mounted on the second housing (eg, Figure 1 The second camera module (eg, Figure 1 A second camera module 140) and a third camera module (eg, Figure 1 The third camera module 150) may be provided when the first housing (eg, Figure 1 The first housing 121 and the second housing (eg, Figure 1 When the second housing 122 is folded, it is aligned with the first camera module (eg, Figure 1 The first camera module 130) faces the same direction.

[0159] According to various embodiments, in a first housing (eg, Figure 1 The first housing 121 and the second housing (eg, Figure 1 When the second housing 122 is folded, the second housing (eg, Figure 1 The second housing 122) is provided with a notch (eg, Figure 1 The thickness of the first portion exposed by the notch 121a) may be greater than that of the second housing (eg, Figure 1 The thickness of the first portion may be equal to or less than the thickness of the remaining area of ​​the first shell (eg, Figure 1 The thickness of the first shell 121) and the second shell (eg, Figure 1 The sum of the thickness of the second housing 122 of the foldable electronic device (eg, Figure 1 The foldable electronic device 101 may further include a sensor (eg, Figure 1 sensor 160).

[0160] According to various embodiments, the first to third camera modules (eg, Figure 1The first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150) may include different types of lenses.

[0161] According to an embodiment, the first to third camera modules (eg, Figure 1 The first camera module 130, the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150) may have different field of view angles.

[0162] According to various embodiments, the first to third camera modules (eg, Figure 1 The first camera module 130, the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150) may include an ultra wide-angle lens, a telephoto lens and a wide-angle lens, respectively.

[0163] According to various embodiments, when the first housing (eg, Figure 1 The first housing 121 and the second housing (eg, Figure 1 When the second housing 122 of the embodiment is folded, the first to third camera modules (eg, Figure 1 The first camera module 130, the second camera module 140, and the third camera module 150 may be arranged along a direction parallel to the housing (eg, Figure 1 The first axis of the upper edge of the shell 120 is set.

[0164] According to various embodiments, a flexible display (e.g., Figure 1 The flexible display 110 may be provided in a notch (eg, Figure 1 The region adjacent to the notch 121a has a Figure 1 The shape of the notch 121a) corresponds to that of the notch 121a.

[0165] According to various embodiments, a foldable electronic device (e.g., Figure 1 The foldable electronic device 101 may further include: a processor (eg, Fig. 9 A processor 920) is disposed in a housing (eg, Figure 1 120) and controls the first to third camera modules (eg, Figure 1 130, the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150); and when the first housing (eg, Figure 1 The first housing 121 and the second housing (eg, Figure 1 When the second housing 122 of the processor is unfolded, the processor (eg, Figure 1 The processor 920 of the embodiment can use the first camera module (for example, Figure 1 The first camera module 130 of the embodiment may be operated in a first mode, or may be operated in a first mode using a second camera module (e.g., Figure 1A second camera module 140) and a third camera module (eg, Figure 1 The processor (eg, Fig. 9 The processor 920) can be connected to the flexible display (e.g., Figure 1 At least a portion of the flexible display 110) is used to display image data collected according to the first mode or the second mode.

[0166] According to various embodiments, a processor (e.g., Fig. 9 The processor 920) can be connected to the flexible display (e.g., Figure 1 At least a portion of the flexible display 110) displays an image obtained by combining first image data according to the first mode and second image data according to the second mode.

[0167] According to various embodiments, when the first housing (eg, Figure 1 The first housing 121 and the second housing (eg, Figure 1 When the second housing 122 of the embodiment of the present invention is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, the processor (eg, Fig. 9 The processor 920 of the embodiment may operate in a third mode, in which the first camera module to the third camera module (eg, Figure 1 At least two camera modules among the first camera module 130, the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150).

[0168] According to various embodiments, a processor (e.g., Fig. 9 The processor 920) can be displayed by the first display portion (for example, Figure 1 The first display portion 110a and the second display portion (eg, Figure 1 One of the second display parts 110b) displays image data acquired according to the third mode.

[0169] According to various embodiments, the first housing (eg, Figure 1 The first housing 121 and the second housing (eg, Figure 1 The second housing 122 of the embodiment may be folded in an outward folding type, and the second camera module (eg, Figure 1 A second camera module 140) and a third camera module (eg, Figure 1 The third camera module 150 of FIG. 1 may be provided by a notch (eg, Figure 1 The notch 121a) is exposed.

[0170] According to various embodiments, the first housing (eg, Figure 1 The first housing 121 and the second housing (eg, Figure 1The second housing 122 of the embodiment may be folded in an inward folding type, and the first camera module (eg, Figure 1 The first camera module 130 may be provided through a notch (eg, Figure 1 The notch 121a) is exposed.

[0171] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (eg, Figure 1 The foldable electronic device 101 may include: a foldable housing (eg, Figure 1 A housing 120) including a hinge structure, a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure and including a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction (eg, Figure 1 A first shell 121), and a second shell structure (eg, connected to the hinge structure and including a third surface facing a third direction and a fourth surface facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction) . Figure 1 The second housing 122) is connected to the first housing structure (eg, Figure 1 The first shell 121 is folded together, wherein the second surface faces the fourth surface in the folded state, the third direction is the same as the first direction in the unfolded state, and the first shell structure (for example, Figure 1 A portion of the periphery of the first shell 121 is cut away, or in the first shell structure (for example, Figure 1 The first housing 121 of the embodiment includes a through opening so that the first area of ​​the fourth surface is visible when viewed from above the first surface in the folded state; the flexible display (eg, Figure 1 The flexible display 110 extends from the first surface to the third surface and includes a first portion forming the first surface and a second portion forming the third surface; a first camera (eg, Figure 1 The first camera module 130 is disposed on the first housing structure (eg, Figure 1 The first camera (eg, Figure 1 The second camera module 140 is disposed in the second housing structure (eg, Figure 1 The first area of ​​the fourth surface of the second housing 122) and facing the fourth direction; and the third camera (eg, Figure 1 The third camera module 150 is disposed in the second housing structure (eg, Figure 1 The first camera is located on a first area of ​​a fourth surface of the second housing 122) at a distance from the first camera than the second camera and facing a fourth direction.

[0172] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., Figure 1The foldable electronic device 101 may further include a first camera to a third camera (eg, Figure 1 The first camera 130, the second camera 140 and the third camera 150) are operably connected to a processor (eg, Fig. 9 A processor 920) and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The memory (e.g., Fig. 9 The memory 930 of the embodiment may store instructions that, when executed, cause the processor (e.g., Fig. 9 The processor 920 of the embodiment of the present invention operates the first camera (eg, Figure 1 The first camera module 130 of the embodiment of the present invention and the second camera module 130 of the embodiment of the present invention are configured to operate the second camera module 130 and the second camera module 130 of the embodiment of the present invention, and to operate the second camera module 130 substantially simultaneously in response to a user input in the unfolded state. Figure 1 140) and a third camera (eg, Figure 1 A third camera module 150).

[0173] According to various embodiments, a first camera (eg, Figure 1 The first camera module 130 of FIG. 1 may have a first zoom ratio, and the second camera (eg, Figure 1 The second camera module 140 of the embodiment may have a second zoom ratio higher than the first zoom ratio of the first camera, and the third camera (eg, Figure 1 The third camera module 150 of the embodiment may have a higher resolution than the second camera (eg, Figure 1 The third zoom magnification is a third zoom magnification of the second zoom magnification of the second camera module 140).

[0174] According to various embodiments, the first to third camera modules (eg, Figure 1 The first camera module 130, the second camera module 140 and the third camera module 150) may be aligned with each other.

[0175] The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be various types of equipment. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. The electronic device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned devices.

[0176] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalent forms or alternative forms for corresponding embodiments. For the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that the nouns in the singular form corresponding to the term may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the corresponding one of the multiple phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “combined with another element (e.g., the second element)”, “combined to another element (e.g., the second element)”, “connected with another element (e.g., the second element)”, or “connected to another element (e.g., the second element)” when the terms “operably” or “communicatively” are used or when the terms “operably” or “communicatively” are not used, it means that the element may be directly (e.g., wired) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0177] As used herein, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit"). A "module" may be the smallest unit or part of the single integrated component. A "module" may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0178] The various embodiments described herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 940) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 936 or external memory 938) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 901). For example, a processor (e.g., processor 920) of a machine (e.g., electronic device 901) may call instructions from a machine-readable storage medium and execute the instructions so called. This means that the machine can perform at least one function based on at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be run by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, as used herein, the term "non-transitory" means that the storage medium is tangible, but does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). The term "non-transitory" does not distinguish between the case where data is permanently stored in a storage medium and the case where data is temporarily stored in a storage medium.

[0179] According to an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be provided as part of a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a buyer and a seller as a product. The computer program product may be published in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or generated in a machine-readable storage medium such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server.

[0180] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) in the above-mentioned components may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, at least one or more components in the above-mentioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated in one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform the same or similar functions that each corresponding component performed before the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by modules, programs or other components may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or in a heuristic manner, or at least some of the operations may be run or omitted in different orders, or other operations may be added.

[0181] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device may be folded such that the rear camera faces the same direction as the front camera through the notch of the housing in the folded state.

[0182] In addition, the foldable electronic device can reduce the installation space of multiple camera modules through the recess of the housing.

[0183] In addition, the foldable electronic device can capture images with various effects by using a plurality of camera modules disposed to face the same direction in a folded state.

[0184] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, the foldable electronic device include: a housing configured to be folded or unfolded by rotation of a first housing or a second housing, wherein the first housing includes a notch, the notch being a structure in which a portion of a rectangular vertex region of the first housing is removed; a flexible display, the flexible display being exposed through the first surface of the housing, the flexible display comprising a first display portion mounted in the first housing and a second display portion mounted in the second housing; a first camera module mounted in the first housing and exposed through the first surface, the first camera module being disposed adjacent to the recess; as well as a second camera module and a third camera module, the second camera module and the third camera module being mounted in the first portion of the second housing and exposed through a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein, when the housing is folded, the first portion of the second housing is exposed through the notch, so that at least one of the second camera module and the third camera module is arranged to face the same direction as the first camera module, and the first camera module, the second camera module and the third camera module are arranged along a first axis parallel to an upper edge of the housing, wherein the first shell has a first thickness, the remaining portion of the second shell except the first portion has a second thickness, and the first portion of the second shell has a third thickness, The third thickness is greater than the second thickness and less than the sum of the first thickness and the second thickness. wherein the first camera module has a first zoom ratio, the second camera module has a second zoom ratio, and the third camera module has a third zoom ratio, wherein the second zoom ratio and the third zoom ratio are higher than the first zoom ratio, and The first portion of the second shell is formed as a protruding area having a shape corresponding to the recess, and the protruding area is in contact with the recess or formed within a specified distance from the recess when the shell is folded.

2. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the foldable electronic device further comprises: include: A sensor is disposed in the first portion.

3. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, in, The first camera module, the second camera module, and the third camera module include lenses of different types.

4. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, in, The first camera module, the second camera module, and the third camera module have different field angles.

5. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, in, The first camera module includes an ultra-wide-angle lens, the second camera module includes a telephoto lens, and the third camera module includes a wide-angle lens.

6. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, in, A shape of a region of the flexible display adjacent to the notch corresponds to a shape of the notch.

7. The foldable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the foldable electronic device further comprises: include: a processor disposed in the housing and configured to control the first camera module, the second camera module, and the third camera module, The processor is configured to operate in a first mode using the first camera module or in a second mode using the second camera module and the third camera module when the housing is unfolded.

8. The foldable electronic device according to claim 7, in, The processor is further configured to control the flexible display to display image data acquired based on the first mode or the second mode.

9. The foldable electronic device according to claim 7, in, The processor is further configured to combine the first image data acquired based on the first mode and the second image data acquired based on the second mode into a combined image, and control the flexible display to display the combined image.

10. The foldable electronic device according to claim 7, in, The processor is further configured to operate in a third mode combining at least two of the first camera module, the second camera module, and the third camera module when the first housing and the second housing are changed from the unfolded state to the folded state.

11. The foldable electronic device according to claim 10, in, The processor is further configured to control the flexible display to display image data acquired based on the third mode through one of the first display portion and the second display portion.

12. An electronic device, the electronic device include: A foldable shell, the foldable shell comprising: a hinge structure; a first shell structure, the first shell structure is connected to the hinge structure, the first shell structure comprises a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a second shell structure, the second shell structure is connected to the hinge structure, the second shell structure comprises a third surface facing a third direction and a fourth surface facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, the second shell structure is folded around the hinge structure together with the first shell structure, wherein in a folded state, the second surface faces the fourth surface, and in an unfolded state, the third direction is the same as the first direction, and wherein the first shell structure comprises a notch that exposes a first area of ​​the fourth surface when viewed from above the first surface in the folded state, wherein the notch is a structure in which a portion of a rectangular vertex area of ​​the first shell structure is removed; a flexible display extending from the first surface to the third surface and comprising a first portion configured to form the first surface and a second portion configured to form the third surface; a first camera disposed on the first surface of the first housing structure and adjacent to the first area when viewed from above the first surface in the folded state, the first camera being configured to face in the first direction; a second camera disposed on the first area of ​​the fourth surface of the second housing structure and configured to face the fourth direction; and a third camera, the third camera being disposed on the first area of ​​the fourth surface of the second housing structure and being farther from the first camera than the second camera, the third camera being configured to face the fourth direction, The first shell structure has a first thickness, the remaining area of ​​the second shell structure except the first area has a second thickness, and the first area of ​​the second shell structure has a third thickness, The third thickness is greater than the second thickness and less than the sum of the first thickness and the second thickness. wherein, in the folded state, at least one of the second camera and the third camera is arranged to face the same direction as the first camera, and the first camera, the second camera and the third camera are arranged along a first axis parallel to an upper edge of the foldable housing, wherein the first camera has a first zoom ratio, the second camera has a second zoom ratio, and the third camera has a third zoom ratio, wherein the second zoom ratio and the third zoom ratio are higher than the first zoom ratio, and The first region of the second shell structure is formed as a protruding region having a shape corresponding to the notch, and the protruding region is in contact with the notch or is formed within a specified distance from the notch in the folded state.

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