Electronic device, method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for switching screens

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may comprise a memory that stores instructions. The instructions, when executed by a processor, may cause the electronic device to display, through a sub-display, a cover screen including an image object for indicating an application being executed in the background. The instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to, on the basis of reception of an input for selecting the image object, identify a first screen, among one or more screens for controlling a function being executed through the application, which is sequentially switched from the cover screen by means of another input, and which is located at a designated location with respect to the cover screen. The instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to change the cover screen to the first screen on the basis of the first screen being identified.

Description

Electronic device, method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for switching screens

[0001] The following descriptions relate to electronic devices, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable recording media for switching screens.

[0002] Electronic devices such as smartphones can incorporate various sensors to provide users with enhanced functionality and usability. Along with providing these features, devices that combine compactness and portability, such as foldable electronic devices, are being developed.

[0003] An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part movably arranged relative to the first housing part. The electronic device may include a flexible display, at least a portion of which bends in accordance with relative movement of the second housing part with respect to the first housing part. The electronic device may include a sub-display included on a second surface of the first housing part, opposite a first surface of the first housing part including the flexible display. The electronic device may include at least one processor including a processing circuit. The electronic device may include a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to display, through the sub-display, a cover screen including an image object for representing an application running in the background. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to identify a first screen, which is sequentially switched from the cover screen to another screen among one or more screens for controlling a function being executed through the application based on receiving an input for selecting the image object, and which is located at a designated location with respect to the cover screen. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to change the cover screen to the first screen based on the first screen being identified.

[0004] A method is disclosed. The method can be performed in an electronic device, comprising a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part movably arranged with respect to the first housing part, a flexible display at least partially bendable in accordance with relative movement of the second housing part with respect to the first housing part, and a sub-display included in a second surface opposite to a first surface of the first housing part including the flexible display. The method can include an operation of displaying, through the sub-display, a cover screen including an image object for indicating an application running in the background. The method can include an operation of identifying, based on receiving an input for selecting the image object, a first screen, which is sequentially switched from the cover screen by another input among one or more screens for controlling a function running through the application and is located at a designated position with respect to the cover screen. The method can include an operation of changing the cover screen to the first screen based on the first screen being identified.

[0005] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is disclosed. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can store a program including instructions. The instructions, when executed by a processor of an electronic device, include a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part movably arranged with respect to the first housing part, a flexible display at least partially bendable in accordance with relative movement of the second housing part with respect to the first housing part, and a sub-display included on a second surface opposite to a first surface of the first housing part including the flexible display, can cause the electronic device to display, through the sub-display, a cover screen including an image object for representing an application running in the background. The instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to identify a first screen, which is sequentially switched from the cover screen to another screen among one or more screens for controlling a function being executed through the application based on receiving an input for selecting the image object, and which is located at a designated location with respect to the cover screen. The instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the electronic device to change the cover screen to the first screen based on the first screen being identified.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2b illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2c illustrates an example of an intermediate state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on a second display of an electronic device.

[0011] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of screens that may be displayed on a second display of an electronic device.

[0012] FIG. 4b illustrates an example of an operation in which a screen displayed on a second display of an electronic device is changed to a different screen.

[0013] FIG. 5A illustrates an example of screens that may be displayed on a second display of an electronic device.

[0014] FIG. 5b illustrates an example of an operation in which a screen displayed on a second display of an electronic device is changed to a different screen.

[0015] FIG. 6A illustrates an example of screens that may be displayed on a second display as the electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state.

[0016] FIG. 6b illustrates an example of an operation in which a screen displayed on a second display of an electronic device is changed to a different screen.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an operation in which a screen displayed on a second display of an electronic device is changed to a different screen.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0023] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0024] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0025] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0026] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0027] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen). In one embodiment, the input module (150) can obtain input related to sound and / or voice through a microphone. In one embodiment, the input module (150) can obtain input related to a user's gesture through a sensor module (176).

[0028] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0029] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0030] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0031] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0032] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0033] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0034] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0035] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0036] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0037] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0038] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (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 (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0039] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0040] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0041] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0042] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0043] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service by itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0044] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2C illustrates an example of an intermediate state of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the electronic device (101) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a hinge structure (or hinge assembly) (260). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may be rotatably connected to the hinge structure (260). The first housing (210) may rotate relative to the second housing (220) via the hinge structure (260). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may be rotatably connected to the hinge structure (260). The second housing (220) may rotate relative to the first housing (210) via the hinge structure (260).

[0046] In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first surface (211), a second surface (212) facing away from the first surface (211), and a third surface (213) surrounding at least a portion of the first surface (211) and the second surface (212). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may provide a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a conductive material, a non-conductive material, or a combination thereof. The first surface (211), the second surface (212), and the third surface (213) of the first housing (210) may be referred to as a front surface, a rear surface, and a side surface of the first housing (210), respectively.

[0047] In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a first surface (221), a second surface (222) facing and spaced from the first surface (221), and a third surface (223) surrounding at least a portion of the first surface (221) and the second surface (222). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may provide a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101). The first surface (221), the second surface (222), and the third surface (223) of the second housing (220) may be referred to as the front surface, the back surface, and the side surface of the second housing (220), respectively.

[0048] In one embodiment, the hinge structure (260) may be connected to the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), respectively. For example, the hinge structure (260) may include a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate configured to be rotatable. The first hinge plate may be connected to the first housing (210), and the first housing (210) may be rotated by the first hinge plate. The second hinge plate may be connected to the second housing (220), and the second housing (220) may be rotated by the second hinge plate.

[0049] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment can be folded or unfolded based on a folding axis (F) passing through a hinge structure (260) according to the rotation of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The hinge structure (260) can be positioned between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) so that the electronic device (101) can be folded based on the folding axis (F).

[0050] In one embodiment, the hinge structure (260) may include a hinge cover (265) for covering an internal structure (e.g., a hinge mechanism). The hinge cover (265) may be exposed to the outside or covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) depending on the degree to which the electronic device (101) is folded. For example, while the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b), the hinge cover (265) may be at least partially exposed through a space between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, while the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a), the hinge cover (265) may be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first display (230) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) disposed within a space provided by a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). For example, the first display (230) may be at least partially accommodated within a recess formed in a first surface (211) of the first housing (210) and a first surface (221) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a first flat part (231) aligned with respect to the first housing (210), a second flat part (232) spaced from the first flat part (231) and aligned with respect to the second housing (220), and a folding part (233) aligned with respect to the hinge structure (260) and extending from the first flat part (231) to the second flat part (232). The first display (230) may be referred to as a foldable display or a flexible display. The first flat part (231), the second flat part (232), and the folding part (233) may form a surface of the first display (230). The surface of the first display (230) may at least partially form the first surface (211) of the first housing (210) and the first surface (221) of the second housing (220). The first planar portion (231), the second planar portion (232), and the folding portion (233) may be referred to as the first region, the second region, and the folding region of the first display (230), respectively.

[0052] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a second display (235) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) disposed within the first housing (210). The second display (235) may be visible through a second side (212) of the first housing (210).

[0053] An electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may include a plurality of cameras (e.g., a camera module (180) of FIG. 1). For example, the electronic device (101) may include cameras (234, 236). In an embodiment, the camera (234) may be positioned within the first housing (210) so as to obtain an image through a portion of the second surface (212). In an embodiment, the camera (236) may be positioned below the first flat portion (231) of the first display (230). The camera (236) may be aligned with an opening that at least partially penetrates the first flat portion (231) and may obtain an image through the hole. The camera (236) may be positioned within a screen display area of ​​the first display (230), but is not limited thereto.

[0054] Hereinafter, states of the electronic device (101) will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. The electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2A), a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2B), and an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2C). The electronic device (101) may vary between the unfolded state and the folded state, and the intermediate state may be a state between the unfolded state and the folded state. In one embodiment, the angle formed by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may vary depending on the state of the electronic device (101).

[0055] First, referring to FIG. 2A, in the unfolded state, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can form a first angle. For example, but not limited to, the first angle can be about 180 degrees. The first flat surface (231), the second flat surface (232), and the folding surface (233) of the first display (230) can form a substantially flat surface. A first direction (e.g., the first direction (A1) of FIG. 2C)) toward which the first surface (211) (or the first flat surface (231)) of the first housing (210) faces and a second direction (e.g., the second direction (A2) of FIG. 2C)) toward which the first surface (221) (or the second flat surface (232)) of the second housing (220) faces can face substantially the same direction.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2B, in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be folded to face each other by rotating about the folding axis (F). The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be overlapped to form a second angle smaller than the first angle. For a non-limiting example, the second angle can be about 0 degrees. The folding portion (233) of the first display (230) can be bent to correspond to the second angle. The first surface (211) of the first housing (210) can face the first surface (221) of the second housing (220). The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be in at least partial contact, but are not limited thereto. The first direction in which the first surface (211) of the first housing (210) faces and the second direction in which the first surface (221) of the second housing (220) faces may be opposite to each other. In the folded state, at least a portion of the first display (230) may not be visible from the outside of the electronic device (101), and the second display (235) may be visible from the outside of the electronic device (101).

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2C, within the intermediate state, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can form a third angle that is smaller than the first angle and larger than the second angle. The folding portion (233) of the first display (230) can be bent to correspond to the third angle.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a cover screen (301) displayed on a second display (235) of an electronic device (101).

[0059] FIG. 3 can be explained with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, and FIG. 2c.

[0060] The cover screen (301) of FIG. 3 may be displayed through the second display (235) in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b) and / or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c) of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the cover screen (301) may include at least one image object (310, 320). In one embodiment, the image object (310) may represent an application running in the background. In one embodiment, the image object (310) may display information related to the application running in the background. In one embodiment, the image object (310) may also be referred to as a capsule or an on-going activity. In one embodiment, the image object (310) may be associated with an application that was most recently run in the foreground among one or more applications running in the background. In one embodiment, the image object (320) may be a shortcut for running an application. Here, the capsule may be a user interface (UI) element for providing persistent notifications. In one embodiment, the capsule may be an object for providing notifications (e.g., weather, time clock, or playing music) of an application running in the background of the electronic device (101).

[0061] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain a user's input to the cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may, in response to the user's input to the cover screen (301), display another screen switched from the cover screen (301) on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may, in response to the user's input to the second display (235), display one of one or more screens sequentially arranged from the cover screen (301) on the second display (235). Here, the screens being sequentially arranged from the cover screen (301) may mean that the screens are sequentially displayed on the second display (235) according to continuous inputs to the second display (235).

[0062] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display another screen adjacent to the cover screen (301) on the second display (235) in response to a swipe input. In one embodiment, the screen displayed on the second display (235) in response to a swipe input to the cover screen (301) may be a widget screen. For example, the widget screen may include widgets of an application. For example, a widget may be a graphical user interface (GUI) for controlling some functions of an application associated with the widget and / or displaying information. For example, the widget may be an information widget or a management widget. For example, the widget may be an integrated widget that combines an information widget and a management widget. Here, an integrated widget may be a widget for providing information and controlling some functions of an application, but is not limited thereto. For example, an information widget may display information elements (e.g., current weather, information on currently playing songs) provided by an application associated with the widget. For example, a management widget may display functional elements (e.g., play next song, pause) provided by an application associated with the widget. For example, the electronic device (101) may control some functions of the application associated with the widget in response to a selection of functional elements provided by the management widget. For example, a widget may be referred to as a mini-application for the application associated with the widget.

[0063] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display a screen for an application related to the image object (310) on the second display (235) in response to a tap input for the image object (310). For example, if the application related to the image object (310) is a music application, the electronic device (101) may display a screen for the music application on the second display (235) in response to a tap input for the image object (310). In one embodiment, the screen displayed on the second display (235) in response to a tap input for the image object (310) of the cover screen (301) may be a screen selected from among a widget screen or an application screen. For example, the application screen may be a screen generated (or drawn) by a running application. For example, the application screen may be a screen for displaying an execution result of the application. For example, the application screen may be a GUI for controlling functions of an application and / or displaying information associated with an image object (310).

[0064] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display a screen for an application related to the image object (320) on the second display (235) in response to a tap input for the image object (320). For example, if the application related to the image object (320) is a camera application, the electronic device (101) may display an application screen of the camera application on the second display (235) in response to a tap input for the image object (320) on the cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the screen displayed on the second display (235) in response to a tap input for the image object (320) on the cover screen (301) may be an application screen.

[0065] As described above, the electronic device (101) must select a screen to be displayed on the second display (235) from among the widget screen or the application screen in response to a tap input for the image object (310). Accordingly, the user's response or satisfaction may vary depending on the screen selection. For example, if a screen that the user does not want is displayed, the user may experience the inconvenience of having to input more input. Therefore, a method for appropriately selecting a screen to be displayed on the second display (235) from among the widget screen or the application screen may be required for the electronic device (101). Hereinafter, an example of an operation of the electronic device (101) selecting a screen to be displayed on the second display (235) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, and 7.

[0066] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of screens (301, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416) that can be displayed on a second display (235) of an electronic device (101). FIG. 4B illustrates an example of an operation in which a screen (301) displayed on a second display (235) of an electronic device (101) is changed to another screen (413).

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4A, widget screens (411, 412, 413, 414, 415) can be aligned with respect to the cover screen (301). For example, the control widget screen (411) can be aligned adjacent to the cover screen (301) and the widget screen (412). For example, the widget screen (412) can be aligned adjacent to the control widget screen (411) and the widget screen (413). For example, the widget screen (413) can be aligned adjacent to the widget screen (412) and the widget screen (414). For example, the widget screen (414) can be aligned adjacent to the widget screen (413) and the apps widget screen (415). For example, the apps widget screen (415) can be aligned adjacent to the widget screen (414). In one embodiment, the widget screens (412, 413, 414, 415) may be arranged according to a preset sorting order. For example, based on an input on a settings screen for arranging the widget screens (412, 413, 414, 415), the widget screens (412, 413, 414, 415) may be aligned relative to the cover screen (301). For example, the control widget screen (411) may be aligned adjacent to the cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the control widget screen (411) may be generated in response to the execution of a specified function. For example, the control widget screen (411) may be generated in response to the playback of media (e.g., audio).

[0068] In one embodiment, the control widget screen (411) may include a widget for controlling a designated function. In one embodiment, the control widget screen (411) may be associated with one or more applications that provide a designated function (e.g., media playback). For example, when a designated function (e.g., media playback) is executed by one or more applications, the control widget screen (411) may be generated. For example, when a designated function (e.g., media playback) is executed by one or more applications, the control widget screen (411) may control the execution of the designated function. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0069] The cover screen (301) or widget screens (411, 412, 413, 414, 415) can be sequentially switched by a designated input (e.g., swipe input). Here, the sequential arrangement of the cover screen (301) or widget screens (411, 412, 413, 414, 415) may mean that the cover screen (301) or widget screens (411, 412, 413, 414, 415) are sequentially displayed on the second display (235) according to a continuous input to the second display (235).

[0070] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change the screen between the cover screen (301) or the widget screens (411, 412, 413, 414, 415) in response to a swipe input to the cover screen (301) or the widget screens (411, 412, 413, 414, 415). For example, the electronic device (101) can display the cover screen (301) or the widget screen (412) adjacent to the control widget screen (411) on the second display (235) in response to a swipe input to the control widget screen (411).

[0071] In one embodiment, the apps widget screen (415) may include one or more icons for one or more applications that can be run in the foreground in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b) or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c). For example, one or more icons included in the apps widget screen (415) may be related to one or more applications selected from among a plurality of applications installed on the electronic device (101) on a settings screen. Here, running an application in the foreground in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b) or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c) may include displaying a screen generated by the application running in the foreground on the second display (235).

[0072] In one embodiment, the application screen (416) may be displayed in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) (401) for selecting an application icon (430) of an application (420) on the apps widget screen (415). In one embodiment, the application icon (430) may be included in the apps widget screen (415) when the application (420) is set as an application that can be run in the foreground.

[0073] For example, the application screen (416) may be a screen generated by an application (420) that is executed in response to an input for selection of an application icon (430). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may not switch to the cover screen (301) and / or widget screens (441, 412, 413, 414, 415) in response to a swipe input to the application screen (416).

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4A, in the navigation area (421) of the widget screen (413), UI (user interface) elements may be displayed on the second display (235) without overlapping each other. On the other hand, in the navigation area (425) of the application screen (416), some of the UI elements may be displayed on the second display (235) while overlapping each other. This may be a result of the environment in which the application screen (416) is rendered being changed from the first display (230) to the second display (235). For example, as the application screen (416) rendered by the electronic device (101) is reduced from the first display (230) to the second display (235), the application screen (416) may also be reduced according to the size of the reduced second display (235). Accordingly, some of the UI elements of the application screen (416) displayed on the second display (235) may overlap with each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, contents (e.g., image objects, text objects) included in two or more of the UI elements of the application screen (416) displayed on the second display (235) may be provided in one UI element (e.g., contents of two or more UI elements are grouped and provided). For example, some of the UI elements of the application screen (416) displayed on the second display (235) may not be provided. For example, some of the UI elements may be UI elements selected according to the provision priority of the UI elements. Here, the UI element may be a unit UI constituting the application screen (416). For example, each of the texts included in the navigation area (421) of the application screen (416) may be a UI element. For example, each of the image objects (e.g., play button, shuffle button, next button, previous button) included in the application screen (416) may be a UI element.

[0075] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display an image object (310) on the cover screen (301) as the electronic device (101) transitions from one of the screens (411, 413, 416) to the cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display an image object (310) for an application associated with the screens (411, 413, 416) on the cover screen (301). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (101) may display the cover screen (301) including the image object (310) as the electronic device (101) transitions from an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a), a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b), or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c). For example, the electronic device (101) may display a cover screen (301) including an image object (310) for a running application running in the foreground as it transitions from an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a), to a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b), or to an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c).

[0076] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) for an image object (310) of a user's cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) for an image object (310) related to an application (420) running in the background. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) for an image object (310) related to an application (420) that was most recently run in the foreground among one or more applications running in the background.

[0077] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may identify screens (411, 413, 416) associated with an application (420) in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) to an image object (310).

[0078] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display one of the screens (411, 413, 416) related to the application (420) on the second display (235) in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) for the image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display one screen selected based on a priority among the screens (411, 413, 416) on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the priority may be set based on the number of inputs required to switch screens to one or more of the screens (411, 413, 416) related to the control of a function being executed through the application (420). For example, the higher the number of inputs required, the higher the priority of the screen. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the priority may be set based on the number of inputs required for screen switching to one or more screens (411, 413, 416) related to controlling a function running through the application (420) and the type of screen. For example, a screen having a required number of inputs greater than or equal to a predetermined number may have a higher priority than a screen having a required number of inputs less than or equal to the predetermined number. For example, for screens having a required number of inputs greater than or equal to a predetermined number, a designated type of screen may have a higher priority than a screen of a type other than the designated type. Here, the designated type of screen may include a widget screen (413) for the application (420). The designated type of screen may include a screen set to be displayed on the second display (235), but is not limited thereto. For example, the designated type of screen may include an application screen (416).

[0079] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may identify a screen to display on the second display (235) based on the number of inputs required to switch screens to one or more screens (411, 413, 416) associated with controlling a function being executed through the application (420). Depending on the embodiment, the number of inputs required to switch screens from the cover screen (301) may also be referred to as a distance from the cover screen (301).

[0080] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may identify screens (413, 416) that require a reference number of inputs (e.g., 2) or more to be switched from the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may identify screens (413, 416) that are not adjacent to the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine a designated type of screen among the identified screens (413, 416) as a screen to be displayed on the second display (235).

[0081] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may, in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) for the image object (310), display a screen (413) of a designated type among screens (413, 416) that require a reference number of inputs (e.g., two) or more for switching, on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may, in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) for the image object (310), display a screen (413) of a designated type among screens (413, 416) that are not adjacent to the cover screen (301), on the second display (235).

[0082] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine a screen of a different type from the specified type as a screen to be displayed on the second display (235) if there is no screen of a specified type among the screens (413, 416) that require a reference number of inputs (e.g., 2) or more to be switched from the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine a screen of a different type from the specified type as a screen to be displayed on the second display (235) if there is no screen of a specified type among the screens (413, 416) that are not adjacent to the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416). For example, if the widget screen (413) does not exist, the electronic device (101) may determine the application screen (416) as a screen to be displayed on the second display (235).

[0083] In one embodiment, if there are no screens (413, 416) that require more than a standard number of inputs (e.g., 2 times) to switch from the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416), the electronic device (101) may determine a screen (411) that requires less than a standard number of inputs (e.g., 2 times) to switch from the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416) to be displayed on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine a screen adjacent to the cover screen (301) among the one or more screens (411, 413, 416) that is not adjacent to the cover screen (301) as the screen to be displayed on the second display (235). For example, the electronic device (101) may determine the control widget screen (411) as the screen to be displayed on the second display (235) if the screens (413, 416) do not exist.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 4b, in response to a user input (405) for an image object (310) of a cover screen (301), the electronic device (101) may display a widget screen (413) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416).

[0085] In FIGS. 4A and 4B , an application (420) related to media is described, but is not limited thereto. For example, the operations described through FIGS. 4A and 4B may also be applied to a voice recording application, a stopwatch application, and / or a timer application. For example, based on an input (e.g., a tap input) to an image object (310) of a cover screen (301), one screen may be selected in order of priority among the control widget screen (411), the widget screen, and / or the application screen, and the selected one screen may be displayed on the second display (235).

[0086] FIG. 5A illustrates an example of screens (301, 411, 412, 414, 415, 416) that can be displayed on a second display (235) of an electronic device (101). FIG. 5B illustrates an example of an operation in which a screen (301) displayed on a second display (235) of an electronic device (101) is changed to another screen (416).

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5A, widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415) can be aligned with respect to the cover screen (301). Compared to FIG. 4A, in FIG. 5A, the widget screen (413) may not be displayed on the second display (235). For example, the electronic device (101) may exclude the widget screen (413) from the widget screens to be displayed on the second display (235) based on an input on a setting screen that allows selection of a widget screen to be displayed on the second display (235).

[0088] In one embodiment, the control widget screen (411) may be aligned adjacent to the cover screen (301) and the widget screen (412). For example, the widget screen (412) may be aligned adjacent to the control widget screen (411) and the widget screen (414). For example, the widget screen (414) may be aligned adjacent to the widget screen (412) and the apps widget screen (415). The apps widget screen (415) may be aligned adjacent to the widget screen (414). In one embodiment, the widget screens (412, 414, 415) may be aligned according to a preset alignment order. For example, according to an input on a settings screen for aligning the widget screens (412, 414, 415), the widget screens (412, 414, 415) may be aligned relative to the cover screen (301). For example, the control widget screen (411) may be aligned adjacent to the cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the control widget screen (411) may be generated in response to the execution of a specified function. For example, the control widget screen (411) may be generated in response to the playback of media (e.g., audio), but is not limited thereto.

[0089] The cover screen (301) or widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415) can be sequentially switched by a designated input (e.g., swipe input). Here, the sequential arrangement of the cover screen (301) or widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415) may mean that the cover screen (301) or widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415) are sequentially displayed on the second display (235) according to a continuous input to the second display (235).

[0090] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change the screen between the cover screen (301) or the widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415) in response to a swipe input to the cover screen (301) or the widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415). For example, the electronic device (101) can display the cover screen (301) or the widget screen (412) adjacent to the control widget screen (411) on the second display (235) in response to a swipe input to the control widget screen (411).

[0091] In one embodiment, the application screen (416) may be displayed in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) (401) for selecting an application icon on the apps widget screen (415). For example, the application screen (416) may be a screen generated by an application that is executed in response to an input for selecting an application icon. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may not switch to the cover screen (301) and / or the widget screens (441, 412, 414, 415) in response to a swipe input to the application screen (416).

[0092] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display an image object (310) on the cover screen (301) as one of the screens (411, 416) transitions to the cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display an image object (310) for an application associated with the screens (411, 416) on the cover screen (301). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (101) may display the cover screen (301) including the image object (310) as the electronic device (101) transitions from an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a), a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b), or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c). For example, the electronic device (101) may display a cover screen (301) including an image object (310) for an application running in the foreground as it transitions from an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a), to a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b), or to an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c).

[0093] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) for an image object (310) of the user's cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) for an image object (310) related to an application running in the background. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) for an image object (310) related to an application most recently running in the foreground among one or more applications running in the background.

[0094] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display one of the screens (411, 416) related to the application on the second display (235) in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) for the image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display one screen selected based on a priority order among the screens (411, 416) on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the priority order may be set based on the number of inputs required to switch screens to one or more of the screens (411, 416) related to controlling a function being executed through the application. For example, the higher the number of inputs required, the higher the priority of the screen. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the priority may be set based on the number of inputs required for screen switching to one or more screens (411, 416) related to controlling a function running through the application and the type of screen. For example, a screen having a required number of inputs greater than or equal to a predetermined number may have a higher priority than a screen having a required number of inputs less than or equal to the predetermined number. For example, for screens having a required number of inputs greater than or equal to a predetermined number, a designated type of screen may have a higher priority than a screen of a type other than the designated type. Here, the designated type of screen may include a widget screen for the application. The designated type of screen may include a screen set to be displayed on the second display (235), but is not limited thereto. For example, the designated type of screen may include an application screen.

[0095] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may identify a screen to display on the second display (235) based on the number of inputs required to switch screens to one or more screens (411, 416) associated with controlling a function being executed through the application. Depending on the embodiment, the number of inputs required to switch screens from the cover screen (301) may also be referred to as a distance from the cover screen (301).

[0096] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may identify an application screen (416) that requires a reference number of inputs (e.g., 2 times) or more to be switched from the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 416). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may identify an application screen (416) that is not adjacent to the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 416). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine the identified application screen (416) as a screen to be displayed on the second display (235).

[0097] In one embodiment, if there is no application screen (416) among the one or more screens (411, 416) that requires more than a standard number of inputs (e.g., 2 times) to be switched from the cover screen (301), the electronic device (101) may determine a control widget screen (411) among the one or more screens (411, 416) that requires less than a standard number of inputs (e.g., 2 times) to be switched from the cover screen (301) as the screen to be displayed on the second display (235). In one embodiment, if there is no application screen (416) among the one or more screens (411, 416) that is not adjacent to the cover screen (301), the electronic device (101) may determine a control widget screen (411) among the one or more screens (411, 416) that is adjacent to the cover screen (301) as the screen to be displayed on the second display (235). For example, the electronic device (101) may determine the control widget screen (411) as the screen to be displayed on the second display (235) if the application screen (416) does not exist.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 5b, in response to a user input (405) for an image object (310) of a cover screen (301), the electronic device (101) can display an application screen (416) among one or more screens (411, 416).

[0099] FIG. 6A illustrates an example of screens (301, 411, 412, 414, 415) that can be displayed on a second display (235) as the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. FIG. 6B illustrates an example of an operation in which a screen (301) displayed on a second display (235) of the electronic device (101) changes to another screen (411).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 6A, widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415) may be aligned with respect to the cover screen (301). Compared to FIG. 4A, in FIG. 6A, the widget screen (413) may not be displayed on the second display (235). For example, the electronic device (101) may exclude the widget screen (413) from the widget screens to be displayed on the second display (235) according to an input on a setting screen that allows selection of a widget screen to be displayed on the second display (235). Compared to FIG. 4A, in FIG. 6A, the icon (430) of the application (420) may not be displayed on the apps widget screen (415). For example, the electronic device (101) may exclude an application (420) from the applications to be run in the foreground through the second display (235) based on an input on a setting screen that allows selection of an application to be run in the foreground through the second display (235). For example, the electronic device (101) may not display an icon (430) of the application (420) on the apps widget screen (415) because the application (420) is excluded from the applications to be run in the foreground through the second display (235). Here, the exclusion of the application (420) from the applications to be run in the foreground through the second display (235) may mean that the application screen (416) of the application (420) is not displayed through the second display (235). The exclusion of the application (420) from the applications to be run in the foreground via the second display (235) may mean that the application (420) is run only in the background other than the foreground while the second display (235) is turned on.

[0101] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display an image object (310) on the cover screen (301) as the electronic device transitions from the application screen (601) to the cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display an image object (310) for an application (420) on the cover screen (301).

[0102] Referring to FIG. 6A, during the unfolding state (e.g., FIG. 2A), the application screen (601) of the application (420) may be displayed through the first display (230). While the electronic device (101) displays the application screen (601) through the first display (230), the electronic device (101) may transition from the unfolding state (e.g., FIG. 2A) to the folding state (e.g., FIG. 2B) or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2C). As the electronic device (101) transitions to the folding state (e.g., FIG. 2B) or the intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2C), the electronic device (101) may turn on the second display (235). As the electronic device (101) transitions to a folding state (e.g., FIG. 2b) or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c), the electronic device (101) can turn off the first display (230) and turn on the second display (235). As the second display (235) is turned on, the electronic device (101) can display a screen on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can display a cover screen (301) on the second display (235).

[0103] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display the cover screen (301) on the second display (235) as the application screen (416) of the application (420) is set not to be displayed on the second display (235).

[0104] In one embodiment, the widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415) can be aligned with respect to the cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the control widget screen (411) can be aligned adjacent to the cover screen (301) and the widget screen (412). For example, the widget screen (412) can be aligned adjacent to the control widget screen (411) and the widget screen (414). For example, the widget screen (414) can be aligned adjacent to the widget screen (412) and the apps widget screen (415). The apps widget screen (415) can be aligned adjacent to the widget screen (414). In one embodiment, the widget screens (412, 414, 415) can be aligned according to a preset alignment order. For example, based on input on a settings screen for aligning the widget screens (412, 414, 415), the widget screens (412, 414, 415) may be aligned with respect to the cover screen (301). For example, the control widget screen (411) may be aligned adjacent to the cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the control widget screen (411) may be generated in response to the execution of a specified function. For example, the control widget screen (411) may be generated in response to the playback of media (e.g., audio). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0105] The cover screen (301) or widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415) can be sequentially switched by a designated input (e.g., swipe input). Here, the sequential arrangement of the cover screen (301) or widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415) may mean that the cover screen (301) or widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415) are sequentially displayed on the second display (235) according to a continuous input to the second display (235).

[0106] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change the screen between the cover screen (301) or the widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415) in response to a swipe input to the cover screen (301) or the widget screens (411, 412, 414, 415). For example, the electronic device (101) can display the cover screen (301) or the widget screen (412) adjacent to the control widget screen (411) on the second display (235) in response to a swipe input to the control widget screen (411).

[0107] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) for an image object (310) of the user's cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) for an image object (310) related to an application running in the background. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) for an image object (310) related to an application most recently running in the foreground among one or more applications running in the background.

[0108] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display a control widget screen (411) related to an application on the second display (235) in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) for the image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display a control widget screen (411) related to controlling a function being executed through the application on the second display (235).

[0109] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may ignore an input (e.g., a tap input) to an image object (310) if a control widget screen (411) does not exist. Here, ignoring an input (e.g., a tap input) to an image object (310) may mean not switching from the cover screen (301) to another screen.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 6b, in response to a user input (405) for an image object (310) of a cover screen (301), the electronic device (101) can display a control widget screen (411).

[0111] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an operation in which a screen (301) displayed on a second display (235) of an electronic device (101) is changed to another screen (705).

[0112] The map application generating the application screen (701) of FIG. 7 may not be associated with the control widget screen (411). For example, one or more functions provided by the map application may not be controlled through the control widget screen (411). For example, the control widget screen (411) may not be generated in response to the execution of one or more functions of the map application. However, this is not limited thereto.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 7, during the unfolding state (e.g., FIG. 2a), the application screen (701) may be displayed through the first display (230). While the electronic device (101) displays the application screen (601) through the first display (230), the electronic device (101) may transition from the unfolding state (e.g., FIG. 2a) to the folding state (e.g., FIG. 2b) or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c). As the electronic device (101) transitions to the folding state (e.g., FIG. 2b) or the intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c), the electronic device (101) may turn on the second display (235). As the electronic device (101) transitions to the folding state (e.g., FIG. 2b) or the intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c), the electronic device (101) may turn off the first display (230) and turn on the second display (235). The electronic device (101) can display a screen on the second display (235) as the second display (235) is turned on. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can display a cover screen (301) on the second display (235). In FIG. 7, a situation is exemplified where the electronic device (101) displays a cover screen (301) on the second display (235) as the first side (211) of the first housing (210) is rotated toward the first side (221) of the second housing (220) when the user looks at the first sides (211, 221) of the electronic device (101), but this is merely an example. For example, when a user looks at the second faces (212, 222) of the electronic device (101), even if the first face (211) of the first housing (210) is rotated toward the first face (221) of the second housing (220), the electronic device (101) can display the cover screen (301) on the second display (235). In this case, the second display (235) shown to the user can be flipped upside down, unlike in FIG. 7, and the cover screen (301) can also be flipped upside down and displayed on the second display (235).In addition, even when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a), the cover screen (301) can be displayed on the second display (235). For example, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a), when the second sides (212, 222) of the electronic device (101) are placed on the floor and the electronic device is flipped about 180 degrees so that the first sides (211, 221) are placed on the floor, the cover screen (301) can be displayed on the second display (235). Even in this case, the second display (235) shown to the user and the cover screen (301) of the second display (235) can be displayed with the top and bottom reversed, unlike FIG. 7.

[0114] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) (710) for an image object (310) of a user's cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (710) for an image object (310) related to a map application running in the background. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (710) for an image object (310) related to a map application that was most recently run in the foreground among one or more applications running in the background.

[0115] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may, in response to an input (710) for an image object (310), display one of the screens (705) associated with the map application on the second display (235). Here, since the map application is not associated with the control widget screen (411), the screens associated with the map application may not include the control widget screen (411).

[0116] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display one screen selected based on the priority among screens related to the map application on the second display (235). For example, if there is no widget screen related to the map application, the electronic device (101) may display the application screen (705) of the map application on the second display (235).

[0117] Although FIG. 7 describes a map application, it is not limited to a map application. The operation of FIG. 7 can also be applied to various applications that can create an application screen that can be displayed through the second display (235). For example, in the case of an application that is set to be executable in the foreground through the second display (235) and does not have a control widget screen (411) or a widget screen, the electronic device (101) can display the application screen based on an input (e.g., a tap input) to an image object (310) of the cover screen (301).

[0118] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation performed by an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0119] FIG. 8 can be explained with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, FIG. 2c, FIG. 3, FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b, and FIG. 7.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation 810, the electronic device (101) may display the cover screen (301) through the second display (235). The electronic device (101) may display the cover screen (301) through the second display (235) in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b) and / or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c) of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the cover screen (301) may include an image object (310). In one embodiment, the image object (310) may represent an application running in the background. In one embodiment, the image object (310) may display information related to the application running in the background. In one embodiment, the image object (310) may also be referred to as a capsule or an on-going activity. In one embodiment, the image object (310) may be associated with the most recently executed application in the foreground among one or more applications running in the background.

[0121] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change from an application screen (601) to a cover screen (301) including an image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can display the application screen (601) through the first display (230) during an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can turn off the first display (230) and turn on the second display (235) as it transitions from an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a) to a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b) or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display a cover screen (301) on a turned-on second display (235) as it transitions to a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b) or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c).

[0122] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change the screen (411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416) to a cover screen (301) including an image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change the screen displayed through the second display (235) from the screens (411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416) to the cover screen (301). For example, the electronic device (101) can change the screen displayed through the second display (235) from the screens (411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416) to the cover screen (301) in response to an input (e.g., an input for selecting a home button of a navigation bar). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display a cover screen (301) including an image object (310) as it transitions from one of the screens (411, 413, 416) to the cover screen (301).

[0123] In operation 820, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (405) for selecting an image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain a tap input (405) for the image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) (405) for the image object (310) related to an application (420) running in the background. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) (405) for the image object (310) related to an application (420) that was most recently run in the foreground among one or more applications running in the background.

[0124] In operation 830, the electronic device (101) may switch to a screen identified by the input (405). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may, in response to the input (405) for the image object (310), display a screen (411, 413, 416) related to the application (420) from the screen (301) on the second display (235). In one embodiment, when there are two or more screens (411, 413, 416) related to the application (420), the electronic device (101) may display one screen selected based on the priority among the screens (411, 413, 416) on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the priority may be set based on the number of inputs required to switch screens to one or more screens (411, 413, 416) associated with controlling a function running through the application (420), but is not limited thereto. For example, a recently displayed screen among the screens (411, 413, 416) associated with the application (420) may have a higher priority.

[0125] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation performed by an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0126] FIG. 9 can be explained with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, FIG. 2c, FIG. 3, FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b, and FIG. 7.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 9, in operation 910, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (405) for selecting an image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain a tap input (405) for the image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) (405) for the image object (310) related to an application (420) running in the background. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) (405) for the image object (310) related to an application (420) that was most recently run in the foreground among one or more applications running in the background.

[0128] In operation 920, the electronic device (101) may identify priorities among screens. In one embodiment, the priorities may be set based on the number of inputs required to switch screens to one or more screens (411, 413, 416) related to controlling a function being executed through the application (420). For example, the higher the number of inputs required, the higher the priority of the screen. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the priorities may be set based on the number of inputs required to switch screens to one or more screens (411, 413, 416) related to controlling a function being executed through the application (420) and the type of the screen. For example, the priority of a screen having a required number of inputs greater than or equal to a reference number may be higher than the priority of a screen having a required number of inputs less than or equal to the reference number. For example, in the case of screens where the number of required inputs exceeds a standard number, the priority of a designated type of screen may be higher than the priority of screens of types other than the designated type. Here, the designated type of screen may include a widget screen (413) for an application (420). The designated type of screen may include a screen set to be displayed on the second display (235), but is not limited thereto. For example, the designated type of screen may include an application screen (416).

[0129] At action 930, the electronic device (101) can switch to a screen with a high priority.

[0130] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may identify a screen to display on the second display (235) based on the number of inputs required to switch screens to one or more screens (411, 413, 416) associated with controlling a function being executed through the application (420). Depending on the embodiment, the number of inputs required to switch screens from the cover screen (301) may also be referred to as a distance from the cover screen (301).

[0131] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may identify screens (413, 416) that require a reference number of inputs (e.g., 2) or more to be switched from the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may identify screens (413, 416) that are not adjacent to the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine a designated type of screen among the identified screens (413, 416) as a screen to be displayed on the second display (235).

[0132] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may, in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) for the image object (310), display a screen (413) of a designated type among screens (413, 416) that require a reference number of inputs (e.g., two) or more for switching, on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may, in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) for the image object (310), display a screen (413) of a designated type among screens (413, 416) that are not adjacent to the cover screen (301), on the second display (235).

[0133] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine a screen of a different type from the specified type as a screen to be displayed on the second display (235) if there is no screen of a specified type among the screens (413, 416) that require a reference number of inputs (e.g., 2) or more to be switched from the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine a screen of a different type from the specified type as a screen to be displayed on the second display (235) if there is no screen of a specified type among the screens (413, 416) that are not adjacent to the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416). For example, if the widget screen (413) does not exist, the electronic device (101) may determine the application screen (416) as a screen to be displayed on the second display (235).

[0134] In one embodiment, if there are no screens (413, 416) that require more than a standard number of inputs (e.g., 2 times) to switch from the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416), the electronic device (101) may determine a screen (411) that requires less than a standard number of inputs (e.g., 2 times) to switch from the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416) to be displayed on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine a screen adjacent to the cover screen (301) among the one or more screens (411, 413, 416) that is not adjacent to the cover screen (301) as the screen to be displayed on the second display (235). For example, the electronic device (101) may determine the control widget screen (411) as the screen to be displayed on the second display (235) if the screens (413, 416) do not exist.

[0135] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation performed by an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0136] FIG. 10 can be explained with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, FIG. 2c, FIG. 3, FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b, and FIG. 7.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 10, in operation 1010, the electronic device (101) may display the cover screen (301) through the second display (235). The electronic device (101) may display the cover screen (301) through the second display (235) in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b) and / or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c) of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the cover screen (301) may include an image object (310). In one embodiment, the image object (310) may represent an application running in the background. In one embodiment, the image object (310) may display information related to the application running in the background. In one embodiment, the image object (310) may also be referred to as a capsule or an on-going activity. In one embodiment, the image object (310) may be associated with the most recently executed application in the foreground among one or more applications running in the background.

[0138] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change from an application screen (601) to a cover screen (301) including an image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can display the application screen (601) through the first display (230) during an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can turn off the first display (230) and turn on the second display (235) as it transitions from an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a) to a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b) or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display a cover screen (301) on a turned-on second display (235) as it transitions to a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b) or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c).

[0139] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change the screen (411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416) to a cover screen (301) including an image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change the screen displayed through the second display (235) from the screens (411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416) to the cover screen (301). For example, the electronic device (101) can change the screen displayed through the second display (235) from the screens (411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416) to the cover screen (301) in response to an input (e.g., an input for selecting a home button of a navigation bar). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0140] In operation 1020, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (405) for selecting an image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain a tap input (405) for the image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) (405) for the image object (310) associated with an application (420) running in the background. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may obtain an input (e.g., a tap input) (405) for the image object (310) associated with an application (420) that was most recently run in the foreground among one or more applications running in the background.

[0141] In operation 1030, the electronic device (101) may determine whether a widget screen (413) exists. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether a widget screen (413) exists in screens (411, 413, 416) related to an application (420) in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) for an image object (310).

[0142] At operation 1030, based on determining that the widget screen (413) exists, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1040. At operation 1030, based on determining that the widget screen (413) does not exist, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1050.

[0143] In operation 1040, the electronic device (101) may switch to the widget screen (413). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may change the cover screen (301) to the widget screen (413). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display the widget screen (413) instead of the cover screen (301).

[0144] In operation 1050, the electronic device (101) may determine whether an application screen (416) exists. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether an application screen (416) exists in the screens (411, 413, 416) related to the application (420) in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) for the image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether an application screen (416) exists in the screens (411, 413, 416) related to the application (420) based on the determination that the widget screen (413) does not exist.

[0145] At operation 1050, based on determining that the application screen (416) exists, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1060. At operation 1050, based on determining that the application screen (416) does not exist, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1070.

[0146] In operation 1060, the electronic device (101) may switch to the application screen (416). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may change the cover screen (301) to the application screen (416). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display the application screen (416) instead of the cover screen (301).

[0147] In operation 1070, the electronic device (101) may determine whether a control widget screen (411) exists. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether a control widget screen (411) exists in screens (411, 413, 416) related to an application (420) in response to an input (e.g., a tap input) for an image object (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether a control widget screen (411) exists in screens (411, 413, 416) related to an application (420) based on the determination that the widget screen (413) and the application screen (416) do not exist.

[0148] At operation 1070, based on determining that the control widget screen (411) exists, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1080. At operation 1070, based on determining that the control widget screen (411) does not exist, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1090.

[0149] In operation 1080, the electronic device (101) may switch to the control widget screen (411). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may change the cover screen (301) to the control widget screen (411). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display the control widget screen (411) instead of the cover screen (301).

[0150] In operation 1090, the electronic device (101) may ignore the input (405). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may ignore the input (e.g., tap input) to the image object (310) if the control widget screen (411) does not exist. Here, ignoring the input (e.g., tap input) to the image object (310) may mean not switching from the cover screen (301) to another screen.

[0151] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation performed by an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0152] FIG. 11 can be explained with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b, FIG. 2c, FIG. 3, FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b, and FIG. 7.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 11, in operation 1110, the electronic device (101) can display an application screen (601) through the first display (230). The electronic device (101) can display an application screen (601) of an application (420) through the first display (230) during an unfolding state (e.g., FIG. 2a). The electronic device (101) can display an application screen (601) of an application (420) running in the foreground through the first display (230) during an unfolding state (e.g., FIG. 2a).

[0154] In operation 1120, the electronic device (101) can determine whether a state is changed. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine whether the state is changed from an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a) to another state while displaying the application screen (601) through the first display (230). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine whether the state is changed from an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a) to a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b) or an intermediate state (e.g., FIG. 2c) while displaying the application screen (601) through the first display (230).

[0155] At operation 1120, based on determining that the state has changed, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1130. At operation 1120, based on determining that the state has not changed, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1110 again.

[0156] In operation 1130, the electronic device (101) may determine whether a widget screen (413) exists. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether a widget screen (413) exists in the screens (411, 413, 416) associated with the application (420) in response to a change in the state of the electronic device (101).

[0157] At operation 1130, based on determining that the widget screen (413) exists, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1140. At operation 1130, based on determining that the widget screen (413) does not exist, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1150.

[0158] In operation 1140, the electronic device (101) may switch to the widget screen (413). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display the widget screen (413) on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may turn off the first display (230) and turn on the second display (235). As the second display (235) is turned on, the electronic device (101) may display the widget screen (413) on the second display (235).

[0159] In operation 1150, the electronic device (101) may determine whether an application screen (416) exists. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether an application screen (416) exists in the screens (411, 413, 416) related to the application (420) based on the determination that a state has changed. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether an application screen (416) exists in the screens (411, 413, 416) related to the application (420) based on the determination that a widget screen (413) does not exist.

[0160] At operation 1150, based on determining that the application screen (416) exists, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1160. At operation 1150, based on determining that the application screen (416) does not exist, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1170.

[0161] In operation 1160, the electronic device (101) may switch to the application screen (416). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display the application screen (416) on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may turn off the first display (230) and turn on the second display (235). As the second display (235) is turned on, the electronic device (101) may display the application screen (416) on the second display (235).

[0162] In operation 1170, the electronic device (101) may determine whether a control widget screen (411) exists. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether a control widget screen (411) exists in screens (411, 413, 416) related to an application (420) based on whether a state is determined to have changed. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether a control widget screen (411) exists in screens (411, 413, 416) related to an application (420) based on whether the widget screen (413) and the application screen (416) are determined not to exist.

[0163] At operation 1170, based on determining that the control widget screen (411) exists, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1180. At operation 1170, based on determining that the control widget screen (411) does not exist, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1190.

[0164] In operation 1180, the electronic device (101) may switch to the control widget screen (411). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display the control widget screen (411) on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may turn off the first display (230) and turn on the second display (235). As the second display (235) is turned on, the electronic device (101) may display the control widget screen (411) on the second display (235).

[0165] In operation 1190, the electronic device (101) may display the cover screen (301). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display the cover screen (301) on the second display (235). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may turn off the first display (230) and turn on the second display (235). As the second display (235) is turned on, the electronic device (101) may display the cover screen (301) on the second display (235). For example, if the control widget screen (411), the widget screen (413), and the application screen (416) do not exist, the image object (310) for the application (420) running in the background may not be displayed on the cover screen (301).

[0166] As described above, the electronic device (101) may include a housing including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) movably arranged with respect to the first housing part (210). The electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (230) at least a portion of which is bent according to relative movement of the second housing part (220) with respect to the first housing part (210). The electronic device (101) may include a sub-display (235) included on a second surface of the first housing part (210) opposite to the first surface in which the flexible display (230) is included. The electronic device (101) may include at least one processor (120) including a processing circuit. The electronic device (101) may include a memory (130) that stores instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to display, through the sub-display (235), a cover screen (301) including an image object (310) for representing an application (420) running in the background. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to, based on receiving an input (405) for selecting the image object (310), identify a first screen (413) that is sequentially switched from the cover screen (301) to one or more screens (411, 413, 416) for controlling a function running through the application (420) and is located at a designated position with respect to the cover screen (301).The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to change the cover screen (301) to the first screen (413) based on the identification of the first screen (413).

[0167] The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to identify a second screen (411) adjacent to the cover screen (301) among the one or more screens (411, 413, 416) based on the first screen (413) not being identified. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to change the cover screen (301) to the second screen (411) based on the second screen (411) being identified.

[0168] The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to obtain another input (405) for changing a screen of a different type than the input (405). The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to switch from the cover screen (301) to the second screen (411) in response to the another input.

[0169] In one embodiment, the second screen (411) may be generated when the function is executed in one or more applications (420) of the same type as the application (420), and may be located at a position adjacent to the cover screen (301) when generated. In one embodiment, the first screen (413) may be switched from the cover screen (301) by two or more different inputs for switching the screen, and may be located at the designated position regardless of the execution of the application (420).

[0170] The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to display the cover screen (301) that does not include the image object (310) on the sub-display (235). The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to execute the application (420) in the foreground. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to obtain another input for displaying the cover screen (301) while the application (420) is executed in the foreground. The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to display the cover screen (301) including the image object (310) for representing the application (420) on the sub-display (235), in response to the other input (405).

[0171] In one embodiment, the other input may be generated based on a change in the state of the electronic device (101) from an unfolded state to a different state distinct from the unfolded state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to turn on the sub-display (235) in response to the other input. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to display the cover screen (301) including the image object (310) on the turned-on sub-display (235).

[0172] In one embodiment, the other input may be an input for changing the screen related to the application (420) running in the foreground displayed on the sub-display (235) to the cover screen (301).

[0173] The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to identify a third screen (416) representing an execution result of the application (420) among the one or more screens (411, 413, 416) based on the first screen (413) not being identified. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to change the cover screen (301) to the third screen (416) based on the third screen (416) being identified.

[0174] The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to obtain another input (401) for changing a screen of a different type than the input (405). The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to switch the cover screen (301) to the apps screen (415) in response to the another input (401). The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to switch the apps screen (415) to the third screen (416) in response to an input (401) selecting an icon (430) for the application (420) from among one or more icons (430) included in the apps screen (415).

[0175] In one embodiment, the third screen (416) may be a screen that is reduced from the screen displayed on the flexible display (230) and displays the execution result of the application (420). In one embodiment, the first screen (413) may be displayed only on the sub-display (235).

[0176] The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to ignore the input (405) selecting the image object (310) in response to the one or more screens (411, 413, 416) not being identified.

[0177] As described above, the method can be performed in an electronic device (101) including a housing including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) movably arranged with respect to the first housing part (210), a flexible display (230) at least a portion of which bends according to relative movement of the second housing part (220) with respect to the first housing part (210), and a sub-display (235) included in a second side opposite to a first side of the first housing part (210) including the flexible display (230). The method can include an operation of displaying, through the sub-display (235), a cover screen (301) including an image object (310) for representing an application (420) running in the background. The method may include an operation of identifying a first screen (413) that is sequentially switched from the cover screen (301) to one or more screens (411, 413, 416) for controlling a function being executed through the application (420) based on receiving an input (405) for selecting the image object (310) and is located at a designated position with respect to the cover screen (301). The method may include an operation of changing the cover screen (301) to the first screen (413) based on the identification of the first screen (413).

[0178] The method may include an operation of identifying a second screen (411) adjacent to the cover screen (301) among the one or more screens (411, 413, 416) based on the first screen (413) not being identified. The method may include an operation of changing the cover screen (301) to the second screen (411) based on the second screen (411) being identified.

[0179] The method may include an operation of obtaining another input for changing a screen of a different type from the input (405). The method may include an operation of switching from the cover screen (301) to the second screen (411) in response to the other input.

[0180] The method may include an operation of displaying the cover screen (301) that does not include the image object (310) on the sub-display (235). The method may include an operation of running the application (420) in the foreground. The method may include an operation of obtaining another input for displaying the cover screen (301) while the application (420) is running in the foreground. The method may include an operation of displaying the cover screen (301) that includes the image object (310) for representing the application (420) on the sub-display (235) in response to the other input (405).

[0181] In one embodiment, the other input may be generated based on a change in the state of the electronic device (101) from an unfolded state to a different state distinct from the unfolded state. The method may include an operation of turning on the sub-display (235) in response to the other input. The method may include an operation of displaying the cover screen (301) including the image object (310) on the turned-on sub-display (235).

[0182] The method may include an operation of identifying a third screen (416) indicating an execution result of the application (420) among the one or more screens (411, 413, 416) based on the first screen (413) not being identified. The method may include an operation of changing the cover screen (301) to the third screen (416) based on the identification of the third screen (416).

[0183] The method may include an action to ignore the input (405) selecting the image object (310) in response to one or more of the screens (411, 413, 416) not being identified.

[0184] As described above, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium can store a program including instructions. The above instructions, when executed by a processor (120) of an electronic device (101) including a housing including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) movably arranged with respect to the first housing part (210), a flexible display (230) at least a portion of which bends in accordance with relative movement of the second housing part (220) with respect to the first housing part (210), and a sub-display (235) included in a second surface opposite to a first surface of the first housing part (210) including the flexible display (230), may cause the electronic device (101) to display, through the sub-display (235), a cover screen (301) including an image object (310) for representing an application (420) running in the background. The above instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to sequentially switch from the cover screen (301) to one or more of the screens (411, 413, 416) for controlling a function being executed through the application (420) based on receiving an input (405) for selecting the image object (310) and to identify a first screen (413) located at a designated position with respect to the cover screen (301) based on another input (405). The above instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the electronic device (101) to change the cover screen (301) to the first screen (413) based on the first screen (413) being identified.

[0185] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0186] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "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" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0187] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0188] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more commands stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one command among the one or more commands stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one command called. The one or more commands may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or 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 temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0190] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (101), A housing including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) movably arranged with respect to the first housing part (210). A flexible display (230) in which at least a part of the second housing part (220) is bent according to the relative movement of the first housing part (210). A sub-display (235) included in a second surface opposite to the first surface of the first housing part (210) including the flexible display (230), At least one processor (120) including a processing circuit, and A memory (130) for storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), cause the electronic device (101) to: Through the above sub-display (235), a cover screen (301) including an image object (310) for indicating an application (420) running in the background is displayed, Based on receiving an input (405) for selecting the image object (310), a first screen (413) is identified among one or more screens (411, 413, 416) for controlling a function being executed through the application (420) and is sequentially switched by another input from the cover screen (301) and is located at a designated position with respect to the cover screen (301). Based on the identification of the first screen (413), causing the cover screen (301) to be changed to the first screen (413). Electronic devices.

2. In claim 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), cause the electronic device (101) to: Based on the above first screen (413) not being identified, the second screen (411) adjacent to the cover screen (301) among the one or more screens (411, 413, 416) is identified, Based on the identification of the second screen (411), causing the cover screen (301) to be changed to the second screen (411). Electronic devices.

3. In claim 1 or claim 2, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), cause the electronic device (101) to: Obtaining the other input (405) for changing a screen of a different type from the above input (405), In response to the above other input, causing a transition from the cover screen (301) to the second screen (411), Electronic devices.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The above second screen (411) is generated when the above function is executed in one or more applications (420) of the same type as the above application (420), and is located at a position adjacent to the cover screen (301) when generated. The first screen (413) is switched from the cover screen (301) by two or more different inputs for switching the screen, and is located at the designated location regardless of the execution of the application (420). Electronic devices.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), cause the electronic device (101) to: The cover screen (301) that does not include the image object (310) is displayed on the sub display (235), Run the above application (420) in the foreground, While the above application (420) is running in the foreground, other inputs are obtained to display the cover screen (301), In response to the other input (405), causing the cover screen (301) including the image object (310) for representing the application (420) to be displayed on the sub display (235). Electronic devices.

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The above other input is generated based on the state of the electronic device (101) changing from the unfolded state to a different state that is distinct from the unfolded state, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), cause the electronic device (101) to: In response to the above other input, the sub display (235) is turned on, Causing the cover screen (301) including the image object (310) to be displayed on the turned-on sub-display (235). Electronic devices.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, The above other input is an input for changing the screen related to the application (420) running in the foreground displayed on the sub display (235) to the cover screen (301). Electronic devices.

8. In any one of claims 1 to 7, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), cause the electronic device (101) to: Based on the above first screen (413) not being identified, the third screen (416) showing the execution result of the application (420) among the one or more screens (411, 413, 416) is identified, Based on the identification of the third screen (416), causing the cover screen (301) to be changed to the third screen (416). Electronic devices.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), cause the electronic device (101) to: Obtain the other input (401) for changing the type of screen other than the above input (405), In response to the above other input (401), the cover screen (301) is switched to the apps screen (415), In response to an input (401) selecting an icon (430) for the application (420) among one or more icons (430) included in the above apps screen (415), causing the apps screen (415) to be switched to the third screen (416). Electronic devices.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, The third screen (416) above shows the execution result of the application (420) and is a screen reduced from the screen displayed on the flexible display (230). The above first screen (413) is displayed only on the sub display (235). Electronic devices.

11. In any one of claims 1 to 10, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the processor (120), cause the electronic device (101) to: In response to one or more of the screens (411, 413, 416) being unidentified, causing the input (405) for selecting the image object (310) to be ignored, Electronic devices.

12. A method performed in an electronic device (101) including a housing including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) movably arranged with respect to the first housing part (210), a flexible display (230) at least part of which is bent according to the relative movement of the second housing part (220) with respect to the first housing part (210), and a sub-display (235) included in a second surface opposite to a first surface of the first housing part (210) including the flexible display (230), An action of displaying a cover screen (301) including an image object (310) for indicating an application (420) running in the background through the above sub-display (235). An operation of identifying a first screen (413) that is sequentially switched by another input (405) from the cover screen (301) among one or more screens (411, 413, 416) for controlling a function being executed through the application (420) based on receiving an input (405) for selecting the image object (310) and is located at a designated position with respect to the cover screen (301), and Based on the identification of the first screen (413), an operation of changing the cover screen (301) to the first screen (413) is included. method.

13. In claim 12, An operation of identifying a second screen (411) adjacent to the cover screen (301) among the one or more screens (411, 413, 416) based on the first screen (413) being unidentified, and Based on the identification of the second screen (411), an operation of changing the cover screen (301) to the second screen (411) is included. method.

14. In any one of claims 12 to 13, An operation for obtaining the other input for changing a screen of a different type from the above input (405), and In response to the other input, the operation of switching from the cover screen (301) to the second screen (411) is included. method.

15. In a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, Save a program containing instructions, The above instructions, when executed by a processor (120) of an electronic device (101) including a housing including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) movably arranged with respect to the first housing part (210), a flexible display (230) at least a portion of which bends according to the relative movement of the second housing part (220) with respect to the first housing part (210), and a sub-display (235) included in a second surface opposite to a first surface of the first housing part (210) including the flexible display (230), cause the electronic device (101) to: Through the above sub-display (235), a cover screen (301) including an image object (310) for indicating an application (420) running in the background is displayed, Based on receiving an input (405) for selecting the image object (310), a first screen (413) is identified among one or more screens (411, 413, 416) for controlling a function being executed through the application (420) and is sequentially switched by another input (405) from the cover screen (301) and is located at a designated position with respect to the cover screen (301). Based on the identification of the first screen (413), causing the cover screen (301) to be changed to the first screen (413). A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

Images