Electronic device comprising camera and operation method therefor

Abstract

An electronic device according to various embodiments may comprise a plurality of cameras, a flexible display, a processor, and a memory for storing instructions. The instructions may be executed by the processor so as to cause the electronic device to execute an application, and identify that a request for acquiring image data via a first camera among the plurality of cameras has been generated from the application. The instructions may be configured to be executed by the processor so as to cause the electronic device to, in response to the identified request, initiate an operation of the first camera to acquire image data to be provided to the application, on the basis that state information of the electronic device, which is related to the form of the electronic device, indicates a first state. The instructions may be configured to be executed by the processor so as to cause the electronic device to, in response to the identified request, initiate an operation of a second camera, among the plurality of cameras, to acquire image data to be provided to the application, on the basis of the state information indicating a second state. In addition to the embodiment, various embodiments are also possible.

Description

Electronic device including a camera and method of operating the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including a camera and a method of operating the same.

[0002] Electronic devices come in various forms, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops. To capture and utilize images, electronic devices may include one or more cameras. To capture images under various conditions, electronic devices may include various types of cameras, such as ultra-wide-angle cameras, wide-angle cameras, and telephoto cameras. Cameras included in electronic devices can be positioned in various directions to capture images in various directions.

[0003] An electronic device may include a structure that allows the shape of the electronic device, including the display, to be changed using a flexible display. As the shape of the electronic device is changed, the relative positions of components mounted on the electronic device, such as a camera, may also change.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art in connection with the present disclosure.

[0005] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a plurality of cameras; a flexible display; a memory storing instructions; and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to execute the instructions to execute an application and identify a request from the application to acquire image data through a first camera among the plurality of cameras. The at least one processor may be configured to initiate an operation of the first camera to acquire image data to be provided to the application based on state information of the electronic device related to a shape of the electronic device indicating a first state. The at least one processor may be configured to initiate an operation of a second camera among the plurality of cameras to acquire image data to be provided to the application based on state information indicating a second state.

[0006] In accordance with an embodiment, a method for operating an electronic device including a plurality of cameras may include: executing an application; and identifying a request from the application to acquire image data through a first camera among the plurality of cameras. The method may include, in response to the identified request, initiating an operation of the first camera to acquire image data to be provided to the application based on state information of the electronic device related to a shape of the electronic device indicating a first state. The method may include, in response to the identified request, initiating an operation of a second camera among the plurality of cameras to acquire image data to be provided to the application based on the state information indicating a second state.

[0007] In one embodiment, a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium may record a computer program that causes an electronic device including a plurality of cameras to execute an application and to identify that a request has been generated from the application to acquire image data through a first camera among the plurality of cameras. The computer program may cause the electronic device to, in response to the identified request, initiate an operation of the first camera to acquire image data to be provided to the application based on state information of the electronic device related to a shape of the electronic device indicating a first state. The computer program may cause the electronic device to, in response to the identified request, initiate an operation of a second camera among the plurality of cameras to acquire image data to be provided to the application based on the state information indicating a second state.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an example of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an example of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an example of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an example of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a state according to a folded angle of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process by which an electronic device operates a camera to provide images to an application according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process by which an electronic device operates a camera according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an electronic device operates a camera by considering a requested camera orientation according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for operating a camera in an electronic device according to one embodiment, taking into account a case where multiple devices are assigned to a single identifier.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process by which an electronic device changes a camera during operation of the camera according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a case in which a camera included in an electronic device according to one embodiment is unusable.

[0022] Fig. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] 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). In 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)).

[0024] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result 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 an auxiliary 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 with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0025] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion 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.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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).

[0028] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a 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, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0029] 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. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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).

[0035] The 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) 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 separate 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).

[0040] 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) can 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.

[0041] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In 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). In 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, for example, by 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 at least one selected antenna. In 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).

[0042] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In 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.

[0043] 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)).

[0044] 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 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.

[0045] 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 of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0046] 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 (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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions 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 instruction among the one or more instructions 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 called instruction. The one or more instructions 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.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0050] 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.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the structure of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0052] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (310), a second housing (320), and a folding part (330). The folding part (330) may rotatably connect the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) to each other. The folding part (330) may include at least a portion of a hinge structure that pivotally connects the first housing (310) to the second housing (320). The first housing (310) may form a first surface (211) and a second surface (212) opposite the first surface (211). The first housing (310) may include a frame that forms at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device (101). The second housing (320) may form a third surface (213) and a fourth surface (214) opposite the third surface (213). The second housing (320) may include a frame that forms at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device (101).

[0053] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a flexible display (200) arranged across a first surface (211) and a third surface (213). The flexible display (200) may have a shape that can be changed in at least a portion of the shape as the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) rotate relative to each other. However, the flexible display (200) is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIG. 2. The flexible display (200) may be replaced with at least one of a display arranged on the first surface (211) or a display (e.g., a rigid display) arranged on the third surface (213).

[0054] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may further include a display (290). The display (290) may be disposed on the second surface (212) of the first housing (310). However, the display (290) is not limited to the form illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the display (290) may be replaced with a display disposed on the fourth surface (214) of the second housing (320) or a flexible display disposed across the second surface (212) and the fourth surface (214).

[0055] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include one or more cameras arranged at different locations. For example, the electronic device (101) may include at least one camera arranged to capture an image in a first direction (221) toward a first face (211), at least one camera arranged to capture an image in a second direction (222) toward a second face (212), at least one camera arranged to capture an image in a third direction (223) toward a third face (213), or at least one camera arranged to capture an image in a fourth direction (224) toward a fourth face (214). Each of the one or more cameras may be arranged to receive light through a transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic, but the transparent material is not limited thereto) formed on the first face (211), the second face (212), the third face (213), or the fourth face (214). Alternatively, each of the one or more cameras may be an under display camera (UDC) positioned to receive light through the flexible display (200) or display (290).

[0056] An electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a sensor (e.g., a sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) for detecting an angle between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) as the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) rotate relative to each other. For example, the electronic device (101) may detect the position of the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) as they rotate using a Hall sensor disposed within the folding portion (330).

[0057] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an example of an electronic device (101-1) in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an example of an electronic device (101-1) in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , in one embodiment, an electronic device (101-1) may include a foldable housing (300), a folding portion (330) (e.g., a hinge and a hinge housing) covering a foldable portion of the foldable housing (300), and a flexible (or foldable) display (200-1) disposed within a space formed by the foldable housing (300). In this document, a surface on which the flexible display (200-1) is disposed may be referred to as a front surface of the electronic device (101-1). A surface opposite to the front surface may be referred to as a rear surface. Additionally, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface may be referred to as a side surface of the electronic device (101-1).

[0059] In one embodiment, the foldable housing (300) may include a first housing structure (310-1) including a sensor area (324) (e.g., the first housing (310) of FIG. 2), a second housing structure (320-1) (e.g., the second housing (320) of FIG. 2), a first rear cover (390), and a second rear cover (380). The foldable housing (300) of the electronic device (101-1) is not limited to the shapes and combinations illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in one embodiment, the first housing structure (310-1) and the first rear cover (390) may be formed integrally, and the second housing structure (320-1) and the second rear cover (380) may be formed integrally.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1) are arranged on both sides with respect to the folding axis (A) as the center, and may have a shape in which the side surfaces are symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (A). As described below, the angle or distance between the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1) may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (101-1) is a flat / open state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. In the illustrated embodiment, unlike the second housing structure (320-1), the first housing structure (310-1) additionally includes a sensor area (324) in which various sensors are arranged, but may have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the other areas. For example, at least one camera may be arranged in the sensor area (324).

[0061] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1) may together form a recess for accommodating the flexible display (200-1). In the illustrated embodiment, due to the sensor area (324), the recess may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A.

[0062] For example, the recess may have (1) a first width (w1) between the second housing structure (320-1) and the first portion (320a) formed at the edge of the sensor area (324) of the first housing structure (310-1) and the first portion (310a) parallel to the folding axis A, and (2) a second width (w2) formed between the second portion (320b) of the second housing structure (320-1) and the second portion (310b) of the first housing structure (310-1) that does not correspond to the sensor area (324) and is parallel to the folding axis A. For example, the second width (w2) may be formed to be longer than the first width (w1). For example, a first portion (310a) of a first housing structure (310-1) and a first portion (320a) of a second housing structure (320-1) having mutually asymmetrical shapes may form a first width (w1) of the recess, and a second portion (310b) of a first housing structure (310-1) and a second portion (320b) of a second housing structure (320-1) having mutually symmetrical shapes may form a second width (w2) of the recess. In one embodiment, the first portion (310a) and the second portion (310b) of the first housing structure (310-1) may have different distances from the folding axis A. The width of the recess is not limited to the illustrated example. In various embodiments, the recess may have multiple widths due to the shape of the sensor area (324) or the asymmetrical shape of the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1).

[0063] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1) may be formed of a metallic or non-metallic material having a rigidity of a selected size to support the flexible display (200-1).

[0064] In one embodiment, the sensor area (324) may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the second housing structure (320-1). However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area (324) are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in one embodiment, the sensor area (324) may be provided in another corner of the second housing structure (320-1) or in any area between the upper corner and the lower corner. In one embodiment, components for performing various functions built into the electronic device (101-1) may be exposed to the front of the electronic device (101-1) through the sensor area (324) or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (324). In various embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensors may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

[0065] The first rear cover (390) is disposed on one side of the folding axis A on the rear of the electronic device (101-1) and may have, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery, and the periphery may be wrapped by the first housing structure (310-1). Similarly, the second rear cover (380) is disposed on the other side of the folding axis A on the rear of the electronic device (101-1) and may have the periphery wrapped by the second housing structure (320-1).

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear cover (390) and the second rear cover (380) may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis A. However, the first rear cover (390) and the second rear cover (380) do not necessarily have mutually symmetrical shapes, and in one embodiment, the electronic device (101-1) may include the first rear cover (390) and the second rear cover (380) of various shapes. In one embodiment, the first rear cover (390) may be formed integrally with the first housing structure (310-1), and the second rear cover (380) may be formed integrally with the second housing structure (320-1).

[0067] In one embodiment, the first rear cover (390), the second rear cover (380), the first housing structure (310-1), and the second housing structure (320-1) may form a space in which various components of the electronic device (101-1) (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) may be placed. In one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device (101-1). For example, at least a portion of the display (290-1) may be visually exposed through the first rear cover (390). At least a portion of the display (290-2) may be visually exposed through the second rear area (382) of the second rear cover (380). In one embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first rear area (392) of the first rear cover (390). In various embodiments, the sensors may include a proximity sensor and / or a rear camera.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, a folding portion (330-1) (e.g., the folding portion (330) of FIG. 2) may be configured to be positioned between a first housing structure (310-1) and a second housing structure (320-1) and have an internal component (e.g., a hinge structure). In one embodiment, the folding portion (330-1) may be covered by a portion of the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1) or exposed to the outside, depending on the state of the electronic device (101-1) (unfolded state, folded state, or intermediate state).

[0069] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the electronic device (101-1) is in an unfolded state, the folding portion (330-1) may be covered by the first housing structure (310-1) and may not be exposed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, when the electronic device (101-1) is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the folding portion (330-1) may be at least partially exposed to the outside between the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1). For example, when the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1) are in an intermediate state where they are folded at a certain angle, the folding portion (330-1) may be at least partially exposed to the outside between the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1). For example, the exposed area may be less than in a fully folded state. In one embodiment, the fold (330-1) may include a curved surface.

[0070] The flexible display (200-1) can be placed in a space formed by the foldable housing (300). For example, the flexible display (200-1) can be placed on a recess formed at least partially by the foldable housing (300) and can constitute most of the front surface of the electronic device (101-1).

[0071] Accordingly, the front of the electronic device (101-1) may include a flexible display (200-1), a portion of the first housing structure (310-1) adjacent to the flexible display (200-1), and a portion of the second housing structure (320-1). And, the rear of the electronic device (101-1) may include a first rear cover (390), a portion of the first housing structure (310-1) adjacent to the first rear cover (390), a second rear cover (380), and a portion of the second housing structure (320-1) adjacent to the second rear cover (380).

[0072] A flexible display (200-1) may refer to a display in which at least a portion of the display can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the flexible display (200-1) may include a folding area (203), a first area (201) positioned on one side (the left side of the folding area (203) illustrated in FIG. 1) relative to the folding area, and a second area (202) positioned on the other side (the right side of the folding area (203) illustrated in FIG. 1).

[0073] The region division of the flexible display (200-1) illustrated in FIG. 3 is exemplary, and the flexible display (200-1) may be divided into a plurality of regions (for example, four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the regions of the flexible display (200-1) may be divided by a folding region (203) extending parallel to the folding axis A or by the folding axis A, but in other examples, the regions of the flexible display (200-1) may be divided based on other folding regions or other folding axes.

[0074] The first region (201) and the second region (202) may have an overall symmetrical shape centered on the folding region (203). However, unlike the first region (201), the second region (202) may include a notch region cut by the presence of the sensor region (324), but may have a shape symmetrical with respect to the first region (201) in other regions. For example, the first region (201) and the second region (202) may include a portion having a symmetrical shape and a portion having an asymmetrical shape. However, this is only an example of the shape of the flexible display (220-1) and is not limited thereto.

[0075] Hereinafter, the operation of the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1) according to the state (e.g., unfolded state, folded state, and intermediate state) of the electronic device (101-1) and each area of ​​the flexible display (200-1) will be described.

[0076] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101-1) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 3), the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1) may form an angle of about 180 degrees. The surface of the first region (201) and the surface of the second region (202) of the flexible display (200-1) may face the same direction (e.g., toward the front of the electronic device (101-1)). The folding region (203) may also form the same plane as the first region (201) and the second region (202).

[0077] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101-1) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 4), the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1) may be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first region (201) and the surface of the second region (202) of the flexible display (200-1) may form a narrow angle (e.g., an angle between 0 and 10 degrees) with each other and may face each other. The folding region (203) may be formed as a curved surface having at least a portion of a predetermined curvature.

[0078] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101-1) is in an intermediate state, the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1) may be arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. The surface of the first region (201) and the surface of the second region (202) of the flexible display (200-1) may form an angle that is greater than an angle in a folded state and less than an angle in an unfolded state. The folding region (203) may be formed as a curved surface having at least a certain curvature, and the curvature at this time may be less than that in a folded state.

[0079] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an example of an electronic device (101-1) according to one embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the electronic device (101-1) may include a display unit (30), a bracket assembly (40), a substrate unit (400), a first housing structure (310-1), a second housing structure (320-1), a first rear cover (390), and a second rear cover (380). In this document, the display unit (30) may be referred to as a display module or a display assembly.

[0081] The display unit (30) may include a flexible display (200-1) and one or more plates (or layers) (240) on which the flexible display (200-1) is mounted. In one embodiment, the plate (240) may be disposed between the flexible display (200-1) and the bracket assembly (40). The flexible display (200-1) may be disposed on at least a portion of one surface (e.g., the upper surface with reference to FIG. 5) of the plate (240). The plate (240) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the flexible display (200-1). For example, a portion of the plate (240) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the notch (204) of the flexible display (200-1).

[0082] The bracket assembly (40) may include a first bracket (394), a second bracket (393), a hinge structure disposed between the first bracket (394) and the second bracket (393), a hinge housing (330) including at least a portion of the hinge structure (e.g., the housing of the folding portion (330-1) of FIG. 4), and a wiring member (395) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit (FPC)) crossing the first bracket (394) and the second bracket (393).

[0083] In one embodiment, a bracket assembly (40) may be placed between the plate (240) and the substrate portion (400). For example, the first bracket (394) may be placed between the second region (202) of the flexible display (200-1) and the first substrate (410). The second bracket (393) may be placed between the first region (201) of the flexible display (200-1) and the second substrate (420).

[0084] In one embodiment, a wiring member (395) and at least a portion of a hinge structure may be disposed within the bracket assembly (40). The wiring member (395) may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the folding area (203) of the electronic device (101-1). The direction of the wiring member (395) is not limited thereto.

[0085] The substrate portion (400) may include a first substrate (410) disposed on the first bracket (394) side and a second substrate (420) disposed on the second bracket (393) side as mentioned above. The first substrate (410) and the second substrate (420) may be disposed inside a space formed by the bracket assembly (40), the first housing structure (310-1), the second housing structure (320-1), the first rear cover (390), and the second rear cover (380). Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device (101-1) may be disposed on the first substrate (410) and the second substrate (420).

[0086] The first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1) can be assembled to each other so as to be coupled to both sides of the bracket assembly (40) while the display unit (30) is coupled to the bracket assembly (40). As described below, the first housing structure (310-1) and the second housing structure (320-1) can be coupled to the bracket assembly (40) by sliding on both sides of the bracket assembly (40).

[0087] In one embodiment, the first housing structure (310-1) may include a first rotational support surface (312), and the second housing structure (320-1) may include a second rotational support surface (422) corresponding to the first rotational support surface (312). The first rotational support surface (312) and the second rotational support surface (322) may include curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surfaces included in the folding portion (330-1).

[0088] In one embodiment, the first rotation support surface (312) and the second rotation support surface (322) may cover the hinge housing (330) so that the hinge housing (330) is not exposed to the rear of the electronic device (101-1) or is minimally exposed when the electronic device (101-1) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 3). Meanwhile, the first rotation support surface (312) and the second rotation support surface (322) may rotate along a curve included in the hinge housing (330) so that the hinge housing (330) is exposed to the rear of the electronic device (101-1) when the electronic device (101-1) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 4).

[0089] The configuration of the electronic device (101-1) illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 is intended to explain an example of one embodiment, and the shape of the electronic device (101-1) is not limited to that illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5. For example, the electronic device (101) may have the shape of the electronic device (101-2) illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0090] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an example of an electronic device (101-2) in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an example of an electronic device (101-2) in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0091] Reference numeral 601 of FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electronic device (101-2) when it is in an unfolded state, viewed from one direction (e.g., a direction facing the display (200-2)). Reference numeral 602 of FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electronic device (101-2) when it is in an unfolded state, viewed from another direction (e.g., a direction facing the covers (631, 632)). Reference numeral 701 of FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the electronic device (101-2) when it is in a folded state, viewed from another direction (e.g., a direction facing the second cover (632). Reference numeral 702 of FIG. 7 is a perspective view when the electronic device (101-2) is in a folded state, as viewed from another direction (e.g., a direction looking at the first cover (631)).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing may include a first housing (310-2) (e.g., the first housing (310) of FIG. 2), a second housing (320-2) (e.g., the second housing (320) of FIG. 2), and a hinge housing (330-2) (e.g., the folding portion (330) of FIG. 2). For example, in an unfolded state, the first housing (310-2) and the second housing (320-2) may be arranged parallel to each other. When the electronic device (101-2) is in a folded state, the first housing (310-2) and the second housing (320-2) may be rotated about the folding axis F so that one side of the first housing (310-2) and one side of the second housing (320-2) face each other. In the unfolded state, the hinge housing (330-2) can be accommodated within the first housing (310-2) and the second housing (320-2). As the foldable housing unfolds, the hinge housing (330-2) can be exposed to the outside.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the first housing (310-2) and the second housing (320-2) may be formed at least partially of a metallic material. Alternatively, the first housing (310-2) and the second housing (320-2) may be formed at least partially of a non-metallic material. The first housing (310-2) and the second housing (320-2) may be formed of a material having rigidity for supporting at least a portion of the display (200-2).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the first housing (310-2) and the second housing (320-2) may form a space in which electronic components (e.g., a printed circuit board, an antenna, a battery, a processor) of the electronic device (101-2) may be placed. The first housing (310-2) and the second housing (320-2) may form a side (or a side frame) of the electronic device (101-2). For example, various types of components for performing various functions of the electronic device (101-2) may be placed inside the first housing (310-2) and / or the second housing (320-2). For example, electronic components such as a front camera, a receiver, and a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) may be placed inside the first housing (310-2) and / or the second housing (320-2). Although not shown in the drawing, the electronic components described above may be visually exposed to the front (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the electronic device (101-2) through at least one opening or recess provided on the display (200-2).

[0095] In one embodiment, the display (200-2) may include a flexible display. For example, the display (200-2) may be arranged across the first housing (310-2), the second housing (320-2), and the hinge housing (330-2). The display (200-2) may include a first region (621) corresponding to at least one region of the first housing (310-2), a second region (622) corresponding to at least one region of the second housing (320-2), and a folding region (623) positioned between the first region (621) and the second region (622). The display (200-2) may form one surface of the first housing (310-2) and the second housing (320-2). The electronic device (101-2) may further include a display (290-3) that is visually exposed through at least one area of ​​the first cover (631). The display (290-3) may be arranged to be exposed through at least one area of ​​the second cover (632), or may be arranged across the first cover (631) and the second cover (632).

[0096] In one embodiment, the display (200-2) may form at least a portion of a curved surface. For example, the display (200-2) may include a first curved region (621A) and a second curved region (621B) that extend seamlessly from the first region (621) toward the first housing (310-2). For example, the first curved region (621A) and the second curved region (621B) may be included at opposite edges of the first region (621) adjacent to the folding axis F. The display (200-2) may include a third curved region (622A) and a fourth curved region (622B) that extend seamlessly from the second region (622) toward the second housing (320-2). For example, the third curved area (622A) and the fourth curved area (622B) may be included at both ends of the edge of the second area (622) adjacent to the folding axis F.

[0097] In one embodiment, the first curved region (621A) may extend from the first region (621) to the edge of the first housing (310-2). The second curved region (621B) may extend from the first region (621) to the edge of the first housing (310-2). The third curved region (622A) may extend from the second region (622) to the edge of the second housing (320-2).

[0098] According to one embodiment, when viewed from the side (e.g., in the X-axis direction, the -X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, or the -Y-axis direction) of the electronic device (101-2), the first housing (310-2) or the second housing (320-2) may have a first thickness (or width) on a side that does not include curved areas (621A, 621B, 622A, 622B) (e.g., a side where the first decorative member (613) or the second decorative member (614) is arranged, in the Y-axis direction, or in the -Y-axis direction), and may have a second thickness that is thinner than the first thickness on a side that includes the curved areas (621A, 621B, 622A, 622B).

[0099] According to one embodiment, at least one end of the curved regions (621A, 621B, 622A, 622B) may be formed in a curved (or curved) shape. For example, the display (200-2) may include a plurality of layers. When the electronic device (101-2) is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, a slip phenomenon may occur in which the plurality of layers of the display (200-2) are pushed away from the folding axis F by different lengths. The slip phenomenon may occur in the first region (621) and the second region (622) adjacent to the folding region (623), but the slip phenomenon may not occur in the curved regions (621A, 621B, 622A, 622B) that are not directly adjacent to the folding region (623). Accordingly, in order to alleviate the stress occurring at the boundary between the portion where the slip phenomenon occurs and the portion where it does not occur, a bend may be formed at the end of the curved areas (621A, 621B, 622A, 622B).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the first cover (631) and the second cover (632) may be positioned on the lower portions of the first housing (310-2) and the second housing (320-2) (e.g., the opposite side to the side on which the display (200-2) is arranged) to form the rear surface of the electronic device (101-2). For example, the first cover (631) and the first housing (310-2) may be formed integrally, and the second cover (632) and the second housing (320-2) may also be formed integrally.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101-2) may include a first decorative member (613) (or a first decorative component). For example, the first decorative member (613) may be positioned on an edge of the first region (621) that faces in the opposite direction from the edge adjacent to the folding region. When the display (200-2) is viewed from the front, the first decorative member (613) may overlap at least a portion of the edge of the first region (621) (e.g., an upper edge or a flat edge of the first region (621). For example, the first decorative member (613) may be integrally formed with the first housing (310-2) or detachably coupled to the first housing (310-2). The first decorative member (613) may extend from the first housing (310-2) to cover a portion of the surface of the first region (621).

[0102] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101-2) may include a second decorative member (614) (or a second decorative component). For example, the second decorative member (614) may overlap at least a portion of an edge of the second region (622) (e.g., a lower edge or a flat edge of the second region (622). For example, the second decorative member (614) may be integrally formed with the second housing (320-2) or detachably coupled to the second housing (320-2). The second decorative member (614) may extend from the second housing (320-2) so as to cover a portion of a surface of the second region (622).

[0103] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first decorative member (613) and the second decorative member (614) may be arranged to protrude in the image output direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the display (200-2) more than the plane of the display (200-2). In the folded state, due to the contact between the first decorative member (613) and the second decorative member (614), the first region (621) and the second region (622) of the display (200-2) may be spaced apart and face each other, and damage to the display (200-2) may be reduced.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the first housing (310-2) may include a first protective structure (691) and a second protective structure (692). For example, the first protective structure (691) may be disposed between the first curved area (621A) and the third curved area (622A) of the display (200-2). The second protective structure (692) may be disposed between the second curved area (621B) and the fourth curved area (622B) of the display (200-2). The first protective structure (691) and the second protective structure (692) may reduce external impact from being directly applied to the side of the folding area (623). The first protective structure (691) and the second protective structure (692) may also reduce foreign substances from entering through the side of the folding area (623).

[0105] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a state according to a folded angle of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0106] In this document, the angle formed when the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) meet may be referred to as a first intersection angle (800). The electronic device (101) may determine the state of the electronic device (101) based on which range the first intersection angle (800) falls within. The first intersection angle (800) may also be referred to as a folding angle of the electronic device (101). For example, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, an unfolded state, or an intermediate state. The electronic device (101) may include a sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor) for detecting the angle formed when the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) meet.

[0107] For example, if the first pier (800) falls within a first reference angle range (801) (e.g., 0 degrees or more and less than 10 degrees), the electronic device (101) can determine that the electronic device (101) is in a folded state. If the first pier (800) falls within a second reference angle range (802) (e.g., 10 degrees or more and less than 170 degrees), the electronic device (101) can determine that the electronic device (101) is in an intermediate state. If the second pier (800) falls within a third reference angle range (803) (e.g., 170 degrees or more), the electronic device (101) can determine that the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state (flat / open state).

[0108] However, FIGS. 2 to 8 only illustrate examples in which the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment is configured to be deformable, and the form of the electronic device (101) is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (101) may be configured in the form of a rollable device in which the flexible display (200) can be rolled up and accommodated in a housing, a slidable device in which the first housing can be slidably inserted into the second housing, or a bendable device in which the flexible display (200) can be freely bent. For example, although FIGS. 2 to 8 illustrate a structure in which two housings are rotatably connected through one hinge structure, the electronic device (101) may also include a structure in which three or more housings are rotatably connected through two or more hinge structures.

[0109] FIG. 9 is a flowchart (900) illustrating a process in which an electronic device (101) operates a camera to provide images to an application according to one embodiment.

[0110] According to one embodiment, in operation 910, the electronic device (101) may execute an application based on instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1). The application may include a program that provides a function of utilizing an image acquired through at least one of the cameras included in the electronic device (101) (e.g., camera module (180) of FIG. 1, a camera disposed in the first rear area (392) of FIG. 3, a camera disposed in the sensor area (324) of FIG. 3, a camera disposed on a surface on which the display (200-2) of FIG. 6 is disposed, and a camera exposed through the first cover (631) of FIG. 6). For example, the application executed in operation 910 may include a camera application that provides a preview screen based on an image acquired through at least one of the cameras and captures a still image or a moving image. For example, the application may also include a call application that performs a video call.

[0111] According to one embodiment, at operation 920, the electronic device (101) may identify that a request for execution of the first camera has been generated from an application. For example, as the camera application is executed, the camera application may generate a request to capture an image for displaying a preview screen using an application programming interface (API). The request generated at operation 920 may include a first identifier (e.g., camera ID = 1) indicating a camera for capturing the image. For example, the first identifier may indicate a front camera disposed in the sensor area (324) of FIG. 3.

[0112] According to one embodiment, in operation 930, based on state information indicating a state of the electronic device (101), the electronic device (101) may determine whether the first camera requested in operation 920 is executable. The state of the electronic device (101) may include information related to the shape of the electronic device (101). For example, the shape of the electronic device (101) may be related to the state of a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (200) of FIG. 2). For example, the state information of the electronic device (101) may include an angle between two housings that allow at least a portion (e.g., the folding area (203) of FIG. 3) of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (200) of FIG. 2) to be folded. The state information may include information acquired through a sensor that detects an angle between two housings included in the electronic device (e.g., a sensor that detects an angle using a Hall sensor). In one example, if the requested camera is a front camera positioned in the sensor area (324) of FIG. 3, the electronic device (101) may determine that the first camera is available based on the state information indicating a first state (e.g., an unfolded state). In one example, if the requested camera is a front camera positioned in the sensor area (324) of FIG. 3, the electronic device (101) may determine that the first camera is unavailable based on the state information indicating a second state (e.g., a folded state).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether to execute the requested camera based on the display displaying the screen or the display area on which the screen is displayed. For example, referring to the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 3, while displaying a preview image on the second area (202) of the flexible display (200-1), the electronic device may determine that the camera positioned to capture the image in the direction in which the surface corresponding to the second area (202) is positioned is executable. For example, when the display area on which the preview image is displayed has moved to the display (290-1) positioned on the first rear cover (390), the electronic device (101) may determine that the camera positioned on the first rear area (392) is executable.

[0114] According to one embodiment, available cameras among a plurality of cameras included in the electronic device (101) may be preset based on at least one condition regarding status information of the electronic device (101). For example, if at least a portion of a camera's field of view is obscured by the electronic device (101) based on the status of the electronic device (101), the camera may be excluded from the available cameras. As another example, if the corresponding hardware (e.g., a camera) is occupied by another application or does not operate normally due to a failure based on the status of the electronic device (101), the electronic device may determine the hardware as unusable hardware.

[0115] According to one embodiment, based on the determination that the execution of the camera requested by the application is impossible, the electronic device (101) may change the camera to be executed in response to the request of the application at operation 940. In the present disclosure, an identifier assigned to a camera of the electronic device (101) may be referred to as a hardware identifier. In the present disclosure, an identifier that designates a camera to invoke an operation related to the camera may be referred to as a logical identifier. For example, in response to an application requesting use of a camera based on a logical identifier corresponding to a first identifier, the electronic device (101) may process a camera operation according to the request of the application using a second camera assigned a hardware identifier corresponding to a second identifier instead of the first identifier. The electronic device (101) may change the logical identifier included in the request to correspond to the second identifier in order to operate the second camera assigned a hardware identifier corresponding to the second identifier. For example, the electronic device (101) may cause a second camera, to which a second identifier is assigned as a hardware identifier, to operate to provide image data in response to a request for providing image data through the execution of the first camera based on a logical identifier corresponding to the first identifier. The electronic device (101) may transmit attribute information of the second camera to the application to provide image data to the application through the second camera. The attribute information of the camera may include, for example, at least one of a resolution of the camera, an orientation of the camera, or a facing direction of the camera. The resolution of the camera may indicate the resolution of image data provided by the camera. The orientation of the camera may refer to a direction in which the camera captures an image with respect to the housing of the electronic device (101).For example, based on the orientation of the camera, the electronic device (101) can determine whether up / down / left / right flipping of image data captured by the camera is required and whether the captured image data was captured in a horizontal direction (e.g., horizontal direction based on the horizon) or a vertical direction (e.g., vertical direction based on the horizon). The orientation of the camera can indicate the direction in which the field of view of the camera for capturing an image faces. For example, the orientation of the camera can indicate a direction perpendicular to one surface of the housing in which the lens of the camera is disposed.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can initiate the operation of the second camera based on the changed logical identifier in operation 950. The electronic device (101) can set parameters for the operation of the camera to initiate the operation of the camera and cause the camera to perform a photographing operation based on the set parameters. After the operation of the second camera is initiated, the application can obtain image data through the second camera based on a request including a logical identifier corresponding to the first identifier.

[0117] According to one embodiment, based on determining that the execution of the first camera requested by the application is possible in operation 930, the electronic device (101) can initiate the operation of the first camera in operation 950.

[0118] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of operating a camera by an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0119] According to one embodiment, in operation 1010, the electronic device (101) may execute an application based on instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1). The application may include a program that provides a function of utilizing an image acquired through at least one of the cameras included in the electronic device (101) (e.g., camera module (180) of FIG. 1, a camera disposed in the first rear area (392) of FIG. 3, a camera disposed in the sensor area (324) of FIG. 3, a camera disposed on a surface on which the display (200-2) of FIG. 6 is disposed, and a camera exposed through the first cover (631) of FIG. 6). For example, the application executed in operation 1010 may include a camera application that provides a preview screen based on an image acquired through at least one of the cameras and captures a still image or a moving image. For example, the application may also include a call application that performs a video call.

[0120] In one embodiment, at operation 1020, the electronic device (101) may identify that a request for execution of the first camera has been generated from an application. For example, the application may request operation of the first camera to acquire an image captured through the first camera (e.g., a camera facing the surface on which the flexible display of the electronic device (101) is arranged). The request for operation of the first camera may include a logical identifier corresponding to a first identifier indicating the first camera.

[0121] According to one embodiment, in operation 1030, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the requested first camera is executable based on the status information. For example, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the camera is executable based on the status information. The electronic device (101) may determine whether the first camera requested for use by the application is an executable camera in the current state.

[0122] In one embodiment, based on the determination that the requested first camera is not executable, the electronic device (101) may select a camera to be changed to a camera for taking images in the application in operation 1040. The electronic device (101) may select a second camera having a current orientation corresponding to the orientation of the first camera requested by the application based on state information of the electronic device (101). For example, if the first camera is arranged to face a first direction (e.g., the first direction (221) of FIG. 2) of a surface on which a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (200) of FIG. 2) is arranged when the electronic device (101) is unfolded, the electronic device (101) may select a second camera arranged to face a second direction (e.g., the second direction (222) of FIG. 2) on which another display (e.g., the display (290) of FIG. 2)) is arranged instead of the first camera when the electronic device (101) is folded.

[0123] According to one embodiment, in operation 1050, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the selected second camera can replace the first camera requested by the application. The electronic device (101) may compare the attribute information of the first camera with the attribute information of the second camera to determine whether the second camera can capture an image that the application wishes to capture through the first camera. For example, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the current arrangement direction of the second camera matches the default arrangement direction of the first camera. The default arrangement direction may refer to a posture in which the camera is arranged with respect to the direction in which the image is captured in the state of the electronic device (101) as a reference. For example, the default arrangement direction may refer to a posture in which the first camera is arranged in the unfolded state of the electronic device (101). In the folded state of the electronic device (101), the second camera may be arranged to take pictures in the same direction as or parallel to the direction in which the first camera faces in the unfolded state. However, since the second camera is rotated 180 degrees in preparation for the unfolded state, the current arrangement direction of the second camera may be different from the basic arrangement direction of the first camera in the vertical or horizontal direction. If the current arrangement direction of the second camera is different from the basic arrangement direction of the first camera, when a video is taken through the second camera, the horizontal / vertical direction may be reversed from the video that the application intended to obtain, or the video may be obtained in an up-down or left-right reversed direction. If the current arrangement direction of the second camera is different from the basic arrangement direction of the first camera, the electronic device (101) may determine that the second camera is not replaced by the first camera.

[0124] According to one embodiment, if the selected second camera has an attribute that can replace the first camera, the electronic device (101) can change a logical identifier for identifying the camera to be used to perform an operation corresponding to the application's request so that the second camera provides image data to the application. For example, the logical identifier for the camera included in the application's request can be changed by a framework for performing operations of cameras (e.g., the first camera, the second camera) mounted on the electronic device (101). The application can obtain image data through the camera driven based on the changed logical identifier.

[0125] In one embodiment, if the property of the selected second camera cannot replace the property of the first camera, the electronic device (101) may change the property value included in the property information of the selected second camera in operation 1070. For example, the electronic device (101-2) illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 may include a first camera arranged to face a first direction (221) on a surface where the flexible display (200-2) of the first housing (310-2) is arranged, and a second camera arranged to face a second direction (222) on the first cover (531). In the folded state of the electronic device (101-2) illustrated in FIG. 7, the second camera may be arranged in a direction in which the up / down / left / right directions are reversed compared to the unfolded state illustrated in FIG. 6. When the second camera is selected as a camera to replace the first camera in the folded state, the electronic device (101-2) can change the attribute information associated with the second camera so that the arrangement direction of the second camera is reversed up and down / left and right. The electronic device (101) can change the logical identifier for identifying the camera to correspond to the second camera in operation 1060 so that the application can acquire image data through the second camera whose attribute information has been changed. In operation 950, the electronic device (101) can initiate an operation of the second camera whose attribute information has been changed.

[0126] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an electronic device (101) operates a camera by considering the requested camera orientation according to one embodiment.

[0127] According to one embodiment, if the electronic device (101) determines that the camera requested by the application is executable in operation 1030, it may determine whether the orientation of the requested camera has changed in operation 1130. For example, in a folded state such as the electronic device (101-1) illustrated in FIG. 4 and the electronic device (101-2) illustrated in FIG. 7, the orientation of the camera may change compared to an unfolded state such as the electronic device (101-1) illustrated in FIG. 3 or the electronic device (101-2) illustrated in FIG. 6. If the orientation of the camera has changed, and an image is captured based on the camera requested by the application without considering this, an image different from the image intended by the application may be obtained. Therefore, according to one embodiment, if the orientation of the camera has changed to a state different from a direction set as a default value, the electronic device may perform operation 1040 to change the camera for capturing image data. The default value for the camera's orientation may be information indicating the direction in which the camera captures an image in the state of the reference electronic device (101). For example, the default value may be information indicating the direction in which the camera is facing to capture an image in the unfolded state of the electronic device (101).

[0128] FIG. 12 is a flowchart (1200) illustrating a process for operating a camera in an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment, taking into account a case where a single identifier (hardware identifier) ​​is assigned to multiple devices.

[0129] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether a first camera to which a hardware identifier corresponding to a logical identifier included in a request of an application is assigned is executable in operation 1030 of FIG. 10 or 11. For example, if the logical identifier included in the request of the application is '1', the electronic device (101) may determine whether a first camera to which an identifier '1' is assigned is executable among cameras arranged in the first direction (221) of the electronic device (101). If the electronic device (101) determines that the first camera requested by the application is not executable in operation 930 of FIG. 9 or operation 1030 of FIG. 10 or 11, the electronic device (101) may determine whether there is another device (camera) to which a hardware identifier assigned to the camera requested by the application is assigned in operation 1240. For example, the electronic device (101) may have the same hardware identifier (e.g., camera ID = 1) assigned to a first camera positioned toward the first direction (221) of FIG. 2 and a second camera positioned toward the second direction (222) of FIG. 2. If there is no other camera assigned the same hardware identifier as the first camera requested by the application, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 940 or operation 1040 to cause the second camera to operate in place of the first camera.

[0130] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the first camera requested by the application cannot be executed normally and it is determined that there is another device to which the hardware identifier of the first camera is assigned, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the other device is available in operation 1250. If the other camera to which the hardware identifier of the first camera is assigned is available in operation 1250, the electronic device (101) may initiate operation of the other camera in operation 950 to provide image data to the application based on the other camera. If normal use of the other camera is not possible, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 940 or operation 1040 to allow the second camera to operate in place of the first camera.

[0131] FIG. 13 is a flowchart (1300) illustrating a process for changing a camera during operation of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0132] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can operate the camera based on an application running on the electronic device (101). While the camera is operating, the electronic device (101) can display a screen through at least a portion of a display of the electronic device (e.g., the flexible display (200) of FIG. 2, the flexible display (200-1) of FIG. 3, and the flexible display (200-2) of FIG. 6). For example, the electronic device (101) can display a preview image corresponding to image data acquired through the first camera.

[0133] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1320 to identify whether the display area in which the screen displayed in operation 1310 appears has changed. For example, if a screen displayed on a flexible display of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the flexible display (200) of FIG. 2, the flexible display (200-1) of FIG. 3, the flexible display (200-2) of FIG. 6) is displayed on another display (e.g., the display (290) of FIG. 2, the displays (290-1, 290-2) of FIG. 3, the display (290-3) of FIG. 6), the electronic device (101) may determine that the display area has changed. For example, if an electronic device (101) includes a plurality of housings that are rotatably connected to each other, and a screen displayed in a first area corresponding to a first housing (e.g., a first area (201) of FIG. 3, a first area (621) of FIG. 6) moves to a second area corresponding to a second housing (e.g., a second area (202) of FIG. 3, a second area (622) of FIG. 6), the electronic device (101) may determine that the display area has changed. If the display area has not changed, the electronic device (101) may maintain operation 1310 of displaying a screen on the display.

[0134] In one embodiment, when the display area is changed, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1330 to determine a camera to operate corresponding to the changed display area. In operation 1330, the electronic device (101) may determine a camera to operate based at least in part on state information of the electronic device (101). For example, referring to FIG. 3, when the display area moves from the first area (201) of the flexible display (200-1) to the display (290-1) disposed on the first rear cover (390) while the electronic device (101) including the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) is in an intermediate state, the camera disposed on the first rear area (392) may be determined as a camera for providing image data to the application.

[0135] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1340 to determine whether the camera to be changed is available. If the camera to be changed is determined to be unavailable, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 1310 while maintaining the operation of the existing camera, or may display a notification indicating that the camera has not been switched. Based on the determination that the camera to be changed is available, the electronic device (101) may initiate operation of the changed camera. The electronic device (101) may provide image data acquired through the changed camera to an application. For example, the application may display a preview image through a display based on the acquired image data.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine the camera to be changed or the setting values ​​for capturing an image based on the camera to be changed based on the settings for capturing an image set prior to the change of the camera. For example, based on the electronic device (101) changing to a folded state while displaying a screen related to an image acquired based on the first camera in an unfolded state, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the running application is not terminated and is maintained in a running state. If the running state of the application is maintained, the electronic device (101) may identify information about the settings for capturing an image based on the first camera based on the running application. The electronic device (101) may determine the camera to be changed based on the information about the identified settings. For example, if the state of the electronic device (101) changes to a folded state (or if the camera is changed) while shooting an image through the first camera based on a shooting mode that shoots an image based on a wide angle of view in operation 1310, the electronic device (101) may determine a camera that supports shooting an image based on a wide angle of view among executable cameras as the camera to be changed. For example, in operation 1350, the electronic device (101) may shoot an image through the changed second camera based on the setting values ​​before the camera change (e.g., whether to apply a bokeh effect, portrait / landscape mode, filter settings for applying an image effect, zoom ratio, camera operation mode).

[0137] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a case in which a camera included in an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment is unusable.

[0138] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first camera (1411) disposed on a first surface (211) of a first housing (310) and a second camera (1412) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (310). Referring to FIG. 14, when the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) are placed in a folded state, at least a portion of the field of view (1420) of the first camera (1411) is blocked by the second housing (320). Therefore, when photographing is performed using the first camera (1411), normal photographing cannot be performed in an area blocked by the second housing (320). As illustrated in FIG. 14, when the electronic device (101) includes a first camera (1411) and a second camera (1412), the electronic device (101) may be configured to determine that the first camera (1411) is unusable and the second camera (1412) is usable when in a folded state.

[0139] Fig. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0140] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include an application (1510), a control unit (1520), an information provider unit (1530), a first camera object (1540), a second camera object (1550), a monitoring unit (1560), and an attribute update unit (1570). The components illustrated in FIG. 15 may include modules composed of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0141] In one embodiment, the application (1510) may include a program that uses a camera. The application (1510) may control the camera included in the electronic device (101) using an API provided by the electronic device (101). The application (1510) may open a camera object using an identifier for the camera to obtain attribute information about the camera. The application (1510) may control the camera based on the obtained attribute information.

[0142] In one embodiment, when a request to operate a camera is generated from an application (1510) through an API, the control unit (1520) can operate the camera to process the requested task. As a result of processing the request, the control unit (1520) can provide image data to the application (1510) or respond to the request. For example, when a request for image data of a specific size is received from the application (1510), the control unit (1520) can check whether an image of a specific size can be provided through a camera included in the electronic device (101), and provide image data of the size requested by the application (1510) to the application (1510).

[0143] In one embodiment, the control unit (1520) may include a camera conversion unit (1525). The camera conversion unit (1525) may convert a camera that operates to acquire normal image data according to the status information of the electronic device (101). The camera conversion unit (1525) may select a camera corresponding to the status information based on information obtained from the information providing unit.

[0144] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include camera objects (1540, 1550) for a plurality of cameras. The camera objects (1540, 1550) may also be referred to as camera modules. Each camera object (1540, 1550) may include attribute information (1545, 1555) for each camera. The attribute information (1545, 1555) for the camera may include, for example, at least one of an identifier assigned to identify the camera, a camera orientation, a camera arrangement direction, a resolution, whether an auto focus (AF) function is supported, whether a flash module is mounted, or aperture information. However, examples of the attribute information (1545, 1555) are not limited thereto.

[0145] In one embodiment, the camera information providing unit (1530) may provide information related to the operation of the camera to the control unit (1520) or the application (1510). The camera information providing unit (1530) may include a camera availability determining unit (1531), a device status checking unit (1532), an attribute determining unit (1533), and a camera selecting unit (1514). The camera availability determining unit (1531) may determine a camera that is currently available among cameras included in the electronic device (101) based on status information of the electronic device (101). The device status checking unit (1532) may determine the status of the electronic device (101) based on information monitored by the monitoring unit (1560) and provide the determined status to the control unit (1520). For example, the device status checking unit (1532) may determine a display area being used as a primary display based on information that controls the display of the electronic device (101) to display a screen. For example, the device status check unit (1532) can determine at least one of the orientation of the camera or the folding state of the housing based on the folding angle between the two housings acquired by the monitoring unit (1560). The attribute determination unit (1533) can request the attribute determination unit (1570) to determine or update attribute information for an available camera selected by the camera selection unit (1534) based on a request from the application (1510). The camera selection unit (1514) can determine a camera to operate to process the request from among the cameras determined to be available by the camera availability determination unit (1531). If the determined camera is different from the camera requested by the application (1510), the camera selection unit (1514) can change a logical identifier for identifying a camera to be used to perform an operation according to the request so that image data can be provided through the determined camera.

[0146] In one embodiment, the monitoring unit (1560) may monitor information related to the status of the electronic device (101). For example, the monitoring unit (1560) may monitor information about a folding angle from a sensor that detects an angle between two housings included in the electronic device (101). For example, the monitoring unit (1560) may also monitor information about a display being used as a primary display to display a screen among a plurality of displays included in the electronic device (101).

[0147] In one embodiment, the attribute update unit (1570) can update attribute information for controlling a camera included in the electronic device (101). The attribute update unit (1570) can update attribute information (1545, 1555) according to a request from the information provider (1530). For example, when the state of the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the attribute update unit (1570) can update attribute information (1545, 1555). When attribute information (1545) for the first camera (1540) is updated while the application (1510) is using the first camera (1540), the attribute update unit (1570) can transmit the updated attribute information (1545) to the application (1510) in a callback format.

[0148] In one embodiment, an electronic device including a camera may change its relative position as its shape changes. As the electronic device changes shape, the camera lens may be obstructed by other objects, preventing normal photography. However, if an application installed on the electronic device is developed without considering the usability of the camera depending on the shape change of the device, the camera may not operate properly to capture the image requested by the application when the application requests image capture through the camera.

[0149] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description of this disclosure.

[0150] An electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, an electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and an electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) may include a plurality of cameras; a flexible display; a processor; and a memory storing instructions. The instructions may be configured to be executed by the processor so that the electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, an electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and an electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) executes an application and identifies that a request has been generated from the application to acquire image data through a first camera among the plurality of cameras. The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to initiate an operation of the first camera to obtain image data to be provided to the application based on state information of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) relating to a form of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) indicating a first state.The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to initiate operation of a second camera among the plurality of cameras to obtain image data to be provided to the application based on the state information indicating a second state in response to the identified request.

[0151] In one embodiment, the request may include a first identifier indicating the first camera. The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 , the electronic device 101 of FIG. 2 , the electronic device 101-1 of FIGS. 3 to 5 , and the electronic device 101-2 of FIGS. 6 and 7 ) to, in response to the request, change an identifier for identifying a camera to be used to perform an operation corresponding to the request from the first identifier to a second identifier assigned to the second camera based on the state information indicating a second state.

[0152] An electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) may further include a first housing forming a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a second housing forming a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, a folding portion rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing with respect to each other, and a sensor detecting a folding angle between the first housing and the second housing. The state information may include information associated with the folding angle.

[0153] In one embodiment, the first camera may be positioned to capture images through the first surface. The second camera may be positioned to capture images through the second surface. The second state may be such that the folding angle of the first camera is within a first angle range such that the first camera is covered by the second housing.

[0154] An electronic device according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) may further include an additional display, at least a portion of which is disposed along the second surface of the first housing. The flexible display may be disposed at least a portion of which is disposed along the first surface of the first housing and the third surface of the second housing. The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to initiate an operation of the second camera based on the state information indicating a second state and the screen outputting a screen associated with the application being the additional display, in response to the identified request.

[0155] In one embodiment, the instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 , the electronic device 101 of FIG. 2 , the electronic device 101-1 of FIGS. 3 to 5 , and the electronic device 101-2 of FIGS. 6 and 7 ) to select the second camera from among the plurality of cameras based on the state information indicating a second state, in response to the identified request. The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 , the electronic device 101 of FIG. 2 , the electronic device 101-1 of FIGS. 3 to 5 , and the electronic device 101-2 of FIGS. 6 and 7 ) to determine, based on attribute information about the second camera, whether the second camera corresponds to an attribute of the first camera. The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to change attribute information of the second camera when the second camera does not correspond to the attribute of the first camera. The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to initiate an operation of the second camera based on the changed attribute information.

[0156] In one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, an electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and an electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) may further include a plurality of displays. The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, an electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and an electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to display a screen through the flexible display while the first camera is activated. The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to identify that the display displaying the screen has changed from the flexible display to at least one display of the plurality of displays. The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to initiate an operation of the second camera based on a change in the display displaying the screen.

[0157] In one embodiment, the instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to identify the second camera to which the first identifier indicating the first camera is assigned, based on the state information indicating the second state. The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to determine whether to use the second camera based on attribute information of the second camera. The instructions may be executed by the processor to initiate operation of the second camera based on the determination that the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) uses the second camera.

[0158] In one embodiment, the instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to determine whether the orientation of the first camera determined based on the state information corresponds to a preset orientation for the first camera. The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to initiate an operation of the first camera when the orientation of the first camera corresponds to the preset orientation. The instructions may be executed by the processor to cause the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) to initiate operation of the second camera when the orientation direction of the first camera does not correspond to the preset direction.

[0159] According to an embodiment, a method for operating an electronic device including a plurality of cameras (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, an electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, an electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) may include an operation of executing an application and an operation of identifying that a request for acquiring image data through a first camera among the plurality of cameras has occurred from the application. The method may include, in response to the identified request, initiating an operation of the first camera to obtain image data to be provided to the application based on state information of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) indicating a first state, wherein the state information is related to a form of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7). The method may include, in response to the identified request, initiating an operation of a second camera among the plurality of cameras to obtain image data to be provided to the application based on the state information indicating a second state.

[0160] In one embodiment, the request may include a first identifier indicating the first camera. The operation of initiating operation of the second camera may include, in response to the request, changing the identifier for identifying the camera to be used to perform the operation corresponding to the request from the first identifier to a second identifier assigned to the second camera based on the state information indicating a second state.

[0161] An electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) may further include a first housing forming a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a second housing forming a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, a folding portion rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing with respect to each other, and a sensor detecting a folding angle between the first housing and the second housing. The state information may include information associated with the folding angle.

[0162] In one embodiment, the second state may be such that the folding angle is within a first angle range such that the first camera is covered by the second housing.

[0163] In one embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (101-1) of FIGS. 3 to 5, and the electronic device (101-2) of FIGS. 6 and 7) may further include an additional display. The operation of initiating the operation of the second camera may include, in response to the identified request, initiating the operation of the second camera based on the state information indicating a second state and the screen outputting the screen associated with the application being the additional display.

[0164] In one embodiment, the operation of initiating the operation of the second camera may include, in response to the identified request, selecting the second camera from among the plurality of cameras based on the state information indicating a second state. The operation of initiating the operation of the second camera may include, based on attribute information about the second camera, determining whether the second camera corresponds to an attribute of the first camera. The operation of initiating the operation of the second camera may include, if the second camera does not correspond to an attribute of the first camera, changing the attribute information of the second camera. The operation of initiating the operation of the second camera may include, based on the changed attribute information, starting the operation of the second camera.

[0165] In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a plurality of displays. The method may include an operation of displaying a screen through the flexible display while the first camera is activated. The method may include an operation of identifying that the display displaying the screen has changed from the flexible display to at least one of the plurality of displays. The method may further include an operation of initiating an operation of the second camera based on a change in the display displaying the screen.

[0166] In one embodiment, the method may include an operation of identifying a second camera to which a first identifier indicating the first camera is assigned, based on the state information indicating the second state. The method may include an operation of determining whether the second camera is in use based on attribute information of the second camera. The method may further include an operation of initiating an operation of the second camera based on the determination that the second camera is in use.

[0167] In one embodiment, the operation of initiating the operation of the first camera may include an operation of determining whether the orientation of the first camera, determined based on the status information, corresponds to a preset orientation for the first camera. The operation of initiating the operation of the first camera may include an operation of initiating the operation of the first camera if the orientation of the first camera corresponds to the preset orientation. The operation of initiating the operation of the first camera may include an operation of initiating the operation of the second camera if the orientation of the first camera does not correspond to the preset orientation.

[0168] In one embodiment, a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium may record a computer program that causes an electronic device including a plurality of cameras to execute an application and to identify that a request has been generated from the application to acquire image data through a first camera among the plurality of cameras. The computer program may cause the electronic device to, in response to the identified request, initiate an operation of the first camera to acquire image data to be provided to the application based on state information of the electronic device related to a shape of the electronic device indicating a first state. The computer program may cause the electronic device to, in response to the identified request, initiate an operation of a second camera among the plurality of cameras to acquire image data to be provided to the application based on the state information indicating a second state.

[0169] In one embodiment, the request may include a first identifier indicating the first camera. The operation of initiating operation of the second camera may include, in response to the request, changing the identifier for identifying the camera to be used to perform the operation corresponding to the request from the first identifier to a second identifier assigned to the second camera based on the state information indicating a second state.

[0170] Electronic devices and their operating methods according to various embodiments can enable the operation of an appropriate camera among multiple cameras depending on the state of the electronic device. Even when an application utilizing a camera is designed without considering possible deformation of the device's shape, the device can be prevented from operating a camera set in the wrong direction or from malfunctioning.

[0171] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0172] The methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0173] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. The one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured for execution by one or more processors within an electronic device. The one or more programs include instructions that cause the electronic device to execute methods according to embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure.

[0174] These programs (software modules, software) may be stored in a random access memory, a non-volatile memory including a flash memory, a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic disc storage device, a compact disc ROM (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD) or other forms of optical storage, a magnetic cassette, or a memory formed by a combination of some or all of these. In addition, each configuration memory may be included in multiple numbers.

[0175] Additionally, the program may be stored on an attachable storage device that is accessible via a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide LAN (WLAN), or a storage area network (SAN), or a combination thereof. Such a storage device may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure via an external port. Additionally, a separate storage device on the communication network may be connected to a device performing an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, components included in the disclosure are expressed in the singular or plural form, depending on the specific embodiment presented. However, the singular or plural expressions are selected to suit the presented situation for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components. Components expressed in the plural form may be composed of singular elements, or components expressed in the singular form may be composed of plural elements.

[0177] Additionally, in the present disclosure, terms such as “part”, “module”, etc. may refer to a hardware component such as a processor or circuit, and / or a software component executed by a hardware component such as a processor.

[0178] A "component" or "module" may be implemented by a program stored in an addressable storage medium and executed by a processor. For example, a "component" or "module" may be implemented by components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0179] The specific implementations described in this disclosure are merely exemplary and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of conventional electronic components, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of the systems may be omitted.

[0180] Additionally, in the present disclosure, “comprising at least one of a, b, or c” may mean “comprising only a, comprising only b, comprising only c, comprising both a and b, comprising both b and c, comprising both a and c, or comprising all of a, b, and c.”

[0181] While the detailed description of this disclosure has described specific embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the scope of the claims described below, but also by equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, Multiple cameras; flexible display; processor; and A memory for storing instructions, wherein the instructions are executed by the processor so that the electronic device: Run the application, and Identifying that a request has been made to acquire image data through a first camera among the plurality of cameras from the above application, In response to the identified request, initiating operation of the first camera to obtain image data to be provided to the application based on state information of the electronic device related to the form of the electronic device indicating a first state; An electronic device, in response to the identified request, causing an operation of a second camera among the plurality of cameras to obtain image data to be provided to the application based on the state information indicating a second state.

2. In claim 1, The request includes a first identifier pointing to the first camera, An electronic device wherein the instructions are executed by the processor to cause the electronic device, in response to the request, to change an identifier for identifying a camera to be used to perform an operation corresponding to the request based on the state information indicating a second state from the first identifier to a second identifier assigned to the second camera.

3. In claim 1, A first housing forming a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; A second housing forming a third side and a fourth side opposite to the third side; A folding member that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing relative to each other; and Further comprising a sensor for detecting a folding angle between the first housing and the second housing, An electronic device, wherein the state information includes information associated with the folding angle.

4. In claim 3, The above first camera is positioned to capture an image through the first surface, The second camera is positioned to capture images through the second surface, An electronic device wherein the second state is such that the folding angle is within a first angle range so that the first camera is covered by the second housing.

5. In claim 4, further comprising an additional display at least partially disposed along said second side of said first housing; The flexible display is arranged at least in part along the first surface of the first housing and the third surface of the second housing, An electronic device wherein said instructions are executed by said processor to cause said electronic device, in response to said identified request, to initiate operation of said second camera based on said state information indicating a second state and said screen outputting a screen associated with said application being said additional display.

6. In claim 1, The above instructions are executed by the processor so that the electronic device: In response to the identified request, selecting the second camera among the plurality of cameras based on the state information indicating a second state, Based on the attribute information for the second camera, it is determined whether the second camera corresponds to the attribute of the first camera, If the second camera does not correspond to the properties of the first camera, change the property information of the second camera, An electronic device configured to initiate operation of the second camera based on the changed attribute information.

7. In claim 1, Including multiple displays, The above instructions are executed by the processor so that the electronic device: When the first camera is activated, the screen is displayed through the flexible display, Identifying that the display displaying the above screen is changed from the flexible display to at least one display among the plurality of displays, An electronic device that initiates operation of the second camera based on a change in the display that displays the above screen.

8. In claim 1, The above instructions are executed by the processor so that the electronic device: Identifying the second camera to which the first identifier indicating the first camera is assigned based on the state information indicating the second state; Based on the attribute information of the second camera, it is determined whether to use the second camera. An electronic device that initiates operation of the second camera based on determining that the second camera is being used.

9. In claim 1, The above instructions are executed by the processor so that the electronic device: Determining whether the orientation of the first camera determined based on the above status information corresponds to a direction preset for the first camera, If the orientation direction of the first camera corresponds to the preset direction, the operation of the first camera is initiated, An electronic device that initiates operation of the second camera when the orientation direction of the first camera does not correspond to the preset direction.

10. A method for operating an electronic device including a plurality of cameras, The action of running an application; An action for identifying that a request has been made from the above application to acquire image data through a first camera among the plurality of cameras; In response to the identified request, an operation of initiating an operation of the first camera to obtain image data to be provided to the application based on state information of the electronic device related to the form of the electronic device indicating a first state; and A method comprising: in response to said identified request, initiating operation of a second camera among said plurality of cameras to obtain image data to be provided to said application based on said state information indicating a second state.

11. In claim 10, The request includes a first identifier pointing to the first camera, A method wherein the operation of initiating operation of the second camera comprises, in response to the request, changing an identifier for identifying a camera to be used to perform an operation corresponding to the request from the first identifier to a second identifier assigned to the second camera based on the state information indicating a second state.

12. In claim 10, The above electronic device: A first housing forming a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; A second housing forming a third side and a fourth side opposite to the third side; A folding member that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing relative to each other; and Further comprising a sensor for detecting a folding angle between the first housing and the second housing, The above state information includes information associated with the folding angle, The second state is such that the folding angle is within the first angle range so that the first camera is covered by the second housing, A method according to claim 1, wherein the act of initiating operation of the second camera comprises an act of initiating operation of the second camera based on the state information indicating the second state and an additional display of the electronic device displaying a screen associated with the application, in response to the identified request.

13. In claim 10, The action for initiating the operation of the second camera is: In response to the identified request, an operation of selecting a second camera among the plurality of cameras based on the state information indicating a second state; An operation of determining whether the second camera corresponds to the properties of the first camera based on the property information for the second camera; An operation of changing the property information of the second camera when the property of the second camera does not correspond to the property of the first camera, and A method comprising an operation of initiating operation of the second camera based on the changed attribute information.

14. In claim 10, An operation of identifying the second camera, to which a first identifier indicating the first camera is assigned, based on the state information indicating the second state; An operation for determining whether to use the second camera based on the attribute information of the second camera; and A method further comprising: initiating operation of the second camera based on determining that the second camera is being used.

15. In a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, an electronic device including a plurality of cameras executes, The action of running an application; An action for identifying that a request has been made from the above application to acquire image data through a first camera among the plurality of cameras; In response to the identified request, an operation of initiating an operation of the first camera to obtain image data to be provided to the application based on state information of the electronic device related to the form of the electronic device indicating a first state; and A computer program recording an operation of initiating an operation of a second camera among the plurality of cameras to obtain image data to be provided to the application based on the state information indicating a second state in response to the identified request.

Images