Electronic device, method, and storage medium for setting application displayed on display

Abstract

Provided are an electronic device, a method, and a storage medium for setting an application displayed on a display. The method for setting an application sets a priority for at least one application displayed on a first display including a plurality of areas in an unfolded state. When a shuttle operation of a hinge is detected, the method sets an application corresponding to the detected shuttle operation as a continuously executed application on the basis of the set priority. The method displays the application set as the continuously executed application on a second display when the electronic device in an unfolded state is folded.

Description

Electronic device, method and storage medium for setting up an application to be displayed on a display

[0001] Embodiments of the present document relate to electronic devices, methods and storage media, for example, to electronic devices, methods and storage media for setting up applications to be displayed on a display.

[0002] Various electronic devices are being developed. While bar-type electronic devices were common, foldable electronic devices are becoming increasingly popular. For example, foldable electronic devices that incorporate two displays or flexible displays are becoming increasingly popular. Currently, foldable electronic devices typically include a single hinge (or a single folding axis). However, if multiple hinges (or multiple folding axes) are included, the foldable electronic device can include multiple display areas separated by the folding axes. Electronic devices including multiple display areas are easily portable. Furthermore, electronic devices including multiple display areas can display applications on a large screen or display multiple applications simultaneously.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art 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 related to the present disclosure.

[0004] A method for setting an application in an electronic device including a display divided into a plurality of areas connected by a hinge according to various embodiments of the present document may set a priority for at least one application displayed on a first display including a plurality of areas in an unfolded state. The method may set an application corresponding to the detected shuttle operation as a continuously executing application based on the set priority when a shuttle operation of the hinge is detected. The method may display the application set as the continuously executing application on a second display when the electronic device in the unfolded state is folded. The shuttle operation may include an operation of folding and unfolding once within a preset angular range within a preset time period.

[0005] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present document may include a housing including a first sub-housing, a second sub-housing, and a third sub-housing, a first display including a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area, a second display, a first hinge connecting the first sub-housing and the second sub-housing, a second hinge connecting the second sub-housing and the third housing, at least one sensor for detecting folding and unfolding of the first hinge and the second hinge, and at least one processor. The at least one processor may set priorities for applications displayed on the first display in an unfolded state. When a shuttle operation of at least one of the first hinge and the second hinge is detected, the at least one processor may set an application corresponding to the detected shuttle operation as a continuously executing application based on the set priorities. When the electronic device in the unfolded state is folded, the at least one processor may display the application set as the continuously executing application on the second display. The above shuttle motion may include folding and unfolding motions within a preset angle range.

[0006] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon a program for performing a method of setting an application according to various embodiments of the present document may perform an operation of setting a priority for at least one application displayed on a first display including a plurality of areas in an unfolded state. When a shuttle motion of the hinge is detected, the storage medium may perform an operation of setting an application corresponding to the detected shuttle motion as a continuously executing application based on the set priority. When the electronic device in the unfolded state is folded, the storage medium may perform an operation of displaying the application set as the continuously executing application on a second display. The shuttle motion may include an operation of folding and unfolding once in a preset angle range within a preset time.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting up a continuous execution application according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E are drawings illustrating an electronic device including a first display divided into a plurality of regions displaying a plurality of applications according to various embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of assigning identification numbers to a plurality of displayed applications according to various embodiments.

[0012] FIGS. 6, 7a, 7b, and 7c are drawings illustrating shuttle operations according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a process of setting a continuously executing application among multiple applications included in one group according to various embodiments.

[0014] FIGS. 9A and 9B are drawings illustrating folded electronic devices according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method of displaying a continuously executing application among multiple applications included in one group according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a UI for selecting a continuous execution application according to various embodiments.

[0017] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an application setting method according to various embodiments.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0019] 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 an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0020] 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 calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, 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 a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (120) or the sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include a volatile memory (132) or a non-volatile memory (134). The non-volatile memory (134) can include at least one internal memory (136) and an external memory (138).

[0023] 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).

[0024] 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).

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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. In 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.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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).

[0031] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one 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).

[0038] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0039] 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)).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (101) may include a sensor (176), a processor (120), and a display (160).

[0044] The display (160) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) may include multiple displays. The multiple displays may include a first display (161) and a second display (162). The first display (161) and the second display (162) may be implemented as individual displays. For example, the first display (161) may be a main display that displays an application when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state. The second display (162) may be a sub-display that displays an application when the electronic device (101) is folded as a whole. The first display (161) may be divided into multiple regions. The multiple regions may be connected by hinges. As an example, the electronic device (101) may include a first sub-housing, a second sub-housing, and a third sub-housing. The first sub-housing and the second sub-housing may be connected by a first hinge, and the second sub-housing and the third sub-housing may be connected by a second hinge. The first sub-housing may include a first area of ​​the first display (161), the second sub-housing may include a second area of ​​the first display (161), and the third sub-housing may include a third area of ​​the first display (161). As an example, the first area, the second area, and the third area may be implemented as physically separate displays. Alternatively, the first display (161) may be implemented as a flexible display. The flexible display may be a physically single display including the first area, the second area, and the third area. In this case, the first area may be arranged in the first sub-housing, the second area in the second sub-housing, and the third area in the third sub-housing. Each area of ​​the first display (161) implemented as a flexible display may be included in each sub-housing and connected by a hinge.

[0045] The second display (162) may be included in one of the plurality of sub-housings and may be positioned on the opposite side of the side on which the first display (161) is positioned. For example, when the electronic device (101) is folded and the first display (161) is not exposed to the outside, the second display (162) may be positioned in an outward direction and visually exposed.

[0046] A sensor (176) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) can detect folding and / or unfolding of the paper. For example, the sensor (176) includes a hinge sensor and can detect a folding and / or unfolding angle of the hinge. If there are multiple hinges (or hinge portions), the hinge sensors can also be multiple. For example, a first hinge sensor can be included in a first hinge, and a second hinge sensor can be included in a second hinge. The first hinge sensor can detect a folding and / or unfolding angle of the first hinge, and the second hinge sensor can detect a folding and / or unfolding angle of the second hinge.

[0047] The processor (120) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) can control each component of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) can include one or more processors (120). The processor (120) can display an application on a display (160) (e.g., a first display (161), a second display (162)). When the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state (or a state similar to unfolding, in which the first display (161) is exposed to the outside), the processor (120) can display the application on the first display (161). Alternatively, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (or a state similar to folding, in which the first display (161) is not exposed to the outside), the processor (120) can display the application on the second display (162). When the processor (120) displays an application on the first display (161), the processor (120) may display one application on the entire area of ​​the first display (161), and may display one application on each area of ​​the first display (161). Alternatively, the processor (120) may display the application on a portion of the first display (161). Alternatively, the processor (120) may display the first application on a portion of the first area and the second area, and display the second application on the remaining areas of the first area and the second area.

[0048] The processor (120) can set a priority (or identification number) for at least one application displayed in the unfolded state. The priority of the applications may be the order in which they are set as sequentially executed applications according to the shuttle operation of the electronic device (101).

[0049] The shuttle action may refer to an action in which the hinge of the electronic device (101) is folded once within a certain angle within a certain period of time and then unfolded when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the angle between each region is approximately 180 degrees). For example, the processor (120) may include a timer and may identify the time from when the folding action of the hinge is detected by the sensor (176) until the folding action is completed. As an example, when the unfolded state of the first display (161) is 0 degrees, the shuttle action may be set as an action in which an area (or, sub-housing, hinge) of the first display (161) is folded within 30 degrees from the unfolded state and then unfolded within 1 second. If the first area (or, first sub-housing, first hinge) is folded 25 degrees within 1 second and then unfolded, the processor (120) may determine that the first area has performed the shuttle action. Alternatively, if it takes 2 seconds for the first region to fold 25 degrees and then unfold, the processor (120) may determine that the first region has not performed the shuttle motion and may ignore the motion of the first region. Alternatively, if the first region folds 40 degrees and then unfolds within 1 second, the processor (120) may determine that the first region has not performed the shuttle motion and may ignore the motion of the first region.

[0050] The processor (120) can display at least one application on the first display (161). When the electronic device (101) is folded by the hinge and the first display (161) is not exposed to the outside, the second display (162) can be exposed to the outside. The processor (120) can display at least one application among the at least one application displayed on the first display (161) on the second display (162). When the electronic device (101) changes to a folding state, an application displayed continuously on the second display (162) among the applications displayed on the first display (161) when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state can be a continuously executing application.

[0051] The processor (120) can set the application priorities (or identification numbers) in the order of the first application displayed at the top of the leftmost region among the multiple regions in the unfolded state to the second application displayed at the bottom. In addition, the processor (120) can set the priorities in the order of the third application displayed at the top and the fourth application displayed at the bottom from the leftmost region to the right.

[0052] When a shuttle motion of the hinge is detected, the processor (120) may set an application corresponding to the detected shuttle motion as a continuously executing application based on the set priority. For example, when there are three applications displayed (or executed) on the first display (161) in the unfolded state, when a shuttle motion of the left hinge is detected, the processor (120) may set the application set as the first priority as the continuously executing application. When a shuttle motion of the right hinge is detected, the processor (120) may set the application set as the third priority as the continuously executing application. Alternatively, when both the shuttle motions of the left hinge and the right hinge are detected, the processor (120) may set the application set as the second priority as the continuously executing application.

[0053] Alternatively, in the unfolded state, the number of applications displayed on the first display (161) may be four or more and less than or equal to a preset number. At this time, the processor (120) may group the applications into three application groups based on the area in which the applications are displayed. In addition, the processor (120) may set priorities for each grouped application group according to preset criteria. For example, the processor (120) may set priorities (or identification numbers) of the application groups in the order of the application groups displayed from the top of the leftmost area to the bottom of the application groups. In addition, the processor (120) may set priorities of the application groups in the order of the application groups displayed from the leftmost area to the right.

[0054] And, when the shuttle motion of the left hinge is detected, the processor (120) can set an application included in the application group set to the first priority as a continuously executing application. When the shuttle motion of the right hinge is detected, the processor (120) can set an application included in the application group set to the third priority as a continuously executing application. Alternatively, when the shuttle motion of the left hinge and the right hinge are detected together, the processor (120) can set an application included in the application group set to the second priority as a continuously executing application.

[0055] If an application group includes multiple applications, the processor (120) can set a preset application as a continuously executing application. Alternatively, if an application group includes multiple applications, the processor (120) can set the multiple applications as continuously executing applications. In addition, the processor (120) can display the multiple applications set as continuously executing applications in a multi-window. Alternatively, if an application group includes multiple applications, the processor (120) can display an indicator representing one of the multiple applications included in the application group corresponding to the shuttle operation of the hinge. The processor (120) can sequentially move the indicator displayed on one application to another application according to the repetition of the shuttle operation of the hinge. The processor (120) can set the application where the indicator is finally located as the continuously executing application.

[0056] When the electronic device (101) in the unfolded state is folded, the electronic device (101) can display an application set as a continuously executing application on the second display (162). For example, the processor (120) can display one application set as a continuously executing application on the second display (162) or display multiple applications in a multi-window format on the second display (162).

[0057] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process for setting up a continuous execution application according to various embodiments.

[0058] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0059] According to one embodiment, steps 310 to 360 may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 2) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 2).

[0060] The electronic device (101) can extract information about the device's status and the application being executed (310). For example, the electronic device (101) can determine whether the device is in an unfolded state. The electronic device (101) can determine that the device is in an unfolded state if the angles between the plurality of hinges are all approximately 180 degrees. In addition, the electronic device (101) can extract information about the application being executed (or displayed). For example, the information about the application can include information about the type of application and information about the location where the application is displayed.

[0061] The electronic device (101) can determine the priority of the running application (320). The electronic device (101) can determine the priority based on the location information where the application is displayed. For example, the electronic device (101) can set the priority in order from the application displayed at the top of the leftmost region among the multiple regions of the first display (161) toward the bottom (vertical axis direction). Additionally, the electronic device (101) can set the priority in order from the application displayed at the leftmost region toward the right (horizontal axis direction). The electronic device (101) can prioritize the priority in the horizontal axis direction over the priority in the vertical axis direction.

[0062] The electronic device (101) can detect whether a shuttle operation is performed (330). If the shuttle operation is not detected (330-N), the electronic device (101) can extract information about the device status and the application being performed. For example, the user can change the folding state of the electronic device (101), or change the type, location, and / or size of the application being performed. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can extract information about the device status and the application being performed until the shuttle operation is detected (310), and determine the priority of the application being performed (320).

[0063] When a shuttle motion is detected (330-Y), the electronic device (101) can set a continuous execution application (340). The continuous execution application can be set based on the area (or hinge) of the first display (161) where the shuttle motion was performed and the determined priority (or identification number). For example, a first application can be determined to have a first priority (or number 1), a second application can be determined to have a second priority (or number 2), and a third application can be determined to have a third priority (or number 3). When the electronic device (101) detects a shuttle motion in the left area (or left hinge), the electronic device (101) can set the first application as the continuous execution application. When the electronic device (101) detects a shuttle motion in the right area (or right hinge), the electronic device (101) can set the third application as the continuous execution application. Alternatively, when the electronic device (101) detects a shuttle motion in the left area (or left hinge) and the right area (or right hinge), the electronic device (101) can set the second application as the continuous execution application.

[0064] The electronic device (101) can determine the state of the device. For example, the electronic device (101) can determine whether it has changed to a fully folded state. If it is not in a fully folded state (350-N), the electronic device (101) can extract information on the device state and the running application (310) and determine the priority of the running application (320). If it is in a fully folded state (350-Y), the electronic device (101) can maintain the display (or execution state) of the set continuously running application (360). As described above, the electronic device (101) can include a plurality of sub-housings. One of the plurality of sub-housings can have one area of ​​the first display (161) arranged on one side and a second display (162) arranged on the other side. When the electronic device (101) is folded, the first display (161) may be positioned on the inner surface of the folded sub-housing and may not be exposed to the outside, and the second display (162) may be positioned on the outer surface of the folded sub-housing and may be exposed to the outside. The electronic device (101) may display an application set as a continuous setting application among the applications displayed (or performed) on the first display (161) on the second display (162). Accordingly, an application set as a continuous performance application among the applications displayed on the first display (161) may maintain a display (or execution state).

[0065] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E are drawings illustrating an electronic device including a first display divided into a plurality of regions displaying a plurality of applications according to various embodiments.

[0066] For example, the electronic device (101) may include a first display (161). The first display (161) may include a first region (161-1), a second region (161-2), and a third region (161-3). The first region (161-1) and the second region (161-2) may be connected by a first hinge, and the second region (161-2) and the third region (161-3) may be connected by a second hinge.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the electronic device (101) can display a first application (11-1) (e.g., an image application) in a first area (161-1) in an unfolded state, a second application (11-2) (e.g., a search application) in a second area (161-2), and a third application (11-3) (e.g., a conversation application) in a third area (161-3). Since the first application (11-1) is displayed (or executed) at the top of the leftmost area (161-1), the electronic device (101) can assign a priority (or identification number) of first rank (or number 1) to the first application (11-1). The electronic device (101) can assign a priority (or identification number) of the second rank (or number 2) to the second application (11-2) because the second application (11-2) is displayed (or executed) in the second area (161-2) located on the right side of the first area (161-1). In addition, the electronic device (101) can assign a priority (or identification number) of the third rank (or number 3) to the third application (11-3) because the third application (11-3) is displayed (or executed) in the third area (161-3) located on the right side of the second area (161-2).

[0068] When a shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161) located at the far left is detected, the electronic device (101) can set the first application (11-1) with the highest priority (or the earliest identification number) as the continuously executing application. When a shuttle operation of the third sub-display (163) located at the far right is detected, the electronic device (101) can set the third application (11-3) with the lowest priority (or the latest identification number) as the continuously executing application. Alternatively, when the shuttle operations of the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163) are detected together, the electronic device (101) can set the second application (11-2) with the middle priority (or the middle identification number) as the continuously executing application.

[0069] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the electronic device (101) may display the first application (12-1) (e.g., a video application) on the first sub-display (161) and the second sub-display (162) in the unfolded state, and display the second application (12-2) (e.g., a conversation application) on the third sub-display (163). Since the first application (12-1) is displayed on the upper portion of the leftmost first sub-display (161), the electronic device (101) may give the first application (12-1) the first priority (or, number 1). Since the first application (12-1) is also displayed on the second sub-display (162), the electronic device (101) may set the priority to the next application. The electronic device (101) can give the second application (12-2) a second priority (or, number 2) because the second application (12-2) is displayed on the third sub-display (163).

[0070] When a shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161) located at the far left is detected, the electronic device (101) can set the first application (11-1) with the highest priority (or the earliest identification number) as the continuously executing application. When a shuttle operation of the third sub-display (163) located at the far right is detected, the electronic device (101) can set the third application (11-3) with the lowest priority (or the latest identification number) as the continuously executing application. When the shuttle operations of the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163) are detected together, the electronic device (101) can ignore the shuttle operation because there is no application with an intermediate priority (or an intermediate identification number).

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the electronic device (101) can display a first application (13-1) (e.g., a video application) on the upper portion of the first sub-display (161) and the upper portion of the second sub-display (162) in an unfolded state, a second application (13-2) (e.g., a weather application) on the lower portion of the first sub-display (161), and a third application (13-3) (e.g., a phone number application) on the lower portion of the second sub-display (162). In addition, the electronic device (101) can display a fourth application (13-4) (e.g., a navigation application) on the third sub-display (163).

[0072] When four or more applications are displayed on the electronic device (101), the electronic device can group the applications into three application groups based on the area in which the applications are displayed. An application group can include one or more applications. The electronic device (101) can group multiple applications displayed on a small area into one group. For example, the electronic device (101) can group a second application (13-2) and a third application (13-3) displayed on a portion of one sub-display into one application group. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can group the first application (13-1) into a first application group, the second application (13-2) and the third application (13-3) into a second application group, and the fourth application (13-4) into a third application group.

[0073] The electronic device (101) can give the first application group a first priority (or number 1) because the first application group is displayed on the upper portion of the first sub-display (161) on the leftmost side. The electronic device (101) can give the second application group a second priority (or number 2) because the second application group is displayed on the lower portion of the first sub-display (161). The electronic device (101) can set a priority to the next application because the first application group and the second application group are also displayed on the second sub-display (162). The electronic device (101) can give the third application group a third priority (or number 3) because the third application group is displayed on the third sub-display (163).

[0074] When a shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161) located at the far left is detected, the electronic device (101) can set an application included in the first application group with the highest priority (or the earliest identification number) as a continuously executing application. Since the first application group includes the first application (13-1), the electronic device (101) can set the first application (13-1) as a continuously executing application. When a shuttle operation of the third sub-display (163) located at the far right is detected, the electronic device (101) can set an application included in the third application group with the lowest priority (or the latest identification number) as a continuously executing application. Since the third application group includes the fourth application (13-4), the electronic device (101) can set the fourth application (13-4) as a continuously executing application.

[0075] Alternatively, when the shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163) is detected together, the electronic device (101) may set an application included in a second application group of medium priority (or, medium identification number) as a continuously executing application. The second application group may include a second application (13-2) and a third application (13-3). The electronic device (101) may set one of the second application (13-2) and the third application (13-3) as a continuously executing application. For example, the electronic device (101) may set a preset application (e.g., the highest priority application in the application group) as a continuously executing application. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may display an indicator indicating one application. The indicator may move between applications included in one group according to the shuttle operation. For example, if a shuttle motion of the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163) is detected, the electronic device (101) can display an indicator on the second application (13-2). If a shuttle motion of the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163) is additionally detected, the electronic device (101) can move the indicator to the third application (13-3) and display it. If a shuttle motion of the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163) is detected once more, the electronic device (101) can move the indicator to the second application (13-2) and display it. If a shuttle motion is not detected for a certain period of time while an indicator is displayed on one application, the electronic device (101) can set the application on which the last indicator is displayed as a continuously executing application.Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may set both the second application (13-2) and the third application (13-3) included in the second application group as continuously executing applications. Furthermore, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the second application (13-2) and the third application (13-3) may be displayed on the second display in a multi-window format.

[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 4D, the electronic device (101) can display a first application (14-1) (e.g., a weather application) on the upper portion of the first sub-display (161) and a second application (14-2) (e.g., a phone number application) on the lower portion of the first sub-display (161) in an unfolded state. The electronic device (101) can display a third application (14-3) (e.g., a search application) on the second sub-display (162) and a fourth application (14-4) (e.g., a navigation application) on the third sub-display (163).

[0077] The electronic device (101) can group applications into three application groups based on the area on which they are displayed. For example, the electronic device (101) can group a first application (14-1) and a second application (14-2) displayed on a portion of one sub-display into one application group. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can group the first application (14-1) and the second application into a first application group, the third application (14-3) into a second application group, and the fourth application (14-4) into a third application group.

[0078] The electronic device (101) can assign a priority of first rank (or number 1) to the first application group because the first application group is displayed on the upper portion of the first sub-display (161) on the leftmost side. The electronic device (101) can assign a priority of second rank (or number 2) to the second application group because the second application group is displayed on the second sub-display (162). The electronic device (101) can assign a priority of third rank (or number 3) to the third application group because the third application group is displayed on the third sub-display (163).

[0079] When a shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161) located at the far left is detected, the electronic device (101) can set an application included in the first application group with the highest priority (or the earliest identification number) as a continuously executing application. Since the first application group includes the first application (14-1) and the second application (14-2), the electronic device (101) can set one of the first application (14-1) and the second application (14-2) as a continuously executing application. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) can set both the first application (14-1) and the second application (14-2) included in the first application group as continuously executing applications. When a shuttle operation of the third sub-display (163) located at the far right is detected, the electronic device (101) can set an application included in the third application group with the lowest priority (or the latest identification number) as a continuously executing application. The electronic device (101) may set the fourth application (13-4) as a continuously executing application since the third application group includes the fourth application (13-4). Alternatively, if the shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163) is detected together, the electronic device (101) may set the application included in the second application group with a medium priority (or, medium identification number) as a continuously executing application. The electronic device (101) may set the third application (14-3) as a continuously executing application since the second application group includes the third application (14-3).

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 4E, the electronic device (101) can display a first application (15-1) (e.g., a navigation application) on a first sub-display (161) in an unfolded state, and a second application (15-2) (e.g., a video application) on an upper portion of the second sub-display (162) and an upper portion of the third sub-display (163). The electronic device (101) can display a third application (15-3) (e.g., a weather application) on a lower portion of the second sub-display (162), and a fourth application (15-4) (e.g., a phone number application) on a lower portion of the third sub-display (163).

[0081] The electronic device (101) can group applications into three application groups based on the area on which they are displayed. For example, the electronic device (101) can group a third application (15-3) and a fourth application (15-4) displayed on a portion of one sub-display into one application group. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can group the first application (15-1) into a first application group, the second application (15-2) into a second application group, and the third application (15-3) and the fourth application (15-4) into a third application group.

[0082] The electronic device (101) can assign a priority of first rank (or number 1) to the first application group because the first application group is displayed on the first sub-display (161) at the far left. The electronic device (101) can assign a priority of second rank (or number 2) to the second application group because the second application group is displayed on the upper portion of the second sub-display (162). The electronic device (101) can assign a priority of third rank (or number 3) to the third application group because the third application group is displayed on the lower portion of the second sub-display (162).

[0083] When a shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161) located at the far left is detected, the electronic device (101) can set an application included in the first application group with the highest priority (or the earliest identification number) as a continuously executing application. Since the first application group includes the first application (15-1), the electronic device (101) can set the first application (14-1) as a continuously executing application. When a shuttle operation of the third sub-display (163) located at the far right is detected, the electronic device (101) can set an application included in the third application group with the lowest priority (or the latest identification number) as a continuously executing application. Since the third application group includes the third application (15-3) and the fourth application (15-4), the electronic device (101) can set one of the third application (15-3) and the fourth application (15-4) as a continuously executing application. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may set both the third application (15-3) and the fourth application (15-4) included in the third application group as continuously executing applications. Alternatively, if the shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163) is detected together, the electronic device (101) may set the application included in the second application group with a medium priority (or, medium identification number) as a continuously executing application. Since the second application (15-2) is included in the second application group, the electronic device (101) may set the second application (15-2) as a continuously executing application.

[0084] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of assigning identification numbers to a plurality of displayed applications according to various embodiments.

[0085] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0086] According to one embodiment, steps 510 to 540 may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 2) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 2).

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, the electronic device (101) can extract information about the device's status and the running application (510). For example, the electronic device (101) can determine whether the device is in an unfolded state and extract information about the running application.

[0088] The electronic device (101) can determine the identification number (or priority) of the running application. The electronic device (101) can assign the first identification number to the application displayed on the top of the leftmost sub-display among the plurality of sub-displays (520). The electronic device (101) can generate identification numbers in advance and sequentially assign the generated identification numbers to the running applications in a preset manner. In addition, the electronic device (101) can extract information on the type, location, and / or displayed area of ​​the application displayed on the display (160). For example, the electronic device (101) can generate identification numbers from 1 to 10. In addition, the electronic device (101) can assign identification number 1 to the application displayed on the top of the leftmost sub-display.

[0089] The electronic device (101) can sequentially assign remaining identification numbers to the remaining running applications (530). For example, the electronic device (101) can assign identification numbers in order from the application displayed at the top of the sub-display toward the bottom. Additionally, the electronic device (101) can assign identification numbers in order from the application displayed at the leftmost sub-display toward the right. The above-described example is an embodiment and is not limited to the above-described method. The electronic device (101) can assign an identification number to each running application. In addition, the electronic device (101) can delete an application assigned an identification number from the remaining applications (e.g., an application without an identification number assigned) and delete the assigned identification number from the remaining identification numbers (540). For example, if the remaining applications include a second application, a third application, and a fourth application, the electronic device (101) can assign identification numbers to the applications based on a preset method. If the electronic device (101) assigns an identification number of 2 to the second application, the second application can be deleted from the remaining applications and the number 2 can be deleted from the remaining identification numbers. If the electronic device (101) assigns an identification number of 3 to the third application, the third application can be deleted from the remaining applications and the number 3 can be deleted from the remaining identification numbers. If the electronic device (101) assigns an identification number of 4 to the fourth application, the fourth application can be deleted from the remaining applications and the number 4 can be deleted from the remaining identification numbers.

[0090] FIGS. 6, 7a, 7b, and 7c are drawings illustrating shuttle operations according to various embodiments.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 6, a side view of an electronic device (101) is illustrated. For example, the electronic device (101) may include three sub-displays (161, 162, 163). A first sub-display (161) and a second sub-display (162) may be connected to a first hinge, and a second sub-display (162) and a third sub-display (163) may be connected to a second hinge. The sub-displays may be folded and / or unfolded via the hinge. For example, the first sub-display (161) may be folded and / or unfolded at an angle a via the first hinge. The hinge may include a hinge sensor to detect folding of the hinge and transmit the detected signal to the processor (120). The processor (120) may determine the folding angle based on the signal transmitted from the hinge. Additionally, the processor (120) can determine the folding time by including a timer. The electronic device (101) can determine the shuttle motion of the hinge and set an application corresponding to the determined shuttle motion as a continuously executing application. The shuttle motion may refer to an operation in which the sub-display folds and unfolds within a preset angle range within a preset time.

[0092] For example, the shuttle action may be set to be an action in which the sub-display folds and unfolds once within 30 degrees within 1 second. If the first sub-display (161) folds and unfolds once within 25 degrees within 1 second, the electronic device (101) may determine that the first sub-display (161) has performed the shuttle action.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 7A, the shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161) is illustrated. As described above, if the first sub-display (161) is folded and unfolded once within 25 degrees within 1 second, the electronic device (101) can determine that the first sub-display (161) has performed the shuttle operation. If the first application has the fastest priority (or, the fastest identification number), the electronic device (101) can set the first application as a continuously executing application in response to the shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161).

[0094] Referring to FIG. 7B, the shuttle operation of the third sub-display (163) is illustrated. For example, if the third sub-display (163) is folded and unfolded once within 25 degrees within 1 second, the electronic device (101) may determine that the third sub-display (163) has performed the shuttle operation. If the third application has the lowest priority (or, the lowest identification number), the electronic device (101) may set the third application as a continuously executing application in response to the shuttle operation of the third sub-display (163).

[0095] Referring to FIG. 7C, the shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163) is illustrated. For example, if the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163) are folded and unfolded once within 25 degrees within 1 second almost simultaneously, the electronic device (101) can determine that the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163) have performed the shuttle operation together. If the second application has the second priority (or, the identification number is the second), the electronic device (101) can set the second application as a continuously executing application in response to the shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163).

[0096] If the electronic device (101) is running four or more applications, the electronic device (101) can group the multiple applications into three application groups. If the electronic device (101) determines that the first sub-display (161) has performed a shuttle operation, the electronic device (101) can set an application included in the first application group with the highest priority as a continuously executing application. If the electronic device (101) determines that the third sub-display (163) has performed a shuttle operation, the electronic device (101) can set an application included in the third application group with the lowest priority as a continuously executing application. Alternatively, if the electronic device (101) determines that the first sub-display (161) and the third sub-display (163) have performed the shuttle operation at approximately the same time, the electronic device (101) can set an application included in the second application group with the second priority as a continuously executing application.

[0097] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a process of setting a continuously executing application among multiple applications included in one group according to various embodiments.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device (101) can execute four applications and display them on the display (160). The electronic device (101) can group the four applications into three application groups based on the displayed area. The electronic device (101) can group a first application (16-1) (e.g., a weather application) and a second application (16-2) (e.g., a phone number application) having relatively small display areas into one application group (e.g., the first application group). Since the first application (16-1) is located at the top of the leftmost sub-display (161), the electronic device (101) can designate the priority of the first application group as number 1.

[0099] When the electronic device (101) detects a shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161), it can set an application included in the first application group as a continuously executing application. The first application group may include a first application (16-1) and a second application (16-2). The electronic device (101) can display an indicator indicating one application included in the application group corresponding to the shuttle operation. For example, the indicator can be displayed by changing the color of one application so that it can be distinguished from other applications. Alternatively, the indicator can be displayed by changing the color, shape, and / or thickness of the border of the application. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the electronic device (101) can display an indicator on the first application (16-1) included in the first application group according to the shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161). At this time, when the electronic device (101) detects the shuttle operation of the first sub-display (161), it can move the indicator to the second application (16-2) included in the first application group. When the electronic device (101) detects the shuttle motion of the first sub-display (161) again, it can move the indicator to the first application (16-1) included in the first application group. When the shuttle motion is not detected for a certain period of time (e.g., 3 seconds), the electronic device (101) can set the application on which the indicator is displayed as a continuously running application.

[0100] If an application group corresponding to a shuttle operation includes one application or one application without grouping, the electronic device (101) may set the one application corresponding to the shuttle operation as a continuously executing application. Alternatively, if an application group includes multiple applications, the electronic device (101) may set multiple applications as continuously executing applications without displaying an indicator.

[0101] FIGS. 9A and 9B are drawings illustrating folded electronic devices according to various embodiments.

[0102] The electronic device (101) can set a continuously executing application according to the shuttle operation of the sub-display. In addition, the electronic device (101) can continue to execute the set application when the sub-display is folded as a whole. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the angle between each sub-display may be approximately 0 degrees. In addition, the third sub-display (163) may be positioned between the first sub-display (161) and the second sub-display (162). The electronic device (101) may include a second display on one side of the first sub-display (161) and / or the second sub-display (162). The second display may be positioned on a side that is exposed to the outside when the electronic device (101) is folded as a whole. When the electronic device (101) is folded as a whole, the electronic device (101) can display the application set as the continuously executing application on the second display, thereby maintaining the execution of the application.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 9B, an electronic device (101) folded in a different form from that of FIG. 9A is illustrated. The electronic device (101) may be folded in a form in which a first sub-display (161), a second sub-display (162), and a third sub-display (163) are sequentially stacked. The angle between each sub-display may be approximately 0 degrees. The electronic device (101) may include a second display on one side (e.g., an outer side when folded as a whole) of the first sub-display (161) and / or the third sub-display (163). When the electronic device (101) is folded as a whole, the electronic device (101) may display an application set as a continuously executing application on the second display, thereby maintaining the execution of the application.

[0104] FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method of displaying a continuously executing application among multiple applications included in one group according to various embodiments.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 10A, an application displayed on a second display is illustrated. The electronic device (101) can assign a priority (or an identification number) to an application running on the first display and set a continuously executing application according to a shuttle operation of the sub-display. The electronic device (101) can set one application as a continuously executing application. When the electronic device (101) is folded as a whole, the electronic device (101) can display an application (17) set as a continuously executing application on the second display that is exposed to the outside. The application (17) set as a continuously executing application can be displayed on the second display and continue to be executed even when the electronic device (101) is folded as a whole while being displayed and executed on the first display.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 10B, multiple applications displayed on a second display are illustrated. The electronic device (101) can set the multiple applications as continuously executing applications. When the electronic device (101) is fully folded, the electronic device (101) can display the multiple applications (18-1, 18-2) set as continuously executing applications on the second display exposed to the outside. The electronic device (101) can display the multiple applications in a multi-window format. The multiple applications (18-1, 18-2) set as continuously executing applications can be displayed on the second display and maintained in execution even when the electronic device (101) is fully folded while being displayed and executed on the first display. The electronic device (101) can maintain the execution of one application among the multiple applications (18-1, 18-2) according to a user's input. For example, when a first application (18-1) is selected by a user, the electronic device (101) can stop execution of a second application (18-2) and display the first application (18-1) on the full screen of the second display.

[0107] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a UI for selecting a continuous execution application according to various embodiments.

[0108] The electronic device (101) can set a continuous execution application based on the user's selection in the settings menu, as well as the shuttle operation of the sub-display. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the electronic device (101) can display a menu for setting a continuous execution application. Furthermore, an application selected by the user can be set as a continuous execution application. As illustrated in FIG. 11, in one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can set the gallery application (1-1) and the Internet application, for which continuous execution activation has been selected, as continuous execution applications.

[0109] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an application setting method according to various embodiments.

[0110] In the following examples, the operations may be performed sequentially, but are not necessarily sequential. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0111] According to one embodiment, steps 1210 to 1230 may be understood to be performed in a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 2) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 2).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 12, the electronic device (101) can set priorities (or identification numbers) for at least one application displayed in an unfolded state (1210). The priorities of the applications may be the order in which they are set as sequentially executed applications according to the shuttle operation of the electronic device (101). For example, the electronic device (101) can set priorities (or identification numbers) starting from the top of the leftmost sub-display among the plurality of sub-displays in an unfolded state and moving downwards. Additionally, the electronic device (101) can set priorities starting from the leftmost sub-display and moving toward the right.

[0113] When a shuttle motion of the hinge is detected, the electronic device (101) may set an application corresponding to the detected shuttle motion as a continuously executing application based on the set priority (1220). For example, when there are three applications displayed (or executed) on the first display in the unfolded state, when a shuttle motion of the left hinge is detected, the electronic device (101) may set the application set as the first priority as the continuously executing application. When a shuttle motion of the right hinge is detected, the electronic device (101) may set the application set as the third priority as the continuously executing application. Alternatively, when both the shuttle motions of the left hinge and the right hinge are detected, the electronic device (101) may set the application set as the second priority as the continuously executing application.

[0114] Alternatively, in the unfolded state, the number of applications displayed on the first display may be four or more and less than or equal to a preset number. In this case, the electronic device (101) may group the applications into three application groups based on the area in which the applications are displayed. In addition, the electronic device (101) may set priorities for each grouped application group according to preset criteria. For example, the electronic device (101) may set priorities (or identification numbers) starting from the application group displayed at the top of the leftmost sub-display in a downward direction. In addition, the electronic device (101) may set priorities starting from the application group displayed on the leftmost sub-display in a rightward direction. In addition, when the electronic device (101) detects a shuttle operation of the left hinge, the electronic device (101) may set an application included in the application group set to the first priority as a continuously executing application. When the electronic device (101) detects a shuttle operation of the right hinge, the electronic device (101) may set an application included in the application group set to the third priority as a continuously executing application. Alternatively, the electronic device (101) may set an application included in an application group set to the second priority as a continuously executing application when the shuttle motion of the left hinge and the right hinge is detected together.

[0115] When an application group includes multiple applications, the electronic device (101) can set a preset application as a continuously executing application. Alternatively, when an application group includes multiple applications, the electronic device (101) can set the multiple applications as continuously executing applications. In addition, the electronic device (101) can display the multiple applications set as continuously executing applications in a multi-window. Alternatively, when an application group includes multiple applications, the electronic device (101) can display an indicator on one of the applications in the application group and move the indicator according to the shuttle operation of the sub-display. The electronic device (101) can set the application where the indicator is finally located as the continuously executing application.

[0116] When multiple sub-displays of an electronic device (101) in an unfolded state are folded, the electronic device (101) can display an application set as a continuously executing application on the second display. For example, the electronic device (101) can display one application set as a continuously executing application on the second display or display multiple applications in a multi-window format on the second display (1230).

[0117] In one embodiment, a method for setting an application in an electronic device (101) including a display (160) divided into a plurality of areas (161-1, 161-2, 161-3) connected by a hinge may set a priority to at least one application displayed on a first display (161) including a plurality of areas (161-1, 161-2, 161-3) in an unfolded state. When a shuttle motion of the hinge (11, 12) is detected, the method may set an application corresponding to the detected shuttle motion as a continuously executing application based on the set priority. When the electronic device (101) in the unfolded state is folded, the method may display the application set as the continuously executing application on a second display (162). The shuttle motion may include an operation of folding and unfolding once in a preset angle range within a preset time.

[0118] As an example, the operation of setting the priority may set the priority in the order of the first application displayed at the top of the leftmost region (161-1) among the plurality of regions (161-1, 161-2, 161-3) in the unfolded state, the second application displayed at the bottom, the third application displayed at the top in the right direction from the region (161-1), and the fourth application displayed at the bottom.

[0119] In one embodiment, when there are three applications displayed in the unfolded state, the operation of setting the application as a continuously performing application may set the application set as the first priority as the continuously performing application when a shuttle motion of the left hinge (11) is detected. The operation of setting the application as a continuously performing application may set the application set as the third priority as the continuously performing application when a shuttle motion of the right hinge (12) is detected. The operation of setting the application as a continuously performing application may set the application set as the second priority as the continuously performing application when a shuttle motion of the left hinge (11) and the right hinge (12) are detected together.

[0120] As an example, if the number of applications displayed in the unfolded state is four or more and less than or equal to a preset number, the method may group the applications into three application groups based on the area in which the applications are displayed.

[0121] As an example, the operation of setting the priority may set the priority according to a pre-established criterion for each group of grouped applications.

[0122] As an example, the operation of setting as the continuously performing application may set an application included in an application group set to a first priority as the continuously performing application when a shuttle motion of the left hinge (11) is detected. The operation of setting as the continuously performing application may set an application included in an application group set to a third priority as the continuously performing application when a shuttle motion of the right hinge (12) is detected. The operation of setting as the continuously performing application may set an application included in an application group set to a second priority as the continuously performing application when both shuttle motions of the left hinge (11) and the right hinge (12) are detected.

[0123] As an example, the operation of setting the application as a continuously performing application may set one application as the continuously performing application when the application group includes multiple applications.

[0124] In one embodiment, the operation of setting the application as a continuously executing application may, if an application group includes multiple applications, set the multiple applications as the continuously executing applications. The operation of displaying the application set as the continuously executing application may display the multiple applications set as the continuously executing applications in a multi-window.

[0125] As an example, when the application group includes multiple applications, the setting method may display an indicator indicating one application selected from among the multiple applications included in the application group corresponding to the shuttle operation of the hinge (11, 12).

[0126] As an example, the action of displaying the indicator may sequentially move the indicator to another application included in the application group according to the repetition of the shuttle action of the hinge (11, 12).

[0127] As an example, the action of setting the continuously performing application may ultimately set the application where the indicator is located as the continuously performing application.

[0128] As an embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a housing including a first sub-housing, a second sub-housing, and a third sub-housing, a first display (161) including a first display area (161-1), a second display area (161-2), and a third display area (161-3), a second display (162), a first hinge (11) connecting the first sub-housing and the second sub-housing, a second hinge (12) connecting the second sub-housing and the third housing, at least one sensor (176) for detecting folding and unfolding of the first hinge (11) and the second hinge (12), and at least one processor (120). The at least one processor (120) may set priorities for applications displayed on the first display (161) in an unfolded state. The at least one processor (120) may, when a shuttle operation of at least one of the first hinge (11) and the second hinge (12) is detected, set an application corresponding to the detected shuttle operation as a continuously executing application based on the set priority. When the electronic device (101) in the unfolded state is folded, the at least one processor (120) may display the application set as the continuously executing application on the second display (162). The shuttle operation may include an operation of folding and unfolding within a preset angle range.

[0129] As an example, the at least one processor (120) may set the priorities in the following order: a first application displayed at the top of the first display area (161-1) on the leftmost side in the unfolded state, a second application displayed at the bottom, a third application displayed at the top of the second display area (161-2) adjacent to the right side of the first display area (161-1), a fourth application displayed at the bottom, a fifth application displayed at the top of the third display area (161-3) adjacent to the right side of the second display area (161-2), and a sixth application displayed at the bottom.

[0130] As an example, when there are three applications displayed in the unfolded state, the at least one processor (120) may set an application set to a first priority as the continuously executing application when a shuttle operation of the first hinge (11) is detected, set an application set to a third priority as the continuously executing application when a shuttle operation of the second hinge (12) is detected, and set an application set to a second priority as the continuously executing application when both shuttle operations of the first hinge (11) and the second hinge (12) are detected.

[0131] As an example, a method for setting an application in an electronic device (101) including a display divided into a plurality of areas (161-1, 161-2, 161-3) connected by a hinge (10) is performed by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions recorded thereon, wherein the instructions may set a priority to at least one application displayed on the first display (161) including the plurality of areas (161-1, 161-2, 161-3) in an unfolded state. When a shuttle motion of the hinge (11, 12) is detected, the instructions may set an application corresponding to the detected shuttle motion as a continuously executing application based on the set priority. When the electronic device (101) in the unfolded state is folded, the instructions may display the application set as the continuously executing application on the second display (162). The shuttle motion may include an operation of folding and unfolding once in a preset angular range within a preset time.

[0132] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0133] 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).

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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 arranged 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.

[0137] The effects of this document are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above description.

Claims

1. A method for setting an application in an electronic device (101) including a display (160) divided into a plurality of areas (161-1, 161-2, 161-3) connected by a hinge (10), An operation (1210) of setting a priority to at least one application displayed on a first display (161) including multiple areas (161-1, 161-2, 161-3) in an unfolded state; When the shuttle motion of the above hinge (11, 12) is detected, an operation (1220) for setting an application corresponding to the detected shuttle motion as a continuously executing application based on the set priority; and When the electronic device (101) in the unfolded state is folded, an operation (1230) of displaying an application set as the continuous execution application on the second display (162) is included; A method wherein the above shuttle motion includes a motion of folding and unfolding once within a preset angle range within a preset time.

2. In paragraph 1, The action of setting the above priorities is: A method of setting the priorities in the order of a first application displayed at the top of the leftmost area (161-1) among the plurality of areas (161-1, 161-2, 161-3) in the unfolded state, a second application displayed at the bottom, a third application displayed at the top and a fourth application displayed at the bottom from the leftmost area (161-1) in the right direction.

3. In paragraph 1, When there are three applications displayed in the above unfolded state, the action of setting them as the continuously executing applications is, When the shuttle motion of the left hinge (11) is detected, the application set to the first priority is set as the continuously executing application, When the shuttle motion of the right hinge (12) is detected, the application set to the third priority is set as the continuously executing application. A method of setting an application set to second priority as the continuously executing application when the shuttle motion of the left hinge (11) and the right hinge (12) is detected together.

4. In paragraph 1, A method further comprising: an operation of grouping the applications into three application groups based on the area in which the applications are displayed, when the number of applications displayed in the unfolded state is four or more and less than or equal to a preset number; 5. In paragraph 4, The action of setting the above priorities is: A method of setting priorities based on criteria set for each group of applications grouped above.

6. In paragraph 5, The action set by the above continuous execution application is: When the shuttle motion of the left hinge (11) is detected, the application included in the application group set to the first priority is set as the continuously executing application. When the shuttle motion of the right hinge (12) is detected, the application included in the application group set to the third priority is set as the continuously executing application. A method of setting an application included in an application group set to a second priority as the continuously executing application when the shuttle motion of the left hinge (11) and the right hinge (12) is detected together.

7. In paragraph 6, The action set by the above continuous execution application is: When an application group includes multiple applications, a method of setting a preset application as the continuously executing application.

8. In paragraph 6, The action set by the above continuous execution application is: If the application group contains multiple applications, set the multiple applications as the continuously executing applications, The action of displaying an application set as the above continuous execution application is: A method for displaying multiple applications set as the above continuous execution applications in a multi-window.

9. In paragraph 6, A method further comprising: an operation of displaying an indicator indicating one application selected from among the plurality of applications included in the application group corresponding to the shuttle operation of the hinge (11, 12), when the application group includes a plurality of applications.

10. In paragraph 9, The action of displaying the above indicator is: A method of sequentially moving the indicator to another application included in the application group according to the repetition of the shuttle operation of the hinge (11, 12).

11. In paragraph 10, The action set by the above continuous execution application is: Finally, a method of setting the application in which the above indicator is located as the continuously executing application.

12. A housing comprising a first sub-housing, a second sub-housing and a third sub-housing; A first display (161) including a first display area (161-1), a second display area (161-2), and a third display area (161-3); Second display (162); A first hinge (11) connecting the first sub-housing and the second sub-housing; A second hinge (12) connecting the second sub-housing and the third housing; At least one sensor (176) for detecting folding and unfolding of the first hinge (11) and the second hinge (12); and comprising at least one processor (120); At least one processor (120) above, Set priorities for applications displayed on the first display (161) in the unfolded state, When at least one shuttle motion of the first hinge (11) and the second hinge (12) is detected, the application corresponding to the detected shuttle motion is set as a continuously executing application based on the set priority. When the electronic device (101) in the unfolded state is folded, the application set as the continuous execution application is displayed on the second display (162). The above shuttle action is an electronic device including a folding and unfolding action within a preset angular range.

13. In paragraph 12, At least one processor (120) above, An electronic device that sets the priorities in the following order: a first application displayed at the top of the first display area (161-1) on the leftmost side in the unfolded state, a second application displayed at the bottom, a third application displayed at the top of the second display area (161-2) adjacent to the right side of the first display area (161-1), a fourth application displayed at the bottom, a fifth application displayed at the top of the third display area (161-3) adjacent to the right side of the second display area (161-2), and a sixth application displayed at the bottom.

14. In paragraph 12, At least one processor (120) above, An electronic device in which, when three applications are displayed in the unfolded state, if a shuttle motion of the first hinge (11) is detected, an application set to a first priority is set as the continuously performing application, if a shuttle motion of the second hinge (12) is detected, an application set to a third priority is set as the continuously performing application, and if the shuttle motions of the first hinge (11) and the second hinge (12) are detected together, an application set to a second priority is set as the continuously performing application.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon a program for performing a method of setting an application in an electronic device (101) including a display divided into a plurality of areas (161-1, 161-2, 161-3) connected by hinges (10), An operation (1210) of setting a priority to at least one application displayed on a first display (161) including multiple areas (161-1, 161-2, 161-3) in an unfolded state; When the shuttle motion of the above hinge (11, 12) is detected, an operation (1220) for setting an application corresponding to the detected shuttle motion as a continuously executing application based on the set priority; and When the electronic device (101) in the unfolded state is folded, an operation (1230) of displaying an application set as the continuous execution application on the second display (162) is included; A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon a program for performing a method in which the above shuttle operation includes an operation of folding and unfolding once within a preset angular range within a preset time period.

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