Electronic device and method for controlling execution of software application on basis of state

Abstract

At least one processor, including a processing circuit, in an electronic device according to an embodiment may be configured to: execute one or more applications individually and / or collectively on a cover display while the electronic device is in a folded state; control the electronic device to display a list, of the one or more applications executed on the cover display, on a first display region of a flexible display in response to the electronic device switching from a folded state to a half-folded state of the electronic device on the basis of the rotation of the first housing; and control the electronic device to display a screen, associated with at least one application among the one or more applications, on the flexible display in response to the electronic device switching from the half-folded state to an unfolded state on the basis of the rotation of a third housing.

Description

Electronic device and method for controlling the execution of a software application based on a state

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and method for controlling the execution of a software application based on a state.

[0002] The shape and / or size of electronic devices are diversifying. To enhance mobility, electronic devices with reduced size and / or volume are being designed. Electronic devices may include a display for visualizing information. As the number of functions supported by electronic devices increases, the size of the display may increase to visualize more information to the user and / or to support the execution of the functions. For example, electronic devices may be designed to be reduced in size and / or volume while maintaining or increasing the size of the display.

[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] In one embodiment, a foldable electronic device may include a housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display including a first display area disposed on the first housing part, a second display area disposed on the second housing part, and a third display area disposed on the third housing part, at least one sensor configured to detect a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part, at least one processor including a processing circuit, and one or more storage media, and a memory including instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to, in response to detecting a change from a multi-fold state to a single-fold state, display one or more visual objects on the first display area, each of which corresponds to one or more software applications to be executed in an unfolded state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to receive an input for selecting at least one visual object from among the visual objects while displaying the one or more visual objects on the first display area.The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display, on the first, second, or third display area, at least one execution screen corresponding to the at least one visual object selected by the input, based on the received input changing the state of the foldable electronic device from the single-fold state to the unfolded state.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a method of a foldable electronic device may be provided. The foldable electronic device may include a housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, and a flexible display including a first display area disposed on the first housing part, a second display area disposed on the second housing part, and a third display area disposed on the third housing part. The method may include an operation of displaying, on the first display area, one or more visual objects, each corresponding to one or more software applications to be executed in an unfolded state, in response to detecting a change from a multi-fold state to a single-fold state. The method may include an operation of receiving, while displaying the one or more visual objects on the first display area, an input for selecting at least one visual object from among the visual objects. The method may include an operation of displaying, on the first, second, or third display area, at least one execution screen corresponding to the at least one visual object selected by the input, based on the received input, where the state of the foldable electronic device is changed from the single-fold state to the unfolded state.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions may be provided. The instructions may be executed by a foldable electronic device including a housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, and a flexible display including a first display area disposed on the first housing part, a second display area disposed on the second housing part, and a third display area disposed on the third housing part. The instructions, when individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor including a processing circuit of the foldable electronic device, may cause the foldable electronic device to display, on the first display area, one or more visual objects, each corresponding to a first set of one or more software applications to be executed in an unfolded state in which the first, second, and third display areas are in the same horizontal plane, in response to detecting that the foldable electronic device changes from a multi-fold state in which the second display area is covered by the third display area and the first display area faces the rear of the third housing part, to a single-fold state in which the second display area is covered by the third display area and the first display area is in the same horizontal plane. The instructions, when executed by the foldable electronic device, may cause the foldable electronic device to display, on the first display area, different visual objects, each corresponding to a second set of one or more software applications to be executed within the multi-fold state, in response to detecting that the foldable electronic device has changed from the unfolded state to the single-fold state.

[0007] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing rotatably coupled with the first housing, a third housing rotatably coupled with the second housing, a cover display disposed on a first side of the first housing, a first display area disposed on a second side of the first housing opposite the first side, a second display area disposed on a third side of the second housing, and a third display area disposed on a fourth side of the third housing, a flexible display including a first sensor configured to detect an angle between the first housing and the second housing, a second sensor configured to detect an angle between the second housing and the third housing, at least one processor configured to store instructions and to execute the instructions, the processor including a processing circuit. The at least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to execute one or more applications on the cover display when the electronic device is in a folded state. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display a list of one or more applications running on the cover display of the first housing in the first display area in response to the electronic device switching from a folded state to a half-folded state based on a rotation of the first housing. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display a screen associated with at least one of the one or more applications on the flexible display in response to the electronic device switching from a half-folded state to an unfolded state based on a rotation of the third housing.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method of an electronic device may include executing one or more applications on a cover display disposed on a first side of a first housing in a folded state of the electronic device. The method may include, in response to the electronic device switching from the folded state to a half-folded state based on a rotation of the first housing, displaying a list of one or more applications executed on the cover display on a first display area of ​​a flexible display of the electronic device disposed on a second side of the first housing opposite the first side, the first side being in response to the electronic device switching from the half-folded state to an unfolded state based on a rotation of the third housing. The method may include, in response to the electronic device switching from the half-folded state to an unfolded state based on a rotation of the third housing, displaying a screen related to at least one application provided by the list on the flexible display disposed on the second side, the third side of the second housing, and the fourth side of the third housing.

[0009] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing rotatably coupled with the first housing, a third housing rotatably coupled with the second housing, a cover display disposed on a first side of the first housing, a flexible display disposed on a second side of the first housing opposite the first side, a third side of the second housing, and a fourth side of the third housing, one or more sensors, a memory for storing instructions, and at least one processor configured to individually and / or collectively execute the instructions, the memory including a processing circuit. The at least one processor may be configured to individually and / or collectively execute one or more software applications based on the flexible display in an unfolded state of the electronic device, the unfolded state being verified by the one or more sensors and distinguished by postures of the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to provide a list of the one or more software applications on the flexible display disposed on the second face of the first housing in response to switching from the unfolded state to a sub-folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the third housing. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display a screen related to the one or more software applications provided by the list on the cover display in response to switching from the sub-folded state to a folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the first housing.

[0010] In one embodiment, a method of an electronic device may include executing one or more software applications based on a flexible display of the electronic device in an unfolded state of the electronic device, the unfolded state being determined by one or more sensors of the electronic device and distinguished by postures of a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing of the electronic device. The method may include providing a list of the one or more software applications on a flexible display among a cover display disposed on a first side of the first housing and a second side of the first housing, the third side of the second housing, and the fourth side of the third housing, which are opposite to the first side, in response to switching from the unfolded state to a sub-folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the third housing. The method may include displaying a screen related to the one or more software applications provided by the list on the cover display in response to switching from the sub-folded state to a folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the first housing.

[0011] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing rotatably coupled with the first housing, a third housing rotatably coupled with the second housing, a flexible display disposed on a first side of the first housing, a second side of the second housing, and a third side of the third housing, one or more sensors, a memory for storing instructions, and a processor configured to individually and / or collectively execute the instructions, the processor including a processing circuit. At least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to execute one or more software applications based on the first portion of the flexible display disposed on the first side while the first portion of the flexible display disposed on the first side is externally visible and the second portion of the flexible display disposed on the second side faces the third portion of the flexible display disposed on the third side, based on a folded state. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to provide a list of the one or more software applications on the first face in response to switching from the folded state to a sub-folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the first housing. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display a screen related to the one or more software applications provided by the list on the entire display area of ​​the flexible display including the first face in response to switching from the sub-folded state to an unfolded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the second housing.

[0012] In one embodiment, a method of an electronic device may include an operation of executing one or more software applications based on a first portion of a flexible display disposed on a first surface of a first housing of the electronic device while a first portion of the flexible display disposed on a second surface of a second housing is visible to the outside and a second portion of the flexible display disposed on a second surface of a second housing faces a third portion of the flexible display disposed on a third surface of a third housing, based on a folded state of the electronic device. The method may include an operation of providing a list of the one or more software applications on the first surface in response to switching from the folded state to a sub-folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the first housing. The method may include an operation of displaying a screen related to the one or more software applications provided by the list on an entire display area of ​​the flexible display including the first surface in response to switching from the sub-folded state to an unfolded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the second housing.

[0013] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing rotatably coupled with the first housing, a third housing rotatably coupled with the second housing, a flexible display disposed on a first side of the first housing, a second side of the second housing, and a third side of the third housing, one or more sensors, a memory for storing instructions, and at least one processor configured to individually and / or collectively execute the instructions. The at least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to execute one or more software applications based on an entire display area of ​​the flexible display within an unfolded state of the electronic device. The at least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to provide a list of the one or more software applications to a portion of the flexible display disposed on the first side in response to a switching of the electronic device from the unfolded state to a sub-folded state based on a rotation of the third housing. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display a screen associated with the one or more software applications provided by the list on the portion of the flexible display in response to switching from the sub-fold state to the fold state of the electronic device based on the rotation of the first housing.

[0014] In one embodiment, a method of an electronic device may include executing one or more software applications based on an entire display area of ​​a flexible display disposed on a first side of a first housing, a second side of a second housing, and a third side of a third housing of the electronic device in an unfolded state of the electronic device. The method may include providing a list of the one or more software applications on a portion of the flexible display disposed on the first side in response to switching from the unfolded state to a sub-folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the third housing. The method may include displaying a screen related to the one or more software applications provided by the list on the portion of the flexible display in response to switching from the sub-folded state to a folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the first housing.

[0015] The above-described and other aspects, features, and advantages of some embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device including a multi-foldable housing according to various embodiments;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0018] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating examples of deformable electronic devices according to various embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0020] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams illustrating different exemplary states of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0021] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams illustrating different exemplary states of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating different exemplary states of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating different exemplary states of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0024] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are perspective views illustrating different exemplary states of an electronic device according to various embodiments; and

[0025] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0026] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] The term "module" as used herein includes a unit composed of hardware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as component or circuit. A module may be an integrally composed component, or a minimal unit or portion thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, a module may be composed of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device (101) including a multi-foldable housing according to various embodiments. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be referred to as a terminal (or user terminal) in terms of being owned by a user. The terminal may include, for example, a personal computer (PC) such as a laptop or desktop. The terminal may include, for example, a smartphone, a smartpad, and / or a tablet PC. The terminal may include a smart accessory such as a smartwatch and / or a head-mounted device (HMD). However, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) may include a deformable housing. The housing of the electronic device (101) may be referred to as a multi-foldable housing. The multi-foldable housing of the electronic device (101) may be divided into a plurality of housings (assemblies (or assemblies)). For example, the housing of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 may include a first housing (111), a second housing (112), and a first hinge assembly (121) for rotatably coupling the first housing (111) and the second housing (112). The relative position, angle, shape, and / or distance of the first housing (111) and the second housing (112), which are rigid bodies, may be changed by an external force with respect to the first hinge assembly (121).

[0030] According to one embodiment, the housing of the electronic device (101) may include a second housing (112), a third housing (113), and a second hinge assembly (122) for rotatably coupling the second housing (112) and the third housing (113). With respect to the second hinge assembly (122), the relative position, angle, shape, posture, and / or distance of the second housing (112) and the third housing (113) may be changed by an external force. Based on the first hinge assembly (121) and the second hinge assembly (122), the electronic device (101) may have a structure that can be folded one or more times. In one embodiment, housings such as the first housing (111), the second housing (112), and the third housing (113) may be referred to as a housing assembly, a housing part, a sub-housing, a flat housing, and / or a rigid housing. In one embodiment, a hinge assembly comprising a first hinge assembly (121) and a second hinge assembly (122) may be referred to as a hinge housing, a folding housing, a hinge, a joint housing, and / or a flexible housing.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a first folding axis (131) and / or a second folding axis (132) formed along the y-axis direction are illustrated. The first folding axis (131) may be a rotation axis of the first housing (111) and the second housing (112) connected through the first hinge assembly (121), and may be formed within the first hinge assembly (121). As the first housing (111) and / or the second housing (112) rotates around the first folding axis (131), a first angle (141) between the first housing (111), the first hinge assembly (121), and the second housing (112) may change. The second folding axis (132) is a rotation axis of the second housing (112) and the third housing (113) connected through the second hinge assembly (122), and may be formed within the second hinge assembly (122). As the second housing (112) and / or the third housing (113) rotate around the second folding axis (132), the second angle (142) between the second housing (112), the second hinge assembly (122), and the third housing (113) may change. In terms of including a plurality of deformable folding axes, such as the first folding axis (131) and the second folding axis (132), the electronic device (101) may be referred to as a multi-foldable electronic device.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, different states (191, 192) of an electronic device (101) are illustrated, distinguished by shape and / or appearance. Referring to state (191) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) may include a cover display (152) disposed on a first surface of a first housing (111) (e.g., a front surface of the electronic device (101). Referring to state (192) of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (150) disposed on a second surface of the first housing (111) (e.g., a second surface opposite the first surface of the first housing (111), a third surface of the second housing (112), and a fourth surface of the third housing (113). The second surface of the first housing (111), the third surface of the second housing (112), and the fourth surface of the third housing (113) may form a rear surface (or back surface) of the electronic device (101).

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the flexible display (150) can extend from the second surface of the first housing (111) across the third surface of the second housing (112) to the fourth surface of the third housing (113). For example, the flexible display (150) can be arranged from the first housing (111) across the first hinge assembly (121), the second housing (112), and the second hinge assembly (122) to the third housing (113). For example, the flexible display (150) can be arranged on the front surface of the electronic device (101), and the first hinge assembly (121) and / or the second hinge assembly (122) can be arranged on the rear surface of the electronic device (101). The first hinge assembly (121) and / or the second hinge assembly (122) may be adjacent to a surface opposite to a surface of the flexible display (150) that is visible to the outside. Hereinafter, the first angle (141) may correspond to an angle between a second surface of the first housing (111) in which the flexible display (150) is disposed, which may be folded by the first folding axis (131) of the first hinge assembly (121), and a third surface of the second housing (112). Hereinafter, the second angle (142) may correspond to an angle between a third surface of the second housing (112) in which the flexible display (150) is disposed, which may be folded by the second folding axis (132) of the second hinge assembly (122), and a fourth surface of the third housing (113).

[0034] In one embodiment, the flexible display (150) may be referred to as a display, a deformable display, and / or a deformable panel. In terms of size, the flexible display (150) may be referred to as a large display, and the cover display (152) may be referred to as a small display. In terms of location, the flexible display (150) may be referred to as a back display (or front display) and / or an inner display, and the cover display (152) may be referred to as a front display (or back display) and / or an outer display. In terms of deformability, the flexible display (150) may be referred to as a deformable display, and the cover display (152) may be referred to as a rigid display. An exemplary hardware configuration of an electronic device (101) including a flexible display (150) and / or a cover display (152) is described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary appearance of an electronic device (101) is illustrated with respect to three mutually perpendicular axes (x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis). The length of the flexible display (150) in the x-axis direction may be longer than the length in the y-axis direction. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. The length of the cover display (152) in the x-axis direction may be shorter than the length in the y-axis direction. In the present disclosure, the width and the height may correspond to the lengths of each of two sides that are perpendicular to each other in an object having a rectangular shape. The rectangle may include a rectangle having a round-shaped shape, such as the flexible display (150) and / or the cover display (152) of FIG. 1. The width, the height, and the mapping between the two sides may be changed depending on the relationship between the object and a reference direction (e.g., a direction toward the ground and / or a direction of gravitational acceleration). Hereinafter, the aspect ratio may represent the ratio of the width and height of a rectangular object.

[0036] Different states of an electronic device (101), distinguished by shape and / or appearance, including states (191, 192), are described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3A and / or 3B . According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101), within a specific state, may receive an input (or user input) to designate or specify a software application and / or media content to be executed in another state different from the specific state. Based on a switching from the specific state to the other state, the electronic device (101) may execute the software application and / or media content corresponding to the input. The operation of the electronic device (101) to execute the software application and / or media content based on the switching of the state is described with reference to FIG. 4 . Referring to the states (191, 192), the screens displayed or provided in the different states (191, 192) of the electronic device (101) may have distinct widths, heights, areas, sizes, and / or aspect ratios. The width, height, area, size, and / or aspect ratio of the screen provided by the electronic device (101) may be related to the shape of the electronic device (101) and / or the shape of an externally viewable display (e.g., a flexible display (150) and / or a cover display (152)) based on the shape.

[0037] In the present disclosure, the mode of the electronic device (101) may be distinguished by dimensions such as width, height, area, and / or size of at least a portion of a display (e.g., flexible display (150) and / or cover display (152)) activated to provide a screen. The mode may include a first mode (or phone mode) that provides a screen through a display of a relatively small size (or a size below a threshold), and a second mode (or tablet mode) that provides a screen through a display of a relatively large size (or a size above a threshold). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may switch between the phone mode and the tablet mode based on the shape of the electronic device (101), which is distinguished by the postures of the first housing (111), the second housing (112), and the third housing (113). Within the switched mode, the electronic device (101) can display a screen suitable for the current mode of the electronic device (101) using the flexible display (150) and / or the cover display (152).

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment of an electronic device (101) including a flexible display (150) and a cover display (152), a state (191) of the electronic device (101) executing a software application using the cover display (152) having a relatively small size may be included in a first mode and / or a phone mode. A state (192) of the electronic device (101) displaying a screen provided by the software application using the flexible display (150) may be included in a second mode and / or a tablet mode.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, in a state (191) associated with the first mode and / or phone mode, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may execute one or more software applications based on the cover display (152). The electronic device (101) may identify or confirm the positions of the first housing (111), the second housing (112), and the third housing (113) using one or more sensors of the electronic device (101). Based on the confirmed positions, the electronic device (101) may selectively activate one of the flexible display (150) or the cover display (152). The electronic device (101) may execute one or more software applications through the activated display. Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary state (191) of the electronic device (101) executing a software application for playing media content such as a video (171) is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0040] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, based on the first mode and / or the phone mode, within the activated state (191) of the cover display (152), the electronic device (101) may identify or receive an input for specifying a software application and / or media content to be executed in a second mode (e.g., tablet mode) different from the first mode. The electronic device (101) may display a visual object (172) on the cover display (152) for receiving the input. Although a visual object (172) in the form of a button is illustrated as an example, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The electronic device (101) may display designated text (e.g., “View in tablet mode”) within the visual object (172) to guide displaying the software application and / or media content in a mode different from the current mode (e.g., phone mode) of the electronic device (101). For example, while a user is viewing a video (171) through a relatively small-sized cover display (152), he or she may touch a visual object (172) to view the video (171) through a relatively large-sized flexible display (150).

[0041] According to one embodiment, an input related to a visual object (172) (e.g., a touch input on a portion of the cover display (152) on which the visual object (172) is displayed) may include an input for displaying media content (e.g., a video (171)) corresponding to the visual object (172) in a second mode different from the first mode. Within the first mode, the electronic device (101) may sequentially and / or simultaneously receive inputs for specifying software applications and / or media content to be executed in the second mode. The electronic device (101) may generate, update, and / or manage a list of software applications and / or media content to be provided in the second mode based on the received inputs.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) can visualize the list using a visual object (173). While the visual object (173) is illustrated as having the form of a rectangular panel and / or menu, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The visual object (173) may be provided by a system process (e.g., a notification manager), such as a notification center or a notification panel. Through the visual object (173), the electronic device (101) can receive input for adding, deleting, and / or modifying software applications and / or media content included in the list. The operation of an electronic device (101) for managing software applications and / or media content based on the above list is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b, 6c, 7, 8, and / or 9a, 9b, and 9c.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, based on switching from a state (191) in which an input for a visual object (172) is received to a state (192), the electronic device (101) can execute a software application and / or media content corresponding to the input received in the state (191). In the state (191) associated with the first mode, the electronic device (101) that has identified an input related to a visual object (172) corresponding to a video (171) can display the video (171) on the flexible display (150) after switching to the state (192) associated with the second mode. In the state (192) associated with the tablet mode, the electronic device (101) can display the video (171) using a flexible display (150) having a relatively large size.

[0044] In one embodiment, based on switching from state (191) to state (192), the electronic device (101) can collectively execute at least one software application and / or media content included in a list of software applications and / or media content (e.g., a list represented by a visual object (173)).

[0045] As described above, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display software applications and / or media content reserved by the user in response to a change in mode. The electronic device (101) may display a list of at least one software application and / or media content reserved by the user, such as a visual object (173), in response to the change in mode. For example, the electronic device (101) that identifies a transition from a state (191) corresponding to a phone mode to a state (192) corresponding to a tablet mode may display a visual object (173) on the flexible display (150). Similarly, the electronic device (101) that identifies a transition from a state (192) corresponding to a tablet mode to a state (191) corresponding to a phone mode may display a list of software applications and / or media content reserved to be executed in the phone mode on the cover display (152). The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electronic device (101) may display a list of software applications and / or media content within an intermediate mode and / or intermediate state between the phone mode and the tablet mode.

[0046] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, an exemplary hardware configuration included in an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment is described in more detail.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device (101) according to various embodiments. The electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 may include hardware of the electronic device (101) described with reference to FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include at least one of a processor (210) (e.g., including a processing circuit), a memory (215), a flexible display (150), a cover display (152), and / or a sensor (230). The processor (210), the memory (215), the flexible display (150), the cover display (152), and the sensor (230) may be electronically and / or operably coupled with each other by an electronic component, such as a communication bus (202).

[0048] In one embodiment, the hardware components of the electronic device (101) being operatively coupled may refer to, for example, a direct connection or an indirect connection established between the hardware components, either wired or wireless, such that a second hardware component is controlled by a first hardware component among the hardware components. Although illustrated based on different blocks, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and some of the hardware of FIG. 2 (e.g., at least a portion of the processor (210), the memory (215), and the sensor (230)) may be included in a single integrated circuit, such as a system on a chip (SoC). The hardware components of the electronic device (101), which are divided into blocks, may be located in or included in at least one of the first housing (111), the second housing (112), or the third housing (113) described with reference to FIG. 1. The type and / or number of hardware components included in the electronic device (101) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the electronic device (101) may include only some of the hardware components illustrated based on the blocks of FIG. 2.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) of the electronic device (101) may include hardware and / or various processing circuits for processing data based on one or more instructions. The hardware and / or circuits for processing data may include, for example, an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), and / or an application processor (AP). The number of processors (210) may be one or more. For example, the processor (210) may have a multi-core processor structure such as a dual core, a quad core, or a hexa core. The processor (210) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including in the claims, the term "processor" may encompass various processing circuits, including at least one processor, one or more of which may be configured, individually and / or collectively, in a distributed manner to perform the various functions described herein. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform several functions, these expressions also cover, for example, but not limited to, situations where a processor performs some of the described functions and other processor(s) perform the remainder of the described functions, and situations where a single processor performs all of the described functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may comprise a combination of processors that perform the various described / described functions, for example, in a distributed manner.At least one processor is capable of executing program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the memory (215) of the electronic device (101) may include hardware components for storing data and / or instructions input and / or output to the processor (210). The memory (215) may include, for example, volatile memory such as random-access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM). The volatile memory may include, for example, at least one of dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), cache RAM, and pseudo SRAM (PSRAM). The non-volatile memory may include, for example, at least one of programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disc, solid state drive (SSD), and embedded multi-media card (eMMC).

[0051] According to one embodiment, a flexible display (150) of an electronic device (101) can output visualized information to a user (e.g., screens of FIGS. 1, 5A to 5C, 6A to 6C, 7 to 8, and 9A to 9C). For example, the flexible display (150) can be controlled by a controller, such as a graphic processing unit (GPU) and / or a processor (210), to output visualized information to a user. The flexible display (150) can include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), and / or one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs can include organic LEDs (OLEDs). The flexible display (150) can include electronic paper. The flexible display (150) may have an at least partially curved shape and / or a deformable shape, as described above with reference to FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the active area and / or display area of ​​the flexible display (150) may correspond to at least a portion of the flexible display (150) that includes one or more enabled or activated pixels.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (150) of the electronic device (101) may include a sensor (e.g., a touch sensor panel (TSP)) for detecting an external object (e.g., a user's finger) on the flexible display (150). For example, based on the TSP, the electronic device (101) may detect an external object that is in contact with the flexible display (150) or floating on the flexible display (150). In response to detecting the external object, the electronic device (101) may execute a function associated with a specific visual object corresponding to a location of the external object on the flexible display (150) among visual objects displayed within the flexible display (150).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the cover display (152) of the electronic device (101) can output visualized information to the user, similar to the flexible display (150). The cover display (152) can be placed in a different part of the electronic device (101) from the part where the flexible display (150) is placed. In the description of the cover display (152), parts that overlap with the flexible display (150) can be omitted.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the sensor(s) (230) of the electronic device (101) may generate electrical information from non-electronic information related to the electronic device (101) that may be processed by the processor (210) and / or stored in the memory (215). For example, the sensor (230) may include a global positioning system (GPS) sensor for detecting a geographic location of the electronic device (101). In addition to the GPS method, the sensor (230) may generate information indicating the geographic location of the electronic device (101) based on a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) such as, for example, Galileo, Beidou (compass). The information may be stored in the memory (215), processed by the processor (210), and / or transmitted to another electronic device distinct from the electronic device (101) via the communication circuit (240). The sensor (230) is not limited to those described above, and may include an image sensor, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, a grip sensor, and / or a ToF sensor for detecting electromagnetic waves including light.

[0055] In one embodiment, the processor (210) of the electronic device (101) can sense or identify the posture, shape, and / or orientation of the electronic device (101) using the sensor (230). The sensor (230) can include an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a hall sensor, a proximity sensor, and / or an ambient light sensor for identifying the posture, shape, and / or orientation of the electronic device (101). The hall sensor can include a magnet, and a magnetic field sensor that measures a change in a magnetic field formed by the magnet. The magnet and the magnetic field sensor can be disposed in different assemblies of a housing of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the first housing (111), the second housing (112), and / or the third housing (113) of FIG. 1). Based on the change in the magnetic field measured by the magnetic field sensor, the hall sensor can output sensor data indicating a distance between the parts.

[0056] For example, in one embodiment where the electronic device (101) includes a deformable housing, the processor (210) of the electronic device (101) can use the magnets and the magnetic field sensors disposed in different parts of the housing (e.g., the first housing assembly (111), the second housing assembly (112), and / or the third housing assembly (113) of FIG. 1) to identify a shape of the housing or a parameter associated with the shape (e.g., the first angle (141) and / or the second angle (142) of FIG. 1). For example, the Hall sensor (234) can output sensor data indicative of the distance and / or the shape of the housing.

[0057] In one embodiment, the IMU may include an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, or any combination thereof. The acceleration sensor may output an electrical signal representing gravitational acceleration and / or acceleration along each of a plurality of axes (e.g., an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis) that are perpendicular to each other. The gyro sensor may output an electrical signal representing an angular velocity (e.g., an angular velocity based on roll, pitch, and / or yaw) along each of the plurality of axes. The geomagnetic sensor may output an electrical signal representing a magnitude of a magnetic field formed in the electronic device (101) along each of the plurality of axes (e.g., an x-axis, a y-axis, and / or a z-axis). The processor (210) may repeatedly acquire data representing acceleration, angular velocity, and / or magnitude of a magnetic field from the IMU based on a specified period (e.g., 1 millisecond). Using a Hall sensor and / or an IMU, the processor (210) can identify parameters related to the shape of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the first angle (141) and / or the second angle (142) of FIG. 1). Based on the parameters, the processor (210) can identify the current shape of the electronic device (101) among designated shapes for distinguishing the shape of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the unfolded state, the folded state, and / or the sub-folded state described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B). For example, the processor (210) of the electronic device (101) can identify the first angle (141) between the first housing (111) and the second housing (112) of FIG. 1 and / or the second angle (142) between the second housing (112) and the third housing (113) of FIG. 1 using the sensor (230).

[0058] Although not shown, in one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include various outputs including various circuits for outputting information in forms other than a visualized form. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a motor for providing haptic feedback based on vibration. For example, the electronic device (101) may include one or more speakers for outputting an audio signal, such as the first speaker (161), the second speaker (162), the third speaker (163), or the fourth speaker (164) of FIGS. 3A and 3B .

[0059] According to one embodiment, one or more instructions (or commands) representing operations and / or actions to be performed on data by the processor (210) may be stored within the memory (215) of the electronic device (101). A set of one or more instructions may be referred to as firmware, an operating system, a process, a routine, a sub-routine, and / or an application. For example, the electronic device (101) and / or the processor (210) may perform at least one of the operations of FIG. 4 when a set of a plurality of instructions distributed in the form of an operating system, firmware, a driver, and / or an application is executed. Hereinafter, the fact that an application is installed in an electronic device (101) may refer to, for example, that one or more instructions provided in the form of an application are stored in the memory (215) of the electronic device (101), and that the one or more applications are stored in a format executable by the processor (210) of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a file having an extension specified by the operating system of the electronic device (101).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the processor (210) of the electronic device (101) can identify a state of the electronic device (101) determined using the sensor (230). Based on the state, the processor (210) can select or identify a mode of the electronic device (101) from among a phone mode and a tablet mode. Based on the selected mode, the processor (210) can activate one of the flexible display (150) and / or the cover display (152). Within the activated display, the processor (210) can display a screen having a layout based on the selected mode.

[0061] As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the processor (210) may identify an input for setting a software application and / or media content to be provided within a different mode than the current mode. The processor (210) may create or manage, within the memory (215), a plurality of queues (e.g., a first queue (241) and / or a second queue (242)) for storing information about the software application and / or media content corresponding to the input.

[0062] For example, within the first queue (241), the processor (210) may store information about software applications and / or media content to be executed in the first mode (or phone mode). For example, within the second queue (242), the processor (210) may store information about software applications and / or media content to be executed in the second mode (or tablet mode). Although an embodiment based on queues, such as the first queue (241) and / or the second queue (242), is described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (210) may store or manage information about software applications and / or media content to be executed in a mode different from the current mode based on a data structure such as a stack, a binary tree, and / or a linked list.

[0063] For example, while operating based on a first mode (e.g., phone mode), the processor (210) may receive an input for setting a software application and / or media content to be provided within a second mode. Based on the input received in the first mode, the processor (210) may store information about the software application and / or media content corresponding to the input in a second queue (242) corresponding to the second mode. The information may include a link (e.g., a uniform resource location (URL) and / or a uniform resource indicator (URI)), a file path, and / or the file itself for the software application and / or media content. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the information may include an object defined by an operating system (e.g., an Android operating system) executed by the processor (210), such as an intent. In one embodiment of storing information including an intent, the processor (210) may store, within extra data of the intent, data representing a software application corresponding to the input and media content to be provided through the software application.

[0064] In one embodiment, after storing at least one software application and / or at least one media content corresponding to one or more inputs received within the first mode within the second queue (242), the processor (210) may identify a switching from the first mode to the second mode based on a deformation of the electronic device (101) identified based on the sensor (230). Within the second mode, or while switching from the first mode to the second mode, the processor (210) may display a list of the at least one software application and / or at least one media content stored within the second queue (242) on the flexible display (150) and / or the cover display (152). Based on a user input to the list, the processor (210) may select a software application and / or media content to be executed within the second mode from the list. After switching to the second mode, the processor (210) can display the software application and / or media content selected from the list on a display corresponding to the second mode.

[0065] Although the operation of the processor (210) while switching from the first mode to the second mode has been described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, within the second mode, the processor (210) may receive an input for reserving a software application and / or media content to be executed within the first mode. In response to the input, the processor (210) may store information about the software application and / or media content corresponding to the input within a first queue (241) corresponding to the first mode. The processor (210) may, based on a modification of the electronic device (101), provide a list of software applications and / or media content based on the information stored in the first queue (241) while switching from the second mode to the first mode. Based on a user input related to the list, the processor (210) may identify or confirm the software application and / or media content to be executed after switching to the first mode.

[0066] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3a and / or FIG. 3b, an example of an operation of a processor (210) that checks the state of an electronic device (101) using a sensor (230) and determines the current mode of the electronic device (101) among the first mode or the second mode based on the checked state is described.

[0067] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating examples of a deformable electronic device (101) according to various embodiments. The electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 and / or 2 may have the exterior or appearance of the electronic device (101) described with reference to FIGS. 3A and / or 3B.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 3A and / or 3B , different configurations of an electronic device (101) supporting deformability based on multiple folding axes (e.g., a first folding axis (131) and / or a second folding axis (132)) are illustrated. Referring to FIG. 3A , an electronic device (101) is illustrated including a flexible display (150) that is visually completely covered by a first housing (111) to a third housing (113) folded along a first folding axis (131) and a second folding axis (132). The electronic device (101) may include a first speaker (161) and / or a third speaker (163) disposed in the first housing (111). The electronic device (101) may include a second speaker (162) and / or a fourth speaker (164) disposed in the third housing (113). The third speaker (163) may be disposed at a second edge of the first housing (111) opposite the first edge of the first housing (111) where the first speaker (161) is disposed. The fourth speaker (164) may be disposed at a second edge of the third housing (113) opposite the first edge of the third housing (113) where the second speaker (162) is disposed. Although the second speaker (162) disposed on one side of the third housing (113) where the flexible display (150) is disposed and the first speaker (161), the third speaker (163), and the fourth speaker (164) disposed on the side connected to the front side of the electronic device (101) are illustrated, the positions of the speakers (e.g., the first speaker (161) to the fourth speaker (164)) included in the electronic device (101) are not limited to the positions illustrated in FIG. 3A. The number of speakers included in the electronic device (101) is not limited to the four speakers (e.g., the first speaker (161) to the fourth speaker (164)) illustrated in FIG. 3a.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3A, different states (e.g., a first state (301), a second state (302), and / or a third state (303)) of the electronic device (101) are illustrated, distinguished by a first angle (141) and a second angle (142). The first state (301) of the electronic device (101), in which the first angle (141) and the second angle (142) are substantially straight angles (e.g., about 180º), may be referred to as a fully unfolded state, an outspread state, an opened state, an unfolded state, a flat state, and / or a planar state. Within the first state (301), the flexible display (150) disposed from the first housing (111) across the second housing (112) to the third housing (113) may have a substantially flat shape. The flexible display (150) may include a first portion (or region) (150-1) disposed on the first housing (111), a second portion (150-2) disposed on the second housing (112), and a third portion (150-3) disposed on the third housing (113). Within the first state (301), a single plane may be formed on the front surface of the electronic device (101) on which the flexible display (150) is disposed. Within the first state (301), the directions (d1, d2, d3) of the front surfaces of the first housing (111), the second housing (112), and the third housing (113) may be substantially parallel to and / or the same as each other. The state (191) of Fig. 1 may correspond to or be included in the first state (301) and / or the unfolded state of Fig. 3a.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3A, a second state (302) of the electronic device (101) is illustrated, wherein at least one of the first angle (141) or the second angle (142) is less than a parallel angle (e.g., 180 degrees). The state of the electronic device (101) in which the first angle (141) and / or the second angle (142) are less than a parallel angle, including the second state (302), may be referred to as an in-fold state, a sub-unfolded state (or sub-folded state), an intermediate state, and / or a concave state. Although only the second hinge assembly (122) among the first hinge assembly (121) and the second hinge assembly (122) is illustrated as being folded, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sub-folded state may include a state in which both the first angle (141) and the second angle (142) are less than a parallel angle and exceed 0 degrees. Within the sub-fold state, a plurality of planes may be formed by the flexible display (150) folded by at least one hinge assembly. Within the sub-fold state, such as the second state (302), the boundary line between the flat portions of the flexible display (150) may be formed on either the first hinge assembly (121) and / or the second hinge assembly (122). For example, the flat portions of the flexible display (150) separated by the second hinge assembly (122) may face different, non-parallel directions. The state (192) of FIG. 1 may correspond to or be included in the second state (302) and / or the in-fold state of FIG. 3A.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 3A, the third state (303) of the electronic device (101), in which the first angle (141) and the second angle (142) are substantially all 0°, may be referred to as a fully folded state, a folded state, and / or a closed state. Within the third state (303), the flexible display (150) may be visually completely obscured by the first housing (111) to the third housing (113). For example, within the folded state, the externally visible size of the flexible display (150) of the electronic device (101) may be substantially 0. Referring to FIG. 3A, an exemplary third state (303) is illustrated in which the front and rear surfaces of the third housing (113) on which a portion of the flexible display (150) (e.g., the first display) is disposed are covered by the first housing (111) and the second housing (112), respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. An electronic device (101) including a flexible display (150) that is visually completely covered in a folded state may include a cover display (152) (e.g., the second display) disposed on a rear surface opposite to the front surface on which the flexible display (150) is disposed. Referring to FIG. 3A, one surface of the first housing (111) on which the flexible display (150) is disposed and the other surface of the first housing (111) on which the cover display (152) is disposed may be opposite to each other.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 3A, an electronic device (101) including a flexible display (150) configured to be folded at an angle less than or equal to a parallel angle (e.g., about 180º) along a first folding axis (131) and a second folding axis (132) may be referred to as a G-shaped foldable electronic device. Referring to FIG. 3B, different forms of an electronic device (310) including a flexible display (150) configured to be folded at an angle greater than a parallel angle along at least one of the first folding axis (131) and the second folding axis (132) are illustrated. The electronic device (310) may be referred to as an S-shaped (or Z-shaped) foldable electronic device. The electronic device (310) of FIG. 3B may include the hardware configuration of the electronic device (101) described above with reference to FIG. 2.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3B, different states (e.g., the fourth state (304) to the sixth state (306)) of the electronic device (310) are illustrated, distinguished by the first angle (141) and the second angle (142). The fourth state (304) of the electronic device (310) may correspond to the first state (301) of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 3A. Within the fourth state (304), which corresponds to the unfolded state, a flat plane may be formed by the flexible display (150). For example, the direction (d1) of the first part (150-1) of the flexible display (150) disposed on the first housing (111), the direction (d2) of the second part (150-2) of the flexible display (150) disposed on the second housing (112), and the direction (d3) of the third part (150-3) of the flexible display (150) disposed on the third housing (113) may be substantially the same.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3B, a fifth state (305) of the electronic device (310) is illustrated, wherein the first angle (141) exceeds a parallel angle and the second angle (142) is substantially parallel. The state of the electronic device (310) in which the first angle (141) and / or the second angle (142) exceed a parallel angle and are less than 360° may be referred to as an out-fold state, a sub-fold state, and / or a convex state. Although only the first angle (141) among the first angle (141) and the second angle (142) is illustrated as exceeding a parallel angle, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Within the convex state, including the fifth state (305), a plurality of planes formed by the flexible display (150) folded by the first hinge assembly (121) may face different directions.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 3B, a sixth state (306) of the electronic device (310) in which the first angle (141) is substantially 360° and the second angle (142) is substantially 0° may be referred to as a fully folded state, a folded state, and / or a closed state. Within the sixth state (306), among the portions of the flexible display (150) disposed in each of the first housing (111) to the third housing (113), only the portion of the flexible display (150) disposed on the first housing (111) may be visible to the outside.

[0076] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 3A and / or electronic device (310) of FIG. 3B) can identify a state of the electronic device (e.g., one of an unfolded state, a folded state, an in-fold state, and / or an out-fold state) determined by a sensor (e.g., a sensor (230) of FIG. 2) and distinguished by the postures of the first housing (111), the second housing (112), and the third housing (113). Based on the state, the electronic device can determine a mode of the electronic device (e.g., a phone mode and / or a tablet mode) related to the layout of a screen to be displayed on a display of the electronic device (e.g., a flexible display (150) and / or a cover display (152)).

[0077] For example, within the state (301) of FIG. 3A included in the unfolded state, the electronic device (101) can execute one or more software applications using the flexible display (150) based on the tablet mode. For example, within the state (303) of FIG. 3A included in the folded state, the electronic device (101) can execute one or more software applications using the cover display (152) based on the phone mode. The electronic device (101) of FIG. 3A can switch between the tablet mode and the phone mode based on switching between the states (301, 302, 303). The operation of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 3a for executing software applications and / or media content based on switching between tablet mode and phone mode is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b, 6c, 7, and 8.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 3B, within a state (304) included in the unfolded state, the electronic device (310) can execute one or more software applications using the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (150) based on the tablet mode. Within a state (306) of FIG. 3B included in the folded state, the electronic device (310) can execute one or more software applications using a portion of the flexible display (150) disposed on the first housing (111) based on the phone mode. The operation of the electronic device (310) of FIG. 3B for executing software applications and / or media content based on switching between the tablet mode and the phone mode is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C.

[0079] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation of an electronic device displaying content including software applications and / or media content is described in more detail based on the form described with reference to FIG. 3a and / or FIG. 3b.

[0080] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operation of an electronic device according to various embodiments. The operation of the electronic device described with reference to FIG. 4 may be performed, for example, by the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A, the electronic device (310) of FIG. 3B, and / or the processor (210) of FIG. 2.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4, in operation (410), according to one embodiment, a processor of an electronic device may receive an input for displaying content of a display in a state different from a current state of the electronic device. The display of operation (410) may include the flexible display (150) and / or the cover display (152) of FIG. 2. The processor may identify a current state of the electronic device based on a posture of a housing (e.g., the first housing (111), the second housing (112), and / or the third housing (113) of FIGS. 3A and / or 3B) of the electronic device, as determined by sensor data of a sensor (e.g., the sensor (230) of FIG. 2).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the processor may receive an input of operation (410) based on options and / or a context menu associated with the content. The context menu may be provided or displayed in response to a designated gesture, such as a long touch gesture (or a double tap gesture), and / or a designated input. The gesture for displaying the context menu is not limited to the long touch gesture described above. The visual object (172) of FIG. 1 may be an example of the options displayed by the processor to receive an input of operation (410). The processor, having received an input of operation (410), may perform operation (420) of FIG. 4.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 4, in operation (420), a processor of an electronic device according to one embodiment may identify whether a current state of the electronic device corresponds to a tablet mode. In one embodiment including the flexible display (150) of FIG. 2, the processor may display software applications and / or media content using the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (150) based on the tablet mode. For example, in the tablet mode, the entire display area of ​​the flexible display may be occupied for execution of the software application and / or media content. If the current state corresponds to the tablet mode (420—Yes), the processor may perform operation (430). If the current state does not correspond to the tablet mode (e.g., if the current state corresponds to the phone mode) (420—No), the processor may perform operation (440).

[0084] Referring to FIG. 4, in operation (430), according to an embodiment, a processor of an electronic device may add content of operation (410) to a first task list corresponding to a phone mode. The first task list may include the first queue (241) of FIG. 2. For example, the processor may add or store information for displaying the content of operation (410) in the first task list. The information may include at least one of a file path of the content, at least one file including the content, a URL, a URI, or an object (e.g., an intent) for executing a software application related to the content.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, in operation (440), according to one embodiment, the processor of the electronic device may add the content of operation (410) to a second task list corresponding to the tablet mode. The second task list may include the second queue (242) of FIG. 2. For example, the processor may add or store information for displaying the content of operation (410) to the first task list. The information may be similar to the information described above based on the second task list of operation (430).

[0086] In one embodiment, after performing at least one of operations (430, 440), within operation (450), the processor of the electronic device may identify a change in the current state of the electronic device. The processor may identify the change in the current state based on sensor data from a sensor. For example, the processor may identify the change in the current state based on the posture of the housing as identified by the sensor data. The change in the current state may cause a change in the mode of the electronic device between phone mode and tablet mode.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 4, in operation (460), the processor of the electronic device according to one embodiment may display a task list of a mode corresponding to the changed current state. For example, if the changed current state corresponds to a phone mode, the processor may display a second task list of operation (430) on the display. For example, if the changed current state corresponds to a tablet mode, the processor may display a first task list of operation (440) on the display. Operation (460) may be performed within a sub-fold state between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4, in operation (470), according to one embodiment, the processor of the electronic device may display content based on the task list displayed by operation (460). For example, the processor may receive an input for selecting a software application and / or media content within the task list. Based on the received input, the processor may perform operation (470) to display content related to the input (e.g., a screen and / or media content provided by the software application).

[0089] As described above, according to one embodiment, the electronic device can execute a software application and / or media content that has been set based on switching between the phone mode and the tablet mode. The electronic device can identify at least one software application and / or at least one media content to be executed in the mode of the electronic device to be entered by the switching based on a task list displayed while switching between the phone mode and the tablet mode. The electronic device can provide the software application and / or the media content based on the state of the software application and / or the media content that has been set by the user.

[0090] Hereinafter, examples of electronic devices performing the operation of FIG. 4 are described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and / or 6a, 6b, and 6c.

[0091] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams illustrating various different states (501, 502, 503) of an electronic device (101) according to various embodiments. The electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A may perform the operations described with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C (which may be referred to as FIGS. 5A to 5C). The operations of the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 5A to 5C may be performed by the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2 and / or the processor (210) of FIG. 2.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C, states (501, 502, 503) of the electronic device (101) distinguished by the positions of the first housing (111), the second housing (112), and the third housing (113) are illustrated. In the state (501) of FIG. 5A corresponding to the folded state, the electronic device (101) can display a screen based on the phone mode using the cover display (152). In the folded state, the first side corresponding to the flexible display (150) on the first housing (111) and the second side corresponding to the flexible display (150) on the second housing (112) can face each other, and the second side and the third side corresponding to the flexible display (150) on the third housing (113) can face each other. Referring to FIG. 5A, an exemplary state (501) is illustrated that displays a screen provided from a software application for viewing media content (e.g., images, photographs, and / or videos) stored in an electronic device (101), such as a gallery application, according to one embodiment. Within state (501), the electronic device (101) may display a list of a plurality of media contents, including photographs (510), on a cover display (152).

[0093] Within state (501) of FIG. 5A, the electronic device (101) may identify or receive an input for specifying media content and / or software applications to be provided in a mode other than the current mode (e.g., phone mode). For example, the electronic device (101) may, in response to a long touch gesture for a photo (510), display a menu (511) related to the photo (510) on the cover display (152). The input for displaying the menu (511) is not limited to the long touch gesture and may include other gestures, such as a double tap gesture. The menu (511) may include an option for providing the photo (510) in a mode other than the current mode. The electronic device (101) may display text within the menu (511) to describe the option (e.g., “View later in tablet mode”). In response to an input related to the menu (511) and / or the above options, the electronic device (101) may store information related to the photo (510) in a queue (e.g., the second queue (242) of FIG. 2) corresponding to a mode other than the current mode (e.g., tablet mode). The input may be input by the user's intention to display the photo (510) on a wider screen using the tablet mode.

[0094] From the state (501) included in the fold state of FIG. 5A, the state of the electronic device (101) can be switched to a sub-fold state based on the rotation of the first housing (111). Referring to FIG. 5B, a state (502) after the state (501) is illustrated. The electronic device (101) that senses (or detects) the rotation of the first housing (111) can confirm that it has switched from the state (501) to the state (502). Referring to FIG. 5B, the directions of the first surface of the flexible display (150) disposed on the first housing (111) and the second surface of the flexible display (150) disposed on the second housing (112) may be the same, and the directions of the second surface and the third surface of the flexible display (150) disposed on the third housing (113) may be opposite to each other.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 5B, a state (502) included in a sub-fold state is illustrated. Within a folded state in which a cover display (152) is activated, the electronic device (101) can deactivate the activated cover display (152) and other flexible displays (150). Based on switching from the folded state to the sub-folded state and / or the unfolded state, the electronic device (101) can deactivate the cover display (152) and / or activate at least a portion of the flexible display (150). The electronic device (101) activating the flexible display (150) may include activating at least a portion of the flexible display (150) (e.g., a portion (529) of the flexible display (150) that is visible to the outside) and deactivating other portions. Within the folded state (501), the electronic device (101) can display a screen provided from one or more software applications on the cover display (152).

[0096] In one embodiment, within the state (502) in which at least a portion of the flexible display (150) is unfolded, a first angle (141) between the first housing (111), the first folding axis (131), and the second housing (112) may correspond to substantially 180°. Within the state (502), a second angle between the second housing (112), the second folding axis (132), and the third housing (113) may correspond to substantially 0°. For example, within the state (502), a portion of the flexible display (150) disposed on the first housing (111) may be visible to the outside, while at least a portion of another portion of the flexible display (150) disposed on the second housing (112) and the third housing (113) may be obscured. In state (502), a part of the flexible display (150) disposed on the second housing (112) and another part of the flexible display (150) disposed on the third housing (113) may face each other. Based on the rotation of the first housing (111), a state (502) in which only a part of the flexible display (150) disposed on the first housing (111) is visible to the outside may be referred to as a half-fold (or half-folding) state.

[0097] In one embodiment, within a half-fold state and / or a sub-fold state, including a state (502), switched from a state (501) within a phone mode, the electronic device (101) may provide, on at least a portion of a flexible display (150) disposed on a first housing (111), a list of one or more software applications to be executed based on a tablet mode. In one embodiment, the list may be provided together with a visual object (e.g., visual objects (521, 522, 523)) for receiving an input for selecting a software application and / or media content to be executed in the tablet mode.

[0098] Referring to an exemplary state (502) of FIG. 5B, the electronic device (101) may display a list of software applications and / or media content that were set in phone mode on the flexible display (150). Based on switching from state (501) to state (502), the electronic device (101) may deactivate the cover display (152) and activate at least a portion of the flexible display (150) that is externally visible. In one embodiment, on at least a portion of the activated flexible display (150), the electronic device (101) may display a list based on the first cue (241) and / or the second cue (242) of FIG. 2. For example, while switching from a state associated with a phone mode (e.g., state (191) of FIG. 1) to a state associated with a tablet mode (e.g., state (192) of FIG. 1), the electronic device (101) may display a list based on a second queue (242). For example, while switching from a state associated with a tablet mode (e.g., state (192) of FIG. 1) to a state associated with a phone mode (e.g., state (191) of FIG. 1), the electronic device (101) may display a list based on a first queue (241).

[0099] For example, the electronic device (101) may display a list including photos, documents, and / or Internet web pages. While displaying a list including a plurality of items, the electronic device (101) may display visual objects (521, 522, 523) corresponding to each of the plurality of items. The visual objects (521, 522, 523) may have the form of radio buttons and / or check boxes. The electronic device (101) may identify at least one software application and / or media content to be executed in tablet mode based on an input to the visual objects (521, 522, 523). Referring to FIG. 5B, the electronic device (101) may receive an input for displaying media content (e.g., a photo (510)) corresponding to the visual object (521) in tablet mode through the visual object (521). The electronic device (101) that receives the input may set the state of the visual object (521) to a first designated state indicating selection of media content (e.g., when displaying a visual object (521) in the form of a radio button, a state in which a circle of a designated color is displayed inside the radio button). Referring to FIG. 5B, the electronic device (101) may display the visual object (521) in the first designated state, and may display visual objects (522, 523) based on a second designated state that is different from the first designated state. The second designated state may be a state indicating that media content is not selected. When displaying a visual object (522) in the form of a radio button, the electronic device (101) may display a visual object (522) that does not include a circle of a designated color included in the radio button within the first designated state.

[0100] From the state (502) included in the sub-fold state and / or the half-fold state of FIG. 5b, the state of the electronic device (101) can be switched to the unfolded state based on the rotation of the third housing (113). Referring to FIG. 5c, a state (503) after the state (502) is illustrated. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) that senses (or detects) the rotation of the third housing (113) can confirm that it has switched from the state (502) to the state (503). Referring to FIG. 5c, a state (503) included in the unfolded state is illustrated. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display a screen based on the unfolded state and / or tablet mode based on identifying that the direction of a first surface on a first housing (111) (e.g., direction (d1) of FIG. 3A and / or FIG. 3B), the direction of a second surface on a second housing (112) (e.g., direction (d2) of FIG. 3A and / or FIG. 3B), and the direction of a third surface on a third housing (113) (e.g., direction (d3) of FIG. 3A and / or FIG. 3B) on which the flexible display (150) is disposed are the same.

[0101] In one embodiment, in response to switching from a sub-fold state (e.g., state (502)) to an unfolded state (e.g., state (503) of FIG. 5C) based on a rotation of the third housing (113), the electronic device (101) may display a screen related to one or more software applications associated with the list provided within the sub-fold state on the flexible display (150). In one embodiment, after receiving an input based on a visual object (521) of FIG. 5B, the electronic device (101) may display a screen including a photograph (510) corresponding to the input based on switching to a state (503) associated with a tablet mode. Within the state (503), the processor may display the screen including the photograph (510) using the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (150) based on the tablet mode.

[0102] Although a case of sequentially switching from state (501) in the folded state of FIG. 5A to state (503) in the unfolded state of FIG. 5C has been described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (101) may receive an input for specifying a software application and / or media content to be executed in the phone mode in the state (503) associated with the tablet mode. After receiving the input, when switching from state (503) to state (502), the electronic device (101) may display a list of software applications and / or media content based on the input, based on the sub-folded state and / or the half-folded state. When switching from state (502) to state (501), the electronic device (101) may display at least one software application and / or at least one media content selected from the list on the cover display (152). The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the state of the electronic device (101) can be switched between the folded state and the unfolded state without the sub-fold state and / or the half-fold state. One embodiment of an electronic device (101) that switches between the folded state and the unfolded state without the sub-fold state and / or the half-fold state is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and / or 8.

[0103] As described above, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may receive an input for specifying a software application and / or media content to be executed based on a relatively wide screen while executing a software application and / or media content based on a phone mode (e.g., state (501)). Based on the input, the electronic device (101) may generate a list of software applications and / or media content to be executed in tablet mode while maintaining the phone mode. Similarly, the electronic device (101) may manage a list of software applications and / or media content to be executed in phone mode while maintaining the tablet mode.

[0104] Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c illustrate different exemplary states (601, 602, 603) of an electronic device (101) according to various embodiments. The electronic device (101) of Figures 1, 2, and 3a can perform the operations described with reference to Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c (which may be referred to as Figures 6a to 6c). The operations of the electronic device (101) of Figures 6a to 6c can be performed by the electronic device (101) of Figure 2 and / or the processor (210) of Figure 2.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C , states (601, 602, 603) of the electronic device (101) distinguished by the positions of the first housing (111), the second housing (112), and the third housing (113) are illustrated. In the state (601) of FIG. 6A related to the unfolded state, the electronic device (101) can display a screen based on a tablet mode on the flexible display (150). In the unfolded state, the directions (e.g., directions (d1, d2, d3) of FIGS. 3A and / or 3B) of portions (e.g., the front of the electronic device) of the flexible display (150) disposed in each of the first housing (111), the second housing (112), and the third housing (113) can be substantially parallel to each other. Referring to FIG. 6A, an exemplary state (601) is illustrated that displays a screen provided by a software application for viewing a web page, such as a web browser. Within state (601), the electronic device (101) may display at least a portion of the web page on at least a portion of the flexible display (150) based on the execution of the web browser.

[0106] Within state (601) of FIG. 6A, the electronic device (101) may identify or receive an input for specifying media content and / or software applications to be provided in a mode (e.g., phone mode) other than the current mode (e.g., tablet mode). For example, the electronic device (101) may, in response to a long touch gesture on a web page displayed within state (601), display a menu and / or visual object for determining whether the web page should be provided in phone mode. For example, the electronic device (101) that detects a long touch gesture that touches a portion of a web page displayed for a specified period of time (e.g., about 1.5 seconds) may display a menu and / or visual object for determining whether the web page should be provided in a mode other than the current mode. In response to an input related to the above menu and / or the visual object, the electronic device (101) may store information related to a web page displayed within a state (601) in a queue (e.g., a first queue (241) of FIG. 2) corresponding to a mode different from the current mode (e.g., a phone mode). The information may include a URL of the web page and data indicating a location (or portion) of the web page being displayed within the state (601). For example, the information may include text in which the URL and the data are combined (e.g., text combined by a delimiter such as "#").

[0107] For example, the electronic device (101) may display a web page including text and / or images for connecting and / or switching between web pages, such as a hyperlink. In response to a long touch gesture associated with the hyperlink, the electronic device (101) may store a web page corresponding to the hyperlink (e.g., another web page connected to the web page displayed on the flexible display (150) within the state (601)) in a queue corresponding to a mode other than the current mode. The information stored in the queue may include a URL of the web page corresponding to the hyperlink.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the state of the electronic device (101) can be switched from a state (601) associated with an unfolded state to a sub-folded state and / or a half-folded state based on the rotation of the third housing (113). Referring to FIG. 6B, a state (602) of the electronic device (101) is illustrated, which is switched from state (601) by the rotation of the third housing (113) relative to the second housing (112). The electronic device (101) sensing the rotation of the third housing (113) can determine that it has switched to state (602). The state (602) of FIG. 6B can be related to the state (502) of FIG. 5B.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 6B, within an exemplary state (602) included in a sub-fold state and / or a half-fold state, the electronic device (101) may partially activate the flexible display (150) disposed on the first housing (111). On the activated portion of the flexible display (150), the electronic device (101) may provide a list of software applications and / or media content to be executed based on the phone mode. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electronic device (101) may activate the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (150) and then display the list on a portion of the display area. The list may be visualized based on a task list corresponding to the phone mode and / or information stored in the first queue (241) of FIG. 2. Within the above list, the electronic device (101) may display at least one visual object (e.g., visual objects (621, 622, 623)) for receiving an input for selecting a software application and / or media content to be provided via the phone mode. Based on the above list, the electronic device (101) may receive an input for selecting at least one of the software applications and / or media content included in the list.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 6B, a list including visual objects (621, 622, 623) in the form of radio buttons and / or check boxes is illustrated. The list may be displayed through a notification panel and / or a settings application, as well as in a sub-fold state and / or a half-fold state. For example, within a state (601) associated with an unfolded state, the electronic device (101) may visualize or display the list of FIG. 6B based on a gesture for displaying a notification panel (e.g., a swipe gesture moving vertically from the top of the flexible display (150). For example, based on the gesture, the electronic device (101) may display a notification panel in which the list and one or more notification messages are accumulated. Using the above list displayed within the unfolded state, the electronic device (101) can receive input for editing software applications and / or media content to be executed within a state different from the unfolded state (e.g., a folded state associated with phone mode).

[0111] From the state (602) related to the sub-fold state and / or the half-fold state of FIG. 6B, the state of the electronic device (101) can be switched to the folded state based on the rotation of the first housing (111). Referring to FIG. 6C, a state (603) following the state (602) is illustrated. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) that senses the rotation of the first housing (111) with respect to the second housing (112) can confirm that it has switched from the state (602) to the state (603). Referring to FIG. 6C, a state (603) included in the folded state is illustrated. The electronic device (101) can display a screen on the cover display (152) based on the phone mode within the folded state.

[0112] In one embodiment, based on switching from a sub-fold state (e.g., state (602) of FIG. 6B) to a fold state (e.g., state (603) of FIG. 6C), the electronic device (101) may display software applications and / or media content related to the list provided within the sub-fold state on the cover display (152). For example, within state (603) after receiving an input related to a visual object (621) of FIG. 6B, the electronic device (101) may execute a web browser corresponding to the visual object (621) to display a screen including a web page on the cover display (152). The web page displayed on the cover display (152) within state (603) of FIG. 6C may correspond to the web page displayed on the flexible display (150) within state (601) of FIG. 6A. For example, the electronic device (101) can display at least a portion of a web page displayed in the state (601) of FIG. 6A on the cover display (152) in the state (603) of FIG. 6C. Since the size of the cover display (152) is smaller than that of the flexible display (150), the first portion of the web page displayed on the cover display (152) in the state (603) can be included in the second portion of the web page displayed on the flexible display (150) in the state (601). In an embodiment where the first resolution of the cover display (152) and the second resolution of the flexible display (150) are different, the electronic device (101) switching from the state (601) of FIG. 6A to the state (603) of FIG. 6C can change the web page displayed based on the second resolution in the state (601) of FIG. 6A to the first resolution. The electronic device (101) can display a changed web page based on the first resolution on the cover display (152).

[0113] Although an embodiment of providing software applications and / or media content based on input received within a subfold state and / or a half-fold state has been described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The electronic device (101) may automatically select a software application and / or media content to be executed within a list based on a setting value set by a setting application. For example, the setting value may include a value indicating whether to automatically select the software application and / or media content last added to the list.

[0114] Although a web browser-based embodiment has been described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When at least one of an email application, a document application, and / or a spreadsheet application is selected, the electronic device (101) may display a screen provided from the selected software application on the cover display (152). For example, when a document application is selected, the electronic device (101) may execute the document application and load at least one file to be displayed through the document application. The list managed by the electronic device (101) may include at least one file and / or a file path of the at least one file.

[0115] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating different exemplary states (701, 702, 703) of an electronic device (101) according to various embodiments. The electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A may perform the operations described with reference to FIG. 7. The operations of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 7 may be performed by the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2 and / or the processor (210) of FIG. 2.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 7, different states (701, 702, 703) of the electronic device (101) are illustrated. Within the state (701) associated with the unfolded state, the electronic device (101) can identify the unfolded state of the electronic device (101), which is determined by a sensor (e.g., sensor (230) of FIG. 2) and distinguished by the postures of the first housing (111), the second housing (112), and the third housing (113). Within the unfolded state, the electronic device (101) can execute one or more software applications based on the flexible display (150). For example, within the unfolded state in which the cover display (152) is deactivated, the electronic device (101) can display a screen based on the one or more software applications on the activated flexible display (150). The screens provided from the one or more software applications may have a layout that utilizes the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (150), based on the tablet mode.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 7, within a state (701) associated with an unfolded state, the electronic device (101) may receive a signal for a call connection. Based on receiving the signal, the electronic device (101) may switch from state (701) to state (702) of FIG. 7. Within state (702), the electronic device (101) may execute a call application associated with the call connection and display a screen (721) provided by the call application. The screen (721) may include a visual object (e.g., an icon and / or button for a call connection) for identifying whether to establish a call based on the signal for a call connection. Within the screen, the electronic device (101) may display an option for establishing the call connection in a phone mode different from a tablet mode. The option may be displayed on the flexible display (150) based on a visual object (722) having a button shape.

[0118] In one embodiment, in response to an input associated with a visual object (722), the electronic device (101) may store the call connection and / or the call application in a list of software applications and / or media content to be executed in phone mode (e.g., the first queue (241) of FIG. 2). In response to an input indicating selection of a visual object (722), the electronic device (101) may at least temporarily suspend establishing the call connection.

[0119] According to one embodiment, after receiving an input for a visual object (722), the state of the electronic device (101) may be switched from an unfolded state to a sub-folded state and / or a folded state based on the rotation of the first housing (111) and / or the third housing (113). In response to switching to the folded state, the electronic device (101) may deactivate the flexible display (150) and activate the cover display (152). The electronic device (101) may control the activated cover display (152) based on one or more software applications. Referring to FIG. 7, after switching to the state (703) corresponding to the folded state, the electronic device (101) may display a list of software applications and / or media content scheduled to be provided in the phone mode on the cover display (152). The list may have the form of a visual object displayed on at least a portion of the cover display (152), such as a panel (731). Within the panel (731), the electronic device (101) may display options related to a call connection, reserved based on a visual object (722). Based on an input related to the options, the electronic device (101) may establish the call connection.

[0120] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating different exemplary states (801, 802, 803) of an electronic device (101) according to various embodiments. The electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A may perform the operations described with reference to FIG. 8. The operations of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 8 may be performed by the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2 and / or the processor (210) of FIG. 2.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 8, different states (801, 802, 803) of the electronic device (101) are illustrated. Within the state (801) associated with the folded state, the electronic device (101) can play a video (811) using the cover display (152). On the cover display (152), the video (811) can be displayed based on the phone mode. Within the state (801), the electronic device (101) can receive an input for playing the video (811) within the tablet mode based on a menu (812) for the video (811). Based on the input, the electronic device (101) can store information related to the video (811) in a queue associated with the tablet mode (e.g., the second queue (242) of FIG. 2). The above information may include at least one of data for specifying the video (811) (e.g., file name, path and / or title of the video (811)) and / or data for continuously playing the video (811) (e.g., timing of the video (811) that was being played at the timing of receiving the input).

[0122] Referring to FIG. 8, in response to switching to an unfolded state within a state (801) of playing a video (811), the electronic device (101) may display a list of software applications and / or media content to be executed based on a tablet mode corresponding to the unfolded state (e.g., state (802)). The electronic device (101) may visualize the list using a panel (821) displayed on at least a portion of the flexible display (150). Referring to FIG. 8, when a video (811) is added to the list, the electronic device (101) may display text indicating a time at which the video (811) will be played within the panel (821). For example, the electronic device (101) may display text indicating the total length (10 minutes) of the video (811) and the time at which the video (811) will be played (2 minutes 30 seconds), such as “02:30 / 10:00.” The present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 8, within a state (803) within the unfolded state, the electronic device (101) can display a video (811) based on a tablet mode on the flexible display (150). The electronic device (101) can display the video (811) on the flexible display (150) based on the playback time of the video (811) that was played within the folded state.

[0124] Although an example of an electronic device (101) including a cover display (152) and a flexible display (150) has been described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, an exemplary operation of an electronic device (310) including the flexible display (150) of FIG. 3B is described in more detail.

[0125] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are perspective views illustrating different exemplary states (901, 902, and 903) of an electronic device (310) according to various embodiments. The electronic device (310) of FIG. 3B may perform the operations described with reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C (which may be referred to as FIGS. 9A to 9C). The operations of the electronic device (310) of FIGS. 9A to 9C may be performed by the processor (210) of FIG. 2.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 9A, a state (901) of the electronic device (310) associated with a folded state is illustrated. In the folded state, a first portion (150-1) of a flexible display (150) disposed on a first housing (111) is visible to the outside, and a second portion (e.g., the second portion (150-2) of FIG. 3A) of the flexible display (150) disposed on a second housing (112) can face a third portion (e.g., the third portion (150-3) of FIG. 3A) of the flexible display (150) disposed on a third housing (113). In the state (901), the electronic device (310) can execute one or more software applications based on the first portion. In the state (901), the electronic device (310) can display a screen having a layout based on a phone mode on the first portion.

[0127] In an exemplary state (901) of FIG. 9A, the electronic device (310) may display a screen for viewing media content including photos (911, 912). The screen may be provided by a software application for viewing media content, such as a gallery application. In one embodiment, in response to an input for the photo (911) (e.g., a long touch gesture, a single tap gesture, a double touch gesture, etc.), the electronic device (310) may receive an input configured for providing the photo (911) within a tablet mode. The input may be identified based on a tap gesture for a visual object (913) displayed in response to the input.

[0128] From a state (901) corresponding to the folded state of FIG. 9A, based on the rotation of the first housing (111), the electronic device (310) may switch to a state (902) corresponding to a sub-folded state and / or a half-folded state. Referring to FIG. 9B, in response to switching from the state (901) to the state (902), the electronic device (310) may provide, on a first portion of the flexible display (150) disposed on the first housing (111), a list of software applications and / or media contents set to be executed in tablet mode (or reserved). Within a screen including the list, the electronic device (310) may display visual objects (921, 922, 923) corresponding to each of the items (e.g., software applications and / or media contents) included in the list. Similar to the visual objects (521, 522, 523) of FIG. 5b and / or the visual objects (621, 622, 623) of FIG. 6b, the electronic device (310) may receive an input for selecting at least one of the visual objects (921, 922, 923). Based on the input, the electronic device (310) may identify a software application and / or media content to be executed in tablet mode.

[0129] From state (902) corresponding to the sub-fold state of FIG. 9b, based on the rotation of the third housing (113), the electronic device (310) can be switched to state (903) corresponding to the unfolded state. Referring to FIG. 9c, in response to switching from state (902) to state (903), the electronic device (310) can display screens (931, 932) related to one or more software applications specified by the list provided in state (902) on the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (150). For example, when switching from state (902) to state (903) upon receiving an input indicating selection of visual objects (921, 922), the electronic device (310) may execute software applications (e.g., a gallery application and / or a document application) corresponding to each of the visual objects (921, 922) and display screens (931, 932) corresponding to each of the software applications.

[0130] In an exemplary state (903) of FIG. 9C, the electronic device (310) can display a screen (931) on a first portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (150) and can display a screen (932) on a second portion next to the first portion. The screens (931, 932) may not overlap each other on the flexible display (150). The electronic device (310) can tile the screens (931, 932) on the flexible display (150). Displaying the screens (931, 932) on different portions of the flexible display (150) that do not overlap each other can be referred to as picture-in-picture (PBP). The electronic device (310) can display screens (931, 932) provided from software applications that are substantially simultaneously executed based on multitasking on the flexible display (150).

[0131] As described above, according to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a multi-foldable housing. Based on the posture of the multi-foldable housing, the electronic device may display a screen having a layout based on a phone mode and / or a tablet mode. The electronic device may support a function for setting (or reserving) software applications and / or media content to be provided through a mode other than the current mode, within a current mode of the electronic device determined from among the phone mode and the tablet mode. Based on the function, the electronic device may provide one or more software applications and / or one or more media content after switching to the other mode.

[0132] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic device (1001) within a network environment (1000) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 10, in the network environment (1000), the electronic device (1001) may communicate with the electronic device (1002) via a first network (1098) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (1004) or the server (1008) via a second network (1099) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1001) may communicate with the electronic device (1004) via the server (1008). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1001) may include a processor (1020), a memory (1030), an input module (1050), an audio output module (1055), a display module (1060), an audio module (1070), a sensor module (1076), an interface (1077), a connection terminal (1078), a haptic module (1079), a camera module (1080), a power management module (1088), a battery (1089), a communication module (1090), a subscriber identification module (1096), or an antenna module (1097). In various embodiments, the electronic device (1001) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (1078)), or may have one or more other components added. In various embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (1076), camera module (1080), or antenna module (1097)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., display module (1060)).

[0133] The processor (1020) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including in the claims, the term "processor" may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor, one or more of which may be configured to perform the various functions described herein, individually and / or collectively, in a distributed manner. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform several functions, these expressions also cover, for example, but not limited to, situations where a processor performs some of the described functions and other processor(s) perform the remainder of the described functions, and situations where a single processor performs all of the described functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform the various functions described / described, for example, in a distributed manner. The at least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions. The processor (1020) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (1040)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (1001) connected to the processor (1020) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (1020) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (1076) or a communication module (1090)) in a volatile memory (1032), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (1032), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (1034).According to one embodiment, the processor (1020) may include a main processor (1021) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (1023) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (1021). For example, when the electronic device (1001) includes the main processor (1021) and the auxiliary processor (1023), the auxiliary processor (1023) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (1021) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (1023) may be implemented separately from the main processor (1021) or as a part thereof.

[0134] The auxiliary processor (1023) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display module (1060), the sensor module (1076), or the communication module (1090)) of the electronic device (1001), for example, on behalf of the main processor (1021) while the main processor (1021) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (1021) while the main processor (1021) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1023) (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 (1080) or a communication module (1090)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1023) (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 (1001) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (1008)). 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.

[0135] The memory (1030) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (1020) or the sensor module (1076)) of the electronic device (1001). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (1040)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (1030) can include volatile memory (1032) or non-volatile memory (1034).

[0136] The program (1040) may be stored as software in memory (1030) and may include, for example, an operating system (1042), middleware (1044), or an application (1046).

[0137] The input module (1050) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (1001) (e.g., a processor (1020)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1001). The input module (1050) 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).

[0138] The audio output module (1055) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (1001). The audio output module (1055) 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.

[0139] The display module (1060) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (1001). The display module (1060) 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 (1060) 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.

[0140] The audio module (1070) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (1070) can acquire sound through the input module (1050), output sound through the sound output module (1055), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1002)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (1001).

[0141] The sensor module (1076) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (1001) 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 (1076) 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.

[0142] The interface (1077) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (1001) to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1002)). In one embodiment, the interface (1077) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0143] The connection terminal (1078) may include a connector through which the electronic device (1001) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1002)). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (1078) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0144] The haptic module (1079) 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 (1079) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0145] The camera module (1080) can capture still images and videos. In one embodiment, the camera module (1080) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0146] The power management module (1088) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (1001). According to one embodiment, the power management module (1088) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0147] A battery (1089) may power at least one component of the electronic device (1001). In one embodiment, the battery (1089) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0148] The communication module (1090) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (1001) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (1002), electronic device (1004), or server (1008)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (1090) may operate independently from the processor (1020) (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 (1090) may include a wireless communication module (1092) (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 (1094) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (1004) via a first network (1098) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (1099) (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 may 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 (1092) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (1096) to verify or authenticate the electronic device (1001) within a communication network such as the first network (1098) or the second network (1099).

[0149] The wireless communication module (1092) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (1092) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (1092) may 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 (1092) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (1001), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (1004)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (1099)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (1092) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0150] The antenna module (1097) 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 (1097) may include an antenna including a radiator including a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (1097) 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 (1098) or the second network (1099), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (1090). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (1090) and an external electronic device via 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 (1097).

[0151] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (1097) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0152] 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)).

[0153] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (1001) and an external electronic device (1004) via a server (1008) connected to a second network (1099). Each of the external electronic devices (1002 or 1504) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (1001). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (1001) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (1002, 1504, or 1508). For example, when the electronic device (1001) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (1001) 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 (1001). The electronic device (1001) 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 (1001) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (1004) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (1008) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (1004) or server (1008) may be included within the second network (1099). The electronic device (1001) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0154] 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, home appliances, or other similar devices. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0155] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0156] 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).

[0157] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (1040)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (1036) or an external memory (1038)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (1001)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (1020)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (1001)) 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, a 'non-transitory' storage medium is a tangible device and may not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently on the storage medium and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0159] 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. The electronic device (1001) of FIG. 10 may be an example of the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 8 and / or the electronic device (310) described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9C.

[0160] In one embodiment, a method may be required to provide software applications and / or media content based on different states and / or modes of an electronic device. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 8 and / or the electronic device (1001) of FIG. 10) as described above comprises a flexible display (e.g., the first housing (111) of FIGS. 3A and / or 3B), a second housing (e.g., the second housing (112) of FIGS. 3A and / or 3B) rotatably coupled with the first housing, a third housing (e.g., the third housing (113) of FIGS. 3A and / or 3B) rotatably coupled with the second housing, a cover display (e.g., the cover display (152) of FIG. 1) disposed on a first surface of the first housing, a first display area disposed on a second surface of the first housing opposite to the first surface, a second display area disposed on a third surface of the second housing, and a third display area disposed on a fourth surface of the third housing) The flexible display (150) of 1) may include at least one processor (e.g., processor (210) of FIG. 2) including a first sensor configured to detect an angle between the first housing and the second housing, a second sensor configured to detect an angle between the second housing and the third housing, a memory for storing instructions (e.g., memory (215) of FIG. 2), and a processing circuit configured to individually and / or collectively execute the instructions. The at least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to execute one or more applications on the cover display when the electronic device is in a folded state.At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display a list of one or more applications running on the cover display of the first housing in response to the electronic device switching from a folded state to a half-folded state based on a rotation of the first housing. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display a screen associated with at least one of the one or more applications on the flexible display in response to the electronic device switching from a half-folded state to an unfolded state based on a rotation of the third housing.

[0161] For example, within the folded state, the first housing may be configured to fold with respect to the second housing, and the third housing may be configured to fold with respect to the second housing.

[0162] For example, within the half-fold state, the first housing may be configured to unfold with respect to the second housing, and the third housing may be configured to fold with respect to the second housing, such that the directions of the second side and the third side are aligned with each other.

[0163] For example, within the unfolded state, the first housing may be configured to unfold with respect to the second housing, and the third housing may be configured to unfold with respect to the second housing, such that the directions of the second face, the third face, and the fourth face are the same.

[0164] For example, at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the cover display, while the flexible display is in the folded state, to be activated based on the one or more applications. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to deactivate the cover display and activate at least a portion of the flexible display disposed on the second side in response to switching from the folded state to the half-fold state.

[0165] For example, at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display the list on a portion of the flexible display disposed on the second surface within the half-folded state. The processor may be configured to control the electronic device to display the screen on the entire display area of ​​the flexible display within the unfolded state.

[0166] For example, at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display the video on the flexible display based on a playback point in time of the video that was played within the folded state, in response to switching to the unfolded state after playing the video using the cover display within the folded state.

[0167] For example, at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display, on the flexible display, the portion of the web page that was displayed within the folded state, in response to switching to the unfolded state after displaying a portion of the web page using the cover display within the folded state.

[0168] For example, at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to receive an input for selecting one of the one or more applications based on the list provided within the half-fold state. The at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device, in response to switching from the half-fold state to the unfolded state after receiving the input, to display the screen associated with the application corresponding to the input on the flexible display.

[0169] For example, at least one processor may be configured to, individually and / or collectively, control the electronic device to display a notification panel in which the list and one or more notification messages are accumulated, based on receiving a swipe gesture on a top area of ​​the cover display within the folded state.

[0170] For example, at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to identify the third side and the fourth side facing each other based on the one or more sensors, and to execute the one or more applications based on the identified second side and the third side facing each other, based on the folded state. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to identify the third side and the fourth side facing each other based on the one or more sensors, and to provide the list based on the half-folded state based on the identified second side and the third side orientations being the same. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display the screen based on the identified second side, the third side, and the fourth side orientations being the same, based on the identified one or more sensors.

[0171] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of an electronic device as described above may include an operation of executing one or more applications on a cover display disposed on a first side of the first housing in a folded state of the electronic device. The method may include an operation of displaying, on a first display area of ​​a flexible display of the electronic device disposed on a second side of the first housing opposite the first side, a list of one or more applications executed on the cover display in response to the electronic device switching from the folded state to a half-folded state based on a rotation of the first housing. The method may include an operation of displaying, on the flexible display disposed on the second side, a third side of the second housing, and a fourth side of the third housing, a screen associated with at least one application provided by the list in response to the electronic device switching from the half-folded state to an unfolded state based on a rotation of the third housing.

[0172] For example, the executing operation may include an operation of controlling the activated cover display based on the one or more applications within the folded state, in which the flexible display is deactivated. The providing operation may include an operation of deactivating the cover display and activating at least a portion of the flexible display disposed on the second surface in response to switching from the folded state to the half-folded state.

[0173] For example, the provided operation may include an operation of displaying the list on a portion of the flexible display disposed on the second surface within the half-folded state. The displaying operation may include an operation of displaying the screen on the entire display area of ​​the flexible display within the unfolded state.

[0174] For example, the executing action may include an action of playing a video using the cover display within the folded state. The displaying action may include an action of displaying the video on the flexible display based on the playback time of the video that was played within the folded state.

[0175] For example, the provided action may include receiving an input for selecting one of the one or more applications based on the list. The displaying action may include displaying a screen related to the application corresponding to the input on the flexible display.

[0176] For example, the method may include an operation of displaying a notification panel in which the list and one or more notification messages are accumulated, based on receiving a swipe gesture for a top area of ​​the cover display within the folded state.

[0177] For example, the executing operation may include an operation of executing the one or more applications based on the folded state, based on identifying the third side and the fourth side facing each other, and identifying the second side and the third side facing each other, based on the one or more sensors. The providing operation may include an operation of providing the list based on the half-folded state, based on identifying the third side and the fourth side facing each other, and identifying that the directions of the second side and the third side are the same, based on the one or more sensors. The displaying operation may include an operation of displaying the screen based on the unfolded state, based on identifying that the directions of the second side, the third side, and the fourth side are the same, based on the one or more sensors.

[0178] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 1 to 8 and / or the electronic device (1001) of FIG. 10) as described above comprises a first housing (e.g., the first housing (111) of FIGS. 3A and / or 3B), a second housing (e.g., the second housing (112) of FIGS. 3A and / or 3B) rotatably coupled to the first housing, a third housing (e.g., the third housing (113) of FIGS. 3A and / or 3B) rotatably coupled to the second housing, a cover display (e.g., the cover display (152) of FIG. 1) disposed on a first surface of the first housing, a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (150) of FIG. 1) disposed on a second surface of the first housing opposite to the first surface, a third surface of the second housing and a fourth surface of the third housing), one or more The electronic device may include at least one processor (e.g., processor 210 of FIG. 2) comprising sensors (e.g., sensor 230 of FIG. 2), a memory (e.g., memory 215 of FIG. 2) for storing instructions, and processing circuitry configured to individually and / or collectively execute the instructions. The at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to execute one or more software applications based on the flexible display within an unfolded state of the electronic device, which is verified by the one or more sensors and distinguished by a posture of the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing. The at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to provide a list of the one or more software applications on the flexible display disposed on the second face of the first housing in response to switching from the unfolded state to a sub-folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the third housing.At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display a screen associated with the one or more software applications provided by the list on the cover display in response to switching from the sub-fold state to the fold state of the electronic device based on the rotation of the first housing.

[0179] For example, at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the flexible display, activated within the unfolded state, with the cover display deactivated, based on the one or more software applications. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to deactivate the flexible display and activate the cover display in response to switching from the sub-folded state to the folded state.

[0180] For example, at least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to execute one or more software applications using the entire display area of ​​the flexible display within the unfolded state. At least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to control the electronic device to display the list on a portion of the flexible display disposed on the second surface within the sub-folded state.

[0181] For example, at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display the video on the flexible display based on a playback point in time of the video that was played within the unfolded state, in response to switching to the folded state after playing the video using the flexible display within the unfolded state.

[0182] For example, at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to, in response to switching to the folded state after displaying a first portion of a web page using the flexible display within the unfolded state, display a second portion included in the first portion of the web page that was displayed within the unfolded state on the cover display.

[0183] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of an electronic device as described above may include executing one or more software applications based on a flexible display of the electronic device in an unfolded state of the electronic device, the unfolded state being determined by one or more sensors of the electronic device and distinguished by postures of a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing of the electronic device. The method may include, in response to switching from the unfolded state to a sub-folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the third housing, providing a list of the one or more software applications on a flexible display among a cover display disposed on a first side of the first housing and a second side of the first housing, the third side of the second housing, and the fourth side of the third housing, which are opposite to the first side. The method may include, in response to switching from the sub-folded state to a folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the first housing, displaying a screen related to the one or more software applications provided by the list on the cover display.

[0184] For example, the executing operation may include an operation of controlling the activated flexible display based on one or more software applications within the unfolded state, in which the cover display is deactivated. The displaying operation may include an operation of deactivating the flexible display and activating the cover display in response to switching from the sub-folded state to the folded state.

[0185] For example, the executing operation may include an operation of executing one or more software applications using the entire display area of ​​the flexible display within the unfolded state. The providing operation may include an operation of displaying the list on a portion of the flexible display disposed on the second surface within the sub-folded state.

[0186] For example, the executing action may include an action of playing a video using the flexible display within the unfolded state. The displaying action may include an action of displaying the video on the flexible display based on the playback time of the video that was played within the unfolded state.

[0187] For example, the executing operation may include an operation of displaying a first portion of a web page using the flexible display within the unfolded state. The displaying operation may include an operation of displaying a second portion included in the first portion of the web page displayed within the unfolded state on the cover display.

[0188] According to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (310) of FIG. 3b and / or the electronic device (1001) of FIG. 10) as described above comprises a first housing (e.g., the first housing (111) of FIG. 3b), a second housing rotatably coupled with the first housing (e.g., the second housing (112) of FIG. 3b), a third housing rotatably coupled with the second housing (e.g., the third housing (113) of FIG. 3b), a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (150) of FIG. 3b) disposed on a first surface of the first housing, a second surface of the second housing and a third surface of the third housing), one or more sensors (e.g., the sensor (230) of FIG. 2), a memory for storing instructions (e.g., the memory (215) of FIG. 2), and the instructions individually and / or The flexible display may include at least one processor (e.g., processor 210 of FIG. 2) configured to collectively execute and include processing circuitry. The at least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to execute one or more software applications based on the first portion while the first portion of the flexible display disposed on the first side is externally visible and the second portion of the flexible display disposed on the second side faces the third portion of the flexible display disposed on the third side. The at least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to provide a list of the one or more software applications on the first side in response to switching from the folded state to a sub-folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the first housing.At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display a screen associated with the one or more software applications provided by the list on the entire display area of ​​the flexible display including the first side in response to switching from the sub-folded state to the unfolded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the second housing.

[0189] For example, at least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to identify, based on the one or more sensors, orientations of the first side and the second side that are opposite to each other, and to identify, based on the second side and the third side that are facing each other, to execute, based on the folded state, the one or more software applications. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to provide, based on the sub-folded state, the list, based on the one or more sensors, to identify, based on the one or more sensors, that the orientations of the first side and the second side are identical and that the second side and the third side are facing each other. At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control, based on the one or more sensors, to control, based on the unfolded state, the electronic device to display the screen, based on the one or more sensors, to identify, based on the one or more sensors, that the orientations of the first side, the second side, and the third side are identical.

[0190] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of an electronic device as described above may include an operation of executing one or more software applications based on a first portion of a flexible display disposed on a first surface of a first housing of the electronic device while the first portion of the flexible display disposed on a second surface of a second housing is visible to the outside and the second portion of the flexible display disposed on a second surface of a second housing faces a third portion of the flexible display disposed on a third surface of a third housing, based on a folded state of the electronic device. The method may include an operation of providing a list of the one or more software applications on the first surface in response to switching from the folded state to a sub-folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the first housing. The method may include an operation of displaying a screen related to the one or more software applications provided by the list on an entire display area of ​​the flexible display including the first surface in response to switching from the sub-folded state to an unfolded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the second housing.

[0191] For example, the executing operation may include an operation of executing the one or more software applications based on the folded state, based on identifying, based on the one or more sensors, the directions of the first side and the second side that are opposite to each other, and identifying the second side and the third side that face each other. The providing operation may include an operation of providing the list based on the sub-folded state, based on identifying, based on the one or more sensors, that the directions of the first side and the second side are identical and the second side and the third side that face each other. The displaying operation may include an operation of displaying the screen based on the unfolded state, based on identifying, based on the one or more sensors, that the directions of the first side, the second side, and the third side are identical.

[0192] According to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (310) of FIG. 3b and / or the electronic device (1001) of FIG. 10) as described above comprises a first housing (e.g., the first housing (111) of FIG. 3b), a second housing rotatably coupled with the first housing (e.g., the second housing (112) of FIG. 3b), a third housing rotatably coupled with the second housing (e.g., the third housing (113) of FIG. 3b), a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (150) of FIG. 3b) disposed on a first surface of the first housing, a second surface of the second housing and a third surface of the third housing), one or more sensors (e.g., the sensor (230) of FIG. 2), a memory for storing instructions (e.g., the memory (215) of FIG. 2) and individually and / or The flexible display may include at least one processor (e.g., processor 210 of FIG. 2) configured to collectively execute processing circuitry. The at least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to execute one or more software applications based on the entire display area of ​​the flexible display within an unfolded state of the electronic device. The at least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to provide a list of the one or more software applications to a portion of the flexible display disposed on the first face in response to switching from the unfolded state to a sub-folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the third housing.At least one processor may be configured, individually and / or collectively, to control the electronic device to display a screen associated with the one or more software applications provided by the list on the portion of the flexible display in response to switching from the sub-fold state to the fold state of the electronic device based on the rotation of the first housing.

[0193] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of an electronic device as described above may include executing one or more software applications based on an entire display area of ​​a flexible display disposed on a first side of a first housing, a second side of a second housing, and a third side of a third housing of the electronic device in an unfolded state of the electronic device. The method may include providing a list of the one or more software applications on a portion of the flexible display disposed on the first side in response to switching from the unfolded state to a sub-folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the third housing. The method may include displaying a screen related to the one or more software applications provided by the list on the portion of the flexible display in response to switching from the sub-folded state to a folded state of the electronic device based on a rotation of the first housing.

[0194] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device as described above may include a housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, a flexible display including a first display area disposed on the first housing part, a second display area disposed on the second housing part, and a third display area disposed on the third housing part, at least one sensor configured to detect a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part, at least one processor including a processing circuit, and one or more storage media, and a memory including instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display, on the first display area, one or more visual objects, each corresponding to one or more software applications to be executed in an unfolded state, in response to detecting that the foldable electronic device is changing from a multi-fold state to a single-fold state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to receive an input for selecting at least one visual object from among the visual objects while displaying the one or more visual objects on the first display area.The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display, on the first, second, or third display area, at least one execution screen corresponding to the at least one visual object selected by the input when the state of the foldable electronic device changes from the single-fold state to the unfolded state based on the received input.

[0195] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to identify, based on the first angle and the second angle indicated by sensor data from the at least one sensor, whether the foldable electronic device corresponds to one of designated states. The designated states may include the multi-fold state, in which the second display area is covered by the third display area, and the first display area faces the rear surface of the third housing part. The designated states may include the single-fold state, in which the second display area is covered by the third display area, and the first display area is in the same horizontal plane as the second display area. The designated states may include the unfolded state, in which the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are in the same horizontal plane.

[0196] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to execute the one or more software applications within the unfolded state and to display the one or more visual objects corresponding to other inputs received prior to the change on the first display area.

[0197] For example, the instructions, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to receive inputs indicating that the foldable electronic device reserves one or more execution screens, each corresponding to one or more software applications, in a list including the one or more visual objects.

[0198] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device, in response to inputs, to store one or more uniform resource indicators (URIs), each associated with one or more software applications, in a queue arranged in the memory.

[0199] For example, the foldable electronic device may include a cover display disposed on a first side of the housing opposite a second side of the flexible display on which the flexible display is disposed. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display a first execution screen on a fourth display area of ​​the cover display when the state of the foldable electronic device is in the multi-fold state. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to detect a change from the multi-fold state to the single-fold state while displaying the first execution screen. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display a second execution screen related to the first execution screen on the first, second, and third display areas in response to detecting that the foldable electronic device changes from the single-fold state to the unfolded state without receiving the input.

[0200] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display the second execution screen to display content that was displayed through the cover display through the flexible display.

[0201] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device, in response to detecting a change from the multi-fold state to the single-fold state, to display one or more visual objects based on a first list including the one or more software applications. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device, in response to detecting a change from the unfolded state to the single-fold state, to display other visual objects on the first display area, based on a second list including other software applications. The other visual objects may each correspond to the other software applications.

[0202] For example, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to receive another input for selecting at least one visual object from among the other visual objects while displaying the other visual objects on the first display area. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, may cause the foldable electronic device to display, on the fourth display area, an execution screen corresponding to a software application selected by the other input, based on the received another input.

[0203] According to one embodiment, a method of a foldable electronic device as described above may be provided. The foldable electronic device may include a housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, and a flexible display including a first display area disposed on the first housing part, a second display area disposed on the second housing part, and a third display area disposed on the third housing part. The method may include an operation of displaying, on the first display area, one or more visual objects, each corresponding to one or more software applications to be executed in an unfolded state, in response to detecting a change from a multi-fold state to a single-fold state. The method may include an operation of receiving, while displaying the one or more visual objects on the first display area, an input for selecting at least one visual object from among the visual objects. The method may include an operation of displaying, on the first, second, or third display area, at least one execution screen corresponding to the at least one visual object selected by the input, based on the received input, where the state of the foldable electronic device is changed from the single-fold state to the unfolded state.

[0204] For example, the method may include an operation of identifying whether the foldable electronic device corresponds to one of designated states based on the first angle and the second angle indicated by sensor data from the at least one sensor. The designated states may include the multi-fold state, in which the second display area is covered by the third display area and the first display area faces the rear surface of the third housing part. The designated states may include the single-fold state, in which the second display area is covered by the third display area and the first display area is in the same horizontal plane as the second display area. The designated states may include the unfolded state, in which the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are in the same horizontal plane.

[0205] For example, the act of displaying the one or more visual objects may include an act of executing the one or more software applications within the unfolded state and displaying the one or more visual objects corresponding to other inputs received prior to the change on the first display area.

[0206] For example, the method may include receiving other inputs indicating that one or more execution screens, each corresponding to one or more software applications, be reserved for a list including the one or more visual objects.

[0207] For example, the method may include, in response to the other inputs, storing one or more uniform resource indicators (URIs), each associated with one or more software applications, in a queue arranged in the memory.

[0208] For example, the method may include an operation of displaying a first execution screen on a fourth display area of ​​the cover display when the state of the foldable electronic device is in the multi-fold state. The method may include an operation of detecting a change from the multi-fold state to the single-fold state while displaying the first execution screen. The method may include an operation of displaying a second execution screen related to the first execution screen on the first, second, and third display areas in response to detecting a change from the single-fold state to the unfolded state without receiving the input.

[0209] For example, the action of displaying the second execution screen may include an action of displaying the second execution screen to display content displayed through the cover display through the flexible display.

[0210] For example, the act of displaying the one or more visual objects may include, in response to detecting a change from the multi-fold state to the single-fold state, displaying the one or more visual objects based on a first list including the one or more software applications. The method may include, in response to detecting a change from the unfolded state to the single-fold state, displaying other visual objects on the first display area based on a second list including other software applications, wherein the other visual objects may each correspond to the other software applications.

[0211] For example, the method may include an operation of receiving another input for selecting at least one visual object from among the other visual objects while displaying the other visual objects on the first display area. The method may include an operation of displaying, on the fourth display area, an execution screen corresponding to the software application selected by the other input, based on the received other input.

[0212] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions as described above may be provided. The instructions may be individually and / or collectively executed by at least one processor including a processing circuit of a foldable electronic device including a housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, and a flexible display including a first display area disposed on the first housing part, a second display area disposed on the second housing part, and a third display area disposed on the third housing part. The instructions, when executed by the foldable electronic device, may cause the foldable electronic device to, in response to detecting that the foldable electronic device has changed from a multi-fold state in which the second display area is covered by the third display area and the first display area is oriented toward the rear of the third housing part to a single-fold state in which the second display area is covered by the third display area and the first display area is in the same horizontal plane as the second display area, display one or more visual objects, each corresponding to a first set of one or more software applications to be executed in an unfolded state in which the first, second, and third display areas are in the same horizontal plane, on the first display area. The instructions, when executed by the foldable electronic device, may cause the foldable electronic device to, in response to detecting that the foldable electronic device has changed from the unfolded state to the single-fold state, display other visual objects, each corresponding to a second set of one or more software applications to be executed within the multi-fold state, on the first display area.

[0213] For example, the instructions, when executed by the foldable electronic device, may cause the foldable electronic device to receive an input for selecting at least one visual object from among the one or more visual objects while displaying the one or more visual objects on the first display area. The instructions, when executed by the foldable electronic device, may cause the foldable electronic device to display, on the first, second, and third display areas, at least one visual object corresponding to the at least one visual object selected by the user input when the state of the housing changes from the single-fold state to the unfolded state based on the received input.

[0214] For example, the instructions, when executed by the foldable electronic device, may cause the foldable electronic device to receive an input for selecting at least one visual object from among the other visual objects while displaying the other visual objects on the first display area. The instructions, when executed by the foldable electronic device, may cause the foldable electronic device to, based on the received input, display at least one execution screen corresponding to the at least one visual object selected by the input on a fourth display area of ​​a cover display disposed on a first side of the housing opposite a second side of the housing on which the flexible display is disposed, when the state of the housing changes from the single-fold state to the multi-fold state.

[0215] For example, the instructions, when executed by the foldable electronic device, may cause the foldable electronic device to display a first execution screen on the first, second, and third display areas prior to changing from the unfolded state to the single-fold state. The instructions, when executed by the foldable electronic device, may cause the foldable electronic device to display a second execution screen, related to the first execution screen, on the fourth display area in response to detecting that the foldable electronic device changes from the single-fold state to the multi-fold state without receiving the input.

[0216] The devices described above may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices and components described in various embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing instructions and responding to them. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. The processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device is sometimes described as being used alone; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, a processing unit may include multiple processors, or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0217] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may independently or collectively command the processing device. The software and / or data may be embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, computer storage medium, or device for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0218] The method according to the exemplary embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may be one that continuously stores a computer-executable program or one that temporarily stores it for execution or download. In addition, the medium may be various recording or storage means in the form of a single or multiple hardware combinations, and is not limited to a medium directly connected to a computer system, but may also be distributed over a network. Examples of the medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and those configured to store program instructions, including ROM, RAM, and flash memory. In addition, examples of other media may include recording or storage media managed by app stores that distribute applications, sites that supply or distribute various software, servers, etc.

[0219] While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various embodiments, it is to be understood that the various exemplary embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Those skilled in the art will further recognize that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the full scope of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in combination with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device, Housing, said housing comprising: Part 1 Housing, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part; and Including a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part; A flexible display, said flexible display, A first display area disposed on the first housing part; a second display area arranged on the second housing part; and Including a third display area arranged on the third housing part, At least one sensor configured to detect a first angle between the first housing part and the second housing part, and a second angle between the second housing part and the third housing part; At least one processor comprising a processing circuit; and A memory comprising one or more storage media, comprising instructions, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: In response to detecting a change from a multi-fold state to a single-fold state, displaying on the first display area one or more visual objects, each of which corresponds to one or more software applications to be executed in the unfolded state; While displaying one or more visual objects on the first display area, receiving an input for selecting at least one visual object among the visual objects; and Based on the received input, when the state of the foldable electronic device changes from the single-fold state to the unfolded state, causing at least one execution screen corresponding to the at least one visual object selected by the user input to be displayed on the first, the second, or the third display area. Foldable electronic devices.

2. In claim 1, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: Based on the first angle and the second angle indicated by the sensor data from the at least one sensor, identifying whether the foldable electronic device corresponds to one of the specified states, wherein the specified states are: The multi-fold state, wherein the second display area is covered by the third display area, and the first display area faces the rear surface of the third housing part; The single-fold state, wherein the second display area is covered by the third display area and the first display area is in the same horizontal plane as the second display area; and Including the unfolded state, wherein the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are on the same horizontal plane, Foldable electronic devices.

3. In claim 1, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: Indicates executing said one or more software applications within said unfolded state, and causes said one or more visual objects corresponding to other inputs received prior to said change to be displayed on said first display area. Foldable electronic devices.

4. In claim 3, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: causing said other inputs to be received, each of said one or more execution screens corresponding to said one or more software applications, to be reserved in a list comprising said one or more visual objects; Foldable electronic devices.

5. In claim 4, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: In response to said other inputs, causing one or more uniform resource indicators (URIs), each associated with one or more of said software applications, to be stored in a queue arranged in said memory. Foldable electronic devices.

6. In claims 1 to 3, Further comprising a cover display disposed on a first side of the housing opposite to a second side of the flexible display on which the flexible display is disposed, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: On the fourth display area of ​​the cover display, a first execution screen is displayed based on the state of the foldable electronic device being in the multi-fold state; Detecting a change from the multi-fold state to the single-fold state while displaying the first execution screen; and In response to detecting a change from the single-fold state to the unfolded state without receiving said input, causing a second execution screen, related to the first execution screen, to be displayed on the first, second, and third display areas. Foldable electronic devices.

7. In claim 6, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: Causing the second execution screen to be displayed, in order to display the content displayed through the cover display through the flexible display. Foldable electronic devices.

8. In claims 6 to 7, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: In response to detecting a change from the multi-fold state to the single-fold state, displaying one or more visual objects based on a first list including the one or more software applications; and In response to detecting a change from the unfolded state to the single-fold state, cause other visual objects based on a second list including other software applications to be displayed on the first display area, the other visual objects each corresponding to one of the other software applications. Foldable electronic devices.

9. In claim 8, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor, cause the foldable electronic device to: While displaying the other visual objects on the first display area, receiving another input for selecting at least one visual object among the other visual objects; and Causing, based on the other input received above, to display an execution screen corresponding to the software application selected by the other input on the fourth display area. Foldable electronic devices.

10. A method for a foldable electronic device including a housing including a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled with the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled with the second housing part, and a flexible display including a first display area disposed on the first housing part, a second display area disposed on the second housing part, and a third display area disposed on the third housing part: In response to detecting a change from a multi-fold state to a single-fold state, displaying on the first display area one or more visual objects, each of which corresponds to one or more software applications to be executed in an unfolded state; An operation of receiving an input for selecting at least one visual object among the visual objects while displaying the one or more visual objects on the first display area; and An operation including displaying at least one execution screen corresponding to the at least one visual object selected by the input on the first, the second, or the third display area, based on the received input, wherein the state of the foldable electronic device is changed from the single-fold state to the unfolded state. method.

11. In claim 10, Further comprising an operation of identifying whether the foldable electronic device corresponds to one of the specified states based on the first angle and the second angle indicated by the sensor data from the at least one sensor, wherein the specified states are: The multi-fold state, wherein the second display area is covered by the third display area, and the first display area faces the rear surface of the third housing part; The single-fold state, wherein the second display area is covered by the third display area and the first display area is in the same horizontal plane as the second display area; and Including the unfolded state, wherein the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are on the same horizontal plane, method.

12. In claim 10, the act of displaying one or more visual objects comprises: Indicates executing said one or more software applications within said unfolded state, and includes an action of displaying said one or more visual objects corresponding to other inputs received prior to said change, on said first display area. method.

13. In claim 12, Further comprising an action of receiving other inputs indicating reserving one or more execution screens, each corresponding to one or more software applications, in a list including one or more visual objects. method.

14. In claim 13, In response to said other inputs, further comprising the action of storing one or more uniform resource indicators (URIs), each associated with one or more of said software applications, in a queue arranged in said memory. method.

15. In claims 10 to 12, An action of displaying a first execution screen on a fourth display area of ​​the cover display based on the state of the foldable electronic device being in the multi-fold state; An action for detecting a change from the multi-fold state to the single-fold state while displaying the first execution screen; and In response to detecting a change from the single-fold state to the unfolded state without receiving the input, further comprising the action of displaying a second execution screen related to the first execution screen on the first, second, and third display areas. method.

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