Electronic device comprising display, and operating method of electronic device

Abstract

This electronic device comprises a display, processor, and a memory for storing instructions, wherein, when executed by the processor, the instructions can be configured such that the electronic device determines a network slice corresponding to each area on the display, identifies, on the basis of a network connection attempt detected from the application, an area in which an application is displayed on the display, and determines the connected network slice on the basis of the location of the area in which the application is displayed on the display.

Description

Electronic devices including displays and methods of operating electronic devices

[0001] The various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to an electronic device including a display. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for an electronic device (e.g., a terminal) to actively recognize a screen area and provide appropriate network services in a 5G network environment supporting network slicing.

[0002] 5G mobile communication technology defines a wide frequency band to enable fast transmission speeds and new services, and can be implemented not only in the sub-6GHz frequency band such as 3.5 gigahertz (3.5GHz), but also in the ultra-high frequency band called millimeter wave (mmWave) such as 28GHz and 39GHz ('Above 6GHz'). In addition, for 6G mobile communication technology, which is called the system after 5G communication (Beyond 5G), implementation in the terahertz band (for example, the 3 terahertz (3THz) band at 95GHz) is being considered to achieve a transmission speed that is 50 times faster than 5G mobile communication technology and an ultra-low latency time that is reduced to one-tenth.

[0003] In the early stages of 5G mobile communication technology, the goal is to support services and meet performance requirements for enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC). These include beamforming and massive MIMO to mitigate path loss of radio waves in ultra-high frequency bands and increase the transmission distance of radio waves, support for various numerologies (such as operation of multiple subcarrier intervals) and dynamic operation of slot formats for efficient use of ultra-high frequency resources, initial access technology to support multi-beam transmission and wideband, definition and operation of BWP (band-width part), new channel coding methods such as LDPC (low density parity check) codes for large-capacity data transmission and polar codes for reliable transmission of control information, L2 pre-processing, Standardization has been progressing on network slicing, which provides dedicated networks specialized for specific services.

[0004] With the recent commercialization of 5G networks, interest in new services, including next-generation media, smart factories, and autonomous driving, is growing. To successfully deliver these 5G services, diverse service requirements must be guaranteed based on their purpose and characteristics. Network slicing technology enables the provision of dedicated networks tailored to specific services with different characteristics, based on a common physical infrastructure.

[0005] This document relates to a method for an electronic device (e.g., a terminal) to actively recognize a screen area and provide an appropriate network service in a 5th generation network environment supporting network slices of a mobile broadband device (MBB).

[0006] Applications can use predefined network settings. This can be inconvenient for users, who must manually change the application's network settings to change the application's settings.

[0007] In an electronic device, the electronic device includes a display processor and a memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to determine a corresponding network slice for each area on the display, determine an area to be displayed on the display based on a network connection attempt detected from an application, and determine a network slice to which the application is connected based on a location of the area to be displayed on the display.

[0008] In the method of operation, the method may include an operation of determining a corresponding network slice for each area on the display, an operation of determining an area to be displayed on the display by the application based on a detection of a network connection attempt from the application, and an operation of determining a network slice to be connected based on a location of an area to be displayed on the display by the application.

[0009] A storage medium may include a processor and a memory, and the memory may store instructions for determining a network slice corresponding to each area on a display by an electronic device during execution and storing the determined network slice in the memory, and for determining an area to be displayed on the display by the application based on a network connection attempt detected from the application, and for determining a network slice to be connected based on a location of the area to be displayed on the display by the application.

[0010] An electronic device including a flexible display of this document can configure a network corresponding to an application according to a screen area, thereby reducing the inconvenience of reconfiguring the configuration according to the state of the electronic device.

[0011] An electronic device including a flexible display of this document can provide network services on separate screens, minimizing changes by the user in the process.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device (200) according to various embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 2b is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device (200) according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 2c is a diagram illustrating an intermediate state of an electronic device (200) according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view illustrating a flat state or unfolding state of an electronic device including a second form according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 3b is a plan view showing the front of the electronic device in the unfolded state of FIG. 3a according to various embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 3c is a plan view illustrating the rear surface of the electronic device in the unfolded state of FIG. 3a according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device for controlling a folding angle during shooting according to various embodiments.

[0020] Figure 5a illustrates a network connection situation when using an application of an electronic device according to a comparative example.

[0021] FIG. 5b illustrates a situation in which an electronic device according to various embodiments provides specialized network services when executing an application on a separate screen.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for an electronic device according to various embodiments to provide specialized network services when executing applications on separate screens.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0024] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0025] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0026] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0027] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0028] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0029] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0030] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0031] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0032] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0033] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0034] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0035] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0036] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0037] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0038] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0039] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0040] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0041] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0042] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0043] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0044] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0045] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0046] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0047] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0048] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through 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.

[0050] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0051] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an unfolding state of an electronic device (e.g., a foldable electronic device) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a folding state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2C is a diagram schematically illustrating an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be included in the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 2A to 2C. For example, the electronic device (200) disclosed in FIGS. 2A to 2C may include the processor (120), the memory (130), the input module (150), the audio output module (155), the display module (160), the audio module (170), the sensor module (176), the interface (177), the connection terminal (178), the haptic module (179), the camera module (180), the antenna module (197), and / or the subscriber identification module (196) disclosed in FIG. 1A. The electronic device disclosed in FIGS. 2A to 2C may include a foldable electronic device (200).

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, a foldable electronic device (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a pair of housings (e.g., a first housing (210) and a second housing (220)) (e.g., a foldable housing) that face each other and fold with respect to a hinge module (e.g., a hinge module (264) of FIG. 2B) as a reference. According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a hinge cover (e.g., a hinge cover (265) of FIG. 2B) that covers a foldable portion of the pair of housings (e.g., the first housing (210) and the second housing (220)) and a flexible display (230) (e.g., a foldable display) that is disposed in a space formed by the pair of housings (e.g., the first housing (210) and the second housing (220)).

[0054] According to one embodiment, a flexible display (230) disposed in a space formed by a pair of housings (e.g., a first housing (210), a second housing (220)) may include one display or at least two displays.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the surface on which the flexible display (230) is disposed may be defined as the front (or first surface) of the foldable electronic device (200), and the surface opposite the front surface may be defined as the back (or second surface) of the foldable electronic device (200). The surface surrounding the space between the front and back surfaces may be defined as the side surface of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0056] In one embodiment, a pair of housings (e.g., a first housing (210), a second housing (220)) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a first rear cover (240), and a second rear cover (250) that include a sensor area (231d). The pair of housings (210, 220) of the foldable electronic device (200) are not limited to the shapes and combinations illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2C and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing (210) and the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally, and the second housing (220) and the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged on both sides with the folding axis (A axis) as the center, and may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A axis). According to one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may vary depending on whether the state of the foldable electronic device (200) is an unfolding (or flat) state, a folding state, or an intermediate state. According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) additionally includes a sensor area (231d) in which sensors are arranged, unlike the second housing (220), but may have a mutually symmetrical shape in other areas. According to one embodiment, the sensor area (231d) may be additionally arranged in or replaced with at least a portion of the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A). For example, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be folded in an asymmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A) such that a portion of the flexible display (230) is exposed to the outside of the electronic device (200).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first surface (211) that is connected to a hinge module (e.g., hinge module (264) of FIG. 2B) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state and is arranged to face the front of the foldable electronic device (200), a second surface (212) that faces in an opposite direction to the first surface (211), and a first side member (213) that surrounds at least a portion of a space between the first surface (211) and the second surface (212). According to one embodiment, the first side member (213) may include a first side (213a) arranged parallel to the folding axis (A axis), a second side (213b) extending from one end of the first side (213a) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis), and a third side (213c) extending from the other end of the first side (213a) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a third side (221) that is connected to a hinge module (e.g., hinge module (264) of FIG. 2B) when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state and is arranged to face the front of the foldable electronic device (200), a fourth side (222) that faces in an opposite direction to the third side (221), and a second side member (223) that surrounds at least a portion of a space between the third side (221) and the fourth side (222). According to one embodiment, the second side member (223) may include a fourth side (223a) arranged parallel to the folding axis (A axis), a fifth side (223b) extending from one end of the fourth side (223a) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis), and a sixth side (223c) extending from the other end of the fourth side (223a) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis). According to one embodiment, the third side (221) may face the first side (211) in a folded state.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a recess (201) formed to accommodate a flexible display (230) through a structural combination of a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). The recess (201) may have substantially the same size as the flexible display (230). According to one embodiment, due to the sensor area (231d), the recess (201) may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis). For example, the recess (201) may have a first width (W1) between the first portion (220a) of the second housing (220) and the first portion (210a) formed at the edge of the sensor area (231d) of the first housing (210), and a second width (W2) formed by the second portion (220b) of the second housing (220) and the second portion (210b) that is parallel to the folding axis (A axis) and does not correspond to the sensor area (231d) of the first housing (210). In this case, the second width (W2) may be formed to be longer than the first width (W1). For example, the recess (201) may be formed to have a first width (W1) formed from a first portion (210a) of a first housing (210) having a mutually asymmetrical shape to a first portion (220a) of a second housing (220), and a second width (W2) formed from a second portion (210b) of the first housing (210) having a mutually symmetrical shape to a second portion (220b) of the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the first portion (210a) and the second portion (210b) of the first housing (210) may be formed to have different distances from the folding axis (A axis). The width of the recess (201) may not be limited to the illustrated example. According to one embodiment, the recess (201) may have two or more different widths due to the shape of the sensor area (231d) or the asymmetrical shape of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).

[0061] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be formed of a rigid metallic material or non-metallic material to support the flexible display (230).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the sensor area (231d) may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the first housing (210). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor area (231d) may be disposed at the lower portion of the flexible display (230) or may be disposed inside the flexible display (230) so as not to be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (200). The arrangement, shape, or size of the sensor area (231d) may not be limited to the illustrated example. For example, the sensor area (231d) may be provided at another corner of the first housing (210) or any area between the upper corner and the lower corner. According to one embodiment, the sensor area (231d) may be disposed at at least a portion of the second housing (220). The sensor area (231d) may be disposed to extend to the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (200) may include components arranged to be exposed on the front side of the foldable electronic device (200) through the sensor area (213d) or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (231d). According to one embodiment, the components may include, for example, at least one of a front camera device, a receiver, a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator.

[0063] In one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) can be disposed on the second side (212) of the first housing (210) and can have a substantially rectangular periphery. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the periphery can be wrapped by the first housing (210). The second rear cover (250) can be disposed on the fourth side (222) of the second housing (220) and can have at least a portion of the periphery wrapped by the second housing (220).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis (A axis). The first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may also have different shapes. According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally with the first housing (210), and the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally with the second housing (220).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (240), the second rear cover (250), the first housing (210), and the second housing (220) may be coupled to each other to provide a space in which components of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., a printed circuit board, an antenna module (e.g., an antenna module (197) of FIG. 1A), a sensor module (e.g., a sensor module (176) of FIG. 1A), or a battery (e.g., a battery (189) of FIG. 1A)) may be placed. According to one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first rear area (241) of the first rear cover (240). According to one embodiment, the sensor may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera device, and / or a flash. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the sub-display (252) may be visually exposed through the second rear area (251) of the second rear cover (250). The sub-display (252) may be arranged across the entire fourth side (222) of the second rear cover (250).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1A) may be placed in a space formed by a pair of housings (e.g., a first housing (210) and a second housing (220)). For example, the flexible display (230) may be placed in a recess (201) formed by the pair of housings (210, 220) and may be placed to occupy most of the front surface of the foldable electronic device (200). According to one embodiment, the front surface of the foldable electronic device (200) may include the flexible display (230) and a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of the first housing (210) adjacent to the flexible display (230) and a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the back surface of the foldable electronic device (200) may include a first back cover (240), a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of a first housing (210) adjacent to the first back cover (240), a second back cover (250), and a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of a second housing (220) adjacent to the second back cover (250).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may refer to a display in which at least a portion of the display can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a bending region (231c) (e.g., a folding region), a first flat region (231a) disposed on one side (e.g., a right side of the bending region (231c)) with respect to the bending region (231c), and a second flat region (231b) disposed on the other side (e.g., a left side of the folding region (231c)). For example, the first flat region (231a) may be disposed on the first surface (211) of the first housing (210), and the second flat region (231b) may be disposed on the third surface (221) of the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the division of the regions of the flexible display (230) is exemplary, and the flexible display (230) may be divided into a plurality of regions (for example, four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. According to one embodiment, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the regions of the flexible display (230) may be divided by a bending region (231c) extending parallel to the y-axis or a folding axis (A-axis), but the flexible display (230) may also be divided into regions based on another bending region (for example, a folding region parallel to the x-axis) or another folding axis (for example, a folding axis parallel to the x-axis). According to one embodiment, the area division of the flexible display (230) is merely a physical division by a pair of housings (210, 220) and a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module (264) of FIG. 2b), and the flexible display (230) can substantially display one entire screen through a pair of housings (210, 220) and a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module (264) of FIG. 2b). According to one embodiment, the first planar area (231a) and the second planar area (231b) can have an overall symmetrical shape centered on the bending area (231c).According to one embodiment, the first planar region (231a), unlike the second planar region (231b), may include a cut notch region (e.g., the notch region (233) of FIG. 2b) depending on the presence of the sensor region (231d), but may have a shape symmetrical with respect to the second planar region (231b) in other regions. For example, the first planar region (231a) and the second planar region (231b) may include portions having mutually symmetrical shapes and portions having mutually asymmetrical shapes. According to one embodiment, when the sensor area (231d) is positioned below (e.g., in the -Z direction) of the flexible display (230) or inside the flexible display (230), the notch area (233) is omitted, so that the first planar area (231a) and the second planar area (231b) can have a shape that is substantially symmetrical about the bending area (231c).

[0068] Referring to FIG. 2B, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a hinge cover (265). The hinge cover (265) may be configured to be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and cover an internal component (e.g., the hinge module (264) of FIG. 2B). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (265) may be covered by a portion of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) or exposed to the outside, depending on the operating state of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., an unfolding state or a folding state). For example, the hinge cover (265) can be positioned so as to be invisible from the outside by supporting a hinge module (e.g., hinge module (264) of FIG. 2B) and being exposed to the outside when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state and being introduced into a first space (e.g., an internal space of the first housing (210)) and a second space (e.g., an internal space of the second housing (220)) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state.

[0069] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (265) may be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may not be exposed. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the hinge cover (265) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded at a certain angle, the hinge cover (265) may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device (200) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In this case, the exposed area may be less than when the foldable electronic device (200) is fully folded. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (265) may include a curved surface.

[0070] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may form an angle of substantially about 180°, and the first planar region (231a) and the second planar region (231b) of the flexible display (230) may be arranged to face the same direction (e.g., horizontally). In this case, the bending region (231c) may form a substantially same plane as the first planar region (231a) and the second planar region (231b).

[0071] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., a state as shown in FIG. 2b), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged to face each other. The first planar region (231a) and the second planar region (231b) of the flexible display (230) may form a predetermined angle (e.g., between about 0° and 10°) with each other and may face each other. In this case, at least a portion of the bending region (231c) may be bent to have a predetermined curvature.

[0072] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in an intermediate state, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged at a predetermined angle (e.g., between about 85° and about 95°) with respect to each other. The first planar area (231a) and the second planar area (231b) of the flexible display (230) may form an angle that is greater than that in the folded state and less than that in the unfolded state. The bending area (231c) may be bent such that at least a portion thereof has a predetermined curvature. In this case, the curvature of the bending area (231c) may be less than that in the folded state.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2C, the electronic device (200) may be operated to maintain an intermediate state through a hinge module (e.g., the hinge cover (265) of FIG. 2B). According to one embodiment, the intermediate state is an operation state corresponding to an unfolded state and a folded state of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), and may include an operation state in which the folding angle of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) is included in a third reference range (e.g., about 20 degrees to about 170 degrees). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may be operated to maintain a state in which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are unfolded at one angle through a hinge module (e.g., the hinge cover (265) of FIG. 2B) in the intermediate state. For example, the unfolded state of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may include an operating state in which the folding angles of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are within a first reference range (e.g., about 170 degrees to about 180 degrees). For example, the folded state of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may include an operating state in which the folding angles of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are within a second reference range (e.g., about 0 degrees to about 20 degrees).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can use either the first display (230) or the second display (235) based on the folding angles of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the electronic device (200) can use the second display (235) when the folding angles of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) fall within a specified first range (e.g., from about 20 degrees to about 75 degrees). For example, the electronic device (200) can use the first display (230) when the folding angles of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) fall within a specified second range (e.g., from about 75 degrees to about 170 degrees). In such a case, the electronic device (200) may control the first display (230) to display different contents in a first area of ​​the first display (230) corresponding to the first side (211) and a second area of ​​the first display (230) corresponding to the third side (221). For example, the designated first range and / or the designated second range may be included in a third reference range for determining an intermediate state.

[0075] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view illustrating a flat state or unfolding state of an electronic device including a second form according to one embodiment.

[0076] FIG. 3b is a plan view showing the front of the electronic device in the unfolded state of FIG. 3a according to one embodiment.

[0077] FIG. 3c is a plan view illustrating the rear surface of the electronic device in the unfolded state of FIG. 3a according to one embodiment.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3C, the electronic device (300) may include a pair of housings (310, 320) (e.g., foldable housings) that are rotatably coupled to face each other and foldable with respect to a hinge device (e.g., hinge device (340) of FIG. 3B). In some embodiments, the hinge devices (e.g., hinge device (340) of FIG. 3B) may be arranged in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. In some embodiments, two or more hinge devices (e.g., hinge devices (340) of FIG. 3B) may be arranged so as to fold in the same direction or different directions. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a display (e.g., display (350) of FIG. 2) arranged in an area formed by the pair of housings (310, 320). The display (350) may have a flexible display (e.g., a foldable display). According to one embodiment, the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may be arranged on both sides with respect to the folding axis (axis A) as the center, and may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (axis A). According to one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (300) is a flat state (or unfolding state), a folding state, or an intermediate state.

[0079] In one embodiment, a pair of housings (310, 320) may include a first housing (310) (e.g., a first housing structure) coupled with a hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (340) of FIG. 3B) and a second housing (320) (e.g., a second housing structure) coupled with the hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (340) of FIG. 3B). In one embodiment, the first housing (310) may include, in an unfolded state, a first surface (311) facing a first direction (e.g., a front direction) (z-axis direction) and a second surface (312) facing a second direction (e.g., a rear direction) (-z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface (311). According to one embodiment, the second housing (320) may include a third surface (321) facing a first direction (z-axis direction) and a fourth surface (322) facing a second direction (-z-axis direction) in an unfolded state. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may be operated in such a manner that, in an unfolded state, the first surface (311) of the first housing (310) and the third surface (321) of the second housing (320) face substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction), and in a folded state, the first surface (311) and the third surface (321) face each other. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may be operated such that, in an unfolded state, the second side (312) of the first housing (310) and the fourth side (322) of the second housing (320) face substantially the same second direction (- z-axis direction), and in a folded state, the second side (312) and the fourth side (322) face opposite directions. For example, in a folded state, the second side (312) may face the first direction (z-axis direction), and the fourth side (322) may face the second direction (- z-axis direction).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the first housing (310) may include a first side member (313) that at least partially forms an exterior of the electronic device (300) and a first rear cover (314) that is coupled to the first side member (313) and forms at least a portion of a second side (312) of the electronic device (300). According to one embodiment, the first side member (313) may include a first side surface (313a), a second side surface (313b) that extends from one end of the first side surface (313a), and a third side surface (313c) that extends from the other end of the first side surface (313a). According to one embodiment, the first side member (313) may be formed into a rectangular (e.g., square or rectangular) shape through the first side surface (313a), the second side surface (313b), and the third side surface (313c).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the second housing (320) may include a second side member (323) that at least partially forms an exterior of the electronic device (300) and a second rear cover (324) that is coupled to the second side member (323) and forms at least a portion of a fourth side (322) of the electronic device (300). According to one embodiment, the second side member (323) may include a fourth side (323a), a fifth side (323b) that extends from one end of the fourth side (323a), and a sixth side (323c) that extends from the other end of the fourth side (323a). According to one embodiment, the second side member (323) may be formed into a rectangular shape through the fourth side (323a), the fifth side (323b), and the sixth side (323c).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the pair of housings (310, 320) are not limited to the illustrated shapes and combinations, and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in some embodiments, the first side member (313) may be formed integrally with the first rear cover (314), and the second side member (323) may be formed integrally with the second rear cover (324).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300), in an unfolded state, the second side (313b) of the first side member (313) and the fifth side (323b) of the second side member (323) can be connected without any gap. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300), in an unfolded state, the third side (313c) of the first side member (313) and the sixth side (323c) of the second side member (323) can be connected without any gap. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300), in an unfolded state, can be configured such that the combined length of the second side (313b) and the fifth side (323b) is longer than the length of the first side (313a) and / or the fourth side (323a). Additionally, the combined length of the third side (313c) and the sixth side (323c) may be configured to be longer than the length of the first side (313a) and / or the fourth side (323a).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the first rear cover (314) and / or the second rear cover (324) may be formed by, for example, at least one or a combination of two of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, or metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium).

[0085] In one embodiment, the display (350) may be arranged to extend from a first side (311) of the first housing (310) across a hinge device (e.g., hinge device (340) of FIG. 3b) to at least a portion of a third side (321) of the second housing (320). For example, the display (350) may include a first portion (330a) substantially corresponding to the first side (311), a second portion (330b) substantially corresponding to the second side (321), and a third portion (330c) (e.g., a bendable region) connecting the first portion (330a) and the second portion (330b) and corresponding to the hinge device (e.g., hinge device (340) of FIG. 3b). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a first protective cover (315) (e.g., a first protective frame or a first decorative member) coupled along an edge of the first housing (310). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a second protective cover (325) (e.g., a second protective frame or a second decorative member) coupled along an edge of the second housing (320). According to one embodiment, the first protective cover (315) and / or the second protective cover (325) may be formed of a metal or polymer material. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover (315) and / or the second protective cover (325) may be used as a decoration member. According to one embodiment, the display (350) may be positioned such that an edge of the first portion (330a) is interposed between the first housing (310) and the first protective cover (315). In one embodiment, the display (350) may be positioned such that the edge of the second portion (330b) is interposed between the second housing (320) and the second protective cover (325). In one embodiment, the display (350) may be positioned such that the edge of the display (350) corresponding to the protective cap is protected by a protective cap (335) disposed in an area corresponding to a hinge device (e.g., hinge device (340) of FIG. 3b). Accordingly, the edge of the display (350) may be substantially protected from the outside.According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a hinge housing (341) (e.g., a hinge cover) that supports a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (340) of FIG. 3B) and is exposed to the outside when the electronic device (300) is in a folded state, and is positioned so as to be invisible from the outside by being introduced into a first space (e.g., an internal space of the first housing (310)) and a second space (e.g., an internal space of the second housing (320)) when the electronic device (300) is in an unfolded state. In some embodiments, the display (350) may be positioned to extend from at least a portion of the second surface (312) to at least a portion of the fourth surface (322). In this case, the electronic device (300) may be folded so that the display (350) may be exposed to the outside (out-folding method).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include a sub-display (331) that is arranged separately from the display (350). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (331) may be arranged to be at least partially exposed on the second side (312) of the first housing (310), so that when in a folded state, it may display status information of the electronic device (300) that replaces the display function of the display (350). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (331) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (314). In some embodiments, the sub-display (331) may be arranged on the fourth side (322) of the second housing (320). In this case, the sub-display (331) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the second rear cover (324).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may include at least one of an input device (303) (e.g., a microphone), an audio output device (301, 302), a sensor module (304), a camera device (305, 308), a key input device (306), or a connector port (307). In the illustrated embodiment, the input device (303) (e.g., a microphone), an audio output device (301, 302), a sensor module (304), a camera device (305, 308), a key input device (306), or a connector port (307) refers to a hole or shape formed in the first housing (310) or the second housing (320), but may be defined to include an actual electronic component (e.g., an input device, an audio output device, a sensor module, or a camera device) disposed inside the electronic device (300) and operating through the hole or shape.

[0088] In one embodiment, the input device (303) may include at least one microphone (303) disposed in the second housing (320). In some embodiments, the input device (303) may include a plurality of microphones (303) disposed so as to detect the direction of sound. In some embodiments, the plurality of microphones (303) may be disposed at appropriate locations in the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320). In one embodiment, the audio output devices (301, 302) may include speakers (301, 302). In one embodiment, the speakers (301, 302) may include a call receiver (301) disposed in the first housing (310) and a speaker (302) disposed in the second housing (320). In some embodiments, the input device (303), the audio output device (301, 302), and the connector port (307) are disposed in a space provided in the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320) of the electronic device (300), and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320). According to one embodiment, the at least one connector port (307) may be used to transmit and receive power and / or data with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, the at least one connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) may accommodate a connector (e.g., an ear jack) for transmitting and receiving audio signals with the external electronic device. In some embodiments, the hole formed in the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320) may be used in common for the input device (303) and the audio output device (301, 302). In some embodiments, the audio output device (301, 302) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the holes formed in the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (304) can generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (300) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (304) can detect an external environment, for example, through a first surface (311) of the first housing (310). In some embodiments, the electronic device (300) may further include at least one sensor module arranged to detect an external environment through a second surface (312) of the first housing (310). According to one embodiment, the sensor module (304) (e.g., an illuminance sensor) can be arranged under the display (350) to detect an external environment through the display (350). According to one embodiment, the sensor module (304) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illumination sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an illumination sensor (304).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the camera devices (305, 308) may include a first camera device (305) (e.g., a front camera device) disposed on a first side (311) of a first housing (310) and a second camera device (308) disposed on a second side (312) of the first housing (310). The electronic device (300) may further include a flash (309) disposed near the second camera device (308). According to one embodiment, the camera devices (305, 308) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (309) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to one embodiment, the camera device (305, 308) may be arranged such that two or more lenses (e.g., a wide-angle lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, or a telephoto lens) and image sensors are positioned on one side of the electronic device (300) (e.g., a first side (311), a second side (312), a third side (321), or a fourth side (322)). In some embodiments, the camera device (305, 308) may also include lenses and / or image sensors for time of flight (TOF).

[0091] According to one embodiment, a key input device (306) (e.g., a key button) may be disposed on a third side (313c) of a first side member (313) of a first housing (310). In some embodiments, the key input device (306) may be disposed on at least one of the other sides (313a, 313b) of the first housing (310) and / or the sides (323a, 323b, 323c) of the second housing (320). In some embodiments, the electronic device (300) may not include some or all of the key input devices (306), and the key input devices (306) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on the display (350). In some embodiments, the key input device (306) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the display (350).

[0092] According to one embodiment, some of the camera devices (305, 308) (e.g., the first camera device (305)) or the sensor module (304) may be arranged to be exposed through the display (350). For example, the first camera device (305) or the sensor module (304) may be arranged to be in contact with the external environment through an opening (e.g., a through hole) at least partially formed in the display (350) in the internal space of the electronic device (300). In another embodiment, some of the sensor modules (304) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the display (350) in the internal space of the electronic device (300). For example, in this case, an area of ​​the display (350) facing the sensor module may not require an opening.

[0093] Although this document describes an electronic device including a flexible display across FIGS. 2A to 3C, the form of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) is not limited thereto.

[0094] For example, when a first application is displayed on an electronic device (101) and a second application is displayed in a PIP (picture in picture) format on the screen of the first application, the first application may be allocated a first network slice, and the second application may be allocated a second network slice. In other words, the present invention is not limited to a form factor that is physically divided, and the allocated network may also vary depending on the display format of the application.

[0095] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic device for controlling a folding angle during shooting according to various embodiments.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) of FIG. 4 may be at least partially similar to at least one of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A to 2C, or the electronic device (300) of FIG. 3, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include a processor (410), a first display (420), a second display (430), a first sensor (440), a second sensor (450), and / or a memory (460). In this case, the number of displays and sensors included in the electronic device (400) is assumed to be two, but this is only an example for explanation, and the number of displays and sensors included in the electronic device (400) is not necessarily limited to two, and depending on the configuration, the electronic device (400) may include more displays and sensors.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may be substantially the same as the processor (120) of FIG. 1 and the processor (410) of FIG. 4A, or may be included in the processor (120). The first display (420) and / or the second display (430) may be substantially the same as the display module (160) of FIG. 1, or may be included in the display module (160). The first sensor (440) and / or the second sensor (450) may be substantially the same as the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1, or may be included in the sensor module (176). The memory (460) may be substantially the same as the memory (130) of FIG. 1, or may be included in the memory (130).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the first display (420) may be disposed from at least a portion of a first surface (e.g., the first surface (211) of FIG. 2A) of a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) of the electronic device (400) to at least a portion of a third surface (e.g., the third surface (221) of FIG. 2A) of a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A). According to one embodiment, the first display (420) may include a flexible display in which at least a portion of the display may be changed to a flat surface or a curved surface based on a folding angle of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the second display (430) may be positioned at least partially so as to be visible from the outside through a fourth side (e.g., the fourth side (222) of FIG. 2A) in the interior space of the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) of the electronic device (400).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the first display (420) and / or the second display (430) may display information processed in the electronic device (400). According to one embodiment, the first display (420) and / or the second display (430) may display content related to an application program executed by the processor (410).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (440) may be disposed in at least a portion of an internal space of a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) of the electronic device (400). According to one embodiment, the first sensor (440) may collect static information (e.g., the posture of the electronic device (400)) or movement-related information (e.g., angular velocity and / or acceleration) of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) and provide the collected information to the processor (410). For example, the first sensor (440) may include an inertial sensor, a motion sensor, a six-axis sensor, a first gyro sensor, and / or a first acceleration sensor.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the second sensor (450) may be disposed in at least a portion of an internal space of a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) of the electronic device (400). According to one embodiment, the second sensor (450) may collect static information (e.g., the posture of the electronic device (400)) or movement-related information (e.g., angular velocity and / or acceleration) of the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) and provide the collected information to the processor (410). For example, the second sensor (450) may include an inertial sensor, a motion sensor, a six-axis sensor, a second gyro sensor, and / or a second acceleration sensor.

[0104] In one embodiment, the processor (410) may control a first display (420), a second display (430), a first sensor (440), and / or a second sensor (450) that are operatively connected thereto. For example, the processor (410) may include an application processor or a sensor hub processor.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) can detect a folding angle of the electronic device (400). According to one embodiment, the processor (410) can detect a folding angle of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) based on sensor data collected through the first sensor (440) and the second sensor (450) when the first display (420) and / or the second display (430) are in an active state (e.g., the main processor (121) is operating). For example, the processor (410) may detect a folding angle of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) using the first sensor (440), the second sensor (450) and the magnetic detection sensor (e.g., a hall IC) when the first display (420) and / or the second display (430) are in an active state. For example, the magnetic detection sensor may be disposed in the first housing (or the second housing) to detect a magnetic force generated from a magnetic material disposed in the second housing (or the first housing). For example, the active state of the first display (420) and / or the second display (430) may include a state in which all pixels of the display (e.g., the first display (420) and / or the second display (430)) are activated.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the first sensor (440) and / or the second sensor (450) may be controlled by a main processor (121) (e.g., an application processor) and / or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a sensor hub processor).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may detect a folding angle of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A) based on sensor data collected through at least a portion of the first sensor (440) (e.g., the first acceleration sensor) and / or at least a portion of the second sensor (450) (e.g., the second acceleration sensor) when the first display (420) and the second display (430) are in an inactive state (e.g., the main processor (121) is in a sleep state). For example, the inactive state of the first display (420) and / or the second display (430) may include a state in which at least one pixel of the display (e.g., the first display (420) and / or the second display (430)) is inactive or a state in which all pixels are inactive. For example, when the first display (420) and / or the second display (430) are inactive, the main processor (121) (e.g., application processor) of the processor (410) is inactive, and the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., sensor hub processor) can control the first sensor (440) and / or the second sensor (450). The form of the electronic device (400) for controlling screen rotation is not limited to the form of FIGS. 4A and 4B, and can also be implemented in a rollable or multi-folding form.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may determine a corresponding network slice for each area on the display and store connection information between the display area and the corresponding network slice in the memory (460). The processor (410) may identify an area in which an application is displayed on the display based on a detection of a network connection attempt from the application. The processor (410) may load the connection information stored in the memory and identify a network slice corresponding to the display area in which the application is displayed. The processor (410) may perform a network connection process for the application based on the identified network slice.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may set a second network slice set in an area where the application is displayed to be allocated as the network of the application based on a mismatch between a first network slice corresponding to an application being executed and a second network slice corresponding to an area where the application is displayed, and may transmit information about the second network slice to a server of the application. The processor (410) may allocate the first network slice based on a setting of the application being executed. The processor (410) may allocate the second network slice based on the application being executed being displayed in a specific area on the display.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may determine a network slice corresponding to a running application based on user input or a default value. The processor (410) may determine a network slice to be allocated when the application is displayed in a specific area based on user input or a default value. The default value may refer to a value stored by default in the system of the electronic device (101).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may control the allocation of the eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband) slice for an application requiring high-capacity data transmission, the URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communications) slice for an application requiring real-time communication or where delay time is very important, and the mMTC (massive machine type communications) slice for a situation where a large number of IoT devices must be connected.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may control the communication circuit to allocate the first network slice to the application based on the determination that the application is displayed on the first area, in a situation where the processor (410) is set to allocate the first network slice when the application is displayed on the first area, and is set to allocate the second network slice when the application is displayed on the second area.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may control the communication circuit to allocate the second network slice to the application based on the determination that the application is displayed on the second area, in a situation where the processor (410) is set to allocate a first network slice when the application is displayed on the first area, and is set to allocate a second network slice when the application is displayed on the second area.

[0114] In one embodiment, a user setting may be input so that a first network slice is allocated when an application is executed. In addition, a user setting may be input so that a second network slice is allocated when the application is located in a first area on the display, and a user setting may be input so that a third network slice is allocated when the application is located in a second area on the display. In this situation, the processor (410) may control so that a first network slice is allocated based on the execution of the application, so that a second network slice is allocated based on the execution of the application in the first area, and so that a third network slice is allocated based on the execution of the application in the second area.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may set a first network slice to be allocated to the network of the first application based on the second application being additionally executed in a PIP (picture in picture) mode while the first application is being executed, and may set a second network slice to be allocated to the network of the second application.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may set a first network slice to be allocated to the first application and a second network slice to be allocated to the second application based on a situation in which a second application is additionally executed while the first application is executed and the first application is changed to a PIP (picture in picture) mode.

[0117] Figure 5a illustrates a network connection situation when using an application of an electronic device according to a comparative example.

[0118] A communication system according to the comparative embodiment of FIG. 5A may include a user (500), an application (505), a processor (410), and a communication circuit (190). The processor (410) may include the processor (410) mentioned in FIG. 4, and the communication circuit (190) may include the communication module (190) of FIG. 1. The application (505) refers to any one of the applications installed on the electronic device and may be executed by the user (500).

[0119] In operation 512, the electronic device according to the comparative embodiment may receive a network setting input for the application (505) of the user (500). In operation 514, the electronic device according to the comparative embodiment may confirm the network setting input for the application (505) of the user (500), and transmit a data network name (DNN) and single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI). The data network name (DNN) may refer to a name for identifying a data network to which an electronic device (e.g., a user equipment (UE)) intends to connect in a 5G network. For example, when connecting to the Internet, the DNN may be 'internet'. When connecting to a service of another specific operator, the name corresponding to the service may be the DNN. The DNN may be transmitted to a session management function (SMF) by an access and mobility management function (AMF), and used by the SMF to establish a PDU session. The PDU session will be described later.

[0120] S-NSSAI can refer to an identifier containing information for selecting a network slice. 5G networks can use network slicing technology to meet diverse service requirements. Electronic devices can use S-NSSAI to determine which network slice to use.

[0121] Network slicing can refer to a technology that uses a virtual networking architecture to divide a single physical network infrastructure into multiple virtual, independent logical networks. Electronic devices can utilize network slicing to provide optimized network performance for multiple applications. Each network slice can contain network resources and network functions tailored to a specific service type. Each network slice can meet different service requirements (e.g., bandwidth, latency, and connectivity) for different applications. Service requirements are merely examples and may vary depending on the configuration.

[0122] Electronic devices can be assigned a network slice in a 5G network by selecting the corresponding S-NSSAI based on the required service. Network slices can be of three types.

[0123] The first type of network slice may include an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slice. eMBB can be used for applications that require high-capacity data transfer. Applications requiring high-capacity data transfer may include streaming video, virtual reality (VR), or augmented reality (AR), for example.

[0124] A second type of network slice may include an ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) slice. URLLC can be used for applications that require real-time communication or where latency is critical. Examples of applications that require real-time communication or are highly latency-critical include vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, remote surgery, or smart factories.

[0125] A third type of network slice may include a massive machine type communications (mMTC) slice. mMTC can be used to connect a large number of IoT devices. mMTC can be used for applications that require low power, long battery life, and wide coverage areas.

[0126] In operation 516, the processor (410) may determine a PDU session and transmit a message to the communication circuit (190) for proceeding with the session. A PDU (protocol data unit) may indicate a data unit of a network protocol. In a 5G network, an electronic device may exchange data with other devices using a PDU session. Each session between the electronic device and the network may include a unique PDU session identifier.

[0127] At operation 518, the communication circuit (190) may transmit a response to operation 516 to the processor (410). The communication circuit (190) may transmit information about a network slice assigned to the application to the processor (410). The assigned network slice may be determined by the network settings of the user (500) at operation 512.

[0128] At operation 520, the processor (410) may transmit information about the network slice allocated to the application (505).

[0129] At operation 522, the electronic device may receive input from a user (500) to change the network configuration.

[0130] An electronic device according to a comparative embodiment can be assigned a network or network slice based on settings corresponding to an application. If the network needs to be changed due to changes in the usage environment for each application, the electronic device must individually receive input from the user (500) to change the network settings. In other words, the electronic device can only change the network assigned to an application if the user (500) changes the network settings. Since the electronic device does not automatically allocate networks when the network required for an application changes, but requires individual change actions from the user (500), this may cause inconvenience in usability.

[0131] FIG. 5b illustrates a situation in which an electronic device according to various embodiments provides specialized network services when executing an application on a separate screen.

[0132] In operation 532, the processor (410) may receive input regarding network settings of the application (505) from the user (500). The processor (410) may receive and store in advance network settings corresponding to each area of ​​the display from the user (500). For example, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIG. 4) may include a first display (e.g., the first display (420) of FIG. 4) and a second display (e.g., the second display (430) of FIG. 4). The electronic device (400) may assign a first network slice to an application running on the first display (420) and a second network slice to an application running on the second display (430). The number of displays and the number of network slices are assumed to be two in the description, but this is for convenience only and the number of displays and the number of network slices are not limited thereto.

[0133] At operation 534, the processor (410) may receive a message regarding a network connection request of the application (505). At operation 536, the processor (410) may receive information regarding network settings of the application (505). Furthermore, at operation 536, the processor (410) may determine in which area of ​​the display the application (505) is displayed. For example, the processor (410) may determine that the application (505) is displayed on screen 1 (e.g., the first display (420)). At operation 536, the processor (410) may determine the location of the screen (or area) on which the screen-type application (505) of the electronic device (400) is displayed.

[0134] In operation 538, the processor (410) may determine a network corresponding to the application (505) and transmit related information to the communication circuit (190). Specifically, the processor (410) may compare the network settings of the user (500) for the application (505) with the network settings assigned to screen 1. If the individual network settings of the user and the network settings corresponding to the screen are the same, the processor (410) may allocate a network slice according to the settings.

[0135] If the individual network settings of the user (500) and the network settings corresponding to the screen on which the application is displayed are different, the processor (410) may allocate a network slice based on the network settings corresponding to the screen on which the application is displayed. For example, the processor (410) may determine to allocate an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slice for the network settings of the user (500) for the application (505). The processor (410) may determine to allocate an ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) slice for the application (505) running on screen 1. The processor (410) may change the policy so that the application allocated to the URLLC slice can be scheduled with relatively more CPU compared to other applications if the application allocated to the URLLC slice is the most recently used or currently in use application. The most recently used or currently in use application may be referred to as a 'top application'. The processor (410) can change the policy again so that when an application allocated to a URLLC slice is released from the 'top application', it is scheduled with the same CPU as other applications. The processor (410) can improve latency for the application by changing the CPU scheduling policy.

[0136] This is just an example, and the network settings that users can configure and the network settings corresponding to the screen area are not limited to this. A network slice may include, for example, an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slice, an ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) slice, or a massive machine type communications (mMTC) slice.

[0137] In this case, when the user's individual network settings and the network settings corresponding to the screen are different, the processor (410) can allocate a network slice based on the network settings corresponding to the screen. In the above example, the processor (410) can allocate an ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) slice to the application (505) running on screen 1.

[0138] In operation 540, the electronic device (400) may be assigned a network slice corresponding to an application (505) running on screen 1 using the communication circuit (190). The processor (410) may be able to confirm the network slice assigned to the application (505) using the communication circuit (190). In operation 542, the processor (410) may transmit information about the network slice assigned to the application (505) to the application (505).

[0139] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may receive a message regarding a network connection request of the application (505). The processor (410) may receive information regarding the network settings of the application (505) at operation 544. Furthermore, the processor (410) may determine in which area of ​​the display the application (505) is displayed at operation 546. For example, the processor (410) may determine that the application (505) is displayed on screen 2 (e.g., the second display (430)).

[0140] In operation 548, the processor (410) may determine a network corresponding to the application (505) and transmit related information to the communication circuit (190). Specifically, the processor (410) may compare the network settings of the user (500) for the application (505) with the network settings assigned to screen 2. If the individual network settings of the user and the network settings corresponding to the screen are the same, the processor (410) may allocate a network slice according to the settings.

[0141] If the user's individual network settings and the network settings corresponding to the screen on which the application is displayed are different, the processor (410) may allocate a network slice based on the network settings corresponding to the screen on which the application is displayed. The processor (410) may check the user's (500) network settings for the application (505). For example, the processor (410) may check that the application (505) is set to allocate an mMTC (massive machine type communications) slice. The processor (410) may determine that the application (505) running on screen 2 is set to allocate an eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband) slice. This is just an example, and the network settings that can be set by the user and the network settings corresponding to the screen area are not limited thereto. The network slice may include, for example, any one of an eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband) slice, a URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communications) slice, or an mMTC (massive machine type communications) slice.

[0142] In this case, when the user's individual network settings and the network settings corresponding to the screen are different, the processor (410) can allocate a network slice based on the network settings corresponding to the screen. In the above example, the processor (410) can allocate an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slice to the application (505) running on screen 2.

[0143] In operation 550, the electronic device (400) may be assigned a network slice corresponding to an application (505) running on screen 2 using the communication circuit (190). The processor (410) may be able to confirm the network slice assigned to the application (505) using the communication circuit (190). In operation 552, the processor (410) may transmit information about the network slice assigned to the application (505) to the application (505).

[0144] When an application (505) is executed on screen 1, the electronic device (400) can assign a network slice set on screen 1 to the application (505). For example, when it is set to assign a URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communications) slice to the application (505) executed on screen 1, the electronic device (400) can assign a URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communications) slice to the application (505) without a separate setting change.

[0145] When an application (505) is executed on screen 2, the electronic device (400) can assign a network slice set on screen 1 to the application (505). For example, when an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slice is set to be assigned to an application (505) executed on screen 1, the electronic device (400) can assign an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slice to the application (505) without a separate setting change. In this way, the electronic device (400) can provide convenience to the user by assigning a network slice based on the location of the area where the application (505) is displayed in an environment where the network must be changed separately. In the past, it was required to manually change the network settings based on user input depending on the area where the application (505) is displayed. On the other hand, the electronic device (400) of the present invention can automatically change the network settings by assigning a network slice in advance to the area where the application (505) is displayed.

[0146] Screens 1 and 2 are for illustrative purposes only; the display can be divided into more screens or regions depending on the configuration. The allocation of URLLC slices to Screen 1 and eMBB slices to Screen 2 are also examples, and the type of network slices corresponding to each screen can vary depending on the configuration or performance requirements of the application.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) may determine that the execution screen of an application is displayed on a screen that displays relatively more of the application's execution screen in a situation where part of the execution screen of an application is displayed on screen 1 and part of the execution screen is displayed on screen 2. For example, if 90% of the execution screen of an application is displayed on screen 1 and 10% of the execution screen of the application is displayed on screen 2, the processor (410) may determine that the application is executed on screen 1. This is merely an example and may vary depending on the setting. For example, if 50% of the execution screen of an application is displayed on screen 1 and 50% of the execution screen of the application is displayed on screen 2, the processor (410) may determine that the application is executed on screen 1 based on the setting. Alternatively, the processor (410) may determine that the execution screen of an application is executed on screen 1 regardless of the screen ratio in which it is displayed when the execution screen of an application is displayed on both screens 1 and 2.

[0148] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for an electronic device according to various embodiments to provide specialized network services when executing applications on separate screens.

[0149] The operations described through FIG. 6 can be implemented based on instructions that can be stored in a computer recording medium or memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1). The illustrated method (600) can be executed by the electronic device described above through FIGS. 1 to 5 (e.g., electronic device (400) of FIG. 4), and the technical features described above will be omitted below. The order of each operation of FIG. 6 can be changed, some operations can be omitted, and some operations can be performed simultaneously.

[0150] In operation 610, a processor (e.g., processor (410) of FIG. 4) may determine a corresponding network slice for each area on a display (e.g., first display (420) of FIG. 4, second display (430) of FIG. 4).

[0151] Network slicing can refer to a technology that uses a virtual networking architecture to divide a single physical network infrastructure into multiple virtual, independent logical networks. Electronic devices can utilize network slicing to provide optimized network performance for multiple applications. Each network slice can contain network resources and network functions tailored to a specific service type. Each network slice can meet different service requirements (e.g., bandwidth, latency, and connectivity) for different applications.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the processor (410) can divide the display into multiple regions. The following description assumes that the display region is divided into two regions, but the display region can be divided into more regions. The electronic device (400) may include a flexible display having multiple physically separated displays. Alternatively, the electronic device (400) may be a device having a single, general display rather than a flexible display, and the network slices allocated may be divided based on the display form of the application (e.g., PIP (picture-in-picture) mode).

[0153] In operation 620, the processor (410) can check the area where the application (e.g., the application (505) of FIG. 5B) is displayed on the display (420, 430). The processor (410) can check in which area the application (505) is displayed. If the display location of the application (505) changes, the processor (410) can check the location of the changed area in real time.

[0154] At operation 630, the processor (410) may determine a network slice to which the application (505) is connected based on the location of the area in which it is displayed.

[0155] According to one embodiment, if the individual network settings of a user (e.g., user (500) of FIG. 5B) and the network settings corresponding to the screen on which the application is displayed are different, the processor (410) may allocate a network slice based on the network settings corresponding to the screen on which the application is displayed.

[0156] For example, the processor (410) may determine to allocate an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slice for the network settings of the user (500) for the application (505). The processor (410) may determine to allocate an ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) slice for the application (505) running on screen 1. This is merely an example, and the network settings that can be set by the user and the network settings corresponding to the screen area are not limited thereto. The network slice may include, for example, any one of an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slice, an ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) slice, or a massive machine type communications (mMTC) slice.

[0157] If the user's individual network settings differ from the network settings corresponding to the screen, the processor (410) may allocate a network slice based on the network settings corresponding to the screen. In the above example, the processor (410) may allocate an ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) slice to the application (505) running on screen 1.

[0158] In an electronic device, the electronic device includes a display processor and a memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to determine a corresponding network slice for each area on the display, determine an area to be displayed on the display based on a network connection attempt detected from an application, and determine a network slice to which the application is connected based on a location of the area to be displayed on the display.

[0159] The electronic device may determine to allocate a second network slice for the application running in a specific area of ​​the display based on receiving an input instructing to allocate a second network slice for the application running in a specific area of ​​the display when the application is running, and may compare the first network slice set to be allocated to the application with the second network slice set by the area where the application is displayed based on receiving an input to run the application in the specific area of ​​the display, and may set the second network slice to be allocated as the network of the application based on a mismatch between the first network slice and the second network slice.

[0160] A network slice may include at least one of an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slice, an ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) slice, or a massive machine type communications (mMTC) slice.

[0161] The electronic device can control the allocation of eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband) slices for applications requiring high-capacity data transmission, URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communications) slices for applications requiring real-time communication or where latency is very important, and mMTC (massive machine type communications) slices for situations where a large number of IoT devices must be connected.

[0162] The electronic device may control the communication circuitry to assign the first network slice to the application based on determining that the application is displayed on the first area, in a situation where the electronic device is set to assign a first network slice when the application is displayed on the first area, and to assign a second network slice when the application is displayed on the second area.

[0163] The electronic device may control the communication circuitry to allocate the second network slice to the application based on the determination that the application is displayed on the second area, in a situation where the electronic device is set to allocate a first network slice when the application is displayed on the first area and to allocate a second network slice when the application is displayed on the second area.

[0164] The electronic device can control the allocation of the first network slice based on the execution of the application, the allocation of the second network slice based on the execution of the application in the first area, and the allocation of the third network slice based on the execution of the application in the second area, in a situation where a user setting is input such that a first network slice is allocated when the application is executed, a user setting is input such that a second network slice is allocated when the application is located in a first area on the display, and a user setting is input such that a third network slice is allocated when the application is located in a second area on the display.

[0165] The electronic device may be configured to allocate a first network slice to the first application's network based on the second application being additionally executed in a PIP (picture in picture) mode while the first application is being executed, and to allocate a second network slice to the second application's network based on the second application being additionally executed in a PIP (picture in picture) mode.

[0166] The electronic device may be configured to allocate a first network slice to the first application's network based on a situation in which a second application is additionally executed while the first application is executed and the first application is changed to a PIP (picture in picture) mode, and to allocate a second network slice to the second application's network based on the second application's change to a PIP (picture in picture) mode.

[0167] In the method of operation, the method may include an operation of determining a corresponding network slice for each area on the display, an operation of determining an area to be displayed on the display by the application based on a detection of a network connection attempt from the application, and an operation of determining a network slice to be connected based on a location of an area to be displayed on the display by the application.

[0168] A storage medium may include a processor and a memory, and the memory may store instructions for determining a network slice corresponding to each area on a display by an electronic device during execution and storing the determined network slice in the memory, and for determining an area to be displayed on the display by the application based on a network connection attempt detected from the application, and for determining a network slice to be connected based on a location of the area to be displayed on the display by the application.

[0169] The embodiments of this document disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of this document and to help understand the embodiments of this document, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this document. Therefore, the scope of one embodiment of this document should be interpreted to include all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical idea of ​​one embodiment of this document, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (400), Display (420,430) at least one processor (410); and Contains a memory (460) for storing instructions, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to: Determine the corresponding network slice for each area on the above display, Based on the detection of a network connection attempt from the application, the application determines the area to be displayed on the display, An electronic device configured to determine a network slice to which said application is connected based on a location of an area displayed on said display.

2. In paragraph 1, The above electronic device When executing the above application, check the first network slice set to be allocated to the above application, Based on receiving an input instructing to allocate a second network slice for an application running in a specific area of ​​the display, determining to allocate the second network slice for an application running in a specific area of ​​the display; Comparing the first network slice set to be allocated to the application based on an input received to execute the application in a specific area of ​​the display, with the second network slice set by the area where the application is displayed, An electronic device configured to assign the second network slice as the network of the application based on a mismatch between the first network slice and the second network slice.

3. In paragraph 1, The above network slice is Contains at least one of an eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband) slice, a URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communications) slice, or a mMTC (massive machine type communications) slice, The above electronic device For applications requiring high-capacity data transmission, the above eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband) slice is controlled to be allocated, For applications that require real-time communication or where latency is very important, the URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communications) slice is controlled to be allocated. An electronic device that controls the allocation of the mMTC (massive machine type communications) slice in situations where a large number of IoT devices must be connected.

4. In paragraph 1, The above electronic device When the above application is displayed on the first area, it is set to allocate the first network slice, In a situation where the above application is set to allocate a second network slice when displayed on the second area, An electronic device that controls a communication circuit to assign a first network slice to the application based on the determination that the application is displayed on the first area.

5. In paragraph 1, The above electronic device When the above application is displayed on the first area, it is set to allocate the first network slice, In a situation where the above application is set to allocate a second network slice when displayed on the second area, An electronic device that controls a communication circuit to assign a second network slice to the application based on the determination that the application is displayed on the second area.

6. In paragraph 1, The above electronic device When the above application is executed, the user settings are entered such that the first network slice is allocated, A user setting is entered such that a second network slice is allocated when the above application is located in the first area on the above display, In a situation where the user configuration is entered such that a third network slice is allocated when the above application is located in the second area on the above display, Controlling the allocation of the first network slice based on the execution of the above application; Controlling that the second network slice is allocated based on the above application being executed in the above first area; An electronic device controlling allocation of the third network slice based on the execution of the above application in the above second domain.

7. In paragraph 1, The above electronic device Based on the situation where the first application is running, the second application is additionally running in PIP (picture in picture) mode. The first application is set to have the first network slice allocated to the network of the first application, An electronic device for setting a second network slice to be allocated to the network of the second application.

8. In paragraph 1, The above electronic device In a situation where the first application is running, a second application is additionally running, and the first application is changed to PIP (picture in picture) mode. The first application is set to have the first network slice allocated to the network of the first application, An electronic device for setting a second network slice to be allocated to the network of the second application.

9. In terms of operation method, The act of determining the corresponding network slice for each area on the display; Actions taken by the application to determine the area to be displayed on the display based on detection of a network connection attempt from the application; and A method comprising: determining a network slice to which said application is connected based on a location of an area displayed on said display.

10. In paragraph 9, An action for checking a first network slice set to be allocated to the application when the application is executed; An operation of determining to allocate a second network slice to an application running in a specific area of ​​the display based on receiving an input instructing to allocate a second network slice to an application running in a specific area of ​​the display; An operation of comparing a first network slice set to be allocated to the application based on an input received to execute the application in a specific area of ​​the display with a second network slice set by an area where the application is displayed; and A method further comprising: assigning the second network slice to the network of the application based on a mismatch between the first network slice and the second network slice.

11. In paragraph 9, The above network slice is Contains at least one of an eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband) slice, a URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communications) slice, or a mMTC (massive machine type communications) slice, The above method of operation is An operation for controlling allocation of the above-mentioned eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband) slice for applications requiring high-capacity data transmission; An operation to control the allocation of the URLLC (ultra-reliable low-latency communications) slice for applications that require real-time communication or where latency is very important; and A method further comprising an operation for controlling allocation of the mMTC (massive machine type communications) slice in a situation where a large number of IoT devices must be connected.

12. In paragraph 9, If the above application is displayed on the first area, it is set to allocate the first network slice. In a situation where the above application is set to allocate a second network slice when displayed on the second area, A method further comprising: controlling allocation of the first network slice to the application based on the determination that the application is displayed on the first area.

13. In paragraph 9, When the above application is displayed on the first area, it is set to allocate the first network slice, In a situation where the above application is set to allocate a second network slice when displayed on the second area, A method further comprising: controlling allocation of the second network slice to the application based on the determination that the application is displayed on the second area.

14. In paragraph 9, When the above application is executed, the user settings are entered such that the first network slice is allocated, A user setting is entered such that a second network slice is allocated when the above application is located in the first area on the above display, In a situation where the user configuration is entered such that a third network slice is allocated when the above application is located in the second area on the above display, An action for controlling allocation of the first network slice based on the execution of the above application; An operation for controlling allocation of the second network slice based on the execution of the application in the first region; and A method further comprising: controlling that the third network slice is allocated based on the application being executed in the second domain.

15. In a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing one or more programs including instructions executable by a processor of an electronic device, The above instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to determine a corresponding network slice for each area on the display, Based on the detection of a network connection attempt from the application, the application determines the area to be displayed on the display, A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium that controls the application to determine a network slice to connect to based on a location of an area displayed on the display.

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