Electronic device and operating method thereof

Abstract

An electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, may comprise: a distance measurement sensor; a plurality of cameras; a processor that drives the distance measurement sensor and the plurality of cameras; and a memory operatively connected to the processor and including instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device may operate the distance measurement sensor to obtain a distance value from an object. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device may operate at least one of the plurality of cameras to obtain at least one of a brightness value, a phase value, and a contrast value. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device may adjust a current, supplied to the distance measurement sensor, on the basis of at least one of the brightness value, the phase value, and the contrast value. Various other embodiments are also possible.

Description

Electronic device and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device capable of variably adjusting the driving current of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) and an operating method thereof.

[0002] With the development of information technology (IT), various types of electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablet personal computers (PCs), are becoming widespread. Electronic devices are pursuing thinness, weight reduction, miniaturization, and multi-functionality, and to this end, displays and various components are being placed in the electronic devices. The electronic device may include a printed circuit board (e.g., a PCB (printed circuit board), a PBA (printed board assembly)) on which at least one camera for photographing a front view, at least one camera for photographing a rear view, and a camera driving circuit (e.g., an image signal processor and memory) for driving the at least one camera are placed. The electronic device may include a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor) for measuring a distance (e.g., depth) to an object (e.g., a subject). The electronic device may include a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor (e.g., a TOF camera) as the distance measurement sensor.

[0003] The above-described material is provided solely as background information to aid in understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no claims are made, as to whether any of the above material constitutes prior art in connection with the present disclosure.

[0004] A TOF sensor (e.g., a TOF camera) can emit a signal (e.g., near-infrared, ultrasound, or laser) and receive the signal reflected from an object. An electronic device can measure the distance (e.g., depth) to an object by measuring the time it takes for the signal to be emitted, reflected, and received by the TOF sensor (e.g., a TOF camera). The electronic device can measure the distance (e.g., depth) to an object using the TOF method and adjust the camera's autofocus (AF) based on the distance (e.g., depth).

[0005] In environments with insufficient phase and contrast, or in low-light conditions, the camera's autofocus (AF) performance may deteriorate. Constantly setting the current of distance measurement sensors (e.g., depth sensors, time-of-flight (TOF) sensors) to maximum can result in unnecessary power consumption.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an electronic device and an operating method thereof that can reduce current consumption due to driving a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) by variably adjusting the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor).

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure can obtain distance information (e.g., depth information) from an object (e.g., a subject) by driving a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) using a lower current in an environment (e.g., a low-light environment) where the phase and contrast of an image are insufficient. Then, an electronic device and an operating method thereof can be provided that can perform autofocus (AF) of a camera based on the distance information (e.g., depth information) from the object (e.g., the subject).

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure can rapidly acquire distance information (e.g., depth information) from an object (e.g., a subject) using a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) when operating autofocus of a camera. Thereafter, an electronic device and an operating method thereof can be provided that can perform autofocus (AF) using the phase and contrast of an image based on the distance information (e.g., depth information) from the object (e.g., the subject).

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure can obtain an illuminance value through a brightness value (BV) of an image or an illuminance sensor, and perform autofocus (AF) of a camera using the brightness value (BV) or illuminance value of the image. An electronic device and an operating method thereof can be provided that can adjust a driving current value of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) to a maximum value when the brightness value (BV) or illuminance value of the image is lower than a preset brightness value (BV) or illuminance value.

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device and an operating method thereof that can adjust a driving current value of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) to a minimum value when a brightness value (BV) or illuminance value of an image is equal to or greater than a preset brightness value (BV) or illuminance value.

[0011] An embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an electronic device and an operating method thereof that can adjust a driving current value of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) to a maximum value in an environment where the phase and contrast of an image are insufficient.

[0012] An embodiment of the present disclosure can provide an electronic device and an operating method thereof that can adjust a driving current value of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) to a minimum value in an environment where the phase and contrast of an image are sufficient.

[0013] The technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this document belongs from the description below.

[0014] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a distance measurement sensor, a plurality of cameras, a processor for driving the distance measurement sensor and the plurality of cameras, and a memory operatively connected to the processor and including instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device may operate the distance measurement sensor to obtain a distance value from an object. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device may operate at least one camera among the plurality of cameras to obtain at least one of a brightness value, a phase value, and a contrast value. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device may adjust a current supplied to the distance measurement sensor based on at least one of the brightness value, the phase value, and the contrast value.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an operating method of an electronic device may obtain a distance value to an object by operating a distance measurement sensor. At least one camera among a plurality of cameras may be operated to obtain at least one of a brightness value, a phase value, and a contrast value. Based on at least one of the brightness value, the phase value, and the contrast value, a current supplied to the distance measurement sensor may be adjusted.

[0016] A recording medium storing instructions readable by a processor of an electronic device, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to operate a distance measurement sensor to obtain a distance value from an object. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to operate at least one camera among a plurality of cameras to obtain at least one of a brightness value, a phase value, and a contrast value. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to adjust a current supplied to the distance measurement sensor based on at least one of the brightness value, the phase value, and the contrast value.

[0017] An electronic device and an operating method thereof according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce current consumption due to driving a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) by variably adjusting the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor).

[0018] An electronic device and an operating method thereof according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can drive a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) using a lower current in an environment where the phase and contrast of an image are insufficient (e.g., a low-light environment) to obtain distance information (e.g., depth information) to an object (e.g., a subject), and perform autofocus (AF) of a camera based on the distance information (e.g., depth information) to the object (e.g., the subject). Through this, the autofocus (AF) time of the camera in a low-light environment can be improved, and the quality of the image can be improved.

[0019] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can quickly obtain distance information (e.g., depth information) to an object (e.g., a subject) using a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) when driving autofocus of a camera, and can perform autofocus (AF) using the phase and contrast of an image based on the distance information (e.g., depth information) to the object (e.g., the subject).

[0020] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may obtain an illuminance value through a brightness value (BV) of an image or an illuminance sensor, and perform autofocus (AF) of a camera using the brightness value (BV) or illuminance value of the image. For example, when the brightness value (BV) or illuminance value of the image is less than a preset brightness value (BV) or illuminance value, the driving current value of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may be adjusted to a maximum value. For example, when the brightness value (BV) or illuminance value of the image is greater than or equal to a preset brightness value (BV) or illuminance value, the driving current value of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may be adjusted to a minimum value. Through this, current consumption according to the operation of the distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may be improved.

[0021] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the driving current value of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) to a maximum value in an environment where the phase and contrast of an image are insufficient. The electronic device can adjust the driving current value of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) to a minimum value in an environment where the phase and contrast of an image are sufficient. Through this, current consumption according to the operation of the distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) can be improved.

[0022] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0023] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first side (e.g., front) of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second side (e.g., a rear side) of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating varying the driving current of a distance measuring sensor (e.g., a depth measuring sensor) of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIGS. 8 to 11 are diagrams showing dividing one driving cycle (e.g., about 66 ms) of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor) into multiple frames and varying the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor) on a frame-by-frame basis.

[0032] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are drawings for explaining a phase detection method of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are drawings for explaining focusing using the first auto focus pixel (AF1) and the second auto focus pixel (AF2) of the camera.

[0034] Figure 16 is a diagram showing the focus of an image according to the rear focus, the fixed focus, and the front focus using the first auto focus pixel (AF1) and the second auto focus pixel (AF2) of the camera.

[0035] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining a contrast auto focus (contrast AF) method of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing that autofocus is improved in an environment of about 5 lux illumination by an electronic device and an operating method thereof according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing that autofocus is improved in an environment of about 3 lux illumination by an electronic device and an operating method thereof according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating improved autofocus in environments with a distant background, low light, and few edges of an object (e.g., a subject) by an electronic device and an operating method thereof according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating improved autofocus in environments with a distant background, low light, and few edges of an object (e.g., a subject) by an electronic device and an operating method thereof according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIGS. 22 and 23a to 23d are diagrams illustrating a method of adjusting auto focus based on a phase value, a contrast value, a brightness value (BV), and a distance value (e.g., a depth value) in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] It should be noted that throughout the drawings, the same reference numbers are used to describe identical or similar elements, features and structures.

[0042] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While it includes numerous specific details to aid understanding, these are to be considered merely exemplary. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0043] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literary meanings and are merely used by the applicant to facilitate a clear and consistent understanding of this document. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of this document is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit this document as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0044] Singular forms should be understood to include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "component surfaces" may include reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0047] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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, an angle sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., a geomagnetic 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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).

[0058] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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.

[0064] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0065] In one embodiment, 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.

[0066] 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)).

[0067] 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.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a bar type or plate type display (e.g., display (201) of FIG. 2, display (410) of FIG. 4), a display driver IC (e.g., display driver IC (430) of FIG. 4), a touch circuit (e.g., touch circuit (450) of FIG. 4), and a digitizer (e.g., digitizer (460) of FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a display module (160) and an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen) (e.g., the electronic pen (300) of FIGS. 2 and 3). For example, the display module (160) may include a flexible display configured to be foldable or unfoldable. For example, the display module (160) may include a display (e.g., a display (410) of FIG. 4), a display driver IC (e.g., a display driver IC (430) of FIG. 4), a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (450) of FIG. 4), and a digitizer (e.g., a digitizer (460) of FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a flexible display that is slidably arranged to provide a screen (e.g., a display screen), a display driver IC (e.g., a display driver IC (430) of FIG. 4), a touch circuit (e.g., a touch circuit (450) of FIG. 4), and a digitizer (e.g., a digitizer (460) of FIGS. 2 and 4).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may be referred to as a stretchable display, an expandable display, or a slide-out display.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first side (e.g., a front side) of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second side (e.g., a rear side) of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a first side (or front side) (210A), a second side (or back side) (210B), and a housing (210).

[0074] An electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a display (201), a display driver IC (e.g., display driver IC (430) of FIG. 4), a touch circuit (e.g., touch circuit (450) of FIG. 4), a digitizer (460) (e.g., digitizer (460) of FIG. 4), and a digitizer driver (e.g., digitizer driver (470) of FIG. 4). For example, an electronic pen (300) (e.g., stylus pen) may be housed inside the electronic device (200) or may be configured as a separate device externally.

[0075] In one embodiment, the display (201) may be supported by a housing (210). For example, the display (201) may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) display, an organic light emitting diodes (OLED) display, or a micro LED display.

[0076] In one embodiment, the housing (210) may include a side surface (210C) that surrounds a space between the first surface (210A) and the second surface (210B). In one embodiment, the housing (210) may also refer to a structure that forms a portion of the first surface (210A), the second surface (210B), and the side surface (210C).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the first side (210A) may be formed by a front plate (202) that is at least partially substantially transparent (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the second side (210B) may be formed by a substantially opaque back plate (211). The back plate (211) may be formed by, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the back plate (211) may also be formed by transparent glass.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the side (210C) may be formed by a side bezel structure (218) (or “side member”) (or “side frame”) that is coupled to the front plate (202) and the back plate (211) and comprises metal and / or polymer.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the back plate (211) and the side bezel structure (218) may be formed integrally and include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the front plate (202) may include two first regions (210D) that extend seamlessly from the first side (210A) toward the rear plate (211). The two first regions (210D) may be positioned at both ends of a long edge of the front plate (202).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the back plate (211) may include two second regions (210E) that extend seamlessly from the second surface (210B) toward the front plate (202).

[0083] In one embodiment, the front plate (202) (or the rear plate (211)) may include only one of the first regions (210D) (or the second regions (210E)). In one embodiment, some of the first regions (210D) or the second regions (210E) may not be included.

[0084] In embodiments, when viewed from the side of the electronic device (200), the side bezel structure (218) may have a first thickness (or width) on a side that does not include the first regions (210D) or the second regions (210E) as described above. In embodiments, when viewed from the side of the electronic device (200), the side bezel structure (218) may have a second thickness (or width) that is thinner than the first thickness on a side that includes the first regions (210D) or the second regions (210E).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of a display (201), an audio input device (203) (e.g., an input module (150) of FIG. 1, a microphone), an audio output device (207, 214) (e.g., an audio output module (155) of FIG. 1, a speaker) (e.g., an audio module), sensor modules (204, 219) (e.g., a sensor module (176) of FIG. 1), a camera module (205, 212) (e.g., a camera module (180) of FIG. 1), a flash (213), a key input device (217), an indicator (not shown), and connectors (208, 209).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the components (e.g., the key input device (217)) or may additionally include other components.

[0087] In one embodiment, the display (201) is visually visible through the upper portion of the front plate (202).

[0088] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the display (201) may be visible through the front plate (202) forming the first surface (210A) and the first region (210D) of the side surface (210C). For example, the display (201) may be coupled with a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer (e.g., the digitizer (460) of FIG. 4) for detecting a magnetic field-type electronic pen (300) (e.g., a stylus pen). For example, the display (201) may be disposed adjacent to the digitizer (460) for detecting a magnetic field-type electronic pen (300) (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0089] For example, a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor (451) of FIG. 4) may be placed on the upper side (e.g., top) of the display (201) in the z-direction. For example, a digitizer (460) may be placed on the lower side (e.g., bottom) of the display (201) in the z-direction.

[0090] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the sensor modules (204, 219) and / or at least a portion of the key input device (217) may be disposed in the first area (210D) and / or the second area (210E).

[0091] For example, the sensor modules (204, 219) may include a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a distance measurement sensor (512) of FIG. 4, a depth measurement sensor, a TOF (time of flight) sensor) for measuring a distance (e.g., a depth of the subject) between the electronic device (200) and an object (e.g., a subject), and an illuminance sensor (e.g., an illuminance sensor (514) of FIG. 5) for measuring illuminance around the electronic device (200).

[0092] According to one embodiment, at least one of a first sensor module (204), a camera module (205) (e.g., an image sensor and a driving circuit of the image sensor), an audio output device (214) (e.g., an audio module), and a fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the back surface of the screen display area of ​​the display (201).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the display (201) may be coupled to or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the display (210) may be coupled to or positioned adjacent to a digitizer (460) that detects a magnetic field-type electronic pen (300) (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0095] According to one embodiment, at least some of the sensor modules (204, 219) and / or at least some of the key input device (217) may be disposed in the first areas (210D) and / or the second areas (210E).

[0096] In one embodiment, the audio input device (203) may include a microphone. In one embodiment, the input device (203) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the audio output device (207, 214) may include an audio output device (207) that operates as an external speaker and an audio output device (214) that operates as a call receiver.

[0098] In some embodiments, the acoustic input device (203) (e.g., a microphone), the acoustic output device (207, 214), and the connectors (208, 209) may be arranged in the internal space of the electronic device (200). The acoustic input device (203) (e.g., a microphone), the acoustic output device (207, 214), and the connectors (208, 209) may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the housing (210). In some embodiments, the hole formed in the housing (210) may be used in common for the acoustic input device (203) (e.g., a microphone) and the acoustic output device (207, 214). In some embodiments, the acoustic output device (207, 214) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the hole formed in the housing (210).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the electronic pen (300) (e.g., a stylus pen) may be stored in the internal space of the electronic device (200). The electronic pen (300) may be inserted and placed on one side of the space of the electronic device (200). The electronic pen (300) may be inserted (e.g., inserted) or removed (e.g., withdrawn) through a pen hole (not shown) formed on a side of the electronic device (200). When in use, the electronic pen (300) (e.g., a stylus pen) may be removed (e.g., withdrawn) from the inside of the electronic device (200). When not in use, the electronic pen (300) (e.g., a stylus pen) may be inserted (e.g., inserted) into the inside of the electronic device (200).

[0100] According to one embodiment, an electronic pen (300) (e.g., a stylus pen) may be magnetically attached to one surface (e.g., a front, back, or side) of an electronic device (200).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules (204, 219) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) may generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or an external environmental state. The sensor modules (204, 219) may include a first sensor module (204) (e.g., a proximity sensor) disposed on a first surface (210A) of the housing (210) and / or a second sensor module (219) (e.g., an HRM sensor) disposed on a second surface (210B) of the housing (210) and / or a third sensor module (not shown) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor). For example, the fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the first surface (210A) (e.g., the display (201)) and / or the second surface (210B) of the housing (210).

[0102] The electronic device (200) may further include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., a geomagnetic sensor), a six-axis sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and / or an illuminance sensor.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the camera modules (205, 212) may include a first camera module (205) disposed on a first side (210A) of the electronic device (200), and a second camera module (212) disposed on a second side (210B). A flash (213) may be disposed around the camera modules (205, 212). The camera modules (205, 212) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (213) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the first camera module (205) may be positioned at the bottom of the display panel of the display (201) in an under display camera (UDC) manner.

[0105] In one embodiment, two or more lenses (wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be arranged on one side of the electronic device (200).

[0106] According to one embodiment, a plurality of first camera modules (205) may be arranged in an under-display camera (UDC) manner on a first side (e.g., a side on which a screen is displayed) of an electronic device (200).

[0107] According to one embodiment, a second camera module (212) (e.g., camera module (520) of FIG. 5) disposed on a second side (210B) of an electronic device (200) may include a plurality of cameras (e.g., first camera (521), second camera (522), third camera (523), and fourth camera (524) of FIG. 5).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the key input device (217) may be disposed on a side surface (210C) of the housing (210). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices (217), and the key input devices (217) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on the display (201). According to one embodiment, the key input device (217) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the display (201).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the connectors (208, 209) may include a first connector hole (208) that can accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device, and / or a second connector hole (209, or an earphone jack) that can accommodate a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals with the external electronic device. The first connector hole (208) may include a port of a universal serial bus (USB) type A or USB type C. When the first connector hole (208) supports a USB type C, the electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may support USB power delivery (PD) charging.

[0110] According to one embodiment, some of the first camera modules (205, 212) and / or the first sensor module (204, 219) of the sensor modules (204, 219) may be arranged to be visually visible through the display (201).

[0111] According to one embodiment, when the first camera module (205) is arranged in an under display camera (UDC) manner, the first camera module (205) may not be visually visible to the outside.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the first camera module (205) may be arranged to overlap with the display area, and may also display a screen in the display area corresponding to the first camera module (205). The first sensor module (204) may also be arranged to perform its function without being visually exposed through the front plate (202) in the internal space of the electronic device (200).

[0113] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are block diagrams illustrating the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an electronic device (400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a processor (120) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a memory (130) (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1), a sensor module (510) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1), a camera module (520) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1), a digitizer driver (470), and a display module (160) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1).

[0115] In one embodiment, the memory (130) (e.g., the memory (130) of FIG. 1) may include one or more of a high bandwidth memory (HBM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a phase-change random access memory (PRAM), a magnetic random access memory (MRAM), a resistive random access memory (RRAM), a flash memory, and / or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0116] According to one embodiment, a display module (160) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) may include a display (410), a display driver IC (hereinafter, referred to as 'DDIC') (430) (e.g., a display driver) for driving the display (410), a touch circuit (450), and a digitizer (460). For example, all or part of a sensor module (176) may be included in the display module (160).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the DDIC (430) may include an interface module (431) (e.g., an interface circuit), a memory (433) (e.g., a buffer memory), an image processing module (435) (e.g., an image processing circuit), or a mapping module (437) (e.g., a mapping circuit).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the DDIC (430) can receive image information including image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command for controlling the image data from another component of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2 and 3) through an interface module (431).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the image information may be received from a processor (120) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) (e.g., main processor (121) of FIG. 1) (e.g., application processor) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., auxiliary processor (123) of FIG. 1) (e.g., graphics processing unit) that operates independently of the functions of the main processor (121).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the DDIC (430) can communicate with the touch circuit (450) or the sensor module (176) through the interface module (431). In addition, the DDIC (430) can store at least some of the received image information in the memory (433). As an example, the DDIC (430) can store at least some of the received image information in the memory (433) on a frame-by-frame basis.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the image processing module (435) may perform preprocessing or postprocessing (e.g., resolution, brightness, or size adjustment) on at least a portion of the image data based at least on characteristics of the image data or characteristics of the display (410).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the mapping module (437) may generate a voltage value or a current value corresponding to the image data pre-processed or post-processed through the image processing module (435). According to one embodiment, the generation of the voltage value or the current value may be performed at least in part based on, for example, properties of the pixels of the display (410) (e.g., arrangement of pixels (RGB stripe or pentile structure), or size of each sub-pixel).

[0123] According to one embodiment, at least some pixels of the display (410) may be driven based at least in part on, for example, the voltage value or current value, so that visual information (e.g., text, an image, or an icon) corresponding to the image data may be displayed through the display (410).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the touch circuit (450) may include a touch sensor (451) and a touch sensor integrated circuit (IC) (453) for controlling the touch sensor (451).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the touch sensor IC (453) can control the touch sensor (451) to detect a touch input or hovering input for a specific location of the display (410). For example, the touch sensor IC (453) can detect the touch input or hovering input by measuring a change in a signal (e.g., voltage, light quantity, resistance, or charge quantity) for a specific location of the display (410). The touch sensor IC (453) can provide information (e.g., location, area, pressure, or time) about the detected touch input or hovering input to a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1).

[0126] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the touch circuit (450) (e.g., touch sensor IC (453)) may be included as part of the DDIC (430) or the display (410).

[0127] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the touch circuit (450) (e.g., touch sensor IC (453)) may be included as part of another component (e.g., auxiliary processor (123)) disposed external to the display module (160).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor) of the sensor module (510), or a control circuit for the sensors. In this case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit thereof may be embedded in a portion of the display (410), a portion of the DDIC (430), or a portion of the touch circuit (450).

[0129] For example, if the sensor module (510) embedded in the display module (160) includes a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor can obtain biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image) associated with a touch input through a portion of the display (410).

[0130] For example, if the sensor module (510) embedded in the display module (160) includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor can obtain pressure information associated with a touch input through a part or the entire area of ​​the display (410).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the touch sensor (451) or sensor module (510) may be positioned between pixels of a pixel layer of the display (410), or above or below the pixel layer.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a digitizer (460) for detecting an input (e.g., a touch input or a hovering input) of an electronic pen (e.g., the electronic pen (300) of FIG. 2, a stylus pen). For example, the digitizer (460) may convert analog coordinates (e.g., a position) of the electronic pen (300) (e.g., a stylus pen) into digital coordinate data. The digitizer (460) may transmit the digital coordinate data to the processor (120) and / or the DDI (430).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) can obtain digital coordinate data input from the digitizer (460). The processor (120) can detect an input (e.g., a touch input or a hovering input) through an electronic pen (300) (e.g., a stylus pen) based on the digital coordinate data. For example, the digitizer (460) can include a plurality of x-axis channels and a plurality of y-axis channels. The processor (120) can sense the position of the electronic pen (300) (e.g., a stylus pen) using sensing signals (e.g., EMR signals) received from the x-axis channels and y-axis channels arranged in the digitizer (460). For example, a digitizer (460) may have a plurality of x-axis channels and a plurality of y-axis channels sequentially arranged, and a processor (120) may sense the position of an electronic pen (300) (e.g., a stylus pen) using sensing signals (e.g., EMR signals) received from three consecutive channels (e.g., three adjacent channels).

[0134] In one embodiment, the digitizer (460) may be hidden from view from the outside by the display (410), electronic components, and mechanisms.

[0135] For example, the digitizer (460) may be disposed integrally with the flat display (410) or disposed adjacent to the flat display (410). For example, when the digitizer (460) is applied to the flat display (410), the digitizer (460) may include one EMR (electro magnetic resonance) sheet (or EMR film). A plurality of x-axis channels and a plurality of y-axis channels for detecting the position of the electronic pen (300) may be disposed on one EMR sheet.

[0136] For example, the digitizer (460) may be disposed integrally with a flexible display or a foldable display, or may be disposed adjacent to the flexible display or the foldable display. For example, the digitizer (460) may be disposed at the bottom (e.g., below) of the display (410) (e.g., the display (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3) in the z-axis direction (e.g., the z-axis direction of FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0137] For example, when a digitizer (460) is applied to a flexible display or a foldable display, the digitizer (460) may include a plurality of EMR (electro magnetic resonance) sheets (or EMR films). A plurality of x-axis channels and a plurality of y-axis channels for detecting the position of the electronic pen (300) may be arranged on the plurality of EMR sheets.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (510) (e.g., the sensor modules (204, 219) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) for measuring a distance (e.g., a depth of an object) between the electronic device (400) (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2 and 3) and an object (e.g., a subject), an illuminance sensor (514) for measuring illuminance around the electronic device (200), and a flicker sensor.

[0139] For example, a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may further include at least one of a laser auto focus (AF) sensor, a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor, a range sensor, and a structured light sensor.

[0140] For example, a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) is a sensor that measures the surrounding distance and depth of space, and can output the distance to a target object (e.g., subject) or the shape of space by calculating and estimating the time it takes for the light to be reflected and received by emitting IR (infrared).

[0141] For example, a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may emit light of a specific frequency to detect the distance to a target object (e.g., a subject). A light receiving unit may detect the light, calculate the distance, and output the result.

[0142] For example, a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may use a wavelength of about 940 nm or about 1400 nm, and may include a light emitting unit (TX) and a light receiving unit (RX) separately.

[0143] The light emitting unit (TX) of the distance measuring sensor (512) (e.g., depth measuring sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) may include at least one of an IR LED, an edge emitting laser (EEL), and a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). When the light emitting unit (TX) of the distance measuring sensor (512) (e.g., depth measuring sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) includes a VCSEL, light can be continuously output, and the measurable distance can be increased.

[0144] For example, the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) can operate in a mode with various resolutions of 4x4 or 8x8. Depending on the number of light emitting units (TX) and light receiving units (RX) arranged in the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor), various resolutions can be provided.

[0145] For example, a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may be driven by grouping the entire light emitting unit (TX) and the entire light receiving unit (RX) into one zone, or may be driven by dividing them into multiple zones.

[0146] For example, a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a TOF (time of flight) sensor) may measure a distance (e.g., depth of the subject) to an object (e.g., a subject) and provide the distance (e.g., depth) measurement result to the processor (120).

[0147] For example, the light sensor (514) can measure the light intensity around the electronic device (200) and provide the light intensity measurement result to the processor (120).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the camera module (520) may include a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524).

[0149] For example, the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) may include a first camera (521) having a first wide angle (e.g., an ultra wide camera), a second camera (522) having a narrower wide angle than the first camera (521) (e.g., a wide camera), a third camera (523) having a first multiple zoom (e.g., a 3x zoom camera), and a fourth camera (524) having a second multiple zoom greater than the first multiple zoom (e.g., a 10x zoom camera).

[0150] For example, the electronic device (400) can calculate a brightness value (BV) and an exposure value (EV) of an image based on an image captured by at least one camera among a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524). The electronic device (400) can determine whether the environment is a low-light environment based on the brightness value (BV) and the exposure value (EV) of the image.

[0151] For example, multiple cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) can perform auto focus operation using at least one of a contrast method and a phase method.

[0152] For example, in an environment where it is difficult to perform autofocus (AF) (e.g., a low-light environment), the electronic device (400) may perform autofocus (AF) of a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on distance information (e.g., depth information) (e.g., distance value, depth value) from a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor). The electronic device (400) may select a camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) that has a distance that matches an object to be photographed (e.g., a subject), and perform camera operation switching and autofocus (AF).

[0153] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, in operation 610, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may operate at least one camera among a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) of the camera module (520) to obtain at least one of contrast information (e.g., contrast value), phase information (e.g., phase value), and brightness information (e.g., brightness value (BV)) of an image. The electronic device (400) may determine whether the environment is insufficient in contrast information (e.g., contrast value) and phase information (e.g., phase value) (e.g., low-light environment), and whether the brightness information (e.g., brightness value (BV)) of the image is lower than or equal to a preset first reference value (e.g., about -2.7, low-light).

[0155] As a result of the determination of operation 610, according to one embodiment, if the environment is lacking in contrast information (e.g., contrast value) and phase information (e.g., phase value) (e.g., low-light environment) and the brightness information of the image (e.g., brightness value (BV)) is lower than or equal to a preset first reference value (e.g., about -2.7, low-light environment) (YES), the electronic device (400) may perform operation 620.

[0156] As a result of the determination of operation 610, according to one embodiment, if the environment is not one in which contrast information (e.g., contrast value) and phase information (e.g., phase value) are insufficient (e.g., low-light environment), or if the brightness information of the image (e.g., brightness value (BV)) is not lower than a preset first reference value (e.g., about -2.7, low-light environment) (NO), the electronic device (400) may perform operation 670.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may operate at least one camera among a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) of the camera module (520) to obtain at least one of contrast information (e.g., contrast value), phase information (e.g., phase value), and brightness information of an image (e.g., brightness value (BV)). The processor (120) may determine whether the environment is one in which contrast information (e.g., contrast value) and phase information (e.g., phase value) are insufficient (e.g., low-light environment), and whether brightness information (e.g., brightness value (BV)) of the image is lower than or equal to a preset first reference value (e.g., about -2.7, low-light).

[0158] As a result of the determination of operation 610, according to one embodiment, if the environment is insufficient (e.g., a low-light environment) in contrast information (e.g., a contrast value) and phase information (e.g., a phase value), and the brightness information of the image (e.g., a brightness value (BV)) is lower than a preset first reference value (e.g., about -2.7, low-light), the processor (120) may perform operation 620.

[0159] As a result of the determination of operation 610, according to one embodiment, if the environment is not one in which contrast information (e.g., contrast value) and phase information (e.g., phase value) are insufficient (e.g., low-light environment), or if the brightness information of the image (e.g., brightness value (BV)) is not lower than a preset first reference value (e.g., about -2.7, low-light environment) (NO), the processor (120) may perform operation 670.

[0160] In one embodiment, in operation 620, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may set the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) to a first value (e.g., maximum driving current, or relatively large driving current). The electronic device (400) may set the measurable distance (e.g., depth) of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) to the maximum distance, thereby measuring the distance (e.g., depth) to an object (e.g., subject). A distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) can generate distance (e.g., depth) information (e.g., a distance map, a depth map) (e.g., a distance map (2310) of FIG. 23a, a distance map (2320) of FIG. 23b, a distance map (2330) of FIG. 23c, a distance map (2340) of FIG. 23d) with respect to an object (e.g., a subject). A distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) can provide distance (e.g., depth) information (e.g., a distance map, a depth map) (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340) with respect to an object (e.g., a subject) to the electronic device (400). For example, distance (e.g., depth) information (e.g., distance map, depth map) (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340) to an object (e.g., subject) may include a two-dimensional distance (depth) map (information) or a two-dimensional distance (depth) map (information).

[0161] According to one embodiment, in operation 620, the processor (120) may set the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) to a first value (e.g., maximum driving current, or relatively large driving current). The processor (120) may set the measurable distance (e.g., depth) of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) to the maximum distance, thereby measuring the distance (e.g., depth) to an object (e.g., subject). The distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) may generate distance (e.g., depth) information (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340) (e.g., distance map, depth map) to an object (e.g., subject). A distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) can provide distance (e.g., depth) information (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340) (e.g., a distance map, a depth map) to an object (e.g., a subject) to the processor (120). For example, the distance (e.g., depth) information (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340) (e.g., a distance map, a depth map) to an object (e.g., a subject) can include a two-dimensional distance (depth) map (information) or a two-dimensional distance (depth) map (information).

[0162] In operation 630, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may perform an autofocus (AF) operation of at least one camera among a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) using distance (e.g., depth) information (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340) (e.g., distance map, depth map) with respect to an object (e.g., subject).

[0163] For example, the electronic device (400) may obtain contrast information (e.g., contrast value) by operating at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) after the auto focus (AF) operation of the camera. Without being limited thereto, for example, the electronic device (400) may obtain phase information (e.g., phase value) by operating at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) after the auto focus (AF) operation of the camera.

[0164] For example, after obtaining at least one of contrast information (e.g., contrast value) and phase information (e.g., phase value), the electronic device (400) may additionally perform an autofocus (AF) operation of at least one camera among the cameras (521, 522, 523, 524).

[0165] In operation 630, according to one embodiment, the processor (120) may perform an autofocus (AF) operation of at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) using distance (e.g., depth) information (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340) (e.g., distance map, depth map) with respect to an object (e.g., subject).

[0166] For example, the processor (120) may obtain contrast information (e.g., contrast value) by operating at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) after the auto focus (AF) operation of the camera. Without being limited thereto, for example, the processor (120) may obtain phase information (e.g., phase value) by operating at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) after the auto focus (AF) operation of the camera.

[0167] For example, after obtaining at least one of contrast information (e.g., contrast value) and phase information (e.g., phase value), the processor (120) may additionally perform an auto focus (AF) operation of at least one camera among the cameras (521, 522, 523, 524).

[0168] According to one embodiment, in operation 640, the electronic device (400) may determine whether a distance value (e.g., a depth value) to an object (e.g., a subject) is lower than a maximum distance measurable with a first value drive current (e.g., a maximum drive current or a relatively large drive current) of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) (e.g., shorter than the maximum measurable distance) based on distance (e.g., depth) information (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340) (e.g., a distance map, a depth map) to an object (e.g., a subject). For example, the electronic device (400) may determine whether a distance value (e.g., a depth value) to an object (e.g., a subject) is less than or equal to about 60% of the maximum measurable distance.

[0169] As a result of the determination of operation 640, according to one embodiment, if the distance value (e.g., depth value) to the object (e.g., subject) is not less than about 60% of the maximum measurable distance (NO), the electronic device (400) may return to operation 620 and perform the operation.

[0170] As a result of the determination of operation 640, according to one embodiment, if the distance value (e.g., depth value) to the object (e.g., subject) is less than or equal to about 60% of the maximum measurable distance (YES), the electronic device (400) may perform operation 650.

[0171] According to one embodiment, in operation 640, the processor (120) may determine whether a distance value (e.g., a depth value) to an object (e.g., a subject) is lower than a maximum distance measurable with a first value drive current (e.g., a maximum drive current or a relatively large drive current) of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) (e.g., shorter than the maximum measurable distance) based on distance (e.g., depth) information (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340) (e.g., a distance map, a depth map) to an object (e.g., a subject) (e.g., a depth value) information. For example, the processor (120) may determine whether a distance value (e.g., a depth value) to an object (e.g., a subject) is less than or equal to about 60% of the maximum measurable distance.

[0172] As a result of the determination of operation 640, according to one embodiment, if the distance value (e.g., depth value) to the object (e.g., subject) is not less than about 60% of the maximum distance (NO), the processor (120) may return to operation 620 and perform the operation.

[0173] As a result of the determination of operation 640, according to one embodiment, if the distance value (e.g., depth value) to the object (e.g., subject) is less than or equal to about 60% of the maximum distance (YES), the processor (120) may perform operation 650.

[0174] According to one embodiment, at operation 650, the electronic device (400) may operate the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) to adjust the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) to a second value (e.g., minimum driving current or relatively small driving current) based on a distance value (e.g., depth value) measured from an object (e.g., subject) by the distance measurement sensor (512).

[0175] According to one embodiment, at operation 650, the processor (120) may adjust the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) to a second value (e.g., minimum driving current or relatively small driving current) based on a distance value (e.g., depth value) measured by the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) to an object (e.g., subject).

[0176] According to one embodiment, in operation 660, the electronic device (400) may operate at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) to obtain a brightness value (BV) of an image. The electronic device (400) may determine whether the brightness value (BV) of the image is equal to or greater than a preset second reference value (e.g., approximately -2.0).

[0177] For example, if the brightness value (BV) of the image is greater than or equal to a preset second reference value (e.g., about -2.0) (YES), the electronic device (400) may perform operation 670.

[0178] According to one embodiment, at operation 660, the processor (120) may operate at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) to obtain a brightness value (BV) of an image. The processor (120) may determine whether the brightness value (BV) of the image is equal to or greater than a preset second reference value (e.g., approximately -2.0).

[0179] For example, if the brightness value (BV) of the image is greater than or equal to a preset second reference value (e.g., about -2.0) (YES), the processor (120) may perform operation 670.

[0180] According to one embodiment, in operation 670, the electronic device (400) may perform an autofocus (e.g., hybrid AF) operation of at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) using the phase and contrast of the image. For example, the electronic device (400) may maintain a previous current value (e.g., a minimum value) without adjusting the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor).

[0181] According to one embodiment, the memory (130) may include (e.g., store) instructions for the electronic device (400) to perform the operations of FIG. 6. For example, at least some of the operations of FIG. 6 may be omitted. For example, the operations of FIG. 6 may be performed sequentially. For example, at least some of the operations of FIG. 6 may be performed concurrently (e.g., in parallel).

[0182] According to one embodiment, in operation 670, the processor (120) may perform an autofocus (e.g., hybrid AF) operation of at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) using the phase and contrast of the image. For example, the processor (120) may maintain a previous current value (e.g., a minimum value) without adjusting the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor).

[0183] According to one embodiment, the memory (130) may include (e.g., store) instructions for the processor (120) to perform the operations of FIG. 6. For example, at least some of the operations of FIG. 6 may be omitted. For example, the operations of FIG. 6 may be performed sequentially. For example, at least some of the operations of FIG. 6 may be performed concurrently (e.g., in parallel).

[0184] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating varying the driving current of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor) of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0185] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, an electronic device (400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust a driving current of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor).

[0186] For example, the electronic device (400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the driving current of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) by using at least one of a brightness value (BV) of an image acquired through a camera, an illuminance value measured by an illuminance sensor (514), and a flicker value measured by a flicker sensor.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can control the operation of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) to cause light to be output discontinuously (711, 712) or to be output continuously (713).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can control the operation of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) in the first frame (710) to cause light to be output discontinuously (711, 712) or to be output continuously (713).

[0189] For example, the electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) to a minimum value in the first frame (710) so that light is output discontinuously (711).

[0190] For example, the electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) to an intermediate value in the first frame (710) so that light is output discontinuously (712).

[0191] For example, the electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) to a maximum value in the first frame (710) so that light is continuously output (713).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can control the operation of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) in the second frame (720) to cause light to be output discontinuously (721, 722) or to be output continuously (723).

[0193] For example, the electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) to a minimum value in the second frame (720) so that light is output discontinuously (721).

[0194] For example, the electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) to an intermediate value in the second frame (720) so that light is output discontinuously (722).

[0195] For example, the electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) to the maximum value in the second frame (720) so that light is continuously output (723).

[0196] Without being limited thereto, the electronic device (400) may enable light to be continuously output (713) from a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) in a first frame (710), and light to be discontinuously output (721, 722) in a second frame (720).

[0197] Without being limited thereto, the electronic device (400) may cause light to be discontinuously output (711, 712) from a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) in a first frame (710), and may cause light to be continuously output (723) in a second frame (720).

[0198] Referring to Table 1, the current consumption may increase in proportion to the operation time (integration time) of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor).

[0199]

[0200] Referring to Table 2, the measurable distance (e.g., depth) of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) may increase in proportion to the operating time (integration time) and current consumption of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor).

[0201]

[0202] For example, as the operation time (integration time) of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) increases from about 5 ms to about 15 ms, the current consumption may increase. As the current consumption of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) increases, the measurable distance (e.g., depth) may increase.

[0203] FIGS. 8 to 11 are diagrams showing dividing one driving cycle (e.g., about 66 ms) of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor) into multiple frames and varying the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (e.g., a depth measurement sensor) on a frame-by-frame basis.

[0204] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 8 to 11, an electronic device (400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust a driving current of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor).

[0205] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can operate the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) at an operating frequency of about 15 Hz. When the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) operates at an operating frequency of about 15 Hz, one operation cycle can be about 66 ms.

[0206] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can operate the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) by dividing (dividing) one operation cycle (e.g., 66 ms) of an operation frequency of about 15 Hz into a plurality of frames (e.g., 4 frames). At this time, the electronic device (400) can operate the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) by dividing (dividing) the entire cells (e.g., the entire light-emitting unit (TX) and the entire light-receiving unit (RX)) into 4 groups.

[0207] For example, the electronic device (400) can operate the first cells (1) among all cells (e.g., all light-emitting units (TX) and all light-receiving units (RX)) of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) in the first frame (810). The electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the first cells (1) in the first frame (810).

[0208] For example, the electronic device (400) can operate the second cells (2) among all cells (e.g., all light-emitting units (TX) and all light-receiving units (RX)) of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) in the second frame (820). The electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the second cells (2) in the second frame (820).

[0209] For example, the electronic device (400) can operate the third cells (3) among all cells (e.g., all light-emitting units (TX) and all light-receiving units (RX)) of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) in the third frame (830). The electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the third cells (3) in the third frame (830).

[0210] For example, the electronic device (400) can operate the fourth cells (4) among all cells (e.g., all light-emitting units (TX) and all light-receiving units (RX)) of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) in the fourth frame (840). The electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the fourth cells (4) in the fourth frame (840).

[0211] For example, the electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the first cells (1) to a first value (e.g., a maximum value) in the first frame (810).

[0212] For example, the electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the second cells (2) to a first value (e.g., a maximum value) in the second frame (820).

[0213] For example, the electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the third cells (3) to a second value (e.g., a minimum value) in the third frame (830).

[0214] For example, the electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the fourth cells (4) to a second value (e.g., a minimum value) in the fourth frame (830).

[0215] In this way, the electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current of the first cells (1), the second cells (2), the third cells (3), and the fourth cells (4) of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) according to the frame in one operation cycle (about 66 ms) at an operation frequency of about 15 Hz.

[0216] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are drawings (1300) for explaining a phase detection method of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0217] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 12, and 13, an electronic device (400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a camera module (520). The camera module (520) may include a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524).

[0218] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can perform autofocus of at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on the phase of the image.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can perform autofocus of at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on the contrast of the image.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can perform autofocus (e.g., hybrid autofocus) of at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on phase and contrast of the image.

[0221] For example, at least one of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) may include a plurality of image cells (1200) (e.g., a plurality of image sensors). For example, the plurality of image cells (1200) may include a plurality of autofocus cells (1210, 1220) (e.g., autofocus sensors) for autofocus (AF). In order to focus an image (1310), the plurality of autofocus cells (1210, 1220) may include a first autofocus cell (1210) (e.g., a first autofocus sensor) and a second autofocus cell (1220) (e.g., a second autofocus sensor).

[0222] For example, Fig. 13 illustrates a case where the image is aligned with the center of the rear pin (1320) and the front pin (1330), and thus the front and rear images are identical. In the absence of multiple autofocus cells (1210, 1220), substantially identical images are input to the rear pin (1320) and the front pin (1330), making it impossible to determine the direction (e.g., lens direction) for focusing (1310).

[0223] For example, the electronic device (400) can generate a rear pin (1320) for autofocus (AF) using the first autofocus cell (1210). The electronic device (400) can generate a front pin (1330) for autofocus (AF) using the second autofocus cell (1220).

[0224] FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are drawings (1400) for explaining focusing using the first auto focus pixel (AF1) and the second auto focus pixel (AF2) of the camera.

[0225] Referring to FIGS. 12, 14, and 15, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4 and 5) may input different images to the rear pin (1420) and the front pin (1430) using a first auto focus cell (1210) (e.g., a first auto focus sensor) and a second auto focus cell (1220) (e.g., a second auto focus sensor). For example, images formed on the rear pin (1420) and the front pin (1430) may be different. For example, a first portion (1211) (e.g., half of a photodiode) of the first auto focus cell (1210) (e.g., a first auto focus sensor) may be open, and a second portion (1212) (e.g., half of a photodiode) may be closed. For example, a first portion (1221) (e.g., half of the photodiode) of a second autofocus cell (1220) (e.g., a second autofocus sensor) may be open, and a second portion (1222) (e.g., half of the photodiode) may be closed. For example, the first autofocus cell (1210) (e.g., the first autofocus sensor) and the second autofocus cell (1220) (e.g., the second autofocus sensor) may be formed such that the open portion and the closed portion are symmetrical to each other. The light entering the first portion (1211) of the first autofocus cell (1210) (e.g., the first autofocus sensor) and the light entering the first portion (1221) of the second autofocus cell (1220) (e.g., the second autofocus sensor) may be opposite to each other, causing the image to appear flipped. Autofocus (AF) can be performed so that focus (1410) is achieved by adjusting the lens position so that there is no difference between the image by light entering the first part (1211) of the first autofocus cell (1210) (e.g., the first autofocus sensor) and the image by light entering the first part (1221) of the second autofocus cell (1220) (e.g., the second autofocus sensor).

[0226] For example, light passing through the first auto focus cell (1210) (e.g., the first auto focus sensor) may input different images at the front pin (1430) and the back pin (1420) compared to the normal case. For example, light passing through the second auto focus cell (1220) (e.g., the second auto focus sensor) may input different images at the front pin (1430) and the back pin (1420) compared to the normal case.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine a direction (e.g., lens direction) for focusing (1410) by using different images input through the rear pin (1420) and the front pin (1430).

[0228] For example, a parallax may occur between an image input through a first auto focus cell (1210) (e.g., a first auto focus sensor) and an image input through a second auto focus cell (1220) (e.g., a second auto focus sensor). The electronic device (400) may move the lens in a direction that reduces the parallax that occurs between the image input through the first auto focus cell (1210) (e.g., a first auto focus sensor) and the image input through the second auto focus cell (1220) (e.g., a second auto focus sensor), thereby focusing the image (1410).

[0229] Figure 16 is a diagram showing the focus of an image according to the rear focus, the fixed focus, and the front focus using the first auto focus pixel (AF1) and the second auto focus pixel (AF2) of the camera.

[0230] Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, parallax may occur between an image (1620) input through a first autofocus cell (1210) (e.g., a first autofocus sensor) and an image (1630) input through a second autofocus cell (1220) (e.g., a second autofocus sensor). The electronic device (400) may move the lens to reduce the parallax between the images (1620, 1630) and acquire a focused image (1610). Through this, the electronic device (400) may perform, for example, autofocus of a camera.

[0231] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining a contrast auto focus (contrast AF) method of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0232] Referring to FIG. 17, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4 and 5) can focus an image (1740) using a contrast auto focus (contrast AF) method.

[0233] According to one embodiment, an image (1740) of an object (1710) (e.g., a subject) and the contrast of the image (1740) can be acquired through a plurality of image cells (1730) (e.g., a plurality of image sensors) of a camera, a first auto focus pixel (AF1), and a second auto focus cell (1220) (e.g., a second auto focus sensor). Since a clear image (1740) can be acquired when the lens (1720) is in focus, the electronic device (400) can move the lens (1720) in a direction in which a clear image (1740) is acquired based on the contrast of the image (1740). For example, the electronic device (400) can quantify the degree of clarity of the image (1740) and move the lens (1720) so that the clarity of the image (1740) is maximized to focus the image (1740) (contrast AF).

[0234] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can perform autofocus (e.g., hybrid autofocus) of at least one camera among a plurality of cameras (e.g., the plurality of cameras 521, 522, 523, and 524 of FIG. 5) based on the phase and contrast of the image. For example, the electronic device (400) can drive the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) using lower current in an environment where the phase and contrast of the image are not sufficient (e.g., low-light environment). The electronic device (400) can obtain distance information (e.g., depth information) to an object (e.g., a subject) and perform autofocus (AF) of the camera based on the distance information (e.g., depth information) to the object (e.g., the subject). This can shorten the camera's autofocus (AF) time in low-light environments and improve image quality.

[0235] For example, if a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) cannot measure the distance to an object (e.g., a subject), there may be no information to perform auto focus (AF).

[0236] For example, the longer the distance value (e.g., depth value) measured by the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) becomes, the farther away an object (e.g., subject) can be captured. If the camera or the object (e.g., subject) moves while capturing an object (e.g., subject) at a close distance using a camera, the focus of the image may become blurry. However, distance information (e.g., depth information) to the object (e.g., subject) can be acquired through the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor), and auto focus (AF) of the camera can be performed based on the distance information (e.g., depth information) to the object (e.g., subject). If the measurement distance of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) is always set to the maximum, unnecessary current consumption may occur. An electronic device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can obtain distance information (e.g., depth information) to an object (e.g., a subject) by driving a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) using a lower current in an environment (e.g., a low-light environment) where the phase and contrast of an image are insufficient. Autofocus (AF) of a camera can be performed based on the distance information (e.g., depth information) to the object (e.g., the subject). Through this, the autofocus (AF) time of the camera can be shortened in a low-light environment, and the quality of the image can be improved.

[0237] An electronic device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can quickly obtain distance information (e.g., depth information) to an object (e.g., a subject) by using a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a TOF (time of flight) sensor) when driving autofocus of a camera, and can perform autofocus (AF) using the phase and contrast of an image based on the distance information (e.g., depth information) to the object (e.g., the subject).

[0238] An electronic device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can obtain a brightness value (BV) of an image or an illuminance value through an illuminance sensor, and perform auto focus (AF) of a camera using the brightness value (BV) or illuminance value of the image.

[0239] FIG. 18 is a drawing (1800) showing improved autofocus in an environment of about 5 lux illumination by an electronic device and an operating method thereof according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 18, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4 and 5) can obtain distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., subject) by changing the current of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., the distance measurement sensor (512) of FIG. 5, a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor).

[0241] According to one embodiment, in an environment with a light level of about 5 lux, at least one of a plurality of cameras (e.g., a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) of FIG. 5) of a camera module (e.g., a camera module (520) of FIG. 5) may be operated to start shooting (1810).

[0242] For example, when comparing a first image (1811) acquired by starting shooting of at least one camera of an electronic device (400) and a first image (1812) acquired by an electronic device of a comparative example, a background image acquired in a dark environment (e.g., 5 lux) may result in substantially no difference in focus of the images (1811, 1812).

[0243] According to one embodiment, when a close object (e.g., a subject) moves quickly and is added at a time point (1820) after about 0.5 seconds have passed since the time point (1810) when the camera starts shooting, the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may be operated to obtain distance information (e.g., depth information, a distance value, a depth value) with respect to the object (e.g., the subject). At this time, the current value of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may be adjusted to obtain distance information (e.g., depth information, a distance value, a depth value) with respect to the object (e.g., the subject). The electronic device (400) may adjust the auto focus of the camera based on the distance information (e.g., depth information, a distance value, a depth value) with respect to the object (e.g., the subject) to obtain a second image (1821). Comparing the second image (1821) acquired at a time point (1820) after about 0.5 seconds have passed from the time point (1810) when the camera starts shooting, with the second image (1822) acquired by the electronic device of the comparative example, the autofocus of the image in a dark environment (e.g., about 5 lux) can be improved. In this way, the electronic device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the focus of the image in a dark environment by improving the autofocus operation of the camera when an object (e.g., a subject) in a dark environment (e.g., an environment of about 5 lux) changes from a long distance to a close distance.

[0244] FIG. 19 is a drawing (1900) showing improved autofocus in an environment of about 3 lux illumination by an electronic device and its operating method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0245] Referring to FIG. 19, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4 and 5) can obtain distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., subject) by changing the current of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., the distance measurement sensor (512) of FIG. 5, a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor).

[0246] According to one embodiment, in an environment with a light level of about 3 lux, at least one of a plurality of cameras (e.g., a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) of FIG. 5) of a camera module (e.g., a camera module (520) of FIG. 5) may be operated to start shooting (1910).

[0247] For example, when comparing a first image (1911) acquired when at least one camera of an electronic device (400) starts shooting and a first image (1912) acquired in an electronic device of a comparative example, a background image acquired in a dark environment (e.g., 3 lux) may result in substantially no difference in focus of the images (1911, 1912).

[0248] According to one embodiment, when a close object (e.g., a subject) moves quickly and is added at a time point (1920) after about 0.5 seconds have passed since the time point (1910) when the camera starts shooting, the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may be operated to obtain distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to the object (e.g., the subject). At this time, the current value of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may be adjusted to obtain distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to the object (e.g., the subject). The electronic device (400) may adjust the auto focus of the camera based on the distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to the object (e.g., the subject) to obtain a second image (1921). Comparing the second image (1921) acquired at a point in time (1920) when 0.5 seconds have passed since the point in time (1910) when the camera started shooting, with the second image (1922) acquired by the electronic device of the comparative example, the autofocus of the image in a dark environment (e.g., about 3 lux) can be improved. In this way, the electronic device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the focus of the image in a dark environment by improving the autofocus operation of the camera when an object (e.g., a subject) in a dark environment (e.g., an environment of about 3 lux) changes from a long distance to a close distance.

[0249] FIG. 20 is a drawing (2000) showing improved autofocus in environments with a distant background, low light, and few edges of an object (e.g., a subject) by an electronic device and its operating method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0250] Referring to FIG. 20, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4 and 5) can obtain distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., subject) by changing the current of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., the distance measurement sensor (512) of FIG. 5, a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor).

[0251] According to one embodiment, in an environment with a distant background, darkness, and few edges of objects (e.g., subjects), at least one of a plurality of cameras (e.g., a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) of a camera module (e.g., a camera module (520) of FIG. 5)) may be operated to initiate shooting (2010).

[0252] For example, by comparing a first image (2011) acquired by starting shooting of at least one camera of an electronic device (400) with a first image (2012) acquired by an electronic device of a comparative example, autofocus of an image in an environment with a distant background, darkness, and few edges of an object (e.g., a subject) can be improved.

[0253] According to one embodiment, when a close object (e.g., a subject) moves quickly and disappears at a time point (2020) after about 0.5 seconds have passed since the time point (2010) when the camera starts shooting, the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a TOF (time of flight) sensor) may be operated to obtain distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to the object (e.g., the subject). At this time, the current value of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a TOF (time of flight) sensor) may be adjusted to obtain distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to the object (e.g., the subject). The electronic device (400) may adjust the auto focus of the camera based on the distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to the object (e.g., the subject) to obtain a second image (2021). Comparing the second image (2021) acquired at a time point (2020) approximately 0.5 seconds after the camera's shooting started (2010) with the second image (2022) acquired by the electronic device of the comparative example, the autofocus of the image can be improved in an environment with a distant background, darkness, and few edges of an object (e.g., a subject). In this way, the electronic device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the focus of the image by improving the autofocus operation of the camera when the object (e.g., a subject) changes from a close distance to a far distance in an environment with a distant background, darkness, and few edges of the object (e.g., a subject).

[0254] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating improved autofocus in environments with a distant background, low light, and few edges of an object (e.g., a subject) by an electronic device and an operating method thereof according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0255] Referring to FIG. 21, an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4 and 5) can obtain distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., subject) by changing the current of a distance measurement sensor (e.g., the distance measurement sensor (512) of FIG. 5, a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor).

[0256] According to one embodiment, in an environment with a distant background, darkness, and few edges of objects (e.g., subjects), at least one of a plurality of cameras (e.g., a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) of a camera module (e.g., a camera module (520) of FIG. 5)) may be operated to start shooting (2110).

[0257] For example, by comparing a first image (2111) acquired by starting shooting of at least one camera of an electronic device (400) with a first image (2112) acquired by an electronic device of a comparative example, autofocus of an image in an environment with a distant background, darkness, and few edges of an object (e.g., a subject) can be improved.

[0258] According to one embodiment, at a time point (2120) when about 0.5 seconds have passed since the time point (2110) when the camera starts shooting, the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) may be operated to obtain distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., subject). At this time, the current value of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) may be adjusted to obtain distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., subject). The electronic device (400) may adjust the auto focus of the camera based on the distance information (e.g., depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., subject) to obtain a second image (2121). Comparing the second image (2121) acquired at a point in time (2120) when 0.5 seconds have passed from the point in time (2110) when the camera starts shooting, with the second image (2122) acquired by the electronic device of the comparative example, the autofocus of the image can be improved in an environment where the background is far away, it is dark, and the edge of the object (e.g., the subject) is small. In this way, the electronic device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the focus of the image by improving the autofocus operation of the camera when the object (e.g., the subject) changes from a close distance to a far distance in an environment where the background is far away, it is dark, and the edge of the object (e.g., the subject) is small.

[0259] 22 and FIGS. 23a to 23d are diagrams illustrating a method for adjusting auto focus based on a phase value, a contrast value, a brightness value (BV), and a distance value (e.g., a depth value) in an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0260] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIGS. 22 to 23d, according to one embodiment, the processor (120) may operate a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor).

[0261] According to one embodiment, in operation 2201, a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may generate a distance map (2310) (e.g., a depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., a subject). The distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may provide the distance map (2310) (e.g., a depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., a subject) to the processor (120).

[0262] For example, the center point may vary depending on the type of multiple cameras (e.g., multiple cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) of FIG. 5).

[0263] For example, a distance map (2310) (e.g., depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) may include a distance map (2311, depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) according to the center point of a first camera (e.g., wide camera).

[0264] For example, a distance map (2310) (e.g., depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) may include a distance map (2312, depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) according to the center point of a second camera (e.g., a 10x zoom camera).

[0265] For example, a distance map (2310) (e.g., depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) may include a distance map (2313, depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) according to the center point of a third camera (e.g., ultra wide camera).

[0266] According to one embodiment, in operation 2202, the processor (120) may operate at least one of a plurality of cameras (e.g., the plurality of cameras 521, 522, 523, 524 of FIG. 5). The processor (120) may obtain phase data (e.g., a phase value) of an image based on an image captured by at least one of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524).

[0267] According to one embodiment, in operation 2203, the processor (120) may obtain contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of an image based on an image captured by at least one camera among a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524).

[0268] According to one embodiment, in operation 2204, the processor (120) may perform auto focus (AF) adjustment of at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on at least one of phase data (e.g., phase value) and contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of the image.

[0269] According to one embodiment, in operation 2205, the processor (120) may obtain a brightness value (BV, brightness information) of the image based on at least one of phase data (e.g., phase value) and contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of the image.

[0270] For example, the processor (120) can operate a light sensor (e.g., light sensor (514) of FIG. 5) to obtain a brightness value (BV) (e.g., light value, brightness information, light information).

[0271] According to one embodiment, in operation 2206, the processor (120) may compare the brightness value (BV, brightness information) of the image with a preset first brightness value. For example, if the brightness value (BV, brightness information) of the image is greater than or equal to the preset first brightness value, the processor (120) may maintain the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) (e.g., maintain the current value).

[0272] According to one embodiment, in operation 2207, a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may generate a distance map (2320) (e.g., a depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., a subject). The distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may provide the distance map (2320) (e.g., a depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., a subject) to the processor (120).

[0273] For example, a distance map (2320) (e.g., depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) may include a distance map (2311, depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) according to the center point of the first camera (e.g., wide camera).

[0274] For example, a distance map (2320) (e.g., depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) may include a distance map (2312, depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) according to the center point of a second camera (e.g., a 10x zoom camera).

[0275] For example, a distance map (2320) (e.g., depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) may include a distance map (2313, depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) according to the center point of a third camera (e.g., ultra wide camera).

[0276] According to one embodiment, in operation 2208, the processor (120) may operate at least one of a plurality of cameras (e.g., the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) of FIG. 5). The processor (120) may obtain phase data (e.g., a phase value) of an image based on an image captured by at least one of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524).

[0277] According to one embodiment, in operation 2209, the processor (120) may obtain contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of an image based on an image captured by at least one camera among a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524).

[0278] According to one embodiment, in operation 2210, the processor (120) may perform auto focus (AF) adjustment of at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on at least one of phase data (e.g., phase value) and contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of the image.

[0279] According to one embodiment, in operation 2211, the processor (120) may obtain a brightness value (BV, brightness information) of the image based on at least one of phase data (e.g., phase value) and contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of the image.

[0280] For example, the processor (120) can operate a light sensor (e.g., light sensor (514) of FIG. 5) to obtain a brightness value (BV) (e.g., light value, brightness information, light information).

[0281] For example, the processor (120) can compare the brightness value (BV, brightness information) of the image with a preset first brightness value.

[0282] According to one embodiment, in operation 2212, for example, if the brightness value (BV, brightness information) of the image is less than a preset first brightness value (e.g., about -2.7), the processor (120) may adjust the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) to the first current value (e.g., a higher current value).

[0283] For example, when the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) is adjusted to a first current value (e.g., a higher current value), the operation time (integration time) can increase from about 5 ms to about 15 ms. When the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) is adjusted to a first current value (e.g., a higher current value), the measurable distance (e.g., depth) can increase to a maximum distance (e.g., maximum depth) (e.g., from about 1.5 m to about 4 m). Referring to Table 2, when the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) is adjusted to a first current value (e.g., a higher current value), the measurable distance (e.g., depth) can increase from about 1.5 m to about 4 m.

[0284] According to one embodiment, in operation 2213, a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may generate a distance map (2330) (e.g., a depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., a subject). The distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may provide the distance map (2330) (e.g., a depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., a subject) to the processor (120).

[0285] For example, a distance map (2330) (e.g., depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) may include a distance map (2311, depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) according to the center point of the first camera (e.g., wide camera).

[0286] For example, a distance map (2330) (e.g., depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) may include a distance map (2312, depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) according to the center point of a second camera (e.g., a 10x zoom camera).

[0287] For example, a distance map (2330) (e.g., depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) may include a distance map (2313, depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) according to the center point of a third camera (e.g., ultra wide camera).

[0288] According to one embodiment, in operation 2214, the processor (120) may operate at least one of a plurality of cameras (e.g., the plurality of cameras 521, 522, 523, 524 of FIG. 5). The processor (120) may obtain phase data (e.g., a phase value) of an image based on an image captured by at least one of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524).

[0289] According to one embodiment, in operation 2215, the processor (120) may obtain contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of an image based on an image captured by at least one camera among a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524).

[0290] According to one embodiment, in operation 2216, the processor (120) may perform auto focus (AF) adjustment of at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on at least one of phase data (e.g., phase value) and contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of the image.

[0291] According to one embodiment, in operation 2217, the processor (120) may obtain a brightness value (BV, brightness information) of the image based on at least one of phase data (e.g., phase value) and contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of the image.

[0292] For example, the processor (120) can operate a light sensor (e.g., light sensor (514) of FIG. 5) to obtain a brightness value (BV) (e.g., light value, brightness information, light information).

[0293] For example, the processor (120) can compare the brightness value (BV, brightness information) of the image with a preset first brightness value.

[0294] According to one embodiment, in operation 2218, for example, if the brightness value (BV, brightness information) of the image is greater than or equal to a preset second brightness value (e.g., about -2.0), the processor (120) may adjust the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, time of flight (TOF) sensor) to the second current value (e.g., a lower current value).

[0295] For example, by adjusting the driving current of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) to a second current value (e.g., a lower current value), the operation time (integration time) can be reduced from about 15 ms to about 5 ms.

[0296] By adjusting the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) to a second current value (e.g., lower current value), the measurable distance (e.g., depth) can be reduced to a minimum distance (e.g., minimum depth) (e.g., from about 4 m to about 1.5 m). Referring to Table 2, by adjusting the driving current of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., depth measurement sensor, TOF (time of flight) sensor) to a second current value (e.g., lower current value), the measurable distance (e.g., depth) can be reduced from about 4 m to about 1.5 m.

[0297] According to one embodiment, in operation 2219, a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may generate a distance map (2340) (e.g., a depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., a subject). The distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) may provide the distance map (2340) (e.g., a depth map, distance information, depth information, distance value, depth value) with respect to an object (e.g., a subject) to the processor (120).

[0298] Thereafter, the processor (120) can perform operations 2207 to 2218 substantially identically (or similarly).

[0299] According to one embodiment, the operation of obtaining phase data (e.g., phase value) of an image may be partially omitted.

[0300] According to one embodiment, an operation of obtaining phase data (e.g., phase value) of an image may be added.

[0301] According to one embodiment, the operation of obtaining contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of an image may be partially omitted.

[0302] According to one embodiment, an operation of obtaining contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of an image may be added.

[0303] According to one embodiment, an operation of performing auto focus (AF) adjustment of at least one camera among a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on at least one of phase data (e.g., phase value) and contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of the image may be partially omitted.

[0304] According to one embodiment, an operation of performing auto focus (AF) adjustment of at least one camera among a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on at least one of phase data (e.g., phase value) and contrast data (e.g., contrast value) of the image may be added.

[0305] According to one embodiment, the memory (130) may include (e.g., store) instructions for the electronic device (400) to perform the operations of FIGS. 22 to 23d. For example, at least some of the operations of FIGS. 22 to 23d may be omitted. For example, the operations of FIGS. 22 to 23d may be performed sequentially. For example, at least some of the operations of FIGS. 22 to 23d may be performed concurrently (e.g., in parallel).

[0306] According to one embodiment, the memory (130) may include (e.g., store) instructions for the processor (120) to perform the operations of FIGS. 22 to 23d. For example, at least some of the operations of FIGS. 22 to 23d may be omitted. For example, the operations of FIGS. 22 to 23d may be performed sequentially. For example, at least some of the operations of FIGS. 22 to 23d may be performed concurrently (e.g., in parallel).

[0307] An electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (400) of FIGS. 4 and 5) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a distance measurement sensor (e.g., a distance measurement sensor (512) of FIG. 4), a plurality of cameras (e.g., a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) of FIG. 5), a processor (e.g., a processor (120) of FIGS. 4 and 5) for driving the distance measurement sensor (512) and the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524), and a memory (e.g., a memory (130) of FIGS. 4 and 5) operatively connected to the processor and including instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) may operate the distance measurement sensor (512) to obtain a distance value to an object. When the above instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) can operate at least one camera among the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) to obtain at least one of a brightness value, a phase value, and a contrast value. When the above instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) can adjust a current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) based on at least one of the brightness value, the phase value, and the contrast value.

[0308] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) can determine, based on the brightness value, whether the environment is a first illuminance environment, a second illuminance environment having a lower illuminance than the first illuminance environment, or a third illuminance environment having a higher illuminance than the first illuminance environment. When the instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) can adjust the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) based on the first illuminance environment, the second illuminance environment, or the third illuminance environment.

[0309] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) can control the auto focus operation of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on the distance value obtained through the distance measurement sensor (512) in the first illumination environment.

[0310] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) can control the auto focus operation of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on the distance value obtained through the distance measurement sensor (512) in the second illumination environment.

[0311] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) can control the auto focus operation of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on the distance value obtained through the distance measurement sensor (512) in the third illumination environment.

[0312] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) can adjust the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) when the phase value is less than or equal to a preset reference value.

[0313] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) can adjust the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) when the contrast value is less than or equal to a preset reference value.

[0314] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) can adjust the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) to a maximum value.

[0315] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) can operate at least one of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) in a night photography mode in the second lighting environment.

[0316] According to one embodiment, when the instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400) can adjust the current supplied to the distance measurement sensor (512) to a maximum value when at least one of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) operates in a night shooting mode.

[0317] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an electronic device may obtain a distance value to an object by operating a distance measurement sensor (512). At least one camera among a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) may be operated to obtain at least one of a brightness value, a phase value, and a contrast value. Based on at least one of the brightness value, the phase value, and the contrast value, a current supplied to the distance measurement sensor (512) may be adjusted.

[0318] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine whether the environment is a first illuminance environment, a second illuminance environment having a lower illuminance than the first illuminance environment, or a third illuminance environment having a higher illuminance than the first illuminance environment based on the brightness value. The current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) can be adjusted based on the first illuminance environment, the second illuminance environment, or the third illuminance environment.

[0319] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can control the auto focus operation of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on the distance value acquired through the distance measurement sensor (512) in the first illumination environment.

[0320] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can control the auto focus operation of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on the distance value acquired through the distance measurement sensor (512) in the second illumination environment.

[0321] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can control the auto focus operation of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) based on the distance value acquired through the distance measurement sensor (512) in the third illumination environment.

[0322] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) when the phase value is less than or equal to a preset reference value.

[0323] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) when the contrast value is lower than or equal to a preset reference value.

[0324] According to one embodiment, the method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) to a maximum value.

[0325] According to one embodiment, the method of operating an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can operate at least one of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) in a night shooting mode in the second light environment.

[0326] According to one embodiment, the operating method of the electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the current supplied to the distance measurement sensor (512) to the maximum value when at least one of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) operates in a night shooting mode.

[0327] In a recording medium storing instructions readable by a processor (120) of an electronic device (400), the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the electronic device (400) to operate a distance measurement sensor (512) to obtain a distance value from an object. The instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the electronic device (400) to operate at least one camera among a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) to obtain at least one of a brightness value, a phase value, and a contrast value. The instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the electronic device (400) to adjust a current supplied to the distance measurement sensor (512) based on at least one of the brightness value, the phase value, and the contrast value.

[0328] In a recording medium storing instructions readable by a processor (120) of an electronic device (400), the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the electronic device (400) to determine, based on the brightness value, whether the environment is a first illuminance environment, a second illuminance environment having a lower illuminance than the first illuminance environment, or a third illuminance environment having a higher illuminance than the first illuminance environment. The instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the electronic device (400) to adjust a current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) based on the first illuminance environment, the second illuminance environment, or the third illuminance environment.

[0329] In a recording medium storing instructions readable by a processor (120) of an electronic device (400), the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), can cause the electronic device (400) to adjust a current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) when the phase value is less than or equal to a preset reference value.

[0330] In a recording medium storing instructions readable by a processor (120) of an electronic device (400), the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), can cause the electronic device (400) to adjust the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) when the contrast value is lower than a preset reference value.

[0331] In a recording medium storing instructions readable by a processor (120) of an electronic device (400), the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), can cause the electronic device (400) to adjust the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) to a maximum value.

[0332] In a recording medium storing instructions readable by a processor (120) of an electronic device (400), the instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the electronic device (400) to operate at least one of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) in a night photography mode. The instructions, when executed by the processor (120), may cause the electronic device (400) to adjust a current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) to a maximum value when at least one of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) operates in a night photography mode.

[0333] An electronic device and an operating method thereof according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce current consumption due to driving a distance measuring sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measuring sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) by variably adjusting the driving current of the distance measuring sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measuring sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor).

[0334] An electronic device and an operating method thereof according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can drive a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) using a lower current in an environment where the phase and contrast of an image are insufficient (e.g., a low-light environment), acquire distance information (e.g., depth information) to an object (e.g., a subject), and perform autofocus (AF) of a camera based on the distance information (e.g., depth information) to the object (e.g., the subject). Through this, the autofocus (AF) time of the camera can be improved in a low-light environment, and the quality of the image can be improved.

[0335] An electronic device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can quickly obtain distance information (e.g., depth information) to an object (e.g., a subject) by using a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a TOF (time of flight) sensor) when driving autofocus of a camera, and can perform autofocus (AF) using the phase and contrast of an image based on the distance information (e.g., depth information) to the object (e.g., the subject).

[0336] An electronic device (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can obtain an illuminance value through a brightness value (BV) of an image or an illuminance sensor, and perform autofocus (AF) of a camera using the brightness value (BV) or the illuminance value of the image. For example, when the brightness value (BV) or the illuminance value of the image is less than a preset brightness value (BV) or illuminance value, the driving current value of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) can be adjusted to a maximum value. For example, when the brightness value (BV) or the illuminance value of the image is greater than or equal to a preset brightness value (BV) or illuminance value, the driving current value of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor)) can be adjusted to a minimum value. Through this, current consumption according to the operation of the distance measurement sensor 512 (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) can be improved.

[0337] An electronic device (400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the driving current value of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) to a maximum value in an environment where the phase and contrast of an image are insufficient. The electronic device (400) can adjust the driving current value of a distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) to a minimum value in an environment where the phase and contrast of an image are sufficient. Through this, current consumption according to the operation of the distance measurement sensor (512) (e.g., a depth measurement sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor) can be improved.

[0338] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0339] An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may take various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The electronic device according to an embodiment of this document is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0340] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but 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 the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0341] The term "module" used in one embodiment of the present disclosure 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).

[0342] An embodiment of the present disclosure 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.

[0343] According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment disclosed in the present document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0344] According to one embodiment, 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 one embodiment, 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 one embodiment, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (400), Distance measuring sensor (512); Multiple cameras (521, 522, 523, 524); A processor (120) driving the distance measuring sensor (512) and the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524); and A memory (130) operatively connected to the above processor and including instructions; When the above instructions are executed by the processor (120), the electronic device (400), By operating the above distance measuring sensor (512), the distance value to the object is obtained, Operating at least one camera among the above multiple cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) to obtain at least one of a brightness value, a phase value, and a contrast value, Adjusting the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) based on at least one of the brightness value, the phase value, and the contrast value. Electronic devices (400).

2. In paragraph 1, Based on the above brightness value, it is determined whether it is a first illuminance environment, a second illuminance environment having a lower illuminance than the first illuminance environment, or a third illuminance environment having a higher illuminance than the first illuminance environment. Adjusting the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) based on the first illuminance environment, the second illuminance environment, or the third illuminance environment. Electronic devices (400).

3. In paragraph 2, In the above first illumination environment, the auto focus operation of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) is controlled based on the distance value acquired through the distance measurement sensor (512). Electronic devices (400).

4. In paragraph 2, In the above second illumination environment, the auto focus operation of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) is controlled based on the distance value acquired through the distance measurement sensor (512). Electronic devices (400).

5. In paragraph 2, In the above third light environment, the auto focus operation of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) is controlled based on the distance value acquired through the distance measurement sensor (512). Electronic devices (400).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, If the above phase value is lower than the preset reference value, the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) is adjusted. Electronic devices (400).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, If the above contrast value is lower than the preset reference value, the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) is adjusted. Electronic devices (400).

8. In paragraph 6 or 7, Adjusting the current supplied to the above distance measuring sensor (512) to the maximum value, Electronic devices (400).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, In the above second light environment, at least one of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) operates in night shooting mode. Electronic devices (400).

10. In paragraph 9, When at least one of the above multiple cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) operates in night shooting mode, the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) is adjusted to the maximum value. Electronic devices (400).

11. In the operating method of an electronic device (400), By operating the distance measuring sensor (512), the distance value to the object is obtained, Operating at least one camera among a plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) to obtain at least one of a brightness value, a phase value, and a contrast value, Adjusting the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) based on at least one of the brightness value, the phase value, and the contrast value. Method of operating an electronic device (400).

12. In paragraph 11, Based on the above brightness value, it is determined whether it is a first illuminance environment, a second illuminance environment having a lower illuminance than the first illuminance environment, or a third illuminance environment having a higher illuminance than the first illuminance environment. Adjusting the current supplied to the distance measuring sensor (512) based on the first illuminance environment, the second illuminance environment, or the third illuminance environment. Method of operating an electronic device (400).

13. In paragraph 12, In the above first illumination environment, the auto focus operation of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) is controlled based on the distance value acquired through the distance measurement sensor (512). Method of operating an electronic device (400).

14. In paragraph 12, In the above second illumination environment, the auto focus operation of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) is controlled based on the distance value acquired through the distance measurement sensor (512). Method of operating an electronic device (400).

15. In paragraph 12, In the above third light environment, the auto focus operation of the plurality of cameras (521, 522, 523, 524) is controlled based on the distance value acquired through the distance measurement sensor (512). Method of operating an electronic device (400).

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