WO2025018574A1 - Dispositif électronique pliable et procédé de fourniture d'image de dispositif électronique pliable - Google Patents

Dispositif électronique pliable et procédé de fourniture d'image de dispositif électronique pliable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025018574A1
WO2025018574A1 PCT/KR2024/007345 KR2024007345W WO2025018574A1 WO 2025018574 A1 WO2025018574 A1 WO 2025018574A1 KR 2024007345 W KR2024007345 W KR 2024007345W WO 2025018574 A1 WO2025018574 A1 WO 2025018574A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
image
state
electronic device
foldable electronic
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/KR2024/007345
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English (en)
Korean (ko)
Inventor
최원선
장세호
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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020230113443A external-priority patent/KR20250012487A/ko
Application filed by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd filed Critical Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Publication of WO2025018574A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025018574A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
    • G06F3/0484—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72448—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
    • H04M1/72454—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to context-related or environment-related conditions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/57—Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices

Definitions

  • Various embodiments of the present invention disclose a foldable electronic device and a method of providing at least one image using the foldable electronic device.
  • foldable electronic devices that fold and unfold in either a horizontal or vertical direction is increasing, and various functions are being provided in foldable electronic devices.
  • the above foldable electronic device may include a camera module to take pictures or videos or provide services such as video calling.
  • the foldable electronic device may include at least one camera module disposed on the front and at least one camera module disposed on the rear.
  • the above camera module may include an image sensor of the CCD (charge coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type.
  • the foldable electronic device may provide a user with at least one image acquired through the image sensor.
  • the foldable electronic device can be implemented in a multi-foldable form including a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing.
  • the above foldable electronic device may include a display (e.g., a flexible display) disposed at least partially across the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing.
  • a display e.g., a flexible display
  • the above foldable electronic device can display an image captured by at least one camera module on a display.
  • the above foldable electronic device can store images captured through at least one camera module in memory, sort the images stored in the memory in the same order as the capture time and file name according to a user's selection, and then display them on a display.
  • the foldable electronic device can store, in memory, a first image captured by the camera module in a state where the first housing and the second housing are folded relative to the second housing, a second image captured by the camera module in a state where the first housing is folded relative to the second housing, and a third image captured by the camera module in a state where the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing are unfolded, regardless of the size and/or ratio, and display them on the display in the order of the capturing time and file name.
  • the foldable electronic device can display images captured in the folded and/or unfolded states of the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing on the display without considering the size and/or ratio.
  • Various embodiments of the present invention can provide a foldable electronic device and method capable of providing images captured in a folded and/or unfolded state, respectively, of a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing of the foldable electronic device, preferentially or sequentially, depending on a state of the foldable electronic device currently being used by a user.
  • a foldable electronic device may include a flexible display including a camera module, a second housing, a first housing foldably coupled to a first side of the second housing, a third housing foldably coupled to a second side of the second housing, a first hinge member coupled between the first housing and the second housing, a second hinge member coupled between the second housing and the third housing, a first display area disposed in the first housing, a second display area disposed in the second housing, and a third display area disposed in the third housing.
  • the foldable electronic device may include a first sensor configured to sense a first angle between the second housing and the first housing and a second sensor configured to sense a second angle between the second housing and the third housing.
  • a foldable electronic device may include a memory storing at least one executable instruction, and at least one processor configured to access the memory and execute the at least one instruction.
  • At least one processor can determine (e.g., confirm) folding and unfolding of the second housing and the first housing or folding and unfolding of the second housing and the third housing based on the first angle sensed by the first sensor or the second angle sensed by the second sensor.
  • At least one processor can acquire a first image captured through the camera module in a first state in which the first housing and the third housing are folded relative to the second housing, and store the first image in the memory.
  • At least one processor can acquire a second image captured through the camera module in a second state in which the first housing is folded relative to the second housing and store the second image in the memory.
  • At least one processor may be configured to, in the first state, preferentially display the first image on the flexible display when the specified application is executed.
  • a method for providing an image using a foldable electronic device may include an operation of detecting, by at least one processor, that a camera module is triggered.
  • the method may include an operation of determining whether the foldable electronic device for capturing an image through the camera module is in a first state, a second state, or a third state.
  • the method may include an operation of storing a first image captured through the camera module in a memory when the foldable electronic device is in the first state.
  • the method may include an operation of storing a second image captured through the camera module in the memory when the foldable electronic device is in the second state.
  • the method may include an operation of preferentially displaying the first image on a flexible display when a specified application is executed in the first state.
  • the method for providing an image of the foldable electronic device can be performed using a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs.
  • the images captured in the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing of the foldable electronic device in the folded and/or unfolded states, respectively can be provided preferentially or sequentially according to the state of the foldable electronic device currently being used by the user (e.g., the first state, the second state, and/or the third state).
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state viewed from the front according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram of a rear view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a drawing schematically showing a state in which a first housing of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is folded relative to a second housing.
  • FIG. 4 is a drawing schematically showing a state in which the first housing and the third housing of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention are folded relative to the second housing.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating images captured according to a state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating images displayed through a flexible display according to a first state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating images displayed through a flexible display according to a second state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating images displayed through a flexible display according to a third state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a drawing schematically illustrating a first image displayed when a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a first state.
  • FIG. 11 is a drawing schematically illustrating a second image displayed when a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a second state.
  • FIG. 12 is a drawing schematically illustrating a third image displayed when a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a third state.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating images displayed through a flexible display when a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention executes a designated application in a first state.
  • FIG. 14 is a drawing schematically illustrating images displayed through a flexible display when a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention executes a designated application in a second state.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating images displayed through a flexible display when a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention executes a designated application in a third state.
  • FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an image using a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.
  • 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).
  • the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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)).
  • the processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may 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 a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in the volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in the nonvolatile memory (134).
  • a command or data received from another component e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)
  • the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphic 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.
  • a main processor (121) e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor
  • an auxiliary processor (123) e.g., a graphic processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor
  • the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function.
  • the secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.
  • the auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the display module (160), the sensor module (176), or the communication module (190)), 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.
  • the auxiliary processor (123) e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor
  • the auxiliary processor (123) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models.
  • the artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself on which the artificial intelligence model is executed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)).
  • the learning algorithm may 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 may include a plurality of 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), deep Q-networks, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above.
  • the artificial intelligence model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure.
  • 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 nonvolatile memory (134).
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • the audio output module (155) can output an audio signal 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 an incoming call. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as a part thereof.
  • 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) can include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device.
  • the display module (160) can 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.
  • 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 obtain sound through an input module (150), or output sound through an audio output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (102)) (e.g., a speaker or a headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).
  • an electronic device e.g., an electronic device (102)
  • a speaker or a headphone directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).
  • the sensor module (176) can detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electric signal or data value corresponding to the detected state.
  • the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.
  • 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)).
  • 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.
  • HDMI high definition multimedia interface
  • USB universal serial bus
  • SD card interface Secure Digital Card
  • connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)).
  • 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).
  • the haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that a user can perceive through a tactile or kinesthetic sense.
  • the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.
  • the camera module (180) can capture still images and moving images.
  • the camera module (180) can include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.
  • the power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101).
  • the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).
  • PMIC power management integrated circuit
  • the battery (189) can power at least one component of the electronic device (101).
  • the battery (189) can include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.
  • the communication module (190) may support 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., the electronic device (102), the electronic device (104), or the server (108)), and performance of communication through the established communication channel.
  • the communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., the application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication.
  • 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 GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module).
  • a wireless communication module (192) e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module
  • a wired communication module (194) e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module.
  • a corresponding communication module may 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)).
  • a first network (198) e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)
  • 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)
  • a computer network e.g.,
  • the wireless communication module (192) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196) to identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199).
  • subscriber information e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)
  • IMSI international mobile subscriber identity
  • the wireless communication module (192) can support a 5G network and next-generation communication technology after a 4G network, for example, NR access technology (new radio access technology).
  • the NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), terminal power minimization and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)).
  • eMBB enhanced mobile broadband
  • mMTC massive machine type communications
  • 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.
  • a high-frequency band e.g., mmWave band
  • the wireless communication module (192) may support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna.
  • the wireless communication module (192) may support various requirements specified in an electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., a second network (199)).
  • the wireless communication module (192) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each, or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.
  • a peak data rate e.g., 20 Gbps or more
  • a loss coverage e.g., 164 dB or less
  • U-plane latency e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each, or 1 ms or less for round trip
  • the antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (e.g., an external electronic device).
  • the antenna module (197) can include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB).
  • the antenna module (197) can include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna).
  • 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) can be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190).
  • a signal or power can be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and the external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna.
  • another component e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)
  • RFIC radio frequency integrated circuit
  • the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module.
  • 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) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.
  • a first side e.g., a bottom side
  • a plurality of antennas e.g., an array antenna
  • peripheral devices e.g., a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)
  • GPIO general purpose input and output
  • SPI serial peripheral interface
  • MIPI mobile industry processor interface
  • 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).
  • 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 at least a part of the function or service.
  • One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part 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 part of a response to the request.
  • cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used.
  • the electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing.
  • the external electronic device (104) may include an IoT (Internet of Things) device.
  • the server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 2a is a schematic drawing of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state as viewed from the front according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2b is a schematic drawing of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state as viewed from the rear according to various embodiments of the present invention.
  • the embodiments of the electronic device (101) disclosed in FIG. 1 may be included in the embodiments of the foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 2B may include the processor (120), the memory (130), the input module (150), the audio output module (155), the display module (160), the audio module (170), the sensor module (176), the interface (177), the connection terminal (178), the haptic module (179), the camera module (180), the antenna module (197), and/or the subscriber identification module (196) disclosed in FIG. 1.
  • various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to a foldable electronic device (200), but are not limited thereto, and can be substantially equally applied to a once-folded foldable electronic device, a multi-foldable electronic device, a rollable type electronic device, or a sliding type electronic device.
  • a foldable electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge member (201), a second hinge member (202), and/or a flexible display (240).
  • the first housing (210) can be foldably coupled to a first side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) of the second housing (220).
  • the first hinge member (201) can be coupled between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).
  • the first hinge member (201) can be arranged such that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be folded or unfolded relative to each other.
  • the first hinge member (201) can include a hinge device, a hinge module, a hinge plate, or a hinge assembly.
  • the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be rotatably coupled about a first folding axis (A1) using the first hinge member (201).
  • the first housing (210) can be folded forward (e.g., in the z-axis direction) or backward (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) relative to the second housing (220) using the first hinge member (201).
  • the second housing (220) may be foldably coupled to one side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) of the first housing (210).
  • the second housing (220) may be operatively coupled at a first side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) with at least a portion of the first housing (210) and at a second side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) with at least a portion of the third housing (230).
  • the third housing (230) can be foldably coupled to a second side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) of the second housing (220).
  • the second hinge member (202) can be coupled between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230).
  • the second hinge member (202) can be arranged such that the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) can be folded or unfolded relative to each other.
  • the second hinge member (202) can include a hinge device, a hinge module, a hinge plate, or a hinge assembly.
  • the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) can be rotatably coupled about a second folding axis (A2) using the second hinge member (202).
  • the third housing (230) may be folded forward (e.g., in the z-axis direction) or backward (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) relative to the second housing (220) using the second hinge member (202).
  • one side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) of the third housing (230) may be foldably coupled to a second side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) of the second housing (220).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may be configured to recognize as a normal folding order a case in which the first housing (210) is folded first relative to the second housing (220) via the first hinge member (201) and the third housing (230) is folded later relative to the second housing (220) via the second hinge member (202).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may be configured to recognize as an abnormal folding order a case in which the third housing (230) is folded first relative to the second housing (220) via the second hinge member (202) and the first housing (210) is folded later relative to the second housing (220) via the first hinge member (201).
  • the width (w1) of the first housing (210) in the transverse direction may be configured to be smaller than the width (w2) of the second housing (220) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions).
  • the width (w2) of the second housing (220) in the transverse direction may be configured to be substantially the same as the width (w3) of the third housing (230) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions).
  • the width (w3) of the third housing (230) in the transverse direction may be configured to be larger than the width (w2) of the second housing (220) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions).
  • the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are arranged on both sides with respect to the first folding axis (A1) on which the first hinge member (201) is arranged, and may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the first folding axis (A1). According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may also have a symmetrical shape with respect to the first folding axis (A1). The angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may vary depending on whether the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.
  • the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are arranged on both sides with respect to the second folding axis (A2) on which the second hinge member (202) is arranged, and may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the second folding axis (A2).
  • the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the second folding axis (A2).
  • the angle or distance between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) may vary depending on whether the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.
  • the width (w12) of the second hinge member (202) may be configured to be wider than the width (w11) of the first hinge member (201).
  • the width (w12) of the second hinge member (202) may be configured to be wider than the width (w11) of the first hinge member (201).
  • the first hinge member (201) may include a slim hinge having a narrow width.
  • the second hinge member (202) may include a wide hinge having a wider width than the first hinge member (201).
  • the flexible display (240) can be arranged across at least a portion of the front (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230).
  • the flexible display (240) can be a first display, a foldable display, or a main display.
  • a sub-display (250) e.g., a second display
  • a surface on which a flexible display (240) is placed may be defined as a front surface (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the foldable electronic device (200), and a surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as a back surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the back surface may be defined as a side surface of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the flexible display (240) may include a first display area (240a) disposed in the first housing (210), a second display area (240b) disposed in the second housing (220), and a third display area (240c) disposed in the third housing (230).
  • the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) may be integrally formed to form the flexible display (240).
  • the flexible display (240) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the flexible display (240) may be configured to be disposed on most of the front surface (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • At least a portion of the flexible display (240) may be deformed into a flat surface or a curved surface.
  • the division into the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) may be an exemplary physical division.
  • the flexible display (240) may be formed as a seamless, single full screen.
  • the first housing (210) may include a first surface (211) connected to at least a portion of the first hinge member (201) and arranged to face the front of the foldable electronic device (200), a second surface (212) facing in an opposite direction of the first surface (211), and/or a first side surface (213) surrounding at least a portion of a first space between the first surface (211) and the second surface (212).
  • the second housing (220) may include a third side (221) that is connected to at least a portion of the first hinge member (201) and the second hinge member (202) and arranged to face the front of the foldable electronic device (200), a fourth side (222) that faces in an opposite direction to the third side (221), and/or a second side member (223) that surrounds at least a portion of a second space between the third side (221) and the fourth side (222).
  • the first side (211), the third side (221), and the fifth side (231) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction).
  • the second side (212), the fourth side (222), and the sixth side (232) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., the -z-axis direction).
  • the first side (211) and the third side (221) may be arranged to face each other.
  • the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) of the foldable electronic device (200) are in a folded state
  • the third side (221) and the fifth side (231) may be arranged to face each other.
  • the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) of the foldable electronic device (200) are in a folded state (e.g., the second state (620) of FIG. 6)
  • the second side (212) and the fourth side (222) may be arranged to face each other.
  • the fourth side (222) and the sixth side (232) may be arranged to face each other.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may include a recess (245) formed to accommodate a flexible display (240) through structural joining of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230).
  • the recess (245) may have substantially the same size as the flexible display (240).
  • the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) form an angle of about 180 degrees
  • the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) may be arranged to form substantially the same plane and face substantially the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may be defined as the third state when the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are unfolded.
  • the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can form an angle that can stop at a designated folding angle between a folded state and an unfolded state using the first hinge member (201) (e.g., a free stop function).
  • the first housing (210) can also rotate toward the rear of the second housing (220) while being pressed in an unfolding direction (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) based on the designated inflection angle using the first hinge member (201).
  • the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) can form an angle that allows them to stop at a designated folding angle between a folded state and an unfolded state using the second hinge member (202).
  • the third housing (230) can also rotate toward the rear of the second housing (220) while being pressed in an unfolding direction (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) based on the designated inflection angle using the second hinge member (202).
  • the flexible display (240) may be arranged to be supported by the first side (211) of the first housing (210), the first hinge member (201), the third side (221) of the second housing (220), the second hinge member (202), and the fifth side (231) of the third housing (230).
  • the sub-display (250) may be arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside through the sixth side (232) in the interior space of the third housing (230).
  • the sub-display (250) may also be arranged to be visible from the outside through the second side (212) in the interior space of the first housing (210).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may include a first back cover (280) disposed on a fourth side (222) of the second housing (220) and a second back cover (290) disposed on a sixth side (232) of the third housing (230).
  • at least a portion of the first back cover (280) may be formed integrally with a portion of the second side member (223).
  • at least a portion of the second back cover (290) may be formed integrally with a portion of the third side member (233).
  • at least one of the first back cover (280) and the second back cover (290) may be formed of a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) or an opaque plate.
  • the first rear cover (280) may be formed by an opaque plate, such as, 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.
  • the second rear cover (290) may be formed by, for example, a substantially transparent plate, such as glass or polymer.
  • the sub-display (250) may be arranged so as to be visible from the outside through the second rear cover (290) in the internal space of the third housing (230).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one of an input module (261), an audio output module (263, 265), a sensor module (267a, 267b, 267c), a camera module (271a, 271b, 271c), a key input device (273), an indicator (not shown), or a connector port (275).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the above-described components or may additionally include at least one other component.
  • the input module (261) may include at least one microphone positioned to detect the direction of a sound.
  • the input module (261) may include the input module (150) disclosed in FIG. 1.
  • the audio output module (263, 265) may include at least one speaker.
  • the audio output module (263, 265) may include a call receiver (263) disposed through the sixth side (232) of the third housing (230) and/or a speaker (265) disposed on at least a portion of an upper portion (e.g., in the y-axis direction) and a lower portion (e.g., in the -y-axis direction) of the third side member (233) of the third housing (230).
  • the audio output module (263, 265) may include the audio output module (155) disclosed in FIG. 1.
  • the input module (261), the audio output module (263, 265), and the connector port (275) are arranged in spaces of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and/or the third housing (230), and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and/or the third housing (230).
  • the holes formed in the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and/or the third housing (230) may be used in common for the input module (261) and the audio output module (263, 265).
  • the audio output module (263, 265) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the holes formed in the first housing (210) and/or the third housing (230).
  • the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c) may include a first camera module (271a) disposed on a third side (221) of the second housing (220), a second camera module (271b) disposed on a fourth side (222) of the second housing (220), and/or a third camera module (271c) disposed on a sixth side (232) of the third housing (230).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may include a flash (295) disposed near the second camera module (271b).
  • the flash (295) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.
  • the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and/or image signal processors. In one embodiment, at least one of the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c) includes two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors, and may be arranged together on one side of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and/or the third housing (230).
  • the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c) may include the camera module (180) disclosed in FIG. 1.
  • the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may include a first sensor module (267a) disposed on a third surface (221) of the second housing (220), a second sensor module (267b) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220), and/or a third sensor module (267c) disposed on a sixth surface (232) of the third housing (230).
  • the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor).
  • a gesture sensor e.g., a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor).
  • the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may include the sensor module (176) disclosed in FIG. 1.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may further include at least one of a sensor module not shown, for example, a Hall sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a gyro sensor, a folding detection sensor, a proximity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor.
  • a sensor module not shown, for example, a Hall sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a gyro sensor, a folding detection sensor, a proximity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor.
  • the key input device (273) may be positioned to be exposed externally through the first side member (213) of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the key input device (73) may also be positioned to be exposed externally through the third side member (233) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the key input devices (273), and the key input devices (273) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on at least one display (240, 250). In various embodiments, the key input device (273) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one display (240, 250). In one embodiment, the key input device (273) may include a power button and/or a volume control button of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the connector port (275) may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data with an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (102, 104, 108) of FIG. 1).
  • the connector port (275) may perform a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals with the external electronic device, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) for performing a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals.
  • the connector port (275) may include the connection terminal (178) disclosed in FIG. 1.
  • At least one of the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c), at least one of the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c), and/or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through at least one display (240, 250).
  • At least one camera module (271a, 271c), at least one sensor module (267a, 267c), and/or an indicator may be arranged in an interior space of at least one housing (210, 220, 230), below an active area (display area) of at least one display (240, 250), and may be arranged to be in contact with an external environment through an opening or transparent area perforated up to a cover member (e.g., a window layer (not shown) of the flexible display (240) and/or a second rear cover (290)).
  • a cover member e.g., a window layer (not shown) of the flexible display (240) and/or a second rear cover (290)
  • the foldable electronic device (200) disclosed below may include at least some of the embodiments described in FIGS. 1 to 2B.
  • Embodiments related to the foldable electronic device (200) disclosed below may be integrated and applied to the embodiments described in the foldable electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
  • components that are substantially the same as those disclosed in the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 2B described above are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of their functions may be omitted.
  • FIG. 3 is a drawing schematically showing a state in which a first housing of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is folded relative to a second housing.
  • FIG. 4 is a drawing schematically showing a state in which a first housing and a third housing of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention are folded relative to a second housing.
  • FIG. 3 may be a drawing viewed from the -y-axis direction, showing a state in which the first housing (210) of the foldable electronic device (200) is folded toward the second housing (220).
  • FIG. 4 may be a drawing viewed from the -y-axis direction, showing a state in which the first housing (210) of the foldable electronic device (200) is folded first toward the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) is folded later toward the second housing (220) (e.g., a normal folding order).
  • a state in which the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded with respect to the second housing (220) may be defined as a first state (e.g., the first state (610) of FIG. 6)
  • a state in which the first housing (210) is folded with respect to the second housing (220) may be defined as a second state (e.g., the second state (620) of FIG. 6)
  • a state in which the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are unfolded may be defined as a third state (e.g., the third state (630) of FIG. 6).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge member (201), and a second hinge member (202).
  • the first housing (210) may first be folded onto the upper portion (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220) via the first hinge member (201) (e.g., a slim hinge).
  • the first housing (210) may also be folded onto the lower portion (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the second housing (220) via the first hinge member (201).
  • the first housing (210) of the foldable electronic device (200) when the first housing (210) of the foldable electronic device (200) is folded onto the second housing (220) via the first hinge member (201), it may be in the second state (e.g., the second state (620) of FIG. 6).
  • the third housing (230) may be folded toward the second housing (220) via the second hinge member (202) (e.g., a wide hinge) and disposed on the upper portion (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the first housing (210).
  • the third housing (230) may be folded relative to the second housing (220) via the second hinge member (202) and disposed on the lower portion (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the first housing (210).
  • the second housing (220) of the foldable electronic device (200) when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded, it may be in a first state (e.g., the first state (610) of FIG. 6).
  • a third state e.g., the third state (630) of FIG. 6).
  • the first hinge member (201) can have a first width (w11).
  • the second hinge member (202) can have a second width (w12).
  • the second width (w12) can be wider than the first width (w11).
  • the first hinge member (201) can include a slim hinge having a narrow width.
  • the second hinge member (202) can include a wide hinge having a wider width than the first hinge member (201).
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may include a first sensor (510), a second sensor (520), a camera module (180), a flexible display (240), a wireless communication module (192), a memory (130), and/or a processor (120).
  • the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), the camera module (180), the flexible display (240), the wireless communication module (192), the memory (130) and the processor (120) may be electrically or operatively connected.
  • the first sensor (510) may sense an angle (e.g., a folding angle) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and transmit the sensed angle information to the processor (120).
  • an angle e.g., a folding angle
  • the first sensor (510) can detect an angle (e.g., a first angle) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).
  • the first sensor (510) may be disposed in at least one of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).
  • the first sensor (510) may include an angle sensor, a folding measurement sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a hall sensor, a gyro sensor, a motion sensor, or a proximity sensor.
  • the first sensor (510) is not limited to the sensors described above, and other various sensors may be used as long as they can detect a folding angle (e.g., the first angle) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).
  • angle information between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) detected through the first sensor (510) may be calculated through the processor (120). If the angle detected through the first sensor (510) is less than or equal to a specified angle, the processor (120) may recognize that the first housing (210) of the foldable electronic device (200) is in a second state (e.g., the second state (620) of FIG. 6) folded with respect to the second housing (220).
  • the first sensor (510) may include the sensor module (176) disclosed in FIG. 1.
  • the second sensor (520) may sense an angle (e.g., a folding angle) between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) and transmit the sensed angle information to the processor (120).
  • an angle e.g., a folding angle
  • the second sensor (520) can detect an angle (e.g., the second angle) between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230).
  • the second sensor (520) may be disposed in at least one of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230).
  • the second sensor (520) may include an angle sensor, a folding measurement sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a hall sensor, a gyro sensor, a motion sensor, or a proximity sensor.
  • the second sensor (520) is not limited to the sensors described above, and other various sensors may be used as long as they can detect a folding angle (e.g., the second angle) between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230).
  • angle information between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) detected through the second sensor (520) may be calculated through the processor (120). If the angle detected through the second sensor (520) is less than or equal to a specified angle, the processor (120) may recognize that the third housing (230) of the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state with respect to the second housing (220). For example, if the angle detected through the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) is less than or equal to a specified angle, the processor (120) may recognize that the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are in a folded first state with respect to the second housing (220) of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., the first state (610) of FIG. 6).
  • the second sensor (520) may include the sensor module (176) disclosed in FIG. 1.
  • the angle information may mean an output value detected from the first sensor (510) (e.g., a Hall sensor) and/or the second sensor (520) (e.g., a Hall sensor) or a value converted based on the output value detected from the first sensor (510) and/or the second sensor (520).
  • the output value detected from the first sensor (510) (e.g., a Hall sensor) and/or the second sensor (520) (e.g., a Hall sensor) may include a value (e.g., a magnetic field, a voltage, a current, a resistance, and/or a signal magnitude) that can estimate an angle even if it is not converted into angle information (e.g., an angle value).
  • At least one of the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) can detect rotation information of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, at least one of the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) can detect whether the foldable electronic device (200) is in landscape mode or portrait mode.
  • the camera module (180) can capture still images and moving images.
  • the camera module (180) may include a first camera module (271a) disposed on a third surface (221) of the second housing (220), a second camera module (271b) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220), and/or a third camera module (271c) disposed on a sixth surface (232) of the third housing (230).
  • Images captured by the camera module (180) may include captured images and moving images.
  • the camera module (180) can capture a first image (e.g., the first image (611) of FIG. 6) in a first state (e.g., the first state (610) of FIG. 6) in which the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded relative to the second housing (220) of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the first image can have a first size (e.g., a first ratio).
  • the first image captured by the camera module (180) in the first state can be stored in the memory (130).
  • the camera module (180) can capture a second image (e.g., the second image (621) of FIG. 6) in a second state (e.g., the second state (620) of FIG. 6) in which the first housing (210) is folded relative to the second housing (220) of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the second image can have a second size (e.g., a second ratio).
  • the second image captured by the camera module (180) in the second state can be stored in the memory (130).
  • the camera module (180) can capture a third image (e.g., the third image (631) of FIG. 6) in a third state (e.g., the third state (630) of FIG. 6) in which the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) of the foldable electronic device (200) are unfolded.
  • the third image can have a third size (e.g., a third ratio).
  • the third image captured by the camera module (180) in the third state can be stored in the memory (130).
  • a first image (e.g., a first image (611) of FIG. 6) captured in a first state (e.g., a first state (610) of FIG. 6) through the camera module (180) may have a ratio in which the vertical direction is longer than the horizontal direction.
  • a second image (e.g., a second image (621) of FIG. 6) captured in a second state (e.g., a second state (620) of FIG. 6) through the camera module (180) may have a ratio in which the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are substantially the same (e.g., 1:1).
  • a third image (e.g., a third image (631) of FIG. 6) captured in a third state (e.g., a third state (630) of FIG. 6) through the camera module (180) may have a ratio in which the horizontal direction is longer than the vertical direction.
  • a second image (e.g., a second image (621) of FIG. 6) captured in a second state (e.g., a second state (620) of FIG. 6) through a camera module (180) may have a larger horizontal ratio than a first image (e.g., a first image (611) of FIG. 6) captured in a first state (e.g., a first state (610) of FIG. 6), and a third image (e.g., a third image (631) of FIG. 6) captured in a third state (e.g., a third state (630) of FIG. 6)) may have a larger horizontal ratio than the first image or the second image.
  • a second image captured in a second state through a camera module (180) may have a larger size than a first image captured in a first state, and a third image captured in a third state may have a larger size than the first image or the second image.
  • the camera module (180) may include one or more image sensors (e.g., a front sensor and/or a rear sensor), a lens assembly, an Image Signal Processor (ISP), and/or a Flash (e.g., an LED or xenon lamp).
  • image sensors e.g., a front sensor and/or a rear sensor
  • lens assembly e.g., a lens assembly
  • ISP Image Signal Processor
  • Flash e.g., an LED or xenon lamp
  • the flexible display (240) may preferentially display or sequentially display a first image (e.g., a first image (611) of FIG. 6) captured in a first state (e.g., a first state (610) of FIG. 6), a second image (e.g., a second image (621) of FIG. 6) captured in a second state (e.g., a second state (620) of FIG. 6), and a third image (e.g., a third image (631) of FIG. 6) captured in a third state (e.g., a third state (630) of FIG. 6)).
  • a first image e.g., a first image (611) of FIG. 6
  • a first state e.g., a first state (610) of FIG. 6
  • a second image e.g., a second image (621) of FIG. 6
  • a third image e.g., a third image (631) of FIG. 6) captured in a third state (e
  • the flexible display (240) may provide the first image, the second image, and the third image captured when the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) of the foldable electronic device (200) are in a folded state and/or an unfolded state, preferentially or sequentially, depending on the state (e.g., the first state, the second state, or the third state) of the foldable electronic device (200) that the user is currently using.
  • the state of the foldable electronic device (200) that the user is currently using may be a state in which the user is viewing the folded and/or unfolded flexible display (240) depending on the folding and/or unfolding state of the current foldable electronic device (200).
  • the flexible display (240) may preferentially display a first image (e.g., a first image (611) of FIG. 6) captured by the camera module (180) in the first state over a second image (e.g., a second image (621) of FIG. 6) and a third image (e.g., a third image (631) of FIG. 6).
  • a first image e.g., a first image (611) of FIG. 6
  • a second image e.g., a second image (621) of FIG. 6
  • a third image e.g., a third image (631) of FIG. 6
  • a second image e.g., the second image (621) of FIG. 6) captured by the camera module (180) in the second state may be displayed with preference over the first image and the third image.
  • a third state e.g., the third state (630) of FIG. 6) and executes a designated application (146) (e.g., a gallery app)
  • a third image e.g., the third image (631) of FIG. 6) captured by the camera module (180) in the third state may be displayed with preference over the first image and the second image.
  • the flexible display (240) (or sub-display (250)) can display an initial screen, a setting screen, and/or execution screens of various applications of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the flexible display (240) (or sub-display (250)) can provide a user interface (UI) that can provide various services to a user of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • UI user interface
  • the flexible display (240) (or the sub-display (250)) can perform a display function and an input function.
  • the flexible display (240) (or the sub-display (250)) can include a display and a touch circuit to perform the display function and the input function.
  • the display can visually provide a menu, input data, function setting information, and various information of the foldable electronic device (200) to a user.
  • the display can include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), and an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED).
  • the touch circuit can include a touch sensor (168a) or a pressure sensor such as a capacitive overlay, a resistive overlay, or an infrared beam detection method.
  • the wireless communication module (192) may support the foldable electronic device (200) to receive other images (e.g., downloaded images and/or shared images) via an external electronic device (e.g., electronic devices 102, 104 and/or 108 of FIG. 1).
  • the wireless communication module (192) may support the foldable electronic device (200) to download or receive images from an external electronic device (e.g., electronic devices 102, 104 and/or 108 of FIG. 1).
  • the wireless communication module (192) may form a communication channel with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102, 104 and/or 108) of FIG. 1) to support at least one of a voice call, a video call and a data communication function of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the wireless communication module (192) may support at least one of Wi-Fi, BT (Bluetooth), NFC, GPS or cellular communication (e.g., LTE, LTE-A, CDMA, WCDMA, UMTS, WiBro, GSM).
  • the memory (130) may store a first image (e.g., a first image (611) of FIG. 6) captured by the camera module (180) in a first state (e.g., a first state (610) of FIG. 6) in which the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded relative to the second housing (220) of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the memory (130) may store a second image (e.g., a second image (621) of FIG. 6) captured by the camera module (180) in a second state (e.g., a second state (620) of FIG. 6) in which the first housing (210) is folded relative to the second housing (220) of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the memory (130) can store a third image (e.g., the third image (631) of FIG. 6) captured by the camera module (180) in a third state (e.g., the third state (630) of FIG. 6) in which the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) of the foldable electronic device (200) are unfolded.
  • a third image e.g., the third image (631) of FIG. 6
  • a third state e.g., the third state (630) of FIG. 6
  • the memory (130) can store at least one executable designated application (146).
  • the at least one designated application (146) can include a gallery app.
  • the at least one designated application (146) can, under the control of the processor (120), display first images, second images, and third images captured when the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) of the foldable electronic device (200) are in a folded state and/or an unfolded state, preferentially or sequentially through the flexible display (240) depending on the state of the foldable electronic device (200) currently being used by the user (e.g., the first state, the second state, or the third state).
  • At least one designated application (146) may mean software running on a mobile operating system (OS) or a computer OS.
  • OS mobile operating system
  • at least one designated application (146) may include a gallery app storing at least one image captured through a camera module (180).
  • At least one designated application (146) may include all kinds of software that a user can design using an input module (e.g., the input module of FIG. 1).
  • the memory (130) may store an initial screen, a setting screen, and/or various applications of the foldable electronic device (200) provided through the flexible display (240) (or the sub-display (250)).
  • the memory (130) may store a user interface that may provide various services to a user of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the memory (130) may perform a function of storing a program for processing and controlling the processor (120) (e.g., the program (140) of FIG. 1A), an operating system (e.g., the operating system (142) of FIG. 1A), various applications, and input/output data.
  • the memory (130) may store a program that controls the overall operation of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the memory (130) may store various setting information required for processing functions in the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the processor (120) can be operatively connected to the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), the camera module (180), the flexible display (240) (or the sub-display (250)), the wireless communication module (192), and the memory (130).
  • the processor (120) can be electrically connected to the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), the camera module (180), the flexible display (240) (or the sub-display (250)), the wireless communication module (192), and the memory (130).
  • the processor (120) can control the functions and operations of the first sensor (510), the second sensor (520), the camera module (180), the flexible display (240) (or the sub-display (250)), the wireless communication module (192), and the memory (130).
  • the processor (120) may be configured to access a memory (130) storing at least one executable instruction and execute at least one instruction.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one processor.
  • the processor (120) can determine or confirm folding and unfolding of the second housing (220) and the first housing (210) or folding and unfolding of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) based on an angle sensed by the first sensor (510) (e.g., a first angle) or an angle sensed by the second sensor (520) (e.g., a second angle).
  • the processor (120) detects folding and/or unfolding angles of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) through the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520), and recognizes a state in which the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded relative to the second housing (220) as a first state (e.g., the first state (610) of FIG. 6), recognizes a state in which the first housing (210) is folded relative to the second housing (220) as a second state (e.g., the second state (620) of FIG. 6), and recognizes a state in which the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are unfolded as a third state (e.g., the third state (630) of FIG. 6).
  • a first state e.g., the first state (610) of FIG. 6
  • the third housing (630) of FIG. 6 e.g., the third state (630) of FIG.
  • the processor (120) may acquire a first image (e.g., the first image (611) of FIG. 6) captured through the camera module (180) in a first state (e.g., the first state (610) of FIG. 6) in which the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded relative to the second housing (220) and store the image in the memory (130).
  • a first image e.g., the first image (611) of FIG. 6) captured through the camera module (180) in a first state (e.g., the first state (610) of FIG. 6) in which the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded relative to the second housing (220) and store the image in the memory (130).
  • the processor (120) may acquire a second image (e.g., the second image (621) of FIG. 6) captured through the camera module (180) in a second state (e.g., the second state (620) of FIG. 6) in which the first housing (210) is folded relative to the second housing (220) and store the second image in the memory (130).
  • a second image e.g., the second image (621) of FIG. 6
  • a second state e.g., the second state (620) of FIG. 6
  • the processor (120) may acquire a third image (e.g., the third image (631) of FIG. 6) captured through the camera module (180) in a third state (e.g., the third state (630) of FIG. 6) in which the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are unfolded, and store the image in the memory (130).
  • a third image e.g., the third image (631) of FIG. 6
  • a third state e.g., the third state (630) of FIG. 6
  • the processor (120) may acquire a third image (e.g., the third image (631) of FIG. 6) captured through the camera module (180) in a third state (e.g., the third state (630) of FIG. 6) in which the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are unfolded, and store the image in the memory (130).
  • the processor (120) may, in a first state (e.g., the first state (610) of FIG. 6), preferentially display a first image (e.g., the first image (611) of FIG. 6) on the flexible display (240) when a designated application (146) (e.g., a gallery app) is executed.
  • a designated application e.g., a gallery app
  • the processor (120) may, when executing a designated application (146) in a second state (e.g., the second state (620) of FIG. 6), preferentially display a second image (e.g., the second image (621) of FIG. 6) on the flexible display (240).
  • a designated application (146) in a second state e.g., the second state (620) of FIG. 6
  • preferentially display a second image e.g., the second image (621) of FIG. 6
  • the processor (120) may, when executing a designated application (146) in a third state (e.g., the third state (630) of FIG. 6), preferentially display a third image (e.g., the third image (631) of FIG. 6) on the flexible display (240).
  • a third state e.g., the third state (630) of FIG. 6
  • a third image e.g., the third image (631) of FIG. 6
  • the processor (120) may display a second image through the flexible display (240) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a first state and a designated application (146) (e.g., a gallery app) is executed, if a first image captured through the camera module (180) in the first state is not stored in the memory (130).
  • a designated application e.g., a gallery app
  • the processor (120) may display a third image through the flexible display (240) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a second state, when executing a designated application (146), if a second image captured through the camera module (180) in the second state is not stored in the memory (130).
  • the processor (120) may cause the foldable electronic device (200) to sequentially align and display the first image, the second image, and the third image on the flexible display (240) when the specified application (146) is executed in the first state.
  • the processor (120) may sequentially display an image (e.g., a second image) having a similar size to the first image through the flexible display (240) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a first state and a designated application (146) is executed.
  • an image e.g., a second image
  • a designated application 146
  • the processor (120) may sequentially display an image (e.g., a third image) having a similar size to the second image through the flexible display (240) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in the second state and a designated application (146) is executed.
  • an image e.g., a third image
  • the processor (120) may sequentially display an image (e.g., a third image) having a similar size to the second image through the flexible display (240) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in the second state and a designated application (146) is executed.
  • the processor (120) may cause the foldable electronic device (200) to display a first image through the flexible display (240) in the second state or the third state, receive a user input for the displayed first image, and expand the size of the first image based on the received user input.
  • the processor (120) may control the overall operation of the foldable electronic device (200) and the signal flow between internal components, and may perform a function of processing data.
  • the processor (120) may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor, and/or a communication processor.
  • the processor (120) may include a single core processor or a multi-core processor.
  • the processor (120) may be composed of at least one processor.
  • the processor (120) may include an application processor (e.g., the main processor (121) of FIG. 1A) and a sensor hub processor (e.g., the auxiliary processor (123) of FIG. 1A).
  • the sensor hub processor is operatively connected to the first sensor (510) and the second sensor (520) and can transmit information sensed or detected through the first sensor (510) and/or the second sensor (520) to the application processor.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating images captured according to a state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) can capture a first image (611) through the camera module (180) in a first state (610) in which the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded relative to the second housing (220).
  • the first image (611) can have a first size (e.g., a first ratio).
  • the first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) in the first state (610) can be displayed on the flexible display (240) (e.g., the second display area (240b)) and stored in the memory (130).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) can capture a second image (621) through the camera module (180) in a second state (620) in which the first housing (210) is folded relative to the second housing (220).
  • the second image (621) can have a second size (e.g., a second ratio).
  • the second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) in the second state (620) can be displayed on the flexible display (240) (e.g., the second display area (240b) and the third display area (240c)) and stored in the memory (130).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) can capture a third image (631) through the camera module (180) in a third state (630) in which the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are unfolded.
  • the third image (631) can have a third size (e.g., a third ratio).
  • the third image (631) captured through the camera module (180) in the third state can be displayed on the flexible display (240) (e.g., the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c)) and stored in the memory (130).
  • a first image (611) captured when the foldable electronic device (200) is in the first state (610) may have a ratio in which the vertical direction is longer than the horizontal direction.
  • a second image (621) captured when the foldable electronic device (200) is in the second state (620) may have a ratio in which the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are substantially the same (e.g., 1:1).
  • a third image (631) captured when the foldable electronic device (200) is in the third state (630) may have a ratio in which the horizontal direction is longer than the vertical direction.
  • the second image (621) captured in the second state (620) of the foldable electronic device (200) may have a larger horizontal ratio than the first image (611) captured in the first state (610), and the third image (631) captured in the third state (630) may have a larger horizontal ratio than the first image (611) or the second image (621).
  • the second image (621) captured in the second state (620) of the foldable electronic device (200) may have a larger size than the first image (611) captured in the first state (610)
  • the third image (631) captured in the third state (630) may have a larger size than the first image (611) or the second image (621).
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating images displayed through a flexible display according to a first state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) when a user uses the foldable electronic device (200) in the first state (610) and executes a designated application (146) (e.g., a gallery app), the foldable electronic device (200) may display a first image (611) captured by the camera module (180) in the first state (610) on the flexible display (240) (e.g., a second display area (240b)).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may preferentially display the first image (611) captured by the camera module (180) in the first state (610) over the second image (621) and the third image (631).
  • the first image (611) may include at least one image.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating images displayed through a flexible display according to a second state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may display a second image (621) captured by the camera module (180) in the second state (620) on the flexible display (240) (e.g., a second display area (240b) and a third display area (240c)).
  • a designated application e.g., a gallery app
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may display a second image (621) captured by the camera module (180) in the second state (620) on the flexible display (240) (e.g., a second display area (240b) and a third display area (240c)).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may preferentially display the second image (621) captured by the camera module (180) in the second state (620) over the first image (611) and the third image (631).
  • the second image (621) may include at least one image.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating images displayed through a flexible display according to a third state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) when a user uses the foldable electronic device (200) in a third state (630) and executes a designated application (146) (e.g., a gallery app), the foldable electronic device (200) can display a third image (631) captured by the camera module (180) in the third state (630) on the flexible display (240) (e.g., a first display area (240a), a second display area (240b), and a third display area (240c)).
  • a designated application e.g., a gallery app
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may preferentially display a third image (631) captured by the camera module (180) in the third state (630) compared to the first image (611) and the second image (621).
  • the third image (631) may include at least one image.
  • the present invention may be substantially equally applied to images (e.g., downloaded images and/or shared images) having different sizes and ratios that are received by the foldable electronic device (200) from an external electronic device (e.g., electronic devices (102, 104, and/or 108) of FIG. 1).
  • images e.g., downloaded images and/or shared images
  • FIG. 10 is a drawing schematically illustrating a first image displayed when a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a first state.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) when a user uses the foldable electronic device (200) in a first state (610) and executes a designated application (146) (e.g., a gallery app), the foldable electronic device (200) may display a first image (611) captured by the camera module (180) in the first state (610) on the flexible display (240) (e.g., a second display area (240b)). For example, when the user selects one image (611a) among the first images (611) displayed on the flexible display (240), the foldable electronic device (200) may display the selected image (611a) on the flexible display (240) (e.g., a second display area (240b)).
  • a designated application e.g., a gallery app
  • FIG. 11 is a drawing schematically illustrating a second image displayed when a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a second state.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may display a second image (621) captured by the camera module (180) in the second state (620) on the flexible display (240) (e.g., the second display area (240b) and the third display area (240c)).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may display the selected image (621a) on the flexible display (240) (e.g., the second display area (240b) and the third display area (240c)).
  • FIG. 12 is a drawing schematically illustrating a third image displayed when a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is in a third state.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) when a user uses the foldable electronic device (200) in a third state (630) and executes a designated application (146) (e.g., a gallery app), the foldable electronic device (200) can display a second image (631) captured by the camera module (180) in the third state (630) on the flexible display (240) (e.g., a first display area (240a), a second display area (240b), and a third display area (240c)).
  • a designated application e.g., a gallery app
  • the foldable electronic device (200) can display the selected image (631a) through the flexible display (240) (e.g., the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c)).
  • the flexible display (240) e.g., the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c)
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating images displayed through a flexible display when a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention executes a designated application in a first state.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may sequentially align a first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) in the first state (610), a second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) in the second state (620), and a third image (631) captured through the camera module (180) in the third state (630) and display them on the flexible display (240) (e.g., a second display area (240b)).
  • a designated application e.g., a gallery app
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may sequentially align a first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) in the first state (610), a second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) in the second state (620), and a third image (631) captured through the camera module (180) in the third state (630) and display them on the flexible display (240) (e.g., a second display area (240b)).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may sequentially arrange a first image (611) captured in the first state (610), a second image (621) captured in the second state (620), and a third image (631) captured in the third state (630) and display them as preview images on the flexible display (240). For example, when the user selects one image (611a) among the first images (611) preferentially displayed on the flexible display (240), the foldable electronic device (200) may display the selected image (611a) through the flexible display (240) (e.g., the second display area (240b)).
  • a designated application e.g., a gallery app
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may, for example, prioritize displaying a second image (621) having a similar size to the first image (611) on the flexible display (240) when the first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) in the first state (610) is not stored in the memory (130).
  • FIG. 14 is a drawing schematically illustrating images displayed through a flexible display when a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention executes a designated application in a second state.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may sequentially align a second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) in the second state (620), a third image (631) captured through the camera module (180) in the third state (630), and a first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) in the first state (610) and display them on the flexible display (240) (e.g., a second display area (240b) and a third display area (240c)).
  • a designated application e.g., a gallery app
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may sequentially arrange the second image (621) in the second state (620), the third image (631) captured in the third state (630), and the first image (611) captured in the first state (610) and display them as preview images on the flexible display (240).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may display the selected image (621a) through the flexible display (240) (e.g., the second display area (240b) and the third display area (240c)).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may, for example, prioritize displaying a third image (631) having a similar size to the second image (621) on the flexible display (240) when the second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) in the second state (620) is not stored in the memory (130).
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating images displayed through a flexible display when a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention executes a designated application in a third state.
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may sequentially align a third image (631) captured through the camera module (180) in the third state (630), a second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) in the second state (620), and a first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) in the first state (610) and display them on the flexible display (240) (e.g., a first display area (240a), a second display area (240b), and a third display area (240c)).
  • a designated application e.g., a gallery app
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may sequentially align a third image (631) captured through the camera module (180) in the third state (630), a second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) in the second state (620), and a first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) in the first state (610) and display them on the flexible display (240) (e.g., a first display area (240a), a second display area (240b), and
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may sequentially arrange a third image (631) captured in the third state (630), a second image (621) captured in the second state (620), and a first image (611) captured in the first state (610) and display them as preview images on the flexible display (240).
  • a designated application e.g., a gallery app
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may sequentially arrange a third image (631) captured in the third state (630), a second image (621) captured in the second state (620), and a first image (611) captured in the first state (610) and display them as preview images on the flexible display (240).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) can display the selected image (621a) through the flexible display (240) (e.g., the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c)).
  • the foldable electronic device (200) may, for example, prioritize displaying a second image (621) having a similar size to the third image (631) on the flexible display (240) when the third image (631) captured through the camera module (180) in the third state (630) is not stored in the memory (130).
  • FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an image using a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the method disclosed below can be performed, for example, through components of the foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIG. 5.
  • the method disclosed below can include, for example, embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 15.
  • each operation may be performed sequentially, but may not necessarily be performed sequentially.
  • the order of each operation may be changed.
  • the order of each operation may be performed in parallel.
  • each operation may not be performed all, but at least some of them may be performed.
  • the operations disclosed below can be performed by the processor (120) of the foldable electronic device (200).
  • the processor (120) may detect that a user triggers the camera module (180) to capture an image.
  • the processor (120) can determine whether the state of the foldable electronic device (200) for capturing an image through the camera module (180) is the first state (610), the second state (620), or the third state (630).
  • the processor (120) can store the first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) in the memory (130).
  • the processor (120) can store the second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) in the memory (130).
  • the processor (120) can store the third image (631) captured through the camera module (180) in the memory (130).
  • the processor (120) may execute a designated application (146) (e.g., a gallery app) according to a user's request.
  • a designated application e.g., a gallery app
  • the processor (120) can determine whether the state of the foldable electronic device (200) currently being used by the user is the first state (610), the second state (620), or the third state (630).
  • the processor (120) can display the first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) on the flexible display (240).
  • the processor (120) can display the second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) on the flexible display (240).
  • the processor (120) can display the third image (631) captured through the camera module (180) on the flexible display (240).
  • a foldable electronic device (101, 200) comprises a flexible camera module (180), a second housing (220), a first housing (210) foldably coupled to a first side of the second housing (220), a third housing (230) foldably coupled to a second side of the second housing (220), a first hinge member (201) coupled between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), a second hinge member (202) coupled between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230), a first display area (240a) disposed in the first housing (210), a second display area (240b) disposed in the second housing (220), and a third display area (240c) disposed in the third housing (230). It may include a display (240).
  • the foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a first sensor (510) configured to sense a first angle between the second housing (220) and the first housing (210) and a second sensor (520) configured to sense a second angle between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230).
  • the foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a memory (130) storing at least one executable instruction and at least one processor (120) configured to access the memory (130) and execute the at least one instruction.
  • At least one processor (120) can determine (e.g., confirm) folding and unfolding of the second housing (220) and the first housing (210) or folding and unfolding of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) based on the first angle sensed by the first sensor (510) or the second angle sensed by the second sensor (520).
  • the at least one processor (120) may acquire a first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) in a first state (610) in which the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded relative to the second housing (220) and store the image in the memory (130).
  • the at least one processor (120) may acquire a second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) in a second state (620) in which the first housing (210) is folded relative to the second housing (220) and store the image in the memory (130).
  • the at least one processor (120) may be configured to preferentially display the first image (611) on the flexible display (240) when the designated application (146) is executed in the first state (610).
  • the at least one processor (120) may be configured to preferentially display the second image (621) on the flexible display (240) when the designated application (146) is executed in the second state (620).
  • the at least one processor (120) may acquire a third image (631) captured through the camera module (180) in a third state (630) in which the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are unfolded, and store the image in the memory (130).
  • the at least one processor (120) may be configured to preferentially display the third image (631) on the flexible display (240) when the designated application (146) is executed in the third state (630).
  • the at least one processor (120) may be configured to display the second image (621) through the flexible display (240) when the first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) in the first state (610) is not stored in the memory (130) when the specified application (146) is executed in the first state (610).
  • the at least one processor (120) may be configured to display the third image (631) through the flexible display (240) when the second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) in the second state (620) is not stored in the memory (130) when the designated application (146) is executed in the second state (620).
  • the at least one processor (120) may be configured to sequentially display the first image (611), the second image (621), and the third image (631) on the flexible display (240) when the designated application (146) is executed in the first state (610).
  • the second image (621) may be configured to have a larger horizontal ratio than the first image (611), and the third image (631) may be configured to have a larger horizontal ratio than the second image (621).
  • the second image (621) may be configured to have a larger size than the first image (611), and the third image (631) may be configured to have a larger size than the second image (621).
  • the at least one processor (120) may be configured to sequentially display an image having a size similar to the first image (611) through the flexible display (240) when the designated application (146) is executed in the first state (610).
  • the at least one processor (120) may be configured to display the first image (611) through the flexible display (240) in the second state (620) or the third state (630), receive a user input for the displayed first image (611), and expand the size of the first image (611) based on the received user input.
  • a method for providing an image using a foldable electronic device (200) may include an operation of detecting, by at least one processor (120), that a camera module (180) is triggered.
  • the method may include an operation of determining whether the foldable electronic device (200) for capturing an image through the camera module (180) is in a first state (610), a second state (620), or a third state (630).
  • the method may include an operation of storing a first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) in a memory (130) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in the first state (610).
  • the method may include an operation of storing a second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) in the memory (130) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in the second state (620).
  • the method may include an operation of preferentially displaying the first image (611) on the flexible display (240) when a designated application (146) is executed in the first state (610).
  • the method may include, in the second state (620), an operation of preferentially displaying the second image (621) on the flexible display (240) when the designated application (146) is executed.
  • the method may include an operation of storing a third image (631) captured through the camera module (180) in the memory (130) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in the third state (630).
  • the method may include, in the third state (630), an operation of preferentially displaying the third image (631) on the flexible display (240) when the designated application (146) is executed.
  • the method may include an operation of displaying the second image (621) through the flexible display (240) when the first image (611) captured through the camera module (180) in the first state (610) is not stored in the memory (130) when the specified application (146) is executed in the first state (610).
  • the method may include an operation of displaying the third image (631) through the flexible display (240) when the second image (621) captured through the camera module (180) in the second state (620) is not stored in the memory (130) when the specified application (146) is executed in the second state (620).
  • the method may include, in the first state (610), an operation of sequentially displaying the first image (611), the second image (621), and the third image (631) on the flexible display (240) when the specified application (146) is executed.
  • the second image (621) may be configured to have a larger horizontal ratio than the first image (611), and the third image (631) may be configured to have a larger horizontal ratio than the second image (621).
  • the second image (621) may be configured to have a larger size than the first image (611), and the third image (631) may be configured to have a larger size than the second image (621).
  • the method may include, in the first state (610), an operation of sequentially displaying an image having a size similar to the first image (611) through the flexible display (240) when the specified application (146) is executed.
  • the method may include, in the second state (620) or the third state (630), an operation of displaying the first image (611) through the flexible display (240), an operation of receiving a user input for the displayed first image (611), and an operation of expanding the size of the first image (611) based on the received user input.
  • the electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be devices of various forms.
  • the electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliance devices.
  • portable communication devices e.g., smartphones
  • computer devices portable multimedia devices
  • portable medical devices e.g., cameras
  • wearable devices e.g., smart watch devices
  • home appliance devices e.g., smartphones
  • the electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the above-described devices.
  • 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).
  • a component e.g., a first
  • another component e.g., a second
  • functionally e.g., a third component
  • module used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example.
  • a module may be an integrally configured component or a minimum unit of the component or a portion thereof that performs one or more functions.
  • a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
  • ASIC application-specific integrated circuit
  • Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)).
  • a processor e.g., a processor (120)
  • the machine e.g., an electronic device (101)
  • 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.
  • ‘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.
  • the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product.
  • the computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a commodity.
  • the computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones).
  • an application store e.g., Play Store TM
  • at least a part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or an intermediary server.
  • each component e.g., a module or a program of the above-described components may include a single or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately arranged in other components.
  • one or more components or operations of the above-described corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added.
  • the multiple components e.g., a module or a program
  • the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component of the multiple components before the integration.
  • the operations performed by the module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, 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.

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Abstract

Un dispositif électronique pliable selon divers modes de réalisation de la présente invention comprend un module d'appareil photo, un deuxième boîtier, un premier boîtier couplé à un premier côté du deuxième boîtier pour être pliable, un troisième boîtier couplé à un second côté du deuxième boîtier pour être pliable, un premier élément de charnière pour coupler le premier boîtier et le deuxième boîtier, un second élément de charnière pour coupler le deuxième boîtier et le troisième boîtier, un écran flexible, un premier capteur configuré pour détecter un premier angle entre le deuxième boîtier et le premier boîtier, un second capteur configuré pour détecter un second angle entre le deuxième boîtier et le troisième boîtier, une mémoire pour stocker au moins une instruction exécutable, et au moins un processeur, l'au moins un processeur pouvant être configuré pour : déterminer, sur la base du premier angle détecté par le premier capteur ou du second angle détecté par le second capteur, de plier ou déplier le deuxième boîtier et le premier boîtier, ou de plier ou déplier le deuxième boîtier et le troisième boîtier ; dans un premier état dans lequel le premier boîtier et le troisième boîtier sont pliés par rapport au deuxième boîtier, acquérir une première image photographiée à travers le module d'appareil photo et stocker la première image dans la mémoire ; dans un second état dans lequel le premier boîtier est plié par rapport au deuxième boîtier, acquérir une seconde image photographiée à travers le module d'appareil photo et stocker la seconde image dans la mémoire ; et, lors de l'exécution d'une application spécifiée dans le premier état, afficher de préférence la première image sur l'écran flexible.
PCT/KR2024/007345 2023-07-17 2024-05-29 Dispositif électronique pliable et procédé de fourniture d'image de dispositif électronique pliable Pending WO2025018574A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR20230092645 2023-07-17
KR10-2023-0092645 2023-07-17
KR1020230113443A KR20250012487A (ko) 2023-07-17 2023-08-29 폴더블 전자 장치 및 상기 폴더블 전자 장치의 이미지 제공 방법
KR10-2023-0113443 2023-08-29

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WO2025018574A1 true WO2025018574A1 (fr) 2025-01-23

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Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20160034660A (ko) * 2014-09-22 2016-03-30 엘지전자 주식회사 접힘 또는 펼침 동작에 의해 저장된 이미지를 표시하는 폴더블 디스플레이 디바이스 및 제어 방법
KR20200124402A (ko) * 2019-04-24 2020-11-03 삼성전자주식회사 폴더블 전자 장치 및 그 동작 방법
KR20210068853A (ko) * 2019-12-02 2021-06-10 삼성전자주식회사 카메라를 포함하는 폴더블 전자 장치
KR20220060990A (ko) * 2020-11-05 2022-05-12 삼성전자주식회사 플렉서블 디스플레이에 이미지를 표시하는 전자 장치 및 방법
KR20230050768A (ko) * 2021-10-08 2023-04-17 삼성전자주식회사 플렉서블 전자 장치 및 어플리케이션 실행 화면의 표시를 제어하는 방법

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20160034660A (ko) * 2014-09-22 2016-03-30 엘지전자 주식회사 접힘 또는 펼침 동작에 의해 저장된 이미지를 표시하는 폴더블 디스플레이 디바이스 및 제어 방법
KR20200124402A (ko) * 2019-04-24 2020-11-03 삼성전자주식회사 폴더블 전자 장치 및 그 동작 방법
KR20210068853A (ko) * 2019-12-02 2021-06-10 삼성전자주식회사 카메라를 포함하는 폴더블 전자 장치
KR20220060990A (ko) * 2020-11-05 2022-05-12 삼성전자주식회사 플렉서블 디스플레이에 이미지를 표시하는 전자 장치 및 방법
KR20230050768A (ko) * 2021-10-08 2023-04-17 삼성전자주식회사 플렉서블 전자 장치 및 어플리케이션 실행 화면의 표시를 제어하는 방법

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