Electronic device comprising flexible display module and method for operating same

An electronic device may include: a foldable housing including at least one hinge structure; a flexible display module of which at least a partial area is exposed through the foldable housing; and at least one processor provided inside the foldable housing. The display module may include: a plurality of areas; and at least one foldable area which is disposed between at least the plurality of areas so as to correspond to the at least one hinge structure and can be folded according to the state of the at least one hinge structure. The at least one processor may be configured to: when the state of the at least one hinge structure is a first state, display a first execution screen of a first application on the display module, wherein in the first state, a first foldable area of the at least one foldable area is in a folded state; while the first foldable area of the at least one foldable area is in the folded state, detect a touch and drag input into the first foldable area from an object included in the first execution screen; and after detecting the touch and drag input, on the basis of the state of the at least one hinge structure changing from the first state to a second state, display, on the display module, a second execution screen of a second application which is obtained by using at least a part of the object and is different from the first application.

BACKGROUND

Field

Various example embodiments relate to an electronic device including a flexible display module and/or a method for operating the same.

Description of Related Art

Various electronic devices are commonplace, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, portable multimedia players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop personal computers (PCs), and wearable devices.

More and more services and additional functions are being provided through electronic devices, e.g., smartphones, or other portable electronic devices. To meet the needs of various users and raise use efficiency of electronic devices, communication service carriers or device manufacturers are jumping into competitions to develop electronic devices with differentiated and diversified functionalities. Accordingly, various functions that are provided through electronic devices are evolving more and more.

Recently, various electronic devices having a large screen display have been developed and distributed. For example, electronic devices with a foldable display or flexible display and devices with a rollable display have been developed and distributed. As large screen display-equipped devices are distributed, various methods may be provided for use of the large screen.

In the case of an electronic device including a display module, when the execution screen of an application is displayed on the display module, the ratio of the execution screen of the application may be determined depending on the size and resolution of the display area of the display module and the ratio of the horizontal and vertical lengths.

In the case of an electronic device including a flexible display module, a specific area of the display module exposed on the front surface of the electronic device viewed by the user may be determined according to the folded state or unfolded state of the flexible display module. When the execution screen of an application is displayed in a specific area of the display module exposed on the front surface, suitability of the user's work environment may vary depending on the size and ratio of the specific area where the execution screen is displayed.

For example, when the vertical length is relatively longer than the horizontal length of the specific area of the flexible display module exposed on the front surface of the electronic device, work efficiency may be increased by working on the application suitable for the screen in which the vertical length is relatively larger than the horizontal length and, when the horizontal length is relatively larger than the vertical length of the specific area of the flexible display module exposed to the front surface of the electronic device, work efficiency may be increased by working on the application suitable for the screen in which the horizontal length is relatively larger than the vertical length.

In the case of an electronic device, such as a foldable device, it may sometimes be desired to manipulate an application on a larger screen using an object included in one application screen. For example, there may be such an occasion where an image included in the execution screen of a web browsing application needs to be edited through an application capable of image editing. In this case, an object included in one application screen may be temporarily stored, and then, a command for returning to the home screen is input to the electronic device. After another application is executed on the home screen, a command for loading the temporarily stored object may be input. However, there is no disclosure as to a configuration for separately processing touch input on the folding area in the folding state and touch input on the folding area in the unfolding state.

Further, a foldable device which is foldable multiple times may expose the screen of three or more areas as it is able to fold multiple times, but no discussion has been made about an interface differentiated from the conventional one for the exposed screen of three or more areas.

SUMMARY

According to various example embodiments, an electronic device including a flexible display module (comprising at least one display) and operation method thereof may display an execution screen of an application suitable for a specific area of the display module exposed to the front surface of the electronic device viewed by the user.

According to various example embodiments, an electronic device may comprise a foldable housing including at least one hinge structure, a flexible display module comprising at least one display and having at least a partial area exposed through the foldable housing, and at least one processor provided in the foldable housing. The display module may include a plurality of areas and at least one foldable area disposed between the plurality of areas corresponding to the at least one hinge structure to be foldable according to a state of the at least one hinge structure. The at least one processor may be configured to, when a state of the at least one hinge structure is a first state, display a first execution screen of a first application on the display module, in the first state, a first foldable area among the at least one foldable area being in a folded state, while the first foldable area among the at least one foldable area is in the folded state, detect a touch drag input to the first foldable area from an object included in the first execution screen, and display, on the display module, a second execution screen of a second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the object, based on a change in the state of the at least one hinge structure from the first state to a second state after detecting the touch drag input.

According to various example embodiments, an electronic device may comprise a foldable housing including at least one hinge structure, a flexible display module having at least a partial area exposed through the foldable housing, and at least one processor provided in the foldable housing. a flexible display module having at least a partial area exposed through the foldable housing, the display module including a plurality of areas and at least one foldable area disposed between the plurality of areas corresponding to the at least one hinge structure to be foldable according to a state of the at least one hinge structure; and The at least one processor may be configured to, when a state of the at least one hinge structure is a first state, display a first execution screen of a first application on the display module, in the first state, a first foldable area among the at least one foldable area being in a folded state, identify at least one object included in the first execution screen in response to a first user input, display a second execution screen of a second application obtained using at least a portion of the identified at least one object, in at least one area set corresponding to a second state, based on a change in the state of the at least one hinge structure from the first state to the second state, and display a third execution screen of a third application different from the second application, obtained using at least a portion of the identified at least one object, in at least one area set corresponding to a third state based on a change in the state of the at least one hinge structure from the first state to the third state.

According to various example embodiments, an electronic device may comprise a housing, a rollable display module that may be drawn out from the housing, and at least one processor provided in the housing. The at least one processor may be configured to display, on the display module, a first execution screen of a first application in a state in which a first area of the display module is drawn out from the housing to be exposed to an outside, detect a touch drag input to an edge area of the first area from an object included in the first execution screen, and display, on the display module, a second execution screen of a second application different from the first application obtained using at least a portion of the object based on a second area of the display module being drawn out from the housing to be exposed to the outside after detecting the touch drag input.

According to various example embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device and an operation method thereof, which may separately process touch input on the foldable area in the folded state and touch input on the foldable area in the unfolded state. Accordingly, there may be provided an interface differentiated for the electronic device including a flexible display module.

According to various example embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device including a flexible display module and an operation method thereof, which may display an execution screen of an application suitable for a specific area of a display module exposed to the front surface of the electronic device viewed by the user. Accordingly, the user may work on the suitable application, increasing work efficiency.

According to various example embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device and an operation method thereof, which may display an execution screen of a preset application depending on the exposed area of the flexible display module. Accordingly, there may be provided an interface differentiated from the conventional one, according to the exposed area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.2is a view illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device101according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.2, an electronic device101may include a foldable housing200and a display module160, comprising at least one display, disposed in a space formed by the foldable housing200. At least a portion of the display module160may be flexible or foldable. The surface where the display module160is disposed (or the surface where the display module160is viewed from the outside of the electronic device101) may be the front surface of the electronic device101. The opposite surface of the front surface may be a rear surface of the electronic device101. The surface surrounding the space between the front and back surfaces may be a side surface of the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the foldable housing200may include a first housing structure210, a second housing structure220, a third housing structure230, a first back cover240, a second back cover250, a third back cover260, and a hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304and second hinge structure305ofFIG.3Adescribed below). The foldable housing200of the electronic device101are not limited to the shape and coupling shown inFIG.2but may rather be implemented in other shapes or via a combination and/or coupling of other components. For example, according to another embodiment, the first housing structure210and the first back cover240may be integrally formed with each other, and the second housing structure220and the second back cover250may be integrally formed with each other. The third housing structure230and the third back cover260may be integrally formed with each other.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure210may be connected, directly or indirectly, to the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3Adescribed below) and may include a first surface facing in a first direction and a fourth surface facing in a fourth direction opposite to the first direction. The second housing structure220may be connected, directly or indirectly, to the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3Adescribed below) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3Adescribed below) and may include a second surface facing in a second direction and a fifth surface facing in a fifth direction opposite to the second direction. The third housing structure230may be connected, directly or indirectly, to the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3Adescribed below) and may include a third surface facing in a third direction and a sixth surface facing in a sixth direction opposite to the third direction.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure210may be rotated about the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3Adescribed below) (or first folding axis A) from the second housing structure220. Thus, the electronic device101may switch the state between a folded state or unfolded state. For example, the state of the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3Adescribed below) of the electronic device101may be switched between the folded state and the unfolded state. For example, in the folded state of the first hinge structure304of the electronic device101, the first direction in which the first surface of the first housing structure210faces may be substantially opposite to the second direction in which the second surface of the first housing structure220faces. In the unfolded state of the first hinge structure304of the electronic device101, the first direction may be substantially the same as the second direction.

According to an embodiment, the third housing structure230may be rotated about the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3Adescribed below) (or second folding axis A′) from the second housing structure220. Thus, the electronic device101may switch the state between a folded state or unfolded state. For example, the state of the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3Adescribed below) of the electronic device101may be switched between the folded state and the unfolded state. For example, in the folded state of the second hinge structure305of the electronic device101, the second direction in which the second surface of the second housing structure220faces may be substantially opposite to the third direction in which the third surface of the third housing structure230faces. In the unfolded state of the second hinge structure305of the electronic device101, the second direction may be substantially the same as the third direction. Here, the direction may be a direction of the normal to the surface, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure210and the second housing structure220may be disposed on two opposite sides of the first folding axis A. The second housing structure220and the third housing structure230may be disposed on two opposite sides of the second folding axis A′. As described below, the angle or distance between the first housing structure210, the second housing structure220, and the third housing structure230may be varied depending on whether the electronic device101is in the unfolded state, the folded state, or the partially unfolded (or partially folded) intermediate state.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure210, the second housing structure220, and the third housing structure230may be formed of a metal or a non-metal material having a predetermined degree of rigidity to support the display module160. At least a portion formed of metal may provide a ground plane of the electronic device101and may be electrically connected, directly or indirectly, with a ground line formed on the printed circuit board.

According to an embodiment, the first rear cover240may be disposed on one side of the first folding axis A of the rear surface of the electronic device101and have, e.g., a substantially rectangular periphery which may be surrounded by the first housing structure210. Similarly, the second rear cover250may be disposed on the other side of the first folding axis A of the rear surface of the electronic device101and may have, e.g., a substantially rectangular periphery which may be surrounded by the second housing structure320. Similarly, the third rear cover260may be disposed on the other side of the second folding axis A′ of the rear surface of the electronic device101and may have, e.g., a substantially rectangular periphery which may be surrounded by the third housing structure230.

According to an embodiment, the first rear cover240, the second rear cover250, the third rear cover260, the first housing structure210, the second housing structure220, and the third housing structure230may form a space where various components (e.g., a printed circuit board or battery) of the electronic device101may be arranged. For example, one or more components or sensors may be arranged or visually exposed on/through the rear surface of the electronic device101. For example, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through a rear surface area292of the third rear cover260corresponding to the third housing structure230. For example, the sensor exposed through the rear surface area292may include a proximity sensor or a rear camera.

According to an embodiment, the display module160may be disposed in a space formed by the foldable housing200. For example, the display module160may be seated on a recess formed by the foldable housing200and may occupy most of the front surface of the electronic device101. For example, the first housing structure210, the second housing structure220, and the third housing structure230of the foldable housing200together may form a recess for receiving the display module160.

According to an embodiment, the front surface of the electronic device101may include the display module160, a partial area of the first housing structure210, a partial area of the second housing structure220, and a partial area of the third housing structure230, which are adjacent to the display module160.

According to an embodiment, the rear surface of the electronic device101may include the first rear cover240, a partial area of the first housing structure210, which is adjacent to the first rear cover240, the second rear cover250, a partial area of the second housing structure220, which is adjacent to the second rear cover250, the third rear cover260, and a partial area of the third housing structure230, which is adjacent to the third rear cover260.

According to an embodiment, the display160may be a display module at least a portion of which may be transformed into a flat or curved surface. For example, the display module160may include a first foldable area204, a second foldable area205, a first area201disposed on one side of the first foldable area204(e.g., the left side of the first foldable area204shown inFIG.2), a second area202disposed on the other side of the first foldable area204(e.g., the right side of the first foldable area204shown inFIG.2) and disposed on one side of the second foldable area205(e.g., the left side of the second foldable area205ofFIG.2), and a third area203disposed on the other side of the second foldable area205(e.g., the right side of the second foldable area205ofFIG.2).

In an embodiment, the foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204or the second foldable area205) of the display module160may correspond to the area where the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305) is positioned. For example, the first foldable area204may correspond to the area where the first hinge structure304is positioned, and the second foldable area205may correspond to the area where the second hinge structure305is positioned. For example, the foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204or the second foldable area205) may be folded corresponding to the folding of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or second hinge structure305) and be unfolded correspond to the unfolding thereof.

Meanwhile, the segmentation of the display module160as shown inFIG.2is merely an example, and the display module160may be divided into a plurality of (e.g., six or more, or four or less) areas depending on the structure or function of the display module160. Further, the first area201, the second area202, the third area203, the first foldable area204, and the second foldable area205of the display module160may be logically separated areas for convenience of description, but may not be physically separated areas.

FIG.3Ais a view illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device101according to an embodiment.FIG.3Bis a view illustrating a folded state of an electronic device101according to an embodiment.FIG.3Cis a view illustrating a folded state of an electronic device101according to an embodiment.FIGS.3A,3B, and3Care cross-sectional views schematically illustrating the electronic device101shown inFIG.2taken along the reference line B-B′.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may identify the unfolded state or the folded state of the electronic device101by at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1, comprising at least one sensor). For example, the at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1) may include at least one of an angle sensor, a distance sensor, a gyroscope, or a hall sensor. For example, the electronic device101may identify whether the state of the electronic device101is the unfolded state or the folded state using the inclination, acceleration, and gravity for at least one housing of the electronic device101and the distance between the housing structures (e.g., the first housing structure210, the second housing structure220or the third housing structure230) of the foldable housing200provided in the electronic device101, detected through at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1). For example, the electronic device101may identify whether the state of the electronic device101is the unfolded state or the folded state using the unfolded state or folded state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305) detected through at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1). For example, the electronic device101may identify the folded state or unfolded state of the electronic device101using the rotation direction or rotation angle of the at least one hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305) provided in the electronic device101through the at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1).

Referring toFIGS.3A,3B, and3C, according to an embodiment, a foldable housing200of an electronic device101may include a first hinge structure304, a second hinge structure305, a first housing structure210, a second housing structure220, and a third housing structure230.

FIG.3Aillustrates an example in which the first hinge structure304and the second hinge structure305both are unfolded. For convenience of description, the folding angle in the fully unfolded state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305) may be 180 degrees for example. However, this is for convenience of description, and the folding angle in the fully unfolded state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305) may also be 0 degrees for example.

FIG.3Billustrates an example in which the first hinge structure304is in the folded state, and the second hinge structure305is in the unfolded state. According to an embodiment,FIG.3Billustrates an example state in which in the folded state of the first hinge structure304, the first rear cover (e.g., the first rear cover240ofFIG.2) corresponding to the first housing structure210and the second rear cover (e.g., the second rear cover250ofFIG.2) corresponding to the second housing structure220face each other. For convenience of description, the folded state of the first hinge structure304and the unfolded state of the second hinge structure305are described with reference toFIG.3B. Although not shown, such an occasion may exist where the first hinge structure304is in the unfolded state, and the second hinge structure305is in the folded state.

FIG.3Cillustrates an example in which the first hinge structure304and the second hinge structure305both are folded. According to an embodiment,FIG.3Cillustrates an example in which in the folded state of the first hinge structure304, the first rear cover (e.g., the first rear cover240ofFIG.2) corresponding to the first housing structure210and the second rear cover (e.g., the second rear cover250ofFIG.2) corresponding to the second housing structure220are disposed to face each other and, in the folded state of the second hinge structure305, the second area (e.g., the second area202ofFIG.2) corresponding to the second housing structure220and the third area (e.g., the third area203ofFIG.2) corresponding to the third housing structure230are disposed to face each other. For convenience of description, the state in which the first hinge structure304and the second hinge structure305both are folded is described with reference toFIG.3C. Although not shown, in the folded state of the first hinge structure304, the first area (e.g., the first area201ofFIG.2) corresponding to the first housing structure210and the second area (e.g., the second area202ofFIG.2) corresponding to the second housing structure220may be disposed to face each other and, in the folded state of the second hinge structure305, the second rear cover (e.g., the second rear cover250ofFIG.2) corresponding to the second housing structure220and the third rear cover (e.g., the third rear cover260ofFIG.2) corresponding to the third housing structure230may be disposed to face each other. Although not shown, in the folded state of the first hinge structure304, the first rear cover (e.g., the first rear cover240ofFIG.2) corresponding to the first housing structure210and the second rear cover (e.g., the second rear cover250ofFIG.2) corresponding to the second housing structure220may be disposed to face each other and, in the folded state of the second hinge structure305, the third rear cover (e.g., the third rear cover260ofFIG.2) corresponding to the third housing structure230and the first area (e.g., the first area201ofFIG.2) corresponding to the first housing structure210may be disposed to face each other. Although not shown, in the folded state of the second hinge structure305, the third rear cover (e.g., the third rear cover260ofFIG.2) corresponding to the third housing structure230and the second rear cover (e.g., the second rear cover250ofFIG.2) corresponding to the second housing structure220may be disposed to face each other and, in the folded state of the first hinge structure304, the first rear cover (e.g., the first rear cover240ofFIG.2) corresponding to the first housing structure210and the third area (e.g., the third area203ofFIG.2) corresponding to the third housing structure230may be disposed to face each other.

FIG.3Dis a perspective view illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device101according to an embodiment.FIG.3Eis a perspective view illustrating a folded state of an electronic device101according to an embodiment.FIG.3Fis a perspective view illustrating a folded state of an electronic device101according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.3D,3E, and3F, according to an embodiment, a foldable housing200of an electronic device101may include a first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A), a second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A), a first housing structure210, a second housing structure220, and a third housing structure230. Further, the display module160of the electronic device101may include a first area201, a second area202, a third area203, a first foldable area204, and a second foldable area205.

FIG.3Dexemplarily illustrates a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are unfolded.FIG.3Dis a perspective view illustrating an electronic device101corresponding to the electronic device101ofFIG.3A.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.3D, in a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are unfolded, the first housing structure210, the second housing structure220, and the third housing structure230may be disposed to face in the same direction, with an angle of 180 degrees therebetween. In this case, the surface of the first area201, surface of the second area202, and surface of the third area203of the display module160may be angled at 180 degrees therebetween while facing in the same direction (e.g., forward of the front surface of the electronic device101). In this case, the first foldable area204and the second foldable area205may be flush with the first area201, second area202, and third area203.

FIG.3Eexemplarily illustrates a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded.FIG.3Eis a perspective view illustrating an electronic device101corresponding to the electronic device101ofFIG.3B.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.3E, in a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is in the folded state, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is in the unfolded state, the surface of the second area202and the surface of the third area203of the display module160may be angled at 180 degrees therebetween while facing in the same direction (e.g., forward of the front surface of the electronic device101). In this case, the second foldable area205may be coplanar with the second area202and the third area203. In this case, the surface of the first area (e.g., the first area201ofFIG.2) of the display module160may face in a direction (e.g., the backward of the electronic device101) opposite to the direction in which the surface of the second area202faces. In this case, at least a portion of the first foldable area204may have a curved surface with a predetermined curvature.

FIG.3Fexemplarily illustrates a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded.FIG.3Fis a perspective view illustrating an electronic device101corresponding to the electronic device101ofFIG.3C.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.3F, in a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) are folded, the first area201of the display module160may face forward of the electronic device101. In this case, at least a portion of the first foldable area204may have a curved surface with a predetermined curvature. In this case, the surface of the second area (e.g., the second area202ofFIG.2) of the display module160and the surface of the third area (e.g., the third area203ofFIG.2) may form a narrow angle therebetween while facing each other.

FIG.4is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.4is described with reference toFIGS.5and6.FIG.5is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.FIG.6is a perspective view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

In the disclosure, “electronic device101performs a particular operation” may also indicate that the processor120performs the specific operation or the processor120controls another piece of hardware to perform the specific operation. Or, ‘electronic device101performs a particular operation’ may also be appreciated as ‘the particular operation is performed by the processor120or other hardware as instructions stored in the memory130are executed.’ Each “processor” herein comprises processing circuitry.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.4,5, and6, in operation401, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a first execution screen501of a first application on the display module160when the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) provided in the electronic device101is in a first state. For example, in the first state of the electronic device101, e.g., in a state in which the first hinge structure304and the second hinge structure305both are folded, the first area201of the display module160may be exposed to the front surface, and at least a portion of the first foldable area204of the display module160may form a curved surface having a predetermined curvature. For example, in the first state, e.g., in a state in which the first hinge structure304and the second hinge structure305both are folded, the electronic device101may display the first execution screen501of the first application in the first area201of the display module160.FIG.5illustrates that the first execution screen501is not displayed in the first foldable area204. However, this is merely an example. In another embodiment, the first execution screen501, together with the first area201and a portion of the first foldable area204, may be displayed.

For convenience of description, in the figures for describing the operation of the electronic device101, likeFIG.5, when the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304) of the electronic device101is in the folded state, the foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204) of the display module160is illustrated as being flat. However, this is merely an example for convenience of description. When the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304) of the electronic device101is in the folded state, the foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204) of the display module160may be in the folded state, e.g., at least a portion of the foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204) may form a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, which may be applied to other embodiments.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.4,5, and6, in operation403, while the first foldable area204is in the folded state, the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,523) to the first foldable area204from an object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application. For example, the electronic device101may identify a touch521to the first object511and identify that the first object511is selected corresponding to the position of the touch521. The electronic device101may display another object513corresponding to the first object511, corresponding to the position of the touch521, based on selection of the first object511. The other object513may be an object indicating the first object511, and may have the same shape and/or same size as the first object511. Or, the other object513may be implemented as any object, such as a thumbnail image or ghost view of the first object511, but its implementation is not limited. The electronic device101may move the other object513according to the moved contact position based on the touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5).

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.4,5, and6, in operation405, the electronic device101may display, on the display module160, a second execution screen502of a second application, different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the object (e.g., the first object511), based on a change in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state to the second state. For example, the electronic device101may display, in a specific area520of the display module160(e.g., an area including the second area202, third area203, and second foldable area205of the display module160), the second execution screen502of the second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the first object511, based on a change (e.g., unfolding524) in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded, to the second state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded, after detecting a touch drag input to the first foldable area204from the first object511included in the first execution screen501of the first application. For example, the electronic device101may execute the second application and allocate the selected object, e.g., the first object511, to the second application. The second application may configure the second execution screen502using the allocated first object511, and the electronic device101may display the configured second execution screen502. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.5, the first object511, e.g., an image file, included in the first execution screen501of the first application which is a web browsing application may be selected. The electronic device101may allocate the first object511, e.g., an image file, to a second application, e.g., a gallery application. The gallery application may store the allocated image file in storage within the gallery application. The gallery application may configure a second execution screen502including a thumbnail532indicating that the image file is stored and the image file as an entire screen531, and the electronic device101may display the configured second execution screen502. The second application may configure the second application execution screen using the selected object, e.g., entire information about the first object511or partial information. Meanwhile, the above-described scheme of processing the allocated object of the gallery application is merely an example, and it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the scheme of processing the allocated object may be configured to differ per application. Further, the execution application is exemplary, and the execution application may be determined based on the attribute of the object (e.g., the first object511). For example, when the attribute of the object (e.g., the first object511) is text, a text editing application may be executed. When the attribute of the object (e.g., the first object511) is link, an application related to the corresponding link may be executed. The execution application is not limited.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input523to the first foldable area204from the first object511included in the first execution screen501of the first application displayed in the first area201of the display module160while the first foldable area204of the display module160is in the folded state. Thereafter, the electronic device101may identify a change (e.g., unfolding524) in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded to the second state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded, within a preset time. The electronic device101may display, in the specific area520of the display module160(e.g., an area including the second area202, third area203, and second foldable area205of the display module160) of the display module160, the second execution screen502of the second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the first object511, based on detection of the state change. For example, the preset time is exemplary, and may be set by the user. In another example, the electronic device101may be configured to display the second execution screen502in response to a folding state change without determining whether there is a change in folding state within the preset time. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that determining whether there is a change in folding state within the preset time described in the disclosure may be omitted.

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.7is described with reference toFIG.8.FIG.8is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.7and8, in operation701, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a first execution screen501of a first application on the display module160when the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) provided in the electronic device101is in a first state. For example, operation701may be described similarly to operation401ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.7and8, in operation703, the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,523) to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application while the first foldable area204is in the folded state. For example, operation703may be described similarly to operation403ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.7and8, in operation705, the electronic device101may display, in the first foldable area204, a list (e.g., the list880) including an icon (e.g., the first icon881) corresponding to the object (e.g., the first object511), based on detecting the touch drag input523to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application and detecting the folded state of the first foldable area204. For example, the electronic device101may display, in the first foldable area204, the list880including the first icon881corresponding to the first object511based on detecting the touch drag input to the first foldable area204from the first object511. The first icon881may be an icon indicating the first object511and may have the same shape and/or size as, e.g., the first object511. Or, the first icon881may be an icon configured using the entire information or partial information about the first object511. Or, the first icon881may be implemented as any object, such as a thumbnail image or ghost view of the first object511, but its implementation is not limited. Or, the first icon881may be an icon corresponding to another object513indicating the first object511and may have the same shape and/or size as the other object513or may have the same shape as, but a size smaller than, the other object513.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.8, the electronic device101may store information related to the object (e.g., the first object511) in temporary storage of the electronic device101, based on detecting the touch drag input to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application and detecting the folded state of the first foldable area204. The electronic device101may display, on the display module160, a notification screen (e.g., the first notification screen870) indicating that the information related to the object (e.g., the first object511) is stored in the temporary storage. For example, the electronic device101may store information related to the first object511in the temporary storage based on the touch drag input to the first foldable area204from the first object511and display, in the first area201of the display module160, the first notification screen870indicating that the information related to the first object511is stored in the temporary storage. For example, the notification screen (e.g., the first notification screen870) may be displayed in a partial area of the first area201of the display module160. For example, the notification screen (e.g., the first notification screen870) may be displayed overlapping the screen (e.g., the first screen501) displayed in the first area201of the display module160, and the scheme of displaying the notification screen (e.g., the first notification screen870) or the displayed position are not limited. InFIG.8, other icons than the first icon881may be included in the list880, indicating the object temporarily stored before the first icon881is temporarily stored. As shown inFIG.8, the electronic device101may temporarily store a plurality of objects and provide an interface (e.g., the list880) that may be recognized and/or selected by the user.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.7and8, in operation707, the electronic device101may display, on the display module160, a second execution screen502of a second application, different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the object (e.g., the first object511), based on a change in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state to the second state. For example, the electronic device101may display, in a specific area520of the display module160(e.g., an area including the second area202, third area203, and second foldable area205of the display module160), the second execution screen502of the second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the first object511, based on a change (e.g., unfolding524) in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded, to the second state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded, after displaying the list880including the first icon881corresponding to the first object511in the first foldable area204. For example, operation707may be described similarly to operation405ofFIG.4.

For example, the electronic device101may display, in a specific area520of the display module160(e.g., an area including the second area202, third area203, and second foldable area205of the display module160), the second execution screen502of the second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion531of the first object511, based on a change (e.g., unfolding524) in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded, to the second state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded, within a preset time after displaying, in the first foldable area204, the list880including the first icon881corresponding to the first object511. For example, the preset time is exemplary, and may be set by the user.

FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.9is described with reference toFIG.10.FIG.10is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.9and10, in operation901, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a first execution screen501of a first application on the display module160when the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) provided in the electronic device101is in a first state. For example, operation901may be described similarly to operation401ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.9and10, in operation903, the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,523) to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application while the first foldable area204is in the folded state. For example, operation903may be described similarly to operation403ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.9and10, in operation905, the electronic device101may display, in the first foldable area204, a list (e.g., the list880) including an icon (e.g., the first icon881) corresponding to the object (e.g., the first object511), based on detecting the touch drag input523to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application and detecting the folded state of the first foldable area204. For example, operation905may be described similarly to operation705ofFIG.7.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.9and10, in operation907, the electronic device101may control not to display the list880displayed in the first foldable area204, based on the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) being maintained as the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded, during a preset time, after detecting the touch drag input523to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application. For example, the preset time is exemplary, and may be set by the user.

FIG.11is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.11is described with reference toFIG.12.FIG.12is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.11and12, in operation1101, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a first execution screen501of a first application on the display module160when the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) provided in the electronic device101is in a first state. For example, operation1101may be described similarly to operation401ofFIG.4, referring toFIG.5.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.11and12, in operation1103, the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5) to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application while the first foldable area204is in the folded state. For example, operation1103may be described similarly to operation403ofFIG.4, referring toFIG.5.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.12, after operation1103, the electronic device101may additionally perform an operation for displaying the list880. For example, the electronic device101may display, in the first foldable area204, a list (e.g., the list880) including an icon (e.g., the first icon881) corresponding to the object (e.g., the first object511), based on detecting the touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5) to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application and detecting the folded state of the first foldable area204. For example, the operation of displaying the list880may be described similarly to operation705ofFIG.7.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.11and12, in operation1105, the electronic device101may display, on the display module160, the second execution screen502of the second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the object (e.g., the first object511), based on a change in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state to the second state. For example, operation1105may be described similarly to operation405ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.11and12, in operation1107, the electronic device101may display the first execution screen501of the first application on the display module160based on a change of the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the second state to the first state, after displaying the second execution screen502. For example, the electronic device101may display the first execution screen501of the first application in the first area201of the display module160based on a change (e.g., folding1226) of the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the second state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded to the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded, after displaying the second execution screen502on the display module160by operation1105.

FIG.13is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.13is described with reference toFIG.14.FIG.14is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.13and14, in operation1301, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a first execution screen501of a first application on the display module160when the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) provided in the electronic device101is in a first state. For example, operation1301may be described similarly to operation401ofFIG.4, referring toFIG.5.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.13and14, in operation1303, the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5) to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application while the first foldable area204is in the folded state. For example, operation1303may be described similarly to operation403ofFIG.4, referring toFIG.5.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.14, after operation1303, the electronic device101may additionally perform an operation for displaying the list880. For example, the electronic device101may display, in the first foldable area204, a list (e.g., the list880) including an icon (e.g., the first icon881) corresponding to the object (e.g., the first object511), based on detecting the touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5) to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application and detecting the folded state of the first foldable area204. For example, the operation of displaying the list880may be described similarly to operation705ofFIG.7.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.13and14, in operation1305, the electronic device101may display, on the display module160, the second execution screen502of the second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the object (e.g., the first object511), based on a change in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state to the second state. For example, operation1305may be described similarly to operation1105ofFIG.11.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.13and14, in operation1307, the electronic device101may display, on the display module160, the third execution screen1403of the third application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the object (e.g., the first object511), based on a change in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the second state to the first state. For example, the electronic device101may display, in the first area201of the display module160, the third execution screen1403of the third application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the first object511, based on a change (e.g., folding1226) of the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the second state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded to the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded, after displaying the second execution screen502on the display module160by operation1305. For example, the electronic device101may execute the third application and allocate the selected object, e.g., the first object511, to the third application. The third application may configure the third execution screen1403using the allocated first object511, and the electronic device101may display the configured third execution screen1403. For example, as disclosed in detail in the description of operation405ofFIG.4, in the embodiment ofFIG.14, the first object511, e.g., an image file, included in the first execution screen501of the first application which is a web browsing application may be selected. The electronic device101may allocate the first object511, e.g., an image file, to a second application, e.g., a gallery application. The gallery application may configure the second execution screen502including the first object511, e.g., an image file, and the electronic device101may display the configured second execution screen502. The electronic device101may allocate the first object511, e.g., an image file, to a third application, e.g., a message application. The message application may configure a third execution screen1403including a message input screen including the allocated image file and a virtual keyboard screen used for message input, and the electronic device101may display the configured third execution screen1403. The third application may configure the third application execution screen using the selected object, e.g., entire information about the first object511or partial information. Meanwhile, the above-described scheme of processing the allocated object of the message application is merely an example, and it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the scheme of processing the allocated object may be configured to differ per application.

FIG.15is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.15is described with reference toFIG.17A.FIG.17Ais a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.15, in operation1501, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen501ofFIG.5) of a first application on the display module160when the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) provided in the electronic device101is in a first state. For example, operation1501may be described similarly to operation401ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.15, in operation1503, the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5) to the first foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204ofFIG.5) from the object (e.g., the first object511ofFIG.5) included in the first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen501ofFIG.5) of the first application while the first foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204ofFIG.5) is in the folded state. For example, operation1503may be described similarly to operation403ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.15, in operation1505, the electronic device101may determine a second application providing the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen502ofFIG.5) based on the attribute of the touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5) to the first foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204ofFIG.5) from the object (e.g., the first object511ofFIG.5) included in the first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen501ofFIG.5) of the first application.

For example, referring toFIG.17A, according to an embodiment, the electronic device101may determine the second application providing the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen502ofFIG.5) based on the direction (e.g.,1718or1719) where the touch drag input1717to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object1711) included in the first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen501ofFIG.5) of the first application displayed in the first area201of the display module160is detected. For example, an execution application corresponding to the direction (e.g.,1718or1719) where the touch drag input1717to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object1711) is detected may be preset. For example, the execution application may be preset based on the attribute type (e.g., text, image, or link attribute) of the object or may be set or changed by the user. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.17A, when the gallery application is preset as the execution application corresponding to the first direction1718, the electronic device101may determine that the gallery application is the second application providing the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen502ofFIG.5) based on the direction where the touch drag input1717to the first foldable area204from the first object1711is detected being the first direction1718. The electronic device101may execute the gallery application and allocate an object, e.g., the first object1711, to the gallery application. The gallery application may configure an execution screen using the allocated object, e.g., the first object1711, and the electronic device101may display the configured execution screen.

FIG.16is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.16is described with reference to FIG.17B.FIG.17Bis a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.16, in operation1601, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen501ofFIG.5) of a first application on the display module160when the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) provided in the electronic device101is in a first state. For example, operation1601may be described similarly to operation401ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.16, in operation1603, the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5) to the first foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204ofFIG.5) from the object (e.g., the first object511ofFIG.5) included in the first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen501ofFIG.5) of the first application while the first foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204ofFIG.5) is in the folded state. For example, operation1603may be described similarly to operation403ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.16, in operation1605, the electronic device101may determine a second application providing the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen502ofFIG.5) based on the attribute of the touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5) to the first foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204ofFIG.5) from the object (e.g., the first object511ofFIG.5) included in the first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen501ofFIG.5) of the first application.

For example, referring toFIG.17B, according to an embodiment, the electronic device101may determine the second application providing the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen502ofFIG.5) based on the attribute of the touch drag input1713to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object1711) included in the first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen501ofFIG.5) of the first application displayed in the first area201of the display module160, e.g., the end point of the touch drag input1713Meanwhile, the electronic device101may be configured to determine an application based on a position associated with the touch drag input1713, e.g., the end point. For example, the first foldable area204of the display module160may include at least one set area (e.g., first set area1721, second set area1722, third set area1723, or fourth set area1724). At least one execution application (e.g., first execution application, second execution application, third execution application, or fourth execution application) respectively corresponding to the at least one set area (e.g., first set area1721, second set area1722, third set area1723, or fourth set area1724) may be preset. For example, the at least one execution application may be preset based on the attribute type (e.g., text, image, or link attribute) of the object and be set or changed by the user. When the touch drag input1713is a touch drag input to a specific set area (e.g., the second set area1722) from the first object1711, the electronic device101may determine that a specific execution application (e.g., the second execution application) preset corresponding to the specific set area (e.g., the second set area1722) is the second application providing the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen502ofFIG.5). For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.17B, when the message application is the execution application corresponding to the second set area1722, the electronic device101may determine that the message application is the second application providing the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen502ofFIG.5) based on detecting the touch drag input1713to the second set area1722from the first object1711. The message application may configure an execution screen including a message input screen including the first object1711and a virtual keyboard screen, and the electronic device101may display the configured execution screen. Meanwhile, the above-described scheme of processing the allocated object of the message application is merely an example, and it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the scheme of processing the allocated object may be configured to differ per application.

FIG.17Cis a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.17C, the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,1716) to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object1711) included in the first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen501ofFIG.5) of the first application displayed in the first area201of the display module160and detect a long touch input (e.g.,1726) to the first foldable area204. For example, the electronic device101may store information related to the first object1711in the temporary storage of the electronic device101based on detecting the touch drag input (e.g.,1716) to the first foldable area204from the first object1711and detecting the long touch input (e.g.,1726) to the first foldable area204. Or, for example, the electronic device101may display, in the first foldable area204, a list (e.g.,880ofFIG.8) including the icon corresponding to the first object1711based on detecting the touch drag input (e.g.,1716) to the first foldable area204from the first object1711and detecting the long touch input (e.g.,1726) to the first foldable area204. Further, for example, detecting the touch drag input523ofFIG.5may include detecting the touch drag input1716and long touch input1726ofFIG.17C.

FIG.17Dis a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.17D, the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,1714) to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object1711) included in the first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen501ofFIG.5) of the first application displayed in the first area201of the display module160, detect a touch drag input (e.g.,1715) to the first foldable area204, and detect a long touch input to a specific area (e.g.,1725) included in the first foldable area204. For example, the electronic device101may store information related to the first object1711in the temporary storage of the electronic device101, based on detecting a touch drag input (e.g.,1714) to the first foldable area204from the first object1711, detecting a touch drag input (e.g.,1715) to the first foldable area204, and detecting the long touch input to the specific area (e.g.,1725) included in the first foldable area204. Or, for example, the electronic device101may display, in the first foldable area204, a list (e.g.,880ofFIG.8) including the icon corresponding to the first object1711based on detecting the touch drag input (e.g.,1714) to the first foldable area204from the first object1711, detecting the touch drag input (e.g.,1715) to the first foldable area204, and detecting the long touch input to the specific area (e.g.,1725) included in the first foldable area204. Further, for example, detecting the touch drag input523ofFIG.5may include detecting the touch drag input1714, the touch drag input1715, and the long touch input (e.g., long touch input to the specific area1725) ofFIG.17D.

FIG.18is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.18is described with reference toFIGS.19,20, and21.FIG.19is a perspective view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.FIG.20is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.FIG.21is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.19, the specific area of the display module160exposed to the front surface of the electronic device101viewed by the user is determined depending on the unfolded state or folded state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A), and the scheme of determining the specific area of the display module160exposed to the front surface of the electronic device101viewed by the user may easily be understood from the above-described embodiments. For example, the electronic device101may activate the specific area of the display module160and deactivate another specific area of the display module160depending on the unfolded state or folded state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A). For example, deactivating the specific area of the display module160may indicate deactivating the touch sensing and/or screen display in the specific area of the display module160, and activating the specific area of the display module160may indicate activating the touch sensing and/or screen display in the specific area of the display module160. For example, when the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are in the folded state, the electronic device101may deactivate the second area202, third area203, and second foldable area205of the display module160. For example, when the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is in the folded state, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is in the unfolded state, the electronic device101may deactivate the first area201of the display module160. For example, the electronic device101may deactivate the second area202, third area203, and second foldable area205of the display module160and activate the entire or partial area of the first area201and first foldable area204of the display module160in the state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded and then, based on a change (unfolding) in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) into a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded, deactivate the first area201of the display module160and activate the entire or partial area of the second area202, third area203, second foldable area205, and first foldable area204of the display module160. Meanwhile, activating and deactivating the specific area of the display module160is an exemplary embodiment, and it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that activation and deactivation of the specific area of the display module160may be performed depending on the change of the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) of the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.18,19,20, and21, in operation1801, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display the first execution screen501of the first application on the display module160when the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) provided in the electronic device101is the first state. For example, operation1801may be described similarly to operation401ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.18,19,20, and21, in operation1803, while the first foldable area204is in the folded state, the electronic device101may identify the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application. For example, the electronic device101may identify the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application in response to a user input. For example, the electronic device101may identify the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application in response to a user input, e.g., the touch drag input to the edge area of the first area201from the object (e.g., the first object511) or the touch drag input to the foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204) adjacent to the first area201where the first execution screen501is displayed from the object (e.g., the first object511). For example, the touch drag input to the folding area (e.g., the first foldable area204) adjacent to the first area201where the first execution screen501is displayed from the object (e.g., the first object511) may be described similarly to the description of the touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5) associated with operation403ofFIG.4. Further, a specific embodiment of the touch drag input to the foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204) or the touch drag input to the edge area is described below with reference toFIG.22.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.18,19,20, and21, after operation1803is performed, the electronic device101may display, in the first foldable area204, a list (e.g., the list880) including an icon (e.g., the first icon881) corresponding to the object (e.g., the first object511), based on detecting the touch drag input523to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application and detecting the folded state of the first foldable area204. For example, the operation of displaying a list (e.g., the list880) including the icon (e.g., the first icon881) corresponding to the object (e.g., the first object511) in the first foldable area204may be described similarly to operation705ofFIG.7. Meanwhile, the operation of displaying the list (e.g., the list880) including the icon (e.g., the first icon881) corresponding to the above-described object (e.g., the first object511) after performing operation1803and before performing operation1805may be performed or be omitted.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.18,19,20, and21, in operation1805, the electronic device101may display, on the display module160, the second execution screen502of the second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the object (e.g., the first object511) identified, based on a change of the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state to the second state. For example, in response to a user input, the electronic device101may identify the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application and then, based on a change (e.g., unfolding2024) of the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded to the second state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded, display the second execution screen502of the second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the identified object (e.g., the first object511) in a specific area520, e.g., an area including the second area202, third area203, and second foldable area205of the display module160, of the display module160set corresponding to the second state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A), a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded. Meanwhile, the specific area (e.g.,520) of the display module160set corresponding to the second state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A), e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded may include the whole or part of the first foldable area204. In the embodiment ofFIG.20, e.g., the operation of displaying the second execution screen502of the second application different from the first application on the display module160may be described similarly to the operation of displaying the second execution screen502of the second application different from the first application on the display module160in operation405ofFIG.4. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.21, a specific object, e.g., specific text, included in the first execution screen501of the first application which is the web browsing application may be identified. In response to a touch2121, the electronic device101may display another object2113indicating that the specific object, e.g., specific text, is identified, corresponding to the position of the touch2121. The other object2113is an object including the identified specific object, e.g., identified text, but its implementation is not limited. The operation of displaying and moving the other object2113by the electronic device101inFIG.21may be described similarly to the operation of displaying and moving the other object2113by the electronic device101inFIG.5. The electronic device101may display a list880including the icon2181corresponding to the specific object, e.g., specific text, in the first foldable area204, based on detecting the touch drag input2123to the first foldable area204from the specific object, e.g., specific text. The electronic device101may allocate the specific object, e.g., specific text to the second application, e.g., the message application. The message application may configure a second execution screen2102including a message input screen including the allocated specific text and a virtual keyboard screen used for message input, and the electronic device101may display the configured second execution screen2102in the specific area (e.g.,520) of the display module160.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.18,19,20, and21, in operation1807, the electronic device101may display, on the display module160, the third execution screen502of the third application different from the second application, obtained using at least a portion of the object (e.g., the first object511) identified, based on a change of the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state to the third state. For example, in response to a user input, the electronic device101may identify the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application and then, based on a change (e.g., unfolding2025) in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded to the third state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are unfolded, display the third execution screen2003of the third application different from the second application obtained using at least a portion of the identified object (e.g., the first object511), in the specific area2030(e.g., an area including the first area201, second area202, third area203, first foldable area204, and second foldable area205of the display module160) of the display module160set corresponding to the third state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A), e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are unfolded. For example, the electronic device101may execute the third application and allocate the identified object, e.g., the first object511, to the third application. The third application may configure the third execution screen2003using the allocated first object511, and the electronic device101may display the configured third execution screen2003. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.20, the first object511, e.g., an image file, included in the first execution screen501of the first application which is a web browsing application may be identified. The electronic device101may allocate the first object511, e.g., an image file, to a third application, e.g., an image editing application. The image editing application may configure a third execution screen2003including a tool including the icon for modifying the image file and the allocated image file as the entire screen2031, and the electronic device101may display the configured third execution screen2003. The third application may configure the third application execution screen using the identified object, e.g., entire information about the first object511or partial information. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.21, a specific object, e.g., specific text, included in the first execution screen501of the first application which is the web browsing application may be identified. The electronic device101may allocate the specific object, e.g., specific text to the third application, e.g., the text editing application. The text editing application may configure a third execution screen2003including a tool including the icon for modifying text and the allocated specific text, and the electronic device101may display the configured third execution screen2003. Meanwhile, the third application may configure the third application execution screen using the identified object, e.g., entire information about the text or partial information.

FIG.22is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment. For example, referring toFIG.22, a specific embodiment of the touch drag input (e.g.,523) disclosed inFIGS.4and5or a specific embodiment of the user input disclosed in the embodiment ofFIGS.18and20may be understood.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.22, the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input to the foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204or second foldable area205) or edge area included in the active area of the display module160. The edge area of the display area160may indicate an area positioned at the edge in the specific area of the display area160exposed to the front surface of the electronic device101viewed by the user depending on the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A), and when the exposed area of the display area160has a substantially rectangular shape, the edge area may include at least one of an upper edge area, a lower edge area, a right edge area, or a left edge area. Further, based on the shape of the exposed area of the display area160, the edge area may include an upper edge area, a lower edge area, a right edge area, a left edge area, an upper-left edge area, an upper-right edge area, a lower-left edge area, or a lower-right edge area.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.22(a), the electronic device101may activate the entire or partial area of the first area201and first foldable area204of the display module160when the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.22(a), the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input2224to the first foldable area204of the display module160from the object (e.g., the object2211) included in the activated area (e.g., the first area201) of the display module160and detect a touch drag input to the edge area of the display module160(e.g., a touch drag input2225to the upper edge area, a touch drag input2226to the left edge area, or a touch drag input2227to the lower edge area) from the object (e.g., the object2211) included in the activated area (e.g., the first area201) of the display module160. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.22(a), the electronic device101may identify a touch drag input2224to the first foldable area204of the display module160from the object (e.g., the object2211) included in the activated area (e.g., the first area201) of the display module160or a touch drag input to the edge area of the display module160(e.g., a touch drag input2225to the upper edge area, a touch drag input2226to the left edge area, or a touch drag input2227to the lower edge area) from the object (e.g., the object2211) included in the activated area (e.g., the first area201) of the display module160, as a user input for identifying the object (e.g., the object2211). For example, the electronic device101may perform operation1803ofFIG.18based on identifying the touch drag input (e.g.,2224,2225,2226, or2227) as the user input for identifying an object (e.g., the object2211).

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.22(b), the electronic device101may activate the entire or partial area of the second area202, third area203, second foldable area205, and first foldable area204of the display module160when the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is the second state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.22(b), the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input2236to the first foldable area204of the display module160from the object (e.g., the object2212) included in the activated area (e.g., the second area202) of the display module160and detect a touch drag input to the edge area of the display module160(e.g., a touch drag input2235to the upper edge area, a touch drag input2234to the right edge area, or a touch drag input2237to the lower edge area) from the object (e.g., the object2212) included in the activated area (e.g., the second area202) of the display module160. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.22(b), the electronic device101may identify a touch drag input2236to the first foldable area204of the display module160from the object (e.g., the object2212) included in the activated area (e.g., the second area202) of the display module160or a touch drag input to the edge area of the display module160(e.g., a touch drag input2235to the upper edge area, a touch drag input2234to the right edge area, or a touch drag input2237to the lower edge area) from the object (e.g., the object2212) included in the activated area (e.g., the second area202) of the display module160, as a user input for identifying the object (e.g., the object2212). For example, the electronic device101may perform operation1803ofFIG.18based on identifying the touch drag input (e.g.,2234,2235,2236, or2237) as the user input for identifying an object (e.g., the object2212).

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.22(c), the electronic device101may activate the first area201, second area202, third area203, first foldable area204, and second foldable area205of the display module160when the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is the third state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are unfolded. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.22(c), the electronic device101may detect a touch drag input to the edge area of the display module160(e.g., a touch drag input2245to the upper edge area, a touch drag input2244to the right edge area, a touch drag input2246to the left edge area, or a touch drag input2247to the lower edge area) from the object (e.g., the object2213) included in the activated area (e.g., the second area202) of the display module160. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.22(c), the electronic device101may identify the touch drag input to the edge area of the display module160(e.g., the touch drag input2245to the upper edge area, the touch drag input2244to the right edge area, the touch drag input2246to the left edge area, or the touch drag input2247to the lower edge area) from the object (e.g., the object2213) included in the activated area (e.g., the second area202) of the display module160, as a user input for identifying the object (e.g., the object2213). For example, the electronic device101may perform operation1803ofFIG.18based on identifying the touch drag input (e.g.,2244,2245,2246, or2247) as the user input for identifying an object (e.g., the object2213).

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.22(a), (b), and (c), the electronic device101may determine the operation to be performed corresponding to the touch drag input (e.g.,2224ofFIG.22(a),2236ofFIG.22(b), or2248ofFIG.22(c)) to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the object2211ofFIG.22(a), the object2212ofFIG.22(b), or the object2213ofFIG.22(c)) based on the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A). For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.22(a), the electronic device101may perform operation1803ofFIG.18, based on identifying the touch drag input2224to the first foldable area204of the display module160from the object (e.g., the object2211) included in the activated area (e.g., the first area201) of the display module160as a user input for identifying the object (e.g., the object2211). For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.22(b), the electronic device101may perform operation1803ofFIG.18, based on identifying the touch drag input2236to the first foldable area204of the display module160from the object (e.g., the object2212) included in the activated area (e.g., the second area202) of the display module160as a user input for identifying the object (e.g., the object2212). Meanwhile, in the embodiment ofFIG.22(c), the electronic device101may display the object (e.g., the object2213) in the position corresponding to the end point of the touch drag input2248, based on detecting the touch drag input2248to the first foldable area204of the display module160from the object (e.g., the object2213) included in the activated area (e.g., the second area202) of the display module160.

FIG.23is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.23is described with reference toFIG.24.FIG.24is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.23and24, in operation2301, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a first execution screen501of a first application on the display module160when the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) provided in the electronic device101is in a first state. For example, operation2301may be described similarly to operation401ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.23and24, in operation2303, while the first foldable area204is in the folded state, the electronic device101may identify the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application. For example, the electronic device101may identify the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application in response to a user input. For example, operation1803may be described similarly to operation402ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.23and24, the electronic device101may display, in the first foldable area204, a list (e.g., the list880) including the icon (e.g., the first icon881) corresponding to the object (e.g., the first object511), based on detecting the folded state of the first foldable area204and detecting the touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5) to the first foldable area204from the object (e.g., the first object511) included in the first execution screen501of the first application after performing operation2203. For example, the operation of displaying a list (e.g., the list880) including the icon (e.g., the first icon881) corresponding to the object (e.g., the first object511) in the first foldable area204may be described similarly to operation705ofFIG.7. Meanwhile, the operation of displaying the list (e.g., the list880) including the icon (e.g., the first icon881) corresponding to the above-described object (e.g., the first object511) after performing operation2303and before performing operation1805may be performed or be omitted.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.23and24, in operation2305, the electronic device101may display the second execution screen502of the second application from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the identified object (e.g., the first object511), based on a change in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state to the second state, in the specific area520of the display module160set corresponding to the second state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A). For example, operation2305may be described similarly to operation1805ofFIG.18.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.23and24, in operation2307, the electronic device101may display the third execution screen2003of the third application different from the second application, obtained using at least a portion of the identified object (e.g., the first object511) in the specific area2030of the display module160set corresponding to the third state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A), based on a change in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the second state to the third state after displaying the second execution screen502of the second application on the display module160. For example, after displaying the second execution screen502of the second application on the display module160, based on a change (e.g., unfolding2425) in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the second state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded to the third state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are unfolded, the electronic device101may display the third execution screen2003of the third application different from the second application, obtained using at least a portion of the identified object (e.g., the first object511), in the specific area2030(e.g., an area including the first area201, second area202, third area203, first foldable area204, and second foldable area205of the display module160) of the display module160set corresponding to the third state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A), e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are unfolded.

FIG.25is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.25is described with reference toFIG.26.FIG.26is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.25and26, in operation2501, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may identify at least one object. For example, the electronic device101may display a list880in a specific area (e.g., the first foldable area204) of the display module160in response to a user input. For example, the electronic device101may display the list880in the specific area (e.g., the first foldable area204) of the display module160in response to a touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5) to the specific area (e.g., the first foldable area204) of the display module160from the object (e.g., the first object511) or in response to an invoke command described below. For example, the list880may include at least one icon (e.g., the first icon2681or second icon2682). For example, the first icon2681may be an icon corresponding to the first object511, e.g., an icon indicating that the object (e.g., the first object511) is stored in the temporary storage, and the second icon2682may be an icon corresponding to the second object (not shown), e.g., an icon indicating the second object (not shown) is stored in the temporary storage. Meanwhile, the electronic device101may identify at least one object (e.g., the first object511) in response to a touch2621to the icon (e.g., the first icon2681) corresponding to at least one object (e.g., the first object511), included in the list880displayed in the specific area (e.g., the first foldable area204) of the display module160. For example, upon identifying at least one object (e.g., the first object511) in response to the touch2621to the icon (e.g., the first icon2681) corresponding to the at least one object (e.g., the first object511) included in the list880, the electronic device101may display an identification mark (e.g., the first identification mark2691) on the touched icon (e.g., the first icon2681) included in the list880. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.26, the electronic device101may display the first identification mark2691on the first icon2681in response to the touch2621to the first icon2681included in the list880or may display the second identification mark2692on the second icon2682in response to the touch2622to the second icon2682included in the list880.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.25and26, in operation2503, the electronic device101may determine a layout of the third execution screen (e.g.,2603aor2603b) of the third application, obtained using at least a portion of the identified at least one object or the second execution screen (e.g.,2602aor2602b) of the second application, obtained using at least a portion of the identified at least one object (e.g., the first object511, the second object (not shown), the third object (not shown), or the fourth object (not shown)) based on the number of the identified at least one object (e.g., the first object511, the second object (not shown), the third object (not shown), or the fourth object (not shown)).

For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.26, according to an embodiment, after identifying two objects, e.g., the first object511corresponding to the first icon2681and the second object (not shown) corresponding to the second icon2682, in response to the touches2621and2622to the two icons, e.g., the first icon2681and the second icon2682, based on a change (e.g., unfolding2624) in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded to the second state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded, the electronic device101may determine layout of the second execution screen2602aof the second application different from the first application in the form of being able to divide and display the first object511and the second object (not shown) or overlaying and displaying them and include the first object511and the second object (not shown) in the determined layout and display the layout. Likewise, after identifying four objects respectively corresponding to four icons in response to touches to the four icons, based on a change (e.g., unfolding2624) in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A), the electronic device101may determine the layout of the second execution screen2602bof the second application different from the first application in the form of being able to divide and display the four objects or overlay and display them and include the four objects in the determined layout and display the layout.

Further, for example, in the embodiment ofFIG.26, according to an embodiment, after identifying two objects, e.g., the first object511corresponding to the first icon2681and the second object (not shown) corresponding to the second icon2682, in response to touches2621and2622to two icons, e.g., the first icon2681and the second icon2682, based on a change (e.g., unfolding2625) of the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded to the third state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are unfolded, the electronic device101may determine the layout of the third execution screen2603aof the third application different from the second application in the form of being able to divide and display the first object511and the second object (not shown) or overlay and display them, include the first object511and the second object (not shown) in the determined layout and display the layout. Likewise, after identifying three objects respectively corresponding to three icons in response to touches to the three icons, based on a change (e.g., unfolding2625) of the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A), the electronic device101may determine the layout of the third execution screen2603bof the second application different from the first application in the form of being able to divide and display three objects or overlay and display them, include the three objects in the determined layout, and display the layout. Meanwhile, the layout of the execution screen is not limited to the embodiment disclosed inFIG.26, and when the number of the identified objects exceeds a preset number, a notification indicating that a proper layout may not be supported may be displayed.

FIG.27is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.27is described with reference toFIGS.28and29.FIG.28is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.FIG.29is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.27,28, and29, in operation2701, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may identify two or more objects. For example, operation2701may be described similarly to operation2501ofFIG.25.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.27,28, and29, in operation2703, the electronic device101may display an execution screen of the application obtained using at least a portion of the merged object of the identified two or more objects or display a plurality of sub screens respectively corresponding to the identified two or more objects, in response to a user input. For example, upon identifying two or more objects corresponding to the same identification type, the electronic device101may display a popup window2830for selecting a display method (e.g., multi-window display2831or merged window display2832) on the display module160and, in response to a user input (e.g., a touch input) for selecting the display method (e.g., multi-window display2831or merged window display2832), display the execution screen of the application obtained using at least a portion of the merged object of the identified two or more objects or display a plurality of sub screens respectively corresponding to the identified two or more objects. For example, the electronic device101may display the popup window2830for selecting the display method (e.g., multi-window display2831or merged window display2832) after the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is changed or display it after two or more objects are identified and before the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is changed.

According to an embodiment, in the embodiment ofFIG.28, a case in which identified two or more objects (e.g., the first object2881and the second object2882) have the same identification type is exemplarily disclosed. For example, when the identification type of the first object2881and the identification type of the second object2882are text types, and the first object2881and the second object2882are identified, the electronic device101may display the popup window2830for selecting the display method (e.g., multi-window display2831or merged window display2832) on the display module160based on a change (e.g., unfolding2824) in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded to the second state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded. For example, when the multi-window display2831is selected in response to a user input, the first sub screen2802acorresponding to the identified first object2881and the second sub screen2802bcorresponding to the identified second object2882may be displayed on the display module160. In this case, the first sub screen2802aand the second sub screen2802bmay be generated by one application. Further, for example, when the merged window display2832is selected in response to a user input, the application execution screen2802cobtained using at least a portion of the merged object2873of the first object2881and the second object2882may be displayed on the display module160. Meanwhile, an embodiment in which the state of the hinge structure changes to the third state (e.g., unfolding2825) may also be described similarly to the above-described embodiment.

According to an embodiment, in the embodiment ofFIG.29, a case in which identified two or more objects (e.g., the first object2981and the second object2982) have different identification types is exemplarily disclosed. For example, when the identification type of the first object2981is an image type, and the identification type of the second object2982is a text type, and the first object2981and the second object2982are identified, the electronic device101may display the first sub screen2902acorresponding to the first object2981and the second sub screen2902bcorresponding to the second object2982on the display module160, based on a change (e.g., unfolding2924) in the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) from the first state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are folded to the second state, e.g., a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) is folded, and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) is unfolded. In this case, the first sub screen2902aand the second sub screen2902bmay be generated by different applications, respectively, and the application for generating the first sub screen2902aand the application for generating the second sub screen2902bmay be determined by the identification type of the first object2981and the identification type of the second object2982, respectively. Meanwhile, an embodiment in which the state of the hinge structure changes to the third state (e.g., unfolding2925) may also be described similarly to the above-described embodiment.

FIG.30is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.30is described with reference toFIG.32.FIG.32is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.30and32, in operation3001, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may identify the object displayed on the display module160. For example, the electronic device101may identify the object based on detecting a touch on the object displayed on the display module160. For example, the electronic device101may identify the object (e.g., the first object511) corresponding to the icon (e.g., the first icon881), based on detecting a touch on the icon (e.g., the first icon881) included in the list (e.g.,880ofFIG.8) displayed on the display module160. Or, for example, the electronic device101may identify the object (e.g., the first object511ofFIG.5) based on detecting a touch drag input (e.g.,523ofFIG.5) on the object (e.g., the first object511ofFIG.5) displayed on the display module160.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.30and32, in operation3003, the electronic device101may display a suggestion option (e.g., the suggestion option3260ofFIG.32) including a selectable application (or icon and/or application title corresponding to the selectable application (e.g., the icon and/or title3261corresponding to the first application or the icon and/or title3262corresponding to the second application) based on the attribute type of the identified object. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.32, when the attribute type of the identified object is the text type, the electronic device101may display the suggestion option3260including the icon and/or title3261corresponding to the text editing application and the icon and/or title3262corresponding to the message application. Meanwhile, the selectable application included in the suggestion option (e.g., the suggestion option3260) disclosed inFIG.32is exemplary, and may be preset based on the attribute type of the identified object or be set or changed by the user. For example, the selectable application included in the suggestion option (e.g., the suggestion option3260) may include an application installed on the electronic device101or a cloud application. Further, the selectable application included in the suggestion option (e.g., the suggestion option3260) may be preset depending on the attribute type of the identified object and the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) of the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.30and32, in operation3005, the electronic device101may identify a specific application among selectable applications included in the suggestion option (e.g., the suggestion option3260) in response to a user input. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.32, the electronic device101may identify the text editing application3261among the selectable applications included in the suggestion option (e.g., the suggestion option3260) in response to a user input.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.30and32, in operation3007, the electronic device101may display the execution screen of a specific application obtained using at least a portion of the identified object on the display module160, based on identifying that the specific application is identified among the selectable applications included in the suggestion option (e.g., the suggestion option3260). For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.32, the electronic device101may display the execution screen3203of the text editing application3262obtained using the identified object, based on identifying that the text editing application3261is identified among the selectable applications included in the suggestion option (e.g., the suggestion option3260) in response to a user input.

FIG.31is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.31is described with reference toFIG.32.FIG.32is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.31and32, in operation3101, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may identify the object displayed on the display module160. For example, operation3101may be described similarly to operation3001ofFIG.30.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.31and32, in operation3103, the electronic device101may display a suggestion option (e.g., the suggestion option3260ofFIG.32) including a download link (e.g.,3263) of the application for executing the identified object, based on the attribute type of the identified object.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.31and32, in operation3105, the electronic device101may download a specific application among the applications for executing the identified object, included in the suggestion option (e.g., the suggestion option3260ofFIG.32) in response to a user input. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.32, the electronic device101may download the specific application corresponding to the download link3263in response to a user input, e.g., touch input, to the download link3263of the application for executing the identified object, included in the suggestion option3260.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.31and32, in operation3107, the electronic device101may display the execution screen of the specific application obtained using at least a portion of the identified object. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.32, the electronic device101may download the specific application corresponding to the download link3263in response to a user input, e.g., touch input, to the download link3263of the application for executing the identified object, included in the suggestion option3260and display the execution screen obtained using at least a portion of the identified object, using the downloaded specific application.

FIG.33is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.33is described with reference toFIG.34.FIG.34is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.33and34, in operation3301, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a list (e.g., the list880) including at least one icon (e.g., the first icon3481) based on an invoke command. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.34, the electronic device101may display the list (e.g., the list880) including at least one icon (e.g., the first icon3481) based on an invoke command, e.g., a user input (e.g., swipe input3423) to the specific area (e.g., the first area201) of the display module160from the foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204) or the edge area (e.g., the edge area ofFIG.22) of the display module160.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.33and34, in operation3303, the electronic device101may display the execution screen of the specific application obtained using at least a portion of the specific object corresponding to the first icon (e.g., the first icon3481) based on selection of the first icon (e.g., the first icon3481) included in the list (e.g., the list880). For example, the operation of displaying the execution screen of the specific application obtained using at least a portion of the specific object corresponding to the first icon (e.g., the first icon3481) may easily be understood by the above-described embodiments.

FIGS.35A,35B,35C,35D,35E, and35Fare views illustrating a display format of a list displayed by an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.35A, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a list880including an icon (e.g., the first icon3581) corresponding to the first object, and the icon (e.g., the first icon3581) may be described similarly to the description of the icon (e.g., the first icon881) for operation705ofFIG.7.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.35B, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display the list880including the icon (e.g., the first application icon3591) corresponding to the application for executing the first object and the icon (e.g., the first icon3581) corresponding to the first object.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.35C, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a list (e.g., the list880aor list880b) including an indication (e.g.,3571aor3571b) for the operating system being currently running, the icon (e.g., the first icon3581) corresponding to the first object, and the icon (e.g., the first application icon3591aor the second application icon3591b) corresponding to the application supported by the currently running operating system to execute the first object.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.35D, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a list (e.g., the list880cor list880d) including an indication (e.g.,3571cor3571d) for the user account being currently used, the icon (e.g., the first icon3581) corresponding to the first object, and the icon (e.g., the first application icon3591cor the second application icon3591d) corresponding to the application set in conjunction with the user account being currently used, for executing the first object.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.35D, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a list (e.g., the list880aor list880b) including an indication (e.g.,3571aor3571b) for the operating system being currently running, the icon (e.g., the first icon3581) corresponding to the first object, and the icon (e.g., the first application icon3591aor the second application icon3591b) corresponding to the application supported by the currently running operating system to execute the first object. When the currently running operating system does not support the specific application for executing the specific object, the icon (e.g., the second icon3582or the third icon3583) corresponding to the specific object, along with an indication (e.g., shading) indicating that there is no application supported, may be displayed.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.35D, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display the list880including the icon (e.g., the first icon3581) corresponding to the first object and the icon (e.g., the first application icon3591) corresponding to the application for executing the first object. When the second object (not shown) and the third object (not shown) are set to be executed by the same type of specific application, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display the second icon3582corresponding to the second object (not shown) and the third icon3583corresponding to the third object (not shown) in parallel on the list and may display the icon (e.g., the second application icon3592) corresponding to the specific application for executing the second object (not shown) and the third object (not shown) on the list880.

FIG.36is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic device according to an embodiment. The embodiment ofFIG.36is described with reference toFIG.37.FIG.37is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.36and37, in operation3601, the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display a list (e.g., the list880) including at least one icon (e.g., the first icon3781) based on an invoke command. For example, operation3601may be described similarly to operation3301ofFIG.33. Further, the electronic device101may include and display, in the list (e.g., the list880), the icon (e.g., the first icon3791) corresponding to the specific application for executing the object (e.g., the first object3771) indicated by at least one icon (e.g., the first icon3781).

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.36and37, in operation3603, the electronic device101may identify at least one icon (e.g., the first icon3781) included in the list (e.g., the list880) in response to a user input. For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.37, the electronic device101may identify at least one icon (e.g., the first icon3781) included in the list (e.g., the list880) in response to a user input, e.g., touch input3721, to the first icon3781.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIGS.36and37, in operation3605, the electronic device101may execute a preset specific application based on the attribute type of the object (e.g., the first object3771) corresponding to the identified at least one icon (e.g., the first icon3781) and the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) and display the execution screen of the specific application obtained using at least a portion of the object (e.g., the first object3771). For example, in the embodiment ofFIG.37, the electronic device101may execute a preset specific application, e.g., the text editing application, based on the attribute type of the object, e.g., the first object3771, corresponding to the identified icon, e.g., the first icon3781being the text type, and the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) being a state in which the first hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304ofFIG.3A) and the second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A) both are unfolded and display the execution screen3703of the text editing application including the first object3771on the display module160. Meanwhile, executing the text editing application in the embodiment ofFIG.37is exemplary, and the specific application for executing the object may be set to differ depending on the attribute type of the object and the state of the hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or the second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A).

FIG.38is a view illustrating a form factor of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

According to another embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800may be operated similarly to the electronic device101ofFIG.2but may be configured in a different form factor. For example, the electronic device3800may include a foldable housing3840and a display module3860disposed in a space formed by the foldable housing3840. At least a portion of the display module3860may be flexible or foldable. The surface where the display module3860is disposed (or the surface where the display module3860is viewed from the outside of the electronic device3800) may be the front surface of the electronic device3800. The opposite surface of the front surface may be a rear surface of the electronic device3800. The surface surrounding the space between the front and back surfaces may be a side surface of the electronic device3800.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the foldable housing3840may include a first housing structure3810, a second housing structure3820, and a hinge structure3830disposed between at least the first housing structure3810and the second housing structure3820. The foldable housing3840ofFIG.38may be described similarly to the foldable housing200ofFIG.2.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the display3860may be a display module including at least one display, at least a portion of which may be transformed into a flat or curved surface. For example, the display module3860may include a first area3801, a second area3802, and a foldable area3803disposed between at least the first area3801and the second area3802. The display module3860ofFIG.38may be described similarly to the display module160ofFIG.2.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the foldable area3803of the display module3860may correspond to an area where the hinge structure3830is positioned. For example, the foldable area3803may be folded corresponding to the folding of the hinge structure3830and be unfolded corresponding to the unfolding. The foldable area3803ofFIG.38may be described similarly to the first foldable area204ofFIG.2.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, in the folded state of the hinge structure3830of the electronic device3800, the rear surface of the first housing structure3810and the rear surface of the second housing structure3820may face each other, and the first area3801of the display module3860and the whole or part of the foldable area3803may be exposed to the front surface of the electronic device3800viewed by the user. Further, in the unfolded state of the hinge structure3830of the electronic device3800, the first area3801, the second area3802, and the foldable area3803of the display module3860may be coplanar with each other.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, in the folded state of the hinge structure3830, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may deactivate the second area3802of the display module3860. For example, the specific area of the display module3860, activated or deactivated depending on the state of the hinge structure3830of the electronic device3800may be described similarly to the description of the activation or deactivation of the specific area of the display module160ofFIG.19.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, in the folded state of the hinge structure3830, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display the first execution screen3831of the first application in the first area3801of the display module3860. For example, the operation of displaying the first execution screen3831of the first application in the first area3801of the display module3860may be described similarly to operation401ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, while the foldable area3803is in the folded state, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,3823) to the foldable area3803from the object (e.g., the first object3811) included in the first execution screen3831of the first application. For example, the operation of detecting a touch drag input (e.g.,3823) to the foldable area3803from the object (e.g., the first object3811) included in the first execution screen3831of the first application may be described similarly to operation403ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display the second execution screen3832of the second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the object (e.g., the first object3811) on the display module3860, based on a change (e.g., unfolding3824) in the state of the hinge structure3830from the folded state to the unfolded state. For example, the operation of displaying the second execution screen3832of the second application different from the first application on the display module3860may be described similarly to operation405ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device3800disclosed inFIG.38may be operated similarly to the electronic device101ofFIG.2.

For example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying a list including the icon corresponding to the object3811in the first foldable area3803. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3800may be described similarly to operation705ofFIG.7.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of controlling not to display the list based on maintaining the folded state of the hinge structure3803during a preset time. For example, the controlling operation by the electronic device3800may be described similarly to operation907ofFIG.9.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen3831) of the first application in the first area3801of the display module3860based on a change in the state of the hinge structure3830from the unfolded state to the folded state after displaying the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen3832). For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3800may be described similarly to operation1107ofFIG.11.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the third execution screen of the third application different from the first application in the first area3801of the display module3860based on a change of the state of the hinge structure3830from the unfolded state to the folded state after displaying the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen3832). For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3800may be described similarly to operation1307ofFIG.13.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of determining the second application providing the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen3832) based on the direction or end point of the touch drag input3823. For example, the determining operation by the electronic device3800may be described similarly to operation1505ofFIG.15or operation1605ofFIG.16.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of detecting a touch drag input (e.g., the touch drag input3823) to the edge area or the foldable area (e.g., the foldable area3803). For example, the detecting operation by the electronic device3800may be described similarly to the embodiment ofFIG.22.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of determining the layout of the execution screen based on the number of identified objects. For example, the determining operation by the electronic device3800may be described similarly to operation2503ofFIG.25.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the application execution screen obtained using at least a portion of the merged object of two or more objects or displaying a plurality of sub screens respectively corresponding to two or more objects, in response to a user input. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3800may be described similarly to operation2703ofFIG.27.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying a suggestion option including a download link to a specific application for executing the identified object or selectable application, based on the attribute type of the identified object. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3800may be described similarly to operation3003ofFIG.30or operation3103ofFIG.31.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying a list including an icon based on an invoke command. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3800may be described similarly to operation3301ofFIG.33.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.38, the electronic device3800(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the application execution screen obtained using at least a portion of the object based on the attribute type of the object corresponding to the identified icon and the state of the hinge structure3830. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3800may be described similarly to operation3605ofFIG.36.

FIG.39is a view illustrating a form factor of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

According to another embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900may be operated similarly to the electronic device101ofFIG.2but may be configured in a different form factor. For example, an electronic device3900may include a foldable housing3940, a first display module3901viewed through at least a portion of the foldable housing3940, and a second display module3902disposed in a space formed by the foldable housing3940. At least a portion of the second display module3902may be flexible or foldable.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the foldable housing3940may include a first housing including a first surface facing in a first direction and a second surface facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a second housing structure3920including a third surface facing in a third direction and a fourth surface facing in a fourth direction opposite the third direction, and a hinge structure3930disposed between at least the first housing structure3910and the second housing structure3920. In the folded state of the hinge structure3930, the second surface of the first housing structure3910may face the fourth surface of the second housing structure3920and, in the unfolded state of the hinge structure3930, the first direction of the first housing structure3910and the third direction of the second housing structure3920may be substantially the same.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the first display module3901may be viewed through at least a portion of the first surface of the first housing structure3910. The second display module3902may be a display module including at least one display, at least a portion of which may be transformed into a flat or curved surface. For example, the second display module3902may extend from the second surface of the first housing structure3910through the hinge structure3930to the fourth surface of the second housing structure3920, and may include a flexible area corresponding to the hinge structure3930. The second display module3902may include a first area corresponding to the second surface of the first housing structure3910and a second area corresponding to the fourth surface of the second housing structure3920. In the folded state of the hinge structure3930, the first area and second area of the second display module3902may face each other and, in the unfolded state of the hinge structure3930, the first area, second area, and flexible area of the second display module3902may be substantially coplanar with each other. For example, in the folded state of the hinge structure3930, the first display module3901may be exposed to the front surface of the electronic device3900viewed by the user. Further, in the unfolded state of the hinge structure3930, the second display module3902may be exposed to the front surface of the electronic device3900viewed by the user.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, in the folded state of the hinge structure3930, the electronic device3900(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may deactivate the second display module3902and, in the unfolded state of the hinge structure3930, deactivate the first display module3901. For example, the display module (e.g., the first display module3901or the second display module3902) activated or deactivated according to the state of the hinge structure3930of the electronic device3900may be described similarly to the description of activation or deactivation of the specific area of the display module160ofFIG.19.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, in the folded state of the hinge structure3930, the electronic device3900may display the first execution screen3931of the first application on the first display module3901. For example, the operation of displaying the first execution screen3931of the first application on the first display module3901may be described similarly to operation401ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, while the hinge structure3930is in the folded state, the electronic device3900may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,3923) to the edge area of the first display module3901from the object (e.g., the first object3911) included in the first execution screen3931of the first application. For example, the operation of detecting the touch drag input (e.g.,3923) to the edge area of the first display module3901from the object (e.g., the first object3911) included in the first execution screen3931of the first application may be described similarly to operation403ofFIG.4and the embodiment ofFIG.22.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900may display, on the second display module3902, the second execution screen3932of the second application different from the first area201, obtained using at least a portion of the object (e.g., the first object3911) based on a change (e.g., unfolding) of the state of the hinge structure3930from the folded state to the unfolded state. For example, the operation of displaying the second execution screen3932of the second application different from the first application on the second display module3902may be described similarly to operation405ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device3900disclosed inFIG.39may be operated similarly to the electronic device101ofFIG.2.

For example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying a list including the icon corresponding to the object3911in the edge area of the first display module3901. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3900may be described similarly to operation705ofFIG.7.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of controlling not to display the list based on maintaining the folded state of the hinge structure3903during a preset time. For example, the controlling operation by the electronic device3900may be described similarly to operation907ofFIG.9.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen3931) of the first application on the first display module (e.g., the first display module3901) based on a change in the state of the hinge structure3930from the unfolded state to the folded state after displaying the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen3932). For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3900may be described similarly to operation1107ofFIG.11.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the third execution screen of the third application different from the first application on the first display module (e.g., the first display module3901) based on a change of the state of the hinge structure3930from the unfolded state to the folded state after displaying the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen3932). For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3900may be described similarly to operation1307ofFIG.13.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of determining the second application providing the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen3932) based on the direction or end point of the touch drag input3923. For example, the determining operation by the electronic device3900may be described similarly to operation1505ofFIG.15or operation1605ofFIG.16.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of detecting a touch drag input (e.g., the touch drag input3923) to the edge area. For example, the detecting operation by the electronic device3900may be described similarly to the embodiment ofFIG.22.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of determining the layout of the execution screen based on the number of identified objects. For example, the determining operation by the electronic device3900may be described similarly to operation2503ofFIG.25.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the application execution screen obtained using at least a portion of the merged object of two or more objects or displaying a plurality of sub screens respectively corresponding to two or more objects, in response to a user input. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3900may be described similarly to operation2703ofFIG.27.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying a suggestion option including a download link to a specific application for executing the identified object or selectable application, based on the attribute type of the identified object. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3900may be described similarly to operation3003ofFIG.30or operation3103ofFIG.31.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying a list including an icon based on an invoke command. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3900may be described similarly to operation3301ofFIG.33.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.39, the electronic device3900(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the application execution screen obtained using at least a portion of the object based on the attribute type of the object corresponding to the identified icon and the state of the hinge structure3930. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device3900may be described similarly to operation3605ofFIG.36.

FIG.40is a view illustrating a form factor of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

According to another embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000may be operated similarly to the electronic device101ofFIG.2but may be configured in a different form factor. For example, an electronic device4000may include a slidable housing4040and a display module4060disposed in a space formed by the slidable housing4040. At least a portion of the display module4060may be flexible or rollable. The surface where the display module4060is disposed (or the surface where the display module4060is viewed from the outside of the electronic device4000) may be the front surface of the electronic device4000. The opposite surface of the front surface may be a rear surface of the electronic device4000. The surface surrounding the space between at least the front and back surfaces may be a side surface of the electronic device4000.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the slidable housing4040may include a first housing structure4010and a second housing structure4020. The second housing structure4020may be embedded in the first housing structure4010or be drawn out from the first housing structure4010.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the display4060may be a display module at least a portion of which may be transformed into a flat or curved surface. For example, the display module4060may include a first area4001, a second area4002, and a third area4003disposed between at least the first area4001and the second area4002. For example, when the second housing structure4020is embedded in the first housing structure4010, the first area4001and the third area4003of the display module4060may be exposed to the front surface of the electronic device4000viewed by the user, and the second area4002of the display module4060may be embedded in the first housing structure4010. For example, when the second housing structure4020is embedded in the first housing structure4010, according to the shape of the first housing structure4010, the third area4003of the display module4060may be at least partially curved and be substantially coplanar with the first area4001of the display module4060. Further, for example, when the second housing structure4020is drawn out from the first housing structure4010, the first area4001, the second area4002, and the third area of the display module4060may be exposed to the front surface of the electronic device4000viewed by the user and be substantially coplanar with each other.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, in a state in which the second housing structure4020is embedded in the first housing structure4010, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may deactivate the second area4002of the display module4060. For example, the specific area of the display module4060activated or deactivated according to the state in which the second housing structure4020is embedded in the first housing structure4010or the state in which the second housing structure4020is drawn out from the first housing structure4010may be described similarly to the description of the activation or deactivation of the specific area of the display module160ofFIG.19.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, in a state in which the second housing structure4020is embedded in the first housing structure4010, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display the first execution screen4031of the first application in the first area4001of the display module4060. For example, the operation of displaying the first execution screen4031of the first application in the first area4001of the display module4060may be described similarly to operation401ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, while the second housing structure4020is embedded in the first housing structure4010, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,4023a) to the third area4003of the display module4060from the object (e.g., the first object4011) included in the first execution screen4031of the first application. For example, the operation of detecting the touch drag input (e.g.,4023a) to the third area4003of the display module4060from the object (e.g., the first object4011) included in the first execution screen4031of the first application may be described similarly to operation403ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display the second execution screen4032of the second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the object (e.g., the first object4011) on the display module4060, based on a change (e.g., sliding4024) from the state in which the second housing structure4020is embedded in the first housing structure4010to the state in which the second housing structure4020is drawn out from the first housing structure4010. For example, the operation of displaying the second execution screen4032of the second application different from the first application on the display module4060may be described similarly to operation405ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device4000disclosed inFIG.40may be operated similarly to the electronic device101ofFIG.2.

For example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying a list including the icon corresponding to the object4011in the third area4003of the display module4060. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4000may be described similarly to operation705ofFIG.7.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of controlling not to display the list based on maintaining the state in which the second housing structure4020is embedded in the first housing structure4010during a preset time. For example, the controlling operation by the electronic device4000may be described similarly to operation907ofFIG.9.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen4031) of the first application in the first area4001of the display module4060based on a change from the state in which the second housing structure4020is drawn out from the first housing structure4010to the state in which the second housing structure4020is embedded in the first housing structure4010after displaying the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen4032). For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4000may be described similarly to operation1107ofFIG.11.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the third execution screen of the third application different from the first application in the first area4001of the display module4060based on a change from the state in which the second housing structure4020is drawn out from the first housing structure4010to the state in which the second housing structure4020is embedded in the first housing structure4010. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4000may be described similarly to operation1307ofFIG.13.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of determining the second application providing the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen4032) based on the direction or end point of the touch drag input4023a. For example, the determining operation by the electronic device4000may be described similarly to operation1505ofFIG.15or operation1605ofFIG.16.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of detecting a touch drag input (e.g., the touch drag input4023b) to the edge area of the first area4001or a touch drag input (e.g., the touch drag input4023a) to the third area of the display module4060. For example, the detecting operation by the electronic device4000may be described similarly to the embodiment ofFIG.22.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of determining the layout of the execution screen based on the number of identified objects. For example, the determining operation by the electronic device4000may be described similarly to operation2503ofFIG.25.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the application execution screen obtained using at least a portion of the merged object of two or more objects or displaying a plurality of sub screens respectively corresponding to two or more objects, in response to a user input. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4000may be described similarly to operation2703ofFIG.27.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying a suggestion option including a download link to a specific application for executing the identified object or selectable application, based on the attribute type of the identified object. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4000may be described similarly to operation3003ofFIG.30or operation3103ofFIG.31.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying a list including an icon based on an invoke command. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4000may be described similarly to operation3301ofFIG.33.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.40, the electronic device4000(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the application execution screen obtained using at least a portion of the object based on the attribute type of the object corresponding to the identified icon and the state of the hinge structure3830. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4000may be described similarly to operation3605ofFIG.36.

FIG.41is a view illustrating a form factor of an electronic device according to another embodiment.

According to another embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100may be operated similarly to the electronic device101ofFIG.2but may be configured in a different form factor. For example, an electronic device4100may include a housing4140and a display module4160that may be drawn out from the housing4140. At least a portion of the display module4160may be flexible or rollable.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the housing4140may include a first housing structure4120and a second housing structure4124. For example, the first housing structure4120may embed at least a portion of the display module4160. For example, the second housing structure4124may move while being connected, directly or indirectly, to the display module4160.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the display4160may be a display module at least a portion of which may be transformed into a flat or curved surface. For example, the display module4160may include a first area4101, a second area4102, a third area4103disposed between at least the first area4101and the second area4102, and a fourth area4189connected, directly or indirectly, to the second housing structure4124. For example, in proportion to the distance between at least the second housing structure4124and the first housing structure4120, a partial area of the display module4160may be embedded in the first housing structure4120, and another partial area may be drawn out from the first housing structure4120. For example, when the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is a first distance w1, the first area4101, the third area4103, and the fourth area4189of the display module4160may be drawn out from the first housing structure4120to form substantially the same plane. The second area4102of the display module4160may be embedded in the first housing structure4120and may be curved. For example, when the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is a second distance w2, the first area4101, the second area4102, the third area4103, and the fourth area4189of the display module4160may be drawn out from the first housing structure4120to form substantially the same plane. Further, for example, when the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is the first distance w1, the third area4103and the fourth area4189of the display module4160may form an edge area of the first area4101.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, when the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is the first distance w1, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may deactivate the second area4102of the display module4160. For example, the specific area of the display module4160activated or deactivated according to the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124may be described similarly to the description of activation or deactivation of the specific area of the display module160ofFIG.19.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, when the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is the first distance w1, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display the first execution screen4131of the first application in the first area4101of the display module4160. For example, the operation of displaying the first execution screen4131of the first application in the first area4101of the display module4160may be described similarly to operation401ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, while the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is the first distance w1, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may detect a touch drag input (e.g.,4123a) to the third area4103of the display module4160from the object (e.g., the first object4111) included in the first execution screen4131of the first application. For example, the operation of detecting the touch drag input (e.g.,4123a) to the third area4103of the display module4160from the object (e.g., the first object4111) included in the first execution screen4131of the first application may be described similarly to operation403ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may display the second execution screen4132of the second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the object (e.g., the first object4111) on the display module4160, based on a change (e.g., rolling) from the state in which the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is the first distance w1 to the state in which the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is the second distance w2. For example, the operation of displaying the second execution screen4132of the second application different from the first application on the display module4160may be described similarly to operation405ofFIG.4.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device4100disclosed inFIG.41may be operated similarly to the electronic device101ofFIG.2.

For example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying a list including the icon corresponding to the object4111in the third area4103of the display module4160. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4100may be described similarly to operation705ofFIG.7.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of controlling not to display the list based on maintaining the state in which the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is the first distance w1 during a preset time. For example, the controlling operation by the electronic device4100may be described similarly to operation907ofFIG.9.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the first execution screen (e.g., the first execution screen4131) of the first application in the first area4101of the display module4160based on a change from state in which the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is the second distance w2 to the state in which the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is the first distance w1 after displaying the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen4132). For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4100may be described similarly to operation1107ofFIG.11.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the third execution screen of the third application different from the first application in the first area4101of the display module4160based on a change from state in which the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is the second distance w2 to the state in which the distance between the first housing structure4120and the second housing structure4124is the first distance w1 after displaying the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen4132). For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4100may be described similarly to operation1307ofFIG.13.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of determining the second application providing the second execution screen (e.g., the second execution screen4132) based on the direction or end point of the touch drag input4123a. For example, the determining operation by the electronic device4100may be described similarly to operation1505ofFIG.15or operation1605ofFIG.16.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of detecting a touch drag input (e.g., the touch drag input4123b) to the edge area of the first area4001or a touch drag input (e.g., the touch drag input4123a) to the third area4103of the display module4160. For example, the detecting operation by the electronic device4100may be described similarly to the embodiment ofFIG.22.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of determining the layout of the execution screen based on the number of identified objects. For example, the determining operation by the electronic device4100may be described similarly to operation2503ofFIG.25.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the application execution screen obtained using at least a portion of the merged object of two or more objects or displaying a plurality of sub screens respectively corresponding to two or more objects, in response to a user input. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4100may be described similarly to operation2703ofFIG.27.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying a suggestion option including a download link to a specific application for executing the identified object or selectable application, based on the attribute type of the identified object. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4100may be described similarly to operation3003ofFIG.30or operation3103ofFIG.31.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying a list including an icon based on an invoke command. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4100may be described similarly to operation3301ofFIG.33.

Further, for example, according to an embodiment, referring toFIG.41, the electronic device4100(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may perform the operation of displaying the application execution screen obtained using at least a portion of the object based on the attribute type of the object corresponding to the identified icon and the state of the hinge structure3830. For example, the displaying operation by the electronic device4100may be described similarly to operation3605ofFIG.36.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) may comprise a foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing200) including at least one hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A), a flexible display module (e.g., the display module160) having at least a partial area exposed through the foldable housing, and at least one processor (e.g., the processor120) provided in the foldable housing. The display module may include a plurality of areas (e.g., the first area201, the second area202, or the third area203) and at least one foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204or second foldable area205) disposed between at least the plurality of areas corresponding to the at least one hinge structure to be foldable according to a state of the at least one hinge structure. The at least one processor may be configured to, when a state of the at least one hinge structure is a first state, display a first execution screen of a first application on the display module, in the first state, a first foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204) among the at least one foldable area being in a folded state, while the first foldable area among the at least one foldable area is in the folded state, detect a touch drag input to the first foldable area from an object included in the first execution screen, and display, on the display module, a second execution screen of a second application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the object, based on a change in the state of the at least one hinge structure from the first state to a second state after detecting the touch drag input.

According to various embodiments, the first execution screen may be displayed in an area adjacent to the first foldable area, and the second execution screen may be displayed in areas adjacent to two opposite sides of the foldable area not folded while the state of the at least one hinge structure is the second state and the non-folded foldable area. The foldable area not folded while being in the second state may be the first foldable area or another foldable area (e.g., the second foldable area205).

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to display, in the first foldable area in the folded state, a list including an icon corresponding to the object, based on detecting the folded state of the first foldable area and detecting the touch drag input to the first foldable area from the object.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to control not to display the list displayed in the first foldable area based on maintaining the state of the hinge structure as the first state during a preset time after detecting the touch drag input.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to display the first execution screen of the first application on the display module based on a change in the state of the at least one hinge structure from the second state to the first state after displaying the second execution screen.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to display, on the display module, a third execution screen of a third application different from the first application, obtained using at least a portion of the object, based on a change in the state of the at least one hinge structure from the second state to the first state after displaying the second execution screen.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to determine the second application providing the second execution screen based on an attribute of the touch drag input.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to determine the second application providing the second execution screen based on an end point of the touch drag input.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) may comprise a foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing200) including at least one hinge structure (e.g., the first hinge structure304or second hinge structure305ofFIG.3A), a flexible display module (e.g., the display module160) having at least a partial area exposed through the foldable housing, and at least one processor (e.g., the processor120) provided in the foldable housing.

According to various embodiments, the display module may include a plurality of areas (e.g., the first area201, the second area202, or the third area203) and at least one foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204or second foldable area205) disposed between at least the plurality of areas corresponding to the at least one hinge structure to be foldable according to a state of the at least one hinge structure.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to, when a state of the at least one hinge structure is a first state, display a first execution screen of a first application on the display module, in the first state, a first foldable area (e.g., the first foldable area204) among the at least one foldable area being in a folded state, identify at least one object included in the first execution screen in response to a first user input, display a second execution screen of a second application obtained using at least a portion of the identified at least one object, in at least one area set corresponding to a second state, based on a change in the state of the at least one hinge structure from the first state to the second state, and display a third execution screen of a third application different from the second application, obtained using at least a portion of the identified at least one object, in at least one area set corresponding to a third state based on a change in the state of the at least one hinge structure from the first state to the third state.

According to various embodiments, the first user input may be a touch drag input to the first foldable area adjacent to a first area where the first execution screen from the at least one object is displayed or a touch drag input to an edge area of the first area from the at least one object.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to display the third execution screen of the third application different from the second application, obtained using at least a portion of the identified at least one object, in the at least one area set corresponding to the third state, based on a change in the state of the at least one hinge structure from the second state to the third state after displaying the second execution screen.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to recognize at least one additional object other than the at least one object from an execution screen of an application other than the first application or the first execution screen of the first application. The second execution screen or the third execution screen may be obtained using at least a portion of the at least one additional object and the at least one object.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to determine a layout of the second execution screen or the third execution screen based on a number of the identified at least one object.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to, when the identified at least one object is two or more objects, in response to a second user input, display an execution screen of an application obtained using at least a portion of a merged object of the two or more objects, or display a plurality of sub screens respectively corresponding to the two or more objects. The plurality of sub screens may be generated by one application or by different applications, respectively.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to display suggestion options including selectable applications based on an attribute type of the identified at least one object, identify a specific application among the selectable applications included in the suggestion option in response to a third user input, and display an execution screen of the specific application obtained using at least a portion of the identified at least one object, as the second execution screen or the third execution screen, based on identifying the specific application among suggestion options.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to, when an application for executing the identified at least one object may not be executed by the electronic device, display a suggestion option including a download link of at least one application for executing the identified at least one object based on the attribute type of the identified at least one object, download a specific application among at least one application for executing the identified at least one object included in the suggestion option in response to a fourth user input, and display the execution screen of the specific application obtained using at least a portion of the identified at least one object, as the second execution screen or the third execution screen.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be further configured to display a list including at least one icon based on an invoke command and display the execution screen of the specific application corresponding to a first icon based on selection of the first icon included in the list.

According to various embodiments, the first icon may include a temporarily stored object corresponding to the first icon and an icon of a specific application set corresponding to the temporarily stored object.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device4100) may include a housing (e.g., the housing4140), a rollable display module (e.g., the display module4160) that may be drawn out from the housing, and at least one processor (e.g., the processor120) provided in the housing.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to display, on the display module, a first execution screen of a first application in a state in which a first area (e.g., the first area4101) of the display module is drawn out from the housing to be exposed to an outside, detect a touch drag input to an edge area (e.g., the edge area4130) of the first area from an object included in the first execution screen, and display, on the display module, a second execution screen of a second application different from the first application obtained using at least a portion of the object based on a second area (e.g., the second area4102) of the display module being drawn out from the housing to be exposed to the outside after detecting the touch drag input.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to display, on the display module, the second execution screen of the second application different from the first application obtained using at least a portion of the object based on the second area of the display module being drawing out from the housing to be exposed to the outside within a preset time after detecting the touch drag input.