ELECTRONIC DEVICE COMPRISING ANTENNA MODULE DISPOSED IN CAMERA MODULE

An electronic device includes: a housing; a first camera module disposed in the housing, the first camera module including: a first camera housing; a prism disposed in the first camera housing and configured to refract light received from outside of the electronic device; and an image sensor disposed in the first camera housing and configured to obtain the light through the prism; and an antenna module configured to transmit or receive a signal, wherein at least a portion of the antenna module is disposed on the first camera module.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to an electronic device including an antenna module.

2. Description of Relate Art

An electronic device may be a device performing a particular function according to its equipped program, such as a home appliance, an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia player, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet personal computer (PC), a video/sound device, a desktop PC or laptop computer, a navigation for automobile, etc. For example, electronic devices may output stored information as voices or images. As electronic devices are highly integrated, and high-speed, high-volume wireless communication becomes commonplace, an electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal, is recently being equipped with various functions. For example, an electronic device comes with the integrated functionality, including an entertainment function, such as playing video games, a multimedia function, such as replaying music/videos, a communication and security function for mobile banking, or a scheduling or e-wallet function.

With the development of digital camera manufacturing technology, an electronic device may be equipped with a compact and lightweight camera module. Users may take advantage of various functionalities of an electronic device with camera modules, such as photographing, video recording, video call, augmented reality (AR), etc., in a convenient manner, while carrying it all the time.

In recent years, electronic devices including multiple cameras are in wide use. The electronic device may include, e.g., a camera module including a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens. The electronic device may obtain a wide-angle image by capturing a wide-range scene around the electronic device using the wide-angle lens or obtain a telescopic image by capturing a scene corresponding to a location relatively far from the electronic device, using the telescopic lens.

Electronic devices with communication functionality, such as portable terminals, are being reduced in size and weight to maximize user portability and convenience and, for high performance, pack integrated components in a small space. The electronic device may include a plurality of cameras considering various capture conditions. In particular, the electronic device may include a wide-angle camera for capturing a wide-range scene around the electronic device. The wide-angle camera may capture images in a wide range (e.g., 120 degrees to 180 degrees).

The electronic device may include an antenna to transmit signals to and receive signals from an external electronic device. As the antenna is spaced further apart from the camera, the effective range of the antenna may differ from the range capturable by the camera, and the antenna may fail to detect the signal from the external electronic device position in the angle of view of the wide-angle camera.

SUMMARY

Provided are an electronic device including an antenna disposed adjacent to a camera module to recognize an object in the angle of view range of the camera module.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device includes: a housing; a first camera module disposed in the housing, the first camera module including: a first camera housing; a prism disposed in the first camera housing and configured to refract light received from outside of the electronic device; and an image sensor disposed in the first camera housing and configured to obtain the light through the prism; and an antenna module configured to transmit or receive a signal, wherein at least a portion of the antenna module is disposed on the first camera module.

The electronic device may further include a camera module including the first camera module and a camera window forming at least a portion of an exterior of the camera module, at least the portion of the antenna module may be disposed between the camera window and the first camera module.

The first camera module includes a first lens assembly disposed between the prism and the image sensor and facing the image sensor, and the camera module may further include a second camera module facing the camera window.

The camera window may include: a first transparent area configured to provide a path of light towards the first lens assembly; at least one second transparent area configured to provide a path of light towards the second camera module; and a printing area surrounding the first transparent area and the at least one second transparent area, and at least the portion of the antenna module may be disposed between the printing area and the first camera module.

The housing may include a front plate and a rear plate, and at least the portion of the antenna module may be disposed between the rear plate and the first camera module.

The first camera module may include a first camera supporting member supporting the first camera module, and the antenna module may be disposed on the first camera supporting member.

The antenna module may include a first patch antenna and a second patch antenna that is spaced apart from the first patch antenna.

The antenna module may further include a third patch antenna that is spaced apart from the first patch antenna, and the second patch antenna and the third patch antenna are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first patch antenna.

The electronic device may further include: a sensor module configured to detect an angle of the electronic device from a ground; a processor configured to determine a mounting mode of the electronic device based on the angle; an antenna circuit electrically connected with the processor; and a switching circuit configured to selectively connect the second patch antenna or the third patch antenna to the antenna circuit, and the processor may be further configured to: control the switching circuit in a first connection state of being electrically connected with the first patch antenna and the second patch antenna in a first mounting mode; and control the switching circuit in a second connection state of being electrically connected with the first patch antenna and the third patch antenna in a second mounting mode.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, electronic device includes: at least one camera module; at least one patch antenna; a display; and at least one processor configured to: control the at least one camera module to obtain an image; broadcast a ranging request message through the at least one patch antenna; receive, through the at least one patch antenna, a ranging response message from a first external electronic device that received the ranging request message; identify a relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device, based on the ranging response message; identify a first area corresponding to the first external electronic device in the image, based on the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device; and control the display to display a graphic object corresponding to the first external electronic device overlaid on the first area of the image.

The electronic device may further include a sensor module, the at least one patch antenna may include a plurality of patch antennas, and the at least one processor may be further configured to: identify a mounting mode of the electronic device through the sensor module; activate at least two patch antennas corresponding to the identified mounting mode among the plurality of patch antennas, the at least two patch antennas including a first patch antenna; broadcast the ranging request message through the first patch antenna; and receive the ranging response message through the activated at least two patch antennas.

The plurality of patch antennas may include the first patch antenna, a second patch antenna that is spaced apart from the first patch antenna in a first direction, and a third patch antenna that is spaced apart from the first patch antenna in a second direction, the first direction being substantially perpendicular to the second direction, and the at least one processor may be further configured to: activate the first patch antenna and the second patch antenna based on the identified mounting mode corresponding to a state in which the first direction is parallel to a ground; and activate the first patch antenna and the third patch antenna based on the identified mounting mode corresponding to a state in which the second direction is parallel to the ground.

The at least one processor may be further configured to identify a distance between the first external electronic device and the electronic device by a single sided-two way ranging (SS-TWR) scheme or a double sided-two way ranging (DS-TWR) scheme to identify the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device.

The at least one processor may be further configured to determine the graphic object based on the ranging response message, and the graphic object indicates at least one of a graphic image preset by a user of the first external electronic device, a name preset by the user of the first external electronic device, or text preset by the user of the first external electronic device.

The first area may be a face area of a person closest to a position of the first external electronic device in the image.

According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device may include the antenna module disposed on the camera module including a prism, reducing the physical spacing between the camera module and the antenna. As the physical spacing between the camera module and the antenna reduces, the rate at which the capturing angle of view of the camera module is included in the angle of arrival may increase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG.1, the electronic device101in the network environment100may communicate with an electronic device102via a first network198(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device104or a server108via a second network199(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may communicate with the electronic device104via the server108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a processor120, memory130, an input module150, a sound output module155, a display module160, an audio module170, a sensor module176, an interface177, a connecting terminal178, a haptic module179, a camera module180, a power management module188, a battery189, a communication module190, a subscriber identification module (SIM)196, or an antenna module197. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the connecting terminal178) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device101, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, some (e.g., the sensor module176, the camera module180, or the antenna module197) of the components may be integrated into a single component (e.g., the display module160). The processor120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device101coupled with the processor120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module176or the communication module190) in volatile memory132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory134. According to an embodiment, the processor120may include a main processor121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. For example, when the electronic device101includes the main processor121and the auxiliary processor123, the auxiliary processor123may be configured to use lower power than the main processor121or to be specified for a designated function. The auxiliary processor123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor121.

FIG.2is a front perspective view illustrating an electronic device101according to various embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.3is a rear perspective view illustrating an electronic device101according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, according to an embodiment, an electronic device101may include a housing310with a front surface310A, a rear surface310B, and a side surface310C surrounding a space between the front surface310A and the rear surface310B. According to another embodiment, the housing310may be a structure forming part of the front surface310A, the rear surface310B, and the side surface310C ofFIG.2. According to an embodiment, at least part of the front surface310A may have a substantially transparent front plate302(e.g., a glass plate or polymer plate including various coating layers). The rear surface310B may be formed by a rear plate311. The rear plate311may be formed of, e.g., laminated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof. The side surface310C may be formed by a side bezel structure (or a “side member”)318that couples to the front plate302and the rear plate311and includes a metal and/or polymer. According to an embodiment, the rear plate311and the side bezel plate318may be integrally formed together and include the same material (e.g., metal, such as aluminum, or ceramic).

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.2, the front plate302may include two first edge areas310D, which seamlessly and bendingly extend from the front surface310A to the rear plate311, on both the long edges of the front plate302. In the embodiment (refer toFIG.3) illustrated, the rear plate311may include two second edge areas310E, which seamlessly and bendingly extend from the rear surface310B to the front plate, on both the long edges. According to an embodiment, the front plate302(or the rear plate311) may include only one of the first edge areas310D (or the second edge areas310E). Alternatively, the first edge areas310D or the second edge areas301E may partially be excluded. According to an embodiment, at side view of the electronic device101, the side bezel structure318may have a first thickness (or width) for sides that do not have the first edge areas310D or the second edge areas310E and a second thickness, which is smaller than the first thickness, for sides that have the first edge areas310D or the second edge areas310E.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may include at least one of a display301, audio modules303,307, and314(e.g., the audio module170ofFIG.1), a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module ofFIG.1).176), camera modules305,312, and313(e.g., the camera module180ofFIG.1), a key input device317(e.g., the input module150ofFIG.1), and connector holes308and309(e.g., the connecting terminal178ofFIG.1). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may exclude at least one (e.g., the connector hole309) of the components or may add other components.

According to an embodiment, the display301may be visually revealed through, e.g., a majority portion of the front plate302. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the display301may be exposed through the front plate302forming the front surface310A and the first edge areas310D. According to an embodiment, the edge of the display301may be formed to be substantially the same in shape as an adjacent outer edge of the front plate302. According to another embodiment, the interval between the outer edge of the display301and the outer edge of the front plate302may remain substantially even to give a larger area of exposure the display301.

According to an embodiment, the surface (or the front plate302) of the housing310may include a screen display area formed as the display301is visually exposed. For example, the screen display area may include the front surface310A and first edge areas310D.

According to an embodiment, a recess or opening may be formed in a portion of the screen display area (e.g., the front surface310A or the first edge area310D) of the display301, and at least one or more of the audio module314, sensor module, light emitting device, and camera module305may be aligned with the recess or opening. According to another embodiment, at least one or more of the audio module314, sensor module, camera module305, fingerprint sensor, and light emitting device may be included on the rear surface of the screen display area of the display301.

According to an embodiment, the display301may be coupled with or adjacent to a touch detecting circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the strength (pressure) of touches, and/or a digitizer for detecting a magnetic field-type stylus pen.

According to an embodiment, at least part of the key input device317may be disposed in the first edge areas310D and/or the second edge areas310E.

According to an embodiment, the audio modules303,307, and314may include, e.g., a microphone hole303and speaker holes307and314. The microphone hole303may have a microphone inside to obtain external sounds. According to an embodiment, there may be a plurality of microphones to be able to detect the direction of a sound. The speaker holes307and314may include an external speaker hole307and a phone receiver hole314. In some embodiments, the speaker holes307and314and the microphone hole303may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included without the speaker holes307and314(e.g., a piezo speaker).

According to an embodiment, the sensor modules may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or external environmental state of the electronic device101. The sensor modules may include a first sensor module (e.g., a proximity sensor) and/or a second sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the front surface310A of the housing310and/or a third sensor module (e.g., an HRM sensor) and/or a fourth sensor module (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) disposed on the rear surface310B of the housing310. In an embodiment, the fingerprint sensor may be disposed on the rear surface310B as well as on the front surface310A (e.g., the display301) of the housing310. The electronic device101may further include sensor modules, e.g., at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

According to an embodiment, the camera modules305,312, and313may include a first camera module305disposed on the front surface310A of the electronic device101, and a rear camera device312and/or a flash313disposed on the rear surface310B. The camera modules305and312may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash313may include, e.g., alight emitting diode (LED) or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, two or more lenses (an infrared (IR) camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the key input device317may be disposed on the side surface310C of the housing310. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may exclude all or some of the above-mentioned key input devices317and the excluded key input devices317may be implemented in other forms, e.g., as soft keys, on the display301.

According to an embodiment, the light emitting device may be disposed on, e.g., the front surface310A of the housing310. The light emitting device may provide, e.g., information about the state of the electronic device101in the form of light. According to another embodiment, the light emitting device may provide a light source that interacts with, e.g., the first camera module305. The light emitting device may include, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an infrared (IR) LED, and/or a xenon lamp.

According to an embodiment, the connector holes308and309may include a first connector hole308for receiving a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting or receiving power and/or data to/from an external electronic device and/or a second connector hole (e.g., an earphone jack)309for receiving a connector for transmitting or receiving audio signals to/from the external electronic device.

FIG.4is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device101according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.4, an electronic device101(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.2to3) may include a front plate320(e.g., the front plate302ofFIG.2), a display330(e.g., the display301ofFIG.2), a first supporting member332(e.g., a bracket), a main printed circuit board340, a battery350, a second supporting member360(e.g., a rear case), an antenna370, and a rear plate380(e.g., the rear plate311ofFIG.3). According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may exclude at least one (e.g., the first supporting member332or the second supporting member360) of the components or may add other components. At least one of the components of the electronic device101may be the same or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device101ofFIG.2or3and no duplicate description is made below.

According to an embodiment, the first supporting member332may be disposed inside the electronic device101to be connected with the side bezel structure331or integrated with the side bezel structure331. The first supporting member332may be formed of, e.g., a metal and/or non-metallic material (e.g., polymer). The display330may be joined onto one surface of the first supporting member332, and the printed circuit board340may be joined onto the opposite surface of the first supporting member332. A processor, memory, and/or interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board340. The processor may include one or more of, e.g., a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing device, an image signal processing, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

According to an embodiment, the memory may include, e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory.

The battery350may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device101. The battery350may include, e.g., a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery350may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board340. The battery350may be integrally or detachably disposed inside the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the antenna370may be disposed between the rear plate380and the battery350. The antenna370may include, e.g., a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna370may perform short-range communication with, e.g., an external device or may wirelessly transmit or receive power necessary for charging. For example, the antenna370may include a coil for wireless charging. According to an embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed by a portion or combination of the side bezel structure331and/or the first supporting member332.

FIG.5is a rear view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.6is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ ofFIG.5.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view according to another embodiment ofFIG.5.

Referring toFIGS.5,6, and7, an electronic device may include a camera module400and an antenna module500. The configuration of the camera module400ofFIGS.5,6, and7may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the rear camera module312ofFIG.3.

According to various embodiments, the camera module400may be disposed on the rear plate380of the housing310. For example, the camera module400may be disposed in a third direction (e.g., the third direction (+Z direction) ofFIG.6) in which at least a portion of the rear plate380of the electronic device101faces. The camera module400may capture an image of an outside using at least one of a first camera module420, a second camera module430, or a third camera module440.

According to various embodiments, the camera module400may include a camera window410that is at least partially substantially transparent. For example, the camera window410may provide a path of light obtained by the camera module400. According to an embodiment, the camera window410may form at least a portion of the exterior of the camera module400.

According to various embodiments, the camera window410may include a substantially transparent first transparent area412and a printing area414surrounding the first transparent area412.

According to various embodiments, the camera modules400may include a first camera module420. According to an embodiment, the first camera module420may be formed in a folded zoom structure. For example, the first camera module420may include a prism capable of refracting the light obtained from the outside of the electronic device101and a lens assembly423disposed substantially perpendicular to the camera window410. According to various embodiments, the first camera module420may include components capable of refracting and obtaining the light from the outside of the electronic device101. For example, the first camera module420may include at least one of a prism421capable of refracting light, an image sensor422capable of obtaining an image from the outside, the lens assembly423for adjusting the focus of light, an actuator424for adjusting the magnification of the lens assembly423or reducing camera shake, or a first camera housing425. According to an embodiment, the third direction (+Z direction) in which the camera window410of the first camera module420or the rear plate380faces may differ from the first direction (−X direction) in which the image sensor422and the lens assembly423face. For example, the third direction (+Z direction) may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction (−X direction).

According to various embodiments, the prism421may reflect the light obtained in the direction of the second axis A2in the direction of the first axis A1. For example, the prism421may include a first prism surface421afacing in the direction of the first axis A1, a second prism surface421bfacing in the direction of the second axis A2, and a third prism surface421cpositioned between the first prism surface421aand the second prism surface421b. The light incident on the second prism surface421bmay be reflected from the third prism surface421cand transferred to the first prism surface421a.

According to various embodiments, the lens assembly423and the image sensor422may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the camera window410or the rear plate380. For example, the lens assembly423and the image sensor422may be disposed along the first axis A1. The camera window410and the rear plate380may be disposed along the second axis A2substantially perpendicular to the first axis A1.

According to various embodiments, at least one of the prism421, the image sensor422, the lens assembly423, or the actuator424may be disposed in the first camera housing425.

According to various embodiments, the first camera module420may be disposed under the camera window410. For example, when the electronic device101is viewed in the second direction (−Z direction), the first camera module420may overlap at least a portion of the camera window410.

According to various embodiments, the camera module400may include a first camera supporting member460. According to an embodiment, the first camera supporting member460may couple at least one of the first camera module420, the second camera module430, the third camera module440or the fourth camera module450to a first supporting member (e.g., the first supporting member332ofFIG.4) of the electronic device101. For example, the first camera supporting member460may connect the first camera housing425to the first supporting member332. According to an embodiment, the antenna module500may be disposed on the first camera supporting member460. For example, the antenna module500may be disposed between the first camera supporting member460and the camera window410or the first camera supporting member460and the rear plate380.

According to various embodiments, the camera module400may include a camera window supporting member470. According to an embodiment, the camera window supporting member470may support the camera window410. For example, the camera window supporting member470may surround the camera window410and couple the camera window410with the rear plate380. In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.7, the camera window410and the camera window supporting member470may be omitted. According to an embodiment, the camera window supporting member470may be a camera enclosure that surrounds at least a portion of the camera window410.

According to various embodiments, the camera module400may include a second camera supporting member480for supporting the camera module400. According to an embodiment, the configuration of the second camera supporting member480may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the first supporting member332. According to an embodiment, the second camera supporting member480may extend from a side surface (e.g., the side surface310C ofFIG.2) of the housing (e.g., the housing310ofFIG.2) and couple to the first camera supporting member460.

According to various embodiments, the camera module400may include at least one vertical camera. The vertical camera may be a camera including an image sensor facing in the direction of the second axis A2. For example, the camera module400may include at least one of a second camera module430which is a vertical camera, a third camera module440, or a fourth camera module450. According to an embodiment, the second camera module430and the third camera module440may be wide-angle cameras. For example, the angle of view of the second camera module430and the angle of view of the third camera module440may be larger than the angle of view of the first camera module420. According to an embodiment, the fourth camera module450may be a depth camera. For example, the fourth camera module450may include a light emitting unit452capable of emitting light (e.g., infrared light) and a light receiving unit454capable of receiving the light. The processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may determine depth information based on the reception time of the light obtained through the fourth camera module450. According to an embodiment, the camera module400may provide light to the outside of the electronic device101by using the flash402.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module500may measure the position of the external object S. For example, the antenna module500may include at least one patch antenna510capable of resonating in a frequency band of about 3 GHz to 10 GHz. The patch antenna510may receive signals from another electronic device within a range of a first angle θ1. The range of the first angle θ1may be an angle range in which the antenna module500may transmit or receive an RF signal. For example, the first angle θ1may be a range of an angle of arrival (AOA) of the antenna module500. According to an embodiment, a direction configured to transmit or receive a signal of the antenna module500may be substantially the same direction (e.g., +Z direction) as a direction configured to capture an image by the camera module400.

According to various embodiments, a plurality of patch antennas510may be formed. For example, the patch antenna510may include a first patch antenna512and a second patch antenna514spaced apart from the first patch antenna512. The second patch antenna514may be disposed on substantially the same plane (e.g., XY plane) as the first patch antenna512. According to an embodiment, the first patch antenna512may be spaced apart from the second patch antenna514by a designated distance. A distance between the first feed of the first patch antenna512and the second feed of the second patch antenna514may be less than or equal to a half-wavelength (λ/2) distance of the radio frequency (RF) signal. For example, the distance between the first feed (e.g., the first feed512aofFIG.13) of the first patch antenna512and the second feed (e.g., the second feed ofFIG.13) of the second patch antenna514may be about 10 mm to 30 mm, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, as the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and/or the third patch antenna516are spaced apart by a designated distance, isolation may be secured between the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and/or the third patch antenna516of the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the antenna module500may be disposed on the first camera module420. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the antenna module500may be disposed between the camera window410and the first camera housing425of the first camera module420. For example, the antenna module500may be disposed between the printing area414and the first camera housing425. According to another embodiment, at least a portion of the antenna module500may be disposed between the first camera housing425of the first camera module420and the rear plate380. For example, the rear plate380may include a first rear plate382, which is substantially transparent, and a printed second rear plate384. The antenna module500may be disposed under the second rear plate384.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module500may be disposed adjacent to the camera module400to reduce the difference between the angle of view (e.g., first angle of view x1) of the camera module400and the first angle θ1 range of the antenna module500. For example, the camera module400and the antenna module500may be disposed within a first distance dl. The first distance dl may be a distance that does not cause an error between the angle of view of the camera module400and the angle of arrival of the antenna module500. According to an embodiment, the camera module (e.g., the second camera module430ofFIG.5) having the largest angle of view range, of the camera module400, may be disposed within the first distance dl from the antenna module500. According to another embodiment, the first camera module420may be disposed within the first distance dl from the antenna module500. According to another embodiment, the antenna module500may be spaced apart from the camera module (e.g., the second camera module430ofFIG.2) having the largest angle of view range, of the camera module400, by more than the first distance dl.

According to various embodiments, the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may compensate for the angle of arrival of the signal (e.g., ranging response message) arriving at the antenna module500from the external electronic device, considering the spacing between the antenna module500and the camera module400. According to an embodiment, when the antenna module500is positioned apart from the camera module400by more than the first distance dl, the processor120may compensate for the angle of arrival of the signal (e.g., ranging response message) arriving at the antenna module500from the external electronic device using a first compensation value. For example, the processor120may estimate at least one of the phase difference of the signal received by the antenna module500or the arrival distance of the signal by reflecting the first compensation value and determine the angle of arrival corresponding to the external electronic device based on at least one of the estimated signal phase difference or the estimated signal arrival distance. According to an embodiment, when the antenna module500is positioned within the first distance dl from the camera module400, the processor120may determine the angle of arrival of the signal arriving at the antenna module500from the external electronic device without compensation. According to an embodiment, when the antenna module500is positioned within the first distance dl from the camera module400, the processor120may compensate for the angle of arrival of the signal arriving at the antenna module500from the external electronic device using a second compensation value different from the first compensation value. The first compensation value may be larger than the second compensation value.

FIG.8is a view illustrating operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.9is a view illustrating an angle of arrival of an antenna module according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.8and9, the electronic device101may obtain an image I of an external object S through the camera module (e.g., the camera module400ofFIG.5) and obtain the position of the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device102ofFIG.1) possessed by the external object S through the antenna module (e.g., the antenna module500ofFIG.5).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may measure the position of another electronic device positioned within the angle of arrival range R1using an antenna (e.g., the antenna module500ofFIG.5) capable of detecting signals in the first angle θ1range. For example, the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may measure the angle of arrival using a first antenna532and a second antenna534capable of receiving or transmitting ranging signals. As another example, the processor120may measure the distance between the electronic device101and the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device102ofFIG.1) possessed by the external object S using a single sided-two way ranging (SS-TWR) scheme or a double sided-two way ranging (DS-TWR) scheme. According to an embodiment, the ranging signal may include at least one of a ranging request message, a ranging response message, or a ranging control message. The ranging signal, the SS-TWR scheme, and the DS-TWR scheme are described below in detail with reference toFIG.17. The ranging control message may be a ranging signal for activating the patch antennas of the combination corresponding to the mounting mode of the electronic device101based on the measurement value regarding the angle of the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the angle of arrival θ forming the first angle θ1 range may be derived by Equation 1, Equation 2, and Equation 3 below. According to another embodiment, the processor120may determine the difference Δd between the arrival distances of the signals transferred from the transmitting device of the external electronic device102to the plurality of antennas based on the signal phase difference Δφ and derive the angle of arrival θ based on the determined difference Δd between the arrival distances of the signals transferred from the transmitting device of the external electronic device102to the plurality of antennas. In Equation 1, D may be the distance between the plurality of antennas (e.g., the first antenna532and the second antenna534), and Δd may be the difference between the arrival distances of the signals transferred from the transmitting device of the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device102ofFIG.1) to the plurality of antennas (e.g., the first antenna532and the second antenna534). In Equation 2, Δφ may be the signal phase difference, and λ may be the length of the wavelength of the signal.

According to various embodiments, the distance between the first antenna532and the second antenna534may be not more than the half-wavelength distance of the radio frequency (RF) signal of the antenna module500to correspond to the frequency band of the antenna module (e.g., the antenna module500ofFIG.5). The configuration of the first antenna532and the second antenna534may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514ofFIG.7.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may capture the object S positioned within the camera angle of view range R2using a wide-angle camera (e.g., the second camera module430or the third camera module440ofFIG.5) capable of detecting the image in the second angle of view x2range and output the image I of the object S through the display301. For example, the electronic device101may output a first image I1of a first object S1and a second image I2of a second object S2. According to an embodiment, the second angle of view x2range may be larger than or equal to the first angle of view x1range. For example, the camera angle of view range of the second camera module430or the third camera module440may be larger than or equal to the camera angle of view range of the first camera module420.

According to various embodiments, when the first distance dl between the antenna (e.g., the antenna module500ofFIG.5) and the camera (e.g., the camera module400ofFIG.5) is a predetermined distance or more, the position of at least some of the electronic devices possessed by the external object S positioned within the camera angle of view range R2may not be measured. For example, the antenna module500may detect the signal of the electronic device reflecting the position of the first external object S1positioned within the angle of arrival range R1but may not detect the signal of the electronic device reflecting the position of the second external object S2positioned out of the angle of arrival range R1. The first distance dl may be the distance between the camera module400and the antenna module500.

FIGS.10A,10B,10C, and10Dare front views illustrating a camera module and an antenna module of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.11is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ ofFIG.10B.

Referring toFIGS.10A,10B,10C,10D, and11, the camera module400and the antenna module500may be disposed in various ways. The configuration of the camera module400and the antenna module500ofFIGS.10A,10B,10C,10D and/or11may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the camera module400and the antenna module500ofFIGS.5to7.

According to various embodiments, the camera module400and the antenna module500may be disposed under the camera window410. According to an embodiment, the first camera module420, the second camera module430, the third camera module440, and the antenna module500may be disposed under the camera window410. According to another embodiment, a portion of the first camera module420, the second camera module430, the third camera module440, or the antenna module500may be disposed under the camera window410. For example, one (e.g., the first camera module420) of the first camera module420, the second camera module430, and the third camera module440may be disposed under the camera window410, and another camera module (e.g., the second camera module430and the third camera module440) and the antenna module500may be disposed under the rear plate380. According to another embodiment, the camera window410may be omitted. For example, referring toFIG.10A, the first camera module420, the second camera module430, the third camera module440, and the antenna module500may be disposed under the rear plate380.

According to various embodiments, the first camera module420, the second camera module430, and the third camera module440may be disposed in various ways. According to an embodiment, the first camera module420, the second camera module430, and the third camera module440may be disposed in substantially the same direction (e.g., the +Y direction). According to another embodiment, the first camera module420and the second camera module430may be disposed in different directions from the third camera module440. For example, the second camera module430, the third camera module440, and the first camera module420may be disposed in a substantially “” shape.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module500may include a plurality of patch antennas510. For example, the antenna module500may include a first patch antenna512, a second patch antenna514, and a third patch antenna516. According to an embodiment, the second patch antenna514and the third patch antenna516may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first patch antenna512. The second patch antenna514and the third patch antenna516may be disposed in a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the first patch antenna512. For example, the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and the third patch antenna516may be disposed in a substantially “” shape.

Referring toFIG.10A, the antenna module500may be disposed between the rear plate380and the first camera module420. For example, when the antenna module500is viewed from thereabove (e.g., in the +Z direction), at least a portion of the antenna module500may overlap at least a portion of the first camera module420. According to an embodiment, the antenna module500may be disposed in a fourth direction (−Y direction) with respect to the first camera module420.

Referring toFIGS.10B and11, the camera module400may include a camera window410, a first camera module420, a second camera module430, and an antenna module500.

According to various embodiments, the camera window410may include at least one substantially transparent area for providing light to the camera module400. For example, the camera window410may include a first transparent area412for providing light to the image sensor422of the first camera module420, a second transparent area416for transferring light to the second camera module430, and a printing area414surrounding the first transparent area412and the second transparent area416.

According to various embodiments, the first camera module420and the second camera module430may be disposed to be spaced apart by a barrier rib462of the first camera supporting member460.

According to various embodiments, the range of the second angle of view x2of the second camera module430may be larger than the range of the first angle of view x1of the first camera module420. For example, the second camera module430may capture an image within a range of about 120 degrees to 180 degrees, and the first camera module420may capture an image within a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module500may be disposed under the printing area414positioned between the first transparent area412and the second transparent area416. According to an embodiment, the antenna module500may be disposed adjacent to the camera module (e.g., the second camera module430) having the broadest range of angle of view of the camera module400, and the second angle of view x2of the second camera module430may be included in the first angle θ1of the antenna module500.

Referring toFIG.10C, the antenna module500may be disposed in a position spaced apart from the first transparent area412, providing light to the first camera module420, in the fifth direction (+X direction). According to an embodiment, the antenna module500may be disposed between the rear plate380and the first camera module420. For example, the first camera housing425may be disposed in the fifth direction (+X direction) with respect to the first transparent area412. The antenna module500may be disposed between the first camera housing425and the rear plate380. According to another embodiment, the antenna module500may be disposed under the rear plate380(e.g., −Z direction). For example, the antenna module500may be disposed between the rear plate380and the first supporting member (e.g., the first supporting member332ofFIG.4).

Referring toFIG.10D, the antenna module500may be disposed between the camera window410and the first camera module420in a position spaced apart from the first transparent area412, providing light to the first camera module420, in the fifth direction (+X direction). For example, the first camera housing425may be disposed in the fifth direction (+X direction) with respect to the first transparent area412. The antenna module500may be disposed between the camera window410and the first camera housing425. According to an embodiment, the antenna module500may be disposed adjacent to the second camera module430, so that the range in which the signal of the antenna module500arrives may include a range in which the second camera module430may capture.

FIG.12is a see-through view to an inside of an electronic device through a rear surface of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.13is a view schematically illustrating a connection state of an antenna module and a processor according to various embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.14is a view schematically illustrating a connection state of an antenna module and a processor in a first mounting mode according to various embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.15is a view schematically illustrating a connection state of an antenna module and a processor in a second mounting mode according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.12, the electronic device101may include a camera module400and an antenna module500including a plurality of patch antennas510. The configuration of the camera module400and the antenna module500ofFIG.12may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the camera module400and the antenna module500ofFIGS.5to7.

According to various embodiments, the camera module400may include at least one camera connecting terminal490. According to an embodiment, the camera connecting terminal490may electrically connect the camera module400to the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1).

According to various embodiments, the antenna module500may include an antenna connecting terminal590. According to an embodiment, the antenna connecting terminal590may electrically connect the patch antenna510to the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1). According to an embodiment, the antenna module500may include at least one bending portion522that provides an electrical connection path between the antenna connecting terminal590and the processor120.

According to various embodiments, the antenna connecting terminal590may face in substantially the same direction (e.g., +X direction) as at least one camera connecting terminal490. For example, the camera connecting terminal490and the antenna connecting terminal590may extend in substantially the same direction to increase the ease of assembly of the camera module400and the antenna module500to the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the antenna module500may be disposed to correspond to the first axis A1formed by the first camera module420. For example, when the antenna module500is viewed in the second direction (−Z direction), the antenna module500may overlap the first camera module420.

According to various embodiments, the patch antenna510may be disposed in various directions. For example, the second patch antenna514may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first patch antenna512in the first antenna direction D1. The third patch antenna516may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first patch antenna512in the second antenna direction D2. According to an embodiment, the first patch antenna direction D1may be substantially the same as the direction of the first axis A1of the first camera module420, and the second patch antenna direction D2may be substantially perpendicular to the first patch antenna direction D1.

Referring toFIGS.12to15, the electronic device101may include a camera module400, an antenna module500, an antenna circuit600, a switching circuit700, and a sensor module800. The configuration of the camera module400and the antenna module500ofFIGS.13to15may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the camera module400and the antenna module500ofFIG.5, and the configuration of the sensor module800ofFIGS.14and15may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the sensor module176ofFIG.1.

According to various embodiments, the signal obtained using the patch antenna510may be transferred to the antenna circuit600. The antenna circuit600may be electrically connected to the processor120or a communication module (e.g., the communication module190ofFIG.1) and transfer the signal obtained from the antenna module500to the processor120or the communication module190. For example, the first patch antenna512may be electrically connected to the antenna connecting terminal590through the first feed512aand the1-1thantenna line512b, and the second patch antenna514may be electrically connected to the antenna connecting terminal590through the second feed514aand the2-1thantenna line514b. The third patch antenna516may be electrically connected to the antenna connecting terminal590through the third feed516aand the3-1thantenna line516b.

According to various embodiments, the antenna circuit600may be electrically connected to the antenna module500and control connection of the patch antennas510of the antenna module500. For example, the antenna circuit600may include at least one communication port. The communication port may include at least one of a reception port or a transmission/reception port. For example, the antenna circuit600may be connected to the patch antenna510through a first communication port602and a second communication port604, which are reception ports, and a third communication port606, which is a third/reception port. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may use any one of the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and/or a third patch antenna516as an antenna radiator to transmit and receive RF signals of a designated frequency band (e.g., ultra-wide band (UWB)) and use the rest as antenna radiators to receive RF signals of a designated frequency band. In an example, the electronic device101may use the antenna radiator (e.g., the first patch antenna512) with the smallest sum of inter-feeding point distances from the other antenna radiators among the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and/or the third patch antenna516operated as antenna radiators, as the antenna radiator to transmit and receive RF signals of the designated frequency band.

According to various embodiments, the switching circuit700may be electrically connected with the patch antenna510and the antenna circuit600. According to an embodiment, the switching circuit700may include a switch702for selecting whether to operate the patch antenna510. For example, the switch702may electrically connect the second patch antenna514or the third patch antenna516to the antenna circuit600to allow the second patch antenna514or the third patch antenna516to be used to receive the ranging response signal according to the mounting mode (or rotation mode). According to an embodiment, the antenna circuit600may transmit the switching signal710for controlling the switching circuit700to the switching circuit700to change the connection state with the patch antenna510.

According to various embodiments, the sensor module800may include various sensors. For example, the sensor module800may include at least one of a gyro sensor, an accelerometer, or a geomagnetic sensor. According to an embodiment, the sensor module800may detect the angle of the electronic device101from the ground and may transfer information reflecting the detected angle to the processor120.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may detect the mounting mode of the electronic device101through the sensor module800. According to an embodiment, the electronic device101may detect whether the posture of the electronic device300is in a portrait state (e.g., a first mounting mode ofFIG.14) or a landscape state (e.g., a second mounting mode ofFIG.15) through the sensor module800. For example, the sensor module800may be a 9-axis motion sensor. The electronic device101may forms a virtual coordinate space based on at least one of the azimuth (or “yaw”), pitch, or roll value measured by the 9-axis motion sensor and divide an area of the coordinate space into a landscape range and another area of the coordinate space into a portrait range. The electronic device101may detect whether the mounting mode of the electronic device101is the portrait state or the landscape state, based on whether the current posture of the electronic device101belongs to the landscape range or the portrait range.

According to various embodiments, the patch antenna510used may be changed based on the mounting mode of the electronic device101. For example, whether the second patch antenna514or the third patch antenna516is connected to the antenna circuit600may be changed based on the angle of the electronic device101from the ground (e.g., ZY plane).

According to various embodiments, the first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514may measure the position of the external object S in the first mounting mode (e.g.,FIG.14). For example, when the antenna circuit600receives the information reflecting the first mounting mode from the processor120, the antenna circuit600may control in a first connection state in which the switch702of the switching circuit700is connected with the2-2thantenna line514cand is not connected with the3-2thantenna line516c. According to an embodiment, in the first mounting mode, the first patch antenna512may be connected with the fifth communication port614of the antenna circuit600, and the second patch antenna514may be connected with the fourth communication port612of the antenna circuit600through the switch702. The fourth communication port612and the fifth communication port614may be at least one of a reception port or a transmission port. According to an embodiment, the first mounting mode may be defined as a state in which the first axis A1of the first camera module420is positioned more adjacent to the ground (e.g., ZY plane) than the third axis A3perpendicular to the first axis A1. According to an embodiment, the first axis A1may be a virtual axis formed by the first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514, and the third axis A3may be a virtual axis formed by the first patch antenna512and the third patch antenna516. In the first mounting mode, the second patch antenna514may be electrically connected with the antenna circuit600, and the third patch antenna516may not be electrically connected with the antenna circuit600. According to an embodiment, the first mounting mode may be a state in which a longer edge among the edges of the housing (e.g., the housing310ofFIG.2) of the electronic device101which has a substantially rectangular shape is positioned in a vertical direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

According to various embodiments, the first patch antenna512and the third patch antenna516may measure the position of the external object S in the second mounting mode (e.g.,FIG.15). For example, when the antenna circuit600receives the information reflecting the second mounting mode from the processor120, the antenna circuit600may control the switch702of the switching circuit700to control in a second connection state in which the antenna circuit600is connected with the3-2thantenna line516cand is not connected with the2-2thantenna line514c. According to an embodiment, in the second mounting mode, the first patch antenna512may be connected with the fifth communication port614of the antenna circuit600, and the third patch antenna516may be connected with the fourth communication port612of the antenna circuit600through the switch702. The second mounting mode may be defined as a state in which the third axis A3of the first camera module420is positioned more adjacent to the ground (e.g., ZY plane) than the first axis A1. According to an embodiment, the first axis A1may be a virtual axis formed by the first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514, and the third axis A3may be a virtual axis formed by the first patch antenna512and the third patch antenna516. In the second mounting mode, the third patch antenna516may be electrically connected with the antenna circuit600, and the second patch antenna514may not be electrically connected with the antenna circuit600. According to an embodiment, the second mounting mode may be a state in which a longer edge among the edges of the housing (e.g., the housing310ofFIG.2) of the electronic device101which has a substantially rectangular shape is positioned in a horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction).

FIGS.16A and16Bare exploded perspective views illustrating an antenna module according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The configuration of the antenna module500ofFIGS.16A and16Bmay be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the antenna module500ofFIG.5.

Referring toFIG.16A, according to an embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board540may include a plurality of layers. For example, the flexible printed circuit board540may include a first layer541and a second layer542positioned under (e.g., −Z direction) the first layer541. The configuration of the flexible printed circuit board540may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the flexible printed circuit board520ofFIG.5.

According to various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board540may include a first patch antenna512, a second patch antenna514spaced apart from the first patch antenna512, a first feed512a, and a second feed514a, disposed on the first layer541. According to an embodiment, the first patch antenna512may be electrically connected to a communication module (e.g., the communication module190ofFIG.1) through the first feed512a. According to an embodiment, the second patch antenna514may be electrically connected to the communication module190through a second feed514a. The position of the first feed512aand/or the second feed514ais not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and the position of the first feed512aand/or the second feed514amay be changed according to an embodiment. The flexible printed circuit board540may include an electrical connection member to electrically connect the first patch antenna512and/or the second patch antenna514on the first layer541with the ground on the second layer542. The electrical connection member may include, e.g., a signal line, a conductive gasket, a conductive via hole, or a C-clip, but is not limited thereto. For convenience of description, two patch antennas (e.g., the first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514) have been described, but the antenna module500may further include two or more patch antennas (e.g., the third patch antenna516ofFIG.5). The position of the first feed512aand/or the second feed514ais not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and the position of the first feed512aand/or the second feed514amay be changed according to an embodiment.

According to various embodiments, the first layer541of the flexible printed circuit board540may include a first protective ground541cincluding at least one hole541a. According to an embodiment, the first protective ground541cmay be disposed to surround at least one of the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, the first feed512aor the second feed514a. For example, at least one of the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, the first feed512a, or the second feed514amay be disposed in at least one hole541dof the first protective ground541c. According to an embodiment, the first protective ground541cmay shield at least one of the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, the first feed512a, or the second feed514a. For example, the first protective ground541cmay shield the noise generated from other electronic components in the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1), which is transferred to at least one of the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, the first feed512a, or the second feed514a.

According to various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board540may include the second layer542including a ground. The second layer542may form a capacitive coupling with the first feed512aand the second feed514aof the first layer541. According to an embodiment, a dielectric having a designated permittivity may be disposed between the first layer541and the second layer542of the flexible printed circuit board540. Depending on the thickness of the dielectric disposed between the first layer541and the second layer542, the resonance characteristics of the first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514operating as antenna radiators may be changed. For example, as the thickness of the dielectric increases, the coupling space between the first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514and the ground of the second layer542may increase so that the antenna efficiency (e.g., antenna gain) of the first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514may be enhanced.

According to various embodiments, the first layer541and the second layer542of the flexible printed circuit board540may be electrically connected via at least one via including a conductive material. According to an embodiment, at least one first through hole (or via hole)541aand541bmay be formed in the first protective ground541cof the first layer541, and at least one second through hole542aand542bmay be formed in positions corresponding to the at least one first through hole541aand541bof the first layer541of the second layer542. The at least one via may be disposed in the at least one first through hole541aand541bof the first layer541and the at least one second through hole542aand542bof the second layer542and electrically connect the first layer541and the second layer542.

According to various embodiments, a film layer may be disposed over (e.g., +Z direction) of the first layer541of the flexible printed circuit board540and/or under (e.g., −Z direction) of the second layer542. The film layer may protect at least one of the first layer541or the second layer542of the flexible printed circuit board540.

According to various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board540may include at least one electrical connection member544and546to electrically connect the first patch antenna512and/or the second patch antenna514on the first layer541with the ground on the second layer542. The electrical connection members544and546may include a first electrical connection member544to electrically connect the first patch antenna512of the first layer541and the ground of the second layer542and a second electrical connection member546to electrically connect the second patch antenna514of the first layer541and the ground of the second layer542. Through the first electrical connection member544and/or the second electrical connection member546, the current flow of the first patch antenna512and/or the second patch antenna514may be changed. As a result, the resonance characteristics of the first patch antenna512and/or the second patch antenna514may be changed. In an embodiment, the first electrical connection member544and/or the second electrical connection member546may mean a structure in which a plurality of conductive vias are disposed in a wall shape. In another embodiment, the first electrical connection member544and/or the second electrical connection member546may be a wall-shaped conductive via, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first electrical connection member544and/or the second electrical connection member546may include at least one of a signal line, a conductive gasket, a conductive foam, and/or a C-clip.

Referring toFIG.16B, the flexible printed circuit board540may include a first layer541, a second layer542disposed under (e.g., −Z direction) the first layer541, and a third layer543disposed between the first layer541and the second layer542. The configuration of the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and the first protective ground541cofFIG.16Bmay be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and the first protective ground541cofFIG.16A.

According to various embodiments, the first protective ground541cmay be disposed to surround the first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514. For example, the first patch antenna512may be disposed in the first hole541dof the first protective ground541c, and the second patch antenna514may be disposed in the second hole541eof the first protective ground541c. The first protective ground541cmay shield the first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514from external noise.

According to various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board540may include a first feed512aand a second feed514adisposed on the third layer543. According to an embodiment, the first patch antenna512may be electrically connected to a communication module (e.g., the communication module190ofFIG.1) through the first feed512a, and the second patch antenna514may be electrically connected to the communication module190through the second feed514a. The third layer543of the flexible printed circuit board540may include at least one connection member to electrically connect at least one of the first patch antenna512or the second patch antenna514to the ground of the second layer542.

According to various embodiments, the third layer543of the flexible printed circuit board540may include a second protective ground543cwhere at least one hole543dand543eis formed. According to an embodiment, the second protective ground543cmay be disposed to surround the first feed512aand the second feed514a. For example, the first feed512amay be disposed in the third hole543dof the second protective ground543c, and the second feed514amay be disposed in the fourth hole543eof the second protective ground543c. The position of the first feed512aand/or the second feed514ais not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and the position of the first feed512aand/or the second feed514amay be changed according to an embodiment.

According to various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board540may include the second layer542including a ground. The second layer542may form a capacitive coupling with the first feed512aand the second feed514aof the third layer543.

According to various embodiments, at least one of the first layer541, the second layer542, or the third layer543of the flexible printed circuit board540may be electrically connected through at least one via including a conductive material. According to an embodiment, at least one first through hole541aand541bmay be formed in the protective ground541cof the first layer541. According to an embodiment, at least one second through hole542aand542bformed in positions corresponding to the at least one first through hole541aand541bmay be formed on the second layer542. According to an embodiment, at least one third through hole543aand543bmay be formed on the third layer543in the positions corresponding to the at least one second through hole542aand542b. According to an embodiment, the at least one via may be disposed in the at least one first through hole541aand541b, the at least one second through hole542aand542b, and/or the at least one third through hole543aand543bto electrically connect the first layer541, the second layer542, and/or the third layer543.

According to various embodiments, a dielectric having a designated permittivity may be disposed between the first layer541and second layer542of the flexible printed circuit board540and between the second layer542and the third layer543. According to an embodiment, depending on the thickness of the dielectric, the resonance characteristics of the first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514operating as antenna radiators may be changed.

According to various embodiments, a film layer may be disposed over (e.g., +Z direction) of the first layer541of the flexible printed circuit board540and/or under (e.g., −Z direction) of the second layer542. The film layer may protect the first layer541, second layer542, and/or third layer543of the flexible printed circuit board540.

FIG.17is a flowchart1700illustrating operations performed by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. In operation1710, at least one processor (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) may obtain an image through at least one camera module (e.g., the first camera module420, the second camera module430, the third camera module440, and the fourth camera module450).

According to various embodiments, each camera module constituting the at least one camera module420,430,440, and450may be activated or deactivated according to a user input. For example, the at least one processor120may execute a camera interface in response to selection of an icon of a camera application. The at least one processor120may perform a corresponding function in response to the user's selection among various functions displayed on the execution screen of the camera application.

An example of the electronic device101obtaining an image through the at least one camera module420,430,440, and450is shown inFIG.18.FIG.18is a view illustrating operations performed by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.18, the electronic device101may include a front camera1810and a camera module400positioned on the rear surface of the electronic device101. The camera module400may include a first camera module420, a second camera module430, a third camera module440, a fourth camera module450, and a flash402. The fourth camera module450may include a light emitting unit452and a light receiving unit454. Further, the electronic device101may include a flexible printed circuit board520, a first patch antenna512, a second patch antenna514, and a third patch antenna516. Details of each component of the camera module400, the flexible printed circuit board520, the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and the third patch antenna516have been described above with reference toFIG.5, and no duplicate description is thus given below.

In the example ofFIG.18, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may obtain an image1820through at least one camera positioned on the rear surface, which is opposite to the surface where the display160is positioned, and display the obtained image1820on the display160. The image1820displayed on the display160of the electronic device101may be a preview image or an image stored in response to the user's save command. A user-selectable function menu1830indicating various functions of the camera application may be displayed on the display160of the electronic device101. The function menu1830may include at least one of an icon1831indicating an ultra-wide camera mode, an icon1832indicating a wide-angle camera mode, an icon1833indicating a telephoto camera mode, and an icon1834indicating a close-up camera mode. Among the icons included in the function menu1830, the icon corresponding to the currently activated mode may be displayed differently from the other icons. For example, as in the example ofFIG.18, in a state in which the wide-angle camera mode is activated, a figure may be displayed around the icon1832indicating the wide-angle camera mode.

According to various embodiments, the configuration of at least one camera module included in the electronic device101, modes of the camera included in the function menu1830, and a visual display method of the function menu1830are not limited to the example shown inFIG.18.

In operation1720, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may broadcast a ranging request message through at least one patch antenna (e.g., the first patch antenna512, second patch antenna514, or third patch antenna516ofFIG.18). The ranging request message may be, e.g., a POLL message.

An example of the patch antenna channel configuration of the electronic device broadcasting the ranging request message is shown inFIG.19. Referring toFIG.19, the electronic device101may include a housing including a plurality of frames1911,1912, and1913. The plurality of frames1911,1912, and1913may be, e.g., metal frames. A slit1914may be formed between the frame1911and the frame1912, and a slit1915may be formed between the frame1912and the frame1913.

The first camera module420, the flexible printed circuit board520, and the antenna circuit600may be positioned in the housing of the electronic device101. The first camera module420may include a prism421. The first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and the third patch antenna516may be positioned on the flexible printed circuit board520. The antenna connecting terminal590may connect the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and the third patch antenna516to the antenna circuit600. The antenna circuit600may be connected to the patch antenna510through a first communication port602and a second communication port604, which are reception ports, and a third communication port606, which is a third/reception port. The first patch antenna512may be electrically connected to the antenna connecting terminal590through the first feed512a, and the second patch antenna514may be electrically connected to the antenna connecting terminal590through the second feed514a. The third patch antenna516may be electrically connected to the antenna connecting terminal590through the third feed516a.

Details of the first camera module420, the prism421, the flexible printed circuit board520, the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, the third patch antenna516, the first feed512a, the second feed514a, the third feed516a, the antenna circuit600, the first communication port602, the second communication port604, and the third communication port606have been described above with reference toFIG.5, and no duplicate description is thus given below.

Referring toFIG.19, in operation1720, at least one processor120of the electronic device101may control the antenna circuit600to broadcast a ranging request message1920through the first patch antenna512among the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and the third patch antenna516.

According to various embodiments, at least one of the plurality of frames1911,1912, and1913of the electronic device101may be used to perform BLE communication. At least one processor120may establish a BLE connection with a first external electronic device and, upon identifying that a BLE connection with the first external electronic device is established, control the antenna circuit600to broadcast the ranging request message1920to the first external electronic device through the first patch antenna512.

In operation1730, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may receive a ranging response message from the first external electronic device receiving the broadcast ranging request message1920. According to an embodiment, the first external electronic device may be an authenticated device. For example, the first external electronic device may be a device registered by the user of the electronic device or a device BLE-connected with the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the first external electronic device may be a device capable of performing UWB communication.

According to an embodiment, the at least one processor120may receive the ranging response message from the first external electronic device through at least one patch antenna (e.g., the first patch antenna512, second patch antenna514, and third patch antenna516ofFIG.18). An example of a patch antenna channel configuration of the electronic device101receiving the ranging response message is described below with reference toFIG.24. Other than the example ofFIG.24in which three patch antennas are provided, according to various embodiments, the ranging response message may be received through a plurality of antennas.

A structure of a ranging response message is described below with reference toFIGS.22A and22B.

In operation1740, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may identify the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device based on the ranging response message. The relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device may be specified by the distance between the first external electronic device and the electronic device and the angle of arrival of the signal arriving at the electronic device from the first external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the at least one processor120may identify the angle of arrival corresponding to the first external electronic device by the process described above in connection withFIG.9.

According to an embodiment, the first external electronic device may be a device which is not clock-synchronized with the electronic device101, and the at least one processor120may identify the distance between the first external electronic device and the electronic device using a two way ranging (TWR) scheme. For example, the at least one processor120may identify the distance between the first external electronic device and the electronic device by a single sided-two way ranging (SS-TWR) scheme or a double sided-two way ranging (DS-TWR) scheme.

In the single sided-two way ranging (SS-TWR) scheme, the at least one processor120may identify the round trip time (RTT) by subtracting the time when the ranging request message is broadcast from the time when the ranging response message is received. The at least one processor120may identify the time of flight (TOF) using the RTT and the reply time (RT) included in the ranging response message, as follows.

The at least one processor120may identify the distance between the first external electronic device and the electronic device based on the identified TOF.

In the double sided-two way ranging (DS-TWR) scheme, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may communicate with the first external electronic device as shown inFIG.20. Referring toFIG.20, the electronic device101may broadcast a first ranging request message2010, receive a ranging response message2020from the first external electronic device, and transmit a second ranging request message2030to the first external electronic device. The first external electronic device may receive the first ranging request message2015broadcast by the electronic device101, transmit a ranging response message2025to the electronic device101, and receive a second ranging request message2035from the electronic device101. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that inFIG.20, the first ranging request message2010broadcast from the electronic device101and the first ranging request message2015received by the first external electronic device are messages containing the same content but, since the time of broadcasting the first ranging request message2010from the electronic device101and the time of receiving the first ranging request message2015from the first external electronic device differ from each other, the first ranging request message2010broadcast from the electronic device101and the first ranging request message2015received by the first external electronic device are indicated by different reference denotations for clearly describing the timings. The same is also applied to the ranging response message2020received by the electronic device101and the ranging response message2025transmitted by the first external electronic device and the second ranging request message2030transmitted by the electronic device101and the second ranging request message2035received by the first external electronic device. The at least one processor120of the electronic device101may identify a first RTT RTT #1 using the time difference between the ranging markers RMARKERs respectively included in the first ranging request message2010and the ranging response message2020and identify a second RT RT #2 using the time difference between the RMARKERs respectively included in the ranging response message2020and the second ranging request message2030.

The first external electronic device may identify the first RT RT #1 using the time difference between the RMARKERS respectively included in the first ranging request message2015and the ranging response message2025and identify the second RTT RTT #2 using the time difference between the RMARKERs respectively included in the ranging response message2025and the second ranging request message2035.

The relationship between RTT #1, RT #1, and TOF may be represented as in Equation 5.

The relationship between RTT #2, RT #2, and TOF may be represented as in Equation 6.

The at least one processor120of the electronic device101may identify the TOF by Equation 7.

The at least one processor120of the electronic device101may identify the distance between the first external electronic device and the electronic device based on the identified TOF.

Referring toFIG.20, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may control the antenna circuit600to activate one patch antenna among the plurality of patch antennas included in the electronic device101to broadcast the ranging request message2010or transmit the ranging request message2030. Further, to receive the ranging response message2020, the at least one processor120may control the antenna circuit600to activate at least some of the plurality of patch antennas included in the electronic device101.

In operation1750, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may identify a first area corresponding to the first external electronic device in the image obtained through at least one camera module, based on the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device. For example, the first area may be a face area of the person closest to the position of the first external electronic device in the image. In another example, the first area may be an area over the head of the person closest to the position of the first external electronic device in the image. According to an embodiment, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may transmit the image obtained through at least one camera module to an external server through a communication module (e.g., the communication module190ofFIG.1), receive information about what area of the image is the person's face area from the external server, and determine the first area based on the received information. According to another embodiment, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may determine the first area by performing processing on the image obtained through at least one camera module.

In operation1760, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may overlay the graphic object corresponding to the first external electronic device on the first area and display them on the display160. For example, the graphic object may indicate at least one of a graphic image preset by the user of the first external electronic device, a name preset by the user of the first external electronic device, or text preset by the user of the first external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the at least one processor120may determine the graphic object corresponding to the first external electronic device based on the ranging response message.

FIG.21Ais a view illustrating operations performed by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.21, an image2120awhich has a user2101aof a first electronic device and a user2102aof a second electronic device as subjects may be displayed on the display160. The electronic device101may detect an angle of arrival up to a first angle θ1and detect an image up to a second angle θ2. The electronic device101may receive a first ranging response message2111afrom the first electronic device and a second ranging response message2112afrom the second electronic device, for the ranging request message broadcast by the electronic device101.

According to an embodiment, the first ranging response message2111amay include information about the name of the user2101aof the first electronic device and information about the character image set by the user2101aof the first electronic device. The second ranging response message2112amay include information about the name of the user2102aof the second electronic device and information about the character image set by the user2102aof the second electronic device.

The at least one processor120of the electronic device101may identify that the image2120aincludes two faces, the left face corresponds to the first external electronic device, and the right face corresponds to the second external electronic device, based on analysis of the image2120aand relative positions of the first external electronic device and the second external electronic device with respect to the electronic device101identified in operation1740.

Thereafter, the at least one processor120may overlay and display, on the image2120a, the graphic object2141aindicating the name of the user2101aof the first electronic device in the area corresponding to an upper end of the left face of the image2120abased on the information about the name of the user2101aof the first electronic device included in the first ranging response message2111a. Further, the at least one processor120may overlay and display, on the image2120a, the graphic object2131aindicating the character image set by the user2101ain the area corresponding to the left face in the image2120a, based on the information about the character image set by the user2101aof the first electronic device, included in the first ranging response message2111a. The at least one processor120may overlay and display, on the image2120a, the graphic object2142aindicating the name of the user2102aof the second electronic device in the area corresponding to an upper end of the left face of the image2120abased on the information about the name of the user2102aof the second electronic device included in the second ranging response message2112a. Further, the at least one processor120may overlay and display, on the image2120a, the graphic object2132aindicating the character image set by the user2102ain the area corresponding to the left face in the image2120a, based on the information about the character image set by the user2102aof the second electronic device, included in the second ranging response message2112a.

FIG.21Billustrates an example of a screen displayed on the electronic device101in operation1760when the image obtained in operation1710does not include the subject corresponding to the first external electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. Referring toFIG.21B, the image2110bobtained through operation1710may not include the subject corresponding to the first external electronic device, e.g., the user holding the first external electronic device. In this case, in operation1750, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may identify that the left area of the subject of the background area where the subject is not displayed in the image2110bis the first area where the graphic object is to be displayed, based on the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device101, identified in operation1740.

In the example ofFIG.21B, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may overlay and display, in the first area, the graphic objects2120b,2130b, and2140bindicating the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the gaze corresponding to the image2110bin operation1760. The graphic object2120bmay be identified based on the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device101, identified in operation1740, and indicate the direction in which the first external electronic device is positioned with respect to the gaze corresponding to the image2110b. The graphic object2130bmay indicate the name of the user of the first electronic device included in the ranging response message received from the first external electronic device. The graphic object2140bmay be identified based on the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device101identified in operation1740and may indicate the distance from the position of the area corresponding to the image2110bto the first external electronic device.

FIGS.22A and22Bare views illustrating a structure of a ranging response message according to various embodiments of the disclosure.FIG.22Ashows an example structure of a header of a ranging response message. Referring toFIG.22A, the header of the ranging response message may consist of 8 bits among which 1 bit may be allocated to the PBF, 4 bits are allocated to the reserved field, and 3 bits may be allocated to indicate the packet type. The PBF may indicate whether the packet contains the entire message or a portion of the message. The packet type may include a command packet, a response packet, and a notification packet.

FIG.22Bshows an example structure of the payload of the ranging response message. Referring toFIG.22B, the payload of the ranging response message may consist of N bytes and may have a first structure2210in which N-4bytes are allocated to data, a second structure2220in which N-3bytes are allocated to data, or a third structure2230in which N-2bytes are allocated to data.

FIG.23is a flowchart illustrating operations performed by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. In operation2310, at least one processor (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101) may obtain an image through at least one camera module (e.g., the first camera module420, the second camera module430, the third camera module440, and the fourth camera module450). Since the details described above in connection with operation1710ofFIG.17may apply likewise to operation2310, no repetitive description is given below.

In operation2320, at least one processor120of the electronic device101may identify the mounting mode of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the at least one processor120may identify the mounting mode of the electronic device101based on the angle detected through the sensor module (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1) configured to detect the angle of the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the mounting mode of the electronic device101may identify as either a first mounting mode or a second mounting mode. For example, the first mounting mode may be a portrait mode, and the second mounting mode may be a landscape mode.

In operation2330, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may activate one or more patch antennas of a combination corresponding to the mounting mode identified among at least one patch antenna512,514, and516. According to various embodiments, among the at least one patch antenna512,514, and516, the first patch antenna512may be activated for all the mounting modes. In operation2340, the first patch antenna512may be used to broadcast a ranging request message. One or more patch antennas activated in operation2330may be used to receive a ranging response message in operation2350.

An example of a combination of patch antennas activated corresponding to the mounting mode is described with reference toFIG.24.FIG.24is a view illustrating a patch antenna channel configuration of an electronic device receiving a ranging response message according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.24, the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and the third patch antenna516may be positioned on the flexible printed circuit board520. The antenna connecting terminal590may connect the first patch antenna512, the second patch antenna514, and the third patch antenna516to the antenna circuit600. The antenna circuit600may be connected to the patch antenna510through a first communication port602and a second communication port604, which are reception ports, and a third communication port606, which is a third/reception port. The first patch antenna512may be electrically connected to the antenna connecting terminal590through the first feed512a, and the second patch antenna514may be electrically connected to the antenna connecting terminal590through the second feed514a. The third patch antenna516may be electrically connected to the antenna connecting terminal590through the third feed516a.

The electronic device101may include a sensor module800and at least one processor120. The at least one processor120may receive a signal based on the angle of the electronic device101from the sensor module800through the sensor interface2430. The at least one processor120may include an environment control circuit2440, identify the mounting mode based on the angle of the electronic device101through the environment control circuit2440, and control the antenna circuit600to activate the patch antennas of the combination corresponding to the identified mounting mode.

Or, in an embodiment, the sensor module800may identify the mounting mode based on the measurement value regarding the angle of the electronic device101and control the antenna circuit600to activate the patch antennas of the combination of the identified mounting mode.

In the example ofFIG.24, the direction in which the second patch antenna514is positioned with respect to the first patch antenna512may be defined as a first direction, and the direction in which the third patch antenna516is positioned with respect to the first patch antenna512may be defined as a second direction. In this case, the first direction may be substantially perpendicular to the second direction.

When the mounting mode of the electronic device101is identified as the first mounting mode in which the first direction is parallel to the ground as shown inFIG.24, the at least one processor120may control the antenna circuit600to activate the first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514. The activated first patch antenna512and the second patch antenna514may receive the ranging response message transmitted from the first external electronic device2410. As described above in connection withFIG.9, the angle of arrival corresponding to the first external electronic device2410may be identified based on the phase difference between the signal2421corresponding to the ranging response message received by the first patch antenna512and the signal2422corresponding to the ranging response message received by the second patch antenna514.

Or, in an example different from that shown inFIG.24, when the mounting mode of the electronic device101is identified as the second mounting mode in which the second direction is parallel to the ground, the at least one processor120may control the antenna circuit600to activate the first patch antenna512and the third patch antenna516.

AlthoughFIG.24illustrates an example in which the electronic device101includes three patch antennas disposed in an “inverted L” shape, according to various embodiments, the number and arrangement of antenna patches, definition of the mounting mode, and the combination of the antenna patches corresponding to the mounting mode are not limited to the example shown inFIG.22.

In operation2340, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may broadcast a ranging request message through at least one of the patch antennas activated in operation2330. Since the details described above in connection with operation1720ofFIG.17may apply likewise to operation2340, no repetitive description is given below.

In operation2350, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may receive the ranging response message from the first external electronic device through the one or more patch antennas activated in operation2330. Since the details described above in connection with operation1730ofFIG.17may apply likewise to operation2350, no repetitive description is given below.

In operation2360, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may identify the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device101based on the ranging response message. Since the details described above in connection with operation1740ofFIG.17may apply likewise to operation2360, no repetitive description is given below.

In operation2370, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may identify a first area corresponding to the first external electronic device in the image obtained through at least one camera module, based on the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device. Since the details described above in connection with operation1750ofFIG.17may apply likewise to operation2370, no repetitive description is given below.

In operation2380, the at least one processor120of the electronic device101may overlay the graphic object corresponding to the first external electronic device on the first area and display them on the display160. Since the details described above in connection with operation1760ofFIG.17may apply likewise to operation2380, no repetitive description is given below.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.5) may comprise a housing (e.g., the housing310ofFIG.2), a first camera module (e.g., the first camera module420ofFIG.5) disposed in the housing and including a first camera housing (e.g., the first camera housing425ofFIG.6), a prism (e.g., the prism421ofFIG.6) disposed in the first camera housing and configured to refract light transferred from outside of the electronic device, and an image sensor (e.g., the image sensor422ofFIG.6) disposed in the first camera housing and configured to obtain the light through the prism, and an antenna module (e.g., the antenna module500ofFIG.5) having at least a portion disposed on the first camera module.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise a camera module (e.g., the camera module400ofFIG.5) in which the first camera module is disposed. The camera module may include a camera window (e.g., the camera window410ofFIG.5) forming at least a portion of an exterior of the camera module. At least a portion of the antenna module may be disposed between the camera window and the first camera module.

According to various embodiments, the first camera module may include a first lens assembly (e.g., the lens assembly423ofFIG.6) disposed between the prism and the image sensor and facing the image sensor. The camera module may include a second camera module (e.g., the second camera module430ofFIG.5) facing the camera window.

According to various embodiments, the camera window may include a first transparent area (e.g., the first transparent area412ofFIG.11) for providing a path of light towards the first lens assembly, at least one second transparent area (e.g., the second transparent area416ofFIG.11) for providing a path of light towards the second camera module, and a printing area (e.g., the printing area414ofFIG.11) surrounding the first transparent area and the second transparent area. At least a portion of the antenna module may be disposed between the printing area and the first camera module.

According to various embodiments, the housing may include a front plate (e.g., the front plate302ofFIG.2) and a rear plate (e.g., the rear plate380ofFIG.4). At least a portion of the antenna module may be disposed between the rear plate and the first camera module.

According to various embodiments, the camera module may include a first camera supporting member (e.g., the first camera supporting member460ofFIG.7) supporting the camera module. The antenna module may be disposed on the first camera supporting member.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module may include a first patch antenna (e.g., the first patch antenna512ofFIG.5) and a second patch antenna (e.g., the second patch antenna514ofFIG.5) that is spaced apart from the first patch antenna.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module may include a third patch antenna (e.g., the third patch antenna516ofFIG.5) that is spaced apart from the first patch antenna. The second patch antenna and the third patch antenna may be disposed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first patch antenna.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1) configured to detect an angle of the electronic device from a ground, a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) configured to determine a mounting mode of the electronic device based on the angle, and a switching circuit (e.g., the switching circuit700ofFIG.14) configured to selectively connect the second patch antenna or the third patch antenna to an antenna circuit (e.g., the antenna circuit600ofFIG.13) electrically connected with the processor.

According to various embodiments, the processor may be configured to control the switching circuit in a first connection state of being electrically connected with the first patch antenna and the second patch antenna in a first mounting mode and control the switching circuit in a second connection state of being electrically connected with the first patch antenna and the third patch antenna in a second mounting mode.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device101may comprise at least one camera module420,430,440, and450, at least one patch antenna512,514, and516, a display160, and at least one processor120. The at least one processor120may be configured to obtain an image through the at least one camera module420,430,440, and450, broadcast a ranging request message through the at least one patch antenna512,514, and516, receive a ranging response message from a first external electronic device receiving the ranging request message, through the at least one patch antenna512,514, and516, identify a relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device101, based on the ranging response message, identify a first area corresponding to the first external electronic device in the image, based on the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device101, and overlay a graphic object corresponding to the first external electronic device on the first area of the image and display on the display160.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device101may further comprise a sensor module. The at least one processor120may be configured to identify a mounting mode of the electronic device101through the sensor module, activate patch antennas of a combination corresponding to the identified mounting mode among the at least one patch antenna512,514, and516, the patch antennas of the combination corresponding to the mounting mode including a first patch antenna, broadcast the ranging request message through the first patch antenna, and receive the ranging response message through the activated patch antennas.

According to various embodiments, the at least one patch antenna512,514, and516may include the first patch antenna, a second patch antenna that is spaced apart from the first patch antenna in a first direction, and a third patch antenna that is spaced apart from the first patch antenna in a second direction, the first direction being substantially perpendicular to the second direction. The at least one processor120may be configured to activate the first patch antenna and the second patch antenna when the identified mounting mode corresponds to a state in which the first direction is parallel to a ground and activate the first patch antenna and the third patch antenna when the identified mounting mode corresponds to a state in which the second direction is parallel to the ground.

According to various embodiments, the at least one processor120may be configured to identify a distance between the first external electronic device and the electronic device101by a single sided-two way ranging (SS-TWR) scheme or a double sided-two way ranging (DS-TWR) scheme to identify the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the graphic object may be determined based on the ranging response message.

According to various embodiments, the graphic object may indicate at least one of a graphic image preset by a user of the first external electronic device, a name preset by the user of the first external electronic device, or text preset by the user of the first external electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the first area may be a face area of a person closest to a position of the first external electronic device in the image.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a method performed by an electronic device including at least one patch antenna512,514, and516may comprise obtaining an image through at least one camera module420,430,440, and450of the electronic device, broadcasting a ranging request message through the at least one patch antenna512,514, and516, receiving a ranging response message from a first external electronic device receiving the ranging request message, through the at least one patch antenna512,514, and516, identifying a relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device101, based on the ranging response message, identifying a first area corresponding to the first external electronic device in the image based on the relative position of the first external electronic device with respect to the electronic device101, and overlaying a graphic object corresponding to the first external electronic device on the first area of the image and displaying on a display160of the electronic device101.

According to various embodiments, the method may further comprise identifying a mounting mode of the electronic device101and activating patch antennas of a combination corresponding to the identified mounting mode among the at least one patch antenna512,514, and516. The patch antennas of the combination corresponding to the mounting mode may include a first patch antenna. Broadcasting the ranging request message may be performed through the first patch antenna, and receiving the ranging response message may be performed through the activated patch antennas.

According to various embodiments, the at least one patch antenna512,514, and516may include the first patch antenna, a second patch antenna that is spaced apart from the first patch antenna in a first direction, and a third patch antenna that is spaced apart from the first patch antenna in a second direction. The first direction may be substantially perpendicular to the second direction. Activating the patch antennas of the combination corresponding to the identified mounting mode among the at least one patch antenna512,514, and516may include activating the first patch antenna and the second patch antenna when the identified mounting mode corresponds to a state in which the first direction is parallel to a ground and activating the first patch antenna and the third patch antenna when the identified mounting mode corresponds to a state in which the second direction is parallel to the ground.