Electronic device and display method of electronic device

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a display; an input module for receiving a user input; and a processor configured to generate an image group including a plurality of images according to a designated condition, display a first object indicating an image group on a display, and display a second object for exploring the plurality of images included in the image group at a location corresponding to a location where a user input is received when the user input for the first object is received. Also, other embodiments are possible.

This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/KR2016/013496 filed 22 Nov. 2016, which designated the U.S. and claims priority to KR Patent Application No. 10-2015-0177220 filed 11 Dec. 2015, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a contents display method of an electronic device including a display.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

With the development of electronic technologies, various electronic devices have been developed. In recent years, portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and the like, have been widely used to provide various services, for example, photographing, listening to music, reproducing a video, an e-mail service, a social networking service (SNS), and the like.

Portable terminals, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and the like, which have a camera mounted therein are usually used to take a photo in everyday life, and the number of photos stored in an electronic device are increasing with an increase in storage capacity.

In general, contents (e.g., photos, videos, files, and the like) may be stored in folders (or groups) in an electronic device. With a folder list displayed on a display, a user may identify only one piece of representative content (e.g., a representative image, a representative file name, a representative video thumbnail, or the like) included in a folder and has to enter the folder or group to identify contents stored therein (e.g., photos, videos, files, and the like).

Even when the user wants to browse through contents included in a specific folder, the user has to make an entrance to the specific folder. Also, to identify contents stored in another folder while the user views the contents stored in the specific folder, the user has to deviate from the specific folder and make an entrance to the other folder.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device for identifying contents included in a folder without entrance to the folder, and a display method thereof.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a display, an input module that receives a user input, and a processor that creates an image group including a plurality of images according to a specified condition, displays a first object representing the image group on the display, and, when a user input is applied to the first object, displays a second object for browsing through the plurality of images included in the image group, in a location corresponding to a location where the user input is applied.

A display method of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes creating an image group including a plurality of images according to a specified condition, displaying a first object representing the image group on a display, receiving a user input applied to the first object, and displaying a second object for browsing through the plurality of images included in the image group, in a location corresponding to a location where the user input is applied.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a display, a memory that stores a plurality of images including a first image and a second image, and a processor. The processor displays, on the display, a first object corresponding to an image group including the first image and the second image, receives a user input applied to the first object, and differently displays, on the display, a location, a shape, or a size of a second object for browsing through the first image or the second image, depending on the user input.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a user may rapidly identify contents stored in a folder even in the state in which a folder list is displayed, and therefore user convenience may be improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

The terms, such as “first”, “second”, and the like used in this disclosure may be used to refer to various elements regardless of the order and/or the priority and to distinguish the relevant elements from other elements, but do not limit the elements. For example, “a first user device” and “a second user device” indicate different user devices regardless of the order or priority. For example, without departing the scope of the present disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of, for example, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones, electronic book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) players, mobile medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted-devices (HMDs), a fabric or garment-integrated type (e.g., an electronic apparel), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or tattoos), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

According to another embodiment, an electronic device may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measurement devices (e.g., a blood glucose monitoring device, a heartbeat measuring device, a blood pressure measuring device, a body temperature measuring device, and the like), a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computed tomography (CT), scanners, and ultrasonic devices), navigation devices, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), event data recorders (EDRs), flight data recorders (FDRs), vehicle infotainment devices, electronic equipment for vessels (e.g., navigation systems and gyrocompasses), avionics, security devices, head units for vehicles, industrial or home robots, automatic teller's machines (ATMs), points of sales (POSs) of stores, or internet of things (e.g., light bulbs, various sensors, electric or gas meters, sprinkler devices, fire alarms, thermostats, street lamps, toasters, exercise equipment, hot water tanks, heaters, boilers, and the like).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include at least one of parts of furniture or buildings/structures, electronic boards, electronic signature receiving devices, projectors, or various measuring instruments (e.g., water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, or wave meters, and the like). According to various embodiments, the electronic device may be one of the above-described devices or a combination thereof. An electronic device according to an embodiment may be a flexible electronic device. Furthermore, an electronic device according to an embodiment of this disclosure may not be limited to the above-described electronic devices and may include other electronic devices and new electronic devices according to the development of technologies.

Hereinafter, electronic devices according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this disclosure, the term “user” may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses the electronic device.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1, an electronic device100may include an input module110, a display120, a first memory130, a second memory140, and a processor150.

According to an embodiment, the input module110may receive a user input. According to an embodiment, the input module110may receive a user input applied to a first object representing an image group displayed on the display120.

According to an embodiment, the input module110may include a touch sensor panel that senses a user's touch operation or a pen sensor panel that senses the user's pen operation. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor panel may include a pressure sensor for detecting pressure of a user touch. The pressure sensor may be implemented integrally with the touch sensor panel, or may be implemented with one or more sensors separate from the touch sensor panel.

According to an embodiment, the display120may display a user interface. According to an embodiment, the display120may display the first object representing an image group stored in the first memory130. According to an embodiment, when a user input is applied to the first object, the display120may display a second object in a location corresponding to the location where the user input is applied.

According to an embodiment, the first memory130may be a non-volatile memory. For example, the first memory130may include a flash memory. For example, the first memory130may include an embedded multimedia card (eMMC), universal flash storage (UFS), or a secure digital card (SD card).

According to an embodiment, the first memory130may store images (e.g., photos, videos, or cover images included in music files). According to an embodiment, the first memory130may store a plurality of images taken by a user or received from an external electronic device. According to an embodiment, the first memory130may store an image group created by the processor150. The image group may include, for example, at least one (e.g., a plurality of) image(s).

According to an embodiment, the second memory140may be a volatile memory. For example, the second memory140may be a random access memory (RAM).

According to an embodiment, to improve a processing speed, the second memory140may temporarily store images to be displayed on the display120. For example, the second memory140may read and store images stored in the first memory130.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may control an overall operation of the electronic device100. For example, the processor150may control the input module110, the display120, the first memory130, and the second memory140to provide images to a user according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to an embodiment, the processor150(e.g., an application processor) may be implemented with a system on chip (SoC) that includes at least one processor (or a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a video processor, a memory, and the like.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may create an image group including one or more images. According to an embodiment, the processor150may create the image group according to a specified condition. For example, the processor150may select at least one image satisfying the specified condition from a plurality of images stored in the first memory130and may create an image group including the at least one selected image.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may create an image group, based on at least one of an image attribute (e.g., the time when an image was taken, the place where an image was taken, a shutter speed, an F-number, or the like), an image analysis result (e.g., a person included in an image, an animal included in an image, or the type of photographed subject), and a tag inserted in an image. For example, the processor150may create an image group including images taken at specified time or on a specified date. In another example, the processor150may create an image group including images taken in a specified place at specified time or on a specified date. In another example, the processor150may create an image group that includes images in which a specified person is included or images in which a specified number of persons are included. In another example, the processor150may create an image group including images in which a tag with a specified word or name is inserted.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may store the created image group in the first memory130. According to an embodiment, the processor150may store attributes of the image group (e.g., a creation condition, the title, the number of images, the time when the images were taken, the places where the images were taken, and the like) together with the image group.

FIGS. 2A to 2Dillustrate a user interface according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may provide a service relating to an image group through the display120. For example, a user interface illustrated inFIG. 2Amay be displayed on the display120when a user executes an application (e.g., a gallery application). Referring toFIG. 2A, the user interface may include a gallery tab11and an image group tab12. According to an embodiment, when the user selects the gallery tab11, the processor150may display a user interface that is capable of providing images taken by the user or images received from an external electronic device. According to an embodiment, when the user selects the image group tab12, the processor150may display a user interface that is capable of providing images included in an image group.

Referring toFIG. 2A, the processor150may display, on the display120, a first object (or an indicator)13representing an image group when the image group tab12is selected by the user. For example, the first object13may be one (e.g., a representative image) of a plurality of images included in the image group. According to an embodiment, in response to a user input, the first object13may be magnified or reduced in the region where the first object13is displayed. According to an embodiment, the processor150may display image group information14together with the first object13. The image group information14may include, for example, the title of the image group, the time when the image included in the image group was taken, and the like.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may receive a user input applied to the first object13. For example, when a user input is applied to the region where the first object13is displayed, the processor150may determine that the user input is applied to the first object13. Referring toFIG. 2A, when the user input is applied to the first object13, the processor150may determine the location where the user input is applied. For example, the processor150may determine that the user input is applied to a first location P1in the region where the first object13is displayed.

Referring toFIG. 2B, when the user input is applied to the first object13, the processor150may display, in a location (or region) corresponding to the location (e.g., P1ofFIG. 2A) where the user input is applied, a second object (or a handler)15for browsing through the plurality of images included in the image group. According to an embodiment, the processor150may display a third object (or a guide bar)17, which represents a path along which the second object15moves, together with the second object15.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may display the second object15in consideration of the abscissa (or x-coordinate) and the ordinate (or y-coordinate) of the user input. For example, the processor150may display the second object15in the same location as the abscissa and ordinate of the location where the user input is applied. According to an embodiment, the processor150may display the second object15in consideration of only the abscissa of the user input without regard to the ordinate of the user input. For example, the processor150may display the second object15by using the abscissa of the location where the user input is applied and a specified vertical coordinate.

According to an embodiment, when the user input is applied to the first object13, the processor150may display, in the region corresponding to the first object13(or the region where the first object13is displayed), an image corresponding to the location of the second object15(or the location where the user input is applied), among the plurality of images included in the image group. For example, referring toFIG. 2B, the first object13may be changed from the representative image (e.g., a first image) to an image (e.g., a second image) corresponding to the first location P1.

According to an embodiment, when the user input is applied to the first object13, the processor150may determine the type of user input. According to an embodiment, the processor150may display the second object15when a specified type of user input is applied. For example, when a swipe or a flick is input, the processor150may display the second object15, and when a tap is input, the processor150may display a separate user interface in which one or more images included in the image group are arranged, without displaying the second object15.

According to an embodiment, when the user input is applied to the first object13, the processor150may determine whether a plurality of images is included in the image group corresponding to the first object13to which the user input is applied. In the case where only one image is included in the image group, the processor150may display a separate user interface that provides the image included in the image group, without displaying the second object15.

Referring toFIG. 2C, the location where the user input is applied may be changed. For example, the location of the user input may be changed from the first location P1to a second location P2. According to an embodiment, when the location of the user input is changed, the processor150may change the location of the second object15, depending on the changed location P2of the user input. For example, the location of the second object15may be changed from the first location P1to the second location P2.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may set a location change unit for the second object15, depending on the number of images included in the image group that corresponds to the first object13to which the user input is applied. For example, in the case where the region where the first object13is displayed has 1000 horizontal pixels and the image group corresponding to the first object13has 10 images, the processor150may set the location change unit for the second object15to 100 pixels.

According to an embodiment, the second object15may be moved based on the location change unit. For example, the processor150may change the location of the second object15when the location of the user input is changed by a specified magnitude (e.g., the location change unit).

According to an embodiment, the processor150may differently set the size (e.g., the horizontal length) of the second object15, depending on the number of images included in the image group that corresponds to the first object13to which the user input is applied. For example, the processor150may reduce the size of the second object15with an increase in the number of images included in the image group.

According to an embodiment, when the location of the user input is changed, the processor150may display, in the region corresponding to the first object13, an image corresponding to the changed location of the second object15(or the location where the user input is applied), among the plurality of images included in the image group. For example, referring toFIG. 2C, the first object13may be changed from the image (e.g., the second image) corresponding to the first location P1to an image (e.g., a third image) corresponding to the second location P2.

Referring toFIG. 2D, the user input may be completed. For example, a touch-up event may occur after the location of the user input is changed to the second location P2. According to an embodiment, the processor150may make the second object15and the third object17on the display120disappear when the user input is completed (or when a touch-up event occurs). According to an embodiment, even though the user input is completed, the processor150may continue to display the image (e.g., the third image) displayed in the region corresponding to the first object13right before the completion of the user input.

FIGS. 3A to 3Dillustrate a user interface according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may provide a service relating to an image group through the display120. For example, a user interface illustrated inFIG. 3Amay be displayed on the display120when a user executes an application (e.g., a gallery application). Referring toFIG. 3A, the user interface may include a gallery tab21and an image group tab22. The processor150may display, on the display120, a first object23representing an image group when the image group tab22is selected by the user. For example, the first object23may be one (e.g., a representative image) of a plurality of images included in the image group. According to an embodiment, the processor150may display image group information24together with the first object23. The image group information24may include, for example, the title of the image group, the time when the image included in the image group was taken, and the like.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may receive a user input applied to the first object23. For example, when a user input is applied to the region where the first object23is displayed, the processor150may determine that the user input is applied to the first object23. According to an embodiment, when the user input is applied to the first object23, the processor150may determine the location where the user input is applied. For example, the processor150may determine that the user input is applied to a third location P3in the region where the first object23is displayed.

Referring toFIG. 3B, when the user input is applied to the first object23, the processor150may display, in a location (or region) corresponding to the location (e.g., P3ofFIG. 3A) where the user input is applied, a second object25for browsing through the plurality of images included in the image group. According to an embodiment, the processor150may display a third object27, which represents a path along which the second object25moves, together with the second object25.

Referring toFIG. 3C, the location where the user input is applied may be changed. For example, the location of the user input may be changed from the third location P3to a fourth location P4. According to an embodiment, when the location of the user input is changed, the processor150may change the location of the second object25, depending on the changed location P4of the user input. For example, the location of the second object25may be changed from the third location P3to the fourth location P4.

Referring toFIG. 3D, the user input may be completed. For example, a touch-up event may occur after the location of the user input is changed to the fourth location P4. According to an embodiment, the processor150may make the second object25and the third object27on the display120disappear when the user input is completed (or when a touch-up event occurs).

According to an embodiment, when the user input is completed, the processor150may display, in the region corresponding to the first object23, an image corresponding to the user input. For example, when the user input is completed, the processor150may determine the start point (e.g., the third location P3) and the end point (e.g., the fourth location P4) of the user input. The processor150may sequentially display images between the image corresponding to the third location P3and the image corresponding to the fourth location P4. For example, referring toFIG. 3D, the first object23may be sequentially changed from the representative image (e.g., a first image img1) to the image (e.g., a second image img2) corresponding to the third location P3and the image (e.g., a third image img3) corresponding to the fourth location P4.

FIG. 4illustrates a process of determining an image corresponding to the location of a user input, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 4, the electronic device100(e.g., the processor150) may display, on the display120, a first object31representing an image group. According to an embodiment, the processor150may display a second object32and a third object33on the display120when a user input is applied to the first object31. According to an embodiment, the processor150may divide the region where the first object31is displayed into a plurality of sections that correspond to the number of images included in an image combination file. The image group may include, for example, ten images img1to img10. For example, referring toFIG. 4, the processor150may divide the region where the first object31is displayed into ten sections a1to a10with respect to a horizontal axis. Each of the sections may correspond to one of the plurality of images included in the image group.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may determine a section that corresponds to the location of the second object32or the location where the user input is applied, and may identify an image corresponding to the determined section. For example, referring toFIG. 4, when the second object32is located in the third section a3, the third image img3corresponding to the third section a3may be displayed as the first object31.

FIG. 5illustrates a process of determining an image corresponding to the location of a user input, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 5, the electronic device100(e.g., the processor150) may display, on the display120, a first object34representing an image group. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may be a smartwatch. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include the circular display120, and the first object34may have a circular shape. According to an embodiment, the processor150may display a second object35and a third object36on the display120when a user input is applied to the first object34.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may divide the region where the first object34is displayed into a plurality of sections that correspond to the number of images included in an image combination file. The image group may include, for example, eight images img1to img8. For example, referring toFIG. 5, the processor150may divide the region where the first object34is displayed into eight sections a1to a8in a circumferential direction with respect to the center of the region where the first object34is displayed. Each of the sections may correspond to one of the plurality of images included in the image group.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may determine a section that corresponds to the location of the second object35or the location where the user input is applied, and may identify an image corresponding to the determined section. For example, referring toFIG. 5, when the second object35is located in the sixth section a6, the sixth image img6corresponding to the sixth section a6may be displayed as the first object34.

According to an embodiment, depending on the shape of the display120(or the shape of the first object34), the processor150may differently display at least one of the location, shape, and size of the second object35or the third object36. For example, referring toFIG. 4, in the case where the first object31has a rectangular shape, the second object32may be displayed in a rectangular shape, and the third object33may be displayed in a straight line. In another example, referring toFIG. 5, in the case where the first object34has a circular shape, the second object35may be displayed in a circular (or oval) shape, and the third object36may be displayed in a circular (or curved) line.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may copy images stored in the first memory130to the second memory140to display at least one image included in the image group on the display120. According to an embodiment, the first memory130may store a plurality of image groups. In the case where all the image groups stored in the first memory130are copied to the second memory140, the storage space of the second memory140may be wasted and the performance of the electronic device100may be degraded. Accordingly, the processor150may copy, to the second memory140, only some of the plurality of image groups stored in the first memory130.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may display a list of the image groups stored in the first memory130when a user selects an image group tab of a gallery application (e.g., the image group tab12ofFIG. 2A). The user may browse through the image groups stored in the first memory130, for example, by scrolling the list. According to an embodiment, the processor150may copy, to the second memory140, only an image group displayed on the display120while scrolling is stopped (or only the image group corresponding to the first object34displayed on the display120). According to an embodiment, the processor150may copy, to the second memory140, only an image group displayed on the display120in the state in which a scroll speed is lower than or equal to a specified value (or only the image group corresponding to the first object34displayed on the display120). The processor150may selectively copy, to the second memory140, only an image group to which a user input is more likely to be applied, and therefore it is possible to ensure a storage space of the second memory140and to improve the performance of the electronic device100.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may sequentially copy a plurality of images included in an image group to the second memory140. The plurality of images included in the image group may be arranged, for example, according to a specified condition (e.g., the sizes of the images, the time when the images were taken, or the like). According to an embodiment, the processor150may sequentially copy the plurality of images included in the image group to the second memory140in the order in which the plurality of images are arranged. According to an embodiment, the processor150may copy, to the second memory140, images corresponding to a location change unit of the second object35, among the plurality of images included in the image group. The processor150may sequentially copy the plurality of images included in the image group to the second memory140, for example, by gradually decreasing the location change unit of the second object35. A specific description thereabout will be given with reference toFIG. 6.

FIG. 6illustrates images copied to the second memory, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 6, the processor150may sequentially copy a plurality of images included in an image group to the second memory140as time passes. The image group may include, for example, nine images.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may set a location change unit such that the location of a second object is changed in a single stage at first time t1. Accordingly, the second object may be moved in the region corresponding to the first and ninth images. The processor150may copy, to the second memory140, the first and ninth images corresponding to the set location change unit.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may set the location change unit such that the location of the second object is changed in two stages at second time t2. Accordingly, the second object may be moved in the region corresponding to the first, fifth, and ninth images. The processor150may copy the fifth image to the second memory140, except the first and ninth images stored in advance in the second memory140, among the first, fifth, and ninth images corresponding to the set location change unit.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may set the location change unit such that the location of the second object is changed in four stages at third time t3. Accordingly, the second object may be moved in the region corresponding to the first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth images. The processor150may copy the third and seventh images to the second memory140, except the images stored in advance in the second memory140, among the first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth images corresponding to the set location change unit.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may set the location change unit such that the location of the second object is changed in eight stages at fourth time t4. Accordingly, the second object may be moved in the region corresponding to the first to ninth images. The processor150may copy the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth images to the second memory140, except the images stored in advance in the second memory140, among the first to ninth images corresponding to the set location change unit.

FIGS. 7A to 7Cillustrate a user interface according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 7A, the processor150may display, on the display120, a first object43representing an image group. For example, the first object43may be one (e.g., a representative image) of a plurality of images included in the image group. According to an embodiment, the processor150may receive a user input applied to the first object43. When the user input is applied to the first object43, the processor150may determine the location where the user input is applied. For example, the processor150may determine that the user input is applied to a fifth location P5in the region where the first object43is displayed.

Referring toFIG. 7B, when the user input is applied to the first object43, the processor150may display, in a location (or region) corresponding to the location (e.g., P5ofFIG. 7A) where the user input is applied, a second object45for browsing through the plurality of images included in the image group. According to an embodiment, the processor150may display a third object47, which represents a path along which the second object45moves, together with the second object45.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may differently display at least one of the shape and size of the second object45(or the third object47), depending on attributes (e.g., a creation condition) of the image group corresponding to the first object43to which the user input is applied. For example, referring toFIG. 7B, in the case where the image group is related to people, the processor150may display the second object45in the shape of a person and the third object47in the shape of a flat land including a tree, a bush, or the like. In another example, in the case where the image group is related to animals, the processor150may display the second object45in the shape of an animal. In another example, in the case where the image group is related to a specified place (e.g., Paris), the processor150may display the second object45in the shape of a landmark (e.g., the Eiffel Tower) that represents the corresponding place. In another example, in the case where the image group is related to a specific person, the processor150may display the specific person's facial picture as the second object45.

Referring toFIG. 7C, the location where the user input is applied may be changed. For example, the location of the user input may be changed from the fifth location P5to a sixth location P6. According to an embodiment, when the location of the user input is changed, the processor150may change at least one of the location, shape, and size of the second object45(or the third object47), depending on the changed location P6of the user input. For example, the location of the second object45may be changed from the fifth location P5to the sixth location P6, and the shape of the second object45may be changed from the shape of a person who stands to the shape of a person who walks.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may provide an animation effect to a user by continuously changing at least one of the location, shape, and size of the second object45in response to a change in the location of the user input. For example, the processor150may provide an animation effect in which the second object45having the shape of a person walks on the third object47having the shape of a flat land. In another example, the processor150may provide an animation effect in which the second object45having the shape of an animal runs on the third object47having the shape of a hill. In another example, the processor150may provide an animation effect in which the second object45having the shape of the sun makes an arc and changes in size (e.g., gradually increases toward the center and decreases toward a side) as the second object45moves over the third object47having the shape of the horizon or the surface of the sea.

FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate travel paths of a second object, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the above-described embodiments, the second objects have been described as moving along the third objects. However, the second objects may move along paths different from the third objects.

Referring toFIG. 8A, the processor150may display, on the display120, a first object51representing an image group. According to an embodiment, when a user input is applied to the first object51, the processor150may display, in a location (or region) corresponding to the location where the user input is applied, a second object52for browsing through a plurality of images included in the image group and a third object53. According to an embodiment, the second object52may move along a path54different from the third object53. For example, the processor150may move the second object52along the path54different from the third object53to provide an animation effect in which the second object52having the shape of an animal runs on the third object53having the shape of a lawn.

Referring toFIG. 8B, the processor150may display, on the display120, a first object55representing an image group. According to an embodiment, when a user input is applied to the first object55, the processor150may display, in a location (or region) corresponding to the location where the user input is applied, a second object56for browsing through a plurality of images included in the image group and a third object57. According to an embodiment, the second object56may move along a path58different from the third object57. For example, the processor150may move the second object56along the path58different from the third object57to provide an animation effect in which the second object56having the shape of the sun makes an arc while moving over the third object57having the shape of the horizon or the surface of the sea.

FIGS. 9A to 9Cillustrate a user interface according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 9A, the processor150may display, on the display120, a first object61representing an image group. According to an embodiment, the processor150may receive a user input applied to the first object61. When the user input is applied to the first object61, the processor150may determine the location where the user input is applied. For example, the processor150may determine that the user input is applied to a seventh location P7in the region where the first object61is displayed.

Referring toFIG. 9B, when the user input is applied to the first object61, the processor150may display, in a location (or region) corresponding to the location (e.g., P7ofFIG. 9A) where the user input is applied, a second object63for browsing through a plurality of images included in the image group.

Referring toFIG. 9C, the location where the user input is applied may be changed. According to an embodiment, when the location of the user input is changed, the processor150may change the location of the second object63, depending on the changed location of the user input. According to an embodiment, when the location of the second object63is changed, the processor150may display a third object65corresponding to the path along which the second object63is moved.

Referring toFIG. 9C, when the location of the second object63is changed, the processor150may display a third object65corresponding to the path along which the second object63is moved. When the third object65is displayed, the second object63is moved according to the third object65until the user input is completed.

FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate a user interface according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to an embodiment, the processor150may differently display at least one of the shape and size of a second object (or a third object), depending on the area of a user input. For example, the processor150may increase the size of the second object with an increase in the area of the user input to the first object and may reduce the size of the second object with a decrease in the area of the user input to the first object.

Referring toFIG. 10A, a user may input a touch operation to a first object71by using a finger. According to an embodiment, when the user input is applied to the first object71, the processor150may determine an area (e.g., a first area) touched by the user's finger. According to an embodiment, the processor150may display a second object72(or a third object73) in a first size (or a first thickness) corresponding to the area by which the touch operation is input to the first object71. According to an embodiment, the size of the second object72(or the third object73) may be changed when the area of the touch operation is varied depending on the user input.

Referring toFIG. 10B, a user may input a pen operation to a first object75by using a pen. According to an embodiment, when the user input is applied to the first object75, the processor150may determine an area (e.g., a second area) by which the pen operation is input to the first object75. According to an embodiment, the processor150may display a second object76(or a third object77) in a second size (or a second thickness) corresponding to the area by which the pen operation is input to the first object75. According to an embodiment, the size of the second object76(or the third object77) may be changed when the area of the pen operation is varied depending on the user input.

According to an embodiment, when a user input is applied to the first object, the processor150may display, in the region corresponding to the first object, a plurality of images included in an image group (e.g., all images included in the image group) that corresponds to the first object to which the user input is applied, depending on the direction in which the user input is applied. For example, when a horizontal user input is applied to the first object, the processor150may arrange and display the plurality of images, which are included in the image group, in the horizontal direction. In another example, when a vertical user input is applied to the first object, the processor150may arrange and display the plurality of images, which are included in the image group, in the vertical direction.

According to an embodiment, when arranging and displaying the plurality of images included in the image group, the processor150may display some of the plurality of images in a shape or size that is different from that of the remaining images. For example, the processor150may make an image corresponding to the location of the user input appear larger and may make the remaining images appear smaller. In another example, the processor150may display the image corresponding to the location of the user input on a plane (or in parallel to the display screen) and may display the remaining images at a different angle.

According to an embodiment, when arranging and displaying the plurality of images included in the image group, the processor150may display the images in such a manner that the images overlap one another. According to an embodiment, the processor150may display, in the foremost location, the image corresponding to the location of the user input and may display the remaining images behind the image corresponding to the location of the user input.

According to the embodiments described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 10B, the electronic device100may create image groups and may display an image corresponding to a user input on a display screen on which a list of image groups is displayed. According to various embodiments, the present disclosure may be applied not only to an image but also to different contents (e.g., music, a video, a file, or the like). For example, the electronic device100may create music (or video) groups including at least one piece of music (or at least one video) and may reproduce music (or a video) that corresponds to a user input on the display screen on which a list of music groups is displayed.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating a display method of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The flowchart illustrated inFIG. 11may be configured with operations processed in the electronic device100illustrated inFIG. 1. Accordingly, although omitted in the following description, the contents set forth in relation to the electronic device100with reference toFIGS. 1 to 10may also be applied to the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 11.

According to an embodiment, in operation1110, the electronic device100(e.g., the processor150) may create an image group including a plurality of images. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may create the image group according to a specified condition. For example, the electronic device100may select at least one image satisfying the specified condition from a plurality of images stored in the first memory130and may create an image group including the at least one selected image. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may store the created image group in the first memory130.

According to an embodiment, in operation1120, the electronic device100(e.g., the processor150) may display, on the display120, a first object (or an indicator) representing the image group. For example, the first object may be, for example, one (e.g., a representative image) of the plurality of images included in the image group.

According to an embodiment, in operation1130, the electronic device100(e.g., the input module110) may receive a user input applied to the first object. According to an embodiment, when the user input is applied to the region where the first object is displayed, the electronic device100(e.g., the processor150) may determine that the user input is applied to the first object.

According to an embodiment, in operation1140, the electronic device100(e.g., the processor150) may display, on the display120, a second object (or a handler) for browsing through the plurality of images included in the image group. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may display the second object in a location (or a region) corresponding to the location where the user input is applied. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may display a third object (or a guide bar), which represents a path along which the second object moves, together with the second object.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may differently display at least one of the shape and size of the second object (or the third object), depending on attributes (e.g., a creation condition, the number of images, and the like) of the image group corresponding to the first object to which the user input is applied.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may differently display at least one of the shape and size of the second object (or the third object), depending on the area of the user input.

According to an embodiment, in operation1150, the electronic device100(e.g., the processor150) may display an image corresponding to the location of the second object. For example, the electronic device100may display, in the region corresponding to the first object (or the region where the first object is displayed), an image corresponding to the location of the second object (or the location where the user input is applied), among the plurality of images included in the image group.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may copy images stored in the first memory130to the second memory140to display at least one image included in the image group on the display120. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may display a list of image groups displayed on the display120.

According to an embodiment, in operation1160, the electronic device100may determine whether the location of the user input is changed.

According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the location of the user input is changed, the electronic device100(e.g., the processor150) may, in operation1170, display the second object by changing the location of the second object. According to an embodiment, when the location of the user input is changed, the electronic device100may change the location of the second object, depending on the changed location of the user input. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may set a location change unit for the second object, depending on the number of images included in the image group that corresponds to the first object to which the user input is applied. According to an embodiment, the second object may be moved based on the location change unit. According to an embodiment, the second object may be moved along a path that is different from the third object representing a moving path of the second object.

According to an embodiment, when the location of the user input is changed, the electronic device100may change at least one of the shape and size of the second object (or the third object).

According to an embodiment, when the area of the user input is changed, the electronic device100may change at least one of the shape and size of the second object (or the third object).

According to an embodiment, in operation1180, the electronic device100(e.g., the processor150) may display an image corresponding to the location of the second object. For example, when the location of the second object is changed, the electronic device100may display an image corresponding to the changed location of the second object (or the location of the user input), among the plurality of images included in the image group.

According to an embodiment, in operation1190, the electronic device100(e.g., the processor150) may determine whether the user input is completed. For example, the electronic device100may determine whether a touch-up event occurs. According to an embodiment, when the determination result in operation1190shows that the user input is not completed, the electronic device100(e.g., the processor150) may, in operation1160, determine whether the location of the user input is changed.

FIG. 12is a view illustrating an electronic device in a network environment system, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 12, according to various embodiments, an electronic device1201in a network environment1200will be described. For example, the electronic device1201may all or part of the electronic device100illustrated inFIG. 1. The electronic device1201may include a bus1210, a processor1220, a memory1230, an input/output interface1250, a display1260, and a communication interface1270. According to an embodiment, the electronic device1201may not include at least one of the above-described elements or may further include other element(s).

For example, the bus1210may interconnect the above-described elements1210to1270and may include a circuit for conveying communications (e.g., a control message and/or data) among the above-described elements.

The processor1220may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). For example, the processor1220may perform an arithmetic operation or data processing associated with control and/or communication of at least other elements of the electronic device1201.

The memory1230may include a volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. For example, the memory1230may store commands or data associated with at least one other element(s) of the electronic device1201. According to an embodiment, the memory1230may store software and/or a program1240.

The program1240may include, for example, a kernel1241, a middleware1243, an application programming interface (API)1245, and/or an application program (or “an application”)1247. At least a part of the kernel1241, the middleware1243, or the API1245may be referred to as an “operating system (OS)”.

For example, the kernel1241may control or manage system resources (e.g., the bus1210, the processor1220, the memory1230, and the like) that are used to execute operations or functions of other programs (e.g., the middleware1243, the API1245, and the application program1247). Furthermore, the kernel1241may provide an interface that allows the middleware1243, the API1245, or the application program1247to access discrete elements of the electronic device1201so as to control or manage system resources.

The middleware1243may perform, for example, a mediation role such that the API1245or the application program1247communicates with the kernel1241to exchange data. Furthermore, the middleware1243may process task requests received from the application program1247according to a priority. For example, the middleware1243may assign the priority, which makes it possible to use a system resource (e.g., the bus1210, the processor1220, the memory1230, or the like) of the electronic device1201, to at least one of the application program1247and may process the one or more task requests.

The API1245may be, for example, an interface through which the application program1247controls a function provided by the kernel1241or the middleware1243, and may include, for example, at least one interface or function (e.g., an instruction) for a file control, a window control, image processing, a character control, or the like.

The input/output interface1250may play a role, for example, of an interface which transmits a command or data input from a user or another external device, to other element(s) of the electronic device1201. Furthermore, the input/output interface1250may output a command or data, received from other element(s) of the electronic device1201, to a user or another external device.

The display1260may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display. The display1260may display, for example, various contents (e.g., a text, an image, a video, an icon, a symbol, and the like) to a user. The display1260may include a touch screen and may receive, for example, a touch, gesture, proximity, or hovering input using an electronic pen or a part of a user's body.

For example, the communication interface1270may establish communication between the electronic device1201and an external device (e.g., the first external electronic device1202, the second external electronic device1204, or the server1206). For example, the communication interface1270may be connected to the network1262over wireless communication or wired communication to communicate with the external device (e.g., the second external electronic device1204or the server1206).

The wireless communication may use at least one of, for example, long-term evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), or the like, as cellular communication protocol. Furthermore, the wireless communication may include, for example, the short range communication1264. The short range communication1264may include at least one of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), magnetic stripe transmission (MST), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), or the like. The GNSS may include at least one of, for example, a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (Glonass), a Beidou navigation satellite system (hereinafter referred to as “Beidou”), or an European global satellite-based navigation system (hereinafter referred to as “Galileo”). Hereinafter, in this disclosure, “GPS” and “GNSS” may be interchangeably used.

The wired communication may include at least one of, for example, a universal serial bus (USB), a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a recommended standard-232 (RS-232), power line communication, a plain old telephone service (POTS), or the like. The network1262may include at least one of telecommunications networks, for example, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN), an Internet, or a telephone network.

Each of the first and second external electronic devices1202and1204may be a device of which the type is different from or the same as that of the electronic device1201. According to an embodiment, the server1206may include a group of one or more servers. According to various embodiments, all or a portion of operations that the electronic device1201will perform may be executed by another or plural electronic devices (e.g., the first external electronic device1202, the second external electronic device1204or the server1206). According to an embodiment, in the case where the electronic device1201executes any function or service automatically or in response to a request, the electronic device1201may not perform the function or the service internally, but, alternatively additionally, it may request at least a portion of a function associated with the electronic device1201from another device (e.g., the first or second external electronic device1202or1204or the server1206). The other electronic device (e.g., the first or second external electronic device1202or1204or the server1206) may execute the requested function or additional function and may transmit the execution result to the electronic device1201. The electronic device1201may provide the requested function or service using the received result or may additionally process the received result to provide the requested function or service. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing may be used.

FIG. 13illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, according to various embodiments.

An electronic device1301may include, for example, all or a part of the electronic device100illustrated inFIG. 1. The electronic device1301may include one or more processors (e.g., an application processor (AP))1310, a communication module1320, a subscriber identification module1329, a memory1330, a sensor module1340, an input device1350, a display1360, an interface1370, an audio module1380, a camera module1391, a power management module1395, a battery1396, an indicator1397, and a motor1398.

The processor1310may drive, for example, an operating system (OS) or an application to control a plurality of hardware or software elements connected to the processor1310and may process and compute a variety of data. For example, the processor1310may be implemented with a System on Chip (SoC). According to an embodiment, the processor1310may further include a graphic processing unit (GPU) and/or an image signal processor. The processor1310may include at least a part (e.g., a cellular module1321) of elements illustrated inFIG. 13. The processor1310may load a command or data, which is received from at least one of other elements (e.g., a nonvolatile memory), into a volatile memory and process the loaded command or data. The processor1310may store a variety of data in the nonvolatile memory.

The communication module1320may be configured the same as or similar to the communication interface1270ofFIG. 12. The communication module1320may include the cellular module1321, a WiFi module1322, a Bluetooth (BT) module1323, a GNSS module1324(e.g., a GPS module, a Glonass module, a Beidou module, or a Galileo module), a near field communication (NFC) module1325, a MST module1326and a radio frequency (RF) module1327.

The cellular module1321may provide, for example, voice communication, video communication, a character service, an Internet service, or the like over a communication network. According to an embodiment, the cellular module1321may perform discrimination and authentication of the electronic device1301within a communication network by using the subscriber identification module (e.g., a SIM card)1329. According to an embodiment, the cellular module1321may perform at least a portion of functions that the processor1310provides. According to an embodiment, the cellular module1321may include a communication processor (CP).

Each of the WiFi module1322, the BT module1323, the GNSS module1324, the NFC module1325, or the MST module1326may include a processor for processing data exchanged through a corresponding module, for example. According to an embodiment, at least a part (e.g., two or more) of the cellular module1321, the WiFi module1322, the BT module1323, the GNSS module1324, the NFC module1325, or the MST module1326may be included within one Integrated Circuit (10) or an IC package.

For example, the RF module1327may transmit and receive a communication signal (e.g., an RF signal). For example, the RF module1327may include a transceiver, a power amplifier module (PAM), a frequency filter, a low noise amplifier (LNA), an antenna, or the like. According to another embodiment, at least one of the cellular module1321, the WiFi module1322, the BT module1323, the GNSS module1324, the NFC module1325, or the MST module1326may transmit and receive an RF signal through a separate RF module.

The subscriber identification module1329may include, for example, a card and/or embedded SIM that includes a subscriber identification module and may include unique identify information (e.g., integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g., integrated mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)).

The memory1330(e.g., the memory1230) may include an internal memory1332or an external memory1334. For example, the internal memory1332may include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), or the like), a nonvolatile memory (e.g., a one-time programmable read only memory (OTPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a flash memory (e.g., a NAND flash memory or a NOR flash memory), or the like), a hard drive, or a solid state drive (SSD).

The external memory1334may further include a flash drive such as compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), a multimedia card (MMC), a memory stick, or the like. The external memory1334may be operatively and/or physically connected to the electronic device1301through various interfaces.

A security module1336(or secure memory) may be a module that includes a storage space of which a security level is higher than that of the memory1330and may be a circuit that guarantees safe data storage and a protected execution environment. The security module1336may be implemented with a separate circuit and may include a separate processor. For example, the security module1336may be in a smart chip or a secure digital (SD) card, which is removable, or may include an embedded secure element (eSE) embedded in a fixed chip of the electronic device1301. Furthermore, the security module1336may operate based on an operating system (OS) that is different from the OS of the electronic device1301. For example, the security module1336may operate based on java card open platform (JCOP) OS. The sensor module1340may measure, for example, a physical quantity or may detect an operation state of the electronic device1301. The sensor module1340may convert the measured or detected information to an electric signal. For example, the sensor module1340may include at least one of a gesture sensor1340A, a gyro sensor1340B, a barometric pressure sensor1340C, a magnetic sensor1340D, an acceleration sensor1340E, a grip sensor1340F, the proximity sensor1340G, a color sensor1340H (e.g., red, green, blue (RGB) sensor), a biometric sensor1340I, a temperature/humidity sensor1340J, an illuminance sensor1340K, or an UV sensor1340M. Although not illustrated, additionally or alternatively, the sensor module1340may further include, for example, an E-nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, and/or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module1340may further include a control circuit for controlling at least one or more sensors included therein. According to an embodiment, the electronic device1301may further include a processor that is a part of the processor1310or independent of the processor1310and is configured to control the sensor module1340. The processor may control the sensor module1340while the processor1310remains at a sleep state.

The input device1350may include, for example, a touch panel1352, a (digital) pen sensor1354, a key1356, or an ultrasonic input unit1358. For example, the touch panel1352may use at least one of capacitive, resistive, infrared and ultrasonic detecting methods. Also, the touch panel1352may further include a control circuit. The touch panel1352may further include a tactile layer to provide a tactile reaction to a user.

The (digital) pen sensor1354may be, for example, a part of a touch panel or may include an additional sheet for recognition. The key1356may include, for example, a physical button, an optical key, a keypad, or the like. The ultrasonic input device1358may detect (or sense) an ultrasonic signal, which is generated from an input device, through a microphone (e.g., a microphone1388) and may check data corresponding to the detected ultrasonic signal.

The display1360(e.g., the display1260) may include a panel1362, a hologram device1364, or a projector1366. The panel1362may be the same as or similar to the display1260illustrated inFIG. 12. The panel1362may be implemented, for example, to be flexible, transparent or wearable. The panel1362and the touch panel1352may be integrated into a single module. According to an embodiment, the panel1362may include a pressure sensor (or force sensor, interchangeably used hereinafter) that measures the intensity of touch pressure by a user. The pressure sensor may be implemented integrally with the touch panel1352, or may be implemented as at least one sensor separately from the touch panel1352. The hologram device1364may display a stereoscopic image in a space using a light interference phenomenon. The projector1366may project light onto a screen so as to display an image. For example, the screen may be arranged in the inside or the outside of the electronic device1301. According to an embodiment, the display1360may further include a control circuit for controlling the panel1362, the hologram device1364, or the projector1366.

The interface1370may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)1372, a universal serial bus (USB)1374, an optical interface1376, ora D-subminiature (D-sub)1378. The interface1370may be included, for example, in the communication interface1270illustrated inFIG. 12. Additionally or alternatively, the interface1370may include, for example, a mobile high definition link (MHL) interface, a SD card/multi-media card (MMC) interface, or an infrared data association (IrDA) standard interface.

The audio module1380may convert a sound and an electric signal in dual directions. The audio module1380may process, for example, sound information that is input or output through a speaker1382, a receiver1384, an earphone1386, or the microphone1388.

For example, the camera module1391may shoot a still image or a video. According to an embodiment, the camera module1391may include at least one or more image sensors (e.g., a front sensor or a rear sensor), a lens, an image signal processor (ISP), or a flash (e.g., an LED or a xenon lamp).

The power management module1395may manage, for example, power of the electronic device1301. According to an embodiment, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger IC, or a battery or fuel gauge may be included in the power management module1395. The PMIC may have a wired charging method and/or a wireless charging method. The wireless charging method may include, for example, a magnetic resonance method, a magnetic induction method or an electromagnetic method and may further include an additional circuit, for example, a coil loop, a resonant circuit, or a rectifier, and the like. The battery gauge may measure, for example, a remaining capacity of the battery1396and a voltage, current or temperature thereof while the battery is charged. The battery1396may include, for example, a rechargeable battery and/or a solar battery.

The indicator1397may display a specific state of the electronic device1301or a part thereof (e.g., the processor1310), such as a booting state, a message state, a charging state, and the like. The motor1398may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration and may generate the following effects: vibration, haptic, and the like. Although not illustrated, a processing device (e.g., a GPU) for supporting a mobile TV may be included in the electronic device1301. The processing device for supporting the mobile TV may process media data according to the standards of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), digital video broadcasting (DVB), MediaFlo™, or the like.

FIG. 14illustrates a block diagram of a program module, according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment, a program module1410(e.g., the program1240) may include an operating system (OS) to control resources associated with an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1401), and/or diverse applications (e.g., the application program1247) driven on the OS. The OS may be, for example, Android™, iOS™, Windows™, Symbian™, Tizen™, or Bada™.

The program module1410may include a kernel1420, a middleware1430, an application programming interface (API)1460, and/or an application1470. At least a portion of the program module1410may be preloaded on an electronic device or may be downloadable from an external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device1202, the second external electronic device1204, the server1206, or the like).

The kernel1420(e.g., the kernel1241) may include, for example, a system resource manager1421or a device driver1423. The system resource manager1421may perform control, allocation, or retrieval of system resources. According to an embodiment, the system resource manager1421may include a process managing unit, a memory managing unit, or a file system managing unit. The device driver1423may include, for example, a display driver, a camera driver, a Bluetooth driver, a shared memory driver, a USB driver, a keypad driver, a Wi-Fi driver, an audio driver, or an inter-process communication (IPC) driver.

The middleware1430may provide, for example, a function that the application1470needs in common, or may provide diverse functions to the application1470through the API1460to allow the application1470to efficiently use limited system resources of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the middleware1430(e.g., the middleware1243) may include at least one of a runtime library1435, an application manager1441, a window manager1442, a multimedia manager1443, a resource manager1444, a power manager1445, a database manager1446, a package manager1447, a connectivity manager1448, a notification manager1449, a location manager1450, a graphic manager1451, a security manager1452, or a payment manager1454.

The runtime library1435may include, for example, a library module that is used by a compiler to add a new function through a programming language while the application1470is being executed. The runtime library1435may perform input/output management, memory management, or capacities about arithmetic functions.

The application manager1441may manage, for example, a life cycle of at least one application of the application1470. The window manager1442may manage a graphic user interface (GUI) resource that is used in a screen. The multimedia manager1443may identify a format necessary for playing diverse media files, and may perform encoding or decoding of media files by using a codec suitable for the format. The resource manager1444may manage resources such as a storage space, memory, or source code of at least one application of the application1470.

The power manager1445may operate, for example, with a basic input/output system (BIOS) to manage a battery or power, and may provide power information for an operation of an electronic device. The database manager1446may generate, search for, or modify database that is to be used in at least one application of the application1470. The package manager1447may install or update an application that is distributed in the form of package file.

The connectivity manager1448may manage, for example, wireless connection such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The notification manager1449may display or notify an event such as arrival message, appointment, or proximity notification in a mode that does not disturb a user. The location manager1450may manage location information about an electronic device. The graphic manager1451may manage a graphic effect that is provided to a user, or manage a user interface relevant thereto. The security manager1452may provide a general security function necessary for system security, user authentication, or the like. According to an embodiment, in the case where an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1401) includes a telephony function, the middleware1430may further include a telephony manager for managing a voice or video call function of the electronic device.

The middleware1430may include a middleware module that combines diverse functions of the above-described elements. The middleware1430may provide a module specialized to each OS kind to provide differentiated functions. Additionally, the middleware1430may dynamically remove a part of the preexisting elements or may add new elements thereto.

The API1460(e.g., the API1245) may be, for example, a set of programming functions and may be provided with a configuration that is variable depending on an OS. For example, in the case where an OS is Android™ or iOS™, it may provide one API set per platform. In the case where an OS is Tizen™, it may provide two or more API sets per platform.

The application1470(e.g., the application program1247) may include, for example, one or more applications capable of providing functions for a home1471, a dialer1472, an SMS/MMS1473, an instant message (IM)1474, a browser1475, a camera1476, an alarm1477, a contact1478, a voice dial1479, an e-mail1480, a calendar1481, a media player1482, an album1483, a timepiece1484, and a payment1485or for offering health care (e.g., measuring an exercise quantity, blood sugar, or the like) or environment information (e.g., information of barometric pressure, humidity, temperature, or the like).

According to an embodiment, the application1470may include an application (hereinafter referred to as “information exchanging application” for descriptive convenience) to support information exchange between an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1201) and an external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device1202or the second external electronic device1204). The information exchanging application may include, for example, a notification relay application for transmitting specific information to an external electronic device, or a device management application for managing the external electronic device.

For example, the notification relay application may include a function of transmitting notification information, which arise from other applications (e.g., applications for SMS/MMS, e-mail, health care, or environmental information), to an external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device1202or the second external electronic device1204). Additionally, the information exchanging application may receive, for example, notification information from an external electronic device and provide the notification information to a user.

The device management application may manage (e.g., install, delete, or update), for example, at least one function (e.g., turn-on/turn-off of an external electronic device itself (or a part of elements) or adjustment of brightness (or resolution) of a display) of the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1202or1204) which communicates with the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device1201), an application running in the external electronic device, or a service (e.g., a call service, a message service, or the like) provided from the external electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the application1470may include an application (e.g., a health care application of a mobile medical device) that is assigned in accordance with an attribute of an external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device1202or the second external electronic device1204). According to an embodiment, the application1470may include an application that is received from an external electronic device (e.g., the first external electronic device1202, the second external electronic device1204, or the server1206). According to an embodiment, the application1470may include a preloaded application or a third party application that is downloadable from a server. The names of elements of the program module1410according to the embodiment may be modifiable depending on kinds of operating systems.

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the program module1410may be implemented by software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of two or more thereof. At least a portion of the program module1410may be implemented (e.g., executed), for example, by the processor (e.g., the processor150ofFIG. 1). At least a portion of the program module1410may include, for example, modules, programs, routines, sets of instructions, processes, or the like for performing one or more functions.

At least a part of an apparatus (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may be, for example, implemented by instructions stored in a computer-readable storage media in the form of a program module. The instruction, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor150ofFIG. 1), may cause the one or more processors to perform a function corresponding to the instruction. The computer-readable storage media, for example, may be a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1).

A computer-readable recording medium may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic media (e.g., a magnetic tape), an optical media (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) and a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magneto-optical media (e.g., a floptical disk)), and hardware devices (e.g., a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or a flash memory). Also, the one or more instructions may contain a code made by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter. The above hardware unit may be configured to operate via one or more software modules for performing an operation according to various embodiments, and vice versa.

A module or a program module according to various embodiments may include at least one of the above elements, or a part of the above elements may be omitted, or additional other elements may be further included. Operations performed by a module, a program module, or other elements according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic method. In addition, some operations may be executed in different sequences or may be omitted. Alternatively, other operations may be added. While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.