Patent Publication Number: US-2022222789-A1

Title: Electronic device applying bokeh effect to image and controlling method thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/793,473, filed on Feb. 18, 2020 and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0019996, filed on Feb. 20, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The disclosure relates to a technology in which an electronic device processes an image. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Modern electronic devices are capable of performing a variety of complex functions such as photographic capture of still images and video, playback of audio, video and other multimedia, image editing, and program downloads, games and broadcasting. 
     During playback and reproduction functions, the electronic devices do not only generate display the image itself, but also apply visual effects to the image. An example of the visual effect (e.g., a photo “filter” or effect) is a “bokeh” effect. The bokeh effect may also be referred to as an out-of-focus effect, and refers to simulating, by visual effect processing, blurring of background objects when a focus of the camera is set for a foreground object. 
     In some situations, the bokeh effect is not created during capture of the image. Nevertheless, an electronic device may create the bokeh effect within the image by executing image processing on the image. 
     The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure. 
     SUMMARY 
     When an electronic device uses processes an image to generate a bokeh effect, the generated bokeh effect may not resemble the real-life bokeh effect generated by the actual focus of the camera. For example, when the electronic applies the generated bokeh effect to a subject, the subject may be accidentally blurred. 
     Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a method for meeting a need to apply various photo effects to a user&#39;s image. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device may include a memory and a processor electrically connected to the memory. The memory may store instructions that are executable by the processor to cause the electronic device to: obtain image data for an image including a plurality of pixels, set, within the image, a region of interest and a background region, using depth information associated with each of the plurality of pixels, wherein the region of interest includes one or more first sub-regions, and the background region includes one or more second sub-regions, determine respective bokeh characteristics for the one or more first sub-regions and the one or more second sub-regions based on a first characteristic criterion and a second characteristic criterion, respectively, and process the image to apply a bokeh effect to the plurality of pixels based on the respective bokeh characteristics for the one or more first sub-regions and the one or more second sub-regions. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a method may include: obtaining image data for the image including a plurality of pixels, obtaining depth information for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, set within the image a region of interest and a background region, using the depth information, wherein the region of interest includes one or more first sub-regions, and the background region includes one or more second sub-regions, determine respective bokeh characteristics for the one or more first sub-regions and the one or more second sub-regions based on a first characteristic criterion and a second characteristic criterion, respectively, and process the image to apply a bokeh effect to the plurality of pixels based on the respective bokeh characteristics for the one or more first sub-regions and the one or more second sub-regions. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a storage medium may include a program is caused to obtain image data for an image, obtain depth information associated with a plurality of pixels, determine a region of interest and a background region in the image using the depth information, determine a bokeh characteristics for each first image region for the region of interest based on a first characteristics criterion and a bokeh characteristics for each second image region for the background region based on a second characteristics criterion distinguished from the first characteristics criterion, and apply a bokeh effect to the plurality of pixels based on the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region. 
     Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses certain embodiments of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an electronic device processes an image, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an electronic device determines bokeh characteristics for each image region associated with a region of interest of an image, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an electronic device applies a bokeh effect to an image to have a radial blur effect on the image, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a concept of a region of interest and a background region divided by an electronic device and height of an image, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  conceptually illustrates an example of bokeh characteristics for each image region determined based on a region divided by an electronic device and image height, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example of an image to which an electronic device according to an embodiment applies a bokeh effect to have a radial blur effect; 
         FIG. 9  flowchart illustrating a process in which an electronic device applies a bokeh effect to an image to have a zoom blur effect, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  conceptually illustrates an example of a bokeh effect starting position determined by an electronic device and an example of a bokeh characteristics for each image region based on the bokeh effect starting position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an example of an image to which an electronic device according to an embodiment applies a bokeh effect to have a zoom blur effect; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an electronic device according to an embodiment applies a bokeh effect to have a motion blur effect; 
         FIG. 13  conceptually illustrates an example of a bokeh characteristics for each image region in which an electronic device according to an embodiment determines to have a motion blur effect; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an example of an image to which a bokeh effect is applied by an electronic device according to an embodiment to have a motion blur effect; 
         FIG. 15  a flowchart illustrating a process in which an electronic device according to an embodiment applies a bokeh effect based on a path input by a user; 
         FIG. 16  conceptually illustrates an example in which an electronic device according to an embodiment determines a bokeh characteristics for each image region based on an input path; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to an embodiment applies a bokeh effect to an image based on a method of inputting a path and the path; 
         FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an electronic device according to an embodiment applies a bokeh effect to an image to have a tilt shift blur effect; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a concept of an image divided into a plurality of shift regions by an electronic device according to an embodiment and a bokeh characteristics for each image region; and 
         FIG. 20  a flowchart illustrating a process in which an electronic device applies a bokeh effect to an image based on a depth value. 
     
    
    
     The same reference numerals are used to represent the same elements throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description with reference to accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of certain embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely examples. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modification, equivalent, and/or alternative on the certain embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and implementations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness. 
     The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of certain embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an electronic device  101  in a network environment  100  may communicate with an electronic device  102  via a first network  198  (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device  104  or a server  108  via a second network  199  (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device  101  may communicate with the electronic device  104  via the server  108 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device  101  may include at least one processor  120 , a memory  130 , an input device  150 , a sound output device  155 , a display device  160 , an audio module  170 , a sensor module  176 , an interface  177 , a haptic module  179 , a camera module  180 , a power management module  188 , a battery  189 , a communication module  190 , a subscriber identification module (SIM)  196 , and/or an antenna module  197 . In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display device  160  or the camera module  180 ) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device  101 , or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device  101 . In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as single integrated circuitry. For example, the sensor module  176  (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display device  160  (e.g., a display). 
     The processor  120  may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program  140 ) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device  101  coupled with the processor  120 , and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor  120  may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module  176  or the communication module  190 ) in a volatile memory  132 , process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory  132 , and store resulting data in a non-volatile memory  134 . According to an embodiment, the processor  120  may include a main processor  121  (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor  123  (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), 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 processor  121 . Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor  123  may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor  121 , or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor  123  may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor  121 . 
     The auxiliary processor  123  may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device  160 , the sensor module  176 , or the communication module  190 ) among the components of the electronic device  101 , instead of the main processor  121  while the main processor  121  is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor  121  while the main processor  121  is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor  123  (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module  180  or the communication module  190 ) functionally related to the auxiliary processor  123 . 
     The memory  130  may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor  120  or the sensor module  176 ) of the electronic device  101 . The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program  140 ) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory  130  may include the volatile memory  132  and/or the non-volatile memory  134 . The non-volatile memory  134  may include an internal memory  136  and/or an external memory  138 . 
     The program  140  may be stored in the memory  130  as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)  142 , middleware  144 , or an application  146 . 
     The input device  150  may receive a command or data to be used by other components (e.g., the processor  120 ) of the electronic device  101 , from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device  101 . The input device  150  may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen). 
     The sound output device  155  may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device  101 . The sound output device  155  may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may be used for incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker. 
     The display device  160  may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device  101 . The display device  160  may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display device  160  may include touch circuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch. 
     The audio module  170  may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module  170  may obtain the sound via the input device  150 , or output the sound via the sound output device  155  or an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  102 ) (e.g., speaker of headphone) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device  101 . 
     The sensor module  176  may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device  101  or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device  101 , and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module  176  may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor. 
     The interface  177  may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device  101  to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  102 ) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface  177  may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface. 
     A connecting terminal  178  may include a connector via which the electronic device  101  may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  102 ). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal  178  may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector). 
     The haptic module  179  may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module  179  may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator. 
     The camera module  180  may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module  180  may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes. 
     The power management module  188  may manage power supplied to the electronic device  101 . According to an embodiment, the power management module  188  may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). 
     The battery  189  may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device  101 . According to an embodiment, the battery  189  may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. 
     The communication module  190  may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device  101  and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  102 , the electronic device  104 , or the server  108 ) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module  190  may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor  120  (e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module  190  may include a wireless communication module  192  (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module  194  (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network  198  (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network  199  (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module  192  may identify and authenticate the electronic device  101  in a communication network, such as the first network  198  or the second network  199 , using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module  196 . 
     The antenna module  197  may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device  101 . According to an embodiment, the antenna module  197  may include an antenna including a radiating element implemented using a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., PCB). According to an embodiment, the antenna module  197  may include a plurality of antennas. In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network  198  or the second network  199 , may be selected, for example, by the communication module  190  (e.g., the wireless communication module  192 ) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module  190  and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module  197 . 
     At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)). 
     According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device  101  and the external electronic device  104  via the server  108  coupled with the second network  199 . Each of the electronic devices  102  and  104  may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device  101 . According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device  101  may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices  102 ,  104 , or  108 . For example, when the electronic device  101  should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device  101 , instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device  101 . The electronic device  101  may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device  200 , according to an embodiment. 
     According to an embodiment, the electronic device  200  (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1 ) may include a processor  220  (e.g., the processor  120  of  FIG. 1 ) and a memory  260  (e.g., the memory  130  of  FIG. 1 ). The memory  260  may store instructions which are capable of being executed by the processor  220 . The processor  220  may execute the instructions stored in the memory  260  to process data or control components of the electronic device  200 . An operation of the electronic device or the processor disclosed in the disclosure may be performed such that the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory. 
     According to an embodiment, the processor  220  may obtain image data including an image having a plurality of pixels. According to an embodiment, the electronic device  200  may further include a camera module  280  (e.g., the camera module  180  of  FIG. 1 ) for obtaining the image data. The processor  220  may capture an image using an image sensor included in the camera module  280 . According to another embodiment, for obtaining the image data, the processor  220  may read image data that is stored in the memory  260 . 
     According to an embodiment, the processor  220  may apply a “bokeh” effect to the obtained image. Application of the bokeh effect may include changing values of some pixels in the image, to blur portions of the image. According to an embodiment, the processor  220  may determine bokeh characteristics for each image region, based on depth information of the image. The bokeh characteristics for each image region may indicate how to apply the bokeh effect to each respective regions. For example, the bokeh characteristics for each image region may indicate a pattern of the bokeh effect for a designated portion of the image. The pattern of the bokeh effect may include, for example, an intensity and/or direction of the bokeh effect. The intensity of the bokeh effect may include, for example, a degree of blurring to be applied to the respective region or object within the image. The direction of the bokeh effect may indicate a direction or a shape of the blurring as to be applied within the image (e.g., radial, linear, zoom, or other). 
     In an embodiment, the depth information may include information indicating or associated with a distance or a depth of a subject photographed in the image. However, the depth information should be understood as not limited to an absolute or actual value of a distance of the objects in the image as relative to the camera capturing the image. As an example, the depth information may include a depth map including depth values for each of the pixels included in the captured image. As another example, the depth information may include information that is not the depth value itself for the pixel. The depth information may include a result of analyzing the image. For example, the depth information may include information dividing the captured image into a region of interest (e.g., a subject region), and a background region. The region of interest may refer to a region in which a subject (upon which the focus of the camera would ordinarily rest) is located. For example, the region of interest may refer to a region in a person is depicted within a portraiture. The background and foreground regions may be focusing regions distinct from the subject region. According to an embodiment, the region of interest may include a foreground region which is closer to the camera than the subject, and/or a background region which is farther from the camera than the subject. 
     According to an embodiment, the depth information may indicate depth relatively between a pixel of a first region and a pixel of another region (e.g., one having greater depth than the other). The processor  220  may determine the depth information of a peripheral pixel based on a difference between a distance value measured for a center pixel corresponding to a center designated in the image sensor included in the camera module  280  and a distance value measured for a peripheral pixel except the center pixel. For example, when the distance value for the center pixel sensed by the camera module  280  is 15 and the distance value for the peripheral pixel is 18, the processor  220  may determine the depth value of the peripheral pixel by 3, which is the difference between the two distance values. 
     According to an embodiment, when an image including the image captured by the camera module  280  is obtained, the processor  220  may obtain the depth information from the camera module  280 . For example, the camera module  280  may include a sensor camera capable of detecting a distance from the camera to the subject (hereinafter, “shooting distance”). The sensor camera may include, for example, a time of flight (TOF) camera having a TOF sensor or a structured light type 3-dimensional camera. The processor  220  may determine the depth value of the pixel of the captured image based on a value sensed by the sensor camera of the camera module  280 . 
     As another example, the camera module  280  may include a multi-camera having a plurality of cameras. The processor  220  may determine the depth of the subject corresponding to the pixel photographed through the camera based on a visible light detected by the image sensor of each of the plurality of cameras. 
     As still another example, the processor  220  may calculate the depth information with respect to the image obtained through one camera included in the camera module  280 . For example, the processor  220  may classify the shape included in the image into a subject of interest or a background using an image classification model which learns a shape corresponding to a subject to be photographed by a user. The processor  220  may obtain the depth information including the information of a region where the shape classified as the subject of interest is located. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart  300  illustrating a process in which an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1  or the electronic device  200  of  FIG. 2 ) processes an image, according to an embodiment. 
     According to an embodiment, in operation  310 , an electronic device may obtain image data for an image. For example, the electronic device may capture the image through the camera module  280  of  FIG. 2 . For another example, the electronic device may receive the image data from another device (e.g., the electronic device  102 , the electronic device  104 , or the server  108  of  FIG. 1 ). 
     According to an embodiment, in operation  320 , the electronic device may obtain depth information about the image. For example, the electronic device may obtain depth information, as detected by the camera module  280  of  FIG. 2 , during capture of the image. As another example, the electronic device may obtain the depth by analyzing the obtained image after capture. As another example, the electronic device may receive the depth information by transmission from another device (e.g., the electronic device  102 , the electronic device  104 , or the server  108 ). 
     In operation  330 , the electronic device may determine bokeh characteristics for each image region, based on the depth information. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region from the depth information. For example, a value of the bokeh characteristics (e.g., intensity of the bokeh effect) for each image region may be calculated using a depth value of each pixel included indicated by the depth information. According to another embodiment, the electronic device may divide the image into a plurality of regions based on the depth information, and determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region. 
     In operation  340 , the bokeh effect depending on the bokeh characteristics for each image region may be applied to the image. As described above, the bokeh effect may be applied to the image depending on the bokeh characteristics for each image region determined in operation  330 , and thus the bokeh effect suitable for the characteristics of the image may be applied to the image. 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart  301  illustrating a process in which an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1  or the electronic device  200  of  FIG. 2 ) determines bokeh characteristics for each image region with respect to a region of interest of an image, according to an embodiment. 
     In operation  311 , the electronic device may obtain image data for an image. In operation  321 , the electronic device may determine a region of interest in the image using depth information of the obtained image. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may identify a portion of the image to be set as a background region, excepting the region of interest (e.g., a focal region). 
     According to an embodiment, in operation  331 , the electronic device may determine bokeh characteristics for each first image region with respect to the region of interest (e.g., for each of the one or more sub-regions within the region of interest) and bokeh characteristics for each second image region with respect to the background region (e.g., e.g., for each of the one or more sub-regions within the background region). When the electronic device determines the bokeh characteristics for each first image region, the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each first image region based on a first characteristics criterion. In addition, the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each second image region based on a second characteristics criterion distinguished from the first characteristics criterion. The first characteristics criterion and the second characteristics criterion may refer to conditions which are used to determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region. For example, the first characteristics criterion and the second characteristics criterion may define a range of intensity of the bokeh effect included in the bokeh characteristics for each image region. In detail, the first characteristics criterion may be to set the intensity of the bokeh effect within a range of ‘0’ to ‘2’, and the second characteristics criterion may be to set the intensity of the bokeh effect within a range of ‘0’ to ‘10’. 
     In operation  341 , the electronic device may apply the bokeh effect to the regions (i.e., the region of interest region and the background region and respective sub-regions) of the image according to the individual bokeh characteristics for each image region and sub-region. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart  500  illustrating a process in which an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1  or the electronic device  200  of  FIG. 2 ) applies a bokeh effect to an image to have a radial blur effect on the image, according to an embodiment. 
     According to an embodiment, the electronic device may receive a user input for selecting a bokeh application mode using an input device (e.g., the input device  150  of  FIG. 1 ). Referring to operation  510  of  FIG. 5 , the electronic device may receive a user input for selecting a radial blur effect operation mode which is one of bokeh application modes. For example, the user input may include a touch input received through a touch screen. According to another embodiment, a form of the user input may be variously modified. For example, the electronic device may select the bokeh application mode depending on a motion value detected by a motion sensor (e.g., the sensor module  176  of  FIG. 1 ). In detail as an example, when it is detected that the electronic device rotates during capturing the image, the electronic device may select the radial blur effect operation mode. As another example, the electronic device may select the bokeh application mode depending on an operation state of the electronic device. The radial blur effect may refer to a photo effect which appears in a captured image when the camera capturing the image captures the image while rotating about a normal axis passing through a center of the image sensor of the camera or an optical axis of a lens included in the camera module. Alternatively, when a lens with severe aberration (e.g., astigmatism or coma aberration) is used, the radial blur effect, which is expressed as if the background is rotated, may appear in the captured image. 
     Thereafter, in operation  520 , the electronic device may obtain image data including the image. In operation  530 , the electronic device may obtain depth information for the obtained image data. Then, in operation  540 , the electronic device may divide the image into a background region and a region of interest based on the depth information. For example, the electronic device may classify pixels having similar depth values in a depth map included in the depth information as a group and set a region where the pixels included in the classified group are located as the background region or the region of interest. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 6 , an image  600  includes depiction of a person and a tree. The electronic device may classify a region including the person as a region of interest  610 , and a remaining region as a background region  620 . 
     In operation  550 , the electronic device may obtain image height information. The image height information may be referred to as “image field information.” The image height information may include a value indicating a distance in the image from a center point of the image to a particular pixel. For example, referring to  FIG. 6 , image height information  630  may include a value  635  which increases as it grows more distant from the center point of the image. In  FIG. 5 , operation  550  is illustrated to be performed after operation  540 , but an operation order of operations  540  and  550  may be changed according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, because the depth information is obtained in operation  530 , the electronic device may not separately perform operation  550 . 
     Subsequently, in operation  560 , the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region, based on the image height information of the background region and the region of interest. Therefore, according to an embodiment, the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region such that the intensity of the bokeh effect increases as the distance from the center point of the image increases. The center point of the image may be referred to as a starting position of the bokeh effect. In addition, the electronic device may determine that the bokeh effect is not applied to the region of interest, or the region of interest has a weaker bokeh effect than the bokeh effect of the background region to provide the bokeh characteristics for each image area with respect to the region of interest. For example, the electronic device may set the intensity of the bokeh effect from ‘0’ to ‘10’ for the background region and the intensity of the bokeh effect from ‘0’ to ‘2’ for the region of interest. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and a range of numerical values may be variously set according to embodiments. According to another embodiment, the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for the image region of the pixel based on a difference between a value (e.g., ‘0’) of the image height of the starting position of the bokeh effect and a value of the image height of the pixel to determine the characteristics of the bokeh effect. For example, the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region such that the intensity of the bokeh effect is applied more strongly as the difference of the value of the image height information becomes larger. 
     For example, referring to an example  640  of the bokeh characteristics for each image region illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the electronic device may determine the intensity of the bokeh effect included in the bokeh characteristics for each image region with respect to a region  641  included in a region of interest (the region of interest  610  of  FIG. 6 ), among a region  632  having an image height value of ‘2’, as ‘1’. The electronic device may determine the intensity of the bokeh effect included in the bokeh characteristics for each image region with respect to a region  642  included in a background region (the background region  620  of  FIG. 6 ), among the region  632  having the image height value of ‘2’, as ‘5’. The electronic device may determine the intensity of the bokeh effect included in the bokeh characteristics for each image region with respect to a region  644  included in the region of interest (the region of interest  610  of  FIG. 6 ), among a region  633  having an image height value of ‘3’ in  FIG. 6 , as ‘2’. The electronic device may determine the intensity of the bokeh effect included in the bokeh characteristics for each image region with respect to a region  645  included in the background region (the background region  620  of  FIG. 6 ), among the region  633  having the image height value of ‘3’ in  FIG. 6 , as ‘8’.  FIGS. 6 and 7  conceptually describe an embodiment, and are not intended to limit the embodiment by the form or the numerical value. 
     According to another embodiment, in operation  560 , the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region from the depth value included in the depth information. In this case, because the depth information is obtained in operation  530 , the electronic device may not separately perform operation  550 . However, a reference value for a depth used to determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region in operation  560  may be different from a reference value for the depth used to divide the region in operation  540 . For example, the reference value used in operation  560  may be a value smaller than the reference value used in operation  540 . 
     Furthermore, in operation  560 , the electronic device may determine a direction of the bokeh effect included in the bokeh characteristics for each image region as a direction depending on the radial blur effect operation mode. For example, the electronic device may determine the direction of the bokeh effect in an arc direction of a circle centered on a center point of the image. 
     Then, in operation  570 , the electronic device may apply the bokeh effect to the image depending on the determined bokeh characteristics for each image region. For example,  FIG. 8  illustrates an example of an image  800  to which an electronic device applies the bokeh effect to have a radial blur effect. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the blurring effect of the image is small for a region including a shape of a person in the image. In addition, the further away from the center of the image, the greater the blurring of the image for the background image. In addition, it may be seen that a direction  801  of the bokeh effect applied to the background region appears as if the image rotates. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart  1000  illustrating a process in which an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1  or the electronic device  200  of  FIG. 2 ) applies a bokeh effect to an image to have a zoom blur effect, according to an embodiment. 
     According to an embodiment, the electronic device may receive a user input for selecting a bokeh application mode using an input device (e.g., the input device  150  of  FIG. 1 ). For example, the user input may include a touch input received through a touch screen. According to another embodiment, a form of the user input may be variously modified. For another example, the electronic device may select the bokeh application mode based on an operation state of the electronic device. For example, when the electronic device is in a state of performing a zoom in or zoom out operation while taking a picture, the electronic device may select the bokeh application mode as a zoom blur effect mode. When the electronic device automatically selects the bokeh application mode based on a sensor or the operating state of the electronic device, the electronic device may automatically implement an advanced photographing technology utilized for capturing the image using the camera. Referring to operation  910  of  FIG. 9 , the electronic device may receive a user input selecting a “zoom” blur effect operation mode, which is one of bokeh application modes. The zoom blur effect refers to a photo effect generated in photographic capture, when the camera captures the image in the midst of performing the zoom in or zoom out operation. 
     Subsequently, in operation  920 , the electronic device may obtain image data including the image. In operation  930 , the electronic device may obtain depth information for the obtained image data. Thereafter, in operation  940 , the electronic device may divide the image into a background region and a region of interest (e.g., focal region), based on the depth information. For example, the electronic device may classify pixels having similar depth values in a depth map included in the depth information as one group and may set a region in which the pixels included in the classified group are located as the background region or the region of interest. 
     In operation  950 , the electronic device may set a bokeh effect starting position in the image. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may execute an image recognition process of the image. As a result of performing the image recognition process, the electronic device may determine where a subject of interest is located within the image. The electronic device may determine the bokeh effect starting position based on the region where the subject of interest is located. For example, when a face is the object of interest, the electronic device may determine a region where the face is located in the image, and may determine a center point (e.g., a center of gravity) of the region as the bokeh effect starting position. For example, referring to  FIG. 10 , the electronic device may determine a center point ( 1025  of  FIG. 10 ) of a region ( 1010  of  FIG. 10 ) where the face of the person is displayed within an image ( 600  of  FIG. 10 ) as the bokeh effect starting position. In  FIG. 9 , operation  950  is illustrated to be performed after operation  940 , but an operation order of operations  940  and  950  may be changed according to an embodiment. 
     Thereafter, in operation  960 , the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region based on an interpixel distance from the bokeh effect starting position to each respective pixel. Here, the interpixel distance may indicate a distance between two pixels in the image. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region such that the farther from the bokeh effect starting position, the greater the intensity of the bokeh effect. In addition, In addition, the electronic device may determine that the bokeh effect is not applied to the region of interest or the region of interest has a weaker bokeh effect than the bokeh effect of the background region to provide the bokeh characteristics for each image area with respect to the region of interest. For example, referring to the example  1030  of the bokeh characteristics for each image region illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the farther from a center point  1025 , the greater the intensity of the bokeh effect. Referring to  FIG. 10 , the intensity of the bokeh effect of a region  1032  is set to ‘5’, and the bokeh intensity of a region  1033  located farther from the center point  1025  than the region  1032  is set to ‘8’. Also, although the distance between the pixels from the center point  1025  is the same, the intensity of the bokeh effect determined depending on the region to which the pixel belongs may vary. Referring to  FIG. 10 , although a region  1031  included in the region of interest  610  has the same interpixel distance to the region  1032  from the center point  1025 , the intensity of the bokeh effect for the region  1031  included in the region of interest  610  is set to ‘1’. 
     According to another embodiment, in operation  960 , the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region based on a difference between a depth value of the depth information on the bokeh effect starting position and a depth value of the depth information on the pixel in which the bokeh characteristics for each image region is to be determined. For example, the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region such that the bokeh effect is more strongly applied as the depth value for the pixel is larger than the depth value for the bokeh effect starting position. 
     Then, in operation  970 , the electronic device may apply the bokeh effect to the image according to the determined bokeh characteristics for each image region. For example,  FIG. 11  illustrates an example of an image  1100  to which an electronic device according to an embodiment applies the bokeh effect to have a zoom blur effect. Referring to  FIG. 11 , the blurring effect of the image is small for a region including a shape of a person in the image. In addition, the further away from a center of the image, the greater the blurring of the image for the background image. In addition, a direction  1110  of the bokeh effect applied to the background region appears in a straight line direction extending toward the pixel from the center position. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart  1200  illustrating a process in which an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1  or the electronic device  200  of  FIG. 2 ) applies a bokeh effect to have a motion blur effect. 
     According to an embodiment, the electronic device may receive a user input for selecting a bokeh application mode using an input device (e.g., the input device  150  of  FIG. 1 ). Referring to operation  1210  of  FIG. 12 , the electronic device may receive a user input selecting a motion blur effect operation mode, which is one bokeh application mode. The motion blur effect operation mode refers to a photographic effect generated during image capture, when a moving subject is captured in focus, while the camera tracks the subject, typically resulting in a linearly blurred background. 
     Subsequently, in operation  1220 , the electronic device may obtain image data including the image. In operation  1230 , the electronic device may obtain depth information about the obtained image. Thereafter, in operation  1240 , the electronic device may divide the image into a background region and a region of interest based on the depth information. For example, the electronic device may classify pixels having similar depth values in a depth map included in the depth information as one group and may set a region in which the pixels included in the classified group are located as the background region or the region of interest. 
     Then, in operation  1250 , the electronic device may analyze the image included in the region of interest. As a result of analyzing the image included in the region of interest, the electronic device may determine a movement direction of the subject photographed in the region of interest. For example, the processor may analyze the features of a human body or a vehicle, and using image recognition techniques, determine a ‘front’ side to the human body or vehicle depicted in the image. The movement direction may then be estimated according to the estimated ‘front’ side of the objected depicted (e.g., a user running forwards, or a car traveling forwards, as seen in  FIG. 13 ). Thereafter, in operation  1260 , the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region based on the determined movement direction. For example, referring to a conceptual diagram  1300  of the bokeh characteristics for each image region in which the motion blur effect conceptually illustrated in  FIG. 13  is shown, the electronic device may analyze a region of interest  1330  where the moving subject is captured to determine a movement direction  1340 . The electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region such that the direction of the bokeh effect corresponding to the movement direction  1340  determined with respect to a background region  1320  is applied. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region of a boundary region  1350  such that the bokeh effect is applied to the boundary region  1350  including a boundary line  1355  adjacent to the region on interest  1330  and the background region  1320 . After the movement direction is determined, then in operation  1270 , the bokeh effect may be applied to a background to simulate a motion blur for a background of the image, giving the impression that the subject is moving. 
       FIG. 14  is an example of an image  1400  to which an electronic device applies a bokeh effect to generate a motion blur effect. Referring to  FIG. 14 , a region of interest  1410  is identified which includes a motorcycle and a person. A bokeh effect is not applied to the motorcycle and the person. In contrast, a bokeh effect is applied to a background region  1420  and a boundary region  1450 , thereby blurring the background of the image and creating a greater illusion that the motorcycle and the user are moving in the detected direction. 
       FIG. 15  a flowchart  1500  illustrating a process in which an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1  or the electronic device  200  of  FIG. 2 ) according to an embodiment applies a bokeh effect based on a path input by a user. 
     According to an embodiment, the electronic device may receive a user input for selecting a bokeh application mode using an input device (e.g., the input device  150  of  FIG. 1 ). Referring to operation  1510  of  FIG. 15 , the electronic device may receive the user input selecting a path selection blur effect operation mode, which is one bokeh application mode. The path selection blur effect may indicate a bokeh effect in which a region and a direction in which the bokeh effect is applied are determined based on a selected path (e.g., a user tracing or otherwise inputting the desired path for the effect). 
     Subsequently, in operation  1520 , the electronic device may obtain image data including the image. In operation  1530 , the electronic device may obtain depth information for the obtained image data. Thereafter, in operation  1540 , the electronic device may divide the image into a background region and a region of interest based on the depth information. For example, the electronic device may classify pixels having similar depth values in a depth map included in the depth information as one group and may set a region in which the pixels included in the classified group are located as the background region or the region of interest. For example, referring to  FIG. 16 , the electronic device may divide an image  1600  into a region of interest  1610  where a main subject is displayed and a background region  1620 . 
     In operation  1550 , the electronic device may receive a user input selecting a path through an input device (e.g., the input device  150  of  FIG. 1 ). For example, a user input may include a drag input starting from a first position and ending at a second position on a touch screen on which the image is displayed. Alternatively, the electronic device may receive a user input from another type of an input device. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may perform operation  1550  after the electronic device displays the image. 
     Furthermore, in operation  1560 , the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region based on the selected path. Here, the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region by further considering a region to which the pixel belongs among the background region or the region of interest classified based on the depth information. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , when a path  1630  is indicated by the user input, the electronic device may determine a path region  1635 , including the path  1630 . The electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region such that a large bokeh effect is applied to the path region. For example, the intensity of the bokeh effect may be set to ‘0’ in a region  1641  of the region of interest  1610  of  FIG. 16 , which is not included in the path region  1635  and the intensity of the bokeh effect may be set to ‘3’ in a region  1642  included in the path region  1635 . In addition, the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region such that the large bokeh effect is applied to the background region. For example, the bokeh effect may be set to ‘10’ in a region  1643  of the background region  1620  of  FIG. 16  included in the path region  1635 . 
     Then, in operation  1570 , the electronic device may apply the bokeh effect to the image depending on the determined bokeh characteristics for each image region. For example, referring to  FIG. 17 , an electronic device  1700  (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1  or the electronic device  200  of  FIG. 2 ) may display an original image  1710  on a touch screen. According to an embodiment, the original image  1710  may be an image which does not have the bokeh effect (e.g., an image in which a subject is clearly expressed). A user  1  may select a path  1720  on the touch screen using a touch input interface. The electronic device  1700  which receives the user input for selecting a path may output an image  1730  to which the bokeh effect is applied. A weak intensity bokeh effect is applied to a subject corresponding to a region of interest  1740  on the image  1730 . In addition, a relatively strong intensity bokeh effect is applied to the region on the path  1720  selected by the user. 
       FIG. 18  is a flowchart  1800  illustrating a process in which an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1  or the electronic device  200  of  FIG. 2 ) according to an embodiment applies a bokeh effect to have a tilt shift blur effect. 
     According to an embodiment, the electronic device may receive a user input for selecting a bokeh application mode using an input device (e.g., the input device  150  of  FIG. 1 ). Referring to operation  1810  of  FIG. 18 , the electronic device may receive a user input for selecting a “tilt” shift blur effect mode, which is a bokeh application mode. The tilt shift blur effect refers to a photographic effect which appears in a captured image, when the image is taken while tilting the camera. 
     Then, in operation  1820 , the electronic device may obtain image data including an image. In operation  1830 , the electronic device may obtain depth information on the obtained image data. Thereafter, in operation  1840 , the electronic device may divide the image into a background region and a region of interest based on the depth information. For example, the electronic device may classify pixels having similar depth values in a depth map included in the depth information as one group and may set a region in which the pixels included in the classified group are located as the background region or the region of interest. 
     In operation  1850 , the electronic device may divide the image into a plurality of shift regions. For example, referring to  FIG. 19 , the electronic device may divide an image  1910  into a clear region  1911 , a fade region  1912 , and a blur region  1913 . 
     Subsequently, in operation  1860 , the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region based on the shift region and the region of interest/background region. For example, the electronic device may determine the bokeh characteristic such that high intensity of the bokeh effect is applied in the order of a region of interest included in a clear region (e.g., the region  1921  of  FIG. 19 ), a region of interest included in a fade region (e.g., the region  1922  of  FIG. 19 ), and a region of interest included in a blur region (e.g., the region of  1923  of  FIG. 19 ), a background region included in a fade region (e.g., the region  1925  of  FIG. 19 ), and a background region included in a blur region (e.g., region  1926  of  FIG. 19 ). In  FIG. 19 , the intensity of the bokeh effect is set to ‘5’ for the background region included in the clear region (e.g., the region  1924  of  FIG. 19 ). However, the bokeh effect may be not applied (or the intensity of the bokeh effect is 0) to the background region included in the clear region (e.g., the region  1924  of  FIG. 19 ), or the electronic device may apply the bokeh effect with the same intensity as the region of interest included in clear region (e.g., the region  1921  of  FIG. 19 ). Finally, in operation  1870 , the bokeh effects may be applied to the image according to the characteristics for each image region. 
       FIG. 20  a flowchart  2000  illustrating a process in which an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1  or the electronic device  200  of  FIG. 2 ) applies a bokeh effect to an image based on a depth value. 
     According to an embodiment, in operation  2010 , the electronic device may obtain image data including an image. In operation  2020 , the electronic device may obtain depth information on the image. 
     Then, in operation  2030 , the electronic device may calculate a value of the bokeh characteristics for each image region from the depth value of the pixel included in the depth information. For example, the electronic device may determine a value obtained by multiplying a depth value for a pixel by a weight specified as the intensity of a bokeh effect to be applied to the pixel. 
     According to an embodiment, in operation  2030 , the electronic device may input a depth value to a depth-to-characteristics conversion function to calculate a value of the bokeh characteristics for each image region. The depth-to-characteristics conversion function may return a value of a bokeh characteristics corresponding to the depth value when a depth value is input. The electronic device may determine the value returned by the depth-to-characteristics conversion function as the bokeh characteristics for each image region with respect to each pixel. According to an embodiment, as the depth value becomes greater, the electronic device determines the intensity of the bokeh effect to have a greater value. 
     Then, in operation  2040 , the electronic device may apply the bokeh effect to the image based on the determined bokeh characteristics for each image region. 
       FIG. 20  is a flowchart  2000  illustrating a process in which an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1  or the electronic device  200  of  FIG. 2 ) applies a bokeh effect to an image based on a depth map. 
     According to an embodiment, in operation  2010 , the electronic device may obtain image data including an image. In operation  2020 , the electronic device may obtain depth information including a depth map of the image. 
     Then, in operation  2030 , the electronic device may configure a bokeh characteristics map corresponding to the depth value of the depth map. Thereafter, in operation  2040 , the electronic device may apply a bokeh effect to the image based on the bokeh characteristics map included in the bokeh characteristics for each image region. 
     An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  of  FIG. 1  or the electronic device  200  of  FIG. 2 ) according to an embodiment may include a memory (e.g., the memory  130  of  FIG. 1  or the memory  260  of  FIG. 2 ).) and a processor (e.g., the processor  120  of  FIG. 1  or the processor  220  of  FIG. 2 ) electrically connected to the memory. The memory may store instructions that the process is capable of execute. The processor executes instructions to obtain image data including an image including a plurality of pixels, obtain depth information associated with the plurality of pixels, determine bokeh characteristics for each image region in the image using the depth information, and apply a bokeh effect to the plurality of pixels based on the bokeh characteristics for each image region. 
     According to an embodiment, the processor may execute instructions to the obtain image data for the image including the plurality of pixels. The processor may determine a region of interest and a background region in the image using the depth information associated with the plurality of pixels. The processor may determine bokeh characteristics for each first image region for the region of interest based on a first characteristics criterion, determine bokeh characteristics for each second image region for the background region based on a second characteristics criterion distinguished from the first characteristics criterion, and apply the bokeh effect to the plurality of pixels based on the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region. 
     According to an embodiment, the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region may include an intensity of the bokeh effect to be applied to a pixel included in a region. The processor may determine the intensity of the bokeh effect to a large value with respect to the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region as a depth value included in the depth information increase. 
     According to an embodiment, the bokeh characteristics for each image region (e.g., the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region) may include the intensity of the bokeh effect to be applied to pixels included in the region in which the bokeh characteristics for each image region is set. According to an embodiment, as the depth value included in the depth information become greater, the processor may determine the intensity of the bokeh effect to have greater value. 
     According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a camera module (e.g., the camera module  180  of  FIG. 1  or the camera module  280  of  FIG. 2 ) including an image sensor for capturing the image. The processor may determine the depth information of a peripheral pixel based on a difference between a distance value measured for a center pixel corresponding to a center position designated in the image sensor and a distance value measured for the peripheral pixel except the center pixel. 
     According to an embodiment, the processor may divide the image into the region of interest and the background region using the depth information and differently determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region (e.g., the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region) based on the region to which each of the plurality of pixels of the region of interest or the background region belongs. 
     According to an embodiment, the processor may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region (e.g., the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region) based on image height information of the image and the region to which each of the plurality of pixels belongs. 
     According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a camera module capable of capturing the image through a camera and obtaining a depth value based on a distance to a subject corresponding to a region in the image. The depth information may include a depth map including the depth value and the processor may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region (e.g., the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region) using the depth map. 
     According to an embodiment, the camera module may include a multi-camera including a plurality of cameras or a sensor capable of detecting the depth. 
     According to an embodiment, the depth information may include a depth value for each of the plurality of pixels. The processor may input a depth value to a depth-to-characteristics conversion function and determine the value returned by the depth-to-characteristics conversion function as the bokeh characteristics for each image region with respect to each of the plurality of pixels. 
     According to an embodiment, the bokeh characteristics for each image region (e.g., the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region) may include a direction of the bokeh effect to be applied to pixels included in the region. 
     The electronic device according to an embodiment may determine the direction of the bokeh effect based on a user input input through an input device (e.g., the input device  150  of  FIG. 1 ). 
     According to an embodiment, the user input may include an input for selecting a bokeh application mode. When the selected bokeh application mode based on the user input is a first mode (e.g., a radial blur effect operation mode), the processor may determine a direction of a tangential vector of a circumference, which has a center position designated in the image and has a radius from the center position in the image to the pixel, as a direction of the bokeh effect for the pixel. Alternatively, when the selected bokeh application mode based on the user input is a second mode (e.g., a zoom blur effect operation mode), the processor may determine a straight line direction extending toward the pixel from the center position as the direction of the bokeh effect for the pixel. 
     According to an embodiment, the electronic device may receive the user input including an input for selecting a path located on the image through an input device. The processor may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region (e.g., the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region) based on the selected path and depth information. 
     According to an embodiment, the processor may divide the image into the region of interest and the background region using the depth information and set a starting position of the bokeh effect in the region of interest. The processor may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region (e.g., the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region) for the plurality of pixels based on an interpixel distance from the bokeh effect starting position to the pixels. 
     According to an embodiment, the processor may detect a subject of interest included in the region of interest and determine the starting position of the bokeh effect in the region in which the subject of interest is displayed. 
     According to an embodiment, the processor may determine a center point (e.g., a center of gravity) of the region where the subject of interest is displayed as the bokeh effect starting position. 
     According to an embodiment, the processor may divide image into the region of interest and the background region using the depth information. The processor may analyze a movement direction of the subject in the divided region of interest. The processor may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region (e.g., the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region) with respect to the background region based on the movement direction of the subject. 
     According to an embodiment, the processor may apply the bokeh effect to a boundary region including a boundary line adjacent to the region of interest and the background region. 
     According to an embodiment, the processor may divide a region in the image into a plurality of shift regions having shift steps (e.g., a blur region, a fade region, or a clear region) in a specified direction. The processor may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region (e.g., the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region) based on the divided region of interest or the divided region using the depth information and the shift step of the shift region where the pixel belongs. 
     According to an embodiment, the processor may perform an image recognition process for the region of interest to classify the subject included in the region of interest. The processor may determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region of the region of interest based on the classification result of the subject. For example, when the subject is a person, the electronic device may not apply the bokeh effect, and when the subject is an object such as a building or a tree, the bokeh effect may be applied. 
     According to an embodiment, the electronic device may be controlled to obtain the image data including the image, obtain the depth information associated with the plurality of pixels, determine the bokeh characteristics for each image region in the image using the depth information, and apply the bokeh effect based on the bokeh characteristics for each image region to the plurality of pixels. 
     According to an embodiment, the electronic device may be controlled to obtain the image data of the image, obtain the depth information associated with the plurality of pixels, determine the image into the region of interest and the background region based on the depth information, determine the bokeh characteristics for each first image region for the region of interest based on the first characteristics criterion and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region for the background region based on the second characteristics criterion distinguished from the first characteristics criterion, and apply the bokeh effect to the plurality of pixels based on the bokeh characteristics for each first image region and the bokeh characteristics for each second image region. 
     It should be understood that the certain embodiments of the disclosure and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the techniques described herein to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments. With regard to description of drawings, similar components may be marked by similar reference numerals. As used herein, singular forms may include plural forms as well unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the disclosure, the expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A or/and B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and/or C”, and the like may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The terms, such as “first”, “second” and the like used in the disclosure may be used to refer to various components regardless of the order and/or the priority and to distinguish the relevant components from other components, but do not limit the components. It will be understood that when an component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it may be directly coupled with/to or connected to the other component or an intervening component (e.g., a third component) may be present. 
     According to the situation, the expression “adapted to or configured to” used herein may be used interchangeably with, for example, the expressions “suitable for”, “having the capacity to”, “designed to”, “adapted to”, “made to”, or “capable of”. The expression “a device configured to” may mean that the device is “capable of” operating together with another device or other components. For example, a “processor configured to (or adapted to) perform A, B, and C” may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing corresponding operations or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) which may perform corresponding operations by executing one or more programs which are stored in a memory device (e.g., the memory  130 ). 
     The term “module” used in the disclosure may represent, for example, a unit including one or more combinations of hardware, software and firmware. The term “module” may be interchangeably used with the terms “unit”, “logic”, “logical block”, “part” and “circuit”. The “module” may be a minimum unit of an integrated part or may be a part thereof. The “module” may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, the “module” may include at least one of an application-specific IC (ASIC) chip, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a programmable-logic device for performing some operations, which are known or will be developed. 
     At least a part of an apparatus (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or a method (e.g., operations) according to certain embodiments may be, for example, implemented by instructions stored in a computer-readable storage media (e.g., the memory  130 ) in the form of a program module. The instruction, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor  120 ), may cause the one or more processors to perform a function corresponding to the instruction. 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)), an internal memory, or the like. The instruction may contain a code made by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter. 
     Each of components (e.g., modules or program module) according to certain embodiments may be implemented using one or a plurality of entities, and some subcomponents of the subcomponents described above may be omitted, or other subcomponents may be further included. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or program modules) may be integrated into one entity to perform the same or similar functions as those performed by respective components prior to integration. Operations performed by a module, a program module, or other components according to certain 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. 
     According to an embodiment disclosed in the disclosure, the electronic device or method capable of effectively applying the bokeh effect to the image is provided. 
     In addition, according to an embodiment disclosed in the disclosure, the electronic device or method capable of applying a variety of image effects desired by the user to the image is provided. 
     Furthermore, according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document, the electronic device or method capable of easily applying the advanced photographing technology using the camera to the image is provided. 
     In addition, various effects which are directly or indirectly understood through the present document may be provided. 
     While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain 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 disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.