Patent Publication Number: US-2015065202-A1

Title: Electronic device including openable cover and method of operating the same

Description:
PRIORITY 
     The present application is related to and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Sep. 3, 2013 and assigned Serial No. 10-2013-0105577, the entire disclosure of which can be hereby incorporated by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a cover device that arranged to open and close a screen using a cover. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Due to the development of an electronic communication industry, as electronic devices are widely used, the electronic device has become an important means for transferring information. Further, due to the development of a Graphic User Interface (GUI) system, a display of a good quality can be applied to the electronic device. 
     In general, an electronic device can include a display, and the electronic device displays various information through the display. Nowadays, as a large screen of a high resolution can be preferred, a display that satisfies this can be applied to the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     To address the above-discussed deficiencies, it is a primary object to provide an electronic device and a method of operating the same that can easily control connection or termination (such as interruption) of an incoming call in a state in which a cover is closed. 
     In a first example, a method of operating an electronic device including an openable cover includes receiving a call. The method also includes performing a function of the call when a pressing of at least one external button exposed to the outside is detected in a state in which the cover can be closed. 
     In a second example, a call processing method can display information about a call through a partial display area of a screen corresponding to a window of a cover, even if the cover is closed, and a call can be connected or terminated in response to a pressing of an external button (such as a power button) exposed to the outside and thus user convenience can be enhanced. 
     Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts; 
         FIGS. 1 to 3  are perspective views illustrating examples of coupling states of an electronic device and a cover device according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an electronic device according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of hardware according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a programming module according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a call processing module according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating an example call processing process according to this disclosure; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are flowcharts illustrating an example call processing process according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a button function module according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating an example input processing process according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an example screen of an electronic device according to this disclosure; and 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating an example use example according to this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 through 13 , discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged electronic device. The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of 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 various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness. 
     The terms and words used in the following description and claims can be not limited to their dictionary meanings, but, are merely used 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 embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purposes 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. 
     By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, can occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. 
       FIGS. 1 to 3  are perspective views illustrating examples of coupling states of an electronic device and a cover device according to this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , a cover device  200  can have a second cover  220  that can form a rear surface of an electronic device  100 . The cover device  200  can have a first cover  210  that can open and close a front surface of the electronic device  100  in a rotation method. At a front surface of the electronic device  100 , a touch screen  11 , a speaker  111 , a proximity sensor, or a gesture sensor  112 , a Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) sensor  113 , a hall sensor  114 , and a camera  115  can be disposed. The cover device  200  can include a connection portion  230  that connects the first cover  210  and the second cover  220 . The connection portion  230  can cover a side surface (such as a surface that connects a front surface and a rear surface) of the electronic device  100 . The first cover  210  of the cover device  200  can have a through hole  211  corresponding to the speaker  111  of the electronic device  100 . The first cover  210  of the cover device  200  can have a magnet  214  corresponding to the hall sensor  114  of the electronic device  100 . The first cover  210  of the cover device  200  can have a transparent window  21 . 
     The electronic device  100  can determine opening and closing of the first cover  210  of the cover device  200  with detection information through at least one sensor (such as the proximity sensor, the gesture sensor  112 , or the hall sensor  114 ). For example, when the first cover  210  of the cover device  200  is closed, the hall sensor  114  of the electronic device  100  can be excited by the magnet  214  of the first cover  210 . The electronic device  100  can control (such as convert a display mode) to display a screen according to opening and closing of the first cover  210  of the cover device  200 . The electronic device  100  can set a first area (such as a display area corresponding to the window  21  of the first cover  210 ) of the screen  11  to a display area according to closing of the first cover  210 . The electronic device  100  can set a second area (such as an entire area) of the screen  11  to a display area according to opening of the first cover  210 . The electronic device  100  can display corresponding contents in a preset display area according to occurrence of an event (such as pressing of a power button  116  or separation of a stylus  118 ). For example, the electronic device  100  can display various notification information (such as a present time, a battery residual quantity, or a communication environment state) in a preset display area in response to pressing of the external button (such as the power button  116 ). The electronic device  100  can display notification information such as message reception, call reception, or alarm in a preset display area. The electronic device  100  can adjust touch sensitivity according to opening and closing of the first cover  210 . For example, when the first cover  210  is closed, the electronic device  100  can adjust touch sensitivity and execute a hovering touch mode. In a state in which the first cover  210  can be closed, a user can perform a touch gesture (such as a single touch, a multi touch, or flicking) for an operation control in a surface of the window  21 . 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an electronic device according to this disclosure. 
     The electronic device according to this disclosure can be a device having a communication function. For example, the electronic device can include a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (tablet PC), a mobile phone, an audiovisual phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a Moving Picture Experts Group layer-3 (MP3) player, a mobile medical device, a camera, and a wearable device (such as at least one of a Head-Mounted-Device (HMD) such as electronic glasses, electronic clothes, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, electronic accessories, or a smart watch). 
     In an embodiment, the electronic device can be a smart home appliance having a communication function. The smart home appliance can include at least one of, for example, a television, a Digital Video Disk (DVD) player, an audio device, a refrigerator, an air-conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a television box (such as Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), game consoles, an electronic dictionary, a camcorder, and an electronic frame. 
     In an embodiment, the electronic device can include at least one of various medical devices (such as a Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) device, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device, a Computed Tomography (CT) device, a scanning device, and an ultrasonic wave device), a navigation device, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, an Event Data Recorder (EDR), a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), a vehicle infotainment device, a ship electronic equipment (such as a navigation device and a gyro compass for a ship), avionics, and a security device. 
     In an embodiment, the electronic device can include at least one of a portion of furniture or a building/structure having a communication function, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, or various measuring devices (such as measuring devices for water supply, electricity, gas, or electric wave). The electronic device can also be at least one combination of the foregoing various devices. Further, it will become apparent to a person of common skill in the art that the electronic device may not be limited to the foregoing devices. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , an electronic device  400  can include a bus  410 , a processor  420 , a memory  430 , a user input module  440 , a display module  450 , and a communication module  460 . 
     The bus  410  can be a circuit that connects the foregoing elements and that transfers communication (such as a control message) between the foregoing elements. 
     The processor  420  can receive an instruction from the foregoing other elements (such as the memory  430 , the user input module  440 , the display module  450 , and the communication module  460 ) through, for example, the bus  410 , decode the received instruction, and execute a calculation or a data processing according to the decoded instruction. 
     The memory  430  can store an instruction or data received from the processor  420  or other elements (such as the user input module  440 , the display module  450 , and the communication module  460 ) or generated by the processor  420  or other elements. The memory  430  can include programming modules such as a kernel  431 , middleware  432 , an application programming interface (API)  433 , or an application  434 . The foregoing respective programming module can be formed with software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of at least two thereof. 
     The kernel  431  can control or manage system resources (such as the bus  410 , the processor  420 , or the memory  430 ) used for executing an operation or a function implemented in the remaining programming modules, for example, the middleware  432 , the API  433 , or the application  434 . Further, the kernel  431  can provide an interface that accesses to an individual element of the electronic device  400  in the middleware  432 , the API  433 , or the application  434  to control or manage the individual element. 
     The middleware  432  can function as an intermediary that enables the API  433  or the application  434  to communicate with the kernel  431  to transmit and receive data. Further, the middleware  432  can perform load balancing of a work request using a method of aligning a priority that can use a system resource (such as the bus  410 , the processor  420 , or the memory  430 ) of the electronic device  400  to, for example, at least one application of the (plurality of) applications  434  in relation to work requests received from the (plurality of) applications  434 . 
     The API  433  can be an interface in which the application  434  can control a function in which the kernel  431  or the middleware  432  provides and can include at least one interface or function for, for example, file control, window control, image processing, or character control. 
     The user input module  440  can receive an input of an instruction or data from a user and transfer the instruction or the data to the processor  420  or the memory  430  through the bus  410 . The display module  450  can display a picture, an image, or data to the user. 
     The communication module  460  can connect communication between another electronic device  402  and the electronic device  400 . The communication module  460  can support a predetermined short range communication protocol (such as Wireless fidelity (Wifi), Bluetooth (BT), Near Field Communication (NFC), or communication using a predetermined network  462  (such as Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a telecommunication network, a cellular network, a satellite network, or Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)). The electronic devices  402  and  404  each can be the same (such as the same type) device as the electronic device  400  or can be a device different (such as different type) from the electronic device  400 . 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of hardware according to this disclosure. Hardware  500  can be, for example, the electronic device  400  of  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the hardware  500  can include at least one processor  510 , a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card  514 , a memory  520 , a communication module  530 , a sensor module  540 , a user input module  550 , a display module  560 , an interface  570 , an audio codec  580 , a camera module  591 , a power management module  595 , a battery  596 , an indicator  597 , and a motor  598 . 
     The processor  510  (such as the processor  420  of  FIG. 4 ) can include at least one application processor (AP)  511  or at least one communication processor (CP)  513 . The processor  510  can be, for example, the processor  420  of  FIG. 4 . In  FIG. 5 , the AP  511  and the CP  513  can be included within the processor  510 , but the AP  511  and the CP  513  can be included within different IC packages, respectively. The AP  511  and the CP  513  can be included within an IC package. 
     The AP  511  can drive an operation system or an applied program to control a plurality of hardware or software elements connected to the AP  511  and can perform various data processing and calculation including multimedia data. The AP  511  can be implemented with, for example, a System on Chip (SoC). The processor  510  can further include a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU). 
     The CP  513  can perform a function of managing a data link in communication between an electronic device (such as the electronic device  400 ) including the hardware  500  and other electronic devices connected by a network and a function of converting a communication protocol. The CP  513  can be implemented with, for example, a SoC. The CP  513  can perform at least a portion of a multimedia control function. The CP  513  can perform identification and authentication of a terminal within a communication network using, for example, a subscriber identification module (such as the SIM card  514 ). Further, the CP  513  can provide services such as audio dedicated communication, audiovisual communication, a text message, or packet data to the user. 
     Further, the CP  513  can control data transmission and reception of the communication module  530 . In  FIG. 5 , elements of the CP  513 , the power management module  595 , or the memory  520  can be elements separate from the AP  511 , but the AP  511  can include at least a portion (such as the CP  513 ) of the foregoing elements. 
     The AP  511  or the CP  513  can load and process an instruction or data received from at least one of a non-volatile memory connected to each thereof or another element in a volatile memory. Further, the AP  511  or the CP  513  can store data received from at least one of other elements or generated by at least one of other elements at a non-volatile memory. 
     The SIM card  514  can be a card that implements a subscriber identification module and can be inserted into a slot formed at a specific location of an electronic device. The SIM card  514  can include intrinsic identification information (such as Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID) or subscriber information (such as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). 
     The memory  520  can include a built-in memory  522  or a removable memory  524 . The memory  520  can be, for example, the memory  430  of  FIG. 4 . The built-in memory  522  can include at least one of, for example, a volatile memory (such as a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Static RAM (SRAM), a Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM)), or a non-volatile memory (such as a One Time Programmable ROM (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 NAND flash memory, and a NOR flash memory). The built-in memory  522  can have a form of a Solid State Drive (SSD). The removable memory  524  can further include a flash drive, for example, a Compact Flash (CF), secure digital (SD), Micro Secure Digital (Micro-SD), Mini Secure Digital (Mini-SD), Extreme Digital (xD), or a memory stick. 
     The communication module  530  can include a wireless communication module  531  or a Radio Frequency (RF) module  534 . The communication module  530  can be, for example, the communication module  460  of  FIG. 4 . The wireless communication module  531  can include, for example, a WiFi module  533 , a Bluetooth (BT) module  535 , a GPS module  537 , or a NFC module  539 . For example, the wireless communication module  531  can provide a wireless communication function using an RE Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication module  531  can include a network interface (such as a LAN card) or a modem that connects the hardware  500  to a network (such as Internet, a LAN, a WAN, a telecommunication network, a cellular network, a satellite network, or a POTS). 
     The RF module  534  can perform transmission and reception of data, for example, transmission and reception of an RF signal or a called electronic signal. The RF module  534  can also include, for example, a transceiver, a Power Amp Module (PAM), a frequency filter, or a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). Further, the RF module  534  can further include a component, for example, a conductor or a conductive wire to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves on free space in wireless communication. 
     The sensor module  540  can include at least one of, for example, a gesture sensor  540 A, a proximity sensor  540 B, a grip sensor  540 C, a gyro sensor  540 D, an acceleration sensor  540 E, a terrestrial magnetic sensor  540 F, an atmospheric pressure sensor  540 G, a temperature/humidity sensor  540 H, a hall sensor  540 I, an RGB sensor  540 J, an illumination sensor  540 K, a bio sensor, an Ultra Violet (UV) sensor  540 M, or a stylus detector. The sensor module  540  can measure a physical quantity or detect an operation state of an electronic device and can convert measured or detected information to an electric signal. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module  540  can include, for example, an E-nose sensor, an electromyography sensor (EMG sensor), an electroencephalogram sensor (EEG sensor), an electrocardiogram sensor (ECG sensor), or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module  540  can further include a control circuit that can control at least one sensor belonging to the inside. 
     The user input module  550  can include a touch panel  552 , a (digital) pen sensor  554 , a key  556 , or an ultrasonic wave input device  558 . The user input module  550  can be, for example, the user input module  440  of  FIG. 4 . The touch panel  552  can recognize a touch input with at least one method of, for example, a capacitive, resistive, infrared ray, or ultrasonic wave method. Further, the touch panel  552  can further include a controller. When the touch panel  552  is a capacitive type touch panel, the touch panel  552  can perform a direct touch and proximity recognition. The touch panel  552  can further include a tactile layer and provide a haptic reaction to the user. 
     The (digital) pen sensor  554  can be implemented using at least one method of a capacitive, resistive, infrared ray, or ultrasonic wave method, which can be the same method as and a method similar to, for example, reception of a touch input of the user or using a separate recognition sheet. As the key  556 , for example, a keypad or a touch key can be used. The ultrasonic wave input device  558  can be a device that can determine data by detecting a sound wave with a microphone (such as a microphone  588 ) in a terminal through a pen that generates an ultrasonic wave signal and can perform wireless recognition. The hardware  500  can receive a user input from an external device (such as a network, a computer, or a server) connected to the communication module  530  using the communication module  530 . 
     The display module  560  can include a panel  562  or a hologram  564 . The display module  560  can be, for example, the display module  450  of  FIG. 4 . The panel  562  can be, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED). The panel  562  can be implemented with, for example, a flexible, transparent, or wearable method. The panel  562  and the touch panel  552  can be formed in a module. The hologram  564  can show a stereoscopic image in the air using interference of light. The display module  560  can further include a control circuit that controls the panel  562  or the hologram  564 . 
     The interface  570  can include, for example, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)  572 , a Universal Serial Bus (USB)  574 , a projector  576 , or a D-Subminiature (D-SUB)  578 . Additionally or alternatively, the interface  570  can include, for example, Secure Digital (SD)/Multi-Media Card (MMC) or Infrared Data Association (IrDA). 
     The audio codec  580  can convert a sound and an electronic signal in two-ways. The audio codec  580  can convert sound information input or output through, for example, a speaker  582 , a receiver  584 , an earphone  586 , or a microphone  588 . 
     The camera module  591  can be a device that can photograph an image and a moving picture and can include at least one image sensor (such as a front surface lens or a rear surface lens), an image signal processor (ISP), or a flash light emitting diode (LED) according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     The power management module  595  can manage power of the hardware  500 . The power management module  595  can also include, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger integrated circuit (charge IC), or a battery fuel gauge. 
     The PMIC can be mounted within, for example, an integrated circuit or a SoC semiconductor. A charging method can be classified into a wired method and a wireless method. The charge IC can charge a battery and prevent an overvoltage or an overcurrent from being injected from a charging device. The charge IC can include a charge IC for at least one of a wired charge method and a wireless charge method. The wireless charge method can include, for example, a magnetic resonance method, a magnetic induction method, or an electromagnetic wave method and can add an additional circuit, for example, a circuit such as a coil loop, a resonant circuit, and a rectifier for wireless charge. 
     The battery gauge can measure, for example, a residual quantity of a battery  596  and a voltage, a current, or a temperature while charging. The battery  596  can generate electricity to supply power and can be, for example, a rechargeable battery. 
     An indicator  597  can display a specific state, for example, a booting state, a message state, or a charge state of the hardware  500  or a portion (such as the AP  511 ) thereof. A motor  598  can convert an electrical signal to a mechanical vibration. 
     A micro control unit (MCU) can control the sensor module  540 . 
     The hardware  500  can include a processing device (such as GPU) for supporting a mobile TV. The processing device for supporting the mobile TV can process media data according to a specification of, for example, digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), digital video broadcasting (DVB), or media flow. 
     Names of the foregoing elements of hardware according to this disclosure can be changed according to a kind of an electronic device. Hardware can also include at least one of the foregoing elements and can be formed in a form in which some elements can be omitted, or can further include additional elements. Further, when some of elements of hardware according to this disclosure are coupled to form an entity, the entity can equally perform a function of corresponding elements before coupling. 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a programming module according to this disclosure. 
     A programming module  600  can be included (such as stored) in the electronic device  500  (such as the memory  520 ) of  FIG. 5 . At least a portion of the programming module  600  can be formed with software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of at least two thereof. The programming module  600  can include an operation system (OS) implemented in hardware (such as the hardware  500 ) to control a resource related to the electronic device (such as the electronic device  500 ) or various applications (such as an application  670 ) to be driven in the operation system. For example, the operation system can be Android, iOS, Windows, Symbian, Tizen, or Bada. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the programming module  600  can include a kernel  610 , middleware  630 , an application programming interface (API)  660 , and the application  670 . 
     The kernel  610  (such as the kernel  431 ) can include a system resource manager  611  and a device driver  612 . The system resource manager  611  can include, for example, a process management unit, a memory management unit, or a file system management unit. The system resource manager  611  can perform the control, allocation, or recovery of a system resource. The device driver  612  can include, for example, a display driver, a camera driver, a Bluetooth driver, a sharing memory driver, a universal serial bus (USB) driver, a keypad driver, a WiFi driver, or an audio driver. Further, the device driver  612  can include an inter-process communication (IPC) driver. 
     In order to provide a function in which the application  670  commonly requires, the middleware  630  can include a plurality of previously implemented modules. Further, in order to enable the application  670  to efficiently use a limited system resource within the electronic device, the middleware  630  can provide a function through the API  660 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the middleware  630  (such as the middleware  432 ) can include at least one of a run-time library  635 , an application manager  641 , a window manager  642 , a multimedia manager  643 , a resource manager  644 , a power manager  645 , a database manager  646 , a package manager  647 , a connectivity manager  648 , a notification manager  649 , a location manager  650 , a graphic manager  651 , or a security manager  652 . 
     In order to add a new function through a programming language while, for example, the application  670  can be being executed, the run-time library  635  can include a library module in which a compiler uses. The run-time library  635  can perform a function of an input and output, memory management, or an arithmetic function. 
     The application manager  641  can manage a life cycle of at least one of, for example, the applications  670 . The window manager  642  can manage a graphical user interface (GUI) resource using on a screen. The multimedia manager  643  can grasp a format necessary for reproduction of various media files and perform encoding or decoding of a media file using a codec appropriate to a corresponding format. The resource manager  644  can manage a resource such as a source code, a memory, or storage space of at least one of the applications  670 . 
     The power manager  645  can manage a battery or a power source by operating together with a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) and can provide power information necessary for operation. The database manager  646  can manage a database so as to generate, search for, or change the database to be used in at least one of the applications  670 . The package manager  647  can manage installation or update of an application distributed in a package file form. 
     The connectivity manager  648  can manage wireless connection of, for example, WiFi or Bluetooth. The notification manager  649  can display or notify an event of a receiving message, appointment, and proximity notification with a method of not disturbing a user. The location manager  650  can manage location information of the electronic device. The graphic manager  651  can manage a graphic effect to be provided to a user or a user interface related thereto. The security manager  652  can provide a security function necessary for system security or user authentication. When the electronic device (such as the electronic device  400 ) has a phone function, the middleware  630  can further include a telephony manager for managing an audio dedicated communication or audiovisual communication function of the electronic device. 
     The middleware  630  can generate and use a new middleware module through a combination of various functions of the foregoing internal element modules. In order to provide differential functions, the middleware  630  can provide a specialized module based on an operation system type. Further, the middleware  630  can dynamically delete a portion of an existing element or can add a new element. Therefore, the middleware  630  can omit some of elements described herein, can further include other elements, or can be replaced with an element that performs a similar function and that has another name. 
     The API  660  (such as the API  433 ) can be a set of API programming functions and can be provided in another element according to an operation system. For example, in Android or IOS, an API set can be provided on a platform basis, and in Tizen, at least two API sets can be provided. 
     The application  670  (such as the application  434 ) can include, for example, a preload application or a third party application. 
     At least a portion of the programming module  600  can be implemented with an instruction stored at computer-readable storage media. When an instruction is executed by at least one processor (such as the processor  510 ), the at least one processor can perform a function corresponding to an instruction. The computer-readable storage media can be, for example, the memory  520 . At least a portion of the programming module  600  can be implemented (such as executed) by, for example, the processor  510 . At least a portion of the programming module  600  can include, for example, a module, a program, a routine, sets of instructions, or a process for performing at least one function. 
     Names of elements of a programming module (such as the programming module  600 ) according to this disclosure can be changed according to an operation system type. Further, a programming module can include at least one of the foregoing elements, can be formed in a form in which some elements can be omitted, or can further include additional elements. 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a call processing module according to this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a call processing module  700  can include a receiving module  710 , a sensor module  720 , a display module  730 , and an input processing module  740 . 
     The receiving module  710  (such as the communication module  530 ) can receive a call, 
     The sensor module  720  (such as the sensor module  540 ) can determine whether the cover  200  is closed using at least one sensor (such as the proximity sensor  540 B, the grip sensor  540 C, the gyro sensor  540 D, the acceleration sensor  540 E, the terrestrial magnetic sensor  540 F, the hall sensor  540 I, and the illumination sensor  540 K). For example, when the cover  200  is closed, the hall sensor  114  of the electronic device  100  can be excited by the magnet  214  of the cover  200 . When the cover  200  is closed, the proximity sensor MOB of the electronic device  100  can respond thereto. 
     The display module  730  can display a call related interface image (such as sender information, a call reception button, or a call termination button) through a display area (such as a partial area of a screen) corresponding to the window  21  of the cover  200  in response to closing of the cover  200 . 
     The input processing module  740  can perform a function of a call according to information about pressing of an external button (such as the power button  116 ). When information about pressing of the external button satisfies a stored reference, the input processing module  740  can perform a function of a call. The information about pressing of the external button can include the number of times of pressing and a pressing time (such as a pressing interval or a continuous pressing time) of the external button. The stored reference can include the preset number of times of pressing, the preset number of times of pressing pressed within a preset time, a preset continuous pressing time, or a combination of at least two thereof. Functions of various calls can be mapped and stored on a reference basis, and the input processing module  740  can determine a reference corresponding to information about pressing of the external button and perform a specific function of a call corresponding to the reference. The function of a call can include a connection (communication) of a call. The function of a call can include execution of a speaker phone. The function of a call can include termination of a call. The function of a call can include automatic response. For example, when the external button is pressed by the preset number of times (such as three times), but when a pressing time thereof does not exceed a preset time (such as two seconds), the input processing module  740  can connect or terminate an incoming call. Alternatively, when a time in which the external button is continuously pressed exceeds a preset time (such as two seconds), the input processing module  740  can connect or terminate an incoming call. The input processing module  740  can provide a user interface that enables a user to set the above-described reference and/or a function of a call mapped to the reference, and the user can set a function of an external button specialized to the user. Even if the cover  200  is closed, the external button can be exposed for use and can be disposed at the outside of the screen (such as a side portion of the electronic device  100 ). 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating an example call processing process according to this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the processor  510  (such as the receiving module  710 ) can receive a call in step  801 . 
     The processor  510  (such as the sensor module  720 ) can determine whether the cover  200  is closed in step  803 . 
     If the cover  200  is closed, the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can determine whether an external button (such as the power button  116 ) is pressed in step  805 . 
     If an external button is pressed, the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can perform a function of a call (such as call connection or call termination) in step  807 . 
     If the cover  200  is not closed at step  803 , the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can receive a call and determine whether a touch input occurs in response to opening of the cover  200  in step  809 . 
     If a touch input occurs, the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can perform a function of a call (such as a call connection or call termination) corresponding to the touch input in step  811 . 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are flowcharts illustrating an example call processing process according to this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the processor  510  (such as the receiving module  710 ) can receive a call in step  901 . 
     The processor  510  (such as the sensor module  720 ) can determine whether the cover  200  is closed in step  903 . 
     If the cover  200  is closed, the processor  510  (such as the display module  730 ) can control to display an image (such as sender information, an incoming call reception button, and a call cancellation button) related to a call in a display area corresponding to a window of the cover  200  in response to closing of the cover  200  in step  905 . 
     The processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can determine whether the external button is pressed in step  907 . 
     If the external button is pressed, the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can acquire information (such as the number of times of pressing and a pressing time) about pressing of the external button in step  909 . 
     The processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can determine whether the information about pressing of the external button satisfies at least one reference (such as the preset number of times of pressing, the preset number of times of pressing pressed within a preset time, a preset continuous pressing time, or a combination of at least two thereof) in step  911 . 
     If information about pressing of the external button satisfies at least one reference, the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can perform a function of a call (such as call connection or call termination) in step  913 . If information about pressing of the external button does not satisfy at least one reference, the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can perform again step  905 . Functions of various calls can be mapped and stored on a reference basis, and the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can determine a reference corresponding to information about pressing of the external button and perform a specific function of a call corresponding to the reference. 
     If the external button is not pressed at step  907 , the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can determine whether a touch input occurs in a call related image displayed through a display area corresponding to the window of the cover  200  in step  915 . If a touch input does not occur in a call related image, the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can perform again step  905 . 
     If a touch input occurs in a call related image, the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can perform a function of a call (such as call connection or call termination) corresponding to the touch input in step  917 . 
     If the cover  200  is not closed at step  903 , the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can receive a call and can control to display a call related image in an entire screen area in response to opening of the cover  200  in step  923 . 
     The processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can determine whether a touch input occurs in step  925 . 
     If a touch input occurs in the call related image at step  925 , the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  740 ) can perform a function of a call (such as call connection or call termination) corresponding to the touch input in step  927 . 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a button function module according to this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a button function module  1000  can include a sensor module  1010 , a function conversion module  1020 , and a function processing module  1030 . 
     The sensor module  1010  (such as the sensor module  540 )) can determine whether the cover  200  is closed using at least one sensor. 
     The function conversion module  1020  can change functions (or a function group) of the external button (such as the power button  116 ) according to opening and closing of the cover  200 . For example, the function conversion module  1020 ) can set a first function (such as a call receiving function) of the power button  116  in response to closing of the cover  200  and set a second function (such as a call termination function) of the power button  116  in response to opening of the cover  200 . 
     The input processing module  1030  can detect pressing of the external button (such as the power button  116 ) and can perform a changed function according to opening and closing of the cover  200 . The input processing module  1030  can acquire information (such as the number of times of pressing and a pressing time) about pressing of the external button (such as the power button  116 ), and when the information satisfies at least one reference, the input processing module  1030  can perform a changed function according to opening and closing of the cover  200 . 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating an example input processing process according to this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  1030 ) can determine whether the external button (such as the power button  116 ) is pressed in step  1101 . 
     If the external button (such as the power button  116 ) is pressed, the processor  510  (such as the sensor module  1010 ) can determine whether the cover  200  is closed using at least one sensor in response to pressing of the external button in step  1103 . 
     The processor  510  can determine whether information about pressing of the external button satisfies at least one reference (such as the preset number of times of pressing, the preset number of times of pressing pressed within a preset time, or a preset continuous pressing time, or a combination of at least two thereof) in step  1105 . 
     If information about pressing of the external button satisfies at least one reference, the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  1030 ) can perform a first function in step  1107 . 
     If the cover  200  is not closed at step  1103 , the processor  510  can determine whether the information about pressing of the external button satisfies at least one reference (such as the preset number of times of pressing, the preset number of times of pressing pressed within a preset time, or a preset continuous pressing time, or a combination of at least two thereof) in step  1109 . 
     If the information about pressing of the external button satisfies at least one reference, the processor  510  (such as the input processing module  1030 ) can perform a second function in step  1111 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates an example screen of an electronic device according to this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , in a state in which a cover (such as the first cover  210 ) is closed, when a call is received, the electronic device  100  can display a call reception related interface image  1301  through a display area corresponding to the window  21  of the first cover  210 . The call reception related interface image  1301  can be shown through the window  21  of the cover  210 . The call reception related interface image  1301  can include sender information (a name and a phone number)  1310 , an incoming call reception button  1315 , or a call cancellation button  1320 . The electronic device  100  can receive a call (incoming call reception) in response to a touch gesture that moves the incoming call reception button  1315  to the right side. The electronic device  100  can terminate communication in response to a touch gesture that moves the call cancellation button  1320  to the left side. The electronic device  100  can allow or terminate communication in response to pressing of the power button  116  exposed to the outside. 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating an example use example according to this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , in a state in which a cover (such as the first cover  210 ) is closed, when a call is received, the electronic device  100  can display call related information through a display area corresponding to the window  21  of the first cover  210 . The user can connect or terminate (reject) communication by pressing the power button  116  exposed to the outside. For example, when the user continuously presses two times the power button  116 , the electronic device  100  can connect a call. When the user continuously presses three times the power button  116 , the electronic device  100  can terminate a call and can perform an automatic response (such as automatic response message transmission). 
     In an embodiment, a method of operating the electronic device  100  including the openable cover  210  can include an operation of receiving a call and an operation of performing a function of a call, when a pressing of at least one external button (such as the power button  116 ) exposed to the outside is detected in a state in which the cover  210  is closed. 
     In an embodiment, in a state in which the openable cover  210  is closed, in a display area corresponding to the window  21  of the cover  210 , an image of an incoming call can be displayed. 
     In an embodiment, in a state in which the cover  210  is closed, when a pressing of at least one external button (such as  116 ) is detected, an operation of performing a function of a call can include an operation of acquiring information about a pressing of at least one external button and an operation of performing a function of a call, when the information about the pressing of the at least one external button satisfies at least one reference. 
     In an embodiment, the information about pressing of the at least one external button can include at least one of the number of times of pressing or a pressing time (such as a pressing interval and a continuous pressing time). 
     In an embodiment, at least one reference can include the preset number of times of pressing, the preset number of times of pressing pressed within a preset time, a preset continuous pressing time, or a combination of at least two thereof. 
     In an embodiment, a function of a call can include connection or termination of a call. 
     In an embodiment, a function of a call can include a speaker phone or automatic response. 
     In an embodiment, at least one external button can be disposed at the outside of a screen. 
     In an embodiment, a method of operating the electronic device  100  including the openable cover  210  can include an operation of detecting whether at least one button (such as a power button) is pressed, an operation of determining whether the cover  210  is closed, and an operation of performing different functions according to an opening and a closing of the cover  210 . 
     In an embodiment, an operation of performing each of the different functions according to the opening and the closing of the cover  210  can perform the different functions when information about a pressing of the at least one button satisfies at least one reference. 
     In an embodiment, the electronic device  100  can include a body including a display  11 , a cover  210  that can cover or open the display  11  and that includes a window  21  that exposes a partial area of the display  11  when the display  11  is covered, at least one external button (such as the power button  116 ) disposed at an external appearance of the body and exposed to the outside regardless of opening and closing of the cover  210 , at least one sensor housed in the body and that detects opening and closing of the cover  210 , and the processor  510  housed in the body, and in a state in which the cover  210  is closed, when the processor  510  detects that at least one external button  116  is pressed, the processor  510  can perform a function of an incoming call. 
     In an embodiment, in a state in which the cover is closed, the processor  510  can control to display an image of a call in a partial area of the display  11  corresponding to the window  21  of the cover  210 . 
     In an embodiment, the processor  510  can acquire information about pressing of at least one external button  116 , and when the information about pressing of at least one external button (such as the power button  116 ) satisfies at least one reference, the processor  510  can perform a function of a call. 
     In an embodiment, the electronic device  100  can include a body including the display  11 , a cover  210  that can cover or open the display  11  and that includes the window  21  that exposes a partial area of the display  11  when the display  11  is covered, at least one external button (such as the power button  116 ) disposed at an external appearance of the body and exposed to the outside regardless of opening and closing of the cover  210 , at least one sensor (such as the sensor module  240 ) housed in the body and that detects opening and closing of the cover  210 , and a processor  510  housed in the body, and when pressing of at least one external button is detected, the processor  510  can perform different functions according to opening and closing of the cover  210 . 
     Methods according to exemplary embodiments described in claims and/or a specification of the present disclosure can be implemented in a form of hardware, software, or a combination thereof. 
     When implemented with software, a computer readable storage medium that stores at least one program (software module) can be provided. At least one program stored at a computer readable storage medium can be formed to execute by at least one processor within an electronic device. At least one program can include an instruction that enables the electronic device to execute methods according to exemplary embodiments described in claims and/or a specification of the present disclosure. 
     Such a program (software module, software) can be stored at a non-volatile memory including a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), a magnetic disk storage device, a compact disk ROM (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or an optical storage device of other form, and a magnetic cassette. Alternatively, the program can be stored at a memory formed with a combination of a portion or the entire thereof. Further, each constituent memory can be included in plural. 
     While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.