Patent Description:
With continuing progress in electronic technology, flexible electronic devices of various types have been developed. Particularly, electronic devices, such as a television (TV), a Personal Computer (PC), a laptop computer, a tablet PC, a mobile phone, an MPEG-<NUM> audio layer-<NUM> (MP3) player, and the like, have a sufficient high market penetration as to be nearly ubiquitous in most homes.

In order to meet the needs of users who desire newer and more various functions, efforts have been made to develop electronic devices in newer forms.

A flexible electronic device may refer to an electronic device in which the form or shape of the device can be altered, similar to the manner in which paper is alterable. The flexible electronic device may be deformed or otherwise altered by force applied by a user, taking on a format of being folded.

<CIT> relates to flexible display apparatus and controlling method thereof. A flexible display apparatus is provided. The flexible display apparatus includes a display unit, a sensor configured to sense a bending of the flexible display apparatus, and a controller configured to display first contents on a first screen of the display unit, and to reconfigure and display the first contents on a second screen generated on an area of the display unit based on the bending.

<CIT> relates to an electronic device and method for controlling the electronic device. An electronic device, according to one embodiment, comprises: a display for displaying a first screen; a force direction-sensing unit for detecting the direction of force applied in a contact on one point by an external object; and a control unit for detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event to logically divide the display into at least two areas including a first area and a second area, obtaining from the force direction-sensing unit the direction of force of a first contact which is related to the predetermined event, determining an area from among the at least two areas to display a first screen, depending on the direction of force of the first contact, and displaying the first screen on the determined area.

<CIT> relates to a display device and operating method thereof. A display device for displaying an image and a method by which the display device operates to display an image are provided. The display device may include a display configured to output a screen image, an image sensor configured to acquire an image signal, a bending detection sensor configured to detect a bending motion or a bent state of the display device, and a control unit configured to control the display to display an image, which is generated based on the image signal, in a region according to a position at which the display is bent on the screen image if the bending detection sensor detects the bending motion or a bent state.

<CIT> relates to a foldable device and method of controlling the same. The foldable device includes: a flexible display configured to display an execution screen of an application; and a controller configured to control the flexible display to display an execution screen of at least one first application on a first surface of the flexible display that is used as a display of the foldable device when the flexible display is folded, and control, in response to the flexible display being unfolded, the flexible display to display the execution screen of the at least one first application and an execution screen of at least one second application related to the at least one first application to be displayed on a second surface of the flexible display that is used as a display of the foldable device when the flexible display is unfolded.

<CIT> relates to a mobile terminal and method of controlling the same. The mobile terminal having a flexible display unit which is bendable, foldable, and rollable in at least a portion thereof, includes a flexible display unit configured to display first screen information, a sensing unit configured to sense a bending operation of the flexible display unit, and a control unit configured to control the flexible display unit to display second screen information different from the first screen information together with the first screen information, based on a bending operation of the flexible display unit, wherein the control unit divides the flexible display unit into at least two regions and displays the first screen information and the second screen information in the regions, separately.

The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed and the present disclosure is to cover various modifications, and/or alternatives of the corresponding embodiments. In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to designate similar elements. As used herein, the singular forms may include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, the expression "A or B", "A/B", or "at least one of A and/or B" may include all possible combinations of the items listed. The expression "a first", "a second", "the first", or "the second" may modify corresponding elements regardless of the order or the importance, and is used only to distinguish one element from another element, but does not limit the corresponding elements. When an element (e.g., first element) is referred to as being (operatively or communicatively) "connected," or "coupled," to another element (e.g., second element), it may be directly connected or coupled directly to the other element or any other element (e.g., third element) may be interposed between them.

In the present disclosure, the expression "configured to" may be exchanged with, for example, "suitable for", "having the capacity to", "adapted to", "made to", "capable of', or "designed to" in terms of hardware or software, according to circumstances. In some situations, the expression "device configured to" may mean that the device, together with other devices or components, "is able to". For example, the phrase "processor adapted (or configured) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g. embedded processor) for performing the corresponding operations or a general-purpose processor (e.g., Central Processing Unit (CPU) or Application Processor (AP)) that can perform the corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of, for example, a smart phone, a tablet Personal Computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an electronic book reader (e-book reader), a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), an MPEG-<NUM> audio layer-<NUM> (MP3) player, a medical device, a camera, and a wearable device. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, a contact lens, or a Head-Mounted Device (HMD)), a fabric- or clothing-integrated type (e.g., an electronic clothing), a body-mounted type (e.g., a skin pad or tattoo), and a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit). According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include at least one of, for example, a television, a Digital Video Disk (DVD) player, an audio, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a media box (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), a game console (e.g., Xbox™ and PlayStation™), an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, and an electronic photo frame.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measuring devices (a blood glucose monitoring device, a heart rate monitoring device, a blood pressure measuring device, a body temperature measuring device, and/or the like), a Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a Computed Tomography (CT) machine, and an ultrasonic machine), a navigation device, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), an Event Data Recorder (EDR), a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), a vehicle infotainment device, electronic devices for a ship (e.g., a navigation device for a ship, a gyro-compass, and/or the like), avionics, security devices, an automotive head unit, a robot for home or industry, a drone, an Automatic Teller's Machine (ATM) in banks, Point Of Sales (POS) in a shop, and an Internet of Things device (e.g., a light bulb, various sensors, a sprinkler device, a fire alarm, a thermostat, a streetlamp, a toaster, sporting goods, a hot water tank, a heater, a boiler, and/or the like). According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may include at least one of a part of a piece of furniture, a building/structure, or a motor vehicle, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, and various kinds of measuring instruments (e.g., a water meter, an electric meter, a gas meter, a radio wave meter, and/or the like). In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may be flexible, or may be a combination of two or more of the aforementioned various devices. The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned devices. In the present disclosure, the term "user" may indicate a person using an electronic device or a device (e.g. an artificial intelligence electronic device) using an electronic device.

<FIG> are views illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a partially unfolded front of the electronic device, <FIG> is a view illustrating an unfolded rear of the electronic device, and <FIG> is a view illustrating a folded rear of the electronic device.

A display <NUM> may be disposed on a front surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be formed so as to occupy most of the front surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, a main home screen may be displayed on the display <NUM>. The main home screen may be a first screen or a Graphical User Interface (GUI) displayed on the display <NUM> and facilitates user interaction when the electronic device <NUM> is powered on. At least one of shortcut icons for executing frequently-used applications, a main menu switching key, time, and weather may be displayed on the main home screen. When a user selects the main menu switching key, a menu screen may be displayed on the display <NUM>.

Also, a status bar may be displayed that includes at least one state of the electronic device <NUM> such as the state of battery charging, the strength of a received signal, a current time point, and/or the like. The status bar may be displayed at an upper end part of the display <NUM>.

A home button, a menu button, and/or a back button may be formed at the edge (e.g., a "bezel" or a "case part around the display <NUM>") of the front surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, which is disposed beside/below the display <NUM>.

The home button may be activated to display the main home screen on the display <NUM>. Also, the home button may be activated to cause the display <NUM> to display recently-used applications or a task manager. The menu button may be used to provide a connection menu capable of being displayed on the display <NUM>. The connection menu may include at least one of a widget addition menu, a background screen change menu, a search menu, an editing menu, and an environment setting menu. The back button may be activated to display a screen executed just before a screen being currently executed, or may be used to terminate the most recently-used application.

A first camera <NUM> and/or at least one sensor may be disposed on the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The at least one sensor may include one or more of a distance sensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, and/or the like. The at least one sensor may be disposed at the edge of the front surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, which is disposed beside/above the display <NUM>.

A sub-display <NUM>, a second camera <NUM>, a flash, a speaker, and/or at least one sensor such as a distance sensor and/or the like may be disposed on a rear surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

When in a folded configuration (e.g., a state of being folded), the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to display graphic elements, user interface(s), and/or information of a preset condition or type (e.g., message reception/transmission information, status information of the electronic device, and/or the like. ) on the sub-display <NUM>. The sub-display <NUM> may be configured to detect pressure (e.g., indicating a tap and/or knock input of a user). For example, when the user 'knocks' (e.g., double knocking or tapping) the sub-display <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to display graphic elements, user interface(s) and/or other designated information on the sub-display <NUM>. The sub-display <NUM> may be configured to detect fingerprint information.

Further, in some example embodiments, one or more features may be disposed on a lateral surface <NUM>, including a power/lock button, a volume button having a volume increase button and a volume reduction button, a terrestrial Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) antenna for receiving a broadcast signal, at least one microphone, and/or the like.

<FIG> are views each illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device 201a may include a second camera 292a, and may be configured such that a display 260a is not exposed to an exterior of the device (e.g., 'outside') with respect to a lengthwise end part of the electronic device <NUM> when the electronic device 201a is folded. As seen in <FIG>, a folded state of the device may be characterized by the lengthwise end parts of the electronic device <NUM> contacting each other, or otherwise coming as physically close as possible to one another.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device 201b may include a second camera 292b, and may be alternatively configured such that a part 262b of a display 260b is exposed to an exterior of the device in order to function as a sub-display, even when the electronic device 201b is folded.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an unfolded front of the electronic device, and <FIG> is a view illustrating a cross section along a lengthwise direction of the electronic device.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a strain sensor <NUM> (e.g., a strain gauge), a first sensor <NUM>, a second sensor <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a hinge <NUM>, an upper Printed-Circuit Board (PCB) <NUM>, a lower PCB <NUM>, and a battery <NUM>.

The strain sensor <NUM> may be disposed at a folded position <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, and may output a "strain value" used to indirectly measure a folding angle of the electronic device <NUM>.

An angle sensor may be disposed at the folded position <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, and may directly measure the folding angle of the electronic device <NUM> or the hinge <NUM>.

The first sensor <NUM> may be disposed at the edge of a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, which is located beside/above the display <NUM>, and the second sensor <NUM> may be disposed at the edge of a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, which is located beside/below the display <NUM>. The first and second sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may provide information for calculating the folding angle of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, each of the first and second sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least one of a distance sensor and a gyroscope sensor.

The display <NUM> may include a flexible panel <NUM> for displaying an image and a third sensor <NUM> for detecting at least one of pressure, fingerprint, and/or the like.

The upper PCB <NUM> and the lower PCB <NUM> may be separated from each other with the hinge <NUM> interposed in between, and may be electrically connected to one other through a flexible connector.

The hinge <NUM> (e.g., a free stop hinge) may maintain a folded state of the electronic device <NUM> at various angles.

Referring to <FIG>, a description will be made of an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may include a bus <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an input/output interface <NUM>, a display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM>), and a communication interface <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the above elements of the electronic device <NUM> may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or the electronic device <NUM> may additionally include other elements. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of a frame buffer <NUM>, a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) <NUM>, and a Touch Screen Panel (TSP) <NUM> (or also referred to as a "touch panel").

The bus <NUM> may include a circuit that interconnects the elements <NUM> to <NUM> and delivers a communication (e.g., a control message or data) between the elements <NUM> to <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include one or more of a CPU, an AP, and a Communication Processor (CP). The processor <NUM> may perform, for example, calculations or data processing related to control over and/or communication by at least one of the other elements of the electronic device <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may include a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. The memory <NUM> may store, for example, commands or data related to at least one of the other elements of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory <NUM> may store software and/or a program. The program may include, for example, a kernel, middleware, an Application Programming Interface (API), and/or an application program (or an application). At least some of the kernel, the middleware, and the API may be referred to as an "Operating System (OS). " For example, the kernel may control or manage system resources (e.g., the bus <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and/or the like) used to execute operations or functions implemented by the other programs (e.g., the middleware, the API, and the application program). Also, the kernel may provide an interface capable of controlling or managing the system resources by accessing the individual elements of the electronic device <NUM> by using the middleware, the API, or the application program.

For example, the middleware may serve as an intermediary that enables the API or the application program to communicate with the kernel and to exchange data therewith. Also, the middleware may process one or more task requests received from the application program according to a priority. For example, the middleware may assign a priority, which enables the use of system resources (e.g., the bus <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and/or the like) of the electronic device <NUM>, to at least one of the application programs, and may process the one or more task requests according to the assigned priority. The API is an interface through which the application controls a function provided by the kernel or the middleware, and may include, for example, at least one interface or function (e.g., command) for file control, window control, image processing, character control, or the like.

For example, the sensor module <NUM> may measure a physical quantity, or may detect an operation state of the electronic device <NUM>, and may convert the measured physical quantity or the detected operation state into an electrical signal. The sensor module <NUM> may include at least one of, for example, an angle sensor <NUM>, a distance sensor <NUM>, and a gyroscope sensor <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> may include at least one of a GNSS sensor, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, a gesture sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor (e.g., a Red- Green-Blue (RGB) sensor), a biometric sensor, a temperature/humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, and an Ultraviolet (UV) sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, an e-nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an Infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, and/or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module <NUM> may further include a control circuit for controlling one or more sensors included therein. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a processor configured to control the sensor module <NUM> as a part of or separately from the processor <NUM>, and may control the sensor module <NUM> while the processor <NUM> is in a sleep state.

For example, the input/output interface <NUM> may deliver a command or data, which is input from a user or another external device, to the element(s) other than the input/output interface <NUM> within the electronic device <NUM>, or may output, to the user or another external device, commands or data received from the element(s) other than the input/output interface <NUM> within the electronic device <NUM>. The input/output interface <NUM> may include at least one of, for example, a speaker, a receiver, an earphone, and a microphone.

The display <NUM> may include at least one of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display, a MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) display, an electronic paper display, and a projector. For example, the display <NUM> may display various pieces of content (e.g., text, images, videos, icons, symbols, and/or the like. ) to the user.

The frame buffer <NUM> may store pixel values or pixel color values to be output to the display <NUM>, and may be implemented by a memory, the GPU <NUM>, a memory within the display <NUM> or a display controller, or a virtual apparatus such as a frame buffer apparatus employing Linux.

The GPU <NUM> may generate a screen including various objects, such as an item, an image, text, and/or the like. The GPU <NUM> may calculate at least one attribute value among a coordinate value, a form, a size, a color, and/or the like by using which each object is to be displayed according to the layout of a screen, and may generate a screen, which has various layouts and includes the objects, on the basis of the calculated attribute value. Hereinafter, a screen or an application screen may refer to the whole or part of an image shown on a surface (or a display area) of the display <NUM>. For example, the application screen may be referred to as a "graphical interface", a "GUI", an "application window", an "application area", and/or the like.

The TSP <NUM> (or also referred to as a "touch panel") may receive a touch input, a gesture input, a proximity input, or a hovering input provided by an electronic pen or a body part of the user. For example, the TSP <NUM> may be included in the display <NUM>. The TSP <NUM> may detect a touch/hovering input by using at least one of, for example, a capacitive scheme, a resistive scheme, an infrared scheme, and a surface acoustic wave scheme. Also, the TSP <NUM> may further include a control circuit. The TSP <NUM> may further include a tactile layer and may provide a tactile reaction to the user.

The communication interface <NUM> may establish, for example, communication between the electronic device <NUM> and an external device (e.g., an external electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM>). For example, the communication interface <NUM> may be connected to a network <NUM> through wireless or wired communication and may communicate with the external device (e.g., the second external electronic device <NUM> or the server <NUM>).

The types of the wireless communication may include, for example, cellular communication which uses at least one of Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the types of the wireless communication may include at least one of, for example, WiFi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Near Field Communication (NFC), magnetic secure transmission, Radio Frequency (RF), and Body Area Network (BAN). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the types of the wireless communication may include a GNSS. The GNSS may be, for example, a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Global Navigation Satellite System (Glonass), a Beidou Navigation Satellite System (hereinafter "Beidou"), or a European Global Satellite-based Navigation System (Galileo). Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, the term "GPS" may be used interchangeably with the term "GNSS. " The types of the wired communication may include at least one of, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Recommended Standard <NUM> (RS-<NUM>), Power Line communication (PLC), and a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). Examples of the network <NUM> may include at least one of telecommunication networks, such as a computer network (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN), or a Wide Area Network (WAN)), the Internet, and a telephone network.

The external electronic device <NUM> may be of a type identical to or different from that of the electronic device <NUM>. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, all or some of operations performed by the electronic device <NUM> may be performed by another electronic device or multiple electronic devices (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM> or the server <NUM>). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the electronic device <NUM> needs to perform some functions or services automatically or by a request, the electronic device <NUM> may send, to another device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM> or the server <NUM>), a request for performing at least some functions related to the functions or services, instead of performing the functions or services by itself, or additionally. Another electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM>, or the server <NUM>) may execute the requested functions or the additional functions, and may deliver a result of the execution to the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may process the received result without any change or additionally and may provide the requested functions or services. To this end, use may be made of, for example, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, or client-server computing technology.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic device <NUM> may include, for example, the whole or part of the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The electronic device <NUM> may include at least one processor (e.g., an AP) <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an input apparatus <NUM>, a display <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, an indicator <NUM>, and a motor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may control multiple hardware or software elements connected to the processor <NUM> and may perform the processing of and arithmetic operations on various data, by running, for example, an OS or an application program. The processor <NUM> may be implemented by, for example, a System on Chip (SoC). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor <NUM> may further include a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and/or an image signal processor. The processor <NUM> may include at least some (e.g., a cellular module <NUM>) of the elements illustrated in <FIG>. The processor <NUM> may load, into a volatile memory, instructions or data received from at least one (e.g., a non-volatile memory) of the other elements and may process the loaded instructions or data, and may store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory.

The communication module <NUM> (e.g., the communication interface <NUM>) may include, for example, the cellular module <NUM>, a Wi-Fi module <NUM>, a Bluetooth (BT) module <NUM>, a GNSS module <NUM>, an NFC module <NUM>, and an RF module <NUM>. For example, the cellular module <NUM> may provide a voice call, a video call, a text message service, an Internet service, and/or the like through a communication network. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cellular module <NUM> may identify or authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in the communication network by using the subscriber identification module (e.g., a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card) <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cellular module <NUM> may perform at least some of the functions that the processor <NUM> may provide. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cellular module <NUM> may include a CP. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least some (e.g., two or more) of the cellular module <NUM>, the Wi-Fi module <NUM>, the BT module <NUM>, the GNSS module <NUM>, and the NFC module <NUM> may be included in one Integrated Chip (IC) or IC package. The RF module <NUM> may transmit and receive, for example, communication signals (e.g., RF signals). The RF module <NUM> may include, for example, a transceiver, a Power Amplifier Module (PAM), a frequency filter, a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), and an antenna. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the cellular module <NUM>, the Wi-Fi module <NUM>, the BT module <NUM>, the GNSS module <NUM>, and the NFC module <NUM> may transmit and receive RF signals through a separate RF module. The subscriber identification module <NUM> may include, for example, a card including a subscriber identity module or an embedded SIM, and may contain unique identification information (e.g., an Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

The memory <NUM> (e.g., the memory <NUM>) may include, for example, an internal memory <NUM> or an external memory <NUM>. The internal memory <NUM> may include at least one of, for example, a volatile memory (e.g., a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), a Static RAM (SRAM), a Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), and/or the like); and a non-volatile memory (e.g., a One Time Programmable Read-Only Memory (OTPROM), a Programmable ROM (PROM), an Erasable and Programmable ROM (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a flash memory, a hard drive, and a Solid State Drive (SSD)). The external memory <NUM> may include a flash drive, for example, a Compact Flash (CF), a Secure Digital (SD), a Micro-Secure Digital (Micro-SD), a Mini-Secure Digital (Mini-SD), an extreme Digital (xD), a Multi-Media Card (MMC), a memory stick, or the like. The external memory <NUM> may be functionally or physically connected to the electronic device <NUM> through various interfaces.

For example, the sensor module <NUM> may measure a physical quantity or may detect an operation state of the electronic device <NUM>, and may convert the measured physical quantity or the detected operation state into an electrical signal. The sensor module <NUM> may include at least one of, for example, a gesture sensor 240A, a gyro sensor 240B, an atmospheric pressure sensor 240C, a magnetic sensor 240D, an acceleration sensor 240E, a grip sensor 240F, a proximity sensor <NUM>, a color sensor <NUM> (e.g., a Red-Green-Blue (RGB) sensor), a biometric sensor 240I, a temperature/humidity sensor 240J, an illuminance sensor <NUM>, and an Ultraviolet (UV) sensor <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, an E-nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an Infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, and/or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module <NUM> may further include a control circuit for controlling one or more sensors included therein. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a processor configured to control the sensor module <NUM> as a part of or separately from the processor <NUM>, and may control the sensor module <NUM> while the processor <NUM> is in a sleep state.

The input apparatus <NUM> may include, for example, a touch panel <NUM>, a (digital) pen sensor <NUM>, a key <NUM>, and an ultrasonic input unit <NUM>. The touch panel <NUM> may use at least one of, for example, a capacitive scheme, a resistive scheme, an infrared scheme, and a surface acoustic wave scheme. Also, the touch panel <NUM> may further include a control circuit. The touch panel <NUM> may further include a tactile layer and may provide a tactile reaction to the user. The (digital) pen sensor <NUM> may include, for example, a recognition sheet that is a part of the touch panel or is separated from the touch panel. The key <NUM> may be, for example, a physical button, an optical key, and a keypad. The ultrasonic input unit <NUM> may sense an ultrasonic wave generated by an input through a microphone (e.g., a microphone <NUM>), and may confirm data corresponding to the sensed ultrasonic wave.

The display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM>) may include a panel <NUM>, a hologram unit <NUM>, a projector <NUM>, and/or a control circuit for controlling the same. The panel <NUM> may be implemented to be, for example, flexible, transparent, or wearable. The panel <NUM> together with the touch panel <NUM> may be implemented as one or more modules. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the panel <NUM> may include a pressure sensor (or a force sensor) capable of measuring the strength of pressure of a user's touch. The pressure sensor and the touch panel <NUM> may be integrated into one unit, or the pressure sensor may be implemented by one or more sensors separated from the touch panel <NUM>. The hologram unit <NUM> may display a three-dimensional image in the air by using the interference of light. The projector <NUM> may display an image by projecting light onto a screen. The screen may be located, for example, inside or outside the electronic device <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may include, for example, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) <NUM>, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) <NUM>, an optical interface <NUM>, and a D-subminiature (D-sub) <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may be included in, for example, the communication interface <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Additionally or alternatively, the interface <NUM> may include, for example, a Mobile High-definition Link (MHL) interface, a Secure Digital (SD) card/Multi-Media Card (MMC) interface, or an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard interface.

For example, the audio module <NUM> may bidirectionally convert between a sound and an electrical signal. At least some elements of the audio module <NUM> may be included in, for example, the input/output interface <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The audio module <NUM> may process sound information which is input or output through, for example, a speaker <NUM>, a receiver <NUM>, an earphone <NUM>, the microphone <NUM>, or the like. The camera module <NUM> is, for example, a device capable of capturing a still image and a moving image. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera module <NUM> may include one or more image sensors (e.g., a front sensor or a back sensor), a lens, an Image Signal Processor (ISP), and a flash (e.g., an LED, a xenon lamp, or the like). The power management module <NUM> may manage, for example, power of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the power management module <NUM> may include a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), a charger IC, or a battery or fuel gauge. The PMIC may use a wired and/or wireless charging method. Examples of the wireless charging method may include, for example, a magnetic resonance method, a magnetic induction method, an electromagnetic method, and/or the like. The PMIC may further include additional circuits (e.g., a coil loop, a resonance circuit, a rectifier, and/or the like) for wireless charging. The battery gauge may measure, for example, a residual quantity of the battery <NUM>, and a voltage, a current, or a temperature during the charging. The battery <NUM> may include, for example, a rechargeable battery and/or a solar battery.

The indicator <NUM> may display a particular state (e.g., a booting state, a message state, a charging state, or the like) of the electronic device <NUM> or a part (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>. The motor <NUM> may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration, and may generate a vibration, a haptic effect, or the like. The electronic device <NUM> may include, for example, a mobile television (TV) support unit (e.g., a GPU) that may process media data according to a standard, such as Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), or mediaFLO™. Each of the above-described elements of hardware according to the present disclosure may include one or more components, and the names of the corresponding elements may vary based on the type of electronic device. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may omit some elements or may further include additional elements, or some of the elements of the electronic device may be combined into one entity, which may perform functions identical to those of the relevant elements before the combination.

<FIG> are views illustrating a program module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a program module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the program module may include an OS for controlling resources related to the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) and/or various applications executed in the OS. The OS may be, for example, Android™, iOS™, Windows™, Symbian™, Tizen™, Bada™, and/or the like. At least some of the program module may be preloaded on the electronic device, or may be downloaded from an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, the server <NUM>, and/or the like).

A folding event converter <NUM> (or referred to as an "event converter") may analyze raw data received from a sensor <NUM> (e.g., a strain sensor <NUM>, a distance sensor <NUM>, a gyroscope sensor <NUM>, and/or the like), and may calculate a folding state. Hereinafter, the term "folding" may refer to "bending," and the term "folding event" may refer to a "folding gesture.

A folding event dispatcher/handler <NUM> (or referred to as an "event handler") may deliver a folding state/event to a system <NUM> or an application <NUM>.

A folding state manager <NUM> may deliver a folding state/event to a relevant module.

A state memory module <NUM> may store a folding state/event.

A notification/message manager <NUM> may provide a user with an event, such as an arrival message, an appointment, a proximity notification, and/or the like.

An event logger <NUM> may record events, and may display the events in chronological order.

A telephony module <NUM> may manage a voice/video call function of the electronic device.

A timer <NUM> may provide a timer function.

A location manager <NUM> may manage, for example, location information of the electronic device.

A power manager <NUM> may operate in conjunction with, for example, a power controller <NUM> and may manage the capacity of a battery or power, and may provide power information utilized for an operation of the electronic device.

A system event receiver <NUM> may receive an event from the notification/message manager <NUM>, the event logger <NUM>, the telephony module <NUM>, the timer <NUM>, or the power manager <NUM>, and may deliver the received event to a context manager <NUM>.

An input handler <NUM> may receive an input from a TSP <NUM>, a mouse <NUM>, or a key <NUM>, and may deliver the received input to the context manager <NUM>.

The context manager <NUM> may manage a system service on the basis of an input, a system event, a folding state, and/or the like.

A display controller <NUM> may control on/off of a screen.

A frame buffer <NUM> may store pixel values or pixel color values to be output to the display.

A graphic composer <NUM> may generate a screen including various objects, such as an item, an image, text, and/or the like.

A window manager <NUM> may manage GUI resources used for a screen.

The application <NUM> may include applications which provide, for example, a home, a dialer, an SMS/MMS, an Instant Message (IM), a browser, a camera, an alarm, a contact, a voice dial, an email, a calendar, a media player, an album, a watch, health care (e.g., which measures an exercise quantity, a blood sugar level, or the like), and environmental information (e.g., information on atmospheric pressure, humidity, or temperature).

At least part of the program module may be implemented (e.g., executed) in software, firmware, hardware (e.g., a processor), or at least two combinations thereof, and may include a module, a program, a routine, a set of instructions, or a process for performing one or more functions.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the folding event converter <NUM> may analyze raw data from the sensor <NUM> and may calculate a folding state. For example, the folding event converter <NUM> may calculate a folding angle of the electronic device <NUM> by comparing an angle formed between the axis of the first sensor <NUM> and the ground, which has been measured by the first sensor <NUM> including a gyroscope sensor, with an angle formed between the axis of the second sensor <NUM> and the ground which has been measured by the second sensor <NUM> including a gyroscope sensor.

For example, when a distance measured by the first sensor <NUM> including a distance sensor is identical to a distance measured by the second sensor <NUM> including a distance sensor, the folding event converter <NUM> may know that the electronic device <NUM> is folded and the first sensor <NUM> and the second sensor <NUM> are in a state of facing each other, and may calculate a folding angle of the electronic device <NUM> since a distance between the first sensor <NUM> and the second sensor <NUM> is corresponding to (or proportional to) the folding angle.

A folding state may be directly measured by an angle sensor <NUM>, or may be determined through calculation performed by the folding event converter <NUM>. The folding state may be expressed by an angle itself, may be expressed by one state corresponding to a predetermined angle range, or may be expressed by the trend of increase/reduction in angle.

The folding state manager <NUM> may deliver a folding state/event to the event handler <NUM>, and the folding state/event may be processed by the registered event handler <NUM>. The event handler <NUM> may be registered by various modules, such as the system <NUM>, the application <NUM>, a background service, and/or the like, and the registered event handler <NUM> may process a folding state/event according to a priority. For example, a priority may be determined in order of the system <NUM>, a visible (or activated) application, an application which is being executed but is not directly visible to the user, and a background service which does not have a visible UI. For example, when a folding state/event is not processed by an event handler having a high priority, the folding state/event may be processed by an event handler having the next priority.

The sequential processing of a folding state/event may have an effect described below.

When the electronic device is folded, the system <NUM> may display an alpha screen or a gadget. For example, the alpha screen may be implemented by a window that is capable of freely moving and displays at least one piece of content/information among multimedia content, user-customized information, and real-time information. When a particular situation such as a landscape mode is given, the system <NUM> may not process a folding event, and when the event handler <NUM> having the next priority is registered in a video application, the video application may stop or start the reproduction of a video according to a folding/unfolding event.

Referring to <FIG>, the folding state manager <NUM> may directly deliver a folding state/event to the system <NUM> or the application <NUM> without passing through the event handler. For example, the folding state manager <NUM> may determine whether a folding state/event is to be delivered and/or a subject to which the folding state/event is to be delivered, based on context information of the electronic device which has been acquired from the context manager <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a screen of a display <NUM> may be divided into multiple areas, notably without utilizing a scheme for virtually dividing the display <NUM> among screen division schemes. In such embodiments, coordinates on the display <NUM> corresponding to an identical point (e.g., at a same relative position on both display partitions) in application windows <NUM> and <NUM> are different, according to locations of the application windows <NUM> and <NUM>. Therefore, the window manager <NUM> may adjust the application windows <NUM> and <NUM> so as to correspond to the divided areas.

Referring to <FIG>, when the scheme dividing the display <NUM> into virtual displays <NUM> and <NUM> is executed, because the multiple virtual displays <NUM> and <NUM> correspond one-to-one to multiple application windows <NUM> and <NUM>, and coordinates on the respective displays of an identical point in the application windows <NUM> and <NUM> are identical even when locations of the application windows <NUM> and <NUM> are different, the window manager <NUM> may adjust the virtual displays <NUM> and <NUM> so as to correspond to the divided areas.

<FIG> is an illustrative view explaining utilization of a ratio for screen division in an electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the electronic device is unfolded (e.g., in an unfolded state) (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>), a default screen (or a full screen) <NUM> of a display (e.g., the display <NUM>) may have a screen ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>. It is understood that the ratio disclosed herein is exemplary, and a ratio of the default screen <NUM> may be changed with or without alterations in the physical dimensions of the screen. Also, it may be understood that a first window <NUM> occupying the entire area of the display utilizes the ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>.

The default screen <NUM> is illustrated as presently an unfolded screen of the display, and may be switched to display of screens <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> having various division ratios in response to an event for screen division.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a state of displaying the default screen <NUM>, the default screen <NUM> may be switched to a first screen <NUM> on which a second window <NUM> having a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> is displayed in an overlay form in the first window <NUM> having a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> in response to the type of event related to screen division. At this time, in the case of a split mode which is not the overlay form, the size of the first window <NUM> may be reduced to a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> and the second screen <NUM> on which the second window <NUM> having a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> shares a common boundary line with the first window <NUM> may be displayed. For example, in the state of displaying the default screen <NUM>, the second window (e.g., an alpha screen) <NUM> displayed in an overlay form may be invoked in response to folding interaction, and the second window (e.g., an alpha screen) <NUM> may be hidden in response to unfolding interaction. Also, in a state where the second window (e.g., an alpha screen) <NUM> is displayed in an overlay form, the fixed second window (e.g., an alpha screen) <NUM> may be displayed in response to a lining input, which traverses a screen, as in the case of the second screen <NUM>. In contrast, the second window (e.g., an alpha screen) <NUM> may be cancelled in response to a return input, for example, a lining input which traverses a screen in an opposite direction, and the current state may be changed to the state of displaying the default screen <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the state of displaying the default screen <NUM>, the third screen on which at least two windows <NUM> and <NUM> all having a ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> are disposed with a folded part of the display as a reference, may be displayed in response to the type of event related to screen division.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, switching from the above-described default screen <NUM> to the first screen <NUM> or the second screen <NUM>, and switching from the above-described default screen <NUM> to the third screen <NUM> may be achieved with an event for screen division as a reference. Examples of the event for screen division may include a change of a folding state, an input (or a touch/hovering/swipe input) which traverses at least part in one direction on the display <NUM>, an input which moves from a first end along a widthwise direction of the display <NUM> or a position close to the first end to a second end located on the opposite side of the first end or a position close to the second end, a touch input in the case where a position at which the touch input has occurred continues to be touched during a predetermined time period, a change in touch strength, a folding/bending/motion input for folding or bending the electronic device, a voice input, the selection of a software button (or a toggle button) displayed on the display <NUM>, and/or the like.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the above-described event is detected, at least two screen ratios which configure the display <NUM> may be set in response to the detection of the event. For example, whenever a toggle button displayed on the display <NUM> is selected, at least two screen ratios which configure the display <NUM> may be changed.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the above-described event is detected, switching between the first screen <NUM> or the second screen <NUM> and the third screen <NUM> may be achieved in response to the detection of the event.

Also, returning from one of the first screen <NUM> to the third screen <NUM> to the default screen <NUM> may be achieved in response to an event for screen return. Here, examples of the event for screen return may include an input (or a touch/hovering/swipe input) which traverses at least part in a direction opposite to one direction on the display <NUM>, an input which moves from a second end located on the opposite side of a first end along a widthwise direction of the display <NUM> to the first end or a position close to the first end, an unfolding/motion input for unfolding the electronic device, a voice input, the selection of a software button (or a toggle button) displayed on the display <NUM>, and/or the like.

<FIG> is a view illustrating various states of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The flexible electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) may facilitate implementation of various folding or unfolding states, as illustrated in <FIG>. The flexible electronic device may implement a diverse arrangement of folded and unfolded states, as illustrated therein. The folded state 600a illustrates the electronic device being completely folded, such that both end parts of the electronic device contact each other or come as close as possible to each other. An unfolded state 600b illustrates the electronic device being completely unfolded. A state 600c illustrates a particular state including displaying a window for an overlay scheme, when the electronic device is bent at a preset angle or more with one axis as a reference. Further, a compact standing state is illustrated at 600d, in which the electronic device stands partially upright, for example, when partially inwardly folded towards the display, roughly into one-half portions. Finally, an arc standing state is shown in 600e in which the electronic device may be stood, when folded so as to facilitate presentation of a landscape orientation of the display. In the state illustrated under 600c, in which the window of the overlay scheme is displayed, and in the compact standing state illustrated in 600d, in which the electronic device is stood upright while partially inwardly folded, a folding ratio may be implemented correlating to the fact that the electronic device is folded in half, with the middle-axis of the electronic device utilized as a reference point. However, it is understood that folding ratios may be implemented differently, in which other parts of the display may serve as the axis when the display is folded.

As described above, the flexible electronic device may be folded or bent with one axis as a reference. Here, one axis may be preset or 'optional' (e.g., user designated). The preset axis may indicate or correlate to a device in which a particular area (e.g., a partial area including the axis) of the display of the flexible electronic device is implemented with the capacity to be folded or otherwise bent. In contrast, the 'optional' axis may indicate that the entire area (or length) of the display of the flexible electronic device has the capacity to be folded or bent. In <FIG>, the electronic device is illustrated as being folded along an axis passing through the center of the electronic device as a reference. That said, it should be understood that the location of this folding axis is not limited to the example embodiments shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> are views illustrating an operating method of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) may detect a preset user input while folded (e.g., in a folded state). For example, the user input may include detecting knocking (or tapping) on the sub-display <NUM> once or preset number of knocks or taps, clicking on the power/lock button once or a preset number of clicks, and/or a voice command.

In a state where the electronic device is unfolded immediately prior to being folded, the electronic device detects a user input selecting a camera application, or initiating capturing of video. Thus, referring to <FIG>, the electronic device detects a user input which selects a camera application or capturing of a video. Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device initiates capturing of a video in response to the user input.

When the electronic device is folded while executing the camera application or the capturing the video, the electronic device may wait (e.g., listen) for a preset user input while simultaneously turning off a screen and/or stopping the capturing of a video.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the preset user input is detected while the device is folded, the electronic device initiates capturing of a video while folded. For example, in response to the user input, the electronic device may execute the camera application to capture the video, or may resume the capturing of video which was previously paused or otherwise stopped.

A user may therefore capture a video when the device is folded, utilizing the electronic device in a 'clipped' form as in <FIG>. As illustrated therein, this allows the device to be clipped to the user (e.g., by a pocket or a strap, and/or the like), allowing the device to function as an `action camera,' as illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the electronic device detects the preset user input or a user input of another type, the electronic device may stop the capturing of the video.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a method for providing a screen ratio by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) may display an original image at a default screen ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> on the display (e.g., the display <NUM>). Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device may display an image, which is implemented by cropping the original image at a screen ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> on the display. Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device may display an image, which is implemented by cropping the original image, at a screen ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> on the display. Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device may display an image at the default screen ratio, and may facilitate a user's holding of the electronic device by providing a space left on the left and right sides of the image, in which no image is displayed.

<FIG> are views illustrating a method for controlling a display by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a screen division may facilitate image editing. As illustrated therein, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> or <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) automatically configures a first area <NUM> and a second area <NUM> in at least a partial area (or a full screen) of the display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, in response to an input (e.g., a swipe input which at least partially traverses a screen) requesting execution of screen division. The processor displays a first graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a screen/graphical interface of a camera application), which includes a preview image, in the first area <NUM>, and may display a second graphic element <NUM>, which includes at least one preview image to which a special effect (e.g., a brightness effect, a monotone effect, a tone effect, a saturation effect, and/or the like) is applied, in the second area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor automatically displays the first graphic element <NUM> in the first area <NUM> in response to an input (e.g., a swipe input which at least partially traverses a screen) requesting screen division, and may display a second graphic element <NUM>, which includes captured images (or icons) stored in memory of device in the second area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the screen division may facilitate image or video capturing options. For example, the processor automatically displays the first graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a preview for image capture) in the first area <NUM> in response to an input (e.g., a swipe input which at least partially traverses a screen) requesting screen division, and may display a second graphic element <NUM>, which includes multiple selectable objects for setting various configurable attributes of the camera application, in the second area <NUM>, and receive inputs to these attributes altering how an image or video is to be captured.

<FIG> are views each explaining a method for controlling a display by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> or <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) may display a first graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a screen/graphical interface of a message/Social Network Service (SNS) application), which is related to a first application (e.g., the message/SNS application), in at least a partial area (or a full screen) of a display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the processor may configure a first area <NUM> and a second area <NUM> in at least a partial area in response to a touch input <NUM> traversing the display <NUM> at least partially in a first direction (e.g., a "swipe" or "swiping" motion). In response, the processor may reduce and display the first graphic element <NUM> in the first area <NUM>. By the reduction of the first graphic element <NUM>, the processor may display a second graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a screen/graphical interface of a camera application), which may be related to a second application (e.g., the camera application), in the second area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may display a graphic element <NUM>, which includes the captured images (or icons) stored in a memory in the second area <NUM> responsive to an input (e.g., the selection of an image-capturing button of a camera application) which selects image-capturing. In response to a second input selecting at least one object <NUM> (e.g., an icon, an image, and/or the like) of the graphic element <NUM> (or dragging it, as depicted in <FIG>), the processor may transmit at least one file, image, or document corresponding to or otherwise represented by the at least one object <NUM>, to an external electronic device through a communication interface (e.g., the communication interface <NUM>) that is functionally connected to the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may display the at least one object <NUM> on the first graphic element <NUM> as seen therein. For example, the processor may display an icon (e.g., a thumbnail or a reduced image), which corresponds to the transmitted image, in a chat window of a message/SNS application.

<FIG> are views illustrating a method for controlling a display by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly for recommending various information related to a currently detected location.

Referring to <FIG>, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> or <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) may display a first graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a screen/graphical interface of a camera application), which is related to a first application (e.g., the camera application), in at least a partial area (or a full screen) of a display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

The processor may search a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM>) or a server (e.g., the server <NUM>) for recommendation information related to a current location, and may display an indicator <NUM>, indicating the existence of location-based recommendation, according to a result of the search.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may configure a first area <NUM> and a second area <NUM> in the at least partial area (or a full screen) in response to an input selecting the indicator <NUM>. The processor may reduce and display the first graphic element <NUM> in the first area <NUM>. The processor may display a second graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a list of images/icons), which includes multiple objects <NUM> recommended in relation to the current location, in the second area <NUM>.

For example, the processor may display images (or icons of the images), which have been obtained by image-capturing a subject <NUM> to be image-captured in a preview image included in the first graphic element <NUM>, in the second area <NUM>. The processor may make a search on the basis of at least one piece of information among current location information and preview image information. The processor may determine images, which are to be recommended, or priorities of the images on the basis of at least one of image-capturing near the current location, the number of references/recommendations, the accuracy of matching with the subject <NUM> to be image-captured, and the existence of an image-capturing setting value.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may display a graphic element <NUM> (e.g., at least one image-capturing setting value of a relevant image, and/or the like), corresponding to one object <NUM> (e.g., an image or an icon) of the second graphic element <NUM>, in the second area <NUM> in response to an input which selects the object <NUM>. For example, the graphic element <NUM> may include at least one image-capturing setting value among International Standardization Organization (ISO), an F-number, a shutter speed, white balance information, and a focus distance.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may apply at least one setting value of the graphic element <NUM> to the first application in response to an input <NUM> (e.g., a swipe input directed to the first graphic element <NUM> from the graphic element <NUM>) related to the graphic element <NUM>. For example, the processor may control a camera application to change at least one setting value of the camera application to at least one setting value of the selected graphic element <NUM> or the selected image.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may output information for guiding to an image-capturing place of the relevant image (e.g., the selected graphic element <NUM> or the selected image), or may output an alarm/notification when the current location coincides with or is close to the image-capturing place.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to an input selecting the one object <NUM> (e.g., an image or an icon) of the second graphic element <NUM>, the processor may display a graphic element <NUM>, which includes an image-capturing place <NUM> of the selected object <NUM> or the relevant image, a current location <NUM>, and a path <NUM> for moving to the image-capturing place, in the second area <NUM>. The graphic element <NUM> may include a map <NUM> or a screen/graphical interface of a map application.

For example, when the current location coincides with the image-capturing place or is close to the image-capturing place within a preset distance range, the processor may output an alarm/notification, or may control a first application so as to activate the first application.

<FIG>, <FIG> are views illustrating image-capturing methods according to various states of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the case of self-image-capturing (e.g., capturing a "selfie"), the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) may be switched from a state in which the electronic device is completely unfolded, as illustrated in <FIG>, to a compact standing state in which the electronic device is inwardly folded in half (e.g., folded so the screens approach one another), as illustrated in <FIG>, which may facilitate a user to capture a `selfie' image in a hands-free state. That is, the device may be set on a surface away from the user, but facing the user and any other subjects of the image. For example, the user may execute image-capturing using a timer image-capturing function (by, for example, selection of a displayed menu or item), and/or a user input utilizable from a distance (e.g., a voice command sensed by a microphone, the display of a preset gesture sensed by a camera, and/or the like).

In the case of "we-fie" image-capturing (e.g., a selfie but including a plurality of persons), the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) is switched from a state in which the electronic device is completely unfolded as illustrated in <FIG> to an "arc" standing state, in which the electronic device is folded into a landscape mode as illustrated in <FIG>, and thereby may allow more persons to be image-captured.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a display by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The image providing method may include operations <NUM> to <NUM>. Hereinafter, although the display control method is described as being performed by the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>), the display control method may be performed by a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> or <NUM>) of the electronic device or by a controller of the electronic device.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may configure a first area and a second area on a display (e.g., the display <NUM>) that is functionally connected to the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may divide at least part of an entire display area (or a full screen) of the display into multiple areas (e.g., a first area and a second area).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may detect at least one of an input (or a touch/hovering/swipe input) which at least partially traverses the display, an input which moves from a first end along a widthwise direction of the display or a position close to the first end to a second end located on the opposite side of the first end or a position close to the second end, a folding/bending/motion input for folding or bending the electronic device, and a voice input. The electronic device may configure a first area and a second area on the display in response to the input. For example, at least part of an entire display area (or a full screen) of the display may be divided into multiple areas (e.g., a first area and a second area) in a lengthwise direction. For example, the electronic device may divide the entire display area (or the full screen) of the display into a first area and a second area in the lengthwise direction in response to the input.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may display a first graphic element, which is related to a first application, in the first area of the display. For example, the electronic device may display a screen generated by the first application or by the execution of the first application, a screen/graphical interface of the first application, or an image/document/text/moving image reproduced/displayed by the first application, as the first graphic element in the first area.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may display a second graphic element, which is related to control over the first application, in the second area of the display. For example, the electronic device may display a screen generated by the first application or a second application or by the execution thereof, a screen/graphical interface of the first or second application, or an image/document/text/moving image reproduced/displayed by the first or second application, as the second graphic element in the second area. For example, the first and second graphic elements may be identical or different.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may display a graphical interface, that includes multiple objects corresponding to multiple images, as the second graphic element in the second area. For example, the graphical interface may correspond to a list of icons.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may display a graphical interface, that includes at least one selectable object for setting at least one attribute of the first graphic element, as the second graphic element in the second area. For example, the attribute may include at least one of the color, size, and shape/form/font of text/image.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may control the first application in response to an input related to the second graphic element.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may detect an input which selects one of multiple objects which correspond to multiple images and are included in a graphical interface corresponding to the second graphic element. The electronic device may control the first application to display an image or a web page, which corresponds to the selected object, in the first area in response to the input.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may detect an input which selects one of multiple selectable objects for setting multiple attributes of the first graphic element or first application which are included in a graphical interface corresponding to the second graphic element. The electronic device may control the first application to change the attribute of the first graphic element or first application, which corresponds to the selected object, in response to the input.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may detect an input for changing a part of a document corresponding to the second graphic element. The electronic device may control the first application to display the changed part of the document in each of the first and second areas in response to the input.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may detect an input which selects one of multiple objects included in the second graphic element. The electronic device may control the first application to transmit a file or an image corresponding to the selected object to an external device through a communication interface (e.g., the communication interface <NUM>), that is functionally connected to the electronic device, in response to the input.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may detect an input related to a graphical interface of the second application corresponding to the second graphic element. The electronic device may control the first application to transmit at least part of the graphical interface of the second application or the input (e.g., a handwriting input) (or at least part of the graphical interface of the second application including the handwriting input) to an external device through the communication interface in response to the input.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may receive an input (e.g., a handwriting input) related to the graphical interface of the second application from an external device through the first application. The electronic device may display the input on the graphical interface of the second application in response to the input.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may detect an input which selects an image which is related to a current location and is included in the graphical interface corresponding to the second graphic element. The electronic device may control the first application to change at least one setting value of the first application to at least one setting value of the selected image in response to the input. Alternatively, the electronic device may control the first application to output information, which is related to an image-capturing place of the selected image, through an input/output interface (e.g., the input/output interface <NUM>) or the display in response to the input.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a display by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The image providing method may include operations <NUM> to <NUM>. Hereinafter, although the display control method is described as being performed by the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>), the display control method may be performed by a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> or <NUM>) of the electronic device or by a controller of the electronic device. Operations <NUM> to <NUM> are similar to operations <NUM> to <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, respectively, and thus, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may display one of a first graphic element related to a first application and a second graphic element related to control over the first application, in at least a partial area (or a full screen) of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> or <NUM>) that is functionally connected to the electronic device.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may configure a first area and a second area in at least a partial area of the display in response to a first input. For example, the electronic device may divide the at least partial area into a first area and a second area. For example, the first input may be at least one of a touch input, an input (or a touch/hovering/swipe input) which at least partially traverses the display, a folding/bending/motion input for folding or bending the electronic device, and a voice input.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may display the first graphic element in the first area.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may display the second graphic element in the second area.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may control the first application in response to a second input related to the second graphic element. For example, the second input may be a touch input which selects an object included in the second graphic element. For example, the electronic device may control the first application to display a graphic element/image/document/page, which corresponds to the second input, in the first area. For example, the electronic device may control the first application to change an attribute of the first graphic element according to the second input.

When a user shares a document, a photograph, a moving image, and/or the like with another person, the user may display a screen <NUM> so as to distinguish an area shared with another person from an area (i.e., a non-shared area) for controlling the shared area, through an operation of folding the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> or <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> may display a second graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a file, a document or a page search window within the document, a list of images/icons, and/or the like) related to control of a first application (e.g., a word processing application or a presentation application), in at least a partial area (or a full screen) of the display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may configure a first area <NUM> and a second area <NUM> in the at least partial area in response to an input corresponding to or including folding the electronic device <NUM>. The processor may display, in the first area <NUM>, a first graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a first document or a first page within the first document), which corresponds to a first object <NUM> (e.g., a first icon) included in the second graphic element <NUM>, according to a user selection or an automatic/default configuration which is related to the first application. The processor may reduce and display the second graphic element <NUM> in the second area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may display a graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a second document or a second page within the second document), which corresponds to a second object <NUM> (e.g., a second icon) of the second graphic element <NUM>, in the first area <NUM> in response to a second input selecting the second object <NUM>. For example, the processor may display, in the second area <NUM>, a graphical interface <NUM> including at least one selectable object for setting at least one attribute of the graphic element <NUM> or at least one object <NUM> included in the graphic element <NUM>. For example, when an object <NUM> for color change included in the graphical interface <NUM> is selected, the processor may change the color of the object <NUM> included in the graphic element <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may display the graphical interface <NUM> together with the first graphic element <NUM> in place of the second graphic element <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may project the graphic element <NUM> to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through a projector functionally coupled with or integrated into the electronic device <NUM>. The processor may detect an input for controlling the first application through the graphical interface <NUM> while projecting the graphic element <NUM>. The processor may control the first application in response to the input.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may display one of a first graphic element related to a first application and a second graphic element related to control over the first application in at least a partial area (or a full screen) of a display (e.g., the display <NUM> or <NUM>) that is functionally connected to the electronic device.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may configure a first area and a second area in at least a partial area of the display in response to a first input. For example, the electronic device may divide the at least partial area into a first area and a second area. For example, the first input may be at least one of a touch input, an input (or a touch/hovering/swipe input) which at least partially traverses the display in a first direction, a folding/bending/motion input for folding or bending the electronic device, and a voice input.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may control the first application in response to a second input related to the second graphic element. For example, the second input may be a touch input which selects an object included in the second graphic element. For example, the electronic device may control the first application to display a graphic element/image/document/page, which corresponds to the object, in the first area while maintaining the second graphic element as it is. For example, the electronic device may control the first application to display a changed part of a document in each of the first graphic element and the second graphic element (or each of the first area and the second area) in response to an input for changing a part of the document.

In operation <NUM>, the electronic device may control the first application to expand and display one of the first and second graphic elements in an area obtained by adding the first and second areas together or in at least a partial area (or a full screen) of the display in response to a third input. For example, the third input may be at least one of a touch input having a direction/pattern/trajectory opposite to the first input, an input (or a touch/hovering/swipe input) which at least partially traverses the display in a second direction opposite to the first direction, an unfolding/motion input for unfolding the electronic device, and a voice input.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device may receive a third input related to the second graphic element from an external electronic device through the first application. The electronic device may display the third input on the second graphic element.

Referring to <FIG>, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> or <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) may display a first graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a web document/web page), which is related to the first application (e.g., a web browser), in at least a partial area (or a full screen) of a display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may configure a first area <NUM> and a second area <NUM> in the at least partial area in response to a touch input <NUM> (depicted in <FIG>) which at least partially traverses the display <NUM> in a first direction. For example, the first and second areas <NUM> and <NUM> may be divided by a boundary line <NUM>, which is capable of being further adjusted upwards or downwards to modify the screen space allotted to each display screen. The processor may display a first graphic element <NUM> and a second graphic element <NUM>, both corresponding to an identical first web document/web page, in each of the first and second areas <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to an input selecting a first object <NUM> (e.g., a first hyperlink) of the second graphic element <NUM>, the processor may display a graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a second web document/web page), corresponding to the first object <NUM> in the first area <NUM>, while simultaneously maintaining the second graphic element <NUM> as it is.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to an input which selects a second object <NUM> (e.g., a second hyperlink) of the second graphic element <NUM>, the processor may display a graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a third web document/web page), corresponding to the second object <NUM>, in the first area <NUM> while maintaining the second graphic element <NUM> as it is.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to a touch input <NUM> which at least partially traverses the display <NUM> in a second direction opposite to the first direction (as depicted in <FIG>), the processor may expand and display a currently activated graphic element <NUM> in an area generated by recombining the first and second areas <NUM> and <NUM> into what may be at least a partial area or a full screen of the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first application may correspond to a document editing application, and the first and second graphic elements may both correspond to an identical editable document.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may display a first graphic element 1820a and a second graphic element 1830a, which both correspond to an identical editable document, in the first area <NUM> and the second area <NUM>, respectively. For example, the first and second areas <NUM> and <NUM> may be divided by a boundary line <NUM> capable of moving upwards or downwards. The processor may control the first application to display the changed part 1832a of the document on each of the first and second graphic elements 1820a and 1830a (or each of the first and second areas <NUM> and <NUM>), in response to an input (e.g., a change of text attributes, such as an underscore, a color change, and/or the like) for changing a part of the document. For example, in response to a user input for the first graphic element 1820a, the processor may underline a "World Wide Web," part 1832a of the first graphic element 1820a, and simultaneously, may underline an identical part (i.e., "World Wide Web,") of the second graphic element 1830a. The processor may selectively scroll one of the first and second graphic elements 1820a and 1830a in response to a user input. For example, in response to a user input for the first graphic element 1820a, the processor may scroll the first graphic element 1820a upwards or downwards, while simultaneously maintaining the current state of the second graphic element 1830a as it is (e.g., without scrolling).

When a user is engaged in a conversation with another person (i.e., in the case of a video call), the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) may display a screen of a display <NUM> as to distinguish an area (i.e., transmitted to another person) shared with the other person from an area displaying an image received from the other person. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may display a captured image or video stream of the user in the shared area, and simultaneously, may transmit the captured image or video stream to another person in real time.

Referring to <FIG>, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> or <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> may configure a first area <NUM> and a second area <NUM> for display, the combination of the two areas utilizing at least a partial area (or full screen, as depicted) of the display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. The processor may display, in the first area <NUM>, a first graphic element <NUM> (e.g., an image or video stream received from an external electronic device) related to a first application (e.g., a telephone/call application, a voice/video call application, a voice/image/video conference application, and/or the like), and may display a second graphic element <NUM> related to the first application in the second area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to detecting a first input, the processor may display a graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a file, a document or a page search window within the document, a list of images/icons, and/or the like) including multiple selectable objects in the second area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to a second input selecting at least one object <NUM> (e.g., an icon, an image, and/or the like) of the graphic element <NUM>, the processor may transmit at least one file/image/document corresponding to the at least one object <NUM> to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM> or the server <NUM>) through a communication interface (e.g., the communication interface <NUM>) that is functionally connected to the electronic device <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, the selected object <NUM> is dragged to the first area <NUM> to trigger transmission of information corresponding to the selected object <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may display, in the first area <NUM>, the first graphic element <NUM> (e.g., an image received from an external electronic device) related to the first application (e.g., a telephone/call application, a voice/video call application, a voice/image/video conference application, and/or the like), and may display a graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a video and a screen/graphical interface of a video player application) related to a second application in the second area <NUM>. The processor may control the first application to transmit at least one of at least part of the graphic element <NUM>, a video thereof, and video-related information (e.g., moving image download/streaming information/address, moving image reproduction information/position/time, and/or the like) thereof to an external electronic device through the communication interface in response to an input (e.g., a reproduction command, a moving image transmission command, and/or the like) related to the graphic element <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may display, in the first area <NUM>, the first graphic element <NUM> (e.g., an image received from an external electronic device) related to the first application (e.g., a telephone/call application, a voice/video call application, a voice/image/video conference application, and/or the like), and may display a graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a map, and a screen/graphical interface of a map application ) related to a second application (e.g., a map application) in the second area <NUM>. The processor may control the first application to transmit an input <NUM> (e.g., a handwriting input) (or at least part of a graphical interface of the second application including the handwriting input, and map download information/address) to an external device through the communication interface in response to the input <NUM> (e.g., a handwriting input) related to the second graphic element <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an external electronic device <NUM> may display, on a display <NUM>, a second graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a map, a screen/graphical interface of a map application, and/or the like), which is acquired based on information received from the electronic device <NUM>, and the input <NUM> (e.g., a handwriting input). The external electronic device <NUM> may transmit an input <NUM> (e.g., a handwriting input) (or at least part of a graphical interface of a second application including the handwriting input) to the electronic device <NUM> in response to the input <NUM> (e.g., a handwriting input) related to the second graphic element <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may receive an input <NUM> (or input data) related to the second graphic element <NUM> from the external electronic device <NUM> through the first application. The processor may control the second application to display the input <NUM> on the second graphic element <NUM> or to display the input <NUM>, in response to the input <NUM>.

<FIG> are views illustrating a folding gesture according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may be folded by manual operation of a user such that a first part <NUM> and a second part <NUM> (e.g., an upper part, a lower part, and/or the like) contact each other and are situated as close as possible one another in a lengthwise direction of the electronic device <NUM>. When the electronic device <NUM> is folded (e.g., a folded state), an end part in the lengthwise direction of the electronic device <NUM>, may or may not be exposed to the outside depending on the axis of folding. When the device <NUM> is folded unevenly, a part of the display <NUM> may be exposed to the outside as a sub-display for implementing additional functionality.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be returned to the unfolded state by a manual operation of the user.

Examples of a folding gesture (which may also be referred to as a "bending gesture") may include a gesture which bends the electronic device <NUM> at a preset angle or more as illustrated in <FIG>, a gesture which completely folds the electronic device <NUM> such that the first and second parts <NUM> and <NUM> contact each other or come as close as possible to each other as illustrated in <FIG>, and a gesture which again unfolds the electronic device <NUM> in the opposite direction/to the original state (or at a predetermined angle or less) after bending the electronic device <NUM> at a preset angle or more. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may detect an angle formed between an axis (e.g., x-axis) in the lengthwise direction of the electronic device <NUM> and the first part <NUM> (or the second part <NUM>). For example, a bending angle of the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be detected to be <NUM> degrees, and that of the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be detected to be <NUM> degrees.

Similarly, examples of an unfolding gesture may include a gesture which unfolds the bent electronic device <NUM> at a preset angle or less as illustrated in <FIG>.

In the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, an example has been described in which multiple areas which may be distinguished from each other or may allow independent control are configured on the display in response to an input which at least partially traverses the display. However, multiple areas may be configured or the configuration of an area may be cancelled by a folding/unfolding gesture.

For example, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second areas <NUM> and <NUM> have been described as being configured in response to the touch input <NUM> which at least partially traverses the display <NUM> in the first direction, but the first and second areas <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured by a folding/unfolding gesture. Referring to <FIG>, the configuration of areas may be cancelled by a folding/unfolding gesture instead of the touch input <NUM>.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the first and second areas <NUM> and <NUM> have been described as being configured in response to the touch input <NUM> which at least partially traverses the display <NUM> in the first direction, but the first and second areas <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured by a folding/unfolding gesture.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating a method for controlling a display by an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> or <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) may configure a first area <NUM> and a second area <NUM> for display in at least a partial area (or a full screen) of a display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. The processor may display a first graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a screen/graphical interface of a message/SNS application) related to a first application (e.g., a message/SNS application) in a first area <NUM>. The processor may display a second graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a web document/web page) related to a second application (e.g., a web browser) in a second area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to an input (e.g., a folding/unfolding gesture) which selects or otherwise indicates executing screen capture (or screen transmission), the processor may transmit an image/file/document generated by capturing an image (e.g., a screenshot of) the second area <NUM> or a second graphic element <NUM> to an external electronic device through a communication interface (e.g., the communication interface <NUM>) that is functionally connected to the electronic device <NUM>. The processor may display an object <NUM> (or a reduced image), which corresponds to the transmitted image/file/document, on the first graphic element <NUM>. For example, the processor may display an icon (or a reduced image), which corresponds to the transmitted image, in a chat window of a message/SNS application.

Referring to <FIG>, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> or <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) may display a first graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a web document/web page) related to a first application (e.g., a web browser) in at least a partial area (or a full screen) of a display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may configure a first area <NUM> and a second area <NUM> for display in the at least partial area in response to an input (e.g., a folding/unfolding gesture) indicating or requesting screen division. The processor may display the first graphic element <NUM> and a second graphic element <NUM>, which both correspond to an identical first web document/web page, in the first and second areas <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

Referring to <FIG>, the processor may detect an input selecting a first object <NUM> (e.g., a first hyperlink) of the second graphic element <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in response to the input, the processor may display a third graphic element <NUM> (e.g., a second web document/web page) corresponding to the first object <NUM>, in the second area <NUM> while maintaining the first graphic element <NUM> as it is.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the processor may detect an input <NUM> (e.g., a swipe input on the first area <NUM>, or a scroll input) for displaying another part of the first graphic element <NUM> instead of a part <NUM> of the first graphic element <NUM> which is displayed in the first area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in response to the input <NUM>, the processor may display another part <NUM> of the first graphic element <NUM> in the first area <NUM> while maintaining the third graphic element <NUM> as it is.

The term "module" as used herein may refer to a unit including hardware, software, or firmware, and for example, may be used interchangeably with a term, such as a logic, a logical block, a component, or a circuit. The "module" may be an integrated component, or a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof. The "module" may be mechanically or electronically implemented, and may include, for example, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip, a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or a programmable-logic device which performs certain operations and has been known or is to be developed in the future.

At least part of the device (e.g., modules or functions thereof) or the method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by an instruction, which is stored in a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., the memory <NUM>), in the form of a program module. When the instruction is executed by a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>), the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instruction. The computer-readable recoding medium may include magnetic media, such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape; optical media, such as a Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) and a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD); magneto-optical media, such as a floptical disk; an internal memory; and/or the like. The instructions may include codes made by a compiler or codes which can be executed by an interpreter.

The module or program module according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of the aforementioned elements, may further include other elements, or some of the aforementioned elements may be omitted. Operations executed by the module, program module, or other elements according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic manner. Alternatively, at least some operations may be executed in a different order or may be omitted, or other operations may be added.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, in a storage medium for storing instructions, the instructions are configured to cause at least one processor to perform at least one operation when executed by the at least one processor, and the at least one operation includes configuring a first area and a second area on the display; displaying a first graphic element related to a first application in the first area of the display; displaying a second graphic element related to control over the first application in the second area of the display; and controlling the first application in response to an input related to the second graphic element.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to describe technical contents of the present disclosure and to help the understanding of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be construed that all modifications and changes or various other embodiments which are based on the technical idea of the present disclosure fall within the present disclosure.

The control unit or processor may include a microprocessor or any suitable type of processing circuitry, such as one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., ARM-based processors), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), a video card controller, and/or the like. In addition, it would be recognized that when a general purpose computer accesses code for implementing the processing shown herein, the execution of the code transforms the general purpose computer into a special purpose computer for executing the processing shown herein. Any of the functions and steps provided in the Figures may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of both and may be performed in whole or in part within the programmed instructions of a computer. In addition, an artisan understands and appreciates that a "processor" or "microprocessor" may be hardware in the claimed disclosure.

In addition, it would be recognized that when a general purpose computer accesses code for implementing the processing shown herein, the execution of the code transforms the general purpose computer into a special purpose computer for executing the processing shown herein. Any of the functions and steps provided in the Figures may be implemented in hardware, or a combination hardware configured with machine executable code and may be performed in whole or in part within the programmed instructions of a computer.

The terms "unit" or "module" referred to herein is to be understood as comprising hardware such as a processor or microprocessor configured for a certain desired functionality, or a non-transitory medium comprising machine executable code, and does not constitute software per se.

In addition, an artisan understands and appreciates that a "processor" or "microprocessor" constitute hardware in the claimed invention.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
at least one camera (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a flexible display (<NUM>, 260a, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed on a front surface (<NUM>) of the electronic device (<NUM>); and
at least one processor (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to:
while the electronic device (<NUM>) is in an unfolded state (600b), detect, via a camera application displayed on the flexible display (<NUM>, 260a, <NUM>, <NUM>), a first user input to capture video;
initiate capturing of a first video using the at least one camera (<NUM>, <NUM>) based on the detection of the first user input;
while capturing the first video in the unfolded state (600b), detect that the electronic device (<NUM>) is folded from the unfolded state to a folded state;
stop the capturing of the first video based on the folded state, wherein the folded state comprises a state in which at least part of the flexible display (<NUM>, 260a, <NUM>, <NUM>) is not exposed;
while the electronic device (<NUM>) is in the folded state, receive a second user input for capturing a second video;
while the electronic device (<NUM>) is in the folded state (600a), based on the second user input, capture the second video using the at least one camera (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
while the electronic device (<NUM>) is in the unfolded state (600b), detect a third user input to divide full screen (<NUM>) of the flexible display (<NUM>, 260a, <NUM>, <NUM>), and display a first graphic element (<NUM>) in a first area (<NUM>) of the full screen (<NUM>) of the flexible display (<NUM>, 260a, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a second graphic element (<NUM>) in a second area (<NUM>) of the full screen (<NUM>) of the flexible display (<NUM>, 260a, <NUM>, <NUM>) based on the detection of the third user input;
wherein the first area (<NUM>) and the second area (<NUM>) are not overlapped, and
wherein the first graphic element (<NUM>) includes a preview image of the camera application.