Patent Description:
The disclosure generally relates to a camera technology used in an electronic device.

In recent years, an electronic device such as a digital camera, a digital camcorder, or a smartphone which includes a camera has been widely used. The electronic device including the camera may provide a photographing function. For example, the electronic device may output a preview image obtained from the camera on a display and may obtain an image taken with the camera according to an operation of a shutter.

The electronic device may be equipped with a plurality of cameras (e.g., at least one front camera and at least one rear camera). However, when a camera is disposed on a front surface of the electronic device, the display of the electronic device may not use a maximum area of the front surface of the electronic device.

Utility model document <CIT>, discloses the electronic apparatus (<NUM>) comprising a mounting frame (<NUM>) and a rotating box (<NUM>) rotatably connected to the mounting frame (<NUM>), the rotating box (<NUM>) being provided with a camera (<NUM>) connected to the mainboard (<NUM>), the mounting frame (<NUM>) being configured to protrude out of or retract into the storage groove (<NUM>) to drive the rotating box (<NUM>) to move out of or into the storage groove (<NUM>), such that the camera (<NUM>) is exposed out of or hidden into the housing (<NUM>). Patent document <CIT>, discloses camera assembly structure of a mobile terminal. Patent document <CIT>, discloses an image pickup apparatus, especially how to set an image pickup apparatus to realize a full screen of the display terminal. Patent document <CIT>, discloses a slide-type mobile communication terminal with a rotary camera.

Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below.

In accordance with the invention an electronic device is defined in the sole independent claim.

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device as viewed from a first side, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device as viewed from a second side, according to the embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a camera module <NUM>, a sliding movement control part <NUM>, a sliding part <NUM>, a screen part <NUM>, and a back cover <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include one or more additional components.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a housing that contains the camera module <NUM>, the sliding movement control part <NUM>, the sliding part <NUM>, the screen part <NUM>, and the back cover <NUM>. The housing may refer to a structure that forms the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. Alternatively, the housing may include an internal structure of the electronic device <NUM>.

The camera module <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM>, a second camera device <NUM>, a third camera device <NUM>, a flash <NUM>, or a sensor module <NUM>. The first camera device <NUM>, the second camera device <NUM>, and the third camera device <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. The sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value that corresponds to an operational state inside the electronic device <NUM> or an environmental state outside the electronic device <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> may include a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, and a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor.

The electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module, which may be at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint sensor.

The camera module <NUM> may include a camera housing 110A that contains the first camera device <NUM>, the second camera device <NUM>, the third camera device <NUM>, the flash <NUM>, or the sensor module <NUM>. The camera housing 110A may include a pinion gear <NUM> on at least one side surface thereof. The pinion gear <NUM> may be symmetrically disposed on opposite side surfaces of the camera housing <NUM>0A. The pinion gear <NUM> may be integrally formed with the camera housing 110A.

The sliding movement control part <NUM> may include a rack gear <NUM>, a cleek <NUM>, a motor 123a, a rotary part 123b, a guide frame <NUM>, a movable member <NUM>, control circuitry <NUM>, and a control button <NUM>. The control circuitry <NUM> may control the motor 123a according to a user input (e.g., an input for switching to front photography, execution of a default APP for front photography, or a click of the control button <NUM>). The rotary part 123b may rotate according to an operation of the motor 123a. The movable member <NUM> may be vertically moved according to the rotation of the rotary part 123b. The movable member <NUM> may be coupled to a portion (e.g., a movable member coupling part <NUM>) of the sliding part <NUM>. The sliding part <NUM> may be moved according to the movement of the movable member <NUM>. The cleek <NUM>, the motor 123a, and the guide frame <NUM> may be coupled to a portion of the housing (e.g., a rear surface of the screen part <NUM> or a rear surface of a display <NUM>).

The rack gear <NUM> may move in response to the movement of the sliding part <NUM>. For example, the rack gear <NUM> may move a first specific distance and may thereafter be fixed by the cleek <NUM>. After the rack gear <NUM> is fixed by the cleek <NUM>, the sliding part <NUM> may further move a second specific distance.

The pinion gear <NUM> of the camera module <NUM> may be engaged with the rack gear <NUM> of the sliding movement control part <NUM>. For example, the rack gear <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, and the sliding part <NUM> may move together in the vertical direction (e.g., upward or downward) by the first specific distance. During the movement of the sliding part <NUM> over the second specific distance after the rack gear <NUM> is fixed by the cleek <NUM>, the pinion gear <NUM> may rotate on the rack gear <NUM>, and the camera module <NUM> may rotate in an opening <NUM>.

The pinion gear <NUM> may rotate based on the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM>. For example, the angle through which the pinion gear <NUM> rotates may vary depending on the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM>. Accordingly, depending on the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM>, the camera module <NUM> coupled with the pinion gear <NUM> may rotate by a predetermined angle (e.g., <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees with respect to a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>). For example, the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM> may be set such that the pinion gear <NUM> rotates by <NUM> degrees. Additionally, the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM> may be set such that the pinion gear <NUM> rotates by <NUM> degrees or less (an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees). Alternatively, the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM> may be set such that the pinion gear <NUM> rotates by <NUM> degrees or more (an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees). When the pinion gear <NUM> rotates by <NUM> degrees or more, the camera module <NUM> may rotate to an angle more appropriate for taking a selfie.

The sliding part <NUM> may include the opening <NUM>, a gear recess <NUM>, and the movable member coupling part <NUM>. For example, the opening <NUM> may be formed in a portion of the sliding part <NUM> (e.g., on an upper side of the sliding part <NUM>). The opening <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the size of the camera module <NUM>. The camera module <NUM> may be disposed in the opening <NUM>. The camera module <NUM> may rotate in the opening <NUM> about the pinion gear <NUM>. The pinion gear <NUM> may be disposed in the gear recess <NUM>. The pinion gear <NUM> may rotate in the gear recess <NUM>. The movable member coupling part <NUM> may be coupled to the movable member <NUM>. Accordingly, the sliding part <NUM> may move according to a movement (e.g., a vertical movement) of the movable member <NUM>.

The sliding part <NUM> may include a gear guide recess <NUM> disposed to correspond to the gear guide recess <NUM>. The distance by which the rack gear <NUM> moves may be determined by the gear guide recess <NUM>.

The screen part <NUM> may include the display <NUM> combined with, or disposed adjacent to, touch detection circuitry, a pressure sensor for measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer for detecting a stylus pen of a magnetic type device. At least part of a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG> that will be described below) and/or at least part of a key input device (e.g., the input device <NUM> of <FIG> that will be described below) may be disposed on a portion of the display <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be implemented in a maximum area on a front surface of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., on the entire front surface of the screen part <NUM>) because no camera is disposed on the front surface (i.e., the camera is in a retracted position with respect to the front surface).

The back cover <NUM> may cover a portion of the sliding part <NUM>. For example, the opening <NUM> may be formed in a portion of the sliding part <NUM> (e.g., on an upper side of the sliding part <NUM>) that is not hidden by the back cover <NUM>. The sliding part <NUM> may vertically move between the screen part <NUM> and the back cover <NUM>. The back cover <NUM> may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof.

The electronic device <NUM> may include an audio module (e.g., the audio module <NUM> of <FIG> that will be described below). The audio module may include a microphone hole and a speaker hole. A microphone for obtaining a sound from the outside may be disposed in the microphone hole, and a plurality of microphones may be disposed in the microphone hole to sense the direction of a sound. The speaker hole may include an external speaker hole and a receiver hole for a telephone call. The speaker hole and the microphone hole may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezoelectric speaker) may be included without the speaker hole.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a key input device (e.g., the input device <NUM> of <FIG> that will be described below). For example, the key input device may include a home key button disposed on the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, a touch pad disposed around the home key button, and/or a side key button <NUM> disposed on a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may not include all or some of the aforementioned key input devices, and the key input devices not included may be implemented in different forms such as soft keys or buttons on the display <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a connector hole that may include a first connector hole in which a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data with an external electronic device is received, and/or a second connector hole (e.g., an earphone jack) in which a connector for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device is received.

The electronic device <NUM> may include a printed circuit board between the screen part <NUM> and the back cover <NUM>. A processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG> that will be described below), a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM> of <FIG> that will be described below), and/or an interface (e.g., the interface <NUM> of <FIG> that will be described below) may be mounted on the printed circuit board. The processor may include one or more of, for example, a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor.

<FIG> is a side view illustrating an upward movement of the camera module, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the camera module <NUM> performs an upward movement or a rotational motion based on a user input (e.g., an input for switching to front photography or execution of a default APP for front photography). At least one camera included in the camera module <NUM> may be used as a front camera (e.g., a selfie camera) according to a rotation of the camera module <NUM>.

In state <NUM>, a camera included in the camera module <NUM> faces the rear of the electronic device <NUM>. At this time, the camera included in the camera module <NUM> may be used as a rear camera.

In state <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM>, and the sliding part <NUM> move upward based on a user input. For example, the camera module <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM>, and the sliding part <NUM> may move a first movement distance H1. In state <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM> may be fixed by a cleek <NUM>.

In states <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the camera module <NUM> performs an upward movement and a rotational motion. For example, in states <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM> may be fixed by the cleek, and only the camera module <NUM> and the sliding part <NUM> may move upward. The camera module <NUM> and the sliding part <NUM> may move upward by a second movement distance H2. The pinion gear <NUM> engaged with the rack gear <NUM> may rotate, and the camera module <NUM> may rotate. In state <NUM>, the camera included in the camera module <NUM> faces the front of the electronic device <NUM>. At this time, the camera included in the camera module <NUM> may be used as a front camera.

The pinion gear <NUM> may rotate based on the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM>. For example, the angle through which the pinion gear <NUM> rotates may vary depending on the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM>. Accordingly, depending on the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM>, the camera module <NUM> coupled with the pinion gear <NUM> may rotate by a predetermined angle (e.g., <NUM> degree to <NUM> degrees with respect to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>). For example, the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM> may be set such that the pinion gear <NUM> rotates by <NUM> degrees, or the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM> may be set such that the pinion gear <NUM> rotates by <NUM> degrees or less (an angle of <NUM> degree to <NUM> degrees). Alternatively, the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM> may be set such that the pinion gear <NUM> rotates by <NUM> degrees or more (an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees). When the pinion gear <NUM> rotates by <NUM> degrees or more, the camera module <NUM> may rotate to an angle more appropriate for taking a selfie.

<FIG> is a side view illustrating a downward movement of the camera module, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the camera module <NUM> performs a downward movement or a rotational motion based on a user input (e.g., an input for switching to back photography or an input for ending photography). At least one camera included in the camera module <NUM> may be used as a rear camera according to a rotation of the camera module <NUM>.

In state <NUM>, a camera included in the camera module <NUM> faces the front of the electronic device <NUM>. The camera included in the camera module <NUM> may face the front of the electronic device <NUM> according to a previously entered user input (e.g., an input for switching to front photography or execution of a default APP for front photography). The camera module <NUM> may face the front of the electronic device <NUM> at a specific angle (e.g., <NUM> degree to <NUM> degrees with respect to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>) depending on the gear ratio between the pinion gear <NUM> and the rack gear <NUM>.

In states <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the camera module <NUM> performs a downward movement and a rotational motion. In states <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM> may remain fixed by the cleek <NUM>, and only the camera module <NUM> and the sliding part <NUM> may move downward. The camera module <NUM> and the sliding part <NUM> may move downward by the second movement distance H2. The pinion gear <NUM> engaged with the rack gear <NUM> may rotate, thereby rotating the camera module <NUM>.

In state <NUM>, the camera included in the camera module <NUM> faces the rear of the electronic device <NUM>. In state <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM>, and the sliding part <NUM> may perform a downward movement together. At this time, the rack gear <NUM> may be released from the cleek <NUM>. The camera module <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM>, and the sliding part <NUM> may move the first movement distance H1. In state <NUM>, the camera module <NUM> may return to the original position (e.g., state <NUM>).

<FIG> are perspective views illustrating an upward movement of the camera module, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, states <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG> are perspective views which may respectively correspond to the side views illustrated by states <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>.

In state <NUM>, a camera included in the camera module <NUM> faces the rear of the electronic device <NUM>. At this time, the camera included in the camera module <NUM> may be used as a rear camera. The movable member <NUM> may be located at a reference position (e.g., at the lowermost end of the guide frame <NUM>).

In state <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM>, and the sliding part <NUM> perform an upward movement based on a user input. The motor 123a may operate under the control of control circuitry <NUM>, and the rotary part 123b may be rotated in a first rotating direction by the motor 123a. The movable member <NUM> may move upward according to the rotation of the rotary part 123b. The sliding part <NUM> coupled to the movable member <NUM> may move upward, and the rack gear <NUM> and the camera module <NUM>, which are connected to the sliding part <NUM>, may move upward together. The camera module <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM>, and the sliding part <NUM> may move a first movement distance H1. In state <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM> may be fixed by the cleek <NUM>.

In states <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the camera module <NUM> performs an upward movement and a rotational motion. In states <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM> may be fixed by the cleek <NUM>, and only the camera module <NUM> and the sliding part <NUM> may move upward. The camera module <NUM> and the sliding part <NUM> may move upward by a second movement distance H2. The pinion gear <NUM> engaged with the rack gear <NUM> may rotate, thereby rotating the camera module <NUM> may rotate.

In state <NUM>, the camera included in the camera module <NUM> faces the front of the electronic device <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> may be located at the uppermost end of the guide frame <NUM>. At this time, the camera included in the camera module <NUM> may be used as a front camera.

The pinion gear <NUM> may rotate based on the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM>. For example, the angle through which the pinion gear <NUM> rotates may vary depending on the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM>. Accordingly, depending on the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM>, the camera module <NUM> coupled with the pinion gear <NUM> may rotate by a predetermined angle (e.g., <NUM> degree to <NUM> degrees with respect to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>). For example, the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM> may be set such that the pinion gear <NUM> rotates by <NUM> degrees. The length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM> may be set such that the pinion gear <NUM> rotates by <NUM> degrees or less (an angle of <NUM> degree to <NUM> degrees). Alternatively, the length (or the number of gear teeth) of the rack gear <NUM> may be set such that the pinion gear <NUM> rotates by <NUM> degrees or more (an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees). When the pinion gear <NUM> rotates by <NUM> degrees or more, the camera module <NUM> may rotate to an angle more appropriate for taking a selfie.

<FIG> are perspective views illustrating a downward movement of the camera module, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, states <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG> are perspective views which may respectively correspond to the side views illustrated by states <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>.

In state <NUM>, a camera included in the camera module <NUM> faces the front of the electronic device <NUM>. The camera included in the camera module <NUM> may face the front of the electronic device <NUM> according to a previously entered user input (e.g., an input for switching to front photography or execution of a default APP for front photography). The motor 123a may operate under the control of control circuitry <NUM>, and the rotary part 123b may be rotated in a second rotating direction opposite to the first rotating direction by the motor 123a. The movable member <NUM> may move downward according to the rotation of the rotary part 123b. The sliding part <NUM> coupled to the movable member <NUM> may move downward, and the camera module <NUM> connected to the sliding part <NUM> may move downward. The camera module <NUM> and the sliding part <NUM> may move the second movement distance H2. At this time, the rack gear <NUM> fixed by the cleek <NUM> does not move downward.

In state <NUM>, the camera included in the camera module <NUM> faces the rear of the electronic device <NUM>. In state <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM>, and the sliding part <NUM> may perform a downward movement together. At this time, the rack gear <NUM> may be released from the cleek <NUM>. The camera module <NUM>, the rack gear <NUM>, and the sliding part <NUM> may move the first movement distance H1. In state <NUM>, the camera module <NUM> returns to the original position (e.g., state <NUM>). In state <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> may be located at the lowermost end of the guide frame <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of the structure of the camera module, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the camera module <NUM> includes the first camera device <NUM>, the second camera device <NUM>, the third camera device <NUM>, the flash <NUM>, or the sensor module <NUM>. The first camera device <NUM>, the second camera device <NUM>, and the third camera device <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. The sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value that corresponds to an operational state inside the electronic device <NUM> or an environmental state outside the electronic device <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, and an HRM sensor.

The camera module <NUM> may include a flexible printed circuit board <NUM> and a connecting terminal <NUM>. For example, the camera module <NUM> may be connected with a printed circuit board in an electronic device <NUM> through the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The connecting terminal <NUM> may be connected with a corresponding terminal on the printed circuit board in the electronic device.

The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be formed to have at least one corner. For example, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may include a first portion extending from the camera module <NUM> in a first direction (e.g., the axial direction of the pinion gear <NUM>) and a second portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be configured to be wound around an extension 111A of a rotary shaft of the pinion gear <NUM> as the camera module <NUM> rotates. For example, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to pass through the extension 111A of the rotary shaft of the pinion gear <NUM>. Alternatively, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed parallel to the extension 111A of the rotary shaft of the pinion gear <NUM>. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed between the camera housing 110A and the pinion gear <NUM>.

The camera module <NUM> may include the camera housing 110A that contains the first camera device <NUM>, the second camera device <NUM>, the third camera device <NUM>, the flash <NUM>, or the sensor module <NUM>. The camera housing 110A may include the pinion gear <NUM> on at least one side surface thereof. The pinion gear <NUM> may be integrally formed with the camera housing 110A.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a camera module, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a default position of the camera module, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating an operation of the camera module when an input for switching to front photography is made, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in step <NUM>, an electronic device <NUM> executes a camera APP. For example, referring to <FIG>, the electronic device may receive a user input <NUM> (e.g., a touch on a camera APP icon).

In step <NUM>, the electronic device determines whether an input for switching to front photography is received. For example, when there is no input for switching to front photography, the electronic device proceeds to step <NUM> to perform photography according to default settings (e.g., a rear camera). When there is an input for switching to front photography, the electronic device performs step <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the electronic device raises and rotates the camera module when there is an input for switching to front photography.

In step <NUM>, the electronic device performs photography according to current settings. For example, when the camera module faces the rear of the electronic device, the camera included in the camera module may operate as a rear camera. When the camera module faces the front of the electronic device, the camera included in the camera module may operate as a front camera.

Referring to <FIG>, in state <NUM>, the electronic device displays a screen on which the camera APP icon is displayed. In state <NUM>, the electronic device displays a camera APP screen in response to the user input <NUM>. State <NUM> illustrates the rear surface of the electronic device in state <NUM>. That is, in state <NUM>, the camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM>) may basically face the rear of the electronic device when the camera APP is executed.

Referring to <FIG>, in state <NUM>, the electronic device receives a user input <NUM> (e.g., an input for switching to front photography). In states <NUM> and <NUM>, the electronic device raises and rotates the camera module. State <NUM> illustrates the front surface of the electronic device, and state <NUM> illustrates the rear surface of the electronic device. In states <NUM> and <NUM>, the electronic device may switch a camera included in the camera module to a front camera.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a camera module, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating an operation of the camera module when an APP set for front photography by default is executed, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in step <NUM>, an electronic device <NUM> executes a camera APP. As described above with reference to <FIG>, the electronic device may display a camera APP screen in response to the user input <NUM> (e.g., a touch on a camera APP icon).

In step <NUM>, the electronic device determines whether the executed camera APP is a default APP for front photography. When the executed camera APP is not the default APP for front photography, the electronic device proceeds to step <NUM> to perform photography with a rear camera. When the executed camera APP is the default APP for front photography, the electronic device performs step730.

In step <NUM>, the electronic device raises and rotates the camera module <NUM>. For example, referring to <FIG>, in state <NUM>, the electronic device receives a user input <NUM> to the default APP for front photography (e.g., a video call APP). In states <NUM> and <NUM>, the electronic device raises and rotates the camera module at the same time as executing the APP. State <NUM> illustrates the front surface of the electronic device, and state <NUM> illustrates the rear surface of the electronic device.

Referring again to <FIG>, in step <NUM>, the electronic device determines whether a command for switching to back photography is input. When no command for switching to back photography is input, the electronic device proceeds to step <NUM> to maintain a front camera and perform photography. When a command for switching to back photography is input, the electronic device performs step <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the electronic device lowers and rotates the camera module according to the input command for switching to back photography. The camera module may face the rear of the electronic device.

In step <NUM>, the electronic device performs photography according to current settings. For example, when the camera module faces the rear of the electronic device, a camera included in the camera module may operate as a rear camera. When the camera module faces the front of the electronic device, the camera included in the camera module may operate as a front camera.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of a camera module, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating an operation of the camera module when an input for ending execution of a camera is made, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in step <NUM>, an electronic device <NUM> executes a camera APP. For example, the electronic device may use the camera module as a front camera or a rear camera depending on a user input.

In step <NUM>, the electronic device receives a user input for ending execution of a camera.

In step <NUM>, the electronic device identifies the current state of the camera module. When the camera module is located in a default position (e.g., in the position of a rear camera), the electronic device proceeds to step <NUM> to immediately end the camera APP. When the camera module is not located in the default position (e.g., when the camera module is located in the position of a front camera), the electronic device performs step <NUM>.

In step <NUM>, the electronic device lowers and rotates the camera module when the camera module is not located at the default position. For example, referring to <FIG>, in states <NUM> and <NUM>, the camera module moves upward and operates as a front camera. State <NUM> illustrates the front surface of the electronic device, and state <NUM> illustrates the rear surface of the electronic device. In states <NUM> and <NUM>, the electronic device may receive a user input <NUM> for ending execution of a camera. When the user input <NUM> for ending the execution of the camera is received, the electronic device may lower and rotate the camera module to locate the camera module at the default position (e.g., in the position of a rear camera).

Referring again to <FIG>, in step <NUM>, the electronic device ends the camera APP because the camera module is located at the default position.

The program 940may be stored in the memory <NUM> as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) <NUM>, middleware <NUM>, or an application <NUM>.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an interperipheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

According to the embodiments of the disclosure, one camera module may be used as a front camera and a rear camera, and thus the display of the electronic device may be expanded to a maximum size.

Claim 1:
An electronic device comprising:
a housing;
a display, at least part of which is included in the housing;
a sliding part including an opening exposed to an outside area and configured to slide relative to the housing;
a camera module including one or more lenses and disposed in the opening and configured to rotate relative to the sliding part;
a rack gear (<NUM>) disposed parallel to a rear surface of the display and arranged to move in response to a movement of the sliding part (<NUM>);
a cleek (<NUM>) disposed on an inner surface of the housing; and
a controller configured to control a movement of the sliding part;
wherein the camera module includes a pinion gear (<NUM>) corresponding to the rack gear (<NUM>),
wherein the one or more lenses faces a first direction, when the sliding part is at a first position inside the housing;
wherein the one or more lenses faces a second direction opposite to the first direction, when the sliding part is in a second position so that the sliding part further protrudes beyond an upper portion of the housing;
wherein the camera module linearly moves in a first section between the first position and the second position, and the camera module linearly moves and rotates in a second section different from the first section between the first position and the second position by rotation of the pinion gear on the rack gear (<NUM>) after the rack gear (<NUM>) is fixed by the cleek (<NUM>),
wherein the controller is configured to:
move the camera module (<NUM>) from the first position to the second position in response to a user input related to a movement of the camera module (<NUM>).