Electronic device for detecting external object using antenna array and operation method thereof

1. An electronic device comprising:

a camera including at least one lens;

an antenna array;

a communication circuit electrically connected with the antenna array; and

a processor, wherein the processor is configured to:

identify a function being executed through the processor;

when the function does not use the camera, output a first specified beamforming signal capable of communicating with an external electronic device through the antenna array by using the communication circuit, and

when the function uses the camera:

obtain an image associated with an external object by using the camera,

identify a region of the obtained image, in which the external object exists,

determine a direction in which to output a second specified beamforming signal based on the identified region of the image, a distance between the camera and the antenna array, and a magnification of the camera,

output the second specified beamforming signal in the determined direction through the antenna array by using the communication circuit,

receive a beamforming signal reflected from an area where the external object exists, and

perform user authentication using the received beamforming signal.

2. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to:

detect the external object by using the second specified beamforming signal; and

perform the user authentication depending on a result of detecting the external object.

3. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to:

when the function uses the camera, output the first specified beamforming signal and the second specified beamforming signal through the antenna array in a time-division manner.

4. The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the processor is configured to:

when the function uses the camera,

execute the camera;

recognize the external object by using the executed camera;

perform beamforming based on direction information of the recognized external object, by using the second specified beamforming signal; and

perform the user authentication depending on a result of performing the beamforming.

5. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the antenna array is disposed at a location adjacent to the camera.

6. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the antenna array is disposed under a first region of a front plate of the electronic device, in which a display of the electronic device is not driven.

7. The electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising:

a display formed of a plurality of layers, wherein the antenna array is included in a layer forming a metal mesh structure from among the plurality of layers.

8. A method of an electronic device comprising:

identifying a function being executed at the electronic device;

when the function does not use a camera of the electronic device, communicating with an external electronic device through an antenna array of the electronic device; and

when the function uses the camera:

obtaining an image associated with an external object by using the camera;

identifying a region of the obtained image, in which the external object exists;

determining a direction in which to output a beamforming signal based on the identified region of the image, a distance between the camera and the antenna array, and a magnification of the camera;

outputting the beamforming signal in the determined direction through the antenna array;

receiving a reflected signal reflected from an area where the external object exists; and

performing user authentication, based at least on the received reflected signal.

9. The method of claim 8 ,

wherein the communicating comprises outputting a first specified beamforming signal capable of communicating with the external electronic device, and

wherein the outputting of the beamforming signal comprises outputting a second specified beamforming signal capable of detecting the external object.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein

the first specified beamforming signal and the second specified beamforming signal are output by using a time-division manner.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the first specified beamforming signal and the second specified beamforming signal include a frequency band of 6 gigahertz (GHz) or higher.

12. The method of claim 10 ,

wherein the camera is disposed to be exposed through a front of the electronic device, and

wherein the antenna array is disposed at a location adjacent to the camera.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the antenna array is disposed under a first region of a front plate of the electronic device, in which a display of the electronic device is not driven.

14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the electronic device includes a display formed of a plurality of layers,

wherein the antenna array is included in a layer forming a metal mesh structure from among the plurality of layers.

15. The method of claim 9 ,

wherein the outputting of the first specified beamforming signal includes outputting the first specified beamforming signal by using a first antenna module included in the electronic device, and

wherein the outputting of the second specified beamforming signal includes outputting the second specified beamforming signal by using a second antenna module included in the electronic device.