ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANAGING PLURAL BATTERIES

An electronic device and method are disclosed, including a first and second battery, a first and second fuel gauge, and a processor. The processor implements the method, including: determining capacity ratios of the first and second batteries based at least on absolute capacities of the first and second batteries, as identified via the first and second fuel gauges, respectively, calculating a residual capacity of the first battery and a residual capacity of the second battery based on at least one of the determined capacity ratios and the obtained states of the first and second battery, respectively, and outputting the calculated residual capacity of the first battery and the calculated residual capacity of the second battery.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The disclosure relates to the operation of electronic devices using batteries, and, more particularly, to managing a plurality of batteries in an electronic device.

Description of Related Art

With the development of digital, computer technology, there has been a proliferation of electronic devices, including mobile communication terminals, personal digital assistants (PDA), electronic organizers, smart phones, tablets, personal computers (PC), wearable smart devices, and such. These electronic devices often come in compact sizes, which enhances portability but restricts a potential size of a display. Accordingly, there has been development of portable devices that nevertheless are able to provide enlarged screen areas, using multi-display solutions.

For example, a larger screen may be implemented using a plurality of displays and/or flexible displays. For example, dual-display devices, or foldable, rollable and slidable devices may present configurations enabling larger display areas. A foldable display may be unfolded to expand a screen area. Likewise, a rollable and slidable device may be rolled/slid “outwards” in order to expand a screen area, and retract the same to reduce the screen area and enhance portability.

Other examples of portable electronic devices include glasses-type wearable displays, such as augmented reality (AR) glasses, smart glasses, or head-mounted devices and displays (HMD). These devices can implement extended reality (XR) technology, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and/or mixed reality (MR). For example, such devices can superimpose digital projections and virtual images on a real-world field of view, either seen naturally through a lens, or captured by a camera and reprojected to the user.

SUMMARY

When an electronic device is equipped with a multi-display, it may be equipped with multiple batteries to help support the enlarged display and/or increased functionality thereof. The batteries are also sensitive to temperature. When batteries are disposed at intervals, the operation of each battery may differ due to experience different temperatures. When these operational differences occur, battery information, such as residual capacity, state-of-charging, etc. may not be accurately calculated.

According to certain embodiments, an electronic device is provided that includes two or more batteries, and includes a fuel gauge capable of accounting for each battery, and a method and apparatus for monitoring a state of each battery using respective fuel gauges, calculating a capacity of each battery, a capacity of an entire set of multiple batteries based on the monitoring of each battery, and calculating deterioration of each individual battery, and of the entire set of multiple batteries.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is disclosed, including: a first battery and a second battery, a first fuel gauge for the first battery, a second fuel gauge for the second battery, a memory, and a processor operatively connected to the first battery, the second battery, the first fuel gauge, the second fuel gauge, and the memory, wherein the processor is configured to: obtain a state of the first battery via the first fuel gauge, obtain a state of the second battery via the second fuel gauge, determine capacity ratios of the first and second batteries based at least on absolute capacities of the first and second batteries, as identified via the first and second fuel gauges, respectively, calculate a residual capacity of the first battery and a residual capacity of the second battery based on at least one of the determined capacity ratios and the obtained states of the first and second battery, respectively, output the calculated residual capacity of the first battery and the calculated residual capacity of the second battery.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an operation method of an electronic device is disclosed, including: obtaining state information of the first battery via a first fuel gauge, obtaining state information of the second battery from a second fuel gauge, determining capacity ratios of the first and second batteries based at least on absolute capacities of the first and second batteries, as identified via the first and second fuel gauges, respectively, calculate a residual capacity of the first battery and a residual capacity of the second battery based on at least one of the determined capacity ratios and the obtained states of the first and second battery, respectively, and outputting the calculated residual capacity of the first battery and the calculated residual capacity of the second battery.

According to certain embodiments, a fuel gauge and a thermistor are provided for each battery. The thermistor measures the temperature of each battery, and the fuel gauge monitors the capacity and the deteriorated state of each battery. Thus, a remaining battery life for the overall set of batteries can be more accurately predicted.

According to certain embodiments, by including a fuel gauge or thermistor in a battery, the temperature of the battery can be more accurately measured.

According to certain embodiments, by predicting an expected battery life based on the deteriorated state or accumulated usage cycle of a battery, a user can be more accurately notified when a battery is in need of replacement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device101in a network environment100according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 2A to 2Care diagrams illustrating the configuration of a battery, a fuel gauge, and a thermistor in an electronic device according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 2Ais a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to certain embodiments has a first configuration210.

Referring toFIG. 2A, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to certain embodiments may include the first configuration210, in which a first fuel gauge213or a first thermistor215is disposed external to a first battery211(e.g., the battery189ofFIG. 1), and a second fuel gauge233or a second thermistor235is disposed external a second battery231(e.g., the battery189ofFIG. 1). A processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG. 1) may be communicably coupled via an electrical path with a power management module (e.g., the power management module188ofFIG. 1), the first fuel gauge213, or the second fuel gauge233. The power management module188may be communicably coupled via an electrical path with the first fuel gauge213, the second fuel gauge233, the first battery211, or the second battery231. The power management module188may receive power from an external power source, and may charge the first battery211or the second battery231.

The first thermistor215may measure (or monitor) the temperature of the first battery211, and may transfer the detected temperature of the first battery211to the first fuel gauge213or the processor120, either periodically or in real time. The first fuel gauge213may obtain the state information of the first battery211and transfer the same to the processor120. The state information of the first battery211may include at least one piece of information among a temperature, a charging current, a discharging current, a faulty state, a coupled state, a residual capacity, a state of charging (SoC), a usage cycle, an open circuit voltage (OCV), or an indication of a deteriorated state (or a deteriorated value) for the first battery211.

The second thermistor235may measure (or monitor) the temperature of the second battery231, and may transfer the detected temperature of the second battery231to the second fuel gauge233or the processor120, either periodically or in real time. The second fuel gauge233may obtain the state information of the second battery231and may transfer the same to the processor120. The state information of the second battery231may include at least one piece of information among a temperature, a charging current, a discharging current, a faulty state, a coupled state, a residual capacity, an SoC, an accumulated usage cycle, an OCV, or an indication of a deteriorated state (or a deteriorated value) for the second battery231.

The operations and status of a battery may be affected by temperature. If the first battery211and the second battery231are disposed in different locations within the device, the temperatures of the first battery211and the second battery231may be different. The chemical characteristic of a battery may vary depending on the temperature inside or outside the electronic device101and thus, temperature should be accounted for when calculating capacity and other related characteristics of a battery. The residual capacity of the first battery211may be affected by the temperature of the first battery211and thus, the first thermistor215may be disposed to correspond to the first battery211in order to more accurately measure the temperature of the first battery211. The first fuel gauge213may calculate the residual capacity of the first battery211based at least on the temperature of the first battery211obtained from the first thermistor215. The second thermistor235may likewise be disposed to correspond to the second battery231. The second fuel gauge233may calculate the residual capacity of the second battery231based on the temperature of the second battery231obtained from the second thermistor235.

The processor120may read values from the first thermistor215and/or the second thermistor235periodically. The processor120may store the state information of the first battery211obtained from the first fuel gauge213in a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1), or calculate the residual capacity of the first battery211based on the state information of the first battery211. The processor120may store the state information of the second battery231obtained from the second fuel gauge233in the memory130, or calculate the residual capacity of the second battery231based on the state information of the second battery231.

According to certain embodiments, the first battery211and the second battery231may be disposed at intervals. For example, for an electronic device having a flexible display (e.g., the display module160ofFIG. 1), such as a foldable electronic device disposed in a folded state, the first battery211and the second battery231may be disposed on two opposing sides of the device relative to a central folding axis. The capacities of the first battery211and the second battery231may be the same, or different from each other. If the capacities of the first battery211and the second battery231are different from each other, the difference in capacity may be expressed as a capacity ratio of the first battery211to the capacity of the entire battery, or the capacity radio of the second battery231to the capacity of the entire battery, the ratio of which may be stored in the memory130. Alternatively, the processor120may determine the capacity ratio of each battery based on the respective absolute capacities of each battery, as identified via the first fuel gauge213and the second fuel gauge233. The processor120may calculate the capacity of the entire battery based on the residual capacity of the first battery211and the residual capacity of the second battery231. The processor120may store the residual capacity of the first battery211, the residual capacity of the second battery231, and/or the capacity of the entire battery assembly (e.g., including both first and second batteries) in the memory130.

According to certain embodiments, the processor120may calculate the state of health (SoH) of the first battery211based on the deteriorated state of the first battery211, or may obtain the SoH of the first battery211from the first fuel gauge213. The processor120may calculate the SoH of the second battery231based on the deteriorated state of the second battery231, or may obtain the SoH of the second battery231from the second fuel gauge233. The processor120may calculate the SoH of the entire battery (e.g., both the first and second batteries) based on the SoH of the first battery211and/or the SoH of the second battery231. The processor120may determine whether the SoH of the first battery211or the SoH of the second battery231is less than a deterioration configuration value, or may determine whether the SoH (or entire SoH) of the entire battery is less than the deterioration configuration value. Based on a result of the determination, the processor120may generate a notification warning a user about the deteriorated state of the battery, or output a notification regarding the deteriorated state of the battery when receiving such a request from a user. The deteriorated state of the battery may include at least one of the deteriorated state of the entire battery, the deteriorated state of the first battery211, or the deteriorated state of the second battery231.

According to certain embodiments, the processor120may count an accumulated usage cycle corresponding to the first battery211based on the state information of the first battery211, and count an accumulated usage cycle corresponding to the second battery231based on the state information of the second battery231. The processor120may calculate the accumulated usage cycle of the entire battery based on the accumulated usage cycle of the first battery211or the accumulated usage cycle of the second battery231. The processor120may determine whether the accumulated usage cycle of the first battery211or the accumulated usage cycle of the second battery231exceeds a deterioration usage value, or may determine whether the accumulated usage cycle (e.g., the entire accumulated usage cycle) of the entire battery exceeds the deterioration usage value. Based on a result of the determination, the processor120may generate a notification warning a user regarding the deteriorated state of the battery, or output a notification regarding the deteriorated state of the battery upon receiving a corresponding request from a user.

According to certain embodiments, the processor120may monitor a connection state of the first battery211based on the state information of the first battery211, and if the connection of first battery211indicates a poor, incomplete or otherwise faulty connection, the processor120may report the same to a user. The processor120may monitor the connection state of the second battery231based on the state information of the second battery231, and if the second battery231indicates a poor, incomplete or otherwise faulty connection, the processor120may report the same to a user. The processor120may output a user interface including at least one of the faulty state of the first battery211or the coupled state of the first battery211, and the faulty state of the second battery231or the coupled state of the second battery231.

FIG. 2Bis a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to certain embodiments has a second configuration250.

Referring toFIG. 2B, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to certain embodiments may include a second configuration250in which the first fuel gauge213or the first thermistor215are included in the first battery211, and the second fuel gauge233or the second thermistor235are included in the second battery231. The processor120may be communicably coupled via an electrical path with the power management module188, the first fuel gauge213, or the second fuel gauge233. The power management module188may be communicably coupled via an electric path with the first fuel gauge213, the second fuel gauge233, the first battery211, or the second battery231.

The first thermistor215may detect the temperature of the first battery211, and may transfer the same to the first fuel gauge213or the processor120. The first fuel gauge213may obtain the state information of the first battery211, and may transfer the same to the processor120. The second thermistor235may detect the temperature of the second battery231, and may transfer the same to the second fuel gauge233or the processor120. The second fuel gauge233may obtain the state information of the second battery231, and may transfer the same to the processor120.

The processor120may store the state information of the first battery211obtained from the first fuel gauge213in a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1), or may calculate the residual capacity of the first battery211based on the state information of the first battery211. The processor120may store the state information of the second battery231obtained from the second fuel gauge233in the memory130, or may calculate the residual capacity of the second battery231based on the state information of the second battery231.

According to certain embodiments, the processor120may obtain the SoH or the accumulated usage cycle of the first battery211based on the state information of the first battery211, and may obtain the SoH or the accumulated usage cycle of the second battery231based on the state information of the second battery231. The processor120may determine the deteriorated state of each battery based on each SoH or each accumulated usage cycle, and, based on a result of the determination, may warn about the deteriorated state of the battery to a user or may report the deteriorated state of the battery when requested by a user.

FIG. 2Bindicates a different configuration from that ofFIG. 2A, but other operations may be performed in the same or similar manner. Accordingly, repetitive detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 2Cis a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic device according to certain embodiments has a third configuration270.

Referring toFIG. 2C, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to certain embodiments may include a third configuration270in which the first thermistor215is disposed inside the first battery211, the first fuel gauge213is disposed outside the first battery211, the second thermistor235is disposed inside the second battery231, and the second fuel gauge233is disposed outside the second battery231. The processor120may be communicably coupled via an electrical path with the power management module188, the first fuel gauge213, or the second fuel gauge233. The power management module188may be communicably coupled via an electric path with the first fuel gauge213, the second fuel gauge233, the first battery211, or the second battery231.

The first thermistor215may measure the temperature of the first battery211, and may transfer the same to the first fuel gauge213or the processor120. The first fuel gauge213may obtain the state information of the first battery211, and may transfer the same to the processor120. The second thermistor235may measure the temperature of the second battery231, and may transfer the same to the second fuel gauge233or the processor120. The second fuel gauge233may obtain the state information of the second battery231, and may transfer the same to the processor120.

The processor120may store the state information of the first battery211obtained from the first fuel gauge213in a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1), or may calculate the residual capacity of the first battery211based on the state information of the first battery211. The processor120may store the state information of the second battery231obtained from the second fuel gauge233in the memory130, or may calculate the residual capacity of the second battery231based on the state information of the second battery231.

According to certain embodiments, the processor120may obtain the SoH or the accumulated usage cycle of the first battery211based on the state information of the first battery211, and may obtain the SoH or the accumulated usage cycle of the second battery231based on the state information of the second battery231. The processor120may determine the deteriorated state of each battery based on each SoH or each accumulated usage cycle, and, based on a result of the determination, may warn about the deteriorated state of the battery to a user or may report the deteriorated state of the battery when requested by a user.

FIG. 2Cindicate a different configuration from that ofFIG. 2A, but other operations may be performed in the same or similar manner. Accordingly, repetitive detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

AlthoughFIG. 2A to 2Chave described an example that uses two batteries, the electronic device101may include two or more batteries. The electronic device101may include a fuel gauge and a thermistor to correspond to a single battery. At least one of the fuel gauge or the thermistor may be included in the battery or may be disposed outside the battery.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to certain embodiments of the disclosure may include a first battery (e.g., the first battery211ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) and a second battery (e.g., the second battery231ofFIGS. 2A to 2C), a first fuel gauge (e.g., the first fuel gauge213ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) disposed to correspond to the first battery, a second fuel gauge (e.g., the second fuel gauge233ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) disposed to correspond to the second battery, a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1), and a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG. 1) operatively connected to the first battery, the second battery, the first fuel gauge, the second fuel gauge, or the memory, in which the processor is configured to obtain state information of the first battery from the first fuel gauge, to obtain state information of the second battery from the second fuel gauge, to determine a capacity ratio of each battery based on an absolute capacity of each battery identified via the first fuel gauge and the second fuel gauge, to calculate the residual capacity of the first battery or the residual capacity of the second battery based on at least one piece of information among the capacity ratio of each battery, the state information of the first battery, or the state information of the second battery, and to provide the calculated residual capacity of the first battery and the calculated residual capacity of the second battery.

The first fuel gauge is configured to be disposed inside or outside the first battery, and the second fuel gauge is configured to be disposed inside or outside the second battery.

The electronic device may further include a first thermistor (e.g., the first thermistor215ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) disposed to correspond to the first battery, and configured to measure a temperature of the first battery, and a second thermistor (e.g., the second thermistor235ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) disposed to correspond to the second battery, and configured to measure a temperature of the second battery.

The first thermistor is configured to be disposed inside or outside the first battery, and the second thermistor is configured to be disposed inside or outside the second battery.

The processor may be configured to calculate the residual capacity of the first battery based on a temperature of the first battery measured by a first thermistor or the state information of the first battery, and to calculate the residual capacity of the second battery based on a temperature of the second battery measured by a second thermistor or the state information of the second battery.

The processor is configured to calculate the residual capacity of entire battery based on the residual capacity of the first battery or the residual capacity of the second battery, and to provide the residual capacity of the entire battery.

The processor is configured to calculate the residual capacity of entire battery based on the state of charging (SoC) of the first battery included in the state information of the first battery or the SoC of the second battery included in the state information of the second battery, and to provide the residual capacity of the entire battery.

The processor is configured to obtain the state of health (SoH) of the first battery from the first fuel gauge, to obtain an SoH of the second battery from the second fuel gauge, and to calculate the SoH of entire battery based on the each SoC.

The processor is configured to determine whether the SoH of the first battery, the SoH of the second battery, or the SoH of the entire battery is less than a deterioration configuration value, and based on a result of the determination, to notify of the deteriorated state of the battery.

The processor is configured to count an accumulated usage cycle corresponding to the first battery based on the state information of the first battery, to count an accumulated usage cycle corresponding to the second battery based on the state information of the second battery, and to calculate an accumulated usage cycle of entire battery based on the each accumulated usage cycle.

The processor is configured to determine whether the accumulated usage cycle of the first battery, the accumulated usage cycle of the second battery, or the accumulated usage cycle of the entire battery exceeds a usage amount value as a deterioration usage value, and based a result of the determination, to notify of the deteriorated state of the battery.

If the electronic device is foldable along a folding axis so that a first housing and a second housing are folded, the first battery is disposed in the first housing and the second battery is disposed in the second housing.

If a second housing is formed to be accommodated inside a first housing of the electronic device, the first battery is configured to be disposed in the first housing and the second battery is configured to be disposed in the second housing.

FIG. 3is a flowchart300illustrating an operation method of an electronic device according to certain embodiments.

Referring to FIG.3, in operation301, a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG. 1) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to certain embodiments may obtain the state information of a first battery (e.g., the first battery211ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) from a first fuel gauge (e.g., the first fuel gauge213ofFIGS. 2A to 2C). The state information of the first battery211may include at least one of a temperature, a charging current, a discharging current, a faulty state, a coupled state, a residual capacity, an SoC, an accumulated usage cycle, an OCV, or a deteriorated state associated with the first battery211. The first fuel gauge213may be disposed inside or outside the first battery211.

The first fuel gauge213may obtain the temperature of the first battery211from a first thermistor (e.g., the first thermistor215ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) disposed inside or outside the first battery211. The first thermistor215may monitor the temperature of the first battery211, and may transfer the temperature of the first battery211to the first fuel gauge213periodically or in real time. The first fuel gauge213may calculate a residual capacity based on the temperature of the first battery211. Alternatively, the processor120may calculate the residual capacity of the first battery211based on the state information of the first battery211.

In operation303, the processor120may obtain the state information of a second battery (e.g., the second battery231ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) from a second fuel gauge (e.g., the second fuel gauge233ofFIGS. 2A to 2C). The state information of the second battery231may include at least one of a temperature, a charging current, a discharging current, a faulty state, a coupled state, a residual capacity, an SoC, an accumulated usage cycle, an OCV, or a deteriorated state associated with the second battery231. The second fuel gauge233may be disposed inside or outside the second battery231. The second fuel gauge233may obtain the temperature of the second battery231from a second thermistor (e.g., the second thermistor235ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) disposed inside or outside the second battery231. The second fuel gauge233may calculate a residual capacity based on the temperature of the second battery231. Alternatively, the processor120may calculate the residual capacity of the second battery231based on the state information of the second battery231.

In operation305, the processor120may calculate the capacity of entire battery (e.g., both the first and second battery) based on each piece of state information. The processor120may calculate the capacity of entire battery based on the state information of the first battery211and/or the state information of the second battery231. For example, if the total capacity of the first battery211is 4500 mAh and the total capacity of the second battery231is 1500 mAh, the capacity ratio of the first battery211is3, the capacity ratio of the second battery231is 1, and the capacity of the entire battery is 6000 mAh. The processor120may calculate, based on the state information of the first battery211, 2250 mAh as the residual capacity of the first battery211, and may calculate, based on the state information of the second battery231, 750 mAh as the residual capacity of the second battery231. Based on the residual capacity (e.g., 2250 mAh) of the first battery211and the residual capacity (e.g., 750 mAh) of the second battery231, the processor120may calculate the residual capacity (e.g., (2250+750)/6000=50%=3000 mAh)) of the entire battery. Alternatively, the processor120may calculate the residual capacity of the entire battery (e.g., (3*50%+1*50%)/(3+1)=200%/4=50%)) based on at least one of the capacity ratio (e.g., 3) of the first battery211, the SoC (e.g., 50%) of the first battery211, the capacity ratio (e.g., 1) of the second battery231, and the SoC (e.g., 50%) of the second battery231.

In operation307, the processor120may store the residual capacity of each battery and the residual capacity of the entire battery in a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1), and may provide the same to a user. At least one of the capacity ratio of the first battery211, the capacity ratio of the second battery231, the residual capacity of the first battery211, the residual capacity of the second battery231, or the residual capacity of the entire battery may be stored in the memory130as battery information. If a user input for identifying the state of a battery is detected, the processor120may display a user interface including battery information stored in the memory130via a display (e.g., the display module160ofFIG. 1) based on the detected user input.

The user interface may include the residual capacity of the entire battery, or may include each of the residual capacity of the first battery211or the residual capacity of the second battery231. Alternatively, if at least one of the residual capacity of the first battery211, the residual capacity of the second battery231, or the residual capacity of the entire battery is less than a reference residual value (e.g., 20%, 10%), the processor120may display, via the display module160, a user interface including battery information stored in the memory130. If at least one of the residual capacity of the first battery211, the residual capacity of the second battery231, or the residual capacity of the entire battery is less than a reference residual value (e.g., 20%, 10%), the processor120may provide battery information in the form of a pop-up window.

According to certain embodiments, if a user request is detected (e.g., requesting a status check of the health of a battery), or if the deteriorated state of a battery is less than a deterioration reference value, the processor120may output a notification indicating the deteriorated state of the battery. A detailed example that provides the deteriorated state of a battery will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 4 and 6.

According to certain embodiments, the processor120may monitor the faulty state (or malfunction) or the coupled state of the first battery211based on the state information of the first battery211, and if the first battery211is in the faulty state or the coupled state is faulty, the processor120may report the same to a user. If the processor120detects a malfunction, such as the case in which the residual capacity of the first battery211is greater than the entire capacity of the first battery211, or the case in which the residual capacity of the first battery211does not change in the state of being charged or discharged, the processor120may determine that the first battery211in an faulty state. Alternatively, if an electrical path with the first battery211has a problem, the processor120may determine that the coupled state of the first battery211is in the faulty state.

If signal exchange with the first battery211does not proceed, the processor120may determine that the electrical path has a problem. The processor120may monitor the faulty state (or malfunction) or the coupled state of the second battery231based on the state information of the second battery231, and if the second battery231is in the faulty state or the coupled state is faulty, the processor120may report the same to a user. The processor120may display, via the display module160, a user interface including at least one of the faulty state of the first battery211or the coupled state of the first battery211, or the faulty state of the second battery231or the coupled state of the second battery231.

FIG. 4is a flowchart400illustrating a method of reporting the deteriorated state of a battery of an electronic device according to certain embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 4, in operation401, a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG. 1) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to certain embodiments may obtain the SoH of a first battery (e.g., the first battery211ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) from a first fuel gauge (e.g., the first fuel gauge213ofFIGS. 2A to 2C). The SoH may be obtained based on the residual capacity of the first battery211in consideration of a deteriorated state (or deteriorated value) of the first battery211. After a battery is charged up to 100%, the actual usable capacity of the battery may be calculated in consideration of the deteriorated state of the battery. The SoH of the first battery211may be a usable capacity obtained in consideration of the deteriorated state of the first battery211. For example, if the SoH of the first battery211is 70%, it is understood that the first battery211has a 70% battery life at maximum charge relative to a new battery, even though the first battery211is presently charged to 100%. The deteriorated state of the first battery211may be included in the state information of the first battery211. The processor120may store the SoH of the first battery211in a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1).

According to certain embodiments, the first fuel gauge213may directly calculate an SoH and may transfer the same to the processor120, or the processor120may directly calculate the SoH of the first battery211based on the accumulated usage cycle of the first battery211.FIG. 4illustrates an example of obtaining an SoH from the first fuel gauge213.

In operation403, the processor120may obtain the SoH of a second battery (e.g., the second battery231ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) from a second fuel gauge (e.g., the second fuel gauge233ofFIGS. 2A to 2C). The SoH may be obtained based on the residual capacity of the second battery231in consideration of the deteriorated state (or deteriorated value) of the second battery231. The second fuel gauge233may directly calculate the SoH of the second battery231, and may transmit the same to the processor120. The processor120may store the SoH of the second battery231in the memory130.

In operation405, the processor120may calculate the SoH of the entire battery based on each piece of SoH. The processor120may store at least one information among the capacity of the entire battery, the capacity ratio of the first battery211, or the capacity ratio of the second battery231in the memory130. The processor120may calculate the SoH of the entire battery (e.g., (3*88.8% +1*66.6%)/(3+1)=333%/4=83.25%) based on at least one of the SoH (e.g., 88.8%) of the first battery211, the capacity ratio (e.g., 3) of the first battery211, the SoH (e.g., 66.6%) of the second battery231, and the capacity ratio (e.g., 1) of the second battery231.

In operation407, the processor120may determine whether an SoH is less than a deterioration configuration value. The deterioration configuration value may be set according to a state (e.g., time) in which a battery should be replaced. The deterioration configuration value may be configured in the electronic device101as a default value in advance of the status check, or may be configured by a user. The processor120may determine whether any one of the SoH of the first battery211or the SoH of the second battery231is less than the deterioration configuration value, or may determine whether the SoH of the entire battery is less than the deterioration configuration value.

The processor120may proceed with operation409if the SoH is less than the deterioration configuration value, and may proceed with operation401if the SoH is greater than or equal to the deterioration configuration value. If the SoH is greater than or equal to the deterioration configuration value, the processor120may return to operation401, and may monitor the SoH of the first battery211or the SoH of the second battery231.

If the SoH is less than the deterioration configuration value, the processor120may output a notification indicating the deteriorated state of the battery in operation409. The deteriorated state of the battery may include at least one of the deteriorated state of the first battery211, the deteriorated state of the second battery231, or the deteriorated state of the entire battery. If the SoH is less than the deterioration configuration value, the processor120may determine that the battery is in a deteriorated state, and may output a warning notification that warns about the deteriorated state of the battery. The warning notification be provided in the form of a pop-up window via a display (e.g., the display module160ofFIG. 1), in order to prompt a user to replace the battery. Alternatively, the warning notification may include at least one of a sound, text, an image, or a video. If a user input requesting identification of the deteriorated state of a battery is detected, the processor120may display a user interface indicating the deteriorated state of a battery stored in the memory130via the display module160based on the detected user input.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating a user interface that reports the deteriorated state of a battery of an electronic device according to certain embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 5, a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG. 1) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to various embodiment may display, via a display (e.g., the display module160ofFIG. 1), a first user interface510reporting on the deteriorated state of an entire battery. The first user interface510may report a deteriorated state511of the entire battery (e.g., both the first battery and second battery, and any other batteries of the device). The first user interface510may include at least one of text, an image, or a video. The processor120may display the first user interface510, and may output a sound indicating the deteriorated state511of the entire battery via a speaker (e.g., the sound output device155ofFIG. 1). Alternatively, the processor120may display a second user interface550indicating the deteriorated state of each battery via the display module160. The second user interface550may utilize separated reports, including a deteriorated state551of a first battery (e.g., the first battery211ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) and a separate deteriorated state553of a second battery (e.g., the second battery231ofFIGS. 2A to 2C).

FIG. 6is a flowchart600illustrating a method of reporting the deteriorated state of a battery of an electronic device according to certain embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 6, in operation601, a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG. 1) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to certain embodiments may count the accumulated usage cycle corresponding to a first battery (e.g., the first battery211ofFIGS. 2A to 2C). The accumulated usage cycle may count lifetime charge cycles in which the first battery was charged and discharged, and may increment by1every time that the first battery211is discharged to 0% after being charged to 100%. The processor120may obtain the state information of the first battery211from a first fuel gauge (e.g., the first gauge213ofFIGS. 2A to 2C), and may count the accumulated usage cycle corresponding to the first battery211based on the state information of the first battery211. Alternatively, based on the state information of the first battery211or the capacity ratio of the first battery211stored in a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1), the processor120may count an accumulated usage cycle corresponding to the first battery211.

In operation603, the processor120may count an accumulated usage cycle corresponding to a second battery (e.g., the second battery231ofFIGS. 2A to 2C). The processor120may obtain the state information of the second battery231from a second fuel gauge (e.g., the second fuel gauge233ofFIGS. 2A to 2C), and may count an accumulated usage cycle corresponding to the second battery231based on the state information of the second battery231.

In operation605, the processor120may calculate the accumulated usage cycle of the entire battery (e.g., both the first and second batteries) based on the each accumulated usage cycle. Based on at least one of the state information of the first battery211, the capacity ratio of the first battery211, the state information of the second battery231, or the capacity ratio of the second battery231, the processor120may calculate the accumulated usage cycle of the entire battery.

In operation607, the processor120may determine whether the accumulated usage cycle exceeds a deterioration usage value. The deterioration usage value may be configured to indicate a time at which a battery should be replaced. The deterioration usage value may be configured in advance in the electronic device101as a default value, or may be configured by a user. The processor120may determine whether any one of the accumulated usage cycle of the first battery211or the accumulated usage cycle of the second battery231exceeds the deterioration usage value, or may determine whether the accumulated usage cycle of the entire battery exceeds the deterioration usage value.

If the accumulated usage cycle exceeds the deterioration usage value, the processor120may proceed with operation609, and if the accumulated usage cycle is less than or equal to the deterioration usage value, the processor120may return to operation601. If the accumulated usage cycle is less than or equal to the deterioration usage value, the processor120returns to operation601, and may continue to count (or monitor) the accumulated usage cycle of the first battery211and the accumulated usage cycle of the second battery231.

If the accumulated usage cycle exceeds the deterioration usage value (e.g., a threshold number of cycles), the processor120may output a notification indicating the deteriorated state of the battery in operation609. The deteriorated state of the battery may include at least one of the deteriorated state of the first battery211, the deteriorated state of the second battery231, or the deteriorated state of the entire battery. If the accumulated usage cycle exceeds the deterioration usage value, the processor120may determine that the battery is in a deteriorated state, and may output a notification warning a user regarding the deteriorated state of the battery. If a user input is detected requesting identification of the deteriorated state of a battery, the processor120may display a user interface including the deteriorated state of a battery stored in the memory130via the display module160based on the detected user input. Operation609is the same as, or similar to, operation409ofFIG. 4, and thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery, a fuel gauge, and a thermistor of a foldable electronic device according to certain embodiments. Referring toFIG. 7, a foldable electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101of

FIG. 1) according to certain embodiments is illustrated, and may include a first housing710including a first side711and a third side713, and a second housing720including a second side721and a fourth side723. The first side711of the first housing710and the second side721of the second housing720correspond to a front side701of the electronic device101, and the third side713of the first housing710and a fourth side723of the second housing720correspond to a back side705of the electronic device101.

The first housing710and the second housing720may form opposite sides of the device relative to a central a folding axis (e.g., A axis), and in some embodiments may render the device symmetrical relative to the folding axis. The first housing710and the second housing720may be folded so as to face each other. A hinge structure760may be included between the first housing710and the second housing720, allowing folding of the front side701of the electronic device101. The angle or the distance between the first housing710and the second housing720may differ depending on whether the electronic device101is in an open state, in a closed state, or in an intermediate state.

For example, the open state may include a flat state, or an unfolded state. In the open state, the first housing710and the second housing720may be aligned with each other, in which the electronic device101is fully folded out. In this state, the angle between the first housing710and the second housing720is180degrees, and the first side711of the first housing710and the second side721of the second housing720are disposed to be oriented in the same direction. The drawing illustrates the front side701of the electronic device101and the back side705of the electronic device101when the electronic device101is in the open state.

The closed state may be a folded state. In the closed state, the first housing710and the second housing may be disposed so as to face each other, such that the electronic device101is completely folded. In this state, the angle between the first housing710and the second housing720is a narrow angle (e.g., 0 to 5 degrees), and the first side711of the first housing710and the second side721of the second housing720may face to each other. In the drawing, the illustrated electronic device101utilizes an in-folding scheme. However, another example electronic device101of may utilize an out-folding scheme, in the same or similar manner.

The intermediate state is a configuration in which the first housing710and the second housing720are disposed to have a predetermined angle therebetween, such that electronic device101is neither in the open or closed state. The intermediate state may be the state in which the first side711of the first housing710and the second side721of the second housing720have a predetermined angle (e.g., roughly 6 to 179 degrees) therebetween.

The electronic device101may include a first display730(e.g., a main display) (e.g., the display module160ofFIG. 1) in the first side711and the second side721that correspond to the front side701of the electronic device. The first display730may be formed in the whole of the front side701. The first display730may be a flexible display of which at least a part is capable of being changed to be a flat surface or a curved surface. The first display730may be folded to the right or left based on the folding axis (e.g., A axis). In addition, the electronic device101may include a second display740(e.g., a sub-display, a cover display) (e.g., the display module160ofFIG. 1) in a part of the back side705of the electronic device. The second display740may be disposed in at least a part of the third side713of the electronic device101.

According to certain embodiments, the first housing710may include a first battery (e.g., the first battery211ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) in the first housing710, and a second battery (e.g., the second battery231ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) in the second housing720. The capacities of the first battery211and the second battery231may be the same or may be different from each other. The capacity ratio of the first battery211or the capacity ratio of the second battery231may be stored in a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1). Alternatively, the processor120may determine the capacity ratio of each battery based on the absolute capacity of each battery identified via the first fuel gauge213and the second fuel gauge233.

A first fuel gauge (e.g., the first fuel gauge213ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) or a first thermistor (e.g., the first thermistor215ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) that corresponds to the first battery211may be included in the first housing710. Although it is illustrated that the first fuel gauge213and the first thermistor215are included in the first battery211in the drawing, any one of the first fuel gauge213or the first thermistor215may be disposed inside or outside the first battery211as illustrated inFIG. 2AorFIG. 2C. A second fuel gauge (e.g., the second fuel gauge233ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) or a second thermistor (e.g., the second thermistor235ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) that corresponds to the second battery231may be included in the second housing720.

FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery, a fuel gauge, and a thermistor of a slidable electronic device according to certain embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 8, a foldable electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to certain embodiments may include a first housing810and a second housing830, and when the electronic device101is in the closed state, the second housing830may be inserted as to be stowed within the first housing810(e.g., as with a pocket type device). The first housing810may be a main housing of the electronic device101, and may accommodate various electric and electronic components, for example, a main circuit board or a battery. The first housing810may be fixed, and the second housing830may be disposed to enable a reciprocating motion within a predetermined distance in a designated direction (e.g., -x axis direction (D)) from the first housing810. The second housing830may be slidable relative to the first housing810. A sliding structure enabling sliding of the second housing830t may be affixed between the first housing810and the second housing830. The sliding structure may include, for example, a guide rail, and a slide or a roller that moves by being guided by the guide rail. The sliding structure may be embodied in various other schemes.

The front side803of the electronic device101may support a flexible display (e.g., the display module160ofFIG. 1), which is exposed when the electronic device101is in the open state, and the back side801of the electronic device801may support a display module160that is not exposed when the electronic device101is in the open state. A lateral side805of the electronic device101may have a short length and form two parallel sides of the electronic device101, and support disposition thereon of a microphone, a connector hole, or a speaker.

The display module160may be included in the first housing810and the second housing830. When the electronic device101is in the closed state, a first area (A1) of the display module160may be exposed via the front side of the first housing810, and a second area (A2) of the display module160may be stowed in the back side of the second housing830. The first area (A1) may be fixed in the first housing810, and the second area (A2) may be stowed in the back side of the second housing830or may be moved to the front side of the second housing830.

For example, when the electronic device101is in the closed state, the first area (A1) may be oriented in a first direction (e.g., the front side), and the second area (A2) may be stowed in the back side of the second housing830, and may be oriented in a second direction (e.g., the back side). If the second area (A2) is stowed in the back side of the second housing830, the second area (A2) may not be exposed. Alternatively, if the back sides of the first housing810and the second housing830are formed as a transparent cover, the second area (A2) may be exposed via the back sides of the first housing810and the second housing830even while the second area (A2) is stowed in the back side of the second housing830.

For example, the second area (A2) may include a part thereof that bends according to a change in the state of the electronic device101, such as for example, a bendable area or a bendable section. As the second housing830moves (e.g., performs a sliding motion) with respect to the first housing810, the second area A2may be stowed in the back side of the second housing830(e.g., a slide-in motion) or may be extracted out to the front side of the second housing830(e.g., a slide-out motion).

According to certain embodiments, a first battery (e.g., the first battery211ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) may be included in the second housing830, and a second battery (e.g., the second battery231ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) may be included in the first housing810. The capacities of the first battery211and the second battery231may be the same or may be different from each other. The capacity ratio of the first battery211or the capacity ratio of the second battery231may be stored in a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1). Alternatively, the processor120may determine the capacity ratio of each battery based on the absolute capacity of each battery identified via the first fuel gauge213and the second fuel gauge233.

A first fuel gauge (e.g., the first fuel gauge213ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) or a first thermistor (e.g., the first thermistor215ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) corresponding to the first battery211may be included in the second housing830. Although it is illustrated that the first fuel gauge213and the first thermistor215are included in the first battery211in the drawing, any one of the first fuel gauge213or the first thermistor215may be disposed inside or outside the first battery211as illustrated inFIG. 2AorFIG. 2C. A second fuel gauge (e.g., the second fuel gauge233ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) or a second thermistor (e.g., the second thermistor235ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) that corresponds to the second battery231may be included in the first housing810.

FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery, a fuel gauge, and a thermistor of a glasses-type electronic device according to certain embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 9, a glasses-type electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) according to certain embodiments may include a first display module910and a second display module920. The glasses-type electronic device is a wearable display device, such as a glasses-type device such as AR glasses, smart glasses, or a head mounted device (e.g., a head mounted display (HMD)).

According to certain embodiments, a first battery (e.g., the first battery211ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) may be included in the first display module910, and a second battery (e.g., the second battery231ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) may be included in the second display module920. The capacities of the first battery211and the second battery231may be the same as or may be different from each other. The capacity ratio of the first battery211or the capacity ratio of the second battery231may be stored in a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1). Alternatively, the processor120may determine the capacity ratio of each battery based on the absolute capacity of each battery identified via the first fuel gauge213and the second fuel gauge233.

A first fuel gauge (e.g., the first fuel gauge213ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) or a first thermistor (e.g., the first thermistor215ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) that corresponds to the first battery211may be included in the first display module910. Although it is illustrated that the first fuel gauge213and the first thermistor215are included within the first battery211inFIG. 9, any one of the first fuel gauge213or the first thermistor215may be disposed inside or outside the first battery211as illustrated inFIG. 2AorFIG. 2C. A second fuel gauge (e.g., the second fuel gauge233ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) or a second thermistor (e.g., the second thermistor235ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) that corresponds to the second battery231may be included in the second display module920.

An operation method of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) including a first battery (e.g., the first battery211ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) and a second battery (e.g., the second battery231ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) may include an operation of obtaining the state information of the first battery from a first fuel gauge (e.g., the first fuel gauge213ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) disposed to correspond to the first battery, an operation of obtaining the state information of the second battery from a second fuel gauge (e.g., the second fuel gauge233ofFIGS. 2A to 2C) disposed to correspond to the second battery, an operation of determining a capacity ratio of each battery via an absolute capacity of each battery identified via the first fuel gauge and the second fuel gauge, an operation of calculating the residual capacity of the first battery or the residual capacity of the second battery based on at least one piece of information among the capacity ratio of each battery, the state information of the first battery, or the state information of the second battery, and an operation of providing the calculated residual capacity of the first battery or the calculated residual capacity of the second battery.

The operation of calculating may include an operation of calculating the residual capacity of the first battery based on a temperature of the first battery measured by a first thermistor or the state information of the first battery, and an operation of calculating the residual capacity of the second battery based on a temperature of the second battery measured by a second thermistor or the state information of the second battery.

The method may further include an operation of calculating the residual capacity of the entire battery based on the residual capacity of the first battery or the residual capacity of the second battery, and an operation of providing the residual capacity of the entire battery.

The method may further include an operation of calculating the residual capacity of the entire battery based on the state of charging (SoC) of the first battery included in the state information of the first battery or the SoC of the second battery included in the state information of the second battery, and an operation of providing the residual capacity of the entire battery.

The method may include an operation of obtain the state of health (SoH) of the first battery from the first fuel gauge, an operation of obtaining the SoH of the second battery from the second fuel gauge, and an operation of calculating the SoH of entire battery based on the each SoH.

The method may include an operation of determining whether the SoH of the first battery, the SoH of the second battery, or the SoH of the entire battery is less than a deterioration configuration value, and based on a result of the determination, an operation of notifying of a deteriorated state of the battery.

The method may further include an operation of counting an accumulated usage cycle corresponding to the first battery based on the state information of the first battery, an operation of counting an accumulated usage cycle corresponding to the second battery based on the state information of the second battery, an operation of calculating an accumulated usage cycle of entire battery based on the each accumulated usage cycle an operation of determining whether the accumulated usage cycle of the first battery, the accumulated usage cycle of the second battery, or the accumulated usage cycle of the entire battery exceeds a deterioration usage value, and an operation of notifying of a deteriorated state of the battery based a result of the determination.

The embodiments of the disclosure provided in the specification and the accompanying drawings are just predetermined examples for easily describing the technical contents of the disclosure and helping understanding of the disclosure, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be construed that the scope of the disclosure includes all modifications or modified forms obtained based on the technical idea of the disclosure, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.