FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING ELECTRICAL POWER TO EXTERNAL ELECTRONIC APPARATUS BY USING FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC APPARATUS

An electronic apparatus uses a sensor module to check whether the electronic apparatus is in an unfolded state, uses the sensor module to check whether a first surface, which is concealed in a folded state and externally visible in the unfolded state, is lying on an external ground surface, checks, in response to the electronic apparatus being in the unfolded state and the first surface lying on the external ground surface, whether the external electronic apparatus is present on a charging unit, turns on a screen of a sub display, which is facing in the opposite direction as the first surface, in response to the external electronic apparatus being present on the charging unit, uses the charging unit to wirelessly supply electrical power to the external electronic apparatus, and keeps the screen of the sub display on while electrical power is being supplied to the external electronic apparatus.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a foldable electronic device and a method of supplying power to an external electronic device using the foldable electronic device.

2. Description of the Related Art

An electronic device may include a foldable electronic device capable of changing a display into an unfolded state and a folded state. The foldable electronic device may display a screen through a main display in the unfolded state and display a screen through a sub-display in the folded state.

An electronic device may share power stored in a battery with other electronic devices. The other electronic devices may be portable electronic devices such as smart phones or wearable electronic devices such as smart watches, bands, and Bluetooth™ headsets. The electronic device may wirelessly supply power to another electronic device to charge the another electronic device. Both a non-flexible electronic device and the foldable electronic device may supply power to the other electronic devices.

The foldable electronic device may include a charger disposed on an opposite side to the main display. The foldable electronic device may include a charger disposed in an area other than an area where a sub-display is disposed. The foldable electronic device may supply power to another electronic device based on the another electronic device being placed on the charger.

SUMMARY

The foldable electronic device may be placed to allow the charger to face upward such that another electronic device is disposed on the charger. When the foldable electronic device is placed to allow the charger to face upward while the foldable electronic device has been folded, the main display may be covered and the sub-display may be placed to face the floor. When the foldable electronic device is placed to allow the charger to face upward while the foldable electronic device has been unfolded, the main display may face the floor and the sub-display may be turned off.

It may not be easy for a user to use the foldable electronic device because the screens of the main display and sub-display cannot be viewed by the user while the foldable electronic device is supplying power to another electronic device. Also, it may not be easy to identify a state of charge while the foldable electronic device supplies power to other electronic devices.

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide a foldable electronic device capable of allowing a user to use the foldable electronic device and identify a state of charge while supplying power to another electronic device and a method of supplying power to an external electronic device using the foldable electronic device.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, an electronic device including a folded state and an unfolded state includes a housing including a first side that is covered in the folded state and visible to outside in the unfolded state, and a second side that faces a direction opposite to the first side in the unfolded state, a main display externally visible to the outside through the first side in the unfolded state, a sub-display disposed in a first area of the second side, a charger disposed in a second area of the second side, a sensor module and a processor operatively connected to the main display, the sub-display, the charger, and the sensor module, wherein the processor may determine whether the electronic device is in the unfolded state using the sensor module, determine whether the first side is placed on an external ground using the sensor module, determine whether an external electronic device exists in the charger in response to the electronic device being in the unfolded state and the first side being placed on the external ground, turn on a screen of the sub-display in response to existence of the external electronic device in the charger, wirelessly supply power to the external electronic device using the charger, and maintain the screen of the sub-display turned on while supplying the power to the external electronic device.

In an embodiment disclosed herein, a method of supplying power to an external electronic device using an electronic device may include determining whether the electronic device is in an unfolded state by a sensor module of the electronic device, determining whether a first side of a housing of the electronic device is placed on an external ground by the sensor module, determining whether an external electronic device exists in a charger of the electronic device in response to the electronic device being in the unfolded state and the first side being placed on the external ground, turning on a screen of a sub-display of the electronic device in response to existence of the external electronic device in the charger, supplying power wirelessly to the external electronic device using the charger, and maintaining the screen of the sub-display turned on while supplying the power to the external electronic device.

By the embodiments disclosed herein, a user may use a foldable electronic device through a sub-display while power is supplied to another electronic device.

Also, in the embodiments disclosed herein, a state of charge may be identified while a foldable electronic device supplies power to another electronic device.

In addition, various effects identified directly or indirectly through the disclosure may be provided.

With regard to description of drawings, the same or similar components will be marked by the same or similar reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is not intended to limit the disclosure to illustrative embodiments, and it should be understood that various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of embodiments of the disclosure are included.

component (e.g., the processor120or the sensor module176) of the electronic device101. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory130may include the volatile memory132or the non-volatile memory134.

The camera module180may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, ISPs, or flashes.

The driving unit181may move the display module160into and/or out of the electronic device101. The driving unit181may control the display module160to be converted into a normal mode disposed inside the electronic device101and an expanded mode extended to the outside of the electronic device101. there is. The driving unit181may be a slide-type rail structure and/or a motor disposed inside the electronic device101, but is not limited thereto.

FIG.2is a block diagram200illustrating the display module160according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG.2, the display module160may include a display210and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI)230to control the display210. The DDI230may include an interface module231, memory233(e.g., buffer memory), an image processing module235, or a mapping module237. The DDI230may receive image information that contains image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command to control the image data from another component of the electronic device101via the interface module231. For example, according to an embodiment, the image information may be received from the processor120(e.g., the main processor121(e.g., an AP)) or the auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit) operated independently from the function of the main processor121. The DDI230may communicate, for example, with touch circuitry150or the sensor module176via the interface module231. The DDI230may also store at least part of the received image information in the memory233, for example, on a frame by frame basis. The image processing module235may perform pre-processing or post-processing (e.g., adjustment of resolution, brightness, or size) with respect to at least part of the image data. According to an embodiment, the pre-processing or post-processing may be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more characteristics of the image data or one or more characteristics of the display210. The mapping module237may generate a voltage value or a current value corresponding to the image data pre-processed or post-processed by the image processing module235. According to an embodiment, the generating of the voltage value or current value may be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more attributes of the pixels (e.g., an array, such as an RGB stripe or a pentile structure, of the pixels, or the size of each subpixel). At least some pixels of the display210may be driven, for example, based at least in part on the voltage value or the current value such that visual information (e.g., a text, an image, or an icon) corresponding to the image data may be displayed via the display210.

According to an embodiment, the display module160may further include the touch circuitry250. The touch circuitry250may include a touch sensor251and a touch sensor IC253to control the touch sensor251. The touch sensor IC253may control the touch sensor251to sense a touch input or a hovering input with respect to a certain position on the display210. To achieve this, for example, the touch sensor251may detect (e.g., measure) a change in a signal (e.g., a voltage, a quantity of light, a resistance, or a quantity of one or more electric charges) corresponding to the certain position on the display210. The touch circuitry250may provide input information (e.g., a position, an area, a pressure, or a time) indicative of the touch input or the hovering input detected via the touch sensor251to the processor120. According to an embodiment, at least part (e.g., the touch sensor IC253) of the touch circuitry250may be formed as part of the display210or the DDI230, or as part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor123) disposed outside the display module160.

According to an embodiment, the display module160may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor) of the sensor module176or a control circuit for the at least one sensor. In such a case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit for the at least one sensor may be embedded in one portion of a component (e.g., the display210, the DDI230, or the touch circuitry150)) of the display module160. For example, when the sensor module176embedded in the display module160includes a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor may obtain biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image) corresponding to a touch input received via a portion of the display210. As another example, when the sensor module176embedded in the display module160includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information corresponding to a touch input received via a partial or whole area of the display210. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor251or the sensor module176may be disposed between pixels in a pixel layer of the display210, or over or under the pixel layer.

FIG.3is a diagram showing an embodiment of an unfolded state of the electronic device101. The electronic device101in an embodiment may be the foldable electronic device101capable of changing the electronic device101and a display (e.g., display panel)210into a folded state or an unfolded state.

In an embodiment, the electronic device101may include a housing300, a hinge cover330(refer toFIG.4) covering a folded portion of the housing300, and the display210disposed in a space defined by the housing300. In the specification, a side on which the display210is disposed is defined as a first side or a front side of the electronic device101. Further, in the specification, the opposite side of the front side is defined as a second side or a rear side of the electronic device101. In addition, a side surrounding a space between the front side and the rear side is defined as a third side or a lateral side of the electronic device101.

In an embodiment, the housing300may include a first front housing310, a second front housing320, a first rear cover380, and a second rear cover390. The housing300may not be limited to the forms and couplings shown inFIGS.3and4. The housing300may be implemented by a combination and/or coupling of different shapes or parts. In an embodiment, in another embodiment, the first front housing310and the first rear cover380may be unitary, for example. Also, in another embodiment, the second front housing320and the second rear cover390may be unitary.

In an embodiment, the first front housing310and the second front housing320may be disposed on opposite sides of a folding axis (A-axis), which is a boundary line along which the electronic device101and the display210are folded. The first front housing310and the second front housing320may have generally symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis (A-axis). The angle or distance between the first front housing310and the second front housing320may vary depending on whether the electronic device101and the display210are in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state.

In an embodiment, the first front housing310and the second front housing320may define a recess accommodating the display210together. At least a portion of the first front housing310and the second front housing320may include or consist of a metal material or a non-metal material having rigidity equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value to support the display210.

In an embodiment, the display210may be disposed in a space defined by the housing300. In an embodiment, the display210may be seated on a recess defined by the housing300, for example. The display210may constitute most of the front side of the electronic device101.

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the display210may be deformed into a flat or curved surface. The display210may include a folding area213that is a folded or unfolded area, a first portion211disposed on one side of the folding area213(e.g., the left side of the folding area213shown inFIG.3), and a second portion212disposed on the other side of the folding area213(the right side of the folding area213shown inFIG.3). The division of the area of the display210shown inFIG.3is an illustrative embodiment, and the display210may be divided into a plurality of areas according to structures or functions. In an embodiment, the area of the display210may be divided with respect to the folding area213mainly extending in the vertical direction of the display210or the folding axis (A-axis), like the display210shown inFIG.3, for example. In another embodiment, the display210may be divided with respect to a folding area mainly extending in the horizontal direction of the display210or another folding axis. The first portion211and the second portion212may have generally symmetrical shapes around the folding area213. However, when a sensor area214is included in the display210, the first portion211and the second portion212may have asymmetrical shapes.

In an embodiment, the display210may further include the sensor area214. The sensor area214may occupy a predetermined area within the second portion212of the display210. However, the sensor area214is not limited thereto, and the sensor area214may be defined within the first portion211or defined in the first portion211and the second portion212in a divided manner.

In an embodiment, the sensor area214may be adjacent to one side edge of the first front housing310and/or the second front housing320. In an embodiment, the sensor area214may be adjacent to an upper corner of the second front housing320, for example. The arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area214are not limited to the illustrated example. In an embodiment, the sensor area214may be defined in a lower corner of the second front housing320or an arbitrary area between the upper and lower corners, for example. The sensor area214may be disposed at a lower portion of the first portion211and/or the second portion212of the display210. The display210ofFIG.3may be an Infinity-O Display in which the sensor area214including a front camera is integrally implemented with the first portion211and/or the second portion212of the display210because the entirety of the portion of the display210except for the front camera and a sensor hole is implemented as a display area.

In an embodiment, the pixel structure of the first portion211and/or the second portion212disposed in the upper end of the sensor area214may be different from the pixel structure of the remaining first portion211and/or second portion212. In an embodiment, the first portion211and/or the second portion212disposed in the upper end of the sensor area214may have a lower pixel density than that of the remaining first portion211and/or second portion212, for example. In another embodiment, the pixels disposed in the first portion211and/or the second portion212disposed in the upper end of the sensor area214may have a smaller size than pixels disposed in the remaining first portion211and/or second portion212. In another embodiment, the form and/or shape of the pixels arranged in the first portion211and/or second portion212disposed in the upper end of the sensor area214may be narrower or longer compared to the pixels arranged in the remaining first portion211and/or second portion212.

In an embodiment, components for performing various functions embedded in the electronic device101may be visually exposed on the front side of the electronic device101through the sensor area214or one or more openings provided in the sensor area214. In various embodiments, components may include various types of sensors (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1). The sensor may include at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor, for example.

In an embodiment, the first rear cover380may be disposed on the rear side of the electronic device101. The first rear cover380may be disposed on one side with respect to the folding axis (A-axis). The first rear cover380may have a substantially quadrangular periphery, e.g., rectangular periphery. The periphery of the first rear cover380may be covered by the first front housing310.

In an embodiment, the second rear cover390may be disposed on the rear side of the electronic device101. The second rear cover390may be disposed on the opposite side of the first rear cover380with respect to the folding axis (A-axis). The second rear cover390may have substantially quadrangular periphery, e.g., rectangular periphery. The periphery edge of the second rear cover390may be covered by the second front housing320.

In an embodiment, the first rear cover380and the second rear cover390may have substantially symmetrical shapes around the folding axis (A-axis). However, the first rear cover380and the second rear cover390do not necessarily have symmetrical shapes, and in another embodiment, the electronic device101may include various shapes of the first rear cover380and various shapes of the second rear cover390. In another embodiment, the first rear cover380may be unitary with the first front housing310, and the second rear cover390may be unitary with the second front housing320.

In an embodiment, the front side of the electronic device101may include the display210, a partial area of the first front housing310adjacent to the display210, and a partial area of the second front housing320. The rear side of the electronic device101may include the first rear cover380, a partial area of the first front housing310adjacent to the first rear cover380, the second rear cover390, and a partial area of the second front housing320adjacent to the second rear cover390.

In an embodiment, the first front housing310, the second front housing320, the first rear cover380, and the second rear cover390may define a space capable of accommodating various components (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) or a battery).

In an embodiment, one or more components may be disposed or visually exposed on the rear side of the electronic device101. In an embodiment, at least a portion of a sub-display382may be visually exposed through the first rear cover380, for example. In another embodiment, at least a portion of a rear sensor module392(e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1) may be visually exposed through the second rear cover390. The rear sensor module392may include a proximity sensor and/or a rear camera.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device101is in an unfolded state, the first front housing310and the second front housing320may be arranged to face the same direction while defining an angle of about 180 degrees. When the display210is in the unfolded state, the surface of the first portion211and the surface of the second portion212of the display210may define an angle of about 180 degrees to each other. When the display210is in the unfolded state, the first portion211and the second portion212of the display210may face the same direction (e.g., the front direction of the electronic device101). When the display210is in an unfolded state, the folding area213may define the same plane as that of the first portion211and the second portion212.

FIG.4is a diagram showing an embodiment of a folded state of the electronic device101.

In an embodiment, the hinge cover330may be disposed between the first front housing310and the second front housing320. The hinge cover330may cover a portion between the first front housing310and the second front housing320. The hinge cover330may cover a hinge structure between the first front housing310and the second front housing320. The hinge cover330may be covered by parts of the first front housing310and the second front housing320when the electronic device101is in an unfolded state. The hinge cover330may be exposed to the outside when the electronic device101is in a folded state. The hinge cover330may include a curved surface.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device101is in the folded state, the first front housing310and the second front housing320may face each other. When the display210is in the folded state, the surface of the first portion211and the surface of the second portion212of the display210may define a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 degrees and about 10 degrees). When the display210is in the folded state, the first portion211and the second portion212of the display210may face each other. When the display210is in a folded state, at least a portion of the folding area213may change to a curved surface having a first curvature.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device101is in the intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, the first front housing310and the second front housing320may be disposed at an angle falling within a range of 0 degrees to less than 180 degrees. When the display210is in the intermediate state, the surface of the first portion211and the surface of the second portion212of the display210may define an angle greater than that of the folded state and smaller than that of the unfolded state. When the display210is in the intermediate state, at least a portion of the folding area213may change to a curved surface having a second curvature. The second curvature may be smaller than the first curvature.

FIG.5is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the electronic device101. The electronic device101in an embodiment may include the display210, a bracket assembly400, a board portion500, the first front housing310, the second front housing320, the first rear cover380and the second rear cover390.

In an embodiment, the display210may include the first portion211, the second portion212, the folding area213, the sensor area214, and a layer structure215.

In an embodiment, the layer structure215may seat display210in a recess of the housing300. The layer structure215may be comprised of one or more plates. The layer structure215may be disposed on the bracket assembly400.

In an embodiment, the bracket assembly400may be disposed between the layer structure215and the board portion500. The bracket assembly400may include a first bracket410, a second bracket420, the hinge cover330disposed between the first bracket410and the second bracket420, and a wiring member430crossing the first bracket410and the second bracket420.

In an embodiment, the first bracket410may be disposed between the first portion211of the display210and a first board510of the board portion500. The second bracket420may be disposed between the second portion212of the display210and a second board520of the board portion500.

In an embodiment, the wiring member430may be disposed in a direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) crossing the first bracket410and the second bracket420. The wiring member430may be disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., a y-axis or the folding axis (A-axis) ofFIG.3) of the folding area213of the electronic device101. The wiring member430may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

In an embodiment, the board portion500may include the first board510disposed on the side of the first bracket410and the second board520disposed on the side of the second bracket420. The first board510and the second board520may be disposed inside a space defined by the bracket assembly400, the first front housing310, the second front housing320, the first rear cover380, and the second rear cover390. Components for realizing various functions of the electronic device101may be disposed on the first board510and the second board520.

In an embodiment, the first front housing310and the second front housing320may be assembled to each other to be coupled to opposite sides of the bracket assembly400in a state where the display210is coupled to the bracket assembly400. The first front housing310and the second front housing320may be coupled to the bracket assembly400by sliding on opposite sides of the bracket assembly400.

In an embodiment, the first front housing310may include a first rotation support surface312. The second front housing320may include a second rotation support surface322corresponding to the first rotation support surface312. The first rotation support surface312and the second rotation support surface322may include a curved surface corresponding to the curved surface included in the hinge cover330.

In an embodiment, the first rotation support surface312and the second rotation support surface322may cover the hinge cover330when the electronic device101is the unfolded state (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.3). Accordingly, when the electronic device101is in the unfolded state, the hinge cover330may not be exposed or minimally exposed to the rear side of the electronic device101.

In an embodiment, the first rotation support surface312and the second rotation support surface322may rotate along the curved surface included in the hinge cover330when the electronic device101is in the folded state (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.4). Accordingly, when the electronic device101is in the folded state, the hinge cover330may be maximally exposed to the rear side of the electronic device101.

An electronic device in an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1and3to5) may include a folded state and an unfolded state. The electronic device101may be a foldable electronic device. The electronic device101may include a housing (e.g., the housing300ofFIG.3) including a first side (front side) that is covered in the folded state and visible to the outside in the unfolded state and a second side (rear side) facing in an opposite direction to the first side in the unfolded state. The electronic device101may include a main display (e.g., the display210ofFIGS.2to5) that is externally visible through the first side in the unfolded state. The electronic device101may include a sub-display (e.g., the sub-display382ofFIGS.3to5) disposed in a first area (e.g., the first rear cover380ofFIGS.3to5) of the second side. The electronic device101may include a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1). The electronic device101may include the main display210, the sub-display382, and a processor operatively connected to the sensor module176(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1).

FIG.6is a diagram600illustrating an embodiment of a charger610for an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1and3to5).

In an embodiment, the electronic device101may be in a folded state. The electronic device101may be disposed such that the second front housing320of a housing (e.g., the housing300ofFIG.3) faces a first direction (−Z-axis direction). When the second front housing320faces in the first direction (−Z-axis direction), the second rear cover390of the housing300may face a second direction (+Z-axis direction) opposite to the first direction (−Z-axis direction). The rear sensor module392disposed in the second rear cover390may face the second direction (+Z-axis direction).

In an embodiment, the charger610may be disposed in a second area of the second side (rear side) of the housing300. The second area may be a different area from the first area where the sub-display (e.g., the sub-display382ofFIGS.3to5) is disposed. The charger610may be disposed in the second rear cover390different from the first rear cover380where the sub-display382is disposed. The charger610may face the second direction (+Z-axis direction).

In an embodiment, the first area may be an area where the first rear cover (e.g., the first rear cover380ofFIGS.3to5) of the second side of the housing300is disposed. The second area may be an area where the second rear cover390of the second side of the housing300is disposed. The first area and the second area may be arranged on opposite sides of each other with respect to a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A-axis) inFIG.3), which is a boundary line along which the main display (e.g., the display210ofFIGS.2to5) is folded.

In an embodiment, the charger610may receive power from a battery (e.g., the battery189ofFIG.1). The charger610may wirelessly emit power in the second direction (+Z-axis direction). A distance at which the charger610emits power may be a short distance of about 10 centimeter (cm) or less.

In an embodiment, the charger610may include a charging coil. The charging coil may generate induced power by electromagnetic induction. The charging coil may wirelessly emit the induced power.

FIG.7is a diagram700illustrating that an external electronic device710exists in the charger610of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1and3to5).

In an embodiment, the external electronic device710may exist in the charger610when the electronic device101is in the folded state. The external electronic device710may be placed on the charger610. The external electronic device710may be placed adjacent to the charger610in the second direction (+Z-axis direction). The external electronic device710may be a different electronic device from the electronic device101. In an embodiment, the external electronic device710may be another portable electronic device such as a smart phone, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device710may be a wearable electronic device such as a smart watch, a band, and a Bluetooth™ headset.

In an embodiment, the electronic device101may wirelessly transmit power to the external electronic device710. A processor of the electronic device101(e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may wirelessly transmit power to the external electronic device710using the charger610. The electronic device101may charge the external electronic device710. The electronic device101may share power wirelessly with the external electronic device710.

FIG.8is a diagram800illustrating that an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1and3to5) in an embodiment supplies power to the external electronic device710.

In an embodiment, the first side (front side) of the electronic device101may be placed on an external ground in the unfolded state. The external ground may be a reference plane supporting the electronic device101from below. In an embodiment, the external ground may be a floor, for example. In another embodiment, the external ground may be a desk or table top. When the external ground is a surface supporting the electronic device101in the first direction (−Z-axis direction), the first side (front side) of the electronic device101may be placed on the external ground. The electronic device101may be disposed such that the first front housing310and the second front housing320of the housing (e.g., the housing300ofFIG.3) face the first direction (−Z-axis direction).

In an embodiment, the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) may determine whether the electronic device101is in the unfolded state or the folded state by a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1). In an embodiment, the sensor module176may include a Hall sensor, for example. The processor120may determine whether the electronic device101is in the unfolded state or the folded state by a hall sensor.

In an embodiment, the processor120may determine whether the first side (front side) of the electronic device101is placed on an external ground by the sensor module176. In an embodiment, the sensor module176may include at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor, for example. The processor120may determine whether the first side (front side) of the electronic device101is placed on an external ground by at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor. In an embodiment, the processor120may determine whether the first side (front side) of the electronic device101faces the external ground by an acceleration sensor, for example. In another embodiment, the processor120may determine whether the first side (front side) of the electronic device101faces the floor by a gyro sensor. As still another example, the processor120may determine whether the first side (front side) of the electronic device101is adjacent to an external object by a proximity sensor. As still another example, the processor120may determine whether an external environment facing the first side (front side) of the electronic device101is darkened by the external ground by an illuminance sensor. As still another example, the processor120may determine whether a direction in which the electronic device101is placed is a direction in which the first side (front side) faces downward by a geomagnetic sensor. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electronic device101may determine whether the first side (front side) of the electronic device101is placed on the external ground by at least one sensor included in the sensor module176.

In an embodiment, when the first front housing310and the second front housing320face in the first direction (−Z-axis direction), the main display (e.g., the display210ofFIGS.2to5) may face the first direction (−Z-axis direction). When the first direction (−Z-axis direction) is downward or toward the external ground, the main display210may not be visible to a user. In an embodiment, when the electronic device101is placed on the floor in the unfolded state, the main display210may not be visible to the user, for example.

In an embodiment, when the first side (front side) of the electronic device101is placed on an external ground in the unfolded state, the first front housing310and the second front housing320of the housing300may face the first direction (−Z-axis direction). When the first front housing310and the second front housing320of the housing300face the first direction (−Z-axis direction), the first rear cover380and the second rear cover390of the housing300may face a second direction (+Z-axis direction) opposite to the first direction (−Z-axis direction). The sub-display382disposed on the first rear cover380and the charger610disposed on the second rear cover390may face the second direction (+Z-axis direction).

In an embodiment, the external electronic device710may exist in the charger610. The external electronic device710may be placed in the second direction (+Z-axis direction) on the charger610.

In an embodiment, the processor120may determine whether the external electronic device710exists in the charger610in response to the electronic device101being in the unfolded state and the first side (front side) being placed on an external ground. The processor120may periodically determine whether the external electronic device710exists. In an embodiment, the user may preset a cycle at which the processor120determines whether the external electronic device710exists, for example. In another embodiment, a cycle at which the processor120determines whether the external electronic device710exists may be set according to the remaining capacity of the battery (e.g., the battery189ofFIG.1).

In an embodiment, the processor120may turn on the screen of the sub-display382in response to the existence of the external electronic device710on the charger610. The processor120may turn on the screen of the sub-display382based on detection that the external electronic device710is placed on the charger610. When the external electronic device710is placed on the charger610, the processor120may determine that the electronic device101is placed in a state in which the user cannot view the main display (e.g., the display210ofFIGS.2to5), and turn on the screen of the sub-display382. The processor120may turn on the screen of the sub-display382such that the user is able to use the screen of the sub-display382even when the external electronic device710is placed on the charger610.

In an embodiment, the processor120may wirelessly supply power to the external electronic device710using the charger610. The processor120may maintain the screen of the sub-display382turned on while supplying power to the external electronic device710. The sub-display382may display a charge state of the external electronic device710. In an embodiment, the sub-display382may display at least one of a wireless battery sharing interface810, an in-use notification interface820, an interface830for notifying a type of the external electronic device710placed on the charger610, a charging notification interface840, a charging notification guide message841, a battery level interface850, and a message851notifying wireless battery sharing stop according to a battery level, for example. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sub-display382may display whether the external electronic device710is being normally charged. The sub-display382may display how much capacity of the battery189of the electronic device101remains. In another embodiment, when the processor120receives data related to the charging level of the external electronic device710using a communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module (also referred to as a wireless communication circuit)192ofFIG.1), the sub-display382may display the charging level of the external electronic device710.

In an embodiment, the sub-display382may display an execution screen of a function and/or an application executed by the electronic device101. In an embodiment, the sub-display382may display a home screen, for example. In another embodiment, the sub-display382may display the screen of a list of messages received by a message application. The user may use a function of the electronic device101or execute an application while the external electronic device710is placed on the charger610, for example.

In an embodiment, the processor120may display a screen through the main display210when the electronic device101is in the unfolded state in responds to the charger610detecting the external electronic device710in a state where the first side (front side) is in the space. The processor120may block display of the screen through the sub-display382when the electronic device101is in the unfolded state in responds to the charger610detecting the external electronic device710in a state where the first side (front side) is in space. In an embodiment, the processor120may determine that the external electronic device710is brought close to the second side (rear side) of the electronic device101for a purpose other than charging when the first side (front side) is in space, for example, for example. In another embodiment, the processor120may determine that the external electronic device710is brought close to the charger610of the second side (rear side) while the user uses the electronic device101through the main display210when the first side (front side) is in space.

In an embodiment, a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG.1) of the electronic device101may store at least one registered near field communication identifier (NFC ID). The memory130may register at least one or more NFC IDs of other electronic devices.

In an embodiment, the communication circuit192of the electronic device101may perform NFC with nearby electronic devices. The communication circuit192of the electronic device101may identify NFC IDs of nearby electronic devices.

In an embodiment, the processor120may identify the NFC ID of the external electronic device710using the communication circuit192in response to the existence of the external electronic device710in the charger610. The processor120may compare the NFC ID of the external electronic device710with at least one registered NFC ID stored in the memory130. The type and model of the external electronic device710placed on the charger610may be identified.

In an embodiment, the processor120may supply power to the external electronic device710using the charger610in response to the NFC ID of the external electronic device710matching at least one registered NFC ID stored in the memory130. The processor120may automatically start charging the external electronic device710when the external electronic device710placed on the charger610has a registered NFC ID.

In an embodiment, the processor120may display a user interface for checking whether or not to supply power to the external electronic device710on the screen of the sub-display382in response to the NFC ID of the external electronic device710being different from at least one registered NFC ID stored in the memory130or a time desired for the communication circuit192to establish NFC with the external electronic device710having passed a threshold time. In an embodiment, when the external electronic device710placed on the charger610has an unregistered NFC ID, the processor120may display a user interface for checking whether to start charging the external electronic device710on the screen of the sub-display382, for example. In another embodiment, when the external electronic device710placed on the charger610is unable to perform NFC with the communication circuit192, the processor120may display a user interface for checking whether to start charging the external electronic device710on the screen of the sub-display382.

In an embodiment, the processor120may supply power to the external electronic device710using the charger610in response to selecting wireless power sharing to supply power to the external electronic device710through the user interface for checking whether to start charging the external electronic device710. The processor120may start charging the external electronic device710in response to selecting a menu for supplying power to the external electronic device710through the user interface.

FIG.9is a flowchart900showing a method of supplying power to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device710ofFIGS.7and8) using an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1and3to5).

In operation905, the processor (e.g., processor120ofFIG.1) of the electronic device101in an embodiment may determine whether the electronic device101is in the unfolded state by a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1) of the electronic device101. In an embodiment, the processor120may determine whether the electronic device101is in the unfolded state by a hall sensor, for example.

In operation910, the processor120in an embodiment may determine whether the first side (front side) of the housing of the electronic device101(e.g., the housing300ofFIG.3) is placed on an external ground using the sensor module176. In an embodiment, the processor120may determine whether the first side (front side) is placed on the floor using at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor included in the sensor module176, for example.

In operation920, the processor120in an embodiment may determine whether the external electronic device710exists in a charger (e.g., the charger610ofFIGS.6to8) of the electronic device101in response to the electronic device101being in the unfolded state and the first side (front side) being placed on an external ground. The processor120may determine whether the external electronic device710exists in the charger610at every specified cycle.

In operation930, the processor120in an embodiment may turn on the screen of the sub-display382of the electronic device101(e.g., the sub-display382ofFIGS.3to5and8) in response to the existence of the external electronic device710in the charger610.

In operation940, the processor120in an embodiment may wirelessly supply power to the external electronic device710using the charger610.

In operation950, the processor120in an embodiment may maintain the screen of the sub-display382turned on while supplying power to the external electronic device710. The sub-display382may display a screen related to a state of charge. The sub-display382may display a screen related to the function of the electronic device101. The sub-display382may display a screen of an application running on the electronic device101.

FIG.10is a flowchart1000showing a method of charging an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device710ofFIGS.7and8) using an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1and3to5).

In operation1010, the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) of the electronic device101in an embodiment may operate a main display (e.g., the display210ofFIGS.2to5). The processor120may turn on the main display210when the electronic device101is in an unfolded state. The main display210may display a screen related to a function of the electronic device101. The main display210may display a screen of an application running on the electronic device101.

In operation1015, the processor120in an embodiment may determine whether the electronic device101is in the unfolded state by a first sensor included in a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1). The first sensor may be a hall sensor. The processor120may proceed to operation1020when the electronic device101is in the unfolded state.

In operation1020, the processor120in an embodiment may determine whether a first side (front side) of the electronic device101is placed on the floor using a second sensor included in the sensor module176. The second sensor may be an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, and/or a geomagnetic sensor. The processor120may proceed to operation1025when the first side (front side) of the electronic device101is placed on the floor.

In operation1025, the processor120in an embodiment may turn off the main display210in response to a state in which the electronic device101is placed on the floor. When the processor120detects that the first side (front side) of the electronic device101is placed on the floor, the processor120may cause the main display210to stop displaying the screen. When the first side (front side) of the electronic device101is placed on the floor, the processor120may turn off the main display210to reduce unnecessary operation or power consumption in the main display210.

In operation1030, the processor120in an embodiment may determine whether the external electronic device710exists at every specified cycle. The processor120may determine whether or not a device to be charged is at predetermined time intervals. The processor120may proceed to operation1040when the external electronic device710exists.

In operation1040, the processor120in an embodiment may recognize the external electronic device710when the external electronic device is placed on a charging coil (e.g., the charger610ofFIGS.6to8).

In operation1050, the processor120in an embodiment may turn on a sub-display (e.g., the sub-display382ofFIGS.3to5and8). The processor120may turn on the sub-display382when an external electronic device is placed on the charger610.

In operation1060, the processor120in an embodiment may determine whether the external electronic device710is registered. The processor120may identify an NFC ID of the external electronic device710by the communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit192ofFIG.1) of the electronic device101in response to the existence of the external electronic device710. The processor120may determine that the external electronic device710is registered when the NFC ID of the external electronic device710matches at least one registered NFC ID stored in the memory of the electronic device101(e.g., the memory130ofFIG.1). When the external electronic device710is registered (operation1060—YES), the processor120may proceed to operation1090. The processor120may proceed to operation1070when the external electronic device710is not registered or it is hard to determine whether the external electronic device710is registered (operation1060—NO).

In operation1070, the processor120in an embodiment may display a confirmation pop-up screen. The confirmation pop-up screen may include a user interface for checking whether to supply power to the external electronic device710. When the external electronic device710is not registered or it is hard to determine whether the external electronic device710is registered, the processor120may display a user interface for checking whether to supply power to the external electronic device710on the screen of the sub-display382.

In operation1080, the processor120in an embodiment may determine whether wireless power sharing is selected. The processor120may determine whether the user selects a menu for performing wireless power sharing or a menu for blocking wireless power sharing on the confirmation pop-up screen. When wireless power sharing is selected (operation1080—YES), the processor120may proceed to operation1090. When blocking of wireless power sharing is selected (operation1080—NO), the processor120may return to operation1010and operate the main display210.

In operation1090, the processor120in an embodiment may perform charging while maintaining the sub-display382turned on. When the external electronic device710is registered (operation1060—YES), the processor120may automatically charge the external electronic device710using the charger610. When the external electronic device710is not registered or it is hard to determine whether the external electronic device710is registered (Operation1060—NO) and wireless power sharing is selected on the confirmation pop-up screen (Operation1080—YES), the processor120may charge the external electronic device710using the charger610.

FIG.11is a flowchart1100showing a method of performing wireless power sharing while controlling a sub-display (e.g., the sub-display382ofFIGS.3to5and8) based on a state of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIGS.1, and3to5) and whether the electronic device is connected to a charging device.

In operation1110, the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) of the electronic device101in an embodiment may perform wireless power sharing in an unfolded state. The processor120may wirelessly supply power to the external electronic device710(e.g., the external electronic device710ofFIGS.7and8) using a charger (e.g., the charger610ofFIGS.6to8) in a state where the first side (front side) faces an external ground in the unfolded state. The processor120may maintain the screen of the sub-display382turned on while supplying power to the external electronic device710.

In operation1120, the processor120in an embodiment may identify whether the state of the electronic device101is changed to a folded state. The sensor module (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1) of the electronic device101may include a hall sensor. The processor120may identify whether the state of the electronic device101is changed into a folded state by a hall sensor. When the state of the electronic device101is changed to the folded state (operation1120—YES), the processor120may proceed to operation1130. The processor120may proceed to operation1140when the state of the electronic device101is maintained unfolded (operation1120—NO).

In operation1130, the processor120in an embodiment may turn off the sub-display382and perform wireless power sharing. When the electronic device101is changed into the folded state, the processor120may determine that the sub-display382is not used while the external electronic device710is being charged and turn off the sub-display382.

In operation1140, the processor120in an embodiment may determine whether the electronic device101is connected to a charging device. The processor120may determine whether the electronic device101is connected to the charging device using a power management module (e.g., the power management module188ofFIG.1) and an interface (e.g., the interface177ofFIG.1). The charging device may be a wired charging device. However, the charging device is not limited thereto and may be an auxiliary battery or a wireless charging pad. The processor120may proceed to operation1150when the electronic device101is connected to the charging device (operation1140—YES). The processor120may proceed to operation1160when the electronic device101is not connected to the charging device (operation1140—NO).

In operation1150, the processor120in an embodiment may perform wireless power sharing while maintaining the brightness of the screen of the sub-display382. When the electronic device101is connected to the charging device, the processor120may determine that the electronic device101receives additional power from the outside. The processor120may maintain the brightness of the screen of the sub-display382while performing wireless power sharing based on receiving additional power from the outside.

In operation1160, the processor120in an embodiment may perform wireless power sharing while adjusting the brightness of the screen of the sub-display382. The processor120may perform wireless power sharing while the brightness of the screen of the sub-display382has been reduced. When the electronic device101is not connected to a charging device, the processor120may determine that the electronic device101uses a battery (e.g., the battery189ofFIG.1) and receives no power from the outside. The processor120may adjust the brightness of the screen of the sub-display382during wireless power sharing to adjust the use speed of the battery189and secure the use time of the electronic device101.

In various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. In alternative or additional embodiments, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, in various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. In various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.