Patent Description:
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. 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 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.

<CIT> claims the priority date of <NUM> May <NUM>. Its content as filed is therefore considered to be comprised in the state of the art relevant to the question of novelty, pursuant to Article <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC. <CIT> relates to an electronic device that comprises a first housing; a second housing; a first hinge for connecting one side of the first housing to one side of the second housing to be foldable; a third housing; a second hinge for connecting another side of the second housing to one side of the third housing to be foldable; a display including a first display area arranged on the first housing, a second display area arranged on the second housing, and a third display area arranged on the third housing; and a processor which is configured to, in a state in which the first hinge and the second hinge are unfolded, detect folding of at least one of the first hinge and the second hinge and supply electric power to an external device while displaying information on the first display area when a first signal corresponding to detection of the external device is identified from at least one of the second housing and the third housing each including a wireless power transmission/reception circuit.

<CIT> relates to An electronic device that includes a foldable housing. The foldable housing includes a first housing including a first display and an illuminance sensor on a front surface, and a second housing, adjacent to the first housing, including a hole formed through a front surface and a rear surface of the second housing. The front surface of the first housing faces the front surface of the second housing when the second housing is folded in a first direction with respect to the first housing, and a rear surface of the first housing faces the rear surface of the second housing when the second housing is folded in a second direction with respect to the first housing.

<CIT> relates to An electronic device that includes a display, a charging circuit that transmits and receives power to and from an external electronic device, a sensor circuit that senses a spatial relationship of the electronic device with the external electronic device, a processor that is electrically connected with the display, the charging circuit, and the sensor circuit. When wirelessly transmitting or receiving power to or from the external electronic device using the charging circuit, the processor may transmit and receive information associated with the wireless transmission or reception of power and display the information based on the spatial relationship.

The foldable electronic device may be placed to allow the charger to face upward such that another electronic device is positioned 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 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.

According to 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.

According to an embodiment disclosed herein, a method of supplying power to an external electronic device using an electronic device includes determining whether the electronic device is in an unfolded state by using 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 using the sensor module, wherein the first side is covered in the folded state and visible to outside in the unfolded state, and wherein a main display is externally visible to the outside through the first side in the unfolded state, 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, the sub-display disposed in an area of a second side of the housing, wherein the second side faces a direction opposite to the first side in the unfolded state, 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.

According to 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, according to 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.

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

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a sound output device <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the display module <NUM> or the camera module <NUM>) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the sensor module <NUM> (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in the display module <NUM> (e.g., a display).

component (e.g., the processor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

The driving unit <NUM> may move the display module <NUM> into and/or out of the electronic device <NUM>. The driving unit <NUM> may control the display module <NUM> to be converted into a normal mode disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> and an expanded mode extended to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The driving unit <NUM> may be a slide-type rail structure and/or a motor disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

The rotating unit <NUM> moves the display module <NUM> into and/or out of the electronic device <NUM>, or when the display module <NUM> moves into and/or out of the electronic device <NUM>, the display device It may serve as a support for supporting the <NUM>. The rotating unit <NUM> may be inserted into the rollable display module <NUM> while being rolled or extended to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> while the display module <NUM> is unfolded. The rotating unit <NUM> may be a cylinder-shaped rotating body disposed on a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> illustrating the display module <NUM> according to various embodiments. Referring to <FIG>, the display module <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) <NUM> to control the display <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may include an interface module <NUM>, memory <NUM> (e.g., buffer memory), an image processing module <NUM>, or a mapping module <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may 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 device <NUM> via the interface module <NUM>. For example, according to an embodiment, the image information may be received from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the main processor <NUM> (e.g., an application processor)) or the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphics processing unit) operated independently from the function of the main processor <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may communicate, for example, with touch circuitry <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> via the interface module <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may also store at least part of the received image information in the memory <NUM>, for example, on a frame by frame basis. The image processing module <NUM> may 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 display <NUM>. The mapping module <NUM> may generate a voltage value or a current value corresponding to the image data preprocessed or post-processed by the image processing module <NUM>. 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 display <NUM> may 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 display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display module <NUM> may further include the touch circuitry <NUM>. The touch circuitry <NUM> may include a touch sensor <NUM> and a touch sensor IC <NUM> to control the touch sensor <NUM>. The touch sensor IC <NUM> may control the touch sensor <NUM> to sense a touch input or a hovering input with respect to a certain position on the display <NUM>. To achieve this, for example, the touch sensor <NUM> may 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 display <NUM>. The touch circuitry <NUM> may 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 sensor <NUM> to the processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least part (e.g., the touch sensor IC <NUM>) of the touch circuitry <NUM> may be formed as part of the display <NUM> or the DDI <NUM>, or as part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor <NUM>) disposed outside the display module <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display module <NUM> may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor) of the sensor module <NUM> or 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 display <NUM>, the DDI <NUM>, or the touch circuitry <NUM>)) of the display module <NUM>. For example, when the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display module <NUM> includes 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 display <NUM>. As another example, when the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display module <NUM> includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information corresponding to a touch input received via a partial or whole area of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed between pixels in a pixel layer of the display <NUM>, or over or under the pixel layer.

<FIG> is a diagram showing an unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment is the foldable electronic device <NUM> capable of changing the electronic device <NUM> and a display <NUM> into a folded state or an unfolded state.

In one embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a hinge cover <NUM> covering a folded portion of the housing <NUM>, and the display <NUM> disposed in a space formed by the housing <NUM>. In the specification, a side on which the display <NUM> is disposed is defined as a first side or a front side of the electronic device <NUM>. Further, in the specification, the opposite side of the front side is defined as a second side or a rear side of the electronic device <NUM>. 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 device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include a first front housing <NUM>, a second front housing <NUM>, a first rear cover <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may not be limited to the forms and couplings shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The housing <NUM> may be implemented by a combination and/or coupling of different shapes or parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first front housing <NUM> and the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed. Also, in another embodiment, the second front housing <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed.

In one embodiment, the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> may be disposed on both sides of a folding axis (A-axis), which is a boundary line along which the electronic device <NUM> and the display <NUM> are folded. The first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> may have generally symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis (A-axis). The angle or distance between the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> may vary depending on whether the electronic device <NUM> and the display <NUM> are in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state.

In one embodiment, the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> may form a recess accommodating the display <NUM> together. At least a portion of the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> may be formed of a metal material or a non-metal material having rigidity equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value to support the display <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the display <NUM> may be disposed in a space formed by the housing <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be seated on a recess formed by the housing <NUM>. The display <NUM> may constitute most of the front side of the electronic device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be deformed into a flat or curved surface. The display <NUM> may include a folding area <NUM> that is an folded or unfolded area, a first portion <NUM> disposed on one side of the folding area <NUM> (e.g., the left side of the folding area <NUM> shown in <FIG>), and a second portion <NUM> disposed on the other side of the folding area <NUM> (the right side of the folding area <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The division of the area of the display <NUM> shown in <FIG> is an example, and the display <NUM> may be divided into a plurality of areas according to structures or functions. For example, the area of the display <NUM> may be divided with respect to the folding area <NUM> formed long in the vertical direction of the display <NUM> or the folding axis (A-axis), like the display <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As another example, the display <NUM> may be divided with respect to a folding area formed long in the horizontal direction of the display <NUM> or another folding axis. The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may have generally symmetrical shapes around the folding area <NUM>. However, when a sensor area <NUM> is included in the display <NUM>, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may have asymmetrical shapes.

In one embodiment, the display <NUM> may further include the sensor area <NUM>. The sensor area <NUM> may be formed to occupy a predetermined area within the second portion <NUM> of the display <NUM>. However, the sensor area <NUM> is not limited thereto, and the sensor area <NUM> may be formed within the first portion <NUM> or formed in the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> in a divided manner.

In one embodiment, the sensor area <NUM> may be adjacent to one side edge of the first front housing <NUM> and/or the second front housing <NUM>. For example, the sensor area <NUM> may be adjacent to an upper corner of the second front housing <NUM>. The arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area <NUM> are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the sensor area <NUM> may be formed in a lower corner of the second front housing <NUM> or an arbitrary area between the upper and lower corners. The sensor area <NUM> may be disposed at a lower portion of the first portion <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM> of the display <NUM>. The display <NUM> of <FIG> may be an Infinity-O Display in which the sensor area <NUM> including a front camera is integrally implemented with the first portion <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> because the entire portion of the display <NUM> except for the front camera and a sensor hole is implemented as a display area.

In one embodiment, the pixel structure of the first portion <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM> disposed in the upper end of the sensor area <NUM> may be different from the pixel structure of the remaining first portion <NUM> and/or second portion <NUM>. For example, the first portion <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM> disposed in the upper end of the sensor area <NUM> may have a lower pixel density than the remaining first portion <NUM> and/or second portion <NUM>. As another example, the pixels disposed in the first portion <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM> disposed in the upper end of the sensor area <NUM> may have a smaller size than pixels disposed in the remaining first portion <NUM> and/or second portion <NUM>. As another example, the form and/or shape of the pixels arranged in the first portion <NUM> and/or second portion <NUM> disposed in the upper end of the sensor area <NUM> may be narrower or longer compared to the pixels arranged in the remaining first portion <NUM> and/or second portion <NUM>.

In one embodiment, components for performing various functions embedded in the electronic device <NUM> may be visually exposed on the front side of the electronic device <NUM> through the sensor area <NUM> or one or more openings provided in the sensor area <NUM>. In various embodiments, components may include various types of sensors (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>). The sensor may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

In one embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the rear side of the electronic device <NUM>. The first rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on one side with respect to the folding axis (A-axis). The first rear cover <NUM> may have a substantially rectangular periphery. The periphery of the first rear cover <NUM> may be covered by the first front housing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the rear side of the electronic device <NUM>. The second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the opposite side of the first rear cover <NUM> with respect to the folding axis (A-axis). The second rear cover <NUM> may have substantially rectangular periphery. The periphery edge of the second rear cover <NUM> may be covered by the second front housing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may have substantially symmetrical shapes around the folding axis (A-axis). However, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> do not necessarily have symmetrical shapes, and in another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include various shapes of the first rear cover <NUM> and various shapes of the second rear cover <NUM>. In another embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first front housing <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second front housing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the front side of the electronic device <NUM> may include the display <NUM>, a partial area of the first front housing <NUM> adjacent to the display <NUM>, and a partial area of the second front housing <NUM>. The rear side of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first rear cover <NUM>, a partial area of the first front housing <NUM> adjacent to the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, and a partial area of the second front housing <NUM> adjacent to the second rear cover <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first front housing <NUM>, the second front housing <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> may form a space capable of accommodating various components (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) or a battery).

In one embodiment, one or more components may be disposed or visually exposed on the rear side of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of a sub-display <NUM> may be visually exposed through the first rear cover <NUM>. As another example, at least a portion of a rear sensor module <NUM> (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>) may be visually exposed through the second rear cover <NUM>. The rear sensor module <NUM> may include a proximity sensor and/or a rear camera.

In one embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> may be arranged to face the same direction while forming an angle of about <NUM> degrees. When the display <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the surface of the first portion <NUM> and the surface of the second portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may form an angle of about <NUM> degrees to each other. When the display <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may face the same direction (e.g., the front direction of the electronic device <NUM>). When the display <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the folding area <NUM> may form the same plane as the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a folded state of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment.

In one embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may be disposed between the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM>. The hinge cover <NUM> may cover a portion between the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM>. The hinge cover <NUM> may cover a hinge structure between the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM>. The hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by parts of the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state. The hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed to the outside when the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state. The hinge cover <NUM> may include a curved surface.

In one embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> may be disposed to face each other. When the display <NUM> is in the folded state, the surface of the first portion <NUM> and the surface of the second portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may form a narrow angle (e.g., between <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees). When the display <NUM> is in the folded state, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may face each other. When the display <NUM> is in a folded state, at least a portion of the folding area <NUM> may change to a curved surface having a first curvature.

In one embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> may be disposed at an angle falling within a range of <NUM> degrees to less than <NUM> degrees. When the display <NUM> is in the intermediate state, the surface of the first portion <NUM> and the surface of the second portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may form an angle greater than that of the folded state and smaller than that of the unfolded state. When the display <NUM> is in the intermediate state, at least a portion of the folding area <NUM> may change to a curved surface having a second curvature. The second curvature may be smaller than the first curvature.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment. The electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include the display <NUM>, a bracket assembly <NUM>, a board portion <NUM>, the first front housing <NUM>, the second front housing <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the display <NUM> may include the first portion <NUM>, the second portion <NUM>, the folding area <NUM>, the sensor area <NUM>, and a layer structure <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the layer structure <NUM> may seat display <NUM> in a recess of the housing <NUM>. The layer structure <NUM> may be comprised of one or more plates. The layer structure <NUM> may be disposed on the bracket assembly <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the bracket assembly <NUM> may be disposed between the layer structure <NUM> and the board portion <NUM>. The bracket assembly <NUM> may include a first bracket <NUM>, a second bracket <NUM>, the hinge cover <NUM> disposed between the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>, and a wiring member <NUM> crossing the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first bracket <NUM> may be disposed between the first portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> and a first board <NUM> of the board portion <NUM>. The second bracket <NUM> may be disposed between the second portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> and a second board <NUM> of the board portion <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) crossing the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>. The wiring member <NUM> may 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) of <FIG>) of the folding area <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. The wiring member <NUM> may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

In one embodiment, the board portion <NUM> may include the first board <NUM> disposed on the side of the first bracket <NUM> and the second board <NUM> disposed on the side of the second bracket <NUM>. The first board <NUM> and the second board <NUM> may be disposed inside a space formed by the bracket assembly <NUM>, the first front housing <NUM>, the second front housing <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM>. Components for realizing various functions of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed on the first board <NUM> and the second board <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> may be assembled to each other to be coupled to both sides of the bracket assembly <NUM> in a state where the display <NUM> is coupled to the bracket assembly <NUM>. The first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> may be coupled to the bracket assembly <NUM> by sliding on both sides of the bracket assembly <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first front housing <NUM> may include a first rotation support surface <NUM>. The second front housing <NUM> may include a second rotation support surface <NUM> corresponding to the first rotation support surface <NUM>. The first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may include a curved surface corresponding to the curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may cover the hinge cover <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is the unfolded state (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>). Accordingly, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the hinge cover <NUM> may not be exposed or minimally exposed to the rear side of the electronic device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may rotate along the curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>). Accordingly, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the hinge cover <NUM> may be maximally exposed to the rear side of the electronic device <NUM>.

An electronic device according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) includes a folded state and an unfolded state. The electronic device <NUM> may be a foldable electronic device. The electronic device <NUM> includes a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) 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 device <NUM> includes a main display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) that is externally visible through the first side in the unfolded state. The electronic device <NUM> includes a sub-display (e.g., the sub-display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in a first area (e.g., the first rear cover <NUM> of <FIG>) of the second side. The electronic device <NUM> includes a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>). The electronic device <NUM> includes the main display <NUM>, the sub-display <NUM>, and a processor operatively connected to the sensor module <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>).

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating a charger <NUM> for an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In one embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be in a folded state. The electronic device <NUM> may be disposed such that the second front housing <NUM> of a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) faces a first direction (-Z-axis direction). When the second front housing <NUM> faces in the first direction (-Z-axis direction), the second rear cover <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may face a second direction (+Z-axis direction) opposite to the first direction (-Z-axis direction). The rear sensor module <NUM> disposed in the second rear cover <NUM> may face the second direction (+Z-axis direction).

In one embodiment, the charger <NUM> is disposed in a second area of the second side (rear side) of the housing <NUM>. The second area may be a different area from the first area where the sub-display (e.g., the sub-display <NUM> of <FIG>) is disposed. The charger <NUM> may be disposed in a rear housing portion <NUM> different from the rear housing portion <NUM> where the sub-display <NUM> is disposed. The charger <NUM> may face the second direction (+Z-axis direction).

In one embodiment, the first area may be an area where the first rear cover (e.g., the first rear cover <NUM> of <FIG>) of the second side of the housing <NUM> is disposed. The second area may be an area where the second rear cover <NUM> of the second side of the housing <NUM> is 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) in <FIG>), which is a boundary line along which the main display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG> ) is folded.

In one embodiment, the charger <NUM> may receive power from a battery (e.g., the battery <NUM> of <FIG>). The charger <NUM> may wirelessly emit power in the second direction (+Z-axis direction). A distance at which the charger <NUM> emits power may be a short distance of about <NUM> or less.

In one embodiment, the charger <NUM> may include a charging coil. The charging coil may generate induced power by electromagnetic induction. The charging coil may wirelessly emit the induced power.

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating that an external electronic device <NUM> exists in the charger <NUM> of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the external electronic device <NUM> may exist in the charger <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state. The external electronic device <NUM> may be placed on the charger <NUM>. The external electronic device <NUM> may be placed adjacent to the charger <NUM> in the second direction (-Z-axis direction). The external electronic device <NUM> may be a different electronic device from the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the external electronic device <NUM> may be another portable electronic device such as a smart phone. As another example, the external electronic device <NUM> may be a wearable electronic device such as a smart watch, a band, and a Bluetooth headset.

In one embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may wirelessly transmit power to the external electronic device <NUM>. A processor of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may wirelessly transmit power to the external electronic device <NUM> using the charger <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may charge the external electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may share power wirelessly with the external electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram <NUM> illustrating that an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) according to an embodiment supplies power to the external electronic device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> may be placed on an external ground in the unfolded state. The external ground may be a reference plane supporting the electronic device <NUM> from below. For example, the external ground may be a floor. As another example, the external ground may be a desk or table top. When the external ground is a surface supporting the electronic device <NUM> in the first direction (-Z-axis direction), the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> may be placed on the external ground. The electronic device <NUM> may be disposed such that the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> of the housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) face the first direction (-Z axis direction).

In one embodiment, the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) determines whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state or the folded state by using a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the sensor module <NUM> may include a Hall sensor. The processor <NUM> may determine whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state or the folded state by using a hall sensor.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> determines whether the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> is placed on an external ground by using the sensor module <NUM>. For example, the sensor module <NUM> may include at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor. The processor <NUM> may determine whether the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> is placed on an external ground by using at least one of an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor. For example, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> faces the external ground by using an acceleration sensor. As another example, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> faces the floor by using a gyro sensor. As still another example, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> is adjacent to an external object by using a proximity sensor. As still another example, the processor <NUM> may determine whether an external environment facing the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> is darkened by the external ground by using an illuminance sensor. As still another example, the processor <NUM> may determine whether a direction in which the electronic device <NUM> is placed is a direction in which the first side (front side) faces downward by using a geomagnetic sensor. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electronic device <NUM> may determine whether the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> is placed on the external ground by using at least one sensor included in the sensor module <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> face in the first direction (-Z-axis direction), the main display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) may face the first direction (-Z-axis direction). When the first direction (-Z-axis direction) is downward or toward the external ground, the main display <NUM> may not be visible to a user. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is placed on the floor in the unfolded state, the main display <NUM> may not be visible to the user.

In one embodiment, when the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> is placed on an external ground in the unfolded state, the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may face the first direction (-Z-axis direction). When the first front housing <NUM> and the second front housing <NUM> of the housing <NUM> face the first direction (-Z-axis direction), the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may face a second direction (+Z-axis direction) opposite to the first direction (-Z-axis direction). The sub-display <NUM> disposed on the first rear cover <NUM> and the charger <NUM> disposed on the second rear cover <NUM> may face the second direction (+Z-axis direction).

In one embodiment, the external electronic device <NUM> may exist in the charger <NUM>. The external electronic device <NUM> may be placed in the second direction (+Z-axis direction) on the charger <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> determines whether the external electronic device <NUM> exists in the charger <NUM> in response to the electronic device <NUM> being in the unfolded state and the first side (front side) being placed on an external ground. The processor <NUM> may periodically determine whether the external electronic device <NUM> exists. For example, the user may preset a cycle at which the processor <NUM> determines whether the external electronic device <NUM> exists. As another example, a cycle at which the processor <NUM> determines whether the external electronic device <NUM> exists may be set according to the remaining capacity of the battery (e.g., the battery <NUM> of <FIG>).

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> turns on the screen of the sub-display <NUM> in response to the existence of the external electronic device <NUM> on the charger <NUM>. The processor <NUM> turns on the screen of the sub-display <NUM> based on detection that the external electronic device <NUM> is placed on the charger <NUM>. When the external electronic device <NUM> is placed on the charger <NUM>, the processor <NUM> determines that the electronic device <NUM> is placed in a state in which the user cannot view the main display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>), and turns on the screen of the sub-display <NUM>. The processor <NUM> turns on the screen of the sub-display <NUM> such that the user is able to use the screen of the sub-display <NUM> even when the external electronic device <NUM> is placed on the charger <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> wirelessly supplies power to the external electronic device <NUM> using the charger <NUM>. The processor <NUM> maintains the screen of the sub-display <NUM> turned on while supplying power to the external electronic device <NUM>. The sub-display <NUM> may display a charge state of the external electronic device <NUM>. For example, the sub-display <NUM> may display at least one of a wireless battery sharing interface <NUM>, an in-use notification interface <NUM>, an interface <NUM> for notifying a type of the external electronic device <NUM> placed on the charger <NUM>, a charging notification interface <NUM>, a charging notification guide message <NUM>, a battery level interface <NUM>, and a message <NUM> notifying wireless battery sharing stop according to a battery level. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sub-display <NUM> may display whether the external electronic device <NUM> is being normally charged. The sub-display <NUM> may display how much capacity of the battery <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> remains. As another example, when the processor <NUM> receives data related to the charging level of the external electronic device <NUM> using a communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>), the sub-display <NUM> may display the charging level of the external electronic device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the sub-display <NUM> may display an execution screen of a function and/or an application executed by the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the sub-display <NUM> may display a home screen. As another example, the sub-display <NUM> may display the screen of a list of messages received by a message application. The user may use a function of the electronic device <NUM> or execute an application while the external electronic device <NUM> is placed on the charger <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to display a screen through the main display <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state in response to the charger <NUM> detecting the external electronic device <NUM> in a state where the first side (front side) is in the space. The processor <NUM> may be configured to block display of the screen through the sub-display <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state in responds to the charger <NUM> detecting the external electronic device <NUM> in a state where the first side (front side) is in space. For example, the processor <NUM> may determine that the external electronic device <NUM> is brought close to the second side (rear side) of the electronic device <NUM> for a purpose other than charging when the first side (front side) is in space. As another example, the processor <NUM> may determine that the external electronic device <NUM> is brought close to the charger <NUM> of the second side (rear side) while the user uses the electronic device <NUM> through the main display <NUM> when the first side (front side) is in space.

In one embodiment, a memory (e.g., the memory <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> may store at least one registered near field communication ID (NFC ID). The memory <NUM> may register at least one or more near field communication IDs of other electronic devices.

In one embodiment, the communication circuit <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may perform near field communication with nearby electronic devices. The communication circuit <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may identify near field communication IDs of nearby electronic devices.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to identify the near field communication ID of the external electronic device <NUM> using the communication circuit <NUM> in response to the existence of the external electronic device <NUM> in the charger <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may compare the near field communication ID of the external electronic device <NUM> with at least one registered near field communication ID stored in the memory <NUM>. The type and model of the external electronic device <NUM> placed on the charger <NUM> may be identified.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to supply power to the external electronic device <NUM> using the charger <NUM> in response to the near field communication ID of the external electronic device <NUM> matching at least one registered near field communication ID stored in the memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to automatically start charging the external electronic device <NUM> when the external electronic device <NUM> placed on the charger <NUM> has a registered near field communication ID.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to display a user interface for checking whether or not to supply power to the external electronic device <NUM> on the screen of the sub-display <NUM> in response to the near field communication ID of the external electronic device <NUM> being different from at least one registered near field communication ID stored in the memory <NUM> or a time required for the communication circuit <NUM> to establish near field communication with the external electronic device <NUM> having passed a threshold time. For example, when the external electronic device <NUM> placed on the charger <NUM> has an unregistered near field communication ID, the processor <NUM> may display a user interface for checking whether to start charging the external electronic device <NUM> on the screen of the sub-display <NUM>. As another example, when the external electronic device <NUM> placed on the charger <NUM> is unable to perform near field communication with the communication circuit <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may display a user interface for checking whether to start charging the external electronic device <NUM> on the screen of the sub-display <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be configured to supply power to the external electronic device <NUM> using the charger <NUM> in response to selecting wireless power sharing to supply power to the external electronic device <NUM> through the user interface for checking whether to start charging the external electronic device <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to start charging the external electronic device <NUM> in response to selecting a menu for supplying power to the external electronic device <NUM> through the user interface.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> showing a method of supplying power to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) using an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In operation <NUM>, the processor (e.g., processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment determines whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state by using a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may determine whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state by using a hall sensor.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment determines whether the first side (front side) of the housing of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) is placed on an external ground using the sensor module <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may 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 module <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment determines whether the external electronic device <NUM> exists in a charger (e.g., the charger <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> in response to the electronic device <NUM> being in the unfolded state and the first side (front side) being placed on an external ground. The processor <NUM> may determine whether the external electronic device <NUM> exists in the charger <NUM> at every specified cycle.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment turns on the screen of the sub-display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the sub-display <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) in response to the existence of the external electronic device <NUM> in the charger <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment wirelessly supplies power to the external electronic device <NUM> using the charger <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment maintains the screen of the sub-display <NUM> turned on while supplying power to the external electronic device <NUM>. The sub-display <NUM> may display a screen related to a state of charge. The sub-display <NUM> may display a screen related to the function of the electronic device <NUM>. The sub-display <NUM> may display a screen of an application running on the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> showing a method of charging an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) using an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) according to an embodiment.

In operation <NUM>, the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment may operate a main display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>). The processor <NUM> may turn on the main display <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state. The main display <NUM> may display a screen related to a function of the electronic device <NUM>. The main display <NUM> may display a screen of an application running on the electronic device <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment determines whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state by using a first sensor included in a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>). The first sensor may be a hall sensor. The processor <NUM> may proceed to operation <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment determines whether a first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> is placed on the floor using a second sensor included in the sensor module <NUM>. The second sensor may be an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, and/or a geomagnetic sensor. The processor <NUM> may proceed to operation <NUM> when the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> is placed on the floor.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment may turn off the main display <NUM> in response to a state in which the electronic device <NUM> is placed on the floor. When the processor <NUM> detects that the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> is placed on the floor, the processor <NUM> may cause the main display <NUM> to stop displaying the screen. When the first side (front side) of the electronic device <NUM> is placed on the floor, the processor <NUM> may turn off the main display <NUM> to reduce unnecessary operation or power consumption in the main display <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment determines whether the external electronic device <NUM> exists at every specified cycle. The processor <NUM> determines whether or not a device to be charged is present at specific time intervals. The processor <NUM> may proceed to operation <NUM> when the external electronic device <NUM> exists.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment may recognize the external electronic device <NUM> when the external electronic device is placed on a charging coil (e.g., the charger <NUM> of <FIG>).

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment turns on a sub-display (e.g., the sub-display <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>). The processor <NUM> turns on the sub-display <NUM> when an external electronic device is placed on the charger <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine whether the external electronic device <NUM> is registered. The processor <NUM> may identify a near field communication ID of the external electronic device <NUM> by using the communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> in response to the existence of the external electronic device <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may determine that the external electronic device <NUM> is registered when the near field communication ID of the external electronic device <NUM> matches at least one registered near field communication ID stored in the memory of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the memory <NUM> of <FIG>). When the external electronic device <NUM> is registered (operation <NUM> - YES), the processor <NUM> may proceed to operation <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may proceed to operation <NUM> when the external electronic device <NUM> is not registered or it is hard to determine whether the external electronic device <NUM> is registered (operation <NUM> - NO).

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to 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 device <NUM>. When the external electronic device <NUM> is not registered or it is hard to determine whether the external electronic device <NUM> is registered, the processor <NUM> may display a user interface for checking whether to supply power to the external electronic device <NUM> on the screen of the sub-display <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine whether wireless power sharing is selected. The processor <NUM> may 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 (operation <NUM> - YES), the processor <NUM> may proceed to operation <NUM>. When blocking of wireless power sharing is selected (operation <NUM> - NO), the processor <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> and operate the main display <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment performs charging while maintaining the sub-display <NUM> turned on. When the external electronic device <NUM> is registered (operation <NUM> - YES), the processor <NUM> may automatically charge the external electronic device <NUM> using the charger <NUM>. When the external electronic device <NUM> is not registered or it is hard to determine whether the external electronic device <NUM> is registered (Operation <NUM> - NO) and wireless power sharing is selected on the confirmation pop-up screen (Operation <NUM> - YES), the processor <NUM> may charge the external electronic device <NUM> using the charger <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> showing a method of performing wireless power sharing while controlling a sub-display (e.g., the sub-display <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) based on a state of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and <FIG>) and whether the electronic device is connected to a charging device.

In operation <NUM>, the processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment performs wireless power sharing in an unfolded state. The processor <NUM> wirelessly supplies power to the external electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the external electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>) using a charger (e.g., the charger <NUM> of <FIG>) in a state where the first side (front side) faces an external ground in the unfolded state. The processor <NUM> is configured to maintain the screen of the sub-display <NUM> turned on while supplying power to the external electronic device <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment may identify whether the state of the electronic device <NUM> is changed to a folded state. The sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> may include a hall sensor. The processor <NUM> may identify whether the state of the electronic device <NUM> is changed into a folded state by using a hall sensor. When the state of the electronic device <NUM> is changed to the folded state (operation <NUM> - YES), the processor <NUM> may proceed to operation <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may proceed to operation <NUM> when the state of the electronic device <NUM> is maintained unfolded (operation <NUM> - NO).

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment may turn off the sub-display <NUM> and perform wireless power sharing. When the electronic device <NUM> is changed into the folded state, the processor <NUM> may determine that the sub-display <NUM> is not used while the external electronic device <NUM> is being charged and turn off the sub-display <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine whether the electronic device <NUM> is connected to a charging device. The processor <NUM> may determine whether the electronic device <NUM> is connected to the charging device using a power management module (e.g., the power management module <NUM> of <FIG>) and an interface (e.g., the interface <NUM> of <FIG>). 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 processor <NUM> may proceed to operation <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is connected to the charging device (operation <NUM> - YES). The processor <NUM> may proceed to operation <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is not connected to the charging device (operation <NUM> - NO).

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment may perform wireless power sharing while maintaining the brightness of the screen of the sub-display <NUM>. When the electronic device <NUM> is connected to the charging device, the processor <NUM> may determine that the electronic device <NUM> receives additional power from the outside. The processor <NUM> may maintain the brightness of the screen of the sub-display <NUM> while performing wireless power sharing based on receiving additional power from the outside.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> according to an embodiment may perform wireless power sharing while adjusting the brightness of the screen of the sub-display <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may perform wireless power sharing while the brightness of the screen of the sub-display <NUM> has been reduced. When the electronic device <NUM> is not connected to a charging device, the processor <NUM> may determine that the electronic device <NUM> uses a battery (e.g., the battery <NUM> of <FIG>) and receives no power from the outside. The processor <NUM> may adjust the brightness of the screen of the sub-display <NUM> during wireless power sharing to adjust the use speed of the battery <NUM> and secure the use time of the electronic device <NUM>.

As used herein, such terms as "1st" and "2nd," or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other feature (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", as "coupled with," "coupled to," "connected with," or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) including a folded state and an unfolded state, comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) including:
a first side which is covered in the folded state and visible to outside in the unfolded state; and
a second side which faces a direction opposite to the first side in the unfolded state;
a main display (<NUM>) externally visible to the outside through the first side in the unfolded state;
a sub-display (<NUM>) disposed in a first area of the second side;
a charger (<NUM>) disposed in a second area of the second side;
a sensor module (<NUM>); and
a processor (<NUM>) operatively connected to the main display (<NUM>), the sub-display (<NUM>), the charger (<NUM>), and the sensor module (<NUM>),
wherein the processor (<NUM>) is arranged to:
determine (<NUM>) whether the electronic device (<NUM>) is in the unfolded state using the sensor module (<NUM>);
determine (<NUM>) whether the first side is placed on an external ground using the sensor module (<NUM>);
determine whether an external electronic device (<NUM>) exists in the charger (<NUM>) in response to the electronic device (<NUM>) being in the unfolded state and the first side being placed on the external ground;
turn on a screen of the sub-display (<NUM>) in response to existence of the external electronic device (<NUM>) in the charger;
wirelessly supply power to the external electronic device (<NUM>) using the charger (<NUM>); and
maintain the screen of the sub-display (<NUM>) turned on while supplying the power to the external electronic device (<NUM>).