Electronic device and method for controlling one or more loudspeakers

Abstract

An electronic device may include: a first speaker for outputting a first sound signal; a second speaker for outputting a second sound signal; and a processor. When the electronic device is in a first state in which a distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is less than a specified distance, the processor may output a first sound signal through the first speaker and a second sound signal having a phase different from a phase of the first sound signal through the second speaker. When the electronic device is in a second state in which a distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is equal to or greater than a specified distance, the processor may output a first sound signal through the first speaker and a second sound signal having a phase corresponding to a phase of the first sound signal through the second speaker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following description relates to electronic devices and methods for controlling one or more speakers. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices come in a variety of shapes and / or sizes. To enhance mobility, electronic devices are being designed with reduced size and / or volume. Various configurations can be provided when the housing of an electronic device changes position. In other words, electronic devices are increasingly being designed to be more compact to enhance portability.

[0003] The information described above may be provided as prior art for the purpose of aiding understanding of this disclosure. No statement or assertion is made regarding whether any of the information described above can be applied as prior art in connection with this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical solution According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include: a first speaker for outputting a first audio signal; a second speaker for outputting a second audio signal; and a processor operatively coupled to the first and second speakers. The processor may be configured to: when the electronic device is in a first state where the distance between the first and second speakers is less than a specified distance, output the first audio signal through the first speaker and output the second audio signal having a phase distinct from the first audio signal through the second speaker. The processor may also be configured to: when the electronic device is in a second state where the distance between the first and second speakers is greater than or equal to the specified distance, output the first audio signal through the first speaker and output the second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal through the second speaker.

[0005] According to an embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device may include: when the electronic device is in a first state where the distance between a first speaker and a second speaker is less than a specified distance, outputting a first audio signal through the first speaker and outputting a second audio signal having a phase different from the phase of the first audio signal through the second speaker. The method may also include: when the electronic device is in a second state where the distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is greater than or equal to the specified distance, outputting the first audio signal through the first speaker and outputting a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal through the second speaker.

[0006] According to an embodiment, sound performance can be improved by outputting a first audio signal and a second audio signal from a first speaker and a second speaker based on the distance between the speakers or by separating the speakers.

[0007] According to an embodiment, when the first speaker and the second speaker are separated by a distance greater than or within a threshold distance, a second audio signal with a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal is output, which produces a stereo performance effect. When the phase of the second signal is referred to as corresponding to the phase of the first signal, this can mean that the phases of the first and second signals are the same.

[0008] According to an embodiment, when the first speaker and the second speaker are separated by a distance less than a threshold distance, a second audio signal with a phase distinct from the first audio signal is output, which reduces sound leakage from the rear of the electronic device. When the phase of the second signal is referred to as distinct from the first signal, this can mean that the phases of the first and second signals are opposite. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3a An example of an opening in a housing used to transmit audio signals is shown.

[0012] Figure 3b An example cross-sectional diagram is shown to describe a pipe that outputs an audio signal to it.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0015] Figure 6 An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 8a and Figure 8b An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 9An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 10a and Figure 10b An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 11 An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Regarding the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar parts. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known features and configurations may be omitted in the drawings and related descriptions.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments.

[0023] Reference Figure 1 In network environment 100, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 102 via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or with at least one of electronic device 104 or server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 can communicate with electronic device 104 via server 108. According to an embodiment, electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, memory 130, input module 150, sound output module 155, display module 160, audio module 170, sensor module 176, interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, user identification module (SIM) 196, or antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., connection terminal 178) may be omitted from electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components described above (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (e.g., display module 160).

[0024] Processor 120 may run software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of electronic device 101 connected to processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to embodiments, as at least part of the data processing or calculations, processor 120 may store commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the commands or data stored in volatile memory 132, and store the result data in non-volatile memory 134. According to embodiments, processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., graphics processing unit (GPU), neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor (ISP), sensor central processor, or communication processor (CP)) that is operationally independent of or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 can be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or adapted to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 can be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or as part of the main processor 121.

[0025] When the main processor 121 is inactive (e.g., in sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) can control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is active (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 can work with the main processor 121 to control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190). According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) can be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 123. According to embodiments, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) can include hardware architectures dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. Artificial intelligence models can be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning can be performed by electronic device 101 where artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm can include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple layers of artificial neural networks. The artificial neural network can be a deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), deep belief network (DBN), bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or optionally, the artificial intelligence model can include software structures in addition to hardware structures.

[0026] Memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120 or sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 140) and input or output data for commands associated with it. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile memory 134.

[0027] The program 140 can be stored as software in the memory 130, and the program 140 may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or application 146.

[0028] Input module 150 can receive commands or data from outside electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) that will be used by other components of electronic device 101 (e.g., processor 120). Input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or digital pen (e.g., stylus).

[0029] The audio output module 155 can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The audio output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to embodiments, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker, or as part of the speaker.

[0030] Display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., to a user). Display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling a respective one of the display, holographic device, and projector. According to an embodiment, display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of the force caused by touch.

[0031] The audio module 170 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 can obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) that is directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0032] Sensor module 176 can detect the operating state of electronic device 101 (e.g., power or temperature) or the environmental state outside electronic device 101 (e.g., user state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to embodiments, sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, gyroscope sensor, atmospheric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, accelerometer, grip sensor, proximity sensor, color sensor, infrared (IR) sensor, biometric sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or illuminance sensor.

[0033] Interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols used to enable electronic device 101 to connect directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, interface 177 may include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital Card (SD) interface, or an audio interface.

[0034] Connection 178 may include a connector, through which electronic device 101 may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102). According to embodiments, connection 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0035] The haptic module 179 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or motion) or electrical stimuli that can be recognized by a user through his touch or kinesthesia. According to embodiments, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0036] Camera module 180 can capture still or moving images. According to an embodiment, camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0037] The power management module 188 can manage the power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 can be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0038] Battery 189 can power at least one component of electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell.

[0039] Communication module 190 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. Communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently of processor 120 (e.g., application processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to embodiments, communication module 190 may include wireless communication module 192 (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 194 (e.g., local area network (LAN) communication module or power line communication (PLC) module). One of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, 5G network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or as multiple components separate from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 can identify and verify the electronic device 101 in the communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0040] Wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks following 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies (such as new radio (NR) access technologies). NR access technologies can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). Wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter-wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. Wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies used to ensure performance in high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive MIMO, full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. Wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in electronic device 101, external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 104), or network systems (e.g., second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support peak data rates (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater) for implementing eMBB, lost coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip) for implementing URLLC.

[0041] Antenna module 197 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside of electronic device 101 (e.g., external electronic device). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include an antenna comprising a radiating element formed of a conductive material or conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, antenna module 197 may include multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as a first network 198 or a second network 199) can be selected from the multiple antennas by, for example, communication module 190 (e.g., wireless communication module 192). Signals or power can then be transmitted or received between communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, additional components besides the radiating element (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally incorporated into antenna module 197.

[0042] According to various embodiments, antenna module 197 can form a millimeter-wave antenna module. According to embodiments, the millimeter-wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna), wherein the RFIC is disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and is capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., a millimeter-wave band), and the multiple antennas are disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a top or side surface) of the printed circuit board and are capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high-frequency band.

[0043] At least some of the aforementioned components can be interconnected and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) between them via inter-peripheral communication schemes (e.g., bus, general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industrial processor interface (MIPI)).

[0044] According to an embodiment, commands or data can be sent or received between electronic device 101 and external electronic device 104 via server 108 connected to a second network 199. Each of electronic device 102 or electronic device 104 can be a device of the same type as electronic device 101, or a device of a different type. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be performed on electronic device 101 can be performed on one or more of external electronic devices 102, external electronic devices 104, or server 108. For example, if electronic device 101 is required to automatically perform a function or service, or is required to perform a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service, instead of running the function or service, or electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least a portion of the function or service in addition to running the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform at least a portion of the requested function or service, or perform additional functions or services related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to electronic device 101. Electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial response to the request, with or without further processing of the result. For this purpose, technologies such as cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing may be used. Electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to an embodiment, external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in a second network 199. Electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare).

[0045] The following specification describes an electronic device that includes one or more speakers (e.g., Figure 1The electronic device 101. The state of the electronic device can change depending on the position of its housing (or housing component). The electronic device can output audio signals through openings (or holes) configured in the housing of the electronic device using one or more speakers. When a specific application (e.g., a telephone application) is running in the electronic device, audio signals (e.g., voice signals) can be emitted to the outside through one or more speakers. Since audio signals are emitted non-directionally, they can be emitted not only in the direction toward the user (or the user's ear) but also in other directions. Audio signals emitted in other directions may cause inconvenience to the user. Therefore, technical features for reducing the magnitude of audio signals emitted in other directions will be described in the following specification.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a simplified block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0047] refer to Figure 2 The electronic device 200 may include a processor 210, a display 220, and / or a speaker 230. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include at least one of the processor 210, the display 220, and the speaker 230. For example, according to an embodiment, at least a portion of the processor 210, the display 220, and the speaker 230 may be omitted. For example, the electronic device 200 may include... Figure 1 At least a portion of the components of the electronic device 101. Although not shown, the electronic device 200 may include various components in addition to the processor 210, display 220 and speaker 230.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the processor 210 may correspond to Figure 1 The processor 120. The processor 210 may be operatively coupled or connected to the display 220 and the speaker 230. The operative coupling or connection of the processor 210 to the display 220 and the speaker 230 may mean that the processor 210 can control the display 220 and the speaker 230. For example, the display 220 and the speaker 230 may be controlled by the processor 210.

[0049] Although illustrated using different frames, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and Figure 2 A portion of the hardware (e.g., at least a portion of the processor 210, display 220, and speaker 230) may be included in a single integrated circuit (SoC), such as a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0050] According to an embodiment, processor 210 may include at least one processor. For example, processor 210 may include a main processor that performs high-performance processing and an auxiliary processor that performs low-power processing.

[0051] According to an embodiment, processor 210 may include hardware components for processing data based on one or more instructions. For example, the hardware components for processing data may include an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or a central processing unit (CPU).

[0052] For example, processor 210 may include an application processor, a supplementary processor (e.g., a sensor hub, a microcontroller unit (MCU)), a central processing unit (CPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), and a graphics processing unit (GPU)) and / or a processor for IoT (e.g., a processor integrated with a communication module).

[0053] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a display 220. For example, the display 220 may correspond to... Figure 1 The display module 160. For example, the display 220 can be deformed by an external force applied to it. The display 220 may be referred to as a flexible display. A specific example of the display 220 disposed in the electronic device 200 will be described based on the form factor of the electronic device 200, which will be described later.

[0054] For example, the display 220 of the electronic device 200 can output visual information to the user. The display 220 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and / or one or more organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). According to an embodiment, the display 220 may include a sensor (e.g., a touch sensor panel (TSP)) for detecting external objects (e.g., the user's finger) on the display 220.

[0055] According to an embodiment, electronic device 200 may include speaker 230. Speaker 230 of electronic device 200 may be configured to output an audio signal provided from processor 210. The signal path electrically connecting processor 210 and speaker 230 may include at least one switch (e.g., a transistor) and / or amplifier controlled by processor 210. Processor 210 may use the switch and / or amplifier on the signal path to change the volume and / or frequency of speaker 230. Processor 210 may activate or deactivate speaker 230 by changing the voltage and / or current of the power signal supplied to speaker 230.

[0056] For example, speaker 230 may include one or more speakers. Electrical paths may be formed to electrically connect processor 210 and each of the one or more speakers. These electrical paths may be implemented independently. Processor 210 may individually control one or more speakers based on these independently implemented electrical paths.

[0057] For example, speaker 230 may include a first speaker 231 and / or a second speaker 232. The state of electronic device 200 may be identified based on the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232.

[0058] For example, a first speaker 231 may be disposed on a first housing of the electronic device 200. A second speaker 232 may be disposed on a second housing of the electronic device 200. The distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 may change depending on the positions of the first and second housings. For example, the first and second housings may be rotatably connected using a hinge disposed between the two housings. When the angle between the two housings changes, the distance between the speakers disposed in each of the two housings may also change. As another example, the first and second housings may be slidably connected, allowing the housings to undergo relative translational movement. When one or both housings undergo translational or sliding movement, the distance between the speakers disposed in the two housings may change.

[0059] For example, the state of the electronic device 200 can be identified as a first state if the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is less than a specified distance. For example, the state of the electronic device 200 can be identified as a second state if the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

[0060] According to embodiments, the arrangement of the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be varied within the housing (e.g., a first housing or a second housing) of the electronic device 200. Examples of arrangements of the speakers 230 (e.g., the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232) according to various shapes (e.g., morphological factors) of the electronic device 200 will be described in the following description. In states where the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 are arranged according to various shapes of the electronic device 200, the processor 210 can modify the audio signals output from the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 based on the state of the electronic device 200.

[0061] For example, the first speaker 231 can perform the functions of both a speaker and a receiver. The second speaker 232 can perform only the function of a speaker. When the first speaker 231, capable of performing both speaker and receiver functions, is housed in the housing of the electronic device 200, the opening (or hole) of the housing for transmitting the first audio signal output through the first speaker 231 can be implemented as two (or in two directions). When the second speaker 232, capable of performing only the function of a speaker, is housed in the housing of the electronic device 200, the opening (or hole) of the housing for transmitting the second audio signal output through the second speaker 232 can be implemented as one.

[0062] Reference Figure 3a and 3b An example is described in which the opening (or hole) of the housing used for transmitting audio signals is implemented as two (or in two directions) structures.

[0063] although Figure 2 Although not shown, the electronic device 200 may also include various components. For example, the electronic device 200 may also include sensors. For example, sensors may be used to identify the positional relationship between the housings of the electronic device 200. As an example, a sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor) may be used to identify the angle between the housings. The processor 210 may use the sensors to identify the positional relationship (e.g., the angle between the housings) and may identify the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 based on the identified positional relationship.

[0064] Figure 3a An example of an opening in a housing used to transmit audio signals is shown.

[0065] Figure 3b An example cross-sectional diagram is shown to describe a pipe that outputs an audio signal to it. Figure 3b It is along Figure 3a A cross-sectional view taken from the A-A' line.

[0066] refer to Figure 3a Electronic device 200 can correspond to Figure 2 The electronic device 200 may include an opening 310 formed on a front surface 330A and an opening 320 formed on a side surface 330C. The housing of the electronic device 200 may include an opening 310 formed on the front surface 330A and an opening 320 formed on the side surface 330C.

[0067] For example, opening 310 can be configured to emit (or generate) an audio signal output by speaker 230 in direction D1. Opening 320 can be configured to emit (or generate) an audio signal output by speaker 230 in direction D2. For example, opening 310 can be formed as a single hole. For example, opening 320 can be formed by multiple holes. However, it is not limited to this. For example, opening 310 can be formed by multiple holes. For example, opening 320 can be formed by a single hole.

[0068] For example, an audio signal can be output in the direction D1 (or front surface 330A) facing the display 220 through the opening 310, and an audio signal can be output in the second direction D2 (or side surface 330C) through the opening 320. For example, direction D2 can be substantially perpendicular to direction D1. Direction D2 can be substantially parallel to the front surface 330A perpendicular to direction D1, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] refer to Figure 3b The electronic device 200 may include at least one conduit for transmitting audio signals output from a first speaker 231, capable of performing the functions of a speaker and a receiver, to an external location. For example, the electronic device 200 may include a first conduit 351, a second conduit 352, and a third conduit 353. The first conduit 351 may be directly connected to the first speaker 231. The second conduit 352 may extend from the first conduit 351 to an opening 320. The third conduit 353 may extend from the first conduit 351 to an opening 310.

[0070] The first audio signal output by the first speaker 231 can be transmitted through the first conduit 351 to the second conduit 352 and the third conduit 353. A portion of the first audio signal can be transmitted through the second conduit 352 from the opening 320. A portion of the first audio signal transmitted from the opening 320 can be transmitted in direction D2. The remaining portion of the first audio signal can be transmitted through the third conduit 353 from the opening 310. The remaining portion of the first audio signal transmitted from the opening 310 can be transmitted in direction D1.

[0071] Although not shown, the opening for the second speaker 232, capable of performing the function of a loudspeaker, can be formed as one. Figure 3b In this configuration, when the second speaker 232 is housed within the casing of the electronic device 200, an opening 310 may not be formed. The second audio signal output through the second speaker 232 can be emitted only through the opening 320. The second audio signal emitted from the opening 320 can be emitted in the direction D2.

[0072] As described above, the first audio signal output through the first speaker 231 can be emitted in directions D1 and D2. Depending on the function of the application, the first audio signal (or a portion of the first audio signal) emitted in direction D2 can be considered leaky sound. For example, when a telephone application is running on the electronic device 200 and a user uses the electronic device 200 to call another user, the user can hear the first audio signal (or another portion of the first audio signal) emitted through the opening 310 in direction D1. The first audio signal (or a portion of the first audio signal) emitted through the opening 320 in direction D2 can also be considered leaky sound. Therefore, the electronic device 200 can perform operations to reduce the magnitude of the first audio signal (or a portion of the first audio signal) emitted through the opening 320 in direction D2.

[0073] For example, when the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is less than a specified distance, the second audio signal output by the second speaker 232 can be emitted in direction D2. The processor 210 can reduce the magnitude of the first audio signal (or a portion of the first audio signal) emitted by the first speaker 231 in direction D2 by outputting a second audio signal from the second speaker 232 that has a phase difference (e.g., opposite phase) from the first audio signal output from the first speaker 231.

[0074] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of each operation can be changed, and at least two operations can be performed in parallel.

[0075] In operation 410, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200. Processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as one of a first state and a second state.

[0076] For example, the first state may include, or may be, a state in which the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is less than a specified distance. The second state may include, or may be, a state in which the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is greater than or equal to a specified distance.

[0077] For example, the first state may include, or may be, a state in which the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is within a specified distance. The second state may include, or may be, a state in which the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is beyond the specified distance.

[0078] For example, the first state may include, or may be, the state in which the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is shortest. When the electronic device 200 is in the first state, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be the shortest. That is, the first state may be a state in which the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is the smallest possible distance in the range of possible distances of the electronic device 200. For example, in the case that the electronic device 200 is a foldable electronic device, the smallest distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 may occur when the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state. The second state may include, or may be, the state in which the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is farthest. When the electronic device 200 is in the second state, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be the longest. That is, the second state may be a state in which the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is the largest possible distance in the range of possible distances of the electronic device 200. For example, in the case where the electronic device 200 is a foldable electronic device, the maximum distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can occur when the foldable electronic device is in a fully unfolded state.

[0079] For example, the first state may include, or may be, the state in which the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is shortest. When the electronic device 200 is in the first state, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be the shortest. The second state may include states of the electronic device 200 other than the first state. That is, the second state may be a state in which the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is not the minimum distance within the possible range of distances of the electronic device 200.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the first speaker 231 can perform both the functions of a speaker and a receiver. The second speaker 232 can perform only the function of a speaker.

[0081] For example, when the first speaker 231 is disposed in the housing of the electronic device 200, the opening (or hole) of the housing for transmitting the first audio signal output through the first speaker 231 can be formed as two (or in two directions). When the second speaker 232, which is capable of performing only the function of a speaker, is disposed in the housing of the electronic device 200, the opening (or hole) of the housing for transmitting the second audio signal output through the second speaker 232 can be formed as one.

[0082] For example, the first speaker 231 can be configured to emit a first audio signal through a first opening and a third opening. The second speaker 232 can be configured to emit a second audio signal through a second opening. Each of the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening can be a different opening.

[0083] As an example, a first speaker 231 may be disposed in a first housing to emit a first audio signal in a first direction through a first opening. The first speaker 231 may also be configured to emit the first audio signal in a second direction through a third opening. Due to the different positions of the first and third openings, the second direction may differ from the first direction. The first audio signal (or a portion of the first audio signal) may be emitted in the first direction through the first opening. The first audio signal (or the remainder of the first audio signal) may be emitted in a second direction that differs from the first direction through the third opening. The second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction. For example, a second speaker 232 may be disposed in a second housing to emit a second audio signal in the first direction through a second opening.

[0084] In operation 420, processor 210 can identify whether the state of electronic device 200 is a first state. For example, processor 210 can identify whether the state of electronic device 200 is a first state based on whether the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is less than a specified or predetermined distance.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the processor 210 can also identify whether the electronic device 200 is in a second state. For example, the processor 210 can identify whether the electronic device 200 is in a second state based on whether the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 is greater than or equal to a specified or predetermined distance. According to an embodiment, the processor 210 can determine the state of the electronic device 200 based on the positional relationship between the housings of the electronic device 200. The positional relationship between the first housing and the second housing of the electronic device can be an indication of the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232.

[0086] In operation 430, when the electronic device 200 is in a first state, the processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase that differs from (i.e., is different from or opposite to) the first audio signal. Based on recognizing that the electronic device 200 is in a first state, the processor 210 can output the first audio signal and the second audio signal having a phase that differs from the first audio signal. For example, the first and second audio signals can be generated based on the same sound source.

[0087] According to an embodiment, a first audio signal output by the first speaker 231 can be transmitted through a first opening and a third opening. A portion of the first audio signal can be transmitted through the first opening in a first direction. The remaining portion of the first audio signal can be transmitted through the third opening in a second direction. A second audio signal output by the second speaker 232 can be transmitted through a second opening. The second audio signal can be transmitted through the second opening in a first direction.

[0088] For example, the phase of the second audio signal may be opposite to the phase of the first audio signal. The phase of the second audio signal may correspond to a phase opposite to the phase of the first audio signal. The phase of the second audio signal being opposite to the phase of the first audio signal can mean that the phase of the second audio signal is substantially opposite to the phase of the first audio signal. As an example, the first phase of the first audio signal may be substantially opposite to the second phase of the second audio signal. For example, a phase corresponding to a phase opposite to the phase of the first audio signal can mean that the phase is substantially the same as the phase opposite to the phase of the first audio signal.

[0089] When the phase of the second audio signal is opposite to the phase of the first audio signal, a portion of the first audio signal emitted through the first opening and a portion of the second audio signal emitted through the second opening can cancel each other out. Based on the cancellation of a portion of the first audio signal and a portion of the second audio signal, only the remaining portion of the first audio signal emitted in the second direction through the third opening can be recognized by the user of the electronic device 200. In other words, when at least a portion of the first audio signal is canceled out by a portion of the second audio signal, only the remaining portion of the first audio signal can be emitted through the third opening.

[0090] According to an embodiment, processor 210 can identify the operation of a specified application (e.g., a telephone application) when the electronic device 200 is in a first state. While the specified application is running, processor 210 can provide services related to the specified application (e.g., telephone service) via a first audio signal emitted through a third opening. The direction of the first audio signal emitted through the third opening can be directed towards a part of the user's body (e.g., the ear or eardrum).

[0091] The processor 210 can use the second speaker 232 to output a second audio signal with a phase opposite (or substantially opposite) to the first audio signal through a second opening, thereby enhancing the user experience regarding the provided service. When the phase of the second audio signal is opposite (or substantially opposite) to the phase of the first audio signal, the first audio signal emitted through the first opening and the second audio signal emitted through the second opening can cancel each other out. Therefore, since the user can recognize only the first audio signal emitted through the third opening when the specified application is running, the user experience can be enhanced.

[0092] According to an embodiment, while the telephone application is running, the phase of the second audio signal output from the second speaker 232 can be changed based on the magnitude (or volume) of the first audio signal output from the first speaker 231. According to an embodiment, while the telephone application is running, the second audio signal (or the frequency and phase of the second audio signal) can be determined based on a voice signal received from another user. According to an embodiment, the processor 210 can identify noise and / or leaked sound related to the external environment by using a microphone included in the electronic device 200. The processor 210 can identify (or generate) the second audio signal (or the frequency and phase of the second audio signal) based on noise and / or leaked sound related to the external environment.

[0093] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in a first state, the processor 210 may not perform operation 430 based on the settings information of a specified application. For example, in a telephone application, the audio signal may be set to be output in speaker mode. When the audio signal is set to be output in speaker mode in a telephone application, the processor 210 may not perform operation 430. When the telephone application is set to output the audio signal in speaker mode, the processor 210 may output a first audio signal and output a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to (or substantially the same as) the phase of the first audio signal through a second opening.

[0094] According to an embodiment, even when the electronic device 200 is in the first state, the processor 210 may not perform operation 430 based on the operation of other applications that are different from the specified application. For example, the processor 210 may perform operation 440 based on the operation of other applications that are different from the specified application.

[0095] In operation 440, when the state of electronic device 200 is not the first state, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to (or substantially the same as) the phase of the first audio signal through a second opening. For example, based on the recognition that the state of electronic device 200 is not the first state, processor 210 can output the first audio signal and the second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal through the second opening.

[0096] For example, when the electronic device 200 is in the second state, the processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal through the second opening. For example, based on the recognition that the electronic device 200 is in the second state, the processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal through the second opening.

[0097] According to an embodiment, processor 210 can provide stereo sound based on a first audio signal and a second audio signal. Processor 210 can provide surround sound to the user of electronic device 200 by configuring the first and second audio signals differently from each other.

[0098] In the following text, examples of the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 configured according to the shape (or form factor, configuration, or state) of the electronic device 200 will be described. Furthermore, examples of the operation of the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 performed based on the state of the electronic device 200 will be described.

[0099] exist Figure 5 The arrangement and operation of the speakers 230 (e.g., first speaker 231 and second speaker 232) will be described when the electronic device 200 includes a first housing and a second housing, and the first housing and the second housing have a shape that can be folded relative to an axis. For example, the electronic device 200 may be referred to as a foldable device that folds along a vertical axis.

[0100] exist Figure 6 The arrangement and operation of the speakers 230 (e.g., first speaker 231 and second speaker 232) will be described when the electronic device 200 includes a first housing and a second housing, and the first housing and the second housing have a shape that can be folded relative to an axis. For example, the electronic device 200 may be referred to as a foldable device that folds along a horizontal axis.

[0101] exist Figure 7 The arrangement and operation of the speakers 230 (e.g., first speaker 231 and second speaker 232) will be described when the electronic device 200 includes a first housing and a second housing, and the second housing has a shape that allows it to be inserted into the first housing. For example, the electronic device 200 may be referred to as a rollable device that provides an extended position and a retracted position.

[0102] exist Figure 8a , Figure 8b and Figure 9 The arrangement and operation of the speakers 230 (e.g., first speaker 231 and second speaker 232) will be described when the electronic device 200 includes a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing and has a shape capable of folding relative to two axes. For example, the electronic device 200 may be referred to as a foldable device that folds along two axes. For example, the electronic device 200 may be referred to as a multi-foldable device that provides states including an inwardly folded state and an unfolded state.

[0103] exist Figure 10a and Figure 10bThe arrangement and operation of the speakers 230 (e.g., first speaker 231 and second speaker 232) will be described when the electronic device 200 includes a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing and has a shape capable of folding relative to two axes. For example, the electronic device 200 may be referred to as a foldable device that folds along two axes. For example, the electronic device 200 may be referred to as a multi-foldable device that provides states including an outward folded state and an unfolded state.

[0104] Figure 5 An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0105] refer to Figure 5 The electronic device 200 may be a foldable device that folds along a vertical axis (e.g., folding axis 593). The electronic device 200 may include a first housing 510, a second housing 520, and a hinge structure 530. For example, the hinge structure 530 may rotatably connect the first housing 510 to the second housing 520 relative to the folding axis 593. The display 220 (e.g., a flexible display) may be divided into a first display area 551 and a second display area 552 based on the folding axis 593. The first display area 551 may correspond to the surface of the first housing 510. The second display area 552 may correspond to the surface of the second housing 520.

[0106] A first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 510 to emit a first audio signal through a first opening 501 and a third opening 503. For example, the first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 510 to emit the first audio signal through a first opening 501 formed on a first side surface 511 of the first housing 510. For example, the first side surface 511 may be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first display area 551 faces.

[0107] For example, a first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 510 to emit a first audio signal through a third opening 503 formed on a surface of the first housing 510 opposite to the surface corresponding to the first display area 551. For example, the third opening 503 may be formed in a direction opposite to the first direction 561 facing the first display area 551. The first audio signal can be emitted through the third opening 503 in a direction opposite to the first direction 561 facing the first display area 551.

[0108] A second speaker 232 may be disposed in the second housing 520 to emit a second audio signal through a second opening 502. For example, the second speaker 232 may be disposed in the second housing 520 to emit the second audio signal through a second opening 502 formed on a second side surface 522 of the second housing 520. For example, the second side surface 522 may be substantially perpendicular to the second display area 552. The second audio signal may not be emitted in the direction facing the second display area 552 or in a direction opposite to the direction facing the second display area 552. As an example, the second housing 520 may be configured such that the second audio signal is not emitted in the direction facing the second display area 552 or in a direction opposite to the direction facing the second display area 552.

[0109] In state 591, the first opening 501 can be configured to face a direction that corresponds to (or is the same as) the direction in which the second opening 502 faces.

[0110] In state 591, the first direction 561 facing the first display area 551 can correspond to the second direction 562 facing the second display area 552. State 591 can be referred to as the unfolded state. In state 591, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be greater than or equal to a specified distance. State 591 can be... Figure 4 An example of the second state described in [the text].

[0111] In state 591, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a second state. Based on the identification of the state of electronic device 200 as the second state, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to (or substantially the same as) the phase of the first audio signal. Processor 210 can emit the first audio signal having the first phase in directions 571 and 573 via first speaker 231. Processor 210 can emit the second audio signal having the second phase corresponding to (or substantially the same as) the first phase in direction 572 via second speaker 232.

[0112] In state 592, the first direction 561 facing the first display area 551 can be opposite to the second direction 562 facing the second display area 552. State 592 can be referred to as a folded state. In state 592, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be less than a specified distance. State 592 can be... Figure 4 An example of the first state described in the text.

[0113] In state 592, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a first state. Based on identifying the state of electronic device 200 as the first state, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase different from the first audio signal. Processor 210 can emit the first audio signal having the first phase in directions 581 and 583 through first speaker 231. Processor 210 can emit the second audio signal having the second phase different from the first phase in direction 582 through second speaker 232. For example, the first phase can be opposite (or substantially opposite) to the second phase. When the first phase is opposite to the second phase, the first audio signal emitted through direction 581 (or first opening 501) and the second audio signal emitted through direction 582 (or second opening 502) can cancel each other out. For example, since the first audio signal and the second audio signal are generated based on the same sound source, when the first phase is opposite to the second phase, the first audio signal emitted through direction 581 (or first opening 501) and the second audio signal emitted through direction 582 (or second opening 502) can cancel each other out.

[0114] Processor 210 can cancel (or remove) the first audio signal (or at least a portion of the first audio signal) transmitted via direction 581 by using the second audio signal transmitted via direction 582. Processor 210 can maintain the first audio signal transmitted via direction 583. For example, the first audio signal transmitted via direction 583 can be better recognized by the user of electronic device 200.

[0115] For example, processor 210 can identify that a specific application (e.g., a telephone application) is running in state 592. Based on the identification that the specific application is running, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal. As an example, processor 210 can only output the first audio signal and the second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal when the user of electronic device 200 is making a call. According to an embodiment, processor 210 can identify that another application, distinct from the specified application, is running in state 592. Based on the identification that another application, distinct from the specified application, is running, processor 210 can output the first audio signal and the second audio signal having a phase that corresponds to the phase of the first audio signal.

[0116] Figure 6 An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0117] refer to Figure 6The electronic device 200 may be a foldable device that folds along a horizontal axis (e.g., folding axis 693). The electronic device 200 may include a first housing 610, a second housing 620, and a hinge structure 630. For example, the hinge structure 630 may rotatably connect the first housing 610 to the second housing 620 relative to the folding axis 693. The display 220 (e.g., a flexible display) may be divided into a first display area 651 and a second display area 652 based on the folding axis 693. The first display area 651 may correspond to the surface of the first housing 610. The second display area 652 may correspond to the surface of the second housing 620.

[0118] The electronic device 200 can be folded so that the display 220 faces outward. For example, in the folded state (e.g., state 692), the first display area 651 and the second display area 652 can be spaced apart from each other. The display 220 can be used as part of the exterior of the electronic device 200 in the folded state.

[0119] A first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 610 to emit a first audio signal through a first opening 601 and a third opening 603. For example, the first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 610 to emit the first audio signal through a first opening 601 formed in a first side surface 611 of the first housing 610. For example, the first side surface 611 may be substantially perpendicular to the first display area 651.

[0120] For example, a first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 610 to transmit a first audio signal through a third opening 603 formed on the surface of the first housing 610 corresponding to the first display area 651. For example, the third opening 603 may be formed in a first direction 661 facing the first display area 651. The first audio signal may be transmitted through the third opening 603 in the first direction 661 facing the first display area 651.

[0121] A second speaker 232 may be disposed in the second housing 620 to emit a second audio signal through a second opening 602. For example, the second speaker 232 may be disposed in the second housing 620 to emit the second audio signal through a second opening 602 formed in a second side surface 622 of the second housing 620. For example, the second side surface 622 may be substantially perpendicular to the second direction 662 facing the second display area 652. The second audio signal may not be emitted in the second direction 662 facing the second display area 652 or in a direction opposite to the second direction 662 facing the second display area 652. For example, the second housing 620 may be configured such that the second audio signal is not emitted in the second direction 662 facing the second display area 652 or in a direction opposite to the second direction 662 facing the second display area 652.

[0122] In state 691, the first opening 601 can be configured to face a direction different from that of the second opening 602 (or to face a direction opposite to that of the second opening 602).

[0123] In state 691, the first direction 661 facing the first display area 651 can correspond to the second direction 662 facing the second display area 652. State 691 can be referred to as the unfolded state. In state 691, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be greater than or equal to a specified distance. State 691 can be... Figure 4 An example of the second state described in [the text].

[0124] In state 691, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a second state. Based on the identification of the state of electronic device 200 as the second state, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal. Processor 210 can transmit the first audio signal having the first phase in directions 671 and 673 via first speaker 231. Processor 210 can transmit the second audio signal having the second phase corresponding to the first phase in direction 672 via second speaker 232.

[0125] In state 692, the first direction 661 facing the first display area 651 can be opposite to the second direction 662 facing the second display area 652. State 692 can be referred to as a folded state. In state 692, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be less than a specified distance. State 692 can be... Figure 4 An example of the first state described in the text.

[0126] In state 692, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a first state. Based on the identification of the state of electronic device 200 as the first state, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase different from the first audio signal. Processor 210 can emit the first audio signal having the first phase in directions 681 and 683 through first speaker 231. Processor 210 can emit the second audio signal having the second phase different from the first phase in direction 682 through second speaker 232. For example, the first phase can be opposite to the second phase. When the first phase is opposite to the second phase, the first audio signal emitted through direction 681 (or first opening 601) and the second audio signal emitted through direction 682 (or second opening 602) can cancel each other out. For example, since the first audio signal and the second audio signal are generated based on the same sound source, when the first phase is opposite to the second phase, the first audio signal emitted through direction 681 (or first opening 601) and the second audio signal emitted through direction 682 (or second opening 602) can cancel each other out.

[0127] Processor 210 can cancel (or remove) the first audio signal (or at least a portion of the first audio signal) transmitted via direction 681 by using the second audio signal transmitted via direction 682. For example, processor 210 can maintain the first audio signal transmitted via direction 683. The first audio signal transmitted via direction 683 can be better recognized by the user of electronic device 200.

[0128] For example, processor 210 can identify in state 692 that a specified application (e.g., a telephone application) is running. Based on the identification that the specified application is running, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal. As an example, processor 210 can only output the first audio signal and the second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal when the user of electronic device 200 is on a call. According to an embodiment, in state 692, processor 210 can identify that another application, distinct from the specified application, is running. Based on the identification that another application, distinct from the specified application, is running, processor 210 can output the first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase that corresponds to the phase of the first audio signal (or has a phase that is substantially the same as the phase of the first and second audio signals).

[0129] Figure 7 An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0130] refer to Figure 7The electronic device 200 may be a retractable device providing an extended position and a retracted position. In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a first housing 710, a second housing 720, and an actuator (not shown). For example, the actuator may be configured to move the second housing 720 relative to the first housing 710. For example, in the retracted position, the second housing 720 may be inserted into the first housing 710. In the extended position, the second housing 720 may be withdrawn from the first housing 710. For example, the second housing 720 (or a portion of the second housing 720) may slide out or slide in relative to the first housing 710.

[0131] When the second housing 720 moves between a retracted position and an extended position, the display 220 (e.g., a flexible display) can be coupled to the first housing 710 and the second housing 720, causing a change in the display area 750 (or the size of the display area 750) of the display 220. For example, depending on the extended and retracted positions, the display 220 can be inserted into or withdrawn from the side surface 713 of the first housing 710. For example, depending on the extended and retracted positions, the display 220 can be inserted into or withdrawn from the side surface 714 of the second housing 720. For example, when the second housing 720 slides out relative to the first housing 710, a portion of the display 220 can unfold outside the first housing 710 or the second housing 720. When the second housing 720 slides in relative to the first housing 710, a portion of the display 220 can be inserted into the first housing 710 or the second housing 720.

[0132] The size of the display area 750 of the monitor 220 can be changed according to the retracted position and the extended position. The display area 750 of the monitor 220 can have its minimum size in the retracted position. The display area 750 of the monitor 220 can have its maximum size in the extended position.

[0133] A first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 710 to emit a first audio signal through a first opening 701 and a third opening 703. For example, the first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 710 to emit the first audio signal through a first opening 701 formed on a side surface 711 of the first housing 710. For example, the side surface 711 may be substantially perpendicular to the display area 750.

[0134] For example, a first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 710 to emit a first audio signal through a third opening 703 formed on the surface of the first housing 710 corresponding to the display area 750. For example, the third opening 703 may be formed in the direction 761 facing the display area 750.

[0135] A second speaker 232 may be disposed in the second housing 720 to emit a second audio signal through a second opening 702. For example, the second speaker 232 may be disposed in the second housing 720 to emit the second audio signal through a second opening 702 formed in a side surface 712 of the second housing 720. For example, the side surface 712 may be substantially perpendicular to the direction 761 facing the display area 750. The second audio signal may be emitted in a direction opposite to the direction 761 facing the display area 750, instead of the direction 761 facing the display area 750. For example, the second housing 720 may be configured such that the second audio signal is emitted in a direction opposite to the direction 761 facing the display area 750.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may also include a third speaker 233 and / or a fourth speaker 234.

[0137] A third speaker 233 may be disposed in the first housing 710 to emit a third audio signal in direction 774 through a fourth opening 704 formed in a side surface 715 of the first housing 710. For example, the side surface 715 may be substantially perpendicular to the display area 750. The direction in which the side surface 715 faces may be opposite to the direction in which the side surface 711 faces. The side surface 715 may face the side surface 711. For example, the side surface 715 may be substantially parallel to the side surface 711.

[0138] A fourth speaker 234 may be disposed in the second housing 720 to emit a fourth audio signal in direction 775 through a fifth opening 705 formed in a side surface 716 of the second housing 720. For example, the side surface 716 may be substantially perpendicular to the display area 750. The direction in which the side surface 716 faces may be opposite to the direction in which the side surface 712 faces. The side surface 716 may face the side surface 712. For example, the side surface 716 may be substantially parallel to the side surface 712.

[0139] In state 791, the first opening 701 can be configured to face a direction corresponding to the direction (or the direction the second opening 702 faces). State 791 can be referred to as the extended position. State 791 can also be a state in which the second housing 720 slides out relative to the first housing 710. In state 791, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be greater than or equal to a specified distance. State 791 can be... Figure 4 An example of the second state described in [the text].

[0140] In state 791, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a second state. Based on the identification of the state of electronic device 200 as the second state, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal. Processor 210 can transmit the first audio signal having the first phase in directions 771 and 773 via first speaker 231. Processor 210 can transmit the second audio signal having the second phase corresponding to the first phase in direction 772 via second speaker 232.

[0141] In state 792, the first opening 701 can be configured to face a direction corresponding to the direction (or the direction the second opening 702 faces). State 792 can be referred to as the retracted position. State 792 can be a state in which the second housing 720 slides into relative to the first housing 710. In state 792, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be less than a specified distance. State 791 can be... Figure 4 An example of the first state described in the text.

[0142] In state 792, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a first state. Based on the identification of the state of electronic device 200 as the first state, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase different from the first audio signal. Processor 210 can emit the first audio signal having the first phase in directions 781 and 783 through first speaker 231. Processor 210 can emit the second audio signal having the second phase different from the first phase in direction 782 through second speaker 232. For example, the first phase can be opposite to the second phase. When the first phase is opposite to the second phase, the first audio signal emitted through direction 781 (or first opening 701) and the second audio signal emitted through direction 782 (or second opening 702) can cancel each other out. As an example, since the first audio signal and the second audio signal are generated based on the same sound source, when the first phase is opposite to the second phase, the first audio signal emitted through direction 781 and the second audio signal emitted through direction 782 can cancel each other out.

[0143] Processor 210 can cancel (or remove) the first audio signal (or at least a portion of the first audio signal) transmitted via direction 781 by using the second audio signal transmitted via direction 782. Processor 210 can maintain the first audio signal transmitted via direction 783. The first audio signal transmitted via direction 783 can be better recognized by the user of electronic device 200.

[0144] For example, processor 210 can identify in state 792 that a specified application (e.g., a telephone application) is running. Based on the identification that the specified application is running, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal. As an example, processor 210 can only output the first audio signal and the second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal when the user of electronic device 200 is making a call. According to an embodiment, in state 792, processor 210 can identify that another application, distinct from the specified application, is being executed. Based on the identification that another application, distinct from the specified application, is being executed, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase that corresponds to the phase of the first audio signal.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may use a first speaker 231, a second speaker 232, a third speaker 233, and a fourth speaker 234 to provide stereo sound.

[0146] For example, in state 791, processor 210 can output a first audio signal using a first speaker 231 and a third speaker 233. Processor 210 can output a second audio signal using a second speaker 232 and a fourth speaker 234. As an example, the frequency bands of the first audio signal and the second audio signal can be set to be different from each other. For example, the phase of the second audio signal can be set to correspond to the phase of the first audio signal. For example, in at least some frequency bands, the phase of the second audio signal can be set to correspond to the phase of the first audio signal.

[0147] For example, in state 792, processor 210 can output a first audio signal using a first speaker 231 and a second speaker 232. Processor 210 can output a second audio signal using a third speaker 233 and a fourth speaker 234. As an example, the frequency bands of the first audio signal and the second audio signal can be set to be different from each other. The phase of the second audio signal can be set to correspond to the phase of the first audio signal. For example, in at least some frequency bands, the phase of the second audio signal can be set to correspond to the phase of the first audio signal.

[0148] Figure 8a and Figure 8b An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0149] refer to Figure 8a and Figure 8bThe electronic device 200 may include a first housing 810, a second housing 820, a third housing 830, a first hinge structure 851, and a second hinge structure 852. The electronic device 200 may have a shape capable of folding relative to two axes based on the first hinge structure 851 and the second hinge structure 852. For example, the electronic device 200 may be referred to as a multi-foldable device providing an inward-folded state and an unfolded state.

[0150] The electronic device 200 may be a foldable device that folds along a first axis 881 and a second axis 882. A first hinge structure 851 may rotatably connect a first housing 810 and a second housing 820 relative to the first folding axis 881. A second hinge structure 852 may rotatably connect a second housing 820 and a third housing 830 relative to the second folding axis 882.

[0151] The display 220 (e.g., a flexible display) can be divided into a first display area 861, a second display area 862, and a third display area 863 relative to a first axis 881 and a second axis 882. The first display area 861 may correspond to the surface of the first housing 810. The second display area 862 may correspond to the surface of the second housing 820. The third display area 863 may correspond to the surface of the third housing 830.

[0152] For example, in the unfolded state (e.g., Figure 8a Status 891 or Figure 8b In state 893, the directions 864 facing the first display area 861, 865 facing the second display area 862, and 866 facing the third display area 863 can be set to be substantially the same. The first display area 861, the second display area 862, and the third display area 863 can form a single plane.

[0153] For example, in the inward folded state (e.g., Figure 8a Status 892 or Figure 8bIn state 894, the orientation 864 of the first display area 861 and the orientation 865 of the second display area 862 can be set to be opposite to each other. In the inward-folded state, the orientation 865 of the second display area 862 and the orientation 866 of the third display area 863 can be set to be opposite to each other. When the state of the electronic device 200 changes from the unfolded state to the inward-folded state, the third housing 830 can rotate relative to the second housing 820. As the third housing 830 rotates relative to the second housing 820, the third display area 863 can come into contact with the second display area 862. After the third housing 830 rotates relative to the second housing 820, the first housing 810 can rotate relative to the second housing 820. As the first housing 810 rotates relative to the second housing 820, the first display area 861 can come into contact with the surface of the third housing 830 opposite to the surface of the third display area 863. As the first housing 810 rotates relative to the second housing 820, the orientation 864 of the first display area 861 can be set to face the second display area 862 and the third display area 863.

[0154] refer to Figure 8a A first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 810 to emit a first audio signal through a first opening 801 and a third opening 803. For example, the first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 810 to emit the first audio signal through a first opening 801 formed on a side surface 811 of the first housing 810. For example, the first side surface 811 may be substantially perpendicular to the first display area 861.

[0155] For example, a first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 810 to transmit a first audio signal through a third opening 803 formed on a surface of the first housing 810 opposite to the surface corresponding to the first display area 861. For example, the third opening 803 may be formed in a direction opposite to the direction 864 facing the first display area 861. The first audio signal can be transmitted through the third opening 803 in a direction opposite to the direction 864 facing the first display area 861.

[0156] A second speaker 232 may be disposed in the third housing 830 to emit a second audio signal through a second opening 802. For example, the second speaker 232 may be disposed in the third housing 830 to emit the second audio signal through a second opening 802 formed on a side surface 812 of the third housing 830. For example, the side surface 812 may be substantially perpendicular to the third display area 863. The second audio signal may not be emitted in the direction 866 facing the third display area 863 or in a direction opposite to the direction 866 facing the third display area 863. For example, the third housing 830 may be configured such that the second audio signal is not emitted in the direction 866 facing the third display area 863 or in a direction opposite to the direction 866 facing the third display area 863.

[0157] In state 891, the first opening 801 can be configured to face a direction corresponding to (or in the same direction as) the direction facing the second opening 802. In state 891, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be greater than or equal to a specified distance. State 891 can be... Figure 4 An example of the second state described in [the text].

[0158] In state 891, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a second state. Based on the identification of the state of electronic device 200 as the second state, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal. Processor 210 can transmit the first audio signal having the first phase in directions 871 and 873 via first speaker 231. Processor 210 can transmit the second audio signal having the second phase corresponding to the first phase in direction 872 via second speaker 232.

[0159] In state 892, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be less than a specified distance. State 892 can be... Figure 4 An example of the first state described in the text.

[0160] In state 892, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a first state. Based on identifying the state of electronic device 200 as the first state, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase different from the first audio signal. Processor 210 can emit the first audio signal having the first phase in directions 874 and 876 through first speaker 231. Processor 210 can emit the second audio signal having the second phase different from the first phase in direction 875 through second speaker 232. For example, the first phase can be opposite to the second phase. When the first phase is opposite to the second phase, the first audio signal emitted through direction 874 (or first opening 801) and the second audio signal emitted through direction 875 (or second opening 802) can cancel each other out. For example, since the first audio signal and the second audio signal are generated based on the same sound source, when the first phase is opposite to the second phase, the first audio signal emitted through direction 874 and the second audio signal emitted through direction 875 can cancel each other out.

[0161] Processor 210 can cancel (or remove or eliminate) the first audio signal (or at least a portion of the first audio signal) transmitted via direction 874 by using the second audio signal transmitted via direction 875. Processor 210 can maintain the first audio signal transmitted via direction 876. The first audio signal transmitted via direction 876 can be better recognized by the user of electronic device 200.

[0162] For example, processor 210 can identify that a specific application (e.g., a telephone application) is running when electronic device 200 is in state 892. Based on the identification that the specific application is running, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal. For example, processor 210 can only output the first audio signal and the second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal when the user of electronic device 200 is on a call. According to an embodiment, in state 892, processor 210 can identify that another application, distinct from the specified application, is running. Processor 210 can output the first audio signal and the second audio signal having a phase that corresponds to the phase of the first audio signal based on or in response to the identification that another application, distinct from (i.e., different from) the specified application, is running.

[0163] refer to Figure 8b The electronic device 200 may include a first speaker 231, a second speaker 232, a third speaker 233, and a fourth speaker 834. The electronic device 200 may use the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 to perform... Figure 8aThe operation described herein. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may use the first speaker 231, the second speaker 232, the third speaker 233, and the fourth speaker 234 to perform operations other than those described herein. Figure 8a Additional operations beyond those described in the text.

[0164] A first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 810 to emit a first audio signal through a first opening 801 and a third opening 803. For example, the first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 810 to emit the first audio signal in direction 841 through a first opening 801 formed in a side surface 811 of the first housing 810. For example, the first side surface 811 may be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first display area 861 faces. Figure 8b The arrangement of the first speaker 231 shown can correspond to Figure 8a The arrangement of the first loudspeaker 231 is shown.

[0165] A second speaker 232 may be disposed in the third housing 830 to emit a second audio signal through a second opening 802. For example, the second speaker 232 may be disposed in the third housing 830 to emit the second audio signal in direction 842 through a second opening 802 formed in a side surface 812 of the third housing 830. For example, the side surface 812 may be substantially perpendicular to the direction 866 facing the third display area 863. The second audio signal may not be emitted in the direction 866 facing the third display area 863 or in a direction opposite to the direction 866 facing the third display area 863. For example, the third housing 830 may be configured such that the second audio signal is not emitted in the direction 866 facing the third display area 863 or in a direction opposite to the direction 866 facing the third display area 863. Figure 8b The arrangement of the second speaker 232 shown can correspond to Figure 8a The arrangement of the second speaker 232 is shown.

[0166] A third speaker 233 may be disposed in the first housing 810 to emit a third audio signal in direction 844 through a fourth opening 804 formed in a side surface 813 of the first housing 810. For example, the side surface 813 may be substantially perpendicular to the first display area 861. The direction in which the side surface 813 faces may be opposite to the direction in which the side surface 811 faces. The side surface 813 may face the side surface 811. For example, the side surface 813 may be substantially parallel to the side surface 811.

[0167] A fourth speaker 234 may be disposed in the third housing 830 to emit a fourth audio signal in direction 844 through a fifth opening 805 formed in the side surface 814 of the second housing 820. For example, the side surface 814 may be substantially perpendicular to the third display area 863. The direction in which the side surface 814 faces may be opposite to the direction in which the side surface 812 faces. The side surface 814 may face the side surface 812. For example, the side surface 814 may be substantially parallel to the side surface 812.

[0168] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may use a first speaker 231, a second speaker 232, a third speaker 233, and a fourth speaker 234 to provide stereo sound.

[0169] For example, in state 893, processor 210 can output a first audio signal using a first speaker 231 and a third speaker 233. Processor 210 can output a second audio signal using a second speaker 232 and a fourth speaker 234. As an example, the frequency bands of the first audio signal and the second audio signal can be set to be different from each other. As an example, the phase of the second audio signal can be set to correspond to the phase of the first audio signal. As an example, in at least some frequency bands, the phase of the second audio signal can be set to correspond to the phase of the first audio signal.

[0170] For example, in state 894, processor 210 can output a first audio signal using the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232. Processor 210 can output a second audio signal using the third speaker 233 and the fourth speaker 234. For example, in state 894, processor 210 can transmit the first audio signal in directions 846 and 840 using the first speaker 231. Processor 210 can transmit the second audio signal in direction 847 using the second speaker 232. Processor 210 can transmit the third audio signal in direction 848 using the third speaker 233. Processor 210 can transmit the fourth audio signal in direction 849 using the fourth speaker 234.

[0171] As an example, the frequency bands of the first audio signal and the second audio signal can be set to be different from each other. The phase of the second audio signal can be set to correspond to the phase of the first audio signal. As an example, in at least some frequency bands, the phase of the second audio signal can be set to correspond to the phase of the first audio signal.

[0172] As an example, processor 210 can perform mono mixing based on audio signals output through first speaker 231 and audio signals output through second speaker 232. Processor 210 can also perform mono mixing based on audio signals output through third speaker 233 and audio signals output from fourth speaker 234. Processor 210 can output a first audio signal using first speaker 231 and second speaker 232 based on mono mixing, and further increase the volume by outputting a second audio signal using third speaker 233 and fourth speaker 234 based on mono mixing. The aforementioned mono mixing can be a technique (or hardware system) for increasing volume (e.g., low-frequency components) based on amplifying interference caused by the encounter of mono signals. According to an embodiment, processor 210 can output a signal through speaker 230 that combines a left stereo source and a right stereo source into a single sound source based on mono mixing. According to an embodiment, the processor 210 can selectively convert only the low-frequency components of the sound source into a mono signal based on mono mixing, and output the converted mono signal through two speakers (e.g., the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232).

[0173] Figure 9 An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0174] refer to Figure 9 The electronic device 200 may include a first housing 910, a second housing 920, a third housing 930, a first hinge structure 951, and a second hinge structure 952. The electronic device 200 may have a shape capable of folding relative to two axes based on the first hinge structure 951 and the second hinge structure 952. For example, the electronic device 200 may be referred to as a multi-foldable device providing an inward-folded state and an unfolded state. Figure 9 The electronic device 200 shown can correspond to Figure 8a and Figure 8b The electronic device 200 shown in the figure.

[0175] The electronic device 200 may be a foldable device that folds along a first folding axis 981 and a second folding axis 982. A first hinge structure 951 may rotatably connect a first housing 910 and a second housing 920 relative to the first folding axis 981. A second hinge structure 952 may rotatably connect a second housing 920 and a third housing 930 relative to the second folding axis 982.

[0176] The display 220 (e.g., a flexible display) can be divided into a first display area 961, a second display area 962, and a third display area 963 relative to a first folding axis 981 and a second folding axis 982. The first display area 961 can correspond to the surface of the first housing 910. The second display area 962 can correspond to the surface of the second housing 920. The third display area 963 can correspond to the surface of the third housing 930.

[0177] For example, in the unfolded state (e.g., Figure 9 In state 991, the directions 964 facing the first display area 961, 965 facing the second display area 962, and 966 facing the third display area 963 can be set to be the same. The first display area 961, the second display area 962, and the third display area 963 can form a single plane.

[0178] For example, in the inward folded state (e.g., Figure 9 In state 992), the orientation 964 of the first display area 961 and the orientation 965 of the second display area 962 can be set to be opposite to each other. In the inward-folded state, the orientation 965 of the second display area 962 and the orientation 966 of the third display area 963 can be set to be opposite to each other. When the state of the electronic device 200 changes from the unfolded state to the inward-folded state, the third housing 930 can rotate relative to the second housing 920. As the third housing 930 rotates relative to the second housing 920, the third display area 963 can come into contact with the second display area 962. After the third housing 930 rotates relative to the second housing 920, the first housing 910 can rotate relative to the second housing 920. As the first housing 910 rotates relative to the second housing 920, the first display area 961 can come into contact with a surface of the third housing 930 that is opposite to the surface corresponding to the third display area 963. As the first housing 910 rotates relative to the second housing 920, the orientation 964 of the first display area 961 can be set to face the second display area 962 and the third display area 963.

[0179] Openings 901-1, 901-2, 902-1, and 902-2 can be formed to face substantially the same direction. Openings 901-1 and 901-2 can be provided on the side surface 911 of the electronic device 200. Openings 902-1 and 902-2 can be provided on the side surface 912 of the electronic device 200. Side surfaces 911 and 912 can be located on substantially the same plane.

[0180] Openings 903-1, 903-2, 904-1, and 904-2 can be formed to face substantially the same direction. Openings 903-1 and 903-2 can be provided on the side surface 913 of the electronic device 200. Openings 904-1 and 904-2 can be provided on the side surface 914 of the electronic device 200. Side surfaces 913 and 914 can be located on substantially the same plane.

[0181] A first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 910 to emit audio signals through openings 901-1 and 901-2. For example, the first speaker 231 may include sub-speakers 231-1 and 231-2. Sub-speaker 231-1 may be disposed in the first housing 910 to emit a first audio signal through opening 901-1 formed in a side surface 911 of the first housing 910. Sub-speaker 231-2 may be disposed in the first housing 910 to emit a second audio signal through opening 901-2 formed in a side surface 911 of the first housing 910. For example, the side surface 911 may be substantially perpendicular to the first display area 961.

[0182] For example, the electronic device 200 may also include an opening 905. The opening 905 may be disposed in the first housing 910. The opening 905 may be configured to transmit an audio signal output through the first speaker 231 in a direction 906 opposite to the direction 964 facing the first display area 961.

[0183] As an example, sub-speaker 231-1 can be configured to output a first audio signal, which is a high-frequency band signal from the audio signal output from the first speaker 231. For example, sub-speaker 231-1 can be referred to as a tweeter. Sub-speaker 231-2 can be configured to output a second audio signal, which is a low-frequency band signal from the audio signal output from the first speaker 231. For example, sub-speaker 231-2 can be referred to as a woofer or subwoofer. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, sub-speaker 231-1 can be configured to output a second audio signal as a low-frequency band signal. Sub-speaker 231-1 can be referred to as a woofer. Sub-speaker 231-2 can be configured to output a first audio signal as a high-frequency band signal. Sub-speaker 231-1 can be referred to as a tweeter.

[0184] A second speaker 232 may be disposed in the third housing 930 to emit audio signals through openings 902-1 and 902-2. For example, the second speaker 232 may include sub-speakers 232-1 and 232-2. Sub-speaker 232-1 may be disposed in the third housing 930 to emit a third audio signal through opening 902-1 formed in the side surface 912 of the third housing 930. Sub-speaker 232-2 may be disposed in the third housing 930 to emit a fourth audio signal through opening 902-2 formed in the side surface 912 of the third housing 930. For example, the side surface 912 may be substantially perpendicular to the third display area 963. For example, the side surface 912 may be located on the same plane as the side surface 911.

[0185] As an example, sub-speaker 232-1 can be configured to output a third audio signal, which is a high-frequency band signal from the audio signal output from second speaker 232. For example, sub-speaker 232-1 can be referred to as a tweeter. Sub-speaker 232-2 can be configured to output a fourth audio signal, which is a low-frequency band signal from the audio signal output from second speaker 232. For example, sub-speaker 232-2 can be referred to as a woofer or subwoofer. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, sub-speaker 232-1 can be configured to output a fourth audio signal as a low-frequency band signal. Sub-speaker 232-1 can be referred to as a woofer. Sub-speaker 232-2 can be configured to output a third audio signal as a high-frequency band signal. Sub-speaker 232-1 can be referred to as a tweeter.

[0186] A third speaker 233 may be disposed in the first housing 910 to emit audio signals through openings 903-1 and 903-2. For example, the third speaker 233 may include sub-speakers 233-1 and 233-2. Sub-speaker 233-1 may be disposed in the first housing 910 to emit a fifth audio signal through opening 903-1 formed in the side surface 913 of the first housing 910. Sub-speaker 233-2 may be disposed in the first housing 910 to emit a sixth audio signal through opening 903-2 formed in the side surface 913 of the first housing 910. For example, the side surface 913 may be substantially perpendicular to the first display area 961.

[0187] As an example, sub-speaker 233-1 can be configured to output a fifth audio signal, which is a high-frequency signal from the audio signal output from the third speaker 233. For example, sub-speaker 233-1 can be referred to as a tweeter. Sub-speaker 233-2 can be configured to output a sixth audio signal, which is a low-frequency signal from the audio signal output from the third speaker 233. For example, sub-speaker 233-2 can be referred to as a woofer or subwoofer. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, sub-speaker 233-1 can be configured to output a sixth audio signal as a low-frequency signal. Sub-speaker 233-1 can be referred to as a woofer. Sub-speaker 233-2 can be configured to output a fifth audio signal as a high-frequency signal. Sub-speaker 233-1 can be referred to as a tweeter.

[0188] A fourth speaker 234 may be disposed in the third housing 930 to emit audio signals through openings 904-1 and 904-2. For example, the fourth speaker 234 may include sub-speakers 234-1 and 234-2. Sub-speaker 234-1 may be disposed in the third housing 930 to emit a seventh audio signal through opening 904-1 formed in the side surface 914 of the third housing 930. Sub-speaker 234-2 may be disposed in the third housing 930 to emit an eighth audio signal through opening 904-2 formed in the side surface 914 of the third housing 930. For example, the side surface 914 may be substantially perpendicular to the third display area 963. For example, the side surface 914 may be located on the same plane as the side surface 913.

[0189] As an example, sub-speaker 234-1 can be configured to output a seventh audio signal, which is a high-frequency signal from the audio signal output from the fourth speaker 234. For example, sub-speaker 234-1 can be referred to as a tweeter. Sub-speaker 234-2 can be configured to output an eighth audio signal, which is a low-frequency signal from the audio signal output from the third speaker 234. For example, sub-speaker 234-2 can be referred to as a woofer or subwoofer. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, sub-speaker 234-1 can be configured to output an eighth audio signal as a low-frequency signal. Sub-speaker 234-1 can be referred to as a woofer. Sub-speaker 234-2 can be configured to output a seventh audio signal as a high-frequency signal. Sub-speaker 234-1 can be referred to as a tweeter.

[0190] In state 991, the distance between the first speaker 231 (e.g., sub-speaker 231-1 or sub-speaker 231-2) and the second speaker 232 (e.g., sub-speaker 232-1 or sub-speaker 232-2) can be greater than or equal to a specified distance. State 991 can be... Figure 4 An example of the second state described in [the text].

[0191] In state 991, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a second state. Based on the identification of the state of electronic device 200 as the second state, processor 210 can set the phase of each of the first to eighth audio signals to be the same. Processor 210 can output the first to eighth audio signals with the same phase. Processor 210 can use sub-speakers 231-1 and 231-2 to transmit the first and second audio signals in direction 941. Processor 210 can use sub-speakers 232-1 and 232-2 to transmit the third and fourth audio signals in direction 942. Processor 210 can use sub-speakers 233-1 and 233-2 to transmit the fifth and sixth audio signals in direction 943. Processor 210 can use sub-speakers 234-1 and 234-2 to transmit the seventh and eighth audio signals in direction 944.

[0192] In state 992, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be less than a specified distance. State 992 can be... Figure 4 An example of the first state described in the text.

[0193] In state 992, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a first state. Based on identifying the state of electronic device 200 as the first state, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a third audio signal having a phase that differs from the first audio signal. As an example, processor 210 can output a second audio signal in direction 946 using sub-speaker 231-2. Processor 210 can output the first audio signal in direction 948 using sub-speaker 231-1. Processor 210 can output a third audio signal in direction 947 using sub-speaker 232-2. According to an embodiment, processor 210 can also output a fourth audio signal in direction 949 using sub-speaker 232-1 having a phase that differs from the first audio signal. Therefore, the second audio signal emitted through direction 950 can be better recognized by the user of electronic device 200.

[0194] According to an embodiment, in state 992, processor 210 can perform mono mixing based on (or using or utilizing) the first audio signal and the third audio signal. In state 992, processor 210 can output a mono signal based on the first audio signal and the third audio signal. In state 992, processor 210 can output a second audio signal and a fourth audio signal as stereo.

[0195] Figure 10a and Figure 10b An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0196] refer to Figure 10a and Figure 10b The electronic device 200 may include a first housing 1010, a second housing 1020, a third housing 1030, a first hinge structure 1051, and a second hinge structure 1052. The electronic device 200 may have a shape capable of folding relative to two axes based on the first hinge structure 1051 and the second hinge structure 1052. For example, the electronic device 200 may be referred to as a multi-foldable device providing an outward-folded state and an unfolded state.

[0197] The electronic device 200 may be a foldable device that folds along a first folding axis 1081 and a second folding axis 1082. A first hinge structure 1051 may rotatably connect a first housing 1010 and a second housing 1020 relative to the first folding axis 1081. A second hinge structure 1052 may rotatably connect a second housing 1020 and a third housing 1030 relative to the second folding axis 1082.

[0198] The display 220 (e.g., a flexible display) can be divided into a first display area 1061, a second display area 1062, and a third display area 1063 relative to a first folding axis 1081 and a second folding axis 1082. The first display area 1061 may correspond to the surface of the first housing 1010. The second display area 1062 may correspond to the surface of the second housing 1020. The third display area 1063 may correspond to the surface of the third housing 1030.

[0199] For example, in the unfolded state (e.g., Figure 10a In state 1091, the orientation 1064 of the first display area 1061, the orientation 1065 of the second display area 1062, and the orientation 1066 of the third display area 1063 can be set to be the same. The first display area 1061, the second display area 1062, and the third display area 1063 can form a single plane.

[0200] For example, in the outward folded state (e.g., Figure 10aIn the unfolded state (1092), the orientation 1064 of the first display area 1061 and the orientation 1065 of the second display area 1062 can be set to be opposite to each other. In the outward-folded state, the orientation 1065 of the second display area 1062 and the orientation 1066 of the third display area 1063 can be set to be opposite to each other. When the state of the electronic device 200 changes from the unfolded state to the outward-folded state, the first housing 1010 can rotate relative to the second housing 1020, and the third housing 1030 can rotate relative to the second housing 1020. As the first housing 1010 rotates relative to the second housing 1020, the first display area 1061 can be folded to face outward. As the third housing 1030 rotates relative to the second housing 1020, the third display area 1030 can come into contact with the second display area 1062. For example, in the outward-folded state (e.g., ...), Figure 10a Status 1092 or Figure 10b In state 1094), the first display area 1061 and the second display area 1062 may be spaced apart from each other. The first display area 1061 may be used as part of the exterior of the electronic device 200 in the outward folded state.

[0201] refer to Figure 10a The first speaker 231 may be disposed in the first housing 1010 to emit a first audio signal through openings 1001 and 1003.

[0202] State 1091 can be referred to as the deployed state. In state 1091, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be greater than or equal to a specified distance. State 1091 can serve as a reference. Figure 4 An instance of the second state described.

[0203] In state 1091, the first speaker 231 can emit a first audio signal in direction 1071 through opening 1001. The first speaker 231 can also emit a first audio signal in direction 1073 through opening 1003. The second speaker 232 can emit a second audio signal in direction 1072 through opening 1002.

[0204] State 1092 can be referred to as the outward folding state. In state 1092, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be less than a specified distance. State 1092 can serve as a reference. Figure 4 An instance of the first state described.

[0205] In state 1092, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a first state. Based on identifying the state of electronic device 200 as the first state, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase different from the first audio signal. Processor 210 can emit the first audio signal having the first phase in directions 1074 and 1076 via first speaker 231. Processor 210 can emit the second audio signal having the second phase different from the first phase in direction 1075 via second speaker 232. For example, the first phase can be opposite to the second phase. When the first phase is opposite to the second phase, the first audio signal emitted in direction 1074 and the second audio signal emitted in direction 1075 can cancel each other out. The first audio signal emitted in direction 1076 can be better recognized by the user of electronic device 200.

[0206] For example, processor 210 can identify in state 1092 that a specified application (e.g., a telephone application) is running. Based on the identification that the specified application is running, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal. As an example, processor 210 can only output the first audio signal and the second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal when the user of electronic device 200 is on a call. According to an embodiment, processor 210 can identify in state 1092 that another application, distinct from the specified application, is running. Processor 210 can output the first audio signal and the second audio signal having a phase that corresponds to the phase of the first audio signal based on the identification that another application, distinct from the specified application, is running.

[0207] refer to Figure 10b The first speaker 231 can perform both speaker and receiver functions. The second speaker 232 can perform both speaker and receiver functions. The first speaker 231 can be disposed in the first housing 1010 to emit a first audio signal through openings 1001 and 1003. The second speaker 232 can be disposed in the third housing 1030 to emit a second audio signal through openings 1002 and 1004.

[0208] State 1093 can be referred to as the deployed state. In state 1093, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be greater than or equal to a specified distance. State 1093 can serve as a reference. Figure 4 An instance of the second state described.

[0209] In state 1093, the first speaker 231 can emit a first audio signal in direction 1041 through opening 1001. The first speaker 231 can emit a first audio signal in direction 1043 through opening 1003. The second speaker 232 can emit a second audio signal in direction 1042 through opening 1002. The second speaker 232 can emit a second audio signal in direction 1044 through opening 1004.

[0210] State 1094 can be referred to as the outward folding state. In state 1094, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be less than a specified distance. State 1094 can serve as a reference. Figure 4 An instance of the first state described.

[0211] In state 1094, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a first state. Processor 210 can determine the speaker to perform the function of the main speaker based on identifying the state of electronic device 200 as the first state. Processor 210 can also determine the speaker to perform the function of the main speaker based on the state in which electronic device 200 is held. For example, processor 210 can determine the speaker to perform the function of the main speaker by using a proximity sensor based on identifying a part of the user's body in contact with the housing of electronic device 200.

[0212] For example, based on the speaker to perform the function of the main speaker being determined as a first speaker 231, the processor 210 can emit a first audio signal with normal phase in directions 1045 and 1047 via the first speaker 231. The processor 210 can emit a second audio signal with a phase opposite to the normal phase in directions 1046 and 1048 via the second speaker 232. The processor 210 can also emit a second audio signal with a phase substantially opposite to the normal phase in directions 1046 and 1048 via the second speaker 232.

[0213] For example, based on the determination that the speaker to perform the function of the main speaker is the second speaker 232, the processor 210 can emit a second audio signal with normal phase in directions 1046 and 1048 via the second speaker 232. The processor 210 can emit a first audio signal with a phase opposite to the normal phase in directions 1045 and 1047 via the first speaker 231. The processor 210 can also emit a first audio signal with a phase substantially opposite to the normal phase in directions 1045 and 1047 via the first speaker 231.

[0214] Figure 11 An example of an electronic device including one or more speakers according to an embodiment is shown.

[0215] refer to Figure 11 The electronic device 200 may include a first housing 1110, a second housing 1120, a third housing 1130, a first hinge structure 1151, and a second hinge structure 1152. The electronic device 200 may have a shape capable of folding relative to two axes based on the first hinge structure 1151 and the second hinge structure 1152. For example, the electronic device 200 may be referred to as a multi-foldable device providing an outward-folded state and an unfolded state.

[0216] The electronic device 200 may be a foldable device that folds along a first folding axis 1181 and a second folding axis 1182. A first hinge structure 1151 may rotatably connect a first housing 1110 and a second housing 1120 relative to the first folding axis 1181. A second hinge structure 1152 may rotatably connect a second housing 1120 and a third housing 1130 relative to the second folding axis 1182.

[0217] The display 220 (e.g., a flexible display) can be divided into a first display area 1161, a second display area 1162, and a third display area 1163 based on a first folding axis 1181 and a second folding axis 1182. The first display area 1161 may correspond to the surface of the first housing 1110. The second display area 1162 may correspond to the surface of the second housing 1120. The third display area 1163 may correspond to the surface of the third housing 1130.

[0218] For example, in the unfolded state (e.g., Figure 11 In state 1191), the first display area 1161 faces the same direction 1164, the second display area 1162 faces the same direction 1165, and the third display area 1163 faces the same direction 1166. The first display area 1161, the second display area 1162, and the third display area 1163 can form a single plane.

[0219] For example, in the outward folded state (e.g., Figure 11 In state 1192), the orientation 1164 of the first display area 1161 and the orientation 1165 of the second display area 1162 can be set to be opposite to each other. In the outward-folded state, the orientation 1165 of the second display area 1162 and the orientation 1166 of the third display area 1163 can be opposite. When the state of the electronic device 200 changes from the unfolded state to the outward-folded state, the first housing 1110 can rotate relative to the second housing 1120, and the third housing 1130 can rotate relative to the second housing 1120. As the first housing 1110 rotates relative to the second housing 1120, the first display area 1161 and the second display area 1162 can be folded to face outward.

[0220] After the first housing 1110 rotates relative to the second housing 1120, the first display area 1161 can be covered by the third housing 1130 as the third housing 1130 rotates relative to the second housing 1120. After the first housing 1110 rotates relative to the second housing 1120, the third display area 1163 can be folded to face outwards as the third housing 1130 rotates relative to the second housing 1120. The first display area 1161 can contact the surface opposite to the third display area 1163.

[0221] For example, in the outward folded state (e.g., Figure 11 In state 1192), the second display area 1162 and the third display area 1163 can be exposed to the outside. The second display area 1162 and the third display area 1163 can be used as part of the exterior of the electronic device 200.

[0222] According to an embodiment, a first speaker 231 may be disposed in a second housing 1120 to emit a first audio signal through openings 1101 and 1103. A second speaker 232 may be disposed in a third housing 1130 to emit a second audio signal through opening 1102.

[0223] State 1191 can be referred to as the deployed state. In state 1191, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be greater than or equal to a specified distance. State 1191 can serve as a reference. Figure 4 An instance of the second state described.

[0224] In state 1191, the first speaker 231 can emit a first audio signal in direction 1171 through opening 1101. The first speaker 231 can also emit a first audio signal in direction 1173 through opening 1103. The second speaker 232 can emit a second audio signal in direction 1172 through opening 1102.

[0225] State 1192 can be referred to as the outward folding state. In state 1192, the distance between the first speaker 231 and the second speaker 232 can be less than a specified distance. State 1192 can serve as a reference. Figure 4 An instance of the first state described.

[0226] In state 1192, processor 210 can identify the state of electronic device 200 as a first state. Based on identifying the state of electronic device 200 as the first state, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase different from the first audio signal. Processor 210 can transmit the first audio signal having the first phase in directions 1174 and 1176 via first speaker 231. Processor 210 can transmit the second audio signal having the second phase different from the first phase in direction 1175 via second speaker 232. For example, the first phase can be opposite to the second phase. When the first phase is opposite to the second phase, the first audio signal transmitted via direction 1174 and the second audio signal transmitted via direction 1175 can cancel each other out. The first audio signal transmitted via direction 1176 can be better recognized by the user of electronic device 200.

[0227] For example, processor 210 can identify in state 1192 that a specified application (e.g., a telephone application) is running. Based on the identification that the specified application is running, processor 210 can output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal. As an example, processor 210 can only output the first audio signal and the second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal when the user of electronic device 200 is making a call. According to an embodiment, processor 210 can identify in state 1192 that another application, distinct from the specified application, is being executed. Processor 210 can output the first audio signal and the second audio signal having a phase that corresponds to the phase of the first audio signal based on the identification that another application, distinct from the specified application, is being executed.

[0228] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 200) may include a first speaker (e.g., first speaker 231) for outputting a first audio signal, a second speaker (e.g., second speaker 232) for outputting a second audio signal, and a processor (e.g., processor 210) operatively coupled to the first and second speakers. The processor may be configured to: when the electronic device is in a first state where the distance between the first and second speakers is less than a specified distance, output the first audio signal through the first speaker and output a second audio signal through the second speaker having a phase different from the phase of the first audio signal. The processor may also be configured to: when the electronic device is in a second state where the distance between the first and second speakers is greater than or equal to a specified distance, output the first audio signal through the first speaker and output a second audio signal through the second speaker having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal.

[0229] According to an embodiment, the processor can be configured to identify the operation of a specified application when the electronic device is in a first state. The processor can be configured to output a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase different from that of the first audio signal based on the operation of the specified application.

[0230] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include: a first housing (e.g., first housing 510, first housing 610); a second housing (e.g., second housing 520, second housing 620); a hinge structure that rotatably connects the first housing to the second housing relative to a folding axis; and a flexible display (e.g., display 220) including a first display area (e.g., first display area 551, first display area 651) and a second display area (e.g., second display area 552, second display area 652) divided based on the folding axis, the first display area corresponding to a surface of the first housing, and the second display area corresponding to a surface of the second housing. A first speaker may be disposed in the first housing to emit a first audio signal through a first opening (e.g., first opening 501, first opening 601) formed on a first side surface of the first housing. A second speaker may be disposed in the second housing to emit a second audio signal through a second opening (e.g., second opening 502, second opening 602) formed on a second side surface of the second housing.

[0231] According to an embodiment, the first state (e.g., state 591, state 691) may include a state in which the first direction facing the first display area is opposite to the second direction facing the second display area. The second state (e.g., state 592, state 692) may include a state in which the first direction facing the first display area corresponds to the second direction facing the second display area.

[0232] According to an embodiment, the first opening can be configured to face the same direction as the second opening in the second state.

[0233] According to an embodiment, the first opening can be configured to face a direction opposite to that of the second opening in the second state.

[0234] According to an embodiment, the direction in which the first side surface faces may be perpendicular to the direction in which the first display area faces. The first housing may include a third opening through which a first audio signal is emitted in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first display area faces.

[0235] According to an embodiment, the direction in which the second side surface faces can be perpendicular to the direction in which the second display area faces. The second housing can be configured such that the second audio signal is not emitted in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second display area faces and in the direction in which the second display area faces.

[0236] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include: a first housing (e.g., first housing 710); a second housing (e.g., second housing 730); a first hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing to the second housing relative to a first folding axis; a third housing; a second hinge structure rotatably connecting the second housing to the third housing relative to a second folding axis; and a flexible display including a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area divided based on the first and second folding axes, the first display area corresponding to a surface of the first housing, the second display area corresponding to a surface of the second housing, and the third display area corresponding to a surface of the third housing. A first speaker may be disposed in the first housing to emit a first audio signal through a first opening (e.g., first opening 701) formed on a first side surface of the first housing. A second speaker may be disposed in the third housing to emit a second audio signal through a second opening (e.g., second opening 702) formed on a second side surface of the third housing.

[0237] According to an embodiment, the first state may include an inward-folded state, in which the second display area and the third display area face each other, and the first display area faces the surface of the third housing opposite to the third display area. The second state may include an unfolded state, in which the directions facing the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are set to be the same.

[0238] According to an embodiment, the first speaker may include a first sub-speaker and a second sub-speaker, the first sub-speaker being configured to output a third audio signal in a first frequency band, and the second sub-speaker being configured to output a fourth audio signal in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. The second speaker may include a third sub-speaker and a fourth speaker, the third speaker being configured to output a fifth audio signal in the third frequency band, and the fourth speaker being configured to output a sixth audio signal in the fourth frequency band. The first speaker and the third speaker can be substantially aligned in a direction perpendicular to the flexible display in an inwardly folded state.

[0239] According to an embodiment, the first frequency band may be lower than the second frequency band. The third frequency band may be lower than the fourth frequency band.

[0240] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a third speaker and a fourth speaker. The third speaker is configured to output a third audio signal through a third opening formed on a third side surface opposite to a first side surface of the first housing. The fourth speaker is configured to output a fourth audio signal through a fourth opening formed on a fourth side surface opposite to a second side surface of the third housing.

[0241] According to an embodiment, the processor can be configured to: based on the recognition that the electronic device is in an unfolded state, output a third audio signal corresponding to a first audio signal, and output a fourth audio signal corresponding to a second audio signal.

[0242] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the third audio signal may correspond to the first audio signal. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the fourth audio signal may correspond to the second audio signal.

[0243] According to an embodiment, the processor can be configured to: based on recognizing that the electronic device is in an inward-folded state, output a second audio signal corresponding to a first audio signal, and output a fourth audio signal corresponding to a third audio signal.

[0244] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is in an inward-folded state, the second audio signal may correspond to the first audio signal. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is in an inward-folded state, the fourth audio signal may correspond to the third audio signal.

[0245] According to an embodiment, the first audio signal and the third audio signal can be configured to have the same phase relative to the second audio signal and the fourth audio signal in at least a portion of the frequency band when the electronic device is in the unfolded state.

[0246] According to an embodiment, the first audio signal and the second audio signal can be configured such that when the electronic device is in an inward-folded state, they have the same phase relative to the third audio signal and the fourth audio signal within at least a portion of the frequency band.

[0247] According to an embodiment, the first state may include an outward-folded state, in which the first display area and the second display area face each other, and the surfaces of the second housing opposite to the second display area and the third housing opposite to the third display area face each other. The second state may include an unfolded state, in which the directions facing the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are set to be the same.

[0248] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing configured to movably engage with the first housing between a retracted position and an extended position; a flexible display coupled to the first and second housings such that the size of a display area changes as the second housing moves between the retracted and extended positions; and an actuator configured to move the second housing relative to the first housing. A first speaker may be disposed in the first housing to emit a first audio signal through a first opening formed on a first side surface of the first housing. A second speaker may be disposed in the second housing to emit a second audio signal through a second opening formed on a second side surface of the second housing.

[0249] According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 200) may include a first speaker (e.g., first speaker 231) for outputting a first audio signal, a second speaker (e.g., second speaker 232) for outputting a second audio signal, and a processor (e.g., processor 210) operatively coupled to the first and second speakers. The processor may be configured to identify a state of the electronic device as either a first state where the distance between the first and second speakers is less than a specified distance, or a second state where the distance between the first and second speakers is greater than or equal to a specified distance. The processor may be configured to output the first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase distinct from the phase of the first audio signal based on identifying the state of the electronic device as the first state. The processor may be configured to output the first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal based on identifying the state of the electronic device as the second state.

[0250] According to an embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device may include: when the electronic device is in a first state where the distance between a first speaker and a second speaker is less than a specified distance, outputting a first audio signal through the first speaker and outputting a second audio signal having a phase different from the phase of the first audio signal through the second speaker. The method may also include: when the electronic device is in a second state where the distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is greater than or equal to the specified distance, outputting the first audio signal through the first speaker and outputting a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal through the second speaker.

[0251] According to an embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device may include identifying the state of the electronic device as one of a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state, the distance between a first speaker and a second speaker is less than a specified distance, and in the second state, the distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is greater than or equal to the specified distance. The method may include outputting a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase different from the phase of the first audio signal based on identifying the state of the electronic device as the first state. The method may also include outputting a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal based on identifying the state of the electronic device as the second state.

[0252] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include: a first speaker for outputting a first audio signal, a second speaker for outputting a second audio signal, a memory including storage instructions for one or more media, and at least one processor including processing circuitry. The instructions, when executed individually or jointly by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device to: output the first audio signal through the first speaker and output a second audio signal having a phase different from the first audio signal through the second speaker when the electronic device is in a first state where the distance between the first and second speakers is less than a specified distance; and output the first audio signal through the first speaker and output a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal through the second speaker when the electronic device is in a second state where the distance between the first and second speakers is greater than or equal to the specified distance.

[0253] According to an embodiment, when the instructions are executed individually or jointly by at least one processor, the electronic device recognizes the operation of a specified application when the electronic device is in a first state, and in response to recognizing the operation of the specified application, outputs a first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase that differs from the phase of the first audio signal.

[0254] According to an embodiment, when the instructions are executed by at least one processor individually or jointly, the electronic device may: based on the recognition that the electronic device is in an unfolded state, output a seventh audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal, and output an eighth audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the second audio signal.

[0255] According to an embodiment, when the instructions are executed by at least one processor individually or jointly, the electronic device can: based on the recognition that the state of the electronic device is in an inward-folded state, output a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal, and output an eighth audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the seventh audio signal.

[0256] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a first speaker for outputting a first audio signal, a second speaker for outputting a second audio signal, and a processor operatively coupled to the first and second speakers. The processor may be configured to control the first speaker to output the first audio signal and to control the second speaker to output the second audio signal. The phase of the second audio signal relative to the phase of the first audio signal depends on the distance between the first and second speakers.

[0257] According to an embodiment, when the distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is less than a predetermined distance, the phase of the second audio signal differs from the phase of the first audio signal. When the distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, the phase of the second audio signal corresponds to the phase of the first audio signal.

[0258] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing to the second housing relative to a folding axis; and a flexible display including a first display area and a second display area divided based on the folding axis, the first display area corresponding to a surface of the first housing and the second display area corresponding to a surface of the second housing. A first speaker may be disposed in the first housing to emit a first audio signal through a first opening formed on a first side surface of the first housing. A second speaker may be disposed in the second housing to emit a second audio signal through a second opening formed on a second side surface of the second housing.

[0259] According to an embodiment, in a first state, the first direction facing the first display area may be opposite to the second direction facing the second display area. In a second state, the first direction facing the first display area may correspond to the second direction facing the second display area.

[0260] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is in the second state, the first opening may face the same direction as the second opening.

[0261] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is in the second state, the first opening may face a direction opposite to that of the second opening.

[0262] According to an embodiment, the direction in which the first side surface faces may be perpendicular to the first direction in which the first display area faces. The first housing may include a third opening through which a first audio signal is emitted in a direction opposite to the first direction in which the first display area faces.

[0263] According to an embodiment, the direction in which the second side surface faces can be perpendicular to the second direction in which the second display area faces. The second housing can be configured such that the second audio signal is not emitted in a direction opposite to the second direction in which the second display area faces.

[0264] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing; a first hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing to the second housing relative to a first folding axis; a third housing; a second hinge structure rotatably connecting the second housing to the third housing relative to a second folding axis; and a flexible display including a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area divided based on the first and second folding axes, the first display area corresponding to a first surface of the first housing, the second display area corresponding to a first surface of the second housing, and the third display area corresponding to a first surface of the third housing. A first speaker may be disposed in the first housing to emit a first audio signal through a first opening formed on a first side surface of the first housing. A second speaker may be disposed in the third housing to emit a second audio signal through a second opening formed on a second side surface of the third housing.

[0265] According to an embodiment, the first state may include a folded state, in which the second display area and the third display area face each other, and the first display area faces the surface of the third housing opposite to the third display area. The second state may include an unfolded state, in which the directions facing the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are the same.

[0266] According to an embodiment, the first speaker may include a first sub-speaker and a second sub-speaker. The first sub-speaker is configured to output a third audio signal in a first frequency band, and the second sub-speaker is configured to output a fourth audio signal in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. The second speaker may include a third sub-speaker and a fourth sub-speaker. The third speaker is configured to output a fifth audio signal in the third frequency band, and the fourth speaker is configured to output a sixth audio signal in the fourth frequency band. The first and third sub-speakers can be substantially aligned in a direction perpendicular to the flexible display in a folded state.

[0267] According to an embodiment, the first frequency band may be lower than the second frequency band. The third frequency band may be lower than the fourth frequency band.

[0268] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a third speaker and a fourth speaker, the third speaker being configured to output a seventh audio signal through a third opening formed on a third side surface of the first housing opposite to the first side surface, and the fourth speaker being configured to output an eighth audio signal through a fourth opening formed on a fourth side surface of the third housing opposite to the second side surface.

[0269] According to an embodiment, the processor can be configured to output a seventh audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of a first audio signal, and an eighth audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of a second audio signal, based on the recognition that the electronic device is in an unfolded state.

[0270] According to an embodiment, the processor can be configured to output a second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal, and an eighth audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the seventh audio signal, based on the recognition that the electronic device is in a folded state.

[0271] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first audio signal and the seventh audio signal are configured to have the same phase relative to the second audio signal and the eighth audio signal within at least a portion of the frequency band.

[0272] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is in a folded state, the first audio signal and the second audio signal are configured to have the same phase relative to the seventh audio signal and the eighth audio signal within at least a portion of the frequency band.

[0273] According to an embodiment, the first state may include an outward-folded state, in which the first display area and the second display area face each other, and the surfaces of the second housing opposite to the second display area and the third housing opposite to the third display area face each other. The second state may include an unfolded state, in which the directions facing the first display area, the second display area, and the third display area are the same.

[0274] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing configured to movably engage with the first housing between a retracted position and an extended position; a flexible display coupled to the first and second housings such that the size of the display area changes as the second housing moves between the retracted and extended positions; and an actuator configured to move the second housing relative to the first housing. A first speaker may be disposed in the first housing to emit a first audio signal through a first opening formed on a first side surface of the first housing. A second speaker may be disposed in the second housing to emit a second audio signal through a second opening formed on a second side surface of the second housing.

[0275] According to an embodiment, the method performed by the electronic device may include controlling a first speaker of the electronic device to output a first audio signal, and controlling a second speaker of the electronic device to output a second audio signal. The phase of the second audio signal relative to the phase of the first audio signal depends on the distance between the first speaker and the second speaker.

[0276] According to an embodiment, when the distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is less than a predetermined distance, the phase of the second audio signal can be different from the phase of the first audio signal. When the distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, the phase of the second audio signal can correspond to the phase of the first audio signal.

[0277] According to the above embodiments, one or more speakers of the foldable device and / or rollable device can be controlled. Telephone and multimedia performance can be maximized when the distance between the first and second speakers is minimized. The first speaker can be configured to perform both speaker and receiver functions, and the second speaker can be configured to perform only speaker functions.

[0278] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0279] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the specific embodiments, but rather to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the respective embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that nouns in the singular form corresponding to terms may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together with the corresponding phrase among the plurality of phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that, whether the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “coupled to another element (e.g., a second element)” or “connected to another element (e.g., a second element)”, it means that the element can be directly (e.g., wiredly) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0280] As used in connection with various embodiments of this disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms such as "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit." A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions, or the smallest unit or part of such a single integrated component. For example, according to embodiments, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0281] The various embodiments set forth herein can be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) containing one or more instructions readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101) stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138). For example, under the control of a processor, the processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) can invoke and execute at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0282] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM The computer program product may be published online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded), or may be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). If published online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0283] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Optionally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the corresponding component of the multiple components performed one or more functions before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be run in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0284] It should be understood that all the above embodiments and their technical features can be combined with each other in each combination unless there is a conflict between the two embodiments or features. That is, each combination of two or more of the above embodiments is contemplated and included within this disclosure. One or more features from any embodiment can be incorporated into any other embodiment and provide corresponding one or more advantageous effects.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A first speaker, the first speaker being used to output a first audio signal; A second speaker, which is used to output a second audio signal; A memory, comprising one or more media and storing instructions; as well as At least one processor, said at least one processor including processing circuitry, The instructions, when executed individually or jointly by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to: When the electronic device is in a first state where the distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is less than a specified distance, the first audio signal is output through the first speaker and a second audio signal with a phase difference from the first audio signal is output through the second speaker. When the electronic device is in a second state where the distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is greater than or equal to the specified distance, the first audio signal is output through the first speaker, and the second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal is output through the second speaker.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The instructions, when executed individually or jointly by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to: When the electronic device is in the first state, the operation of the specified application is identified, and In response to identifying the operation of the specified application, the first audio signal and a second audio signal having a phase different from that of the first audio signal are output.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electronic device also includes: First shell; Second shell; A hinge structure that rotatably connects the first housing to the second housing relative to a folding axis; and A flexible display, comprising a first display area and a second display area divided based on the folding axis, wherein the first display area corresponds to a surface of the first housing, and the second display area corresponds to a surface of the second housing. The first speaker is disposed in the first housing to emit the first audio signal through a first opening formed on a first side surface of the first housing. The second speaker is disposed in the second housing to transmit the second audio signal through a second opening formed on the second side surface of the second housing.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, In the first state, the first direction facing the first display area is opposite to the second direction facing the second display area, and In the second state, the first direction that the first display area faces corresponds to the second direction that the second display area faces.

5. The electronic device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, When the electronic device is in the second state, the first opening faces the same direction as the second opening.

6. The electronic device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The first opening is formed such that when the electronic device is in the second state, it faces a direction opposite to the direction in which the second opening faces.

7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, The direction in which the first side surface faces is perpendicular to the first direction in which the first display area faces, and The first housing further includes a third opening through which the first audio signal is emitted in a direction opposite to the first direction facing the first display area.

8. The electronic device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, The direction in which the second side surface faces is perpendicular to the second direction in which the second display area faces, and The second housing is configured such that the second audio signal is not emitted in a direction opposite to the second direction facing the second display area.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electronic device also includes: First shell; Second shell; A first hinge structure rotatably connects the first housing to the second housing relative to a first folding axis; Third shell; A second hinge structure rotatably connects the second housing to the third housing relative to a second folding axis; and A flexible display, comprising a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area defined based on a first folding axis and a second folding axis, wherein the first display area corresponds to a surface of a first housing, the second display area corresponds to a surface of a second housing, and the third display area corresponds to a surface of a third housing. The first speaker is disposed in the first housing to emit the first audio signal through a first opening formed on a first side surface of the first housing. The second speaker is disposed in the third housing to transmit the second audio signal through a second opening formed on the second side surface of the third housing.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, The first state includes an inward-folded state, in which the second display area and the third display area face each other and the first display area faces the surface of the third housing opposite to the third display area. The second state includes an unfolded state, in which the first display area faces the same direction, the second display area faces the same direction, and the third display area faces the same direction.

11. The electronic device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The first speaker includes: A first sub-speaker, configured to output a third audio signal in a first frequency band; and The second sub-speaker is configured to output a fourth audio signal in a second frequency band that is distinct from the first frequency band. The second speaker includes: A third sub-speaker, configured to output a fifth audio signal in a third frequency band; and A fourth sub-speaker, configured to output a sixth audio signal in a fourth frequency band, and In the inward folded state, the first sub-speaker and the third sub-speaker are substantially aligned along a direction perpendicular to the flexible display.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, The first frequency band is lower than the second frequency band, and The third frequency band is lower than the fourth frequency band.

13. The electronic device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The electronic device also includes: A third speaker, configured to output a seventh audio signal through a third opening formed on a third side surface of the first housing opposite to the first side surface; and A fourth speaker is configured to output an eighth audio signal through a fourth opening formed on a fourth side surface of the third housing opposite to the second side surface.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, The instructions, when executed individually or jointly by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to: Based on the identification that the electronic device is in the unfolded state: Output the seventh audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal, and The eighth audio signal is output, having a phase corresponding to the phase of the second audio signal.

15. A method performed by an electronic device, the method comprising: When the electronic device is in a first state where the distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is less than a predetermined distance, a first audio signal is output through the first speaker, and a second audio signal with a phase difference from the first audio signal is output through the second speaker. When the electronic device is in a second state where the distance between the first speaker and the second speaker is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, the first audio signal is output through the first speaker, and the second audio signal having a phase corresponding to the phase of the first audio signal is output through the second speaker.

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