Electronic device comprising antenna

Abstract

According to an embodiment, at least one processor may be configured to: identify location information of a satellite; identify information regarding a first inclination of the electronic device through the at least one sensor; identify, on the basis of the location information and the information about a first inclination, at least one from among information regarding a first folding angle for communication with the satellite, phase information of a signal to be emitted from the first antenna and the second antenna, or intensity information of the signals; and transmit the signal to the satellite through the wireless communication circuit, the first antenna, and the second antenna on the basis of at least one of the identified phase information or the intensity information when the electronic device is folded at the first folding angle.

Description

Electronic device including an antenna

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including an antenna.

[0002] Recently, mobile electronic devices have begun supporting emergency communications (e.g., satellite communications for non-terrestrial networks). Meanwhile, satellites for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) may not have wide coverage and, because they move according to their orbital period, may have discontinuous coverage (DC).

[0003] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a housing including a first housing portion including a first antenna and a second housing portion including a second antenna, a hinge connecting the first housing portion and the second housing portion so that the electronic device is foldable, at least one sensor, wireless communication circuitry, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to identify position information of a satellite, identify information about a first inclination of the electronic device through the at least one sensor, and, based on the position information and the information about the first inclination, identify at least one of information about a first folding angle for communication with the satellite, phase information of a signal to be radiated from the first antenna and the second antenna, or intensity information of the signal, and, in case that the electronic device is folded at the first folding angle, transmit the signal to the satellite through the wireless communication circuitry, the first antenna, and the second antenna based on at least one of the identified phase information or the intensity information.

[0004] According to one embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device may include an operation of identifying position information of a satellite, an operation of identifying information about a first inclination of the electronic device through at least one sensor, an operation of identifying at least one of information about a first folding angle for communication with the satellite, phase information of a signal to be radiated from a first antenna included in a first housing part and a second antenna included in a second housing part, or intensity information of the signal based on the position information and the information about the first inclination, and an operation of transmitting the signal to the satellite through a wireless communication circuit, the first antenna, and the second antenna based on at least one of the phase information or the intensity information when the electronic device is folded at the first folding angle.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the front and back of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the arrangement of side members and a wireless communication circuit according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a method for forming a radiation pattern using a first antenna and a second antenna in a wireless communication circuit according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating an electronic device that forms a radiation pattern based on the position of a satellite according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 5c is a diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device according to one embodiment to perform beam forming based on phase information or intensity information.

[0012] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an electronic device that transmits a signal through a first antenna and a second antenna based on at least one of first folding angle and phase information according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6b is a drawing for explaining the inclination of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6c is a diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device according to one embodiment to determine a beamwidth of a beam based on latency.

[0015] FIG. 6d is a diagram illustrating a beam formed by an electronic device when an obstacle exists between the electronic device and a satellite and when there is no obstacle between the electronic device and the satellite according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6E is a diagram illustrating a method of forming a beam based on a remaining battery capacity of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6F is a diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device according to one embodiment to form a beam based on whether a communication connection has been established with another satellite that is distinct from the satellite.

[0018] FIG. 6g is a drawing illustrating a terminal performing communication with a first satellite according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6h is a diagram illustrating a method of forming a beam based on the reliability of position information of a satellite by an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device according to one embodiment to provide guidance to a user based on a second inclination for satellite communication.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a method for adjusting a folding angle between a first housing and a second housing in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for transmitting a signal to a satellite according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device according to one embodiment to change the phase of radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted through a first antenna and a second antenna.

[0024] FIG. 10b is a drawing illustrating radiation patterns according to a folding angle of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a radiation pattern according to the phase of a signal transmitted from a first antenna and a second antenna when the folding angle is about 180 degrees according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a radiation pattern according to the phase of a signal transmitted from a first antenna and a second antenna when the folding angle is about 60 degrees according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the front of an electronic device when the electronic device is in a first state or a second state according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the back of an electronic device when the electronic device is in a first state or a second state according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a method of transmitting a signal to a satellite by adjusting the distance between a first housing and a second housing or adjusting the phase of RF signals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device displaying a user interface associated with satellite communication according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device displaying a user interface associated with satellite communication according to one embodiment.

[0032] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0033] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the present invention encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0035] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0036] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0037] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0038] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0039] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0040] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0041] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0042] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0043] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0044] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0045] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0046] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0047] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0048] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0049] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0050] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi Direct (wireless fidelity direct), or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0051] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beamforming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0052] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197). According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a top surface or a side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0053] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0054] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service by itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0055] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. 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. Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0056] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "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" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0057] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0058] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more commands stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one command among the one or more commands stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one command called. The one or more commands may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may 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 disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0060] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0061] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the front and back of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may include a housing (210), a flexible display (220) disposed in the housing (210), and / or a rear cover (260). In the present disclosure, a surface on which the flexible display (220) is disposed may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device (101). In addition, a surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as a rear surface of the electronic device (101). In addition, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as a side surface of the electronic device (101).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the housing (210) may include a first housing portion (211) and a second housing portion (212). The first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) may form at least a portion of the back and a portion of the side of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the first housing portion (211) and / or the second housing portion (212) may include a conductive material (e.g., metal). In FIG. 2, the housing (210) is described as including the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212), but this is only an example. For example, the first housing portion (211) may be described as the first portion of the housing (210), and the second housing portion (212) may be described as the second portion of the housing (210).

[0064] The housing described in the present disclosure is merely a term to indicate or represent a configuration forming the exterior of the electronic device (101). For example, the housing may be replaced with a frame. For example, the housing (210) may be replaced with a frame, the first housing portion (211) may be replaced with a first frame, and the second housing portion (212) may be replaced with a second frame. For example, the housing may be replaced with a side member. The first housing portion (211) may be replaced with a first side member, and the second housing portion (212) may be replaced with a second side member.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the rear cover (260) may be coupled to the housing (210) to form the rear of the electronic device (101). For example, the first rear cover (261) may be coupled to the first housing portion (211), and the second rear cover (262) may be coupled to the second housing portion (212). In one example, the first housing portion (211) and the first rear cover (261), and the second housing portion (212) and the second rear cover (262) may form at least a portion of the rear of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the housing (210) of the electronic device (101) has been described as having a distinct configuration from the rear cover (260), but in other embodiments, the housing (210) may be formed integrally with the rear cover (260).

[0066] In one embodiment, the back cover (260) may include an insulating material (e.g., plastic resin, glass). In one embodiment, the back cover (260) may include a conductive material (e.g., aluminum).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) are arranged on both sides with respect to a folding axis (e.g., the first axis) that is parallel to the x-axis, and may have a shape that is symmetrical overall with respect to the folding axis (e.g., the first axis). However, the shapes of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) are not limited to a symmetrical shape, and the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (e.g., the first axis).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may have an unfolded state, a folded state, and / or an intermediate state. In one embodiment, the state of the electronic device (101) may vary depending on the angle or distance formed between the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212). For example, a state in which the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) are arranged at an angle of substantially about 180 degrees may be an unfolded state.

[0069] For another example, a state in which the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) are arranged to face each other may be a folded state. For another example, a state in which the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) are arranged to form a certain angle with each other may be an intermediate state. However, the specific angles formed by the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) in the folded and unfolded states are for convenience of explanation and are not limited thereto.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the first housing portion (211) may include a first edge (211a) adjacent to a folding axis (e.g., the first axis) and substantially parallel to the folding axis, and the second housing portion (212) may include a second edge (212a) adjacent to the folding axis (e.g., the first axis) and substantially parallel to the folding axis. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the first edge (211a) of the first housing portion (211) may contact the second edge (212a) of the second housing portion (212) or may be spaced apart from it by a predetermined distance.

[0071] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first edge (211a) of the first housing portion (211) may correspond to the second edge (212a) of the second housing portion (212). For example, in the folded state, the first edge (211a) of the first housing portion (211) and the second edge (212a) of the second housing portion (212) may face each other.

[0072] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) may be formed of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum) and / or a non-metallic material having a rigidity of a selected size to support the flexible display (220).

[0073] In one embodiment, the housing (210), the back cover (260), and the flexible display (220) may form an internal space in which various components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) may be placed.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (220) may be placed in the housing (210). For example, the flexible display (220) may be mounted on a recess formed by the housing (210) and may form most of the front surface of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the flexible display (220) may include a first region (221) and a second region (222). The first region (221) and the second region (222) of the flexible display (220) may be divided around a first axis, which serves as a reference for folding or unfolding the electronic device (101). The division of regions of the flexible display (220) illustrated in FIG. 2 is exemplary, and in other embodiments, the flexible display (220) may be divided into two or more regions depending on its structure or function. For example, the flexible display (220) may be divided into a folding region having a predetermined curvature when the electronic device (101) is folded around a folding axis (e.g., a first axis), a first region adjacent to a first housing portion (211) based on the folding region, and a second region adjacent to a second housing portion (212). The first region (221) and the second region (222) may have an overall symmetrical shape around the folding axis (e.g., the first axis).

[0075] Although the first axis is assumed to be a folding axis in FIG. 2 of the present disclosure, this is merely an example and does not limit the present disclosure. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of folding axes. The plurality of folding axes may include a first axis parallel to the x-axis and a second axis parallel to the y-axis. The electronic device (101) may be folded based on the first axis and may be folded based on the second axis.

[0076] In this case, the flexible display (220) may include a first region (221) and a second region (222) that are symmetrical with respect to a first axis, and the first region (221) may include a first sub-region and a second sub-region that are symmetrical with respect to a second axis parallel to the y-axis. The second region (222) may include a third sub-region and a fourth sub-region that are symmetrical with respect to a second axis parallel to the y-axis.

[0077] That is, an area located on the first quadrant with respect to the first axis parallel to the x-axis and the second axis parallel to the y-axis may be a first sub-area, and an area located on the second quadrant may be a second sub-area. An area located on the third quadrant with respect to the first axis parallel to the x-axis and the second axis parallel to the y-axis may be a third sub-area, and an area located on the fourth quadrant may be a fourth sub-area.

[0078] As another example, the electronic device (101) may be folded around a second axis parallel to the y-axis. In this case, the flexible display (220) may include a third region and a fourth region that are symmetrical with respect to the second axis. The third region and the fourth region may face each other when the electronic device (101) is folded around the second axis.

[0079] As another example, the electronic device (101) may be a multi-folding device that can be folded multiple times. In this case, the electronic device (101) may be folded based on a first axis parallel to the x-axis and then folded based on a second axis parallel to the y-axis. As another example, the electronic device (101) may be folded based on a second axis parallel to the y-axis and then folded based on a first axis parallel to the x-axis.

[0080] As another example, the electronic device (101) may include two or more folding axes parallel to the x-axis. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a first axis and a second axis parallel to the x-axis, and may be a multi-folding device that can be folded multiple times based on the first axis and the second axis. In this case, the electronic device (101) may be folded based on the first axis parallel to the x-axis and then folded based on the second axis parallel to the x-axis. For example, the flexible display (220) may be divided into three regions based on the first axis and the second axis.

[0081] As another example, the electronic device (101) may include two or more folding axes parallel to the y-axis. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a first axis and a second axis parallel to the y-axis, and may be a multi-folding device that can be folded multiple times based on the first and second axes. In this case, the electronic device (101) may be folded based on the first axis parallel to the y-axis and then folded based on the second axis parallel to the y-axis. For example, the flexible display (220) may be divided into three regions based on the first and second axes.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the arrangement structure of the first region (221) and the second region (222) of the flexible display (220) may vary depending on the state of the electronic device (101). For example, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the first region (221) and the second region (222) of the flexible display (220) may form an angle of about 180 degrees with each other and face the same direction (e.g., -z direction).

[0083] For another example, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the first region (221) and the second region (222) of the flexible display (220) may form a narrow angle (e.g., between about 0 degrees and about 10 degrees) with each other and may face each other. For another example, when the electronic device (101) is in an intermediate state, the first region (221) and the second region (222) of the flexible display (220) may form an angle that is larger than the angle in the folded state and smaller than the angle in the unfolded state. In this case, the flexible display (220) may be formed of a curved surface having at least a predetermined curvature, and the curvature at this time may be smaller than that in the folded state.

[0084] However, the specific angles formed by the first region (221) and the second region (222) in the folded and unfolded states described above are for convenience of explanation and are not limited thereto.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a camera hole (250) and / or a sub-display (251). In one embodiment, the camera hole (250) may correspond to a hole through which at least one lens of the camera module (180) is exposed. Light from outside the electronic device (101) may be incident on the camera module (180) disposed inside the electronic device (101) through the camera hole (250). In one embodiment, the sub-display (251) may display a designated object (e.g., current time, remaining battery level of the electronic device (101)) when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state.

[0086] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a hinge cover (230). The hinge cover (230) may be arranged between a first housing portion (211) and a second housing portion (212) and configured to cover an internal component (e.g., a hinge structure or a hinge).

[0088] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the hinge cover (230) may be covered by a portion of the first housing portion (211) and a portion of the second housing portion (212) or exposed to the outside depending on the state of the electronic device (101). For example, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2), the hinge cover (230) may be covered by the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) and not exposed. For another example, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 3), the hinge cover (230) may be exposed to the outside by a first width (w1) between the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212). For another example, when the first housing part (211) and the second housing part (212) are in an intermediate state where they are folded at a certain angle, the hinge cover (230) may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing part (211) and the second housing part (212). However, the width of the portion of the hinge cover (230) that is exposed to the outside when in the intermediate state may be smaller than the width (e.g., the first width (w1)) that is exposed to the outside when in the folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (230) may include a curved surface. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (230) may include a conductive material (e.g., aluminum).

[0089] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the arrangement of side members and a wireless communication circuit according to one embodiment.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a first housing portion (211), a second housing portion (212), at least one sensor (460), a wireless communication circuit (400), and / or a hinge (450) connecting the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the first housing portion (211) may include side members forming a portion of a side of the electronic device (101). For example, the first housing portion (211) may include a first side member (411), a second side member (412), and / or a third side member (413). For example, the first side member (411), the second side member (412), and / or the third side member (413) may include a conductive material.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the second housing portion (212) may include side members forming a portion of a side of the electronic device. For example, the second housing portion (212) may include a fourth side member (414), a fifth side member (415), and / or a sixth side member (416). For example, the fourth side member (414), the fifth side member (415), and / or the sixth side member (416) may include a conductive material.

[0093] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the side member of the first housing portion (211) may face or be aligned with the side member of the second housing portion (212). For example, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the first side member (411) may face or be aligned with the fifth side member (415). For example, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the second side member (412) may face or be aligned with the fourth side member (414). For example, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the third side member (413) may face or be aligned with the sixth side member (416). In the present disclosure, when the electronic device (101) is folded, it may be in a substantially folded state, and when the electronic device (101) is unfolded, it may be in a substantially unfolded state.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the first housing portion (211) may include a non-conductive material (or dielectric) forming a portion of a side surface. For example, the first housing portion (211) may include a first non-conductive material (421) disposed between the first side surface member (411) and the second side surface member (412). In this case, the first non-conductive material (421) may form a portion of a side surface of the electronic device (101).

[0095] For example, the first housing portion (211) may include a second non-conductive material (422) disposed between the first side member (411) and the third side member (413). In this case, the second non-conductive material (422) may form a portion of a side of the electronic device (101).

[0096] In one embodiment, the second housing portion (212) may include a non-conductive material forming a portion of a side surface. For example, the second housing portion (212) may include a third non-conductive material (423) disposed between the fifth side surface member (415) and the fourth side surface member (414). In this case, the third non-conductive material (423) may form a portion of a side surface of the electronic device (101).

[0097] For example, the second housing portion (212) may include a fourth non-conductive material (424) disposed between the fifth side member (415) and the sixth side member (416). In this case, the fourth non-conductive material (424) may form a portion of the side.

[0098] Although FIG. 4 of the present disclosure describes non-conductive materials as being positioned between side members or forming a portion of a side of the electronic device (101), this is merely an example and may be replaced with various expressions. For example, the first non-conductive material (421) may be positioned or disposed on the first side together with the first side member (411). For example, the second non-conductive material (422) may be positioned or disposed on the first side together with the first side member (411). For example, the third non-conductive material (423) may be positioned or disposed on the second side together with the fifth side member (415), which may be the side that contacts the first side when the electronic device (101) is folded. For example, the fourth non-conductive material (424) may be positioned or disposed on the second side together with the fifth side member (415).

[0099] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the non-conductive material of the first housing portion (211) may face or be aligned with the non-conductive material of the second housing portion (212). For example, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the first non-conductive material (421) may face or be aligned with the third non-conductive material (423). For example, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the second non-conductive material (422) may face or be aligned with the fourth non-conductive material (424).

[0100] In one embodiment, the non-conductive material of the first housing portion (211) may form a portion of a side surface. For example, the first non-conductive material (421) and the second non-conductive material (422) may form at least a portion of one side surface of the electronic device (101) together with the first side surface member (411). The non-conductive material of the second housing portion (212) may form a portion of a side surface. For example, the third non-conductive material (423) and the fourth non-conductive material (424) may form at least a portion of one side surface of the electronic device (101) together with the fifth side surface member (415).

[0101] According to one embodiment, each of the side members included in the first housing portion (211) and the side members included in the second housing portion (212) may be an antenna (or radiator) for transmitting and / or receiving RF (radio frequency) signals. For example, the first side member (411), the second side member (412) and / or the third side member (413) may be an antenna radiator for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals of a designated frequency band. For example, the fourth side member (414), the fifth side member (415) and / or the sixth side member (416) may be an antenna radiator for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals of a designated frequency band.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (400) may include a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) (401), at least one power amplifier (PA) (402), and / or a diplexer (403). The wireless communication circuit (400) of the present disclosure may be a circuit for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) may include at least one mixer for upconverting or downconverting a frequency band of an RF signal. For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) may include at least one low noise amplifier (LNA) in addition to the at least one PA (402). For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) may include RF paths through which RF signals are transmitted.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (400) may be a wireless communication circuit for communication with a satellite (or, NTN satellite). At least one PA (402) may be a PA for amplifying RF signals for communication with the satellite. That is, at least one PA (402) may be a PA for amplifying RF signals of a first frequency band for communication with the satellite.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (400) may be electrically connected to at least one processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1). For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) may be electrically connected to the communication processor and may receive BB (base band) signals from the communication processor. The wireless communication circuit (400) may up-convert the BB signals into RF signals and transmit them to at least one antenna, or down-convert RF signals received from at least one antenna into BB signals.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (400) may be electrically connected to at least one of the side members of the electronic device (101) via transmission paths (440). For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) may be electrically connected to the first side member (411) via the first transmission path (441). For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) may be electrically connected to the fifth side member (415) via the second transmission path (442).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the transmission paths (440) may include various types of lines or components for connecting electrical parts within the electronic device (101). For example, the transmission paths (440) may include at least one of a flexible RF cable (FRC), a printed circuit board (FPCB), a conductive line formed on a printed circuit board, a conductive via formed within a printed circuit board, a C-clip, a pogo-pin, or an interposer.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (400) can transmit and / or receive RF signals by powering the side members of the electronic device (101). For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) can transmit and / or receive RF signals of a first frequency band by powering the first side member (411). For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) can transmit and / or receive RF signals of a first frequency band by powering the fifth side member (415).

[0108] As another example, an RFIC (401) included in a wireless communication circuit (400) can transmit RF signals of a first frequency band to at least one PA (402), and the at least one PA (402) can amplify the transmitted RF signals and transmit them to a diplexer (403). The diplexer (403) can transmit RF signals of the first frequency band to a first side member (411) through a first transmission path (441), and can transmit RF signals of the first frequency band to a fifth side member (415) through a second transmission path (442). In one example, the diplexer (403) can be referred to as a circuit for distributing RF signals output from at least one PA (402) to the first side member (411) and the fifth side member (415), respectively.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the first frequency band may be a frequency band for satellite communications (or NTN satellite communications). For example, the first frequency band may be 2.1 GHz (e.g., n256 band) and / or 1.6 GHz (e.g., n255 band).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (400) may form a radiation pattern (or beam, beam pattern) for communication with a satellite using a plurality of antennas. For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) may form a radiation pattern of RF signals for satellite communication using the first side member (411) and the fifth side member (415). Hereinafter, FIG. 5A describes a case in which various radiation patterns are formed depending on the folding angle of the electronic device (101).

[0111] Although the wireless communication circuit (400) is described in the present disclosure as including an RFIC (401), this is merely an example. For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) may include an RFIC (401) and an intermediate frequency integrated circuit (IFIC).

[0112] In the present disclosure, the wireless communication circuit (400) is described as a wireless communication circuit for communication with a satellite, but this is merely an example. For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) may be a wireless communication circuit that supports not only satellite communication with a satellite, but also other radio access technologies (RATs) (e.g., Wi-Fi, long-term evolution (LTE), new radio (NR)).

[0113] Although the present disclosure has described the wireless communication circuit (400) as transmitting and / or receiving RF signals of the first frequency band by powering the first side member (411) and the fifth side member (415), this is merely an example. The wireless communication circuit (400) may transmit and / or receive RF signals by powering various side members or an antenna radiator within the electronic device (101).

[0114] For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) can transmit and / or receive RF signals of a first frequency band for satellite communication by powering the first side member (411) and the fourth side member (414). For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) can transmit and / or receive RF signals of a first frequency band by powering the first side member (411) and the laser direct structuring (LDS) antenna included in the electronic device (101). For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) can transmit and / or receive RF signals of a first frequency band by powering the fifth side member (425) and the patch antennas included in the electronic device (101).

[0115] According to one embodiment, at least one sensor (460) may include various types of sensors. For example, at least one sensor (460) may include a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and / or a proximity sensor. At least one sensor (460) of the present disclosure may correspond to the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1, and the description of the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1 may apply to at least one sensor (460).

[0116] In the present disclosure, the term wireless communication circuit (410) may be replaced with RFIC, transceiver, communication module, wireless communication module, or communication circuit.

[0117] In the present disclosure, the term transmission path may be replaced with transmission line, RF path, or conductive path.

[0118] In the present disclosure, the term "side member" may be replaced with a conductive side member, a frame, or a conductive portion of a housing. For example, the first side member (411) may be replaced with a first frame, a first conductive portion of a housing, or a first conductive side member.

[0119] In the present disclosure, the term "non-conductive material" may be replaced with a slit, a non-conductive slit, a dielectric, or a segment. For example, the first non-conductive material (421) may be replaced with a first slit, a first non-conductive slit, a first dielectric, or a first segment.

[0120] Although the present disclosure describes the wireless communication circuit (400) as being included in the first housing portion (211), this is merely an example. For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) may be included in the second housing portion (212). As another example, the RFIC (401) of the wireless communication circuit (400) may be included in the first housing portion (211), and at least one PA (402) may be included in the second housing portion (212).

[0121] Although the present disclosure describes that the wireless communication circuit (400) supplies power to the first side member (411) and the fifth side member (415) using the diplexer (403), this is merely an example. For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) can supply power to the first side member (411) and the fifth side member (415) through separate transmission paths without the diplexer (403).

[0122] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a method for forming a radiation pattern using a first antenna and a second antenna in a wireless communication circuit according to one embodiment.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 5A, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may include a first antenna (511) and a second antenna (515). For example, the first antenna (511) may be an antenna located at an upper portion of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a side member of the first housing portion (211)), and the second antenna (515) may be an antenna located at a lower portion of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a side member of the second housing portion (212)). For example, the first antenna (511) may correspond to the first side member (411), and the second antenna (515) may correspond to the second side member (412). For example, the upper part may be a part located in a first direction (e.g., +y direction) with respect to the hinge cover (230), and the lower part may be a part located in a second direction (e.g., -y direction) opposite to the first direction (e.g., +y direction) with respect to the hinge cover (230).

[0124] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) or the housing (210) is in an unfolded state, the first antenna (511) can form a first radiation pattern (501), and the second antenna (515) can form a second radiation pattern (502). For example, when the folding angle of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) is about 180 degrees, the first antenna (511) can form a first radiation pattern (501), and the second antenna (515) can form a second radiation pattern (502). In this case, the distance between the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) can be a first distance (D1).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the first radiation pattern (501) of the first antenna (511) and the second radiation pattern (502) of the second antenna (515) may overlap at least partially and form a single radiation pattern. For example, the radiation patterns described below in FIGS. 11 and 12 may be formed by at least partially overlapping the radiation pattern of the first antenna (511) and the radiation pattern of the second antenna.

[0126] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) or the housing (210) is in an intermediate state, the first antenna (511) may form a third radiation pattern (503), and the second antenna (515) may form a fourth radiation pattern (504). For example, the intermediate state may be referred to as a state intermediate between a state in which the electronic device (101) is fully unfolded and a state in which the electronic device (101) is fully folded. As another example, the intermediate state may be referred to as a state in which the folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) are approximately 45 degrees.

[0127] For example, when the folding angle of the first housing part (211) and the second housing part (212) is about 45 degrees, the first antenna (511) can form a third radiation pattern (503), and the second antenna (515) can form a fourth radiation pattern (504).

[0128] According to one embodiment, even though the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) substantially identically radiate RF signals for satellite communication, the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) may form different radiation patterns depending on the folding angle of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212). Consequently, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the satellite with different radiation patterns depending on the folding angle.

[0129] In one embodiment, the satellite (or NTN satellite) may be a low earth orbit satellite and may orbit with a designated orbital period. Accordingly, whenever the electronic device (101) attempts to communicate with the satellite, the position of the satellite relative to the electronic device (101) on the Earth's surface may change, and the electronic device (101) may need to perform satellite communication with an optimal radiation pattern determined based on an optimal inclination (or attitude), an optimal folding angle, and / or an optimal phase for satellite communication.

[0130] In other words, since the satellite moves with an orbital period, the electronic device (101) needs to perform satellite communication with an optimal radiation pattern for the communication quality of satellite communication, and the electronic device (101) may need to identify an optimal inclination (or optimal attitude), an optimal folding angle, and / or an optimal phase to form an optimal radiation pattern.

[0131] In the present disclosure, the optimal inclination (or optimal attitude) may be referred to as the inclination (or attitude) of the electronic device (101) such that a value indicating the quality of the communication channel is equal to or greater than a specified value when the electronic device (101) establishes a connection with a satellite and a communication channel. For example, the value indicating the quality of the communication channel may include a channel quality indicator (CQI), a precoding matrix indicator (PMI), and / or a reference signal received power (RSRP).

[0132] In the present disclosure, the optimal folding angle may be referred to as a folding angle of the electronic device (101) that causes a value indicating the quality of the communication channel to be equal to or greater than a specified value when the electronic device (101) establishes a connection with a satellite and a communication channel. For example, the optimal phase may be referred to as a phase value of a signal transmitted from the electronic device (101) that causes a value indicating the quality of the communication channel to be equal to or greater than a specified value when the electronic device (101) establishes a connection with a satellite and a communication channel.

[0133] In the present disclosure, the optimal radiation pattern (or optimal beam) may refer to an antenna radiation pattern (or beam) that causes a value indicating the quality of a communication channel to be equal to or greater than a specified value when the electronic device (101) establishes a connection with a satellite and a communication channel. For example, the electronic device (101) may form a radiation pattern (or beam pattern) using antennas to establish a communication connection with a satellite or to transmit and / or receive signals with the satellite. For example, radiation patterns that the antennas may form may include a first radiation pattern, a second radiation pattern, and a third radiation pattern. The electronic device (101) may determine the first radiation pattern corresponding to the highest quality of the communication channel among the first radiation pattern, the second radiation pattern, and the third radiation pattern as the optimal radiation pattern. The optimal radiation pattern may be determined based on at least one of the position of the satellite, the phase of signals radiated from the antennas, the inclination of the electronic device (10), or the folding angle of the electronic device (101), as described above.

[0134] Below, in FIG. 5b, a radiation pattern formed by the electronic device (101) based on the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) depending on the position of the satellite is described.

[0135] FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating an electronic device that forms a radiation pattern based on the position of a satellite according to one embodiment.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 5b, a wireless communication system (500) according to one embodiment may include an electronic device (101), a satellite (510), and / or a base station (520).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the satellite (510) may act as a relay between the electronic device (101) and the base station (520). For example, the satellite (510) may establish a first communication connection (571) with the base station (520), and the satellite (510) may establish a second communication connection (572) with the electronic device (101). The satellite (510) may relay communication between the base station (520) and the electronic device (101) by transmitting information transmitted from the base station (520) to the electronic device (101) located outside the coverage (or cell coverage) of the base station (520).

[0138] For example, the first communication connection (571) may be a feeder link, and the second communication connection (572) may be a service link.

[0139] According to one embodiment, since the satellite (510) orbits along an orbital path, the position of the satellite (510) may change over time. For example, at a first time, the satellite (510) may be located at a first location (531), and the satellite (510) at the first location (531) with respect to the electronic device (101) may correspond to a first azimuth. For example, at a second time, the satellite (510) may be located at a second location (532), and the satellite (510) at the second location (532) with respect to the electronic device (101) may correspond to a second azimuth. For example, at a third time, the satellite (510) may be located at a third location (533), and the satellite (510) at the third location (533) may correspond to a third azimuth.

[0140] For example, the azimuth may be an angle measured in a spherical coordinate system. That is, the azimuth may be referenced as the angle formed between a vector from an electronic device (101) located at the origin to a satellite (510) projected vertically onto a reference plane (e.g., the surface of the earth on which the electronic device (101) is located) and the vertically projected vector and the reference vector. For example, the reference vector may be true north (geographic north), grid north, or magnetic north.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can identify or determine the location of the satellite (510). For example, the electronic device (101) can receive at least one piece of system information (e.g., a system information block (SIB)) broadcast by the satellite (510) and establish a communication connection with the satellite (510) through a random access procedure (or an initial access procedure) based on the at least one piece of system information. The electronic device (101) can receive information about the location of the satellite (510) from the satellite (510). In one example, the information about the location of the satellite (510) can be relative location information (e.g., azimuth) between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510) and / or absolute location information (e.g., location information expressed in latitude and longitude) of the satellite (510). In one example, the azimuth may be referenced as the angle between a reference vector obtained by projecting a vector from the user (e.g., electronic device (101)) to an object (e.g., satellite (510)) onto a reference plane (e.g., the Earth's surface) with the user (e.g., electronic device (101)) as the reference point in a spherical coordinate system and a vector from the user (e.g., electronic device (101)) to an object (e.g., satellite (510)).

[0142] As another example, the electronic device (101) can identify information about the location of the electronic device (101) through the location identification module. The electronic device (101) can store in advance information about the location of the satellite (510) on the orbit over time. The electronic device (101) can identify the relative location (e.g., azimuth) of the satellite based on the information about the location of the electronic device (101) and the information about the location of the satellite (510) on the orbit. In one example, the location identification module can be a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). However, the location identification module is merely an example, and the electronic device (101) can identify information about the location of the electronic device (101) through the processor (120) and / or communication circuit included in the electronic device (101).

[0143] According to one embodiment, in order to secure smooth communication or communication quality above a specified value, the electronic device (101) can form an optimal radiation pattern (or optimal beam) depending on the location of the satellite (510).

[0144] For example, when the electronic device (101) establishes a communication connection with a satellite (510) at a first time point or transmits a signal (e.g., a call signal) to the satellite (510), the electronic device (101) may form a first radiation pattern (or beam) (551) through the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515). For example, when the electronic device (101) establishes a communication connection with a satellite (510) at a second time point or transmits a signal to the satellite (510) while the communication connection is established, the electronic device (101) may form a second radiation pattern (552) through the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515).

[0145] For example, when the electronic device (101) establishes a communication connection with the satellite (510) at a third point in time or transmits a signal to the satellite (510) while the communication connection is established, the electronic device (101) can form a third radiation pattern (553) through the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515).

[0146] The optimal radiation pattern for communication with a satellite (510) may be based on the inclination (or posture) of the electronic device (101), the folding angle, and / or the phase of the signal transmitted from the electronic device (101). Consequently, the electronic device (101) may need to adjust the inclination (or posture), the folding angle, and / or the phase of the signal to ensure smooth communication with the satellite (510).

[0147] In addition, even if the position of the satellite (510) does not change, if the user moves the terminal, the electronic device (101) may need to identify the optimal radiation pattern for satellite communication. As another example, the optimal folding angle and radiation pattern (or beam) may need to be operated differently depending on the battery condition and the uncertainty of the position of the satellite (510) (e.g., timing, synchronization error, and difficulty in azimuth tracking). That is, the electronic device (101) may need to operate a narrow beam with high directivity and a high EIRP (Effective Isotropically Radiated Power) value when securing a signal to ratio (SNR) is required, and may need to operate a wide beam (e.g., a beam with a wide beam width and a low EIRP) when improving timing or synchronization error is required.

[0148] Hereinafter, FIGS. 6 to 9 describe a method for providing a user with guidance to control or control the inclination (or attitude), folding angle and / or phase of a signal of an electronic device (101) for communication with a satellite (510).

[0149] In the present disclosure, the satellite may be an NTN satellite that provides data services to electronic devices on the ground (e.g., electronic device (101)) using a satellite or unmanned aerial system (UAS) located at a relatively high altitude. As another example, the satellite may be a low-orbit satellite.

[0150] Although FIG. 5B of the present disclosure describes that the electronic device (101) forms a beam for satellite communication through the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (512), this is merely an example. For example, the electronic device (101) may include at least one antenna module. Each of the at least one antenna module may include a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., patch antennas). The electronic device (101) may form an optimal beam using the at least one antenna module. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a first antenna module in a first housing (211) and a second antenna module in a second housing (212). The electronic device (101) may control the first antenna module and the second antenna module to form the identified optimal beam.

[0151] FIG. 5c is a diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device according to one embodiment to perform beam forming based on phase information or intensity information.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 5C, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment can form beams having various beam widths and intensities. For example, the electronic device (101) can form a first beam (581) having a first beam width (W1) and a first intensity (C1), and can form a second beam (582) having a second beam width (W2) and a second intensity (C2). The second beam width (W2) can be narrower than the first beam width (W1), and the second intensity (C2) can be smaller than the first intensity (C1).

[0153] That is, the relationship between beam width and intensity may be a trade-off relationship (or an inverse relationship).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can form beams based on the location of the satellite (510). For example, the electronic device (101) can form a first beam (581) having a first beam width (W1) and a first intensity (C1) when the satellite (510) is located at a fourth location (534).

[0155] That is, the electronic device (101) can form the first beam (581) rather than the second beam (582) because the first beam (581) has a relatively wide beam width and can cover up to the fourth position (534) of the satellite (510), even though the first beam (581) has a relatively lower intensity than the second beam (582).

[0156] As another example, the electronic device (101) can form a second beam (582) having a second beam width (W2) and a second intensity (C2) when the satellite (510) is located at a fifth position (535).

[0157] That is, the electronic device (101) can form a second beam (582) having a relatively high intensity because the satellite (510) of the fifth location (535) already exists within the coverage of the second beam (582), even though the second beam (582) may have a relatively smaller beam width than the first beam (581).

[0158] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an electronic device that transmits a signal through a first antenna and a second antenna based on at least one of first folding angle and phase information according to one embodiment.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 6A, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment can identify location information (e.g., azimuth) of a satellite (510) in operation 601.

[0160] For example, the electronic device (101) can receive at least one piece of system information (e.g., master information block (MIB), system information block (SIB)) broadcast by the satellite (510), and can establish a communication connection with the satellite (510) through a random access procedure based on the at least one piece of system information. The electronic device (101) can receive information about the location of the satellite (510) from the satellite (510). In this case, the electronic device (101) can provide the user with a user interface or voice notification requesting the user of the electronic device (101) to change the inclination or folding angle of the electronic device (101) when the radiation directions of the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) are directed toward the ground surface or the user's body. For example, the electronic device (101) may use a gyro sensor to identify that the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) are physically facing the ground, and may provide a user interface or voice notification requesting the user to change the tilt or folding angle. As another example, the electronic device (101) may use a proximity sensor or an infrared sensor to identify that the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) are physically facing the user's body or that the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) are covered by a part of the user's body (e.g., a hand). Based on the identification, the electronic device (101) may provide a user interface or voice notification requesting the user to change the tilt or folding angle.

[0161] As another example, when the electronic device (101) attempts to establish a communication connection with a satellite (510), if the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the electronic device (101) may provide the user with a user interface or voice notification requesting the user to change the state of the electronic device (101) from a folded state to an unfolded state. That is, when the electronic device (101) receives at least one piece of system information to perform an initial connection procedure with the satellite (510), the electronic device (101) may guide the user to have the folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) have a designated value (e.g., about 180 degrees) regardless of the position of the satellite (510). For example, the electronic device (101) may indicate to the user to change the folding angle to the designated value through a beep or a UI on the flexible display.

[0162] As another example, the electronic device (101) can identify information about the location of the electronic device (101) through a location identification module (e.g., a GNSS module). The electronic device (101) can store in advance information about the position of the satellite (510) on its orbit over time. The electronic device (101) can identify the relative position (e.g., azimuth) of the satellite based on the information about the position of the electronic device (101) and the information about the position of the satellite (510) on its orbit.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may identify information about a first inclination of the electronic device (101) (or, first posture information) through at least one sensor in operation 603. For example, the first inclination of the electronic device (101) may be referenced as a degree to which the housing (210) is inclining with respect to the ground surface. For example, the first inclination of the electronic device (101) may be referenced as a degree to which the first housing portion (211) or the second housing portion (212) is inclining with respect to the ground surface. For example, the inclination of the electronic device (101) may be referenced as a degree to which the first area (221) or the second area (222) of the flexible display (220) is inclining with respect to the ground surface.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the tilt of the electronic device (101) may include a horizontal tilt according to a horizontal rotation and a vertical tilt according to a vertical rotation. The tilt of the electronic device (101) is described in detail in FIG. 6b, which will be described later.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can obtain or identify information about the first inclination through at least one sensor (e.g., an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may identify at least one of information about a first folding angle (or a reference folding angle) for communication with the satellite (510), phase information of a signal to be radiated from the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515), or intensity information of the signal based on information about the position of the satellite (510) and information about the first inclination in operation 605.

[0167] For example, the first folding angle (or reference folding angle) may be referred to as the optimal folding angle for communication with the satellite (510), and may be replaced with various terms.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can identify information about a first folding angle (or reference folding angle) for forming an optimal radiation pattern for communication with the satellite (510), information about a phase, and information about intensity when the current position information (e.g., azimuth) of the satellite (510) and the current inclination (e.g., first inclination) of the electronic device (101) are provided.

[0169] For example, the electronic device (101) may pre-store, in a lookup table format, the first folding angle, phase, and intensity mapped to the position information (e.g., azimuth) of the satellite (510) and the inclination of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may use the lookup table to identify at least one of the first folding angle, phase, or intensity mapped to the current position information of the satellite (510) and the current inclination of the electronic device (101).

[0170] According to one embodiment, the operation of identifying a first folding angle for optimal communication with the satellite (510) based on the position information of the satellite (510) and the inclination of the electronic device (101) and the operation of identifying a phase for optimal communication may be performed together in association or independently.

[0171] For example, the folding angle, phase, and / or intensity for the electronic device (101) to perform optimal satellite communication through the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) may be associated. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) may pre-store mapping information corresponding to the position information of the satellite (510) and the inclination of the electronic device (101), and the mapping information may be configured as a set of first folding angle and phase information. That is, the optimal folding angle and phase information for communication with the satellite (510) are associated with each other and may be configured as a single set.

[0172] As another example, the electronic device (101) can independently identify an optimal folding angle between the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) based on the position information of the satellite (510) and the current inclination of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) can identify optimal phase information of RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) when the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) are at the optimal folding angle. That is, the optimal folding angle and phase information for communication with the satellite (510) can be independent of each other and can be configured as separate information. For example, the current inclination can be practically referred to as a point in time when the electronic device (101) attempts to form a beam for satellite communication.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change the folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) to the first folding angle based on information about the first folding angle for communication with the satellite (510).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may transmit and / or receive a signal to the satellite (510) through the wireless communication circuit (400), the first antenna (511), and the second antenna (515) based on at least one of phase information or intensity information for communication with the satellite (510) when the electronic device (101) is folded at the first folding angle in operation 607.

[0175] For example, the electronic device (101) can change the folding angle formed by the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) to the first folding angle, and the electronic device (101) can transmit a signal to the satellite (510) through the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515). In this case, the RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) can be based on the identified phase information. In other words, the electronic device (101) can apply an optimal first phase value (e.g., about 0 degrees) to the first antenna (511) and can apply an optimal second phase value (e.g., about 120 degrees) to the second antenna (515). For another example, when the electronic device (101) cannot change the folding angle formed by the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) to the first folding angle, the electronic device (101) can transmit RF signals through the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) based on the identified phase information while maintaining the second folding angle (or the current folding angle).

[0176] That is, the electronic device (101) can form an optimal beam (e.g., the first beam (581) or the second beam (582) of FIG. 5c) through the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) based on the identified phase information, and can transmit RF signals based on the optimal beam.

[0177] As another example, the electronic device (101) can change the folding angle formed by the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) to the first folding angle, and the electronic device (101) can transmit RF signals through the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (512) based on the identified intensity information.

[0178] That is, referring to FIG. 5c, when the electronic device (101) wants to form a beam having a relatively high intensity, it can identify intensity information (e.g., the second intensity (C2) of FIG. 5c) and form a beam (e.g., the second beam (582)) based on phase information corresponding to the intensity information (e.g., the second intensity (C2) of FIG. 5c).

[0179] As a result, the electronic device (101) forming a beam for transmitting RF signals based on intensity information can be understood as the electronic device (101) forming a beam for transmitting RF signals based on phase information corresponding to intensity information.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the first folding angle (or reference folding angle) for communication with the satellite (510), the optimal inclination (e.g., the second inclination of FIG. 7) for communication with the satellite (510), and the phase information may each be determined based on a beam for ensuring that the quality of communication with the satellite (510) is equal to or greater than a specified value. For example, FIG. 5C describes a method for the electronic device (101) to determine an optimal beam (e.g., the first beam (581) or the second beam (582) of FIG. 5C) for ensuring that the quality of communication is equal to or greater than a specified value based on the location of the satellite (510). The first folding angle, the second inclination, and the phase information may be for forming an optimal beam.

[0181] Meanwhile, FIGS. 6C to 6D below describe a method for determining an optimal beam for ensuring a communication quality of a specified value or higher based on the latency between the electronic device (101) and a satellite (510). The first folding angle, second inclination, and phase information may be used to form an optimal beam.

[0182] FIG. 6e illustrates a method for determining an optimal beam for an electronic device (101) to ensure a communication quality greater than a specified value based on the battery capacity of the electronic device (101). For example, the first folding angle, the second tilt, and the phase information may be used to form an optimal beam.

[0183] FIGS. 6F to 6G illustrate a method for determining an optimal beam for ensuring a communication quality of at least a specified value based on whether a communication connection has been established with another satellite prior to establishing a communication connection with the satellite (510). For example, the first folding angle, the second tilt, and the phase information may be used to form an optimal beam.

[0184] In FIG. 6h, a method is described in which an electronic device (101) determines an optimal beam for ensuring a communication quality greater than a specified value based on the reliability of the position information of a satellite (510). The first folding angle, second inclination, and phase information may be used to form an optimal beam.

[0185] It can be understood that operations 601 to 607 performed by the electronic device (101) in FIG. 6A of the present disclosure are substantially performed by at least one processor (e.g., processor (120)), communication processor, or wireless communication circuit (400) included in the electronic device (101).

[0186] The order of operations 601 to 607 described in FIG. 6a of the present disclosure is illustratively described for convenience of explanation, and at least some of operations 601 to 607 may be performed in parallel or substantially identically, unless contradictory.

[0187] FIG. 6b is a drawing for explaining the inclination of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 6B, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment can rotate horizontally and / or vertically. For example, the electronic device (101) can rotate horizontally around a first axis (e.g., y-axis). For example, the electronic device (101) can rotate vertically around a second axis (e.g., x-axis).

[0189] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may tilt in the vertical direction or tilt in the horizontal direction as the electronic device (101) rotates horizontally or vertically. Consequently, the electronic device (101) may have a relative tilt with respect to the ground surface by rotating horizontally or vertically.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the relative positional relationship between the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) and the satellite (510) may vary depending on the inclination of the electronic device (101). Accordingly, the electronic device (101) may determine or identify the optimal folding angle and phase information for communication with the satellite (510) after identifying the inclination of the electronic device (101) through at least one sensor.

[0191] For example, at least one sensor may include a gyro sensor and / or an acceleration sensor.

[0192] Below, FIG. 7 describes a method for identifying the optimal inclination of the electronic device (101) for communicating with a satellite (510) and providing guidance to the user.

[0193] FIG. 6c is a diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device according to one embodiment to determine a beamwidth of a beam based on latency.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 6c, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment can identify latency occurring during transmission of a signal between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510) based on an obstacle (e.g., an obstacle (616) of FIG. 6d) existing between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510) in operation 611.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the obstacles may be various objects placed in the surrounding environment of the electronic device (101). For example, the obstacles may be objects (e.g., trees, leaves, buildings, clouds, snow, or rain) adjacent to the electronic device (101).

[0196] In one embodiment, if an obstacle is placed between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510), the propagation of RF signals transmitted by the electronic device (101) may be delayed. Accordingly, the satellite (510) may not receive the RF signals or may only receive some of the data contained in the RF signals.

[0197] For example, a satellite (510) or a base station (e.g., a base station (520) of FIG. 5B) may set or indicate resource information for transmitting RF signals to an electronic device (101) via a radio resource control (RRC) message, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), and / or downlink control information (DCI). The electronic device (101) may transmit uplink data based on the resource information of the received DCI. The satellite (510) may expect to receive uplink data from the electronic device (101) based on the resources indicated by the DCI. However, if an obstacle is placed between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510) and a delay occurs, the satellite (510) may not receive uplink data based on the resources indicated by the DCI, or may receive only a portion of the uplink data.

[0198] Therefore, the electronic device (101) may need to identify latency caused by an obstacle when an obstacle exists between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510) and reduce or minimize the latency.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine the beamwidth of the beam based on the latency identified in operation 613. For example, the electronic device (101) can form a first beam having a first intensity and a first beamwidth and a second beam having a second intensity and a second beamwidth. The second intensity can be stronger than the first intensity, and the second beamwidth can be smaller than the first beamwidth. If an obstacle exists, the electronic device (101) can form a second beam having a stronger intensity even though the beamwidth is relatively smaller in order to reduce or minimize the latency.

[0200] As another example, the electronic device (101) can form a first beam having a relatively wide beam width when there are no obstacles between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510).

[0201] According to one embodiment, there may be various ways for the electronic device (101) to identify the presence of an obstacle. For example, the electronic device (101) may transmit a reference signal (RS) (e.g., demodulation reference signal (DMRS), sounding reference signal (SRS)) signal to the satellite (510), and may determine whether an obstacle exists between the satellite (510) and the electronic device (101) based on a response or report to the RS signal received from the satellite (510).

[0202] As another example, the electronic device (101) can receive weather information and / or terrain information of the area where the electronic device (101) is located from a satellite (510), and the electronic device (101) can identify the presence of an obstacle based on the weather information and / or terrain information.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine at least one of an optimal tilt (e.g., a second tilt), an optimal folding angle (e.g., a first folding angle), or optimal phase information for forming an optimal beam (e.g., a first beam or a second beam). That is, the electronic device (101) can determine at least one of an optimal tilt (e.g., a second tilt), an optimal folding angle (e.g., a first folding angle), or optimal phase information based on an optimal beam for communication with a satellite (510).

[0204] Although FIG. 6c of the present disclosure describes an electronic device (101) identifying latency due to the presence of an obstacle, this is merely an example. For example, the electronic device (101) may identify latency based on information about the surrounding environment of the electronic device (101). For example, the electronic device (101) may identify latency based on noise information surrounding the electronic device (101).

[0205] Although FIG. 6c of the present disclosure describes that the electronic device (101) performs operations 611 to 613, it can be understood that operations 611 to 613 are actually performed by the processor (120) and / or wireless communication circuit (400) included in the electronic device (101).

[0206] FIG. 6d is a diagram illustrating a beam formed by an electronic device when an obstacle exists between the electronic device and a satellite and when there is no obstacle between the electronic device and the satellite according to one embodiment.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 6D, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment can form a first beam (614) using a first antenna (511) and a second antenna (515) when there is no obstacle (616). For example, the first beam (614) can have a first beam width (W1) and a first intensity (C1). By performing communication with a satellite (510) through the first beam (614) having a relatively wide beam width, the electronic device (101) can reduce or prevent the satellite (510) from moving out of the beam's coverage area, thereby deteriorating communication quality.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may form a second beam (615) using the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) when an obstacle (616) exists. For example, the second beam (615) may have a second beam width (W2) and a second intensity (C2). The electronic device (101) may reduce or minimize latency occurring during communication with the satellite (510) by performing communication with the satellite (510) through the second beam (615) having a relatively high intensity.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine at least one of an optimal tilt (e.g., a second tilt), an optimal folding angle (e.g., a first folding angle), or optimal phase information for forming an optimal beam (e.g., a first beam (614) or a second beam (615)). That is, the electronic device (101) can determine at least one of an optimal tilt (e.g., a second tilt), an optimal folding angle (e.g., a first folding angle), or optimal phase information based on an optimal beam for communication with a satellite (510).

[0210] FIG. 6E is a diagram illustrating a method of forming a beam based on the remaining capacity of a battery by an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 6E, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment can identify the capacity (or remaining capacity) of a battery (189) in operation 621. For example, the electronic device (101) can include a battery (189) and a power management module (188) (e.g., a power management integrated circuit (PMIC)) for supplying power to a wireless communication circuit (400). The electronic device (101) can identify the remaining power of the battery (189) through the power management module (188).

[0212] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the capacity (or remaining capacity) of the battery (189) is greater than or equal to a threshold value in operation 623. For example, the threshold value may be preset in the electronic device (101). As another example, the threshold value may be determined based on a current value and / or voltage value applied to a power amplifier (PA) and / or a low noise amplifier (LNA) included in the wireless communication circuit (400).

[0213] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may transmit a signal using a first beam (614) having a first beam width (W1) in operation 625 when the remaining capacity of the battery (189) is equal to or greater than the threshold value. For example, the electronic device (101) may transmit the first beam (614) to the satellite (510) at a specified interval when the remaining capacity of the battery (189) is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0214] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may transmit a signal using a second beam (615) having a second beam width (W2) in operation 627 when the remaining capacity of the battery (189) is less than the threshold value. For example, the electronic device (101) may transmit the second beam (615) to the satellite (510) a specified number of times (e.g., once) when the remaining capacity of the battery (189) is less than the threshold value.

[0215] That is, when the remaining capacity of the battery (189) is low, the electronic device (101) can form a second beam (615) having a high intensity a specified number of times to reduce power consumption of the battery (189) rather than forming a beam at a specified cycle using a first beam (614) having a wide beam width.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine at least one of an optimal tilt (e.g., a second tilt), an optimal folding angle (e.g., a first folding angle), or optimal phase information for forming an optimal beam (e.g., a first beam or a second beam). That is, the electronic device (101) can determine at least one of an optimal tilt (e.g., a second tilt), an optimal folding angle (e.g., a first folding angle), or optimal phase information based on an optimal beam for communication with a satellite (510).

[0217] Operations 621 to 627 of FIG. 6e of the present disclosure may be performed in parallel or in a different order as long as they are not contradictory.

[0218] Although FIG. 6e of the present disclosure describes that the electronic device (101) performs operations 621 to 627, it can be understood that operations 621 to 627 are actually performed by the processor (120) and / or wireless communication circuit (400) included in the electronic device (101).

[0219] FIG. 6F is a diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device according to one embodiment to form a beam based on whether a communication connection has been established with another satellite that is distinct from the satellite.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 6F, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may determine whether a communication connection has been established with a first satellite that is distinct from the satellite (510) before establishing a communication connection with the satellite (510) in operation 631. For example, in the case of communication using a low-orbit satellite, discontinuous connectivity (DC) may occur due to the satellite's orbit. To minimize discontinuous communication connections, a plurality of low-orbit satellites may form a group. When a first satellite (e.g., satellite (640) of FIG. 6G) among the plurality of low-orbit satellites loses communication connection with the electronic device (101), a satellite (510) adjacent to the electronic device (101) through orbit may attempt to establish a direct communication connection with the electronic device (101), thereby reducing or minimizing DC.

[0221] The electronic device (101) can determine whether the electronic device (101) has established a communication connection with a first satellite (e.g., satellite (640) of FIG. 6g) prior to establishing a communication connection with the satellite (510). That is, if the electronic device (101) is establishing low-orbit satellite communication with the satellite (510) for the first time, the electronic device (101) can identify that it has not established a communication connection with the satellite (510) or another satellite (e.g., the first satellite).

[0222] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may transmit a signal using a second beam (615) having a second beam width (W2) narrower than the first beam width (W1) when a communication connection has been established with the first satellite. For example, when the electronic device (101) has already established a communication connection with the first satellite, the electronic device (101) may receive location information of an adjacent satellite (510) from the first satellite, and the received location information may have a relatively high reliability.

[0223] In this case, the electronic device (101) may not need to communicate with the satellite (510) through the first beam (614) having a relatively wide beam width but low intensity because the reliability of the position information of the satellite (510) is high. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can communicate with the satellite (510) through the second beam (615) having a relatively high intensity.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may transmit a signal using a first beam (614) having a first beam width (W1) when a communication connection has never been established with a first satellite (e.g., when performing low-orbit satellite communication for the first time). When the electronic device (101) performs low-orbit satellite communication with a satellite (510) for the first time, the reliability of the location information of the satellite (510) may be relatively low. In this case, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the satellite (510) using a first beam (614) having a relatively wide beam width.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine at least one of an optimal tilt (e.g., a second tilt), an optimal folding angle (e.g., a first folding angle), or optimal phase information for forming an optimal beam (e.g., a first beam or a second beam). That is, the electronic device (101) can determine at least one of an optimal tilt (e.g., a second tilt), an optimal folding angle (e.g., a first folding angle), or optimal phase information based on an optimal beam for communication with a satellite (510).

[0226] Operations 631 to 635 of FIG. 6f of the present disclosure may be performed in parallel or in a different order as long as they are not contradictory.

[0227] FIG. 6g is a diagram illustrating a terminal performing communication between a first satellite and a satellite according to one embodiment.

[0228] According to one embodiment, each of the satellite (510) and the first satellite (640) may be a satellite for performing low-orbit communication. For example, the satellite (510) and the first satellite (640) may be included in a single group for supporting satellite communication. For example, as satellites performing low-orbit satellite communication move according to their orbital cycles, when the first satellite (640), which has established a communication connection with the electronic device (101), moves beyond the Earth's surface, communication may become difficult or the communication quality may deteriorate. In order to minimize or reduce such DC, the satellite (510) may need to establish a communication connection with the electronic device (101) before or immediately after the first satellite (640) moves beyond the Earth's surface. Therefore, the satellite (510) and the first satellite (640) may form a satellite group (or groups) for low-orbit satellite communication. The satellite (510) included in the group and the first satellite (640) can establish a second communication connection (642) and transmit and / or receive data between each other.

[0229] In one embodiment, while the electronic device (101) is performing satellite communication with the first satellite (640) through the first communication connection (641), the first satellite (640) may move beyond the Earth's surface and out of the coverage for communication of the electronic device (101). In this case, the electronic device (101) may need to establish a third communication connection (643) with an incoming or adjacent satellite (510) to the electronic device (101).

[0230] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may receive location information of the satellite (510) through the first communication connection (641) to establish a third communication connection (643) with the satellite (510). In this case, the location information of the satellite (510) received from the first satellite (640) may have relatively high reliability. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) may establish a communication connection with the satellite (510) through the second beam (615) having a relatively narrow beam width but high intensity. That is, if the electronic device (101) has established a communication connection with a first satellite (640) different from the satellite (510), the electronic device (101) may establish a communication connection with the satellite (510) through the second beam (615) having a relatively high intensity.

[0231] On the other hand, if the electronic device (101) has never established a communication connection with the first satellite (640), communication may need to be attempted based on the location information of the satellite (510) pre-stored in the electronic device (101). In this case, the pre-stored location information of the satellite (510) may have relatively low reliability. Accordingly, the electronic device (101) can establish a communication connection with the satellite (510) through the first beam (614) having a relatively low intensity but a wide beam width.

[0232] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine at least one of an optimal tilt (e.g., a second tilt), an optimal folding angle (e.g., a first folding angle), or optimal phase information for forming an optimal beam (e.g., a first beam or a second beam). That is, the electronic device (101) can determine at least one of an optimal tilt (e.g., a second tilt), an optimal folding angle (e.g., a first folding angle), or optimal phase information based on an optimal beam for communication with a satellite (510).

[0233] FIG. 6h is a diagram illustrating a method of forming a beam based on the reliability of position information of a satellite by an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0234] Referring to FIG. 6h, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment can identify the reliability of the location information of a satellite (510) in operation 651. For example, the location information of the satellite (510) pre-stored in the electronic device (101) can be identified as having a relatively low reliability. For example, the location information received by the electronic device (101) from the satellite (510) can be identified as having a relatively high reliability. For example, if tracking of the satellite (510) is difficult, the location information can be identified as having a relatively low reliability.

[0235] As another example, when an electronic device (101) obtains the azimuth of a satellite (510) based on the pre-stored orbital position of the satellite (510), the reliability of the obtained azimuth (e.g., location information) may vary depending on the mathematical formula or calculation method used to obtain the azimuth. As another example, when a satellite (510) transmits location information of the satellite (510) to an electronic device (101), information including a parameter or field indicating the reliability of the location information may be transmitted together.

[0236] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the reliability of the location information of the satellite (510) is less than or equal to a threshold value in operation 653. For example, the threshold value may be preset in the electronic device (101). For example, the threshold value may be determined based on a scheme in which the location information of the satellite (510) is acquired. That is, if the location information (e.g., azimuth) of the satellite (510) is determined based on information pre-stored in the electronic device (101), a relatively high threshold value may be set. In another example, if the location information of the satellite (510) is received from the satellite (510), a relatively low threshold value may be set.

[0237] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may transmit a signal to the satellite (510) using a first beam (614) having a first beam width (W1) when the reliability of the position information of the satellite (510) is below a threshold value in operation 655. That is, when the uncertainty of the position of the satellite (510) is high, the electronic device (101) may reduce or prevent the satellite (510) from moving out of coverage and deteriorating the quality of communication by using the first beam (614) having a wide beam width.

[0238] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may transmit a signal to the satellite (510) using a second beam (615) having a second beam width (W2) when the reliability of the position information of the satellite (510) exceeds a threshold value in operation 657. That is, the electronic device (101) may improve the quality of communication with the satellite (510) by using the second beam (615) having a narrow beam width but high intensity when the uncertainty of the position of the satellite (510) is low.

[0239] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can determine at least one of an optimal tilt (e.g., a second tilt), an optimal folding angle (e.g., a first folding angle), or optimal phase information for forming an optimal beam (e.g., a first beam or a second beam). That is, the electronic device (101) can determine at least one of an optimal tilt (e.g., a second tilt), an optimal folding angle (e.g., a first folding angle), or optimal phase information based on an optimal beam for communication with a satellite (510).

[0240] Operations 651 to 657 of FIG. 6h of the present disclosure may be performed in parallel or in a different order as long as they are not contradictory.

[0241] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device according to one embodiment to provide guidance to a user based on a second inclination for satellite communication.

[0242] Referring to FIG. 7, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may compare a second inclination and a first inclination for communication with a satellite (510) in operation 701. For example, the electronic device (101) may identify a position (e.g., azimuth) of the satellite (510) and identify an optimal inclination that maps to the current position of the satellite. The electronic device (101) may compare the second inclination, which is the optimal inclination, with the measured first inclination. In one example, the first inclination of the electronic device (101) may be measured by at least one sensor (e.g., a gyro sensor and / or an acceleration sensor).

[0243] For example, the first inclination may be the current inclination of the electronic device (101) measured in operation 601 of FIG. 6. The second inclination may be referenced as an optimal inclination for satellite communication determined based on the position (e.g., azimuth) of the satellite (510).

[0244] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may provide information about the second inclination for communication with the satellite (510) to the user of the electronic device (101) when the second inclination and the first inclination are different in operation 703.

[0245] As another example, the electronic device (101) may provide information about the second inclination for communication with the satellite (510) to the user of the electronic device (101) if the difference between the second inclination and the first inclination is greater than or equal to a specified value.

[0246] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may not provide the user with information about the second inclination for communication with the satellite (510) if the second inclination and the first inclination are substantially the same or the difference between the second inclination and the first inclination is less than or equal to a specified value. In this case, the electronic device (101) may provide the user with information about the folding angle or adjust the folding angle without a separate guide for the inclination.

[0247] The second inclination of the present disclosure may be referred to as an optimal inclination of the electronic device (101) that makes a value indicating the quality of communication between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510) equal to or greater than a specified value based on the current position (e.g., azimuth) of the satellite (510).

[0248] Operations 701 to 703 of the present disclosure may be performed between operations 601 and 603 of FIG. 6. Accordingly, the embodiment of FIG. 7 may be combined with the embodiment of FIG. 6. However, the order of operations 701 and 703 described in FIG. 7 is merely an example, and operations 701 and 703 may not necessarily be performed between operations 601 and 603.

[0249] The order of operations 701 to 703 described in FIG. 7 of the present disclosure is exemplarily described for convenience of explanation, and at least some of operations 701 to 703 may be performed in parallel or substantially identically, unless contradictory.

[0250] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a method for adjusting a folding angle between a first housing and a second housing in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0251] Referring to FIG. 8, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment can identify a second folding angle (or current folding angle) between a first housing portion (211) and a second housing portion (212) in operation 801. For example, the electronic device (101) can identify the second folding angle between the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) through at least one sensor. For example, the electronic device (101) can identify a distance between the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212), and can identify the second folding angle by identifying a folding angle mapped to the identified distance.

[0252] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether a difference between the first folding angle (or reference folding angle) and the second folding angle (or current folding angle) is greater than or equal to a threshold value in operation 803. As another example, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the first folding angle and the second folding angle are different.

[0253] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may provide a guide indicating to change the folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) to the first folding angle when the difference between the first folding angle and the second folding angle is greater than or equal to a threshold value in operation 805, or may change the folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) to the first folding angle through a motor.

[0254] For example, if the difference between the folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) and the first folding angle is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the electronic device (101) may display a guide interface on at least one of the flexible display (220) or the sub-display (251) indicating that the folding angle formed by the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) is to be changed to the first folding angle. As an example, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the electronic device (101) may display the guide interface on the flexible display (220) or the sub-display (251). As an example, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the electronic device (101) may display the guide interface on the sub-display (251). According to an embodiment, the electronic device (101) may provide the guide interface through vibration, sound, screen blinking (or LED display), or data information that can be detected by the user.

[0255] As another example, the electronic device (101) may include a motor configured to adjust the folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) based on a control signal received from at least one processor (e.g., the processor (120)). The electronic device (101) may change the folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) to the first folding angle through the motor when a difference between the second folding angle and the first folding angle is greater than or equal to a threshold value. That is, the motor may change the folding angle from the second folding angle to the first folding angle.

[0256] In the present disclosure, the second folding angle (or current folding angle) may be referred to as the folding angle of the electronic device (101) measured by at least one sensor.

[0257] In the present disclosure, the first folding angle (or reference folding angle) may be referred to as a folding angle that makes a value indicating the quality of communication between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510) equal to or greater than a specified value.

[0258] Operations 801 to 803 of the present disclosure may be substantially performed by at least one processor or wireless communication circuit (400) included in the electronic device (101).

[0259] The order of operations 801 to 805 described in FIG. 8 of the present disclosure is exemplarily described for convenience of explanation, and at least some of operations 801 to 805 may be performed in parallel or substantially identically, unless contradictory.

[0260] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for transmitting a signal to a satellite according to one embodiment.

[0261] Referring to FIG. 9, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may start or initiate satellite communication in operation 901. For example, the electronic device (101) may receive information (e.g., system information) broadcast by a satellite (510) and perform a random access procedure on the satellite (510) based on the received information. The electronic device (101) may initiate satellite communication by establishing a communication connection with the satellite (510) through the random access procedure. For example, the system information may be MIB or SIB information transmitted from the satellite (510).

[0262] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may receive location information of a satellite (510) from a satellite (510) with which a communication connection has been established, or identify or derive the location of the satellite (510) based on a pre-stored location on the satellite's (510) orbit.

[0263] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can identify the inclination (or posture) of the electronic device (101) through at least one sensor in operation 903. For example, the at least one sensor can identify the inclination (or posture) of the electronic device (101) based on six axes (e.g., +x-axis, -x-axis, +y-axis, -y-axis, +z-axis, -z-axis). For example, an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor can identify the inclination (or posture) of the electronic device (101) based on six axes.

[0264] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the electronic device (101) satisfies an optimal inclination (or optimal attitude) for satellite communication in operation 905. For example, the electronic device (101) may identify a location of a satellite (510), identify an optimal inclination (or attitude) for communication with the satellite (510) based on the location of the satellite (510), and determine whether the optimal inclination (or attitude) is substantially the same as the inclination of the identified electronic device (101) or whether a difference (e.g., an angular difference) between the optimal inclination (or attitude) and the inclination of the identified electronic device (101) is within a threshold value.

[0265] According to one embodiment, if the electronic device (101) does not satisfy the optimal inclination (or attitude) for satellite communication, the electronic device (101) may guide the optimal inclination (or attitude) for satellite communication in operation 907. For example, the electronic device (101) may display the optimal inclination (or attitude) to the user through the flexible display (220) or the sub-display (251).

[0266] Although the present disclosure describes that the electronic device (101) performs operation 903 after performing operation 907, this is merely an example. For example, if the electronic device (101) performs operation 907 but the user does not change the position of the electronic device (101) according to the guide or the position of the electronic device (101) does not change for a specified period of time, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 909 instead of repeatedly performing operation 903.

[0267] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) satisfies the optimal inclination (or attitude) for satellite communication, the electronic device (101) may identify a folding angle of the electronic device (101) in operation 909. For example, the electronic device (101) may identify a second folding angle (or current folding angle) of the electronic device (101) using at least one sensor.

[0268] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may determine whether the optimal folding angle is satisfied in operation 911. For example, the electronic device (101) may identify the optimal folding angle for communication with the satellite (510) based on the position of the satellite (510) and the inclination (or attitude) of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may compare the optimal folding angle with a second folding angle (or current folding angle) (e.g., folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212). The electronic device (101) may determine that the optimal folding angle is not satisfied if the optimal folding angle and the second folding angle (or current folding angle) are different, or if the difference between the optimal folding angle and the second folding angle is greater than a threshold value.

[0269] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can guide the optimal folding angle when the optimal folding angle is not satisfied, or change the folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) to the optimal folding angle.

[0270] For example, if the optimal folding angle and the second folding angle are different, the electronic device (101) may display a guide interface indicating the optimal folding angle through the flexible display (220) or the sub-display (251). As an example, the guide interface may indicate the difference between the optimal folding angle and the second folding angle in numbers or in the form of a bar.

[0271] For another example, if the optimal folding angle and the second folding angle are different, the electronic device (101) can use a motor to change the folding angle from the second folding angle to the optimal folding angle.

[0272] Although the present disclosure describes that the electronic device (101) performs operation 909 after performing operation 913, this is merely an example. For example, if the electronic device (101) performs operation 913 but the user does not change the folding angle of the electronic device (101) according to the guide or the folding angle of the electronic device (101) does not change for a specified period of time, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 915 instead of repeatedly performing operation 909. For example, if the folding angle does not change, the electronic device (101) may perform operation 915 for identifying an optimal phase value for satellite communication instead of repeatedly performing operation 909 for identifying the folding angle.

[0273] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can identify an optimal phase for satellite communication at operation 915 when the optimal folding angle is satisfied. For example, the electronic device (101) can identify the optimal folding angle and the optimal phase based on the position (e.g., azimuth) of the satellite (510) and the inclination of the electronic device (101). After changing the folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) to the optimal folding angle, the electronic device (101) can apply the optimal phase value to each of the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515).

[0274] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can generate a signal based on an optimal phase at operation 917. For example, the electronic device (101) can identify a first phase value for the first antenna (511) and a second phase value for the second antenna (515), and can apply the first phase value to the first antenna (511) to form a first radiation pattern, and can apply the second phase value to the second antenna (515) to form a second radiation pattern.

[0275] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may guide the user to an optimal folding angle, but even if the folding angle does not change or automatic change of the folding angle is difficult, the optimal phase value may need to be identified for satellite communication. In this case, the optimal phase value may be an optimal phase value determined under conditions where the optimal folding angle is satisfied.

[0276] The optimal phase value can be substantially the same in both cases where the optimal folding angle is not satisfied and when the optimal folding angle is satisfied. That is, the optimal phase value can be a fixed value.

[0277] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may transmit a call signal to a satellite (510) at operation 919. The satellite (510) may act as a repeater by transmitting information to a base station (520) in response to receiving the call signal.

[0278] Operations 901 to 919 of the present disclosure may be substantially performed by at least one processor or wireless communication circuit (400) included in the electronic device (101).

[0279] Operation 903 of the present disclosure may correspond to operation 603 of FIG. 6. Operations 909 and 915 of the present disclosure may correspond to operation 605 of FIG. 6. Operation 917 of the present disclosure may correspond to operation 607 of FIG. 6. Accordingly, the embodiment of FIG. 9 may be combined with the embodiment of FIG. 6. However, the correspondence relationship between the operations of FIG. 9 and FIG. 6 described above is merely an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0280] The order of operations 901 to 919 described in FIG. 9 of the present disclosure is illustratively described for convenience of explanation, and at least some of operations 901 to 919 may be performed in parallel or substantially identically, unless contradictory.

[0281] FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a method for an electronic device according to one embodiment to change the phase of RF signals transmitted to a first antenna and a second antenna.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 10A, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment can change the phases of first RF signals transmitted to a first antenna (511) and change the phases of second RF signals transmitted to a second antenna (515) using a phase shifter.

[0283] For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) may include an RFIC (401), a first phase shifter (1001), and / or a second phase shifter (1002). First RF signals output from the RFIC (401) may have their phases changed by the first phase shifter (1001) and be transmitted to the first antenna (511). In this case, the first phase shifter (1001) may change the phases of the first RF signals based on an optimal first phase value for communication with the satellite (510). Second RF signals output from the RFIC (401) may have their phases changed by the second phase shifter (1002) and be transmitted to the second antenna (515). In this case, the second phase shifter (1002) may change the phases of the second RF signals based on an optimal second phase value for communication with the satellite (510).

[0284] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change the phases of first RF signals transmitted to the first antenna (511) and can change the phases of second RF signals transmitted to the second antenna (515) by changing the length of the transmission line.

[0285] For example, the wireless communication circuit (400) may include an RFIC (401), a first switch circuit (1011) including first lumped elements (1021) (e.g., capacitors, inductors, and / or resistors), and / or a second switch circuit (1012) including second lumped elements (1022). First RF signals output from the RFIC (401) may be transmitted to a first antenna (511) via one of the first lumped elements (1021) by the first switch circuit (1011). In this case, the first switch circuit (1011) may adjust the phase of the first RF signal by selecting a lumped element through which the first RF signals pass based on an optimal first phase value for communication with the satellite (510). The second RF signals output from the RFIC (401) may be transmitted to the second antenna (515) through one of the second lumped elements (1022) by the second switch circuit (1012). In this case, the second switch circuit (1012) may adjust the phase of the second RF signal by selecting the lumped element through which the second RF signals pass based on the optimal second phase value for communication with the satellite (510).

[0286] FIG. 10b is a drawing illustrating radiation patterns according to a folding angle of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0287] Referring to FIG. 10b, a first radiation pattern (1081) according to one embodiment may be referred to as a radiation pattern (or beam pattern) of RF signals radiated from the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) when the angle formed by the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) is approximately 180 degrees. The first radiation pattern (1081) may correspond to a case (1091) where the angle formed by the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) is approximately 180 degrees.

[0288] According to one embodiment, the second radiation pattern (1082) may be referred to as a radiation pattern of RF signals radiated from the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) when the angle formed by the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) is about 120 degrees. The second radiation pattern (1092) may correspond to the case (1092) where the angle formed by the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) is about 120 degrees.

[0289] According to one embodiment, the third radiation pattern (1083) may be referred to as a radiation pattern of RF signals radiated from the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515) when the angle formed by the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) is about 60 degrees. The third radiation pattern (1083) may correspond to a case (1093) where the angle formed by the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) is about 60 degrees.

[0290] Comparing the first radiation pattern (1081) and the second radiation pattern (1082), it is confirmed that the radiation pattern is relatively biased in the direction of about 90 degrees when the folding angle of the first housing part (211) and the second housing part (212) is about 120 degrees compared to when the folding angle is about 180 degrees.

[0291] Comparing the second radiation pattern (1082) and the third radiation pattern (1083), it is confirmed that the radiation pattern is relatively biased in the direction of about 90 degrees when the folding angle of the first housing part (211) and the second housing part (212) is about 60 degrees compared to when the folding angle is about 120 degrees.

[0292] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change the radiation pattern of RF signals radiated from the first antenna (511) included in the first housing portion (211) and the second antenna (515) included in the second housing portion (212) by adjusting the folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212). Consequently, the electronic device (101) can control the folding angles of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) to form an optimal radiation pattern for satellite communication or provide a guide message to the user requesting to change the folding angle.

[0293] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a radiation pattern according to the phase of a signal transmitted from a first antenna and a second antenna when the folding angle is about 180 degrees according to one embodiment.

[0294] FIG. 11 of the present disclosure is a drawing for explaining a radiation pattern according to the phase of signals transmitted from a first antenna (511) and a second antenna (515) when the electronic device (101) is substantially in an unfolded state.

[0295] Referring to FIG. 11, a first radiation pattern (1101) according to an embodiment may be referred to as a radiation pattern when the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is 225 degrees. A second radiation pattern (1102) may be referred to as a radiation pattern when the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is 180 degrees. A third radiation pattern (1103) may be referred to as a radiation pattern when the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is 135 degrees.

[0296] The fourth radiation pattern (1104) may be referred to as a radiation pattern when the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is 315 degrees. The fifth radiation pattern (1105) may be referred to as a radiation pattern when the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is 45 degrees. The sixth radiation pattern (1106) may be referred to as a radiation pattern when the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is 90 degrees. The seventh radiation pattern (1107) may be referred to as a radiation pattern in which the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is 0 degrees.

[0297] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change the directivity or directionality of the radiation pattern by adjusting the phase values ​​of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) and the phase values ​​of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515). For example, when comparing the first radiation pattern (1101) and the seventh radiation pattern (1107), it is confirmed that the radiation pattern of the first radiation pattern (1101) is biased in the direction of about 0 degrees compared to the seventh radiation pattern (1107).

[0298] As a result, the electronic device (101) can form various radiation patterns by adjusting the phase values ​​of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) and the phase values ​​of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515), and the electronic device (101) can secure an optimal beam for satellite communication based on the location information of the satellite (510) through the phase adjustment.

[0299] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a radiation pattern according to the phase of a signal transmitted from a first antenna and a second antenna when the folding angle is about 60 degrees according to one embodiment.

[0300] Referring to FIG. 12, a first radiation pattern (1201) according to an embodiment may be referred to as a radiation pattern when the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is about 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is about 60 degrees. A second radiation pattern (1202) may be referred to as a radiation pattern when the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is about 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is about 315 degrees. A third radiation pattern (1203) may be referred to as a radiation pattern when the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is about 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is about 270 degrees.

[0301] The fourth radiation pattern (1204) may be referred to as a radiation pattern when the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is about 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is about 180 degrees. The fifth radiation pattern (1205) may be referred to as a radiation pattern when the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is about 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is about 0 degrees. The sixth radiation pattern (1206) may be referred to as a radiation pattern when the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is about 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is about 90 degrees. The seventh radiation pattern (1207) may be referred to as a radiation pattern in which the phase value of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) is about 0 degrees and the phase value of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515) is about 45 degrees.

[0302] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can change the directivity or directionality of the radiation pattern by adjusting the phase values ​​of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) and the phase values ​​of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515). For example, when comparing the first radiation pattern (1201) and the seventh radiation pattern (1207), it is confirmed that the radiation pattern of the first radiation pattern (1201) is biased in the direction of about 0 degrees compared to the seventh radiation pattern (1207).

[0303] As a result, the electronic device (101) can form various radiation patterns by adjusting the phase values ​​of the first RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (511) and the phase values ​​of the second RF signals transmitted from the second antenna (515), and the electronic device (101) can secure an optimal beam for satellite communication based on the location information of the satellite (510) through the phase adjustment.

[0304] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the front of an electronic device when the electronic device is in a first state or a second state according to one embodiment.

[0305] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the back of an electronic device when the electronic device is in a first state or a second state according to one embodiment.

[0306] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, an electronic device (1301) according to one embodiment may include a housing (1310) forming an exterior.

[0307] According to one embodiment, the housing (1310) may form a portion of the front, a portion of the back, and / or a side of the electronic device (1301). According to another embodiment, the housing (1310) may form a portion of the side, and / or the back of the electronic device (1301). In one embodiment, the housing (1310) may include a conductive material (e.g., metal).

[0308] According to one embodiment, the housing (1310) may include a first housing portion (1311) and a second housing portion (1312) that is slidably (e.g., slide-in, slide-out) connected to the first housing portion (1311) within a predetermined range.

[0309] According to one embodiment, the first housing portion (1311) may include a speaker hole (1451), a connector hole (1452), and a camera hole (253). In one embodiment, an audio output module (155) disposed within the electronic device (1301) may output audio to the outside of the electronic device (1301) through the speaker hole (1451). In one embodiment, the connector hole (1452) may accommodate, for example, a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and / or receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device. In one embodiment, the camera hole (1453) may correspond to a hole through which at least one lens of a camera module (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1) is exposed. Light from the outside of the electronic device (1301) may be incident on the camera module (180) disposed within the electronic device (1301) through the camera hole (253).

[0310] In one embodiment, the electronic device (1301) may have a first state and a second state. In another embodiment, the electronic device (1301) may have a first state, a second state, and an intermediate state between the first state and the second state.

[0311] In one embodiment, the first state and the second state of the electronic device (1301) may be determined based on the relative position of the second housing portion (1312) with respect to the first housing portion (1311). For example, a state in which the second housing portion (1312) slides toward the first housing portion (1311) in a direction (e.g., +x direction) so that the first housing portion (1311) and the second housing portion (1312) are adjacent to or in contact with each other may be referred to as the first state. In another example, a state in which the second housing portion (1312) slides as far as possible away from the first housing portion (1311) in a direction (e.g., -x direction) may be referred to as the second state. In one embodiment, the first state and the second state of the electronic device (1301) may be determined based on the size of the flexible display (1420) exposed to the outside. For example, only the first part (1421) of the flexible display (1420) may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (1301), and a state in which the flexible display (1420) exposed to the outside has a first size (S1) may be the first state. For another example, the first part (1421) and the second part (1422) of the flexible display (1420) may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (1301), and a state in which the flexible display (1420) exposed to the outside has a second size (S2) may be the second state. For another example, a state in which the size of the flexible display (1420) exposed to the outside has a third size between the first size (S1) and the second size (S2) may be an intermediate state.

[0312] In one embodiment, the electronic device (1301) can be changed between a first state and a second state by a user's manipulation or mechanical operation. According to another embodiment, the housing (1310) can include a button on one portion, and the electronic device (1301) can be changed between the first state and the second state by a user's manipulation (e.g., an input such as pressing or touching the button).

[0313] In one embodiment, the flexible display (1420) may occupy most of the front surface of the electronic device (1301). For example, the front surface of the electronic device (1301) may include the flexible display (1420) and a bezel area that partially surrounds the edge of the flexible display (1420). In one embodiment, the flexible display (1420) may be arranged to include at least a portion of a flat shape, or at least a portion of a curved shape.

[0314] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (1420) may include a first portion (1421) and a second portion (1422) extending from the first portion (1421). In one embodiment, the second portion (1422) of the flexible display (1420) may be retracted into or withdrawn from the housing (1310) depending on the state of the electronic device (1301). For example, when the electronic device (1301) is in the first state, the second portion (1422) of the flexible display (1420) may be retracted and positioned into the housing (1310) and may not be viewed from the outside. As another example, when the electronic device (1301) is in the second state, the second portion (1422) of the flexible display (1420) can be pulled out and placed inside the housing (1310) and can be viewed from the outside.

[0315] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1301) may include a wireless communication circuit (1400), which may include an RFIC (1401), at least one PA (1402) for satellite communication, and / or a diplexer (1403).

[0316] According to one embodiment, the first housing portion (1311) may include a first antenna (1311a), and the second housing portion (1312) may include a second antenna (1312a).

[0317] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication circuit (1400) can power a first antenna (1311a) and a second antenna (1312a), and transmit and / or receive RF signals of a first frequency band for satellite communication. For example, the RFIC (1401) can transmit RF signals of the first frequency band to at least one PA (1402). The at least one PA (1402) can amplify the RF signals, and distribute and transmit the RF signals to the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) via a diplexer (1403).

[0318] According to one embodiment, the positional relationship between the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) may vary depending on the state of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may identify optimal distance information and phase information for communication with the satellite (510) based on the positional information of the satellite (510) and the inclination of the electronic device (101). For example, the optimal distance information may be referenced as a distance between the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) that makes a value indicating the quality of communication with the satellite (510) equal to or greater than a specified value. For example, the optimal phase information may be a phase value applied to the first antenna (1311a) and a phase value applied to the second antenna (1312a) that makes a value indicating the quality of communication with the satellite (510) equal to or greater than a specified value.

[0319] The shape of the electronic device (1301) illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 is intended to explain an example of an electronic device (1301) capable of expanding a display area, and the shape of the electronic device (1301) is not limited to that illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0320] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a method of transmitting a signal to a satellite by adjusting the distance between a first housing and a second housing or adjusting the phase of RF signals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0321] Referring to FIG. 15, an electronic device (1301) according to one embodiment can identify location information (e.g., azimuth) of a satellite (510) in operation 1501.

[0322] For example, the electronic device (1301) can receive at least one piece of system information (e.g., master information block (MIB), system information block (SIB)) broadcast by the satellite (510), and establish a communication connection with the satellite (510) through a random access procedure based on the at least one piece of system information. The electronic device (1301) can receive information about the location of the satellite (510) from the satellite (510). As another example, the electronic device (1301) can identify information about the location of the electronic device (1301) through a location identification module (e.g., a GNSS module). The electronic device (1301) can store in advance information about the location of the satellite (510) on its orbit over time. The electronic device (1301) can identify the relative location (e.g., azimuth) of the satellite based on the information about the location of the electronic device (1301) and the information about the location of the satellite (510) on its orbit.

[0323] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1301) may identify information about a first inclination of the electronic device (1301) (or, first posture information) through at least one sensor in operation 1503. For example, the first inclination of the electronic device (1301) may be referenced as a degree to which the housing (1310) is inclining with respect to the ground surface. For example, the inclination of the electronic device (1301) may be referenced as a degree to which the first housing portion (1311) or the second housing portion (1312) is inclining with respect to the ground surface. For example, the inclination of the electronic device (1301) may be referenced as a degree to which the first portion (1421) or the second portion (1422) of the flexible display (1420) is inclining with respect to the ground surface.

[0324] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1301) can identify information about a first distance (or reference distance) for communication with the satellite (510), phase information, or intensity information of a signal to be radiated from the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a), based on information about the position of the satellite (510) and information about the first inclination in operation 1505.

[0325] For example, the first distance (or reference distance) may be referred to as the optimal distance between the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) for communication with the satellite (510), and may be replaced with various terms.

[0326] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1301) can identify information about a first distance (e.g., an optimal distance) and information about a phase for forming an optimal radiation pattern for communication with the satellite (510) when the current position information (e.g., azimuth) of the satellite (510) and the current inclination (e.g., a first inclination) of the electronic device (1301) are present.

[0327] For example, the electronic device (1301) may pre-store, in a lookup table format, the first distance and phase mapped to the position information (e.g., azimuth) of the satellite (510) and the inclination of the electronic device (1301). The electronic device (1301) may use the lookup table to identify the first distance mapped to the current position information of the satellite (510) and the current inclination of the electronic device (1301).

[0328] According to one embodiment, the operation of identifying a first distance (or reference distance) for optimal communication with the satellite (510) based on the position information of the satellite (510) and the inclination of the electronic device (1301) and the operation of identifying a phase for optimal communication may be performed together or independently.

[0329] For example, the first distance and phase for the electronic device (1301) to perform optimal satellite communication through the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) may be associated. Accordingly, the electronic device (1301) may pre-store mapping information corresponding to the position information of the satellite (510) and the inclination of the electronic device (1301), and the mapping information may be configured as a set of the first distance and phase information. That is, the optimal distance and phase information for communication with the satellite (510) are associated with each other and may be configured as a single set.

[0330] As another example, the electronic device (1301) can independently identify an optimal distance between the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) based on the position information of the satellite (510) and the current inclination of the electronic device (1301). The electronic device (1301) can identify optimal phase information of RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) when the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) are at the optimal distance. That is, the optimal first distance and phase information for communication with the satellite (510) can be independent of each other and can be configured as separate information.

[0331] According to one embodiment, the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) of the electronic device (101) may be spaced apart by a first distance (or, reference distance).

[0332] According to one embodiment, in operation 1507, the electronic device (1301) may transmit a signal to the satellite (510) through the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) based on at least one of phase information or intensity information for communication with the satellite (510), when the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) are spaced apart by a first distance.

[0333] For example, the electronic device (1301) can change the distance between the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) to the first distance, and the electronic device (1301) can transmit a call signal to the satellite (510) through the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a). In this case, the RF signals transmitted from the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) can be based on the identified phase information. In other words, the electronic device (1301) can apply an optimal first phase value (e.g., 0 degrees) to the first antenna (1311a) and can apply an optimal second phase value (e.g., 120 degrees) to the second antenna (1312a).

[0334] For another example, if the electronic device (1301) cannot change the distance between the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) to the first distance, the electronic device (1301) can maintain the current distance but transmit RF signals through the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a) based on the identified phase information.

[0335] In FIG. 15 of the present disclosure, operations 1501 to 1507 performed by the electronic device (1301) may be understood to be substantially performed by at least one processor (e.g., processor (120)), communication processor, or wireless communication circuit (1400) included in the electronic device (1301).

[0336] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1301) may provide the user with information regarding the optimal first distance and optimal inclination for communication with a satellite. For example, the electronic device (101) may display a user interface (e.g., a status bar) indicating information regarding the first distance for communication with a satellite on the flexible display (1420). The user may physically withdraw the second housing (1312) from the first housing (1311), and the user interface (e.g., a status bar) may indicate the degree to which the second housing (1312) should be withdrawn from the first housing (1311). As another example, the electronic device (1301) may display a message indicating information regarding the optimal inclination (e.g., “Rotate approximately 45 degrees”) on the flexible display (1420). In this case, the user may tilt the electronic device (1301) by the inclination indicated in the message.

[0337] The order of operations 1501 to 1507 described in FIG. 15 of the present disclosure is illustratively described for convenience of explanation, and at least some of operations 1501 to 1507 may be performed in parallel or substantially identically, as long as they are not contradictory.

[0338] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device displaying a user interface associated with satellite communication according to one embodiment.

[0339] Referring to FIG. 16, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may display a first user interface (1610) for changing a satellite mode on an area of ​​a flexible display (220). For example, various types of RATs supported by the electronic device (101) may be displayed on the first user interface (1610), and when a user performs a touch input for “satellite mode,” the electronic device (101) may perform a satellite communication connection with a satellite (510).

[0340] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can display a second user interface (1621) displayed in the settings tab (1620) without executing a separate application. For example, the electronic device (101) can display the settings tab (1620) in response to a user input (e.g., a drag), and can perform a satellite communication connection with a satellite (510) or transmit a call signal to the satellite (510) in response to a user input (e.g., a touch input) to the second user interface associated with the satellite connection on the flexible display (220).

[0341] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device displaying a user interface associated with satellite communication according to one embodiment.

[0342] Referring to FIG. 17, an electronic device (101) according to an embodiment may display a first icon (1711) at a first location on a flexible display (220), a second icon (1712) at a second location, and a third icon (1713) at a third location. For example, the first icon (1711) may be an icon indicating establishment of a communication connection with a first satellite. The second icon (1712) may be an icon indicating establishment of a communication connection with a second satellite. The third icon (1713) may be an icon indicating establishment of a communication connection with a third satellite. That is, the electronic device (101) may display all satellites with which a communication connection can be established on the flexible display (220) through the icons (1711, 1712, 1713).

[0343] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may establish a communication connection with one of a plurality of satellites based on a user's drag input (1710). For example, when a user performs a user input (1710) (e.g., a drag input) on a first icon (1711), the electronic device (101) may establish a communication connection with the first satellite or transmit a call signal to the first satellite. For example, when a user performs a user input (1710) on a second icon (1712), the electronic device (101) may establish a communication connection with the second satellite or transmit a call signal to the second satellite. For example, when a user performs a user input (1710) on a third icon (1713), the electronic device (101) may establish a communication connection with the third satellite or transmit a call signal to the third satellite.

[0344] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may guide or indicate the inclination (or attitude) of the electronic device (101) to form an optimal beam when one of a plurality of satellites is selected by a user input (1710). For example, the electronic device (101) may provide guidance to the user by displaying a user interface (1720) indicating rotation of the electronic device (101) on an area of ​​the flexible display (220) in response to receiving the user input (1710).

[0345] According to one embodiment, a user interface (1720) for indicating rotation of the electronic device (101) may be displayed on the flexible display (220) and / or the sub-display (251). When the user tilts or rotates the electronic device (101) according to the guide, the electronic device (101) may inform the user in various ways that the electronic device (101) is in an optimal inclination (or posture) for communication with the satellite (510). For example, the electronic device (101) may indicate to the user that the electronic device (101) is in an optimal inclination (or posture) for communication with the satellite (510) by providing vibration, sound, screen blinking, or data information that can be detected by the user.

[0346] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1301) can adjust the distance between the first housing portion (1311) and the second housing portion (1312) so that the antennas (e.g., the first antenna (1311a) and the second antenna (1312a)) have an optimal distance by using a motor disposed inside the electronic device (1301). As another example, when the electronic device (1301) does not include a motor, the electronic device (1301) can guide the user by displaying a user interface on the flexible display (1320) so that the user can directly move the electronic device (1301). When the user adjusts the distance between the first housing portion (1311) and the second housing portion (1312) according to the guide, the electronic device (1301) can inform the user in various ways that the antennas are positioned at an optimal distance for communication with the satellite (510). For example, the electronic device (1301) may indicate to the user that the antennas are positioned at an optimal distance for communication with the satellite (510) by providing vibration, sound, screen flashing, or user-detectable data information.

[0347] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (210) including a first housing portion (211) including a first antenna (511) and a second housing portion (212) including a second antenna (515), a hinge (450) connecting the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) such that the electronic device (101) is foldable, at least one sensor (460) (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1), a wireless communication circuit (400) (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1), and at least one processor (120). At least one processor (120) may be configured to identify position information of a satellite (510), identify information about a first inclination of the electronic device (101) through at least one sensor (460), and, based on the position information and the information about the first inclination, identify at least one of information about a first folding angle for communication with the satellite (510), phase information of a signal to be radiated from the first antenna (511) and the second antenna (515), or intensity information of a signal, and, when the electronic device (101) is folded at the first folding angle, transmit a signal to the satellite (510) through the wireless communication circuit (400), the first antenna (511), and the second antenna (515) based on at least one of the identified phase information or intensity information.

[0348] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (120) may be configured to compare the identified first slope with a second slope for communication with the satellite (510), and, if the second slope and the first slope are different, provide information about the second slope for communication with the satellite (510) to a user of the electronic device (101).

[0349] According to one embodiment, each of the first folding angle for communication with the satellite (510) and the second inclination for communication with the satellite (510) may be determined based on a beam to ensure that the quality of communication with the satellite (510) is greater than or equal to a specified value.

[0350] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (120) is configured to identify latency occurring in transmission of a signal between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510) based on an obstacle (616) existing between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510), and determine a beamwidth of the beam based on the latency, and the first folding angle and the second slope may be for forming a beam having the determined beamwidth.

[0351] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (120) is configured to identify a remaining capacity of the battery (189), and if the remaining capacity of the battery (189) is equal to or greater than a threshold value, transmit a signal to the satellite (510) at a specified period using a first beam having a first beam width, and if the remaining capacity of the battery (189) is less than the threshold value, transmit a signal to the satellite (510) a specified number of times (e.g., once) using a second beam having a second beam width narrower than the first beam width, and the first folding angle and the second inclination may be for forming the first beam or the second beam.

[0352] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (120) is configured to determine whether a communication connection with a first satellite (640) distinct from the satellite (510) has been established before establishing a communication connection with the satellite (510), and if the communication connection with the first satellite (640) has not been established, transmit a signal to the satellite (510) using a first beam having a first beam width, and if the communication connection with the first satellite (640) has been established, transmit a signal to the satellite (510) using a second beam having a second beam width narrower than the first beam width, and the first folding angle and the second inclination may be for forming the first beam or the second beam.

[0353] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (120) is configured to identify the reliability of position information of a satellite (510), and if the reliability of the position information of the satellite (510) is less than or equal to a threshold value, transmit a signal to the satellite using a first beam having a first beam width, and if the reliability of the position information of the satellite (510) is greater than the threshold value, transmit a signal to the satellite using a second beam having a second beam width narrower than the first beam width, wherein the reliability of the position information is received from the satellite or stored in advance, and the first folding angle and the second inclination may be for forming the first beam or the second beam.

[0354] According to one embodiment, at least one sensor (460) may further include a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. At least one processor (120) may obtain information about the first inclination through the gyro sensor and the acceleration sensor.

[0355] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (120) may be configured to identify a second folding angle between the first housing portion and the second housing portion through at least one sensor, and, if a difference between the first folding angle and the identified second folding angle is greater than or equal to a threshold value, provide a guide to indicate to the user of the electronic device to change the folding angle between the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) to the first folding angle, or change the folding angle to the first folding angle through a motor for adjusting the folding angle between the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212).

[0356] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) further includes a motor for adjusting the folding angle of the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212), and at least one processor (120) identifies a second folding angle between the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) through at least one sensor (460), and identifies whether the electronic device (101) is in a state where it can adjust the folding angle between the first housing portion (211) and the second housing portion (212) through the motor, and when the electronic device (101) is in a state where it can adjust the folding angle, changes the folding angle from the second folding angle to a first folding angle for communication with a satellite (510), and transmits a signal through the wireless communication circuit (400) based on the first folding angle, phase information, and intensity information for communication with the satellite (510), and the electronic device (101) through the motor If the folding angle between the second housing parts (212) cannot be adjusted, a signal can be transmitted based on the second folding angle, phase information, and intensity information.

[0357] According to one embodiment, the position information of the satellite (510) includes an azimuth with respect to the satellite, and at least one processor (120) may be configured to identify the azimuth with respect to the satellite based on the position information of the electronic device (101) and the stored position of the satellite in orbit.

[0358] According to one embodiment, the information about the position of the satellite in orbit may be at least one of information pre-stored in the electronic device, information received from a base station with which a communication connection has been established with the electronic device, or information received from the satellite.

[0359] According to one embodiment, the position information of the satellite includes an azimuth with respect to the satellite, and at least one processor (120) may be configured to receive at least one system information broadcast from the satellite (510) and obtain information about the azimuth based on the at least one system information.

[0360] According to one embodiment, the first antenna (511) included in the first housing portion (211) may include a first side member located at an upper portion of the electronic device (101), and the second antenna (515) included in the second housing portion (212) may include a second side member located at a lower portion of the electronic device (101).

[0361] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a memory (130), and the first folding angle and phase information may be stored in the memory in association with information about the identified first inclination and position information of the satellite.

[0362] According to one embodiment, a method performed by an electronic device (101) may include an operation of identifying position information of a satellite (510), an operation of identifying information about a first inclination of the electronic device (101) through at least one sensor (460), an operation of identifying, based on the position information and the information about the first inclination, information about a first folding angle for communication with the satellite (510), an operation of identifying at least one of phase information of a signal to be radiated from a first antenna (511) included in a first housing portion (211) and a second antenna (515) included in a second housing portion (212), or intensity information of a signal, and an operation of transmitting a signal to the satellite through the wireless communication circuit (400), the first antenna (511), and the second antenna (515) based on at least one of the phase information or the intensity information when the electronic device is folded at the first folding angle.

[0363] According to one embodiment, the method may further include comparing a second inclination for communication with a satellite (510) with the identified first inclination, and if the second inclination and the first inclination are different, providing information about the second inclination for communication with the satellite (510) to a user of the electronic device (101).

[0364] According to one embodiment, each of the first folding angle for communication with the satellite (510) and the second inclination for communication with the satellite (510) may be determined based on a beam to ensure that the quality of communication with the satellite (510) is greater than or equal to a specified value.

[0365] According to one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of identifying a latency occurring in the transmission of a signal between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510) based on an obstacle (616) existing between the electronic device (101) and the satellite (510) and an operation of determining a beamwidth of the beam based on the latency. The first folding angle and the second inclination may be for forming a beam having the determined beamwidth.

[0366] According to one embodiment, the method further includes an operation of identifying a remaining capacity of a battery (189), an operation of transmitting a signal to a satellite at a specified period using a first beam having a first beam width when the remaining capacity of the battery (189) is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and an operation of transmitting a signal a specified number of times (e.g., once) using a second beam having a second beam width narrower than the first beam width when the remaining capacity of the battery (189) is less than the threshold value, wherein the first folding angle and the second slope may be for forming the first beam or the second beam.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, A housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion, wherein the first housing portion comprises a first antenna and the second housing portion comprises a second antenna; A hinge connecting the first housing portion and the second housing portion so that the electronic device can be folded; At least one sensor; wireless communication circuit; and comprising at least one processor, At least one processor of the above: Identify the satellite's position information, identifying information about a first inclination of the electronic device through at least one sensor; Based on the above location information and the above information about the first inclination, at least one of information about a first folding angle for communication with the satellite, phase information of a signal to be radiated from the first antenna and the second antenna, or intensity information of the signal is identified, An electronic device configured to transmit the signal to the satellite via the wireless communication circuit, the first antenna and the second antenna, based on at least one of the identified phase information or the intensity information, when the electronic device is folded at the first folding angle (in case that).

2. In claim 1, At least one processor of the above: Comparing the second inclination for the above communication with the above satellite and the above identified first inclination, An electronic device configured to provide a user of the electronic device with information about the second inclination for communication with the satellite when the second inclination and the first inclination are different.

3. In claim 2, An electronic device wherein each of the first folding angle for the communication with the satellite and the second inclination for the communication with the satellite is determined based on a beam so that the quality of the communication with the satellite becomes equal to or higher than a specified value.

4. In claim 3, At least one processor of the above: Identifying latency occurring in the transmission of signals between the electronic device and the satellite based on obstacles existing between the electronic device and the satellite, It is set to determine the beam width of the beam based on the above latency, An electronic device, wherein the first folding angle and the second inclination are for forming the beam having the determined beam width.

5. In claim 3, At least one processor of the above: Identify the remaining capacity of the battery, If the remaining capacity of the battery is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the signal is transmitted to the satellite at a specified period using a first beam having a first beam width, If the remaining capacity of the battery is less than the threshold value, the signal is set to be transmitted to the satellite a specified number of times using a second beam having a second beam width narrower than the first beam width, An electronic device, wherein the first folding angle and the second inclination are for forming the first beam or the second beam.

6. In claim 3, At least one processor of the above: Before establishing a communication connection with the above satellite, determine whether a communication connection with a first satellite distinct from the above satellite has been established; If the communication connection with the first satellite is not established, the signal is transmitted to the satellite using a first beam having a first beam width, When the communication connection with the first satellite has been established, the signal is set to be transmitted to the satellite using a second beam having a second beam width narrower than the first beam width, An electronic device, wherein the first folding angle and the second inclination are for forming the first beam or the second beam.

7. In claim 3, At least one processor of the above: Identify the reliability of the position information of the above satellite, If the reliability of the position information of the satellite is below a threshold value, the signal is transmitted to the satellite using a first beam having a first beam width, If the reliability of the position information of the satellite exceeds a threshold value, the signal is set to be transmitted to the satellite using a second beam having a second beam width narrower than the first beam width, The reliability of the above location information is received from the satellite or stored in advance, An electronic device, wherein the first folding angle and the second inclination are for forming the first beam or the second beam.

8. In claim 1, The at least one sensor comprises a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor, An electronic device wherein said at least one processor is set to obtain said information about said first inclination via said gyro sensor and said acceleration sensor.

9. In claim 1, At least one processor of the above: Through at least one sensor, a second folding angle between the first housing portion and the second housing portion is identified, If the difference between the first folding angle and the identified second folding angle is greater than or equal to a threshold value: Providing a guide for indicating to the user of the electronic device to change the folding angle between the first housing portion and the second housing portion to the first folding angle, or An electronic device, wherein the folding angle is set to be changed to the first folding angle by a motor for adjusting the folding angle between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

10. In claim 1, Further comprising a motor for adjusting the folding angle of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, At least one processor of the above: Through at least one sensor, a second folding angle between the first housing portion and the second housing portion is identified, Identifying whether the electronic device is capable of adjusting the folding angle between the first housing portion and the second housing portion through the motor; If the electronic device is capable of adjusting the folding angle: The above folding angle is changed from the second folding angle to the first folding angle for communication with the satellite, Transmitting the signal through the wireless communication circuit based on the first folding angle, the phase information and the intensity information for the communication with the satellite, If the electronic device is unable to adjust the folding angle between the first housing portion and the second housing portion via the motor: An electronic device configured to transmit the signal based on the second folding angle, the phase information and the intensity information.

11. In claim 1, The position information of the above satellite includes the azimuth for the above satellite, An electronic device, wherein said at least one processor is configured to identify said azimuth for said satellite based on location information of said electronic device and a stored position in orbit of said satellite.

12. In claim 11, Information about the orbital position of the above satellite: An electronic device, wherein at least one of information pre-stored in the electronic device, information received from a base station with which a communication connection has been established with the electronic device, or information received from the satellite.

13. In claim 1, The position information of the above satellite includes the azimuth for the above satellite, At least one processor of the above: Receive at least one system information broadcast from said satellite, An electronic device configured to obtain information about the azimuth based on at least one of the above system information.

14. In claim 1, The first antenna included in the first housing portion includes a first side member located at the upper end of the electronic device, An electronic device, wherein the second antenna included in the second housing portion includes a second side member located at a lower portion of the electronic device.

15. In a method performed by an electronic device, The act of identifying the position information of a satellite; An action of identifying information about a first inclination of said electronic device via at least one sensor; An operation of identifying at least one of information about a first folding angle for communication with the satellite, phase information of a signal to be radiated from a first antenna included in a first housing portion and a second antenna included in a second housing portion, or intensity information of the signal, based on the information about the position information and the information about the first inclination; and A method comprising: transmitting the signal to the satellite through the wireless communication circuit, the first antenna and the second antenna, based on at least one of the phase information or the intensity information when the electronic device is folded at the first folding angle.

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