Electronic device and wireless charging control method using same

Abstract

This electronic device may comprise: a communication circuit for performing short-range wireless communication; a display; at least one coil for transmitting and receiving a wireless charging signal; a plurality of sensors for detecting at least one of the direction, movement, or proximity of the electronic device; at least one processor; and a memory for storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, may control the electronic device to: identify whether the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of a specific object and whether the display of the electronic device faces the bottom surface on the basis of at least one signal received from at least one of the plurality of sensors; when the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of the specific object and the display of the electronic device faces the bottom surface, identify whether at least one external device exists within a designated distance from the electronic device by using the communication circuit; transmit a signal by using the at least one coil when the at least one external device exists within the designated distance from the location of the electronic device; and transmit a wireless charging signal to the at least one external device by using the at least one coil on the basis of a response signal of the at least one external device.

Description

Electronic device and wireless charging control method using the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure disclose methods for an electronic device to wirelessly charge another external device or share a battery of the electronic device.

[0002] Recently, as wireless charging technology has become widespread, wireless power sharing technology is being developed to wirelessly charge other electronic devices using electronic devices rather than using dedicated wireless chargers (e.g., charging pads). According to one embodiment, the electronic device may support wireless charging using wireless charging technology (or wireless power transfer technology). Wireless power transfer technology may be a technology in which power is wirelessly transferred from a transmitting device to a receiving device, and the battery of the receiving device is charged, without a separate connector between electronic devices, for example, an electronic device that wirelessly supplies power (e.g., a transmitting device) and an electronic device that receives power (e.g., a receiving device). Wireless power transfer technology may include a magnetic induction method and a magnetic resonance method, and may include various other types of wireless power transfer technology.

[0003] In one embodiment, to transfer power using wireless power transfer technology, a receiving device may be positioned over a transmitting device (e.g., in close contact, such as placing the receiving device on top of the transmitting device). For example, the transmitting coil (or charging coil) of the transmitting device may be positioned so that the direction in which the receiving coil (or charging coil) of the receiving device is positioned faces the direction in which the transmitting coil (or charging coil) of the transmitting device is positioned (e.g., toward the rear, or toward the back of the electronic device).

[0004] Wireless power transfer can have varying charging efficiency depending on the positional relationship between the transmitter and receiver coils. For example, charging efficiency is best when the centers of the transmitter and receiver coils are aligned. Misalignment of the centers of the transmitter and receiver coils can result in reduced charging efficiency or even inability to charge due to overheating.

[0005] An electronic device equipped with a wireless charging circuit can receive power from an external device via a coil and charge a battery using the input power. Such an electronic device can provide a wireless power sharing function (e.g., wireless power share) that supplies wireless power to another electronic device based on the power of the battery. For example, when the wireless power sharing function is activated, the electronic device can generate a designated amount of power using the power of the battery and supply the generated power to another electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, or wireless earphones (e.g., true wireless stereo)) via the coil.

[0006] An electronic device equipped with a wireless charging circuit, when connected to a wired charger, can charge its battery based on power input from the wired charger and perform a wireless power sharing function based on the power input from the wired charger. For example, the electronic device can charge its battery based on power input from the wired charger and simultaneously output a designated amount of power to be supplied to another electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, or wireless earphones (e.g., true wireless stereo)) through a coil.

[0007] Wireless PowerShare can be challenging for users to set up. Activating Wireless PowerShare requires multiple steps in the application menu, including "Settings," "Battery," "Wireless PowerShare," and "Use Wireless PowerShare," which can hinder usability.

[0008] Additionally, the wireless power sharing method may be unnecessarily set to charge external devices first, even when the user wants to charge the electronic device (e.g., smartphone) first instead of the external device (e.g., wearable device), which may reduce usability.

[0009] The electronic device may include a communication circuit for performing short-range wireless communication, a display, at least one coil for transmitting and receiving a wireless charging signal, a plurality of sensors for detecting at least one of a direction, movement, or proximity of the electronic device, at least one processor, and a memory for storing instructions.

[0010] The instructions, when executed by the processor, may control the electronic device to determine whether the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of a specific object and the display of the electronic device is facing the bottom surface based on at least one signal received from at least one of a plurality of sensors; to determine, using the communication circuit, whether at least one external device is present within a specified distance from the electronic device when the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of the specific object and the display of the electronic device is present within the specified distance from the location of the electronic device; to transmit a signal using the at least one coil when the at least one external device is present within the specified distance from the location of the electronic device; and to transmit a wireless charging signal using the at least one coil to the at least one external device based on a response signal of the at least one external device to the transmitted signal.

[0011] A method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of determining whether the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of a specific object and a display of the electronic device is facing the bottom surface based on at least one signal received from at least one of a plurality of sensors; an operation of determining whether at least one external device exists within a specified distance from the electronic device using a communication circuit when the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of the specific object and the display of the electronic device is facing the bottom surface; an operation of transmitting a signal using at least one coil when at least one external device exists within a specified distance from a position of the electronic device; and an operation of transmitting a wireless charging signal to the at least one external device using the at least one coil based on a response signal of the at least one external device to the transmitted signal.

[0012] A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing one or more programs, wherein when executed by a processor of an electronic device, the electronic device determines, based on at least one signal received from at least one of a plurality of sensors, whether the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of a specific object and a display of the electronic device is in a state facing the bottom surface, and when the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of the specific object and the display of the electronic device is in a state facing the bottom surface, the electronic device determines, using a communication circuit, whether at least one external device exists within a specified distance from the electronic device, and transmits a signal using the at least one coil when the at least one external device exists within a specified distance from a position of the electronic device, and transmits a wireless charging signal to the at least one external device using the at least one coil based on a response signal of the at least one external device to the transmitted signal.

[0013] Electronic devices according to various embodiments can simplify the process of sharing batteries with external devices, thereby increasing user convenience in accessing wireless battery sharing functions.

[0014] Additionally, the electronic device according to various embodiments may provide a function to set priorities with an external device, thereby allowing the charging order of the electronic device and the external device to be set differently.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a power management module and a battery according to various embodiments.

[0017] Figure 3 illustrates the limitations of the wireless battery sharing method.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling wireless charging of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for starting battery sharing in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining charging priority between an electronic device and an external device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment for determining charging priority between an electronic device and an external device based on user selection.

[0023] FIGS. 8b and 8c illustrate embodiments for determining charging priority between an electronic device and an external device based on the position and state in which the external device is placed.

[0024] 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 the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In 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 circuit (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)).

[0025] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication circuit (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result 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 an auxiliary 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 with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0026] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication circuit (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 circuit (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, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, 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.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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).

[0030] 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. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) to 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.

[0035] 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).

[0036] The 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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.

[0040] The communication circuit (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 circuit (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 circuit (190) may include a wireless communication circuit (192) (e.g., a cellular communication circuit, a short-range wireless communication circuit, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication circuit) or a wired communication circuit (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication circuit, or a power line communication circuit). Any of these communication circuits may communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) 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 circuits may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication circuit (192) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196) to verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199).

[0041] The wireless communication circuit (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)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication circuit (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication circuit (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 beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication circuit (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 circuit (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a 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.

[0042] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In 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). In 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 circuit (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication circuit (190) and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In 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).

[0043] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) 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 a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0044] 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)).

[0045] 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 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.

[0046] 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 of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0047] 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 (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.

[0048] 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).

[0049] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions 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 instruction among the one or more instructions 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 called instruction. The one or more instructions 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.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this 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., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through 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.

[0051] 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. Alternatively or additionally, 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.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a block diagram (200) of a power management module (188) and a battery (189) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2, the power management module (188) may include a charging circuit (210), a power regulator (220), or a power gauge (230). The charging circuit (210) may charge the battery (189) using power supplied from an external power source for the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the charging circuit (210) may select a charging method (e.g., normal charging or rapid charging) based on at least some of the type of the external power source (e.g., power adapter, USB, or wireless charging), the amount of power that can be supplied from the external power source (e.g., about 20 watts or more), or the properties of the battery (189), and may charge the battery (189) using the selected charging method. The external power source may be connected to the electronic device (101) by wire, for example, via a connection terminal (178), or wirelessly via an antenna module (197).

[0053] The power regulator (220) can generate a plurality of powers having different voltages or different current levels by adjusting the voltage level or current level of the power supplied from, for example, an external power source or a battery (189). The power regulator (220) can adjust the power of the external power source or the battery (189) to a voltage or current level suitable for each of the components included in the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power regulator (220) can be implemented in the form of an LDO (low drop out) regulator or a switching regulator. The power gauge (230) can measure usage status information for the battery (189) (e.g., capacity, number of charge / discharge cycles, voltage, or temperature of the battery (189).

[0054] The power management module (188) can determine charging state information (e.g., lifespan, overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, overcharge, overdischarge, overheat, short circuit, or swelling) related to charging of the battery (189) based at least in part on the measured usage state information, for example, using the charging circuit (210), the power regulator (220), or the power gauge (230). The power management module (188) can determine whether the battery (189) is normal or abnormal based at least in part on the determined charging state information. If the state of the battery (189) is determined to be abnormal, the power management module (188) can adjust charging of the battery (189) (e.g., reducing the charging current or voltage, or stopping charging). According to one embodiment, at least some of the functions of the power management module (188) can be performed by an external control device (e.g., the processor (120)).

[0055] The battery (189) may, according to one embodiment, include a battery protection circuit module (PCM) (240). The battery protection circuit (240) may perform one or more of various functions (e.g., a pre-cut function) to prevent performance degradation or damage to the battery (189). The battery protection circuit (240) may additionally or alternatively be configured as at least a part of a battery management system (BMS) that may perform various functions including cell balancing, capacity measurement of the battery, charge / discharge cycle measurement, temperature measurement, or voltage measurement.

[0056] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the usage status information or the charging status information of the battery (189) may be measured using a corresponding sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) among the sensor modules (276), a power gauge (230), or a power management module (188). According to one embodiment, the corresponding sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) among the sensor modules (176) may be included as a part of the battery protection circuit (140) or may be placed near the battery (189) as a separate device.

[0057] Figure 3 illustrates the limitations of the wireless battery sharing method.

[0058] Figure 310 illustrates the settings screen of an electronic device. The electronic device may provide a menu that includes, for example, at least one of the following: Display, Battery, Wallpaper and Style, Theme, Home Screen or Lock Screen, and AOD. This is merely an example; the elements displayed in the menu may vary depending on the settings.

[0059] According to the comparative example, a user of an electronic device may select an item related to 'battery' in Figure 310 to use the wireless battery sharing function of the electronic device, select an item related to wireless battery sharing in Figure 312, and activate the wireless battery sharing function in Figure 314. The number of steps required to use the wireless battery sharing function of the electronic device may reduce usability. In addition, since the wireless battery sharing function is not directly displayed in the menu, it may be difficult for the user to recognize the existence of the related function. The battery-related functions illustrated in Figure 312 are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0060] Additionally, the electronic device according to the comparative example has a limitation in that it does not provide a function to determine charging priority in situations where both an external device and an electronic device are being charged. For example, in a situation where an electronic device (e.g., a terminal) is charged first and an external device (e.g., a watch) is charged after both electronic devices have been charged, the electronic device is set to always prioritize charging the electronic device, which can cause inconvenience to the user.

[0061] An electronic device according to this document (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIG. 4) can support the wireless battery sharing function with a simple operation to overcome the limitation of low usability due to the many steps required to use the wireless battery sharing function. In addition, the electronic device (400) according to this document can enhance usability by providing a function to set the charging priority between the electronic device and an external device. Below, an electronic device (400) providing the aforementioned functions and an operating method of the electronic device (400) will be described.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may include a display (405), a plurality of sensors (410), a processor (420), and a memory (430), and some of the illustrated components may be omitted or replaced. The electronic device (400) may further include at least some of the components and / or functions of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1. At least some of the respective components of the illustrated (or not illustrated) electronic device may be operatively, functionally, and / or electrically connected to each other.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the processor (420) may be configured as one or more processors capable of performing calculations or data processing related to control and / or communication of each component of an electronic device. The processor (420) may include at least some of the configurations and / or functions of the processor (120) of FIG. 1.

[0065] According to one embodiment, there is no limitation to the computational and data processing functions that the processor (420) can implement on the electronic device (400), but below, a feature of sharing a battery with an external device (e.g., an external electronic device (102) of FIG. 1) based on data received from a plurality of sensors (e.g., a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a proximity sensor, an acceleration sensor) will be described in detail. Operations of the processor (420) can be performed by loading instructions stored in the memory (430).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) includes one or more memories (430), and the memories (430) may include main memory and storage. The main memory may be composed of volatile memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM). Alternatively, the memory (430) may be a non-volatile memory and include a large-capacity storage device. The storage may include at least one of a one-time programmable ROM (OTPROM), a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a flash memory, a hard drive, or a solid-state drive (SSD). The memory (430) may store various file data, and the stored file data may be updated according to the operation of the processor (420).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the display (405) can display various images under the control of the processor (420). The display (405) can be implemented as any one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, but is not limited thereto. The display (405) can be formed as a touch screen that detects a touch and / or proximity touch (or hovering) input using a part of a user's body (e.g., a finger) or an input device (e.g., a stylus pen). The display (405) can include at least some of the configurations and / or functions of the display module (160) of FIG. 1.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the display (405) may be at least partially flexible and may be implemented as a foldable display or a rollable display.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the plurality of sensors (410) may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (400) or an external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the plurality of sensors (410) may include at least one of 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. This is merely an example and the types of sensors are not limited thereto.

[0070] A plurality of sensors (410) may each be operatively connected to a processor (420), or may be configured as a single sensor unit and connected to the processor (420) at once through a sensor hub (not shown).

[0071] In one embodiment, a magnetic sensor may refer to a sensor that detects changes in an ambient magnetic field. The magnetic sensor may include, for example, a Hall sensor that measures the strength and direction of a magnetic field using the Hall effect. Alternatively, the magnetic sensor may include a tungsten magnetoresistive (AMR) sensor or a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor that measure a magnetic field using changes in magnetoresistance.

[0072] In one embodiment, a gyro sensor can detect rotational motion. The gyro sensor can be used to measure the rotational speed and direction of an object. The gyro sensor can detect changes in the direction of a rotating object using angular velocity. For example, the gyro sensor can be used to automatically adjust the orientation of a screen in an electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) (400).

[0073] According to one embodiment, an acceleration sensor can measure the acceleration of an object. The acceleration sensor detects changes in the velocity of an object and can measure both static gravitational acceleration and dynamic motion acceleration. An electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) (400) can use the acceleration sensor to determine the placement state or direction of the electronic device (400). The electronic device (400) can determine the placement state of the electronic device (400) based on the values ​​measured by the acceleration sensor. For example, if the value of the x-axis measured by the acceleration sensor is 0, the value of the y-axis is 0, and the value of the z-axis is -90 (degrees), the electronic device (400) can determine that the display (405) of the electronic device (400) is placed toward the first surface. Each numerical value is merely an example, and the numerical value that serves as a standard for determining the placement state of the electronic device (400) may vary depending on the setting.

[0074] In one embodiment, a proximity sensor can be used to detect whether an object has entered within a certain distance around the sensor. Using the proximity sensor, the electronic device (400) can determine the presence and location of an object without contact with the object. The proximity sensor can primarily operate using at least one of infrared, ultrasonic, and electromagnetic fields.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the processor (420) may receive a geomagnetic value and / or a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value from a Bluetooth module (BT module). According to one embodiment, the Bluetooth module may receive identification information of an external electronic device (e.g., a Bluetooth device) connected to the electronic device via Bluetooth communication, and the electronic device may recognize the type of the external electronic device connected via Bluetooth communication. The electronic device may use the RSSI value received via the Bluetooth module to determine the proximity of the external electronic device to the electronic device.

[0076] The electronic device (400) can use BLE (Bluetooth low energy) to confirm the presence of a Bluetooth device without pairing with the Bluetooth (BT) device and can receive a small amount of data at a cycle of 200 to 300 ms with low power.

[0077] According to one embodiment, an external device (e.g., a Bluetooth device) may periodically transmit a message (e.g., an advertising packet or a beacon message) to establish a connection with an electronic device (400). The electronic device (400) may confirm the presence of the external device based on receiving a beacon message from the external device. The beacon message may include identification information such as the ID of the external device. The electronic device (400) may continuously scan surrounding signals to receive the beacon message transmitted from the external device. During the scanning process, the electronic device (400) may receive the ID and RSSI value of the external device.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the RSSI value may indicate the strength of a signal. The electronic device (400) may estimate the distance to an external device using the RSSI value. For example, if the RSSI value is higher than a specified level, it may indicate that the external device is close to the electronic device (400), and if the RSSI value is low, it may indicate that the external device is far away. The RSSI value as a reference, or the criteria for close distance or far distance may vary depending on the setting. The electronic device (400) may use the RSSI value to determine which of the paired Bluetooth devices is relatively closest or within a certain distance.

[0079] According to one embodiment, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (415) may refer to an integrated circuit (e.g., a power management module (188) of FIG. 1) that plays a role in efficiently managing and supplying power in an electronic device (400). The PMIC (415) may regulate power by converting voltage levels through a DC-DC converter to provide various power levels. For example, the PMIC (415) may convert input power into a low voltage required for a battery and then convert the input power into a voltage suitable for core components of the system.

[0080] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling wireless charging of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0081] The operations described through FIG. 5 can be implemented based on instructions that can be stored in a computer recording medium or memory (e.g., memory (430) of FIG. 4). The illustrated method (500) can be executed by the electronic device described above through FIGS. 1 to 4 (e.g., electronic device (400) of FIG. 4), and the technical features described above will be omitted below. The order of each operation of FIG. 5 can be changed, some operations can be omitted, and some operations can be performed simultaneously.

[0082] In operation 510, the electronic device (400) can, under the control of a processor (e.g., processor (420) of FIG. 4), determine whether the electronic device (400) is positioned on the bottom surface of a specific object and whether the display (e.g., display (405) of FIG. 4) is facing the bottom surface.

[0083] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can use a proximity sensor to determine whether the display (405) of the electronic device (400) is facing the floor. The electronic device (400) can use a motion sensor to determine whether the electronic device (400) is positioned on the floor of a specific object.

[0084] In operation 520, the electronic device (400) can determine whether an external device (e.g., an external device (102) of FIG. 1) (e.g., a smart watch, a smart ring, a tablet) exists within a specified distance from the electronic device (400). The electronic device (400) can determine whether the external device (102) exists within a specified distance based on the electronic device (400) being positioned on the bottom surface of a specific object and the display (405) facing the bottom surface. Here, the specified distance means a distance such as 5 cm, for example, and this is not a fixed value and may vary depending on the setting.

[0085] The electronic device (400) may include, for example, a terminal. The external device (102) may include, for example, any one of a terminal, a smartwatch, a smart ring, and a tablet. The types of the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) are merely examples and are not limited thereto, and may vary depending on the settings.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine whether the external device (102) is within a specified distance from the electronic device (400) based on a measurement of the BT RSSI. For example, the electronic device (400) can determine that the external device (102) is within a specified distance (e.g., 5 cm) based on a measurement of the BT RSSI exceeding a certain level (e.g., -30 dBm). The electronic device (400) can determine that the external device (102) is at least 10 cm away from the electronic device (400) based on a measurement of the BT RSSI being below a certain level (e.g., -45 dBm). The measurement of the BT RSSI and the specified distance are examples and are not limited thereto.

[0087] The electronic device (400) can periodically analyze the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) signal received from at least one external device (102) to determine whether an external device exists within a specified distance from the electronic device (400). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine whether an external device (102) exists within a specified distance from the electronic device (400) using a wireless signal based on a change in the state of the electronic device (400) such that the display (405) faces the first side. The wireless signal may include, for example, a Bluetooth signal. The first side may mean a bottom side or a side that supports the electronic device (400). The fact that the display of the electronic device (400) is arranged to face the first side may mean that the electronic device (400) is arranged in an upside-down state based on the display on the front side.

[0088] In Fig. 5, an embodiment of determining whether an external device (102) exists within a specified distance from an electronic device (400) by BT RSSI is described, but sensor values ​​may also be measured using a sensor hub. The electronic device (400) can separately control sensors (e.g., acceleration sensors, geomagnetic sensors, Bluetooth sensors) using the sensor hub. The sensor hub can control the sensors regardless of the load of the main processor (e.g., the main processor (121) of Fig. 1). The electronic device (400) can prevent system overload by operating only the sensor hub for sensor measurement.

[0089] In operation 530, the electronic device (400) can transmit a signal using a coil when the external device (102) is within a specified distance from the electronic device (400), and transmit a wireless charging signal to the external device (102) based on a response signal.

[0090] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may transmit a signal to the external device (102) using at least one coil based on determining that the external device (102) is present within a specified distance from the electronic device (400). The signal transmitted to the external device (102) may include a ping.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine whether an external device (102) capable of receiving wireless power is located within a chargeable distance from the electronic device (400) based on a response signal from the external device (102) to the ping.

[0092] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may stop the periodic transmission of pings based on determining that no external device (102) is present within a specified distance from the electronic device (400). The periodic transmission of pings may be determined differently over time.

[0093] In Fig. 5, it is described that an external device (102) capable of wireless charging is detected based on a ping signal. However, in addition to the ping signal, other short-range wireless communication technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication) can also be used to detect the presence of a device and exchange basic information. In other words, the signal for detecting an external device (102) capable of wireless charging may vary depending on the settings and is not limited to the ping signal.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine whether wireless battery sharing is possible using short-range wireless communication. The term "short-range wireless communication" as used herein refers to a technology that enables data exchange between devices over a short distance and can take various forms. Short-range wireless communication can include, for example, any of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC. The electronic device (400) can transmit a ping to an external electronic device (102) and receive a response from the external device (102) to determine the connection status or response time of the short-range wireless communication. The electronic device (400) can use the ping to determine whether another device is nearby and whether it can share its battery wirelessly. For example, if the battery of the external device (102) is low and the electronic device (400) has sufficient battery remaining, the electronic device (400) can check whether a connection is possible through the ping and, if possible, proceed with the process of wirelessly sharing the battery.

[0095] The electronic device (400) can check the status of a communication connection with the external electronic device (102) by transmitting a ping to the external electronic device (102) and checking a response from the external electronic device. The electronic device (400) can receive a signal integrity (SIG) signal indicating the quality of a signal from the external electronic device (102). Alternatively, the electronic device (400) can receive an efficient power transfer (EPT) signal for efficient power transfer from the external electronic device (102).

[0096] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may transmit a ping based on entering a power sharing mode. The electronic device (400) may determine whether the external device (102) is in the vicinity of the electronic device (400) based on the external device's (102) response to the ping signal. In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may send a PWM (pulse width modulation) signal within a wireless charging resonant frequency (e.g., 110 to 196 kHz) to the coil. A magnetic field may be generated when the PWM (pulse width modulation) signal flows through the coil. PWM may be used to transmit information or control the amount of power by adjusting the pulse width of the electrical signal (i.e., the time the signal is active). The electronic device (400) may transmit power of the electronic device (400) to the external device (102) within a distance where magnetic inductive coupling may occur by using the magnetic field generated by the PWM signal. The range of resonant frequencies for wireless charging (e.g., 110 to 196 kHz) is only an example of resonant frequencies in magnetic induction and may vary depending on the wireless charging method (e.g., magnetic resonance).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the external device (102) (e.g., Rx) can rectify the received energy using a rectifier and receive power sufficient to satisfy the minimum operating voltage of the wireless charging IC. If this process is successfully completed, the Rx can transmit a Signal Strength (SS) packet to inform the electronic device (400) (e.g., Tx) that there is an Rx nearby to be charged. As one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can set the period for transmitting the ping signal to 100 msec. If the conditions of the preceding operations 510 to 520 are satisfied, the electronic device (400) can enter the battery sharing mode and attempt pinging 10 times for about 1 second to search for the external device (e.g., Rx). The transmission period and number of attempts of the ping signal are merely examples and may vary depending on the settings.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can maintain the magnetic inductive coupling by applying a continuous PWM signal to the coil based on the confirmation of a response from an external device (102) in the vicinity. If the electronic device (400) does not confirm a response from the external device (102), the electronic device (400) can transmit a ping signal several times at a cycle of about 50 to 100 msec. If the electronic device (400) does not recognize the external device (102) despite transmitting the ping signal several times, the electronic device (400) can enter a standby mode.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can share a battery with the external device (102) if the location of the external device (102) satisfies a specified condition. The specified condition may mean, for example, a condition in which at least one of the magnetic change amount in the x-axis, the magnetic change amount in the y-axis, or the magnetic change amount in the z-axis measured by the magnetic sensor falls within a specific range. The mentioned magnetic change amount is only an example, and the specified condition is not limited thereto.

[0100] The values ​​of the magnetic sensor and the magnetic change amount according to the mounting status are as follows [Table 1].

[0101] Mounting statusMagnetic sensor valueMagnetic change amountFlipped mounting (default)Magnetic: 2, x: -13.67, y: 5.53, z: 38.68Smartphone + smartwatchMagnetic: 2, x: 76.07, y: 68.53, z: 111.88Δx: 89.74 Δy: 63Δz: 73.2Smartphone + earphone (1st direction)Magnetic: 2, x: 140.16, y: -184.82, z: 122.14Δx: 153.83 Δy: 190.35Δz: 83.46Smartphone + earphone (2nd direction)Magnetic: 2, x: 179.91 , y: -186.86, z: 228Δx: 193.58 Δy:192.39Δz:189.32

[0102] [Table 1] details the values ​​of the magnetic sensor and the amount of magnetic change according to the mounting status. [Table 1] records the values ​​of the x, y, and z axes detected by the magnetic sensor and the amount of change according to the status of the electronic device (400) and the external device (102).

[0103] In [Table 1], the electronic device (400) may be in a default state with the stand flipped over. In this case, the magnetic sensor may detect values ​​of -13.67 in the x-axis, 5.53 in the y-axis, and 38.68 in the z-axis. These may be set as reference values. The reference value may refer to the default magnetic sensor value when the stand is in an upside-down state.

[0104] [Table 1] shows that the magnetic sensor values ​​for the smartphone and smartwatch when placed together are 76.07 on the x-axis, 68.53 on the y-axis, and 111.88 on the z-axis. This represents a change of 89.74 on the x-axis, 63 on the y-axis, and 73.2 on the z-axis compared to the reference value. This change reflects the change in the magnetic field caused by the smartphone and smartwatch being placed together.

[0105] In [Table 1], the smartphone and wireless earphones can be placed in the first direction. The first direction may refer to the direction in which the smartphone and wireless earphones are placed side by side. When the smartphone and wireless earphones are placed in the first direction, the magnetic sensor can detect values ​​of 140.16 in the x-axis, -184.82 in the y-axis, and 122.14 in the z-axis. The amount of change in this state is 153.83 in the x-axis, 190.35 in the y-axis, and 83.46 in the z-axis compared to the reference value.

[0106] [Table 1] shows that the smartphone and wireless earphones can be placed in a second direction. The second direction may refer to a direction in which the direction of the wireless earphones is rotated 90 degrees, unlike the first direction. When the smartphone and wireless earphones are placed in the second direction, the magnetic sensor can detect values ​​of 179.91 in the x-axis, -186.86 in the y-axis, and 228 in the z-axis. The changes from the reference value are 193.58 in the x-axis, 192.39 in the y-axis, and 189.32 in the z-axis.

[0107] The electronic device (400) can precisely determine how the magnetic field changes depending on the type and direction of the device being placed, through the values ​​and changes in the magnetic sensor displayed for each state.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine the location of the external device and the state in which the external device is placed on the electronic device (400) based on at least one of the magnetic change amount in the x-axis, the magnetic change amount in the y-axis, or the magnetic change amount in the z-axis measured by the magnetic sensor. The electronic device (400) can determine the priority for charging with the electronic device (400) based on the state in which the external device (102) is placed. That is, when at least one of the magnetic change amounts in the x-axis, the y-axis, or the z-axis is within a specific range, the electronic device (400) can share a battery with the external device (102).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine the location of the external device and the distance between the external device and the electronic device based on sensor values ​​measured through the magnetic sensor.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can charge the electronic device (400) preferentially based on the external device being placed in the first state and can charge the external device when the charge level of the electronic device (400) exceeds a specified level.

[0111] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can use a magnetic sensor to determine the location and status of an external device. Based on this information, the electronic device (400) determines a charging priority with respect to the external device. For example, the electronic device (400) may be charged preferentially when the external device is in a specific state (e.g., a first state), and the external device (102) may be charged when the battery charge level of the electronic device (400) exceeds a specific standard.

[0112] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may preferentially charge the external device (102) based on the external device (102) being placed in the second state and charge the electronic device (400) when the charge level of the external device (102) exceeds a specified level.

[0113] According to one embodiment, when it is difficult to determine whether the state of the external device is one of the first state and the second state, the electronic device (400) can compare the battery charge level of the electronic device (400) and the battery charge level of the external device and charge the device with a relatively lower charge ratio preferentially.

[0114] Here, the first state and the second state may be determined based on at least one of the magnetic change amount in the x-axis, the magnetic change amount in the y-axis, or the magnetic change amount in the z-axis measured by the magnetic sensor. The first state may mean a state in which the external device (102) is placed on the electronic device (400) in a first direction. The second state may mean a state in which the external device (102) is placed on the electronic device (400) in a second direction. The first state and the second state will be described in FIG. 8B.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine a priority for charging between the electronic device and the external device based on either a pre-set condition or a user selection.

[0116] In one embodiment, when there is an electronic device (400) and an external device (102), a magnetic sensor built into the electronic device (400) can detect the location and state of the external device (102). The electronic device (400) can determine that it is ready to share a battery when the external device (102) is within a specified distance and the magnetic change amount is within a specific range.

[0117] If the battery level of the electronic device (400) is relatively lower than the battery level of the external device (102), the electronic device (400) can charge the electronic device (400) first and then share the battery of the electronic device (400) with the external device (102). The process of determining the priority of battery charging can be preset by the user and performed automatically without any separate operation by the user. The priority and method of battery sharing can be adjusted according to the placement state of the external device (102) detected by the magnetic sensor.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may determine that the electronic device (400) is maintained in a stationary state based on the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis values ​​of the gyro sensor. The stationary state may mean the opposite of a moving state. If the electronic device (400) is determined to be in a moving state, the electronic device (400) may determine that there is no intention to charge the external device (102).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may determine whether the electronic device (400) is floor-placed based on the X, Y, and Z values ​​of the gyro sensor after the electronic device (400) is floor-placed. For example, the electronic device (400) may determine that the electronic device (400) is not floor-placed based on the values ​​measured by the gyro sensor that x is 27.89, y is 65.05, and z is -3.44. Thereafter, the electronic device (400) may determine that the electronic device (400) is floor-placed based on the values ​​measured by the gyro sensor that x is -0.11, y is -0.04, and z is 0.026. The measured values ​​are merely examples and may vary depending on the situation. The electronic device (400) may determine that the state of the electronic device (400) is floor-placed based on the absolute values ​​measured with respect to 0 being below a certain level for the x, y, and z values.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may transmit a ping to the external device (102) based on the strength of a wireless signal for short-range wireless communication exceeding a specific value. The electronic device (400) may determine whether the external device (102) is a device capable of wireless battery sharing with the electronic device (400) based on a response to the ping, and may perform a battery sharing function for the external device (102). When the strength of the wireless signal is greater than a specific value, the electronic device (400) may transmit a ping to the external device (102) and determine whether the electronic device (400) can wirelessly share a battery with the external device (102) based on a response to the ping.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may determine that an external device (102) is present within a specified distance from the electronic device (400) based on the magnitude of a Bluetooth received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value exceeding a specified level.

[0122] For example, the electronic device (400) may measure the RSSI value of another smartphone or Bluetooth device in the vicinity using Bluetooth, and if the RSSI value exceeds a specified level, it may be determined that the smartphone or Bluetooth device is within a specified distance from the electronic device (400).

[0123] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may determine whether the state of the electronic device (400) has changed so that the display (405) faces the first surface (e.g., the floor surface) based on a sensor value measured via a proximity sensor exceeding a specified level. In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may determine that the electronic device (400) is placed on the floor surface based on a low-light value of the proximity sensor exceeding a specified level.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine whether the state of the electronic device (400) has changed so that the display (405) faces the first surface based on a sensor value measured by the acceleration sensor. Based on the value measured from the acceleration sensor, the electronic device (400) can determine whether the state of the display has changed so that the display faces the first surface (e.g., the floor surface).

[0125] In one embodiment, the value of the acceleration sensor can be at least -2020.0 and at most 2807.0 for the x-axis. The value can be at least 948.0 and at most 3933.0 for the y-axis. The value can be at least -792.0 and at most 6993.0 for the z-axis. After floor placement, the value of the acceleration sensor can be at least 43.0 and at most 45.0 for the x-axis. The value can be at least 9.0 and at most 16.0 for the y-axis. The value can be at least 4095.0 and at most 4114.0 for the z-axis.

[0126] If the change in the measurement value of the acceleration sensor exceeds a certain value (e.g., 100), the electronic device (400) may determine that the electronic device (400) is not mounted. Here, the certain value is only an example. The value that serves as a standard for determining the not-mounted state may vary depending on the setting. However, the electronic device (400) may determine that the electronic device (400) is mounted if the change in the measurement value of the acceleration sensor is less than a certain level (e.g., 20). The certain level (e.g., 20) is only an example. The value that serves as a standard for determining the mounted state may vary depending on the setting.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can use a wireless signal to determine whether an external device exists within a specified distance from the electronic device based on a change in the state of the electronic device (400) such that the display (405) faces the first side. The electronic device (400) can use a wireless signal at regular intervals (e.g., every minute) to determine whether an external device (102) exists within a specified distance from the electronic device (400) based on the absence of an external device (102). Here, the period for using a wireless signal to determine the presence of an external device (102) may vary depending on the settings.

[0128] For example, the electronic device (400) can detect whether the user is holding the phone upright or lying down through the acceleration sensor. In addition, the electronic device (400) can check whether an external device (102), such as a smartwatch, is nearby through the RSSI value of a Bluetooth signal. The electronic device (400) can transmit a ping to the external device (102) to check whether wireless battery sharing is possible, and then, if necessary, perform an operation to share the battery of the electronic device (400) with the external device (102). For example, the electronic device (400) can determine that the display (405) of the electronic device (400) is facing the first side when the values ​​detected through the acceleration sensor are 0 for the x-axis, 0 for the y-axis, and -90 for the z-axis.

[0129] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may determine that the user intends to share the battery of the electronic device (400) with an external device when the display (405) is facing the first side. The first side may include a bottom side. The electronic device (400) may initiate wireless charging of the external device (102) based on the external device (102) being aligned with a designated location while the display (405) is facing the first side.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine the location of the external device (102) based on the magnitude of the Bluetooth received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value. For example, the electronic device (400) can determine that the external device (102) is close enough to share a wireless battery with the electronic device (400) if the magnitude of the RSSI is greater than -30 dBm. The magnitude of the RSSI is merely an example and may vary depending on the settings. As the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) come closer, the magnitude of the RSSI may relatively increase. As the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) get farther apart, the RSSI may be measured closer to -100 dBm. As the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) get closer, the magnitude of the RSSI may be measured closer to 0 dBm.

[0131] The electronic device (400) can detect whether an external device (102) is present in the vicinity by checking the RSSI value of Bluetooth when the display (405) changes to a state facing the first side. In addition, even when it is determined that the external device (102) is not present in the vicinity, the electronic device (400) can periodically check the RSSI value of Bluetooth to determine whether the external device (102) is approaching.

[0132] In addition, the electronic device (400) can determine the alignment state of the external device (102) based on the measurement value of the magnetic sensor. Alignment may mean an aligned state. The electronic device (400) can determine whether the external device (102) is aligned based on the angle formed between the external device (102) and the electronic device (400). The electronic device (400) can determine the angle formed between the external device (102) and the electronic device (400) based on the measurement value of the magnetic sensor. In other words, the electronic device (400) can determine the arrangement state of how the external device (102) is mounted based on the measurement value of the magnetic sensor.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may determine the type of the external device (102) based on the change amount value of the magnetic sensor. The type of the external device (102) may include, for example, any one of a smart watch, a smart ring, wireless earphones, a tablet, or a terminal. This is merely an example, and the type of the external device (102) is not limited thereto. Even for devices of the same type, the value of the magnetic sensor, which is the classification criterion, may vary depending on the model. The change amount value of the magnetic sensor may be measured as the change amount of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.

[0134] In addition, the electronic device (400) can determine the angle formed between the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) based on the measurement value of the magnetic sensor. Alternatively, the electronic device (400) can determine the range by synthesizing the measurement values ​​of the magnetic sensor by axis. For example, the electronic device (400) can determine that the external device (102) is a smart watch when the variation value of the magnetic sensor on the x-axis is measured between 39 and 45. The electronic device (400) can determine that the external device (102) is a wireless earphone when the variation value of the magnetic sensor on the x-axis is measured between -144 and -169. This is just an example, and the type of the external device (102) and the variation value of the magnetic sensor that serves as a reference may vary depending on the settings.

[0135] Rotation angle (degrees)ΔxΔyΔz044-16244543-11199045-92613543-122318039-82022540-102027043-112431543-1415Magnetic change range39~45-16~-815~26

[0136] According to [Table 2], the electronic device (400) can determine the type of the external device (102) based on the range of the variation of the magnetic sensor. The range of the variation detected by the magnetic sensor of the electronic device (400) may vary somewhat depending on the mounting angle between the electronic device (400) and the external device (102). However, for example, if the type of the external device (102) is a smart watch, the magnetic variation of the x-axis may have a value between 39 and 45 depending on the mounting angle, and if the type of the external device (102) is a wireless earphone, the magnetic variation of the x-axis may have a value between -144 and -169 depending on the mounting angle. In this case, the electronic device (400) can determine the type of the external device (102) based on the range of the magnetic variation of the x-axis. A smart watch or wireless earphone is merely an example, and the type of the external device is not limited thereto. Additionally, the magnetic change amount may also be slightly different for each of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and may vary depending on the type of external device.

[0137] Mounting rotation angleΔx1Δy1Δz1Δx2Δy2Δz20-157104-55-15783-4645-147104-46-14483-4090-144108-37-15881-30135-148119-50-13690-31180-150109-40-13595-49225-16993-34-13492-41270-155101-39-14188-53315-157103-46-14883-50Magnetic change amount range-144 ~ -16993 ~ 119-34 ~ -55-135 ~ -15881 ~ 95-28 ~ -53

[0138] In addition, according to [Table 3], the electronic device (400) can determine the model name (e.g., BUSD2) of the external device based on the range of the magnetic change value. Alternatively, the electronic device (400) can determine whether the earphone is inside the case for wireless earphones or whether the earphone is in use and therefore outside the case based on the range of the magnetic change value. In [Table 3], x1, y1, and z1 represent the magnetic change values ​​measured when the Bluetooth earphone is located inside the case. x2, y2, and z2 represent the magnetic change values ​​measured when the Bluetooth earphone is not located inside the case.

[0139] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can use ping to determine whether another device is nearby and whether it can wirelessly connect to share a battery. The electronic device (400) can transmit a ping to an external device (102) based on whether the strength of a wireless signal for short-range wireless communication exceeds a certain value. Based on the response to the ping, the electronic device (400) can determine whether the external device (102) is capable of wirelessly sharing a battery with the electronic device (400).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can perform a battery sharing function when the display (405) is facing the first side, the external device (102) is a device capable of wireless battery sharing with the electronic device (400), and the position or placement state of the external device (102) satisfies a specified condition.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may receive information about sensor values ​​from the external device (102) to determine the state of the external device (102). For example, the electronic device (400) may determine that the external device (102) is stationary and in a mounted state based on the numerical values ​​of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis of the acceleration sensor values ​​of the external device (102) being below a specified level (e.g., -90 degrees). The specified level is merely an example and may vary depending on the setting. Alternatively, the electronic device (400) may determine that the external device (102) is stationary and in a mounted state based on the values ​​of the gyro sensor of the external device (102) indicating 0 in all axis directions.

[0142] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for starting battery sharing in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0143] The operations described through FIG. 6 can be implemented based on instructions that can be stored in a computer recording medium or memory (e.g., memory (430) of FIG. 4). The illustrated method (600) can be executed by the electronic device described above through FIGS. 1 to 4 (e.g., electronic device (400) of FIG. 4), and the technical features described above will be omitted below. The order of each operation of FIG. 6 can be changed, some operations can be omitted, and some operations can be performed simultaneously.

[0144] In operation 610, the electronic device (400) may check whether the display (e.g., the display (405) of FIG. 4) satisfies a condition for initiating power sharing. The condition for initiating power sharing may include, for example, an operation for determining whether the electronic device (400) is facing the floor. The operation for determining whether the electronic device (400) is facing the floor has been described in Tables 1 to 3 of FIG. 5. The electronic device (400) may be in a state in which wireless charging or wired charging is in progress. Alternatively, the electronic device (400) may be in a state in which the battery capacity of another device exceeds a certain level and thus can share the battery with an external device (e.g., the external electronic device (102) of FIG. 1). Checking whether the display is facing the floor is merely an example, and the criteria for determining the battery sharing state are not limited thereto. The electronic device (400) may wirelessly transmit power to an external device at a time set by a user. Alternatively, the electronic device (400) may wirelessly transmit power to an external device based on the electronic device (400) being placed in a location set by the user.

[0145] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can use a proximity sensor to determine whether the display (405) of the electronic device (400) is facing the floor. The electronic device (400) can use a motion sensor to determine whether the electronic device (400) is positioned on the floor of a specific object.

[0146] The electronic device (400) may not execute the battery sharing function of the electronic device (400) based on the fact that the display (405) is not facing the floor. In operation 614, the electronic device (400) may check again in operation 610 whether a condition for starting power sharing is satisfied after a certain period of time (e.g., 1 minute). The condition for starting power sharing may mean, for example, that the display (405) is facing the floor. The certain period of time is only an example and is not limited thereto, and may vary depending on the settings.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine whether the external device (102) is located within a specified distance from the electronic device (400). The specified distance (e.g., 5 cm) may vary depending on the setting. The electronic device (400) can use some of a plurality of sensors (e.g., the plurality of sensors (410) of FIG. 4) to determine whether the external device (102) is located within a certain distance from the electronic device (400). The electronic device (400) can periodically analyze the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a BLE (Bluetooth low energy) signal received from at least one external device (102) to determine whether the external device is present within the specified distance from the electronic device (400).

[0148] In operation 620, the electronic device (400) can transmit a signal using a coil when an external device (102) is within a specified distance from the electronic device (400) and determine whether the external device (102) responds to the transmitted signal.

[0149] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may transmit a signal to the external device (102) using at least one coil based on determining that the external device (102) is present within a specified distance from the electronic device (400). The signal transmitted to the external device (102) may include a ping.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine whether an external device (102) capable of receiving wireless power is located within a chargeable distance from the electronic device (400) based on a response signal from the external device (102) to the ping.

[0151] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may stop the periodic transmission of pings based on determining that no external device (102) is present within a specified distance from the electronic device (400). The periodic transmission of pings may be determined differently over time.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may transmit a wireless charging signal to the external device (102) based on a response signal from the external device (102). If the response signal from the external device (102) is not confirmed, the electronic device (400) may, at operation 624, check again whether the external device satisfies the power sharing start condition after a predetermined period of time. The power sharing start condition has been described in operation 610. Here, the predetermined period of time may vary depending on the setting.

[0153] The electronic device (400) may initiate battery sharing for the external device (102) at operation 622 based on determining that the external device (102) is positioned at a specific location relative to the electronic device (400).

[0154] The electronic device according to the comparative example may have inconveniences in usability because it must go through several steps described in FIG. 3 to execute the battery sharing function. However, the electronic device (400) according to the present document can execute the battery sharing function based on the arrangement state of the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) without going through several steps described in FIG. 3, thereby increasing usability. In addition, the electronic device (400) according to the present document can determine the priority for charging between the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) based on the arrangement state of the external device (102). The process for determining the priority for charging between the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) will be described in FIG. 7.

[0155] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining charging priority between an electronic device and an external device according to one embodiment.

[0156] The operations described through FIG. 7 can be implemented based on instructions that can be stored in a computer recording medium or memory (e.g., memory (430) of FIG. 4). The illustrated method (700) can be executed by the electronic device described above through FIGS. 1 to 4 (e.g., electronic device (400) of FIG. 4), and the technical features described above will be omitted below. The order of each operation of FIG. 7 can be changed, some operations can be omitted, and some operations can be performed simultaneously.

[0157] In operation 710, the electronic device (400) may check whether the display (e.g., the display (405) of FIG. 4) satisfies a condition for initiating power sharing. The condition for initiating power sharing may include, for example, an operation for determining whether the electronic device (400) is facing the floor. The operation for determining whether the electronic device (400) is facing the floor is merely an example, and the criteria for determining the battery sharing state are not limited thereto. The electronic device (400) may wirelessly transmit power to an external device at a time set by a user. Alternatively, the electronic device (400) may wirelessly transmit power to an external device based on the electronic device (400) being placed at a location set by a user. The electronic device (400) may be in a state in which wireless charging or wired charging is in progress. Alternatively, the electronic device (400) may be in a state in which the battery of another device exceeds a certain level and can share the battery with an external device (e.g., the external electronic device (102) of FIG. 1).

[0158] The electronic device (400) may not execute the battery sharing function of the electronic device (400) based on the fact that the display (405) is not facing the floor. In operation 714, the electronic device (400) may check again in operation 710 whether the power sharing condition (e.g., the display (405) is facing the floor) is satisfied after a certain period of time (e.g., 1 minute). The certain period of time is only an example and is not limited thereto and may vary depending on the settings.

[0159] In operation 720, the electronic device (400) can determine whether the external device (102) is positioned at a specific location relative to the electronic device (400). The specific location may, for example, mean a location within a certain distance relative to the electronic device (400). The electronic device (400) can determine whether the external device (102) is positioned within a certain distance from the electronic device (400) by using some of a plurality of sensors (e.g., a plurality of sensors (410) of FIG. 4).

[0160] The electronic device (400) can determine that the external device (102) is not located within a certain distance, and can determine the location of the external device (102) again after a certain period of time in operation 724. The certain period of time may vary depending on the setting.

[0161] The electronic device (400) may determine, at operation 730, whether the arrangement state of the external device (102) is a first state based on confirmation that the external device (102) is placed at a specific location relative to the electronic device (400). Here, the first state may mean a state in which the external device (102) is placed in a first direction (e.g., horizontal direction) relative to the center of the electronic device (400). The first state is merely an example, and the state in which the external device (102) is placed on the electronic device (400) may vary depending on the settings.

[0162] Alternatively, the electronic device (400) may determine a different priority for sharing power with the external device (102) based on the charging mode. For example, if the electronic device (400) is in a priority charging mode for the electronic device (400), the electronic device (400) may control to charge the electronic device (400) first and then share power with the external device (102). If the electronic device (400) is in a mode to charge the external device (102) first, the electronic device (400) may control to share power with the external device (102) first. If the electronic device (400) is in a simultaneous charging mode, the electronic device (400) may control to control to charge the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) simultaneously by adjusting the amount of power transferred to the electronic device (400) and the external device (102). Here, the electronic device (400) priority charging mode, the external device (102) priority charging mode, and the simultaneous charging mode have been described, but the charging mode is not limited thereto and may vary depending on the settings.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may maintain a previously set charging mode (e.g., electronic device (400) priority charging mode, external device (102) priority charging mode, and simultaneous charging mode) when the placement state of the external device (102) is not confirmed or it is unclear to determine the placement state of the external device (102) as the first state.

[0164] The electronic device (400) may determine, in operation 732, to charge the external device (102) with priority over the electronic device (400) based on the placement state of the external device (102) being the first state.

[0165] Alternatively, the electronic device (400) may determine to charge the electronic device (400) with priority over the external device (102) in operation 734 based on the placement state of the external device (102) being other than the first state. For example, the electronic device (400) may determine to charge the electronic device (400) with priority over the external device (102) based on the placement state of the external device (102) being the second state. The second state may refer to a state in which the external device (102) is placed in a second direction (e.g., vertical direction) with respect to the center of the electronic device (400). The second state is merely an example, and the state in which the external device (102) is placed on the electronic device (400) may vary depending on the settings.

[0166] Magnetic sensor value in the dock Magnetic change Priority charging device Smartphone + earphone (1st direction) Magnetic: 2, x: 140.16, y: -184.82, z: 122.14 Δx: 153.83 Δy: 190.35 Δz: 83.46 Smartphone Smartphone + earphone (2nd direction) Magnetic: 2, x: 179.91, y: -186.86, z: 228 Δx: 193.58 Δy: 192.39 Δz: 189.32 Earphone

[0167] According to [Table 4], the electronic device (400) can determine the state of the external device (102) based on whether at least one of the magnetic change amount in the x-axis, the magnetic change amount in the y-axis, or the magnetic change amount in the z-axis measured through the magnetic sensor falls within a specific range. Here, the external device (102) is described as an earphone, but the type of the external device (102) is not limited thereto.

[0168] For example, when the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) (e.g., earphones) are placed in a first direction (e.g., horizontal direction), the magnetic sensor can detect values ​​of 140.16 in the x-axis, -184.82 in the y-axis, and 122.14 in the z-axis. When only the electronic device (400) exists, the magnetic sensor can detect values ​​of -13.67 in the x-axis, 5.53 in the y-axis, and 38.68 in the z-axis, as described in the above [Table 1]. This can be set as a reference value. The reference value can mean a basic magnetic sensor value when the stand is in an upside-down state. Compared to the reference value, a change of 150.83 in the x-axis, 190.35 in the y-axis, and 83.46 in the z-axis can be shown. The electronic device (400) can determine the arrangement state of the external device (102) based on the amount of change in the magnetic sensor. The electronic device (400) can determine the device to be charged first based on the arrangement state of the external device (102).

[0169] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may have difficulty determining whether the state of the external device (102) is the first state or the second state based on the measurement value of the magnetic sensor. In this case, the electronic device (400) may determine the charging priority of the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) as set in advance. Alternatively, the electronic device (400) may compare the battery charge levels of the electronic device (400) and the battery charge levels of the external device (102) and preferentially charge the device with a relatively lower charging ratio.

[0170] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (400) determines that the state of the external device (102) is the first state and is charging, and when the state of the external device (102) changes, the electronic device (400) can receive a changed measurement value from the magnetic sensor. In this case, the electronic device (400) can check whether the state of the external device (102) is the second state. If the state of the external device (102) has changed from the first state, but the magnetic sensor value has not changed enough to determine the state as the second state, the electronic device (400) can proceed with charging the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) based on the priority determined in the first state. Here, a situation in which the state of the external device (102) changes when the stationary state of the external device (102) is determined to be the first state has been described, but the same can be applied even when the stationary state of the external device (102) is determined to be the second state.

[0171] FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment for determining charging priority between an electronic device and an external device based on user selection.

[0172] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine a priority for charging between the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) based on either a pre-set condition or a user selection.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may receive user input using the sub-display (802) to determine a charging priority with respect to the external device (102). For example, the electronic device (400) may provide a guide screen for charging the electronic device (400) with priority, charging the external device (102) with priority, or charging the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) simultaneously. The electronic device (400) may determine a charging priority between the electronic device (400) and the external device (102) based on the user input on the guide screen.

[0174] Although FIG. 8A describes that the guide screen is displayed on the sub-display (802) of the electronic device (400), the location of the display is not limited thereto. For example, if the external device (102) is a device including a display (e.g., a smart watch), the electronic device (400) may request the external device (102) to display the guide screen on the display of the external device (102).

[0175] FIGS. 8b and 8c illustrate embodiments for determining charging priority between an electronic device and an external device based on the position and state in which the external device is placed.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine the location of the external device and the state in which the external device is placed on the electronic device (400) based on at least one of the magnetic change amount in the x-axis, the magnetic change amount in the y-axis, or the magnetic change amount in the z-axis measured by the magnetic sensor. The electronic device (400) can determine the priority for charging with the electronic device (400) based on the state in which the external device (102) is placed.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can determine the location of the external device and the distance between the external device and the electronic device based on sensor values ​​measured through the magnetic sensor.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can charge the electronic device (400) preferentially based on the external device being placed in the first state and can charge the external device when the charge level of the electronic device (400) exceeds a specified level.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may charge the external device preferentially and charge the electronic device (400) when the charge level of the external device exceeds a specified level.

[0180] According to one embodiment, when it is difficult to determine whether the state of the external device is one of the first state and the second state, the electronic device (400) can compare the battery charge level of the electronic device (400) and the battery charge level of the external device and charge the device with a relatively lower charge ratio preferentially.

[0181] In Figure 810, the first state may mean a state in which the external device (102) is placed on the electronic device (400) in a first direction. In Figure 820, the second state may mean a state in which the external device (102) is placed on the electronic device (400) in a second direction.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) may determine the arrangement state of the external device (102) based on at least one of the x-axis magnetic change amount, the y-axis magnetic change amount, or the z-axis magnetic change amount measured by the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor may refer to a sensor that detects a change in an ambient magnetic field. The magnetic sensor may include, for example, a Hall sensor that measures the strength and direction of a magnetic field using the Hall effect. Alternatively, it may include a tungsten magnetoresistive (AMR) sensor or a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor that measures a magnetic field using a change in magnetoresistance.

[0183] In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) uses a magnetic sensor to determine the orientation (horizontal or vertical) of an external device, primarily based on changes in the direction of a magnetic field detected by the sensor. For example, assume that the sensor is fixed inside the device and that there is an external source generating a magnetic field. The direction of the magnetic field detected by the sensor changes when the device is positioned horizontally or vertically. By analyzing this change in orientation, the current orientation of the device can be determined.

[0184] For example, if the magnetic change amount has a value of -157 based on the x-axis, 104 based on the y-axis, and -55 based on the z-axis while the external device (102) is placed, the electronic device (400) may determine that the external device (102) is placed in a first state (e.g., horizontal form) based on the electronic device (400). On the other hand, if the magnetic change amount has a value of -144 based on the x-axis, 108 based on the y-axis, and -37 based on the z-axis while the external device (102) is placed, the electronic device (400) may determine that the external device (102) is placed in a second state (e.g., vertical form) based on the electronic device (400). Here, the value of the magnetic change amount is only an example and may vary depending on the types of the electronic device (400) and the external device (102).

[0185] In addition, the electronic device (400) may determine the state of the external device (102) based on a range of the magnetic change amount rather than determining the state of the external device (102) based on a single specific value for the magnetic change amount. For example, in the above embodiment, the electronic device (400) may determine that the external device (102) is placed in a second state (e.g., vertical form) based on the electronic device (400) even when the magnetic change amount is -143.5 with respect to the x-axis. The range of the magnetic change amount, which is a criterion for determining the arrangement state of the external device (102), may vary depending on the setting.

[0186] In addition, the electronic device (400) can determine the arrangement state of the external device (102) even when only one of the magnetic change amount in the x-axis, the magnetic change amount in the y-axis, or the magnetic change amount in the z-axis measured through the magnetic sensor satisfies a condition. Alternatively, the electronic device (400) can also determine the arrangement state of the external device (102) when the magnetic change amount in the x-axis, the magnetic change amount in the y-axis, and the magnetic change amount in the z-axis measured through the magnetic sensor all satisfy a specified condition.

[0187] For example, if the magnetic change amount in the x-axis measured through the magnetic sensor indicates a first state, while the magnetic change amount in the y-axis indicates a second state, the electronic device (400) can compare the battery charge level of the electronic device (400) and the battery charge level of the external device (102) to preferentially charge a device with a relatively low charge rate.

[0188] In FIG. 8C, the electronic device (400) can be divided into multiple regions depending on the folded state. Alternatively, depending on the type (e.g., a slideable device), a portion of the display may be exposed or retracted into the electronic device (400) depending on the movement of the housing (not shown). In this case, the electronic device (400) can be divided into a region that is always exposed and a region that is exposed or retracted depending on the movement of the housing.

[0189] According to one embodiment, when external devices are placed in the first area (830) and the second area (840), the electronic device (400) may charge the first external device placed in the first area (830) with priority, and charge the second external device placed in the second area (840) with priority. This is merely an example, and the division of areas and the priority of external devices to be charged may vary depending on the settings.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (400) can check whether a plurality of devices are in a Bluetooth pairing state. The electronic device (400) can transmit wireless power to the paired external device (102) when the external device (102) is in a Bluetooth pairing state. On the other hand, the electronic device (400) may not transmit wireless power to another external device (e.g., the external device (104) of FIG. 1) based on the fact that the external device is not paired. For example, when the external device (102) paired with the electronic device (400) is placed in the first area (830) and the unpaired external device (104) is placed in the second area (840), the electronic device (400) can share wireless power to the paired external device (102) regardless of the placement area and not transmit wireless power to the other unpaired external device (104). Even if a paired external device (102) is mounted in the second area (840) and another unpaired external device (104) is mounted in the first area (830), the electronic device (400) can transmit wireless power only to the paired external device (102).

[0191] The electronic device may include a communication circuit for performing short-range wireless communication, a display, at least one coil for transmitting and receiving a wireless charging signal, a plurality of sensors for detecting at least one of a direction, movement, or proximity of the electronic device, at least one processor, and a memory for storing instructions.

[0192] The instructions, when executed by the processor, may control the electronic device to determine whether the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of a specific object and the display of the electronic device is facing the bottom surface based on at least one signal received from at least one of a plurality of sensors; to determine, using the communication circuit, whether at least one external device is present within a specified distance from the electronic device when the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of the specific object and the display of the electronic device is present within the specified distance from the location of the electronic device; to transmit a signal using the at least one coil when the at least one external device is present within the specified distance from the location of the electronic device; and to transmit a wireless charging signal using the at least one coil to the at least one external device based on a response signal of the at least one external device to the transmitted signal.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the processor, may control the electronic device to determine whether the display of the electronic device is facing the floor surface using a proximity sensor and to determine whether the electronic device is positioned on the floor surface of a specific object using a motion sensor.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the processor, may control the electronic device to periodically analyze a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) signal received from at least one external device to determine whether an external device is present within a specified distance from the electronic device, and to transmit a signal to the external device using the at least one coil based on determining that the external device is present within the specified distance from the electronic device.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the processor, control the electronic device to periodically transmit a ping using the at least one coil to the external device based on determining that an external device exists within a specified distance from the electronic device, determine based on a response signal from the external device to the ping whether an external device capable of receiving wireless power is located within a chargeable distance from the electronic device, and stop the periodic transmission of the ping based on determining that no external device exists within the specified distance from the electronic device. The transmission cycle of the ping may be determined differently over time.

[0196] A method of operating an electronic device may include an operation of determining whether the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of a specific object and a display of the electronic device is facing the bottom surface based on at least one signal received from at least one of a plurality of sensors; an operation of determining whether at least one external device exists within a specified distance from the electronic device using a communication circuit when the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of the specific object and the display of the electronic device is facing the bottom surface; an operation of transmitting a signal using at least one coil when at least one external device exists within a specified distance from a position of the electronic device; and an operation of transmitting a wireless charging signal to the at least one external device using the at least one coil based on a response signal of the at least one external device to the transmitted signal.

[0197] A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing one or more programs, wherein when executed by a processor of an electronic device, the electronic device determines, based on at least one signal received from at least one of a plurality of sensors, whether the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of a specific object and a display of the electronic device is in a state facing the bottom surface, and when the electronic device is located on the bottom surface of the specific object and the display of the electronic device is in a state facing the bottom surface, the electronic device determines, using a communication circuit, whether at least one external device exists within a specified distance from the electronic device, and transmits a signal using the at least one coil when the at least one external device exists within a specified distance from a position of the electronic device, and transmits a wireless charging signal to the at least one external device using the at least one coil based on a response signal of the at least one external device to the transmitted signal.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (400), A communication circuit (190) that performs short-range wireless communication; display (405); At least one coil for transmitting and receiving a wireless charging signal; A plurality of sensors (410) for detecting at least one of direction, movement or proximity of the electronic device; At least one processor (420); Memory (430) for storing instructions; The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to Based on at least one signal received from at least one of the plurality of sensors, determining whether the electronic device is located on the floor surface of a specific object and whether the display of the electronic device is facing the floor surface, When the electronic device is positioned on the bottom surface of a specific object and the display of the electronic device is facing the bottom surface, it is determined whether at least one external device exists within a specified distance from the electronic device using the communication circuit, Transmitting a signal using said at least one coil when at least one external device is present within a specified distance from the location of said electronic device; An electronic device that controls transmission of a wireless charging signal to at least one external device using at least one coil based on a response signal of at least one external device to the transmitted signal.

2. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to Using a proximity sensor, determine whether the display of the electronic device is facing the floor surface, An electronic device that uses a motion sensor to control whether the electronic device is positioned on the floor surface of a specific object.

3. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to Periodically analyze the RSSI (received signal strength indicator) of a BLE (bluetooth low energy) signal received from at least one external device to determine whether an external device exists within a specified distance from the electronic device, An electronic device that controls the transmission of a signal using at least one coil to an external device based on the presence of an external device within a specified distance from the electronic device.

4. In paragraph 3, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to periodically transmitting a ping to the external device using the at least one coil based on determining that the external device is present within a specified distance from the electronic device; Based on the response signal of the external device to the above ping, it is determined whether an external device capable of receiving wireless power is located within a charging distance from the electronic device, Control to stop the periodic transmission of the ping based on determining that there is no external device within a specified distance from the electronic device; An electronic device characterized in that the transmission cycle of the above ping can be determined differently according to the passage of time.

5. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to Determine the location of the external device and the distance from the electronic device based on the sensor value measured through the magnetic sensor, If the external device is confirmed to be a device capable of receiving wireless power, and the location of the external device satisfies a specified condition, the power of the electronic device is controlled to be transmitted to the external device. The conditions specified above are An electronic device that means a condition in which at least one of the magnetic change amount in the x-axis, the magnetic change amount in the y-axis, or the magnetic change amount in the z-axis measured through the magnetic sensor falls within a specific range.

6. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to Determine the position of the external device and the state in which the external device is placed on the electronic device based on at least one of the magnetic change amount in the x-axis, the magnetic change amount in the y-axis, or the magnetic change amount in the z-axis measured through the magnetic sensor, An electronic device that controls the electronic device to determine the priority for charging based on the state in which the external device is placed.

7. In paragraph 6, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to Based on the above external device being placed in the first state Charge the electronic device first and charge the external device when the charge level of the electronic device exceeds a specified level; Based on the above external device being placed in the second state Charge the external device first and charge the electronic device when the charge level of the external device exceeds a specified level. If it is difficult to determine whether the state of the external device is one of the first state and the second state Controls the charging of a device with a relatively low charging rate by comparing the battery charging level of the electronic device and the battery charging level of the external device, The above first state and the above second state An electronic device determined based on at least one of the magnetic change amount in the x-axis, the magnetic change amount in the y-axis, or the magnetic change amount in the z-axis measured through the magnetic sensor.

8. In paragraph 6, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to An electronic device that controls charging between said electronic device and said external device based on either preset conditions or user selection.

9. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to Detecting a change in direction of the electronic device using the angle measured by the acceleration sensor, An electronic device that controls whether the state of the electronic device has changed so that the display faces the floor based on a change in the orientation of the electronic device being detected.

10. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to Sending a ping to the external device based on the strength of the wireless signal for short-range wireless communication exceeding a certain value, An electronic device that determines whether the external device is capable of receiving wireless power based on a response to the ping and controls power transmission to the external device.

11. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to An electronic device that controls the presence of an external device within a specified distance from the electronic device based on the magnitude of the RSSI (received signal strength indicator) value of Bluetooth exceeding a specified level.

12. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to An electronic device that controls whether the state of the electronic device is changed so that the display faces the floor based on a sensor value measured through a proximity sensor exceeding a specified level.

13. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to Based on the change in the state of the electronic device so that the display faces the floor, using a wireless signal, it is determined whether an external device is present within a specified distance from the electronic device, An electronic device that controls the presence of an external device within a specified distance from the electronic device using a wireless signal at regular intervals based on the absence of the external device.

14. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to If the external device is confirmed to be a device capable of receiving wireless power, and the location of the external device satisfies the specified conditions, For an external device connected via Bluetooth, the power of the electronic device is transmitted to the external device, An electronic device that controls power of the electronic device not to be transmitted to an external device that is not connected via Bluetooth.

15. In a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing one or more programs, When executed by a processor of an electronic device, said electronic device Based on at least one signal received from at least one of a plurality of sensors, the electronic device determines whether the electronic device is located on the floor surface of a specific object and whether the display of the electronic device is facing the floor surface, When the electronic device is positioned on the bottom surface of a specific object and the display of the electronic device is facing the bottom surface, it is determined using a communication circuit whether at least one external device exists within a specified distance from the electronic device, Transmitting a signal using said at least one coil when at least one external device is present within a specified distance from the location of said electronic device; A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium that controls transmitting a wireless charging signal to at least one external device using at least one coil based on a response signal of at least one external device to the transmitted signal.

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