KR20240027500A - Electronic device comprising plurality of speakers - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention includes a foldable housing that has a plurality of sub-housings and at least one hinge, is folded and unfolded, and is disposed on a first side of the foldable housing facing a first direction. A foldable display that folds and unfolds according to the folding and unfolding of the foldable housing, is located in at least two of the plurality of sub-housings of the foldable housing, and outputs multi-channel sound having a plurality of sound channels. It may include a plurality of speakers and a sound processor electrically connected to each of the plurality of speakers. The sound processor detects a folded state of the foldable housing, calculates a relative position of each of the plurality of speakers based on the folded state, and selects the plurality of speakers based on the calculated relative positions of each of the plurality of speakers. It may be configured to output each of the plurality of acoustic channels.

Description

Electronic device comprising a plurality of speakers {ELECTRONIC DEVICE COMPRISING PLURALITY OF SPEAKERS}

Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to electronic devices, and more specifically, to electronic devices including a plurality of speakers.

The electronic device may include a sound output device, such as a speaker, for outputting sound. The sound output device can generate sound by vibration of air, for example, by vibrating a vibrator driven by an electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric element according to an electric signal containing acoustic information. Sound reproduced by an electronic device may include a plurality of sound channels, such as stereo sound, and the electronic device outputs a plurality of sound outputs spaced apart from each other within the housing of the electronic device in order to effectively reproduce the sound. May include devices. Because multiple sound channels are output from different speakers, users can feel directionality or a sense of space from the sound.

Electronic devices require a small profile for portability and a large display area to provide a lot of information to users. In order to achieve both the small profile of electronic devices and the large display area, various form factors such as foldable electronic devices equipped with flexible displays are being used, moving away from the existing flat form factor. An electronic device having a foldable form factor may include a foldable housing that is folded and unfolded around at least one hinge.

When folding the housing of a foldable electronic device, the position of the speaker placed in the housing may change. As the positions of speakers outputting different sound channels change, the sense of space generated by the sound may be distorted.

Various embodiments disclosed in this document can provide an electronic device that can reduce or minimize spatial distortion of sound that occurs when folding.

A foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention includes a foldable housing that has a plurality of sub-housings and at least one hinge, is folded and unfolded, and is disposed on a first side of the foldable housing facing a first direction. A foldable display that folds and unfolds according to the folding and unfolding of the foldable housing, is located in at least two of the plurality of sub-housings of the foldable housing, and outputs multi-channel sound having a plurality of sound channels. It may include a plurality of speakers and a processor electrically connected to each of the plurality of speakers. The processor detects a folded state of the foldable housing, calculates a relative position of each of the plurality of speakers based on the folded state, and connects the plurality of speakers to the plurality of speakers based on the calculated relative positions of each of the plurality of speakers. It may be configured to output each of the plurality of acoustic channels.

In various embodiments, it includes a folding sensor that detects the folding and unfolding state of the foldable housing, and the processor detects a value for determining the folding and unfolding state of the foldable housing through the folding sensor. You can.

In various embodiments, the foldable housing includes a first sub-housing, a second sub-housing, a third sub-housing, a first hinge that foldably couples the first sub-housing and the second sub-housing to each other, and the second sub-housing. and a second hinge that folds the sub-housing and the third sub-housing to each other, and the plurality of speakers are arranged in the first and second sub-housings and the third sub-housing. a third speaker and a fourth speaker, and the plurality of acoustic channels may include a first acoustic channel and a second acoustic channel.

In various embodiments, the folding directions of the first hinge and the second hinge are the same, and the processor connects the first acoustic channel to the first speaker while the first hinge and the second hinge are unfolded. and outputting the sound through a second speaker, outputting the second sound channel through the third speaker and the fourth speaker, and outputting the first sound channel to the first sound channel in a state in which the first hinge and the second hinge are folded. It may be configured to output the sound through the third speaker and the fourth speaker, and output the second sound channel through the first speaker and the second speaker.

In various embodiments, the processor receives the orientation direction of the foldable electronic device, and when the foldable electronic device is oriented so that the hinge is perpendicular to the user, the first hinge and the second hinge In the unfolded state, the first acoustic channel is output through the first speaker and the second speaker, the second acoustic channel is output through the third speaker and the fourth speaker, and the first hinge and the fourth speaker 2 When the hinge is folded, the first sound channel may be output through the third and fourth speakers, and the second sound channel may be output through the first and second speakers.

In various embodiments, the processor may include a posture sensor that measures the orientation of the foldable electronic device, and the processor may receive an input of the orientation of the foldable electronic device from the posture sensor.

In various embodiments, the display controller may control the foldable display, and the processor may determine an orientation of the foldable electronic device based on the orientation of an image displayed on the foldable display.

In various embodiments, the folding directions of the first hinge and the second hinge are opposite to each other, and the processor connects the first acoustic channel to the first speaker while the first hinge and the second hinge are unfolded. and outputting the sound through a second speaker, outputting the second sound channel through the third speaker and the fourth speaker, and outputting the first sound channel through the third speaker in a state in which the first hinge and the second hinge are folded. It may be configured to output through the speaker and the fourth speaker, and to output the second sound channel through the first and second speakers.

In various embodiments, the processor receives orientation information of the foldable electronic device from the posture sensor, and when the foldable electronic device is oriented so that the hinge is perpendicular to the user, the first hinge and With the second hinge unfolded, the first sound channel is output through the first and second speakers, the second sound channel is output through the third and fourth speakers, and the first sound channel is output through the third and fourth speakers. In a state in which the hinge and the second hinge are folded, the first sound channel is configured to be output through the third and fourth speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the first and second speakers. You can.

In various embodiments, the processor may include a posture sensor that measures the orientation of the foldable electronic device, and the processor may receive an input of the orientation of the foldable electronic device from the posture sensor.

In various embodiments, the display controller may control the foldable display, and the processor may determine an orientation of the foldable electronic device based on the orientation of an image displayed on the display.

In various embodiments, the foldable display includes a first display area located in the first sub-housing, a second display area located in the second sub-housing, and a third display area located in the third sub-housing. The foldable housing is folded so that the first display area is exposed to the outside when folded, and the processor determines whether the first display area is operating and determines whether the first hinge and the second hinge are folded. When the first display is in use, the first sound channel is output through the first and second speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the third and fourth speakers. It can be.

In various embodiments, the third housing includes an auxiliary display disposed on a side opposite to the side on which the foldable display is disposed, wherein the processor determines whether the auxiliary display is operating, and operates the first hinge and the second display. 2 When the auxiliary display is in use with the hinge folded, the first sound channel is output through the third and fourth speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the first and second speakers. It can be configured to output.

A processor according to various embodiments of the present invention includes a foldable housing that has a plurality of sub-housings and at least one hinge and is folded and unfolded, disposed on a first side of the foldable housing facing a first direction, and configured to operate the foldable housing. A foldable display that folds and unfolds according to the folding and unfolding of the housing, and a plurality of speakers located in at least two of the plurality of sub-housings of the foldable housing and outputting multi-channel sound having a plurality of sound channels. In the processor of a foldable electronic device, the processor is electrically connected to the plurality of speakers, detects a folded state of the foldable housing, and calculates a relative position of each of the plurality of speakers based on the folded state. And, it may be configured to output the plurality of sound channels to the plurality of speakers, respectively, based on the calculated relative positions of each of the plurality of speakers.

In various embodiments, the processor may include a folding sensor that detects a folding and unfolding state of the foldable housing, and the processor may receive an input of the folding and unfolding state of the foldable housing from the folding sensor.

In various embodiments, the foldable housing includes a first sub-housing, a second sub-housing, a third sub-housing, a first hinge that foldably couples the first sub-housing and the second sub-housing to each other, and the second sub-housing. and a second hinge that folds the sub-housing and the third sub-housing to each other, and the plurality of speakers are arranged in the first and second sub-housings and the third sub-housing. a third speaker and a fourth speaker, and the plurality of acoustic channels may include a first acoustic channel and a second acoustic channel.

In various embodiments, the processor receives the orientation direction of the foldable electronic device, and when the foldable electronic device is oriented so that the hinge is perpendicular to the user, the first hinge and the second hinge In the unfolded state, the first acoustic channel is output through the first speaker and the second speaker, the second acoustic channel is output through the third speaker and the fourth speaker, and the first hinge and the fourth speaker 2 When the hinge is folded, the first sound channel may be output through the third and fourth speakers, and the second sound channel may be output through the first and second speakers.

In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device may include a posture sensor that measures the orientation of the foldable electronic device, and may receive an input of the aligned direction of the foldable electronic device from the posture sensor.

In various embodiments, the foldable display includes a display controller that controls the foldable display, and can determine the orientation of the foldable electronic device based on the orientation of an image displayed on the foldable display. .

In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device includes an auxiliary display disposed on a side of the second sub-housing opposite to the side on which the foldable display is disposed, and the processor determines whether the auxiliary display is operating. And, when the auxiliary display is in use with the first hinge and the second hinge folded, the first sound channel is output through the third speaker and the fourth speaker, and the second sound channel is output through the third speaker. It may be configured to output through the first speaker and the second speaker.

According to various embodiments disclosed in this document, an electronic device that reduces or minimizes sound distortion by changing sound channels output from a plurality of speakers when folding a foldable housing can be provided.

In relation to the description of the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components .
1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various components of a processor and an electronic device connected thereto according to various embodiments.
FIG. 3A is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a completely unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3B is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a state during folding of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 3C is a plan view and cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a fully folded state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3D is a perspective view of an electronic device in a fully folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a processor of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 5A is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a completely unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5B is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a state during folding of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 5C is a plan view and cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a fully folded state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5D is a perspective view of an electronic device in a fully folded state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5E is a perspective view of the lower surface of an electronic device in a fully folded state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of a processor of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.
7A is a rear plan view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments.
Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of a processor according to various embodiments.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In these drawings, for example, the size and shape of members may be exaggerated for convenience and clarity of explanation, and in actual implementation, variations in the depicted shapes may be expected. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific shape of the area shown herein.

Reference signs for elements in the drawings refer to the same elements throughout the drawings. Additionally, as used herein, the term “and/or” includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the corresponding listed items.

The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and the following examples may be modified into various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is as follows. It is not limited to examples. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure more faithful and complete, and to fully convey the spirit of the invention to those skilled in the art.

The terms used herein are used to describe examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. In addition, even if described in the specification as a singular number, plural forms may be included unless the context clearly indicates singularity. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "comprise" and/or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, members, elements and/or groups thereof. It does not exclude the presence or addition of other shapes, numbers, movements, members, elements and/or groups. Additionally, for those skilled in the art, a structure or shape disposed “adjacent” to another shape may have a portion that overlaps or is disposed beneath the adjacent shape.

As used herein, “below,” “above,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” or “vertical.” Relative terms such as may be used to describe the relationship that one component, layer or region has with another component, layer or region, as shown in the drawings. It should be understood that these terms encompass not only the directions indicated in the drawings, but also other directions.

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

The processor 120, for example, executes software (e.g., program 140) to operate at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. It can be controlled and various data processing or calculations can be performed. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or computation, the processor 120 stores instructions or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132. The commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 can be processed, and the resulting data can be stored in the non-volatile memory 134. According to one embodiment, the processor 120 includes the main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor 123 that can operate independently or together (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural network processing unit ( It may include a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and a secondary processor 123, the secondary processor 123 may be set to use lower power than the main processor 121 or be specialized for a designated function. You can. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 or as part of it.

The auxiliary processor 123 may, for example, act on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or while the main processor 121 is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. ), together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) At least some of the functions or states related to can be controlled. According to one embodiment, co-processor 123 (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190). there is. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. Artificial intelligence models can be created through machine learning. For example, such learning may be performed in the electronic device 101 itself on which the artificial intelligence model is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server 108). Learning algorithms may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but It is not limited. An artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. Artificial neural networks include multi-layer perceptron (MLP), deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), deep belief network (DBN), and BRDNN. It may be one of a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network, deep Q-networks, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the above examples. In addition to hardware structures, artificial intelligence models may additionally or alternatively include software structures.

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

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

The input module 150 may receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120) from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (eg, buttons), or digital pen (eg, stylus pen).

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

The display module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram 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 force generated by the touch.

The audio module 170 can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires sound through the input module 150, the sound output module 155, or an external electronic device (e.g., directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101). Sound may be output through the electronic device 102 (e.g., speaker or headphone).

The sensor module 176 detects the operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. can do. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 176 includes, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, It may include a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, or light sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols that can be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device 101 to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102). According to 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.

The connection terminal 178 may include a connector through which the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, the 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 (eg, a headphone connector).

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

The camera module 180 can capture still images and moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

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

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

Communication module 190 is configured to provide a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel between electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108). It can support establishment and communication through established communication channels. Communication module 190 operates independently of processor 120 (e.g., an application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 190 may be a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., : LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module) may be included. Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module is 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., legacy It may communicate with an external electronic device 104 through a telecommunication network such as a cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or may be implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 uses subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199. The electronic device 101 can be confirmed or authenticated.

The wireless communication module 192 may support 5G networks after 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies, for example, NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology provides high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and access to multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or ultra-reliable and low-latency (URLLC). -latency communications)) can be supported. The wireless communication module 192 may support high frequency bands (eg, mmWave bands), for example, to achieve high data rates. The wireless communication module 192 uses various technologies to secure performance in high frequency bands, for example, beamforming, massive array multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), and full-dimensional multiplexing. It can support technologies such as input/output (FD-MIMO: full dimensional MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., second network 199). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 supports Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mmTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing URLLC. Example: Downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each of 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) can be supported.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (eg, an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (eg, PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (eg, 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 is connected to the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190. can be selected. Signals or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device through the at least one selected antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (eg, radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, a mmWave antenna module includes: a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first side (e.g., bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band); And a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to the second side (e.g., top or side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band. can do.

At least some of the components are connected to each other through a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and signal ( (e.g. commands or data) can be exchanged with each other.

According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 through the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the external electronic devices 102 or 104 may be of the same or different type as the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed 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 needs 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 perform the function or service instead of executing the function or service on its own. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform at least part of the function or service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least part 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 part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology can be used. The electronic device 101 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various types. 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 embodiments of this document are not limited to the above-described devices.

The various embodiments of this document and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various changes, equivalents, or replacements of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numbers 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 above items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, “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 “A Each of phrases such as “at least one of , B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another, and to refer to those components in other respects (e.g., importance or order) is not limited. One (e.g., first) component is said to be “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively.” When mentioned, it means that any of the components can be connected to the other components directly (e.g. wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The term “module” used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and is interchangeable with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. It can be used as A module may be an integrated part or a minimum unit of the parts or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. According to one embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document are one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., built-in memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). It may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including these. For example, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of a device (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one command among one or more commands stored from a storage medium and execute it. This allows the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. A storage medium that can be read by a device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves), and this term refers to cases where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium. There is no distinction between temporary storage cases.

According to one embodiment, methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided and included in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities and can be traded between sellers and buyers. 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 through an application store (e.g. Play StoreTM) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (e.g. downloaded or uploaded) directly between smart phones) or online. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the above-described components may include a single or plural entity, and some of the plurality of entities may be separately placed in other components. there is. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations described above may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (eg, modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component of the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, 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, or omitted. Alternatively, one or more other operations may be added.

According to various embodiments, a portable electronic device (eg, electronic device 101 of FIG. 1) may have a foldable housing that is divided into two housings around a folding axis. A first portion of a display (eg, a flexible display) may be disposed in a first housing, and a second portion of the display may be disposed in a second housing. The foldable housing may be implemented in an in-folding manner in which the first part and the second part face each other when the portable electronic device is folded. Alternatively, the foldable housing may be implemented in an out folding manner, with the first and second parts facing opposite to each other when the portable electronic device is folded. The side on which the first and second parts of the display are disposed is the front of the portable electronic device, the opposite side is the back of the portable electronic device, and the side surrounding the space between the front and the back is the side of the portable electronic device. can be defined.

According to embodiments mentioned in this document, when the display of a portable electronic device is folded, an example is an in-folding case in which the first portion of the display in the first housing is disposed to face the second portion of the display in the second housing. Although shown and described for example, when the display is folded according to one embodiment, even in the case of out-folding in which the first part of the display in the first housing is arranged to face in the opposite direction to the second part of the display in the second housing The same can be applied. Additionally, embodiments may also be applied to multi-foldable electronic devices in which in-folding and in-folding are combined, in-folding and out-folding are combined, and out-folding and out-folding are combined.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various components of the processor 210 and the foldable electronic device 200 connected thereto according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2, the foldable electronic device 200 (e.g., the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1) includes a processor 210 and a plurality of speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d electrically connected to the processor 210. may include.

A speaker may be a component that outputs sound of the foldable electronic device 200 from electrical signals. The sound output by the foldable electronic device 200 through the speaker may be multi-channel sound having a plurality of sound channels, for example, stereo or quadraphonic sound. To this end, the foldable electronic device 200 may include a plurality of speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d. Although four speakers are shown in FIG. 2, this is an example and the present invention is not limited thereto.

The processor 210 may be a component that processes sound source information for output from the speaker and provides an electrical signal for output from the speaker to the speaker. In various embodiments, the processor 210 may provide each of a plurality of acoustic channel signals to each of a plurality of speakers. For example, the processor 210 provides a first sound channel (eg, left sound channel) to the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c when playing multi-channel sound (eg, stereo sound) with two sound channels. And, a second sound channel (eg, right sound channel) can be provided to the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d. Additionally, the processor 210 may be configured to change each of the plurality of acoustic channel signals provided to each of the plurality of speakers as needed. For example, when the relative left/right positions of the plurality of speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d change, the processor 210 changes the left and right acoustic channel signals correspondingly and provides them to each of the plurality of speakers. can do. Details of these operations will be described later. In various embodiments, the processor 210 is a separate processor disposed in the main processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 1) and/or the audio module (e.g., audio module 170 of FIG. 1) of the foldable electronic device 200. It may be the processor 210. In various embodiments, the processor 210 is part of a circuit disposed on a main processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 1) or is implemented as a processor 210 running on a main processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 1). It can be.

In various embodiments, the processor 210 may be electrically connected to the folding sensor 230. The folding sensor 230 may be a sensor that detects a folded or unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 200, which will be described later, or a sensor that detects a folding angle of the foldable electronic device 200. The processor 210 (e.g., an application processor or sensor hub processor) detects or receives the folding state or folding angle from the folding sensor 230, and the relative positions of the plurality of speakers disposed in the housing of the foldable electronic device 200. Based on this, a plurality of sound channels can be assigned to each of the plurality of speakers.

In various embodiments, the processor 210 may be electrically connected to the posture sensor 240 of the foldable electronic device 200. The attitude sensor 240 may include a gravity sensor 240a and/or a gyro sensor 240b. The processor 210 can determine the posture of the foldable electronic device 200 based on the value detected by the posture sensor 240, and thus calculate the relative positions of the plurality of speakers, and based on this, each of the plurality of speakers A plurality of audio channels can be assigned to each.

In various embodiments, the processor 210 may be electrically connected to the display controller 280. The display controller 280 may be a component that drives and controls the display (eg, display module 160 of FIG. 1) of the foldable electronic device 200. The display controller 280 may be part of a control circuit disposed in a display module (e.g., display module 160 in FIG. 1) and/or a main processor (e.g., processor 120 in FIG. 1) of the foldable electronic device 200. there is. The foldable electronic device 200 of the present invention may have a display divided into a plurality of areas and/or a plurality of displays. The display controller 280 may provide the processor 210 with information regarding the use of each display and/or individual display area of the foldable electronic device 200 and the display orientation of the display (e.g., whether it is in portrait or landscape mode). You can. The processor 210 can calculate the relative positions of the plurality of speakers through information on whether the display is used and the part of the display, and based on this, can allocate a plurality of sound channels to each of the plurality of speakers.

FIG. 3A is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a completely unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 200 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a state during folding of the foldable electronic device 200 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3C is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device 200 in a fully folded state according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the foldable electronic device 200 in a fully folded state according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D , the foldable electronic device 200 may include a foldable housing 250, a foldable display 260, and a plurality of speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d.

The foldable housing 250 may have an internal space where various internal components of the foldable electronic device 200 are placed. The foldable housing 250 includes a plurality of sub-housings (e.g., a first sub-housing 251, a second sub-housing 252, and a third sub-housing 253) and a hinge that interconnects the plurality of sub-housings to be foldable. It includes (e.g., a first hinge 254 and a second hinge 255) and can be folded and unfolded. In various embodiments, the first hinge 254 foldably couples the first sub-housing 251 and the third sub-housing 253, and the second hinge 255 folds the third sub-housing 253 and the third sub-housing 253. 2 The sub-housing 252 can be folded and combined. The third sub-housing 253 may be located between the first sub-housing 251 and the second sub-housing 252 with the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 interposed therebetween. In various embodiments, the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 of the foldable housing 250 may be folded in the same direction.

The foldable display 260 is a display that is disposed on one side (for example, the side facing the z direction) of the foldable housing 250 and is folded and unfolded according to the folding and unfolding of the foldable housing 250. You can. The foldable display 260 may include, for example, a flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED).

In various embodiments, the foldable display 260 may include a plurality of display areas divided based on the axis of the folding operation. For example, the foldable display 260 of the foldable electronic device 200 including the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 has the center of the first hinge 254 and the center of the second hinge 255. It may include a first display area 261, a second display area 262, and a third display area 263 divided based on .

In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 200 may include a folding sensor 230. The folding sensor 230 may include, for example, a proximity folding sensor 230a that detects proximity between sub-housings and/or a folding angle sensor 230b that detects the folding angle of the hinge of the foldable housing 250. . The proximity folding sensor 230a may include, for example, a magnetic proximity sensor such as a Hall effect sensor or a light-sensitive proximity sensor. The folding angle sensor 230b may include, for example, a rotary encoder, a Hall effect rotation sensor, and/or a gyro sensor.

A plurality of speakers are disposed inside the foldable housing 250 and can output multi-channel sound having a plurality of sound channels. In various embodiments, the foldable housing 250 may include a speaker grille 256 configured to emit sound output from a plurality of speakers to the outside of the foldable housing 250.

In various embodiments, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c are disposed in the first sub-housing 251, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d are disposed in the second sub-housing 252. ) can be placed. Referring to FIG. 3A, when the foldable electronic device 200 is in a completely unfolded state (this may be referred to as the 'first state'), the hinge is oriented to point in a vertical direction relative to the user (this is the long axis). (the long axis is oriented horizontally relative to the user, so it may be referred to as 'landscape orientation'), in one example, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c are oriented horizontally relative to the user. is located on the left, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d may be located on the right based on the user. In this orientation, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c output the left sound channel of multi-channel sound (e.g. stereo sound), and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d output the right sound channel. Channels can be output.

Referring to FIG. 3B, when the foldable electronic device 200 is partially folded (e.g., only the second hinge 255 is folded), the foldable display 260 is partially obscured, so that the foldable display 260 ) can be activated only in the first display area 261. In this state, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c may be located on the left side relative to the user, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d may be located on the right side.

Referring to FIGS. 3C and 3D, the foldable electronic device 200 is in a completely folded state (e.g., a state in which both the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are folded (this is referred to as the 'second state'). ), the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c may be located on the right side relative to the user, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d may be located on the left side. In this state, since the relative left and right positions of the speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d are changed with respect to the user, the sound channel output from each speaker may be changed. For example, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220a The speaker 220c can output a right sound channel, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d can output a left sound channel.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A to 3C, the user orients the foldable electronic device 200 so that the direction of the hinge (y-axis direction in the drawing) is horizontal with respect to the user (this is called 'vertical orientation'). When used, for example, the first speaker 220a and the second speaker 220b may be located on the left, and the third speaker 220c and the fourth speaker 220d may be located on the right. there is. (Alternatively, when the foldable electronic device 200 is oriented in the opposite direction, the first speaker 220a and the second speaker 220b are located on the right, and the third speaker 220c and the fourth speaker 220d are located on the right side. It may be located on the left.) In this state, despite the folding of the first hinge 254 and/or the second hinge 255, the relative left and right positions of the speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d do not change. It may not be possible.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the processor 210 of the foldable electronic device 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the processor 210 may determine whether the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are folded based on the value detected by the folding sensor 230 (S401). When at least one of the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 is unfolded, the relative left and right positions of the speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d do not change, so the acoustic channel allocated to each speaker may not be changed (S411). For example, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c may output a left sound channel, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d may output a right sound channel. In a state in which both the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are folded (second state), the relative left and right positions of the speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d have changed, so that the left and right positions assigned to each speaker You can change the sound channel (S412). For example, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c may output a right sound channel, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d may output a left sound channel.

Referring again to FIG. 4 , the processor 210 may determine the orientation of the foldable electronic device 200 based on values detected from the display controller 280 and the posture sensor 240 (S402). For example, when the foldable electronic device 200 has its hinges horizontally oriented relative to the user, the processor 210 operates on the speakers 220a and 220b even if both the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are folded. , 220c, 220d), the relative left and right positions have not changed, so the sound channel allocated to each speaker may not be changed. For example, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c may output a left sound channel, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d may output a right sound channel. In contrast, when the foldable electronic device 200 is oriented so that the hinge is vertical with respect to the user, when the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are folded, the acoustic channel allocated to each speaker can be changed.

The orientation of the foldable electronic device 200 may be measured by the posture sensor 240 (eg, gravity sensor 240a or gyro sensor 240b) and/or determined by the display controller 280. For example, when the foldable display 260 is arranged horizontally based on the direction of gravity, measuring the orientation of the foldable electronic device 200 with the posture sensor 240 may be limited, so the processor 210 The orientation of the foldable electronic device 200 may be determined based on display mode information (eg, whether the foldable display 260 is currently in portrait mode or landscape mode) provided by the display controller 280.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the operation S401 of determining whether the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are folded is performed before the operation S402 of determining the orientation of the foldable electronic device 200. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the operations (S401, S402) are connected to the operations (S411, S412) for changing or not changing the acoustic channel by logical sum (AND). Accordingly, the processor 210 performs the operation S402 of determining the orientation of the foldable electronic device 200 before the operation S401 of determining whether the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are folded. Embodiments configured to be executed simultaneously or simultaneously are also possible and included in the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a completely unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 200 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5B is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a state during folding of the foldable electronic device 200 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5C is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device 200 in a fully folded state according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the foldable electronic device 200 in a fully folded state according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5E is a perspective view of the lower surface of the foldable electronic device 200 in a fully folded state according to various embodiments.

For the components of FIGS. 5 to 5E, reference may be made to the descriptions of FIGS. 3A to 3D as long as there is no conflict.

Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5D , the foldable electronic device 200 may include a foldable housing 250 . The foldable housing 250 may include a first sub-housing 251, a third sub-housing 253, a second sub-housing 252, a first hinge 254, and a second hinge 255. The first hinge 254 folds the first sub-housing 251 and the third sub-housing 253, and the second hinge 255 folds the third sub-housing 253 and the second sub-housing 252. ) can be combined to enable folding.

In various embodiments, the folding directions of the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 may be opposite to each other. For example, the first hinge 254 can be rotated so that the first sub-housing 251 is folded to the lower part (in the direction opposite to the z-axis in the drawing), and the second hinge 255 can be rotated so that the second sub-housing 252 is folded to the upper part (opposite the z-axis in the drawing). It may be rotated to be folded in the z-axis direction (in the drawing), but is not limited thereto. For example, the first hinge 254 can be rotated so that the first sub-housing 251 is folded to the upper part (z-axis direction in the drawing), and the second hinge 255 can be rotated so that the second sub-housing 252 is folded to the lower part (z-axis direction in the drawing). It can also be rotated to fold in the direction opposite to the z-axis.

In various embodiments, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c are disposed in the first sub-housing 251, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d are disposed in the second sub-housing 252. ) can be placed. Referring to FIG. 5A, in a completely unfolded state (first state), the foldable electronic device 200 is oriented so that the hinge points in a vertical direction with respect to the user (this means that the long axis is horizontal with respect to the user). Since it is oriented so that it can be referred to as 'landscape orientation'), in one example, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c are located on the left side relative to the user, and the second speaker ( 220b) and the fourth speaker 220d may be located on the right side relative to the user. In this orientation, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c output the left sound channel of multi-channel sound (e.g. stereo sound), and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d output the right sound channel. Channels can be output.

Referring to FIG. 5B, when the foldable electronic device 200 is partially folded (e.g., only the first hinge 254 is folded), the foldable display 260 is partially obscured, and the foldable display 260 ) can be activated. In this state, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c may be located on the left side relative to the user, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d may be located on the right side.

5C and 5D, when the foldable electronic device 200 is completely folded (e.g., both the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are folded), the first speaker 220a And the third speaker 220c may be located on the right side relative to the user, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d may be located on the left side. In this state, since the relative left and right positions of the speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d have changed, the sound channel output from each speaker may change. For example, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c may output a right sound channel, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d may output a left sound channel.

Referring again to FIGS. 5A to 5C, when the user orients and uses the foldable electronic device 200 so that the direction of the hinge (y-axis direction in the drawing) is horizontal with respect to the user, for example, the first speaker The second speaker 220a and 220b may be located on the left, and the third speaker 220c and the fourth speaker 220d may be located on the right. (Alternatively, when the foldable electronic device 200 is oriented in the opposite direction, the first speaker 220a and the second speaker 220b are located on the right, and the third speaker 220c and the fourth speaker 220d are located on the right side. It may be located on the left.) In this state, despite the folding of the first hinge 254 and/or the second hinge 255, the relative left and right positions of the speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d do not change. It may not be possible.

Referring to FIG. 5E, in a state in which a user orients and uses the foldable electronic device 200 so that the hinge is perpendicular to the user (i.e., landscape mode), the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 When changing the use mode to use the exposed portion of the foldable display 260 by folding, for example, the first display area 261, the vertical direction (z-axis direction) of the foldable electronic device 200 Because this is flipped, the relative left and right positions between the first and third speakers 220c and the third and fourth speakers 220d may not change even though the foldable electronic device is folded. Accordingly, despite the folding of the first hinge 254 and/or the second hinge 255, the relative left and right positions of the speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d may not change.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the processor 210 of the foldable electronic device 200 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the processor 210 may determine whether the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are folded based on the value detected by the folding sensor 230 (S601). When both the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are not folded, the relative left and right positions of the speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d are not changed, so the sound channel assigned to each speaker is You may not change it (S611). For example, the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c may output a right sound channel, and the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d may output a left sound channel.

The processor 210 may determine the orientation of the foldable electronic device 200 based on the values detected through the display controller 280 and the posture sensor 240 (S602). For example, when the hinge of the foldable electronic device 200 is horizontally oriented relative to the user (i.e., portrait mode), the processor 210 operates on the speaker even if both the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are folded. Since the relative left and right positions of the speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d have not changed, the sound channel allocated to each speaker may not be changed (S611). Additionally, when the foldable electronic device 200 is oriented so that the hinge is vertical relative to the user (i.e., landscape mode), when the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are folded, The assigned audio channel can be changed (S612).

The orientation of the foldable electronic device 200 may be measured by the posture sensor 240 (eg, gravity sensor 240a or gyro sensor 240b) and/or determined by the display controller 280. For example, when the foldable display 260 is arranged horizontally based on the direction of gravity, measuring the orientation of the foldable electronic device 200 with the posture sensor 240 may be limited, so the processor 210 The orientation of the foldable electronic device 200 may be determined based on display mode information (eg, whether the foldable display 260 is currently in portrait mode or landscape mode) provided by the display controller 280.

The processor 210 may determine whether the first display area 261 is used based on the value detected through the display controller 280 (S603). When the foldable electronic device 200 is folded and a portion of the foldable display 260 (e.g., the first display area 261) is used, the hinge of the foldable electronic device 200 is adjusted based on the user. When in a vertically oriented state, the relative left and right positions of the speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d have not changed despite folding, so the left and right sound channels assigned to each speaker may not be changed (S611). . Which part of the foldable display 260 is in use can be determined (S603) based on a value transmitted from the display controller 280 to the processor 210.

Referring to FIG. 6, the processor 210 processes the judgment results of the above-described judgment operations (S601, S602, and S603) by ANDing each other to determine whether to change the left or right sound channel (S611, S612). , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the order of the above-described judgment operations (S601, S602, and S603) may be changed or processed simultaneously.

FIG. 7A is a rear plan view of a foldable electronic device 200 according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the foldable electronic device 200 in a folded state according to various embodiments.

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the processor 210 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , the foldable electronic device 200 may include an auxiliary display 270. The auxiliary display 270 is located in at least one of the first sub-housing 251 to the second sub-housing 252 (e.g., the second sub-housing 252) in the direction in which the foldable display 260 is disposed (e.g., z-axis). It may be disposed on a side (eg, the back) facing the opposite direction (eg, the direction opposite to the z-axis). The auxiliary display 270 may be a display for use when the foldable electronic device 200 is folded. For example, referring to FIG. 7B , the auxiliary display 270 may be a display shown to the user in an upward direction (eg, z-direction in the drawing) when the foldable electronic device 200 is folded.

When the user switches the foldable electronic device 200 from a completely unfolded state (first state) to a folded state (second state) and uses the auxiliary display 270, a plurality of speakers ( The relative left and right positions of 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d) may be changed. Referring to FIG. 8, the processor 210 determines whether to use the auxiliary display 270 (S604) based on information obtained from the display controller 280, and based on this, a plurality of speakers 220a, 220b, 220c, and 220d. ) You can change (S612) or not change (S611) the left and right sides of each sound channel output. For example, in the unfolded state, the first sound channel (e.g., left sound channel) is output from the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c, and the second sound is output from the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d. While outputting a channel (e.g., right sound channel), when the first hinge 254 and the second hinge 255 are folded and the auxiliary display 270 is used, sound is output from the first speaker 220a and the third speaker 220c. It can be changed to output the second sound channel and output the first sound channel from the second speaker 220b and the fourth speaker 220d. The processor 210 can determine whether to change the left or right sound channel (S611, S612) by processing the judgment results of the judgment operations (S601, S602, and S604) shown in FIG. 8 by ANDing each other, as described above. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the order of the judgment operations (S601, S602, and S604) may be changed or processed simultaneously.

In addition, the embodiments disclosed in this document and the drawings are merely presented as specific examples to easily explain the technical content according to the embodiments disclosed in this document and to aid understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this document. It is not intended to limit the scope of the examples. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments disclosed in this document includes all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical idea of the various embodiments disclosed in this document in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein. must be interpreted.

200: Foldable electronic device
210: sound processor
220: speaker
230: Folding sensor
240: Posture sensor
250: foldable housing
260: Foldable display
270: Secondary display
280: display controller

Claims (21)

In a foldable electronic device,
A foldable housing that is folded and unfolded, has a plurality of sub-housings and at least one hinge disposed between the plurality of sub-housings;
a foldable display disposed on a first side of the foldable housing facing in a first direction and folding and unfolding according to folding and unfolding of the foldable housing;
a first speaker disposed in a first sub-housing among the plurality of sub-housings of the foldable housing, and a second speaker disposed in a second sub-housing spaced apart from the first sub-housing; and
Includes a processor electrically connected to the first speaker and the second speaker,
The processor,
When the relative position between the first speaker and the second speaker is in a first state, outputting a first channel of the designated sound source through the first speaker and a second channel of the designated sound source through the second speaker,
Detecting a change in the folding state of the foldable housing,
Determine the relative position between the first speaker and the second speaker based on the change in the folded state, and
If the relative position between the first speaker and the second speaker is determined to be from the first state to the second state, the second channel of the sound source designated through the first speaker and the designated sound source through the second speaker A foldable electronic device configured to output the first channel of a sound source. According to claim 1,
Includes a folding sensor that detects the folding and unfolding state of the foldable housing,
The processor is configured to determine a change in the folded state based on a value detected from the folding sensor. The foldable housing of claim 1, wherein the foldable housing includes a third sub-housing disposed between the first sub-housing and the second sub-housing,
The at least one hinge includes a first hinge that foldably couples the first sub-housing and the third sub-housing to each other, and a second hinge that foldably couples the second sub-housing and the third sub-housing to each other. Includes,
The first sub-housing further includes a third speaker, and the second sub-housing further includes a fourth speaker. According to claim 3,
The first speaker and the third speaker are located in the first sub-housing in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first hinge is coupled,
The second speaker and the fourth speaker are located in the second sub-housing in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second hinge is coupled. According to claim 4,
The folding directions of the first hinge and the second hinge are the same,
The processor,
With the first and second hinges unfolded, the first sound channel is output through the first and third speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the second and fourth speakers. And
In a state in which the first hinge and the second hinge are folded, the first acoustic channel is output through the second speaker and the fourth speaker, and the second acoustic channel is output through the first speaker and the third speaker. A foldable electronic device configured to output through a foldable electronic device. According to claim 5,
The processor,
Determine the orientation direction of the foldable electronic device,
When the foldable electronic device is oriented in the horizontal direction with respect to its long axis,
With the first and second hinges unfolded, the first sound channel is output through the first and third speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the second and fourth speakers. And
With the first and second hinges folded, the first sound channel is output through the second and fourth speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the first and third speakers. A foldable electronic device configured to: According to claim 6,
Includes a posture sensor that measures the orientation of the foldable electronic device,
The processor is a foldable electronic device that determines the orientation of the foldable electronic device based on the value detected from the posture sensor. According to claim 6,
Includes a display controller that controls the foldable display,
A foldable electronic device wherein the processor determines an orientation of the foldable electronic device based on the orientation of an image displayed on the foldable display. According to claim 4,
The folding directions of the first hinge and the second hinge are opposite to each other.
The processor,
With the first and second hinges unfolded, the first sound channel is output through the first and third speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the second and fourth speakers. And
With the first and second hinges folded, the first sound channel is output through the second and fourth speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the first and third speakers. A foldable electronic device configured to: According to clause 9,
The processor,
Determine the orientation of the foldable electronic device based on the value detected through the posture sensor,
When the foldable electronic device is oriented so that the hinge is perpendicular to the user,
With the first and second hinges unfolded, the first sound channel is output through the first and third speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the second and fourth speakers. And
With the first and second hinges folded, the first sound channel is output through the second and fourth speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the first and third speakers. A foldable electronic device configured to: According to claim 10,
Includes a posture sensor that measures the orientation of the foldable electronic device,
The processor is a foldable electronic device that determines the orientation of the foldable electronic device based on the value detected from the posture sensor. According to claim 10,
Includes a display controller that controls the foldable display,
The processor determines the orientation of the foldable electronic device based on the orientation of the image displayed on the display. According to clause 9,
The foldable display includes a first display area located in the first sub-housing, a second display area located in the second sub-housing, and a third display area located in the third sub-housing,
The foldable housing is folded so that the first display area is exposed to the outside when folded,
The processor,
Determine whether the first display area is operating,
When the first display is in use with the first hinge and the second hinge folded, the first sound channel is output through the first speaker and the third_speaker, and the second sound channel is output through the second speaker. A foldable electronic device configured to output through a speaker and a fourth speaker. According to clause 9,
and an auxiliary display disposed on a side of the third housing opposite to the side on which the foldable display is disposed,
The processor,
Determine whether the auxiliary display is operating,
When the auxiliary display is in use with the first and second hinges folded, the first sound channel is output through the second and fourth speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the first speaker. and 3_ a foldable electronic device configured to output through a speaker. A foldable housing having a plurality of sub-housings and at least one hinge and being folded and unfolded, disposed on a first side of the foldable housing facing a first direction, and folding and unfolding according to the folding and unfolding of the foldable housing. In the processor of a foldable electronic device including a foldable display and a plurality of speakers located in at least two of the plurality of sub-housings of the foldable housing and outputting multi-channel sound having a plurality of sound channels,
The processor,
electrically connected to the plurality of speakers,
Detects the folding state of the foldable housing, calculates the relative position of each of the plurality of speakers based on the folding state, and calculates the relative position of each of the plurality of speakers based on the calculated relative position of each of the plurality of speakers. A processor configured to output each sound channel. According to claim 15,
The electronic device includes a folding sensor that detects a folded and unfolded state of the foldable housing,
The processor detects the folding and unfolding state of the foldable housing through the folding sensor. According to claim 15,
The foldable housing includes a first sub-housing, a second sub-housing, a third sub-housing, a first hinge that folds the first sub-housing and the second sub-housing, the second sub-housing, and the first sub-housing. 3 comprising a second hinge that folds the sub-housing to each other,
The plurality of speakers of the electronic device include a first speaker and a third speaker disposed in the first sub-housing and a second speaker and a fourth speaker disposed in the third sub-housing,
The processor wherein the plurality of acoustic channels include a first acoustic channel and a second acoustic channel. According to claim 15,
The processor,
Determine the orientation direction of the foldable electronic device,
When the foldable electronic device is oriented so that the hinge is perpendicular to the user,
With the first and second hinges unfolded, the first sound channel is output through the first and third speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the second and fourth speakers. And
With the first and second hinges folded, the first sound channel is output through the second and fourth speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the first and third speakers. A processor configured to According to claim 18,
The foldable electronic device includes a posture sensor that measures the orientation of the foldable electronic device,
A processor that determines the orientation of the foldable electronic device based on the value detected through the posture sensor. According to claim 18,
The foldable display includes a display controller that controls the foldable display,
A processor that determines the orientation of the foldable electronic device based on the orientation of the image displayed on the foldable display. According to claim 17,
The foldable electronic device includes an auxiliary display disposed on a side of the second sub-housing opposite to the side on which the foldable display is disposed,
The processor,
Determine whether the auxiliary display is operating,
When the auxiliary display is in use with the first and second hinges folded, the first sound channel is output through the second and fourth speakers, and the second sound channel is output through the first speaker. and 3_ a processor configured to output through a speaker.

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