Apparatus and method for data transmission and reception of a mobile terminal

An apparatus and a method are provided for data transmission and reception of a mobile terminal, which seamlessly provide data transmission and reception between the mobile terminal and a multipoint communication device. The method includes requesting, by the mobile terminal, data sharing from another mobile terminal, for sharing of data transmitted and received to and from the another mobile terminal; receiving approval of the request for the data sharing from the another mobile terminal; establishing a channel connection between the mobile terminal and a sharing device for the sharing of the data; and transmitting and receiving the data to and from the sharing device through the channel.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Korean Application Serial No. 10-2012-0143331, which was filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Dec. 11, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method for data transmission and reception between a mobile terminal and a multipoint communication device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Often, when a user of a mobile terminal wants to share an on-going phone call between the user and a counterpart with a plurality of additional participants, i.e., wants to enter into a conference call, the user will disconnect the on-going phone call, connect the mobile terminal with a multipoint communication device, and then attempt to re-establish the call in order to share the phone call with all of the participants through the multipoint communication device, which is inconvenient to the user. For example, multipoint communication devices are often used in conference rooms of companies, government agencies, schools, etc.

Alternatively, several users may participate in the call by using a speaker phone function of the mobile terminal. However, when people share a phone call, i.e., perform a conference call, by using the speaker phone function of the mobile terminal, the quality of the call is often insufficient because the microphone and speaker of the mobile terminal used during the speaker phone function are not capable of servicing all of the people or the large area of a conference room.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to at least partially solve, reduce, or remove at least one of the problems and/or shortcomings of the related art, and to provide the advantages below.

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and a method for seamlessly providing data transmission and reception between the mobile terminal and a multipoint communication device.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a data convertor and a method for seamlessly providing data transmission and reception between a mobile terminal and a multipoint communication device.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method for data transmission and reception of a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes requesting, by the mobile terminal, data sharing from another mobile terminal, for sharing of data transmitted and received to and from the another mobile terminal; receiving approval of the request for the data sharing from the another mobile terminal; establishing a channel connection between the mobile terminal and a sharing device for the sharing of the data; and transmitting and receiving the data to and from the sharing device through the channel.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for data transmission and reception of a mobile terminal is provided. The apparatus includes a controller configured to request data sharing from another mobile terminal, for sharing data transmitted and received to and from the another mobile terminal, receive approval of the request for the data sharing, and establish a channel connection between the mobile terminal and a sharing device for the sharing of the data; and a transceiver configured to transmit and receive the data to and from the sharing device through the channel connection.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of converting data transmitted and received to and from a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes determining a type of data received from the mobile terminal; converting the determined data into a data format suitable for a port of an output terminal; and outputting the converted data through the port of the output terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus and method are provided for data transmission and reception of a mobile terminal, which seamlessly provide data transmission and reception between the mobile terminal and a multipoint communication device. Therefore, a user can easily and conveniently share data with a plurality of people, i.e., perform a conference call, using a multipoint communication device, without having to break off data on-going transmission and reception.

Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, when a user wants to make a call through an existing wired telephone or a multipoint communication device, where a phone number to be called is stored in a user's mobile terminal, the user simply connects the mobile terminal to a device with which the user wants to communicate, thereby conveniently inputting phone numbers without a change of the mobile terminal or conference equipment.

FIG. 1illustrates a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, a mobile terminal100includes external device connectors, i.e., a sub-communication module130, a connector165, and an earphone connecting jack167, for connecting with an external device (not shown), such as conference call equipment. The external device may include various devices such as earphones, an external speaker, a universal serial bus (USB) memory, a charger, a cradle/dock, a mobile payment related device, a health care device (such as a blood sugar measuring device), a game machine, a vehicle navigation device, etc., which may be detachably connected to the mobile terminal100in a wired manner, connected through near field communication such as Bluetooth communication, Near Field Communication (NFC), a Wi-Fi Direct communication, etc., or connected to the mobile terminal100in a wireless manner through a wireless Access Point (AP). Further, the external device may include other mobile terminals, a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet Personal Computer (PC), a desktop PC, a server, etc.

The mobile terminal100may be a smart phone, a cellular phone, a game machine, a television, a display device, a head unit for vehicles, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a tablet PC, a Personal Media Player (PMP), or a Personal Digital Assistants (PDA).

The mobile terminal100includes a touch screen190, a touch screen controller195, a controller110, a mobile communication module120, a sub-communication module130, a multimedia module140, a camera module150, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module155, an input/output module160, a sensor module170, a storage unit175, and a power supply unit180. The sub-communication module130includes a wireless LAN module131and a short range communication module132, and the multimedia module140includes a broadcasting communication module141, an audio playback module142, and a video playback module143. The camera module150includes a first camera151and a second camera152, and the input/output module160includes a button161, a microphone162, a speaker163, a vibration motor164, a connector165, a keypad166, and an earphone connecting jack167.

The controller110includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU)111, a Read Only Memory ROM112in which control programs for control of the mobile terminal100are stored, and a Random Access Memory RAM113that stores signals or data input from the outside of the mobile terminal100or is used as a memory area for operations performed in the mobile terminal100.

The controller110controls the mobile communication module120, the sub-communication module130, the multimedia module140, the camera module150, the GPS module155, the input/output module160, the sensor module170, the storage unit175, the power supply unit180, the touch screen190, and the touch screen controller195.

Herein, the mobile communication module120, the sub-communication module130, and the broadcasting communication module141of the multimedia module140may be commonly referred to as “a communication unit.” The communication unit provides a direct connection with an external device, or a connection with an external device through a network, and may be a wired or wireless communication unit.

The mobile communication module120allows the mobile terminal100to be connected with an external device through mobile communication by using at least one antenna (not shown) under the control of the controller110. The mobile communication module120transmits and receives wireless signals for a data exchange or one-way transmission or reception, such as a voice call, a video call, a Short Message Service (SMS), or a Multimedia Message Service (MMS).

The sub-communication module130includes the wireless LAN module131and the short range communication module132. Alternatively, the sub-communication module130may include only the wireless LAN module131, or only the short range communication module132.

The wireless LAN module131connects to the internet, via a wireless AP, under the control of the controller110. For example, the wireless LAN module131supports a wireless LAN protocol (IEEE802.11x) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The short range communication module132performs near field communication in a wireless manner, e.g., using Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Wi-Fi direct communication, and NFC.

Alternatively, the mobile terminal100may include at least one of the mobile communication module120, the wireless LAN module131, and the short range communication module132according to the performance thereof.

The multimedia module140includes the broadcasting communication module141, the audio playback module142, or the video play module143.

Alternatively, the multimedia module140may include the audio play module142, and the video play module143, but not the broadcasting communication module141. Further, the audio play module142and/or the video play module143of the multimedia module140may be included in the controller110.

The camera module150includes the first camera151and the second camera152for photographing still images and videos under the control of the controller110.

The controller110processes images input from the first and the second cameras151and152, or images stored in the storage unit175on a frame-by-frame basis, and outputs an image frame, converted to be suitable for screen characteristics (a size, a definition, and a resolution) of the touch screen190.

The GPS module155receives signals from a plurality of GPS satellites, and calculates a location of the mobile terminal100. Alternatively, a WiFi Positioning System (WPS) module may be provided along with the GPS module155, or any one of the GPS module155and the WPS module may be provided.

The input/output module160includes a plurality of buttons161, the microphone162, the speaker163, the vibration motor164, the connector165, the keypad166, and the earphone connecting jack167. The input/output module160receives a user's input or informs the user of information. The input/output module160is not limited thereto, and as other examples of the input/output module160, cursor controls such as a mouse, a track ball, a joystick, or cursor direction keys may be provided for information communication with the controller110, and control a cursor movement on the touch screen190.

The vibration motor164vibrates the mobile terminal100under the control of the controller110, e.g., when a voice call or a video call is received from another device or in response to a user's touch on the touch screen190.

The connector165is an interface for connecting the mobile terminal100with an external device (not shown) such as a data convertor or a power source (not shown). The mobile terminal100transmits data stored in the storage unit175of the mobile terminal100to the external device (not shown), or may receive data from the external device through a wired cable connected to the connector165, under the control of the controller110. The connector165provides seamless data transmission and reception to and from the external device, such as a data convertor.

The keypad166includes a physical keypad (not shown) formed in the mobile terminal100, and/or a virtual keypad (not shown) displayed on the touch screen190.

The sensor module170includes at least one sensor for detecting the state (a location, a point of a compass, and a movement) of the mobile terminal100.

The storage unit175stores signals or data input and output to and from the mobile terminal100. The storage unit175may also store a navigation program, a video call, a game, images for providing applications with various functions such as a time based alarm application and a Graphic User Interface (GUI) related to the applications to a user, user information, a document, databases or data related to a method of processing a touch input, background images (a menu screen and a standby screen) or operating programs necessary for driving the mobile terminal100, and images having been photographed through the camera module150. The storage unit175is a machine (for example, a computer) readable medium, such as a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a Compact Disc ROM (CD-ROM), an optical disk, a punch card, a paper tape, a RAM, a Programmable ROM (PROM), an Erasable PROM (EPROM), and a FLASH-EPROM.

The power supply unit180supplies power to a battery of the mobile terminal100under the control of the controller110. Further, the power supply unit180may supply power, which is input to the mobile terminal100from an external power source, e.g., through a wired cable connected with the connector165or through a wireless manner using a wireless charging technology.

The touch screen190displays data input from the controller110to a user, and provides user interfaces corresponding to various services (for example, a phone call, data transmission, broadcasting, and photography) to a user. The touch screen190may transmit an analog signal corresponding to at least one touch input or hovering input for the GUI to the touch screen controller195. The touch screen190may receive at least one input through a user input unit (for example, fingers and pens).

A pen (or stylus)168may be provided at a lower end of the mobile terminal100, which may be withdrawn and detached from the mobile terminal100when being used.

FIG. 2illustrates a data transmission and reception apparatus of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 2, the data transmission and reception apparatus of the mobile terminal includes a storage unit210, a transceiver220, a controller230, and a display unit240.

The blocks ofFIG. 2may perform the same functions as those of the blocks illustrated inFIG. 1.

For example, the transceiver220ofFIG. 2may include the mobile communication module120, sub-communication module130, and the GPS module155, as illustrated inFIG. 1, and may include a module for transmitting and receiving data through various communication protocols such as an internet, a WiBro, and a WiFi, as well as various modules for providing communication with peripheral devices of the mobile terminal through a cable. Further, the transceiver220includes a module for transmitting and receiving data to and from a multipoint communication device such as conferencing equipment used in voice or video conference calls in a wired or wireless manner.

The storage unit210stores applications having various functions such as navigation, a voice call, a video call, and a game, images for providing a user interface related to these functions, user information, a document, databases or data related to a processing method of a touch input, and background images or operating programs necessary for driving the mobile terminal. The storage unit210may also store applications for providing multipoint voice calls and video calls.

The display unit240may include a touch screen displaying data to a user, providing a GUI corresponding to various services (for example, a phone call, data transmission, broadcasting, and photography) to the user, and receiving an analog signal corresponding to at least one touch input or hovering input for the GUI. The display unit240displays a popup window for asking a user whether or not to make multipoint video calls or informing that data transmitted and received to and from other mobile terminals is currently being shared with a plurality of users. Further, the display unit240displays data transmitted from a multipoint conference device, and receives a user's answer for whether or not to make the multipoint video calls.

The controller230controls or generates at least one of a series of channel connection, data transmission/reception, vibration for informing of the data transmission/reception, a sound, and a popup window, and controls a connection with a device for providing multipoint communication. Further, when a request for data sharing is received, the controller230may temporarily store the currently transmitted data in a buffer, and then may transmit the data to other mobile terminals. Further, in order to share data transmitted and received to and from other mobile terminals, the controller230reads and activates a data sharing application stored in the storage unit210, analyzes the command input to the executed data sharing application, and transmits the analyzed results through the transmitter/receiver220.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare signal flow diagrams illustrating a method of providing multipoint data transmission and reception according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 3A, when a communication channel is formed between a mobile terminal A310and a portable terminal B330, at least one of a voice call, a video call, and data transmission and reception is performed in step S311. The mobile terminal B330is in a conference with a plurality of people, and the mobile terminal A310may be geographically far away from the mobile terminal B330.

When the mobile terminal B wants to share data transmitted and received to and from the portable terminal A310with surrounding people in step S312, the mobile terminal B transmits an inquiry as to whether or not to share data to the mobile terminal A310in step S313. The inquiry as to whether or not to share the data may be transmitted through execution of a data sharing application having been stored in advance. Alternatively, a user is inquired as to whether or not to share the data when a popup window is displayed to the user, and then the result may be transmitted.

The mobile terminal A310receives the inquiry as to whether or not to share the data transmitted/received to/from the mobile terminal B330, and informs the user of that in step S314. Although methods for informing the user include a voice output, a popup window display, and a vibration, other methods may be used for informing the user.

When receiving an answer as to whether or not to share the data from the user in step S315, the mobile terminal A310transmits the answer to the mobile terminal B330in step S316. The answer may be approval or disapproval for the sharing.

When the mobile terminal B330receives the approval for the sharing in step S317, the mobile terminal B330sends an ACK to the mobile terminal A310in step S318, and informs the user that the mobile terminal A310has approved the sharing of data transmission/reception with the mobile terminal B330. However, when the mobile terminal B330receives the disapproval for the sharing from the mobile terminal A310, the mobile terminal B330cancels a data sharing application being currently executed.

In step S320, the mobile terminal B330identifies whether or not the mobile terminal B330connects with a data convertor350, which may be in the same geographical space or may be far away, in a wired/wireless manner. There may be several wired/wireless connections such as a cable, WiFi, an infrared ray, NFC, or Bluetooth, and it is obvious that all communication methods and communication mediums transmitting and receiving data in addition to the above-described connection methods are applied to the present invention.

When the mobile terminal B330is connected to the convertor350through a channel for data transmission/reception in step S320, the mobile terminal B330forwards the data received from the mobile terminal A310to the convertor350, or transmits the data received from the convertor to mobile terminal A310in step S321or S322.

In step S323, the convertor350analyzes the data from the mobile terminal B330and converts the analyzed types of received data. The data is converted to be suitable for ports of input/output terminals which are connected to a multipoint conference device370in a wired/wireless manner to transmit and receive data. For example, when the data received from the mobile terminal A310corresponds to voice data, the received voice data is converted into a voice to be output through a speaker of the multipoint conference device, and is transferred to the multipoint conference device370through the input and output terminals, and when the data received from the mobile terminal A310corresponds to video data, the received video data is converted to be output through a display device of the multipoint conference device, and is transferred to the multipoint conference device370through video input/output terminals in step S324.

In step S325, the multipoint conference device370outputs data received from the convertor350through a corresponding port according to types of converted data. Data to be transferred to the mobile terminal A310may be input to the multipoint conference device370. In this way, the input data includes the voice data and the video data, although the present invention is not limited thereto.

In step S326, the multipoint conference device370transfers the input data to the convertor350. Thereafter, the convertor350converts the received data, in step S327, such that the received data is suitable for the ports of the input/output terminals of the mobile terminal B330, and transmits the converted data to the mobile terminal B330in step S328. In step S329, the mobile terminal B330forwards the converted data to the mobile terminal A310.

FIG. 4illustrates a data converting device providing data transmission and reception between a mobile terminal and a multipoint communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 4, the data converting device includes an input terminal410receiving one or more types of data from the mobile terminal, a converting unit430converting a plurality of data input through the input terminal410according to the types such that the plurality of data are suitable for port types of output terminals connected to a multipoint communication device, an output terminal440providing a wired/wireless connection interface between the multipoint communication device and a controller420controlling seamless data transmission/reception between the mobile terminal and the multipoint communication device, and a storage unit450temporarily and/or permanently storing the data transmitted and received between the mobile terminal and the multipoint communication device, and storing at least one IDentifier (ID) of the mobile terminal for the data transmission and reception between the mobile terminal and the multipoint communication device.

The input terminal410corresponds to an external interface for connection with an external device, i.e., a mobile terminal or a fixed terminal connected in a wired manner, and includes a plurality of terminals411,412,413, and414according to types of transmitted and received data. For example, the input terminal includes a terminal for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a terminal for a home phone, and a terminal for the mobile terminal. The input terminal410connects with a network for performing conference calls, and all types of ports, such as a circuit switch or VoIP, through which voice call transmission/reception can be made, may be mounted to the input terminal. The data transmitted and received through the ports includes phone numbers, voice data, video data, SMSs, MMSs, applications, and a plurality of programs. However, data is not limited to the above-described data types, and various types of data transmitted and received to and from the mobile terminal are applied to the present invention.

Each terminal of the input terminal may be connected to a connector165of the mobile terminal through a wired cable, or a wireless protocol such as an infrared ray and Bluetooth. For example, each terminal may be formed of various ports such as a LAN, a WAN, a RJ-11, and a RJ-12, and is connected to the mobile terminal, where data transmission/reception can be made, through the above-described ports in a wired/wireless manner. Each terminal or the input terminal410is connected to the converting unit430for converting the data transmitted and received through the each terminal into data for output through the corresponding terminal of the output terminal as well.

The converting unit430converts data input through the input terminal410into data of a communication method suitable for the ports of the output terminal. That is, the converting unit430converts the data input to the input terminal into data suitable for a type of an arbitrary terminal among terminals441,442,443, and444of the output terminal to which a conference device is connected, and transmits the converted data to the output terminal. The converting unit430may include a Multiplexing (MUX) function and a Demultiplexing (DEMUX) function, and may determine types of data input to the input terminal That is, the converting unit430determines whether or not the input data corresponds to a call set-up data or a busy data. When the input data corresponds to a call set-up signal, the converting unit430selects the highest quality and a low cost network among the voice call protocols currently connected to the input terminal, and readjusts the call set-up. Alternatively, when the input data corresponds to a voice signal, the converting unit430converts the voice signal into a signal in a way currently connected to the output terminal, and transmits the converted data to the output terminal.

The storage unit450may temporarily and/or permanently store the data transmitted/received between the mobile terminal and the multipoint communication device, and may store an ID of at least one mobile terminal for data transmission and reception, and a control program or an application for control of the mobile terminal or the controller420.

When receiving a request for an ID or identification information of the mobile terminal from the multipoint communication device, the storage unit450searches for the identification information of the at least one mobile terminal which has been stored in the storage unit450, and transmits the identification information of the corresponding mobile terminal through the output terminal.

The controller420controls the input terminal410, the output terminal440, the converting unit430, and the storage unit450. The controller420determines types of data input through the each terminal of the input terminal, and controls the converting unit430according to the determined result to provide a data conversion command to the converting unit430. That is, the controller420determines whether or not the data input through the input terminal corresponds to a call set-up signal, or a busy signal. When the input data corresponds to the call set-up signal, the controller420selects the highest quality and a low cost network among the voice call protocols currently connected to the input terminal, and readjusts the call set-up. Alternatively, when the input data corresponds to the voice signal, the controller420converts the voice signal into a signal in a way currently connected to the output terminal, and transmits the converted data to the output terminal. Therefore, in order to provide the data conversion command, the controller420may include an algorithm for determining types of transmitted/received data, and may temporarily store the transmitted/received data in a buffer.

When the ID of the mobile terminal and a phone number that a user wants to call are received from the multipoint communication device, the controller420searches for IDs of a plurality of mobile terminals which have been stored in the storage unit450in advance to determine whether or not the ID of the mobile terminal is available, and as a determined result, when it is determined that the ID of the mobile terminal is available, attempts to call the received phone number. The controller420transmits, in real time, a call signal generated during a phone connection, and voice data or video data generated during a phone call to the multipoint communication device.

The output terminal440corresponds to an external interface for connection with an external device, i.e., a multipoint communication device, and includes a plurality of terminals411,412,413, and414according to types of data transmitted and received to and from the multipoint communication device. Each of the terminals may be connected with the ports of the multipoint communication device through a wired cable, or a wireless protocol such as an infrared ray and Bluetooth. For example, each terminal may be formed of various ports such as a LAN, a WAN, a RJ-11, and a RJ-12, and may be connected to the multipoint communication device, where data transmission and reception can be made, through the above-described ports in a wired/wireless manner.

Each terminal or the output terminal440is connected to the converting unit430for converting the data transmitted/received through the each terminal into data for an output through the corresponding terminal of the input terminal410as well. All types of ports used in multipoint communication devices may be mounted to the output terminal.

FIG. 5illustrates a multipoint communication device for displaying data transmitted and received to and from a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 5, the multipoint communication device includes an input/output terminal510forming a wired/wireless interface through a data convertor and at least one port according to the present invention, and transmitting and receiving data to and from the data convertor, an input unit530receiving a command from a user, an output unit540outputting the data received from the data convertor, and a controller520controlling data transmission and reception to and from the data convertor, and controlling the input/output terminal510, the input unit530, and the output unit540.

The input/output terminal510includes a plurality of terminals511,512,513, and514. The input/output terminal510may be formed of the same number of terminals as the output terminal440of the data convertor, or may be formed with a different number of terminals than the output terminal440of the data convertor. Each of the terminals is formed of the same port as the terminal of the output terminal440of the data convertor. The input/output terminal510transmits and receives data through the corresponding port according to types of data under the control of the controller520.

The input unit530receives a command from a user, e.g., though a keypad, a touch screen, and/or a pen. The input command includes at least one of a phone number, an ID of a mobile terminal, and execution, deletion, or renewal of an application in the mobile terminal, and is transmitted to the controller520.

The output unit540outputs data received from the data convertor to the corresponding output device according to the types of output units, and includes a speaker541outputting a voice, and a display542displaying an image. Further, the output unit540includes a microphone543receiving a voice of a user. Video data, voice data, applications, and programs output from the output unit540are displayed to a plurality of users.

The controller520controls the input/output terminal510, the input unit530, and the output unit540. More specifically, the controller520analyzes the data transmitted and received through the input/output terminal510, to output the analyzed result to the corresponding device of the output unit540. Further, the controller520converts the voice data input from the microphone543, such that the voice data is suitable for the port or the transmission method of the corresponding terminal of the input/output terminal510, and then transmits the converted data through the input/output terminal510.

When a command is input through the input unit530, the controller520transmits the command to the data convertor, and when receiving data corresponding to the command from the data convertor, the controller520transmits the received data to the output device of the corresponding output unit540.

For example, when a user inputs his own identifier (e.g., an ID of a mobile terminal) and a phone number that the user wants to call through the input unit530, in order to attempt to call through a multipoint communication device, the identifier and the phone number are transferred to the output terminal440of the data convertor through the input/output terminal510under the control of the controller520. Thereafter, the data convertor determines whether or not the received identifier corresponds to an authenticated identifier. As a determined result, when the received identifier corresponds to the authenticated identifier, a call is attempted to the received phone number, and a call connection tone and a busy data or video data is transmitted to the multipoint communication device. The multipoint communication device seamlessly outputs the call connection tone, the voice data, and the video data, which are received from the data convertor, through the output unit540in real time.

FIGS. 6A to 6Dillustrate an example a mobile terminal connecting with a data convertor to share data with a plurality of users, while transmitting and receiving data to and from another mobile terminal, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 6A, a mobile terminal A610is making a voice call or a video call with a mobile terminal B630. Alternatively, the mobile terminal A610may be transmitting and receiving data to and from the mobile terminal B630.

While the mobile terminal B630makes the phone call with the mobile terminal A610, or transmits and receives the data to and from the mobile terminal A610through a network620, a user of the mobile terminal B630may want to share a current phone call or currently transmitted and received data with users surrounding himself through a voice output or a video output.

Referring toFIG. 6B, the mobile terminal B630transmits a request for sharing, sends an ACK for an approval of the sharing request to the mobile terminal A610, when receiving an approval message for the sharing request from the mobile terminal A610, and is connected with a data convertor640during the phone call or the data transmission/reception.

Referring toFIG. 6C, the mobile terminal A610is connected to the data convertor640and a multipoint communication device650through a mobile communication network or the network620, and the mobile terminal B630. A channel is formed between the mobile terminal A610and the multipoint communication device650, in which case the mobile terminal A610can transmit and receive data to and from the multipoint communication device650through such a channel as described above.

Referring toFIG. 6D, the multipoint communication device650is connected to the data convertor in a wired/wireless manner through different ports or protocols according to types of data. When the mobile terminal B and the data convertor are connected to each other, the multipoint communication device activates at least one of output devices such as a microphone652, a speaker654, an earphone653, and an image display device. When the output device is activated, the data received from the data convertor through an input terminal651is output through the corresponding output device. Various types of commands or data including voice data input through the microphone are transmitted anew to the data convertor.

FIGS. 7A to 7Fillustrate an example of attempting a voice call using a multipoint communication device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 7A, a mobile terminal B630is connected to a data convertor640. When a user wants to share data transmitted and received between the mobile terminal B630and a mobile terminal A610with people around the mobile terminal B630, the mobile terminal B630is connected to a data convertor640. When such a connection as described above is set, the mobile terminal B630may enter a phone mode for a conference, that is, a multipoint call mode.

Referring toFIG. 7B, for the phone call or the data transmission/reception between the mobile terminal B and the mobile terminal A, when a phone number of the mobile terminal A610is input to the mobile terminal B630so that a phone call is attempted, or a connection for data transmission/reception is set, the mobile terminal B630transmits a call connection signal generated during the phone call or the data transmission/reception to the data convertor640(Process 1 ofFIG. 7B).

Referring toFIG. 7C, the data convertor640forwards the call connection signal received from the mobile terminal B630to the multipoint communication device650(Process 2). The data convertor640and the multipoint communication device650may form at least one wired/wireless communication channel. The data convertor640may transmit the signal or data, which have been received from the mobile terminal B630, to the multipoint communication device650through channels, different from each other, according to the type of signal or data. An output unit of the multipoint communication device650includes at least one of an earphone, a speaker, a screen, and a display device.

Referring toFIG. 7D, the call connection signal transferred to the multipoint communication device650is modulated for a high quality and a low cost land line, or other communication to be transferred to the data convertor (Process 3).

Referring toFIG. 7E, the signal transferred to the data convertor640is transferred to the mobile terminal B630though a network (Processes4and5). Through the above-described processes, the data transmission/reception is made between the mobile terminal B630and the multipoint communication device650. For example, a user of the mobile terminal B630can make a seamless voice call with the plurality of people around the mobile terminal A610through the speaker and the microphone of the multipoint communication device650.

Referring toFIG. 7F, data transmission and reception is made between the mobile terminal A610and the data convertor640through the network620.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are realized in a form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The software can be stored in, for example, irrespective of being erasable or rewritable, a volatile storage device, a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM, a memory such as a RAM, a memory chip device, and an integrated circuit, an optically or magnetically recordable and machine (for example, a computer) readable storage medium such as a CD, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a magnetic disk, and a magnetic tape. It can be seen that a memory that may be included in the mobile terminal corresponds to an example of the storage medium suitable for storing a program or programs including instructions by which the embodiments of the present invention are realized. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may include a program that includes a code for realizing a device and a method described in the present specification, and a storage medium which stores such a program, as described above, and is machine (computer) readable. Moreover, such a program, as described above, can be electronically transferred through an arbitrary medium such as a communication signal transferred through cable or wireless connection, and the present invention properly includes the things equivalent to that.

Moreover, the above-described mobile terminal can receive a program from a program provision device, which is connected thereto in a wired or wireless manner, and store the program.

The program provision device may include a program including instructions which allows performing of data transmission and reception of the mobile terminal, a memory or a storage unit for storing information necessary for the data transmission and reception, a communication unit for performing wired or wireless communication with the mobile terminal, and a controller for transmitting a corresponding program to a host device in response to a request of the mobile device or automatically.