Abstract:
A DMB terminal and method for simultaneous DMB viewing and calling are provided. The DMB terminal includes a DMB module for providing a DMB service; a modem module for providing mobile communication functionality, the DMB module and the modem module being able to operate separately; a DMB-modem switch unit for switching an image output path for outputting image information, an audible sound output path for outputting audible sounds, and a key input path for receiving a key input signal from a user to the DMB module or the modem module; and a DMB-modem switch controller for, upon user selection of an operation mode, controlling the DMB-modem switch unit to switch the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to a module corresponding to the selected operation mode

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/415,751, which was filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on May 2, 2006, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Application Serial No. 10-2005-0041353, which was filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 17, 2005, the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a terminal for receiving Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), and in particular, to a DMB terminal having the dual functions of DMB reception and mobile phone call enabled. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Recently, portable terminals permit the transition between operation states according to a key input from a user. For example, when the user receives or writes a Short Message Service (SMS) message, the controller of his portable terminal transitions from the current operation state to another operation state for performing the SMS function according to a key pressed by the user. This kind of state transition is triggered as the controller senses generation of an event such as input of a predetermined key from the user. A device that performs such an event-triggered state transition is called a “state machine.” 
         [0006]    Existing mobile phones work based on this state transition mechanism. A DMB terminal, being a kind of mobile phone, is not an exception.  FIG. 1  is an event-triggered state transition diagram for a typical DMB terminal. In the illustrated case of  FIG. 1 , the DMB terminal operates in a User Interface (UI) state  100 . The UI state  100  is divided into an idle state  102 , a menu state  104  for displaying a predetermined menu, a call state  106  for call termination and call origination, and a DMB state  108  for allowing the user to view DMB. 
         [0007]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , with no key input from the user, the UI state  100  stays in the idle state  102 . When the user presses a Menu key to use a specific application, the DMB terminal transitions from the idle state  102  to the menu state  104  to display a menu. Upon incoming of a call or upon call origination from the user, the DMB terminal transitions to the call state  106  in response to the event, for call processing. If the user presses a key designated for DMB viewing, the DMB terminal transitions to the DMB state  108  to receive and output DMB data. 
         [0008]    The typical DMB terminal working in the operation states illustrated in  FIG. 1  is configured to be in only one operation state at a given time. For instance, upon incoming of a call during providing the DMB service to the user in the DMB state  108 , the DMB terminal transitions to the call state  106  for call termination, if the user accepts the incoming call. Thus, the DMB operation in the DMB state  108  is terminated. 
         [0009]    As described above, if the typical DMB terminal needs to perform another operation during the DMB service, it transitions to an operation state corresponding to the new operation, terminating DMB reception. 
         [0010]    Moreover, if the user needs to call during viewing DMB, he cannot continue to view the DMB because a state transition to the call state takes place to place a call. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    An object of the present invention is to substantially solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages below. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for enabling a user to continuously view DMB without interruptions, while a DMB terminal carries out another operation during the DMB viewing. 
         [0013]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for enabling a user to view DMB while conducting a call. 
         [0014]    The above and other aspects are achieved by providing a DMB terminal for enabling simultaneous DMB viewing and call, and a method therefor. 
         [0015]    According to one aspect of the present invention, a DMB terminal is provided for simultaneous DMB viewing and a call function. The DMB terminal includes a DMB module for providing a DMB service; a modem module for providing mobile communication functionality, the DMB module and the modem module being able to operate separately; a DMB-modem switch unit for switching an image output path for outputting image information, an audible sound output path for outputting audible sounds, and a key input path for receiving a key input signal from a user to the DMB module or the modem module; and a DMB-modem switch controller for, upon user selection of an operation mode, controlling the DMB-modem switch unit to switch the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to a module corresponding to the selected operation mode. 
         [0016]    According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication method is provided for simultaneous DMB viewing and a call function in a DMB terminal, in which a DMB module provides a DMB service and a modem module provides mobile communication functionality, wherein the DMB module and the modem module are able to operate separately, and the modem module switches an image output path, an audible sound output path, and a key input path to one of the DMB module or the modem module. The communication method includes (1) switching, by the modem module, the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module, upon user selection of a DMB reception mode; (2) outputting, by the DMB module, DMB data through the audible sound output path and the image output path, and receiving a key input from a user through the key input path; (3) switching, by the modem module, the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the modem module, in response to acceptance of an incoming call; (4) processing, by the modem module, the incoming call to allow the user to conduct a conversation; and (5) switching, by the modem module, the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module, after processing the incoming call. 
         [0017]    According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication method is provided for simultaneous DMB viewing and a call function in a DMB terminal, in which a DMB module provides a DMB service and a modem module provides mobile communication functionality, wherein the DMB module and the modem module are able to operate separately, and the modem module switches an image output path, an audible sound output path, and a key input path to one of the DMB module or the modem module. The communication method includes (a) switching, by the modem module, the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module, upon user selection of DMB reception; (b) outputting, by the DMB module, DMB data through the audible sound output path and the image output path and receiving a key input from a user through the key input path; (c) switching, by the modem module, the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the modem module, in response to acceptance of displaying a message; (d) processing, by the modem module, the received message to allow the user to read the message; and (e) switching, by the modem module, the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module, after processing the received message. 
         [0018]    According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication method is provided for simultaneous DMB viewing and a call function in a DMB terminal, in which where a DMB module provides a DMB service and a modem module provides mobile communication functionality, wherein the DMB module and the modem module are able to operate separately, and the modem module switches an image output path, an audible sound output path, and a key input path to one of the DMB module or the modem module. The communication method includes (i) switching, by the modem module, the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module, upon user selection of a DMB reception mode; (ii) outputting, by the DMB module, DMB data through the audible sound output path and the image output path, and receiving a key input from a user through the key input path; (iii) detecting, by the DMB module, input of a send key for originating a call or writing and sending a message, and notifying the modem module of the send key input; (iv) performing a send key operation, upon key input from the user, when the send key input is detected by the modem module; and (v) switching, by the modem module, the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module, after performing the send key operation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating state transitions triggered by key input in a typical DMB terminal; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a DMB terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a detailed block diagram of a controller in the DMB terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a call termination/message reception or call origination/message transmission in the DMB terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a detailed flowchart illustrating the call origination/message transmission in the DMB terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a detailed flowchart illustrating the call termination/message reception in the DMB terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating an output switching operation upon input of an output switching key during the call termination/message reception or the call origination/message transmission in the DMB terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    Various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail. 
         [0028]    For comprehensive understanding of the present invention, the basic principle of the present invention will be described. In a DMB terminal according to the present invention, a controller is provided with a DMB module for receiving, processing, and outputting DMB data and at least one other module for performing a function other than the DMB reception function. Each application for driving a corresponding module is assigned a different memory working area so that applications can be run concurrently. Therefore, two or more modules can operate simultaneously at a given time. 
         [0029]    For this purpose, a switch is further provided to switch an image output path running to a display for outputting image information, an audible sound output path running to an amplifier for outputting audible sounds, and a key input path running from a keypad for providing key input received from a user through the keypad to the controller to the DMB module or the at least one other module. A module serving as a main control module in the controller controls the switching operation. Therefore, if the user wants another function during viewing DMB, he can use the function without terminating the DMB. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a DMB terminal according to the present invention. For simplicity, the DMB terminal is assumed to have a DMB module for receiving, processing, and outputting DMB data and a modem module for performing traditional call functionality and data communications. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , in the DMB terminal, a memory  202 , a keypad  204 , a display  206 , a baseband processor  210 , and a Coder-DECoder (CODEC)  212  are connected to a controller  200 . The controller  200  includes a modem module  218  for processing phone calls and data communications, and processing audio signals and data according to a wireless Internet connection protocol, and a DMB module  220  for receiving DMB data including video, audio, and information data, decoding the audio data and video data through a DMB audio decoder and a DMB video decoder, respectively, and controlling output of the decoded data. The controller  200  is further provided with a DMB-modem switch unit  216  for switching the modem module  218  or the DMB module  220  to a key input path for receiving a key input signal from the user through the keypad  204 , an image output path for outputting image information to the display  206 , and an audible sound output path for outputting an audible sound signal to an amplifier  214 . While the DMB-modem switch unit  216  can be implemented in hardware, needless to say, it can be implemented also in software such as a switching application. The controller  200  is illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0032]    The memory  202  includes a Read Only Memory (ROM), a flash memory, and a Random Access Memory (RAM). The ROM stores programs for processing and controlling in the controller  200 , and reference data. The RAM provides a working memory for the controller  200  and the flash memory provides an area for storing updatable data. According to the present invention, the memory  202  has an application for driving a module serving as a main control module and another application for driving another module, and provides a working area to each of the applications, when needed. Hence, the DMB terminal can operate two or more modules at a given time. 
         [0033]    The keypad  204  is provided with keys including alphanumerical keys and provides a key input received from the user to the controller  200 . According to the present invention, the keypad  204  further has an output switching key. The output switching key is used to invoke an output switching function for switching only the image output path and the key input path to the DMB module  220  during an incoming call process or an outgoing call process in the modem module  218  and thus for allowing the user to view the DMB while conducting a call. 
         [0034]    A Radio Frequency (RF) processor  208  transmits/receives an RF signal to/from a base station. It downconverts the received RF signal to an Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal and provides the IF signal to a baseband processor  210  connected to the controller  200 . It also upconverts an IF signal received from the baseband processor  210  to an RF signal and transmits the RF signal through an antenna. The RF processor  208  is configured to receive DMB data. The baseband processor  210  is a Baseband Analog (BBA) ASIC that interfaces between the controller  200  and the RF processor  208 . The baseband processor  210  converts a digital baseband signal received from the controller  200  to an analog IF signal and provides the analog IF signal to the RF processor  208 . It also converts an analog IF signal received from the RF processor  208  to a digital baseband signal and provides the digital baseband signal to the controller  200 . 
         [0035]    The CODEC  212  is connected to a microphone and a speaker (not shown) via the amplifier  214 . The CODEC  212  Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)-encodes a voice signal received through the microphone and outputs the resulting voice data to the controller  200 . It also PCM-decodes voice data received from the controller  200  and outputs the decoded signal through the speaker. The amplifier  214  amplifiers the voice signal received through the microphone or the voice signal to be output through the speaker and adjusts the volume of the speaker and the gain of the microphone under the control of the controller  200 . Upon receipt of an audible sound signal in DMB data from the controller  200 , the amplifier  214  amplifies the audible sound signal and outputs the amplified signal through the speaker. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is a detailed block diagram of the controller  200  in the DMB terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the DMB-modem switch unit  216  includes an audible sound switch  316  for switching to the audible sound output path, an image output switch  318  for switching to the image output path, and a key input switch  320  for switching to the key input path. 
         [0037]    The modem module  218  includes a reception detector  304  for detecting an incoming call or an SMS (Short Message Service)/Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message, and a call and message processor  306  for enabling the user to conduct a call upon call termination or call origination, to read the SMS/MMS message upon receipt of the message, or to write and send the SMS/MMS message. If the modem module  218  is a main control module, it is provided with a DMB-modem switch controller  300  for controlling the DMB-modem switch unit  216 . The DMB-modem switch controller  216  is a software application implemented to control the DMB-modem switch  216  in the modem module  218 . Needless to say, it can be implemented in hardware. The modem module  218  is also provided with a DMB module interface  302  for exchanging signals with the DMB module  220 . The DMB-modem switch controller  300  may be incorporated into the DMB module interface  302 . The modem module  218  is further provided with an output switching key input detector  308 . The output switching key is used to invoke an output switching function for switching only the image output path and the key input path to the DMB module  220  during an incoming call process or an outgoing call process in the modem module  218  and thus for allowing the user to view the DMB while conducting a call. 
         [0038]    The output switching key input detector  308  detects input of the output switching key during call processing in the modem module  218 . In the state where the key input path is connected to the modem module  218 , the output switching key input detector  308  detects input of the output switching key. Thus, the output switching key input detector  308  can be included only in the modem module  218  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0039]    The DMB module  220  has a DMB data processor  312  for receiving, decoding and outputting DMB data and a send key input detector  314  for detecting input of a Send key for originating a call or sending an SMS/MMS message while the DMB module  220  is receiving and outputting DMB data. The DMB module  220  further includes a modem module interface  310 , for exchanging signals with the modem module  218 . 
         [0040]    If the user selects a DMB reception mode, the DMB-modem switch controller  300  of the modem module  218  controls the audible sound switch  316 , the image output switch  318 , and the key input switch  320  to switch the DMB module  220  to the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path. Thus, the DMB module  220  can output audible sounds to the amplifier  214  and image information to the display  206 . Also, a key input signal from the user can be provided to the DMB module  220  through the keypad  204 . 
         [0041]    In this state, if the user presses the Send key to write an SMS/MMS message or to originate a call, the DMB module  220  detects this event through the send key input detector  314  and transmits a send key input indication signal indicating this event to the modem module  218  through the modem module interface  310 . In the modem module  218 , the DMB-modem switch controller  300  then controls the audible sound switch  316 , the image output switch  318 , and the key input switch  320  to switch the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path to the modem module  218 . In this case, since the DMB-modem switch controller  300  simply switches those paths, the DMB data processor  312  of the DMB module  220  continues to receive and process DMB data irrespective of the control operation of the DMB-modem switch controller  300 . However, since the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path have switched off from the DMB module  220 , neither image information and audible sounds of the DMB data are output nor a key input from the user is provided to the DMB module  220 . 
         [0042]    Upon key input from the user, the modem module  218  sends the written message or processes the outgoing call. When the call processing or message transmission is completed, the DMB-modem switch controller  300  controls the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path to be switched again to the DMB module  220 . Therefore, when the user originates a call or writes and sends a message, the DMB terminal can perform call origination or send the message without terminating the DMB reception in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0043]    The same thing applies to call termination or message reception during DMB viewing. Yet in this case, upon detection of an incoming call or an incoming SMS/MMS message in the reception detector  304 , the DMB-modem switch controller  300  controls the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path to be switched to the modem module  218  until processing of the incoming call or reception of the message is completed. The path switching operation of the DMB-modem switch controller  300  in the case of an incoming call or an incoming message will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating the operations of the modem module  218  and the DMB module  220  in the controller  200  when the user selects a DMB reception mode in the DMB terminal according to the present invention. These operations are performed under the assumption that the modem module  218  is a main control module. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , upon user selection of a DMB reception mode, the modem module  218  connects the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path to the DMB module  220  in step  400 . In step  402 , the modem module  218  applies a DMB module enable signal to the DMB module  220 . The DMB module  220  receives DMB data, decodes the DMB data and outputs audible sounds and image information through the audible sound output path and the image output path, respectively in step  404 . Upon receipt of a key input from the user, the DMB module  220  determines whether the Send key has been pressed in step  406 . Upon input of the Send key, the DMB module  220  provides a send key input indication signal to the modem module  218  in step  408 . 
         [0046]    In the meantime, after applying the DMB module enable signal to the DMB module  220 , the modem module  218  monitors incoming calls or SMS/MMS messages in step  416 . Upon receipt of an incoming call or an SMS/MMS message, the modem module  218  connects to the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path, and processes the incoming call or message such that the user can conduct a conversation or read the message in step  418 . On the contrary, if neither a call nor a message is incoming, the modem module  218  determines whether the send key input indication signal has been received from the DMB module  220  in step  410 . Upon receipt of the send key input indication signal, the modem module  218  connects to the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path, and performs an outgoing call process or an SMS/MMS message writing and sending operation in step  412 . Step  412  will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0047]    After the call termination or message reception in step  418  or the call origination or message transmission in step  412 , the modem module  218  connects the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path again to the DMB module  220  in step  414 . Notably, the operations of step  418  and step  412  have no effects on DMB reception. In these steps, the modem module  218  simply switches to the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path in steps  412  and  418 . Therefore, during the operations in the modem module  218 , the DMB module  220  continues to receive and process the DMB data in step  404 . As the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path are connected to the DMB module  220  in step  414 , an audio signal and a video signal from the DMB data are output through the display  206  and the speaker and a key input from the keypad  204  is provided to the DMB module  220 . In this way, even upon an incoming call or an SMS/MMS message during DMB viewing, the user can answer the incoming call and conduct a conversation, or read the SMS/MMS message without terminating the DMB viewing. Also, the user can write and send a message or originate a call without terminating the DMB viewing. 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  is a detailed flowchart illustrating the call origination or message transmission in step  412  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , upon user input of the Send key during viewing the DMB, the modem module  218  controls the audible sound switch  316 , the image output switch  318 , and the key input switch  320  to switch the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path to the modem module  218  in step  500 . In step  502 , the modem module  218  processes an outgoing call, or enables the user to write and send an SMS/MMS message. 
         [0049]    The modem module  218  determines whether the output switching key has been pressed in step  504 . Upon input of the output switching key in step  506 , the modem module  218  switches the image output path and the key input path to the DMB module  220  so that the output of the DMB module  220  is connected to the display  206  and a key input is provided to the DMB module  220 . The output switching key is used to invoke an output switching function for switching only the image output path and the key input path to the DMB module  220  during an incoming call process or an outgoing call process in the modem module  218  and thus for allowing the user to view the DMB while conducting a call. Detection of the input of the output switching key and the accompanying output switching operation will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
         [0050]    On the other hand, if the output switching key has not been pressed in step  504 , the modem module  218  determines whether the outgoing call or message process has been completed in step  508 . If the outgoing call or message process continues, the modem module  218  returns to step  504 . On the contrary, upon completion of the outgoing call or message process, the modem module  218  controls the audible sound switch  316 , the image switch  318 , and the key input switch  320  to switch the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path to the DMB module  220 . Therefore, during viewing the DMB, the DMB terminal enables the user to write and send a message or to originate a call without interrupting DMB reception in accordance with the present invention. Thus, the user can enjoy the DMB without re-starting the DMB, shortly after the message transmission or the call origination. 
         [0051]      FIG. 6  is a detailed flowchart illustrating the call termination or message reception in step  418  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , upon incoming of a call or an SMS/MMS message during viewing the DMB in step  418 , the modem module  218  alerts the user to the incoming of the call or the SMS/MMS message in step  600 . If the user does not want to accept the incoming call or to read the SMS/MMS message, the modem module  218  returns to step  416 . If the user accepts the incoming call or wants to read the SMS/MMS message, the modem module  218  controls the audible sound switch  316 , the image switch  318 , and the key input path  320  to switch the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path to the modem module  218  in step  602 . 
         [0052]    In step  604 , the modem module  218  processes the incoming call to allow the user to conduct a conversation or processes the received message to allow the user to read the message. The modem module  218  then determines whether the output switching key has been pressed in step  606 . Upon input of the output switching key, the modem module  218  switches the image output path and the key input path to the DMB module  220  in step  506 . Thus, the DMB module  220  is able to output DMB contents to the display  206  and receive a key input from the user. The output switching key is used to invoke an output switching function for switching only the image output path and the key input path to the DMB module  220  during an incoming call process or an outgoing call process in the modem module  218  and thus for allowing the user to view the DMB while conducting a call. The detection of input of the output switching key accompanied by the output switching will be described in great detail with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
         [0053]    If the output switching key has not been pressed in step  606 , the modem module  218  determines whether the call process or the message processing has been completed in step  608 . If the call or message process still goes on, the modem module  218  returns to step  606 . Upon completion of the call or message process in step  608 , the modem module  218  controls the audible sound switch  316 , the image output switch  318 , and the key input switch  320  to switch the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path to the DMB module  220 . In this way, the DMB terminal enables the user to read a received message or to answer an incoming call and conduct a conversation at any time during viewing the DMB, without terminating the DMB. Therefore, after reading the received message or ending the call, the user can return to the DMB without re-starting the DMB. 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  is a detailed flowchart illustrating the operation for switching the image output path and the key input path upon input of the output switching key during an incoming call process or an outgoing call process in step  506  illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , the modem module  218  detects the input of the output switching key in step  504  of  FIG. 5  or in step  606  of  FIG. 6 . The output switching key is configured in hardware on the keypad  204  or in software. 
         [0055]    Upon input of the output switching key, the modem module  218  determines whether it has been connected to the image output path and the key input path in step  700 . If it has, the modem module  218  controls the image output switch  318  and the key input switch  320  to switch the image output path and the key input path except the audible sound output path to the DMB module  220  in step  702 . Thus, even during a conversation, the user can view the DMB on the display  206  and change a broadcast channel by a key input. However, since the audible sound output path is still connected to the modem module  218 , the audio signal from the DMB is not output. 
         [0056]    On the other hand, if the image output path and the key input path are not connected to the modem module  218  in step  700 , the modem module  218  controls the image output switch  318  and the key input switch  320  to switch from the DMB module  220  to the modem module  218  in step  704 . Thus, the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input path are all connected to the modem module  218 . If the output switching key is pressed a first time, the display  206  is switched to the DMB module  220  to allow the user to view the DMB during a call. If the output switching key is pressed a second time, the display  206  is switched to the modem module  218 , for the call. In this way, the user can toggle the display output and key input between the DMB mode and the call mode. 
         [0057]    In accordance with the present invention as described above, the DMB terminal is provided with a switch unit for switching an image output path, an audible sound output path, and a key input path between a DMB module and a modem module. The modem module controls the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input to be connected to the DMB module when the user selects a DMB reception mode. If the user wants to use the modem module during viewing the DMB, the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path are simply switched to the modem module, so that the user can use the modem module without terminating the DMB reception. Thus, the user can continue to view the DMB without interruptions even though he invokes a function of the modem module during viewing the DMB. 
         [0058]    While the invention has been shown and described with reference to a certain preferred embodiment thereof, it is a mere exemplary application. While the function of the modem module has been described in the context of call origination/termination and transmission/reception of an SMS/MMS message, the present invention is not limited to the specific modem module function. The present invention is also applicable to other functions of the modem module during DMB viewing, such as a directory search. In addition, while the present invention has been described in the context of a DMB terminal with a DMB module and a modem module, needless to say, the present invention can be used for a DMB receiver having a Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) module for receiving, processing and outputting DVB data. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to a DMB terminal having a DMB module and a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) module. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.