DMB terminal for enabling simultaneous DMB viewing and phone call and method therefor

A communication method for enabling simultaneous DMB viewing and a call function in a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) terminal where a DMB module provides a DMB service and a modem module provides mobile communication functionality in a DMB terminal, 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, comprising the steps of:

• (1) switching the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module by the modem module, upon user selection of a DMB reception mode;
• (2) outputting 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 by the DMB module;
• (3) switching the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the modem module by the modem module, upon incoming of a call;
• (4) processing the incoming call by the modem module to allow the user to conduct a conversation;
• and
• (5) switching the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module by the modem module, after processing the incoming call.

A communication method for enabling simultaneous DMB viewing and a call function in a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) where a DMB module provides a DMB service and a modem module provides mobile communication functionality, 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, comprising the steps of:

• (a) switching the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module by the modem module, upon user selection of DMB reception;
• (b) outputting 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 by the DMB module;
• (c) switching the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the modem module by the modem module, upon receipt of a message;
• (d) processing the received message by the modem module to allow the user to read the message;
• and
• (e) switching the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module by the modem module, after processing the received message.

A communication method for enabling simultaneous DMB viewing and a call function in a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) where a DMB module provides a DMB service and a modem module provides mobile communication functionality in a DMB terminal, 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, comprising the steps of:

• (i) switching the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module by the modem module, upon user selection of a DMB reception mode;
• (ii) outputting 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 by the DMB module;
• (iii) detecting input of a send key for one of originating a call or writing and sending a message, and notifying the modem module of the send key input by the DMB module;
• (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 the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module by the modem module, after the send key operation.