Memory Expansion Pack For Providing Content To Portable Terminal

Abstract

A memory expansion pack, which includes a memory for storing content, an FM receiver, an ear jack, and a controller, is connected with a portable terminal through a connector of the pack to provide content to the terminal. Under the control of the controller, content stored in the memory and audio data, which is received through the FM receiver from an external device over a set frequency channel, is transmitted to the terminal. When the ear jack is connected with the external output device, it outputs the content through the external output device. When the ear jack is connected with a device, such as a PC, the ear jack downloads content from the PC.

1 . A method for providing various content in a portable terminal connected with a memory expansion pack, the method comprising the steps of:
 switching to an MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3) mode when the portable terminal is connected with the memory expansion pack;   displaying a list of MP3 files stored in a memory in the memory expansion pack when a user of the portable terminal selects the memory in the memory expansion pack in the MP3 mode; and   playing an MP3 file selected from the displayed MP3 file list according to user selection information.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said switching to the MP3 mode is performed through menu selection by the user. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
 switching to the MP3 mode when the memory expansion pack is connected with an external output device, wherein the external output device is connected with the portable terminal.   
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said playing the MP3 file comprises the steps of:
 converting a digital signal of the selected MP3 file stored in the memory in the memory expansion pack into an analog signal; and   transmitting the analog signal of the selected MP3 file to the memory expansion pack and outputting the analog signal thereof.   
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 stopping an output of the MP3 file when a call occurs during playback of the MP3 file, and indicating the call occurrence; and   resuming the output of the MP3 file when the call ends.   
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 downloading an MP3 file selected from the displayed MP3 file list to a memory in the portable terminal;   transmitting an MP3 file selected from the displayed MP3 file list to a specific recipient; and   editing an MP3 file selected from the displayed MP3 file list.   
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 switching to FM reception mode according to a request of the user;   receiving audio data through an FM receiver in the memory expansion pack in the FM reception mode;   converting the received audio data into an analog signal and transmitting the analog signal to the memory expansion pack; and   converting the received audio data into a digital signal, and encoding and storing the digital signal when receiving a data storage request from the user in the FM reception mode.   
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
 switching to recording mode according to a request of the user;   converting an analog audio signal input in the recording mode into a digital signal; and   encoding and storing the digital signal.