Patent Document

PRIORITY 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jan. 22, 2007 and assigned Serial No. 2007-0006450, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal and a method of performing a function thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal for providing a group picture of a group in a phonebook, a method of generating the group picture in the phonebook and a method of performing a communication event using the group picture. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     With the development of mobile communication technology, a user of a mobile communication terminal is able to perform voice communication almost regardless of time and place. As mobile communication technology further develops, various functions are added to the mobile communication terminal. Such additional functions include the providing of character information, image information, MP3 files, and games to a user through the mobile communication terminal. 
     Furthermore, the user can store another party&#39;s phone number in a phonebook of the mobile communication terminal and phone numbers can be classified into a group according to a relationship with the user. By classifying and grouping the phone numbers, the user can more easily manage the phonebook. 
     A conventional method in which a user searches for another party&#39;s phone number using a group search is described as follows. After a phonebook menu is first selected, a group menu is selected from among displayed lower level menus. Next, a group to which the other party belongs is selected from among the displayed groups and members of the selected group are displayed. The user selects the desired party from the displayed group members and the other party&#39;s phone number is determined. In this case, a group and group members are displayed in a list form using text characters. 
     The above described conventional method is tedious for the user because the group and group members are displayed in a text form. That is, because a mobile communication terminal displays a group and group members in a preset form, it does not enable a user to create a phonebook group in a desired form. 
     Furthermore, the quantity of group members that can be simultaneously displayed on a screen is limited so that when many group members exist, members belonging to a group cannot be quickly determined. That is, when a group member that is searched for does not exist among group members displayed on the screen, it is inconvenient to search for the group member on a next screen. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An aspect of the present invention is to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal for providing a group of a phonebook with a group picture, a method of generating a group picture in a phonebook of the mobile communication terminal and a method of performing a communication event using the group picture that enable user friendly editing and use of the group of the phonebook and characteristic decoration thereof. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal for providing a group of a phonebook with a group picture, a method of generating a group picture in a phonebook of the mobile communication terminal and a method of performing a communication event using the group picture in which a user can rapidly visually recognize the group of the phonebook and group members. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method of generating a group picture in a phonebook of a mobile communication terminal is provided. The method includes selecting an original picture in which an image corresponding to each member of a group is displayed in a predetermined area corresponding to the group member, mapping an address of each of the group members to the corresponding predetermined area of the original picture and storing the original picture to which the group members&#39; addresses are mapped as a group picture in the phonebook. 
     The method may further include displaying, if a group display menu of the phonebook is selected, the group pictures of the phonebook in the form of a thumbnail image, a group name image and an image in which a thumbnail image and the corresponding group name image are combined. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of generating a group picture in a phonebook of a mobile communication terminal is provided. The method includes displaying, when a group setting menu of the phonebook is selected, a group setting item, displaying, if a picture mode is selected from the displayed group setting items, original pictures to be used for setting a group, displaying, if an original picture to be used for setting a group is selected from the displayed original pictures, the selected original picture on a full screen, designating predetermined areas, each including an image corresponding to a member of the group in the selected original picture, inputting, if a designated predetermined area is selected, a group member&#39;s address to be mapped to the selected predetermined area on a displayed address input window and storing the original picture to which the group member&#39;s address is mapped as a group picture of the phonebook. 
     In an exemplary implementation, the image corresponding to a group member is one of the group member&#39;s face, an animal, a plant, a constellation, and a character image. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of performing a communication event in a mobile communication terminal using group pictures is provided. The method includes selecting a group display menu of a phonebook and displaying the group pictures, selecting, from the displayed group pictures, a group picture in which a subject of a communication event is displayed and displaying the selected group picture on a full screen and performing, if an image corresponding to the subject is selected from the selected group picture, a communication event to the subject&#39;s address. 
     In an exemplary implementation, the group pictures are displayed in the form of a thumbnail image, a group name image and an image in which a thumbnail image and the corresponding group name image are combined. 
     In another exemplary implementation, the performing of the communication event to the subject&#39;s address includes displaying, if an image corresponding to the subject is selected from the selected group picture, a communication event item based on the subject&#39;s address mapped to the selected image, selecting a communication event item from the displayed communication event items and performing the corresponding communication event. 
     In an exemplary implementation, the communication event item includes at least one of call transmission, text message transmission and e-mail transmission. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of performing a communication event in a mobile communication terminal using group pictures is provided. The method includes displaying a group picture on a standby screen, selecting an image corresponding to a subject of a communication event from the displayed group picture and performing the communication event. 
     In an exemplary implementation, the displaying of the group picture on a standby screen includes displaying at least one group picture on the standby screen, selecting, from the displayed group pictures, a group picture in which a subject of a communication event is displayed and displaying the selected group picture on a full screen. 
     In another exemplary implementation, the group pictures are displayed in the form of a thumbnail image. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a mobile communication terminal is provided. The mobile terminal includes a storage unit for storing a phonebook and original pictures, a controller for mapping an address of each member of a group to a corresponding predetermined area in an original picture selected from the original pictures and for storing the selected original picture to which the group members&#39; addresses are mapped as a group picture of the phonebook in the storage unit, a display unit for displaying a selected group picture among the stored group pictures and a radio frequency (RF) unit for performing, if a predetermined area to which a group member&#39;s address is mapped is selected from the displayed group picture, a communication event with the corresponding group member. 
     In an exemplary implementation, the controller controls the display unit to display the group pictures in the form of a thumbnail image, a group name image and an image in which a thumbnail image and the corresponding group name image are combined. 
     In yet another exemplary implementation, the controller controls the display unit to display the selected group picture on a standby screen. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating a group picture in a phonebook of a mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary mapping process in the method of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example of an image displayed during an exemplary method of generating a group picture of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate exemplary screens displayed during an exemplary method of generating a group picture of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of performing a communication event using a group picture generated according to the method of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates exemplary display screens displayed during an exemplary method of performing a communication event of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method of performing a communication event using a group picture generated according to an exemplary method of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates exemplary screens displayed during an exemplary method of performing a communication event of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method of performing a communication event using a group picture generated according to an exemplary method of  FIG. 2A ; and 
         FIG. 10  illustrates exemplary screens displayed during an exemplary method of performing a communication event of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features and structures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the mobile communication terminal  10  includes a controller  11 , a key input unit  12 , a storage unit  13 , an RF unit  14 , a sound processor  15 , a camera unit  16 , an image processor  17  and a display unit  18 . 
     The controller  11  performs general control operations of the mobile communication terminal  10 . For example, the controller  11  controls to generate a group picture  13   b  of a phonebook  13   a  and to perform a communication event. 
     The key input unit  12  provides a plurality of keys for manipulating the mobile communication terminal  10 , generates key data according to key selection by a user and outputs the generated key data to the controller  11 . The key input unit  12  may be a key pad, a touch pad and the like. 
     The storage unit  13  stores a program or programs required for controlling operations of the mobile communication terminal  10  and stores data generated while performing a program. The storage unit  13  stores a program for generating the group picture  13   b  as well as data generated while performing the program. The storage unit  13  stores an original picture  13   c  and a phonebook  13   a  including a group picture  13   b  generated using the original picture  13   c . The phonebook  13   a  stores addresses of communication event subjects input by the user and an address of a subject is classified into a group and stored. A group list can be displayed with a text or a group picture  13   b . The subject&#39;s address may include a phone number, an e-mail address of the subject, a name matched to the phone number and the like. 
     The RF unit  14  performs a communication event through an antenna ANT by the control of controller  11 . The communication event may include call reception and transmission, message reception and transmission, e-mail reception and transmission and the like. 
     The sound processor  15  digitalizes a voice input to a microphone MIC by the control of controller  11 , demodulates voice data received through the RF unit  14 , and outputs the demodulated voice data through a speaker SPK. 
     The camera unit  16  photographs an image and generates image data using the photographed image. That is, the camera unit  16  photographs an image according to a photographing mode selected through the key input unit  12  and generates image data using the photographed image. The camera unit  16  may include an image sensor for converting an optical signal of a subject to an analog signal and a signal processor for converting the analog signal to a digital signal. 
     The image processor  17  processes image data generated in the camera unit  16  according to a specification of the display unit  18  and outputs the processed image data to the display unit  18 . The image processor  17  edits the generated image data by the control of controller  11 . 
     The display unit  18  displays various function menus executed in the mobile communication terminal  10  and data stored in the storage unit  13  with an image on a screen. The display unit  18  displays an image of a preview state output from the image processor  17 , an original picture  13   c  and a group picture  13   b  stored in the storage unit  13  and a document or data according to execution of a file viewer. In an exemplary implementation, the display unit  18  may use a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), which may incorporate a touch screen. The touch screen may simultaneously perform a function of a display means and an input means. 
     As will be described in more detail below, the controller  11  maps a group member&#39;s address to a predetermined area in a selected original picture  13   c  and stores the selected original picture  13   c , to which the group members&#39; addresses are mapped, as a group picture  13   b  in the phonebook  13   a . An image matched to a group member is displayed in a predetermined area to which the group member&#39;s address is mapped. 
     The controller  11  controls the display unit  18  to display a group picture selected from a group display menu of the phonebook  13   a  using one of a thumbnail image, a group name image, and an image in which a thumbnail image and the corresponding group name image are combined. The controller  11  controls the display unit  18  to display at least one group picture  13   b  selected by the user on a standby screen. 
     When a predetermined area, to which a group member&#39;s address is mapped, is selected from the group picture  13   b  by user touch for example, the RF unit  14  performs a communication event with the selected group member by the control of controller  11 . The communication event may be call transmission, text message transmission, e-mail transmission and the like. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, input of a selection signal by the user is performed through touch of the display unit  18  and key selection of the key input unit  12 . However, input of a selection signal by the user is not limited thereto. For example, when the display unit  18  is an LCD without a touch screen, input of a selection signal by the user may be performed through the key input unit  12 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a flowchart illustrating a method of generating a group picture in a phonebook of a mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2B  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary mapping process in the method of  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 3  illustrates examples of original pictures that may be used in the method of generating a group picture of  FIG. 2A . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , when a group setting menu of the phonebook  13   a  is selected by a selection signal of the user in step S 21 , the controller  11  controls the display unit  18  to display group setting items in the group setting menu in step S 23 . The group setting items include a general mode and a picture mode for setting a group. 
     The controller  11  determines whether the general mode or the picture mode for setting a group is selected by a selection signal of the user in step S 25 . If the general mode for setting a group is selected by the user, the controller  11  performs the general mode for setting a group in step S 27 . In an exemplary embodiment, the general mode is performed similarly to a known method of setting a group and therefore a detailed description thereof is omitted. 
     If the picture mode for setting a group is selected by the user, the controller  11  controls to display original pictures to be used for setting a group in step S 29 . In exemplary embodiments, the original pictures may be displayed in the display unit  18  in certain quantities of pictures or one by one in a thumbnail image form. 
     The controller  11  determines whether one of the original pictures is selected by the user in step S 31 . If one of the original pictures is selected by the user, the controller  11  controls to display the selected original picture  13   c  on a full screen in step S 33 . If one of the original pictures is not selected by the user, the process returns to step S 29  and the controller  11  awaits selection by the user. 
     In step S 35 , the controller  11  maps each group member&#39;s address to a predetermined corresponding area  81  in the selected original picture  13   c  by a selection signal of the user. 
     The controller  11  stores the group picture  13   b  generated thereby in step S 37 . 
     The mapping process of step S 35  is described in more detail below. 
     The controller  11  stores the original picture  13   c , to which group members&#39; addresses are mapped, as the group picture  13   b  in the phonebook  13   a . In an exemplary implementation, the controller  11  may store a group name of the group picture  13   b  which may be designated by key input of the user. 
     An exemplary mapping process of step S 35  that may be used as a method of generating the group picture  13   b  is described in detail as follows. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2B and 3 , the controller  11  determines whether predetermined areas  81  are designated in the selected original picture  13   c  in step S 351 . In an exemplary implementation, the original picture  13   c  may be one of an actual picture in which each group member&#39;s face is displayed (e.g. picture (a) in  FIG. 3 ), a character picture in which a character image corresponding to each group member is displayed (e.g. picture (b) in  FIG. 3 ) and a composite picture combining each group member&#39;s face with a character image corresponding to the group member (e.g. picture (c) in  FIG. 3 ). Here, the actual picture (a) is generally a picture in which the predetermined areas  81  are not designated and may be a picture photographed or downloaded by the user. The character picture (b) and the composite picture (c) are pictures in which the predetermined areas  81  are predesignated, and are pictures that are provided or downloaded during manufacture of the mobile communication terminal or at a later time. The predetermined areas  81  in the composite picture (c) are empty and a face or a character image matched to a group member can be composed in each predetermined area  81  by a selection signal of the user. 
     The original picture  13   c  is not limited thereto. Also, the original picture  13   c  may be a picture in which the predetermined areas  81  are designated to an actual picture and are not designated to character pictures and composite pictures. Therefore, the controller  11  must determine whether predetermined areas  81  are designated to the selected original picture  13   c  at step S 351 . 
     The original image used as the group picture  13   b  includes an image corresponding to each group member. The image corresponding to a group member may be a figure representing the group member and an area including the group member&#39;s face can be designated as the group member&#39;s predetermined area  81 . As other images, various characters such as animals, plants, constellations and the like corresponding to the group members may be used. 
     If predetermined areas  81  are not designated to the selected original picture  13   c  at step S 351 , the controller  11  requests the user to designate the predetermined areas through the display unit  18  in step S 353 . For example, the controller  11  may control to display a pop-up window including a message for requesting designation of predetermined areas on the selected original picture  13   c.    
     The predetermined areas  81 , each including an image corresponding to a group member in the selected original picture  13   c , are designated by the user in step S 355 . The predetermined area  81  can be designated in various ways. For example, if the display unit  18  includes a touch screen, each predetermined area  81  can be designated by touch. Or, the predetermined areas  81  may be designated by manipulating the key input unit  12  or by designating a figure (for example, various shapes such as a circle, oval, crescent, triangle, quadrangle, and constellation) in a position to be designated as the predetermined area  81 . 
     After the predetermined areas  81  corresponding to group members are designated to the selected original picture  13   c , when the user selects one of the designated predetermined areas  81  in step S 357 , the controller  11  controls to display an address input window around or otherwise nearby the selected predetermined area  81  in step S 359 . 
     If a predetermined area  81  is already designated for the selected original picture  13   c  at step S 351 , the process continues at step S 357 . 
     A group member&#39;s address to be mapped to the selected predetermined area  81  is input to the address input window by input of the user in step S 361 . The group member&#39;s address may include a phone number, an e-mail address or other data of the group member. The phone number is a phone number that can be used to perform communication or to send and receive a text message with the mobile communication terminal  10  of the user. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate exemplary screens displayed during an exemplary method of generating the group picture  13   b  using an original picture  13   c  in which a predetermined area  81  is not designated. If the user selects a picture mode, the display unit  18  displays original pictures in a thumbnail form, as shown in screen (a) of  FIG. 4A . 
     When the user selects the original picture  13   c  from among the displayed original pictures in screen (a) in which predetermined areas  81  are not designated, the selected original picture  13   c  is displayed on a full screen as shown in screen (b) of  FIG. 4A . 
     When an image corresponding to a group member is selected, for example by touch of the user, as shown in screens (c 1 ) to (c 4 ) of  FIG. 4A , the controller  11  designates the selected image as a predetermined area  81  to which the group member&#39;s address is to be mapped. While the selection of the group member is illustrated by touch input of the user, the selection may also be made by key manipulation or another manner. In the example, the members&#39; images are sequentially designated as the predetermined area  81  from left to right. However the members&#39; images can be designated as the predetermined area  81  in any sequence. Further, in the example a face is designated as the predetermined area  81 . However other body parts may be designated as the predetermined area  81 . 
     When a predetermined area  81  is selected by touch of the user, as shown in screens (d 1 ) to (d 4 ) of  FIG. 4B , the controller  11  controls to display an address input window  83  associated with the selected predetermined area  81 . The group members&#39; addresses may be input in the address input window  83  by key input of the user. In the example, the group members&#39; addresses are sequentially input to the address input window  83  from left to right in the predetermined areas  81 . However the group members&#39; addresses can be input by selecting the predetermined areas  81  in any sequence. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, each group member&#39;s address is mapped individually to the corresponding predetermined area  81 . However, another predetermined area for mapping addresses of all group members may also be designated. That is, the predetermined area may include a plurality of first predetermined areas  81  to which each group member&#39;s address is individually mapped and a second predetermined area for mapping all group members&#39; addresses mapped to the first predetermined areas  81 . The second predetermined area can be used when performing a group communication event, for example when transmitting a text message or an e-mail by selecting the addresses of all group members belonging to a group. 
     A method of performing a communication event using a group picture  13   b  generated according to an exemplary embodiment may be performed using a phonebook  13   a  or a standby screen, as shown in  FIGS. 5 to 10 . 
     An exemplary method of performing a communication event using a phonebook  13   a  is described as follows. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing a communication event using the group picture  13   b  generated according to an exemplary method of  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 6  illustrates exemplary screens displayed in the method of performing a communication event of  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  6 , when a group display menu of the phonebook  13   a  is selected by a selection signal of the user in step S 41 , the controller  11  controls the display unit  18  to display the group pictures in step S 42 . That is, the controller  11  displays a group list  85  in the form of group pictures instead of text. In this case, the group picture is displayed in a thumbnail form, as shown in screen (a) of  FIG. 6 . In an exemplary embodiment as illustrated in screen (a) of  FIG. 6 , the group pictures are displayed in a thumbnail form. However, the group pictures may be displayed in a group name image or an image in which a thumbnail image and the corresponding group name image are combined. In an exemplary implementation, the group name image is displayed as text. 
     The controller  11  determines whether the user selects one of the group pictures, in which a subject of a communication event is included as a group member, from the group pictures in step S 43 . If the user selects one of the group pictures, the controller  11  controls to display the selected group picture  13   b  on a full screen in step S 44 . For example, screen (b) of  FIG. 6  illustrates an example in which a group of friends (My best Friends) is selected as the group picture  13   b.    
     The controller  11  determines whether an image corresponding to the subject is selected from the selected group picture  13   b , for example by touch of the user to the predetermined area  81  to which the group member&#39;s address is mapped in step S 45 . If an image corresponding to the subject is selected from the predetermined area  81  to which the group member&#39;s address is mapped by touch of the user, the controller  11  controls to display communication event items  87  based on the subject&#39;s address mapped to the selected predetermined area  81  in step S 46 . If an image corresponding to the subject is not selected from the selected group picture  13   b  by touch of the user to the predetermined area  81  to which the group member&#39;s address is mapped, the process returns to step S 44 . 
     The controller  11  determines whether a specific communication event  87   a  from among the displayed communication event items  87  is selected by touch of the user in step S 47 . If a specific communication event  87   a  among the displayed communication event items  87  is selected by touch of the user, the controller  11  performs the selected communication event  87   a  in step S 48 . For example, if a home phone icon  87   a  is selected from the communication event items  87  shown in screen (b) of  FIG. 6 , the controller  11  performs call transmission to a home phone number (012-345-6789) of a subject (AAA BBB Kim) mapped to the predetermined area  81 , as shown in screen (c) of  FIG. 6 . Screen (c) displays a communication connection screen  88  notifying of a call transmission. 
     If a mobile phone icon is selected on screen (b) of  FIG. 6 , the controller  11  performs call transmission to a phone number of a mobile communication terminal of the selected subject mapped to the predetermined area  81 . If an envelope icon is selected, the controller  11  transmits a text message to a phone number of the selected subject mapped to the predetermined area  81 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a communication event is performed with a specific group member as a subject. However, a communication event can be performed with a plurality of group members as subjects displayed in the group picture  13   b  by a selection signal of the user. In this case, the communication event is text message transmission or e-mail transmission. 
     Further, methods of performing a communication event using a standby screen are described as follows. In the first method, a case in which a group picture  13   b  is displayed on a standby screen is described, and in the second method, a case in which a plurality of group pictures are displayed on a standby screen is divided. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method of performing a communication event using a group picture generated according to the method of  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 8  illustrates exemplary screens displayed in the method of performing a communication event of  FIG. 7 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  7 , and  8 , a method of performing a communication event when a group picture  13   b  is displayed on a standby screen is described as follows. 
     The controller  11  controls to display a group picture  13   b  selected by the user on a standby screen  89  in step S 51 , as shown in screen (a) of  FIG. 8 . 
     The controller  11  determines whether a subject image is selected from the displayed group picture  13   b  by touch of the user to the predetermined area  81  to which the subject&#39;s address is mapped in step S 52 . If a subject image is selected from the displayed group picture  13   b  by touch of the user to the predetermined area  81 , the controller  11  controls to display the communication event items  87  based on the subject&#39;s address mapped to the selected subject in the predetermined area  81  in step S 53 , as shown in screen (b) of  FIG. 8 . If a subject image is not selected from the displayed group picture  13   b  by touch of the user to the predetermined area  81  to which the subject&#39;s address is mapped, the process returns to step S 51 . 
     The controller  11  determines whether a specific communication event  87   a  among the displayed communication event items  87  is selected by touch of the user in step S 54 . If a specific communication event  87   a  among the displayed communication event items  87  is selected by touch of the user in step S 54 , the controller  11  performs the selected communication event  87   a  in step S 55 , as shown in screen (c) of  FIG. 8 . Screen (c) displays a communication connection screen  88  notifying call transmission. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary method of performing a communication event using a plurality of pictures generated according to the method of  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 10  illustrates exemplary screens displayed in the method of performing a communication event of  FIG. 9 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  9 , and  10 , an exemplary method of performing a communication event when a plurality of group pictures is displayed on a standby screen is described. 
     The controller  11  controls to display a plurality of group pictures  13   b  selected by the user on a standby screen  89  in step S 61 , as shown in screen (a) of FIG.  10 . In screen (a), the group pictures are displayed in the display unit  18  in a thumbnail form. 
     The controller  11  determines whether the user selects one of the group pictures, in which a subject of a communication event is included as a group member, from the displayed group pictures in step S 62 . If the user selects one of group pictures  13   b , the controller  11  controls to display the selected group picture  13   b  on a full screen in step S 63 , as shown in screen (b) of  FIG. 10 . 
     The controller  11  determines whether an image corresponding to the subject is selected from the selected group picture  13   b  by touch of the user to the predetermined area  81  to which the subject&#39;s address is mapped in step S 64 . If an image corresponding to the subject is selected from the selected group picture  13   b  by touch of the user to the predetermined area  81  to which the subject&#39;s address is mapped, the controller  11  controls to display the communication event items  87  based on the subject&#39;s address mapped to the selected predetermined area  81  in step S 65 , as shown in screen (b) of  FIG. 10 . If an image corresponding to the subject is not selected from the selected group picture  13   b  by touch of the user to the predetermined area  81  in which the subject&#39;s address is mapped, the process returns to step S 63 . 
     The controller  11  determines whether a specific communication event  87   a  among the displayed communication event items  87  is selected by touch of the user in step S 66 . If a specific communication event  87   a  among the displayed communication event items  87  is selected by touch of the user, the controller  11  performs the selected communication event  87   a  in step S 67 , as shown in screen (c) of  FIG. 10 . Screen (c) displays a communication connection screen  88  notifying call transmission. 
     A method of performing a communication event using the phonebook  13   a  is almost identical to the method of performing a communication event when at least one group picture  13   b  is displayed on the standby screen  89 . The difference between the two methods is that, whereas the standby screen  89  displays only at least one group picture  13   b  selected by the user, a group display menu of the phonebook  13   a  displays all group pictures  13   b . Therefore, at least one group picture  13   b  having a subject group member with whom the user frequently performs a communication event may be displayed on the standby screen  89 , whereby the user can rapidly perform a communication event with the subject through the standby screen  89 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a communication event is performed using a group picture displayed in a phonebook or a standby screen. However, the communication event is not limited thereto. For example, by inputting a group name of a group picture to search in a search mode and searching for the corresponding group picture, a communication event can be performed. 
     As described above, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by selecting an original picture to be matched to a group of a phonebook, mapping predetermined areas of the selected original picture to group members&#39; addresses, and displaying a group of a phonebook with a generated group picture, a user can conveniently edit and use a group of the phonebook. Accordingly, the user can create a phonebook in a desired form. 
     The user can determine a group of a phonebook and members of the group more rapidly by visually using a group picture than by using a list form displayed with text. 
     By selecting a predetermined area of a group picture mapped to a group member&#39;s address, a communication event can directly be performed with the selected group member. Further, by selecting a plurality of group members displayed in a group picture, a text message or an e-mail can be rapidly transmitted in a bundle. 
     Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it should be clearly understood that many variations and modifications of the basic inventive concepts herein taught which may appear to those skilled in the present art will still fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Technology Category: h