Image capturing device

An image capturing device comprising:

• a first block comprising an imaging unit configured to capture an image of an object;
• a second block coupled rotatably to the first block, the second block comprising a display;
• a third block formed to surround the first block and the second block and being coupled rotatably to the first block;
• a latch configured to hold the second block such that the second block is fixed relative to the third block;
• a first hinge which rotatably couples the second block to the first block;
• a second hinge which rotatably couples the third block to the first block;
• a setting unit configured to set the imaging unit to one of a close-up shooting mode and an ordinary shooting mode;
• a first determining unit configured to determine whether or not a shooting direction of the imaging unit is directed to the object when the third block is rotated about the rotation axis of the second hinge;
• a controller configured to control the setting unit such that the imaging unit is set to the close-up shooting mode, when the first determining unit determines that the shooting direction of the imaging unit is directed to the object;
• a second determining unit configured to determine whether or not the shooting direction of the imaging unit is opposite to a display direction of the display when the second block is rotated about the rotation axis of the first hinge;
• and
• a display controller configured to control the display such that an image captured in the close-up shooting mode is displayed on the display, when the first determining unit determines that the shooting direction of the imaging unit is directed to the object to be captured, and the second determining unit determines that the shooting direction of the imaging unit is opposite to a display direction of the display;
• wherein a rotation axis of the first hinge and a rotation axis of the second hinge are substantially perpendicular to each other.

An image capturing device comprising:

• a first block comprising an imaging unit configured to capture an image of an object;
• a second block coupled rotatably to the first block;
• a third block formed to surround the first block and the second block and being coupled rotatably to the first block;
• a latch configured to hold the second block such that the second block is fixed relative to the third block;
• a first hinge which rotatably couples the second block to the first block;
• a second hinge which rotatably couples the third block to the first block;
• a first determining unit configured to determine whether or not a shooting direction of the imaging unit is directed to the object when the third block is rotated about the rotation axis of the second hinge;
• a second determining unit configured to determine whether or not an obstacle exists on the shooting direction of the imaging unit, based on an image signal generated by the imaging unit;
• and
• a first mode switching controller configured to switch the imaging unit to a playback mode, when the first determining unit determines that the shooting direction of the imaging unit is directed to the object and the second determining unit determines that the obstacle exists on the shooting direction of the imaging unit;
• wherein a rotation axis of the first hinge and a rotation axis of the second hinge are substantially perpendicular to each other.