Abstract:
A portable device having a first enclosure and a second enclosure, comprises: a linking device which slidably links the first enclosure and second enclosure in a slidable manner, the linking device permitting a first action of shifting the first enclosure between a first position and a second position in a plane, and a second action of shifting the first enclosure at least in a direction different from a direction of the first action in the plane using at least one of the first position and second position as a reference position; and a command input device which inputs a command to the portable device on the basis of at least the second action of the first enclosure, thereby enabling to operate the portable device according to the action of the first enclosure.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a portable device and an image pickup device, and more particularly to a portable device and an image pickup device which are operable in a plurality of directions. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    A camera provided with a lens barrier which covers the front face of the lens when the camera is not in use and exposes the front face of the lens to make the lens usable when the camera is to be used. This lens barrier in many cases performs not only the role of protecting the lens but also that of a switch which turns on and off power supply to the camera. As a case of adding another function to this lens barrier, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-33996 discloses a camera whose lens protecting member, which is a lens barrier, is made movable to a plurality of positions, and in which the operation unit is assigned different functions according to these positions. This technique enables a single operation unit to be assigned a plurality of functions according to the position of the lens barrier, and thereby to restrain the increase in the number of required constituent parts. 
         [0005]    Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-90863 discloses a camera in which a main front part of a lens barrier is detachable as an external barrier member, the external barrier member functioning as a remote controller for the camera per se. This configuration enables the barrier to protect the lens when the camera is not in use and to serve as a remote controller when the camera is to be used. In addition, accidental loss of the remote controller during the carriage of the camera can also be prevented by this configuration. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    As the essential purpose of the lens barrier is to protect the lens when the camera is not in use, it is desirable for the lens barrier to stop in one of its lens protecting position and its position to expose the lens to make the lens available for use. Such a configuration enables the lens, after the camera has been used, to be protected only by reversing the position of the lens barrier. 
         [0007]    However, the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-33996 which enables the lens barrier to be moved among a plurality of positions makes it necessary to check by the user&#39;s own eyes in what position the lens barrier has stopped. Moreover, the assignment of plurality of functions to a single operation unit, though contributing to reducing the number of required constituent parts, involves another problem that it is difficult and troublesome for the user to perceive and remember functions assigned to positions of the lens barrier. 
         [0008]    The camera according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-90863, as the main front part of its lens barrier is detachable as an external barrier member, has a drawback that the external barrier member may come off and become unable to properly protect the lens when the camera is not in use. 
         [0009]    An object of the present invention, attempted in view of these problems, is to provide a portable device which is capable of protecting the lens and other parts when the camera is not in use and executing various operations including camera operations by moving an enclosure such as a lens barrier. 
         [0010]    According to a first aspect of the present invention, a portable device having a first enclosure and a second enclosure, includes: a linking device which slidably links the first enclosure and second enclosure in a slidable manner, the linking device permitting a first action of shifting the first enclosure between a first position and a second position in a plane, and a second action of shifting the first enclosure at least in a direction different from a direction of the first action in the plane using at least one of the first position and second position as a reference position; and a command input device which inputs a command to the portable device on the basis of at least the second action of the first enclosure. 
         [0011]    The portable device according to the first aspect of the present invention has the first enclosure and the second enclosure which are slidably linked. The linking device permits the first action of shifting the first enclosure between the first position and the second position in the same plane, and the second action of shifting the first enclosure at least in a direction different from the first action in the same plane with at least one of the first position and the second position as the reference position. Commands to the portable device are inputted on the basis of at least the second action of the first enclosure. In this way, by moving enclosures, the portable device can be driven in various operating modes or operated in many different ways without manipulation of a button or the like. In addition, by adding shifts in the first position or the second position as well as shifts between the first position and the second position, various operations are made possible by moving the enclosures. Furthermore, the required number of buttons and such items can be reduced because no manipulation of a button or the like is needed. 
         [0012]    According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the portable device according to the first aspect, the linking device so links the first enclosure and second enclosure as to enable the first enclosure to automatically return to the reference position after the second action. 
         [0013]    In the portable device according to the second aspect, the first enclosure and the second enclosure are so linked as to enable the first enclosure to automatically return to the reference position after the second action. This arrangement contributes to enhancing operability of the device. 
         [0014]    According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the portable device according to the first or second aspect, the linking device links the first enclosure and second enclosure so as to be movable, as the second action, in a direction identical to that of the first action. 
         [0015]    In the portable device according to the third aspect, the first enclosure and the second enclosure are linked so as to be movable, as the second action, in a direction identical to that of the first action, as well as in a direction different from that of the first action, and so as to allow the first enclosure to automatically return to the reference position after the shift. This arrangement makes available various manipulations as the second action. 
         [0016]    According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the portable device according to any of the first through third aspects, the linking device so links the first enclosure and second enclosure as to enable to move in four, eight or all directions as the second action. 
         [0017]    In the portable device according to the fourth aspect, the first enclosure can be moved in four, eight or all directions in the second action. This feature makes the device adaptable to many different manipulations. 
         [0018]    According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the portable device according to any of the first through fourth aspects, the linking device includes: a unit which links the first enclosure and the second enclosure in a manner permitting the first action; and a unit which connects the first enclosure and the second enclosure in a manner permitting the second action. 
         [0019]    In the portable device according to the fifth aspect, the first enclosure and the second enclosure are linked by a unit which links in a manner that permitting the first action and a unit which links in a manner permitting the second action. This arrangement makes the device adaptable to various configurations. 
         [0020]    According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the portable device according to any of the first through fifth aspects, the linking device comprises a unit which holds the first enclosure and the second enclosure in the first position and the second position with a prescribed holding force. 
         [0021]    In the portable device according to the sixth aspect, the first enclosure and the second enclosure are halted with a prescribed holding force in the first position and the second position. This feature can prevent the enclosures from moving inadvertently and from consequent unintended operation. 
         [0022]    According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the portable device according to any of the first through sixth aspects, the linking device so links the first enclosure and second enclosure as to enable to the second action with a force smaller than the holding force. 
         [0023]    In the portable device according to the seventh aspect, the first enclosure can accomplish the second action with a force smaller than the holding force. This feature can prevent the enclosures from moving inadvertently and from consequent unintended operation. 
         [0024]    According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the portable device according to any of the first through seventh aspects further includes a second action detecting device which detects a direction of the second action, and the command input device inputs to the portable device a command corresponding to the direction of the second action detected by the second action detecting device. 
         [0025]    In the portable device according to the eighth aspect, a command corresponding to the direction of the second action is inputted to the portable device. This enables the portable device to be operated by having the first enclosure take the second action. 
         [0026]    According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the portable device according to the eighth aspect further includes a first action detecting device which, when the first action has been taken, detects whether the first enclosure is in the first position or the second position, and the command input device differentiates between a command corresponding to the direction of the second action when the first enclosure detected by the first action detecting device is in the first position and that when the first enclosure is in the second position. 
         [0027]    In the portable device according to the ninth aspect, whether the first enclosure is in the first position or the second position is detected, and the command corresponding to the direction of the second action differs between when the first enclosure is in the first position and when it is in the second position. By varying the control between the first position and the second position in addition to detecting shifts between the first position and the second position, the device is made adaptable to many different operating modes and manipulations. 
         [0028]    According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the portable device according to the eighth aspect further includes a first action detecting device which, when the first action has been taken, detects whether the first enclosure is in the first position or the second position, and the command input device turns on power supply to the portable device when the first detecting device detects that the first enclosure is in the second position. 
         [0029]    In the portable device according to the tenth aspect, when it is detected that the first enclosure is in the second position, power supply to the portable device is turned on. This arrangement serves to interlock the manipulation of enclosures with the turning-on of power supply, thereby contributing to enhancing the operability. 
         [0030]    According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, an image pickup device includes: the portable device according to any of the first through tenth aspects, and a shooting lens arranged in front of the second enclosure is covered with the first enclosure when in the first position and the shooting lens is exposed when in the second position. 
         [0031]    In the image pickup device according to the eleventh aspect, the shooting lens is arranged in front of the second enclosure. When the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the first position, the shooting lens is covered with the first enclosure. In addition, when the first enclosure and the second enclosure are in the second position, the shooting lens is exposed in front. This arrangement serves to protect the shooting lens when the image pickup device is not in use, and exposes the front face of the lens to make the lens usable for shooting when the image pickup device is used. 
         [0032]    According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image pickup device according to the eleventh aspect, the first enclosure is a lens barrier. 
         [0033]    According to the present invention, it is made possible not only to protect the lens and other parts when the camera is not in use but also to execute various operations including camera operations by moving an enclosure such as a lens barrier. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]      FIGS. 1A to 1C  show external views of a digital camera  1  according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, when silhouettes of a first enclosure  10 , a second enclosure  20  and a third enclosure  30  thereof overlap one another at a first position, wherein  FIG. 1A  is a front view,  FIG. 1B  is a profile and  FIG. 1C  is a rear view; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 2A to 2C  show external views of the digital camera  1  when the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  have been moved in parallel from the first position to a second position, wherein  FIG. 1A  is a front view,  FIG. 1B  is a profile and  FIG. 1C  is a rear view; 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded perspective view of essential parts of the digital camera  1 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 4  illustrates a linking mechanism of the digital camera  1 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 5  also illustrates the linking mechanism of the digital camera  1 ; 
           [0039]      FIGS. 6A to 6C  also show external views of the digital camera  1  when the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  have been moved in parallel from the first position to the second position, wherein  FIG. 6A  is a front view,  FIG. 6B  is a profile and  FIG. 6C  is a rear view; 
           [0040]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate the fitting between the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  of the digital camera  1 , wherein  FIG. 7A  is a sectional view and  FIG. 7B  is a perspective view; 
           [0041]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are sectional views illustrating the fitting between the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  of the digital camera  1 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the digital camera  1 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart showing the stream of processing in the digital camera  1 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 11  is another flow chart showing the stream of processing in the digital camera  1 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 12  is another flow chart showing the stream of processing in the digital camera  1 ; 
           [0046]      FIGS. 13A to 1C  show external views of the digital camera  1  when the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  have been moved in parallel from the first position to the second position, wherein  FIG. 13A  is a front view,  FIG. 13B  is a profile and  FIG. 13C  is a rear view; 
           [0047]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view illustrating the fitting between the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  of a digital camera  1   a  according to a modified version of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 15  is a sectional view illustrating the fitting between the first enclosure  10 ′ and the third enclosure  30 ′ of the digital camera  1   a;    
           [0049]      FIGS. 16A and 16B  illustrate the operation of a digital camera  1   b  according to another modified version of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIGS. 17A to 17C  show external views of a digital camera  1   c  according to another modified version of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  have been moved in parallel from the first position to the second position, wherein  FIG. 17A  is a front view,  FIG. 17B  is a profile and  FIG. 17C  is a rear view; 
           [0051]      FIG. 18  illustrates the operation of a digital camera  1   d  according to another modified version of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIGS. 19A to 19C  show external views of the digital camera according to this other modified version of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  have been moved in parallel from the first position to the second position, wherein  FIG. 19A  is a front view,  FIG. 19B  is a profile and  FIG. 19C  is a rear view; 
           [0053]      FIG. 20  is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a digital camera  1   e  according to another modified version of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 21  is a flow chart showing the stream of processing in the digital camera  1   e;    
           [0055]      FIG. 22  shows an external view of a mobile telephone  2  according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when silhouettes of a first enclosure  50 , a second enclosure  60  and a third enclosure  70  thereof overlap one another in a first position; 
           [0056]      FIG. 23  shows an external view of the mobile telephone  2  when the first enclosure  50 , the second enclosure  60  and the third enclosure  70  have been moved in parallel from the first position to a second position; 
           [0057]      FIG. 24  shows an exploded perspective view of essential parts of the mobile telephone  2 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 25  illustrates the linking mechanism of the mobile telephone  2 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 26  also illustrates the linking mechanism of the mobile telephone  2 ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 27  also illustrates the linking mechanism of the mobile telephone  2 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 28  illustrates the operation of the mobile telephone  2 ; 
           [0062]      FIG. 29  is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the mobile telephone  2 ; 
           [0063]      FIG. 30  is a flow chart showing the stream of processing in the mobile telephone  2 ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 31  is another flow chart showing the stream of processing in the mobile telephone  2 ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 32  is another flow chart showing the stream of processing in the mobile telephone  2 ; 
           [0066]      FIG. 33  is another flow chart showing the stream of processing in the mobile telephone  2 ; 
           [0067]      FIG. 34  is another flow chart showing the stream of processing in the mobile telephone  2 ; and 
           [0068]      FIG. 35  is another flow chart showing the stream of processing in the mobile telephone  2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0069]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention to realize a portable device will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       First Preferred Embodiment  
       [0070]      FIGS. 1A to 1C  and  FIGS. 2A to 2C  show external views of a digital camera  1 , according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which  FIGS. 1A and 2A  are front views,  FIGS. 1B and 2B  are profiles, and  FIGS. 1C and 2C  are rear views.  FIGS. 1A to 1C  show a case where silhouettes of a first enclosure  10 , a second enclosure  20  and a third enclosure  30  are overlapping one another in a first position, while  FIGS. 2A to 2C  show a case where the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  have been moved in parallel from the first position to a second position.  FIG. 3  shows an exploded perspective view of essential parts of the digital camera  1 . 
         [0071]    The digital camera  1  includes the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A to 1C , the first position is a state in which the shooting lens and the operation unit are stored instead of being exposed. As shown in  FIGS. 2 , the second position is a state in which the camera is ready to shoot, with a shooting lens assembly  25  arranged on the front side of the second enclosure  20  and an operation unit  35  arranged on the front side of the third enclosure  30  being exposed. 
       [Structure of Digital Camera  1 ] 
       [0072]    The first enclosure  10 , which is a substantially rectangular planar member, is used as a lens barrier. On the rear side of the first enclosure  10 , a fitting part  11  (of which details will be described afterwards) to which a stick switch  31  stuck to the third enclosure  30  is to be fitted is arranged. By fitting the stick switch  31  to the first enclosure  10  via the fitting part  11 , the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  are assembled integrally. 
         [0073]    On the rear face of the second enclosure  20 , which is a substantially cuboidal member of approximately the same size as the first enclosure  10 , mainly a monitor  21  is arranged as shown in  FIGS. 1C and 2C . On the front face of the second enclosure  20 , a boss  22 , a long hole  23 , a push switch  24 , the shooting lens  25 , a flexible printed circuit board  26  and so forth are mainly arranged as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0074]    On the front face of the third enclosure  30 , which is a substantially rectangular planar member smaller than the first enclosure  10  and the second enclosure  20 , the stick switch  31  is mainly arranged, and on its rear face a boss  32  and a long hole  33  are arranged as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0075]    The monitor  21  is, for example, configured of a liquid crystal display capable of displaying in color. This monitor  21  is used not only as a image display panel for displaying a shot image in the reproduction mode but also as a user interface display panel when various setting operations are done. Further, when in the shooting mode, an image through the lens (pass-trough image) is displayed as required for use as an electronic viewfinder for shooting angle confirmation. 
         [0076]    The push switch  24  is a switch which is turned on when its tip is pressed and turned off when the same is released. 
         [0077]    The shooting lens  25  includes a bendable zoom lens. 
         [0078]    One end of the flexible printed circuit board  26  is connected to a substrate or the like (not shown) arranged within the second enclosure  20 , and the other end, to a substrate or the like (not shown) arranged within the third enclosure  30 . 
         [0079]    The stick switch  31  includes a stick  31   a  whose tip is formed in a substantially spherical shape and a switch part  31   b  which detects the motions of the stick  31   a  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The stick  31   a  can be levered in a total of eight directions including cross directions and obliquely cross directions. Further, the switch part  31   b  can detect any fall of the stick  31   a  and the direction of the fall. The stick switch  31  is so configured that the stick  31   a  is placed at normal times in its reference position, namely in a position in which the stick  31   a  is upright from the switch part  31   b.  The stick  31   a  is inclined by lever operation by about  10  degrees to  15  degrees in each direction and stopped there. The configuration is such that, once external forces are eliminated after the lever operation, the stick  31   a  automatically returns to its reference position. 
       ((On Mechanism Regarding Shifts Between First Position and Second Position)) 
       [0080]    A linking mechanism of movably linking the first enclosure  10 , the third enclosure  30  and the second enclosure  20  will be described.  FIG. 4  shows a view of the linking mechanism when the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  are in a first position as seen through from the front face side of the first enclosure  10 , while  FIG. 5  shows a view of the linking mechanism when the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  are in a second position as seen through from the front face side of the first enclosure  10 . 
         [0081]    First, the configuration of the linking mechanism will be described. The linking mechanism comprises the boss  22 , the long hole  23  and the push switch  24  arranged in the second enclosure  20 , the boss  32  and the long hole  33  arranged in the third enclosure, and a spring  41  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0082]    Two ends of the spring  41  are rotatably inserted into the bosses  22  and  32 , and the boss  22  can slide within the long hole  33  while the boss  32  can slide within the long hole  23 . 
         [0083]    The bores of the long holes  23  and  33  are greater than the diameters of the bosses  32  and  22 , respectively, to enable the bosses  32  and  22  to fit into the holes. 
         [0084]    The push switch  24  is arranged at the left end of the long hole  33 , and contact of the boss  32  with the switch makes it possible to detect in which of the first and second positions the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  are located. 
         [0085]    The spring  41  is a coil spring which applies a force in the rewinding direction, and its two ends are shaped round. One end of the spring  41  is rotatably inserted into the boss  22  while the other end is rotatably inserted into the boss  32 . 
         [0086]    After the two ends of the spring  41  are inserted into the boss  22  and the boss  32 , the boss  22  is inserted into the long hole  33  and the boss  32  is inserted into the long hole  23 . After that, a pin, screw or the like (not shown) is fitted to the tip of the boss  22  to prevent the boss  22  from coming off the long hole  33 , and a pin, screw or the like (not shown) is fitted to the tip of the boss  32  to prevent the boss  32  from coming off the long hole  23 . This procedure results in linkage of the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  with the second enclosure  20  allowing movement between them. 
         [0087]    Next, the method of shifting the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  between their first position and second position will be described. 
         [0088]    In the first position, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the boss  22  is placed at the left end of the long hole  33 , and the boss  32  is placed at the right end of the long hole  23 . The spring  41  applies a rightward force, as viewed from the front, to the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30 . However, as the boss  22  is placed at the left end of the long hole  33 , the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  cannot be shifted rightward. In this way, the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  are held in the first position. 
         [0089]    In the first position, when the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  are shifted leftward against the rightward force of the spring  41 , the boss  22  slides leftward within the long hole  33  and the boss  32  slides leftward within the long hole  23 . This causes the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  to shift parallel leftward over the surface of the second enclosure  20  and the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  to shift from the first position to the second position. 
         [0090]    In the second position, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the boss  22  is placed at the right end of the long hole  33  and the boss  32  is placed at the left end of the long hole  23 . The spring  41  applies a leftward force, as viewed from the front, to the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30 . However, as the boss  22  is placed at the right end of the long hole  33 , the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  cannot be shifted leftward. In this way, the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  are held in the second position. 
         [0091]    Further in the second position, as the boss  32  turns on the push switch  24 , the placement of the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  in the second position is detected. 
         [0092]    In the second position, when the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  are shifted rightward against the leftward force of the spring  41 , the boss  22  slides rightward within the long hole  33  and the boss  32  slides rightward within the long hole  23 . This causes the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  to shift parallel rightward over the surface of the second enclosure  20  and the first enclosure  10 , the second enclosure  20  and the third enclosure  30  to return from the second position to the first position. 
         [0093]    In this way, the shooting lens is protected when the camera is not in use and shooting is made possible by exposing the shooting lens when the camera is to be used. 
       ((On Mechanism Regarding Operation of First Enclosure  10 )) 
       [0094]    The first enclosure  10  can be operated in eight directions in the first position and the second position. The structure and operation of the first enclosure  10  will be described below with reference to the second position by way of example.  FIGS. 6A to 6C  are external views showing how the first enclosure  10  is operated in the eight directions in the second position.  FIG. 7A  is a sectional view showing a state in which the stick switch  31  is fitted to the fitting part  11  formed on the rear face of the first enclosure  10 , and  FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of the fitting part  11 . 
         [0095]    The substantially spherical part at the tip of the stick  31   a,  as shown in  FIG. 7A , is machined into a substantial D shape, as viewed from above, to prevent it from turning when fitted to the fitting part  11 . 
         [0096]    The fitting part  11  is formed of four elastic pawls as shown in  FIG. 7B . The internal space which the four pawls contain is formed in a substantial D shape, similarly to the substantially spherical part at the tip of the stick  31   a,  as shown in  FIG. 7A  so as to fit the tip of the stick  31   a.    
         [0097]    By placing the fitting part  11  on the tip of the stick  31   a  and applying an external force from above the first enclosure  10 , the four pawls of the fitting part  11  are bent to fit the fitting part  11  and the tip of the stick  31   a  with each other. This causes the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  to be fitted via the stick switch  31 , and the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  shift integrally with each other between the first position and the second position. 
         [0098]    At the same time, by applying an external force to the first enclosure  10 , the octa-directional shifting operation of the first enclosure  10 , namely the octa-directional lever operation of the stick switch  31 , is made possible. The method for operating the first enclosure  10  will be described below.  FIG. 8A  shows a state in which the stick  31   a  is in the reference position and  FIG. 8B  shows a state in which the stick  31   a  has fallen down and stopped. 
         [0099]    When a rightward external force is applied to the first enclosure  10  in its usual state shown in  FIG. 8A , the stick  31   a  is pressed lower-rightward as shown in  FIG. 8B , and the shift of the first enclosure  10  is stopped where the downward move of the stick  31   a  is stopped. Namely, the first enclosure  10  moves (is shifted) by a few mm to a few cm and stops there. After that, when the first enclosure  10  is cleared of the rightward external force applied to the first enclosure in the shifting action, the stick  31   a  automatically returns to the reference position and, along with its return, the first enclosure  10  also returns to its usual state shown in  FIG. 8A . 
         [0100]    This arrangement enables various operations to be done without having to manipulate a button or the like. By setting the force required for lever operation of the stick switch  31  weaker than the force applied by the spring  41 , the first enclosure  10  can be operated in eight directions in each of the first position and the second position. For instance, when a shift from the second position to the first position is to be accomplished by moving the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  in parallel, first the stick  31   a  is inclined rightward by lever operation, and then the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  are integrally shifted rightward. Although the stick switch  31  detects the rightward inclination of the stick switch  31  when the stick  31   a  is inclined rightward by lever operation, the detection by the push switch  24  is also performed immediately after the detection by the stick switch  31 , thereby eliminating the problem of malfunction or the like. 
         [0101]    The third enclosure  30 , which is formed smaller than the first enclosure  10 , is not made visible even if the first enclosure  10  is shifted by lever operation, resulting in enhancing aesthetic neatness. 
         [0102]    Furthermore, as the first enclosure  10  is shifted for only a few mm to a few cm, a far shorter distance than that between the first position and the second position, there is no possibility for the shifting to invite hiding of the shooting lens assembly  25  or the operation unit  35  by the first enclosure  10  and the second enclosure  20 . 
       [Electrical Configuration of Digital Camera  1 ] 
       [0103]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the internal configuration of the digital camera  1 . 
         [0104]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the digital camera  1  as this embodiment of the present invention comprises a CPU  111 , the operation unit  35 , a motor driver  113  for a zoom lens, a motor driver  114  for a focusing lens, an image stabilization control unit  109 , a zoom lens  115 , a focusing lens  116 , an image stabilizing unit  110 , a CCD  117 , an A/D converter  118 , a image input controller  119 , a image signal processing circuit  120 , a compression/extension processing circuit  121 , a display circuit  122 , the monitor  21 , a medium controller  125 , a recording medium  126 , a memory  127 , an AE/AF detecting circuit  128 , a human face detecting circuit  108 , a stroboscopic lamp  129 , an infrared communication circuit  130 , the push switch  24  and the stick switch  31 . 
         [0105]    Each part operates under the control of the CPU  111 , which controls each part of the digital camera  1  by executing a prescribed control program in accordance with an input from the operation unit  35 . 
         [0106]    The CPU  111  has a program ROM built therein, and various data required from control in addition to a control program to be executed by the CPU  111  are recorded on this program ROM. The CPU  111  controls each part of the digital camera  1  by consecutively executing elements of this control program. 
         [0107]    The operation unit  35  has a power supply button  53 , a shutter release button (not shown) and so forth, and outputs to the CPU  111  a signal according to the type of operation to be done. 
         [0108]    The shooting lens assembly  25  comprises the zoom lens  115 , the focusing lens  116  and the image stabilizing lens  110 . 
         [0109]    The zoom lens  115 , driven by the motor driver  113  for zoom lens, moves back and forth on the optical axis of the focusing lens  116 . The CPU  111  controls the shifting of and zooms in and out the zoom lens  115  by controlling the driving of a motor for zoom lens via the motor driver  113  for zoom lens. 
         [0110]    The focusing lens  116 , driven by the motor driver  114  for focusing lens, moves back and forth on the optical axis of the zoom lens  115 . The CPU  111  controls the shifting of the focusing lens  116  and performs focusing by controlling the driving of a motor for focusing lens (not shown) via the motor driver  114  for focusing lens. 
         [0111]    The image stabilizing lens  110  is controlled by the image stabilization control unit  109 . The image stabilization control unit  109  detects any destabilization of the digital camera  1  with a gyro sensor, and compensates for the destabilization of the object image via the zoom lens  115  and the focusing lens  116  by moving the image stabilizing lens  110  in a direction reverse to that of the destabilization. 
         [0112]    The CCD  117 , arranged following the image stabilizing lens  110 , receives the light reflected from the object having passed the zoom lens  115 , the focusing lens  116 , and the image stabilizing lens  110 . The CCD  117 , as is well known, has a light receiving face on which many light receiving elements are arranged in a matrix. The light reflected from the object having passed the zoom lens  115  and the focusing lens  116  forms an image on the light receiving face of this CCD  117  and is converted into electric signals by the light receiving elements. 
         [0113]    This CCD  117  outputs the electric charge accumulated on each pixel line by line as serial image signals in synchronism with a vertical transfer clock and a horizontal transfer clock. 
         [0114]    As stated above, outputting of image signals begins when the digital camera  1  is set into the shooting mode, and an image through the lens (pass-through image) is displayed on the monitor  21 . The outputting of image signals for this image through the lens is temporarily suspended when an actual shooting is instructed, and resumed when the actual shooting is completed. 
         [0115]    Also, the CPU  111  lights the stroboscopic lamp  129  as an auxiliary light source for shooting if required for the actual shooting. 
         [0116]    The image signals outputted from the CCD  117  are analog signals, which are captured into the AID converter  118 . 
         [0117]    The A/D converter  118  comprises a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit and an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit. The CDS removes noise contained in image signals, while the AGC amplifies the noise-cleared image signals with a prescribed gain. The A/D converter  118  converts the analog image signals into digital image signals having a gradation width of prescribed bits. These image signals are so-called RAW data, of which each pixel has gradation values representing the concentrations of R, G and B. 
         [0118]    The image input controller  119 , having a built-in line buffer of a prescribed capacity, accumulates a single-frame equivalent of image signals outputted from the A/D converter  118 . The single-frame equivalent of image signals accumulated in the image input controller  119  is stored into the memory  127  via a bus  124 . 
         [0119]    To the bus  124 , the image signal processing circuit  120 , the compression/extension processing circuit  121 , the display circuit  122 , the medium controller  125 , the AE/AF detecting circuit  128 , the stroboscopic lamp  129 , the infrared communication circuit  130  and so forth are connected in addition to the CPU  111 , the image input controller  119  and the memory  127 , and these elements can transmit and receive information to and from one another via the bus  124 . 
         [0120]    The image signals equivalent to a single-frame stored in the memory  127  are captured into the image signal processing circuit  120  in a dot-sequential system (in the order of pixels). 
         [0121]    The image signal processing circuit  120  performs prescribed signal processings for the dot-sequentially captured image signals of R, G and B colors, and thereby generates image signals (Y/C signals) comprising luminance signals Y and color difference signals Cr and Cb. 
         [0122]    The AE/AF detecting circuit  128 , in accordance with a command from the CPU  111 , captures, via the image input controller  119 , the R, G and B image signals stored in the memory  127 , and calculates focus evaluation values needed for automatic focus (AF) control. This AE/AF detecting circuit  128  includes a high pass filter which passes only the high frequency components of G signals, an absolutizing unit (absolute value calculator), a focal area extracting unit which cuts out signals in a prescribed focal area set on the screen and an aggregating unit which aggregates absolute value data in the focal area. And the AE/AF detecting circuit  128  outputs to the CPU  111  as focus evaluation values the absolute value data in the focal area aggregated by this aggregating unit. The CPU  111  searches for the position where the focus evaluation values outputted from this AE/AF detecting circuit  128  reaches their local maximum when under AF control, and achieves focusing on the main object by moving the focusing lens  116  to that position. 
         [0123]    Further the AE/AF detecting circuit  128 , in accordance with a command from the CPU  111 , captures via the image input controller  119  R, G and B image signals stored in the memory  127 , and calculates the aggregate sums required for AE control. Thus, this AE/AF detecting circuit  128  divides the target area (one frame) into a plurality of subareas, and calculates an aggregate sum of image signals for each of R, G and B in each subarea. The calculated aggregate sum information for each of R, G and B in each subarea is stored into the memory  127 . 
         [0124]    The CPU  111  calculates an exposure value from the aggregate sum calculated by the AE/AF detecting circuit  128 , and sets exposure based on this exposure value. In this exposure setting, the diaphragm stop and the shutter speed are determined in accordance with prescribed program lines. 
         [0125]    The human face detecting circuit  108  detects a human face area from image signals stored in the memory  127 . For this face area detection, first a prescribed number of resized images differing in resolution are prepared for the image which is subject to the detection. Then, one or more areas which correspond to one or more image data among a plurality of face image data of a prescribed size prepared in advance are extracted from each resized image. A resized image in which the number of extracted areas is the greatest is selected, the extracted areas within the selected resized image are enlarged or reduced to a size corresponding to the image before the resizing, and the areas thereby obtained are identified as the faces of the object. Finally, the number, coordinates and sizes of detected face areas, are outputted. 
         [0126]    The compression/extension processing circuit  121 , in accordance with a compression command from the CPU  111 , performs compression processing for the inputted image signals (Y/C signals) comprising luminance signals Y and color difference signals Cr and Cb in a prescribed form (e.g. JPEG) to generate compressed image data. In addition, in accordance with an extension command from the CPU  111 , the circuit performs extension processing for the inputted compressed image data in a prescribed form to generate non-compressed image data. 
         [0127]    The display circuit  122 , in accordance with a command from the CPU  111 , controls displaying on the monitor  21 . That is, following the command from the CPU  11 , the display circuit  122  converts image signals successively inputted from the memory  127  into video signals to be displayed on the monitor  21  (e.g. NTSC (National Television System Committee) signals, PAL (Phase Alternation by Line) signals and SECAM (Sequential Couleur A Memorie) signals) and outputs the converted signals to the monitor  21 . Also, as required, the display circuit  122  mixes with the image signals characters, graphical figures, signs and so forth to be displayed on the monitor  21 , and causes the monitor  21  to display prescribed characters, graphical figures, signs and so forth. 
         [0128]    The medium controller  125 , in accordance with a command from the CPU  111 , controls data reading or writing onto or out of the recording medium  126 . The recording medium  126  may either be detachable from the camera body, such as a memory card, or built into the camera body. When a detachable recording medium is to be used, a card slot may be provided in the camera body to allow the card to be inserted. 
         [0129]    The infrared communication circuit  130 , in accordance with a command from the CPU  111 , communicates with external equipment by infrared rays. The infrared communication circuit  130  modulates the data to be transmitted, and sends the modulated data from a light emitting unit  132  to external equipment. The infrared communication circuit  130  also receives with a light receiving unit  131  data transmitted from external equipment, and demodulates the received signals. 
         [0130]    The push switch  24 , as stated above, detects the first position and the second position of the digital camera  1 . The push switch  24  outputs a signal indicating its on/off state, and the CPU  111  is enabled to detect the first position and the second position by analyzing this output signal. 
         [0131]    The stick switch  31  detects any operation to shift the first enclosure  10 . A signal corresponding to the direction of the shifting operation is outputted from the stick switch  31 , and the CPU  111  is enabled to recognize the direction of the shifting operation by analyzing this output signal. 
       [Actions of Digital Camera  1 ] 
       [0132]    Next, the actions of the digital camera  1  of this embodiment configured as stated above will be described. Power supply to the digital camera  1  is turned on, and the camera is made operable, by manipulating the power supply button  53 . Placing the digital camera  1  in the first position when the power supply is on results in selection of the reproduction mode, while placing the digital camera  1  in the second position causes the shooting mode to be selected. The user can configure detailed mode setting by shifting the first enclosure  10  in one or the other position. 
         [0133]    Mode setting for the digital camera  1  will be described below with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
         [0134]    When the power supply button  53  is turned on to actuate power supply to the digital camera  1 , first it is determined whether or not the push switch  24  is on (step S 1 ). If the push switch  24  is determined to be on, the CPU  111  judges that the digital camera  1  is in the second position and sets the camera into the shooting mode (step S 2 ). If the push switch  24  is determined to be off, the CPU  111  judges that the digital camera  1  is in the first position and sets the camera into the reproduction mode (step S 3 ). In this way, the mode is switched over according to the state of the push switch  24 . 
         [0135]    First, operations in the shooting mode will be described with reference to  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 6A  shows the relationship between the manipulating directions and the operations in the shooting mode. 
         [0136]    When the user shifts the first enclosure  10  upward in the shooting mode, the stick  31   a  of the stick switch  31  is inclined upward, and the switch part  31   b  detects this upward inclination of the stick  31   a.  In response, the stick switch  31  outputs a signal corresponding to the upward turning on. Analyzing this output signal of the stick switch  31 , the CPU  111  detects that the upward shifting operation has been done (step S 11 ). Further on the basis of the result of this detection, the CPU  111  drives the zoom lens  115  via the motor driver  113  for zoom lens to zoom toward the wide side (step S 21 ). 
         [0137]    When the user shifts the first enclosure  10  upper-rightward as viewed from the object, the stick switch  31  detects the upper-rightward motion of the first enclosure. The CPU  111  operates the human face detecting circuit  108  on the basis of the signal output corresponding to the upper-rightward turning-on of the stick switch  31  (step S 12 ), detects the human face in the object, and displays the result of detection on the monitor  21  (step S 22 ). The CPU  11  also makes the AE/AF detecting circuit  128  work to obtain proper focusing and exposure of the detected face. By shifting the first enclosure  10  upper-rightward as viewed from the object once again, the face detection can be canceled. 
         [0138]    When the user shifts the first enclosure  10  rightward as viewed from the object, the stick switch  31  detects the rightward motion of the first enclosure. The CPU  111  sets the stroboscopic shooting mode according to an output signal of the stick switch  31  (step S 13 ), and charges the large capacity capacitor of the stroboscopic lamp  129  to prepare for its lighting at the time of the actual shooting (step S 23 ). By shifting the first enclosure  10  rightward as viewed from the object once again, the stroboscopic shooting mode can be canceled. 
         [0139]    Here, in this case, where the first enclosure  10  is shifted rightward as viewed from the object, the shifting direction of the first enclosure  10  is the same as the shifting direction toward the first position in which the first enclosure and the second enclosure overlap each other. However, it is possible to just shift the first enclosure  10  without moving to the first position because the force required for lever operation of the stick switch  31  is set to be weaker than the pressing force of the spring  41  as stated above. 
         [0140]    Further, the user can set the red eye reducing stroboscopic shooting mode, zooming toward the tele side, self-timer mode, close-up mode and image stabilizing mode by shifting the first enclosure  10  lower-rightward, downward, lower-leftward, leftward and upper-leftward, respectively, as viewed from the object and thereby causing the CPU  111  to respond to the output signals from the stick switch  31  in the respective directions (steps S 14  through S 18 ), and control the operations in the respective modes (steps S 24  through S 28 ). In the same way as described above, manipulation for shifting a plurality of times in the same direction causes the turning on and off in the corresponding mode to be repeated. 
         [0141]    The user can check whether or not the desired mode has been properly set by a display on the monitor  21 . 
         [0142]    Next, the reproduction mode will be described with reference to  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 13A  shows the relationship between the manipulating directions and the actions in the reproduction mode. 
         [0143]    When the camera is set into the reproduction mode, the image file of the last frame recorded in the recording medium  126  is read out via the medium controller  125 . Compressed data of this image file that has been read out are extended into non-compressed YC signals via the compression/extension processing circuit  121 . 
         [0144]    The extended YC signals are converted into a signal form for the displaying purpose by the display circuit  122 , and the converted signals are outputted to the monitor  21 . This output results in displaying of the last frame recorded in the recording medium  126  on the monitor  21 . 
         [0145]    When the user shifts the first enclosure  10  upward in this state, the stick  31   a  of the stick switch  31  is inclined upward, and the switch part  31   b  detects the upward inclination of the stick  31   a.  In response, the stick switch  31  outputs a signal corresponding to the upward turning on. Analyzing this output signal of the stick switch  31 , the CPU  111  detects the upward shifting operation having been done (step S 41 ). Further on the basis of the result of this detection, the CPU  111  zooms in the image displayed on the monitor  21  by using the image signal processing circuit  120  (step S 41 ). Every time an upward shifting operation is taken here, the zooming magnification rate is raised. Alternatively, the zooming magnification rate may as well be continuously raised along with the detection of a shift maintained over at least a prescribed length of time. 
         [0146]    When the user shifts the first enclosure  10  upper-rightward as viewed from the object, the stick switch  31  detects the upper-rightward motion of the first enclosure  10 . The CPU  111 , by using the human face detecting circuit  108  and the image signal processing circuit  120 , causes the facial part in the image displayed on the monitor  21  to be zoomed in (step S 42 ) on the basis of the signal output corresponding to the upper-rightward turning-on of the stick switch  31  (step S 32 ). Every time an upper-rightward shifting operation is taken here, the display zooms in a different face. When every face on the screen has been zoomed in and a further upper-rightward shifting operation is taken, zoomed-in displaying is turned off to return to normal screen displaying. 
         [0147]    When the user shifts the first enclosure  10  rightward as viewed from the object, the stick switch  31  detects the rightward motion of the first enclosure  10 . The CPU  111  feeds frame by frame the images to be displayed on the screen in the forward direction (step S 43 ) correspondingly to output signals of the stick switch  31  (step S 33 ). The image file in the frame position fed frame by frame is read out of the recording medium  126  and images are reproduced on the monitor  21  in the same way as described above. 
         [0148]    Further, the user can cause the CPU  111  to control actions of turning on or off moving images, zooming out, changing the folder of images to be reproduced, frame-by-frame feeding in the reverse direction and image discarding (step S 44  to S 48 ) correspondingly to the output signals of the stick switch  31  in different directions by shifting the first enclosure  10  lower-rightward, downward, lower-leftward, leftward and upper-leftward, respectively, as viewed from the object. The respective actions corresponding to the shift operations in the eight directions may as well be displayed on the monitor  21 . 
         [0149]    When the first enclosure  10  is shifted leftward as viewed from the object, though the moving direction of the first enclosure  10  is the same as the shifting direction toward the second position in which the first enclosure and the second enclosure do not overlap each other. However, it is possible to just shift the first enclosure  10  without moving to the second position as described above. 
         [0150]    According to this embodiment of the present invention, the equipment can be driven in various operating modes or operated in many different ways by shifting the enclosures without having to manipulate a button or the like. Also, by varying the operating mode between the first position and the second position, the equipment can be made adaptable to many different operating modes. 
         [0151]    Furthermore, this embodiment needs no manipulation of a button or the like because the equipment is operated by shifting the enclosures. For this reason, the required number of buttons and such items can be reduced, with corresponding contributions to enhancing aesthetic neatness and reducing the overall cost. 
         [0152]    Also, the holding of the first enclosure and the third enclosure immovable relative to the second enclosure in the first position and the second position in this embodiment can prevent the enclosures from moving inadvertently and from consequent unintended operation. 
         [0153]    Incidentally, with a view to improve operating ease in this embodiment, the first enclosure  10  automatically returns to its normal state along with the automatic return of the stick  31   a  to its reference position when the external force applied to the first enclosure  10  is eliminated in shifting operation, but it is not absolutely necessary to enable the stick  31   a  and the first enclosure  10  to automatically return. For instance, a combination of allowing self-return and forbidding self-return, differentiated by the extent of shifting of the first enclosure  10 , is conceivable. This could further enhance the operating ease. 
         [0154]    Although setting is done in various ways according to the output signal of the stick switch  31  by shifting the first enclosure  10  and the action in each mode is controlled in accordance with the setting in this embodiment, the choice of setting may as well be determined by pushing the first enclosure  10  in the direction away from the user after shifting the first enclosure  10 , followed by the control of the action in each mode according to the determined setting. This action is made possible by the use of a stick switch  31  whose switch part  31   b  can detect the pushing of the stick  31   a.  In this case, the stick switch  31  is so configured that the stick  31   a  is automatically returned to its reference position when the external force is eliminated after the pushing operation. 
         [0155]    Further in this embodiment, the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  are so linked via the stick switch  31  as to enable the first enclosure  10  to be manipulated in eight directions, the linking method is not limited to this one, but another method shown in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15  may be used as well. 
         [0156]    The linking mechanism comprises a track ball  42  and springs  43 . The first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  are linked in four positions by the springs  43 . A recess each is formed in the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30 , and the track ball  42  is held by the recess formed in the first enclosure  10  and by that in the third enclosure  30 . This arrangement enables the track ball  42  to turn in all directions. By setting the force required for turning the track ball  42  weaker than the pressing force of the spring  41 , the first enclosure  10  is enabled to be manipulated in multiple directions in both the first position and the second position. 
         [0157]    The turning of the track ball  42  and its direction and extent are detected by detecting elements such as Hall elements or encoders (not shown) arranged in the third enclosure  30 . A digital camera  1   a  is driven in a driving mode corresponding to the result of detection. By rotationally manipulating the track ball  42 , operations in all directions are made possible, including direct switching over from the rightward to the upward direction. Where the track ball  42  is used, a configuration allowing push operations can also be used. 
         [0158]    Although the first enclosure  10  and the third enclosure  30  are linked via the stick switch  31  in this embodiment to enable the first enclosure  10  to be operated in eight directions, the first enclosure  10  may be enabled to be operated not only in eight directions but also in swinging directions as shown in  FIGS. 16A and 16B . In this case, a stick switch  31  permitting octa-directional lever operation and detection, and swinging operations and detection both clockwise and counterclockwise can be used. By so configuring the stick switch  31  as not to self-return after the swinging operation, its manipulating ease can be improved. 
         [0159]    Also, though the first enclosure  10  is shifted from the first position to the second position in this embodiment by moving the first enclosure in parallel leftward as viewed from front, the direction of parallel shifting is not limited to leftward. It may as well be rightward, upward, downward or oblique. For instance,  FIGS. 17A to 17C  show external views of a case in which the first enclosure  10  is parallel shifted obliquely lower-leftward as viewed from front, wherein  FIG. 17A  is a front view,  FIG. 17B  is a profile and  FIG. 17C  is a rear view. In  FIGS. 17A to 17C , the first enclosure  10  and the second enclosure  20  are as large, but a first enclosure  10 ″ may be smaller than the second enclosure  20  as shown in  FIG. 18 , so that the first enclosure  10 ″, even when the first enclosure  10 ″ has been shifted in parallel, does not bulge out of the surface area of the second enclosure  20 . In this way, the ease of shifting after the parallel shift can be enhanced. 
         [0160]      FIGS. 19A to 19C  show external views of a case in which the first enclosure  10  is shifted parallel downward as viewed from front, wherein  FIG. 19A  is a front view,  FIG. 19B  is a profile and  FIG. 19C  is a rear view. Incidentally, by exposing a keyboard  35 ′ as an operation unit in the configuration shown in  FIGS. 19A to 19C , this version can also be used as a mobile personal computer or a game machine. 
       Modified Version of First Embodiment  
       [0161]    In the first embodiment of the present invention, power supply to the digital camera  1  is turned on by manipulating the power supply button  53 , and the reproduction mode is selected when the digital camera  1  in that state is placed in the first position or the shooting mode is selected when it is placed in the second position. In this case, the position of the first enclosure  10  and the control of power supply to the digital camera  1  may as well be interlocked with each other. 
         [0162]      FIG. 20  is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital camera  1 , according to another modified version of the first embodiment of the present invention. It differs from the block diagram of  FIG. 9  in that the operation unit  35  is provided with a mode change-over switch  112 . 
         [0163]    In this embodiment, the push switch  24  is interlocked with the control of power supply to the digital camera  1 . In the first position, power supply is off, while it is turned on in the second position to enable the functions of the camera to be performed. In the second position, the user can set the digital camera  1  into the shooting mode or the reproduction mode by manipulating the mode change-over switch  112 . In the second position, the user can perform more detailed mode setting by shifting the first enclosure  10 . 
         [0164]    The actions of the digital camera  1  will be described with reference to  FIG. 21 . Steps in common with the flow chart of  FIG. 10  will be assigned respectively the same reference signs, and their detailed description is omitted. 
         [0165]    When a shift from the first position to the second position takes place and power supply to the digital camera  1  is turned on, the CPU  111  determines the state of the mode change-over switch  112  (step S 51 ). The CPU  111  judges that the mode change-over switch  112  is set in the shooting mode, the CPU  111  sets the digital camera  1  in the shooting mode (step S 2 ). Or if the CPU  111  judges that the mode change-over switch  112  is set in the reproduction mode, the CPU  111  sets the digital camera  1  in the reproduction mode (step S 3 ). 
         [0166]    The actions in the shooting mode and the reproduction mode are respectively the same as those in the shooting mode and the reproduction mode shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         [0167]    It is thus conceivable also to have a change between the first position and the second position detected by a switch and interlock this detection with power supply control to validate shifting in the second position. In this way, the manipulation of enclosures and the turning-on of power supply can be interlocked to enhance the manipulating ease. 
       Second Preferred Embodiment  
       [0168]    While the first preferred embodiment of a portable device pertaining to the present invention represents an application of the present invention to the digital camera  1 , the present invention can also be realized in forms other than a digital camera. 
         [0169]    A portable device pertaining to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention represents the application of the present invention to a mobile telephone.  FIG. 22  and  FIG. 23  show external views of a mobile telephone  2 , according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  FIG. 22  shows the mobile telephone  2  when silhouettes of a first enclosure  50 , a second enclosure  60  and a third enclosure  70  thereof overlap one another in a first position, while  FIG. 23  shows the mobile telephone  2  when the first enclosure  50 , the second enclosure  60  and the third enclosure  70  have been moved in parallel from the first position to a second position.  FIG. 24  shows an exploded perspective view of essential parts of the mobile telephone  2 . The same parts as their counterparts in the first embodiment are assigned respectively the same reference signs, and their description will be omitted. 
         [0170]    The mobile telephone  2  is composed mainly of the first enclosure  50 , the second enclosure  60  and the third enclosure  70 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , the first position is a stored state in which only the monitor  21  and the power supply button  53  are exposed. The second position, as shown in  FIG. 23 , is a state of use in which operation units including a numeric keypad  62  and call button  63  are exposed in addition to the monitor  21  and the power supply button  53 , wherein calling, e-mailing and the like can be done. 
       [Configuration of Mobile Telephone  2 ] 
       [0171]    The first enclosure  50  is a substantially rectangular prismatic member, on whose front face the monitor  21  and power supply button  5  are mainly arranged. On the rear face of the first enclosure  10 , recesses  51  and  52  which accept fitting of the tip of a stick switch  61  fastened to the second enclosure  60  are formed. 
         [0172]    The second enclosure  60  is a substantially rectangular prismatic member of approximately the same size as the first enclosure  10 , and on its front face the boss  22 , the long hole  23 , the push switch  24 , the stick switch  61 , the numeric keypad  62 , the call button  63 , a long hole  64  and so forth are mainly arranged. The long hole  64  is formed in a width adequate for detection in the right and left direction of the stick switch  61 . 
         [0173]    The third enclosure  70  is a substantially rectangular planar member smaller than the first enclosure  50  and the second enclosure  60 , and on its rear face the boss  32  and the long hole  33  are mainly arranged. Also, substantially rectangular holes  71  and  72  which permit penetration of a stick  61   a  of the stick switch  61  are bored therein. 
         [0174]    The stick switch  61  includes the stick  61   a  and a switch part  61   b  which detects the motions of the stick  61   a,  wherein the stick  61   a  can be inclined in four crossing directions (upward, downward, leftward and rightward) by lever operation. The switch part  61   b  can detect any fall of the stick  61   a  and the direction of the fall. 
         [0175]    The first enclosure  50  and the second enclosure  60  are electrically connected by a flexible printed circuit board (not shown). The first enclosure  50  and the third enclosure  70  are linked in four positions by four springs  43  which apply tensile forces. A regulating mechanism (not shown) is arranged between the first enclosure  50  and the third enclosure  70  to so link the enclosures that the first enclosure  50  can shift relative to the third enclosure  70  by prescribed distances (a few mm to a few cm) only in cross directions but in no other directions. 
       ((On Mechanism Regarding Shifts Between First Position and Second Position)) 
       [0176]      FIG. 25  is a sectional view showing a case in which the first enclosure  50 , the second enclosure  60  and the third enclosure  70  are in the first position;  FIG. 26  is a sectional view showing a case in which the first enclosure  50 , the second enclosure  60  and the third enclosure  70  are being shifted from the first position to the second position, and  FIG. 27  is a sectional view showing a case in which the first enclosure  50 , the second enclosure  60  and the third enclosure  70  are in the second position. The configuration of the linking mechanism which movably links the first enclosure  50  and the third enclosure  70  with the second enclosure  60  is the same as in the first embodiment, and its description therefore will be omitted here. 
         [0177]    In the first position, as shown in  FIG. 25 , the stick  61   a  penetrating the hole  71  fit into the recess  51  thereby to fix the first enclosure  50 , the second enclosure  60  and the third enclosure  70  in this first position. 
         [0178]    In the first position, when it is attempted to shift the first enclosure  50  and the third enclosure  70  leftward against the pressing force of the spring  41 , first the first enclosure  50  begins moving relative to the third enclosure  70 , and when the shifting of the first enclosure  50  is regulated by a regulating device (not shown), the first enclosure  50  and the third enclosure  70  integrally begin parallel shifting relative to the second enclosure. When the first enclosure  50  and the third enclosure  70  are further shifted, the falling of the stick  61   a  in the hole  64  as shown in  FIG. 26  enables the second enclosure  60  to shift in parallel along the rear face of the third enclosure  70 . 
         [0179]    When the first enclosure  50 , the second enclosure  60  and the third enclosure  70  reach the second position, the stick  61   a  returns to its reference position and penetrates the hole  72  as shown in  FIG. 27 , resulting in fitting of the stick  61   a  into the recess  52 . This causes the first enclosure  50  and the third enclosure  70  to be fixed in the second position. 
         [0180]    In the shifting from the first position to the second position, the shift of the first enclosure  50  until the shift is regulated by the regulating device (not shown) is detected by the stick switch  61  (to be described in detail afterwards). However, as detection by the push switch  24  takes place immediately after the detection by the stick switch  61 , no such problem as erroneous action occurs. 
       ((On Mechanism Regarding Operation of First Enclosure  50 )) 
       [0181]    The first enclosure  50  can be manipulated in four directions in the first position and the second position. A method of manipulating the first enclosure  50  will be described below with reference to the second position by way of example.  FIG. 28  is a sectional view showing a state in which the first enclosure  50  has been moved upward (direction of an arrow) in the second position. 
         [0182]    The substantially spherical part of the tip of the stick  61   a,  as shown in  FIG. 27 , is fitted into the recess  52 . When an upward external force is applied to the first enclosure  10  in the normal state shown in  FIG. 27 , simultaneously with the upward shift of the first enclosure  50  relative to the third enclosure  70  until the shifting of the first enclosure  50  is regulated by the regulating device (not shown) as shown in  FIG. 28 , the stick  61   a  is inclined upward following the motion of the recess  52 . Then, the switch part  61   b  detects the upward inclination of the stick  61   a.    
         [0183]    After that, when the upward external force applied to the first enclosure  50  is eliminated, the pressing forces of the springs  43  return the first enclosure  50  to the normal state shown in  FIG. 27 . 
         [0184]    This manipulation is similar in the first position and the second position and in every one of the cross directions. 
       [Electrical Configuration of Mobile Telephone  2 ] 
       [0185]      FIG. 29  is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the mobile telephone  2  according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as their counterparts in the block diagram of the digital camera  1  shown in the block diagram of  FIG. 9  are assigned respectively the same reference signs, and their description will be omitted. The difference from  FIG. 9  is the additional presence of a telephone function unit  141 . 
         [0186]    The telephone function unit  141  comprises an antenna  142  for transmitting and receiving telephone signals, a radio communication processor  143  for controlling telephone communication, a microphone  144  which is a speech input device, a loudspeaker  145  which is a speech output device and a numeric keypad  146  to enable the user to perform various manipulations. 
       [Actions of Mobile Telephone  2 ] 
       [0187]    Next, the actions of the mobile telephone  2  will be described with reference to  FIG. 30 . 
         [0188]    When the power supply button  53  is turned on and power is supplied to the mobile telephone  2 , a standby screen is displayed on the monitor  21  (step S 61 ). Then, the state of the push switch  24  is determined (step S 62 ). If it is judged that the push switch  24  is on, the CPU  111  sets the mobile telephone  2  in an open mode (step S 63 ). If it is judged that the push switch  24  is off, the CPU  111  sets the mobile telephone  2  in a closed mode (step S 64 ). In this way, the mode is changed over according to the state of the push switch  24 . 
         [0189]    Actions in the closed mode will be described with reference to  FIG. 31 . 
         [0190]    When the user performs manipulation to shift the first enclosure  50  upward in a state in which the standby screen is displayed, the stick switch  61  detects the upward motion of the first enclosure. The CPU  111  displays the main menu on the monitor  21  (step S 83 ) in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 82 ). If no upward shifting is done, the subroutine of the closed mode ends, and the processing returns to what is charted in  FIG. 30 . 
         [0191]    In the state in which the menu is displayed, shifting operations in the upward and downward directions correspond to up and down movements of the cursor for menu selection. Thus, when the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  for upward shifting, the CPU  111  moves up the cursor by one step (step S 85 ) in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 84 ). Conversely, when the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  downward, the CPU  111  moves down the cursor by one step (step S 87 ) in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 86 ). 
         [0192]    In the state in which the menu is displayed, a shifting operation in the rightward direction corresponds to fixing (determining) choice of a menu item in the cursor position. Thus, when the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  for rightward shifting, the CPU  111  fixes (determines) the choice of the menu item in the cursor position (step S 89 ) in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 88 ). If the screen displayed is the final menu screen of the lowest level (step S 90 ), the subroutine of the closed mode is ended after processing the selected item, and the processing returns to what is charted in  FIG. 30 . If the screen displayed is not the final menu screen, the level of the menu is lowered by one (step S 91 ). 
         [0193]    In the state in which the menu is displayed, a shifting operation in the leftward direction corresponds to a menu retreat. Thus, when the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  leftward, the CPU  111  causes the menu screen to retract to one above (step S 94 ) in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 92 ). However, if the screen displayed is the topmost main menu screen (step S 93 ), the subroutine of the closed mode is ended after processing the selected item, and the processing returns to what is charted in  FIG. 30 . This results in a return from the main menu screen display to the standby screen display. 
         [0194]    As described above, processes corresponding to shifting operations in four directions are done in the closed mode. 
         [0195]    Next, operations (processes) in the open mode will be described with reference to  FIG. 32 . 
         [0196]    In the open mode, shifting operations in different directions correspond to menu choices. When the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  for shifting upward, the CPU  111  causes a change to the main menu mode (step S 105 ) in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 101 ). Similarly, manipulations for shifting downward, leftward and rightward (steps S 102  through S 104 ), respectively the address book mode, call history mode and e-mailing mode (steps S 106  through S 108 ) are selected. 
         [0197]    Regarding the main menu mode at step S 105 , description will be omitted as it involves only similar menu manipulations in the closed mode charted in  FIG. 31 . 
         [0198]    Now, the address book mode will be described with reference to  FIG. 33 . In this embodiment, the address book is what contains personal names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and other data items of any desired number registered in the ascending order in an ROM (not shown) within the CPU  111 . These data items can be displayed in a list form on the monitor  21  for one person at a time. 
         [0199]    When the mobile telephone  2  is set in the address book mode, data on the first one among the persons whose data are registered in the address book are displayed (step S 111 ). 
         [0200]    In this state in which these address book data are displayed, shifting operations in the leftward and rightward directions correspond to person-to-person changes in the address book. Thus, when the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  for shifting leftward, the CPU  11  causes data on the next person in the ascending order to be displayed (step S 113 ) in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 112 ). Conversely, when the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  for shifting rightward, the CPU  111  causes data on the person immediately before in the ascending order (step S 115 ) in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 114 ). 
         [0201]    When the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  for shifting upward (step S 116 ), the CPU  111  processes data on the person then displayed on the screen for initiating a telephone call, transmitting an e-mail and the like (step S 117 ). When the processing ends, the subroutine of the address book mode ends, and the processing returns to what is charted in  FIG. 32 . 
         [0202]    Further, when the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  for shifting downward relative to the third enclosure  70 , the CPU  111  ends the subroutine of the address book mode in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 118 ), and the processing returns to what is charted in  FIG. 32 . Thus, it corresponds to manipulation for canceling the address book mode. 
         [0203]    In this way, the address book can be worked upon by shift manipulation. 
         [0204]    Next, the call history mode will be described with reference to  FIG. 34 . In the call history mode, incoming call history, originating call history and the standby screen are displayed on the monitor  21  changed over from one to next by repeating leftward shifting operations. 
         [0205]    First, a variable n is initialized to 0 (step S 121 ). Next, the remainder of n/3 is calculated (steps S 122  through S 124 ), and an action corresponding to the calculated remainder is taken (steps S 125  through S 126 ). More specifically, when the remainder is 0, incoming call history is displayed (step S 125 ), or when the remainder is 1, originating call history is displayed (step S 126 ). Or when the remainder is 2, the call history mode is terminated, and the processing returns to what is charted in  FIG. 32 . 
         [0206]    This n value is incremented by leftward shifting operations (steps S 127  and S 128 ). As a leftward shifting operation in the open mode means a subroutine shift to the call history mode, every time a leftward shifting operation is done, the display on the monitor  21  is changed over from incoming call history to originating call history and then to the standby screen. 
         [0207]    In the state in which incoming call history and originating call history are displayed, upward and downward shifting operations correspond to the up and down movements of the cursor. Thus, when the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  for shifting upward, the CPU  111  moves upward the cursor on the call history listed on the display (step S 131 ) in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 129 ). Or, conversely, when the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  for shifting downward (step S 130 ), the CPU  111  moves downward the cursor on the call history listed up on the display (step S 132 ). 
         [0208]    Or when rightward shifting is done (step S 133 ), the call history selected by the cursor is subjected to processing such as initiating a telephone call (step S 134 ). When the processing ends, the subroutine of the call history mode ends, and the processing returns to what is charted in  FIG. 32 . 
         [0209]    In this way, call history can be manipulated by shifting operations. 
         [0210]    Finally, e-mail manipulations will be described with reference to  FIG. 35 . 
         [0211]    When the mobile telephone  2  is set in the e-mailing mode, the CPU  111  displays on the monitor  21  a list of received e-mails in the order of the days of receipt (step S 141 ). 
         [0212]    In the state in which the list of received e-mails is displayed, upward and downward shifting operations correspond to the up and down movements of the cursor to select an e-mail. Thus, when the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  for shifting upward, the CPU  111  moves upward the cursor (step S 143 ) in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 142 ). Or, conversely, when the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  for shifting rightward, the CPU  111  moves the cursor downward (step S 145 ) in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 144 ). 
         [0213]    A rightward shifting operation enables the main body of the e-mail pointed by the cursor to be read. Thus, when the user manipulates the first enclosure  50  for shifting rightward, the CPU  111  displays the main body of the selected received e-mail (step S 147 ) in response to an output signal of the stick switch  61  (step S 146 ). When a rightward shifting operation is performed in the state in which the main body of the e-mail is displayed (step S 148 ), the e-mailing mode ends, and the processing returns to what is charted in  FIG. 32 . Or, when the user takes a leftward shifting operation in the state in which the list of received e-mails is displayed (step S 149 ), similarly the e-mailing mode ends, and the processing returns to what is charted in  FIG. 32 . 
         [0214]    In this way, e-mailing can be processed by shift manipulations. 
         [0215]    Further, when the subroutines of the closed mode at step S 63  and of the open mode at step S 64  in  FIG. 30  are terminated, the position of the power supply button  53  is checked (step S 65 ); if power supply is not off, the processing returns to step S 61  and the standby screen is displayed again. 
         [0216]    According to the embodiments, since it is possible to respond to various operating modes and manipulations by manipulating the enclosures, an easily operable portable device can be provided. 
         [0217]    While this embodiment permits shifting in four directions, the number of directions in which shifting is possible is not limited to four, but the equipment can be designed to allow in different directions. It is also possible to design the enclosures to be capable of swinging each around an axis in addition to shifting.