{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854173","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854173","title":"Viewfinder and operating unit","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-08-29T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":27,"abstract":"A viewfinder and operating unit for a video camera is configured separate from the video camera and comprises a main body, an electronic viewfinder and an operating device pivotably fastened to the main body for the configuring and/or controlling of the video camera. The electronic viewfinder has a viewfinder display as well as an eyepiece having an optical axis. The operating device has an areal operating field display and is pivotable into at least two different positions relative to the main body. The operating device projects from the main body in a cameraman operating position and an observation axis aligned perpendicular to the areal operating field display extends in parallel with the optical axis of the eyepiece as well as laterally offset therefrom. The observation axis of the operating field display is aligned perpendicular to the optical axis of the eyepiece in an assistant operating position."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Viewfinder and Operating Unit patent introduces a novel solution for enhancing video camera operation by decoupling the viewfinder and operating controls from the camera body. This detached unit provides ergonomic benefits and improved flexibility for both the cameraman and assistant. The core innovation lies in the pivotable operating device, which allows for seamless transitions between operating and observation modes. This patent addresses the limitations of traditional video camera setups, where integrated viewfinders and controls can be cumbersome and restrict workflow efficiency. By separating these components, the Viewfinder and Operating Unit enables more comfortable and efficient operation, particularly in demanding shooting environments. The design facilitates collaborative workflows, allowing an assistant to adjust settings without obstructing the cameraman's view. The business value lies in the potential to increase productivity, reduce operator fatigue, and enhance the overall quality of video production. The market opportunity is significant, given the increasing demand for high-quality video content across various industries, including film, television, live broadcasting, and virtual reality. The innovation streamlines the video production process, offering a modular approach to camera control that can be customized to suit specific shooting scenarios. This technology promises to improve the efficiency and creativity of video production workflows, making it a valuable asset for video professionals.","layman_explanation":"The Viewfinder and Operating Unit patent tackles a common problem in video production: the limitations of traditional camera setups. These setups often integrate the viewfinder (the screen you look through) and the operating controls directly into the camera body. This can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in demanding shooting environments. The Viewfinder and Operating Unit solves this problem by separating the viewfinder and controls into a detached unit. This unit can be positioned independently of the camera body, providing greater flexibility and ergonomic comfort for the camera operator and their assistant.\n\nHow Does It Work? The Viewfinder and Operating Unit essentially creates a remote control for the camera's functions. The detached unit includes an electronic viewfinder, which displays the camera's view, and an operating device with controls for adjusting camera settings. The key innovation is that the operating device is pivotable, allowing it to be positioned in different orientations depending on the needs of the camera operator and their assistant. For example, the assistant can pivot the operating device to view and adjust settings without obstructing the camera operator's view. This is similar to having a separate monitor and control panel for a computer, rather than having everything integrated into a single device.\n\nWhy Does This Matter? The Viewfinder and Operating Unit has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and quality of video production. By decoupling the viewfinder and controls, it allows for more comfortable and flexible camera operation. This can reduce operator fatigue and improve the accuracy of camera settings. Furthermore, it facilitates collaboration between the camera operator and their assistant, leading to smoother and more efficient workflows. The market impact is significant, as it addresses a common pain point for video professionals across various industries. The competitive advantages include improved ergonomics, enhanced flexibility, and streamlined workflows. The potential ROI is high, as it can lead to increased productivity and reduced production costs.\n\nWhat's Next? The Viewfinder and Operating Unit could pave the way for further innovations in camera technology. Future applications could include wireless communication between the operating unit and the camera body, as well as advanced features such as augmented reality overlays and remote camera control. The market adoption timeline is likely to be driven by demand from professional video production companies and independent filmmakers. Investment implications include opportunities for venture capital funding and strategic partnerships with camera manufacturers.","technical_analysis":"The Viewfinder and Operating Unit patent details a system designed to improve the ergonomics and operational flexibility of video cameras. The core of the innovation lies in the separation of the viewfinder and operating controls into a detached unit. This unit consists of a main body, an electronic viewfinder, and a pivotable operating device. The electronic viewfinder includes a display and an eyepiece aligned along an optical axis. The operating device features an areal operating field display that can be pivoted into different positions relative to the main body. In the cameraman operating position, the operating device projects from the main body, with the observation axis of the display aligned parallel to the eyepiece's optical axis. In the assistant operating position, the observation axis is perpendicular to the eyepiece's optical axis. This arrangement allows the assistant to view and adjust camera settings without obstructing the cameraman's view. The system architecture involves precise mechanical design to ensure smooth and reliable pivoting of the operating device. The electronic components include the display driver, image processing unit, and communication interface for transmitting control signals to the video camera. Implementation details would involve careful selection of materials for the main body and operating device to ensure durability and ergonomic comfort. The performance characteristics of the system depend on the display resolution, refresh rate, and response time, as well as the accuracy and responsiveness of the pivotable mechanism. Integration patterns would involve standardized interfaces for connecting the operating unit to various video camera models. Code-level implications would include software development for controlling the display, processing user input, and managing communication with the camera. This technology has the potential to improve the efficiency and comfort of video production workflows, making it a valuable tool for video professionals.","business_analysis":"The Viewfinder and Operating Unit patent presents a significant business opportunity in the video production industry. The market for professional video equipment is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality video content across various sectors, including film, television, live broadcasting, and virtual reality. This innovation offers a competitive advantage by addressing the limitations of traditional video camera setups, where integrated viewfinders and controls can be cumbersome and restrict workflow efficiency. The ergonomic benefits of the detached operating unit can reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity. The flexible configuration of the pivotable operating device allows for seamless collaboration between the cameraman and assistant, further enhancing workflow efficiency. The potential revenue streams include sales of the Viewfinder and Operating Unit as a standalone product, as well as licensing of the technology to video camera manufacturers. The business model could involve direct sales, distribution partnerships, and subscription-based services for software updates and support. Strategic positioning would focus on targeting professional video production companies, broadcast studios, and independent filmmakers. ROI projections would depend on factors such as market penetration, pricing strategy, and manufacturing costs. The competitive landscape includes existing video camera accessories and control systems, but the Viewfinder and Operating Unit offers a unique combination of ergonomic benefits, flexible configuration, and collaborative workflow support. This innovation has the potential to disrupt the video production industry by providing a more efficient, comfortable, and collaborative approach to camera operation.","faqs":null,"topics":["video camera","viewfinder","operating unit","ergonomics","camera control","technical","operating"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Viewfinder and Operating Unit - Patent US-9854173","description":"Discover the Viewfinder and Operating Unit patent, revolutionizing video camera control. Detached unit for enhanced ergonomics and workflow. Full analysis & claims.","keywords":["video camera","viewfinder","operating unit","ergonomics","camera control","video production","camera technology","patent","patent US-9854173"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854173","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854173","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Viewfinder and operating unit\" (US-9854173). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854173","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854173","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854173","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T03:12:44.651Z"}