Pivotable Viewfinder and Operating Unit for Video Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video camera systems with separate viewfinders and operating devices are costly, inflexible, and ergonomically disadvantageous due to separate components that require additional connections and mechanisms for spatial arrangement, limiting their adaptability and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A compact, versatile viewfinder and operating unit configured as a single device with an electronic viewfinder and operating device, where the operating device is pivotably attached to the main body, allowing alignment in multiple positions for simultaneous use as both a viewfinder and monitor, enabling flexible spatial arrangement and ergonomic adaptation for different users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate viewfinder and operating device are used, then functional flexibility is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the viewfinder and operating device into a single integrated unit that can function as both components simultaneously. The housing contains both the viewfinder display with eyepiece and the operating elements, eliminating the need for separate devices while maintaining functional flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a viewfinder for image observation and an operating device for camera control. The same physical unit can be used by different users for different purposes, providing universal functionality without requiring separate specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate viewfinder and operating device are used, then spatial arrangement flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the viewfinder and operating device into one unit, the patent ensures that both functions are always in fixed, ergonomic proximity to each other. The operating elements are positioned within easy reach of the user's hand while the eyepiece is positioned for comfortable viewing, creating an ergonomically optimized configuration that cannot be disrupted by separate placement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate viewfinder and operating device are used, then adaptability to different users is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of viewfinder and operating device into a single housing reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-tested. This consolidation simplifies the production process and reduces costs while maintaining the ability to serve different users through the versatile design.
Data Source
AI summary
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.