On professional film sets, directors and crew use monitors (called “video village”) to watch live camera feeds. However, switching between different camera angles usually requires a dedicated technician. The process is slow, crowded, expensive, and disrupts the creative flow, especially when managing many feeds.
The
Invention
This invention introduces a smart monitor system that allows the user—like a director or cinematographer—to switch between video feeds themselves, directly from the monitor. It includes built-in controls (like buttons or dials) that let the user toggle between live feeds, review playback, and mark specific moments without needing a technician. A small, central hub receives all the camera feeds and sends just one selected feed to the monitor through a single cable or wirelessly.
The
Inventive Step
Unlike current systems that need all video feeds to go directly into the monitor (requiring multiple cables and ports), this system moves the switching function off the monitor and into the hub. The monitor only receives one selected feed at a time—greatly simplifying setup. The user can control the switching remotely using wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), making the process seamless.
Tangible Benefits
- Fewer cables = less clutter
- Less reliance on technicians = reduced cost
- Faster and easier control = improved workflow
- Built-in recording = personal playback without disrupting the whole crew
- Works with existing equipment = easy adoption
Broader Impact
This system improves how films are made—saving time, cutting costs, and empowering creatives with more control. It reduces equipment load, improves efficiency, and could even lower the barrier for smaller productions to adopt multi-camera setups. Overall, it’s a smarter, more user-friendly way to manage camera feeds on set.