Sun Visor Light-Absorbing Surface for Real-Time Digital Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle sun visors do not have the capability to capture, read, and display digital information in real time, limiting their functionality beyond sun and glare protection.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle sun visor system that, when deployed, uses a light-absorbing surface to capture digital information from LED sources, convert it into readable form, and display it in real time on the visor surface, without relying on cameras or satellite systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a camera system is used to capture digital information, then digital data capture capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedigital data capture capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical camera systems with a light-absorbing surface that directly captures digital information from LED sources. This substitution eliminates the need for cameras, lenses, and image processing hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining digital data capture capability. The light-absorbing surface directly converts optical signals from LED displays into readable digital information without mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified copy mechanism where the light-absorbing surface directly receives and reproduces digital information from LED sources as readable text. Instead of capturing images and processing them through complex algorithms, the system directly copies the optical signal into readable form, eliminating the need for image recognition software and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If satellite enabled systems or mobile phone capabilities are used for digital information display, then information access capability is improved, but device complexity and dependency on external systems increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation access capabilityVSAvoidsystem dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the sun visor to directly capture and display digital information from LED sources in the environment without requiring satellite connections or mobile phone capabilities. The light-absorbing surface on the visor directly receives optical signals from LED displays (such as road signs, traffic signals, or digital billboards) and converts them into readable information, making the system self-sufficient and independent of external communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the sun visor is deployed to block sun glare, then sun blocking function is improved, but digital information capture capability is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesun glare blockingVSAvoiddigital information capture

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the sun visor dynamic by enabling it to perform multiple functions based on its deployment state. When deployed, the visor blocks sun glare while simultaneously capturing digital information from LED sources in the driver's field of view. The light-absorbing surface is positioned to receive optical signals from the front horizon when the visor is in the sun-blocking position, allowing both functions to operate concurrently without requiring the visor to be in different positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the sun visor to function as both a sun/glare blocking device and a digital data capture and display system, providing real-time information to drivers and passengers without obstructing their view or requiring additional devices.

Implementation Method 1

utilizes a light absorbing surface to capture signals emanating from an LED source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12288126B1Digital information capture sun visor system and method of implementation

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 ABRAMS MITCHELL

AI summary

A method for capturing digital information on a surface of a sun visor for use by an operator and a passenger, includes the steps of:deploying the sun visor in a vehicle for:storing accessible digital information;selecting stored the digital information;accessing selected the digital information;capturing selected the digital information on the surface of the sun visor for having captured digital information, the surface of the sun visor having a light absorbing technology providing a super black surface;retrieving selected the captured digital information;transmitting selected retrieved the captured digital information;receiving selected retrieved the captured digital information;converting selected retrieved the captured digital information into a form able to be read by the operator or a passenger; and,displaying selected retrieved the captured digital information in the form able to be read on the surface on the sun visor. Preferably, the step of converting selected retrieved the captured digital information into a form able to be read by the operator or a passenger includes use of a scanner.