US 10,231,614, filed under application 15/713,418 and issued on March 05, 2019, introduces a system and method developed by Dr. Wesley W.O. Krueger utilizing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and/or synthetic 3D information to measure human ocular performance. This innovation employs eye-tracking technology within immersive environments to assess eye movements, pupil responses, and vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR), providing detailed insights into visual and neurologic function. Validated through NIH-supported research, this platform-agnostic technology leverages Dr. Krueger’s neurotology expertise to offer a versatile tool for performance evaluation and health monitoring across various settings.
Potential Applications
Occupational Safety: Measures ocular performance to enhance safety and detect impairments for workers in aviation, trucking, and manufacturing, reducing $74 billion in annual accident costs (NHTSA, 2024).
Defense Training: Assesses pilot and special ops ocular performance under motion stress, minimizing $1B+ mission risks.
Medical Diagnostics: Evaluates ocular health for conditions like concussions, or CNS issues, aiding diagnosis and treatment.
Commercial Training: Optimizes training for air traffic controllers, equipment operators, and other high-stakes roles using 3D simulations.
Gaming and Education: Enhances VR/AR gaming experiences and educational platforms by monitoring user ocular performance and adaptation.
Potential Users
Occupational Workers: 3.5 million U.S. truck drivers, air traffic controllers, and 10M+ safety-sensitive workers globally (BLS, 2024).
Military Personnel: Air Force and Navy pilots, special ops teams (1.3M active-duty U.S. forces) requiring precise ocular assessment.
Healthcare Providers: Neurologists, ophthalmologists, and rehab specialists diagnosing ocular or neurologic conditions.
Training Instructors: Supervisors in aviation, transportation, and industrial sectors ensuring worker competency.
Gamers and Students: 5.7 million Meta Quest owners (2024) and educational users leveraging VR/AR platforms.
Potential Buyers or Licensees
Defense Contractors: Raytheon and Boeing ($40M–$60M licensing) could integrate into flight simulators, tapping the DoD’s $11.7B R&D budget (2025).
Medical Device Companies: Zeiss and Haag-Streit ($25M–$40M licensing) may adopt for diagnostic tools, aligning with $40M+ medical tech investments.
Big Tech: Apple (R&D $26B) and Meta (R&D $10B+) could license for Vision Pro and Quest platforms ($20M–$50M), targeting the $635.82B wearable market (2034).
Gaming Industry: Valve and Nintendo ($15M–$25M licensing) could enhance VR gaming, driven by a $50B+ market.
Educational Tech Providers: McGraw-Hill and Epic Games ($10M–$20M licensing) could improve 3D learning and simulation tools.
Market Appeal and Valuation
This patent targets a $15B–$20B global market for ocular health, occupational safety, and VR/AR training, with a per-patent value of $25M–$80M (average $52.5M), reflecting its advanced 3D integration. Licensing fees could range from $15M–$50M per deal, with royalties (1–5%) adding $5M–$15M annually. Within Dr. Krueger’s 20-patent portfolio, valued at US$750M–$1.68B, this patent strengthens the medical and commercial segments, with an upside to US$2.5B–$3B, enhanced by its synergy with VOR and performance patents.
Investment Rationale
US 10,231,614 disrupts traditional ocular assessments with a rapid, objective, and immersive 3D solution. Its integration into VR/AR systems and wearables generates substantial downstream revenue, aligning with big tech’s health tech push, DoD safety priorities, and commercial efficiency needs. Potential buyers or licensees can leverage its validated efficacy and versatility to lead in ocular health, safety, and performance innovation.