US 11,504,051, filed under application 17/576,673 and issued on November 15, 2022, introduces a system and method developed by Dr. Wesley W.O. Krueger for observing eye and head information to measure ocular parameters and determine human health status. This innovation utilizes advanced eye-tracking and head movement analysis, likely integrated into wearable or head-mounted devices, to monitor metrics such as eye movements, pupil responses, and vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR), providing real-time health assessments (e.g., neurologic or physiologic conditions). Validated through NIH-supported research, this platform-agnostic technology leverages Dr. Krueger’s neurotology expertise to offer a versatile tool for broad health monitoring applications.
Potential Applications
Medical Diagnostics: Assesses neurologic health (e.g., concussions, stroke) and physiologic states (e.g., fatigue, stress) for early intervention.
Occupational Safety: Monitors worker health in high-stakes roles like trucking, aviation, and manufacturing, reducing $74 billion in annual accident costs (NHTSA, 2024).
Defense Health Monitoring: Evaluates soldier fitness and TBI recovery in special operations or combat zones, minimizing $1B+ mission risks.
Commercial Wellness: Supports workplace health programs for air traffic controllers, assembly line workers, and law enforcement, enhancing productivity.
Pharmaceutical Research: Tracks ocular responses to evaluate drug efficacy for CNS disorders, providing objective clinical trial data.
Potential Users
Healthcare Providers: Neurologists, general practitioners, and rehab specialists diagnosing and monitoring patient health.
Occupational Workers: 3.5 million U.S. truck drivers, air traffic controllers, and 10M+ safety-sensitive workers globally (BLS, 2024).
Military Personnel: Special ops, infantry, and pilots (1.3M active-duty U.S. forces) requiring health assessments in the field.
Corporate Employees: Office workers and safety officers in industries like manufacturing, aviation, and law enforcement.
Pharmaceutical Researchers: Clinical trial managers assessing CNS-affecting therapies.
Potential Buyers or Licensees
Medical Device Companies: Philips and Medtronic ($40M–$60M licensing) could integrate into diagnostic and monitoring devices, aligning with $50M+ medical tech investments.
Defense Contractors: Lockheed Martin and Raytheon ($50M–$70M licensing) may adopt for soldier health systems, leveraging the DoD’s $11.7B R&D budget (2025).
Big Tech: Apple (R&D $26B) and Google (R&D $20B+) could license for Apple Watch or Fitbit health features ($20M–$50M), targeting the $635.82B wearable market (2034).
Industrial Safety Providers: 3M and DuPont ($25M–$40M licensing) could enhance workplace safety programs.
Pharma Giants: Pfizer and Novartis ($30M–$50M licensing) could use for drug efficacy trials, tapping the $180.6B CNS market (2030).
Market Appeal and Valuation
This patent targets a $20B–$30B global market for health monitoring, occupational safety, and pharmaceutical research, with a per-patent value of $25M–$80M (average $52.5M), reflecting its broad health assessment capabilities. Licensing fees could range from $20M–$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 ocular performance patents.
Investment Rationale
US 11,504,051 offers a compelling appeal by disrupting traditional health assessments (e.g., manual exams) with a rapid, objective, and portable solution. Its integration into wearables and workplace systems generates substantial downstream revenue, aligning with big tech’s health tech push, DoD safety priorities, and pharmaceutical needs. Potential buyers or licensees can leverage its validated efficacy and versatility to lead in health monitoring, safety, and performance innovation.