US 9,370,302, filed under application 14/326,335 and issued on June 21, 2016, introduces a system and method developed by Dr. Wesley W.O. Krueger for measuring the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) to enhance human performance in occupational settings. This innovation utilizes eye-tracking technology, likely integrated into head-worn devices, to assess VOR (the eye’s stabilizing response to head movement) and provide real-time feedback for performance optimization. Validated through NIH-supported research, this platform-agnostic technology leverages Dr. Krueger’s neurotology expertise to improve safety and efficiency, particularly in high-stakes work environments.
Potential Applications
Occupational Safety: Enhances performance and detects vestibular dysfunction for workers in aviation, trucking, and manufacturing, reducing $74 billion in annual accident costs (NHTSA, 2024).
Defense Operations: Optimizes pilot and special ops performance under motion stress, minimizing $1B+ mission risks.
Medical Rehabilitation: Supports vestibular therapy for patients with balance disorders (e.g., post-TBI, vertigo), aiding recovery.
Commercial Training: Improves training outcomes for air traffic controllers, bus drivers, and equipment operators in high-motion roles.
Pharmaceutical Research: Assesses drug effects on VOR for CNS therapies, offering objective clinical trial data.
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) facing vestibular challenges.
Healthcare Providers: Neurologists, physical therapists, and rehab specialists treating vestibular disorders.
Training Instructors: Supervisors in aviation, transportation, and industrial sectors ensuring worker competency.
Pharmaceutical Researchers: Clinical trial managers evaluating CNS-affecting treatments.
Potential Buyers or Licensees
Defense Contractors: Boeing and Lockheed Martin ($40M–$60M licensing) could integrate into flight helmets, leveraging the DoD’s $11.7B R&D budget (2025).
Medical Device Companies: GN Resound and Starkey ($25M–$40M licensing) may adopt for rehab devices, aligning with $40M+ medical tech investments.
Big Tech: Apple (R&D $26B) and Alphabet (R&D $20B+) could license for wearables like Apple Watch or Fitbit ($20M–$50M), targeting the $635.82B wearable market (2034).
Transportation Companies: FedEx and Delta Airlines ($20M–$30M licensing) could enhance driver/pilot training and safety.
Industrial Safety Providers: Honeywell and 3M ($15M–$25M licensing) could improve occupational performance gear.
Market Appeal and Valuation
This patent targets a $10B–$15B global market for occupational safety and vestibular health, with a per-patent value of $25M–$80M (average $52.5M), reflecting its specialized focus on performance enhancement. 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 occupational and medical segments, with an upside to US$2.5B–$3B, enhanced by its synergy with VR/AR and rehab patents.
Investment Rationale
US 9,370,302 offers a compelling appeal by disrupting traditional performance assessments (e.g., manual tests) with a rapid, objective, and portable solution. Its integration into wearables and training systems 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 occupational safety, health, and performance innovation.