US 9,788,714, filed under application 15/162,300 and issued on October 10, 2017, introduces a system and method developed by Dr. Wesley W.O. Krueger utilizing virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) environments to measure and improve human vestibulo-ocular performance. This innovation employs eye-tracking technology within VR/AR platforms to assess the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and provide real-time feedback or training to enhance balance, coordination, and performance. Validated through NIH-supported research, this platform-agnostic technology leverages Dr. Krueger’s neurotology expertise to address vestibular function, offering a scalable solution for diverse applications.
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 Training: Improves pilot and special ops vestibular performance under motion stress, minimizing $1B+ mission risks.
Medical Rehabilitation: Supports therapy for vestibular disorders (e.g., vertigo, post-TBI imbalance), accelerating recovery.
Commercial Training: Optimizes training for air traffic controllers, bus drivers, and equipment operators in high-motion roles.
Gaming and Education: Enhances VR/AR gaming experiences and educational simulations by improving user vestibular 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) facing vestibular challenges.
Healthcare Providers: Neurologists, physical therapists, and rehab specialists treating vestibular 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: Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin ($40M–$60M licensing) could integrate into flight simulators, tapping the DoD’s $11.7B R&D budget (2025).
Medical Device Companies: Otometrics and Natus Medical ($25M–$40M licensing) may adopt for rehab devices, aligning with $40M+ medical tech investments.
Big Tech: Meta (R&D $10B+) and Apple (R&D $26B) could license for Quest and Vision Pro platforms ($20M–$50M), targeting the $635.82B wearable market (2034).
Gaming Industry: Sony and HTC Vive ($15M–$25M licensing) could enhance VR gaming, driven by a $50B+ market.
Educational Tech Providers: Pearson and Unity ($10M–$20M licensing) could improve VR-based learning tools.
Market Appeal and Valuation
This patent targets a $10B–$15B global market for vestibular health, occupational safety, and VR/AR training, with a per-patent value of $25M–$80M (average $52.5M), reflecting its innovative VR/AR 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 occupational and medical segments, with an upside to US$2.5B–$3B, enhanced by its synergy with VOR and rehab patents.
Investment Rationale
US 9,788,714 offers a compelling appeal by disrupting traditional vestibular assessments (e.g., manual tests) with a rapid, objective, and immersive VR/AR solution. Its integration into training 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 occupational safety, health, and performance innovation.