System and method for optimal viewing of computer monitors to minimize eyestrain

• US 20020047828A1
• Filed: 07/31/2001
• Published: 04/25/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Eyefinity, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Panaseca, Inc.
• Inventors: Stern, Roger A., Moon, Jory E., Bakar, Sherwyne
• Granted Patent: US 7,233,312 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/024 for determining the visual field, e.g. perimeter types
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/028 for testing visual acuity; for determination of refraction, e.g. phoropters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/032 Devices for presenting test symbols or characters, e.g. test chart projectors A61B3/036 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/06 for testing light sensitivity, e.g. adaptation; for testing colour vision
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1601 Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays constructional details related to flat displays integrated in a portable computer, e.g. laptop, handheld computer G06F1/1637; constructional details related to television receivers H04N5/64
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1611 CRT monitor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/011 Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality blind teaching G09B21/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/013 Eye tracking input arrangements G06F3/015 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/14 Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units

Abstract

A system and method for helping ensure that a user of a computer is set up to optimally view the computer monitor under optimal conditions in order to minimize eyestrain. The system includes determining an optimal viewing distance and monitoring the distance of a user from the computer monitor during use of the computer. The system further includes notifying the user when they stray from the optimal viewing distance and further may include testing various aspects of the user'"'"'s eyesight during use of the computer monitor.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring the use of a display by a user, the system comprising:

a display used by the user for performance of a task; and

a first sensor positioned relative to the display and selected from the group consisting of a distance sensor and a light sensor.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a communication link between the system and a computer system accessible using a hypertext protocol.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the display is selected from the group consisting of a CRT monitor, an LCD monitor and a flat panel.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first sensor is incorporated into a bezel of the display or structure supporting the display.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least three light sensors positioned to determine a source of multidirectional light relative to the user.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor includes an incorporated camera or an incorporated imaging sensor.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein incorporated camera or an incorporated imaging sensor is capable of monitoring blink rate.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a computer for processing inputs from the first sensor.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cable coupling the first sensor to the system.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is positioned to monitor the display.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is positioned on top of the display.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a remote input device.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is a distance sensor.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor is a light sensor.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises suggesting a change in light amount in the environment.

15. A method for determining a viewing distance, wherein the viewing distance relates to a distance between a user and a display, using a distance sensor positioned in a known position relative to the display, comprising the steps of:

positioning the user in front of the display in order to perform a task using the display;

allowing the distance sensor to measure a viewing distance between the distance sensor and the user; and

receiving an analysis of the measurement.

16. A method for determining a viewing distance, wherein the viewing distance relates to a distance between a user and a display, using a distance sensor positioned in a known position relative to the display, comprising the steps of:

positioning the user in front of the display in order to perform a task using the display;

allowing the distance sensor to measure a viewing distance between the distance sensor and the user;

receiving an analysis of the measurement; and

using a light sensor to measure ambient light in an environment of the user.

17. A method for determining a viewing distance, wherein the viewing distance relates to a distance between a user and a display, using a distance sensor positioned in a known position relative to the display, comprising the steps of:

providing a distance sensor to measure a viewing distance between the distance sensor and the user while the user performs a task using the display;

providing a software program that accepts input from the distance sensor of a measured distance; and

providing a software program that is capable of notifying the user of the measured distance.

18. A method for determining a light setting for a user using a display using a light sensor positioned in a known position relative to the display, the method comprising:

positioning the user in front of the display in order to perform a task using the display;

allowing the light sensor to measure light in the and environment of the user; and

receiving an analysis of the light measurement.

20. A method for determining a recommended viewing distance for a user using a display, the method comprising:

presenting a test pattern on the display;

positioning the user in front of the display;

displaying a query on the display;

accepting a response to the query; and

displaying a suggestion regarding recommended viewing distance.

21. A method for testing a user'"'"'s vision using a display, the method comprising:

positioning the user in front of the display in order to perform a task using the display;

displaying a test pattern on the display for testing vision according to a test selected from the group consisting of an acuity test, a color test, a test for amplitude of accommodation and a test for visual field defect;

selecting a test result; and

receiving an analysis of the test result.

22. A system for monitoring the use of a display by a user, the system comprising:

a display used by the user for performance of a task; and

a first sensor positioned close to the display and selected from the group consisting of a distance sensor and a light sensor; and

a second sensor distinct from the first sensor.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the second sensor is selected from the group consisting of a distance sensor, a noise sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and a light sensor.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the second sensor is incorporated into the first sensor.

25. The system of claim 22, wherein the first sensor is a distance sensor and the second sensor is a light sensor.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the first sensor is a distance sensor and the software program includes program instructions for determining a user'"'"'s viewing distance from an output of the distance sensor.

30. The system of claim 28, wherein the software program includes program instructions for accepting sensor inputs representing distance and light measurements over time.

31. The system of claim 28, wherein the software program includes program instructions for accepting inputs from one input source selected from the group consisting of a sensor, a user, a mouse and a keyboard.

26. A system for monitoring the use of a display by a user using the display for performance of a task, the system comprising:

a display;

a first sensor positioned close to the display and selected from the group consisting of a distance sensor and a light sensor;

a second sensor distinct from the first sensor; and

a third sensor distinct from the first sensor and distinct from the second sensor.

27. A system for monitoring the use of a display by a user using the display for performance of a task, the system comprising:

a display;

a first sensor positioned close to the display; and

three light sensors positioned to determine a source of multidirectional light relative to the user.

28. A system for monitoring the use of a display by a user using the display for performance of a task, the system comprising:

a display;

a first sensor positioned close to the display and selected from the group consisting of a distance sensor and a light sensor; and

a software program for processing inputs from the first sensor.

32. A system for monitoring the use of a display by a user using the display for performance of a task, the system comprising:

a display;

a first sensor positioned close to the display and selected from the group consisting of a distance sensor and a light sensor; and

a software program for processing inputs from the first sensor and for displaying a test pattern on the display.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the test pattern is a test pattern usable for at least one test selected from the group consisting of a visual acuity test, a visual field test, an amplitude of accommodation test, and a color sensitivity test.

34. A system for monitoring the use of a display by a user using the display for performance of a task, the system comprising:

a display;

a first sensor positioned close to the display and selected from the group consisting of a distance sensor and a light sensor;

a second sensor distinct from the first sensor; and

a software program for processing inputs from the first sensor and for displaying a test pattern on the display.

35. A system for monitoring the use of a display by a user using the display for performance of a task, the system comprising:

a display;

a first sensor positioned close to the display and selected from the group consisting of a distance sensor and a light sensor;

a second sensor distinct from the first sensor;

a third sensor distinct from the first sensor and distinct from the second sensor; and

a software program for processing inputs from at least the first sensor and for displaying a test pattern on the display.