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

• US 7,233,312 B2
• Filed: 07/31/2001
• Issued: 06/19/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Eyefinity, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Panaseca, Inc.
• Inventors: Stern, Roger A., Moon, Jory E., Bakar, Sherwyne
• Primary Examiner(s): Eisen; Alexander
• Application Number:
  US09/920,337
• Publication Number:
  US 20020047828A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,149 Days
• Field of Search: 345156-158, 351/200, 351/222, 351/237, 351/239, 351/243, 351/246, 748/602, 748/744
• 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 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, wherein the distance sensor measures viewing distance, the light sensor measures ambient light, and 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.

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 1, 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, further comprising a computer for processing inputs from the first sensor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. 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;

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

a means for automatically notifying user when user is not at a proper viewing distance;

wherein the means for notifying user comprises switching the display to a screensaver type, wherein the first sensor includes an incorporated camera or incorporated imaging sensor, and wherein the incorporated camera or incorporated imaging sensor is capable of monitoring blink rate.

14. 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;

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

a means for automatically notifying user when user is not at a proper viewing distance wherein the means for notifying user comprises switching the display to a screensaver type, wherein the switching comprises use of a switching algorithm, and wherein the switching algorithm ignores momentary infrequent violations of distance limits.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a communication link between the system and a computer system accessible using a hypertext protocol.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the display is selected from the group consisting of a CRT monitor, an LCD monitor and a flat panel.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the first sensor is incorporated into a bezel of the display or structure supporting the display.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the first sensor is a distance sensor.

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

20. 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;

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

a means for automatically notifying user when user is not at a proper viewing distance;

wherein the means for notifying user comprises switching the display to a screensaver type, and wherein normal use of the system is suspended until user returns to a proper viewing distance or until a lapse of time.

21. The system of claim 20, further comprising a communication link between the system and a computer system accessible using a hypertext protocol.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the display is selected from the group consisting of a CRT monitor, an LCD monitor and a flat panel.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein the first sensor is incorporated into a bezel of the display or structure supporting the display.

24. The system of claim 20, wherein the first sensor is a distance sensor.

25. The system of claim 20, wherein the first sensor is a light sensor.

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

display used by the user for performance of a task;

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

a means for automatically notifying user when user is not at a proper viewing distance, wherein the first sensor includes an incorporated camera or an incorporated imaging sensor which is capable of monitoring blink rate.

27. The system of claim 26, further comprising a communication link between the system and a computer system accessible using a hypertext protocol.

28. The system of claim 26, wherein the display is selected from the group consisting of a CRT monitor, an LCD monitor and a flat panel.

29. The system of claim 26, wherein the first sensor is incorporated into a bezel of the display or structure supporting the display.

30. The system of claim 26, wherein the first sensor is a distance sensor.

31. The system of claim 26, wherein the first sensor is a light sensor.