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

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.

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 being a distance sensor or 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 a structure supporting the display. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least three light sensors positioned relative to the display to determine a source of multidirectional light. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first sensor includes a camera or imaging sensor. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the camera or imaging sensor is capable of monitoring blink rate of the user. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a computer coupled for processing inputs from the first sensor. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a cable coupling the first sensor to other portions of 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 coupled to other portions of the system. 
   
   
       13 - 14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . A method for determining a viewing distance between a user and a display, comprising:
 positioning the user in front of the display to perform a task using the display;   providing a 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 between a user and a display, comprising:
 positioning the user in front of the display to perform a task using the display;   providing a distance sensor to measure a viewing distance between the distance sensor and the user;   receiving an analysis of the measurement; and   providing a light sensor to measure ambient light near the user.   
   
   
       17 . A method for determining a viewing distance between a user and a display, comprising:
 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 notifies the user of the measured distance.   
   
   
       18 . A method for determining a light setting for a user using a display, comprising:
 positioning the user in front of the display to perform a task using the display;   providing a light sensor to measure light near the user; and   receiving an analysis of the light measurement.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the method further comprises suggesting a change in light amount near the display. 
   
   
       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 after the response a suggestion regarding recommended viewing distance.   
   
   
       21 . A method for testing a user's vision using a display, comprising:
 positioning the user in front of the display 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 result of the selected test; and   receiving an analysis of the result.   
   
   
       22 . A system for monitoring the use of a display by a user, comprising:
 a display used by the user for performance of a task; and   a first sensor positioned close to the display and being a distance sensor or a light sensor; and   a second sensor positioned relative to the display and 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. 
   
   
       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 being a distance sensor or a light sensor;   a second sensor positioned relative to the display and distinct from the first sensor; and   a third sensor positioned relative to the display and 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 relative to the display 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 being a distance sensor or a light sensor; and   a software program coupled for processing inputs from the first 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 mouse and a keyboard. 
   
   
       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 being a distance sensor or a light sensor, and   a software program coupled 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 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 being a distance sensor or a light sensor;   a second sensor positioned relative to the display and distinct from the first sensor; and   a software program coupled 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 being a distance sensor or a light sensor;   a second sensor positioned relative to the display and distinct from the first sensor,   a third sensor positioned relative to the display and distinct from the first sensor and distinct from the second sensor; and   a software program coupled for processing inputs from at least the first sensor and for displaying a test pattern on the display.