In January, Google introduced its project of smart contact lenses that could monitor glucose levels, which is especially useful for diabetics. Now, Google is also working on contact lenses with integrated camera for people with visual disabilities.
In order not to obstruct vision, a tiny camera will be placed out of the way of the pupil. The camera sensor will be activated by blinking. This approach has the advantage of camera being able to follow the eye‘s movement. The camera will collect data that will be processed to recognized faces, motion, color, light, and some objects.
The lenses could help people with visual impairment to navigate city transport for example. The device can warn them in dangerous situations and let them know when it is safe to cross the street. Moreover, facial recognition software can identify family members or friends. Another possibility is for police to uses the device to identify person with warrants.
But of course the lens are not just for people who have problems with their vision. It will also be able to take pictures and possibly even to zoom in.
Still, the lens are a theoretical concept for now, but the patent was already filed in 2012. However it is hard to tell whether or when this product makes it to the market.
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Pretty cool idea.