In the future, contacts may not only help to make the world around us clearer, in fact, they could usher in a new generation of augmented reality.
Scientists are developing a lens that would actually project a holographic image in front of the eye. Yep, just like the terminator and his bionic eye, these lenses would project a computer generated image that could allow readers to read floating text or augment their sight.
The development of the lens is just that, in development. However, scientist at the University of Washington in Seattle are hopeful after testing the lens on rabbits, they have concluded that the device indeed feasible and safe.
Nevertheless, as with all new projects, some kinks must be smoothed out. A sustainable power source, for instance, is something the team is working to develop.
According to BBC News, the current prototype will only work if held within centimeters of the wireless battery. Not exactly practical for everyday use, yet.
Despite the minor detail of a power source, scientists have renewed faith in the concept after initial tests with rabbits went well. They envision that hundreds of pixels can be added to the lens in order to create holographic images. For example, drivers could wear the lenses in order to obtain step by step directions to their destination.
Aside from its practical use, these lenses could make an impact on the world of assistive technology as well. For instance, if a student has a cognitive disability and has trouble remembering where the location of the student union, these contact lenses could give them a detailed and real time account about how to navigate campus and make it to the union.
More uses include taking the world of virtual gaming to an entirely new level and providing up to date medical information, like blood sugar levels, by linking to biosensors on the wearer’s body.
Lead researcher, Professor Babak Parviz, told BBC News that their next goal “is to incorporate some predetermined text in the contact lens.”
In addition to finding a sustainable power source, the researchers have had to work with the human eye and get it to focus on an image generated on its surface. Normally, we only see objects clearly if they are held several centimeters away.
The materials used to make the lens, currently, involve inorganic materials, scorching temperatures and toxic chemicals. The team is working to develop materials safe for the eye.
It may be a long time before the market sees mass quantities of these contacts produced. However, the future of augmented reality looks bright and we may be able to see it in a whole new way.