Sony's new patent filing features a smart contact lens that takes photos like the device used in "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" but also records video. The Japanese conglomerate's patent application includes details of a pair of lenses with an organic display screen that allows the user to view information such as images and videos. Features of the mini camera that would upgrade vision-correcting laser surgery include autofocus, exposure/aperture adjustment, and video zoom.
The contact lens camera does not record streaming video like a car dash cam. Sony's device would instead be controlled by the blink of an eye. It measures eyelid closure time to detect the difference between a regular short blink and long blink for control.
In addition, the new camera includes a tiny gyroscope, according to Digital Trends. It can detect when the contact lens wearer is tilting their head and then line up the recorded video.
The unit would include image stabilization that corrects blur caused by a moving eyeball. Sony's new patent also describes a power source that uses electro-magnetic induction so the eyeball camera can work all day.
It does not seem the patent office has given Sony a green light yet for its new concept.
Sony is not the only company that is working on smart eyewear with embedded technology. Samsung has filed a patent application that includes a rival smart contact lens with a video recorder. Meanwhile, Google has invented a contact lens that can be solar powered.
The technology included in smart contact lenses is in its early stages. Like Google's blood sugar-reading prototype the tiny screens must fit on a miniscule surface area and include electronics with basic circuits, according to The Verge.
In related news, Google has filed a patent application for smart contact lens that is injected into a human eyeball. The e-lens would replace the original lens. It is injected as a solution that thickens and attaches to the eyeball.
The main function of the contact lens is to correct bad vision, but would also include sensor, storage, battery, and radio parts.
Google's electronic lens would communicate with an external device that adds extra processing power. The lens' battery will get extra juice from the external "energy harvesting antenna."
Here's the smart contct lens in MI4: