Samsung Snags Patent for Augmented Reality Contacts

Move over, Gear VR. Korean tech giant Samsung has filed a patent to begin the development of smart contact lenses.

According to the guys at SamMobile.com, a recently publicized patent application has been found in South Korea. Originally filed in 2014, the patent includes blueprints for lenses equipped with small tech enabling the wearer to control them within the literal blink of an eye.

Samsung appears to have planned enough space for a small camera, display, antenna, and sensors to pick up movement in your field of vision on the lenses. A soft, protective film will cover the tiny parts inside. The lenses will work in conjunction with a smartphone to provide the needed processing power.

This is all feeling very Deus Ex.

Focusing on the future of the market, Samsung states in the patent application that the development of smart contact lenses is to fight against the limited image quality that smart glasses provide.

The possibilities regarding smart contact lenses are beyond exciting. Apps such as cameras, filters, and useful interfaces would be just a blink away. Gaming applications could create play styles focused on interacting with your immediate environment. Instead of worrying about grabbing your phone when you need to grab a quick picture, you would only have to blink. And who needs smart glasses or bulky headsets when you have contacts? 

We may not see the results of Samsung’s planning for a while. The patent appears to be developing initial concepts instead of a solid prototype. That doesn’t calm our excitement for what may be in store, though!

Check out the published patent here. Fair warning: you may want to brush up on your Korean.

Kristen Rose

Kristen is a 22 year old Sith lord wannabe with a passion for all things “nerd”. She owns a house plant named Groot, and has snagged almost every generation of Nintendo’s consoles from the NES to the WiiU. Remember, it’s dangerous to go alone, so follow her Nerd Stash posts on Twitter!