Samsung may soon bring out smart contact lenses

If you thought Google Glass was the end of innovation when it comes to eyewear? Think again.

A new patent from Samsung reveals that it was working on creating a smart contact lens that will have the ability to project images directly into the users' eye, take photographs and connect wirelessly to a smartphone.

According to the 29-page patent, the lens will work with eye movements with the help of sensors and smartphone connectivity as well as support augmented reality (AR). It could even take photographs discreetly just like the Google Glass which had attracted a lot of criticism. Users can wear Samsung Electronics' smart contact lenses directly on the retina just like existing contact lenses.

However, it is not certain if the patent has already been granted or the Korean giant has started incorporating the technology into a product. According to website BusinessKorea , Samsung has said that the primary reason for the development of smart contact lenses is to provide clear images regardless of the wearer's movement or the focal distance, and widen the viewing angle.

Also, the company thinks that the lenses can provide a more natural way to provide AR than existing AR devices including Google Glasses. The image quality of existing AR devices is often affected by the movement of the wearer, leading to the narrow viewing angle. However, the smart lenses can widen the viewing angle much further since they can be worn directly on the retina.

The patent also reveals that the company is exploring on-eye navigation instructions and the ability to search online for more information based on what a user happens to be looking at in the real world. Earlier, Google had revealed plans to build a connected contact lens, although the device was pitched as a way to measure glucose levels for diabetes patients.