Bionic contact lens 'to project emails before eyes'

[Bosonic]

A new generation of contact lenses that project images in front of the eyes is a step closer after successful animal trials, say scientists.

The technology could allow wearers to read floating texts and emails or augment their sight with computer-generated images, Terminator-syle.

Researchers at Washington University who are working on the device say early tests show it is safe and feasible.

But there are still wrinkles to iron out, like finding a good power source.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15817316

[krispos42]

1. I figured we'd be doing the same thing with glasses.

A pair of glasses would enable you to have sun protection as well as data. Plus you could have infrared cameras in your frames so you could see in low-light or no-light situations, simply by having the camera view projected in front of you in the correct position and with the correct dimensions.

[Phoonzang]

2. Glasses would also solve the power source problem. nt

[krispos42]

6. Yup.

Transparent solar cells, maybe. Or make the frames to be solar cells.

[YankeyMCC]

3. Science following Science Fiction

I just read a story yesterday by Paul Di Filippo in TRSF http://www.technologyreview.com/sf/?cmp=hse

Where the central scientific element was the use of smart contact lenses that projected images. Lived off tears and lasted for 48 hours, you get a year's supply with your subscription :)

You download 'apps' to give you different views of the world, the character in this story downloaded a "Beer Goggles" app :)

[Occulus]

4. I was wondering how long that would take

This has been on my "it'll happen eventually" list for years.

[Orsino]

5. "Safe and feasible," riiiiiight.

Can you imagine the distracted driving legislation that will be needed?