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---
description: Patent records show the tech giant is exploring wearable technology that could help blind people see certain moving objects around them.
title: Google Eyes Contact-Lens Camera
image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt30deda81f07c08d3/6986884d169ab050d52788b2/google.jpg?branch=production&amp;width=3840&amp;quality=75&amp;auto=webp&amp;crop=16:9
---

![](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt30deda81f07c08d3/6986884d169ab050d52788b2/google.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

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# Google's Microcamera Contact Lens Is Coming to an Eyeball Near You


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Apr 15, 2014 8:12 PM CUT

![A Google logo is seen at the garage where the company was founded on Google's 15th anniversary in Menlo Park, California](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt30deda81f07c08d3/6986884d169ab050d52788b2/google.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=3:2)

A Google logo is seen at the garage where the company was founded on Google's 15th anniversary in Menlo Park, California September 26, 2013\. REUTERS/Stephen Lam (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS ANNIVERSARY LOGO) - RTX140ZG

A Google logo is seen at the garage where the company was founded on Google's 15th anniversary in Menlo Park, California September 26, 2013\. REUTERS/Stephen Lam (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS ANNIVERSARY LOGO) - RTX140ZGStephen Lam—Reuters

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Apr 15, 2014 8:12 PM CUT

After Google Glass, the next “moon shot” Google product might very well be a contact lens with a built-in micro-camera.

The tech giant has filed a [patent application](http://9to5google.com/2014/04/14/google-patent-application-details-micro-camera-system-for-contact-lenses-of-the-future/ "undefined") on a smart lens with sensors that could detect light, pattern of colors, objects and faces.

Those wearing the contacts would command the device through a sophisticated system of unique blinking patterns, [as explained by the blog Patent Bold](http://www.patentbolt.com/2014/04/google-invents-micro-camera-system-for-future-contact-lenses.html "undefined").

Google’s latest breakthrough could help blind people see certain moving objects around them, according to Patent Bolt.

“For example, a blind person wearing Google’s contact lens with a built-in camera may be walking on a sidewalk and approaching an intersection. The analysis component of the contact lens can process the raw image data of the camera to determine … that there is a car approaching the intersection.”

The lens would also have wireless capabilities to be hooked up to smartphones.

In January, Google revealed a [prototypes of contact lenses](http://techland.time.com/2014/01/16/google-contact-lens-will-measure-glucose-in-tears/ "undefined") that will make it easier for diabetes patients to monitor their blood sugar levels and stay healthy.

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