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Smart contact lens with augmented reality navigation function, made with 3D printer!

Meniscus phenomenon
A meniscus as seen in a burette full of colored water
A meniscus as seen in a burette full of colored water

Scientists have made a new smart contact lens with AR-based navigation using 3D printing! These lenses sit on your eye just like regular lenses and provide various information in a heads-up display. They’ve been used to diagnose and treat health issues, and Google is working on creating their own version too. But before they can be sold, they must overcome some tough technical challenges.

To make AR possible with smart contact lenses, they use electrochromic displays that can run on low power. The material they use is called “Pure Prussian Blue.” This material is great because it’s affordable and can transition between colors quickly, but it used to be limited to simple films made with the electric plating method.

Now, the KERI-Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology team has figured out how to print micro-patterns onto the lens display using a 3D printer without using any voltage. They use a phenomenon called the Meniscus to create a curved surface on the outer wall that lets them crystallize Prussian blue through solvent evaporation between the micronozzle and the substrate. By moving the nozzle precisely, they can make continuous micro-patterns in the lenses, which can be used for navigation with AR.

With these smart contact lenses, you’ll be able to navigate just by wearing a lens and seeing AR right in front of you! You can even play games like “Pokemon Go” with them instead of your smartphone. Dr. Seol Seung-Kwon of KERI said,

“Our achievement is a 3D printing technology that can print functional micro-patterns on non-planner substrate that can commercialize advanced smart contact lenses to implement AR. It will greatly contribute to the miniaturization and versatility of AR devices.”

Image Credits

In-Article Image Credits

A meniscus as seen in a burette full of colored water via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. November 30, 2008
Meniscus phenomenon via Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute with usage type - Commercial license. The sources of photos and research results from KERI must be specified.

Featured Image Credit

Meniscus phenomenon via Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute with usage type - Commercial license. The sources of photos and research results from KERI must be specified.

 

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