Batman portrays a vigilante not yet familiar with his mission. It uses less technology than its previous on-screen counterparts. For example, wingsuits and parachutes instead of electrified raincoats. While Bruce Wayne still has some great toys, co-writer/director Matt Reeves’ detective film noir includes mostly reality-based technology. Batman’s contact lenses may seem far-fetched, but the technology already exists.
Early photos of the scene and promotional material sparked rumors that the batsuit’s glowing white eyes might appear. Instead, Batman wears contact lenses. It can record and even broadcast live anything it sees. They also provide real-time information through facial recognition. Batman uses these tools instead of case files. They help him find clues, solve mysteries in the dark with Alfred, and gain access through Selena Kyle.
In fact, all these technologies exist. They’ve even been integrated into various smart glasses, but the challenge lies in making the components smaller, more flexible, and safer for your eyes. The key issue is their power and data transfer. The same goes for privacy issues. Back in 2012, Google filed a patent for contact lenses with a camera. Applications such as face recognition and the ability to see in the dark and infrared were specifically mentioned. Samsung also applied for a patent in 2014 and Sony in 2016.
Batman’s contact lenses have names written on each face. There are no specifics yet, but there are facial recognition glasses. For law enforcement and security purposes, it is essentially a real-time application of the algorithms used to identify people in body cameras and CCTV footage. Some databases contain photos from social networks. New laws and lawsuits are advancing as fast as technology. Beginning in 2018, Chinese police wore glasses with facial recognition and license plate databases to identify people on government blacklists. This includes criminals as well as journalists and activists.
One of the problems with this technology is the execution time. Batman’s facial recognition abilities take seconds to kick in, which explains his melancholy view of people. The head-up display will not appear on the screen until Selina puts on her lenses. She knew that when she looked at people, it had a different meaning. Going forward, perhaps Batman will streamline the process so that female users are less affected. This, in turn, makes him less emotional.
There are also glasses that can fool facial recognition software. Privacy conscious consumers can purchase infrared blocking lenses and reflective frames. Any of these technologies could be used in contact lenses, but so far it seems to be overlooked. There are new versions with interesting shapes, colors, and even the ability to reflect UV radiation, although they do not have vision correction properties.
Mojo Vision takes wearable technology to the next level with its smart contact lenses. Mojo Lens will help visually impaired people travel the world easier and safer. The ability to zoom, adjust contrast, track motion, and provide subtitles are all part of the prototype. It uses rigid scleral lenses, which are larger than soft contact lenses but still comfortable. It includes a color aperture to hide all technology. The product requires FDA approval and is undergoing clinical trials. But once the technology is proven, there is no limit.
Mojo has partnered with fitness brands to display performance data from sports such as running, golf, cycling and skiing on their head-up displays. Questions include using eye and blink control options or voice control. At present, the battery and radio functions are separated, but in the long run, the goal is to include all lens functions. Other components can easily be integrated into the bulky Batsuit, so it’s probably not a deal breaker.
Innovega develops a combination of smart contact lenses and glasses. Soft contact lenses can be worn like regular prescription lenses and the head-up display is located in the glasses. This should reduce eye strain by mimicking normal eye movement and depth of field. In The Batman, the visuals are tinted red, presumably to capture detail in low light conditions. However, this can make Bruce Wayne suffer when he sees natural light.
Augmented reality can help people with visual impairments, but Innovega also sells the system to people who need a free hand when accessing information. The examples on the site range from the military and surgeons to people who just want to read the Star Wars opening emails.
The Triggerfish sensor is an FDA-approved device that helps guide glaucoma treatments. The 24-hour wear contactor provides intraocular pressure and other data. Gathering information during the day includes changes that might be missed during a brief office visit. This then helps determine the optimal level of treatment. He also has an antenna on the outside of his eye that is connected to a recording device. Since it’s a makeshift device, making everything wireless and miniature won’t be a big deal.
Google Glass technology, which specifically bans facial recognition, has been a public failure. But it continues to affect the market. Some miniature technology has been converted into a glucose monitor to help diabetics. Announced in 2014, the project detects glucose through water in the eyes (tears) and alerts the wearer of low or high blood sugar with LEDs. The results were inconsistent, and in 2018 the project was curtailed.
In 2020, South Korean researchers announced effective glucose-sensing contact lenses based on data from successful animal trials. Instead of a head-up display, this version wirelessly transmits data to a nearby device and sends an alert when blood sugar is out of range. Sensor calibration, comfort and other issues are still being worked out. Contact lenses also include a drug delivery system to combat vision impairment associated with diabetes. Depending on the glucose level, the therapeutic agent can be applied directly to the surface of the eye.
Medicated drops are often used incorrectly or for other purposes. They are also ineffective, sometimes providing only 1% of the intended cure. To solve this problem, contact lenses with long-acting drugs are being developed. Acuvue Theravision is now FDA approved for the daily treatment of itchy eyes caused by allergies. MediPrint Ophthalmics develops contact lenses for the treatment of glaucoma. They release the drug slowly when worn continuously for 7 days.
While we don’t know if Batman’s contacts displayed or even tracked his biometrics, the technology exists. They might even give him the adrenaline he needs to keep fighting. Many questions remain, and the combination of real-world technology and on-screen sci-fi could decide what happens next. He gave Selina his only pair? Are they streaming the video from her pocket or where she hides it between views? How often did Alfred see Bruce when he was not at home? Can Batman turn the recording on and off while wearing it? Hopefully we’ll see this useful technique in the sequel!
Post time: Sep-08-2022
