---
title: "IBM’s Google Glass-Style Patent Will Help Visually Impaired People Identify Objects"
description: "Google isn't the only technology giant looking into augmenting human potential through smart glasses. A recently revealed patent from IBM details smart glasses intended for the visually impaired."
date: "2015-08-17"
modified: "2015-08-17"
authors:
  - name: "Kif Leswing"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/kif_leswing"
url: "https://futurism.com/ibms-google-glass-style-patent-will-help-visually-impaired-people-identify-objects"
categories:
  - "Artificial Intelligence"
  - "Google"
---

# IBM’s Google Glass-Style Patent Will Help Visually Impaired People Identify Objects

![](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ibm_featured.png>)

- The key difference between IBM's patent and Google Glass is that the IBM glasses have two cameras, one for both eyes. IBM's glasses will require a paired smartphone or tablet, which will upload images from the glasses so a more powerful computer in the cloud could run image recognition algorithms.
- The invention could help visually impaired people by allowing them to point at an object and receive back the name communicated by a small microphone carried by the wearer. The glasses can even warn people they're about to run into an obstacle.
- The patent seems to be geared toward the medical field and exists at the nexus of the miniaturization of technology as well as artificial intelligence. It's not a full solution -- it requires three separate objects -- but it could be a lifesaver for visually impaired people.