Google Attempting To Patent Lie-Detecting Microphone 'Tattoo'
MOUNTAIN VIEW (CBS SF) - Google-owned Motorola Mobility has filed paperwork to patent an "electronic skin tattoo" coupled to a mobile communication device that would work to cancel out noise during conversation, but could also function as a lie detector.
The primary intent of the device is to allow someone in a crowded or noisy situation to leave their phone in their pocket and communicate wireless while canceling out much of the noise.
"Mobile communication devices are often operated in noisy environments. For example, large stadiums, busy streets, restaurants, and emergency situations can be extremely loud and include varying frequencies of acoustic noise. Communication can reasonably be improved and even enhanced with a method and system for reducing the acoustic noise in such environments and contexts," reads the patent application.
The tattoo is not a permanent implant, but rather attached by an adhesive or worn on a collar, according to the application.
Buried in the paperwork is the fact that the device can function as a lie detector.
"The electronic skin tattoo 200 can further include a galvanic skin response detector to detect skin resistance of a user. It is contemplated that a user that may be nervous or engaging in speaking falsehoods may exhibit different galvanic skin response than a more confident, truth telling individual."
Galvanic skin response is a common method for conducting lie detection. It's a measurement of the skins ability to conduct electricity that can change when a person is under stress.
The application does not make clear why an individual would choose to wear a lie detector.
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