06-25-2004, 12:55 AM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,060
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Microsoft Patents Skin
"Microsoft has been awarded a patent for using human skin as a power conduit and data bus. Patent No. 6,754,472, which was published Tuesday, describes a method for transmitting power and data to devices worn on the body and for communication of data between those devices."
This CNET article goes on to describe the patent:
In its filing, Microsoft cites the proliferation of wearable electronic devices, such as wristwatches, pagers, PDAs (worn on people's belts) and small displays that can now be mounted on headgear.
"As a result of carrying multiple portable electronic devices, there is often a significant amount of redundancy in terms of input/output devices included in the portable devices used by a single person," says the filing. "For example, a watch, pager, PDA and radio may all include a speaker." To reduce the redundancy of input/output devices, Microsoft's patent proposes a personal area network that allows a single data input or output device to be used by multiple portable devices."
"Furthermore, Microsoft said, the physical resistance offered by the human body could be used to create a virtual keyboard on a patch of skin."
So, the bottom line is that Microsoft thinks it can develop a way to create a Personal Area Network by using the natural conductivity and resistance of our skin. Pretty nifty, huh? It does generate a few questions in my mind, though:
� How much energy is actually needed for the PAN to work?
� What types of personal gadgets would this technology work with?
� Will my beloved SCOTTeVEST become obsolete [perish the thought]?
UPDATE: Here is a cartoon that offers an interesting perspective on the topic.
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06-25-2004, 01:18 AM
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Mystic
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,911
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If you want to hear what people said before just click here.
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06-25-2004, 01:20 AM
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2000 Posts And This is All I Get?
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,017
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And the PAN device is going to be powered by energy absorbed from human's body. Just like those seiko kinetic watches.
p.s. this will definitely outdated e-vest :mrgreen:
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06-25-2004, 01:21 AM
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Mystic
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,911
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Re: Microsoft Patents Skin
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Brad Adrian
� Will my beloved SCOTTeVEST become obsolete [perish the thought]?
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� You're becoming a nudist [cringe at the thought]?!?
:wink:
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06-25-2004, 01:30 AM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,060
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Maximus
...this will definitely outdate e-vest
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Hey! We'll have no profane language around here!!!
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06-25-2004, 01:52 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 630
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SHOCKING!
Epidermal PAN? :idea:
Skin tight LAN?
What if I jump in a pool? 8)
...can I get my devices embedded under my skin?
8O
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06-25-2004, 02:03 AM
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5000+ Posts? I Should OWN This Site!
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,616
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I see the electricity coursing through the body shortening the average human lifespan by a small percentage.
__________________
iPhone 4! ☠☠☠ Mid-2010 15" MacBook Pro! ☠☠☠ Gateway LT2102h! ☠☠☠ Dell XPS M1210!
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06-25-2004, 02:47 AM
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Pupil
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 38
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 I actually made a post worthy of the front page!
It will be interesting to see what gadgets emerge using this technology. I imagine wrist watches, headphones and stuff as such would be first.
Static electricity keeps coming to my mind though..
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06-25-2004, 05:02 AM
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Pupil
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 36
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Next they'll be getting a patent for the kinetic energy generated by breathing. How much do I have to pay to breathe now sir?
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06-25-2004, 05:19 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 667
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I love the cartoon you linked to in the first post. I think that about says it all. :lol:
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