Google Patents Electronic 'Throat Tattoo' for Bluetooth Functionality

A new patent by Google owned Motorola Mobility reveals that the company is apparently working on a Bluetooth-like device that will fit on a user's throat much like a temporary tattoo.

The 10-page document reveals many different aspects of the device that is being described as a piece of electronics "that comprises an electronic skin tattoo capable of being applied to a throat region of a body."

Much like Google Glass, this device would allow users hands-free access to their electronics. The object would stick to a person's throat and be used like a modern Bluetooth device that would allow a user to connect with their various pieces of tech hardware. The piece would be made up of a microphone and a power source, all covered up with a patch that would allow it to stay attached to a person's throat for an unknown amount of time.

Another interesting feature that the device could have? Lie detection. As the patent filing states:

"Optionally, the electronic skin tattoo 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."

The piece of electronics looks to be fairly small, around the size of a band-aid or a postage stamp. It is unclear how long the device would last, and the patent specifically mentions it will work on animals as well as people.

Besides being used as a Bluetooth device for voice controls, the new hardware apparently can be used as a microphone. It would allow users to speak during a phone conversation and be heard clearly even in a crowded area, due to the microphone's positioning on the user's throat.

It will be interesting to see if this new piece of technology sees the light of day, or if the throat piece will become just a pipe dream of Motorola. With the Google Glass heading towards its eventual release date, this could represent the next wave of hands-free devices even before the Google Glass has a wide release.

Look out for more news about this new piece of technology right here as Motorola works to transform this patent into an actual physical piece of hardware.