Digital Tattoo Interface Turns Flesh Into An LCD
Imagine this: your phone rings and you lift your sleeve and push a tattooed button on your forearm. Next thing you know there is a digital video of the caller, moving in full video on your arm. After you hang up the tattoo completely fades away to leave nothing but your bare skin.
The Digital Tattoo Interface is a Bluetooth device that is inserted into the skin via a small incision. After inserted as a tube, it unrolls as a flat silicon base. It rests between skin and muscle. Glucose and oxygen in your blood fuel the implant via an attached artery and vein.
A special tattoo on the surface of your skin would interact with the field created by the device. Touching it through your skin would make it react similar to a touch screen display. Implications are limitless. Telephones, TV, the Web and just about everything else we rely on could be literally embedded in your skin.
Always on and ready, it stays out of sight until you need it to function. Well, that is unless you have a screen saver of your favorite tattoo’s running during the day. Cross your fingers with me and we might be able to get our hands on this concept sooner rather than later.
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amy said
am February 22 2008 @ 1:42 pm
ewwww. could this possibly be worth the risk of infection? or itch? or electric shock? maybe I’m just too old?
Jerad Kaliher said
am February 22 2008 @ 1:45 pm
@amy, infection may be a valid concern. Maybe not so much about the electric shock. To be honest, when I started typing that it had to be hooked up to an artery and a vain my eyebrow started twitching.
usa said
am February 22 2008 @ 1:58 pm
perfect for people with nothing to do, and too much money
GFYM said
am February 22 2008 @ 2:18 pm
Stupid and pointless
Victoria said
am February 22 2008 @ 2:43 pm
What if someone calls and you don’t want to answer? You won’t have the excuse of “Oh, I forgot my phone at home” or “It was in my bag, so I didn’t hear it”… I would not want this
Stephen Meyer said
am February 22 2008 @ 3:07 pm
I like the idea from a cyberbunk perspective. This is something straight from a movie or a book.
I can’t help but wonder if it would be practical or safe, but it intrigues me and I won’t write it off completely just yet.
edit: A friend just pointed something out to me though. What do you do when technology advances and you need or want to upgrade the device? It’s back to the operating room. Suddenly, this doesn’t seem so intriguing!
[Blank] said
am February 22 2008 @ 3:14 pm
I like the concept. It’d be nice if there were links to research being done into the idea. Issues of rejection, infection, and itching are the same as with any piercing or skin implant, which are performed fairly regularly with good success rates. Electrical shock wouldn’t be an issue if it is truly powered by glucose and oxygen, as there is no live current.
The big thing to look out for would be the black market version, where people are buying foreign knockoffs and getting their Uncle Lou to implant it for them.
Simon said
am February 22 2008 @ 3:57 pm
This is one of the coolest recent medical developments I’ve seen! I mean, just being able to change a tattoo on a whim is amazing on its own, but if the refresh rate on the LCD is high enough, you could make them move. Your snake tattoo could slither around and flick out its tongue. You could also store all your secret passwords in a place you’d never lose. Or always have a book to read on the bus. Hell, with a connected ear-implant, you could watch a movie!
I cannot wait for implants like this to become available and affordable. And people like the ones above who react with disgust or disdain are nothing more than technophobes, who slow the development of cool implants like this because of their knee-jerk reactions, which make it seem like there’d be no market for products like this.
TEN YEARS AGO, Kevin Warwick implanted a simple RFID chip in his arm, and rigged the doors around his lab to open for him (and later used a more complex chip to remote-control a robotic arm!). How come I can’t have my house door or car automatically recognize me and unlock for me yet?
Conn said
am February 22 2008 @ 4:46 pm
Hey, the whole advancing technology thing makes this ridiculous for a cell phone type thing, BUT I can think of two cool uses.
First, a moving, programmable tattoo…that you could turn off during a job interview.
Second, for medical readouts and such, like blood sugar, this would be potentially much less pain and suffering than sticking yourself with a needle each day.
To chalk one up on the drawback side, though, you better hope the hospital checks for it before giving you an MRI if you’re ever in an accident!
Phil E. Drifter said
am February 22 2008 @ 5:10 pm
Ha! I think it’s cool and would want one if there were no unnecessary complications, but I just had to comment after seeing the security word: trust!
LOL said
am February 22 2008 @ 5:37 pm
amy… electric shock? lol you gotta be kidding me. didn’t you read how it is powered? anyway, I think this is an amazing invention. It has limitless potential, especially if more than one company becomes competitive over it… there would be thousands of types and possibilities. I hope it becomes cheap enough for at least the middle class man.
JOn said
am February 22 2008 @ 5:48 pm
I hate technophobes. You are the reason I don’t have my flying car yet.
I also can’t wait for implants like these to become the norm. But I’m old and in failing health, so I probably won’t get to see it myself. So stop dissing my dreams and fantasies.
Joe said
am February 22 2008 @ 7:17 pm
Oh, great. You know what this means, right? Yup. Skin advertisements. No, thanks. You’re going to regret bringing home that girl with the tramp stamp when it starts moving around during doggie, spelling out “drink coca cola” or trying to get you to buy a car. Run away, fast!
back off said
am February 22 2008 @ 7:22 pm
Anyone who disagrees with you about implanting a phone in his or her arm is not automatically a technophobe. Stop the immature name-calling and blaming. If you want to improve people’s attitudes about new technology, try treating their concerns with consideration instead of disdain yourself.
Tzam said
am February 23 2008 @ 3:16 am
It’s interesting, pretty cool really, I’d like to see if they could get something that could work.
Personally I would prefer an interface system that worked on hand gesture instead of the keyboard thing, even if it disappears. Perhaps they could be integrated somehow. Imagine a mobile phone with earpeice in your thumb and mic in your little finger
Just kidding about that last one, but I think gesture would be better, especially if you could set the gestures yourself. Single hand typing in lectures whilst using your other to drink coffee. WELL cyber punk.
Would it leave a scar?
DL said
am February 23 2008 @ 9:11 am
What happens when you get robbed? the thief will take out your arm, just to steal a stupid phone/LCD/Tattoo… thanks, but no thanks.
Janne said
am February 24 2008 @ 1:32 am
The future is in the past. O.o
catey said
am February 24 2008 @ 6:27 am
Lesson learned: Do not make a thief have to cut the thing off your body.
DM said
am February 24 2008 @ 10:26 am
hmm.. I like the idea – but where will the cpu + hard drive go?
Polite Answers Only!!!
mops said
am February 24 2008 @ 11:15 am
I don’t know about cpu and hrad drive. I am more concerned about people have to press their arm against their head or screaming at it like idiots…
or will there be ear implants as well?… i am hearing voices…..
Chewbacca said
am February 24 2008 @ 11:19 am
I don’t fancy having to keep that part of my hairy arm shaved, or trying to watch porn videos and ignore the hair sprouting from them all…
isama said
am February 24 2008 @ 12:01 pm
@DM:
i think it will use a flash disk for storage and a tiny microcontroler as a cpu…
OT: i’d want wifi, but that aside: where can i get one!?
illoki said
am February 24 2008 @ 12:45 pm
I’ betting that a day will come when un-augmented humans will be quaint throwbacks to the “bad old days.”
asfjdkl said
am February 24 2008 @ 3:11 pm
Call me when it’s in full color and I can make my skin look like Hedi Klum’s and my face my Mathew McConneh.
Stumble Upon-ed “Innovations in Tattoos” « NewfangledMedia said
am February 24 2008 @ 9:47 pm
[...] Stumble Upon-ed “Innovations in Tattoos” [...]
Alex said
am February 25 2008 @ 3:50 am
Oh, Yay! Another way for Big Brother to “get under our skin”. Now they can control us through their computers! Anyone else see it happening?
wilcox said
am February 25 2008 @ 10:19 am
I love this…this is perfect to call incase of emergency….this is just the greatest….
sikanrong said
am February 25 2008 @ 7:04 pm
it’s disgusting: I’m totally getting one
dave said
am February 25 2008 @ 10:14 pm
Instead of something as limited as a cell phone, why not use this is a readily accessible interface for any of your electronic devices?
I’m thinking about cyclists, runners, hikers – people who could use certain information, but who would find even a PDA to be too bulky.
Or, how about diabetics? Epileptics? The elderly? This could be used to monitor vital signs, and be programmed to alert the user, or call for outside help.
I have no significant fear of implanted devices. We already implant numerous devices in the body, from pacemakers to medication pumps to contraceptives. This particular device would be much simpler to implant – a plastic surgeon could install it in a matter of minutes. It can give the user a LOT of information – either about his own body or linked to a large-scale network.
London said
am February 26 2008 @ 6:23 pm
This could have so many different uses, sign me up!
accdntlm said
am February 26 2008 @ 10:19 pm
I’m with the first commenter. . . eewwwwwwwww yuck. Welcome to the matrix, folks…
fangster777 said
am February 26 2008 @ 11:39 pm
Fads are only skin deep ‘cant see any arm in it….
WolfGirl said
am February 27 2008 @ 12:02 am
Who comes up with this crap?
I don’t know about you, but I would rather not be obsessed with checking my arm for an email every second of the day.
Kai said
am February 27 2008 @ 10:30 am
Why, they can even inject poison into you with a simple email! Isn’t it grand?
Grey said
am February 28 2008 @ 6:42 am
Yes, using this as a personal body monitor would be great. This implant could detect viruses at an early stage for you to take care of. Or any other medical emergency for that matter. It could also monitor body fat, heart rate, cholesterol, etc, and give you updates or compile a history.
placebo messiah said
am February 28 2008 @ 10:38 pm
this would be handy on final exams
Arlene said
am March 1 2008 @ 10:48 am
This is what the Bible talks about having a seal or number on your head or body. This is very scary because the Devil uses all sorts of things to take control but leaves us with the impression that it will be useful for medical, school, or security purposes. Don’t be fooled with all these new advances coming out. We have to be very careful & watchful what some people are trying to pass on us. GOD help us all !!!
Stanley said
am March 1 2008 @ 11:32 pm
Arlene…
I want you to take a few deep breaths.
You might want to consider..umm..just
maybe talking to someone. Like a teacher,
or a technician, even a scientist. Look into new ways
of seeing the world. Just a suggestion, cause, see,
hon, we don’t have to worry about some ‘devil’. O.K.?
We already have Ann Coulter, and Dick Cheney.
THATS who you should be worrying about, dear. All right? May peace be with you.
Blue said
am March 2 2008 @ 3:02 pm
where do i sign to get one…?
i would absolutely love to get one of these…
mobs said
am March 4 2008 @ 8:06 am
what happens when there is a glitch? How do you charge this device? who would want a cell phone implanted? do you have to shave your arm for a better picture? lotion?
nice idea for a movie.
Arlene,
two words dear…
“watch Zeitgeist”
ROB SON said
am March 4 2008 @ 10:31 am
this is the end of times
jesskah said
am March 6 2008 @ 4:45 am
this is creepy
Brendan said
am March 12 2008 @ 2:35 pm
Sounds like a pretty cool idea for some people, but it’s not my taste.
Here’s a real problem though, since it’s activated by touch, what happens when you’re sleeping and your arm rubs up against another part of your body? There needs to be some on/off switch for when you’re sleeping or doing other activities where your skin touches other skin (whether it’s your skin or someone else’s)… but if the switch is touch sensitive as well, it might not work. Would people need to cover their arm to sleep?
Rain said
am March 13 2008 @ 6:57 am
Uuuuuuhhhhhh….. wwwwwoooowwwww. Not sure what to think of the whole thing, quite yet. I think I like the idea of having a tatoo that is a screen saver that can be changed and probably made to move. But like someone commented before how the heck do you “forget” your phone? Can it be turned off? Dont want someone calling at 3am and waking me up. Would really dark black people be able to see it? Sometimes tatoos dont show up on them as well (or at least light colored inks)
Andrew said
am March 15 2008 @ 10:06 pm
What happens when you get cut there? Or bump your arm, fall down, or in any way damage that spot? You’d have to go back into surgery to take it out and get it fixed or replaced. That’s if it was able to stay aligned with the tattoo on the top of your skin. Oh, and sorry, you can’t connect to a cellular signal or the internet using blood, aside from the fact that you can’t simply attach a blood vessel directly to a tube. If you could, why would the keypad be necessary? Why not just stick it in your head somewhere and make it be voice-activated? Why not use blood to power something more useful within a person’s body, like, say, a pacemaker? C’mon, something like this is innovated and all we can think of is to use it for a cell phone? Idiots!
steve said
am March 18 2008 @ 7:20 pm
i would get it today
Inigo said
am March 20 2008 @ 4:40 pm
This looks awesome!
I mean, eventually it’ll cost virtually nothing.
And
If it unfurls when it’s in you, then you could just go your GP, or even someone at the shopping centre. I mean, just like turning up to give blood, or getting your ears pierced.
Then it just links in, and voila
Phone, internet, PDA, notes, films, music- all sorts!
Like you said, it’s possibilities are endless. Then, to get it out for whatever reason, or to get an upgrade, just go back and get it replaced.
Bio-Interface is the way forward.
nornerator said
am March 24 2008 @ 2:05 pm
This concept is a great idea, however it could have much grander applications than a phone or tattoo.
Most likely this if ever implemented would be used for monitoring biological signals. It could be used to detect levels of important metabolic signals, such as levels of blood glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerol’s, hormones along with metabolic intermediates that can help diagnose illness faster. Additionally it could monitor levels of metabolic intermediates uniquely produced by certain viruses or bacteria. This will make your health much more easier to monitor and keep in check. This will also be great for people interested in neurobio feedback.
The cell phones of the future will be implanted in your neural tissue and will allow for “speechless” communication.
lul said
am March 25 2008 @ 12:52 am
And where is the spare vein going to come from?
Matt said
am March 28 2008 @ 7:57 am
But lets say they put in the handy must have gps feature many phones sport today. There goes your privacy, better not be saying anything anti american or concerning illegal activities. Maybe next well get a nice new set of laws requiring credit card and id information embedded under our skin (Identity theft is a big threat these days, we know this because they say so on tv) Technology is a great thing, but we need to take a look at where its coming from and what the hidden implications are.
Le mordu de technologie said
am April 10 2008 @ 1:03 pm
[...] que prend notre téléphone mobile dans notre vie quotidienne (d’ailleurs il sera bientôt greffé sous notre peau…), je trouve cette initiative assez intéressante et elle pourrait se [...]
Rob said
am April 16 2008 @ 9:12 pm
To those who say this is useless and noone would want it, people have been saying that for a long time. The internet is useless and noone would want it. Mobile phones are useless and noone would want them. Penicillin is useless and noone would want it, etc.
To those who say this is another way for ‘big brother’ to control everyone, the person who somehow believed that one of these would be able to somehow create some kind of poison from an email, matrix, under our skin puns, etc: You don’t have to buy one. The article never stated that these would be somehow mandatory.
To those who thought there would be the risk of an infection? You do know that LOTS of things are being implanted under people’s skin these days, such as another little electronic device: the pacemaker. You don’t see ‘big brother’ using pacemakers to kill people off or something, do you?
Oh, and to the person who said, ‘But now I won’t be able to use the excuse, “Oh, I forgot my phone at home”’ well, that’s your problem for being a lazy, lying idiot. You also don’t have to buy one.
Pedro said
am April 22 2008 @ 5:06 pm
it is a pretty good idea, but the phones that we use nowadays cant be compared to something that would be feed by your blood, it would only be a phone, we all use our phones for a lot of things, and i cant belive that this thing can play a movie, music, gps, etc. so i think this is just a concept, in the future it might become pretty cool, but not much people would implant that thing for a simple phone.
leona said
am May 5 2008 @ 8:07 am
Nowadays there are people who implant chips in there arm like in Holland , were I live.
I think this will be the beginning of new technology.
It’s great and oh so handy.
I’ll buy one immediately.
Ack said
am June 29 2008 @ 4:32 am
I’m thinking social security numbers and bank account numbers as bar codes and a new form of identity theft with an ax. I’m thinking built in alarm clocks that your boss could activate when he wants you to come in early. I’m thinking of glow in the dark sex if implanted in the right place and a whole new market for voyeurism. I’m thinking of implants replacing external jewelry and you could turn off your wedding ring when you want to cheat. I’m thinking like boobs, the implants will get bigger and bigger until someone finally turns into a walking computer monitor. This could lead to so many GREAT things!!!
alex said
am April 23 2009 @ 9:00 pm
i just don’t like the idea of having anything mechanical underneath my skin.
Icneumone said
am April 24 2009 @ 2:05 am
-O.k… but still i be able to download a bunch ilegally from ilegal sites…? What about all the “Spam” going directly thru your blood circulation? Would be possible for someone to hack your arm and make you slap someone you love? And as for men…what about if you acidentaly dial your mothers number while you are masturbating?…i dont know but all of that is o.k. to me…
john said
am April 26 2009 @ 6:28 am
Outstanding, i want one now.
fantastic, cool etc etc
i would like an off button though.
To those not so keen, YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED
Steve said
am May 26 2009 @ 11:37 pm
Yeah, it better come with a “sleep” feature. I’d hate to sleep type and start surfing porn.
Personally, this is a great idea. So many things that can come from this concept as well. Possibilities are endless.
TechLover said
am August 6 2009 @ 8:59 pm
Imagine – u could scan it to access ur bank accounts, like some bus cards in major cities and maybe scan it to get paid, scan it to purchase stuff. Paper money and even plastic money would be useless…
I guess that could be done just by implanting a chip into ur fingertip:S
brainman said
am August 6 2009 @ 10:55 pm
oh good, now i can have graphics from the original Game Boy scrolling over my body … technology!
mark said
am August 7 2009 @ 9:33 pm
I don’t know; sounds cool, but what about abuse? I mean, before cell phones, no one would have thought that people would be stupid enough to attempt texting while driving, but stupidity knows no bounds.
Omi said
am August 10 2009 @ 12:28 am
Um, this would not work on someone with darker skin.
Jcubed said
am August 14 2009 @ 10:05 pm
well, i have to say, this is sorta creepy. I’m not a technophobe, but even I think this is a bad idea, I’d just love someone hacking in to it and displaying porn during my job interview…
Jerry said
am August 16 2009 @ 6:48 am
I want one now!!!
Dave B. said
am August 21 2009 @ 10:45 pm
Technology of this capibility can be seen every day, via any good scifi movie. I left a comment about two weeks ago saying, how phony this is and if you read more of the artical you would know this. Some how my comment didn’t make into the 65, why? Could be someone wants to keep this joke going!
guy fawkes said
am August 24 2009 @ 9:09 am
Hmmm, theres enough electro smog outside the body without bringing it indoors too. This is stupid crazy and let alone the fact once fitted you mobile provider will always know where you are. no more i’ll leave my phone at home. roll on orwells 1984
guy fawkes said
am August 24 2009 @ 9:14 am
and just to add. doesn’t the brain and body work on electrical impulses. whats stopping our terrorist governments sending signals at random to mess with your head???? not possible google M K ultra to see how easily a mind can be changed by conditioning let alone direct impulses.
Messenger said
am August 24 2009 @ 11:27 am
Wow you all are stupid people. Ever heard of the mark of the beast? Hmmmmm this concept is going down that road.
http://www.countdown.org/armageddon/mark_of_beast.htm
wow said
am August 25 2009 @ 8:29 pm
does this remind anyone of a passage in the bible?
Julian said
am August 31 2009 @ 1:13 pm
Personally I though it was a cool idea. It may be better however to quell any ‘big brother’ issues to have it be just to monitor health signs. Imagine if it could read everything from vitamin and mineral levels to white blood cell count. Imagine if it could detect variances in certain levels of hormones, possibly indicating early cancer or other diseases. Imagine all the benefits that this device could have by using it to monitor health.
Ex:
List of problems:
Low on vitamins A, B1, B12, C.
Critical on protein levels.
Exceedingly high on glucose levels.
Potential aids: Eat meat and or meat products, lentils and or nuts. Take a multivitamin or have some spinach. Do not eat sugary foods for a few hours.
WARNING: Extremely high white blood cell count. See family physician. Possible infection.
High hormone levels of dopamine, blah blah. See family physician immediately or go to hospital.
Etc. Etc.
It could be upgraded via a (very short range) wireless signal. Press up a device against the skin. Choose upgrade option on the tattoo. Voila medical database upgraded. (Could hold medical history).
Integrate a pedometer, nutrition plan program, exercise aids, stretching aids .. etc… voila perfect health machine!
drJdt said
am August 31 2009 @ 3:01 pm
“Hey, can I borrow your phone?”
Phil Kong said
am August 31 2009 @ 3:09 pm
@ Victoria
(near top)
why do you have to lie to your friends? or why do you give people your number who you don’t want to talk to?
Jay Rulz said
am September 1 2009 @ 9:29 pm
At this point, we’re trying way too hard to make life easier.
Nerd Rage said
am October 20 2009 @ 11:49 am
i like this. the mark of the beast thing is scarry, but who cares, if you belive in god, and know you hve done wrong then you will go to heaven, untill then, have some fun!!
“can i borrow your phone” ” yea but u have to talk to my armpit.”
ipod touch ring a bell anyone ? those dont turn on in ur pocket if u dont want them to. sleeeeeep mode!! it automaticly goes to ” ELECTRONIC IMPLANT HERE” when your unconsious.
you shouldnt mastubate anyway, get laid dood.
IT DOES NOT USE ELECTRICITY?!?! no way possible it has to turn the glucose into energy.. only way to do that is burning it… sounds painfull… unless u install a bloodmill into your artery… ewww
bettter idea, a battery that charges by straping a band around your arm and uses magnets somehow..
looks like an overall good idea but a few bugs to work out
wow i started out looking for a cool tattoo and then i found the inamge and went…. hmmmmmm .. . i read allmost every single word on this page.
Its coming, get ready and save up your money.
Ginger said
am December 18 2009 @ 5:12 am
Revelations. Number of the beast. Another way for Big Brother to watch YOU. Thanks… nope i will pass. Bad enough that all my movements can be followed with my debit card transactions… Really need to think before you act.
Chris said
am January 3 2010 @ 3:00 pm
I agree with Ginger!! How blind can all these people be to be oblivious to the New World Order?? The Obamaination Administration is breathing down ALL of our necks.This “new technology” is a GREAT way to DECEIVE the masses into Bar Code Chip Implantation that could very possibly have the ability to receive signals from Big Brother to make you do things beyond your minds own control.I have the Blood of JESUS in me so I’m NOT compatible with this Deceptivice.Do Not Be Deceived!!!
CARLOS said
am January 6 2010 @ 7:17 am
THIS IS DEFINIATELY THE MARK OF THE BEAST DO NOT TAKE IT
None Ya said
am January 7 2010 @ 10:39 am
How does a voluntary, surgically removable device with nearly limitless positive potential have anything to do with one currently popular religion? Do you honestly believe the devil needs bluetooth to keep tabs on you?
If this is actually for real, it’ll take more R&D to get it right. Knock off the FUD. Some people don’t have much use for technology. I can understand that. Some don’t like the idea of having unnecessary surgical procedures. Fair enough. Some seem to find hellfire and damnation in anything they don’t understand. Those people will always be with us. At least it’s entertaining to watch them get all fired up (no pun intended).
Personally, like with most all new technologies, I’d wait for version 2.0+. Let the geekophiles beta the first batch. At very least let people with medical conditions get some use out of it. I’m not big on the idea of web surfing via forearm, but it might come in handy as an addendum to road rage hand gestures.