Sony’s Computerised Hair With Brainwave Monitoring Capabilities - "Will Change Your Life While Making You Look Damn Good"

Sony has filed a patent for a “SmartWig” device: A false hair piece complete with sensors for “providing data input” and capable of communicating with smartphones and computers.

Sony suggests that the SmartWig could fulfil a number of functions, from acting as a health care device that monitors users’ vital signs (including blood pressure, temperature and heart-rate) to acting as a “navigation wig” to assist the blind in finding their way around.

"The usage of a wig has several advantages that, compared to known wearable computing devices, include significantly increased user comfort and an improved handling of the wearable computing device," said in its U.S. patent filing, reported by Kotaku. The hair-raising idea was filed in May but only made public this week.

The hairpiece comes with hidden input sensors which process data, communicate wirelessly and also provide tactile feedback.

This latter implementation would include an onboard GPS system that would be used to locate the wearer whilst built-in “vibration motors” could provide feedback; notifying the user of the direction they need to take or when they arrive at their destination.

Meanwhile, the Sensing Wig monitors body temperature, blood pressure and brainwaves and can also record sounds and images to allow wearers to playback their day and see what set their systems aflutter.

“The wig itself may have a fancy or funny appearance, but may also have an inconspicuous appearance so that other people in the surroundings of the user may not even take notice of the wearable computing device.”

A spokeswoman for Sony said Thursday that patents for the SmartWig had been filed in the European Union and the United States, although there were currently no plans to commercialise the product.