With people constantly being overheard, the idea of keeping conversations going in an open and honest manner seems impossible, especially in a noisy room.
Now, researchers have created a novel device that can do just that.
The invention is the brainchild of Professor Andrew Hodge, from the University of Newcastle, and has been tested by the Royal Veterinary College in London.
The device uses electrodes to stimulate people’s brain activity in a way that encourages people to talk, and it can be worn as a necklace or wristband.
Its creators say the device is a breakthrough in how to keep conversations going, in a situation where people are constantly being heard and the conversation can be noisy.
“The device could be used to encourage people to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences,” Professor Hodge told BBC News.
“We want to develop a wearable device that is both comfortable and practical, allowing people to have the conversation without interruption.”
If we want to encourage more people to engage in conversations, we should be able to do that through technology that’s affordable and available.
“What is the VVPAT?
The device is made of a soft gel-like material and consists of an electrode that is placed in the middle of the wearer’s skull, and an attached cord that runs from the electrode to a contact lens.
The electrode then travels through the gel and into the person’s brain, which sends electrical impulses through the device to stimulate the wearer.
When the electrical signal is turned on, the person will speak, which can then be heard through headphones.
The electrodes are designed to be worn in a wide range of different styles, from a bracelet to wristbands.”
What we’ve done is developed a new type of contact lens that’s compatible with any number of devices,” Professor Kallis said.”
You can wear it with a necklace, you can wear with a bracelet that’s a little bit more flexible, you wear it as a wristband that has a lot of contact lenses that are also compatible with it, and so on.
“He added that the device would be “the most advanced contact lens device ever” and would be available to customers by the end of next year.
How does it work?
The electrodes attach to the scalp of the patient, and the cord is attached to a necklace.
The wearer sits in a chair, and a microphone is connected to the earphones.
The phone or headphones are attached to the head.
The headphones have to be connected to a microphone, and then a video feed is sent to the wearable device.
The wearable device then sends a signal to the phone, which turns the phone into a remote controlled device that records the conversation.
The team is now looking at a range of devices, from smart watches to smart phones.
They hope the device will be used for monitoring health conditions and learning more about what people are talking about.”
“
You don’t have to sit in front of a computer screen, you just have to put it on your head and listen.”