A PROGRAMMABLE tattoo is being patented by Interval Research of Palo Alto,
California (WO 96/39977). A small liquid-crystal display is inserted just
beneath the skin on the wrist, where most people wear a watch. Because human
skin is partially transparent, the display is clearly visible.
The display is connected to a control chip and power comes from a small
battery. Both of these are implanted beneath the skin. Implanting is an
outpatient operation and the battery can be recharged inductively, by holding
the wrist near a charger.
As well as being a fashion accessory, the tattoo could contain biosensors to
monitor temperature and blood pressure, and display these readings—with a
clock showing the time. But the device could have a more serious purpose. It
could be used for electronic tagging.
