Synchronous Stone (3/31/2010)

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Here’s a short summary of a concept that would synchronize the lives of two people.

Two users would each have a small hand held device in the shape of a stone that is network connected and paired with a second identical device.  Embedded within the stone is a temperature sensor and force sensing resistor, which in tandem can determine when someone is holding the device.  When held for prolonged periods, and the device’s sensed temperature passes a threshold, it signals through a network to the other device.  A couple would hold the stone when thinking of the other, synchronizing their thoughts of one another and keeping their individual experiences connected in some way.  Using a pager motor and an LED, the devices communicate to one user when the other is connected.  The LED lightens and dims based on the temperature of the other device, and the pager motor vibrates when a new session begins.