THE "HEART" IS A WINDOW INTO THE MIND, BODY, & SOUL
Biometric information is valuable “currency” in the 21st Century. Biometrics are, unique, measurable information specific to each and every one of us. Common biometric information are fingerprints, iris recognition, voiceprint, and “Facial I.D.”. Some other, less commonly discussed, biometric data are things like bone measurements, various organ size (heart, lungs, etc.), gait, emotional responses, and even brainwaves (brainprint). There is much to learn about each and every one of us if the subtle, subconscious, and autonomic signals can be captured and “decoded”. This information belongs to YOU… NOT BIG TECH…
Accessing biometric information is possible through a variety of methods. Biometric feedback can be cataloged , stored, monetized, and used for all types of “analysis”. Cameras and microphones are common "integrated sensors" considered when we think of Big Tech gathering information about individuals. This is true, but, only scratches the surface. There are other ways to gather and analyze biometric information.
A heartbeat is a measurable function in the body. There are a variety of ways to gather this information (ECG / EKG) as well as other circulatory specific information. A heartbeat can be measured with contact electrodes and capacitive fields with devices like a smart watch, modern earphones, as well as, other types of health monitoring equipment that measure Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). Heart related information can also be measured with light. Big Tech is actively working on integrating these technologies into daily life.
A heartbeat can be gathered with wireless signal interference measurements (radar technology). A detailed experiment describing a method to monitor a "continuous heart-based biometric" using 2.4 GHZ spectrum (same as WiFi) states that a “Doppler radar sensor can directly measure the motion of internal organs”. This experiment discusses the combined use of Doppler Radar and Interferometric Radar to extract specific heart beat data. Radar technology has been miniaturized and deployed in many commonly used devices such as mobile phones, vehicles, and various location based applications. Radar is useful for many, many things, including personal enrichment ($$$ for Tech to China,???).
US Patent 20170311831 - Non-contact body and head based monitoring of brain electrical activity discusses extracting brain waves in real time using “sensors” that do not require direct contact with the body or the head. The specific language from this patent states that, “The non-body contact directional EEG device... ...does not require close proximity or contact to the head or body below the head to acquire EEG signal... ...permits this system to obtain EEG signals from the body below the head without contact from the head or body from 10 inches or more away from an individual... ...is capable of converting the incredibly small amount of detected nanovolt energy into usable information.”
US Patent 20170311831 discusses brainwave extraction through capturing the electrical activity of a heart beat, and then removing the irrelevant signals, leaving detailed brainwave information. The patent states,"...signal components in the raw signals resulting from electrical activity of a person's heart are actively attenuated. ...signal components resulting from electrical activity of a person's heart are entirely cancelled by active cancellation… … to produce analysis signals including frequency components relevant to brain electrical activity. ”
Technology companies are rapidly deploying technologies which can actively monitor “vital signature” information continuously, in real time. Neteera has some good videos “showcasing” their technology. Vayyar has a “promo video” on their website as well. It is obvious to see the benefits of this technology after viewing the “highlights”. I doubt these companies want to be the first to tell you that their “chips” can provide a gateway to the private thoughts of their customers.
This, and other technology will, unquestionably, be “included” in products and services that the general population will purchase. Things like cars, couches, electronics, and even clothing are quickly becoming "smart". The possibilities are endless as this technology is made smaller, more flexible, and resistant to damage. Will Americans have a choice to keep their thoughts private? Will Big Tech and Government forcibly access "a window into the soul” of each and every one of us? Are you exempt from monitoring if your office cubicle neighbor, fellow restaurant patron, or a nearby commuter vehicle is equipped with this, or similar, technology?
Software Defined Radio, Radio Frequency MEMS, and API’s, when combined, provide just a sample “recipe” of how something like a cell phone, television, tablet, or modern household appliance could integrate the hardware/software configurations necessary for this technology to improve “consumer convenience”. Is this technology already deployed amongst the infinite number of Connected Devices, WiFi Access Points, and Cellular Sites? What are the current capabilities regarding “remote” monitoring of the general population? Do ANT(+) Networks and other similar technologies currently integrated within consumer devices offer a gateway to nearby "minds"? Device compatibility and inter-operability solutions utilize similar software to manage things like frequency and spectrum use, device and connection interference, as well as, multi-connection management and prioritization [1-99].
A final thought… How do biometric collection technologies, and the various implementations, stack up against the 4th Amendment or other “American Fundamentals” codified within the United States Constitution? Invasive seizure of any person's biometric information is just like "showing your papers” to a foot-soldier on the street in Nazi Germany.