Is This Object a Micro Electrode Implant for Ear Canal Remote Operation? Identification Help

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#1 21663205 27 Jul 2012 14:56

Jason Peterson Jason Peterson

Anonymous
Post #1
21663205 27 Jul 2012 14:56

I have a picture of an object that I found on the internet. I would like to know what it is. My suspicion is that it is a micro electrode that can be installed in someones ear canal. Then it can be operated long distance via cell phone waves or from a satellite. I would like to know if this looks like what it could be. Could you tell me if it looks like it has the components to be that--a receiver, chip, speaker, antenna, etc--or whatever it would need to function that way. I am a novice when it comes to electrical engineering. It looks like it has several little holes that look like they can be holes for micro-screws or something like that to attach to an ear bone. If you tilt the computer monitor to the side you will see wave-like patterns reflecting off the material, which may give a clue to what the object is or what the material is made of. Do you think this would be detectable with an MRI or CT scan? Which one? As much information as you can tell me about this object would be great.
Thank You

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#2 21663206 27 Jul 2012 15:01

Richard Comerford Richard Comerford

Anonymous

Post #2
21663206 27 Jul 2012 15:01

Jason, how do you know from this picture what the size of the device is? Frankly, there isn't enough resolution for me to be able to see any detail. I think what you are proposing may be a little too sci-fi. But please supply more data.
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#3 21663207 27 Jul 2012 15:10

Joe Wolin Joe Wolin

Anonymous

Post #3
21663207 27 Jul 2012 15:10

Is there a higher-resolution photo you can attach? What website did you find this on?
#4 21663208 27 Jul 2012 15:47

Jason Peterson Jason Peterson

Anonymous

Post #4
21663208 27 Jul 2012 15:47

That is all the data I have and it is the best resolution I can get. If you copy the image to a photo viewer you may get better resolution. Do your best job of evaluating the picture based on all you can see.
#5 21663209 27 Jul 2012 16:01

Richard Comerford Richard Comerford

Anonymous

Post #5
21663209 27 Jul 2012 16:01

OK, it looks like a temperature sensor that goes on the back of a refrigeration unit.
#6 21663210 27 Jul 2012 16:07

Jason Peterson Jason Peterson

Anonymous

Post #6
21663210 27 Jul 2012 16:07

Problem is it is very small. And why would it have 4 micro-screw holes on each of the two rectangles on the bottom left and right. And what looks like a rubber antenna hanging off to the left from the top.
#7 21663211 27 Jul 2012 16:10

Richard Comerford Richard Comerford

Anonymous

Post #7
21663211 27 Jul 2012 16:10

How do you know it's very small?
#8 21663212 27 Jul 2012 16:14

Richard Comerford Richard Comerford

Anonymous

Post #8
21663212 27 Jul 2012 16:14

(Bear in mind, my head is actually larger than it looks in the accompanying picture
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#9 21663213 27 Jul 2012 16:26

Jason Peterson Jason Peterson

Anonymous

Post #9
21663213 27 Jul 2012 16:26

I am assuming it is very small. Perhaps the wave like patterns reflecting off the material when you turn the computer monitor sideways at an angle can reveal that. I don't know much about that, but that is my guess. But go with that premise that it is very small. What about the rest of the components? Does it have everything that would be needed for two-way radio control and a speaker.

Is there any way you know anybody on this site who you could message who might be an expert on this kind of stuff?
#10 21663214 27 Jul 2012 16:35

Richard Comerford Richard Comerford

Anonymous

Post #10
21663214 27 Jul 2012 16:35

Jason, what you are seeing when you tilt your screen may be an effect from your display, not the actual device. I do not see it when I look at the device from any angle. As to the components, I really can't see what they are from the picture. What you see as an antenna I interpret as a sensor.

I'm sorry, but there really is not enough data here for anyone to draw any sensible conclusions.
#11 21663215 27 Jul 2012 17:19

Mike Clark Mike Clark

Anonymous

Post #11
21663215 27 Jul 2012 17:19

Jason, could it be some sort of adjusting tool? The resolution is really bad if you try to blow it up in an editing format. Looks like a flexible tubing inside a fixed housing of some sort.
#12 21663216 27 Jul 2012 23:46

Frank Bushnell Frank Bushnell

Anonymous

Post #12
21663216 27 Jul 2012 23:46

It's a broken toilet roll holder I got rid of in a garage sale five years ago. Mystery solved.

I always wondered who bought it and what would eventually become of it.

But I never expected it would become an internet celebrity. !-)
#13 21663217 28 Jul 2012 04:09

Subham Chatterjee Subham Chatterjee

Anonymous

Post #13
21663217 28 Jul 2012 04:09

I think it is a temperature sensing probe
#14 21663218 28 Jul 2012 07:54

Jason Peterson Jason Peterson

Anonymous

Post #14
21663218 28 Jul 2012 07:54

What if I said that I was told it is what I am telling you it is. And I just want to confirm it. Can you confirm that it would function like that, or can you rule it out as being an electrode that goes in the ear canal.
#15 21663219 28 Jul 2012 11:15

Steve Lawson Steve Lawson

Anonymous

Post #15
21663219 28 Jul 2012 11:15

Oh that?... why, it's obvious what that is. It's a delayed action snipe lure attachment for a 2 qt Revere-Ware sauce pan.

When snipe hunting, each time the sauce pan is struck by the wooden spoon (a proven method of invoking snipe curiosity), the lure is activated. 625ms later, the lure extends (shown extended in the photo) and wiggles about, simulating the snipes favorite food. The combination of the pan's unique frequency spectrum and the delayed lure action, has proven in 9 out of 10 studies, to be highly effective at producing snipes in abundance!
#16 21663220 28 Jul 2012 18:04

Sarah Harris Sarah Harris

Anonymous

Post #16
21663220 28 Jul 2012 18:04

i'm sorry steve i believe you to be wrong on this one.
it is in reality a prosthetic antenna designed specifically for "Angler Fish" who have been mistaken as hedgehogs and run down on major trunk roads. the micro holes in the device are grip holes to allow the epoxy resin adhesive used to secure the prosthetic antenna securely to the creatures scull.
attached is picture evidence to back up my research.
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#17 21663221 28 Jul 2012 18:33

Jason Peterson Jason Peterson

Anonymous

Post #17
21663221 28 Jul 2012 18:33

The jokes are funny. But I am really looking for some serious help. Anyone out there that can help me, or should I try another forum?
#18 21663222 28 Jul 2012 18:56

Steve Lawson Steve Lawson

Anonymous

Post #18
21663222 28 Jul 2012 18:56

Well, son-of-a-gun. Those dip-wads must have been playing a practical joke on me!!
#19 21663223 28 Jul 2012 18:58

Steve Lawson Steve Lawson

Anonymous

Post #19
21663223 28 Jul 2012 18:58

Sorry, Jason. Couldn't resist. But, chances are you've gotten as much of a serious response as you're going to get. The people on this forum answer pretty quick, so if they haven't come up with it, by now, it probably isn't coming
#20 21663224 31 Jul 2012 09:04

Richard Comerford Richard Comerford

Anonymous

Post #20
21663224 31 Jul 2012 09:04

Jason, I don't know if this will help, but here is an article on " implantable MEMS devices":http://www2.electronicproducts.com/MEMS_Think_outside_the_chip_at_the_package_level-article-farc_softmems_nov2010-html.aspxs
#21 21663225 01 Aug 2012 07:55

Subham Chatterjee Subham Chatterjee

Anonymous

Post #21
21663225 01 Aug 2012 07:55

I cannot assure it but I think
#22 21663226 01 Aug 2012 10:53

Steve Lawson Steve Lawson

Anonymous

Post #22
21663226 01 Aug 2012 10:53

Two problems:

* To transmit to a satellite, or even to the nearest cellphone tower requires more power than could be handled by something that small.
* Even if it could handle that power--two more problems:
- it would get hot enough to cook the ear it was implanted in.
- it would need a power source -- there is nothing that small that could generate the necessary power.
#23 21663227 01 Aug 2012 17:19

Jason Peterson Jason Peterson

Anonymous

Post #23
21663227 01 Aug 2012 17:19

I want to address Steve's comment about the power source. Are you 100% sure about that. Couldn't a small micro chip and micro battery be able to handle those tasks. And do it without heating up. If this technology exists we are talking about a spy technology, which may be years ahead of anything out there that the public knows about. Couldn't the device generate power from electrical impulses in the human body?

Can anyone else comment on this issue?
#24 21663228 01 Aug 2012 17:19

Jason Peterson Jason Peterson

Anonymous

Post #24
21663228 01 Aug 2012 17:19

See comment below about this issue.
#25 21663229 01 Aug 2012 18:18

Chuck Sydlo Chuck Sydlo

Anonymous

Post #25
21663229 01 Aug 2012 18:18

James Bond can do a lot of things in the movies that normal people can't replicate. No one can be 100% sure of something like this, but you can be sure that people glom onto useful technology as quickly as they can. What you take for granted, like an I Phone or a laptop was Sci-Fi 40 years ago. If you think of Dick Tracy from the 1930s, he had a wrist watch video phone. It is available today but is still bulky. With nanotechnology it MIGHT be possible but probably not at todays level of technology. You can argue the odds on that statement but not the statement itself. It almost seems you want someone to state this is probable and you won't get that without providing some more information. I'm still waiting for my George Jetson style flying car that folds up into a suitcase.
#26 21663230 02 Aug 2012 03:23

Steve Lawson Steve Lawson

Anonymous

Post #26
21663230 02 Aug 2012 03:23

We're getting closer to the wrist video device. Corning just announced glass so thin it can bend without breaking. They call it willow glass [http://www.technewsworld.com/story/75292.html] and it should reduce the thickness of such things as the touch/video screens in cellphones by about a third (i.e. making a video wrist watch more possible)

BUT

There's still the problem of a power source. The energy density technology has been stalled for some time, now. Sure their have been advances, but nothing that would make such small devices practical. [unless, you used some kind of nuclear power. And even that probably wouldn't be enough power, because the only kind of nuclear that would have that kind of power is fission, and I don't think you could achieve critical mass in such a small space, and even if you could, where would you put the shielding?]

You need a lot of power to transmit to a cell tower and even more to get to a satellite. If the power could be directed (e.g. with a dish or yagi antenna) then perhaps the power requirement could be reduced enough, but i doubt it [for it to be directional, the person with the implant (or wrist to-way TV) would have to not move after the thing was aligned!]
#27 21663231 02 Aug 2012 04:09

Jason Peterson Jason Peterson

Anonymous

Post #27
21663231 02 Aug 2012 04:09

To Steve's last comment. What about these implantable MEMS devices that deliver a drug to cardiac patients? They work by telemetry. And they are very small.

I'm not saying its probable, just that I would really like to know what this thing is, and I have some other circumstantial evidence that suggests that the object is what I am saying it is.

I'm not an electrical engineer, but it seems to me that if you think of earbuds that the secret service wears, well wouldn't it be very useful in certain spy circumstances to make them invisible to the outside of the ear and put them in the ear canal. It just seems like a simple shrinking of the technology, and I just assumed this was possible with the way computer chips keep shrinking in size.
#28 21663232 02 Aug 2012 09:31

Richard Comerford Richard Comerford

Anonymous

Post #28
21663232 02 Aug 2012 09:31

The only practical power source in this case would be a rechargeable battery with wireless charging, energy harvesting, or both. It's possible to do both today. Remember, while energy harvesting may seem like future technology, it's actually been around since the self-winding wristwatch.
#29 21663233 02 Aug 2012 10:02

Steve Lawson Steve Lawson

Anonymous

Post #29
21663233 02 Aug 2012 10:02

How long do you suppose a battery that small will be able to power an RF broadcast before needing a recharge? Consider the range needed for that broadcast. And do you really think enough energy could harvested for such an application?

And, do you really think there is enough room for a receiver coil in a wireless power transfer application? Consider length of charging time, and the amount of energy transfer required.
#30 21663234 02 Aug 2012 10:08

Richard Comerford Richard Comerford

Anonymous

Post #30
21663234 02 Aug 2012 10:08

I guess you are assuming a high duty cycle on this device. I am not. And just how small are you assuming the battery has to be? (Remember too that money is no object.)
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers on identifying an object suspected to be a micro electrode implant designed for ear canal remote operation via cellular or satellite signals. The image quality and resolution are insufficient for definitive analysis, leading to varied interpretations including a temperature sensor, a refrigeration unit component, or even a broken toilet roll holder. Technical feasibility concerns are raised regarding power requirements for transmission to cell towers or satellites, heat generation, and the size constraints of power sources and antennas in such a small device. Implantable MEMS devices with telemetry capabilities are referenced as existing technology, but current energy density and miniaturization limits challenge the practicality of a fully implantable, long-range communication device without external components. Wireless power transfer and energy harvesting are noted as potential power solutions, though limitations in battery size, charging time, and energy transfer efficiency remain critical issues. Comparisons to cochlear implants highlight the necessity of external components for power and signal transmission. The consensus is that while the object cannot be conclusively identified as an ear canal micro electrode implant, the probability is low given current technological constraints. The discussion also touches on the speculative nature of advanced spy technology and the gap between science fiction and present-day engineering capabilities.

FAQ

TL;DR: About a third thinner glass screens hint at miniaturization, but “You need a lot of power to transmit to a cell tower,” so a tiny ear‑canal transceiver is unlikely from this photo alone. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663230] Why it matters: People search how to identify mystery gadgets and assess implant claims safely; this FAQ is for non‑engineers seeking practical, evidence‑based guidance.

Quick Facts

A single low‑resolution photo cannot prove implant function; screen glare can mimic features. [Elektroda, Richard Comerford, post #21663214]
Cell/satellite transmission needs substantial power; tiny devices risk heating nearby tissue. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663226]
A receive‑only ear device is far more feasible than a full transceiver. [Elektroda, Richard Comerford, post #21663236]
“The only practical power source…is a rechargeable battery with wireless charging or energy harvesting.” [Elektroda, Richard Comerford, post #21663232]
Real implants (e.g., cochlear) use large coupled coils; the external unit supplies power and signal. [Elektroda, Chuck Sydlo, post #21663238]

Does the picture show a micro‑electrode ear implant for remote control?

No one could confirm that from the thread. The image lacks scale and clarity. Reflections may be display artifacts. Experts noted it could be a sensor‑like object, not an antenna, and said there isn’t enough data for conclusions. [Elektroda, Richard Comerford, post #21663214]

Could a tiny ear device transmit to a cell tower or satellite?

Unlikely. Transmission range requires notable RF power. That power in a very small enclosure risks heating tissue and needs a battery that tiny form factors cannot support safely. “It would get hot enough to cook the ear,” one expert warned. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663226]

Would a receive‑only earpiece be more realistic?

Yes. A receiver consumes far less power than a transceiver. That makes miniature receive‑only devices more plausible than units that also transmit. One expert summarized the assumption: “this is a receiver, not a transmitter.” [Elektroda, Richard Comerford, post #21663236]

What power options exist for very small implants?

Options include a rechargeable micro‑battery plus wireless charging, energy harvesting, or both. Energy harvesting is not new; think self‑winding watches. Practical capacity and coil size still constrain tiny implants. “The only practical power source…is a rechargeable battery,” said one engineer. [Elektroda, Richard Comerford, post #21663232]

Could body electricity alone power long‑range radio?

No. Harvested energy levels are too low for sustained long‑range RF. Small receiver coils also limit wireless charging rates and storage. Experts questioned whether enough energy could be harvested or transferred in the available volume. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663233]

Would such a device overheat in use?

If it tried to transmit far, yes. High RF output in a confined ear canal would generate heat and could injure tissue. This is a key failure mode for undersized transmitters. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663226]

What about the visible “holes” and the ‘rubber antenna’ in the photo?

Apparent features may be misleading without scale. What looks like an antenna could be a sensor element or tubing. Reflections can create false detail. Identification needs better imagery and context. [Elektroda, Richard Comerford, post #21663214]

Could it be a temperature probe or refrigeration sensor instead?

Yes, that’s a reasonable alternative. One participant identified the form factor as similar to a refrigeration temperature sensor mounted near a unit’s back panel. [Elektroda, Richard Comerford, post #21663209]

How do real hearing implants handle power and signal?

Cochlear systems split tasks: an external module with a large coil transmits power and data across the skin to the internal implant. This avoids large internal batteries but requires sizable coupling hardware. [Elektroda, Chuck Sydlo, post #21663238]

What is MEMS, and does it prove this is an implant?

MEMS means micro‑electro‑mechanical systems. They enable tiny sensors and actuators, including medical devices. A link was shared about implantable MEMS, but it does not identify the pictured object as one. [Elektroda, Richard Comerford, post #21663224]

Is there any consensus from the thread?

No. Suggestions ranged from temperature probe to unrelated household hardware, with jokes highlighting uncertainty. Respondents said a firm ID was unlikely without more data. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663223]

How can I properly identify unknown hardware from a photo?

Do this: 1) Provide scale (ruler/coin) and multiple angles. 2) Share original, high‑resolution images. 3) Include context (where found, markings). These steps let experts compare known parts. [Elektroda, Joe Wolin, post #21663207]

Could MRI or CT confirm an implant like this?

The thread could not assess imaging detectability because the photo lacked detail and scale. An expert cautioned that even perceived textures might be display artifacts. Seek clinical imaging advice with proper context. [Elektroda, Richard Comerford, post #21663214]

Are secret‑service‑style ‘invisible’ earbuds two‑way radios?

Operational sets typically include a receiver in‑ear and a separate body‑worn transmitter/microphone. A full two‑way radio inside the ear is far harder due to power and heat. One participant revised assumptions upon this point. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21663237]