Speech-Jamming Gun Silences From 30 Meters 370
MrSeb writes "Japanese researchers have created a hand-held gun that can jam the words of speakers who are more than 30 meters (100ft) away. The gun has two purposes, according to the researchers: At its most basic, this gun could be used in libraries and other quiet spaces to stop people from speaking — but its second application is a lot more chilling. The researchers were looking for a way to stop 'louder, stronger' voices from saying more than their fair share in conversation. The paper reads: 'We have to establish and obey rules for proper turn-taking when speaking. However, some people tend to lengthen their turns or deliberately interrupt other people when it is their turn in order to establish their presence rather than achieve more fruitful discussions. Furthermore, some people tend to jeer at speakers to invalidate their speech.' In other words, this speech-jamming gun was built to enforce 'proper' conversations."
Let me say this about it ... (Score:5, Funny)
Is this new? (Score:5, Funny)
Conventional firearms have been effective at silencing speakers for centuries. Do we really need this?
Three hurras for the STFUgun! (Score:5, Funny)
Hip! hip! H....
So it's basically a mute button for people? (Score:5, Funny)
There's a Nobel prize waiting for the person who invents a way to use this over the Internet. Possibly the Nobel Peace Prize itself.
The Obligatory XKCD (Score:5, Funny)
http://xkcd.com/368/ [xkcd.com]
Re:Dolores Umbridge (Score:4, Funny)
If it's important enough to say, it's important enough to carve into the back of your hand.
Won't work with politicians (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Is this new? (Score:3, Funny)
Yes. In places outside of Texas this is not yet accepted as a method of ending a casual conversation.
Re:Umm (Score:5, Funny)
Re:see, here's the fatal flaw with this idea... (Score:5, Funny)
Silencing guns don't silence people. People silence people.</sarcasm>
Re:Big Brother is speaking (Score:5, Funny)
"Silence, peon"?! Dude, think of the children! I mean seriously, think of the awesome power of this tool when used on children. Screaming in the back seat? Being asked a third time for candy before dinner? Grocery store tantrums that everyone notices? Not anymore!
This is probably the best parenting tool to come along since the willow reed or the TV!
On another note - this thing looks like it could be bypassed with the simple expedient of plugging your ears while speaking. If you wanted to get all technical with countermeasures, it'd be interesting to see what constructive interference does to mute the loud inconvenient person
Re:see, here's the fatal flaw with this idea... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Big Brother is speaking (Score:1, Funny)
SSiIlLeEnNcCe, pPeEoOnN. YYoOuUrR mMuUsStT wWaAiItT yYoOuUrR tTuUrRnN. AAnNdD nNoOtT yYeElLlL. IIfF yYoOuU sSpPeEaAkK oOuUtT oOfF tTuUrRnN oOrR tToOoO lLoOuUdDlLyY, yYoOuU wWiIlLlL bBeE mMuUtTeEdD.