The product is a modified paper bag, sized to fit a human (female) head, a camera and printer, and appropriate software.
Islamic cultures frequently require women to cover their entire body in a concealing garment (Burkha).
This makes it difficult to recognise the individual under the robes.
So, the would-be burkha wearer stands in front of the camera and the system snaps their picture without the burkha. The printer transfers their image onto the paper bag. The user then puts on the burkha and puts the bag over their head. They can then be recognised, but their features are not actually visible. There is a translucent panel in the bag so the wearer can see where they're going.
Allowing for day-to-day changes in hairstyle, makeup, jewelry etc. it is envisaged that the headpiece may be changed once a day, or perhaps more often.
"photo booth" devices could be placed in public areas where burkha-wearers could "refresh" their appearance when away from home.-- 8th of 7, Dec 05 2008 See-through burkha The_20See-Thru_20BurkhaSimilar [8th of 7, Dec 05 2008] Maybe... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8636455.stmHe just tried to assimilate 1 too many people. [4and20, Jun 25 2013] This idea could be extended to include the entire burkha.-- hippo, Dec 05 2008 I think any representation of the human form may be frowned upon, but it's still a worthy idea. +-- xenzag, Dec 05 2008 Many islamic countries have broadcast television; there must be a nifty bit of Doublethink going on somewhere.-- 8th of 7, Dec 05 2008 The point of the burkha, as I gather, is to conceal a woman's beauty so as to avoid any jealousy and ensuing social unrest.
Transposed into western culture, your solution is tantamount to wearing pants/a skirt featuring a print of your genitals at crotch level.
It's so useless I love it :D [+]-- placid_turmoil, Dec 05 2008 //your solution is tantamount to wearing pants/a skirt featuring a print of your genitals at crotch level//You say that like it's a bad thing.-- coprocephalous, Dec 05 2008 //ensuing social unrest//
Sp. "ensuring".-- Spacecoyote, Dec 06 2008 //to conceal a woman's beauty so as to avoid any jealousy and ensuing social unrest//
In that context, it's almost, if not more offensive to men than it is women. Are we such ravenous beasts, devoid of self-control? I suppose criminal history would indicate perhaps we are, but it's not universal.-- Custardguts, Jun 23 2013 I may have mentioned this before, but the ease with which halfbakers can seamlessly continue a conversation after a five year gap makes us prime candidates for handling the communications when we make contact with extraterrestrials.
Which reminds me. Has anyone had contact with the Borg recently?-- MaxwellBuchanan, Jun 23 2013 Nope. I do wonder if their planned upgrade to Windows 8 earlier this year has anything to do with it.
Perhaps an extended series of posts praising cats might lure the assimilated one out?-- not_morrison_rm, Jun 24 2013 There have been some recent ideas which may not have been, although they appeared to be, [borg]-bait. He's not responded, which leads me to believe he's off- planet, or... off-planet.-- lurch, Jun 24 2013 Well, as an assimilated bunch, their lack of variance would make them prone to hacking.
Sad to think of an entire species all sitting there knocking out "I am a Nigerian prince, I need to use your bank account.." until the patch becomes available.-- not_morrison_rm, Jun 24 2013 //...recent ideas which [...] appeared to be, [borg]-bait...//
I would like to remind you at this time that it was EXACTLY that scheme that I employed with my "beanangel bait & search kit" idea --- all ye nay-sayers were put in your proper place when the scheme actually worked! [Beany] came back!
It could definitely work with the Borg. <GROG now dashing off to round up some cats>-- Grogster, Jun 25 2013 Hmm, this idea would work with, for example best friends or sisters. They tell everyone they know they have swapped pictures, so they would be identifiable when passing the street.-- not_morrison_rm, Jun 25 2013 [+] ...yes, missing [8th]....maybe he is wandering around with this on his head!-- xandram, Jun 25 2013 random, halfbakery