The Japanese are the masters of taking an available technology and miniaturizing it. The gadgets become smaller, smarter and sleeker each year. Now they have come up with the ultimate in miniaturization, by creating the prototype of a device which could effectively turn your very skin into a monitor screen.

The device which the research team at the University of Tokyo is currently working on comprises of polymer LEDs with organic photodetectors. These have been mounted on a flexible rubber substrate which is connected to a sensor that measures blood oxygen levels when attached to the human hand. As of now the tiny device is attached to the hand by using clingfilm.

Of course the proof of concept device that is currently being worked on is in a very rudimentary form but eventually the final version should look just like an LED tattoo on your skin. Naturally when it works it will herald a new generation of wearable technology.

Imagine not having to carry your smartphone, or even wear your smartwatch because you can get all the data you need from the cloud directly on your skin. Now this is one science project that the sci fi writer could have an absolute blast with.