Japan-based consumer electronics giant Sony has filed an application seeking patent for hairpieces called "SmartWig" that could be easily communicate with other wearable technologies like computer glasses.

In its patent application, filed with the U. S. Patent & Trademark Office, Sony said that SmartWig, depending on the model, might include a laser pointer, GPS sensor or a camera.

Describing the device, Sony said, "It is an object to provide an improved wearable computing device. At least one sensor, the processing unit and the communication interface are arranged in the wig and at least partly covered by the wig in order to be visually hidden during use."

The potential device will help users in checking blood pressure and even flip through slides in a presentation, and even navigating roads.

Confirming the patent application, Sony spokesperson Saori Takahashi, also revealed that the device was invented by Hiroaki Tobita of Sony Computer Science Laboratories. The wig could be prepared from horse hair, yak hair, buffalo hair, human hair, feathers, wool, or from some synthetic material.

Tokyo-based Ichiyoshi Asset Management's Mitsushige Akino praised the potential technology as an "interesting idea", but added that it would not be easy to for Sony to commercialize it.

Shares of Sony gained 1.1 per cent to 1,869 yen (US$18.28) apiece in Tokyo trading on Wednesday.