Chatty urinal coming to a men's room near you

Using the bathroom is supposed to be something discreet. Occasional small talk is permissible, but who would want a talking urinal?

Apparently, Dr. Richard Deutsch did, and the Wizmark Urinal Communicator speaks volumes...literally. Like the popular automatic flush in many public restrooms, the Communicator has a motion sensor that's activated when the user comes within 1 to 2 feet of it.

Currently, the speakers spurt out positive messages, including ones trying to help curb drunk driving, such as:

"Hey you! Yeah, you. Having a few drinks? Then listen up! Think you had one too many? Then it's time to call a cab, or call a sober friend for a ride home. It sure is safer and a hell of a lot cheaper than a DUI. Make the smart choice tonight, don't drink and drive."

But of course, those speakers could also spurt out advertising messages, and the gadget's LCD screen is the perfect size for a company logo. Deutsch, indeed, has such intentions.

And, according to Engadget, Deutsch plans to install the little device at the base of the interior of the urinal, and is constructing the Communicator to spray a perfume to enhance the users, um, post-lavatory experience. Ah, relief.

At this point, the device will be installed in urinals only, so Deutsch's clever little invention could entice males into spending longer in the bathroom. If not, well, someone should put couches into men's bathrooms.