Microsoft filed a patent for a system that incorporates sensors into a computer to monitor the health and mental state of its user. The system checks heart rate, breathing, body temperature, facial expressions and blood pressure via wireless sensors, with an aim to increase productivity and worker happiness. The system also includes supervisory controls to monitor users and offer guidance if they’re stuck on a particular task.

An overview of the patent language on Information Week discusses the application as “activity-centric monitoring”. I don’t think this invasive tool would go over well in the western world where freedom is highly valued. I imagine it would create a strong worker resistance, particularly if used in a heavy-handed fashion by managers only concerned about production.

I find the wireless sensor network intriguing from a health monitoring aspect, but would we really want always-on devices that constantly monitor us in real-time?

Most Commented Posts