Microsoft seeks patent for office 'spy' software
Microsoft is developing Big Brother-style software capable of remotely
monitoring a worker’s productivity, physical wellbeing and competence.
Monitoring system
Abstract
The invention relates to a stand-alone video recording, playback and
Monitoring system. It has network switches, non-volatile storage devices,
IP cameras, video servers, and NTSC cameras. The system uses
communication channels that are WAN/LAN based and can be hard-wired or
wireless and has a flexibly implemented watchdog to detect, for example,
hardware and power failure as well as other failures in the system.
Labor unions said they fear that employees could be dismissed on the basis of a computer's assessment of their physiological state.
Wireless sensors could read "heart rate, galvanic skin response, EMG, brain signals, respiration rate, body temperature, movement facial movements, facial expressions and blood pressure," the application states.