Microsoft Aims For Innovative Crypto Mining Facility through Human Activity, Files New Patent

Well, as the crypto markets continue to move ahead, big tech giants are showing an increasing interest in crypto-related activities. Tech giant Microsoft is exploring innovative ways for crypto mining activities.

Since we know that cryptocurrency mining is an energy-intensive task requiring high electricity, many people are working on having energy efficient solutions. Working on similar lines, Microsoft has filed a new patent application with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) last Thursday.

The overall concept proposed by Microsoft is that users can mine cryptocurrencies using the data collected from humans just as they do any exercise or read an advertisement. The patent application notes that the sensors can detect any activity associated with any specific tasks such as the time spent viewing ads and further convert it into a computer-readable data to solve any computational problems.

"Instead of massive computation work required by some conventional cryptocurrency systems, data generated based on the body activity of the user can be a proof-of-work, and therefore, a user can solve the computationally difficult problem unconsciously," the patent application reads.

Besides, the system can also use any physical exertion to mine digital currencies. The sensors can easily detect when anybody is doing any physical task at a faster pulse rate and further use that same data to unlock blocks in a cryptocurrency blockchain.

Besides, the scanners connected to the head can detect activity from specific tasks like mental concentrations. Later, this energy can be used further for verifying blocks as well as reward the user with cryptocurrencies.

While the entire concept looks very novel it is not completely alien. Back in 2017, a Netherlands-based company proposed a similar concept of using human produce energy to mine cryptocurrencies.

Note that this is just a patent concept at this stage from Microsoft. It is not clear as to how the company will move ahead in actually pursuing this project.

But it seems that cryptocurrency mining has been a subject of solid interest for some companies. Recently, a nominee to CME Group’s director position proposed that the financial services giant should consider venturing in the crypto mining space to create alternate revenue stream for its investors.