Mining of cryptocurrencies with the energy of the human body or brain

Microsoft has filed a patent that includes a new concept – mining cryptocurrencies with the energy of the human body or brain. The concept is called “Cryptocurrency system using body activity data”. It would replace hardware-based mining with energy generated by the human body or brain.

“The brain waves or body heat emitted by the user when he or she performs the task determined by an information or service provider, such as viewing an advertisement or using certain Internet services, can be used in the exploitation process.”

The patent claims that this type of activity would replace the “massive computing work” currently required by some conventional cryptocurrency systems. This is because the data collected from the activity of the body could be considered as proof-of-work:

“Therefore, a user can unconsciously solve difficult problems.”

Mining of cryptocurrencies with the energy of the human body or brain

The presentation of the concept claims that certain tasks would reduce or increase the computing energy accordingly, depending on how much activity they generate. The cryptocurrency system that uses human body activity data would most likely work through a server that gives a command to a portable device.

Body activity data can be generated based on the user’s perceived body activity. A cryptocurrency system coupled to the user’s device can verify that the body activity data meets the predetermined conditions. It will transfer the cryptocurrencies generated to the user whose bodily activity data is verified.

Microsoft did not specify in what context this human energy-based system could be used. Documents submitted to the US Patent Office do not mention a particular blockchain or if the tech giant plans to create its own framework.