Man instead of ASIC: Microsoft has applied for a patent for a new cryptographic and mining system

   Microsoft wants to patent the cryptographic software based on the PoW consensus. However, instead of video cards or ASIC-miners the system uses "human body activity data".

Microsoft has applied for a patent for a "cryptovoltaic system that uses human body activity data". The application says that this will allow people to get cryptovite without additional devices and will eliminate the need for ASIC-miners.

According to the application, "human body activity" can be directly used for mining: "brain wave or body heat emitted by user when he performs task provided by information or service provider, for example, viewing advertisement or using certain internet services, can be used in the process of obtaining crypt-currency".

The document goes on to say that this activity will replace the "massive computing work" required for some traditional cryptographic-currency systems. This is because data obtained from human activity can be seen as proof of work and, "therefore, the user can, without realizing it, solve a complex computational problem".

For certain tasks different amount of computational energy will be required. A system that uses data on human body activity is likely to work through a server that sends a command to a portable device. Body activity data can be generated based on user activity. A cryptographic mapping system associated with a user's device can check whether the body activity data meets one or more of the conditions set by the system, and translate the cryptographic data to the user as a reward.

Microsoft does not yet report whether the new cryptographic software will be based on an existing blockbuster or whether the company will create its own platform.

In 2018, researchers at the Institute of Human Obsolescence found that 44,000 people needed body energy to extract 1 BTC. Now that figure is much higher.