Microsoft seeks patent for office 'spy' software

First I read an interesting/intimidating article from The Times: Microsoft seeks patent for office 'spy' software

Microsoft submitted a patent application in the US for a “unique monitoring system” that could link workers to their computers. 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.

The system could also “automatically detect frustration or stress in the user” and “offer and provide assistance accordingly”. Physical changes to an employee would be matched to an individual psychological profile based on a worker’s weight, age and health. If the system picked up an increase in heart rate or facial expressions suggestive of stress or frustration, it would tell management that he needed help.

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Then ER shed some more light on the subject:

Microsoft revs its patent machine

“However, I'm hearing that this patent is more aimed at building a more useful and relevant help system into software than it is at offering a snooping tool for bosses.”

“This particular patent application, in general, describes an innovation aimed at improving activity-monitoring systems and uses the monitoring of user heart rate as an example of the kind of physical state that could be monitored to detect when users need assistance with their activities, and to offer assistance by putting them in touch with other users who may be able to help," Gutierrez said.
"It is important to keep in mind that with most organizations in the business of innovation, some of our patent applications reflect inventions
that are currently present in our products, and other applications represent innovations being developed for potential future use."

Maybe this technology is being researched as they enter the robotics race (Microsoft Center for Innovative Robotics) such as "remote presence," or smart products that can alert the elderly to take medication at the prescribed time, for example.” I think mostly of this technology being used with the elderly or who are under medical care.