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Microsoft Applies For "Digital Manners" Patent

Posted by samzenpus on from the what-mouse-do-you-use-for-salad dept.

SirLurksAlot writes "Ars Technica reports that Microsoft has recently applied for a patent for a technology which would attempt to enforce manners in the use of cell phones, digital cameras, DVRs and other digital devices. According to the article, the technology could be used to bring common social conventions such as 'No flash photography' and 'No talking out loud' to these devices by disabling features or disabling the device entirely. The article also points out that the technology could be implemented in situations involving sensitive equipment, such as in airplanes or hospitals. The patent application itself is also an interesting read, as it describes a number of possible uses for the technology, including 'in particular zones to limit the speed and/or acceleration of vehicles, to require the use of lights, to verify an indication of insurance coverage and/or current registration, or the like.' While this technology could certainly be of interest to any number of organizations one has to wonder how the individuals who own devices which obey so-called 'Digital Manners Policies' would feel about it."

6 of 289 comments (clear)

  1. Okay by Auckerman · · Score: 4, Interesting

    So the camera I have now will magically follow this, as will the untold millions of cameras currently in use.

    I prefer the good old fashioned calling people out method of enforcement. I've had a professor who answered peoples cell phones, I've seen a recital stopped completely because of a camera and the person kicked out. Anyhow, anything I own should never be under your control. Sorry, but it's just that way.

    The only reason ideas of this caliber get used in mass is so that those who have power can remove what little power the rest have. Organize protest, sorry you cameras can't work, it's for the safety of those around you.

    I'm also seriously beginning to think that there is a group of people in this world who consider better communication and record keeping on the part of the masses is a bad thing and should be stopped.

    --

    Burn Hollywood Burn
    1. Re:Okay by Weedlekin · · Score: 4, Interesting

      "I'm also seriously beginning to think that there is a group of people in this world who consider better communication and record keeping on the part of the masses is a bad thing and should be stopped."

      The English language, expressive beastie that it is, already has a term for such groups of people: governments.

      Governments classify monitoring and recording technology using the following simple rule:

      Technology which allows governments, their agents, and wealthy and powerful people who own both to monitor and record the activities of those who aren't part of the government or its owners is good, and therefore compulsory.

      Technology that allows others to monitor and record the activities of the government, its agents, or the wealthy who own them is bad, and must be outlawed or carry the capability to be disabled whenever there is a potential for inconvenience to government, its agents, or their owners.

      --
      I'm not going to change your sheets again, Mr. Hastings.
  2. Re:Stupid idea. by BiggerIsBetter · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Because it'll be enforced by law, probably for reasons of safety, or by some company policy that effects you.

    --
    Forget thrust, drag, lift and weight. Airplanes fly because of money.
  3. And tell me, Mr. Anderson... by katz · · Score: 3, Interesting

    ...what good is a phone call if you're unable to speak?

    "According to the article the technology could be used to bring common social conventions such as 'No flash photography' and ****'No talking out loud'**** to these devices by disabling features or disabling the device entirely." [emphasis mine].

  4. Re:Prior Art ? by lolop · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The PhD student who was in my room one year ago (Cyril Rousseau) already worked on context adaptation of devices communication modalities.

    See:
    http://portal.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1148558
    http://www.limsi.fr/Individu/rousseau/most/index

    He wrote a phone-like prototype and used his software in an industrial project.

    Where is Microsoft innovation ?

    --
    -- Laurent Pointal
  5. Re:Prior Art ? by leonardluen · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Who really cares about prior art for this? i hope MS does get their patent. i also hope that they use it to send their lawyers after anyone that even thinks about implementing something like this.

    this is something i don't think any of us want implemented. i hate cellphones, and would very much like it if they could be disabled in some public places, but it concerns me that if we let this "Digital Manners" propagate it will get out of control.