On the 29th of May Microsoft filed a patent application for an attention-grabbing new technology that attempts to enforce what Microsoft identifies in their application as a "digital manners policy" (DMP). The patent delineates proposals for a technology, which can affect the use of mobile phones, digital cameras and other digital devices.

The technology seemingly has the capacity to bring devices into parallel with what can be called common social conventions, ensuring compliance with rules and etiquette. In simple terms, the technology will restrict the use of particular features of a device in certain locations, which can be achieved by disabling such features or the device entirely.

It would be a challenge to find someone who has not faced interruption in the cinema from the ringing of another's mobile phone. DMP technology is attractive in the sense that (as cited in the patent) it may be used to automatically switch mobile phones to vibrate mode in a cinema. The technology may further be utilised in a hospital or onboard an aircraft to restrict mobile phone usage.

The patent application also envisages that the technology can be operated to disable cameras in sensitive security areas. The patent even goes as far as saying that the technology could be used:

"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.”

It would appear that Microsoft have a vision for the technology which seems to be wide reaching for what is described in the patent application itself as "socially undesirable" intrusions. On the one hand this is encouraging and can be seen as an initially attractive concept. However, although the patent application is in its infancy hostility has already been cast in its direction. For example, is it realistic to expect consumers to willingly submit to the technology? While it is highly desirable not to have the infuriating interruption of a mobile phone ringing in the cinema, it is true that those who are troubled about such intrusions are likely to switch their own phones off or to silent in the film theatre without the aid of DMP technology to do it for them. Those that are not equally courteous would be unlikely to accept the existence of DMP technology controlling their phone.

Furthermore, Microsoft quite clearly has filed the patent application as they see this as an area where money is to be made. However, the issue of whether an organisation would be willing to pay for the technology attracts attention. It is a case of need versus want and whether organisations feel that they really need to pay for the use of DMP technology may be a limit on its effectiveness and impact.

An argument, which passes into the realms of speculation, is the typical slippery slope argument which often goes hand in hand with the innovation of new technologies and advancements. It could be suggested that the technology would be open to abuse by governments and other organisations as a means of controlling the public. However, such arguments are perhaps unwarranted at such an early stage in the patent application process.

Moreover, the successful operation of the technology will go further than the mere acceptance of Microsoft's patent application and will have some reliance on the support of mobile phone manufacturers. This may preclude the implementation of the technology, as it would appear that the technology would only really work where a blanket system exists covering every device.

Microsoft's application is undoubtedly an interesting one and whether the patent will be granted remains to be seen. However, it surely will be followed by many of us with great interest.

02 July 2008

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