Microsoft’s newest patent application explains various “Biological Entity Communication Channel Techniques,” which is essentially the use of human body parts to transmit data from one electronic device to another.

Particularly, the invention requires a first electronic device, which may be wearable by the user, for example, around the user’s wrist. This device can communicate data to a second electronic device, with a simple touch, by transmitting the data from the first device, through the user’s arm or hand, and to the receiving device.

Microsoft mentions a few practical and interesting uses of the technology, including transferring purchase credential (e.g., credit card number, expiration date, etc.) to a terminal in order to purchase goods or services. Another potential use may include communicating access credentials for the user to access a building, certain portions of a building, or in order to operate a vehicle.

The published patent application (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0149965) can be accessed here.