RedTacton is a Human Area Networking technology, which is under development, that uses the surface of the human body as a safe, high speed network transmission path. RedTacton uses weak electric fields on the surface of the body as a transmission medium. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, developing the conducting field trials for a radical new “human area networking” technology called RedTacton that uses the naturally-occurring electrical fields of human skin to transmit data. The slim, PCMCIA- based RedTacton transceiver combines an optical receiver circuit equipped with a super-sensitive photonic electrical field sensor and a crystal to transmit data over the surface of human body at up to 10 megabits per second between wearable devices. Linked only by touch, the transceivers can also connect to similar transceivers worn by other users or embedded in any objects in real space, such as turnstiles or consumer electronics. Promising better security and far less interference than short-range wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, ZigBee and
HOW REDTACTON WORKS
Using a new super-sensitive photonic electric field sensor, RedTacton can achieve duplex communication over the human body at a maximum speed of 10 M bps.
1. The RedTacton transmitter induces a weak electric field on the surface of the body.
2. The electric field sensor (transistor or photonic electric field sensor) detects electric field that reaches the RedTacton receiver.
3. Signals are processed in the receiver circuit and the data is downloaded.
The RedTacton transmitter induces a weak electric field on the surface of the body. The RedTacton receiver senses changes in the weak electric field on the surface of the body caused by the transmitter. RedTacton relies upon the principle that the optical properties of an electro-optic crystal can vary according to the changes of
a weak electric field. RedTacton detects changes in the optical properties of an electro-optic crystal using a laser and converts the result to an electrical signal in a optical receiver circuit.
MECHANISM OF COMMUNICATION WITH REDTACTON
The transmitter sends data by inducing fluctuations in the minute electric field on the surface of the human body. Data is received using a photonic electric field sensor that combines an electro-optic crystal and a laser light to detect fluctuations in the minute electric field.
The naturally occurring electric field induced on the surface of the human body dissipates into the earth. Therefore, this electric field is exceptionally faint and unstable.
The photonic electric field sensor developed by NTT enables weak electric fields to be measured by detecting changes in the optical properties of an electro-optic crystal with a laser beam.
Instead of relying on electromagnetic waves or light waves to carry data, RedTacton uses weak electric fields on the surface of the body as a transmission medium. A RedTacton transmitter couples with extremely weak electric fields on the surface of the body. The weak electric fields pass through the body to a RedTacton receiver, where the weak electric fields affect the optical properties of an electro-optic crystal. The extent to which the optical properties are changed is detected by laser light which is then converted to an electrical signal by a detector circuit.
Technical Points:
RedTacton uses weak electric fields on the surface of the body as a transmission medium. The weak electric fields pass through the body to a RedTacton receiver, where the weak electric fields affect the optical properties of an electro-optic crystal. The extent to which the optical properties are changed is detected by laser light which is then converted to an electrical signal by detector circuit.RedTacton transceiver electrodes are covered with an insulating film, so there is no way that current from RedTacton can flow into the user’s body. Note however that, just like the weak electromagnetic waves produced by most common electrical appliances, a faint modulating displacement current does pass through the body when using RedTacton. The level of displacement current involved is considered harmless and is in full compliance with the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB) radio frequency-exposure protection standards (RCR STD-38).
FEATURES OF REDTACTON
Functional Features:
(1) A communications path can be created with a simple touch, automatically initiating the flow of data between a body-centric electronic device and a computer that is embedded in the environment. For example, two people equipped with RedTacton devices could exchange data just by shaking hands.
(2) Using a RedTacton electro-optic sensor, two-way communication is supported between any two points on the body at a throughput of up to 10 M bps. Communication is not just confined to the surface of the body, but can travel through the user’s clothing to a RedTacton device in a pocket or through shoes to communicate with a RedTacton device embedded in the floor. Unlike wireless technologies, the transmission speed does not deteriorate even in the presence of large crowds of people all communicating at the same time in meeting rooms, auditoriums or stores.
(3) RedTacton can utilize a wide range of materials as a transmission medium, as long as the material is conductive and dielectric, which includes water and other liquids, various metals, certain plastics, glass, etc. Using ordinary structures such as tables and walls that are familiar and readily available, one could easily construct a seamless communication environment at very low cost using RedTacton .
TOUCH
Touching, gripping, sitting, walking, stepping and other human movements can be the triggers for unlocking or locking, starting or stopping equipment, or obtaining data.
BROADBAND AND INTERACTIVE
Duplex, interactive communication is possible at a maximum speed of 10Mbps. Because the transmission path is on the surface of the body, transmission speed does not deteriorate in congested areas where many people are communicating at the same time.
TRANSMISSION MEDIA
In addition to the human body, various conductors and dielectrics can be used as transmission media. Conductors and dielectrics may also be used in combination.
APPLICATIONS
1. ONE-TO-ONE SERVICES:
With the ability to send attribute data from personal information devices worn on the body to computers embedded in the environment, one-to-one services could be implemented that are tailored to the individual needs of the user.
· Elimination of Human Errors- An alarm sounds automatically to avoid accidental medicine ingestion
RedTacton devices embedded medicine bottles transmit information on the medicines' attributes. If the user touches the wrong medicine, an alarm will trigger on the terminal he is carrying. The alarm sounds only if the user actually touches the medicine bottle, reducing false alarms common with passive wireless ID tags, which can trigger simply by proximity.
· Touch Advertising and receive information
When a consumer stands in front of an advertising panel, advertising and information matching his or her attributes is automatically displayed. By touching or standing in front of items they are interested in, consumers can get more in-depth information.
2. INTUITIVE OPERATION:
Intuitive operation of personal information devices Communication is triggered by totally natural human actions and behavior, so there is no need to insert smart cards, connect cables, tune frequencies, or any of the other inconveniences usually associated with today's electronic devices.
· Touch a printer to print
Print out where you want just by touching the desired printer with one hand and a PC or digital camera with the other hand to make the link. Complicated configurations are reduced by downloading device drivers "at first touch".
· Instant Private Data Exchange
By shaking hands, personal profile data can be exchanged between mobile terminals on the users. (Electronic exchange of business cards) - Communication can be kept private using authentication and encryption technologies.
3. DEVICE PERSONALIZATION:
Setup, registration, and configuration information for an individual user can all be uploaded to a device the instant the device is touched, eliminating the need for the device to be registered or configured in advance.
· Personalization of Mobile phones
Your own phone number is allocated and billing commences. Automatic importing of personal address book and call history.
· Personalization of Automobiles
The seat position and steering wheel height adjust to match the driver just by sitting in the car. The driver's home is set as the destination in the car navigation system. The stereo plays the driver's favorite song.
4. NEW BEHAVIOR PATTERNS:
Tables, walls, floors and chairs can all act as conductors and dielectrics, turning furniture and other architectural elements into a new class of transmission medium. For example, a user could have instant access to the Internet merely by placing a laptop onto a conductive tabletop.
· Conferencing System
An electrically conductive sheet is embedded in the table. A network connection is initiated simply by placing a lap-top on the table. Using different sheet patterns enables segmentation of the table into subnets.
· Wearable- Wireless Headset
RedTacton can carry music or video between headsets, mobile devices, mobile phones, etc. Users can listen to music from a RedTacton player simply by putting on a headset or holding a viewer.
5. SECURITY APPLICATIONS :
RedTacton could be installed on doors, cabinets and other locations calling for secure access, such that each secure access could be initiated and authenticated with a simple touch. At the same time, all the transaction details and relevant user attributes (personal identity, security clearance, etc.) could be logged by the security system.
· User verification and lock management at entrance
Carrying a mobile RedTacton-capable device in one's pocket, ID is verified and the door unlocked when the user holds the doorknob normally. Secure lock administration is possible by combining personal verification tools such as fingerprint ID or other biometric in the mobile terminal.
· Confidential document management
A RedTacton receiver in a cabinet where important documents are stored enables lock administration and keeps a record of who accessed documents at what time. Seat reservation management by verifying that the right person is in the right seat. Log and verification of the person who touched the terminal.
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