RedTacton

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) is pursuing research and development of an innovative Human Area Networking technology called RedTacton that safely turns the surface of the human body into a data transmission path at speeds up to 10 MB/s between any two points on the body. Using a novel electro-optic sensor,

NTT has already developed a small PCMCIA card-sized prototype RedTacton transceiver. RedTacton enables the first practical Human Area Network between bodycentered electronic devices and PCs or other network devices embedded in the environment via a new generation of user interface based on totally natural human actions such as touching, holding, sitting, walking, or stepping on a particular spot. RedTacton can be used for intuitive operation of computer-based systems in daily life, temporary one-to-one private networks based on personal handshaking, device personalization, security, and a host of other applications based on new behavior patterns enabled by RedTacton. NTT is committed to moving RedTacton out of the laboratory and into commercial production as quickly as possible by organizing joint field trials with partners outside the company, under NTT's comprehensive producer program. Human society is entering an era of ubiquitous computing, when networks are seamlessly interconnected and information is always accessible at our fingertips. The practical implementation of ubiquitous services requires three levels of connectivity: Wide Area Networks (WAN), typically via the Internet, to remotely connect all types of severs and terminals; Local Area Networks (LAN), typically via Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity among all the information and communication appliances in offices and homes; and Human Area Networks (HAN) for connectivity to personal information, media and communication appliances within the much smaller sphere of ordinary daily activities-- the last one meter. NTT's RedTacton is a break-through technology that, for the first time, enables reliable high-speed HAN. In the past, Bluetooth, infrared communications (IrDA), radio frequency ID systems (RFID), and other technologies have been proposed to solve the "last meter" connectivity problem. However, they each have various fundamental technical limitations that constrain their usage, such as the

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 1

RedTacton
precipitous fall-off in transmission speed in multi-user environments producing network congestion. RedTacton takes a different technical approach. 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 field affects 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. According to Tom Zimmerman, inventor of the IBM personal networking system, body-based networking is more secure than broadcast systems, such as Bluetooth, which have a range of about 10m.The issue is that with Bluetooth, it is difficult to rein in the signal and restrict it to the device you are trying to connect to. But in a busy place there could be hundreds of Bluetooth devices within range. Moreover, body-based networking seems to allow for more natural interchanges of information between humans, as only when you are in true proximity you can make this system work. There are some specific applications that would appear as being ideal matches for RedTacton-like technologies.

Fig. 1.1 Simple Application of a RedTacton

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 2

RedTacton

Chapter 2

RedTacton

2.1

What is the need?

Wired and wireless transmissions have a lot of factors to contribute. The main

problem with this sort of transmission is the 'Packet Collision', which has been a huge problem in the industry today. With this Packet Collision there has been lot of disturbances and time delays in the packet movement. The traffic from nodes and routers is not properly managed thereby leading to disturbances and unsatisfaction among users. So, there has been a need to develop a new technology. RedTacton is a new Human Area Networking technology that uses the surface of the human body as a safe, high speed network transmission path. It is completely distinct from wireless and infrared technologies as it uses the minute electric field emitted on the surface of the human body. A transmission path is formed at the moment a part of the human body comes in contact with a RedTacton transceiver. Communication is possible using any body surfaces, such as the hands, fingers, arms, feet, face, legs or torso. RedTacton works through shoes and clothing as well. When the physical contact gets separated, the communication is ended. Using RedTacton enabled devices; music from a digital audio player in your pocket would pass through your clothing and shoot over your body to headphones in your ears. Instead of fiddling around with a cable to connect your digital camera to your computer, you could transfer pictures just by touching the PC while the camera is around your neck. And since data can pass from one body to another, you could also exchange electronic business cards by shaking hands, trade music files by dancing cheek to cheek, or swap phone numbers just by kissing. Touch and action gives TActon, and word Red a warm color to emphasize warm and cordial communications. This technology was developed by Japanese Company Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 3

RedTacton

Chapter 3

TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES

3.1

How It Works?
RedTacton uses the minute electric field emitted on the surface of the human

body. Technically, it is completely distinct from wireless and infrared. RedTacton is a break-through technology that, for the first time, enables reliable high-speed HAN. In the past, Bluetooth, infrared communications (IrDA), radio frequency ID systems (RFID), and other technologies have been proposed to solve the "last meter" connectivity problem. However, they each have various fundamental technical limitations that constrain their usage, such as the precipitous fall-off in transmission speed in multi-user environments producing network congestion. 1. RedTacton uses the minute electric field emitted on the surface of the human body. Technically, it is completely distinct from wireless and infrared. 2. A transmission path is formed at the moment when a part of the human body comes in contact with a RedTacton transceiver. Physically separating ends the contact and thus ends the communication. 3. Using RedTacton, communication starts when terminals carried by the user or embedded in devices are linked in various combinations according to the user's natural, physical movements. 4. Communication is possible using any body surfaces, such as the hands, fingers, arms, feet, face and legs. RedTacton works through shoes and clothing as well.

3.2

Basic Principles
The basic principles of RedTacton are 1. The RedTacton transmitter induces a weak electric field on the surface of the body. 2. The RedTacton receiver senses changes in the weak electric field on the surface of the body caused by the transmitter.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 4

RedTacton
3. 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. 4. RedTacton detects changes in the optical properties of an electro-optic crystal using a laser and converts the result to an electrical signal in an optical receiver circuit.

Fig. 3.2.1 Figure shows the working of the RedTacton device over the surface of our body. The transmitting RedTacton device changes the electric field on the surface of our body. This is sensed by the electric field sensor and the variations are given to the receiving RedTacton device.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 5

RedTacton

3.3

Working Mechanism of RedTacton

The RedTacton will be embedded in various devices, contain a transmitter and

receiver built to send and accept data stored in a digital format. The transmitter sends data by inducing fluctuations in the minute electric field on the surface of the human body. 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.

Fig. 3.3.1 Figure shows the various electric fields on the surface of our body induced by the RedTacton device. Only a portion of the induced electric field is sensed by the receiving RedTacton device. The remaining electric fields are dissipated to the ground.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 6

RedTacton
Data is received using a photonic electric field sensor that combines an electrooptic 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.

Fig. 3.3.2 Figure Illustrating the Transfer of Data

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 7

RedTacton

3.4

RedTacton Transceiver
Figure below shows the block diagram of a RedTacton transceiver. The signal

from the interface is sent to the data sense circuit and the transmitter circuit. The data sense circuit senses the signal and if the data is present it sends control signal to the transmitter which activates the transmitter circuit. The transmitter circuit varies the electric field on the surface of our body. This change in the electric field is detected by the electro-optic sensor. The output of the electro-optic sensor is given to the detector circuit, which in turn given to the interface of the receiving RedTacton device.

Fig. 3.4.1 Block Diagram of RedTacton Transceiver

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 8

RedTacton

3.5

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. A wide range of natural human actions grasping, sitting down, walking, or standing in a particular place can be used to trigger RedTacton to start a networked process.

3. 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 Mbps. 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. Because the body surface is the transmission path, increasing the number of connected users directly increases the available number of individual channels.

4. 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. (Note that constraints are imposed by the length and environment of the propagating conductor, and by the thickness of the dielectric.)

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 9

RedTacton

3.6

Human Area Networks

In addition to the WANs (Internet) and LANs, there are applications best served

by Human Area Networks (HANs) that connect the last meter. Human society is entering an era of ubiquitous computing, where everything is networked. By making Human Area Networks feasible, RedTacton will enable ubiquitous services based on human-centered interactions and therefore more intimate and easier for people to use.

Fig. 3.6.1 Example of HAN

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 10

RedTacton

Chapter 4

FEATURES

4.1

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. Using RedTacton, communication starts when terminals carried by the user or embedded in devices are linked in various combinations through physical contact according to the human's natural movements.

Fig. 4.1.1 Example of TOUCH

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 11

RedTacton

4.2

BROADBAND & 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. Taking advantage of this speed, device drivers can be downloaded instantly and execute programs can be sent.

Fig. 4.2.1 Above Figures Shows Difference Between Wireless LAN and RedTacton

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 12

RedTacton

4.3

ANY 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.

DI ELETRICS (Signals pass through materials) CONDUCTORS (Signals travel along surface)

Fig. 4.2.1 Media Types

A communication environment can be created easily and at low-cost by using items close at hand, such as desks, walls, and metal objects. But there is one limitation on the length of the conductor to be propagated, on installation locations, and on the thickness of the dielectric to be passed through.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 13

RedTacton

Chapter 5

APPLICATIONS
5.1 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.

5.2

Elimination of Human Error

Fig. 5.2.1 An Alarm Sounds Automatically to Avoid Accidental 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.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 14

RedTacton
Other Examples of Similar Applications: Alert and contact record at medical, long-term care, and childcare facilities. Avoidance of risk at construction sites (an alarm sounds if special equipment is handled by anyone other than supervisors)

5.3

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.

5.4

New Behaviour 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.

5.5

Marketing Applications
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.

Fig. 5.5.1 A Customer Touching The Advertising Panel And Getting Information About That Advertisement Through RedTacton Device

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 15

RedTacton

5.6. Security Applications

Fig. 5.6.1 User Verification and Unlocking With Just a Touch

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. 1. 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. 2. The transmitting and receiving electrodes of the RedTacton transceiver are completely covered with insulating film 3. When communication occurs, displacement current is generated by the electrons in the body because the body is subjected to minute electrical fields. However, such displacement currents are very common everyday occurrences to which we are all subjected.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 16

RedTacton

5.7. Intuitive Operations

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. Natural movements and actions are the trigger. Theres no "operation" any more. Just intuitive human interaction RedTacton transceivers embedded in two terminals can communicate not only data but also the control or configuration instructions needed to operate devices. Cable connections are eliminated. The body itself is used as transmission medium.

Fig. 5.7.1 Touch 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".

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 17

RedTacton

Fig. 5.7.2 Instantaneous Private Network via Personal Handshake

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.

5.8. Personalization
Digital lifestyle can be instantly personalized with just a touch. 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. A pre-recorded configuration script can be embedded in a mobile terminal with built-in RedTacton transceiver. When another device with RedTacton capabilities is touched, personalization data and configuration scripts can be downloaded automatically.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 18

RedTacton

Fig. 5.8.1 Personalization of Mobile Phones

Your own phone number is allocated and billing commences. Automatic importing of personal address book and call history. The PC is configured to the user's specifications simply by touching the mouse. Room temperature and lighting are customized when a switch in the living room is pressed.

Fig. 5.8.1 Personalization of automobiles. Just sitting in the seat triggers the car to load all its presets, just the way you like.
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 drivers favorite song.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 19

RedTacton

Chapter 6

COMPARISONS
6.1 Comparison with Other Networks
The chart below shows the positioning of RedTacton with respect to existing communication technologies. The focus on ubiquitous service has brought about the shortening of distances in communication. RedTacton is positioned as the last 1m solution to ultimate close-range communication. Wireless communication creates connections when signals arrive, allowing for easy connections because connectors are unnecessary. However, seen from another aspect, the arriving signals can be intercepted, so security becomes an issue. Wired communication transmits data between two connection points, so interception is difficult and security can be considered to be high. However, connectors and cables are a nuisance. Taking the above points in account, RedTacton is situated directly between wireless and wired communication. In other words, RedTacton allows for easy connection without connectors, while at the same time allowing transmission of data only between two contact points. It thus has the feature of being difficult to intercept.

Fig. 6.1.1 Above Figure Shows The Comparison Of RED TACTON Device With Other Networks With Respect To Distance.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 20

RedTacton

6.2 Comparison with Other Communication Methods

"Intra-body communication" using the human body as a transmission medium has been reported, but the electric field/photonics method employed by RedTacton is superior to conventional methods in terms of communication distance, speed, and interactivity.

P: Possible N: Not possible P*: Possible under certain conditions

Fig. 6.2.1 Comparison of Various Methods.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 21

RedTacton

Chapter 7

SYSTEM SAFETY
7.1 No Current Flowing Into the Human Body from RedTacton Devices
RedTacton uses the electric field that occurs naturally on the surface of the human body for communication. Transmitter and receiver electrodes are covered with an insulating film. No current flows into the body from the RedTacton transceiver.

7.2

Displacement Current Occurring In The Body Is Small Enough

There is no current flowing from the RedTacton transceiver; however, the body

indirectly receives a minute electric field. This causes electrons already present inside the body to move, creating a minute displacement current. This displacement current is similar to those occurring in everyday life.

7.3

RedTacton Conforms To the Safety Guidelines Of Induced Current

RedTacton is in conformity to the "Radiofrequency-exposure Protection RCR

standard (RCR STD-38)" issued by the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB).

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 22

RedTacton

Chapter 8

DEVICE PROTOTYPES

Fig. 8.1 Security Devices (Development Completed)

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 23

RedTacton

Fig. 8.2 Data Transmission Devices (in Development).

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 24

RedTacton

Chapter 9

DRAWBACKS
1. Too costly. 2. It has no compelling applications that arent already available. 3. It can be useful within smaller distances. 4. Needs to gain popularity. 5. Needs widespread marketing campaigns and education. 6. Not useful unless many people adopt it.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 25

RedTacton

Chapter 10

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE

The need for artificial body implants to communicate with each other as well as to report back to a portable device could have quite some value. In fact, according to other researchers, the most important application for body-based networking may well be for these type of communications within, rather than on the surface of, or outside, the body. RedTacton technology is expected to dominate Bluetooth technology in the future. RedTacton technology could put the use of cables to an end. The problem faced by the RedTacton technology is the cost of development. This technology brings a new dimension of communication which effectively links the user to anyone he wants to communicate. Since it provides high speed communication, it can provide seamless service wherever, whenever and whoever uses it. RedTacton has a wide range of unique new functional features and enormous potential as a Human Area Networking technology. NTT is committed to quickly identifying and opening up those application areas with the most commercial promise for RedTacton, a business development process to be coordinated under NTT's Comprehensive Producer Function program.

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 26

RedTacton

Chapter 11

REFERENCES
[1] T. G. Zimmerman, Personal Area Networks: Near-field intrabody communication, IBM Systems Journal, Vol. 35, Nos. 3&4, pp. 609-617, 1996. [2] T. Nagatsuma and M. Shinagawa, Photonic measurement technologies for highfrequency electronics, NTT REVIEW, Vol. 14, No. 6,pp. 12-24, 2002. [3] M. Shinagawa, Development of Electro-optic

Sensors

for

Intra-body

Communication, NTT Technical Review, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 6-11, 2004. [4] M. Shinagawa, M. Fukumoto, K. Ochiai, and H. Kyuragi, A nearfield-sensing transceiver for intra-body communication based on the electro-optic effect, IEEE Trans. IM, Vol. 53, No. 6, pp. 1533-1538, 2004. [5] M. Mizoguchi, T. Okimura, and A. Matsuda, Comprehensive Commercialization Functions, NTT Technical Review, Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 12-16, 2005.

[6] http://www.arib.or.jp/english/html/overview/st_j.html

[7] http://www.redtacton.com/

[Dept. of E&C, SCTIT]

Page 27