S426 Project

Friday, December 19, 2008

REDTACTON - Future Of Wireless Communications

ABSTRACT

“RedTacton” gives the whole new meaning to the term “Networking”.

RedTacton is a new personal area networking technology which uses the surface
of the human body as the safe data transmission path. The speed of the data
transmission is up to 10Mbps. RedTacton uses a weak electric field on the surface
of the human body for data transmission. The RedTacton chips, contains a
transmitter and receiver to send and accept data in digital format.

INTRODUCTION

RedTacton is the Future of wireless communications. RedTacton is also called as

Human Area Networking Technology. The below shows the picture of the
RedTacton device.

The data is transferred by the human body surface like hands, legs etc and it is also
possible through clothes and shoes also.

WORKING

The RedTacton transmitter consists of a transmitter circuit including electric field

on the human body. And the data sense circuit also includes in the transmitter
circuit. This data sense circuit distinguishes transmitting and receiving modes by
output control signals of these two modes.

The receiver consists of an electro optic sensor and a detector circuit. The detector
circuit amplifies the signal from the electro optic sensor and converts it in to
electrical signal.

MECHANISM

7The electric field induced towards the body by the transmitter electrode signal is
represented by Ea. The electric field Eb induced from the body follow a return
path to the transmitter ground. Electric field escapes from body to ground is Ec.

The electric field Es that reaches the receiver is

Es = Ea – (Eb + Ec)

FEATURES

RedTacton has three features.

TOUCH

The data is transferred through just a touch. Some other human movements like
gripping, walking, and hand shaking come under this feature.

For example, the devices can be operated by just touching. A device is unlocked
due to RedTacton and then the device can be operated. The data in the RedTacton
in out hand is transmitted to the RedTacton receiver of the device and the device is
unlocked. Another example is a door can be unlocked using the RedTacton.

BROADBAND AND INTERACTIVE

If many people want to communicate at the same time, then the RedTacton plays a
major role. Each person has a RedTacton and the data will be transmitted and will
be received simultaneously.

MEDIA

RedTacton works with many transmission media like conductors, dielectric, desks,
wall and metal objects.
 APPLICATIONS

• Communications between devices on the same person. (No cord between the
earphones and device, Elimination of Human Error)

• Communication between devices on different persons. (exchange electronic business

cards by shaking hands)

• Communication from a device on a person to the device embedded in the

environment. (Authentication is performed by reading the ID when we walk
through the gate, Security Applications)

• Communication from a device embedded in the environment to a device on a person,

(Here music or description by standing in front of an exhibit)

• Communication between the devices mediated by the conductor in the conference

system.

CONCLUSION

This technology definitely stands out with perfection, when transfer of data is fast,
feasible and more importantly reliable. So, in few years from now everything is
going to fall under this super technology. And, finally I conclude,

“FUTURE BELONGS TO RED TACTON”

REFERENCES
RedTacton is a new Human Area Networking technology that uses the
surface of the human body as a safe, high speed network transmission path.
-RedTacton uses the minute electric fieldemitted on the surface of the
human body. Technically, it is completely distinct from wireless and
infrared.
-A transmission path is formed at the moment a part of the human body
comes in contact with a RedTacton transceiver. Physically separating ends
the contact and thus ends communication.
-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.
-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.

RedTacton can achieve duplex communication over the human body at a

maximum speed of 10 Mbps.
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 transmitter sends data based on fluctuations in the weak electric field
induced in the body. The electric field is received using super-sensitive
electric field sensing technology.
- 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 super-sensitive electric field sensing technology measures the weak
electric fields induced by the super-efficient alternating electric field
induction technology developed by NTT.

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.

Three fetures
Three fetures
RedTacton has three main functional features.
Touching, gripping, sitting, walking, stepping and other human movements
can be the triggers for unlocking or locking, starting or stopping equipment,
or obtaining data.

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.

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.

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.
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.
* Maximum communication speed may be slower than 10Mbps depending
on the usage environment.

Communication speed can Device drivers can be downloaded

deteriorate in crowded spaces due to instantly and executable programs
a lack of bandwidth. can be quickly sent.

Taking advantage of this speed, device drivers can be downloaded instantly

and execute programs can be sent.
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*.
A communication environment can be created easily and at low-cost by
using items close at hand, such as desks, walls, and metal objects.
* There are limitations on the length of the conductor to be propagated, on
installation locations, and on the thickness of the dielectric to be passed
through.

Enable one-to-one services tailored to the user's situation and tastes.

-Attribute information recorded in the RedTacton device is sent to the
touched objects.
-The appropriate service is provided based on the attribute information
received by the RedTacton receiver.

-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.

-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)

-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.

-Brochures only of products of interest to the visitor can be

downloaded automatically at trade shows.
-Inside a shop, shoppers can view related information on their mobile
terminals immediately after touching a product.

Natural movements and actions are the trigger.

There's 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.

-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".

- Display notebook PC screen on projectors with just a touch

- Transfer songs to portable music players from notebook PCs with just
a touch

-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.

-Group photos taken with digital cameras are instantly transferred to

individual's mobile terminal.
-Diagrams written on white boards during meetings are transferred to
individual's mobile terminals on the spot.
Digital lifestyle can be instantly personalized with just a touch.
-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.

-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.
-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.

- Touching the TV remote control triggers a filter/search routine

according to your personal programming preferences.

Various conductors and dielectrics can be used as RedTacton

communication media, and this has the potential to create new behavior
patterns.

-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.

-Walls and partitions can be used as communication media, eliminating

construction to install electrical wiring.
-Ad hoc networking using conductive liquid sprays is possible.
¡ﾁ@Suitability as Weak Wireless
Station (Wireless station that
does not require license)

- Connecting head mounted displays.

security

Automatic user authentication and log-in with just a touch.

-ID and privileges are recorded in a mobile RedTacton device.

-Corresponding RedTacton receivers are installed at security check points.

-The system can provide authentication and record who touched the device,
and when.

-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.

-Automated car door lock/unlock just by touching the handle;

unlocking a bicycle just by sitting on it.
 -
As a pass in amusement facilities

-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.

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.
Comparison with other human method

Intra-body communication" using the human body as a transmission

medium have 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

Duplex
communication
Signal & Distance Between Contact status
Ground mobile
Detection & Between with the
line terminals
system speed mobile electrode
and
terminals
external
equipment
Amperage Clear Elbow to N P* The electrode
electric signal fingertip must be in
lines at approx. constant contact
needed for 3kbps with the body to
body and maintain good
 earth
conductivity
ground
Capacity
coupling Communication
Wrist to
between possible even
Voltage fingertip
the earth P* P* when passing
electric at approx.
ground through thin
1kbps
and insulators
equipment
Capacity
coupling
Electric Anywhere Communication
between
field on the possible even
the earth P P
electric body at through shoes
ground
(RedTacton) 230kbps and clothing
and
equipment
Capacity
coupling
Electric Anywhere Communication
between
field on the possible even
the earth P P
photonics body at up through shoes
ground
(RedTacton) to 10Mbps and clothing
and
equipment

RedTacton does not require the electrode be in direct contact with the skin.
High-speed communication is possible between two arbitrary points on the
body.
With the electric amperage method, a clear signal line and ground line are
required. With the electric voltage method, capacity coupling can substitute.
Therefore, the electrode does not have to be in direct contact with the skin.

prototypes

Security Devices (Development Completed)

Portable Card-Size Transmitter

・Transmission rate: 230Kbps

・Protocol: Proprietary protocol
・Transmission method: Unidirectional

Embedded Receiver

・Transmission rate: 230Kbps

・Protocol: Proprietary protocol
・Transmission method: Unidirectional
・External device interface:
　10/100BASE-T, RS232C
■Data Transmission Devices (in Development).

PC Card Transceiver

・Transmission rate: 10Mbp

・Protocol: TCP/IP
・Transmission method: Half-duplex
・Terminal interface: PCMCI

Embedded Receiver

・Transmission rate: 10Mbp

・Protocol: TCP/IP
・Transmission method: Half-duplex
・External device interface: 10BASE-T

USB Transceiver

・Transmission rate not yet determined

(in testi