Basic Overview of Human Area Networking Technology

Human society is entering an era of ubiquitoussimple touch, automatically initiating the flow of
computing, when networks are seamlesslydata between a body-centric electronic device and
interconnected and information is alwaysa computer that is embedded in the environment.
accessible at our fingertips. The practicalFor example, two people equipped with
implementation of ubiquitous services requiresRedTacton devices could exchange data just by
three levels of connectivity: Wide Area Networksshaking hands. A wide range of natural human
(WAN), typically via the Internet, to remotelyactions -- grasping, sitting down, walking, or
connect all types of severs and terminals; Localstanding in a particular place -- can be used to
Area Networks (LAN), typically via Ethernet ortrigger RedTacton to start a networked process.
WiFi connectivity among all the information and2. Using a RedTacton electro-optic sensor,
communication appliances in offices and homes;two-way communication is supported between
and Human Area Networks (HAN) for connectivityany two points on the body at a throughput of
to personal information, media and communicationup to 10 Mbps. Communication is not just confined
appliances within the much smaller sphere ofto the surface of the body, but can travel
ordinary daily activities the last one meter.through the user's clothing to a RedTacton device
What is RedTacton?in a pocket or through shoes to communicate
RedTacton is a new Human Area Networkingwith a RedTacton device embedded in the floor.
technology that uses the surface of the humanUnlike wireless technologies, the transmission
body as a safe, high speed network transmissionspeed does not deteriorate even in the presence
path!!of large crowds of people all communicating at
RedTacton is a break-through technology that, forthe same time in meeting rooms, auditoriums or
the first time, enables reliable high-speed HAN. Instores. Because the body surface is the
the past, Bluetooth, infrared communicationstransmission path, increasing the number of
(IrDA), radio frequency ID systems (RFID), andconnected users directly increases the available
other technologies have been proposed to solvenumber of individual communication channels.
the "last meter" connectivity problem. However,3. RedTacton can utilize a wide range of materials
they each have various fundamental technicalas a transmission medium, as long as the material
limitations that constrain their usage, such as theis conductive and dielectric, which includes water
precipitous fall-off in transmission speed inand other liquids, various metals, certain plastics,
multi-user environments producing networkglass, etc. Using ordinary structures such as tables
congestion.and walls that are familiar and readily available, one
1. RedTacton uses the minute electric fieldcould easily construct a seamless communication
emitted on the surface of the human body.environment at very low cost using RedTacton.
Technically, it is completely distinct from wireless(Note that constraints are imposed by the length
and infrared.and environment of the propagating conductor,
2. A transmission path is formed at the momentand by the thickness of the dielectric.)
a part of the human body comes in contact withMechanism of communication with RedTacton
a RedTacton transceiver. Physically separatingThe transmitter sends data by inducing
ends the contact and thus ends communication.fluctuations in the minute electric field on the
3. Using RedTacton, communication starts whensurface of the human body. Data is received using
terminals carried by the user or embedded ina photonic electric field sensor that combines an
devices are linked in various combinationselectro-optic crystal and a laser light to detect
according to the user's natural, physicalfluctuations in the minute electric field.
movements.The naturally occurring electric field induced on the
4. Communication is possible using any bodysurface of the human body dissipates into the
surfaces, such as the hands, fingers, arms, feet,earth. Therefore, this electric field is exceptionally
face, legs or torso. RedTacton works throughfaint and unstable.
shoes and clothing as well.The photonic electric field sensor developed by
Basic PrincipleNTT enables weak electric fields to be measured
RedTacton takes a different technical approach.by detecting changes in the optical properties of
Instead of relying on electromagnetic waves oran electro-optic crystal with a laser beam.
light waves to carry data, RedTacton uses weakFeatures
electric fields on the surface of the body as aRedTacton has three main functional features.
transmission medium.(1) Touch: Touching, gripping, sitting, walking,
1. The RedTacton transmitter induces a weakstepping and other human movements can be the
electric field on the surface of the body.triggers for unlocking or locking, starting or
2. The RedTacton receiver senses changes in thestopping equipment, or obtaining data.
weak electric field on the surface of the body(2) Broadband & Interactive: Bandwidth does not
caused by the transmitter.deteriorate even with duplex operations and
3. RedTacton relies upon the principle that thesimultaneous access by many users! Duplex,
optical properties of an electro-optic crystal caninteractive communication is possible at a
vary according to the changes of a weak electricmaximum speed of 10Mbps. Because the
field.transmission path is on the surface of the body,
4. RedTacton detects changes in the opticaltransmission speed does not deteriorate in
properties of an electro-optic crystal using a lasercongested areas where many people are
and converts the result to an electrical signal in ancommunicating at the same time.
optical receiver circuit.(3) Any media: In addition to the human body,
The three major functional features ofvarious conductors and dielectrics can be used as
RedTacton are highlighted below.transmission media. Conductors and dielectrics
1. A communications path can be created with amay also be used in combination.