SEMINAR REPORT ON RED TACTON Table of … REPORT ON RED TACTON Table of Contents ... Human society is entering an era of ubiquitous computing, ... practical Human Area Network between

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SEMINAR REPORT ON RED TACTON

Table of Contents

S. No. Contents Page No.

1 Abstract 2

2 Introduction 3

3 How it works?? 7

4 Mechanism of redtracton 10

5 Redtracton transciever 13

6 Functional features 14

7 Human networking 15

8 Working procedure 19

9 Applications 21

10 Comparison with other networks 27

11 Prototype devices 32

12 Drawbacks 35

13 Future development 36

14 Conclusion 37

15 References 38



ABSTRACT

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. It is completely distinct from wireless and

infrared technologies as it uses the minute electric field emitted on the

surface of the human body.

RedTacton enables the first practical Human Area Network

between body-centered 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.



INTRODUCTION

At the end of 2002 the Japanese telecommunications group NTT had

announced that it would develop a new data transmission technology that

uses the conductive properties of the human body to exchange information

between electronic devices. With RedTacton the company has now scarcely

two and a half years later presented its first prototype of a Human Area

Network (HAN).

Japanese company Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT)

claims to have developed the first viable Human Area Network (HAN) device,

enabling fast data transfer between devices using the human body as a

conduit. NTT reckons this latest advance on the wireless Personal Area

Network concept - dubbed RedTacton- can transmit data over the surface of

the skin at up to 2Mbps. Where it differs, though, from previous offerings, is

that a RedTacton-enabled device does not have to be in direct contact with

the skin - only within about 20cm.

What is the need?

But did anyone think what is the need for this kind of technology because

wired and wireless transmissions have been tremendously successful and

there is no need for any new technology....Am i correct? Well, not totally

because wired and wireless transmissions have a lot of factors to contribute.

The main problem with these 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.

http://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/116851-Red-Tacton.aspx



So, there has been a need to develop a new technology.

Above Figure shows RED TACTON Device

Why this name 'Red Tacton'?

'Tacton' means an action that happens due to the touch.'T' refers to Touch

and 'acton' refers to the action and consequences that happens due to the

touch.'Red' is a color which conveys the meaning of warmth.

WHAT IS RED TACTON?

http://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/116851-Red-Tacton.aspx



Human society is entering an era of ubiquitous computing, when networks

are seamlessly interconnected and information is always accessible at our

fingertips. Red- Warmth, T-Touch, Acton-Action stands for Red Tacton.

Instead of relying on electromagnetic waves or light waves to carry data, Red

Tacton uses weak electric fields on the surface of the body as a transmission

medium. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) is pursuing

research and development of an innovative Human Area Networking

technology called Red Tacton that safely turns the surface of the human

body into a data transmission path at speeds up to 10 Mbps between any

two points on the body.

Using a novel electro-optic sensor, NTT has already developed a small

PCMCIA card-sized prototype Red Tacton transceiver. Red Tacton enables

the first practical Human Area Network between body-centered 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.

Red Tacton 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 Red Tacton. NTT is

committed to moving Red Tacton out of the laboratory and into commercial

production as quickly as possible by organizing joint field trials with

partners outside the company.

Features

RedTacton has three main functional features:



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.

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.

[Comparison with other network 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.



HOW IT WORKS?

Above Figure shows a person opening a door with the help of an RED TACTON device.

Above Figure shows how REDTACTON works



CONCEPTS ON REDTACTON

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. Red Tacton 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 Red Tacton transceiver.

Physically separating ends the contact and thus ends the

communication.

3. Using Red Tacton, 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. Red Tacton works through

shoes and clothing as well.

BASIC PRINCIPLE

The basic principles of RED TACTON are

1. The Red Tacton transmitter induces a weak electric field on the surface of

the body.

2. The Red Tacton receiver senses changes in the weak electric field on the

surface of the body caused by the transmitter.



3. Red Tacton 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. Red Tacton 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.

Above Figure shows the working of the RED TACTON device over the

surface of our body. The transmitting RED TACTON 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 RED TACTON

device.

MECHANISM OF RED TACTON



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.

Figure shows the various electric fields on the surface of our body

induced by the RED TACTON device. Only a portion of the induced

electric field is sensed by the receiving RED TACTON device. The

remaining electric fields are dissipated to the ground.



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.





REDTACTON TRANSCEIVER

Figure below shows the block diagram of a RED TACTON 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 RED TACTON device.

Block diagram of Red TACTON transceiver.

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 Red Tacton devices could exchange data just by

shaking hands.

A wide range of natural human actions grasping, sitting down, walking, or

standing in a particular place can be used to trigger Red Tacton to start a

networked process.

2. Using a Red Tacton 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 Red Tacton device in a pocket or

through shoes to communicate with a Red Tacton 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.

3. Red Tacton 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 Red Tacton. (Note that constraints are

imposed by the length and environment of the propagating conductor, and

by the thickness of the dielectric.)

HUMAN NETWORKING



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.

FEATURES



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.

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.

Above Figures shows difference between wireless LAN and

Redtacton

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.

Dielectric conductors

(Signals pass through materials)

(Signals travel along surface)



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.

WORKING PROCEDURE

“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.



• “RedTacton relies upon the principle that the optical properties of an

electro-optic crystal vary according to the changes of a weak electric field”

• 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 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.

Using a new super-sensitive photonic electric field sensor, Red Tacton can

achieve duplex communication over the human body at a maximum speed of 10 mbps

The Red Tacton transmitter induces a weak electric field on the surface of the body. The Red Tacton receiver senses changes in the weak electric

field on the surface of the body caused by the transmitter . Red tacton relies upon the principle that the optical properties of an electro-optic crystal can

vary according to the changes of a weak electric field. Red Tacton 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. 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.

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.

2. Intuitive operation of personal information

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.

A simple handshake can transfer data.

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.

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.



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.

A customer touching the advertising panel and getting information

about that advertisement through RED TACTON device

6. Security applications

Red Tacton 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.

The transmitting and receiving electrodes of the RedTacton transceiver are

completely covered with insulating film

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



Intuitive Operations

Touch printer to print

Instantaneous private network via personal handshake

User verification and unlocking with just a touch

Application fields :

Many application using Red Tacton are introduced. Some are:



Red tacton 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.

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.

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".

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

Your own phone number is allocated and billing commences. Automatic importing of personal address book and call history.



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…

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.

Red Tacton can carry music or video between headsets, mobile devices, mobile phones, etc. Users can listen to music from a Red Tacton player

simply by putting on a headset or holding a viewer.

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.

System safety:

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 films. No current flows into the body from the RedTacton transceiver.



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.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER NETWORKS



The chart below shows the positioning of Red Tacton with respect to existing

communication technologies. The focus on ubiquitous service has brought about the shortening of distances in communication. Red Tacton 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.

Several "human body communication" technologies using the

human body as a transmission medium have been reported in the past. But RedTacton employs a proprietary electric

field/photonics method, which surpasses the other methods in terms of communication distance, transfer speed, and interactivity.

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,

Red Tacton is situated directly between wireless and wired communication.

In other words, Red Tacton 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.



Above Figure shows the comparison of RED TACTON device with other

networks with respect to distance.

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

Comparison of various methods.

ADVANTAGE OVER BLUETOOTH

The system envisioned by NTT, utilizes a conversion method which takes

digital data into a stream of low-power digital pulses. These can be easily

transmitted and read back through the human electric field.



While it is true that similar personal area networks are already accessible by

using radio-based technologies like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, this new wireless

technology claims to be able to send data over the human skin surface at

transfer speeds of up to 10Mbps, or better than a broadband T1 connection.

Receiving data in such a system is more complicated because the strength of

the pulses sent through the electric field is so low.

Red Tacton solves this issue by utilizing a technique called electric field

photonics: A laser is passed though an electro-optic crystal, which deflects

light differently according to the strength of the field across it. These

deflections are measured and converted back into electrical signals to

retrieve the transmitted data.

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 Red Tacton-like

technologies.

EDTACTON::

• Technology is making many things easier.

• Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation(NTT, headquartered in

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. President and CEO, Norio Wada) is pursuing research

and development of an innovative Human Area Networking technology called

“RedTacton”.

• REDTACTON safely turns the surface of the human body into a data



transmission path at speeds up to 10 Mbps between any two points on the

body

• REDTACTON uses the minute electric field emitted on the surface of the

human body.

• REDTACTON enables the first practical Human Area Network between

body-centered electronic devices and PCs or other network devices

embedded in the environment .

• 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 are enabled by the

redtaction.

PROTOTYPE DEVICES



Security devices whose development has been

completed.



Transmission devices whose development is in progress.

Enlisting Partners for Collaborative Field Trials

NTT hopes to conduct joint field trials in cooperation with outside

companies and organizations to explore

potential applications, verify RedTacton reliability, fine-tune the system, and

gather business and market

Data.

• Trial period: from April to September, 2005 (planned)

• RedTacton equipment: NTT will lend partners RedTacton transceiver

prototypes. Maintenance fees

incurred during the field testing will be borne by the partners.

• Trial environment: Partners will prepare the staffing, equipment, and

venues needed to operate the field



trials.

• Partner selection: Trial partners will be selected at the sole discretion of

NTT.

• Further Information: Inquiries about RedTacton or proposals to participate

in joint field trials can be

Submitted through the RedTacton website

DRAWBACKS



• It has no compelling applications that aren’t already available.

• Too costly.

• It can be useful within few centimeters

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS



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 the most commercial promise for RedTacton, a business

development process to be coordinated under NTT's Comprehensive

Producer Function program.

Redtacton, which looks remarkably like a big pot of kryptonite is said to allow over 200kbps of data through the human hands or feet.

Telecom giant Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (NTT) is planning a

commercial launch of a system to enter rooms that frees users from the trouble of rummaging in their pockets or handbags for ID cards or keys.

How does it work?

As data travels through the user’s clothing, handbag or shoes, anyone carrying a special card can unlock the door simply by touching the knob or standing on a particular spot without taking the card out.

Applications

Walk-through ticket gate, a cabinet that opens only to authorised people and a television control that automatically chooses favourite programs.

The system also improves security. It ensures that only drivers can open

their cars by touching the doors if the keys are in their pockets, not people around them.

It uses technology to turn the surface of the human body itself into a means of data transmissi



CONCLUSION

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.

Red Tacton technology is expected to dominate Bluetooth technology in the

future. Red Tacton technology could put the use of cables to an end. The

problem faced by the Red Tacton 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.



REFERENCES [1] www.redtacton.com [2]www.masternewmedia.org/2003/10/19/wireless_body_networkingat

10.htm [3] forum.itacumens.com/index.php?topic=12720.0 [4] en.wikipedia.org

[5] http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/print/2596 Digit Magzine

[6] http://www.aalizwel.com/seminarreports.php

http://www.aalizwel.com/seminarreports.php

SEMINAR REPORT ON RED TACTON Table of … REPORT ON RED TACTON Table of Contents ... Human society is entering an era of ubiquitous computing, ... practical Human Area Network between

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