RedTacton

Seminar Report 2015-2016

GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE

KUNNAMKULAM
KIZHOOR.P.O, THRISSUR (DT), KERALA, PIN-680523

SEMINAR REPORT
2014-2015

REDTACTON
Presented by
ATHUL RAVI K
REGISTER NO. 13131887

Directorate of Technical Education

Government of Kerala

GPTC KKM

Computer Engineering

RedTacton

Seminar Report 2015-2016

GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE

KUNNAMKULAM
KIZHOOR.P.O, THRISSUR (DT), KERALA, PIN-680523

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the

seminar report titled FREE

SPACE OPTICS was presented by ATHUL RAVI K Reg. No: 13131887 in partial
fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Diploma in Computer Engineering
under the Technical Education Department during the academic year 2014-2015 at
Govt. Polytechnic College, Kunnamkulam.
Date:
Place:

Guide

Head of the Department

Internal Examiner

External Examiner

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

At first, I like to express my indebtedness to the Almighty God who showered

his abundant grace on me to make this project a success.
I wish record my sincere thanks to Sheeba M K, our Principal to provide as all
necessary facilities. I take this opportunity to express my thanks to Mr. Chandrakumar,
Head of the department of Computer Engineering for his valuable guidance and
support to shape this seminar in a systematic way.
I am extremely thankful to our respected lecturers for their keen interest and
valuable suggestions in this seminar in addition I would like to all staff members of
Computer Department and all my friends of CT S 6 for their suggestion and
constructive critics.

ATHUL RAVI K

GPTC KKM

Computer Engineering

RedTacton

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ABSTRACT
RedTacton is a new innovative Human Area Networking technology that turns the surface
of the human body as a safe, high-speed network transmission path.
RedTacton takes a different technical approach. Instead of relyingon electromagnetic
waves or light waves to carry data, RedTacton uses weak electric fields on the surface of
the body as a transmission medium.
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 anybody surfaces, such as the hands, fingers, arms, feet,
face, legs or toes. RedTacton works through shoes and clothing as well.
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.
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.
NTT developed super sensitive Photonic electric field sensor for detecting minute electric
field emitted on the surface of the human body.

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CONTENTS
1. Introduction
1.1 What Is RedTacton? ....6
1.2 History of HAN....6
1.3 Overview of RedTacton.. 7
2. Narration
2.1 How RedTacton works? ..9
2.2 Mechanism of communication with RedTacton 10
2.3 RedTacton TRANSCEIVER..12
2.4 FUNCTIONAL FEATURES.............................................................13
2.5System Safety .14
2.6Features of RedTacton14
2.7 Comparison with other Human communication methods 17
3. Applications
3.1 Six major application field.17
3.2 Comparison With Other Networks19
3.3 Comparison with other network technologies...20
3.4 Advantage Over BLUETOOTH..20
3.5 Plans for Commercialization. 21
Conclusion ...21
References ...21

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1 .INTRODUCTION
1.1 WHAT IS REDTACTON?
Human society is entering an era of omnipresent computing, when networks are
seamlessly interconnected and information is always accessible at our fingertips. The
practical implementation of omnipresent 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 WiFi 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.
Human Area Networking (HAN) is a technology 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.

1.2

HISTORY OF 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.
The concept of intra-body communication was first proposed by IBM in 1996.
This communication mechanism was later evaluated and reported by several research
groups around the world.
All those reported technologies had two limitations.
1. The operating range through the body was limited to a few tens of centimeters.
2. The top communication speed was only 40 bit/s!!
These limitations were overcome by NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone
Corporation) located in Tokyo, Japan by using photonic electric field sensors and finally
came up with a human area networking technology called RedTacton

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1.3

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OVERVIEW OF REDTACTON

RedTacton is a new innovative Human Area Networking technology that turns the
surface of the human body as a safe, high speed network transmission path.
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.
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 toes. RedTacton works through shoes and clothing as well.
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.
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.
NTT developed super sensitive Photonic electric field sensor for detecting
minute electric field emitted on the surface of the human body.

The electro-optic sensor has three key features:

It can measure electric fields from a device under test (DUT) without contacting it,
which minimizes measurement disturbance.
Ultra wide-band measurement is possible.
It supports one-point contact measurement that is independent of the ground, Which
is the most significant feature in the present context. NTT utilized this third feature to
fabricate an intrabody communication receiver
For its human area networking technology, which is called RedTacton.
Meaning Of RedTacton?
TACTON: - touch-act-on Meaning action triggered by touching.
RED: - It is an auspicious color according to Japanese culture

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1.4 REDTACTON TRANSCEIVER

Figure 1.1 a photograph of the RedTacton transceiver connected to a PDA and a

block diagram of the RedTacton transceiver developed by NTT.

The transmitter consists of a transmitter circuit that induces electric fields toward the
body and a data sense circuit, which distinguishes transmitting and receiving modes
by detecting both transmission and reception data and outputs control signals
corresponding to the two modes to enable two-way communication.
Implementation of receive-first half-duplex communication scheme that sends only
after checking to make sure that there is no data to receive in order to avoid packet
collisions
RedTacton takes advantage of the long-overlooked electric field that surrounds the
human body.

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2 .NARRATION
2.1 HOW REDTACTON WORKS?

Figure 2.1 the working of the red tacton device over the surface of our
Body
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.
3. RedTacton relies upon the principle that the optical properties of an electrooptic 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 a optical receiver circuit
Multiple transceivers can be used simultaneously. This is because RedTacton uses a
proprietary CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) protocol
that allows multiple access with the same medium from multiple nodes.

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2.2 MECHANISM OF COMMUNICATION WITH REDTACTON

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.

Fig: 2.2 the various electric fields on the surface of our body induced by the RedTacton
device.

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Only a portion of the induced electric field is sensed by the receiving RedTacton device.
The remaining electric fields are dissipated to the ground.
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.2.3.Figure illustrating the transfer of data

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2.3 RED TACTON 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.

Fig.2.4. Block diagram of Red TACTON transceiver

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2.4 FUNCTIONAL FEATURES

Fig.2.5.Experimental setup for intrabody communication

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
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
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 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.
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
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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.)
2.5 SYSTEM SAFETY
NO current flows into 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 films. RedTacton is in
conformity to the "Radiofrequency-exposure Protection standard (RCR STD-38)" issued
by the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB)
2.6 FEATURES OF RED
RedTacton has three main functional features are
1. Touching, gripping, sitting, walking, stepping and other human movements can be the
triggers for unlocking or locking, starting or stopping equipment, or obtaining data.

Fig.2.6.Figure illustrating that RedTacton device can be triggered by touching, gripping,

sitting, walking and stepping.
2. Bandwidth does not deteriorate even with duplex operations and simultaneous access
by many users. Duplex, interactive communication is possible 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
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environment.

Fig.2.7.Wireless LAN and redtaction

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. Conductors and dielectrics may also be
used in combination.

Fig.2.8.Conductor

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Fig.2.9.Dielectrics

Fig.2.10.Both conductor and dielectric

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2.7 COMPARISON WITH OTHER HUMAN COMMUNICATION METHODS

Figure 2.11Electric field and Electric current method

RedTacton does not require the electrode to be in direct contact with the skin.
With the electric amperage method, electrode must be in direct contact with the
skin.

3.APPLICATIONS
3.1 MAJOR APPLICATION FIELDS USING REDTACTON ARE INTRODUCED:

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.

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.

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Fig.3.1. A simple handshake can transfer data.

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.

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.3.2. A customer touching the advertising panel and getting information about that
advertisement through RedTacton device

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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. An
Alarm sounds automatically to avoid accidental medicine ingestion Touch advertising
and receive information.
3.2 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 featureof being difficult to intercept.

Fig.3.3.Figure shows the comparison of RED TACTON device with other networks with
respect to distance

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3.3 COMPARISON WITH OTHER NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES

Performance:
E: Excellent,
P: Poor
3.4 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 radiobased 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.
RedTacton 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, bodybased 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.
Advantages
Data transfer is faster and easier through this technology.
Data loss during transfer is less.
Use of minimum amount of power (of some mili volt range).
Security is more.
Disadvantages
It can be useful within few centimeters.
Effects on human body is still under research.
Scope of research
Communication between electronic devices on the human body (wearable computers)
and ones embedded in our everyday environments can be possible
Wired connection can be replaced.
In the crowded areas such as meeting room due to many users throughput can be
reduced by packet collision in case of Bluetooth and wireless LAN using RED TACTON
this problem can be solved.

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3.5 PLANS FOR COMMERCIALIZATION

It seems like there was a press release event where they demoed the technology. The
first demo was a PDA medication assistant that shows instructions relevant to touched
medicine bottles. The second was a museumguide PDA whose contents was fed from a
floor-embedded transmitter through a users feet.
NTT plans to develop transceivers with an emphasis on portability that are more
compact and less power consumption. Through field testing, NTT will continue to
investigate and improve the robustness of Human Area Networking and human body
surface communication applications.
4 .CONCLUSION
RedTacton is an exciting new technology for human area networking. We have developed
a transceiver that uses the human body as a data transmission medium based on an
electric-field sensor that uses an electro-optic crystal and laser light. Using this
transceiver, we succeeded in achieving 10BASE communication in accordance with
IEEE 802.3 through a human body from one hand to the other hand. While our
immediate objective is to implement a RedTacton system supporting twoway intrabody
communication at a rate of 10 Mbit/s between any two points on the body, our longerterm plans include developing a mass-market transceiver interface supporting PDAs and
notebook computers while continuing efforts to reduce the size and power consumption
of the transceiver to enhance its portability.
NTT is committed to using its comprehensive commercialization functions to push this
research out to the marketplace as quickly as possible while moving ahead With tests and
trials in collaboration with commercial partners as necessary.
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.

REFERENCES:
www.redtacton.com
www.masternewmedia.org
www.en.wikipedia.org
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/print/2596
http://gizmodo.com
http://www.authorstream.com
http://www.scribd.com

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