RED TACTON

ABSTRACT

The ritual of exchanging business cards could become a thing of the past after Japanese
researchers devised a way to swap data just through a handshake through a technology named
“RED TACTON” .This advanced technology is used in various fields which is beneficial in
our day to day life such as in medical and commercial applications where Red Tacton can
provide high value-added communication.
According to Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), your whole body is
the perfect conductor for electronic data, meaning that information such as music and films
could be downloaded in seconds via your elbow. The device uses optical electric field sensors
that look for similar electric fields on other bodies. When contact is made, the data goes
through the body with a small amount of voltage, winding up in a portable terminal such as a
mobile .The Red Tacton chips will be embedded in machines and contain a transmitter and
receiver built to send and accept any form of data stored in a digital format .The chips can
take any type of file such as mp3 music file or mail and convert it into a form that takes the
form of digital pulses that can be read and passed through a body’s electric field. The chips in
receiver devices read these changes and convert the file back into its original form.

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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1HISTORY

RED TACTON was developed on 30 August 2005 by a seven-person research team led by
Yuichi Kado, executive manager of the Smart Devices Laboratory at NTT's Microsystems
Integration Laboratories, in Atsugi, west of Tokyo.
The initial ways for the data transmission is done through wired networks. The speed
of transmitting data is in terms of kilobytes per second and the accuracy is affected by the
non linearity and disturbances of the media (That is in wires). Later this task is performed by
wireless networks. The speed is not much accelerated but the accuracy is developed. To attain
high speed and accuracy a new concept of data transmission is coming into existence that
contains human surface area as a media. The powerful and minute electric field present on the
human surface can be used as media for transmission of data. This typical task is achieved by
using the device REDTACTON.
Using a transmitter embedded in, say, a PDA, REDTACTON sends a 5-volt pulse
along the surface of the body. The human body shunts most of this electricity to the ground,
resulting in a weak electric field that can be modulated to carry signals. The receiver is
located either on another part of the body—a component of a hands-free headset, perhaps—or
nearby, say, in an acquaintance's PDA. As it senses modulations in the electric field, the
receiver decodes them to recover the data.

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CHAPTER 2
RED TACTON

Red- Warmth, T- Touch, and Acton- Action stands for RED TACTON. NTT combined
“Touch and Action” to coin the term Tacton, and then added the word Red – ‘a warm color ’
to emphasize Warm and Cordial communications, creating the name 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.
RED TACTON is a new Human Area Networking technology that uses the surface of
the human body as a safe, high-speed network transmission path. 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 RED TACTON transceiver. 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.
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.

Fig 2.1 shows a person opening a door with the help of an RED TACTON device.

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2.1 HOW RED TACTON WORKS?

Red Tacton can achieve duplex communication over the human body at a maximum speed of
10 Mbps. Red Tacton transmitter induces a weak electric field on the surface of the body.
The electric field sensor (transistor or photonic electric field sensor) detects electric field that
reaches the Red Tacton receiver. Red Tacton receiver senses the 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 an 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.

Fig 2.2 working principle of Red Tacton.

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2.2 MECHANISM OF COMMUNICATION WITH RED TACTON.

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 super-sensitive
electric field sensing technology measures the weak electric fields induced by the super-
efficient alternating electric field induction technology developed by NTT.
Using a novel electro-optic sensor, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
(NTT) has already developed a small PCMCIA card-sized prototype REDTACTON
transceiver. 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 a REDTACTON doesn’t introduce an electric current into the body instead; it makes
use of the minute electric field that occurs naturally on the surface of every human body. A
transmitter attached to a device, such as an MP3 player, uses this field to send data by
modulating the field minutely in the same way that a radio carrier wave is modulated to carry
information.
Receiving data is more complicated because the strength of the electric field involved
is so low. REDTACTON gets around this using 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.

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Fig 2.3 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.

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2.3 RED TACTON TRANSCEIVERS

Fig 2.4 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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CHAPTER 3
PROTOTYPES

NTT has made three types of prototypes

Red Tacton Transceiver(PC card type)

Communicationspeed:10Mbps

Protocols: TCP/IP

Communication method: Half-duplex.

Interface: PCMCIA

Red Tacton Transceiver(Hub type)

Communicationspeed:10Mbps

Protocols :TCP/IP

Communication method : Half-duplex

Interface: RJ45

Red Tacton Transceiver(Box type)

(under constructions)

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CHAPTER 4
FEATURES OF RED TACTON

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
Red Tacton, 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 Touching Fig 4.2 Gripping

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Fig 4.3 Sitting down Fig 4.4 Walking

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.

Communication speed can Device drivers can be downloaded

deteriorate in crowded spaces due instantly and executable programs
to a lack of bandwidth can be quickly sent.
(wireless LAN) (REDTACTON)

Fig 4.5 Difference between Red Tacton and Wireless LAN

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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.
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.

Fig 4.6 Conductors (signals travel along surface).

Fig 4.7 Dielectrics (signals pass through materials)

Fig 4.8 Conductor+Dielectrics

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CHAPTER 5
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

 ADVANTAGES
 Communication by just a Simple Touch thus eliminating use of hectic arrangements
of wires.
 Red Tacton provides high speed and accuracy .
 Red Tacton transceiver electrodes are covered with an insulating film, so there is no
way current can flow into users body.

Fig 5.1

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 Very secure Data Transmission i.e., there is no problem of hacking since medium is
our individual body.
 No need to insert smart cards, connect cables, tune frequencies, or any of the other
inconveniences usually associated with today's electronic devices.
 Transmission speed does not deteriorate in congested areas where many people are
communicating at the same time.

 DISADVANTAGES
 Very high Initial Cost.
 High Sensitivity of Receiver is required.
 Complexity in Design

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CHAPTER 6
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS

6.1 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.

 An alarm sounds automatically to avoid accidental medicine ingestion.

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.

Fig 6.1 Elemenating human error

 Touch advertising and receive information.

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

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Fig 6.2 Marketing Application

6.2 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.
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.

 Touch a 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".

Fig 6.3 Touch a printer

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 Instantaneous private network transfer 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.

Fig 6.4 Instant private data exchange.

6.3 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.
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.

 Just touching a phone makes it your own.

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

Fig 6.5 Personalization of mobile phones.

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 Just sitting in the seat triggers the car to load all its presets as 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 driver's favorite song.

Fig 6.6 Personalization of automobiles.

6.4 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.

 Connect to a network jus by putting laptop on a table.

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.

Fig 6.7 Conferencing system

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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.

 Wireless headset.
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.

Fig6.8 Wearable

6.5 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.
Automatic user authentication and login with just a touch. ID and privileges are
recorded in a mobile REDTACTON device. Corresponding REDTACTON receivers are
installed at security checkpoints. The system can provide authentication and record who
touched the device, and when Carrying a mobile.

 User verification and unlocking with just a touch.

Carrying a mobile Red Tacton 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.

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 Automatic access log for confidential document storage.

A Red Tacton receiver in a cabinet where important documents are stored enables lock
administration and keeps a record of who accessed documents at what time.

Fig 6.9 Confidential document management

 Communication in new domain:

Potential for use as communication method in outer space and under water. Potential for
use as communication method with devices inside the human body

Fig 6.10 Communication under water Fig 6.11 Communication inside

Human body

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CHAPTER 7
COMPARISION WITH OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

Wireless Wireless Passive Infrared

LAN Close Contactless wireless Standard RED

Evaluation criteria Range IC ID tag data TACTON
wireless cards communi-
cation

Transfer speed
(Can DVD-quality images E P P P P E
be sent?)

Performance deterioration
during periods of congestion
P P E E E E
(Simultaneous use by many
people in small spaces)

Duplex data transfer

E E E P E E
(Interactive processing)

Data configuration at
initiation of communications
E E P P E E
(Registration of ID profiles,
etc)

Tasks required at time of

each communication
E E P E P E
(Adjustment of contacts and
optical axis)

Synchronization with
user behavior
P P E E P E
(Specification of
user positioning)

NOTE: E: Excellent P: Poor

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CHAPTER 8
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.We conclude that, when we compare Red Tacton with other technology
present today it can give a better performance over others.And we can say that to connect the
network with in short distances Red Tacton is best. In this technology there is no problem of
hackers as our body is itself a media.

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REFERENCES

[1]www.redtacton.com/en/info/index.html
[2]www.masternewmedia.org/2003/10/19/wireless_body_networkingat10.htm
[3] discuss.itacumens.com/index.php?topic=12720
[4] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red Tacton
[5] http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/print/2596 Digit Magazine
[6] www.Scribd.com/doc/117603u/Red Tacton

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