SEMINAR REPORT

ON
REDTACTON
Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement
For the Degree of
Bachelor of Technology

In
COMPUTER SCIENCE ENGINEERING Department
By
RAHUL KUMAR (1314310071)
AKASH KUMAR(1314310001)
Under the Supervision of
Mrs. SHIVANI AGARWAL

IMS ENGINEERING COLLEGE, GHAZIABAD

AFFILIATED Dr. A. P.J. ABDUL KALAM TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW

CERTIFICATE

Certified that this is a bonafide record of the seminar report

entitled REDTACTON TECHNOLOGY is done by Rahul Kumar
and Akash Kumar of the VI semester, COMPUTER SCIENCE
ENGINEERING in the year 2015 in partial fulfillment of the
requirements to the award of Degree of Bachelor of Technology in
Information Technology of Uttar Pradesh Technical University .

Signature of Seminar coordinator

(Name: Mrs. SHIVANI AGARWAL)

Signature of HOD
(Name: Mr. PANKAJ AGRAWAL)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We RAHUL KUMAR and AKASH KUMAR have taken efforts in this seminar on
REDTACTON TECHNOLOGY However, it would not have been possible without the
kind support and help of many individuals and organizations. I would like to extend my
sincere thanks to all of them.
I am highly indebted to Mrs. SHIVANI AGARWAL for his guidance and constant
supervision as well as for providing necessary information regarding the project & also
for his support in completing the project.
I would like to express my gratitude towards my parents & member of (IMS
ENGINEERING COLLEGE) for their kind co-operation and encouragement which help
me in completion of this project.
I would like to express my special gratitude and thanks to my friends for giving me such
attention and time.
My thanks and appreciations also go to my colleague in developing the project and
people who have willingly helped me out with their abilities.

RAHUL KUMAR
AND
AKASH KUMAR
(CSE)

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 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. 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.

CONTENTS

1. Introduction
1.1 What is RedTacton?...................................................... .............................................1
1.2 History of HAN ......1
1.3 Overview of RedTacton..2
2. Narration
2.1 How RedTacton works?..............................................................................................6
2.2 Mechanism of communication with RedTacton.7
2.3 RedTacton TRANSCEIVER..9
2.4 FUNCTIONAL FEATURES10
2.5 System Safety11
2.6 Features of RedTacton..12
2.7 Comparison with other Human communication methods16
3. Applications
3.1 Six major application field.17
3.2 Comparison With Other Networks...19
3.3 Comparison with other network technologies..20
3.4 Advantage Over BLUETOOTH...20
3.5 PROTOTYPE Devices..23
3.6 Plans for Commercialization.24
4.Conclusion.25
References..26
RedTacton - Human Area Network Technology

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 sever.
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

1.3 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.

RedTacton transceiver
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.

NARRATION
2.1 HOW REDTACTON WORKS?

Figure 2.1 shows 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.

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.

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

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

2.4 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 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 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)

Figure 2.6

2.6 FEATURES OF RED

RedTacton has three main functional features:-

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.

Conductor

Dielectrics

Both conductor and dielectric

2.7 COMPARISON WITH OTHER HUMAN COMMUNICATION
METHODS

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.

APPLICATIONS
3.1 SIX MAJOR APPLICATION FIELDS USING REDTACTON ARE
INTRODUCED:
3.1.1 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.
3.1.2 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.

Fig.3.3. A simple handshake can transfer data.

3.1.3 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.
3.1.4 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 table top.

3.1.5 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.

Fig.3.4. A customer touching the advertising panel and getting information about that
advertisement through RedTacton device.
3.1.6 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 feature of
being difficult to intercept.

Fig.3.5.Figure shows the comparison of RED TACTON device with other networks with respect
to distance

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 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.
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, 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 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.

3.5 PROTOTYPE DEVICES

F
ig.3.6.Security devices whose development has been completed

3.6 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 museum guide 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.

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 two way intra body
communication at a rate of 10 Mbit/s between any two points on the body, our longer
term 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://sniptools.com
http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Redtacton/166398
http://www.scribd.com