It may have been thought that the feature would be filled with antennas and emitters because of the rapid expansion of wireless communications. However, it appears that the human body is now emerging as a significant contender in data transfer.
NTT labs from Japan is currently testing an innovative technology called “red tacton,” which utilizes the electric fields produced by the human body as a means of transmitting data. The chips, integrated into different devices, comprise a transmitter and receiver that send and receive digital format data. These chips can convert any file type, like an MP3 music file or email, into a format resembling digital pulses. Subsequently, these pulses can be transmitted via the human body’s electric field and deciphered by the chip in receiving devices, thereby restoring the original file format.
RedTacton is an innovative technology called Human Area Networking that utilizes the human body’s surface as a secure and efficient network transmission path. Unlike wireless and infrared technologies, RedTacton utilizes the minute electric field emitted on the surface of the human body. The name RedTacton signifies its unique communication method, where communication initiates with touching (Touch), followed by various actions (Act on), with the color red symbolizing the warmth in communication.
Combining these phrases resulted in the creation of the name “RedTacton”. A RedTacton transceiver forms a transmission path the moment a part of the human body makes contact. Communication ceases when the contact is physically broken. Through RedTacton, communication commences when terminals carried by the user or embedded in devices connect based on the user’s natural physical movements. Communication can be established using various body surfaces, including hands, fingers, arms, feet, face, legs, and torso. RedTacton is also capable of functioning through shoes and clothing. [pic] RedTacton can achieve duplex communication over the human body at a maximum speed of 10 Mbps.
Conductors and dielectrics can be used together to unlock or lock equipment, start or stop equipment, or obtain data by utilizing human movements such as touching, gripping, sitting, walking, and stepping. The positioning of RedTacton in relation to existing communication technologies is shown in the chart below. The focus on ubiquitous service has resulted in shorter communication distances. RedTacton is identified as the ultimate close-range communication solution within 1 meter. Wireless communication establishes connections upon signal arrival, eliminating the need for connectors and facilitating easy connections.
Though intercepted signals pose a potential security concern, wired communication provides a high level of security as data is transmitted directly between two connection points. However, the use of connectors and cables can be bothersome. On the other hand, RedTacton effectively bridges the gap between wireless and wired communication. This means that RedTacton enables effortless connection without the need for connectors and ensures data transmission solely between two contact points. Consequently, it offers the advantage of being less susceptible to interception.
The introduction of RedTacton technology will bring about significant and transformative advancements in modern communications. When compared to other technologies, RedTacton surpasses them in terms of performance. Once it enters the market, it is expected to have a profound impact and be widely embraced by the public.
