31-05-2012, 04:45 PM
Skinplex - Body coupled communications
[attachment=23748]
Introduction
Skinplex is a technology that allows for active (wireless) data communication using the skin as a transmitter. It can also passively detect touch or near touch situations. Thus it falls into the domain of Near Field Communication (NFC) and it can be used in the creation of a Personal Area Network (PAN) or Body Area Network (BAN). Its main claims to fame are that is has a larger range than RFID and that the whole body can be used as transmitter making at an effective tool in personal identification. The passive Skinplex system is also very interesting for energy efficiency purposes in many appliances as it can automatically shut them down as soon as the user has let go (for instance in a wireless computer mouse or advanced TV remote). Also it is a more reliable sensor technology as it harder to activate accidentally as can happen with IR proximity sensors or accelerometers.
Working principles
Not much detail is known about the working principles of Skinplex the following can be derived from their communications and patents:
In short: Skinplex uses a small device that is in (near) contact with the skin transmits a signal over the whole surface of the users body. This signal can be read by a touch panel (the communication with the on body device is already established before touch occurs) and can control a broad range of functions within the device that has the touch panel.
The touch panel uses alternating electrical fields which change (increase) when the electric field of the human body is introduced into the system. The device that is in near contact with the skin can influence the electric field of the human body in such a way that it can be used as a data transmitter. The input of the system is therefor an electrical field and the output is an electrical signal which can be interpreted and processed by a computer.
Applications
• Building entry security check, identifying the person and allowing acces to the building without the person physically needing to scan anything for identification.
• Electronic door sensor (for instance a revolving door)
• Driving safety, allowing only the passengers to adjust non vital systems in a car such as radio or sattelite navigation whilst driving.
• A device that only switches on when touched, for example a computer mouse or a screen backlight on a mobile device such as a remote or MP3 player.
• 3D Gesture based devices as opposed to 2D touch screen devices.
• Electric water kettle Kenwood Stealth. Movie Kenwood Stealth
[attachment=23748]
Introduction
Skinplex is a technology that allows for active (wireless) data communication using the skin as a transmitter. It can also passively detect touch or near touch situations. Thus it falls into the domain of Near Field Communication (NFC) and it can be used in the creation of a Personal Area Network (PAN) or Body Area Network (BAN). Its main claims to fame are that is has a larger range than RFID and that the whole body can be used as transmitter making at an effective tool in personal identification. The passive Skinplex system is also very interesting for energy efficiency purposes in many appliances as it can automatically shut them down as soon as the user has let go (for instance in a wireless computer mouse or advanced TV remote). Also it is a more reliable sensor technology as it harder to activate accidentally as can happen with IR proximity sensors or accelerometers.
Working principles
Not much detail is known about the working principles of Skinplex the following can be derived from their communications and patents:
In short: Skinplex uses a small device that is in (near) contact with the skin transmits a signal over the whole surface of the users body. This signal can be read by a touch panel (the communication with the on body device is already established before touch occurs) and can control a broad range of functions within the device that has the touch panel.
The touch panel uses alternating electrical fields which change (increase) when the electric field of the human body is introduced into the system. The device that is in near contact with the skin can influence the electric field of the human body in such a way that it can be used as a data transmitter. The input of the system is therefor an electrical field and the output is an electrical signal which can be interpreted and processed by a computer.
Applications
• Building entry security check, identifying the person and allowing acces to the building without the person physically needing to scan anything for identification.
• Electronic door sensor (for instance a revolving door)
• Driving safety, allowing only the passengers to adjust non vital systems in a car such as radio or sattelite navigation whilst driving.
• A device that only switches on when touched, for example a computer mouse or a screen backlight on a mobile device such as a remote or MP3 player.
• 3D Gesture based devices as opposed to 2D touch screen devices.
• Electric water kettle Kenwood Stealth. Movie Kenwood Stealth