NULEF Communication via Human Body Capacitive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human body interaction with radio frequency (RF) signals leads to poor communication link budgets due to absorption, reflection, and refraction of RF signals, particularly at frequencies above 1 GHz, causing issues with body-worn transducers and potential health concerns from high power transmitters.
Innovation Solution
Employing Near Ultra Low Energy Field (NULEF) communication systems that utilize magnetic field induction and electric field communication, where the human body acts as a hollow conductive cylinder, allowing for communication through NULEF frequencies (9-22 MHz) with minimal power absorption, enabling communication via capacitive coupling or ohmic contact with transducers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If RF signals above 1 GHz are used for communication, then communication speed and data rate are improved, but the human body absorbs and distorts the signals causing poor link budget and communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from RF above 1 GHz to NULEF frequencies (9-22 MHz), transforming the electromagnetic field characteristics to achieve both acceptable communication speed and improved reliability by minimizing body interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capacitive coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the transceiver and the human body, using the body's natural capacitance to couple NULEF signals without direct conductive contact, thereby reducing signal distortion and absorption
2Length of stationary object
If high power transmitters are used to overcome signal absorption, then communication range is extended, but health risks increase due to high power exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter to NULEF range (9-22 MHz) where the human body has minimal absorption, allowing extended communication range to be achieved with low power transmitters, thereby eliminating health risks associated with high power exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the human body's natural properties (capacitance and conductivity) from harmful factors that cause signal absorption into beneficial elements that enable capacitive coupling and signal transmission through the body with minimal power requirements
3Ease of operation
If body-worn transducers are used for communication, then ease of operation is improved, but the interaction of RF signals with the body causes poor link budget and communication efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces capacitive coupling as an intermediary that eliminates the need for direct conductive contact between transducers and the body, maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving communication efficiency by reducing signal absorption and distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/conductive contact system with an electric field-based capacitive coupling system, substituting physical contact requirements with field interaction, thereby maintaining user convenience while improving communication efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach minimizes power absorption by the body, reduces interference, and extends communication range, making it suitable for medical applications and body area networks with reduced health risks and improved communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
enabling communication via capacitive coupling or ohmic contact with transducers
Implementation Method 2
The electrical signal may be a voltage signal induced onto a human body
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques to enable near field communication using electric field (E-field) are proposed. When the wavelength of a signal is long relative to the human body, the human body can behave as a conductive hollow cylinder. By capacitively coupling the human body with a transmitter and/or a receiver, the human body itself can be used as a communication medium.