Top > Research results > "Human communication" is effective even for devices worn on both ears Tokyo University of Science and the University of Tokyo

2021/8/14

"Human communication" is effective even for devices worn on both ears Tokyo University of Science and the University of Tokyo

University Journal Online Editorial Department

　Human body communication refers to communication technology using the human body as a medium, and is expected to be applied to wearable devices.
Until now, it has been considered to be applied mainly to devices worn on the arm such as smart watches, but this time, the group of Tokyo University of Science and the University of Tokyo seems to be a hearing aid, which is a promising application destination of human body communication. We assumed a left-right separated device to be worn on both ears, and verified the human body communication mechanism and its characteristics in such a device.

　As a result of electromagnetic field analysis using a detailed numerical human body model, communication between devices attached to both ears is 2.45 MHz human body communication rather than 10 GHz electromagnetic wave communication used in current hearing aids. It turned out to be more suitable. In the simulations of 20MHz and 30MHz human body communication, there was no big difference in the electric field distribution and transmission characteristics, and it was confirmed that both frequencies are suitable for human body communication.

　It was also found that the electrode structure of the device has a great influence on the transmission mechanism and communication characteristics of human body communication, and that the communication characteristics can be improved by matching impedance. In addition, the system proposed this time consumes power and is safe for the human body. It was also confirmed that it has cleared the level that can withstand practical use in terms of sexuality.

　The use of human body communication for the head, where important organs such as the brain are concentrated, has not been fully investigated, but human body communication is excellent in confidentiality, does not generate electromagnetic noise, and communicates with low power consumption. There is an advantage that it may be possible.It is expected that this research will expand the range of applications for human body communication and accelerate the spread of human body communication systems not only for hearing aids but also for wearable devices worn on the head such as wireless earphones.

Paper information:[Electronics] Transmission Analysis in Human Body Communication for Head-Mounted Wearable Devices

Tokyo University

Established in the 10th year of the Meiji era.A university with the longest history in Japan and at the forefront of Japanese knowledge

The University of Tokyo was established in 1877 (Meiji 10) by integrating the Tokyo Kaisei School and the Tokyo Medical School.Since its establishment, it has developed education and research in a unique way in the world as a leading university in Japan and an academic center for the fusion of East and West cultures.As a result, many human resources have been produced in a wide range of fields, and many research achievements […]

→ Details of the University of Tokyo

Tokyo University of Science

Pay for performance that cultivates true ability.Aiming to realize a sustainable world through the creation of science and technology

Tokyo University of Science was founded in 1881 as the "Tokyo Physics Training Institute", and after more than 140 years of history, it has developed into a comprehensive science and engineering university with 4 campuses, 7 faculties, 33 departments, and 7 graduate schools with 30 majors. Graduation of students who have acquired the true ability and the founding spirit of "making the spread of science the basis for the development of national luck" […]

→ Details of Tokyo University of Science

Related article

University Journal Online Editorial Department

This is the online editorial department of the university journal.
Articles are written by editorial staff who have a high level of knowledge and interest in universities and education.