Human Body Communication (HBC) has come up as a promising alternative to traditional radio frequency (RF) Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) technologies. This is essentially due to HBC providing a broadband communication channel with enhanced signal security in the physical layer due to lower radiation from the human body as compared to its RF counterparts. An in-depth understanding of the mechanism for the channel loss variability and associated biophysical model needs to be developed before EQS-HBC can be used more frequently in WBAN consumer and medical applications. Biophysical models characterizing the human body as a communication channel didn't exist in literature for a long time. Recent developments have shown models that capture the channel response for fixed transmitter and receiver positions on the human body. These biophysical models do not capture the variability in the HBC channel for varying positions of the devices with respect to the human body. In this study, we provide a detailed analysis of the change in path loss in a capacitive-HBC channel in the electro-quasistatic (EQS) domain. Causes of channel loss variability namely: inter-device coupling and effects of fringe fields due to body's shadowing effects are investigated. FEM based simulation results are used to analyze the channel response of human body for different positions and sizes of the device which are further verified using measurement results to validate the developed biophysical model. Using the bio-physical model, we develop a closed form equation for the path loss in a capacitive HBC channel which is then analyzed as a function of the geometric properties of the device and the position with respect to the human body which will help pave the path towards future EQS-HBC WBAN design.
Human Body Communication (HBC) has come up as a promising alternative to traditional radio frequency (RF) Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) technologies. This is essentially due to HBC providing a broadband communication channel with enhanced signal security in the physical layer due to lower radiation from the human body as compared to its RF counterparts. An in-depth understanding of the mechanism for the channel loss variability and associated biophysical model needs to be developed before EQS-HBC can be used more frequently in WBAN consumer and medical applications. Biophysical models characterizing the human body as a communication channel didn't exist in literature for a long time. Recent developments have shown models that capture the channel response for fixed transmitter and receiver positions on the human body. These biophysical models do not capture the variability in the HBC channel for varying positions of the devices with respect to the human body. In this study, we provide a detailed analysis of the change in path loss in a capacitive-HBC channel in the electroquasistatic (EQS) domain. Causes of channel loss variability namely: inter-device coupling and effects of fringe fields due to body's shadowing effects are investigated. FEM based simulation results are used to analyze the channel response of human body for different positions and sizes of the device which are further verified using measurement results to validate the developed biophysical model. Using the bio-physical model, we develop a closed form equation for the path loss in a capacitive HBC channel which is then analyzed as a function of the geometric properties of the device and the position with respect to the human body which will help pave the path towards future EQS-HBC WBAN design.
Precision livestock farming (PLF) offers a strategic solution to enhance the management capacity of large animal groups, while simultaneously improving profitability, efficiency, and minimizing environmental impacts associated with livestock production systems. Additionally, PLF contributes to optimizing the ability to manage and monitor animal welfare while providing solutions to global grand challenges posed by the growing demand for animal products and ensuring global food security. By enabling a return to the "per animal" approach by harnessing technological advancements, PLF enables cost-effective, individualized care for animals through enhanced monitoring and control capabilities within complex farming systems. Meeting the nutritional requirements of a global population exponentially approaching ten billion people will likely require the density of animal proteins for decades to come. The development and application of digital technologies are critical to facilitate the responsible and sustainable intensification of livestock production over the next several decades to maximize the potential benefits of PLF. Real-time continuous monitoring of each animal is expected to enable more precise and accurate tracking and management of health and well-being. Importantly, the digitalization of agriculture is expected to provide collateral benefits of ensuring auditability in value chains while assuaging concerns associated with labor shortages. Despite notable advances in PLF technology adoption, a number of critical concerns currently limit the viability of these state-of-the-art technologies. The potential benefits of PLF for livestock management systems which are enabled by autonomous continuous monitoring and environmental control can be rapidly enhanced through an Internet of Things (IoT) approach to monitoring and (where appropriate) closed-loop management. In this paper, we analyze the multilayered network of sensors, actuators, communication, networking, and analytics currently used in PLF, focusing on dairy farming as an illustrative example. We explore the current state-of-the-art, identify key shortcomings, and propose potential solutions to bridge the gap between technology and animal agriculture. Additionally, we examine the potential implications of advancements in communication, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) on the health, security, and welfare of animals.
Security vulnerabilities demonstrated in implantable medical devices have opened the door for research into physically secure and low power communication methodologies. In this study, we perform a comparative analysis of commonly used ISM frequency bands and Human Body Communication for data transfer from in-body to out-of-body. We develop a Figure of Merit (FoM) which comprises of the critical parameters to quantitatively compare the communication methodologies. We perform FEM based simulations and experiments to validate the FoM developed.
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