What are IoB, wearable biometric and environmental sensors?

IT technologies such as IoB, wearable biometrics, and environmental sensors are permeating human life.

Many services that make full use of each of these technologies have already been created, and they can be found not only in the business world, but also in our daily lives.

In this article, we will discuss the IoB, wearable biometrics, environmental sensors, and other technologies in detail.

1) What is IoB?

IoB refers to technologies that connect the Internet to humans. IoB is an abbreviation of "Internet of Bodies" and "Internet of Behavior," respectively.

The former, Internet of Bodies, includes smartwatches, which have been gaining popularity in recent years, as well as pacemakers and other types of devices that can be worn or implanted in the body. Smartwatches can measure heart rate and calories during specific exercises such as muscle training and running. Pacemakers can monitor the heartbeat and blood flow, which is an important part of maintaining good health.

Measured data can also be stored in the cloud, allowing for digital rather than paper-based record keeping.

The Internet of Behavior is also unique in that it allows users to digitize their own behavior. Approaches based on data such as search history on search engines and actions on social networking services can be used to make life more convenient. Not only can optimal advertisements be delivered to each user based on their search history and SNS actions, but related information can also be displayed on the device, making it easier to access the information that interests users.

2) What is a wearable biometric?

Wearable biometrics refers to technology that measures human biometric data with wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches).

In the human body, body temperature, heart rate, and pulse are important data for measuring health. If a person's body temperature rises abnormally, or if there is a disturbance in the heartbeat or pulse, it indicates that the body is experiencing some kind of problem. Wearable biometrics can be used for health management by providing constant confirmation of biometric information. Currently, smartwatches are the most common device used for wearable biometrics, but in recent years earphones and smart glasses (eyeglass-type devices) are also being used.

Earphones allow users to check their body temperature and pulse wave through their ears, so those who are in the habit of listening to music can collect useful biometric information on a daily basis. Smart glasses are also capable of measuring biometric information, if worn with a terminal that has built-in electrodes.

However, there is a drawback with both: the distance from the heart makes them susceptible to the influence of other biometric data (brain waves, for example).

In the future, it is expected that AI information processing technology will be used to develop a biometric authentication technology with a high level of accuracy.

3) What are environmental sensors?

An environmental sensor is a tool to manage environmental data such as temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration.

Management of the above environmental data is considered necessary for stable production activities. The following four types of environmental sensors are often measured:

Temperature sensors

In regular households, these sensors are installed in refrigerators. They are a familiar technology.

There are also a variety of sensors for various applications, such as usage environment, measurement range, and response speed. When selecting a sensor, it is necessary to consider the actual environment of the site where the sensor will be used.

Barometric Pressure Sensors

A barometric sensor is an environmental sensor that measures atmospheric pressure.

Since it can measure atmospheric pressure, it can visualize invisible air pressure. Sensors are often utilized for moving in places with a difference in elevation, such as mountain climbing. Recently they have also been used at sites where drones are used.

Barometric pressure sensors can also be used to examine whether a drone is suitable for flight, to see if any problems arise.

Ultraviolet sensors

Ultraviolet sensors are used to measure the amount of ultraviolet rays that come from sunlight.

Although UV rays are invisible to the eye, it is believed that exposure to large amounts of UV rays can have adverse effects on health.

The role of ultraviolet sensors is to visualize ultraviolet rays, so that countermeasures can be taken as needed.

CO2 sensors

CO2 sensors measure the concentration of CO2 in the air.

Although they are thought of mostly as being utilized in fields related to environmental pollution, they are also being introduced into company offices, schools, factories, and other places. As we now know that CO2 concentration is related to human activity, CO2 sensors are being introduced at many sites.

4) NTT's approach to wearable biometric and environmental sensors

NTT is working on creating wearable biometric and environmental sensors (Japanese-language page):

Health Management Technology using Wearable Bio-environmental Sensors 'hitoe® Heat Countermeasure Service for Cloud'"
https://www.rd.ntt/research/DIC0003.html

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