Using a small prototype transmitter (roughly the size of a deck of cards) embedded with a microchip, and a slightly larger receiving device, the researchers can transmit a preprogrammed electronic business card between two people via a simple handshake. What's more, the prototype allows data to be transmitted from sender to receiver through up to four touching bodies.

The natural salinity of the human body makes it an excellent conductor of electrical current. PAN technology takes advantage of this conductivity by creating an external electric field that passes an incredibly tiny current through the body, over which is carried.

The current used is one billionth of an amp (one nanoamp), which is lower than the natural currents already in the body. In fact, the electrical field created by running a comb through hair is more than 1,000 times greater than that being used by PAN technology.

The speed at which the data is transmitter is equivalent to a 2400-baud modem. Theoretically, 44 million bits per second could be communicated using this method.

IBM researchers envision PAN technology initially being applied in three ways:

To pass simple data between electronic devices carried by two human beings, such as an electronic business card exchanged during a handshake.

To exchange information between personal information and communications devices carried by an individual, including cellular phones, pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smart cards. For example, upon receiving a page, the number could be automatically uploaded to the cellular phone, requiring the user to simply hit the send button. This automation increases accuracy and safety, especially in driving situations.

To automate and secure consumer business transactions. Among the many examples:

A public phone equipped with PAN sensors would automatically identify the user who would no longer have to input calling card and PINs. This application significantly reduces fraud and makes calling easier and more convenient for users.

By placing RF (radio frequency) sensors on products, such as rental videos, stores could essentially eliminate counter lines and expedite rentals and sales. The customer would simply carry the selected videos through a detecting device that would automatically and accurately identify the customer and his selections, and then bill his account accordingly.

Health service workers could more safely and quickly identify patients, their medical histories and unique medicinal needs by simply touching them. This application would be particularly helpful in accident situations or where the patients unable to speak or communicate.

In this example, A researcher's electronic business card is transmitted between two people by simply touching fingers.

Sharing information increases the usefulness of personal information devices and provides users with features not possible with independent or isolated devices. However, finding a way to do this effectively, securely and cost-efficiently presented a challenge, at least until PAN was developed.