Send link
VTT brings touch-based services to mobile phones
07.09.2007
Everyday services in one touch
VTT has developed a gateway that enables the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in commercial Bluetooth handsets and other Bluetooth devices. NFC is a new convenient technology for many everyday situations. For example, it enables users to pay for purchases and services by holding their mobile device to a payment terminal, or share data between devices. NFC enables users to pay for purchases and services by holding their mobile device to a payment terminal, or share data between devices. NFC is the first standardised technology to be universally introduced in mobile phones and other commercial handsets that is compatible with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.
VTT developed its NFC Bluetooth gateway as part of the project called
SmartTouch. It is a matchbox-size prototype module that can transfer
information between Bluetooth devices and NFC applications, making it possible
to implement NFC applications by using commercially available Bluetooth
devices.
NFC technology brings services literally within
touching distance, enabling the acquisition and transmission of data between
an NFC-enabled handset and the service system. Users can either touch an NFC
tag carrying service-related information with their handsets, or touch a
specific RFID reader device, e.g. on a bus or at a shop checkout. NFC may also
support or offer an alternative to Bluetooth in short-range wireless
interaction between handsets and other devices. This also enables the
implementation of touch-based mobile services for Bluetooth devices.
VTT
foresees NFC technology becoming a part of everyday life in the near future.
Potential applications include payment solutions and public transport
ticketing systems. The multiple use smart card in the NFC handset can be any
limited-value charge card – a city card, library card, cinema ticket, ticket
to sports events, etc. Users can manage their cards using their handsets and
review the card use log on their phone’s display. The technology enables the
service provider to deliver the service card to the customer via the mobile
network much more cost-efficiently compared with traditional methods.
SmartTouch
is the most extensive NFC project in Europe. The project involves the
cooperation of 24 industrial and research parties and is managed by VTT. The
aim is to pilot the use of NFC technology in various practical environments,
identifying both the challenges and opportunities it offers to business.
VTT
wins international NFC competition
The first European NFC
Competition, Touching the Future, was held last spring. VTT won the first
prize in the “Most Innovative NFC proposal of the Year 2007” track with its
SeeingEyePhone.
The application is designed to assist
visually impaired consumers while shopping in supermarkets. An NFC tag
containing information such as price and nutritional information is attached
to the store shelf next to each product. The shopper touches the tag with an
NFC-enabled phone and the phone reads the information aloud using a voice
synthesizer.
The prizes were awarded by the NFC Forum, a
non-profit industry association that advances the use of NFC technology and
supports its implementation and standardisation. Founded in 2004, the NFC
Forum currently has 120 members.
VTT will demonstrate its NFC
technology and other mobile solutions at the Mobile Monday Global Summit at
Wanha Satama in Helsinki on 10 September 2007.
Photo 1
Photo
2
Photo 3
NFC
technology brings services literally within touching distance, enabling the
acquisition and transmission of data between an NFC-enabled handset and the
service system.