Near field communication

Near Field Communication (NFC) has evolved from a combination of contactless identification (RFID) and interconnection technologies. It enables a user to exchange all kinds of information simply by bringing two devices close together. For instance, a mobile phone or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) could act as a ticket on public transport instead of using a contactless smart card.

In order to make two devices communicate, they need to be brought together (within 10cm) or make them touch. This will automatically initiate communication between the two devices. Once configuration data has been exchanged, the devices can then set up longer range communication with faster protocols such as Bluetooth or WiFi.

Unlike traditional RFID readers, with NFC you are not scanning for every tag within range. NFC eliminates indiscriminate reading that raises privacy issues, and it also saves battery power. NFC operates at the same frequency as a contactless smart card. When the connection has been made a mobile phone can vibrate to let the user know it has worked.

Image of a man in a wheelchair using NFC to pay for his shopping.

An important aspect of the design of new NFC devices is that it can allow a person to use a device they are familiar with, such as their mobile phone, to link to a simple interface. This makes the system easy to operate for people who are not good with technology. This can also be very helpful for people with disabilities.

The range of potential applications includes the interconnection of digital cameras, PDAs, set-top boxes, computers and mobile phones. For instance a poster, advertising a concert, could contain a NFC electronic chip. By touching a tag on the poster with a mobile phone, information about the concert could be downloaded to the phone.

Using NFC to get information from an event poster. Tickets could be directly purchased and stored on a phone handset. On arriving at the venue the user would only have to touch their phone on a reader at the entrance gate.

At a bus stop, simply touching their mobile phone on a NFCenabled sign would automatically allow travel information to be read out using the phone speaker. In general, this technology could make the user interface on many public terminals significantly easier to use by many people with disabilities.

By touching a mobile phone on a poster, as shown on the right, information about an event can be downloaded. However, users will find it easier if there is a standard icon to indicate where to touch, and if the icon is a consistent height from the ground. It would also be helpful to have standardised feedback to indicate a successful connection, preferably both visual and auditory. A different signal will also be needed to indicate failed or incomplete connection.

Also, a travel ticket could be downloaded onto a mobile phone. The user would then be able to pass through barriers by touching the phone to an icon at the barriers.

Near Field Communication could also be used to download additional information such as timetables, travel instructions and maps.

Go to Near Field Communication Guidelines

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