The StoLPaN project intends to establish the secure, reliable, bi-directional interaction between NFC and wireless communication channels and to demonstrate the use of this new technology platform in the retail logistical value chain, pawing the way to a new ambient intelligence environment.

 

Multi layer smart tags will be designed, which are able to carry both permanent and temporary EPC information, protecting privacy, but also providing information for smart environments. Technology will be developed to let the EPC tags be captured with NFC enabled, networked devices, where NFC will form a secure bi-directional bridge between the local networks and the

mobile communication channels. Secure management of the NFC chip is realized by the extension of existing and development of new APIs. The new technical architecture will be deployed into devices like smart shopping carts, smart security gates and payment terminals.

 

The new developments will also be used to provide a secure, transparent environment in NFC enabled mobile handsets, where the handset’s resources will be used for managing the various functions of the NFC chip, enabling it for operating as a secure payment purse, host of multiple payment instruments and even as merchant payment terminal, or price reader. Through the new technology secure, operator independent remote management of the NFC chip will be possible over wireless channels.

 

The described technology developments will be demonstrated in a retail environment, where customers will be able to make purchases, pay and check-out using the NFC enabled smart devices without any check-out counters, greatly reducing shopping time and increasing store capacity.

 

Besides technical research and development the project work includes research activity related to security, legal, privacy and consumer protection issues, relevant in case of RFID-NFC use and store operation. The business model supporting the new logistical value chain will also be prepared.