The StoLPaN project intends to turn NFC enabled mobile handsets into multifunction terminals with bi-directional interaction between the wireless NFC interface and mobile communication channels and to demonstrate the use of this generally applicable new technology in the retail logistical value chain, and also in mobile payment, ticketing and other use cases.

A general HOST environment will be developed that will enable NFC enabled mobile handsets to run various business applications making use of the NFC interface. New developments will 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 simultaneously operating as payment card, as secure payment purse and also being the host of multiple other business instruments. Through the new technology secure, independent remote management of the NFC chip will be possible over wireless channels. Secure management of the NFC chip is realized by the extension of existing and development of new APIs, standards.

Also the project will work on the solution to let the EPC tags be captured with contactless, networked devices, where NFC will form a secure bi-directional bridge between the local networks and the mobile communication channels. The new technical architecture will be deployed into devices like smart shopping carts, smart security gates and payment terminals.

The described technology developments will be demonstrated in a smart 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. Business models supporting the necessary logistical value chain and operation of the NFC services will also be prepared.

Results:

• To develop a JAVA based mobile host application that provides a transparent environment for the simultaneous operation of various NFC based service applications, by neutralizing specifics of the handset design and taking care of resource, security and communication management.
• Establish the back-office architecture and necessary communication protocols that ensure the secure, remote management of the various NFC applications hosted in the mobile handset.
• Porting of selected contactless applications to the StoLPaN specification, and preparation of workflow like design guidelines for the development of new service profiles
• Development of support devices, and reorganisation of traditional business procedures to allow full NFC support for the retail check-out and payment process
• Business models supporting the management and operation of the various NFC use-cases.