NFC Forum : Frequently Asked Questions (NFC 论坛：FAQ)

NFC for Business

What is the NFC Forum?
The NFC Forum is a not-for-profit industry organization whose mission is to advance the use of Near Field Communication technology by developing specifications, ensuring interoperability among devices and services, and educating the market about NFC technology. More than 160 companies, many leaders in their markets, have teamed up to achieve this goal. See www.nfc-forum.org for more information.

什么是NFC论坛？

NFC论坛是一个非赢利工业组织，任务是通过开发规范、确保设备和服务的互操作性及培育市场来推动NFC技术的使用。超过160个企业，有不少是市场的领导者，组织起来达成这个目标。访问 www.nfc-forum.org 来获得更多信息。

How will NFC technology make business easier?
NFC technology provides simplicity and ease of use. Users hold NFC-enabled devices and tags in close proximity to each other to access services, interact with content, set up connections, make a payment, or present a ticket.

Many corporations use contactless ID cards to control access to their facilities and networks. NFC technology can reduce the cost of card issuance and management. NFC-enabled devices can also simplify login to enterprise networks.

As NFC technology penetrates throughout the office, we will see WLAN settings, printer IDs, and building maps picked up by NFC-enabled devices, allowing mobile workers to work in any office location.

NFC can also provide a convenient and affordable way to track, monitor and provide instructions to remote workers, such as field service representatives, home healthcare providers, maintenance workers and construction teams.

NFC技术如何简化商务？

NFC技术提供了简单容易的用法。用户将NFC设备与标签靠近就可以接入服务，交互内容，建立连接，进行支付，或者出示票证。

许多单位使用非接触ID卡来控制服务和网络的接入。NFC技术能够降低发行和管理的成本。NFC设备可以方便的登录其企业网络。

随着NFC技术渗透进入办公环境，我们会看到WLAN设置，打印机ID，楼宇地图都可以被NFC设备所读取，可以让移动工作人员在任何地方办公。

NFC也能提供方便且经济的方法来对远程工作者跟踪，监控和下达指令，如现场服务代表，家庭医疗提供商，维修人员及施工队伍。

What are the commercial drivers for NFC technology?
NFC technology makes sense for service providers and device manufacturers for many reasons, including:

• Reduced cost of electronic issuance. Multi-issue ticketing operators, such as mass transport operators and event ticketing operators, can achieve remarkable cost reductions using NFC-based electronic ticketing. Security-sensitive airlines have already moved to "e-ticketing" in order to reduce costs, and several are now allowing passengers to use their NFC-enabled devices instead of paper boarding passes.
  
• Increased revenue from interactive services. Mobile network operators and content providers earn revenue when users choose to use value-added services. NFC can be used to surround the consumer with advertisements and can place valuable information within easy reach.
  
• NFC-enabled devices drive consumption of rich media content. NFC will fuel the market for advanced personal devices that consumers use to purchase, play, store, and share rich media content.
  
• Consumer preference for NFC-enabled services. Users may have no choice about which ticket they use for a service, but they typically can choose how they pay. Convenience is a strong differentiator, and more convenient payment is driving adoption of contactless and NFC technology.
  
• Innovative applications possible only via NFC technology. NFC technology is inspiring inventors and entrepreneurs to develop creative products and services that would not be feasible otherwise, such as social media, fitness and health, and cloud-based use cases, resulting in brand new markets.

How long is NFC expected to be valued by the market?
NFC is based on existing contactless infrastructure already in use by millions of people around the world. NFC is a technology that makes peoples' lives easier – easier to pay for goods and services, easier to use public transport, and easier to share data between devices for any purpose. Once consumers experience NFC's touch paradigm, they are unlikely to give it up.

At the heart of NFC’s benefits is its simplicity of use – bringing two objects together is intuitive for everyone, young or old. NFC builds on existing systems and human actions, so it has a very good chance to be valued and used for many years to come.

When will we see broad market deployment? What is the forecasted opportunity for NFC?
Commercial rollouts of NFC have increased significantly every year, reaching hundreds of thousands of consumers. These deployments are expected to continue as more NFC-enabled devices come to market. Analyst firm Berg Insight recently reported that global sales of NFC-enabled handsets increased tenfold in 2011 to 30 million units. The same report states that NFC handset shipments are growing at a compound annual rate of 87.8% and forecasts that shipments will reach 700 million units in 2016. Deloitte predicts there will be 300 million NFC-enabled devices sold in 2013. In Japan, FeliCa, which is a similar passive mode contactless technology, has already been implemented with payment as a primary application.

About NFC Technology

How does NFC technology work?
Near Field Communication is based on inductive coupling, where loosely coupled inductive circuits share power and data over a distance of a few centimeters. NFC devices share the basic technology with proximity (13.56MHz) RFID tags and contactless smartcards, but have a number of key additional features.

NFC技术如何工作？
 

近场通信基于电磁耦合，由此可以在几厘米的距离上共享能量并传输数据。NFC设备与RFID(13.56MHz)和非接触智能卡的基础相同，但是增加了一些关键特性。

How does NFC technology build on existing technologies?

NFC is based on existing contactless payment and ticketing standards that are used on a daily basis by millions of people worldwide. These standards determine not only the "contactless" operating environment, such as the physical requirements of the antennas, but also the format of the data to be transferred and the data rates for that transfer.

如何在现有技术上构建NFC技术？
 

NFC基于现有的非接触支付和票证标准，这些标准已经在世界范围内被上百万人天天使用。这些标准决定了不仅是“非接触”的操作环境，如对天线的物理需求，还有传输的数据格式和速率。

Which standards organizations acknowledge NFC technology?
NFC standards are acknowledged by ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization / International Electrotechnical Commission), ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), and ECMA (European association for standardizing information and communication systems).

哪些标准化组织承认NFC技术?

ISO/IEC，ETSI，ECMA

What ISO/IEC standards do the NFC Forum specifications support?

NFC Forum compliant devices in NFC Forum Reader/Writer mode must support the RF requirements for ISO/IEC 14443A, ISO/IEC 14443 B and FeliCa as outlined in the relevant parts in the ISO 18092.

NFC论坛的规范支持哪个 ISO/IEC 标准?

NFC 论坛兼容设备在读/写模式必须支持 ISO/IEC 14443A, ISO/IEC 14443 B 及 ISO 18092 中列出的 FeliCa 的 RF 需求

What are the data transmission rates?
NFC data transmission is measured in Kilo Bits Per Second (kbps). The NFC standard supports varying data rates, again to ensure interoperability between existing infrastructure components. The current data rates are 106kbps, 212kbps, and 424kbps.

数据传输速率?

NFC 数据传输速率以千位/秒 (kbps)衡量。NFC标准支持多种速率以确保已有设备间的互操作性。当前速率有 106kbps, 212kbps, 和 424kbps.

What is the difference between an NFC-enabled device and an NFC tag?
An NFC-enabled device can operate in reader/writer and peer-to-peer mode, and may operate in card emulation mode. An NFC tag is typically a passive device (for example, integrated in a smart poster) that stores data that can be read by an NFC-enabled device.

NFC设备与NFC标签之间的区别是什么？

NFC设备可以工作在读写器和点对点模式，也许可以工作在卡模拟模式。NFC标签通常工作在被动模式(举例，集成在海报中)，存储数据以被NFC设备读取。

What is the difference between a card and a tag?
A card and a tag are technically the same, with variations in form factor. However, contactless cards used in ticketing and payment today include additional technology to store secure data.

卡和标签的区别是什么?

技术上讲二者相同，外形不同而已。但是，今日用在票证和支付的非接触卡包含其他技术来存储安全的数据。

How is NFC different from or related to other wireless/RF technologies?
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a standards-based, short-range (a few centimeters) wireless connectivity technology that enables simple and safe two-way interactions between electronic devices, allowing consumers to perform contactless transactions, access digital content, and connect electronic devices with a single touch.

Bluetooth wireless technology was designed to replace cables between cell phones, laptops, and other computing and communication devices within a 10-meter range.

Wi-Fi technology was designed and optimized for Local Area Networks (LAN); it provides an extension or replacement of wired networks for dozens of computing devices within a +100-meter range.

ZigBee wireless technology is a standard enabling control and monitoring capabilities for industrial and residential applications within a +100-meter range.

IrDA is a short range (< 1 meter), line-of-sight communication standard for exchange of data over infrared light. IrDA interfaces are frequently used in computers and mobile phones.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags. An RFID tag is a small object that can be attached to or incorporated into a product. RFID tags contain silicon chips to enable them to receive and respond to queries from an RFID reader/writer.

Contactless smart cards incorporate a chip (microprocessor) that communicates with a card reader through RFID technology. Examples of contactless smart card communications are ISO/IEC 14443 and FeliCa, which allow communications at distances up to 10 cm.

What are the operating modes of NFC devices?
NFC devices are unique in that they support three modes of operation: reader/writer, peer-to-peer, and card emulation. The different operating modes are based on the ISO/IEC 18092 NFC IP-1 and ISO/IEC 14443 contactless smart card standards.

• In reader/writer mode, the NFC device is capable of reading NFC Forum-mandated tag types, such as a tag embedded in an NFC smart poster. The reader/writer mode on the RF interface is compliant with the ISO 14443 and FeliCa schemes.
  
• In Peer-to-Peer mode, two NFC devices can exchange data. For example, you can share Bluetooth or WiFi link set-up parameters or you can exchange data such as virtual business cards or digital photos. Peer-to-Peer mode is standardized on the ISO/IEC 18092 standard.
  
• In Card Emulation mode, the NFC device appears to an external reader much the same as a traditional contactless smart card. This enables contactless payments and ticketing by NFC devices without changing the existing infrastructure.

NFC设备的操作模式是什么?

NFC设备支持三种操作模式: 读写器(reader/writer), 点对点(peer-to-peer), 和卡模拟(card emulation)。不同的操作模式基于 ISO/IEC 18092 NFC IP-1 和 ISO/IEC 14443 非接触智能卡标准。

• 在读写器模式，NFC设备能够读取NFC论坛规定的标签类型，如嵌入NFC智能海报中的标签。读写器模式的RF接口与 ISO 14443 和 FeliCa 体系兼容。
  
• 在点对点模式，两部NFC设备可以交互数据。你可以共享蓝牙或WiFi的建立参数，或者你可以交换数据，如虚拟名片或数字照片。该模式属于 ISO/IEC 18092 标准。
• 在卡模拟模式，NFC设备表现的如同传统的非接触智能卡，供外界读卡器来读取数据。这有助于NFC设备用于非接触支付和票证而无需更改已有架构。

NFC Forum Specifications

Which specifications have been issued?
The NFC Forum has issued 16 specifications to date:

• NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) defines a common data format between NFC-compliant devices and tags
• Record Type Definition (RTD) specifies rules for building standard record types
• Five specific RTDs (Text, URI, Smart Poster, Generic Control, and Signature) are used to build standard record types
• Connection Handover defines how to establish a connection using other wireless communication technologies
• Operations Specifications for Four Tag Types (1/2/3/4) enable core interoperability between tags and NFC devices
• Logical Link Control Protocol (LLCP) defines a protocol to support peer-to-peer communication between two NFC-enabled devices
• Digital Protocol addresses the digital protocol for NFC-enabled device communication, providing an implementation specification on top of the ISO/IEC 18092 and ISO/IEC 14443 standards
• NFC Activity Technical Specification explains how to set up the communication protocol with another NFC device or NFC tag
• Simple NDEF Exchange Protocol (SNEP) supports peer-to-peer communication between two NFC-enabled devices, which is essential for any NFC applications that involve bi-directional communications

已有哪些规范?
NFC论坛发布了16个规范:

• NFC 数据交互格式 (NDEF) 定义了NFC兼容的设备和标签之间交换数据使用的通用数据格式
• 记录类型定义 (RTD) 指定了构建标准记录类型的规则
• 5个具体 RTD (Text, URI, Smart Poster, Generic Control, and Signature) 用于构建标准记录类型
• 连接切换(Connection Handover) 定义了如何使用其它无线通信技术建立一个连接
• 对4种标签类型 (1/2/3/4) 的操作规范使得标签和NFC设备之间具备核心互操作性
• 逻辑链路控制协议 (LLCP) 定义了一种协议支持NFC设备间的点对点通信
• 数字协议 (Digital Protocol) 给出了NFC设备通信的数字协议。在 ISO/ IEC18092和ISO / IEC 14443标准之上，提供了一个实现规范
• NFC活动技术规范介绍了如何建立与其他NFC设备或NFC标签的通信协议
• 简单NDEF交换协议 (SNEP) 支持 两个NFC设备间的点对点通信，这是任何涉及双向通信的NFC应用程序必不可少的

Which specifications will be issued next?
The NFC Forum currently has one candidate specification, which will be released after a verification period:

• NFC Controller Interface (NCI) defines an interface within an NFC device between an NFC controller and the device's application processor

Work on additional specifications is underway. As a not-for-profit organization with many members contributing different input and views, it takes time for the NFC Forum to reach agreement, make progress toward our goals, and ensure a high level of quality and consistency in published materials. Specifications in progress include the RF Analogue Protocol specification, as well as ongoing enhancements to other specifications.

将要发布什么规范?
NFC论坛当前有一个候选规范，经过验证期后将被发布：

• NFC控制器接口 (NCI) 在NFC设备内的NFC控制器和应用处理器之间定义了一个接口

其他规范的工作正在进行中。作为一个拥有许多会员贡献不同输入和意见的非营利组织，需要时间来达成协议，向目标取得进展，并确保发布的材料具备高层次的质量和一致性。正在进行的的规范包括RF模拟协议规范，及其他规范的加强。

NFC Forum Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy

Why does the NFC Forum have an IPR policy at all?
As an association, the NFC Forum does not want to adopt a specification that would infringe on patents that are not licensable. The IPR Policy establishes processes that ensure that all members commit to license their essential patents in specifications at Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory (RAND) terms and conditions.

What intellectual property is covered?
Any patent is covered that is either essential for the specification itself or for any direct reference to an underlying technology included in the NFC Forum specifications.

When are members asked to license their intellectual property?
IPR election forms need to be provided when a member proposes a technical solution in a Working Group and also during the review and adoption process for the specification.

Do members have to license their IPR?
No, members have the right to refuse to license their patents, and a simple declaration in the IPR election form is sufficient. However, specifications with non-licensable intellectual property are likely not to be adopted, and work will be started within the Forum to avoid the non-licensable patent.

Which patents are not covered by the NFC Forum IPR Policy?
Not included are:

• Patent claims that are controlled by companies or individuals that are not Members of the NFC Forum
• Patent claims that are related to NFC Forum Specifications, but that are not Necessary Claims (i.e., not "essential")

Are member companies compensated for licensing their patents?
Members may request compensation under RAND terms.

Are pending patents included?
Yes, this policy covers both approved and pending patents.

What if a member does not wish to license their patents?
The member needs to identify the non-licensable patent in the IPR election form submitted during the adoption phase. In the case of any refusals to license, the appropriate committee must try to find alternative solutions.

Do new members have to review patents that might apply to specifications written before they joined?
Yes. New Members must provide IPR election forms for all existing and draft specifications for which the existing membership has already been asked to provide their IPR forms.

What is the process for members?
IPR election forms are in the IPR Policy document. Members do not need to do a patent search, nor do they need to indicate any specific IP they own.

Who owns the copyright in specifications?
The NFC Forum owns the copyright in its specifications, but Members still own the copyright in their individual submissions.

What is the Forum’s role?
Since members do not have to identify their specific patents, the NFC Forum does not maintain a list and does not give advice or guidance on any specific claim.

NFC Forum Testing and Certification

How will the NFC Forum ensure compliance to its specifications?
Interoperability is an important goal of the NFC Forum. The NFC Forum Certification Program provides device manufacturers with a means of establishing that their products conform to the NFC Forum's published specifications. The Certification Program is open only to NFC Forum members.

The 1st Certification Wave, which was launched in December 2010, includes testing for the lower level digital protocols, specifically tag operations, digital protocol, and activity specifications. The 2nd Certification Wave, scheduled for 2012, adds testing for the physical layer and selected upper level digital protocols, including RF analog and peer-to-peer.

Will this program include conformance testing, interoperability testing or both?
The NFC Forum Certification Program focuses on conformance testing. Interoperability testing is strongly recommended, and it is made conveniently available to members through periodic interoperability "plugfests" sponsored by the NFC Forum.

Details about the Certification Program appear on the NFC Forum Certification webpage.

The NFC Forum N-Mark

What is the NFC Forum N-Mark?
The NFC Forum N-Mark is the universal symbol and touch point for NFC. It shows consumers where to touch their NFC-enabled device to initiate NFC actions.

How do I recognize an NFC device or target?
The NFC Forum N-Mark can appear on NFC-enabled devices and on everyday objects. It marks the spot on devices or objects where NFC technology works when they are brought close together. For example, you can hold an NFC-enabled mobile phone near the N-Mark on a poster to download information.

Where can I get the N-Mark?
Visit the N-Mark webpage.

Where is the N-Mark in use?
The N-Mark has been put into use by various NFC Forum members and other companies in and commercial roll outs and projects around the world.

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