WO2014007710A1

WO2014007710A1 - Data transfer using near field communications

Info

Publication number: WO2014007710A1
Application number: PCT/SE2012/050805
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giuseppe Carnevale; Amedeo Imbimbo
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2012-07-06
Filing date: 2012-07-06
Publication date: 2014-01-09

Abstract

There is provided a method of data transfer between a second near field communications (NFC) device (14) and a server (2). The method comprises establishing a first information exchange (S2) between a first device (32) and the second NFC device. The first information exchange relates to a data service provided by the first device. The method further comprises establishing a second information exchange (S4) between the second NFC device and the server. Information relating to the data service provided by the first device is transferred from the second NFC device to the server. The method further comprises storing, by the server, data relating to the data service (S6). The method further comprises establishing a third information exchange (S8) between the server and one of the second NFC device, a first NFC device, and a further data storage. The data is provided from the server to said one of the second NFC device, the first NFC device, and the further data storage. A computer program and a server are also provided.

Description

DATA TRANSFER USING NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATIONS

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments presented herein relate to data transfer, and particularly to a method, a server and a computer program for data transfer between at least one near field communications (NFC) device and a server.

BACKGROUND

Near field communications (NFC) is a set of standards for mobile

communications devices, such as mobile phones, tablet computers, and similar devices, to establish (radio) communication with each other by touching them together or bringing them into close proximity, usually no more than a few centimetres. Present and anticipated applications include contactless transactions, data exchange, and simplified setup of more complex communications such as Wi-Fi. Communication is also possible between an NFC device and an unpowered NFC chip, commonly referred to as a "tag".

NFC standards cover communications protocols and data exchange formats, and are based on existing radio-frequency identification (RFID) standards including ISO/IEC 14443 and FeliCa. The standards include ISO/IEC 18092 and those defined by the NFC Forum. NFC offers a low-speed connection with simple setup, and could be used to bootstrap more capable wireless connections. NFC could, for example, replace the pairing step of establishing Bluetooth connections or the configuration of Wi-Fi networks. NFC can be used in social networking situations, such as sharing contacts, photos, videos or files, and entering multiplayer mobile games. The NFC Forum promotes the potential for NFC enabled devices to act as electronic identity documents and keycards. As NFC has a short range and supports encryption, it may be more suitable than earlier, less private RFID systems. NFC builds upon RFID systems by allowing two-way communication between endpoint devices (such as between two NFC enabled mobile communications devices), whereas earlier systems such as contactless smart cards allowed only one-way communication. Since unpowered NFC "tags" can also be read by NFC devices, the NFC "tags" could replace earlier one-way applications.

NFC devices can be used in contactless payment systems, similar to those currently used for credit card payments and electronic ticket smartcards, thereby allowing mobile payment (by means of NFC between an NFC enabled mobile communications device and a NFC reader) to replace or supplement these systems. For example, end-users may store credit card information in a virtual wallet and then use an NFC enabled device at a NFC reader that also accept credit card transactions.

In current usage models for contactless transactions, a communication is established between the point of sale (i.e. the NFC reader) and the end-user's NFC device. During this communication, the end-user's NFC device is challenged either for the presence of some sort of pre-acquired electronic ticket, or to prove its identity to perform an online transaction via the point of sale. From the point of view of the end-user, the communication is in both cases terminated in the NFC device itself. It is expected that in the case of a pre- acquired ticket, the ticket has been transferred to the NFC device (preferably using some sort of wireless transmission) before the NFC device is presented to the NFC reader. Further, in the case of post-paid tickets the service provider preferably needs to verify with the company providing the

identification of the end-user through NFC, the authenticity of the end-user and his/her entitlement for that specific transaction.

A number of problems are related to data transfer between NFC devices in accordance with the prior art. For example, in case of loss of the end-user's NFC device, all the tickets stored in the NFC device must be invalidated and re-issued. Hence, during the time needed for this operation the end-user will not be able to access the lost tickets. Furthermore, if the end-user has more than one NFC device, he/ she has to make sure that the currently used NFC device has already preloaded the information needed for the transaction he/ she is going to perform. Yet further, the network operators are not directly involved in the transaction process between the different NFC devices.

In view of the above, there is still a need for improved data transfer between different NFC devices.

SUMMARY

An object of embodiments herein is to provide improved data transfer between different NFC devices.

The enclosed embodiments are based on extending the transaction model currently proposed for NFC, whereby a second NFC device is not the end point of the communication but instead forms the medium with which a first NFC device communicates with a server in the network. This communication can be performed by using SIP messages. Thereby the transaction model for the transfer of messages used by the NFC devices will be network oriented.

A particular object is therefore how to provide data transfer between a second NFC device and a server. According to a first aspect there is presented a method of data transfer between a second NFC device and a server. The method comprises

establishing a first information exchange between a first device and the second NFC device. The first information exchange relates to a data service provided by the first device. A second information exchange is established between the server and one of the second NFC device and the first device. Information relating to the data service provided by the first device is transferred from said one of the second NFC device and the first device to the server. Data relating to the data service is stored by the server. A third information exchange is established between the server and one of the second NFC device, a first NFC device, and a further data storage. The data is provided from the server to said one of the second NFC device, the first NFC device, and the further data storage.

Advantageously, by storing the data in the server instead of in the second NFC device, the proposed method enables the end-user to securely use the network infrastructure as an extension of the NFC device's capabilities during an NFC transaction.

Advantageously the proposed method enables specialized services in the area of mobile ticketing, and by hosting of digital rights to be provided for end- users. Advantageously the proposed method enables data (such as mobile ticketing data and digital rights) associated with a NFC service to be stored at a server, making the data available from any NFC device that the end-user is associated with.

Advantageously the proposed method enables integration with the

infrastructure of the network operator, making NFC transactions more easy and secure.

According to a second aspect there is presented a computer program for data transfer between a second NFC device, and a server, the computer program comprising computer program code which, when run on a set of operatively connected processing units, causes the set of operatively connected processing units to perform a method according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect there is presented a computer program product comprising a computer program according to the second aspect and a set of computer readable storage means on which the computer program is stored. According to a fourth aspect there is presented a server for data transfer between a second NFC device and the server. The server comprises a network interface arranged to establish a second information exchange with one of the second NFC device and a first device. Information relating to a data service provided by the first device is transferred from said one of the second NFC device and the first device to the server. The second information exchange is a result of a first information exchange having been established between the first device and the second NFC device. The first information exchange relates to the data service provided by the first device. The server comprises a data storage arranged to store data relating to the data service. The network interface is further arranged to establish a third information exchange with one of the second NFC device, a first NFC device, and a further data storage. The data is provided from the server to said one of the second NFC device, the first NFC device, and the further server. It is to be noted that any feature of the first, second, third and fourth aspects may be applied to any other aspect, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of the first aspect may equally apply to the second, third, and/or fourth aspect, respectively, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached dependent claims as well as from the drawings.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig 1 is a schematic diagram showing functional modules of a server, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Fig 2 is a schematic diagram showing functional modules of an NFC device in form of an NFC terminal, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 3 is a schematic diagram showing functional modules of an NFC device in form of an NFC reader, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 4 shows one example of a computer program product comprising computer readable means, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figs 5-8 illustrate devices and data transfer there between, , in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and

Figs 9 and io are flowcharts of methods, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

Near field communications (NFC) is a standards-based, short-range wireless connectivity technology that enables simple and intuitive two-way

interactions between electronic devices (NFC devices such as NFC terminals and NFC readers). As herein disclosed NFC is preferably radio based, but may also be based on infra-red communications, etc. With NFC technology, consumers can perform contactless transactions, access digital content and connect NFC enabled terminals with a single touch. NFC is also compatible with the global contactless standards (ISO 14443 and/or ISO 18092). Hence, ISO 14443 and/or ISO 18092 compliant devices may readily interact with NFC enabled terminals and provide richer services.

As noted above, one object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide improved data transfer between NFC devices, and particularly how to provide data transfer between a second NFC device and a server.

Fig 1 schematically illustrates, in terms of a number of functional modules, the components of a server 2. A processing unit 4 is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) etc., capable of executing software instructions stored in a computer program product 40 (as in Fig 4), e.g. in the form of a storage 6. Thus the processing unit 4 is thereby preferably arranged to execute methods as herein disclosed. The storage 6 may comprise persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory or even remotely mounted memory. The server 2 further comprises an input/output (I/O) network interface 8 for communicating with other entities, such as one or more NFC devices in form of NFC terminals 14, one or more NFC devices in form of NFC readers 20, other servers 2, NFC proxies 34, verification servers 40, etc. The network interface 8 therefore comprises one or more

transmitters 10 and receivers 12, comprising analogue and digital

components forming the functionalities of a transmitter and a receiver. The processing unit 4 controls the general operation of the server 2, e.g. by sending control signals to the network interface 8 and receiving reports from the network interface 8 of its operation. The server may be hosted by a network operator 38 of an NFC device in form of an NFC terminal 14.

Fig 2 schematically illustrates, in terms of a number of functional modules, the components of an NFC device in form of an NFC terminal 14. A

processing unit 16 is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) etc., capable of executing software instructions stored in a computer program product 40 (as in Fig 4), e.g. in the form of a storage 18. Thus the processing unit 16 is thereby preferably arranged to execute methods as herein disclosed. The storage 18 may comprise persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory or even remotely mounted memory. The NFC terminal 14 further comprises an input/output (I/O) interface 20 for communicating with other entities, such as one or more NFC terminals 14, a server 2, an NFC proxy 34, etc. The I/O interface 20 therefore comprises one or more transmitters 22 and receivers 24, comprising analogue and digital

components forming the functionalities of a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter 22 and receiver 24 being connected to one or more antennas 26. The I/O interface 20 further comprises an NFC interface 28. The processing unit 16 controls the general operation of the NFC terminal 14, e.g. by sending control signals to the I/O interface 20 and receiving reports from the I/O interface 20 of its operation.

Fig 3 schematically illustrates, in terms of a number of functional modules, the components of an NFC device in form of an NFC reader 30. A processing unit 32 is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) etc., capable of executing software instructions stored in a computer program product 40 (as in Fig 4), e.g. in the form of a storage 34. Thus the processing unit 32 is thereby preferably arranged to execute methods as herein disclosed. The storage 34 may comprise persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory or even remotely mounted memory. The NFC reader 30 further comprises an NFC interface 36. The NFC reader 30 may optionally further comprise a network interface 38 for communicating with other entities, such as one or more servers 2, other NFC readers 30, etc. The network interface 38 maybe wired or wireless. The processing unit 32 controls the general operation of the NFC reader 30, e.g. by sending control signals to the NFC interface 36 (and the network interface 38) and receiving reports from the INFC interface 36 (and the network interface 38) of its operation.

Figs 9 and 10 are flow charts illustrating embodiments of methods of data transfer between a second NFC device and a server. In the following the NFC devices will be defined by their operative role. For example, a first NFC device may take the role of the NFC reader 30. Further, the second NFC device may take the role of the NFC terminal 14. According to some embodiments the first NFC device may take the role of a first NFC terminal 14 and the second NFC device may take the role of a second NFC terminal 14, etc. The methods are preferably performed in a distributed fashion by a set of operatively connected processing units 4, 16, 32. The methods are advantageously provided as computer programs 42. Fig 4 shows one example of a computer program product 40 comprising computer readable means 44. On this computer readable means 44, a computer program 42 can be stored, which computer program 42 can cause the processing units 4, 16, 32 and thereto operatively coupled entities and devices to execute methods according to embodiments described herein. In the example of Fig 4, the computer program product 40 is illustrated as an optical disc, such as a CD (compact disc) or a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a Blu-Ray disc. The computer program product could also be embodied as a memory (RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM) and more particularly as a non-volatile storage medium of a device in an external memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Thus, while the computer program 42 is here schematically shown as a track on the depicted optical disk, the computer program 42 can be stored in any way which is suitable for the computer program product 40.

The functions of an NFC server, an NFC user agent and an NFC proxy may be defined as follows.

An NFC server is a functional entity that stores NFC entities and relations and enables a NFC user agent (see below for its definition) to transfer them. Typically the functionality of the NFC server functional entity is provided by the server 2. The NFC server is arranged to receive and manage NFC information that is received by the NFC user agent. The NFC server is preferably arranged to receive NFC information from authorized sources of information. Different ways of performing the near field communications can be defined for different purposes, for different applications and for different users. The NFC server is user further arranged to allow NFC user agents to request and subscribe to NFC information. Before the subscription to NFC information is accepted, the NFC server is arranged to verify the identity of the NFC user agent that subscribes to the NFC information. The NFC server preferably supports SIP (session initiation protocol) based communications for transmitting, receiving and publishing NFC information. Put in other words, the server 2 maybe a SIP compliant application server. Further, the NFC server preferably supports SIP based communications with an NFC proxy (see below for its definition). The NFC server is according to embodiments thus a SIP application server and may be located using SIP URLs, standard SIP and existing IMS (Internet Protocol Multimedia

Subsystems) mechanisms such as SIP routing, a HSS (home subscriber server) query, ISC (IMS service control) filtering, etc.

The NFC server preferably provides a subscription authorization policy (SAP). In general terms, the SAP determines which NFC user agents are allowed to subscribe to NFC information. Put in other words, the server 2 may provide a SAP determining to which near field communications information an NFC device in form of an NFC terminal 14 has access. The SAP may also determine to which NFC information the NFC user agent has access. The NFC server preferably provides an authorization policy also for the NFC information issue. The NFC information issue authorization policy determines to which NFC issuer the NFC user agents are allowed to publish NFC information. The NFC Server may furthermore provide an NFC user agent a configurable filtering function that is used to limit the information that is delivered to a NFC user agent; the filter may list a number of NFC entities. After a subscription service has been established the authorized NFC user agent is notified of the actual NFC information based on the SAP and the filters set by the NFC user agent in the subscription.

The NFC server is thus further preferably arranged to receive request of fetching or subscribing NFC information. In response to NFC user agent information fetches, the NFC server is preferably arranged to provide the requested NFC information. In response to NFC information subscriptions, the NFC server is preferably arranged to provide notification of the NFC information updating. When there are subsequent changes in the subscribed NFC information, notifications of the changes in NFC information are preferably sent.

An NFC user agent is preferably provided as a client run by the processing unit i6 of the NFC device in form of an NFC terminal 14. The NFC user agent preferably supports SIP signalling and hence is preferably provided with the capabilities of a SIP client and is able to send and receive NFC information. Put in other words, the NFC device in form of an NFC terminal 14 is preferably a SIP compliant user agent. The NFC user agent thus preferably uses SIP signalling to transmit and receive NFC information.

An NFC proxy (or NFC proxy server) is a functional entity that provides NFC user agents related function such as user authentication and that provides NFC entity related functionality such as determining the NFC server associated with a NFC. The communication between the NFC server and the NFC user agent is preferably routed through the NFC proxy. In order to support a NFC service, in particular across network borders, generic network functions may be needed, e.g. routing and security. These functions are thus preferably provided by the NFC proxy.

The functionalities of the NFC Proxy are then taken care of by different call session control functions (CSCF), such as the P-CSCF (where P denotes proxy), the I-CSCF (where I denotes Interrogating), and the S-CSCF (where S denotes service). P-CSCF, I-CSCF and S-CSCF are defined in 3 GPP TS 23.002 and in 3GPP TS 23.228; the S-CSCF is responsible for authentication according to procedures described in 3GPP TS 33.203; the charging and accounting procedures are conducted as per procedures defined by 3GPP TS 32.200, 3GPP TS 32.225; the security mechanisms between the IMS user and the NFC proxy are defined by 3GPP TS 33.210; the procedures for locating, routing to and accessing the NFC server for given NFC information are defined in 3GPP TS 23.228 and 3GPP 23.218. Communication between the NFC server, the NFC user agent and the NFC proxy may thus be based on different SIP commands. The NFC proxy may thus be a SIP compliant proxy server. The SIP commands include but are not limited to PUBLISH,

SUBSCRIBE, NOTIFY, MESSAGE, NOTIFY. These commands are as such known by the skilled person and further description thereof is therefore omitted.

The disclosed embodiments advantageously enable a number of data transfers, or transactions, based on NFC. In all scenarios the data transfer is based on a number of information exchanges. Typically the information exchanges may involve a first NFC device (and/ or a first device), a second NFC device and a server. Preferably the data service relates to a ticketing service, a transaction service, and/ or a subscription service.

Consider the embodiment illustrated in the communications system la of Fig 5. According to this embodiment the second NFC device takes the role of the NFC terminal 14. In a step S2 a first information exchange between the first device 32 and the NFC terminal 14 is established. The first information exchange relates to a data service provided by the first device 32. For example, the data service may relate to a subscription to a service, a ticketing service, a peer-to-peer service, or any other related data service. Assume that the data service relates to a subscription. The subscription may relate to so- called smart-posters comprising NFC "tags". The first information exchange may thus occur over a NFC channel. Information from the smart-poster may thereby be transferred to the NFC terminal 14. The first information exchange may alternatively occur over a non-NFC channel as will be disclosed with reference to Fig 6. For example, after reading the NFC "tag" from a poster, the NFC terminal 14 may transmit a SIP SUBSCRIBE message to the server 2. After the

subscription has been established, the NFC terminal 14 could receive the subscription using SIP NOTIFY messages. Thus instead of having data related to the service (such as the subscription itself) stored in the storage 18 of the NFC terminal 14, the data is stored in a storage 6 of the server 2 of the network operator. Therefore, in a step S4 a second information exchange is established between the NFC terminal 14 and the server 2, wherein

information relating to the data service provided by the NFC reader 30 is transferred from the NFC terminal 14 to the server 2. In a step S6 data relating to the data service is stored in the storage 6 of the server 2. This enables a "cloud-based" storage for the data. Preferably the second

information exchange is SIP based.

In a step S8 a third information exchange is established between the server 2 and the NFC terminal 14. During the third information exchange data relating to the data service is provided from the server 2 to the NFC

terminal 14. A subscription to the data provided by the first device 32 has thereby been established; an advertiser can notify the interested subscriber of information relevant to him/her by means of data being transferred from the storage 6 of the server 2 to the NFC terminal 14 at times specified by the stored data. The process defined by steps S2, S4, S5 and S8 enables the end- user of the NFC terminal 14 to automatically receive updates related to the smart-poster subject. This data may at a later stage be dynamically updated by means of an external system (not shown) operatively connected to the server 2.

For example, a poster could advertise a special offer/ discount available in a specific store. The end-user, via an NFC terminal 14, subscribes to the poster and will be automatically informed when he/she is near one of those stores. This would typically involve providing positioning coordinates of the NFC terminal 14 to the server 2, whereby the server 2 compares the provided positioning coordinates of the NFC terminal 14 to data related to positions of the stores. Typically the data related to positions of the stores is provided from the first device 32 as part of the data transfer in step S2. The smart poster could also provided information relating to presentations, events, demos, etc. which will happen during a certain time frame. The end-user then preferably receives a notification from the server 2 when those presentations, events, or demos, Are going to take place. Typically the data related to when the presentations, events, or demos, are going to take place is provided from the first device 32 as part of the data transfer in step S2.

The subscription can be valid for the NFC terminal 14 used in the information exchange according to step S2, but could also (as will be further disclosed below with references to Fig 8) be extended to the other network connected NFC terminals owned by the subscriber.

Consider the embodiment illustrated in the communications system lb of Fig 6. According to this embodiment the second NFC device takes the role of the NFC terminal 14 and the first NFC devices takes the role of the NFC reader 30. For illustrative purposes the embodiment illustrated in Fig 6 will be disclosed in a context involving a data transfer relating to pre-acquired tickets or the like.

In a step S2 a first information exchange between the first device 32 and the NFC terminal 14 is established. The first device 32 provides a data service to the NFC terminal 14. For example, the data service may relate to a pre- acquiring of a ticket, e.g., for a public transportation trip, a concert or any other service. An end-user of the NFC terminal 14 may thus access the first device 32 to purchase a ticket. The first information exchange may occur over an NFC channel. For example, the first device 32 maybe ticket vending machine with which the NFC terminal 14 communicates using NFC. The first information exchange may alternatively occur over a non-NFC channel. For example, the first device 32 maybe an Internet server (different from the server 2) with which the NFC terminal 14 communicates using HTTP.

Instead of having data related to the service (such as the ticked itself) stored in the storage 18 of the NFC terminal 14, the data is stored in a storage 6 of the server 2 of the network operator. Thus, in a step S4 a second information exchange is established between the NFC terminal 14 and the server 2, wherein information relating to the data service provided by the first device 32 is transferred from the NFC terminal 14 to the server 2.

Alternatively the second information exchange in step S4 is established between the first device 32 and the server 2. This may typically be the case where the first device 32 and the server 2 are associated with the same network operator.

The NFC terminal 14 may be (or server as a host for) a SIP compliant user agent 36. Further, communication between the NFC terminal 14 and the server 2 may be routed through a NFC proxy server 34 operatively connected to the server 2 via a communications network 38. Hence, advantageously the second information exchange is SIP based. In a step S6 data relating to the data service is stored in the storage 6 of the server 2. In a step Sio, a fourth information exchange between the NFC reader 30 and the NFC terminal 14 is established. The NFC terminal requests data relating to the data service provided by the first device 32. The fourth information exchange may occur over an NFC channel. For example, the NFC reader 30 may be a ticket reader requesting data relating to a ticket of the NFC terminal 14 to be presented. For example, when the NFC terminal 14 is requested by the NFC reader 30 to present the ticket corresponding to the data service provided by the first device 32, a message is sent to the server 2 which sends back the information required to properly close the transaction (step S8). Thus, in a step S8 a third information exchange is established between the server 2 and the NFC terminal 14. During the third information exchange data relating to the data service provided by the first device 32 is transferred first from the server 2 to the NFC terminal 14 and then from the NFC terminal 14 to the NFC reader 30. During the third information exchange data relating to the data service is thus first provided from the server 2 to the NFC terminal 14. The third information exchange is thus established as a result of the fourth information exchange having been l6 established. According to this embodiment the fourth information exchange is established prior to the third information exchange.

However, a local caching (or pre-activation) mechanism could be

implemented in the NFC terminal 14 in cases access to the server 2 cannot be established (or when the communications channel is too slow) at the point in time when the data is requested by the NFC reader 30 in step S10. Pre- activation could involve either authorizing the transaction, or entering the money amount etc. During this time the NFC terminal 14 could start preparing any connection it will need, and the server 2 can pre-allocate the necessary resources, so that when the NFC transaction will start all the necessary network resources are readily available at the NFC terminal 14. This will help minimizing the delay that the network could introduce.

According to this embodiment the fourth information exchange is established after the third information exchange. In such cases, the network access could be eventually postponed to update and synchronize the status on the NFC server 2.

As a last resort, in case there is no network access possibility for the NFC terminal 14, an optional network access by the NFC reader 30 could be used. One possibility is to transfer a temporary and limited access key to the NFC reader 30 during step S10, whereby the NFC reader 30 could perform the transaction with the server 2 in place of the NFC terminal 14 accessing the storage 6 of the server 2 during step S8. Thus, according to embodiments the third information exchange is established between the server 2 and the NFC reader 30. Network access of the NFC reader 30 is advantageously provided through the network interface 38.

The embodiments further extend to having storages which are not associated with one single end-user, but are shared among a group of end-user. Thereby a group of end-users are, for example, enabled to share a set of access tickets.

The information exchange in step S8 between the NFC terminal 14 and the server 2 could be performed either using SIP MESSAGE or alternatively with SIP SESSION, depending on the type of the needed interaction. In this case the signalling of SIP MESSAGE or SIP SESSION preferably occurs between the user agent 36 and the NFC server 2 via the NFC proxy server 34.

Consider the embodiment illustrated in the communications system lc of Fig 7. According to this embodiment the second NFC device takes the role of the NFC terminal 14 and the first NFC devices takes the role of the NFC reader 30. For illustrative purposes the embodiment illustrated in Fig 7 will be disclosed in a context of a data transfer relating to when a data service is issued at the specific moment that the data service is required. As with reference to Figs 5 and 6 a first information exchange between the first device 32 and the NFC terminal 14 is established in a step S2. As illustrated in Fig 7 the first device 32 maybe the NFC reader 30. The NFC reader 32 provides a data service to the NFC terminal 14. This could represent a situation when a data service is issued at the specific moment that the data service is required (such as on-demand tickets). For example, tickets can be issued at the specific moment they are needed. In this use case the NFC reader 30 requests a ticket suitable for the service from the NFC terminal 14 in step S2. In step S4 the NFC terminal 14 forwards the request to the server 2. Alternatively the information exchange in step S4 is established between the NFC reader 30 and the server 2. This may typically be the case where the NFC reader 30 and the server 2 are associated with the same network operator. In a step S12 the server 2 establishes a fifth information exchange between the server 2 and a verification server 40. The verification server is arranged to verify whether or not the NFC terminal 14 is to be allowed access to the data provided by the first device 32 (or the NFC reader 30). The server 2 is thereby enabled to verify availability of funds in case of a prepaid service. The server 2 then in step S8 (after having stored the data in step S6) establishes an information exchange with the NFC terminal 14 whereby confirmation or denial together with the identification of the transaction is transmitted. The identification may then be transmitted from the NFC terminal 14 to the NFC reader 30 in step S10. The NFC reader 30 l8 may then, as a result of proper credentials having been received, allows access for the NFC terminal 14 to the data service.

The information exchange in step S8 between the NFC terminal 14 and the server 2 could be performed either using SIP MESSAGE or alternatively with SIP SESSION, depending on the type of the needed interaction.

Consider the embodiment illustrated in the communications system id of Fig 8. According to this embodiment the second NFC device takes the role of the second NFC terminal 14 and the first NFC devices takes the role of the first NFC terminal 14a. For illustrative purposes the embodiment illustrated in Fig 8 will firstly be disclosed in a context involving a data transfer relating to peer-to-peer data transfer. The embodiment of Fig 8 involves a first NFC terminal 14a and a second NFC terminal 14 and advantageously relates to a data transfer from one of the first NFC terminal 14a and the second NFC terminal 14 to the other of the first NFC terminal 14a and the second NFC terminal 14. The data transfer may relate to a ticket or a pre-paid credit being transferred from one of the first NFC terminal 14a and the second NFC terminal 14 to the other of the first NFC terminal 14a and the second NFC terminal 14. In the following it is assumed that the data transfer occurs from the first NFC terminal 14a to the second NFC terminal 14. Preferably the first NFC terminal 14a and the second NFC terminal 14 have network

subscriptions to the same network operator. At least, the first NFC

terminal 14a and the second NFC terminal 14 are preferably associated with one and the same server 2. In a step S2 a first information exchange between the first device 32 and the second NFC terminal 14 is established. The first device 32 provides a data service to the second NFC terminal 14. In a step S4 a second information exchange is established between the second NFC terminal 14 and the server 2, wherein information relating to the data service provided by the first device 32 is transferred from the second NFC

terminal 14 to the server 2. The server in a step S6 stores data relating to the data service in storage 6b associated with the second NFC terminal 14. In an optional step S12 a fifth information exchange between the server 2 and the verification server 40 is established. The verification server V40 verifies whether or not the second NFC terminal 40 (or any other NFC terminal, such as the first NFC terminal 14a) is to be allowed access to the data. In an optional step S14 a fifth information exchange between the second NFC terminal 14 and the first NFC terminal 14a is established. The fifth

information exchange relates transfer of data associated with the data service provided by the first device 32 to be transferred to the first NFC terminal 14a. As a response thereto the second NFC terminal 14 in a step S16 establishes a sixth information exchange with the server 2, whereby the server 2 transfers the data from storage 6b associated with the second NFC terminal 14 to storage 6a associated with the first NFC terminal 14a. Then in a step S8 a third information exchange is established between the server 2 and the first NFC terminal 14a wherein the data stored in storage 6a is provided from the server 6a to the first NFC terminal 14a.

The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims. For example, the disclosed embodiments could apply in the context of matching encrypted security codes and transporting access keys between devices, instant payments and coupon delivery using the NFC terminal and the NFC reader for completing the transaction, exchange of information such as schedules, maps, business card, coupon images, posters for displaying and printing.

Claims

1. A method of data transfer between a second near field communications, NFC, device, and a server, comprising the steps of:

establishing (S2) a first information exchange between a first device (32) and the second NFC device (14), the first information exchange relating to a data service provided by the first device;

establishing (S4) a second information exchange between the server (2) and one of the second NFC device and the first device, wherein information relating to the data service provided by the first device is transferred from said one of the second NFC device and the first device to the server;

storing (S6), by the server, data relating to the data service;

establishing (S8) a third information exchange between the server and one of the second NFC device (14), a first NFC device (30), and a further data storage (6b), wherein said data is provided from the server to said one of the second NFC device, the first NFC device, and the further data storage.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising

establishing (S10), prior to the third information exchange having been established, a fourth information exchange between the first NFC device and the second NFC device, wherein the first NFC device from the second NFC device requests said data relating to the data service provided by the first device, and wherein the third information exchange is established as a result thereof.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the fourth information exchange occurs over an NFC channel.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device is the first NFC device.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the first information exchange occurs over an NFC channel.

6. The method according to any one of claims l to 3, wherein the first device is an Internet server.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said data relating to the data service provided by the first device is transferred first from the server to the second NFC device and then from the second NFC device to the first NFC device.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the server provides a subscription authorization policy determining to which NFC information the second NFC device has access.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the server is a session initiation protocol, SIP, compliant application server.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second NFC device is a session initiation protocol, SIP, compliant user agent.

11. The method according to claim 9 and 10, wherein the second

information exchange is SIP based.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein communication between the second NFC device and the server is routed through an NFC proxy server (34).

13. The method according to claim 12 when dependent on claim 11, wherein the NFC proxy server is a SIP compliant proxy server.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data service relates to a ticketing service, a transaction service, and/or a subscription service.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the server is operatively connected to a verification server (40), the method further comprising

establishing (S12), prior to the third information exchange having been established, a fifth information exchange between the server and the verification server wherein the verification server verifies whether or not the second NFC device is to be allowed access to the data.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data relating to the data service is, by the server, stored in one of a plurality of data storages (6, 6a, 6b), each data storage being associated with one second NFC device.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein any near field communication is radio based.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the server is hosted by a network operator (38) of the second NFC device.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first NFC device is an NFC reader 30.

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second NFC device is an NFC terminal 14.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first NFC device is a first NFC terminal 14 and wherein the second NFC device is a second NFC terminal 14.

22. A computer program (42) for data transfer between a second near field communications, NFC, device, and a server, the computer program

comprising computer program code which, when run on a set of operatively connected processing units (4, 16, 32), causes the set of operatively connected processing units to

establish (S2) a first information exchange between a first device (32) and the second NFC device (14), the first information exchange relating to a data service provided by the first device;

establish (S4) a second information exchange between the server (2) and one of the second NFC device and the first device, wherein information relating to the data service provided by the first device is transferred from said one of the second NFC device and the first device to the server;

cause the server to store (S6) data relating to the data service;

establish (S8) a third information exchange between the server and one of the second NFC device (14), a first NFC device (30), and a further data storage (6b), wherein said data is provided from the server to said one of the second NFC device, the first NFC device, and the further data storage.

23. A computer program product (40) comprising a computer program (42) according to claim 22 and a set of computer readable storage means (6, 18, 34, 44) on which the computer program is stored.

24. A server (2) for data transfer between a second near field

communications, NFC, device, and the server, the server comprising:

a network interface (8) arranged to establish a second information exchange with one of the second NFC device (14) and a first device (32), wherein information relating to a data service provided by the first device (32) is transferred from said one of the second NFC device and the first device to the server, wherein the second information exchange is a result of a first information exchange having been established between the first device and the second NFC device, the first information exchange relating to the data service provided by the first device;

a data storage (6) arranged to store data relating to the data service; the network interface further being arranged to establish a third information exchange with one of the second NFC device (14), a first NFC device (30), and a further data storage (6b), wherein said data is provided from the server to said one of the second NFC device, the first NFC device, and the further server.