Friday, March 9, 2012




Near Field Communication and Signage Design

Near field communication is one of the latest technologies with implications for digital signage systems and superior information and marketing control. The technology uses a radio frequency field initiator to communicate with a target device. Google is already using this technology for their new Google Wallet, which enables users to make purchases, redeem coupons, and track other financial account information with their smart phones. Other applications are expected to follow soon.

Proximity Activated
The near field communication technology avoids confusion with other users and largely protects information by requiring close proximity with the reader. Typically, the smart device must be no further than 4cm from the digital reader to interact with the digital kiosk or reader. Needless to say, however, where payment services are concerned, users will have to strictly adhere to good smart phone security policy and protect their password information, at least until digital finger printing is integrated with the technology.

Near Field Communication and Personal Profiles
Although it's not on the market yet, this near field communication technology has the ability to interact with smart phones, other smart devices, and digital sign installations. By creating a personal profile in the smart device, this near field communication would enable a digital sign to display the information most relevant to that user. This is already possible to some extent with an interactive touch screen, but the automated personal profile information would improve information displays even further. In a hotel, for example, a guest could use his or her smart phone at a digital kiosk reader and the kiosk could then display the restaurants, shopping, entertainment, etc. most likely to appeal to that user.

Means to an End
Besides providing superior customer service and information technology to clients, this new signage design may help businesses may accurately and cheaply track consumer shopping information and other behaviors. Near-field communication sign installations deployed in certain venues may even be shared by a partnership of businesses. Indeed, Google does not plan to charge a transaction fee for its Wallet-not to customers or businesses. Rather, the company plans to triage the information with its Google Offers service to further increase its ad sales.

Signage Design
The technology is already easily assimilated into digital signs and kiosks, but that doesn't mean digital signage manufacturers, retail businesses, and financial services are suddenly accepting that near field communication is the future. No doubt, they're waiting to see if Google's Wallet and other applications will take off, what glitches and security breakdowns might ensue, and to what extent customers will feel confident using the technology to complete financial transactions.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dale_Franchise

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