WO2011072310A1

WO2011072310A1 - Bridging device and method for integrating a bridging device into a mobile phone

Info

Publication number: WO2011072310A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2010/000076
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angus Bernhardt Pohl
Original assignee: Angus Bernhardt Pohl
Priority date: 2009-12-07
Filing date: 2010-12-07
Publication date: 2011-06-16
Also published as: WO2011072310A4

Abstract

This invention relates to a bridging device in a mobile system and a method for integrating a bridging device into a mobile phone. The bridging device includes a first antenna and a second antenna being respectively mounted on a substrate and capable of communicating to each other, wherein the substrate is formed to be at least partially wrapped around a battery of a mobile phone such that the second antenna is capable of communicating with a device inside the mobile phone and the first antenna is capable of communicating with a further device outside the mobile phone.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION: BRIDGING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATING A BRIDGING DEVICE INTO A MOBILE PHONE

INTRODUCTION

This invention relates to a bridging device in a mobile system. More particularly, this invention relates to a bridging device in a mobile system for enabling near field communication. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for integrating a bridging device into a mobile phone and to a method for powering a bridging device.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In recent years, many companies seek to introduce further functionality into mobile phones. One promising approach would be to introduce electronic payment capabilities into mobile phones by using techniques developed in the context of RFID systems.

For example, in WO 2010/039337 (assigned to Apple Inc.) peer-to-peer financial transaction devices and methods are described. A request for payment is transmitted from a first device to a second device using a near field communication (NFC) interface. In response to the request, the second device may transmit payment information to the first device. The first device may select a crediting account and, using a suitable communication protocol, may communicate the received payment information and selected crediting account to one or more external financial servers configured to process and determine whether the payment may be authorized.

Near field communication (NFC) is an extension of the ISO/IEC 4443 proximity card standard and was approved on 8 December 2003 as the ISO/IEC18092 standard and later as the ECMA-340 standard. NFC communicates using a bandwidth of 14 KHz in the 13.56 MHz ISM band via magnetic field induction using the near fields (up to 20 cm) of loop antennas to effectively create an air-core transformer.

In the present NFC standards, two distinct communication modes are supported:

• Passive Communication Mode, where the initiator device provides a carrier EM field and the target device modulates this field in response. This mode allows the target device to draw power from the initiator.

• Active Communication Mode, where both the initiator and target devices communicate generating their own EM fields in a TDD mode. For this mode both the initiator and target devices need to have their own power supplies.

Recent years have seen several implementation approaches to the NFC standard in mobile phones, such as the NFC-on-Motherboard, NFC-on-SIM card and NFC-on-SD card solutions. The inventor is aware that the Mobile Phone industry and others are eagerly working towards the use of NFC-RFID technology within mobile stations.

All of these approaches, however, have similar limitations in that the RF signal emanating the NFC antennas struggle to penetrate through the mobile phone's battery, from the frame or back cover as a result of any one or more of the following; inherent characteristics of the frequency standard, power limitations, antenna position/size constraints, and related physical connections etc.

Some companies (e.g. China Mobile) have developed devices that make use of the UHF standard (2.45GHz) as a means of overcoming most of these problems, but this requires similarly configured non-standard point of sale (POS) devices that typically have to rolled-out at their own expense. As such mobile stations will need to be NFC-RFID enabled, meaning an additional communication channel using NFC-RFID type protocols and standards will have to be added. This has to be done in a manner that includes NFC-RFID in "Peer to Peer Mode", "Card Emulation Mode" and "Reader Mode", which are versions of the technology that allows for active transmission and hence requires its own power source. This capability will allow phones to become independent transceivers and hence be able to communicate with both passive cards, or with one another - which is critical.

To do this various NFC models have been proposed, with the "NFC on SIM Card" model being considered as one of the most promising. According to this model mobile stations will be NFC-RFID enabled by SIM-swap, i.e. the NFC- RFID technology is built into the SIM Card itself during the manufacturing process. This has many advantages but most significantly keeps potential users from having to buy new hand sets in order to use the technology. Other advantages such as quick market entry, reduced production cost, reduced customer cost, easy installation, easy distribution and availability, sim-centric security, device flexibility, and scalability etc make this a compelling prospect - but it has its problems.

The two main challenges that exist relate to weak signal strength and limited power availability from within the SIM-card format. On the signal side weakness is as a direct result of the required frequency standard used (13.56 MHz), which is intended for a range of approximately 10 cm hence the acronym NFC = Near Field Communication. This is a security consideration and will not likely change. The confined space available on the SIM-card format is also not helpful as it does not allow for a large antenna size. To further complicate matters most phones have their SIM-card housed in under the battery which causes further insulation and transmission hindrance. On the power availability side limitations are as a direct result of industry standards that require power availability sufficient for standard SIM-card functions without having anticipated additional power needs such as for NFC-RFID protocols. As such power availability is limited to between 10-50 mA per SIM Card. This is an industry energy savings requirement and also not likely to change. To date a number of card companies have attempted to introduce a fully functional model of an "NFC on SIM Card" in "Reader Mode" product, but all have failed for reasons as briefly described.

What is therefore required is a mobile system which addresses the above problems. The invention thus presents specific solutions designed to overcome issues related to poor signal strength and limited power by way of a unique bridging device and a method for integrating the bridging device into a mobile phone.

Consequently, fully functional versions of the NFC on Motherboard, SIM Card and SD Card, which are all required to perform in "Reader Mode", "Peer to Peer Mode" and "Card Emulation Mode", can be manufactured and introduced to the market by using the inventive bridging device or integrating the bridging device into a mobile phone.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bridging device, which overcomes, at least partly, the disadvantages associated with existing prior art solutions.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a bridging device which is both novel and involves an inventive step. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for integrating the bridging device into a mobile phone, which overcomes, at least partly, the disadvantages associated with existing prior art solutions.

In this respect, it is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for integrating the bridging device into a mobile phone which is both novel and involves an inventive step.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for powering a bridging device, which overcomes, at least partly, the disadvantages associated with existing prior art solutions.

In this respect, it is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for powering a bridging device which is both novel and involves an inventive step.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bridging device in a mobile system comprising a first antenna and a second antenna being respectively mounted on a substrate and capable of communicating to each other, wherein the substrate is formed to be at least partially wrapped around a battery of a mobile phone such that the second antenna is capable of communicating with a device inside the mobile phone and the first antenna is capable of communicating with a further device outside the mobile phone.

The device inside the mobile phone may comprise a near field communication device on a motherboard, on a SIM card or on a SD card. The further device outside the mobile phone may comprise an external near field communication enabled device such as a reader, a point-of-sale device or the like.

The second antenna may be capable of communicating with the device by means of the near field communication protocol.

The first antenna may be capable of communicating with the further device by means of a near field communication protocol.

The near field communication protocol may be utilizing an ISO/IEC18092 and ECMA-340 standard operating at an RF frequency of 13.56 MHz.

The second antenna may be capable of communicating with the SIM-card using an ultra high frequency communication protocol.

The ultra high frequency communication protocol may be utilizing an ISO/IEC18092 and ECMA-340 standard operating at an RF frequency of 2.45 GHz.

The first antenna and the second antenna may be capable of communicating with each other using at least one electrically conductive trace on the substrate or using a track connecting the two antennae which either penetrates through the battery or wraps around the battery.

The first antenna and the second antenna may be formed as electrically conductive traces on the substrate.

An amplifier may be connected between the first antenna and the second antenna so as to amplify communication signals transmitted from the first antenna. The amplifier may be connected to the battery or to an induction charger module so as to provide power for the amplifier.

A frequency converter module may be attached to the substrate between the amplifier and the second antenna so as to convert communication signals transmitted between the first antenna and the second antenna.

The frequency converter module may be connected to the battery or to the induction charger module so as to provide power for the frequency converter module.

A transceiver module may be attached to the substrate between the first antenna and the second antenna so as to modulate and/or demodulate communication signals transmitted between the first antenna and the second antenna.

The transceiver module may be connected to the battery or to an induction charger module so as to provide power for the transceiver module.

A first transceiver module and a second transceiver module may be attached to the substrate between the first antenna and the second antenna so as to modulate and/or demodulate communication signals transmitted between the first antenna and the second antenna, wherein the first transceiver module and the second transceiver module operate on a substantially different frequency.

The first transceiver module and the second transceiver module may be connected to the battery or to an induction charger module so as to provide power for the first transceiver module and the second transceiver module. . According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for integrating a bridging device into a mobile phone comprising the step of providing the bridging device according to any of claims 1 to 18 with a form factor that allows for installation on the top side of the mobile phone's battery facing a cover and/or on the back side of the mobile phone's battery.

The bridging device may be integrated into the mobile phone's battery during initial manufacturing or may be retro-fitted as a wrap-around sticker installed around the battery.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for powering a bridging device comprising the step of providing the bridging device and sourcing power directly from the handset battery.

The bridging device may include power connections which are attached to the battery during the battery manufacturing process.

The bridging device may include power connections which are attached to the battery after the battery manufacturing process.

The bridging device may be stuck onto a top side of the battery as a sticker, with its power cables and connectors soldered to the battery power connector plates.

The bridging device may with its power cables and connectors be attached to the battery power connector plates by way of dedicated power adapters.

The power adapters may comprise of flexible connectors comprising a thin bendable conductive but insulated metal strip-plate which is open-ended for a power cable to pass through its length in the middle. The bendable strip-plate may allow installation technicians to modify the adaptors for correct fitment to the battery power connectors.

After the bendable strip-plate is attached to and secured by the stick-on connector surface of the strip-plate to the handset battery, excess power cable from the bridging device may be cut off and the device and connectors may be secured by a protective cellophane tape which is rapped over and around the entire installation and handset battery.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and drawings

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described in greater detail by way of example with reference to the following drawing in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows a block diagram of a bridging device according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view;

Figure 2 schematically shows a further block diagram of a bridging device according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view;

Figure 3 schematically shows a further block diagram of a bridging device according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view;

Figure 4 schematically shows a further block diagram of a bridging device according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view; Figure 5 schematically shows a further block diagram of a bridging device according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view;

Figure 6 schematically shows a bridging device according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view;

Figure 7 schematically shows a further block diagram of a bridging device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 schematically shows a bridging device according to an embodiment of the invention in a top view;

Figure 9 schematically shows a bridging device according to an embodiment of the invention in a side view;

Figure 10 schematically illustrates a bridging device according to an embodiment of the invention in a top/side view;

Figure 1 1 schematically shows a bridging device according to an embodiment of the invention in a top/side view; and

Figure 12 schematically shows mounting of a bridging device to a battery according to an embodiment of the invention in a top view.

Referring now to the drawings in particular the invention embodied therein will be described. In the drawing like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise indicated.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a bridging device, in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The bridging device 10 is an electronic device designed to act as an "electronic bridge" between a near-field-communication (NFC) enabled handset like a mobile phone and other external NFC-enabled devices, such point of sale (POS) devices.

Figure 1 depicts the functional diagram of a passive antenna NFC bridging device 10. This exemplary embodiment defines an NFC bridging device 10 for application in the context of mobile phones that contain either NFC-on-SD Card or NFC-on-Motherboard solutions as a device 12 inside the mobile phone. It includes a first antenna 14 and a second antenna 16 on a substrate. The first antenna 14 and the second antenna 16 are passively connected by means of conductive traces as indicted by reference numeral 18.

The second antenna 16, which is called the Extended NFC Antenna in Figure 1 , electromagnetically links to the NFC antenna included on the mobile phone's motherboard or the NFC-enabled SD card as device 12 installed in the mobile phone which is typically located under a battery 20 of the mobile phone. The Extended NFC Antenna 16 is passively connected to the first antenna 14 (or Primary NFC Antenna as it is named in Figure 1 ) which is located on the outside of the mobile phone's battery 20. Primary NFC Antenna 12 can include a loop or patch antenna, tuned to 13.56 MHz that connects through the mobile phone cover with an external NFC device, such as a POS device.

The connection between the first antenna 14 and the second antenna 16 allows for the non-amplified bidirectional transmission of the 13.56 MHz NFC signal to/from outside the battery 20 to/from under the battery 20. Accordingly, bidirectional transmission of the 13.56 MHz NFC between the mobile phone and other devices 22 outside the mobile phone, such as external NFC-enabled devices, point of sale (POS) devices, or the like can be established. The bridging device 10 can be integrated into the mobile phone's battery 20 during initial manufacturing or retro-fitted as a wrap-around sticker installed around the battery 20.

Figure 2 depicts an active antenna NFC-to-NFC bridging device 10. This exemplary embodiment is defined for NFC-on-SD Card, NFC-on-Motherboard and NFC-on-SIM Card applications. Its goals are to relay the NFC RF signal from under the mobile phone's battery 20 to the top of the battery 20 and then amplify it before transmission through the mobile phone's back cover. This solution employs the Extended NFC Antenna module 16, which interfaces with an RF amplifier module 30. This functional unit includes a low noise RF power amplifier that is capable of boosting the power level of a 13.56 MHz NFC signal. The RF amplifier module 30 then interfaces with the Primary NFC Antenna 14.

Power supply for the RF amplifier module 30 can be supplied directly from the mobile phone's battery 20 or from an induction charger module 32. The induction charger module 32 includes an inductive loop tuned to the 1800 MHz primary GSM band or the 2.1 GHz UMTS band and captures some of the energy transmitted by the mobile phone during uplink bursts. This energy is then stored in capacitive circuitry in order to provide power.

Figure 3 depicts the UHF-to-NFC Frequency Converter Bridge. This exemplary embodiment is defined specifically for the purpose of bridging the nonstandard 2.45GHz NFC SIM card, used by mobile service providers such as China Mobile, to the standard 13.56MHz NFC standard while allowing the signal from the SIM card to successfully transverse the mobile phone cover and battery 20. The solution employs the Extended NFC Antenna 16, which interfaces with an RF frequency converter module 34.

The RF frequency converter module 34 interfaces with the RF amplifier module 30, which in turn interfaces with the Primary NFC Antenna module. Its function is to down convert a 2.45 GHz NFC signal to 13.56 MHz. It includes an RF mixer and local oscillator, followed by a band-pass filter. Power supply for the RF amplifier module 30 and the RF frequency converter module 34 can be supplied directly from the mobile phone's battery or from the induction charger module 32.

Figure 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment similar to the one depicted in Figure 2 and is also defined for NFC-on-SD Card, NFC-on- Motherboard and NFC-on-SIM Card applications. It, however, differs in its implementation as the RF amplifier module 34 in the Active Antenna NFC-to-NFC bridging device 10 is replaced by an NFC transceiver module 36 which fully modulates/demodulates and amplifies the NFC signal, as opposed to simply amplifying the NFC signal.

The NFC transceiver module 36 performs a full transmission/reception and modulation/demodulation of NFC signals at 13.56MHz. The modulation or demodulation activities provided by the NFC transceiver module 36 enables the usage of off-the-shelf NFC transceiver units, which can be used to implement this bridging device 10.

Figure 5 depicts the UHF-to-NFC Radio Bridge. Similar to Figure 3, this exemplary embodiment is defined for the purpose of bridging the nonstandard UHF-based 2.45 GHz NFC SIM card to the standard 13.56 MHz NFC frequency. The implementation of the invention employs the NFC transceiver module 36 and an UHF transceiver module 38.

The UHF transceiver module 38 performs the full transmission/reception and modulation/demodulation of UHF-modulated NFC signals at 2.45 GHz. Accordingly, UHF transceiver module 38 allows for the bi-directional conversion of 2.45 GHz NFC signals to/from baseband and thereafter to/from an NFC signal at 13.56 MHz. Power supply for the NFC transceiver module 36 and UHF transceiver module 38 can be supplied directly from the mobile phone's battery or from the induction charger module 32. In the above examples of Figures 1 to 5, reference was made to the near field communication protocol utilizing ISO/IEC18092 and ECMA-340 standards operating at an RF frequency of 13.56 MHz and to the ultra high frequency communication protocol operating at an RF frequency of 2.45 GHz. It is to be appreciated that these protocols and standards are presently considered as a preferred embodiment. However, the invention is not construed to be limited to a specific standard and can be modified to operate in another environment including future standards or proprietary protocols.

The function of the inventive bridging device 10 is summarised making reference to Figure 6.

The bridging device 10 is designed to act as an "electronic bridge" between the near-field-communication (NFC) enabled handset like a mobile phone and other external NFC-enabled devices 22, such as point of sale (POS) devices. The bridging device 10 is capable of being wrapped around the battery 20. The bridging device 10 is communicating with the NFC antenna 40 as indicated by reference numeral 42 above the main body 44 of the handset. Further, the bridging device 10 is communicating with the external NFC-enabled device 22 as indicated by reference numeral 46 through the cover 48 of the handset. Accordingly, bidirectional transmission between the mobile phone and other devices 22 outside the mobile phone can be established. The bridging device 10 can be integrated into the mobile phone's battery 20 during initial manufacturing or retro-fitted as a wrap-around sticker installed around the battery 20. It is to be appreciated that communication between the antennae can also be established using a track connecting the two antennae which either penetrates through the battery or wraps around the battery. Furthermore, for the UHF-to-NFC conversion device both antennae can be on the same top level of the battery because uhf can penetrate easily through the battery. A further embodiment of the invention is now described making reference to Figures 7 to 9. This embodiment includes the bridging device 10 having a substrate, integrated NFC-RFID circuit functionality 50 on the substrate 51 and electronic connectors. The bridging device 10 can be incorporated within a sticker or lamination type material or on the phone battery itself. The bridging device 10 preferably includes a dedicated central processing unit 52, interconnected with a security unit 54, radio frequency transceiver unit 56, power management unit 58, external power supply system 60, interface connectors 62 and 62', power supply test LED with activation button 64, and embedded micro antennae 66 with extension option 68.

If the bridging device 10 is incorporated within a sticker or lamination type material it can be coated on both sides according to a sticker type peel-and-stick mechanism. The antenna extension portion 68 implies an extension of the "original" or main antenna 66 by means of an extension wire or coil which extends to a length appropriate for folding around a mobile station battery to reach within close proximity of the NFC enabled SIM card on the other side. The antenna extension portion 68 further more allows for the possibility to plugged-in (or out) or be torn-off by means of a perforated area in the event that the extended portion 68 is not required, when for example the SIM card is not under the battery but above it or elsewhere. The sticking function of the antenna is optional but recommended as will allow for the device to "become one" with the battery and not move around after insertion.

If the bridging device 10 is incorporated is incorporated within a phone battery 20 it can be done according to a modular design where the battery manufacturer allows for the creation of a standard cavity or plug-in area inclusive of the appropriate power supply connectors and link to embedded micro antennae. The antennae could further more be included within the battery in such a manner that it does not have to go around the battery but be allowed to penetrate through it in order to access the NFC enabled SIM Card transmission on the other side. Alternatively the battery manufacturer may opt to have the entire functionality molded within the battery during the manufacturing process in order to save costs through simplification.

The intention of the embodiment described in Figures 7 to 9 is to enable "NFC on SIM Card" type functionality through two dual interfacing NFC-RFID systems working together in a "pre-paired" manner.

The bridging device 10 includes the dual electronic interface located within the substrate 51 such as sticker or mobile phone battery, which includes an NFC- RFID wireless capacity, as well as to external NFC-RFID devices such as points of sale, ticketing systems, loyalty programs, other mobile stations, and the like. The NFC-RFID wireless capacity includes radio frequencies such as 13.56 MHz or 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth or as may be required by the industry, product and / or signal strength realities encountered. Preferably, the NFC-RFID wireless capacity connecting to external NFC-RFID enabled devices includes radio frequencies such as 13.56 MHz or 2.4 GHz or as may be required by the industry, product and / or signal strength realities encountered.

The bridging device 10 includes the micro antenna or antennae 66 which are incorporated within the substrate 51 , inclusive of an extended portion 68 attached with a perforated tear-off section or by means of an extension cord and plug-in mechanism, as shown in Figure 8.

Preferably, the antenna or antennae 66 is configured to be inter-operable according to preferred frequencies such as 13.56 MHz or 2.4 GHz or as may otherwise be required. Preferably, the antenna or antennae 66 is coiled, looped, patched or the like, including of dual design. Preferably, the antenna or antennae extension portion 68 is capable of "rapping around" the battery 22 of a mobile station or in the case of its application within the battery, is allowed to drill through the battery 22.

The security unit 54 inter-connected with the CPU 52 and RF transceiver unit/s 56 which allows for the installation of security sensitive applications, data management, and OTA (Over the Air) transmission of such related secure data. The RF transceiver unit/s 56 is capable of a "Reader Mode" or active transmission between it and external NFC-RFID enabled devices, which includes the 13.56 MHz or 2.4 GHz frequencies. The RF transceiver unit/s 56 can also be capable of signal conversion, i.e. to receive a message in 2.4 GHz from the SIM Card, and to switch or convert it to another frequency such as 13.56 MHz for further transmission and communication with an external device such as a point of sale, and back, it is also conceivable to receive a message in 13.56 MHz from the SIM Card, and to switch or convert it to another frequency such as 2.4 GHz for further transmission and communication with an external device such as a point of sale, and back. The RF transceiver unit/s 56 can also be capable of accommodating additional frequencies in the future such as Bluetooth, WiMAX, or the like.

The power management unit 58 controls the available power supply from the mobile phone battery for use by all components inclusive of managing sleep mode, low power mode, active mode and general power distribution. A power supply test button with LED 64 can be used to test the connections to and the availability of power from the mobile station battery.

Suitable power supply cables and adapters are linked to the bridging device 10, which are designed to connect to the connectors of a mobile station battery to provide required power, whilst allowing for connector access to the mobile station at the same instance. A power storage unit can also be recharged

17 by means of induction radiation collected from Mobile Station micro waves, and or other alternative radiation from external sources.

Making reference now to Figures 10 to 12, further embodiments of the invention are shown. As outlined above, the active versions of the NFC bridging device 10 require a power source to function, and in such cases the preferred method is to source power directly from the handset battery 20.

In a first implementation, the bridging device 10 is prepared for factory Installation. Here the NFC bridging device 10 and its power connections 62 are automatically included and attached to the battery during the battery manufacturing process. In this case the NFC bridging device 10 is embedded into the handset battery 20 and connected to its power connectors 62 from the outset.

A second implementation is used for retro fitment by soldering. Here the NFC bridging device 10 and its power connections 62 are attached to the battery 20 after the battery manufacturing process. In this case the NFC bridging device 10 will be stuck onto the top side (under back cover side) of the handset battery 20 as a sticker, with its power cables and connectors simply soldered to the battery power connector plates by a third party technician (i.e. a handset retail store).

A third implementation is used for retro fitment by means of adapters. Here the NFC bridging device 10 and its power connections 62 are also attached to the battery after the battery manufacturing process. In this case the NFC bridging device 10 will likewise be stuck onto the top side (under back cover side) of the handset battery as a sticker, but its power cables and connectors will be attached to the battery power connector plates by way of dedicated power adapters. Fitment will also be managed by a 3rd party technician (i.e. a handset retail store). The power adapters comprise of flexible "sticker-to-battery-connection- plate" type connector for use by both positive and negative polarities. Each adapter consists of a thin bendable conductive but insulated metal strip-plate which is open-ended for a power cable to pass through its length in the middle. The purpose of the bendable strip-plate is to allow installation technicians to modify (bend) the adaptors for correct fitment to the battery power connectors. Once the bendable strip-plate is attached to and secured (temporarily) by the stick-on connector surface of the strip-plate to the handset battery 20, excess power cable from the NFC bridging device 10 is cut off and the device and connectors are "permanently" secured by protective cellophane tape 70 which is rapped over and around the entire installation and handset battery 20.

Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in the art that other modifications, variations and possibilities of the invention are conceivable. Such modifications, variations and possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and hence forming part of the invention as herein described and/or exemplified.

Claims

1 . A bridging device in a mobile system comprising a first antenna and a second antenna being respectively mounted on a substrate and capable of communicating to each other, wherein the substrate is formed to be at least partially wrapped around a battery of a mobile phone such that the second antenna is capable of communicating with a device inside the mobile phone and the first antenna is capable of communicating with a further device outside the mobile phone.

2. The bridging device according to claim 1 , wherein the device inside the mobile phone comprises a near field communication device on a motherboard, on a SIM card or on a SD card.

3. The bridging device according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the further device outside the mobile phone comprises an external near field communication enabled device such as a reader, a point-of-sale device or the like.

4. The bridging device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second antenna is capable of communicating with the device by means of the near field communication protocol.

5. The bridging device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first antenna is capable of communicating with the further device by means of a near field communication protocol.

6. The bridging device according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the near field communication protocol is utilizing an ISO/IEC18092 and ECMA-340 standard operating at an RF frequency of 13.56 MHz.

7. The bridging device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second antenna is capable of communicating with the SIM-card using an ultra high frequency communication protocol.

8. The bridging device according to claim 7, wherein the ultra high frequency communication protocol is utilizing an ISO/IEC18092 and ECMA-340 standard operating at an RF frequency of 2.45 GHz.

9. The bridging device according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are formed as electrically conductive traces on the substrate.

10. The bridging device according to claim 9, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are capable of communicating with each other using at least one electrically conductive layer on the substrate or using a track connecting the two antennae which either penetrates through the battery or wraps around the battery.

1 1 . The bridging device according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein an amplifier is connected between the first antenna and the second antenna so as to amplify communication signals transmitted from the first antenna.

12. The bridging device according to claim 1 1 , wherein the amplifier is connected to the battery or to an induction charger module so as to provide power for the amplifier.

13. The bridging device according to any of claims 1 1 to 12, wherein a frequency converter module is attached to the substrate between the amplifier and the second antenna so as to convert communication signals transmitted between the first antenna and the second antenna.

14. The bridging device according to claim 13, wherein the frequency converter module is connected to the battery or to the induction charger module so as to provide power for the frequency converter module.

15. The bridging device according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein a transceiver module is attached to the substrate between the first antenna and the second antenna so as to modulate and/or demodulate communication signals transmitted between the first antenna and the second antenna.

16. The bridging device according to claim 15, wherein the transceiver module is connected to the battery or to an induction charger module so as to provide power for the transceiver module.

17. The bridging device according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein a first transceiver module and a second transceiver module are attached to the substrate between the first antenna and the second antenna so as to modulate and/or demodulate communication signals transmitted between the first antenna and the second antenna, wherein the first transceiver module and the second transceiver module operate on a substantially different frequency.

18. The bridging device according to claim 17, wherein the first transceiver module and the second transceiver module are connected to the battery or to an induction charger module so as to provide power for the first transceiver module and the second transceiver module.

19. Method for integrating a bridging device into a mobile phone comprising the step of providing the bridging device according to any of claims 1 to 18 with a form factor that allows for installation on the top side of the mobile phone's battery facing a cover and/or on the back side of the mobile phone's battery.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the bridging device can be integrated into the mobile phone's battery during initial manufacturing or retrofitted as a wrap-around sticker installed around the battery.

21 . A method for powering a bridging device comprising the step of providing the bridging device according to any of claims 1 to 18 and sourcing power directly from the handset battery.

22. The method according to claim 21 , wherein the bridging device includes power connections which are attached to the battery during the battery manufacturing process.

23. The method according to claim 21 , wherein the bridging device includes power connections which are attached to the battery after the battery manufacturing process.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the bridging device is stuck onto a top side of the battery as a sticker, with its power cables and connectors soldered to the battery power connector plates.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein the bridging device with its power cables and connectors are attached to the battery power connector plates by way of dedicated power adapters which are designed to fit in between the battery power connector plates and the handset power connectors.

26. The method according to claim 23, wherein the power adapters comprise of flexible connectors comprising a thin bendable conductive but insulated metal strip-plate which is open-ended for a power cable to pass through its length in the middle.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the bendable strip-plate allows installation technicians to modify the adaptors for correct fitment to the battery power connectors.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein after the bendable strip-plate is attached to and secured by the stick-on connector surface of the strip-plate to the handset battery, excess power cable from the bridging device is cut off and the device and connectors are secured by a protective cellophane tape which is rapped over and around the entire installation and handset battery.