HK1057954A - A non-contact sim card with detachable aerial and carrier - Google Patents

Description

Contactless transaction card and carrier with detachable antenna

Technical Field

The invention relates to a contactless transaction card with an information storage chip separated or separable from an antenna, and also relates to a portable carrier for the contactless transaction card.

Background

In modern society, with the rapid development of high and new technologies and the demand for more convenient and faster transactions, it is becoming more and more common to use integrated chips containing user or account specific information for various purposes.

An example of an integrated circuit card is a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. SIM cards are used primarily in europe and asia and are most commonly used in communication devices such as mobile phones to enable a user to access a personal account or a communication device of a wireless telephone network in a particular country. Each SIM card contains configuration information for specifying the network and information identifying the user, such as the user's mobile telephone number and associated account information.

SIM cards, like most integrated circuit cards, are typically manufactured from plastic and have Integrated Circuit (IC) semiconductor chips mounted or embedded therein to provide a connection interface at the location of the integrated chip on the surface of the card. The SIM card is typically a miniature or plug-in size card approximately 25mm long, 15mm wide and less than 1mm thick.

To ensure that the insert size SIM card is correctly positioned when inserted into a mobile telephone, one corner of the rectangular card is cut away so that the length of one side of the card is reduced to about 21mm and correspondingly the width is reduced to about 12 mm. Cards with an angled angle can only be inserted into the phone from the correct orientation.

When the phone is inserted, electrical contact is made between the card-embedded integrated circuit and the interface surface of the phone, thus establishing an electrical connection with the internal circuitry of the mobile phone. In this way, the mobile phone can access information from the identification/memory card.

Figure 1 shows a SIM card 100 having a card body 110, an integrated circuit chip 120 mounted on one of its surfaces, and an angled corner 130 for guiding the user to properly insert the card into an electronic device. As mentioned above, any information stored on the integrated circuit can only be accessed when the SIM card is properly placed so that the IC120 is properly in physical contact with the appropriate contact elements of the electronic device in which the SIM card is used.

The second category of integrated circuit cards is contactless transaction cards, commonly used in public transportation systems or security/access control. As with SIM cards, the integrated circuit in a contactless transaction card may store information used to identify a user, such as account information or subscriber identification information. On the other hand, unlike the SIM card which requires physical contact with the device IC to access information stored on the IC card, the contactless transaction card does not require physical contact with the read and/or write device to transfer and receive information to and from the read and/or write device.

As shown in FIG. 2, a contactless transaction card 200 includes an integrated circuit with an antenna 220 extending therefrom and embedded in the material or layer forming the card. The antenna is almost equal to the circumference of the IC card, and is engaged with the IC card in a mode of surrounding or winding on the card plane. The transmission of information to and reading of information from the contactless transaction card is accomplished by transmitting an RF signal through an antenna extending from the integrated circuit. The length of the antenna corresponds to its transmission and reception range, so the longer the antenna, the greater the range in which information can be successfully transmitted or accessed between the read/write device and the card.

In the example of a user accessing a protected location using a contactless transaction card, the user simply brings the contactless transaction card close to a card reader within the appropriate range of the antenna, which can read the identification data contained within the IC via the antenna embedded in the card. If the reader determines via the identification information that the user is authenticated as having access to the protected location, the reader sends a signal to control the security system to allow the user to access the protected location.

When a contactless transaction card is used in a transportation system, for example, the IC mounted on the card contains user account information such as the effective balance (for a descending balance type arrangement), or billing information (for a credit type arrangement). The same operation as access control, using a card to enter or exit the transit system or to access or update a user account, is simply to place the card within the readable range of a card reader.

Contactless transaction cards have several advantages over standard integrated (contact-type) circuits, such as faster transaction times in use and less wear on the card and the read-write device.

A dual interface card integrates both contact and contactless transactions into one integrated circuit. As shown in fig. 3, for example, a dual interface card 300 includes an IC310 having electrical contacts for contact-type data transfer, and an antenna 320 connected to the IC310 for contactless data transfer.

Currently, both contactless transaction cards and dual interface cards are credit card sized and can be placed in a personal wallet, purse, briefcase, pocket, etc. If a person carries a mobile phone, laptop computer, personal digital assistant, and/or other items, it is inconvenient for him or her to often look around the entire body for the card when it is needed. There is a need for a contactless transaction card that is sized to be easily carried by a holder.

Summary of The Invention

The contactless transaction module of the present invention includes an Integrated Circuit (IC) chip provided on an insert size (sized) chip module and having a connection interface for aligning an antenna to enable contactless operation of the chip module. The invention also includes an antenna associated with a chip module having a corresponding connection interface that mates with the IC chip connection interface. The antenna may be located on the surface of the carrier to control the size of the insertion of the contactless transaction module or may be located on a film or film layer to attach to the desired surface to interface with the contactless transaction module.

In a preferred embodiment of the carrier for the operational control of the contactless transaction module, the carrier is provided in the form of a removable cover for the housing or battery compartment of the mobile phone. For example, the cover may be used as a snap ring or a slidably removable cover on the back surface of the mobile phone or a battery compartment therein. The carrier includes an antenna provided on an inner surface of the detachable cover and a holder for inserting the size contactless transaction module on the same surface. The antenna and the support are mutually positioned so that the connection interface of the antenna is aligned in relation to the connection interface of the contactless transaction module placed in the support. With the carrier according to the invention the insert size contactless transaction module is operational and it is invisible and protected when the lid is closed.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Figure 1 shows a prior art plug size SIM card.

Fig. 2 shows a non-contact transaction type IC card of the related art.

Fig. 3 shows a prior art dual interface IC card.

Fig. 4A shows an integrated circuit chip with antenna connection leads for contactless data transmission on the surface of an insert size module.

Figure 4B shows the surface of the insert size contactless transaction module opposite to that of figure 4A.

Figure 5 depicts an insert size contactless transaction module and an antenna provided by and separate from a standard size carrier card.

FIG. 5A depicts a first arrangement of an insert size contactless transaction card on a standard size carrier card

FIG. 5B depicts a second arrangement of an insert size contactless transaction card on a standard size carrier card

Fig. 6A and 6B depict first and second variations of holders for insertion of size contactless transaction modules in a carrier card according to the second arrangement shown in fig. 5B.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the support taken along line A-A in FIG. 6.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of the encircled area of fig. 7.

Fig. 9 depicts an antenna for insertion into a sized contactless transaction module and formed on a membrane separate from a chip module.

Fig. 10 depicts an example of a carrier inserted into the outer surface of a mobile phone for a contactless transaction module.

Fig. 11 depicts a carrier for an insert size contactless transaction module inserted into a holder and having an antenna disposed on a surface.

Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the carrier and insert size contactless transaction module shown in fig. 11 for the purpose of describing the arrangement and location of the relevant structural elements.

Fig. 13 depicts an alternative holder arrangement for an insert size contactless card for a carrier surface.

Detailed Description

Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate an example of a contactless transaction module 10 in accordance with the present invention in which an Integrated Circuit (IC)16 is embedded on a substrate formed on the module body 12. The substrate may be a card made of plastic as used for credit cards and other types of transaction cards, or may be a synthetic film layer. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, module body 12 is the same size and shape as a standard plug-in size SIM card. In particular, the module body 12 has an angled corner 14 for correct insertion of the module into the holder. Alternatively, however, module body 12 may be another asymmetric shape for proper positioning or according to any other simple convenient size shape

Integrated circuit 16 includes leads 18 for establishing a connection with an antenna so that electromagnetic signals, preferably RF signals, can be transmitted from IC16 or to IC 16. Since IC16 may communicate with a read-write device by transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals using an antenna, IC16 need not be in direct physical contact with a device that reads information from or controls the transfer of information to the IC. Thus, unlike IC120 of fig. 1, IC16 transmits and receives information directly from a reader and control device in the form of an electronic current, and thus requires direct physical and electrical contact to be made with any device that reads or writes information to IC 120.

The contactless transaction module 10 is removably mounted on a carrier card 20 of the same size as a standard size ISO SIM card, credit card or other convenient size card, as shown in figure 5. The carrier card 20 may be made of plastic or an insulating sheet of the same material as that forming the module body 12, or other material with sufficient rigidity to mount or attach the contactless transaction module 10. In one example of the carrier card 20, the interposer size contactless transaction module 10 may be die cut into the substrate material forming the carrier card 20, as shown in FIG. 5A, so that the interposer size module can be easily removed and removed from the carrier card.

Alternatively, the carrier card 20' may be formed with one or more hidden supports 22 on one of its edges. The hidden support 22 conforms exactly to the size and shape of the contactless transaction module 10. As can be seen more clearly in fig. 5B, the depth of the recessed support 22 is equal to the depth of the contactless transaction card 10, so the upper surface of the module 10 inserted into the support 22 will be flush with the upper surface of the carrier card 20'. In the example of figures 5, 5A and 5B, the support 22 and the module 10 are of the same size and shape as the insertion size SIM card. However, as noted above, the module 10 may be of any size and/or any shape, and the support 22 is configured accordingly.

Referring to fig. 6A, a plurality of holes or wells 26 are formed in the carrier card 20 along at least one, and preferably both, sides of the recessed support 22. The well 26 is separated from the recessed support 22 by a spring element, best seen in fig. 8, which is an enlarged view of a partially exploded unit surrounding portion of the carrier card 20 of fig. 7.

The spring element 28 is preferably made of the same material as the carrier card, so that it remains continuous with the inner wall of the hidden holder 22. The spring element 28 is inclined towards the centre of the hidden holder 22 and functions like a leaf spring. Preferably, the individual spring elements 28 face each other and are in contact with a card inserted into the holder 22, the surface of which is at a slight angle, for example, about 5 °, to the centre of the holder 22 in a right-angle direction. When the contactless transaction module 10 is placed in the hidden holder 22, the spring element 28 is pushed out in a relaxed state to a surface of about 5 ° to fit the edge of the module 10. In this way, the spring element 28 is tensioned to hold the module 10 in place to ensure that the module 10 is securely held in place on the holder 22.

The contactless transaction module 10 can be removed by bending the carrier card 20' to push the module 10 out of the recessed support 22. Optionally, the carrier card 20' may include a notch 28 formed extending from an edge of the recessed holder 22 as shown in FIG. 6B to facilitate removal of the module 10 from the holder 22. In this configuration, the notch 28 is at least as deep as or slightly deeper than the recessed support 22 so that a user can grasp the edge of the module 10 with a finger or other moving tool to push the module 10 out of the support 22.

With the carrier card 20' described above with reference to fig. 5B and 6-8, the contactless transaction module can be reinserted into the holder 22, if desired, by aligning the module 10 with the corresponding shape of the recessed holder 22 and pressing the card into the holder 22. The pressure exerted on the module 10 and thus on the angled surface of the spring causes the spring element to flex outwardly of the module, so that the module 10 is quickly inserted into position in the holder 22. When the module 10 is inserted into the concealed holder 22, the spring element 28 is tensioned against the module 10 to securely locate it in the holder 22.

If the spring elements have no angled surfaces (in a relaxed state), the spring elements 28 will not be pushed outward and accept the module 10 into the holder 22 when the module 10 is inserted into the holder. Conversely, since the dimensions of the support 22 when relaxed are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the module 10, the edges of the module 10 will fall directly on the upper surface of the spring element 28.

Other alternatives for securely mounting the contactless transaction module on the carrier include forming tongues or grooves in the corresponding outer surfaces of the module and forming a recessed support on the carrier card, forming other mating protrusions and indentations along the outer surfaces or opposite major surfaces of the module and carrier card, and applying an adhesive to the major surface of the module 10 opposite the location of the IC16 to allow repeated insertion and removal of the module from the support surface.

Fig. 9 shows the antenna 30 transmitting RF signals to the IC16 on the contactless transaction module 10 or receiving RF signals from the IC16 on the contactless transaction module 10. The antenna 30 typically (although not necessarily) has a length several times that of the carrier card 20, 20' and is therefore coiled or looped over the planar area of the flexible support film 32 with the contact points 34 formed at the end of the antenna 30 aligned with the locations of the leads 18 of the IC15 on the contactless transaction module 10.

The support film 32 may be a multilayer film or a film insulator plate in which an antenna is embedded or sandwiched in the multilayer film. Alternatively, the film may be a single-layer film with an antenna on the surface.

The antenna 30 may be formed on or within the film in several ways. For example, the antenna 30 may simply be a filament or wire having a length. Alternatively, the antenna 30 is a continuous line of conductive ink deposited on the film by printing. A third alternative method of forming the antenna 30 is by depositing or coating a layer of conductive material onto the film using any known method and then using a flat panel process to etch the reverse image of the antenna so that all but the continuous strip of conductive material forming the antenna is removed from the film.

The adhesive applied to the surface of the film 32 may cause the film to be removed or peeled from the support surface. Preferably, the adhesive is reusable so that the film can withstand being applied to and removed from the support surface multiple times. The adhesive may be applied to the entire surface of one side of the film 32 or only to a portion of the surface or empty locations. In any event, the portion of the film 32 where the antenna 30 contacts the pads 34 should be covered by adhesive and ensure a reliable connection to the leads 18 of the IC16 of the module 10. Thus, when an inset size contactless transaction module 10 is provided on a standard or credit card sized carrier card 20, 20 ', the support film 32 with the antenna 30 is attached to the carrier card 20, 20' such that the contact pads 34 of the antenna 30 are aligned with and electrically connected to the leads 18 of the IC 16. In this way, the film 32 may have the same planar dimensions as the carrier cards 20, 20 'or smaller dimensions than the carrier cards 20, 20'.

With the IC16 embedded on the substrate of the module 10, the leads of the IC16 extend from the IC16 to the surface of the module 10. The ends of the leads 18 may form visible and/or tactile indicators on the module 10 to facilitate alignment with the contact points 34 of the antenna 30. For example, the ends of the leads 18 may be covered by a metal film that is attached to the surface of the module 10. The metal film can establish electrical connection between contact pads 34 of antenna 30 and the leads of IC16 and can also serve as an indicator to indicate where contact pads 34 should be aligned with leads 18. Optionally, the metallic film or indicator may be any decorative shape, pattern, or the like.

Although fig. 5 only shows a single contactless transaction module 10 and corresponding antenna 30 on the carrier card 20, the carrier card 20 may provide two or more modules 10 with a corresponding number of antennas. Depending on the size of the module 10 relative to the carrier card 20, a plurality of modules and antennas may be provided on both major surfaces of the carrier card 20 or on one side of the card 20. To provide a large amount of space for multiple sets of transaction modules and antennas on the card 20, the area covered by the antenna 30 may be arranged more compactly than in fig. 5 and 9.

In a variant aspect of the invention, a plurality of contactless transaction modules with a single antenna are provided on the carrier card 20, whereby the plurality of contactless transaction modules interchangeably determine the position on the carrier card 20 to operate the IC leads 18 of one of the alignment modules and the contact points 34 of the antenna 30. Alternatively, the antenna may have at least two sets of contact points, each set of contact points being in operative alignment with the IC leads of a respective one of the plurality of contactless transaction modules.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the contactless transaction module 10 (with its separate antenna 30) is used for connection to a carrier on the casing of a mobile phone. In particular, the cover 50 of the mobile phone comprises a support for the contactless transaction module 10 and has a surface that supports the antenna in alignment with the insertion of the contactless transaction module 10.

Since many people are now accustomed to placing a mobile phone in a near easy-to-hold position, inserting a size contactless card on the mobile phone housing is very convenient for them. Thus, the user need only swipe the mobile phone in front of the card reader when necessary to use the contactless card, without having to flip through his or her wallet, purse or satchel to find the contactless transaction module.

Fig. 10 shows a cover 50 according to the invention applied to a mobile phone. The cover 50 defines an inner space having a thickness adapted to at least the thickness of the contactless transaction module 10 and the holder 60 into which the contactless transaction module is inserted. As shown in fig. 11 to 13, the cover 50 includes fixing pieces 52 formed at the bottom end for insertion into corresponding insertion grooves formed on the housing of the mobile phone 40.

As shown in fig. 10, the cover 50 is applied to the mobile phone along the top end of the cover 50 by a latch mechanism controlled by a resilient tab 54. For example, an upward hook-type latch may be formed at the bottom of the press tab 54, wherein the latch latches under a ledge 56 formed along the inside surface of the top end of the cover 50 when the cover is attached to the mobile phone 40. Alternatively, a press tab 54 and corresponding latch may be formed on the top end of the cover 50 to latch with a corresponding protrusion formed on the surface of the mobile phone 40.

The cover 50 is attached to the mobile phone by inserting the tabs 52 into corresponding slots formed in the cover of the mobile phone 40 and pressing against the top end of the cover 50 of the mobile phone 40 until the latches on the tabs 54 latch under the projections 56 on the cover 56 or on the mobile phone housing 40 depending on the cover and phone configuration.

The latch can be opened from the cover 50 or the phone housing by pressing the tab 54, thereby lifting the cover 50 away from the surface of the mobile phone 40 to remove the tab 52 from the corresponding slot of the phone housing, and finally removing the cover 50 from the mobile phone 40.

The resilience of the wafer 54 may be achieved by a spring which ensures that the wafer is pressed into the mobile phone housing or cover 50, or simply by the naturally deformable nature of the plastic material from which the wafer is formed.

Of course, the cover 50 may be shaped and sized to accommodate different types of mobile phones. Also, depending on the type of mobile phone handset, particularly those that form a detachable battery unit at the rear cover of the phone housing, the cover 50 may be formed as an additional cover to the battery unit. In this variation, the cover 50 may optionally be formed with inwardly directed detents or other protruding elements along one edge for engaging with grooves or slots formed in the battery cell or telephone housing. The cover 50 can then be slid along the battery unit to engage the cover 50 into position on the phone or to disengage the cover 50 from the phone.

A preferred embodiment of a cap according to the present invention is shown in fig. 11 and 12. In this embodiment, ridges 62 and 64 formed on the inner surface of cover 50 match in shape the angular angle 14 and its adjacent corners of non-contact interface module 10 as shown in fig. 4A. The ridges 62 and 64 have the same height as the thickness of the module 10, but may be lower. Ridges 62 and 64 act as position guides to maintain the position of the contactless transaction module 10 inserted into the support 60 at a predetermined location with respect to the cover 12.

A securing strap 68 is affixed to the inner surface of the cover 12 by the rod 66 and substantially bridges the vicinity of the end of the ridges 62 and the vicinity of the end of the ridges 64 through the space enclosed by the ridges 62 and 64. The length of securing strap 68 is at least equal to the corresponding length or width of the module. The height of the surface of the securing strap 68 facing the inner surface of the cover 50 is preferably slightly less than the thickness of the module 10 to provide resistance to insertion of the module 10 into the holder 60, but not so low as to impede insertion of the module 10 into the holder 60. When a card is inserted into the holder 60, the securing strap 68 holds the module 10 in the position defined by the ridges 62 and 64.

Ridges 62 and 64, post 66 and retention strap 68 are preferably formed of the same material that forms the inner surface of cover 50. Alternatively, the securing strap 68 may be made of a resilient material to enhance its securing function.

In the case of a contactless transaction module 10 of similar size and shape to the insert size SIM card, the module 10 is inserted into the holder 60 in an orientation such that the angled corner 14 is aligned with the location of the ridges 62, and then the module 10 is slid under the securing strap 68 until the insertion angle of the module abuts the ridges 62 and 64, as shown in fig. 11. The orientation of the holder 60 is of course variable, so that, unlike the upper left described in fig. 11 and 12, the angled corner of the inserted module 10 is at the upper right of the cover or at the lower left or lower right of the holder, where the module 10 is inserted from above the securing strap 68. Alternatively, the ridges 64 may be designed to conform to the angle adjacent to the angulation angle of the insertion size contactless transaction module 10 on the short size side opposite the long size side. Likewise, the ridges 62 may be positioned to face an angled angle at the top left, bottom left, or bottom right of the holder 60.

Of course, if the size and shape of the contactless transaction card 10 is different from the plug-in size SIM card and as illustrated, the supports 60, and in particular the ridges 62 and 64, on the cover 50 may correspond to the shape and size of the module 10.

Due to the various possible orientations and configurations of the contactless transaction module 10 within the support 60, the ridges 62 and 64 should be configured such that when the contactless transaction card 10 is inserted into the support 60, the leads 18 of the IC16 on the contactless transaction module 10 can be placed in the proper position facing the inner surface of the cover 50 to align with the contact points 34 of the antenna 30 of the cover surface, as shown in fig. 12 and described below.

In this embodiment, the film 20 containing the antenna 30 peeled/removed from the carrier card 20 may be adhered to the inner surface of the cover 50 by the user, taking care to place the contact points 34 on the flag 65 (fig. 12) on the surface of the cover 50. Flag 65 indicates the specific position on the cover where the antenna end should be placed and aligned to establish a proper connection with the contactless card inserted into the support 60. The indicia 65 may be embossed or recessed areas on the surface of the cover 50, or may be represented by other types of surface indicia.

Alternatively, the antenna may be built into the surface of the cover 50 and the contact points 34 are positioned so that when the contactless transaction card 10 is inserted into the support 60, the leads of the IC16 on the contactless transaction card 10 are naturally connected to the contact points 34. In this variant, the contact points 34 may be provided on the inner surface of the cover 12 or on the surface of the retaining strip 68 facing the inserted module 10.

A second preferred embodiment for a contactless transaction module carrier according to the invention is shown in fig. 13. In this embodiment, the support for the contactless transaction module is a pocket 70 on the inner surface of the cover 50. The pocket 70 is formed by an envelope 72 that is affixed to the inside surface of the cover 50 and may be of variable size or have baffles on three of four sides to prevent the contactless transaction module 10 inserted therein from slipping out. The width of the envelope 72 may generally correspond to the contactless transaction module 10 therein and preferably is lower than the module 10.

The envelope 72 also includes a window 74 that is large enough for the user to push the inserted module out of the bag 70 using his or her fingers. The pocket 70 is on the inside surface of the lid 50 and has a bottom end 78 near one edge of the lid 50 and a mouth 76 more toward the center of the lid 50 than the bottom end 78. To insert the module 10, the module is placed on the inside surface of the cover 50 above the pocket opening 76 and slid into the pocket 70.

It is important here that the side of the contactless transaction card 10 containing the IC when inserted must face the surface of the cover 50 so that the leads 18 on the contactless transaction module 10 are connected to the contact points 34 of the antenna 30 on the cover 50. Also, since the pocket 70 is mounted to the surface of the cover 50, this embodiment preferably provides the user with a permanent antenna mounted to the surface of the cover, and the contact points 34 of the antenna 30 in place will be aligned with the leads 18 of the IC16 when the contactless transaction card 10 is inserted into the pocket 70. However, if the depth and configuration of the pocket 70 permits, it is possible to omit the installation of a permanent antenna to enable the user to adhere an antenna, such as that shown in FIG. 9 and supported by the film 32 described above, to the cover 50 in a specified orientation that aligns the antenna with the contactless transaction module inserted into the support

The carrier for contactless transaction modules according to the invention has an alternative form besides the cover of the moving arc. For example, this carrier may be a cover or an accessory for a laptop or notebook computer, a palmtop or handheld organizer or a computing device such as a personal digital assistant, or other type of portable electronic and/or communication device. This carrier may be in any form convenient for the mobile user, as long as it comprises a support for the contactless transaction module and a suitable surface for adhering a film 32 containing an antenna 30 or an antenna already provided on the carrier for aligning the contactless transaction module inserted into the support.

Also, depending on the size of the contactless transaction module and the associated carrier, a large number of supports may be provided on the carrier. In this variant of the invention, designated areas of the inner surface of the cover are used for permanent installation of the respective antenna or for separate installation by the user of the antenna for each contactless transaction module to be placed in the cover or in the accessory. In this way, each contactless transaction card can be connected to a corresponding antenna when inserted into one of the plurality of supports.

Alternatively, the carrier may be configured to accommodate a plurality of contactless transaction modules and a single antenna, wherein only one support is operable in connection with the antenna and the other supports only provide passive storage of the contactless transaction modules inserted therein. In order to enable a contactless operation of a module inserted into one of the inactive supports, the user has to exchange the position of the module that wants to be activated with the module occupying the active support. Any holder in the carrier may be used as a passive holder for storing an inserted size SIM card, provided that the holder is configured to fit a contactless transaction module of a size and shape corresponding to the inserted size SIM card. This aspect of the invention is particularly useful in europe or asia where the user often carries more than one inserted size SIM card for use in a mobile telephone when the carrier is a cover for the mobile telephone.

Alternatively, the antenna may have multiple sets of contacts for operative connection with the contactless transaction module in a corresponding plurality of supports, such as the carrier card described above.

Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, other numbers and modifications and actions will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention is not limited by the disclosure of the specification, but instead its scope is to be determined by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A contactless transaction card, comprising:

a contactless transaction module comprising

A module body, and

an integrated circuit disposed within or on the module body, the integrated circuit capable of receiving and transmitting information via electromagnetic transmission; and

an antenna unit including

An antenna operatively aligned with and electrically engaging the integrated circuit for transferring information to or from the integrated circuit via electromagnetic signals, and

a support element for the antenna is provided, wherein the support element and the antenna provided thereon are physically separated from the contactless transaction module by the user and subsequently re-engaged.

2. A contactless transaction card, comprising:

a contactless transaction module comprising

A module body, and

an integrated circuit provided in or on the module body, the integrated circuit being capable of receiving and transmitting information via electromagnetic transmission; and

an antenna unit including

An antenna for transferring information to or from an integrated circuit of a contactless transaction module when the antenna is operatively aligned with and electrically engages the integrated circuit, and

a support element of the antenna is provided, wherein the support element and the antenna provided thereon are physically separated from the contactless transaction module.

3. A contactless transaction card according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the supporting member is a supporting film, at least a part of one surface of which is provided with an adhesive so that the film can be securely adhered to the carrier surface and/or the contactless transaction module and cleanly removed from the carrier surface and/or the contactless transaction module a plurality of times.

4. A contactless transaction card according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the support element comprises a carrier device having

A basic unit, a first unit and a second unit,

an antenna provided on the surface of the base unit, and

a support of sufficient size and shape to support the contactless transaction module and which is on the surface of the base unit such that when the contactless transaction module is placed in the support, the integrated circuit of the inserted contactless transaction module electronically engages the antenna to enable electromagnetic signals to be transmitted to or from the integrated circuit.

5. Carrier for contactless transaction cards, characterized in that it comprises:

a base unit;

at least one support disposed on a surface of the base unit, wherein each of the at least one support is of a size and shape sufficient to support a contactless transaction module, an

At least one antenna, the number of which is no greater than the number of supports, each of the at least one antenna being adapted to communicate information in the form of electromagnetic signals between the peripheral reader and an integrated circuit chip on a contactless transaction module capable of receiving and communicating information via electromagnetic transmission, wherein each of the at least one antenna is associated with a respective support and has a predetermined contact point mounted on a surface of the base unit that is capable of aligning with and electrically engaging an integrated circuit chip of a contactless transaction module inserted into the respective support to enable electromagnetic transmission of information to and from the integrated circuit chip.

6. Carrier for contactless transaction cards, characterized in that it comprises:

a base unit;

a plurality of supports disposed on a surface of the base unit, wherein each support is of a size and shape sufficient to support a contactless transaction module, an

An antenna for transmitting information in the form of electromagnetic signals between the foreign-matter reader and a corresponding integrated circuit chip capable of receiving and transmitting information via electromagnetic transmission and provided in at least one contactless transaction module, wherein the antenna has a plurality of sets of contact points, each set of contact points being associated with a corresponding holder and having predetermined contact points mounted on a surface of the base unit capable of aligning with and electrically engaging with the integrated circuit chip of the contactless transaction module inserted in the corresponding holder so as to enable electromagnetic transmission of information from and to the integrated circuit chip

7. A carrier for an integrated circuit card of an insertion size capable of receiving and transmitting information via electromagnetic transmission, comprising:

a base unit;

at least one support disposed on a surface of the base unit, wherein the at least one support is each of a size and shape sufficient to support a contactless transaction module, an

At least one indicator on the surface of the base unit, wherein each of the at least one indicator is associated with a respective support and is positioned on the base unit to indicate a predetermined contact point at which the antenna may be placed, such that when the antenna is placed at the contact point indicating the position and the contactless transaction module is inserted into the respective support, the contact point of the antenna will be aligned with the integrated circuit of the inserted contactless transaction module to enable the transmission of information in the form of an electromagnetic signal between the contactless transaction module and the external transaction reader.

8. A contactless transaction card according to any of claims 4, 5, 6 and 7 wherein the base unit is a carrier card.

9. The contactless transaction card of any of claims 4, 5, 6 and 7, wherein the base unit is a cover for a portable electronic device.

10. A contactless transaction card according to any of claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7, wherein the contactless transaction module is the same size and shape as the plug-in size SIM card.