Patent Publication Number: US-2023134920-A1

Title: Portable electronic charging case with a compact design and advanced functionality

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present disclosure is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/391,531, filed Aug. 2, 2021, and entitled “Automatically reconfigurable antenna circuit for enabling operation within multiple frequency bands,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a charging case. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a portable electronic charging case, with a compact form-factor, such as for a smart ring or the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     With the miniaturization of electronic devices over the years, various types of relatively small, wearable devices (e.g., smart rings, watches, wrist bands, earbuds, headphones, emergency alert devices, health monitoring devices, etc.) have been introduced. Such devices typically require an external charging device or case. There is a need to provide advanced functionality, aesthetic design, and compact form-factor for such charging cases. For the compact form-factor, there is a need in the charging case to support a multi-function antenna, such as a Near-Field Communication (NFC) charger configured to create a magnetic field for charging the battery, and a Bluetooth antenna for pairing and communication. With small electronic devices, e.g., smart rings, earbuds, etc., the antenna design is complicated to fit within a small form-factor. For the aesthetic design, the presence of buttons, switches, and other user-actuated mechanisms on a charging case may lack a certain aesthetic quality, and there are currently very few options for hiding these user-actuated mechanisms. Therefore, there is need to provide a more aesthetic solution for incorporating mechanisms to receive user input. Also, from a mechanical perspective, surface-mounted user-actuated mechanisms may suffer from the fact that they might not be completely waterproof or sealed against the environment, which can lead to problems with internal electrical circuitry. Also, conventional user-actuated mechanisms on small wearable devices may be difficult to move (e.g., depress, slide, toggle, etc.) and at times can be accidentally actuated. Also, it can be difficult at times to press or slide certain mechanisms adequately. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to a portable electronic charging case, with a compact form-factor, such as for a smart ring or the like. The electronic charging case includes advanced functionality, an aesthetic design, and a compact form-factor. The compact form-factor includes an embedded battery, an environmentally sealed design, and a small NFC/Bluetooth antenna. The aesthetic design includes no user-actuated mechanisms on an exterior of the charging case and an intelligent light sensor for illuminating the charging case. The advanced functionality includes the embedded battery, intelligent light sensor, a temperature sensor for monitoring a user, and monitoring techniques working in conjunction with an associated wearable device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the changing case described herein can include one of more of the aforementioned features as well as combinations thereof. 
     In an embodiment, a charging case includes a base; a front cover connected to the base and configured to seal an interior of the charging case; a post on the base and in the interior, wherein the base is dimensioned to receive a wearable device; an antenna disposed within the post; and circuitry connected to the antenna and to a charging port located on the base. The antenna can support both Near Field Communication (NFC) for charging the wearable device and Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth™ and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), for example) for communicating with the wearable device. The antenna can support NFC for charging the wearable device. The wearable device can be a smart ring. The charging case can further include a wedge disposed between the smart ring and a wall facing the post, wherein the wedge is dimensioned based on a size of the smart ring. The post can be at an angle on the base, with the angle directed towards the front cover when open. 
     The base and the front cover can exclude any user-actuated mechanisms include a button, a switch, and a touch display. The wearable device can be configured to pair with the charging case based on any of detected motion of the wearable device, tapping of the wearable device, and tapping of the charging case. The charging port can utilize Universal Serial Bus (USB). The charging case can further include an embedded battery in the base, connected to the circuitry and the charging port. The charging case can further include a light pipe on the base and connected to a light emitting diode (LED) on the circuitry. The charging case can further include a light sensor in the circuitry, wherein the light sensor is configured to monitor light in a room where the charging case is located. The circuitry can be configured to illuminate the LED based on light in a room where the charging case is located. The charging case can further include an ambient temperature sensor in the circuitry. The circuitry can be configured to monitor ambient temperature in a room where the charging case is located, and utilize the monitored ambient temperature for one of a plurality of functions. The plurality of functions can include monitoring for falls with the wearable device, monitoring sleep of a user wearing the wearable device, and monitoring body temperature of the user. 
     The charging case can further include an ambient temperature sensor in the circuitry; a light pipe on the base and connected to a light emitting diode (LED) on the circuitry; and a light sensor in the circuitry, wherein the light sensor is configured to monitor light in a room where the charging case is located. The circuitry can be configured to provide data from any of the ambient temperature sensor and the light sensor for correlation with data from the wearable device. The charging case can further include a seal between the front cover and the base for environmentally sealing the interior. The charging case can further include a rubber boot configured over the post, wherein the rubber boot is dimensioned based on a size of the wearable device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers are used to denote like system components/method steps, as appropriate, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a cross-sectional diagram of an antenna for use in a charging case, such as for a smart ring. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an antenna circuit. 
         FIG.  3    is a diagram illustrating the antenna of  FIG.  1    with a strip of conductor film formed on one surface of a battery casing, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    is a diagram illustrating the antenna of  FIG.  1    with the strip of conductor film of  FIG.  3    and strips of ferrite sheets formed on surfaces of the battery casing and a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC), according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating operation of the antenna of  FIG.  1    within a first frequency band, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    is a diagram illustrating operation of the antenna of  FIG.  1    within a second frequency band, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram illustrating currents in a dipole antenna arrangement with parasitic currents, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    is a diagram illustrating currents in the dipole antenna arrangement shown in  FIG.  7    with the antenna elements laid out linearly, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    is a graph illustrating the scattering parameter (S parameter) of S11 versus frequency of a matching circuit for use in the higher frequency band, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  10    is a diagram illustrating operation of the antenna of  FIG.  1   , according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  11    is a graph illustrating the S parameter S11 versus frequency of a choke inductor for use in the higher frequency band, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  12    is a diagram illustrating operation of the antenna of  FIG.  1    for operation in the second frequency band, according to various embodiments 
         FIG.  13    is a diagram illustrating a side cross-sectional view of the antenna of  FIG.  1    and corresponding magnetic field lines, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  14    is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the antenna of  FIG.  1    and corresponding magnetic fields, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  15    is a diagram illustrating currents in a loop antenna arrangement with parasitic currents, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  16    is a diagram illustrating wireless connectivity between a charging case and a smart ring. 
         FIGS.  17 A and  17 B  are diagrams illustrating detectable actions of placing the smart ring on the user&#39;s finger and removing the smart ring from the user&#39;s finger. 
         FIGS.  18 A and  18 B  are diagrams illustrating detectable actions of placing the smart ring on a post of a Near Field Communication (NFC) charger and removing the smart ring from the post of the NFC charger. 
         FIGS.  19 A- 19 C  are diagrams illustrating the use of an image code for enabling the entry of a user request to change the state of the wireless communication link with the charging case. 
         FIG.  20    is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process for customizing a user request to change the state of a wireless communication link with a secondary device. 
         FIG.  21    is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process for changing the state of the wireless communication link between a wearable device and a charging case. 
         FIG.  22    is a perspective diagram of the charging case with a front cover open. 
         FIG.  23    is another perspective diagram of the charging case with the front cover open. 
         FIG.  24    is a front perspective diagram of the charging case with the front cover open. 
         FIG.  25    is a rear perspective diagram of the charging case with the front cover open. 
         FIG.  26    is a side perspective diagram of the charging case with the front cover open and with a charging port. 
         FIG.  27    is another side perspective diagram of the charging case with the front cover open. 
         FIG.  28    is a perspective diagram of the front cover of the charging case with a hinge for connectivity to the base. 
         FIGS.  29  and  30    are top views of the charging case with the front cover open, with ( FIG.  29   ) and without ( FIG.  30   ) a smart ring on the post. 
         FIGS.  31 - 33    are exploded views of interior components in the charging case. 
         FIGS.  34 - 36    are various perspective diagrams of the charging case with the front cover closed on the base. 
         FIG.  37    is a cross-sectional diagram of the charging case illustrating how the various interior components can be positioned, in an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Again, the present disclosure relates to a portable electronic charging case, with a compact form-factor, such as for a smart ring or the like. The electronic charging case includes advanced functionality, an aesthetic design, and a compact form-factor. The compact form-factor includes an embedded battery, an environmentally sealed design, and a small NFC/Bluetooth antenna. The aesthetic design includes no user-actuated mechanisms on an exterior of the charging case and an intelligent light sensor for illuminating the charging case. The advanced functionality includes the embedded battery, intelligent light sensor, a temperature sensor for monitoring a user, and monitoring techniques working in conjunction with an associated wearable device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the changing case described herein can include one of more of the aforementioned features as well as combinations thereof. 
     In various embodiments described herein, the charging case is described for charging a smart ring. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the charging case can be adapted for any compact user-wearable devices, such as, without limitation, rings, earbuds, heart monitors, emergency alert systems, smart watches, smart bracelets, and the like. 
     Compact Antenna for the Charging Case 
       FIG.  1    is a cross-sectional diagram of an antenna  10  for use in a charging case, such as for a smart ring. The smart ring described herein can wirelessly communicate at short range to various devices. For example, the smart ring may be worn on a finger of a user (e.g., customer). When positioned near a mobile device, the smart ring and a mobile device may be configured to operate within a first frequency band (e.g., Bluetooth frequencies) to enable communication therebetween. When positioned close to a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, the smart ring and POS machine may be configured to operate within a second frequency band (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC) frequencies) to enable communication therebetween. 
     Conventional smart rings normally do not allow operation within two separate frequency bands. However, according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure, various antenna components of the smart ring include specific physical characteristics and electrical circuitry that enable operation at two different frequency band. This allows the smart ring to pair with the mobile device to enable operation within the first frequency band (e.g., Bluetooth) while also allowing the smart ring to pair with the POS machine to enable operation within the second frequency band (e.g., NFC). In particular, antenna portions, as described below, may be configured to be fully embedded in a normal-sized ring, as well as, in some embodiments, in a post  104  in a charging case  100 . These antenna portions may include, for example, the electrically conductive battery casing and also a conductive trace or film on a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) or other suitable flexible board that can be embedded within the normal-sized ring and/or the post  104  in the charging case  100 . By using these components, which may already be needed for wireless communication, it may be possible to minimize the extra number of parts and circuitry to conserve space within the outer shell of the smart ring. 
     The antenna  10  shown in  FIG.  1    can be used on both the smart ring and the charging case. Functionally, for the charging case, the antenna  10  can be used with NFC for wireless charging and with Bluetooth for pairing and data communication. The following describes the antenna  10  with respect to its use in the charging case. The antenna  10  includes an outer surface  20  that is configured to receive the smart ring. The outer surface can be a material configured to receive the smart ring and that is conductive. Of note, according to some embodiments, the antenna  10  can support both NFC and/or Bluetooth (in additional to any other type of known or to be known short-range communication/pairing technologies, for example), as well as just NFC. For NFC, some embodiments may refer to the antenna  10  as a charging coil. 
     The antenna  10  includes a first antenna component  26  and a second antenna component  28 . The first and second antenna components  26 ,  28 , in combination, may form a ring or tube having a relatively narrow width (e.g., measured from an outer surface to an inner surface as shown in  FIG.  1   ) and a relatively narrow depth (e.g., measured into the page). In some embodiments, the depth of each of the first and second antenna components  26 ,  28  may have a dimension that is greater than its width. 
     Furthermore, the antenna  10  includes a first electrical circuit  30  and a second electrical circuit  32 . The first electrical circuit  30  is configured to electrically connect a first end portion  34  of the first antenna component  26  with a first end portion  36  of the second antenna component  28 . Also, the second electrical circuit  32  is configured to electrically connect a second end portion  38  of the first antenna component  26  with a second end portion  40  of the second antenna component  28 . 
       FIG.  2    is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of an antenna circuit  44 . In this embodiment, the antenna circuit  44  includes the first electrical circuit  30 , the second electrical circuit  32 , and the first and second antenna components  26 ,  28  connected between the first and second electrical circuits  30 ,  32 . According to some embodiments, the first electrical circuit  30  may simply include an inductor configured to act like an open circuit at higher frequencies (e.g., Bluetooth frequencies) and act like a short circuit at lower frequencies (e.g., NFC frequencies). 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIG.  2   , the second electrical circuit  32  includes a first set of components  46 ,  48 ,  50  configured for operation at the higher frequency range (e.g., Bluetooth) and a second set of components  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58  configured for operation at the lower frequency range (e.g., NFC). The first set of components includes a frequency blocking device  46  (e.g., series-connected capacitor), a higher-frequency matching circuit  48  (e.g., a combination of series-connected and shunt-connected inductors and capacitors), and a higher-frequency radio transceiver  50 . The second set of components includes a higher-frequency choke or choke inductor  52  (e.g., a series-connected inductor or ferrite bead), a lower-frequency matching circuit (e.g., combination of series-connected and shunt-connected capacitors), a lower-frequency balun  56 , and a lower-frequency radio transceiver  58 . The matching circuits  48 ,  54  may be connected to ground and the radio transceivers  50 ,  58  may also be connected to ground. 
     To design an efficient antenna according to antenna theory, the length of the antenna is typically one fourth, one half, or one whole wavelength of the frequency of operation. For example, at a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi frequency of about 2.4 GHz, the wavelength is about 120 mm. At an NFC frequency of about 13.56 MHz, the wavelength is about 22 m (i.e., 22,000 mm). Other similar wavelengths may be applicable at other Bluetooth frequencies (e.g., about 2.4000 GHz to about 2.4835 GHz) or at other NFC frequencies (e.g., about 12.66 MHz to about 14.46 MHz). 
     Rings typically vary in diameter from about 12 mm to about 22 mm and typically vary in internal circumference from about 49 mm to about 72 mm. Even the largest ring sizes are well below the typically minimum required diameter dimension of one-fourth of the wavelength (i.e., 120 mm/4=30 mm at Bluetooth frequency). Even if the entire ring is used for antenna volume it still would not be enough. This does not even include all the other parts, like battery, photo diode sensors, RF board, chips, etc. 
     Typical designs on the market use chip antennas that are a few mm by a few mm in size, but which require dedicated antenna volume that is already scarce. In addition, chip antennas have low performance as they typically rely on PCB ground currents that are weak in ring size (e.g., due to the small size of the PCB itself). Nevertheless, the configuration of the first and second antenna components  26 ,  28  as described with respect to the embodiments of the present disclosure allows the circumference dimension to be utilized in a specific way to enable operation in both frequency bands. Operation is contemplated in both frequency bands simultaneously. For example, the NFC band could be used for charging while the Bluetooth band is used for accessing another Bluetooth device, e.g., the smart ring. Another example can include using the ring for payment (NFC) while maintaining a connection to a phone (Bluetooth). 
     Therefore, according to various implementations of the present disclosure, antenna systems and antenna circuits are provided. In one example, an antenna system may include the first antenna component  26  having a first end portion  34  and a second end portion  38  and the second antenna component  28  having a first end portion  36  and a second end  40 . The antenna system may also include the first electrical circuit  30  connecting the first end portion  34  of the first antenna component  26  with the first end portion  36  of the second antenna component  28  and a second electrical circuit  32  connecting the second end portion  38  of the first antenna component  26  with the second end portion  40  of the second antenna component  28 . In response to the first and second electrical circuits  30 ,  32  being configured in a first state, the first antenna component  26  and second antenna component  28  are configured to operate within a first frequency band (e.g., Bluetooth). In response to the first and second electrical circuits  30 ,  32  being configured in a second state, the first antenna component  26  and second antenna component  28  are configured to operate within a second frequency band (e.g., NFC). 
     Also, in response to the first and second electrical circuits  30 ,  32  being configured in the first state, the first antenna component  26  and second antenna component  28  are configured in a dipole antenna arrangement (e.g., when the inductor  30  acts as an open circuit). In response to the first and second electrical circuits  30 ,  32  being configured in the second state, the first antenna component  26  and second antenna component  28  are configured in a loop antenna arrangement (e.g., when the inductor  30  acts as a short circuit). According to some embodiments, the antenna system may be incorporated in a wearable device, such as a smart ring which may be worn on a finger of the wearer. The antenna  10  may include an outer shell having characteristics configured for parasitic reflection of transmission signals. 
     According to some embodiments, operation within the first frequency band may enable pairing with a smart ring and operation within the second frequency band enable charging. The antenna system may further include a battery configured to power one or more of the first and second electrical circuits  26 ,  28 . The battery may include an outer metal casing that forms at least a portion of the first antenna component  26 . The antenna system may also include a Near-Field Communication (NFC) charger. The NFC charger may be configured to create a magnetic field for charging the battery of the smart ring. The first frequency band may include one or more channels in a Bluetooth frequency band ranging from about 2.4000 GHz to about 2.4835 GHz and the second frequency band may include one or more channels in a Near-Field Communication (NFC) frequency band ranging from about 12.66 MHz to about 14.46 MHz. 
     The second antenna component  28  may include at least a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) or FPC board on which at least a portion of the second electrical circuit  28  resides. The first electrical circuit  30  may include a choke inductor that behaves like an open circuit when operating within the first frequency band and behaves like a short circuit when operating within the second frequency band. The second electrical circuit  32  may include blocking elements  46 ,  52 , matching circuit elements  48 ,  54 , and transceiver elements  50 ,  58  to enable operation within either the first frequency band or second frequency band. Also, according to embodiments described with respect to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the antenna system may further include one or more conductive strips and/or one or more ferrite strips attached to one or more of the first and second antenna components  26 ,  28 . 
     In operation, the antenna  10  uses the metal jacket or casing on the battery as part of the first antenna component  26  and can therefore serve as one of the arms of a dipole-like antenna, radiator, or transceiver. When the first electrical circuit  30  is shorted, the battery casing can serve as part of a current path for a loop antenna including both antenna components  26 ,  28 . The battery can also serve as the ground plane of the antenna. In some embodiments, a thin metallic film (e.g., copper tape) can be installed along an outside surface of the battery (e.g., as described below with respect to  FIGS.  3  and  4   ). 
       FIG.  3    is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the antenna  10 , which may further include a strip of conductor film  70  formed on one surface (e.g., inner surface) of the first antenna component  26  (e.g., battery casing). In this embodiment, the battery jacket may be at least partially conductive and the conductor film  70  may be used as a conductor for providing more predictable antenna properties, such as improving conductivity, reducing resistance, etc. Also, the conductor film  70  may be added over the first antenna component  26  from the first electrical circuit  30  to the high frequency choke inductor element  52 . 
       FIG.  4    is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the antenna  10 , which may further include first and second strips of ferrite sheets  74 ,  76 , in addition to the strip of conductor film  70  shown in  FIG.  3   . The first strip of ferrite sheet  74  may be formed on a surface (e.g., inner surface) of the first antenna component  26  (e.g., battery casing), which may then be surrounded by the conductor film  70  in some embodiments. The second strip of ferrite sheet  76  may be formed on a surface (e.g., an outer surface) of the second antenna component  28  (e.g., FPC), such as between the metallic layer  24  and the FPC. If NFC antenna efficacy needs to be increased, one or more of the ferrite sheets  74 ,  76  can be placed on one or more of the first and second antenna components  26 ,  28 . 
     The antenna  10  may include, at least partially, one or more traces on the FPC board or PCB (i.e., flexible or rigid boards). Other parts of the antenna  10  may include, at least partially, the metallization on the outside of the battery (e.g., battery case). A ground plane of the FPC may be the actual radiating element of the antenna, (e.g., no separate trace for the antenna element). Various techniques may be applied to protect the electronics from potentials that might be induced in the ground plane, disrupting their operation. 
     For the higher-frequency (Bluetooth) operation, the antenna  10  has a dipole arrangement, but for the lower-frequency (NFC) operation, the antenna  10  has a loop arrangement. The dipole can approximate a half wave dipole considering loading and tuning. The creation of either the dipole or loop arrangement can be determined by the state of the choke inductor  30 . Also, the choke inductor  30  enables the antenna circuit to include higher-frequency or lower-frequency arrangements that can be tuned independently. 
     A metallic layer  24  of the antenna  10  can be a parasitic element with a predetermined thickness. Also, the antenna  10  may include a gap  42  between the metallic layer  24  and the first and second antenna components  26 ,  28 . The gap  42  may have a predetermined width that can be designed to control the parasitic characteristics of the metallic layer  24 . 
     The second electrical circuit  32  may include the capacitor  46  configured for isolation to protect the higher frequencies from the lower frequencies. Also, isolation by the inductor  52  can protect the lower frequency (NFC) circuits from the higher frequency signals. 
       FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating operation of the antenna  10  within a first (higher) frequency band, according to some embodiments. In the higher frequency operation (e.g., frequency band of about 2.0 GHz to about 2.4 GHz), the choke inductors  30 ,  52  are “open.” As a result, the antenna circuitry (e.g., first and second antenna components  26 ,  28 ) effectively become a folded dipole device where a first arm includes the first antenna component  26  and a second arm includes the second antenna component  28 . Also, the bottom portion of the second electrical circuit  32 , which includes the components  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 , are essentially isolated as a result of the inductor  52  acting as an open circuit. Again, the first antenna component  26  may include the battery and/or battery casing and the second antenna component  28  may include the FPC, surrounded by the parasitic element (e.g., metallic layer  24 , not shown in  FIG.  5   ). 
     In the arrangement of  FIG.  5   , the antenna  10  is configured for higher frequency (e.g., Bluetooth) operation. Accordingly, the applicable wavelengths (e.g., carrier frequency wavelengths) may be about 120 mm at a frequency of about 2.4 GHz. The ring circumference may typically be about 50-70 mm, which is in neighborhood of a half wavelength. The battery casing and FPC can be about 25-35 mm long, which is in the neighborhood of a quarter wavelength. High frequency matching and chokes can be used to offset for embodiments in which the dipole arms are not exactly a quarter wavelength. At high frequency, the chokes are “open,” and a folded dipole antenna structure is created. 
       FIG.  6    is a diagram illustrating operation of the antenna  10  within the second (lower) frequency band. In the lower frequency band (e.g., NFC, about 13.56 MHz), the capacitor  46  (e.g., NFC blocker) is “open” and the antenna circuit effectively becomes a loop antenna made up of the battery or battery casing (e.g., first antenna component  26 ) and the FPC (e.g., second antenna component  28 ). Also, the inductor  30  may act essentially like a short circuit at the lower frequencies. The loop antenna is surrounded by parasitic element (e.g., metallic layer  24 , not shown in  FIG.  6   ). 
       FIG.  7    is a diagram illustrating currents in the dipole antenna arrangement as shown in  FIG.  5   . Also, parasitic currents through the metallic layer  24  are shown.  FIG.  8    is a diagram illustrating currents in the dipole antenna arrangement, where the antenna elements are laid out linearly. 
       FIG.  9    is a graph illustrating the scattering parameter (S parameter) of S11 versus frequency of the matching circuit  48 , as shown in  10 , for use in the higher frequency band. Inductance may be on the order of nH and capacitance may be on the order of pF. The term S11 may represent the input port voltage reflection coefficient of the scattering parameter matrix.  FIG.  11    is a graph illustrating the S parameter S11 versus frequency of a choke inductor (e.g., inductor  30 ) for use in the higher frequency band. The inductor  30  may include an inductance on the order of uH. For the matching circuit  48 , the inductance may be on the order of nH and the capacitors may have a capacitance on the order of pF. 
       FIG.  12    is a diagram illustrating operation of the antenna  10  for operation in the second (lower) frequency band when configured as a loop antenna  62 . The lower (NFC) band allows the antenna  10  to operate at about 13.56 MHz, plus or minus about 0.9 MHz and utilizing the transceiver  58 . In the NFC band, the wavelength is about 22 m (i.e., 22,000 mm). The battery (e.g., first antenna component  26 ) and the FPC (e.g., second antenna component  28 ) are effectively connected through the higher frequency choke (e.g., inductor  30 ) at about 13.56 MHz. The lower frequency antenna may have low resistance and high inductance in the loop (e.g., about 0.1 to about 3.0 micro Henries (pH)). The other higher frequency choke (e.g., inductor  52 ) in addition to the inductor  30  can also be used to offset a lack of inductance in the loop  62 . 
       FIG.  13    is a cross-sectional view of the antenna  10  from a side perspective, where the antenna  10  extends orthogonally with respect to the page. In this embodiment, the metallic layer  24  is shown only at an outer portion of the antenna  10 , but, in other embodiments, the metallic layer  24  may extend around the entire periphery of the ring surface or partially around the periphery.  FIG.  13    also shows a cross section of the first antenna component  26  (e.g., battery casing) and a cross section of the second antenna component  28  (e.g., FPC). Although the cross section of the first and second antenna components  26 ,  28  are shown as being rectangular, it should be understood that they may include any suitable shape for operation within the range of different sizes and configurations of various rings. Also shown in  FIG.  13    are corresponding magnetic field lines based on radiation patterns of the transceivers  50 ,  58 . 
       FIG.  14    is a cross-sectional view of the antenna  10  from a top perspective, where the antenna  10  is parallel to the page and the magnetic field lines extend orthogonally with respect to the page. For example, the circles with dots represent a direction of the magnetic field coming out of the page and circles with Xs represent a direction of the magnetic field going into the page. Also, the arrows in the counter-clockwise direction represent the direction of current in the loop antenna, while arrows in the clockwise direction represent the direction of parasitic current in the metallic layer  24 .  FIG.  15    also shows the currents in a loop antenna arrangement with the parasitic currents. In the lower frequency arrangement (e.g., about 13.56 MHz), the NFC blocking element  46  (e.g., capacitor) is “open” and the loop antenna is effectively formed by the first and second antenna components  26 ,  28 , surrounded by the parasitic element of the metallic layer  24 . 
     Pairing Between a Smart Ring and the Charging Case 
     A wearable device, such as the smart ring, may include a casing and an internal sensor arranged within the casing. The internal sensor is configured to electrically receive user input that is unrelated to manipulation of user-actuated mechanical components moveable with respect to the casing. In addition, the wearable device further includes a decoding device configured to decode the user input as a request to change the state of a wireless communication link with the charging case. Again, in addition to a smart ring, this can include any wearable devices (e.g., rings, watches, glasses, smart glasses, necklaces, earrings, pendants, earbuds, headphones, Virtual Reality (VR) goggles, Augmented Reality (AR) googles, Extended Reality (XR) goggles, heart monitoring devices worn on the wrist, etc.). Some of these wearable devices may include a small form factor, particularly a ring (or smart ring) that is worn on the finger of a user. Accordingly, any type of known or to be known smart or intelligent wearable device (e.g., intelligent jewelry, ornaments and/or devices, for example) would be understood to be chargeable via the disclosed configurations and functionality by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the instant application. 
     By moving the wearable device in a particular sequence or pattern of motions (e.g., by moving a smart ring in a circular motion), user input can be obtained by utilizing sensors (e.g., accelerometers) built into the device. This motion may be interpreted as control input and/or may also be interpreted as a request to change the state of a wireless communication link between the wearable device and a secondary device (e.g., mobile phone, access point, gateway device, router, modem, etc.) in a wireless network. In an embodiment, the secondary device is the charging case. Using this motion, it is possible to design the charging case without a button or equivalent, providing a better design. 
       FIG.  16    is a diagram illustrating wireless connectivity between a charging case  100  and a smart ring  102 . In an embodiment, the smart ring  102  can communicate wirelessly for data and pairing with the charging case  100 , as well as for charging via NFC, such as via an NFC charger  200  (see  FIGS.  18 A and  18 B , described below). In some embodiments, the charging case  100  and the smart ring  102  can each utilize the antenna  10  for NFC charging. The smart ring  102  can charge via the antenna  10  and NFC when the smart ring  102  is on a post  104  in the charging case  100 . The smart ring  102  can communicate via BT when the smart ring  102  is near the charging case  100 . In an embodiment, the post  104  includes the antenna  10  embedded therein, e.g., as a charging coil, and the smart ring  102  includes the antenna  10  as part of a wireless communication device  122 . Note,  FIGS.  31 - 33   , as described below, illustrate exploded views of interior components of the charging case  100 , depicting how the antenna  10  can be embedded within the post  104 . 
     Again, the smart ring  102  can be any type of mobile device that can be worn by a user. For example, the smart ring  102  may have the form of a ring or other type of band around the finger of the user, as well as any other type of wearable device such as a watch or other type of band around the wrist of the user, necklace, lanyard, or other type of strap or strip that hangs around the neck of the user, a pendant, glasses, etc. For simplicity, embodiments described in the present disclosure are directed to the wearable device being the smart ring  102 . However, it should be noted that the wearable device may include other forms, as mentioned herein, and are not limited to just the ring form. 
     In some embodiments, the smart ring  102  may include a casing  106  or housing that is configured to surround and protect internal electrical circuitry. The internal circuitry may include one or more internal sensors  118 , a processing device  120 , a wireless communication device  122 , and a battery  124 . The one or more internal sensors  118  may include one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopic devices, one or more capacitance sensors, one or more NFC signal detection devices, one or more optoelectronic sensing devices, etc. 
     The processing device  120  may include decision functionality, such as a decoding module or decoding device for translating, decoding, or interpreting user input from the one or more internal sensors  118  from raw data into a user request or command. In this way, the way may purposefully move the smart ring  102  or provide a force to the wearable device in such a manner (e.g., using a sequence or pattern of motions, forces, taps, etc.) that the processing device  120  can decipher this user input as a request. In some cases, the request can be a request to perform control actions on the smart ring  102  or other external devices such as the charging case  100 . However, according to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the request may be interpreted as a request to change a state of a wireless communication link  25  between the smart ring  102  and the charging case  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the smart ring  102  may also include a vibration device  26  for providing haptic or tactile feedback to the user in response to receiving user input or for acknowledging the reception of a command or request. Also, in some embodiments, the smart ring  102  may further include one or more supplemental devices  128 , such as one or more microphones, one or more cameras, one or more speakers or tone generating devices, and/or one or more light generating devices (e.g., LEDs). 
     It may be noted, therefore, that the smart ring  102  and/or the charging case  100  do not have any externally accessible buttons, keys, switches, slides, etc., which may be defined as conventional user-actuated mechanisms. Instead, the one or more internal sensors  118  are configured to detect presence or nearness (e.g., using capacitance sensing), detect NFC signals, detect motion (e.g., using accelerometers or gyroscopic devices), etc. In some cases, the one or more internal sensors  118  may also include optoelectronic devices for sensing image codes (e.g., barcodes, etc.). Thus, without moveable mechanisms (e.g., buttons, switches, etc.) on the surface of the casing  106 , the smart ring  102  of the present disclosure can be more waterproof compared to conventional devices where a user manipulates surface-mounted user-actuated mechanisms. The charging case  100  of the present disclosure may be referred to as a buttonless device, switchless device, etc. 
     According to one embodiment, the internal sensor  118  may include a capacitance sensor to detect if the smart ring  102  is on the finger of the user or is on an NFC charger or on some other component, i.e., the post  104 . Also, the internal sensor  118  may include a wireless charger sensor (e.g., NFC sensor) for determining if the smart ring  102  is on a post of an NFC charger. Furthermore, the internal sensor  118  may include an optoelectronic sensor (e.g., Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor) for detecting LED reflection. Various conditions (e.g., on finger, off finger, on post, off post (relative to the post  104 ), etc.) may be decoded as requests (e.g., factory set or customized) to pair the smart ring  102  with the charging case  100  (i.e., set up the wireless communication link  125  between the two) or to break down or close the wireless communication link  125 . 
     Regarding the application of one or more capacitance sensors, the internal sensors  118  may detect if the smart ring  102  is on the user&#39;s finger. For example, the status or condition of the ring on the finger can be indicated with a binary 1, while the status or condition of the ring off the finger can be indicated with a binary 0. The processing device  120  may be configured to use any suitable on/off sequence (e.g., 010101, or off-on-off-on-off-on), within a limited time, to recognize the intention to enter user input for requesting that the wireless communication link  125  is turned on to pair the smart ring  102  with the charging case  100 . In other words, the user may repeatedly move the smart ring  102  on and off the user&#39;s finger within a short amount of time. The processing device  120  or decoding device may interpret this as a request to set up the wireless communication link  125  (e.g., turning on a Bluetooth pairing mode). 
     Similarly, an on/off sequence of, say, “101010” may be interpreted as a user request to turn off the Bluetooth pairing mode or close or break down the wireless communication link  125 . For example, repeated on/off patterns may be analyzed by the processing device  120 , where ending in a one means that the user is requesting to turn on the wireless communication link  125  and ending in a zero means that the user is requesting to turn off the wireless communication link  125 . 
     The smart ring  102  may also have a similar way of talking with an NFC charger or charging case  100 . Again, if the smart ring  102  is on the NFC charger (post  104 ), this may be indicated by a binary 1 and, if the smart ring  102  is off the NFC charger, this may be indicated by a binary 0. The processing device  120  or decoding device may be configured to operate in a way that is similar to the “finger” example above. In other embodiments, the opposite state of the wireless communication link  125  may be maintained with respect to the on or off condition. For example, when the wearable device  112  is on the post  104  of the NFC charger (e.g., binary one), the wireless communication link  125  may be turned off, whereby, when the smart ring  102  is off the post  104  of the NFC charger (e.g., binary zero), the wireless communication link  125  may be turned on. 
     The specific codes, sequences, or patterns of conditions may, in effect, be equivalent to a user&#39;s action of manipulating a conventional button for turning on or turning off a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi pairing. The codes, sequences, or patterns may be customized user-defined codes or factory-set codes. 
     Furthermore, a more complex way of entering user input is to make use of one or more optoelectronic sensors, such as the PPG sensors. In this case, the optoelectronic sensors may be configured to read an image code (e.g., barcode or other type of visually detectable code). In the example of a ring, the image code may be printed or applied in any other suitable manner to a post. For example, the post may be a charging pole (or rod) of an NFC charger or, in other embodiments, may simply be a post used exclusively for the purpose described herein. In the example of other types of wearable devices, the image code can be applied to any suitable surface. 
     Then, when the smart ring  102  is placed on the post  104  (or move close to the image code), the smart ring  102  may be configured to turn on a light associated with the sensor for a short time. During this time, the user can twist the smart ring  102  around the post  104  (or move the smart ring  102  is another suitable manner with respect to the image code). A photodetector of the smart ring  102  may be configured to read the image code (e.g., similar to scanning a barcode). Arbitrary image codes may be used for these predefined purposes. In some embodiments, a counter-clockwise twisting of the smart ring  102  may represent a user request to open up the wireless communication link  125  (i.e., turn on the Bluetooth pairing), while a clockwise twisting of the ring may represent a user request to close the wireless communication link  125  (i.e., turn off the Bluetooth pairing). 
     Again, the one or more internal sensors  118  may include one or more accelerometers for measuring force, acceleration, vibration, movement, motion, etc. A particular tap pattern on the casing  106  of the smart ring  102  may be interpreted as a request to pair with the charging case  100 . In response to decoding this user input, the processing device  120  can be configured to cause the wireless communication device  122  to open up the Bluetooth pairing or wireless communication link  125  with the charging case  100  to go into the pairing mode. The tap pattern could be user-defined. In this case, the user-defined pattern may prevent others (e.g., malicious strangers) from knowing a pattern and using the user&#39;s smart ring  102  without permission. In some case, a factory-based pattern may be used, such as Morse code using various combinations of quick taps and long taps. 
     In addition to tap patterns, the accelerometers may be used to measure motions. For example, moving the smart ring  102  in a particular pattern could be interpreted as a user request to pair, which can be following by the action of causing the wireless communication device  122  to go into the pairing mode. In some examples, the movement pattern may include moving the smart ring  102  in a figure-eight shape, making repeated circular motions in one or multiple directions, etc. 
     Additionally, customized patterns may be performed to mimic certain actions that a user may take at certain times when it may be desirable to turn on the wireless communication link  125 . For example, one pattern could mimic the user&#39;s action when he or she might typically want to turn on the Bluetooth pairing, such as when the user comes home. The action pattern may include movements of the fingers, hands, etc. that the user might make when he or she first gets home, such as the action of turning a key in a lock to unlock a front door to the home and pushing the door open. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, the smart ring  102  may further include the supplemental devices  128 . Some devices may have a microphone. The microphone could be used to interpret a speech phrase, such as “ring, go into pairing mode.” The microphone could also listen for a user tapping on a table top or other surface in a particular pattern (e.g., Morse code). Another input device of the supplemental devices  128  may include a camera. The camera could detect a particular hand gesture (e.g., waving a hand or finger, repeating gestures, thumb up and thumb down patterns, etc.). The camera may also be configured to scan an image or code (e.g., barcode, QR code, etc.) related to user input, which can result in the smart ring  102  going into pairing mode when these are detected. 
     The supplemental devices  128  may also include output devices. For example, the smart ring  102  may include a speaker or tone generator. The speaker or tone generator might provide an audio signal to confirm that the user request to enter pairing mode has been received or recognized or that the Bluetooth pairing has been opened in response to the user request. Another output device may be an LED or other light source. The light source may shine a particular pattern or color to indicate that the user request has been received or that the device has gone into pairing. Different blinking patterns and colors may be used to indicate different things. 
     The charging case  100  may also be associated with a case for storing the smart ring  102  when not in use and/or for recharging batteries on the smart ring  102 . This may be a buttonless devices, as mentioned herein, where there are no buttons for changing the state of wireless communication link  125 . In some cases, the smart ring  102  may include other types of buttons for purposes other than for changing the pairing. 
       FIGS.  17 A and  17 B  are diagrams illustrating detectable actions of placing the smart ring  102  on the user&#39;s finger and removing the smart ring  102  from the user&#39;s finger  162 . In this example, the smart ring  102  makes use of an existing sensor (e.g., internal sensor  118  configured as one or more capacitance sensors) to detect if the smart ring  102  is on the finger  162  (or on a charger or other component having the post  104 ). As such, processing device  120  (or decoding device) of the smart ring  50  may use capacitance sensor to determine whether or not the smart ring  102  is on the finger  162  and output a binary 1 for “on” and a binary 0 for “off.” The processing device  120  may determine the binary numbers over a certain amount of time. When a specific on/off sequence is detected within a limited time, the processing device  210  may be configured to force the wireless communication device  122  to open the wireless communication link  125  with the charging case  100 . For example, a sequence of 01010101 (i.e., repeatedly moving the smart ring  102  on and off the finger  162  in a short amount of time) means that the user is entering a request to turn on the Bluetooth pairing mode. The last binary one may be an indication of an “on” request, while a last binary zero may be an indication of an “off” request for turning the Bluetooth pairing mode off. 
       FIGS.  18 A and  18 B  are diagrams illustrating detectable actions of placing the smart ring  102  on a post  104  of a Near Field Communication (NFC) charger  200  and removing the smart ring  102  from the post  104  of the NFC charger  200 , as described herein. In this input approach, the user may move the smart ring  102  on and off the post  104  repeatedly within a short amount of time. The smart ring  102  may make use of an existing internal sensor  18  implemented as a wireless charger sensor (e.g., NFC sensor). The smart ring  102  may utilize the NFC sensor similar to the capacitance sensors mentioned above and/or detect the presence of NFC signals. The processing device  120  may output a binary one to indicate that the smart ring  102  is on the post  104  and a binary zero to indicated that the smart ring  102  is off the post  104 . These codes may be same as described above or may be switched and may have a similar effect as a typical button press action for indicating whether to turn the Bluetooth pairing on or off. The particular sequence or pattern of codes could be user-defined or factory set codes. In an embodiment, the NFC charger  200  is in the charging case  100  and includes the antenna  10 . Again, as mentioned above and described in more detail below,  FIGS.  31 - 33    are exploded views of interior components of the charging case  100 , which, in some embodiments, depict how the antenna  10  can be embedded within the post  104  as part of an NFC charger  200 . 
       FIGS.  19 A- 19 C  are diagrams illustrating the use of an image code for enabling the entry of a user request to change the state of the wireless communication link with the charging case  100 . In this embodiment, the internal sensor  118  of the smart ring  102  may be implemented as an optoelectronic sensor (e.g., PPG sensor for detecting LED reflection). The output can be used to trigger the smart ring  102  to turn on or turn off a Bluetooth pairing. The smart ring  102  may be used in association with a device  202  having a collar  204 . Printed or applied to the collar  204  is an image code. In some embodiments, the device  202  may be an NFC charger  200  and the collar  204  may be a charging post  104 . The image code may be a predetermined sequence of dark and light stripes (e.g., like a barcode or other type of scannable code). According to other embodiments in which the smart ring  103  includes another shape other than a ring, the image code may be place on any suitable object to enable scanning. 
     As shown in  FIG.  19 A , the user first places the smart ring  102  on the collar  204 , which may be configured to trigger the smart ring  102  to utilize a light source or LED to project light onto the image code. Also, an optoelectronic sensor for sensing light reflection can be activated. Then, as shown in  FIG.  9 B , the user rotates the smart ring  102  and the optoelectronic sensor is configured to detect the image code. For example, in some embodiments, the image code may be readable (scannable) in both the clockwise direction and the counter-clockwise direction. For example, scanning in the counter-clockwise direction may be configured to produce an output that indicates a user request to open the wireless communication link  125 , and scanning in the clockwise direction may be configured to produce an output that indicates a user request to close the wireless communication link  125 , or vice versa. Based on the appropriate request, the processing device  120  is configured to cause the wireless communication device  122  to open or close the Bluetooth pairing link. Then, as indicated in  FIG.  19 C , the smart ring  102  can be removed. 
     Processes 
       FIG.  20    is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process  230  for customizing a user request to change the state of a wireless communication link with a secondary device. In particular, the process  230  may apply to cases where one or more accelerometers are used to detect motion. As illustrated, the process  230  includes the step of allowing the user to place the ring on his or her finger, as indicated in block  232 . This may include placing the smart ring  102  on the finger  162 , or, alternatively, may include placing any type of wearable device on a corresponding part of the body of the user where movement patterns can be detected. The process  230  further includes allowing the user to perform a pattern or sequence of specific types of movement, as indicated in block  234 . According to other embodiments, the process  230  may include movement detection with respect to an external object (e.g., finger  162 , post  104 , collar  204 , etc.). 
     Next, the process  230  includes the step of detecting, by the smart ring, the specific movement characteristics for the specific user  236 . Then, the process  230  includes storing, by the ring, a request profile defining the customized user request to set up (or tear down) a wireless communication link, as indicated in block  238 . The process  230  may be performed once for the turn-on request profile customization and repeated for the turn-off request profile customization. 
       FIG.  21    is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process  240  for changing the state of the wireless communication link between a wearable device and a charging case. Initially, the process  240  may include turning the wireless communication link off, as indicated in block  242 . The process  240  then includes determining whether or not a request to turn-on the wireless communication link has been received, as indicated in condition diamond  244 . If no such request is received, the state of the wireless communication link remains off. However, if a request to change the state is received, the process  240  proceeds to block  246 , which includes the step of providing feedback (e.g., vibration) to the wearable device to indicate to the user that the request has been received. Also, the process  240  turns the wireless communication link on. 
     Then, the process  240  includes determining whether or not a request to turn-off the wireless communication has been received, as indicated in condition diamond  250 . If no such request is received, the state of the wireless communication remains on. However, if a request to change the state is received, the process  240  proceeds to block  252 , which includes the step of providing feedback (e.g., vibration) to the wearable device to indicated to the user that the request has been received. Also, the process  240  loops back to block  242  and turns the wireless communication link off. 
     Charging Case 
       FIG.  22    is a perspective diagram of the charging case  100  with a front cover  300  open.  FIG.  23    is another perspective diagram of the charging case  100  with the front cover  300  open.  FIG.  24    is a front perspective diagram of the charging case  100  with the front cover  300  open.  FIG.  25    is a rear perspective diagram of the charging case  100  with the front cover  300  open.  FIG.  26    is a side perspective diagram of the charging case  100  with the front cover  300  open and with a charging port  302 .  FIG.  27    is another side perspective diagram of the charging case  100  with the front cover  300  open. 
     The charging case  100  includes the front cover  300 , a base  304 , and an interior  306  that includes the post  104 . The front cover  300  is configured to rotate via a hinge  310  connected to the base  304  (see  FIG.  28   , as described below). In some embodiments, front cover  300  and the base  304  can include a hexagonal design with six sides. Accordingly, the size, shape and design of the cover can vary based on a number sides, dimensions of the sides, and the like, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the front cover  300  can include diagonal sides that meet proximate to a center at a point  312 , as depicted in  FIG.  23   , for example. The shape of the point  312  can vary in radius, circumference, diameter, etc., which can be based on the shape and dimensions of diagonal sides. In another embodiment, the diagonal sides can extend to a flat or curved surface on the front cover  300  instead of the point  312 . An interior  320  of the charging case  100  includes the post  104 . The post  104  is dimensioned to support the smart ring  102 . A user is able to open and close the front cover  300  via a tab  322  and the hinge  310 . The front cover  300  and the base  304  can include a seal  330  that mates when closed for sealing the interior  320 . 
     The post  104  can include the antenna  10  in the interior, surrounded by a material to support the smart ring  102 . In an embodiment, the post  104  is slightly at an angle on the base  104 , specifically angled towards the front cover  300  when open. In some embodiments, the angle can be in accordance with a predetermined range, such as, for example, 5 to 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle can be preset, and in some embodiments, the post  104  can be adjustable within the range of the angle so as to enable engagement and disengagement of the NFC charger  200  via a piece of chargeable ornamental jewelry/device, as described herein. In some embodiments, the post  104  can be perpendicular to the base  104 . In some embodiments, the post  104  can be angled away from the front cover  300  when open, such as to allow a user to place the smart ring  102  easier. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the post  104  can be angled in any radial, normal direction from the axis of base  104 . Since different smart rings  102  may be different sizes, there is a desire to have the charging case  100  support all different sizes. The angle of the post  104  and a wedge  340  ensure all different sizes of ring are supported.  FIGS.  29  and  30    are top views of the charging case  100  with the front cover  300  open, with ( FIG.  29   ) and without ( FIG.  30   ) a smart ring  102  on the post  104 . The wedge  340  can be an insert, e.g., rubber, etc. that is used to cause the ring  102  to fit properly on the post  104 . There can be different size wedges  340  based on the size of the ring  102 . For example, the wedge  340  for a size  6  ring  102  would be larger than the wedge  340  for a size  12  ring  102 . Further, some sizes of ring  102  may not necessarily need the wedge  340 . The charging port  302  can be Universal Serial Bus (USB) or the like. There can be a rubber cover  350  that seals the charging port  302  when not in use. 
     As described herein for “buttonless pairing,” the front cover  300  and the base  304  do not need any buttons, switches, touch display, or other user-actuation mechanisms. In an embodiment, the charging case  100  includes status lights via a light pipe  360 . The light pipe  360  enables a light emitting diode (LED) or the like on a printed circuit board (PCB)  400 . 
       FIGS.  31 - 33    are exploded views of interior components in the charging case  100 . The charging case  100  includes a middle frame  402  that sits on the base  304  to seal the interior components. The post  104  can include a rubber boot  404 . The front cover  300 , the base  304 , and the middle frame  402  can be plastic, aluminum, or the like. The antenna  10  can include a flex PCB  410  and a flex holder  412 . In some embodiments, the flex PCB  410  can be part of the antenna  10 . In some embodiments, the flex PCB  410  wraps around the flex holder  412  and can be held in place by tape  414  (and/or any other type of adhesive, material or affixation object that enables the holder  412  to remain in place, for example). Note, in  FIGS.  31 - 33   , only the flex PCB  410  is shown for NFC charging, however, one of skill in the art would understand this to not be limiting. In addition, it is possible to include the other half as shown in the antenna  10  for Bluetooth communication. The front cover  300  can include an assembly  420  that connects to the hinge  310 . Also, there are various tape strips  430  for attaching associated components. Further, in an embodiment, the charging case  100  can also include an embedded battery  420 . 
       FIGS.  34 - 36    provide various perspective diagrams of the charging case  100  with the front cover  300  closed on the base  304 .  FIG.  37    is a cross-sectional diagram of the charging case  100  illustrating how the various interior components are position, in an embodiment. The post  104  includes the rubber boot  404  over the middle frame  402  which is over the flex holder  412 , where the flex PCB  410  is taped on the flex holder  412  and covered by the middle frame  402 . The light pipe  360  is shown relative to an LED  450  on the PCB  400   
     Advanced Functionality 
     Note, charging via the charging case  100  is via NFC, namely USB power to the embedded battery  420  and/or direct to the antenna  10 . There is no need for a spring connector to contact a terminal on the ring  102 . 
     The PCB  410  supports various functionality associated with the charging case  100  including powering the antenna  10  for charging the ring  102 , charging the battery  420 , pairing with the ring  102 , communicating with the ring  102  and/or a smart phone having an app for the ring  102 , and the like. 
     In an embodiment, the charging case  100  includes an intelligent light sensor, e.g., on the PCB  410 , that will control an LED connected to the light pipe  360 , e.g., only turn on when it is dark room, and/or when the user opens the front cover  300 . Also, e.g., if the room is full of light, the charging case  100  light should not lid up even when the user opens the front cover  300 . In some embodiments, the LED can be used to denote charging status, e.g., to note fully charged, charging in progress, and the like, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the LED can be particular or different colors to indicate, but not be limited to, a charge progress, duration of charge, amount of charge remaining, and the like, or some combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the charging case  100  includes an ambient temperature sensor, e.g., on the PCB  410 . The ambient temperature sensor can be used to monitor ambient temperature in a room. This monitored temperature can be used to correlate data between the charging case  100  and the ring  102  on a finger. This can improve sleep detection, i.e., determining when a wearer is asleep versus awake. For example, the data (e.g., monitored light, monitored temperature, etc.) can be correlated from the room (where the charging case  100  is, most likely bedrooms) to the sleep quality data obtained from the ring  102 . For example, a poorly lit room leading to falls, too bright rooms leading to poor sleep, etc. The ambient temperature impacts how restful and quickly people get to sleep. But if ambient temp is read from the ring  102 , we will get the bed temperature and not ambient temperature. Also, a delta between the ring  102  and the charging case  100  in temperature can be used to detect body temperature. 
     CONCLUSION 
     It will be appreciated that some embodiments described herein may include one or more generic or specialized processors (“one or more processors”) such as microprocessors; central processing units (CPUs); digital signal processors (DSPs): customized processors such as network processors (NPs) or network processing units (NPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), or the like; field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); and the like along with unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) for control thereof to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the methods and/or systems described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions may be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic or circuitry. Of course, a combination of the aforementioned approaches may be used. For some of the embodiments described herein, a corresponding device in hardware and optionally with software, firmware, and a combination thereof can be referred to as “circuitry configured or adapted to,” “logic configured or adapted to,” etc. perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc. on digital and/or analog signals as described herein for the various embodiments. 
     Moreover, some embodiments may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable code stored thereon for programming a computer, server, appliance, device, processor, circuit, etc. each of which may include a processor to perform functions as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Flash memory, and the like. When stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium, software can include instructions executable by a processor or device (e.g., any type of programmable circuitry or logic) that, in response to such execution, cause a processor or the device to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc. as described herein for the various embodiments. 
     Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims. The foregoing sections include headers for various embodiments and those skilled in the art will appreciate these various embodiments may be used in combination with one another as well as individually.