Methods, systems, and devices for detecting and indicating loss of proximity between mobile devices
First Claim
1. A method of detecting proximity at a portable device, the method comprising:
- establishing a wireless communication connection between a mobile terminal and a wireless accessory device having an associated support function for use with the mobile terminal;
utilizing the established wireless communication connection to provide the associated support function;
communicating a wireless signal having a limited range between the mobile terminal and the wireless accessory device to indicate a proximity between the mobile terminal and the wireless accessory device; and
providing an alert signal indicating that the proximity between the mobile terminal and the wireless accessory device has exceeded a predetermined range responsive to the communicated wireless signal when the established wireless communication connection is not being utilized to provide the associated support function.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods of detecting proximity between a mobile terminal and a wireless accessory device having an associated support function for use with the mobile terminal include establishing a wireless communication connection between the wireless accessory device and the mobile terminal. The established wireless communication connection is utilized to provide the associated support function. In addition, a wireless signal having a limited range is communicated between the mobile terminal and the wireless accessory device. The wireless signal indicates a proximity between the mobile terminal and the wireless accessory device. An alert signal indicating that the proximity between the mobile terminal and the wireless accessory device has exceeded a predetermined range is provided responsive to the communicated wireless signal when the established wireless communication connection is not being utilized to provide the associated support function. Related devices are also provided.
98 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A method of detecting proximity at a portable device, the method comprising:
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establishing a wireless communication connection between a mobile terminal and a wireless accessory device having an associated support function for use with the mobile terminal;
utilizing the established wireless communication connection to provide the associated support function;
communicating a wireless signal having a limited range between the mobile terminal and the wireless accessory device to indicate a proximity between the mobile terminal and the wireless accessory device; and
providing an alert signal indicating that the proximity between the mobile terminal and the wireless accessory device has exceeded a predetermined range responsive to the communicated wireless signal when the established wireless communication connection is not being utilized to provide the associated support function. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of detecting proximity at a portable device, the method comprising:
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establishing a first wireless communication connection between a mobile terminal and a wireless accessory device having an associated support function for use with the mobile terminal;
utilizing the first wireless communication connection to provide the associated support function;
communicating a wireless signal having a limited range between the mobile terminal and the wireless accessory device over a second wireless communication connection therebetween to indicate a proximity between the mobile terminal and the wireless accessory device; and
providing an alert signal indicating that the proximity between the mobile terminal and the wireless accessory device has exceeded a predetermined range responsive to the communicated wireless signal.
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22. A wireless accessory device having an associated support function for use with a mobile terminal, the device comprising:
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a transceiver configured to establish a wireless communication connection between the wireless accessory device and the mobile terminal;
a receiver configured to receive a wireless signal having a limited range from the mobile terminal indicating a presence thereof within a predetermined range of the wireless accessory device;
a controller coupled to the transceiver and the receiver and configured to utilize the wireless communication connection to provide the associated support function; and
a user interface coupled to the controller and configured to provide an alert signal when the mobile terminal is not within the predetermined range and when the established wireless communication connection is not being utilized to provide the associated support function. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A mobile terminal, comprising:
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a transceiver configured to establish a wireless communication connection between the mobile terminal and a wireless accessory device having an associated support function;
a receiver configured to receive a wireless signal having a limited range from the wireless accessory device indicating a presence thereof within a predetermined range of the mobile terminal;
a controller coupled to the transceiver and the receiver and configured to cooperate with the wireless accessory device to utilize the wireless communication connection to provide the associated support function; and
a user interface coupled to the controller and configured to provide an alert signal when the wireless accessory device is not within the predetermined range and when the established wireless communication connection is not being utilized to provide the associated support function. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification