Proximity detection using wireless connectivity in a communications system
First Claim
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1. A system for distributing program services by transmitting said program services in the form of a plurality of audio/video signals from a headend facility to a plurality of receiving devices, the system comprising:
- a primary device for receiving and distributing the plurality of audio/video signals from said headend facility to at least one remote device and including a wireless accessory for wireless communication with said at least one remote device to distribute said audio/video signals, wherein the primary device, in response to receiving a proximity detection request from said headend facility, determines a distance between the primary device and each remote device via the wireless accessory to identify each remote device with said determined distance from said primary device exceeding a predetermined distance, communicates said each identified remote device to said headend facility to facilitate disablement of said program services to said each identified remote device, and selectively disables said program services to said each identified remote device in accordance with direction from said headend facility.
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Abstract
The present invention is directed towards a primary device that detects the proximity of additional remote devices, which are intended to be within the same local network. The primary device communicates with the remote devices using wireless communication. In the event that the remote devices are outside of a predetermined range, the remote devices are disabled.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A system for distributing program services by transmitting said program services in the form of a plurality of audio/video signals from a headend facility to a plurality of receiving devices, the system comprising:
a primary device for receiving and distributing the plurality of audio/video signals from said headend facility to at least one remote device and including a wireless accessory for wireless communication with said at least one remote device to distribute said audio/video signals, wherein the primary device, in response to receiving a proximity detection request from said headend facility, determines a distance between the primary device and each remote device via the wireless accessory to identify each remote device with said determined distance from said primary device exceeding a predetermined distance, communicates said each identified remote device to said headend facility to facilitate disablement of said program services to said each identified remote device, and selectively disables said program services to said each identified remote device in accordance with direction from said headend facility. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for distributing program services by transmitting said program services in the form of a plurality of audio/video signals from a headend facility to a plurality of receiving devices, the system comprising:
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a primary device for receiving and distributing the plurality of audio/video signals from said headend facility, the primary device comprising; a plurality of tuners, each tuner for providing an audio/video signal; and a wireless accessory for wireless communication to distribute said audio/video signal from each said tuner; and at least one remote device in wireless communication with the primary device to receive said program services, the at least one remote device for selecting and receiving a selected audio/video signal from at least one of the plurality of tuners and the headend facility; wherein the primary device, in response to receiving a proximity detection request from said headend facility, determines a distance between the primary device and each said remote device via the wireless accessory to identify each remote device with said determined distance from said primary device exceeding a predetermined distance, communicates said each identified remote device to said headend facility to facilitate disablement of said program services to said each identified remote device, and selectively disables said program services to said each identified remote device in accordance with direction from said headend facility. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification