Patent Publication Number: US-2015061829-A1

Title: System and method for managing functional features of electronic devices

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The subject disclosure relates to a system and method for managing functional features of electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Content, data, and computing capabilities are typically stored on various electronic devices, such as tablet computers, smartphones, personal data assistants, laptop computers, media players, and the like. Computing capabilities used on such devices can include software programs including one or more of operating systems, e.g., Android® or iOS® mobile operating systems, application programs (apps) including media players, e.g., iTunes® media player and media library application, web browsers, e.g., Google Chrome® web browser, and messaging services, e.g., Skype® voice-over-IP service and instant messaging client. Such content, data and/or computing capabilities are sometimes synchronized or otherwise downloaded on multiple electronic devices. 
     According to current trends, content, data, and computing capabilities will be stored, in part or in whole, separately from an underlying electronic device. Such distributed computing environments are sometimes referred to as a cloud, providing network-based services, e.g., real-time network services, that appear to be provided by physical server hardware, which are in fact served up by virtual hardware, e.g., being simulated by software running on one or more real machines. Such virtual servers may not physically exist and can therefore be provisioned, e.g., moved around and scaled up (or down) without affecting the end user. Such cloud services can be supported, e.g., by a distributed set of machines running at different locations, while still connected to a single network or hub service. 
     Users can access cloud computing environments, e.g., using networked client devices, such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. In at least some instances, the client devices rely on cloud computing for most or substantially all of their applications, so as to be essentially useless without it. Such devices are sometimes referred to as “thin clients,” such as the browser-based Chromebook® computing device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  depicts schematic views of an illustrative embodiment of a personal access management system; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a functional block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of personal access management device illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1B ; 
         FIG. 3  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a process used in portions of the system illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1B ; 
         FIGS. 4-5  depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems that provide media services to devices according to the personal access management system of  FIGS. 1A-3 ; 
         FIG. 6  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal for interacting with one or more of the personal access management system of  FIGS. 1A-3  and the communication systems of  FIGS. 4-5 ; 
         FIG. 7  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described herein; and 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  depict perspective views of wearable embodiments of a personal access management device illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-2 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments of systems and processes for determining proximity of electronic devices to a portable access management device and for managing functional features of electronic devices according to the proximity according to one or more rules. Other embodiments are included in the subject disclosure. 
     One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a process including facilitating, by a system comprising a processor, an association between a portable access management device and each of a first electronic device and a second electronic device. The portable access management device comprises a radio frequency identifier that enables the first electronic device to detect that the portable access management device is in a vicinity of the first electronic device. The radio frequency identifier enables the second electronic device to detect that the portable access management device is in the vicinity of the second electronic device, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device share a functional feature. It is determined that the first electronic device is in the vicinity of the portable access management device based on first presence information provided by the first electronic device to the system. The first presence information is generated by the first electronic device responsive to the first electronic device detecting the radio frequency identifier of the portable access management device. It is determined that the second electronic device is not in the vicinity of the portable access management device responsive to not receiving information from the second electronic device indicating the second electronic device is not in the vicinity of the portable access management device. The functional feature of the first electronic device is enabled responsive to determining the first electronic device is in the vicinity of the portable access management device, and the functional feature of the second electronic device is disabled, while the second electronic device is not in the vicinity of the portable access management device. 
     Another embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a device, having a memory to store executable instructions and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor, responsive to executing the instructions, performs operations including facilitating an association between a portable access management device and each of a first electronic device and a second electronic device. The portable access management device comprises a radio frequency identifier, wherein the radio frequency identifier enables the first electronic device to detect that the portable access management device is in a vicinity of the first electronic device, wherein the radio frequency identifier enables the second electronic device to detect that the portable access management device is in the vicinity of the second electronic device, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device share a functional feature. The processor determines that the first electronic device is in the vicinity of the portable access management device based on first presence information provided by the first electronic device. The first presence information is generated by the first electronic device responsive to the first electronic device detecting the radio frequency identifier of the portable access management device. The processor also determines that the second electronic device is not in the vicinity of the portable access management device responsive to not receiving information from the second electronic device indicating the second electronic device is in the vicinity of the portable access management device. The processor enables the functional feature of the first electronic device responsive to determining the first electronic device is in the vicinity of the portable access management device, and disables the functional feature of the second electronic device while the second electronic device is not in the vicinity of the portable access management device. 
     Yet another embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a machine-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructions which, responsive to being executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising facilitating an association between a portable access management device and each of a first electronic device and a second electronic device. The portable access management device comprises a wireless communication module, wherein the wireless communication module enables the first electronic device to detect that the portable access management device is in a vicinity of the first electronic device. The wireless communication module enables the second electronic device to detect that the portable access management device is in the vicinity of the second electronic device, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device share a functional feature. It is determined that the first electronic device is in the vicinity of the portable access management device based on first presence information provided by the first electronic device. The first presence information is generated by the first electronic device responsive to the first electronic device wirelessly communicating with the portable access management device. It is determined that the second electronic device is not in the vicinity of the portable access management device responsive to not receiving information from the second electronic device indicating the second electronic device is not in the vicinity of the portable access management device. The functional feature of the first electronic device is enabled responsive to determining the first electronic device is in the vicinity of the portable access management device. The functional feature of the second electronic device is disabled while the second electronic device is not in the vicinity of the portable access management device. 
       FIG. 1A  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system  100  for managing functional features of electronic devices. The system  100  includes a portable access management device  102  for managing features of electronic devices, such as a mobile phone  106  and a tablet computer  108 . More generally, the electronic devices can include, without limitation, a cellular telephone, a cordless telephone, a tablet computer, a portable computer, a desktop computer, a media player, a digital video recorder, a set-top box, a home entertainment system, a home automation system, a security system, an automobile entertainment system, and an automobile navigation system. The system  100  also includes one or more remote computing devices, such as an access management server  114  and, in some instances, one or more application servers  112 . Each of the application server  112  and the access server  114  are in communication with one or more of the mobile phone  106 , the tablet computer  108  or the portable access management device  102 , e.g., through one or more networks  104 . 
     Although a single network  104  is illustrated in the example, it is understood that one or more than one networks can be provided. The networks can be similar or different. For example, one or both of the mobile phone  106  and the tablet computer  108  can connect to one or more of the servers  112 ,  114  through a WiFi connection to a wireless access point (not shown). Alternatively or in addition, one or both of the mobile phone  106  and the tablet computer  108  can connect to one or more of the servers through a mobile cellular radio network that can be connected to the Internet, e.g., through a wired backbone network accessible to base stations of the mobile cellular radio network. 
     Each of the electronic devices  106 ,  108 , in turn, includes a respective wireless communication module  116 ′,  116 ″ (generally  116 ). The portable access management device  102  also includes a wireless communication module  118 . Wireless communications can be established between any of the devices  106 ,  108  and the access management device  102  subject to wireless range restrictions. For example, a first wireless jurisdiction  120 ′ can be identified with respect to the tablet computer  108 , indicating a region within which reliable wireless communications with the tablet computer  108  can occur. In the illustrative example, a boundary of a portion of the first wireless jurisdiction  120 ′ is illustrated by an arc extending to a range “r1” about the tablet computer  108 . A second wireless jurisdiction  120 ″ can be identified with respect to the mobile phone  106 . A boundary of a portion of the second wireless jurisdiction  120 ″ is illustrated by an arc extending to a range “r2” about the mobile phone. 
     It is understood that in at least some embodiments, the region associated with each of the wireless jurisdictions  120 ′,  120 ″ can have different shapes and vary to some degree according to factors, such as the environment. If the local environment about the tablet computer  108  is relatively unobstructed, the shape of the first wireless jurisdiction  120 ′ can approximate a circle at a range r1, as illustrated. If the local environment, however, includes obstructions, such as walls, furniture, equipment, other persons, either wireless jurisdiction  120 ′,  120 ″ can occupy a different, e.g., a non-circular and/or smaller, shape. 
     In some embodiments, the wireless communication modules  116 ,  118  are similar. By way of illustrative example, such wireless communication modules  116 ,  118  can include wireless network modules, e.g., to support wireless network communications between the access management device  102  and the other electronic devices within the wireless jurisdiction  120 . Wireless communication modules can include one or more of radio communication modules, e.g., IEEE 802.11 (e.g., WiFi), IEEE 802.15 (e.g., Bluetooth), and ETSI HiperPAN. Other types of wireless communication modules can support one or more of Infrared, e.g., Infrared Data Association (IrDA), optical, e.g., bar code reader, acoustic, and inductive, e.g., near-field communication (NFC), e.g., magnetic induction. In some embodiments, the wireless jurisdiction can be controlled, e.g., by adjusting a corresponding power level of the wireless communication signals, such as power class dependent Bluetooth, which can be adjusted from about a 1 meter range to about a 10 meter ranger, or greater. 
     A determination as to whether an electronic device, e.g., the tablet computer  108  and/or the mobile phone  106 , is beyond a limited range of wireless communications, e.g., with the portable access management device  102 , can include measuring a strength, e.g., power, of a wireless signal transmitted by a transmitter unit of one of the communication modules  116 ,  118 . A determination that the control unit is beyond the limited range of wireless communications can be made if the measured signal strength is below a predetermined level or threshold. The predetermined threshold can correspond to a certain distance. In at least some embodiments, the particular threshold that is compared against the received signal strength can be one of many thresholds selected by a user at the control unit. The particular threshold can also vary according to the electronic device, such that the tablet computer  108  and mobile phone  106  can have a different distance than other electronic devices, such as a home entertainment or security system. For example, the control unit can store two or more predetermined thresholds corresponding to a short range, e.g., in a personal space within about 1-2 meters, or within reach, and an extended range, e.g., within about 3-10 meters, for example, within a room or a building. A user may select one of the predetermined levels as default threshold and/or a device-specific threshold. 
     In at least some embodiments, the wireless modules implement wireless communications generally referred to as radio-frequency identification (RFID). In the illustrative example, the wireless communication module  118  of the portable access management device  102  includes a transponder, such as an RFID tag. The RFID tag can be programmed or otherwise configured to provide a wireless signal including identifying information that can be used to identify, in this instance, the portable access management device  102 . The wireless signal of the RFID tag  118  can be initiated or otherwise stimulated by a wireless interrogator. According to the illustrative example, the wireless communication module  116 ′,  116 ″ of each of the tablet computer  108  and the mobile phone  106  includes a respective RFID interrogator. The interrogators  116  can be programmed or otherwise configured to transmit a wireless interrogation signal causing the RFID tags, e.g., RFID tag  118 , to produce a wireless response when the portable access management device is within a respective one of the first and second wireless jurisdictions  120 ′,  120 ″. The interrogator  116  can also be configured to receive the wireless response signal from the RFID tab  118  and to interpret the signal in order to determine or otherwise identify a source of the signal, e.g., the portable access management device  102 . 
     Although the illustrative example refers to an RFID tag  118  at the portable management device  102  and RFID interrogators  116 ′,  116 ″ at the tablet computer  108  and the mobile phone  106 , it is conceivable that the roles could be reversed. Namely, the wireless communication module  118  of the portable access management device  102  can include a wireless RFID interrogator; whereas, each of the tablet computer  108  and the mobile phone  106  can include a respective wireless RFID transponder or tag  116 ′,  116 ″. Transponders, such as the RFID tags disclosed herein, can include passive tags, active tags and/or battery assisted passive tags. An active tag can include an on-board battery that can be configured, in at least some instances, to periodically transmits its identification (ID) signal. A battery assisted passive tag has a small battery on board and can be activated when in the presence of a RFID interrogator, or reader. A passive tag does not include a battery, instead using energy obtained from another source, such as the interrogation signal, to produce a wireless response signal. RFID Tags can be integrated into the electronic devices, e.g., during manufacture, or applied during a retrofit procedure. In at least some embodiments, incorporating an RFID tag to an electronic device can be as simple as affixing the RFID tag to a surface of the electronic device, e.g., using an adhesive or other suitable fastener. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the portable access management device  102  is within the second wireless jurisdiction of the mobile phone&#39;s RFID interrogator  116 ″. Thus, the mobile phone  106  can detect that it is within a local vicinity of the access management device  102 . Namely, a separation distance d1 between the devices  102 ,  106  is less than the range r1 of the second wireless jurisdiction  120 ″. The portable access management device  102 ; however, is not located within the first wireless jurisdiction of the tablet computer&#39;s RFID interrogator  116 ′, as a separation distance d2 between the devices  102 ,  108  is greater than the range r2 of the first wireless jurisdiction  120 ′. Accordingly, the tablet computer  108  cannot detect that it is within a local vicinity of the access management device  102 , supporting a conclusion that it is outside of the second wireless jurisdiction, or otherwise not proximate or otherwise present in the vicinity of the access management device. 
     Continuing with the illustrative example, the mobile phone  106 , determined to be within the vicinity of the portable access management device  102 , and by extension a user, is engaged in a message session with a remote user (not shown), e.g., using a messaging service, such as a short message service (SMS) and/or an instant message service, such as Skype® messaging service. On the other hand, the tablet computer  108 , determined to be away from the portable access management device  102  is not engaged in a message session with the remote user. 
     The particular configuration, e.g., relative locations, of the electronic devices  106 ,  108 , the portable access management device  102  and the service(s), e.g., messaging, available or unavailable at the electronic devices  106 ,  108 , can be generally referred to as an access management state. The access management state can vary, e.g., according to relative movement or reconfiguration of one or more of the electronic devices  106 ,  108  and/or the access management device  102 , and/or according to changes in features of the electronic devices, including shared features, such as delivered service(s), e.g., messaging. 
     An example of a reconfigured access management state is illustrated in  FIG. 1B . In the re-configures state, the mobile phone  106 , separated by a distance d1 that is less than the range r1 of the second wireless jurisdiction  120 ″, determined to be within the vicinity of the portable access management device  102 . The mobile phone  106 , however, is not engaged in a message session, because the tablet computer  108  is also determined to be within the vicinity of the portable access management device  102 —a separation distance d2 between devices being less than the first wireless jurisdiction range r1. A determination whether the shared feature, e.g., message service is delivered, supported or otherwise presented to the mobile phone  106  and/or the tablet computer  108  when the portable access management device  102  is within wireless jurisdiction of both devices  106 ,  108  can be established or otherwise controlled by a rule. Such rules can embody a user preference, or a network service provider recommendation for an orderly delivery of services depending upon the access management state, e.g., the proximity of electronic devices  106 ,  108  to the access management device  102 , and by extension, to the user. 
     Rules related to the allocation of shared features among different electronic devices can be established as a default, e.g., according to rules prescribed by a network services provider. Alternatively or in addition, one or more rules can be prescribed or otherwise configured by a user, e.g., being stored or otherwise associated with a user profile. For example, the access server  114  can provide service(s) to implement access management services disclosed herein. According to the illustrative example, the access server  114  is in electrical communication with one or more storage service(s)  120 . The storage service(s)  120  can be physical storage collocated with the access server  114 , network accessible storage (cloud storage) or some combination of both. In some embodiments, the access server  114  can be configured to implement a rules service  122  that cooperated with one or more rules clients  124 . For example, each of the electronic devices  106 ,  108  can have an associated rules client  124  that can be configured independently or in cooperation with each other. Alternatively or in addition, the portable access management device  102  can have an associated rules client  124  that can be configured with respect to one or more electronic devices, such as the mobile phone  106  and the tablet computer  108 . 
     One or more rule(s)  126 , whether pre-configured, e.g., by the services provider, and/or configured by a user can be stored, e.g., in the storage  120  associated with the access server  114 . It is also conceivable that one or more additional services  128 , including operating system services  130  can be provided by the access server, e.g., according to the principles of cloud computing. It should also be understood that although a single access server  114  and a single storage  120  facility are illustrated, it is possible that either device  114 ,  120  can be provided by more than one physical devices, virtual devices, or some combination of physical or virtual devices, e.g., according to the principles of cloud computing. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an illustrative embodiment of an access management device  200 . The access management device includes a wireless communication module  202  that can be used in a determination of whether the access management device  200  is within a vicinity, e.g., within a respective wireless jurisdiction, of one or more electronic devices. The wireless communication module  202  can operate according to any of the wireless technologies disclosed herein or otherwise generally known. In a particular embodiment, the wireless communication module implements radio communications, e.g., RFID. In some embodiments, the wireless communication module  202  comprises a transponder  206  (shown in phantom) configured to receive an identification, e.g., from an identifier module  202  (shown in phantom). The identifier module  204  can be integrated with the wireless communication module  202 , e.g., in a single transponder  206  or RFID tag. In such a configuration, the transponder  206  generates a wireless signal including indicia of the identifier. The wireless signal can be generated periodically, e.g., as in a heartbeat, in response to an event, e.g., movement of the device (the access management device  200  can include a motion sensor to detect movement), in response to an interrogation signal, e.g., from an RFID interrogator or reader (not shown), or a combination of both. Alternatively or in addition, the wireless communication module  202  can include an interrogator or RFID reader adapted to interrogate RFID tags of other electronic devices. 
     It is understood that the access management device  200  can have any one of a variety of different configurations. For example, the access management device  200  can include a housing  207  to which the wireless communication module  202 , e.g., the transponder  206  is attached. The housing  207  can be fashioned in a variety of configurations, e.g., generally suitable to portability and comfort to a user. For example, and without limitation, the housing can include a mounting bracket, such as a pin, a clasp, a hook, a loop. The housing  207  itself can be fashioned to support mounting or wearability by the user. Some examples include a wristband, a ring, a necklace, an attachment to a chain, e.g., to a necklace, a belt, a cap, a shoe, a garment, such as a vest, a shirt, pants, a jacket or sweater. Alternatively or in addition, the housing  207  can be configured for ease of portability by the user. Some examples include a card configuration, e.g., a credit card, suitable for carrying in a wallet or purse, a key chain or key fob, a briefcase, a purse, an umbrella, or other such accessory. 
     In some configurations the access management device  200  includes little or no more than the housing  207  and the wireless communication module  202  or transponder  206 , e.g., RFID tag. Alternatively or in addition, the access management device can include one or more other components, such as a power source  106 , a processor  208 , a memory  212 , a user interface  210  or a network interface  216 . The processor can be a sophisticated processor, e.g., to support one or more applications hosted locally or clients for remote applications. Alternatively or in addition, the processor  208  can include a “thin client,” otherwise relying, at least in part, on remote resources for processing. 
     In at least some embodiments, the network interface  214  can be used to access remote applications, processing, and or storage resources, e.g., in support of a “thin client” processor  208 . For example the network interface  214  can access one or more of a wireless access point (e.g., WiFi) and a cellular mobile radio network (e.g., a local cell site including a femtocell). Alternatively or in addition, the network interface  214  can access such wireless access points or cell sites through one or more of any electronic devices within a vicinity of the access management device  200 . For example, the access management device  200  can communication with a nearby electronic device by an suitable communication means, such as 802.11 (e.g., WiFi), 802.15 (e.g., Bluetooth) or some other proprietary communication protocol. It is also understood that in at least some embodiments, the wireless communication module  202  can also serve as means for accessing a network. 
     The user interface  210 , when provided, can be a sophisticated interface, e.g., a display, a touchscreen, a keyboard, or a more simplistic interface, such as a touch or swipe pad, button, or array of buttons. The memory  212  can include any suitable electronic storage, e.g., random access memory, flash memory, electronic memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, and the like. The power source  216  can include any suitable power source, such as a replaceable battery, a rechargeable battery, a capacitive device, an adapter or interface to an external power source, such as facility power. In at least some embodiments an energy harvesting power source  216  can included or otherwise accompany any of the other power sources disclosed herein. Some examples of energy harvesting power sources include known devices to harvest light, e.g., solar energy, ambient radio frequency energy, thermal energy (e.g., body heat), acoustic energy, kinetic energy and the like. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a process used by the system illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1B . Namely, the process determines proximity of electronic devices to a portable access management device and manages functional features of electronic devices according to the proximity and according to one or more rules. An association between a portable access management device and one or more electronic devices is facilitated at  302 . 
     Proximity of a first electronic device within a vicinity of a portable access management device is determined at  304 . As disclosed in relation to  FIGS. 1A-B , proximity within the vicinity of the portable access management device  102  is determined according to the access management device being within a wireless jurisdiction  120 ′ of a first electronic device, e.g., the mobile phone  106 . According to the illustrative examples provided herein, the portable access management device  102  comprises a radio frequency identifier  118 , e.g., an RFID tag. The radio frequency identifier, or tag  118 , enables the first electronic device  106  to detect that the portable access management device  102  is within a vicinity of the first electronic device  106 . For example, first presence information can be generated by the first electronic device  106  responsive to the first electronic device  106  detecting, e.g., by way of an RFID interrogator, the radio frequency identifier, e.g., RFID tag  118  of the portable access management device  102 . Presence information can be provided by the first electronic device  106  to the system  100 , e.g., the access management server  114  allowing the access management server  114  to determine or otherwise conclude proximity of the portable access management device  102  and the first electronic device  106 . 
     In at least some embodiments the system, e.g., the access management server  114 , maintains an access management state. Having determined that the portable access management device  102  is proximate to the first electronic device, the access management state is updated at  306 . If this is the first device detected, the access management state can indicate information related to the device, a device type or category, e.g., mobile phone, a brand, e.g., Apple®, a model, e.g., iPhone 5.1, and the like. The access management state might also include additional information, e.g., obtained from a database or similar association table for the identified device. Such information can also include capabilities, such as a version of operating system, device specific features (e.g., camera, GPS, screen size/resolution, radio type, bandwidth, data rate, owner, carrier, etc.) Such information can be keyed to a device identification, e.g., obtained from an equipment identification number (EIN), a subscriber identification module (SIM), a user and/or system prescribed label, and the like. 
     A determination is made at  308  whether any other electronic devices are proximate to the portable application management device  102 . For example, a second electronic device, e.g., the tablet computer  108  interrogates the transponder  118  of the portable access management device  118 . To the extent a reliable reply to the interrogation is received, e.g., at the second electronic device  108 , the interrogation results are provided to the system  100 , e.g., to the access management server  114 . The access management server  114  can determine beforehand, e.g., according to the association at  302 , which devices are within a set of electronic devices to be discovered. For example, the access management server  114  can poll each of the associated devices, in turn, obtaining results from each device as to whether it is proximate to the portable access management device  102 . To the extent any other devices, e.g., the second electronic device  108 , are discovered, the access management state is further updated at  306 . 
     Once the access management state has been determined, e.g., that there are no other devices to poll at  308 , one or more features of the associated devices are enabled and/or disabled. Whether a particular device is enabled or disabled can depend on whether the device is proximate to the portable access management device  102  (e.g., enabling or disabling the device), not proximate to the portable access management device  102  (e.g., enabling or disabling the device). Some examples of devices that can be disabled when not proximate to the access management device  102  include a mobile phone, automobile system(s), a tablet device. Some examples of devices that can be enabled when not proximate to the access management device  102  include security system services (e.g., a home security system), environmental system services (e.g., activating/deactivating lighting, heating, cooling). 
     In the illustrative example of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the access management state identifies the first device, e.g., the mobile phone  106  as being proximate to the access management device  102 ; whereas, the second device, e.g., the tablet computer  108  is identified as being remote. In response to determining that only the first  106  and not the second electronic device  108  is not in the vicinity of the portable access management device  102 , a functional feature of the mobile phone  106 , e.g., messaging service, is activated; whereas, the same functional feature of the tablet computer  108  is disabled. Although the example describes management of a shared feature, e.g., messaging, it is understood that configuration of different features of the respective devices  106 ,  108  can be enabled, disabled, or otherwise modified according to the access management state. 
     In at least some embodiments, a user and/or a network service provider can choose to initiate a change in associated devices at  312 . To the extent it is determined at  312  that changes to the associated devices should be made, e.g., to add and/or remove one or more electronic devices, the process continues at  302 . To the extent it is determined at  312  that changes to the associated devices are not necessary, the process continues. A determination is made at  314  whether any of the associated electronic devices, e.g., the mobile phone  106  and/or the tablet computer  108 , are proximate to the access management device  102 . This can be accomplished, for example, by initiating a polling of the associated devices  106 ,  108  at  314 . Initiation of such a polling can occur responsive to a schedule, e.g., periodic, e.g., every minute, five minutes, hour, and so forth. Alternatively or in addition, initiation of such polling can be tied to an event, e.g., movement of one or more of the devices (e.g., according to the devices motion sensor and/or GPS locator), and/or to a user action, such as selecting a button on one of the electronic devices, the access management device, or at a portal or similar facility. 
     When more than two devices share a functional feature, e.g., voice communications, message service, streaming media, one or more rules can be established, e.g., to enable or disable functional features at  310  depending on determination of presence of multiple devices proximate to the access management device  102 . 
     Continuing with the illustrative example of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , an initial access management state was determined at  306  identifying only the mobile phone  106  as being proximate to the access management device  102 , the tablet computer  108  having been identified as being remote. At a later time a relative distance between the tablet computer  108  and the access management device  102  falls within the radio jurisdiction  120 ′ of the second device  108 . The change in configuration is determined at  314 , with the particular change in proximate devices being obtained at  316 . According to the change, both the first and second electronic devices are proximate to the access management device. To the extent changes are identified at  316 , the functional features of the devices  106 ,  108  are enabled, disabled and/or modified at  310 . To the extent changes are not identified at  316 , the a determination is made, again, at  312  whether there are any changes to the associated devices and a determination regarding presence of associated devices determined at  314 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communication system  400  for delivering media content. The communication system  400  can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media system. Communication system  400  can be overlaid or operably coupled with a system for determining proximity of electronic devices to a portable access management device and for managing functional features of electronic devices according to the proximity according to one or more rules as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-B  and  3  as another representative embodiment of communication system  400 . For example, a portable access management device  452  can be associated with one or more other devices, such as media processors gateway processors, computers, mobile phones, and the like. Presence, e.g., being near a user carrying or otherwise wearing the portable access management device  452 , is determined according to proximity of the devices to the portable access management device  452 . One or more server  430  can be configured to implement access management services, e.g., recording associated devices, receiving indications of proximity of associated devices to the portable access management device  452 , e.g., the user, and implementing rules, e.g., to enable and/or disable one or more functional feature(s) on each of the associated devices. 
     The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO)  410  with at least one super headend office server (SHS)  411  which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media content can represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof. The SHS server  411  can forward packets associated with the media content to one or more video head-end servers (VHS)  414  via a network of video head-end offices (VHO)  412  according to a multicast communication protocol. 
     The VHS  414  can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an access network  418  to commercial and/or residential buildings  402  housing a gateway  404  (such as a residential or commercial gateway). The access network  418  can represent a group of digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service area interface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links or copper twisted pairs  419  to buildings  402 . The gateway  404  can use communication technology to distribute broadcast signals to media processors  406  such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices  408  such as computers or television sets managed in some instances by a media controller  407  (such as an infrared or RF remote controller). 
     The gateway  404 , the media processors  406 , and media devices  408  can utilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerline or phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth, Zigbee, or other present or next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies. By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invoked between the media processors  406  and subsystems of the IPTV media system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services. 
     A satellite broadcast television system  429  can be used in the media system of  FIG. 4 . The satellite broadcast television system can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system  400 . In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite  415  that include media content can be received by a satellite dish receiver  431  coupled to the building  402 . Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver  431  can be transferred to the media processors  406  for demodulating, decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the media devices  408 . The media processors  406  can be equipped with a broadband port to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network  432  to enable interactive services such as VoD and EPG as described above. 
     In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system  433  can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satellite TV system as another representative embodiment of communication system  400 . In this embodiment, the cable TV system  433  can also provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media services. 
     The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generation over-the-air and/or landline media content services system. 
     Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled to one or more computing devices  430 , a portion of which can operate as a web server for providing web portal services over the ISP network  432  to wireline media devices  408  or wireless communication devices  416 . As indicated above, one or more of the servers  430  can implement alone or in combination with other devices, e.g., other servers, the associated electronic devices, or the portable access management device, an access management service to control or otherwise adjust functional features of associated electronic devices according to the proximity of the electronic devices to the portable electronic access device  452 , e.g., the user. 
     Communication system  400  can also provide for all or a portion of the computing devices  430  to function as an access management server (herein referred to as access management server  430 ). The access management server  430  can use computing and communication technology to perform function  462 , which can include among other things, determining proximity of electronic devices to the portable access management device  452  and/or implementing rules, e.g., to enable, disable and/or modify functional features among associated devices according to the determined proximity. The media processors  406  and wireless communication devices  416  can be provisioned with software functions  464  and  466 , e.g., to detect nearby devices, e.g., using RFID techniques, to implement rules, e.g., enabling, disabling, or modifying functional features of the electronic devices and, respectively, to utilize the services of the access management server  430 . 
     Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices over landline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, media services can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless access base station  417  operating according to common wireless access protocols such as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal Mobile Telecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave or WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access network technologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. 
       FIG. 5  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system  500  employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture to facilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switched systems. Communication system  500  can be overlaid or operably coupled with a system for determining proximity of electronic devices to a portable access management device and for managing functional features of electronic devices according to the proximity according to one or more rules as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-3  and communication system  400  as another representative embodiment of communication system  400 . For example, a portable access management device  552  can be associated with one or more other devices, such as cordless phones, landline phones, mobile phones, and the like. A presence, e.g., near a user carrying or otherwise wearing the portable access management device  552 , is determined according to proximity of the devices to the portable access management device  552 . One or more servers  430  can be configured to implement access management services, e.g., recording associated devices, receiving indications of proximity of associated devices to the portable access management device  552 , e.g., the user, and implementing rules, e.g., to enable and/or disable one or more functional feature(s) on each of the associated devices. 
     Communication system  500  can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)  540 , a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server  530 , and other network elements of an IMS network  550 . The IMS network  550  can establish communications between IMS-compliant communication devices (CDs)  501 ,  502 , Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs  503 ,  505 , and combinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)  520  coupled to a PSTN network  560 . The MGCF  520  need not be used when a communication session involves IMS CD to IMS CD communications. A communication session involving at least one PSTN CD may utilize the MGCF  520 . 
     IMS CDs  501 ,  502  can register with the IMS network  550  by contacting a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn, communicates with a Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with the HSS  540 . To initiate a communication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD  501  can submit a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) message to an originating P-CSCF  504  which communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF  506 . The originating S-CSCF  506  can submit the SIP INVITE message to one or more application servers (ASs)  517  that can provide a variety of services to IMS subscribers. 
     For example, the application servers  517  can be used to perform originating call feature treatment functions on the calling party number received by the originating S-CSCF  506  in the SIP INVITE message. Originating treatment functions can include determining whether the calling party number has international calling services, call ID blocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit dialing, and/or is requesting special telephony features (e.g., *72 forward calls, *73 cancel call forwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on). Based on initial filter criteria (iFCs) in a subscriber profile associated with a CD, one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various call originating feature services. 
     Additionally, the originating S-CSCF  506  can submit queries to the ENUM system  530  to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITE message to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminating communication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP URI can be used by an Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)  507  to submit a query to the HSS  540  to identify a terminating S-CSCF  514  associated with a terminating IMS CD such as reference  502 . Once identified, the I-CSCF  507  can submit the SIP INVITE message to the terminating S-CSCF  514 . The terminating S-CSCF  514  can then identify a terminating P-CSCF  516  associated with the terminating CD  502 . The P-CSCF  516  may then signal the CD  502  to establish Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services, thereby enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile, one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various call terminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not disturb, music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, etc. 
     In some instances the aforementioned communication process is symmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” in  FIG. 5  may be interchangeable. It is further noted that communication system  500  can be adapted to support video conferencing. In addition, communication system  500  can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs  501 ,  502  with the multimedia and Internet services of communication system  400  of  FIG. 4 . 
     If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as CD  503  or CD  505  (in instances where the cellular phone only supports circuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM system  530  can respond with an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originating S-CSCF  506  to forward the call to the MGCF  520  via a Breakout Gateway Control Function (BGCF)  519 . The MGCF  520  can then initiate the call to the terminating PSTN CD over the PSTN network  560  to enable the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications. 
     It is further appreciated that the CDs of  FIG. 5  can operate as wireline or wireless devices. For example, the CDs of  FIG. 5  can be communicatively coupled to a cellular base station  521 , a femtocell, a WiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) base unit, or another suitable wireless access unit to establish communications with the IMS network  550  of  FIG. 5 . The cellular access base station  521  can operate according to common wireless access protocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation wireless network technologies can be used by one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, multiple wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used by the CDs of  FIG. 5 . 
     Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched voice and packet-switched data communications and thus may operate as IMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular base station  521  may communicate directly with the IMS network  550  as shown by the arrow connecting the cellular base station  521  and the P-CSCF  516 . 
     Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and/or software. Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a respective CSCF system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with a respective CSCF. Likewise, other functions, servers and computers described herein, including but not limited to, the HSS, the ENUM server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can be embodied in a respective system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with a respective function, server, or computer. 
     The access management server  430  of  FIG. 4  can be operably coupled to the second communication system  500  for purposes similar to those described above. The access management server  430  can perform function  462  and thereby provide access management services to the CDs  501 ,  502 ,  503  and  505  of  FIG. 5 . CDs  501 ,  502 ,  503  and  505 , which can be adapted with software to perform function  572  to utilize the services of the access management server  430 . The access management server  430  can be an integral part of the application server(s)  517  performing function  574 , which can be substantially similar to function  462  and adapted to the operations of the IMS network  550 . 
     For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and so on, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subject disclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that any form of a CSCF server can operate in a device, system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It is further noted that these terms and other terms such as DIAMETER commands are terms can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may be described in whole or in part by standards bodies such as  3rd  Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some or all embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part modify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standards published and promulgated by 3GPP. 
       FIG. 6  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal  602  which can be hosted by server applications operating from the computing devices  430  of the communication system  400  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Communication system  600  can be overlaid or operably coupled with the access management system  100 , the communication system  400 , and/or the communication system  500  as another representative embodiment of the system of  FIGS. 1A-B , communication  400 , and/or communication system  500 . For example, a portable access management device  652  can be associated with one or more other devices, such as media processors gateway processors, computers, mobile phones, and the like. Presence, e.g., being near a user carrying or otherwise wearing the portable access management device  452 , is determined according to proximity of the devices to the portable access management device  452 . One or more servers  430  can be configured to implement access management services, e.g., recording associated devices, receiving indications of proximity of associated devices to the portable access management device  452 , e.g., the user, and implementing rules, e.g., to enable and/or disable one or more functional feature(s) on each of the associated devices. The web portal  602  can be used for managing services of one or more of the access management system  100  or the communication systems  400 - 500 . A web page of the web portal  602  can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with an Internet browser such as Microsoft&#39;s Internet Explorer™, Mozilla&#39;s Firefox™, Apple&#39;s Safari™, or Google&#39;s Chrome™ using an Internet-capable communication device such as those described in  FIGS. 1-2 . The web portal  602  can be configured, for example, to access a media processor  106  and services managed thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a Video on Demand (VoD) catalog, an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or a personal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored at the media processor  106 . The web portal  602  can also be used for provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioning Internet services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on. 
     The web portal  602  can further be utilized to manage and provision software applications  462 - 466 , and  572 - 574  to adapt these applications as may be desired by subscribers and service providers of communication systems  400 - 500 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device  700 . Communication device  700  can serve in whole or in part as an illustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in  FIGS. 4-5 . For example, a portable access management device  452  ( FIG. 4 ) can be associated with one or more other devices, including communication devices, such as a mobile phone  106 , a tablet computer  108  ( FIG. 1A ) and the like. Presence, e.g., being near a user carrying or otherwise wearing the portable access management device  452 , is determined according to proximity of the devices to the portable access management device  452 . One or more servers  430  can be configured to implement access management services, e.g., recording associated devices, receiving indications of proximity of associated devices to the portable access management device  452 , e.g., the user, and implementing rules, e.g., to enable and/or disable one or more functional feature(s) on each of the associated devices. 
     To enable these features, communication device  700  can comprise an RFID interrogator  711 , a wireline and/or wireless transceiver  702  (herein transceiver  702 ), a user interface (UI)  704 , a wireless communication module, e.g., a power supply  714 , a location receiver  716 , a motion sensor  718 , an orientation sensor  720 , and a controller  706  for managing operations thereof. The RFID interrogator  711  can determine proximity to an RFID tag equipped device, such as the portable access management device  452 . The transceiver  702  can support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few. Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver  702  can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof. 
     The UI  704  can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad  708  with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device  700 . The keypad  708  can be an integral part of a housing assembly of the communication device  700  or an independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth. The keypad  708  can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI  704  can further include a display  710  such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology for conveying images to an end user of the communication device  700 . In an embodiment where the display  710  is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad  708  can be presented by way of the display  710  with navigation features. 
     The display  710  can use touch screen technology to also serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, the communication device  700  can be adapted to present a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger. The touch screen display  710  can be equipped with capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect how much surface area of a user&#39;s finger has been placed on a portion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can be used to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the user interface. The display  710  can be an integral part of the housing assembly of the communication device  700  or an independent device communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a cable) or a wireless interface. 
     The UI  704  can also include an audio system  712  that utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system  712  can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audio system  712  can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI  704  can further include an image sensor  713  such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images. 
     The power supply  714  can utilize common power management technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energy to the components of the communication device  700  to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering technologies. 
     The location receiver  716  can utilize location technology such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device  700  based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor  718  can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the communication device  700  in three-dimensional space. The orientation sensor  720  can utilize orientation sensing technology such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device  700  (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics). 
     The communication device  700  can use the transceiver  702  to also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless access points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The controller  706  can utilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executing computer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the aforementioned components of the communication device  400 . 
     Other components not shown in  FIG. 7  can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communication device  700  can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button can be used to reset the controller  706  of the communication device  700 . In yet another embodiment, the communication device  700  can also include a factory default setting button positioned, for example, below a small hole in a housing assembly of the communication device  700  to force the communication device  700  to re-establish factory settings. In this embodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paper clip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button. The communication device  400  can also include a slot for adding or removing an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth. 
     The communication device  700  as described herein can operate with more or less of the circuit components shown in  FIG. 7 . These variant embodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. 
     The communication device  700  can be adapted to perform the functions of the media processor  406 , the media devices  408 , or the portable communication devices  416  of  FIG. 4 , as well as the IMS CDs  501 - 502  and PSTN CDs  503 - 505  of  FIG. 5 . It will be appreciated that the communication device  700  can also represent other devices that can operate in communication systems  400 - 500  of  FIGS. 4-5  such as a gaming console and a media player. 
     The communication device  700  shown in  FIG. 7  or portions thereof can serve as a representation of one or more of the devices of the system of  FIGS. 1A-B , communication system  400 , and communication system  500 . In addition, the controller  706  can be adapted in various embodiments to perform the functions  462 - 466  and  572 - 574 , respectively. 
     Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of the claims described below. For example, other wireless discover techniques can be used to determine proximity, such as IEEE 802.11, e.g., WiFi, IEEE 802.15, e.g., Bluetooth, infrared, near field communication, optical, and the like. Functional features subject to enablement, disablement, and/or modification according to proximate devices and rules can include application services, operating system services, device specific services, and the like. For interrogator-transponder based discovery techniques, it is understood that transponders can be placed on one or more of the electronic devices, with the portable application management server and/or another device including an interrogator to determine proximity to the access management device. In at least some embodiments, a separately determined position, e.g., a GPS or other suitable navigation solution can be determined for the electronic devices and compared with a respective location (e.g., GPS) of the portable access management device to determine proximity therebetween. Other embodiments can be used in the subject disclosure. 
     It should be understood that devices described in the exemplary embodiments can be in communication with each other via various wireless and/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that are described as coupled, connected and so forth, which can include unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless paths and/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols or methodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g., no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediary processing device such as a router). 
       FIG. 8  depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system  800  within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described above. One or more instances of the machine can operate, for example, as the access management server  430 , the electronic devices, e.g., devices  104  and  106  ( FIG. 1A ), the portable access management devices  102 ,  452 ,  552 ,  652  and other devices of  FIGS. 1A-B  and  4 - 5 . In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network  826 ) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. 
     The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a communication device of the subject disclosure includes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein. 
     The computer system  800  may include a processor (or controller)  802  (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory  804  and a static memory  806 , which communicate with each other via a bus  808 . The computer system  800  may further include a display unit  810  (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display. The computer system  800  may include an input device  812  (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device  814  (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit  816 , a signal generation device  818  (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device  820 . In distributed environments, the embodiments described in the subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units  810  controlled by two or more computer systems  800 . In this configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may in part be shown in a first of the display units  810 , while the remaining portion is presented in a second of the display units  810 . 
     The disk drive unit  816  may include a tangible computer-readable storage medium  822  on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software  824 ) embodying any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions  824  may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory  804 , the static memory  806 , and/or within the processor  802  during execution thereof by the computer system  800 . The main memory  804  and the processor  802  also may constitute tangible computer-readable storage media. 
     By way of non-limiting illustrative example, an embodiment of a portable access management device  900  is illustrated in  FIG. 9A . The access management device  900  includes an annular housing  902  fashioned as a bracelet or wristband. The access management device  900  includes a wireless communication module  903  that can be arranged along an exposed surface of the housing  902 , or embedded within the housing  902 , e.g., under a transmissive cover, such as a radome or lens. A separate user or device ID  908  is also illustrated, understanding that the user or device ID  908  can be integrated together with the wireless communication module  903 , e.g., as an RFID tag. The example access management device  900  includes a user interface  904  in the form of a touch or gesture pad. The apparently simplistic user interface  904  can be sophisticated in that it is configured to distinguish among a variety of gestures to distinguish among a variety of corresponding commands. By way of non-limiting example, such gestures can include a single tap, a multi tap, a single finger touch, a multi, e.g., two or three, finger touch, a swipe, e.g., from right to left and/or from left to right. It is understood that the device  900  can also include one or more user interface components, such as a microphone, speaker(s), light(s), and vibrator, e.g., to provide user feedback, e.g., a user alert. 
     In at least some embodiments, the housing is operable between an open and a closed position to facilitate a user wearing the device  900 . For example, the housing  902  can include a hinge along a portion of the annulus and an opposing clasp to allow the housing to operate between open and closed configurations as in a clam shell. Alternatively or in addition, the device housing  902  can include a mechanism for adjustment, e.g., changing one or more of a size or a shape to facilitate comfortable and secure attachment to a user during periods of wear. At least one example includes an elastomeric portion, as in a portion of the annulus that can stretch resiliently to allow for passage over hand while constricting against a wrist for a snug, secure fit. 
     An alternative embodiment of a portable access management  920  device is illustrated in  FIG. 9B . The device  920  includes a housing  922 , a wireless communication module  926 , e.g., with a user ID  928 . The device  922  includes a different user interface including one or more buttons, such as a rotate button  924  and/or a do-not-disturb button  930 . The rotate button  924  can be configured to reconfigure shared features among multiple electronic devices within wireless jurisdiction of the device  920 . Such re-configuration can take the form of a rotation, e.g., from a first preferred device, e.g., the tablet computer  108  ( FIG. 1B ) to the mobile phone  106  ( FIG. 1B ) when both are within wireless jurisdiction of the device  920 . An order of rotation among multiple electronic devices can be predetermined, e.g., by a network services provider, and/or configured by a user, e.g., in a user profile or otherwise during a configuration operation. Accordingly, a rotation order can be programmed or otherwise incorporated in to the rules  126  ( FIG. 1B ) applied in response to detected access management states and/or state changes. 
     The example embodiment illustrated in the device of  920  also includes an array of lights  932 , e.g., LEDs, distributed along a visible portion of the housing. The LEDs of the array  932  can be lighted to indicate a number of electronic devices within wireless jurisdiction of the portable access management device  920 . In the illustrative example of  FIG. 1B , two such LEDs of the array  932  would be illuminated to indicate presence of the two devices  106 ,  108 . Alternatively or in addition a quality of the illumination, such as an intensity and/or a color can be used as a means of identification. Namely, particular colors can be associated with particular devices, e.g., blue for mobile phone, green for tablet computer, so that when particular colors are illuminated, a user will know at once, which devices are available within the user&#39;s proximity. An intensity and or color can be used during the rotation procedure, e.g., showing a highlighted one of the LEDs for an active one of the electronic devices. 
     In one or more embodiments, a wearable RFID device is provided that is a gateway between a group of the user&#39;s devices and a cloud. The wearable device can manage connectivity including preferences for connection to a selected one of the user devices among the group of devices. The preferences for connectivity can be based on proximity of each of the devices to the wearable device (e.g., proximity to the user), as well as other user preferences which can be user-defined preferences or determined from monitored behavior of the user including devices typically utilized by the user for different types of communications, times of communication, and so forth. In one or more embodiments, the wearable device can also be used as a remote controller for one or more of the group of user devices, such as one or more of controlling song selection, muting a phone, ending a communication session, selecting a different device to receive an incoming communication (e.g., to override a user preference for selection of a device), and so forth. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the wearable device can manage the order of preference of user devices (e.g., mobile phone, tablet, car display) for incoming communications (e.g., calls, messages, emails). In one or more exemplary embodiments, the cloud can store user content, data and computing capabilities, and can be accessed by user devices that are functioning as thin client devices. 
     Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices that can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits and programmable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executing state machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments of the subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations. 
     In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, the operations or methods described herein are intended for operation as software programs or instructions running on or executed by a computer processor or other computing device, and which may include other forms of instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logic components in an application specific integrated circuit or field programmable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g., software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein. It is further noted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a state machine or other suitable device for executing instructions to perform operations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectly by way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computing device. 
     While the tangible computer-readable storage medium  822  is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the subject disclosure. 
     The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein are stored. 
     Although the present specification describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-time superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g., RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee), and long-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used by computer system  800 . 
     The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The exemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or steps from multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.