Abstract: The disclosure presents various embodiments, as well as features and aspects thereof, of a presence detection technique and system used in motor vehicles. Exemplary embodiments recognize the presence of a motor vehicle driver in, or near, a motor vehicle. Based on the recognized presence of a driver, embodiments of an automated presence detector for motor vehicles may inhibit, block or otherwise restrict access to services or applications associated with the driver's mobile device. To recognize the presence of a motor vehicle driver, embodiments may employ wireless radio frequency standards, such as Bluetooth, position indication technologies, such as GPS, or any other means suitable for correlating the physical presence of a driver with a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Exemplary automated presence detection systems comprise set top box components equipped with a Bluetooth receiver, or another receiver configured to receive data from a personal identification device via a wireless and automatic radio frequency standard. In various embodiments, the Bluetooth receiver may be integrated into the set top box or may operate as an adjunct to an existing set top box. The wireless radio frequency receiver in the set top box will poll to determine the presence of previously paired personal identification devices. If any such device is present, then the set top box will track and record the presence of a viewer that is associated with the device and correlate the viewer's presence with content displayed on the television or other local content display component. Alternatively, based on detected viewer presence, some embodiments of an automated presence detection system may be configured to push and/or restrict specific content.