US20010026240A1 - Personal location detection system - Google Patents

Personal location detection system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20010026240A1
US20010026240A1 US09/803,799 US80379901A US2001026240A1 US 20010026240 A1 US20010026240 A1 US 20010026240A1 US 80379901 A US80379901 A US 80379901A US 2001026240 A1 US2001026240 A1 US 2001026240A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
location
central station
locator unit
locator
unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
US09/803,799
Other versions
US6362778B2 (en
Inventor
Timothy Neher
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US09/803,799 priority Critical patent/US6362778B2/en
Publication of US20010026240A1 publication Critical patent/US20010026240A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6362778B2 publication Critical patent/US6362778B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/13Receivers
    • G01S19/14Receivers specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S19/16Anti-theft; Abduction
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/13Receivers
    • G01S19/23Testing, monitoring, correcting or calibrating of receiver elements
    • G01S19/235Calibration of receiver components
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/13Receivers
    • G01S19/34Power consumption
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S5/00Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
    • G01S5/0009Transmission of position information to remote stations
    • G01S5/0018Transmission from mobile station to base station
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/006Alarm destination chosen according to type of event, e.g. in case of fire phone the fire service, in case of medical emergency phone the ambulance
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/01Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
    • G08B25/016Personal emergency signalling and security systems
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S2205/00Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
    • G01S2205/001Transmission of position information to remote stations
    • G01S2205/006Transmission of position information to remote stations for emergency situations
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S2205/00Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
    • G01S2205/001Transmission of position information to remote stations
    • G01S2205/008Transmission of position information to remote stations using a mobile telephone network

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to location systems and, more specifically, to a system able to locate and track a user retaining a portable locator unit using numerous location technologies including the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) System and the generation of a beacon for use in pinpointing the location of the locator unit and thus the user.
  • GPS Global Positioning Satellite
  • the invention comprises a portable locator unit useful both as a cellular telephone and portable global positioning system that provides latitude and longitude information remotely to a base unit display.
  • the system includes a small hand held receiver that receives signals from a satellite global positioning system and timing and computing circuits to provide location information signals.
  • the hand held unit also includes a modem and transmitter to a cellular telephone network which is connected to the base unit computational system and display. The location of an individual or object can thus be determined at the remote station through the use of the cellular telephone network.
  • a system and method for locating a portable locator device in a communications network The portable locator unit (PLU) ( 4 ) is activated either by an external signal ( 62 ) generated in response to remote activation source, such as a subscriber ( 6 , 8 ) or PLU detector ( 106 , 108 ), or by an internal activation signal triggered e.g. by the wearer.
  • the PLU ( 4 ) transmits a locator signal ( 66 ).
  • This location signal ( 66 ) is received by one or more network service nodes ( 20 , 22 , 24 ) which forward the information along with identifying service node information to a network location processor ( 26 , 28 ).
  • the network location processor ( 26 , 28 ) forwards this information to a designated source, such as the requesting subscriber or other authorized user ( 6 , 8 ).
  • Tamper resistant body-worn tracking device to be worn by offenders or potential victims for use in a wireless communication system receiving signals from a global positioning system (GPS).
  • the tracking device directly communicates spacial coordinates to multiple remote sites.
  • the tracking device is an enclosed case worn on a limb of a person.
  • the case contains a battery, a signaling device, and a circuit board containing a field programmable gate array, a wireless data modem, a conventional GPS receiver, and a matched filtering GPS receiver.
  • a personal locator transmitter adapted to be worn on the wrist and having the size and appearance of a conventional wrist-watch.
  • This transmitter is provided with a programmable memory, a transmitter controlled by the memory, an antenna for reliably radiating signals from the transmitter regardless of orientation of the wrist of a user and including both a manually operable alarm activated by pressing a button, and an automatic alarm actuated by an attempt to remove the unit from the wrist of the wearer.
  • the unit is controlled by a control memory comprises of an EEPROM encoded with unique identification codes and other information as required in the specific application.
  • a precision carrier frequency signal for calibrating a local oscillator of a GPS receiver which is used to acquire GPS signals.
  • the precision carrier frequency signal is used to calibrate the local oscillator such that the output of the local oscillator, which is used to acquire GPS signals, is modified by a reference signal generated from the precision carrier frequency signal.
  • the GPS receiver locks to this precision carrier frequency signal and generates the reference signal.
  • satellite almanac data is transmitted to a remote GPS receiver unit from a basestation via a communication link.
  • the remote GPS receiver unit uses this satellite almanac data to determine approximate Doppler data for satellites in view of the remote GPS receiver unit.
  • a precision carrier frequency signal for calibrating a local oscillator of a GPS receiver which is used to acquire GPS signals.
  • the precision carrier frequency signal is used to calibrate the local oscillator such that the output of the local oscillator, which is used to acquire GPS signals, is modified by a reference signal generated from the precision carrier frequency signal.
  • the GPS receiver locks to this precision carrier frequency signal and generates the reference signal.
  • satellite almanac data is transmitted to a remote GPS receiver unit from a basestation via a communication link.
  • the remote GPS receiver unit uses this satellite almanac data to determine approximate Doppler data for satellites in view of the remote GPS receiver unit.
  • a radio locator system uses transceivers located in a mobile and at least two stationary stations. Each stationary station serves as one end of a surveyor's baseline. Therefore, since the transceivers are located at opposite ends of a line having a known length, their broadcast signals provide direct distance measurements of two other lines extending between the individual stationary stations and the mobile unit, thereby cooperating with the known line to complete a trilateralization.
  • Each station in the system is identified by a uniquely encoded stream of pulse bursts, each burst encompassing a wide, preprogrammed change of frequency for eliminating interference between the signals used in the locator system and the signals of other users of the same frequency band.
  • An inversion of the preprogrammed frequency change is used for the return of the ranging system signal in order to substantially eliminate or suppress echo returns to the mobile or interrogator station.
  • the sound of the preprogrammed station identifying frequency changes is sometimes called “chirping”.
  • a small-size transmitting apparatus for search and rescue operation (SARTR) adapted to be worn by a user for emitting a microwave rescue signal upon a marine accident involving the user.
  • the SARTR includes a power supply, a transmitter unit energizable by the power supply and having a microwave oscillator, a transmitting antenna receiving of a microwave output from the transmitter unit for emitting the microwave rescue signal, a case accommodating the power supply, the transmitter unit, and the transmitting antenna and attachable directly to the user's body, or mountable on clothing or the like worn by the user for being carried thereby, and a switch unit mounted in the case for controlling the emission of the microwave rescue signal.
  • a portable locator or tracking apparatus for continuous location determination of subjects which communicates with a body-worn, non-removable, tamper resistant transceiver and a central data-base system.
  • the portable tracking apparatus has a Global Position System (GPS) receiver and inertial sensors for determining location, microprocessors for logic and mathematical algorithm processing, memory for programs and data, a wireless transceiver for communications with the body-worn device, a wireless transceiver for communicating with the central data-base system, an alpha-numeric display for displaying text messages sent to the subject acoustic speaker and microphone for voice and tone messages with subjects, electronic tamper sensors, motion sensors, attitude position sensor, batteries and external connectors for power, recharge, communications and auxiliary antennas.
  • GPS Global Position System
  • Tamper resistant body-worn tracking device to be worn by offenders or potential victims for use in a wireless communication system receiving signals from a global positioning system (GPS).
  • the tracking device directly communicates spacial coordinates to multiple remote sites.
  • the tracking device is an enclosed case worn on a limb of a person.
  • the case contains a battery, a signaling device, and a circuit board containing a field programmable gate array, a wireless data modem, a conventional GPS receiver, and a matched filtering GPS receiver.
  • a method for a configurable intelligent-agent-based wireless communication system that can be used for conducting acquisition, processing, monitoring, tracking and reporting of data at remote mobile units over a wireless communication network.
  • the system is comprised of an intelligent-agent-based wireless communication controller ( 110 ), a wireless data transmitter/receiver ( 120 ), a global positioning system data receiver ( 130 ), a plurality of data storage devices ( 140 ), a plurality of serial ports ( 150 ), a display device ( 160 ), and a battery with power charging circuitry ( 170 ).
  • An apparatus and method of monitoring mobile objects or persons utilizes the Global Positioning System satellites and cellular telephone communications.
  • the apparatus may include first and second remote units adapted to be worn on the monitored person or object. These remote units would comprise the position and data sensors as well as the transmitter device to transmit the information back to a central tracking station.
  • the remote units may be operative to monitor many data items such as system integrity, motion, temperature, audio, and the like in addition to position. This data would then be transmitted back to a central monitoring station operative to process and display the information.
  • the system is also adapted to monitor persons in hazardous environments such as radioactivity or poisonous gases or even to monitor inanimate objects such as automobiles.
  • a telecommunications system and method for defining location services in a simplified manner based upon whether the positioning request is an interactive request or a batch mode request.
  • a Location Application LA
  • MLC Mobile Location Center
  • LAIN Location Application Identifier Number
  • the LA can send either an interactive or batch mode positioning request along with the LAIN.
  • An interactive positioning request is a request to position a specific subscriber or group of subscribers immediately, while a batch mode positioning request is a request to position a subscriber or group of subscribers when a particular event defined by the LA occurs.
  • the definition of location services is decoupled from issues, such as the point of origin of the request, the identity of the subscriber to be positioned and authorization options.
  • Positioning system for locating a mobile body comprising a plurality of earth based spread spectrum (SS) broadcasting stations arranged geographically in a cellular pattern.
  • Each SS broadcasting station include a modulator providing a channel signal structure which is substantially orthogonal with respect to adjacent stations in the cellular pattern, each channel signal including navigation beacon data including a unique beacon identification, station latitude and longitude, time slot and phase characterizations and selected parameters of adjacent stations.
  • each modulator provides a chirped SS signal in which the navigation beacon is a frequency tone that is repeatedly swept over a selected frequency band for each station.
  • each modulator provides a GPS like direct sequence SS signal in which the navigation beacon is a PN coded broadcast.
  • a receiver on the mobile body receives the SS signals from at least three of the SS broadcasting stations and determines the location thereof.
  • a fourth SS broadcasting station provides altitude. CPS satellite signals can be used for timing control.
  • a navigation information system includes a communications system having a fixed part and at least one mobile part, the fixed part including data storage and processing for identifying the location of a mobile unit, generating guidance information appropriate to that location and transmitting it to the mobile unit.
  • the system can be readily updated and the capital cost of the in-vehicle system, which in its simplest form may be standard cellular telephone, can be minimized.
  • the user makes a request for guidance information, and the system, having determined the user's present location, then transmits instructions to the user.
  • the user's present location can be determined by a Satellite Positioning System.
  • a system which tracks and monitors a vehicle by utilizing cellular communication componentry and global positioning system componentry is disclosed.
  • the system provides for simultaneous and continuous transmission of a voice signal and location data to a monitoring center.
  • the monitoring center comprises componentry to communicate with the vehicle and determine the vehicle's location on a digitized map using a computer.
  • a mobile tracking and positioning system includes a plurality of mobile transmit and receive stations that track a mobile target which emits a radio signal in response to the occurrence of a tracking effort initiation event.
  • the tracking stations have a GPS receiver or like means for determining their position, a radio direction finder responsive to the radio signal that determines the vector to the mobile target, a two-way communications system and a computer.
  • the mobile transmit and receive stations exchange their position and direction to target information via the two-way communications systems, enabling the stations to triangulate the location of the target with their computers.
  • an object locator system ( 10 ) for requesting and obtaining information about the location of an individual animal or moveable object, having a lightweight, attached object locator ( 42 ), that is present in a region served by a two-way paging system ( 12 ) and a global positioning satellite system ( 50 ).
  • the object locator ( 42 ) may be selectively activated to conserve power or enabled to respond only when beyond or within a boundary.
  • the object locator system ( 10 ) may provide the location information in several forms including rectangular or polar coordinates referred to a base station ( 18 ) or origin, position on a map display, etc.
  • a GPS receiver in one embodiment includes an antenna which receives GPS signals at an RF frequency from in view satellites; a downconverter coupled to the antenna for reducing the RF frequency of the received GPS signals to an intermediate frequency (IF); a digitizer coupled to the downconverter and sampling the IF GPS signals at a predetermined rate to produce sampled IF GPS signals; a memory coupled to the digitizer storing the sampled IF GPS signals (a snapshot of GPS signals); and a digital signal processor (DSP) coupled to the memory and operating under stored instructions thereby performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operations on the sampled IF GPS signals to provide pseudorange information.
  • FFT Fast Fourier Transform
  • the GPS receiver in one embodiment also includes other power management features and includes, in another embodiment the capability to correct for errors in its local oscillator which is used to sample the GPS signals.
  • the calculation speed of pseudoranges, and sensitivity of operation, is enhanced by the transmission of the Doppler frequency shifts of in view satellites to the receiver from an external source, such as a basestation in one embodiment of the invention.
  • the present invention relates generally to location systems and, more specifically, to a system able to locate and track a user retaining a portable locator unit using numerous location technologies including the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) System and the generation of a beacon for use in pinpointing the location of the locator unit and thus the user.
  • GPS Global Positioning Satellite
  • a primary object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system that will overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system which is able to track a missing person in both hostile and non-hostile situations.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system which is able to use the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system to determine the location of a user in a secure power efficient manner.
  • GPS Global Positioning Satellite
  • a yet further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system wherein the user retains a portable locator device which includes means for wirelessly connecting to both a communications network and the GPS and relaying the location determined by the GPS to a central station via the communications network.
  • a still further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system wherein the portable locator unit is able to generate a sonic or radio frequency beacon for aiding emergency personnel in pin pointing the location of the user.
  • An even further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system wherein the user is able to initiate an emergency call to the central station using the personal locator unit, whereby, in response to the call, the central station will contact a designated person as to the location and situation regarding the user.
  • a yet further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system wherein the user is also able to initiate a non-emergency call to the central station, causing the central station to contact a designated person.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system wherein the user is able to initiate a voice call to another party via the central station using the locator unit without dialing phone numbers.
  • a still further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system that is simple and easy to use.
  • An even further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system that is economical in cost to manufacture.
  • a personal locator system for determining the location of a locator unit includes a locator device in communication with both a central station and a GPS satellite.
  • the locator unit includes a portable housing able to be worn about the wrist of a user.
  • a communication system is positioned within the housing for contacting the central station and includes a transmitter and receiver.
  • a GPS unit is also positioned within the housing for contacting the GPS system for determining a location of said locator device.
  • the locator unit Upon receipt of a location request signal by the receiver from the central station, the locator unit activates the GPS unit to contact the GPS system and computes location data therefrom.
  • the locator transmits the location data to the central station for analysis.
  • a panic button is provided for transmitting an emergency signal to the central station and initiating detecting the location of the locator unit.
  • a non-emergency call button is provided for transmitting a location request signal to the central station and in response thereto, informing a person on the contact list as to the location of the locator device.
  • the communication system utilizes one of a POTS, cellular, PCS or internet communications network.
  • a tamper detection sensor detects when said device is tampered with.
  • a beacon generator generates an ultrasonic or radio frequency beacon signal for aiding a person in pinpointing a location of the device.
  • FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the personal location detection system of the present invention being used to monitor the location of a child;
  • FIG. 2 is s front perspective view of the portable locator unit of the personal location detection system of the present invention being worn on the wrist of a user;
  • FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the portable locator unit of the personal location detection system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal components of the portable locator unit of the personal location detection system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the flow between different operating modes of the personal location detection system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the personal location detection system of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 1 through 6 illustrate the global positioning and tracking system of the present invention indicated generally by the numeral 10 .
  • the global positioning and tracking system 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 and includes a central monitoring station 12 , a tracking satellite 14 , a local relay station 16 and a portable locator unit 18 .
  • the central monitoring station 12 is able to monitor movements of an activated portable locator unit 18 upon either contacting the portable locator unit 18 or upon receipt of a signal generated by the portable locator unit 18 .
  • the portable locator unit 18 is a tamper resistant and detectable portable unit which is releasably attached to an item of personal property or to an individual such as a child 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • the child 20 in the figure is being watched by a guardian 22 .
  • the central monitoring station 12 communicates with the portable locator unit 18 via a public communications network such as POTS, cellular, PCS or the internet.
  • the main purpose of the system 10 is to locate the wearer using progressively more accurate technology methods for locating a person 20 carrying the portable locator unit 18 .
  • wireless Base Station ID location technology which can locate the locator unit 18 to a position within an area of between 1-10 square miles
  • GPS Global Positioning Satellite
  • wireless Internet wireless Internet as the communications medium which can locate wearers of the portable locator unit 18 to within approximately 5 meters.
  • a sonic or radio frequency beacon generated by the portable locator unit 18 facilitates a final approach to a desired person or object.
  • the system 10 of the present invention includes a client-server protocol such as SMS/QNC sessions in order to provide efficient location services including a paging function.
  • An emergency call can be placed to the central station 12 by a person wearing the portable locator unit 18 by pressing a panic button 42 as seen in FIG. 2.
  • a tamper detection sensor can automatically initiate an emergency call as well upon detection of tampering with the portable locator unit 18 as will be discussed hereinafter.
  • a nonemergency call can also be initiated by the wearer upon activation of the non-emergency call button 44 as seen in FIG. 2.
  • the central station 12 informs a designated guardian on contact list as to the whereabouts of the user.
  • a bread crumbing mode of operation allows for efficient and flexible tracking of the locator unit 18 given a limited battery power.
  • the locking and unlocking mechanism and suspending of the locator unit operation (for example, for airplane traveling) is controlled by an authorized Key fob or by the central station 12 via a wireless network providing maximum security and usability. The operation of the system to perform these tasks will be described hereinafter.
  • a GPS unit of the portable locator unit 18 for communicating with the GPS satellite 14 is normally turned off and the system for communicating with the central station 12 is placed in a listening mode similar to that of cellular/PCS phone systems.
  • the central station 12 receives a call from a client requesting a location on a particular portable locator unit 18 , the central station 12 initiates a communication with the portable locator unit 18 .
  • the central station 12 contacts the portable locator unit 18 using a wireless communication channel via local transmission/receiving stations 16 which relay the signal to the portable locator unit 18 .
  • the signal transmitted by the central station 12 to the local transmission/receiving stations 16 is indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral 24 .
  • the signal transmitted by the local transmission/receiving stations 16 to the portable locator unit 18 is indicated by the numeral 26 .
  • the central station 12 provides instructions on how to report the location information back to the central station 12 .
  • the instructions received from the central station 12 could include aiding information for use by the GPS unit to obtain location information more quickly.
  • the tracking device 18 ends the communication with the central station 12 and turns on the GPS unit therein.
  • the GPS unit computes location data with or without aiding information (such as time, frequency and ephemeris) from the central station 12 .
  • the portable locator unit 18 establishes a wireless communications link with the central station 12 and provides the location information thereto as is indicated by the arrows labeled with the numerals 26 and 24 .
  • the portable locator unit 18 also generates a beacon indicated by the arced lines labeled with the numeral 31 .
  • the beacon is a sonic or radio frequency signal which aids in locating the user when at close range.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 An exemplary embodiment of a portable locator unit 18 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • the portable locator unit 18 is typically worn by the user around the wrist 32 similarly to a bracelet or watch.
  • the portable locator unit 18 is preferably made of an uncuttable material so that it is difficult or even impossible to remove without the proper unlocking mechanism.
  • the portable locator unit 18 can be used without worry for tracking the location of a child, a prisoner or inmate out on a work release program or furlough, senior citizens in need of medical care, personal property or even athletes such as hikers or mountain climbers moving through dangerous areas.
  • the portable locator unit 18 includes an outer surface 34 having a smooth texture and a display 36 on a face side 38 thereof.
  • the display 36 includes a clock 40 thereon for indicating the time of day.
  • the locator unit 18 has an internal clock that is displayed. This time is set when the PCS unit in the locator unit 18 registers with the PCS tower. The unit automatically displays the correct time in the area worn correcting for daylight savings time when required. The time is very accurate, possibly to within a second of world time, but not accurate enough for the GPS portion of the unit.
  • indicia 41 indicating whether or not the portable locator unit 18 is in a locked state about the wrist 32 of the user. Additional indicia may be displayed for indicating the mode of operation of the locator unit 18 , such as when the locator unit 18 is in air mode as will be discussed hereinafter.
  • An emergency button 42 is provided on the portable locator unit 18 . Activation of the emergency button 42 initiates a communication with the central station 12 whereby a signal indicating an emergency situation exists is transmitted by the portable locator unit 18 . In response to the receipt of the emergency signal, the central station 12 initiates the process of locating the portable locator unit 18 and upon determining the location alerts the proper emergency personnel.
  • a non-emergency location button 44 is also located on the face side 40 of the portable locator unit 18 . Activation of the non-emergency location button 44 contacts the central station 12 for locating the portable locator unit 18 . Upon locating the portable locator unit 18 , the central station 12 contacts a predetermined party to inform them of the location of the portable locator unit 18 .
  • An air mode button 46 is also provided on the portable locator unit 18 . The air mode button 46 turns off the tracking device 18 for a predetermined period of time. This mode is useful when entering areas where the use of cellular technology is prohibited, such as on an airplane.
  • FIG. 3 A side view of the portable locator unit 18 is shown in FIG. 3. From this figure, the latching mechanism 48 is shown along with a lock button 50 , a port 51 for Key Fob and a port 52 for receiving a headphone.
  • the portable locator unit 18 is secured (locked) to the wearer by latching the latching mechanism 48 and connecting a Key Fob to lock the portable locator unit 18 by pressing the lock button 50 on the Key Fob.
  • the portable locator unit 18 could also be locked by a command from the central station 12 .
  • the lock/unlock button on a Key Fob activates an electromechanical device by uploading one of 1E22 different key codes to the portable locator unit 18 , instructing it to latch a dead bolt, which prevents the portable locator unit 18 from being unlatched and removed.
  • the lock icon 41 appears on the display 36 .
  • the data indicating the lock/unlock status is contained within a data package when the portable locator unit 18 is communicating with the central station 12 .
  • the portable locator unit 18 can also be attached (not locked) to the user by simply latching the latching mechanism 48 and omitting the locking procedure. Once the latch is locked, it can be unlocked only by an authorized Key Fob.
  • the lock icon disappears from the display 36 and the portable locator unit 18 is able to be unlatched and removed.
  • the preferred embodiment utilizes an IS95B PCS for communications between the portable locator unit 18 and central station 12 .
  • An exemplary locking mechanism 48 is illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the locking mechanism 38 may be provided with a variety of possible locking mechanisms such as keys, combination locks, electronic locks, etc. as long as the locking mechanism 48 prevents the portable locator unit 18 from being detached from the item or person once attached.
  • FIG. 4 A block diagram illustrating the internal components of the locator unit 18 is shown in FIG. 4. Positioned within the locator unit 18 and controlling operation thereof is a processor 54 . Connected to the processor 54 and providing power to the locator unit 18 is an internal power source 56 . A battery sensor 58 is connected between the processor 54 and power source 56 . The battery sensor 58 senses the power of the power source and provides a battery power signal to the processor 54 . The processor 54 is thus able to determine when the power level is low and operate accordingly. A memory 60 is provided for storing data processed by the processor 54 and programs used by the processor 54 for operation of the locator unit 18 .
  • a receiver 62 is provided for receiving wirelessly transmitted signals from the central station 12 and a transmitter 64 transmits signals to the central station 12 . Both the receiver 62 and transmitter 64 are connected to and controlled by the processor 54 .
  • a microphone 66 and speaker 68 are also provided for establishing a voice communication with another party through the central station 12 . Alternatively, the microphone and speaker may be contained within a headset connected to the locator unit 18 through the headphone port 52 .
  • the microphone 66 is able to receive voice communication from the user and transmit an audio signal to the other party via the central station 12 using the transmitter.
  • the receiver 62 is able to receive audio signals from the central station 12 for reproduction through the speaker 68 .
  • a GPS receiver 70 is provided for contacting the GPS satellite 14 in order to determine a location of the locator unit 18 .
  • the location information is provided to the processor 54 and eventually to the central station 12 .
  • a beacon generating device 72 generates a sonic or radio frequency beacon for aiding in locating the user when at close range.
  • the beacon generator 72 can be enabled for final approach to the wearer if a situation requires physical contact for rescue or any other reasons. In general, the GPS system does not have enough resolution to pinpoint a wearer within a building or visually obstructed area.
  • the beacon 72 provides a means to achieve the final approach using a sonic or radio frequency device.
  • a key fob 74 provides an additional means for securing the locator unit 18 about the wrist of the user.
  • the Key Fob also provides a mechanism for charging a battery inside the locator unit 18 .
  • a tamper sensor 76 detects when the locator unit 18 has been tampered with or cut and signals the processor 54 of such.
  • the processor 54 then generates an emergency signal which is transmitted to the central station 12 .
  • the central station 12 initiates a communication with the locator unit 18 for locating the locator unit 18 .
  • the panic button 42 and non-emergency call button 44 are connected to the processor 54 for initiating communication with the central station upon activation.
  • the display 36 is also connected to the processor 54 .
  • the processor 54 controls the icons and the clock viewable on the display 36 .
  • the operation of the personal location detection system 10 will now be described with reference to the figures and specifically FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • the personal location detection system 10 is used to locate a person or object to which the locator unit 18 is secured.
  • FIG. 6 Shown in FIG. 6 is an example of PCS network based locator system 10 .
  • the locator unit 18 includes a GPS unit 70 , a PCS communication system 62 , 64 , and a processor 54 .
  • the communication system 86 includes a processor therein for analyzing signals received by the receiver of the communication system 62 , 64 .
  • a subscriber 78 typically a guardian in a missing child case, normally initiates a locate process through a regular phone (PSTN), a wireless telephone 80 or an internet connection 82 .
  • PSTN regular phone
  • wireless telephone 80 or an internet connection 82 .
  • An operator in the central station 12 receives the request and initiates a call set up with the locator unit 18 .
  • the user 20 can also initiate a call set up by pressing either the panic button 42 or the non-emergency call button 44 .
  • the locator unit 18 contacts the central station 12 and the system operates similarly to when a subscriber 78 contacts the central station 12 .
  • the communication system 62 , 64 constantly monitors the integrity of the system including but not limited to battery and tamper detector status.
  • the communication system 62 , 64 acts as a server to the control station 12 and sets up a communication link upon receipt of a request from the control station 12 .
  • the request from the control station 12 passes through the public service telephone network (PSTN) or cellular 80 and is received by the receiver of communications system 62 , 64 of the locator unit 18 for analysis by the communications system 86 .
  • the locator unit 18 then responds to the request and transmits a response signal via the transmitter of the communication system 62 , 64 .
  • a SMS Internet (TCP/IP) session is used for maximum interoperability.
  • the communication system 62 , 64 also acts as a client to the control station 12 when an event counter triggers the communication system 62 , 64 and sets up a full duplex communication link.
  • a TCP/IP based QNC session is employed for duplex communications between central station 12 and the locator unit 18 .
  • the communication system 62 , 64 interfaces with the external device Key Fob 74 for secure lock/unlock and battery charging operations.
  • the GPS unit 70 performs the locating operation utilizing signals from the GPS satellites 14 in a view. Normally, the GPS unit 70 is in powered off mode, in response to a command from the central station 12 or upon activation of either the panic button 42 or non-emergency call button 44 , the GPS unit 70 is turned on and starts the locating process upon activation by the processor 54 .
  • the GPS unit 70 can utilize aiding information from the central station 12 for improved performance. Such aiding information includes but is not limited to the approximate location of the locator unit 18 , an almanac, ephemeris, a frequency offset, doppler, reference time, etc.
  • the GPS unit 70 provides the location data computed using the GPS satellite 14 to the processor 54 .
  • the processor 54 initiates a call to the central station 12 and provides the location data to the central station 12 for analysis.
  • the central station 12 is thus able to determine the location of the locator unit 18 to within a reasonable area.
  • the processor 54 then activates the beacon generator 72 , if necessary, to generate a sonic or radio frequency signal which a allows final approach to a desired object even within the area where the GPS or wireless communication link can not be established due to obtruded environment.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a state diagrams showing different operating modes of the system for obtaining the location of the locator unit 18 .
  • the locator unit 18 is in a watch mode.
  • the locator unit 18 monitors for incoming signals from the central station 12 .
  • the central station 12 Upon receipt of a signal from a subscriber or from the locator unit 18 in response to activation of the panic button 42 or non-emergency call button 44 , the central station 12 sends an SMS (Short Message Service) Message to the locator unit 18 which requests that the locator unit 18 contact the central station 12 .
  • the locator unit 18 then initiates a QNC (Quick Net Connect) Internet session connecting it to the central station 12 .
  • QNC Quadick Net Connect
  • the locator unit 18 enters the Air Time mode.
  • air time mode the central station 12 requests that the locator unit 18 identify its position. While the locator unit 18 is connected to the central station 12 , the required information to assist the GPS device 70 in locating the satellites 14 is uploaded to the locator unit 18 .
  • the location device 18 also has the capability of obtaining the required information directly from the GPS satellites 14 , but this is used only as a last alternative measure.
  • the locator unit 18 disconnects itself from the central station 12 and starts the process of obtaining its location.
  • the GPS 70 which is always off, is turned on and a precision time is transferred to the locator unit 18 from the PCS tower 86 along with phase-locking the GPS 70 to the PCS towers 86 .
  • the voltage information of the VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) in phase locking loop (PLL) is used as an aiding information for GPS, even when the PLL is not in locking state with the PCS tower. All the aiding information available is then delivered from the communication system to the GPS unit 70 so the locator unit 18 can use it to locate its position. After the GPS unit 70 identifies the location of the locator unit 18 , the location information is transferred to the processor 54 and the GPS unit 70 is shut down. The PCS Processor initiates another QNC Internet session. During this communication the central station 12 downloads all location information from within the locator unit 18 and closes the session.
  • VCO voltage controlled oscillator
  • PLL phase locking loop
  • the central station 12 now knows the location of the locator unit 18 and is capable of converting this data to coordinate information through the internet or regular communication schemes which average customers can comprehend.
  • the locator unit 18 then returns to the watch mode awaiting a next signal from the control station 12 .
  • the central station 12 uses the location data received from the locator unit 18 and converts it to geographic data including landmarks, which can be delivered to the subscriber on the phone or displayed on a map for Internet users.
  • the locator unit 18 can be programmed to allow the wearer to initiate an emergency locate session.
  • the locator unit 18 contacts the central station 12 indicating emergency action is required.
  • the panic (Alert) button 42 makes the state transition from Watch Mode to Air Time Mode and an internet session is established.
  • the central station 12 notes this emergency contact and starts the locating process as described above.
  • the initial message from the central station 12 includes the base station identification information which is used to indicate which of the appropriate PSATs (Public Service Answering Point) to tie into the emergency session when final location information is received. If the locator unit 18 does not reply in a reasonable period of time, the PSAP is notified of the emergency request with no response. The air time mode then proceeds as discussed above.
  • PSATs Public Service Answering Point
  • a non-emergency situation call may also be initiated by the user upon activating the non-emergency call button 44 .
  • the process followed is similar to that when the panic button 42 is activated.
  • the central station 12 forwards this non-emergency situation information to a contact person in a prioritized contact list. This list is preferably provided to the central station 12 during service registration and allows contacting a guardian without a PSAT 911 emergency call center involved.
  • the pager mode is also illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • the locator unit 18 has the optional ability to display SMS messages on the display 36 as a pager if a subscriber elects. In such a case, the Watch mode switches to the Pager mode upon receipt of an appropriate SMS message from the central station 12 .
  • the unit has a visual note such as a musical note as well as a sonic alert to notify the wearer that a page has been received.
  • the locator unit 18 then displays the received pager message on the display 36 .
  • the locator unit 18 is able to receive wired or short range wireless communications to and from a headset/microphone which is received by the headphone port 52 to facilitate cellular communications as PCS phone. Since there is no keypad, the wearer would initiate an internet session, which connects the locator unit 18 to the central station 12 computer. The central station 12 computers have voice recognition software which, when prompted, initiate a call forward to wherever the user requests. The locator unit 18 should be in the Air Time Mode during phone communication.
  • the locator unit 18 is capable of being temporarily shut off by using an authorized Key Fob 46 to shut down the cellular phone circuitry for a specified period of time (from 1 to 24 hours) as set by the user. After this time expires, the locator unit 18 automatically turns on and waits to be called in low power mode. An icon indicating the locator unit 18 is in airplane mode as well as the remaining time until reactivation will be displayed. Additional time can be incremented (or set to zero) if desired through reconnecting the Key Fob.
  • Key Fobs 74 are used for unlocking and locking the locator unit 18 about the wrist of the user.
  • the Key Fob also contains the battery charging circuitry which, when connected to a wall voltage through the supplied transformer, (to the same port that is used to unlock the locator unit 18 ), will charge the locator unit 18 .
  • Any Key Fob can charge the locator unit 18 but only an authorized Key Fob can unlock or activate the Airplane Mode.
  • Other Key Fobs can be added to be used as authorized or unauthorized charging fobs only for use of the wearer if they are to be away for extended periods.
  • a car battery adapter can also be used with the Key Fob to charge while traveling.
  • Each locator unit 18 can also be programmed to allow up to a predetermined number of key fobs.
  • a single Key Fob can open as many locator units 18 as it has been programmed with no limit.
  • the Key Fob and transformer (battery charger) can be used as a backup method to unlock the locator unit 18 if the battery is depleted to a value too low to open the lock.
  • Additional key fobs can be authorized to the unit via the central station 12 in an over-the-air activation process.
  • the display has the ability to display time, date, page number, or page data. Furthermore, various icons display status of the locator unit 18 or current mode of operations such as antenna signal strength, lock indicator, Audio mode for page alert, Airplane mode, battery charge level indicator, etc.
  • the locator unit 18 has tamper and cut detection circuitry 76 which activates a self initiated emergency session which detected that will indicate tampering. If the locator unit 18 is tampered with while not being worn, an alarm signal is generated as soon as it is locked on the wearer.
  • Ephemeris data is downloaded from the satellites 14 nationwide by the central station 12 as indicated by numeral 25 in FIG. 6 for delivery to the locator unit 18 as required. These ephemeredes are time sensitive and do change continuously. Therefore, this data needs to be constantly refreshes at the central station 12 so it is available at all times.
  • the locator unit's 18 CDMA processor 54 acts as a thin server to the locator unit's GPS. Due to the limited power available with the power source 56 , the GPS receiver is turned off when it is not finding satellites. The GPS when turned on goes through a power up routine, and, since the crystal on the GPS is not adequately warmed up, the drift makes it unsuitable to be used to find the satellites.
  • the system of the present invention synchronizes the frequency of the GPS with the PCS tower frequency. Even though they are different frequencies it is consistent and the phase lock frequency error can be programmed into the GPS software to achieve an accelerated frequency search algorithm.
  • the time accuracy also requires a higher accuracy than what can be supplied in the mobile unit. The required GPS time accuracy is transferred from the PCS tower 22 .
  • the GPS includes the base station identification number (ID) associated with the location of the tower 22 , allowing the central station 12 to select only those satellites 14 visible to the locator unit 18 for the next ephemeris period.
  • ID base station identification number
  • the GPS also knows when an ephemeris for a particular satellite 14 is invalid and will eliminate it from its search string.
  • the personal location detection system of the present invention is able to overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices by providing a personal location detection system which is able to track a missing person in both hostile and non-hostile situations, using the Global Positioning Satellite system (GPS) to determine the location of the user with limited battery power resources.
  • the personal location detection system includes a portable locator device including a communication device for wirelessly connecting to both a communications network and the GPS system and relaying the location determined by the GPS system to a central station via the communications network.
  • the portable locator unit is able to generate a sonic or radio frequency beacon for aiding emergency personnel in pin pointing the location of the user, initiate an emergency call to the central station, whereby, in response to the call, the central station will contact a designated person as to the location and situation regarding the user.
  • the portable locator unit is also able to initiate a non-emergency call to the central station, causing the central station to contact a designated person and initiate a voice call to another party via the central station using the locator unit.
  • the personal location detection system of the present invention is simple and easy to use and economical in cost to manufacture.

Abstract

A personal locator system for determining the location of a locator unit. The system includes a locator device in communication with both a central station and a GPS satellite. The locator unit includes a portable housing able to be worn about the wrist of a user. A communication system is positioned within the housing for contacting the central station and includes a transmitter and receiver. A GPS unit is also positioned within the housing for contacting the GPS system for determining a location of said locator device. Upon receipt of a location request signal by the receiver from the central station, the locator unit activates the GPS unit to contact the GPS system and receive location data therefrom. Upon receipt of the location data, the transmitter transmits the location data to the central station for analysis. A panic button is provided for transmitting an emergency signal to the central station and initiating detecting the location of the locator unit. A non-emergency call button is provided for transmitting a location request signal to the central station and in response thereto, informing a person on the contact list as to the location of the locator device. The communication system utilizes one of a POTS, cellular, PCS or internet communications network. A tamper detection sensor detects when said device is tampered with. A beacon generator generates an ultrasonic or radio frequency beacon signal for aiding a person in pinpointing a location of the device.

Description

    REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/536,009 having a filing date of Mar. 26, 2000.[0001]
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0002]
  • The present invention relates generally to location systems and, more specifically, to a system able to locate and track a user retaining a portable locator unit using numerous location technologies including the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) System and the generation of a beacon for use in pinpointing the location of the locator unit and thus the user. [0003]
  • 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004]
  • Numerous types of location systems have been provided in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,043,736; 5,485,163; 6,014,080; 5,014,040; 5,841,396; 6,064,336; 4,275,398; 4,673,936; 5,731,757; 6,014,080; 6,076,099; 6,100,806; 6,104,931; 6111,538; 6,111,539; 6,140,956; 6,169,497; 6,172,640 and 5,874,914 all are illustrative of such prior art. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described. [0005]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,043,736 Inventor: Ralph D. Darnell, et al. Issued: Aug. 27, 1991
  • The invention comprises a portable locator unit useful both as a cellular telephone and portable global positioning system that provides latitude and longitude information remotely to a base unit display. The system includes a small hand held receiver that receives signals from a satellite global positioning system and timing and computing circuits to provide location information signals. The hand held unit also includes a modem and transmitter to a cellular telephone network which is connected to the base unit computational system and display. The location of an individual or object can thus be determined at the remote station through the use of the cellular telephone network. [0006]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,163 Inventor: Martin H. Singer et al. Issued: Jan. 16, 1996
  • A system and method for locating a portable locator device in a communications network. The portable locator unit (PLU) ([0007] 4) is activated either by an external signal (62) generated in response to remote activation source, such as a subscriber (6, 8) or PLU detector (106, 108), or by an internal activation signal triggered e.g. by the wearer. Once activated, the PLU (4) transmits a locator signal (66). This location signal (66) is received by one or more network service nodes (20, 22, 24) which forward the information along with identifying service node information to a network location processor (26, 28). After having determined the location of the PLU (4) from the received information, the network location processor (26, 28) forwards this information to a designated source, such as the requesting subscriber or other authorized user (6, 8).
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,080 Inventor: Hoyt M. Layson, Jr. Issued: Jan. 11, 2000
  • Tamper resistant body-worn tracking device to be worn by offenders or potential victims for use in a wireless communication system receiving signals from a global positioning system (GPS). The tracking device directly communicates spacial coordinates to multiple remote sites. The tracking device is an enclosed case worn on a limb of a person. The case contains a battery, a signaling device, and a circuit board containing a field programmable gate array, a wireless data modem, a conventional GPS receiver, and a matched filtering GPS receiver. [0008]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,040 Inventor: Philip W. Weaver et al. Issued: May 7, 1991
  • A personal locator transmitter adapted to be worn on the wrist and having the size and appearance of a conventional wrist-watch. This transmitter is provided with a programmable memory, a transmitter controlled by the memory, an antenna for reliably radiating signals from the transmitter regardless of orientation of the wrist of a user and including both a manually operable alarm activated by pressing a button, and an automatic alarm actuated by an attempt to remove the unit from the wrist of the wearer. The unit is controlled by a control memory comprises of an EEPROM encoded with unique identification codes and other information as required in the specific application. [0009]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,396 Inventor: Norman F. Krasner Issued: Nov. 24, 1998
  • A precision carrier frequency signal for calibrating a local oscillator of a GPS receiver which is used to acquire GPS signals. The precision carrier frequency signal is used to calibrate the local oscillator such that the output of the local oscillator, which is used to acquire GPS signals, is modified by a reference signal generated from the precision carrier frequency signal. The GPS receiver locks to this precision carrier frequency signal and generates the reference signal. In another aspect of the invention, satellite almanac data is transmitted to a remote GPS receiver unit from a basestation via a communication link. The remote GPS receiver unit uses this satellite almanac data to determine approximate Doppler data for satellites in view of the remote GPS receiver unit. [0010]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,336 Inventor: Norman F. Krasner Issued: May 16, 2000
  • A precision carrier frequency signal for calibrating a local oscillator of a GPS receiver which is used to acquire GPS signals. The precision carrier frequency signal is used to calibrate the local oscillator such that the output of the local oscillator, which is used to acquire GPS signals, is modified by a reference signal generated from the precision carrier frequency signal. The GPS receiver locks to this precision carrier frequency signal and generates the reference signal. In another aspect of the invention, satellite almanac data is transmitted to a remote GPS receiver unit from a basestation via a communication link. The remote GPS receiver unit uses this satellite almanac data to determine approximate Doppler data for satellites in view of the remote GPS receiver unit. [0011]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,398 Inventor: William H. Parker, et al. Issued: Jun. 23, 1981
  • A radio locator system uses transceivers located in a mobile and at least two stationary stations. Each stationary station serves as one end of a surveyor's baseline. Therefore, since the transceivers are located at opposite ends of a line having a known length, their broadcast signals provide direct distance measurements of two other lines extending between the individual stationary stations and the mobile unit, thereby cooperating with the known line to complete a trilateralization. Each station in the system is identified by a uniquely encoded stream of pulse bursts, each burst encompassing a wide, preprogrammed change of frequency for eliminating interference between the signals used in the locator system and the signals of other users of the same frequency band. An inversion of the preprogrammed frequency change is used for the return of the ranging system signal in order to substantially eliminate or suppress echo returns to the mobile or interrogator station. The sound of the preprogrammed station identifying frequency changes is sometimes called “chirping”. [0012]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,936 Inventor: Keigo Kotoh Issued: Jun. 16, 1987
  • A small-size transmitting apparatus for search and rescue operation (SARTR) adapted to be worn by a user for emitting a microwave rescue signal upon a marine accident involving the user. The SARTR includes a power supply, a transmitter unit energizable by the power supply and having a microwave oscillator, a transmitting antenna receiving of a microwave output from the transmitter unit for emitting the microwave rescue signal, a case accommodating the power supply, the transmitter unit, and the transmitting antenna and attachable directly to the user's body, or mountable on clothing or the like worn by the user for being carried thereby, and a switch unit mounted in the case for controlling the emission of the microwave rescue signal. [0013]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,757 Inventor: Hoyt M. Layson, Jr. Issued: Mar. 24, 1998
  • A portable locator or tracking apparatus is provided for continuous location determination of subjects which communicates with a body-worn, non-removable, tamper resistant transceiver and a central data-base system. The portable tracking apparatus has a Global Position System (GPS) receiver and inertial sensors for determining location, microprocessors for logic and mathematical algorithm processing, memory for programs and data, a wireless transceiver for communications with the body-worn device, a wireless transceiver for communicating with the central data-base system, an alpha-numeric display for displaying text messages sent to the subject acoustic speaker and microphone for voice and tone messages with subjects, electronic tamper sensors, motion sensors, attitude position sensor, batteries and external connectors for power, recharge, communications and auxiliary antennas. [0014]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,080 Inventor: Hoyt M. Layson, Jr. Issued: Jan. 11, 2000
  • Tamper resistant body-worn tracking device to be worn by offenders or potential victims for use in a wireless communication system receiving signals from a global positioning system (GPS). The tracking device directly communicates spacial coordinates to multiple remote sites. The tracking device is an enclosed case worn on a limb of a person. The case contains a battery, a signaling device, and a circuit board containing a field programmable gate array, a wireless data modem, a conventional GPS receiver, and a matched filtering GPS receiver. [0015]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,099 Inventor: Thomas C. H. Chen et al. Issued: Jun. 13, 2000
  • A method for a configurable intelligent-agent-based wireless communication system that can be used for conducting acquisition, processing, monitoring, tracking and reporting of data at remote mobile units over a wireless communication network. The system is comprised of an intelligent-agent-based wireless communication controller ([0016] 110), a wireless data transmitter/receiver (120), a global positioning system data receiver (130), a plurality of data storage devices (140), a plurality of serial ports (150), a display device (160), and a battery with power charging circuitry (170).
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,806 Inventor: John J. Gaukel Issued: Aug. 8, 2000
  • An apparatus and method of monitoring mobile objects or persons utilizes the Global Positioning System satellites and cellular telephone communications. The apparatus may include first and second remote units adapted to be worn on the monitored person or object. These remote units would comprise the position and data sensors as well as the transmitter device to transmit the information back to a central tracking station. The remote units may be operative to monitor many data items such as system integrity, motion, temperature, audio, and the like in addition to position. This data would then be transmitted back to a central monitoring station operative to process and display the information. The system is also adapted to monitor persons in hazardous environments such as radioactivity or poisonous gases or even to monitor inanimate objects such as automobiles. [0017]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,104,931 Inventor: Theodore Havinis et al. Issued: Aug. 15, 2000
  • A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for defining location services in a simplified manner based upon whether the positioning request is an interactive request or a batch mode request. In order to initiate a positioning request, a Location Application (LA) must first register with at least one Mobile Location Center (MLC), define the service parameters specific for that LA and receive a Location Application Identifier Number (LAIN). Thereafter, the LA can send either an interactive or batch mode positioning request along with the LAIN. An interactive positioning request is a request to position a specific subscriber or group of subscribers immediately, while a batch mode positioning request is a request to position a subscriber or group of subscribers when a particular event defined by the LA occurs. Advantageously, the definition of location services is decoupled from issues, such as the point of origin of the request, the identity of the subscriber to be positioned and authorization options. [0018]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,538 Inventor: Leonard Schuchman et al. Issued: Aug. 29, 2000
  • Positioning system for locating a mobile body comprising a plurality of earth based spread spectrum (SS) broadcasting stations arranged geographically in a cellular pattern. Each SS broadcasting station include a modulator providing a channel signal structure which is substantially orthogonal with respect to adjacent stations in the cellular pattern, each channel signal including navigation beacon data including a unique beacon identification, station latitude and longitude, time slot and phase characterizations and selected parameters of adjacent stations. In one embodiment, each modulator provides a chirped SS signal in which the navigation beacon is a frequency tone that is repeatedly swept over a selected frequency band for each station. In a further embodiment, each modulator provides a GPS like direct sequence SS signal in which the navigation beacon is a PN coded broadcast. A receiver on the mobile body receives the SS signals from at least three of the SS broadcasting stations and determines the location thereof. A fourth SS broadcasting station provides altitude. CPS satellite signals can be used for timing control. [0019]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,539 Inventor: Robin Thomas Mannings et al. Issued: Aug. 29, 2000
  • A navigation information system includes a communications system having a fixed part and at least one mobile part, the fixed part including data storage and processing for identifying the location of a mobile unit, generating guidance information appropriate to that location and transmitting it to the mobile unit. By locating most of the complexity with the service provider, in particular the navigation computer and geographical database, the system can be readily updated and the capital cost of the in-vehicle system, which in its simplest form may be standard cellular telephone, can be minimized. The user makes a request for guidance information, and the system, having determined the user's present location, then transmits instructions to the user. The user's present location can be determined by a Satellite Positioning System. [0020]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,956 Inventor: Robert L. Hillman et al. Issued: Oct. 31, 2000
  • A system which tracks and monitors a vehicle by utilizing cellular communication componentry and global positioning system componentry is disclosed. The system provides for simultaneous and continuous transmission of a voice signal and location data to a monitoring center. The monitoring center comprises componentry to communicate with the vehicle and determine the vehicle's location on a digitized map using a computer. [0021]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,497 Inventor: Bruno Robert Issued: Jan. 2, 2001
  • A mobile tracking and positioning system includes a plurality of mobile transmit and receive stations that track a mobile target which emits a radio signal in response to the occurrence of a tracking effort initiation event. The tracking stations have a GPS receiver or like means for determining their position, a radio direction finder responsive to the radio signal that determines the vector to the mobile target, a two-way communications system and a computer. The mobile transmit and receive stations exchange their position and direction to target information via the two-way communications systems, enabling the stations to triangulate the location of the target with their computers. [0022]
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,640 Inventor: Jennifer Durst et al. Issued: Jan. 9, 2001
  • There is disclosed an object locator system ([0023] 10) for requesting and obtaining information about the location of an individual animal or moveable object, having a lightweight, attached object locator (42), that is present in a region served by a two-way paging system (12) and a global positioning satellite system (50). The object locator (42) may be selectively activated to conserve power or enabled to respond only when beyond or within a boundary. Further, the object locator system (10) may provide the location information in several forms including rectangular or polar coordinates referred to a base station (18) or origin, position on a map display, etc.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,914 Inventor: Norman F. Krasner Issued: Feb. 23, 1999
  • A GPS receiver in one embodiment includes an antenna which receives GPS signals at an RF frequency from in view satellites; a downconverter coupled to the antenna for reducing the RF frequency of the received GPS signals to an intermediate frequency (IF); a digitizer coupled to the downconverter and sampling the IF GPS signals at a predetermined rate to produce sampled IF GPS signals; a memory coupled to the digitizer storing the sampled IF GPS signals (a snapshot of GPS signals); and a digital signal processor (DSP) coupled to the memory and operating under stored instructions thereby performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operations on the sampled IF GPS signals to provide pseudorange information. These operations typically also include preprocessing and post processing of the GPS signals. After a snapshot of data is taken, the receiver front end is powered down. The GPS receiver in one embodiment also includes other power management features and includes, in another embodiment the capability to correct for errors in its local oscillator which is used to sample the GPS signals. The calculation speed of pseudoranges, and sensitivity of operation, is enhanced by the transmission of the Doppler frequency shifts of in view satellites to the receiver from an external source, such as a basestation in one embodiment of the invention. [0024]
  • SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
  • The present invention relates generally to location systems and, more specifically, to a system able to locate and track a user retaining a portable locator unit using numerous location technologies including the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) System and the generation of a beacon for use in pinpointing the location of the locator unit and thus the user. [0025]
  • A primary object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system that will overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices. [0026]
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system which is able to track a missing person in both hostile and non-hostile situations. [0027]
  • A further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system which is able to use the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system to determine the location of a user in a secure power efficient manner. [0028]
  • A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system wherein the user retains a portable locator device which includes means for wirelessly connecting to both a communications network and the GPS and relaying the location determined by the GPS to a central station via the communications network. [0029]
  • A still further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system wherein the portable locator unit is able to generate a sonic or radio frequency beacon for aiding emergency personnel in pin pointing the location of the user. [0030]
  • An even further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system wherein the user is able to initiate an emergency call to the central station using the personal locator unit, whereby, in response to the call, the central station will contact a designated person as to the location and situation regarding the user. [0031]
  • A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system wherein the user is also able to initiate a non-emergency call to the central station, causing the central station to contact a designated person. [0032]
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system wherein the user is able to initiate a voice call to another party via the central station using the locator unit without dialing phone numbers. [0033]
  • A still further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system that is simple and easy to use. [0034]
  • An even further object of the present invention is to provide a personal location detection system that is economical in cost to manufacture. [0035]
  • Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. [0036]
  • A personal locator system for determining the location of a locator unit is disclosed by the present invention. The system includes a locator device in communication with both a central station and a GPS satellite. The locator unit includes a portable housing able to be worn about the wrist of a user. A communication system is positioned within the housing for contacting the central station and includes a transmitter and receiver. A GPS unit is also positioned within the housing for contacting the GPS system for determining a location of said locator device. Upon receipt of a location request signal by the receiver from the central station, the locator unit activates the GPS unit to contact the GPS system and computes location data therefrom. Upon completing calculation of the location data, the locator transmits the location data to the central station for analysis. A panic button is provided for transmitting an emergency signal to the central station and initiating detecting the location of the locator unit. A non-emergency call button is provided for transmitting a location request signal to the central station and in response thereto, informing a person on the contact list as to the location of the locator device. The communication system utilizes one of a POTS, cellular, PCS or internet communications network. A tamper detection sensor detects when said device is tampered with. A beacon generator generates an ultrasonic or radio frequency beacon signal for aiding a person in pinpointing a location of the device. [0037]
  • To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. [0038]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
  • Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar part throughout the several views. [0039]
  • FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the personal location detection system of the present invention being used to monitor the location of a child; [0040]
  • FIG. 2 is s front perspective view of the portable locator unit of the personal location detection system of the present invention being worn on the wrist of a user; [0041]
  • FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the portable locator unit of the personal location detection system of the present invention; [0042]
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal components of the portable locator unit of the personal location detection system of the present invention; [0043]
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the flow between different operating modes of the personal location detection system of the present invention; and [0044]
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the personal location detection system of the present invention. [0045]
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS
  • Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the personal location detection system of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures. [0046]
  • [0047] 10 global positioning and tracking system of the present invention
  • [0048] 12 central monitoring station
  • [0049] 14 tracking satellite
  • [0050] 16 local transmitter/receiver station
  • [0051] 18 portable locator unit
  • [0052] 20 child wearing tracking device
  • [0053] 22 guardian of child
  • [0054] 24 line indicating transmission between central station and relay station
  • [0055] 25 reference GPS receiver station
  • [0056] 26 line indicating transmission between relay station and locator unit
  • [0057] 30 line indicating transmission of location signal from satellite to locator unit
  • [0058] 32 wrist of user wearing portable locator unit
  • [0059] 34 smooth outer surface of portable locator unit
  • [0060] 36 display
  • [0061] 38 face side of portable locator unit
  • [0062] 40 clock
  • [0063] 42 emergency panic button
  • [0064] 44 non-emergency location button
  • [0065] 46 air mode button
  • [0066] 48 latching mechanism
  • [0067] 50 lock/unlock button
  • [0068] 51 Key Fob port
  • [0069] 52 headphone port
  • [0070] 54 processor
  • [0071] 56 power source
  • [0072] 58 power sensor
  • [0073] 60 memory
  • [0074] 62 receiver
  • [0075] 64 transmitter
  • [0076] 66 microphone
  • [0077] 68 speaker
  • [0078] 70 GPS transmitter/receiver
  • [0079] 72 beacon
  • [0080] 74 key fob
  • [0081] 76 tamper sensor
  • [0082] 78 subscriber
  • [0083] 80 PSTN/Cellular communications link
  • [0084] 82 Internet connection
  • [0085] 84 public service telephone network
  • [0086] 86 PCS tower
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 6 illustrate the global positioning and tracking system of the present invention indicated generally by the numeral [0087] 10.
  • The global positioning and [0088] tracking system 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 and includes a central monitoring station 12, a tracking satellite 14, a local relay station 16 and a portable locator unit 18. The central monitoring station 12 is able to monitor movements of an activated portable locator unit 18 upon either contacting the portable locator unit 18 or upon receipt of a signal generated by the portable locator unit 18.
  • The [0089] portable locator unit 18 is a tamper resistant and detectable portable unit which is releasably attached to an item of personal property or to an individual such as a child 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The child 20 in the figure is being watched by a guardian 22. The central monitoring station 12 communicates with the portable locator unit 18 via a public communications network such as POTS, cellular, PCS or the internet. The main purpose of the system 10 is to locate the wearer using progressively more accurate technology methods for locating a person 20 carrying the portable locator unit 18. These technologies range from wireless Base Station ID location technology which can locate the locator unit 18 to a position within an area of between 1-10 square miles to the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system using wireless Internet as the communications medium which can locate wearers of the portable locator unit 18 to within approximately 5 meters. A sonic or radio frequency beacon generated by the portable locator unit 18 facilitates a final approach to a desired person or object.
  • The [0090] system 10 of the present invention includes a client-server protocol such as SMS/QNC sessions in order to provide efficient location services including a paging function. An emergency call can be placed to the central station 12 by a person wearing the portable locator unit 18 by pressing a panic button 42 as seen in FIG. 2. A tamper detection sensor can automatically initiate an emergency call as well upon detection of tampering with the portable locator unit 18 as will be discussed hereinafter. A nonemergency call can also be initiated by the wearer upon activation of the non-emergency call button 44 as seen in FIG. 2. In this instant, the central station 12 informs a designated guardian on contact list as to the whereabouts of the user. A bread crumbing mode of operation allows for efficient and flexible tracking of the locator unit 18 given a limited battery power. The locking and unlocking mechanism and suspending of the locator unit operation (for example, for airplane traveling) is controlled by an authorized Key fob or by the central station 12 via a wireless network providing maximum security and usability. The operation of the system to perform these tasks will be described hereinafter.
  • In the normal mode of operation, a GPS unit of the [0091] portable locator unit 18 for communicating with the GPS satellite 14 is normally turned off and the system for communicating with the central station 12 is placed in a listening mode similar to that of cellular/PCS phone systems. When the central station 12 receives a call from a client requesting a location on a particular portable locator unit 18, the central station 12 initiates a communication with the portable locator unit 18. The central station 12 contacts the portable locator unit 18 using a wireless communication channel via local transmission/receiving stations 16 which relay the signal to the portable locator unit 18. The signal transmitted by the central station 12 to the local transmission/receiving stations 16 is indicated by the arrow labeled with the numeral 24. The signal transmitted by the local transmission/receiving stations 16 to the portable locator unit 18 is indicated by the numeral 26. Through this communications channel, the central station 12 provides instructions on how to report the location information back to the central station 12. The instructions received from the central station 12 could include aiding information for use by the GPS unit to obtain location information more quickly. Upon receipt of the instructions from the central station 12, the tracking device 18 ends the communication with the central station 12 and turns on the GPS unit therein. The GPS unit computes location data with or without aiding information (such as time, frequency and ephemeris) from the central station 12. At this time the portable locator unit 18 establishes a wireless communications link with the central station 12 and provides the location information thereto as is indicated by the arrows labeled with the numerals 26 and 24. The portable locator unit 18 also generates a beacon indicated by the arced lines labeled with the numeral 31. The beacon is a sonic or radio frequency signal which aids in locating the user when at close range.
  • An exemplary embodiment of a [0092] portable locator unit 18 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The portable locator unit 18 is typically worn by the user around the wrist 32 similarly to a bracelet or watch. The portable locator unit 18 is preferably made of an uncuttable material so that it is difficult or even impossible to remove without the proper unlocking mechanism. Thus, the portable locator unit 18 can be used without worry for tracking the location of a child, a prisoner or inmate out on a work release program or furlough, senior citizens in need of medical care, personal property or even athletes such as hikers or mountain climbers moving through dangerous areas. The portable locator unit 18 includes an outer surface 34 having a smooth texture and a display 36 on a face side 38 thereof. The display 36 includes a clock 40 thereon for indicating the time of day. The locator unit 18 has an internal clock that is displayed. This time is set when the PCS unit in the locator unit 18 registers with the PCS tower. The unit automatically displays the correct time in the area worn correcting for daylight savings time when required. The time is very accurate, possibly to within a second of world time, but not accurate enough for the GPS portion of the unit. Also positioned on the display 36 is indicia 41 indicating whether or not the portable locator unit 18 is in a locked state about the wrist 32 of the user. Additional indicia may be displayed for indicating the mode of operation of the locator unit 18, such as when the locator unit 18 is in air mode as will be discussed hereinafter. An emergency button 42 is provided on the portable locator unit 18. Activation of the emergency button 42 initiates a communication with the central station 12 whereby a signal indicating an emergency situation exists is transmitted by the portable locator unit 18. In response to the receipt of the emergency signal, the central station 12 initiates the process of locating the portable locator unit 18 and upon determining the location alerts the proper emergency personnel. A non-emergency location button 44 is also located on the face side 40 of the portable locator unit 18. Activation of the non-emergency location button 44 contacts the central station 12 for locating the portable locator unit 18. Upon locating the portable locator unit 18, the central station 12 contacts a predetermined party to inform them of the location of the portable locator unit 18. An air mode button 46 is also provided on the portable locator unit 18. The air mode button 46 turns off the tracking device 18 for a predetermined period of time. This mode is useful when entering areas where the use of cellular technology is prohibited, such as on an airplane.
  • A side view of the [0093] portable locator unit 18 is shown in FIG. 3. From this figure, the latching mechanism 48 is shown along with a lock button 50, a port 51 for Key Fob and a port 52 for receiving a headphone. The portable locator unit 18 is secured (locked) to the wearer by latching the latching mechanism 48 and connecting a Key Fob to lock the portable locator unit 18 by pressing the lock button 50 on the Key Fob. The portable locator unit 18 could also be locked by a command from the central station 12. The lock/unlock button on a Key Fob activates an electromechanical device by uploading one of 1E22 different key codes to the portable locator unit 18, instructing it to latch a dead bolt, which prevents the portable locator unit 18 from being unlatched and removed. Upon activating the lock through button 50 or the Key Fob, the lock icon 41 appears on the display 36. The data indicating the lock/unlock status is contained within a data package when the portable locator unit 18 is communicating with the central station 12. The portable locator unit 18 can also be attached (not locked) to the user by simply latching the latching mechanism 48 and omitting the locking procedure. Once the latch is locked, it can be unlocked only by an authorized Key Fob. When the portable locator unit 18 is unlocked, the lock icon disappears from the display 36 and the portable locator unit 18 is able to be unlatched and removed. In order to minimize battery consumption at the portable locator unit 18, the preferred embodiment utilizes an IS95B PCS for communications between the portable locator unit 18 and central station 12. An exemplary locking mechanism 48 is illustrated in FIG. 3. However, the locking mechanism 38 may be provided with a variety of possible locking mechanisms such as keys, combination locks, electronic locks, etc. as long as the locking mechanism 48 prevents the portable locator unit 18 from being detached from the item or person once attached.
  • A block diagram illustrating the internal components of the [0094] locator unit 18 is shown in FIG. 4. Positioned within the locator unit 18 and controlling operation thereof is a processor 54. Connected to the processor 54 and providing power to the locator unit 18 is an internal power source 56. A battery sensor 58 is connected between the processor 54 and power source 56. The battery sensor 58 senses the power of the power source and provides a battery power signal to the processor 54. The processor 54 is thus able to determine when the power level is low and operate accordingly. A memory 60 is provided for storing data processed by the processor 54 and programs used by the processor 54 for operation of the locator unit 18. A receiver 62 is provided for receiving wirelessly transmitted signals from the central station 12 and a transmitter 64 transmits signals to the central station 12. Both the receiver 62 and transmitter 64 are connected to and controlled by the processor 54. A microphone 66 and speaker 68 are also provided for establishing a voice communication with another party through the central station 12. Alternatively, the microphone and speaker may be contained within a headset connected to the locator unit 18 through the headphone port 52. The microphone 66 is able to receive voice communication from the user and transmit an audio signal to the other party via the central station 12 using the transmitter. The receiver 62 is able to receive audio signals from the central station 12 for reproduction through the speaker 68.
  • A [0095] GPS receiver 70 is provided for contacting the GPS satellite 14 in order to determine a location of the locator unit 18. The location information is provided to the processor 54 and eventually to the central station 12. A beacon generating device 72 generates a sonic or radio frequency beacon for aiding in locating the user when at close range. The beacon generator 72 can be enabled for final approach to the wearer if a situation requires physical contact for rescue or any other reasons. In general, the GPS system does not have enough resolution to pinpoint a wearer within a building or visually obstructed area. The beacon 72 provides a means to achieve the final approach using a sonic or radio frequency device. A key fob 74 provides an additional means for securing the locator unit 18 about the wrist of the user. The Key Fob also provides a mechanism for charging a battery inside the locator unit 18. A tamper sensor 76 detects when the locator unit 18 has been tampered with or cut and signals the processor 54 of such. The processor 54 then generates an emergency signal which is transmitted to the central station 12. The central station 12 initiates a communication with the locator unit 18 for locating the locator unit 18. The panic button 42 and non-emergency call button 44 are connected to the processor 54 for initiating communication with the central station upon activation. The display 36 is also connected to the processor 54. The processor 54 controls the icons and the clock viewable on the display 36.
  • The operation of the personal [0096] location detection system 10 will now be described with reference to the figures and specifically FIGS. 5 and 6. In operation, the personal location detection system 10 is used to locate a person or object to which the locator unit 18 is secured. Shown in FIG. 6 is an example of PCS network based locator system 10. The locator unit 18 includes a GPS unit 70, a PCS communication system 62, 64, and a processor 54. The communication system 86 includes a processor therein for analyzing signals received by the receiver of the communication system 62, 64. A subscriber 78, typically a guardian in a missing child case, normally initiates a locate process through a regular phone (PSTN), a wireless telephone 80 or an internet connection 82. An operator in the central station 12 receives the request and initiates a call set up with the locator unit 18. The user 20 can also initiate a call set up by pressing either the panic button 42 or the non-emergency call button 44. In this instance, the locator unit 18 contacts the central station 12 and the system operates similarly to when a subscriber 78 contacts the central station 12.
  • The [0097] communication system 62, 64 constantly monitors the integrity of the system including but not limited to battery and tamper detector status. The communication system 62, 64 acts as a server to the control station 12 and sets up a communication link upon receipt of a request from the control station 12. The request from the control station 12 passes through the public service telephone network (PSTN) or cellular 80 and is received by the receiver of communications system 62, 64 of the locator unit 18 for analysis by the communications system 86. The locator unit 18 then responds to the request and transmits a response signal via the transmitter of the communication system 62, 64. In a preferred embodiment, a SMS Internet (TCP/IP) session is used for maximum interoperability. The communication system 62, 64 also acts as a client to the control station 12 when an event counter triggers the communication system 62, 64 and sets up a full duplex communication link. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a TCP/IP based QNC session is employed for duplex communications between central station 12 and the locator unit 18. The communication system 62, 64 interfaces with the external device Key Fob 74 for secure lock/unlock and battery charging operations.
  • The [0098] GPS unit 70 performs the locating operation utilizing signals from the GPS satellites 14 in a view. Normally, the GPS unit 70 is in powered off mode, in response to a command from the central station 12 or upon activation of either the panic button 42 or non-emergency call button 44, the GPS unit 70 is turned on and starts the locating process upon activation by the processor 54. The GPS unit 70 can utilize aiding information from the central station 12 for improved performance. Such aiding information includes but is not limited to the approximate location of the locator unit 18, an almanac, ephemeris, a frequency offset, doppler, reference time, etc. The GPS unit 70 provides the location data computed using the GPS satellite 14 to the processor 54. The processor 54 initiates a call to the central station 12 and provides the location data to the central station 12 for analysis. The central station 12 is thus able to determine the location of the locator unit 18 to within a reasonable area. The processor 54 then activates the beacon generator 72, if necessary, to generate a sonic or radio frequency signal which a allows final approach to a desired object even within the area where the GPS or wireless communication link can not be established due to obtruded environment.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a state diagrams showing different operating modes of the system for obtaining the location of the [0099] locator unit 18. Initially, the locator unit 18 is in a watch mode. During the watch mode, the locator unit 18 monitors for incoming signals from the central station 12. Upon receipt of a signal from a subscriber or from the locator unit 18 in response to activation of the panic button 42 or non-emergency call button 44, the central station 12 sends an SMS (Short Message Service) Message to the locator unit 18 which requests that the locator unit 18 contact the central station 12. The locator unit 18 then initiates a QNC (Quick Net Connect) Internet session connecting it to the central station 12. At this time the locator unit 18 enters the Air Time mode. In air time mode, the central station 12 requests that the locator unit 18 identify its position. While the locator unit 18 is connected to the central station 12, the required information to assist the GPS device 70 in locating the satellites 14 is uploaded to the locator unit 18. The location device 18 also has the capability of obtaining the required information directly from the GPS satellites 14, but this is used only as a last alternative measure. The locator unit 18 disconnects itself from the central station 12 and starts the process of obtaining its location. The GPS 70 which is always off, is turned on and a precision time is transferred to the locator unit 18 from the PCS tower 86 along with phase-locking the GPS 70 to the PCS towers 86. The voltage information of the VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) in phase locking loop (PLL) is used as an aiding information for GPS, even when the PLL is not in locking state with the PCS tower. All the aiding information available is then delivered from the communication system to the GPS unit 70 so the locator unit 18 can use it to locate its position. After the GPS unit 70 identifies the location of the locator unit 18, the location information is transferred to the processor 54 and the GPS unit 70 is shut down. The PCS Processor initiates another QNC Internet session. During this communication the central station 12 downloads all location information from within the locator unit 18 and closes the session. The central station 12 now knows the location of the locator unit 18 and is capable of converting this data to coordinate information through the internet or regular communication schemes which average customers can comprehend. The locator unit 18 then returns to the watch mode awaiting a next signal from the control station 12. The central station 12 uses the location data received from the locator unit 18 and converts it to geographic data including landmarks, which can be delivered to the subscriber on the phone or displayed on a map for Internet users.
  • The [0100] locator unit 18 can be programmed to allow the wearer to initiate an emergency locate session. When the user activates the panic button 42, the locator unit 18 contacts the central station 12 indicating emergency action is required. The panic (Alert) button 42 makes the state transition from Watch Mode to Air Time Mode and an internet session is established. The central station 12 notes this emergency contact and starts the locating process as described above. The initial message from the central station 12 includes the base station identification information which is used to indicate which of the appropriate PSATs (Public Service Answering Point) to tie into the emergency session when final location information is received. If the locator unit 18 does not reply in a reasonable period of time, the PSAP is notified of the emergency request with no response. The air time mode then proceeds as discussed above.
  • A non-emergency situation call may also be initiated by the user upon activating the [0101] non-emergency call button 44. The process followed is similar to that when the panic button 42 is activated. When the non-emergency call button 44 is activated, the central station 12 forwards this non-emergency situation information to a contact person in a prioritized contact list. This list is preferably provided to the central station 12 during service registration and allows contacting a guardian without a PSAT 911 emergency call center involved.
  • The pager mode is also illustrated in FIG. 5. The [0102] locator unit 18 has the optional ability to display SMS messages on the display 36 as a pager if a subscriber elects. In such a case, the Watch mode switches to the Pager mode upon receipt of an appropriate SMS message from the central station 12. The unit has a visual note such as a musical note as well as a sonic alert to notify the wearer that a page has been received. The locator unit 18 then displays the received pager message on the display 36.
  • Optionally, the [0103] locator unit 18 is able to receive wired or short range wireless communications to and from a headset/microphone which is received by the headphone port 52 to facilitate cellular communications as PCS phone. Since there is no keypad, the wearer would initiate an internet session, which connects the locator unit 18 to the central station 12 computer. The central station 12 computers have voice recognition software which, when prompted, initiate a call forward to wherever the user requests. The locator unit 18 should be in the Air Time Mode during phone communication.
  • In order to comply with the FCC's requirement to have a cell phones turned off during air travel, the [0104] locator unit 18 is capable of being temporarily shut off by using an authorized Key Fob 46 to shut down the cellular phone circuitry for a specified period of time (from 1 to 24 hours) as set by the user. After this time expires, the locator unit 18 automatically turns on and waits to be called in low power mode. An icon indicating the locator unit 18 is in airplane mode as well as the remaining time until reactivation will be displayed. Additional time can be incremented (or set to zero) if desired through reconnecting the Key Fob.
  • [0105] Key Fobs 74 are used for unlocking and locking the locator unit 18 about the wrist of the user. The Key Fob also contains the battery charging circuitry which, when connected to a wall voltage through the supplied transformer, (to the same port that is used to unlock the locator unit 18), will charge the locator unit 18. Any Key Fob can charge the locator unit 18 but only an authorized Key Fob can unlock or activate the Airplane Mode. Other Key Fobs can be added to be used as authorized or unauthorized charging fobs only for use of the wearer if they are to be away for extended periods. A car battery adapter can also be used with the Key Fob to charge while traveling. Each locator unit 18 can also be programmed to allow up to a predetermined number of key fobs. A single Key Fob can open as many locator units 18 as it has been programmed with no limit. The Key Fob and transformer (battery charger) can be used as a backup method to unlock the locator unit 18 if the battery is depleted to a value too low to open the lock. Additional key fobs can be authorized to the unit via the central station 12 in an over-the-air activation process.
  • The display has the ability to display time, date, page number, or page data. Furthermore, various icons display status of the [0106] locator unit 18 or current mode of operations such as antenna signal strength, lock indicator, Audio mode for page alert, Airplane mode, battery charge level indicator, etc.
  • The [0107] locator unit 18 has tamper and cut detection circuitry 76 which activates a self initiated emergency session which detected that will indicate tampering. If the locator unit 18 is tampered with while not being worn, an alarm signal is generated as soon as it is locked on the wearer.
  • Ephemeris data is downloaded from the [0108] satellites 14 nationwide by the central station 12 as indicated by numeral 25 in FIG. 6 for delivery to the locator unit 18 as required. These ephemeredes are time sensitive and do change continuously. Therefore, this data needs to be constantly refreshes at the central station 12 so it is available at all times.
  • The locator unit's [0109] 18 CDMA processor 54 acts as a thin server to the locator unit's GPS. Due to the limited power available with the power source 56, the GPS receiver is turned off when it is not finding satellites. The GPS when turned on goes through a power up routine, and, since the crystal on the GPS is not adequately warmed up, the drift makes it unsuitable to be used to find the satellites. The system of the present invention synchronizes the frequency of the GPS with the PCS tower frequency. Even though they are different frequencies it is consistent and the phase lock frequency error can be programmed into the GPS software to achieve an accelerated frequency search algorithm. The time accuracy also requires a higher accuracy than what can be supplied in the mobile unit. The required GPS time accuracy is transferred from the PCS tower 22. This could have an error of up to 100 μsec due to the variability of distance from the PCS tower 22 and locator unit 18. The 3-sigma point is then calculated and the time error and this accuracy are used as the seed time for starting the search of the variability from the tower. Since time to first fix is of utmost importance we do not use the GPS as the primary means (backup only when not available from PCS tower) to download the ephermeris from the satellites 14. The PCS phone communications to the central station 12 includes the base station identification number (ID) associated with the location of the tower 22, allowing the central station 12 to select only those satellites 14 visible to the locator unit 18 for the next ephemeris period. The GPS also knows when an ephemeris for a particular satellite 14 is invalid and will eliminate it from its search string.
  • From the above description it can be seen that the personal location detection system of the present invention is able to overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices by providing a personal location detection system which is able to track a missing person in both hostile and non-hostile situations, using the Global Positioning Satellite system (GPS) to determine the location of the user with limited battery power resources. The personal location detection system includes a portable locator device including a communication device for wirelessly connecting to both a communications network and the GPS system and relaying the location determined by the GPS system to a central station via the communications network. The portable locator unit is able to generate a sonic or radio frequency beacon for aiding emergency personnel in pin pointing the location of the user, initiate an emergency call to the central station, whereby, in response to the call, the central station will contact a designated person as to the location and situation regarding the user. The portable locator unit is also able to initiate a non-emergency call to the central station, causing the central station to contact a designated person and initiate a voice call to another party via the central station using the locator unit. Furthermore, the personal location detection system of the present invention is simple and easy to use and economical in cost to manufacture. [0110]
  • It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. [0111]
  • While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. [0112]
  • Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. [0113]

Claims (21)

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
1. A personal locator device comprising:
a) a portable housing able to be worn about the wrist of a user;
b) means for establishing a wireless communication with a central station, said establishing means including a wireless transmitter and wireless receiver;
c) means for contacting a Global Positioning Satellite system for determining a location of said locator device, wherein upon receipt of a location request signal by said wireless receiver from the central station, said locator unit activates said contacting means to contact the GPS system and calculate location data therefrom, and upon completion of the location data calculation, said wireless transmitter transmitting said location data to the central station for analysis; and
d) means for power control of GPS unit and communication transmitter to maximize battery life.
2. The device as recited in
claim 1
, wherein said device further includes a panic button for transmitting an emergency signal to the central station upon detection of an emergency situation by the user, the central station transmitting a location response signal back to said device in response to receipt of the emergency signal.
3. The device as recited in
claim 2
, wherein said device further includes a non-emergency call button for transmitting a location request signal to the central station upon activation by the user, the central station transmitting a location response signal back to said device in response to receipt of the non-emergency signal.
4. The device as recited in
claim 3
, wherein the central station stores a contact list for each location device, the central station informing a person on the contact list as to the location of the locator device upon receipt of the location data in response to activation of the non-emergency call button by the user.
5. The device as recited in
claim 1
, wherein said establishing means utilizes one of a POTS, cellular, PCS or internet communications network.
6. The device as recited in
claim 5
, further comprising a tamper detection sensor for detecting when said device is tampered with and activating said transmitter to transmit an emergency signal to the central station.
7. The device as recited in
claim 1
, further comprising a beacon generator for generating an ultrasonic beacon signal for aiding a person in pinpointing a location of the device.
8. The device as recited in
claim 7
, wherein said beacon generator generates a RF beacon signal.
9. The device as recited in
claim 1
, further comprising an electrical or mechanical key for latching the device about a wrist of the user.
10. The device as recited in
claim 9
, further comprising a latching mechanism activated by a latching command received from the central station for latching said device about the wrist of the user.
11. The device as recited in
claim 1
, further comprising a clock phase locked to a PCS tower, and a voltage controlled oscillator that utilizes voltage information from said clock phase lock loop tracking said PCS tower.
12. The device as recited in
claim 1
, further comprising a microphone for receiving audio signals from the user for transmission to another party via the central station and a speaker for reproduction of audio signals received by said receiver from the other party via the central station.
13. A method for locating a person or object, said method comprising the steps of:
a) attaching a locator unit to the object or person to be tracked;
b) upon receipt of a location request from a subscriber, transmitting a signal from a control station to the locator unit requesting a location of the locator unit;
c) activating a GPS unit connected to the locator unit for receiving GPS satellite signals;
d) aiding GPS signal acquisition to reduce time to first fix by use of voltage information from clock phase lock loop tracking PCS tower clock;
e) calculating location data from the GPS signals;
f) transmitting the location data to the central unit for analysis to determine the location of the locator unit; and
g) informing the subscriber of the location of the locator unit.
14. The method as recited in
claim 13
, further comprising the step of generating a beacon by said locator unit for aiding the subscriber in locating the locator unit when at close range.
15. The method as recited in
claim 13
, wherein said step of attaching includes one of using an electronic key, using a mechanical key or receiving a remote signal from the control station to latch a latching mechanism.
16. The method as recited in
claim 13
, further comprising the step of activating the locator unit to contact the central station and initiate generation of a location request signal upon activation of a non-emergency call button on the locator unit.
17. The method as recited in
claim 16
, further comprising the step of contacting a person identified on a contact list stored by the central station upon receipt of location data from the locator unit.
18. The method as recited in
claim 13
, further comprising the step of activating the locator unit to contact the central station and initiate generation of a location request signal upon activation of a button on the locator unit.
19. The method as recited in
claim 13
, further comprising the step of suspending operation of the locator unit upon activation of an air mode button.
20. The method as recited in
claim 19
, wherein operation of the locator unit is suspended for a predetermined settable time period upon activation of the air mode button.
21. The method as recited in
claim 13
, further comprising the step of monitoring the power level of the locator unit by the central station.
US09/803,799 2000-03-26 2001-03-09 Personal location detection system Expired - Fee Related US6362778B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/803,799 US6362778B2 (en) 2000-03-26 2001-03-09 Personal location detection system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/536,009 US6388612B1 (en) 2000-03-26 2000-03-26 Global cellular position tracking device
US09/803,799 US6362778B2 (en) 2000-03-26 2001-03-09 Personal location detection system

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/536,009 Continuation-In-Part US6388612B1 (en) 2000-03-26 2000-03-26 Global cellular position tracking device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20010026240A1 true US20010026240A1 (en) 2001-10-04
US6362778B2 US6362778B2 (en) 2002-03-26

Family

ID=24136726

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/536,009 Expired - Fee Related US6388612B1 (en) 2000-03-26 2000-03-26 Global cellular position tracking device
US09/803,799 Expired - Fee Related US6362778B2 (en) 2000-03-26 2001-03-09 Personal location detection system

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/536,009 Expired - Fee Related US6388612B1 (en) 2000-03-26 2000-03-26 Global cellular position tracking device

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (2) US6388612B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1290465A4 (en)
JP (1) JP2003529083A (en)
KR (1) KR20030012854A (en)
CN (1) CN1434925A (en)
AU (2) AU5083101A (en)
CA (1) CA2404912C (en)
IL (1) IL151820A0 (en)
MX (1) MXPA02009385A (en)
WO (1) WO2001073466A1 (en)

Cited By (139)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020196151A1 (en) * 2000-12-26 2002-12-26 Troxler Robert Ernest Large area position/proximity correction device with alarms using (D)GPS technology
US20030173408A1 (en) * 2002-03-18 2003-09-18 Precision Dynamics Corporation Enhanced identification appliance
US20030174049A1 (en) * 2002-03-18 2003-09-18 Precision Dynamics Corporation Wearable identification appliance that communicates with a wireless communications network such as bluetooth
WO2004014052A1 (en) * 2002-08-06 2004-02-12 Philip Bernard Wesby System and method for activation of a secure programmable communication device
GB2392331A (en) * 2002-06-28 2004-02-25 Cnw Ltd Tracking system including a portable GPS receiver
US20040046667A1 (en) * 2002-05-14 2004-03-11 Copley Shaun Michael Personal tracking device
US20040073382A1 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-04-15 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Measurement device incorporating a locating device and a portable handheld computer device and associated apparatus, system and method
US20040080420A1 (en) * 2002-10-28 2004-04-29 Roberts Marjorie Ellen Child security alarm bracelet
US20040214568A1 (en) * 2002-03-27 2004-10-28 Uraxs Communications, Inc. Remote UltraWide Band communication system with short messaging and other functions
US6847892B2 (en) * 2001-10-29 2005-01-25 Digital Angel Corporation System for localizing and sensing objects and providing alerts
US20050027466A1 (en) * 2003-07-29 2005-02-03 Jay Steinmetz Wireless collection of battery performance metrics system, method, and computer program product
US20050068169A1 (en) * 2002-05-14 2005-03-31 Copley Shuan Michael Personal tracking device
US20050088301A1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2005-04-28 Paul Abbruscato Direction finder and locator
US20050102103A1 (en) * 2003-09-10 2005-05-12 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for logistics quality of service measurements using GPS
US20050107673A1 (en) * 2003-11-13 2005-05-19 General Motors Corporation System and method for maintaining and providing personal information in real time
GB2409363A (en) * 2003-12-09 2005-06-22 H & G Technology Ltd Personal safety device
US6922633B2 (en) * 2001-12-20 2005-07-26 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Navigation device and method of searching route
US20050200501A1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2005-09-15 Smith Alexander E. Aircraft boundary transition warnings and auto alerting
US20050222754A1 (en) * 2004-03-30 2005-10-06 Naftali Meisler SMS vehicle information system
US20050231375A1 (en) * 2002-08-03 2005-10-20 Kingston John E Alarm signalling device and alarm system
US6980813B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2005-12-27 Norbelle, Llc Locating system and method
US20060036378A1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2006-02-16 Smith Alexander E Airport pavement management system
GB2419057A (en) * 2004-10-06 2006-04-12 Alison Maclennan Device for locating moveable property or goods comprising a GSM and a GPS module
US20060085236A1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2006-04-20 Smith Alexander E Automated management of airport revenues
US20060173782A1 (en) * 2005-02-03 2006-08-03 Ullas Gargi Data access methods, media repository systems, media systems and articles of manufacture
US20060202818A1 (en) * 2005-03-09 2006-09-14 Greenberg Stephen J Pet tracking systems, other tracking systems, and portable virtual fence
US20060208878A1 (en) * 2005-03-03 2006-09-21 Nowlan Steven J Location signaling for transport system
US20060265484A1 (en) * 2005-05-17 2006-11-23 International Business Machines Corporation Managing location information for a group of users
US20060284765A1 (en) * 2005-06-21 2006-12-21 Bernhardt Bruce A Satellite positioning system receivers and methods
US20070001903A1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2007-01-04 Smith Alexander E Use of geo-stationary satellites to augment wide_area multilateration synchronization
US20070010258A1 (en) * 2005-07-06 2007-01-11 Agere Systems Inc. Sender location identifier, method of identifying a sender location and communication system employing the same
WO2007029189A2 (en) * 2005-09-06 2007-03-15 Henderson Penny S A personal locator system
US7194354B1 (en) * 2001-06-19 2007-03-20 Cisco Technology, Inc. System for discovering and maintaining geographic location information in a computer network to enable emergency services
US20070072620A1 (en) * 2005-09-29 2007-03-29 Levitan Benjamin C System and method for recovering a lost or stolen wireless device
US20070069891A1 (en) * 2005-09-28 2007-03-29 Wallace David B Child locator
US20070241887A1 (en) * 2006-04-11 2007-10-18 Bertagna Patrick E Buoyant tracking device and method of manufacture
US7327312B1 (en) * 2000-10-16 2008-02-05 Harris Scott C Position privacy in an electronic device
WO2008018728A1 (en) * 2006-08-07 2008-02-14 Safeon Co., Ltd. Danger signal transmitting portable terminal device and danger management system used thereof
US20080077326A1 (en) * 2006-05-31 2008-03-27 Funk Benjamin E Method and System for Locating and Monitoring First Responders
US20080117101A1 (en) * 2006-11-17 2008-05-22 Vic Pan Geo-location using distributed composite gps signals
US20080191942A1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2008-08-14 Smith Alexander E Method and apparatus to extend ads performance metrics
US20080221402A1 (en) * 2003-01-29 2008-09-11 Despotis George J Integrated patient diagnostic and identification system
US20090002188A1 (en) * 2005-03-09 2009-01-01 Stephen Jay Greenberg Tracking System and Portable Virtual Fence
US7474896B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2009-01-06 Norman Mohi Locating system and method
US20090021357A1 (en) * 2007-07-19 2009-01-22 Alexander Jacobs Evans Wireless and keyless vehicle entry alarm alert system
US20090043504A1 (en) * 2007-05-31 2009-02-12 Amrit Bandyopadhyay System and method for locating, tracking, and/or monitoring the status of personnel and/or assets both indoors and outdoors
US7495612B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2009-02-24 Era Systems Corporation Method and apparatus to improve ADS-B security
US20090097464A1 (en) * 2003-02-03 2009-04-16 Sony Corporation Wireless communication system, wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method and computer program
US20090115601A1 (en) * 2006-02-06 2009-05-07 Bertagna Patrick E Footwear with embedded tracking device and method of manufacture
US20090305724A1 (en) * 2008-06-04 2009-12-10 Tracker Oy Method, device arrangement, terminal and computer software product for distributing telematic data of moving object
US20100016052A1 (en) * 2006-10-11 2010-01-21 Wms Gaming Inc. Location-linked audio/video
USRE41087E1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2010-01-26 Gtx Corp Footwear with GPS
US20100033321A1 (en) * 2008-08-08 2010-02-11 Kaminski Joseph W Tracking system with separated tracking device
US7667647B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2010-02-23 Era Systems Corporation Extension of aircraft tracking and positive identification from movement areas into non-movement areas
US7729684B1 (en) 2001-11-01 2010-06-01 Garmin Ltd. Combined global positioning system receiver and radio
WO2010075546A2 (en) * 2008-12-24 2010-07-01 Mffc Llc Mobile safety and alert system
US7777675B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2010-08-17 Era Systems Corporation Deployable passive broadband aircraft tracking
US7782256B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2010-08-24 Era Systems Corporation Enhanced passive coherent location techniques to track and identify UAVs, UCAVs, MAVs, and other objects
US7822391B1 (en) * 2005-06-30 2010-10-26 Sprint Spectrum L.P. Mobile station emergency beacon system
US7848905B2 (en) 2000-12-26 2010-12-07 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Methods, systems, and computer program products for locating and tracking objects
US20100328152A1 (en) * 1999-04-23 2010-12-30 Charles Abraham Method and apparatus for processing satellite positioning system signals
US7889133B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2011-02-15 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Multilateration enhancements for noise and operations management
US7908077B2 (en) 2003-06-10 2011-03-15 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Land use compatibility planning software
US20110070835A1 (en) * 2009-09-21 2011-03-24 Jaime Borras System and method for effecting context-cognizant medical reminders for a patient
US7965227B2 (en) 2006-05-08 2011-06-21 Era Systems, Inc. Aircraft tracking using low cost tagging as a discriminator
US20110212703A1 (en) * 2002-10-24 2011-09-01 Motorola, Inc. System and method for e911 location privacy protection
US8041330B1 (en) * 2001-09-19 2011-10-18 Sirf Technology Inc. Wireless device capable of producing an emergency beacon
US8072382B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2011-12-06 Sra International, Inc. Method and apparatus for ADS-B validation, active and passive multilateration, and elliptical surveillance
US20110300928A1 (en) * 2004-07-22 2011-12-08 Igt Remote gaming eligibility system and method using rfid tags
US8203486B1 (en) 1999-03-05 2012-06-19 Omnipol A.S. Transmitter independent techniques to extend the performance of passive coherent location
US20120166322A1 (en) * 2010-12-28 2012-06-28 Doug Simon Pet and People Care Management System
US8305264B1 (en) 2010-02-03 2012-11-06 Sprint Spectrum L.P. GPS enhancement for wireless devices
DE102011053242A1 (en) * 2011-09-05 2013-03-07 Mark Breslav Arrangement for finding of small, portable, easily losable object e.g. vehicle key of motor car, has transceiver unit transmitting determined position of object in form of readable message with reception of search signal
WO2013049102A1 (en) * 2011-09-28 2013-04-04 Silverplus, Inc. Low power location-tracking device with combined short-range and wide-area wireless and location capabilities
US20130102253A1 (en) * 2011-10-19 2013-04-25 Qualcomm Incorporated Distributed control of medical devices to avoid effects of interference
US8446321B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2013-05-21 Omnipol A.S. Deployable intelligence and tracking system for homeland security and search and rescue
US8522442B2 (en) * 2008-12-11 2013-09-03 Arne Veidung Hand-held safety apparatus
US20140085084A1 (en) * 2012-09-27 2014-03-27 Loran Technologies, Inc Passive active battery saver tracking system
US20140203932A1 (en) * 2013-01-22 2014-07-24 Cecil W. Turner Electronic self-protection and emergency beacon device for wilderness use
US20140273917A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-09-18 Ekahau Oy Positioning tag with alert function
CN104280754A (en) * 2013-05-14 2015-01-14 顾卫琴 Child wireless tracking method
WO2015019360A1 (en) * 2013-08-05 2015-02-12 Tejas Girish Shah Wearable multi-sensory personal safety and tracking device
US9000915B2 (en) * 2003-08-01 2015-04-07 Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc. Method and system for providing tracking services to locate an asset
US9078078B1 (en) 2011-09-15 2015-07-07 Google Inc. Call forwarding methods and systems
US9183693B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2015-11-10 Cfph, Llc Game access device
US9210621B1 (en) 2013-09-23 2015-12-08 Sprint Spectrum L.P. Method and system for facilitating service level continuity
US9280648B2 (en) 2006-11-14 2016-03-08 Cfph, Llc Conditional biometric access in a gaming environment
US9355518B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2016-05-31 Interactive Games Llc Gaming system with location determination
US9411944B2 (en) 2006-11-15 2016-08-09 Cfph, Llc Biometric access sensitivity
US20160231014A1 (en) * 2015-02-11 2016-08-11 Bitfinder, Inc. Managing environmental conditions
US9430901B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2016-08-30 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US9438306B2 (en) 2012-06-08 2016-09-06 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Method of determining the position of a device and a device that implements the method
US9510171B1 (en) 2012-03-22 2016-11-29 Sprint Spectrum L.P. Provisioning mobile station with destination communication address during de-registration
US20170011626A1 (en) * 2000-08-28 2017-01-12 Inrix Inc., Method and system for modeling and processing vehicular traffic data and information and applying thereof
US20170070849A1 (en) * 2003-02-14 2017-03-09 Qualcomm Incorporated Positioning With Wireless Local Area Networks And WLAN-Aided Global Positioning Systems
US9735823B1 (en) * 2016-02-11 2017-08-15 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Swappable multi-component communication devices and methods
US20170269203A1 (en) * 2016-03-19 2017-09-21 Hipscience, Llc Point of Reference Displacement and Motion Sensor
US9817438B2 (en) 2016-02-11 2017-11-14 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Magnetically-coupled multi-component communication devices and methods
US9892610B1 (en) * 2015-06-04 2018-02-13 Awearable Apparel Inc. Systems, methods, and devices for locating items, people, and/or animals
US9978081B1 (en) * 2010-11-08 2018-05-22 West Corporation Method and apparatus of requesting customized location information at a mobile station
US10082568B1 (en) * 2013-01-22 2018-09-25 Hoyt Mac Layson, JR. Detailed description
US10080346B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-09-25 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system
US10165756B1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2019-01-01 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporating a rapid collar mount and non-necrotic stimulation
US10251371B1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2019-04-09 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporating a system and apparatus for predicting the departure of an animal from a safe zone prior to the animal actually departing
US20190133084A1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2019-05-09 GPSip, Inc. Wireless Location Assisted Zone Guidance System Incorporating a Rapid Collar Mount and Non-Necrotic Stimulation
US10286300B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2019-05-14 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to locations and services
US10342218B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-07-09 GPSip, Inc. GPS dog fence incorporating location guidance and positive reinforcement training
US10347076B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2019-07-09 Interactive Games Llc Network based control of remote system for enabling, disabling, and controlling gaming
US10352707B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-07-16 Trx Systems, Inc. Collaborative creation of indoor maps
US10366562B2 (en) 2007-03-14 2019-07-30 Cfph, Llc Multi-account access device
US10406446B2 (en) 2010-08-13 2019-09-10 Interactive Games Llc Multi-process communication regarding gaming information
US10424153B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2019-09-24 Cfph, Llc Game access device with privileges
US10460566B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2019-10-29 Cfph, Llc System and method for peer-to-peer wireless gaming
US10460557B2 (en) 2006-04-18 2019-10-29 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to a system
US10455810B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-10-29 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system region lookup
US10470437B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-11-12 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system
US10524083B2 (en) 2015-09-02 2019-12-31 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. System and method for low power data routing
US10523685B1 (en) 2018-08-22 2019-12-31 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. System and method for verifying device security
US10535221B2 (en) 2006-10-26 2020-01-14 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US10535223B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2020-01-14 Cfph, Llc Game access device with time varying signal
US20200064491A1 (en) * 2002-04-24 2020-02-27 Ipventure, Inc. Method and apparatus for intelligent acquisition of position information
US10706673B2 (en) 2006-11-14 2020-07-07 Cfph, Llc Biometric access data encryption
US10726664B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2020-07-28 Interactive Games Llc System and method for convenience gaming
US10827298B2 (en) 2000-02-28 2020-11-03 Ipventure, Inc. Method and apparatus for location identification and presentation
US10820575B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-11-03 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporating dynamically variable intervals between sequential position requests
US10856107B2 (en) 2013-08-19 2020-12-01 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. System and method for providing content using beacon systems
US10852441B2 (en) 2018-08-24 2020-12-01 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. Method and system for asset management
US10893662B1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2021-01-19 GPSip, Inc. Animal sensory stimulation with fur impedance detection
WO2021055883A2 (en) 2019-09-18 2021-03-25 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporating secure transmission of location
US10972872B2 (en) * 2017-08-31 2021-04-06 Attenti Electronic Monitoring Ltd Travel compliance detection using body-worn offender monitoring electronic devices
US11019807B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-06-01 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system compatible with large and small land zones
US11032677B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2021-06-08 Ipventure, Inc. Method and system for enhanced messaging using sensor input
US11238398B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2022-02-01 Ipventure, Inc. Tracking movement of objects and notifications therefor
US11297460B2 (en) 2013-08-19 2022-04-05 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. Wireless beacon and methods
US11330419B2 (en) 2000-02-28 2022-05-10 Ipventure, Inc. Method and system for authorized location monitoring
US11436907B2 (en) 2011-06-22 2022-09-06 Thinkware Corporation Safety service system and method thereof
US11516994B1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2022-12-06 GPSip, Inc. Animal sensory stimulation with fur differential impedance detection
US11636727B2 (en) 2005-08-09 2023-04-25 Cfph, Llc System and method for providing wireless gaming as a service application
US11713968B2 (en) 2018-03-17 2023-08-01 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporating secure transmission of location

Families Citing this family (358)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9102220B2 (en) * 1992-05-05 2015-08-11 American Vehicular Sciences Llc Vehicular crash notification system
US20040056088A1 (en) * 2002-09-18 2004-03-25 Mullins Joseph M. Prepayment wristband and computer debit system
US6314406B1 (en) * 1996-06-26 2001-11-06 Telxon Corporation Customer information network
EP0993739A1 (en) * 1997-05-21 2000-04-19 E.S.P. Communications, Inc. System, method and apparatus for "caller only" initiated two-way wireless communication with caller generated billing
US20080207197A1 (en) 1997-07-30 2008-08-28 Steven Tischer Apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium for interfacing devices with communications networks
US7149514B1 (en) * 1997-07-30 2006-12-12 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corp. Cellular docking station
US6560461B1 (en) 1997-08-04 2003-05-06 Mundi Fomukong Authorized location reporting paging system
US6484027B1 (en) 1998-06-15 2002-11-19 Sbc Technology Resources, Inc. Enhanced wireless handset, including direct handset-to-handset communication mode
US6671351B2 (en) * 1998-10-21 2003-12-30 Royal Thoughts, L.L.C. Assisted personal communication system and method
US6759956B2 (en) * 1998-10-23 2004-07-06 Royal Thoughts, L.L.C. Bi-directional wireless detection system
US7138902B2 (en) * 1998-10-23 2006-11-21 Royal Thoughts, Llc Personal medical device communication system and method
US7088233B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2006-08-08 Royal Thoughts, Llc Personal medical device communication system and method
US8321124B2 (en) * 1999-03-31 2012-11-27 C2 Global Technologies, Inc. Security and tracking system
US6889135B2 (en) 1999-03-31 2005-05-03 C2 Global Technologies, Inc. Security and tracking system
US6606556B2 (en) * 1999-03-31 2003-08-12 C2 Global Technologies, Inc. Security and tracking system
US6172640B1 (en) * 1999-06-18 2001-01-09 Jennifer Durst Pet locator
US6441778B1 (en) 1999-06-18 2002-08-27 Jennifer Durst Pet locator
US6236358B1 (en) * 1999-06-18 2001-05-22 Jennifer Durst Mobile object locator
US7171221B1 (en) * 1999-12-20 2007-01-30 Cingular Wirelesss Ii, Llc System and method for automatically transferring a call from a first telephone to a designated telephone in close proximity
US6963283B1 (en) * 2000-02-15 2005-11-08 Gonzalez Thomas A Child alert system
US6975941B1 (en) 2002-04-24 2005-12-13 Chung Lau Method and apparatus for intelligent acquisition of position information
US7212829B1 (en) 2000-02-28 2007-05-01 Chung Lau Method and system for providing shipment tracking and notifications
US7321774B1 (en) 2002-04-24 2008-01-22 Ipventure, Inc. Inexpensive position sensing device
CA2409851C (en) 2000-05-23 2013-03-26 Actineon Inc. Programmable communicator
US7103344B2 (en) * 2000-06-08 2006-09-05 Menard Raymond J Device with passive receiver
GB0015328D0 (en) * 2000-06-22 2000-08-16 Envopak Group Ltd Locking system
US7398069B2 (en) * 2000-07-10 2008-07-08 Honeywell International Inc. Navigation morse decode display
US6961659B2 (en) * 2000-07-12 2005-11-01 Ricoh Company Limited Method and system of remote position reporting device
US7584033B2 (en) 2000-08-31 2009-09-01 Strategic Design Federation W. Inc. Automobile monitoring for operation analysis
US20050030175A1 (en) * 2003-08-07 2005-02-10 Wolfe Daniel G. Security apparatus, system, and method
US20050179541A1 (en) * 2001-08-31 2005-08-18 Red Wolf Technologies, Inc. Personal property security device
EP1318864B1 (en) * 2000-09-11 2005-11-30 NBGS International, Inc Water amusement system and method
US20020034953A1 (en) * 2000-09-19 2002-03-21 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson Methods and apparatus for locating portable electronic devices
US6799049B1 (en) * 2000-12-19 2004-09-28 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation System and method for tracking movement of a wireless device
US7672947B2 (en) * 2000-12-22 2010-03-02 James H. Kerr, Sr. Asset attachment device
US6912399B2 (en) * 2001-01-22 2005-06-28 Royal Thoughts, Llc Cellular telephone with programmable authorized telephone number
US20040218732A1 (en) * 2001-01-22 2004-11-04 Royal Thoughts, L.L.C. Assisted personal communication system and method
US20020119791A1 (en) * 2001-02-28 2002-08-29 Zhongze Bai Method and system for locating target destinations within short ranges
US6788199B2 (en) * 2001-03-12 2004-09-07 Eureka Technology Partners, Llc Article locator system
US20040066302A1 (en) * 2001-03-28 2004-04-08 Menard Raymond J. Interactive motion sensitive sensor
WO2002095438A2 (en) * 2001-05-22 2002-11-28 Geospatial Technologies, Inc. A durable global asset-tracking device and a method of using the same
US6660935B2 (en) * 2001-05-25 2003-12-09 Gelcore Llc LED extrusion light engine and connector therefor
US20030013438A1 (en) * 2001-07-12 2003-01-16 Darby George Eugene Pocket concierge system and method
US6894609B2 (en) * 2001-07-17 2005-05-17 Royal Thoughts, Llc Electrical power control and sensor module for a wireless system
US6703936B2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2004-03-09 Veridian Engineering, Inc. System and method for tracking movement of individuals
US20030070085A1 (en) * 2001-10-10 2003-04-10 Silvester Kelan C. Using a communication protocol to provide security services
US7466992B1 (en) 2001-10-18 2008-12-16 Iwao Fujisaki Communication device
US20030099162A1 (en) 2001-11-29 2003-05-29 Field Jean Marie Snag-free wrist watch
JP3596518B2 (en) * 2001-11-29 2004-12-02 日本電気株式会社 Mobile phone terminal
US20030210140A1 (en) * 2001-12-06 2003-11-13 Menard Raymond J. Wireless management of portable toilet facilities
US6545637B1 (en) * 2001-12-20 2003-04-08 Garmin, Ltd. Systems and methods for a navigational device with improved route calculation capabilities
US20030117316A1 (en) * 2001-12-21 2003-06-26 Steve Tischer Systems and methods for locating and tracking a wireless device
US20030125045A1 (en) * 2001-12-27 2003-07-03 Riley Wyatt Thomas Creating and using base station almanac information in a wireless communication system having a position location capability
US7383049B2 (en) * 2001-12-27 2008-06-03 Qualcomm Incorporated Automation of maintenance and improvement of location service parameters in a data base of a wireless mobile communication system
FR2834572B1 (en) * 2002-01-08 2004-07-09 Ge Med Sys Global Tech Co Llc RADIOLOGICAL IMAGING SYSTEM, MEDICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF INTERNAL CLOCKS AND SYNCHRONIZATION METHOD
US7221287B2 (en) * 2002-03-05 2007-05-22 Triangle Software Llc Three-dimensional traffic report
US20040203843A1 (en) * 2002-03-15 2004-10-14 Csi Wireless Llc Wireless Phone apparatus having an emergency beacon and method for activation thereof
US7316358B2 (en) * 2002-03-18 2008-01-08 Precision Dynamics Corporation Identification band with adhesively attached coupling elements
US20030179735A1 (en) * 2002-03-23 2003-09-25 Ramachandran Suresh System and method of portable data management
US7179173B2 (en) 2002-03-25 2007-02-20 Nbgs International Inc. Control system for water amusement devices
US7020503B2 (en) * 2002-03-27 2006-03-28 Nokia Corporation Method and system for determining mechanical strain in a mobile phone
US6961001B1 (en) 2002-03-29 2005-11-01 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Perimeter monitoring alarm method and system
US7061381B2 (en) * 2002-04-05 2006-06-13 Beezerbug Incorporated Ultrasonic transmitter and receiver systems and products using the same
US7366148B2 (en) * 2002-04-11 2008-04-29 John Hopkins University Intrusion detection system for wireless networks
JP2003319433A (en) * 2002-04-19 2003-11-07 Fujitsu Ltd Monitor for monitoring installing position of communication apparatus and monitor system
US6993592B2 (en) * 2002-05-01 2006-01-31 Microsoft Corporation Location measurement process for radio-frequency badges
US6948271B2 (en) * 2002-05-06 2005-09-27 Innovative Supply, Inc. Identification and tracking system for deceased bodies
US6825767B2 (en) 2002-05-08 2004-11-30 Charles Humbard Subscription system for monitoring user well being
US6774799B2 (en) * 2002-06-03 2004-08-10 Pro Tech Monitoring, Inc. House arrest tracker system
US8543098B2 (en) 2002-07-15 2013-09-24 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Apparatus and method for securely providing communications between devices and networks
US8526466B2 (en) * 2002-07-15 2013-09-03 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Apparatus and method for prioritizing communications between devices
US7200424B2 (en) 2002-07-15 2007-04-03 Bellsouth Intelectual Property Corporation Systems and methods for restricting the use and movement of telephony devices
US8000682B2 (en) 2002-07-15 2011-08-16 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Apparatus and method for restricting access to data
US20100226481A1 (en) * 2002-07-15 2010-09-09 Steven Tischer Apparatus and method for providing emergency and alarm communications
US8416804B2 (en) 2002-07-15 2013-04-09 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Apparatus and method for providing a user interface for facilitating communications between devices
US8533070B2 (en) * 2002-07-15 2013-09-10 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Apparatus and method for aggregating and accessing data according to user information
US8554187B2 (en) * 2002-07-15 2013-10-08 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Apparatus and method for routing communications between networks and devices
US8275371B2 (en) * 2002-07-15 2012-09-25 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Apparatus and method for providing communications and connection-oriented services to devices
US6801853B2 (en) * 2002-08-15 2004-10-05 Trimble Navigation Limited Portable motion-activated position reporting device
US6907238B2 (en) * 2002-08-30 2005-06-14 Qualcomm Incorporated Beacon for locating and tracking wireless terminals
US20040198382A1 (en) * 2002-10-15 2004-10-07 Hammond Wong GPS children locator
US20040203964A1 (en) * 2002-10-18 2004-10-14 Track 14 Inc. Tracking system and method thereof
US20040121756A1 (en) * 2002-12-19 2004-06-24 Griffin Robbin M. Individual emergency tracking system
US20040176106A1 (en) * 2003-01-29 2004-09-09 Tendler Robert K. System for location reporting
US7256711B2 (en) * 2003-02-14 2007-08-14 Networks In Motion, Inc. Method and system for saving and retrieving spatial related information
US6784833B1 (en) * 2003-02-21 2004-08-31 Lockheed Martin Corporation Personal surveillance system with locating capabilities
AU2004221099B2 (en) * 2003-03-20 2010-02-18 Office Misumi Co. Ltd. Communication system, communication method, and program thereof
US20040192386A1 (en) * 2003-03-26 2004-09-30 Naveen Aerrabotu Method and apparatus for multiple subscriber identities in a mobile communication device
US20040224720A1 (en) * 2003-05-07 2004-11-11 Huei-Hsin Sun Transceiver for locator
US7071821B2 (en) * 2003-05-14 2006-07-04 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation Method and system for alerting a person to a situation
DE602004016324D1 (en) * 2003-05-26 2008-10-16 Securecom Technologies Ltd PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE
US7098787B2 (en) * 2003-05-29 2006-08-29 Intel Corporation System and method for signaling emergency responses
US20040246096A1 (en) * 2003-06-05 2004-12-09 Queenan Joseph A. Secure electronic compartment lock and method therfor
US7132944B1 (en) * 2003-06-06 2006-11-07 Innovative Control Systems, Inc. Microprocessor controlled security tag
US20040266425A1 (en) * 2003-06-24 2004-12-30 Sbc, Inc. Wireless wide area network charger and cradle
US7627091B2 (en) * 2003-06-25 2009-12-01 Avaya Inc. Universal emergency number ELIN based on network address ranges
US7098788B2 (en) * 2003-07-10 2006-08-29 University Of Florida Research Foundation, Inc. Remote surveillance and assisted care using a mobile communication device
US7123928B2 (en) * 2003-07-21 2006-10-17 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and apparatus for creating and using a base station almanac for position determination
NL1023969C2 (en) * 2003-07-21 2005-01-24 Heineken Tech Services Assembly of beverage dispensing device and container provided with a pressure medium reservoir.
US7126472B2 (en) * 2003-07-22 2006-10-24 Mark W Kraus System and method of providing emergency response to a user carrying a user device
US20050017866A1 (en) * 2003-07-25 2005-01-27 Woods Martha H. Personal emergency alert alarm
US7610145B2 (en) 2003-07-25 2009-10-27 Triangle Software Llc System and method for determining recommended departure time
US7138914B2 (en) * 2003-08-01 2006-11-21 Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc. Method and system for providing tracking services to locate an asset
US20060276232A1 (en) * 2003-08-05 2006-12-07 Engevold Tamara L Cell phone for the young, elderly and disabled
US7123141B2 (en) * 2003-08-20 2006-10-17 Contestabile Robert A Electronic monitoring systems and methods
US20050048988A1 (en) * 2003-08-28 2005-03-03 Gentle Christopher Reon Method and apparatus for locating a telecommunication terminal
US7616950B2 (en) * 2003-09-04 2009-11-10 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Call forwarding control device and method of call management
US7239690B2 (en) * 2003-09-05 2007-07-03 Sbc Knowledge Ventures, L.P. System and method for identifying redirected calls
US8526977B2 (en) * 2003-09-23 2013-09-03 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Location based call routing for call answering services
US7769392B2 (en) * 2003-09-23 2010-08-03 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Method and system for forwarding wireless communications
US20050064853A1 (en) * 2003-09-23 2005-03-24 Sbc Knowledge Ventures, L.P. Unified telephone handset for personal communications based on wireline and wireless network convergence
KR20050030755A (en) * 2003-09-26 2005-03-31 유티스타콤코리아 유한회사 Device and method for tracking position of people/object using mobile communication network
US7619513B2 (en) 2003-10-03 2009-11-17 Satellite Tracking Of People Llc System and method for tracking movement of individuals
CA2485007A1 (en) * 2003-10-17 2005-04-17 Terence M. Fitzgerald Wireless locating and communication system
US7229359B2 (en) 2003-10-24 2007-06-12 Henry, Schooley & Associates, L.L.C. Continuous water ride
US7577427B2 (en) * 2003-11-05 2009-08-18 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. System and method of transitioning between cellular and voice over internet protocol communication
US7742589B2 (en) * 2003-11-10 2010-06-22 At&T Intellectual Property I, Lp Distinctive call waiting based on a redirecting number
US20050114706A1 (en) * 2003-11-26 2005-05-26 Destefano Jason Michael System and method for the collection and transmission of log data over a wide area network
US7181228B2 (en) * 2003-12-31 2007-02-20 Corporation For National Research Initiatives System and method for establishing and monitoring the relative location of group members
US7228139B1 (en) * 2004-01-28 2007-06-05 On-Board Communications, Inc. Location processing system
US7398081B2 (en) * 2004-02-04 2008-07-08 Modu Ltd. Device and system for selective wireless communication with contact list memory
US20050186938A1 (en) * 2004-02-25 2005-08-25 Fellowship Technologies, Inc. System and apparatus for locating lost persons or animals
US7130385B1 (en) 2004-03-05 2006-10-31 Avaya Technology Corp. Advanced port-based E911 strategy for IP telephony
WO2005085897A1 (en) * 2004-03-08 2005-09-15 An Heui Tay Positioning system using ultrasonic waves and method for controlling the same
US7493124B2 (en) * 2004-03-15 2009-02-17 Motorola, Inc. Method and apparatus for updating information within a communication system
US9137771B2 (en) * 2004-04-02 2015-09-15 Qualcomm Incorporated Methods and apparatuses for beacon assisted position determination systems
US20050256720A1 (en) * 2004-05-12 2005-11-17 Iorio Laura M Voice-activated audio/visual locator with voice recognition
US20050258958A1 (en) * 2004-05-18 2005-11-24 Joseph Lai Personal emergency locator transmitter (ELT) apparatus
WO2005116852A2 (en) * 2004-05-20 2005-12-08 Manyworlds, Inc. Adaptive recombinant processes
CA2508738C (en) 2004-06-01 2013-12-03 Frank M. Franczyk Vehicle warning system
KR20050114556A (en) * 2004-06-01 2005-12-06 삼성전자주식회사 Apparatus and method of setting up talk session in ptt service providing system
US20050277431A1 (en) * 2004-06-14 2005-12-15 Sbc Knowledge Ventures, Lp System and method for managing wireless data communications
US20060003806A1 (en) * 2004-07-02 2006-01-05 Sbc Knowledge Ventures, L.P. Phone synchronization device and method of handling personal information
US7292159B2 (en) * 2004-07-14 2007-11-06 Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc. Method and system for providing tracking services to locate an asset
US7246746B2 (en) * 2004-08-03 2007-07-24 Avaya Technology Corp. Integrated real-time automated location positioning asset management system
US7580837B2 (en) 2004-08-12 2009-08-25 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. System and method for targeted tuning module of a speech recognition system
US7536188B1 (en) 2004-09-01 2009-05-19 Avaya Inc. Communication device locating system
US7388512B1 (en) 2004-09-03 2008-06-17 Daniel F. Moorer, Jr. Diver locating method and apparatus
US20060048344A1 (en) * 2004-09-03 2006-03-09 Cavanagh Peter R Locking therapeutic device
US20060061483A1 (en) * 2004-09-17 2006-03-23 Smith Timothy D Monitoring and security system and method
US20060061201A1 (en) * 2004-09-21 2006-03-23 Skinner Charles W Seat belt restraint and alarm system and method of use thereof
US8032179B2 (en) * 2004-10-20 2011-10-04 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. System and method for making and receiving cellular telephone calls at a wired analog telephone device
US7706977B2 (en) * 2004-10-26 2010-04-27 Honeywell International Inc. Personal navigation device for use with portable device
US7924152B1 (en) * 2004-11-01 2011-04-12 Sayo Isaac Daniel Interactive video gaming footwear including means for transmitting location information to a remote party
US7265666B2 (en) 2004-11-01 2007-09-04 Sayo Isaac Daniel Footwear covert alarm and locator apparatus
US20060105782A1 (en) * 2004-11-12 2006-05-18 Cameron Brock Method and apparatus for controlling a geo-tracking device
US7597630B2 (en) * 2004-11-24 2009-10-06 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Water amusement park conveyors
US7497784B2 (en) * 2004-11-24 2009-03-03 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Rollable carrier ride
US7242751B2 (en) 2004-12-06 2007-07-10 Sbc Knowledge Ventures, L.P. System and method for speech recognition-enabled automatic call routing
US7205889B2 (en) * 2004-12-08 2007-04-17 Howe Jr Paul E System for monitoring a person's location in a defined area
GB2421619B (en) * 2004-12-09 2009-12-23 Dean John William Corrigan A communications system
DE212004000093U1 (en) * 2004-12-14 2007-06-06 Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc., Carrollton A system for providing tracking services for locating an object
TWI261525B (en) * 2004-12-24 2006-09-11 Giga Byte Tech Co Ltd Motion analyzing device and method for mobile product
US20060152359A1 (en) * 2004-12-27 2006-07-13 Jimason James A "Mayah project" - child recovery system
US7751551B2 (en) 2005-01-10 2010-07-06 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. System and method for speech-enabled call routing
US20060244461A1 (en) * 2005-01-19 2006-11-02 Yuh-Shen Song Intelligent portable personal communication device
US7589616B2 (en) * 2005-01-20 2009-09-15 Avaya Inc. Mobile devices including RFID tag readers
US20070229350A1 (en) * 2005-02-01 2007-10-04 Scalisi Joseph F Apparatus and Method for Providing Location Information on Individuals and Objects using Tracking Devices
US7728724B1 (en) 2005-02-01 2010-06-01 Location Based Technologies, Inc. System for locating individuals and objects
US7598855B2 (en) * 2005-02-01 2009-10-06 Location Based Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method for locating individuals and objects using tracking devices
US7321305B2 (en) * 2005-07-05 2008-01-22 Pinc Solutions Systems and methods for determining a location of an object
US7236091B2 (en) * 2005-02-10 2007-06-26 Pinc Solutions Position-tracking system
US7245215B2 (en) * 2005-02-10 2007-07-17 Pinc Solutions Position-tracking device for position-tracking system
US8260323B1 (en) 2005-02-24 2012-09-04 Agere Systems Inc. Utilization of existing network infrastructure to provide person tracking capabilities
US8107625B2 (en) * 2005-03-31 2012-01-31 Avaya Inc. IP phone intruder security monitoring system
US7353034B2 (en) 2005-04-04 2008-04-01 X One, Inc. Location sharing and tracking using mobile phones or other wireless devices
US20070033867A1 (en) * 2005-04-20 2007-02-15 Henry Jeffery W Composite tree
US7657020B2 (en) 2005-06-03 2010-02-02 At&T Intellectual Property I, Lp Call routing system and method of using the same
US8005204B2 (en) * 2005-06-03 2011-08-23 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Call routing system and method of using the same
GB2428542A (en) * 2005-07-19 2007-01-31 Alexander Taylor Wristband locating device
GB0515124D0 (en) * 2005-07-22 2005-08-31 M M I Res Ltd Methods of setting up a call with, and determining the direction of a mobile device
US7727077B2 (en) * 2005-08-03 2010-06-01 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Water amusement park water channel flow system
US7775895B2 (en) * 2005-08-03 2010-08-17 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Water amusement park water channel and adjustable flow controller
US7330122B2 (en) * 2005-08-10 2008-02-12 Remotemdx, Inc. Remote tracking and communication device
US7371183B2 (en) * 2005-08-30 2008-05-13 Henry, Schooley & Associates, L.L.C. Water amusement park conveyors
US7815514B2 (en) * 2005-08-30 2010-10-19 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Water amusement park conveyor barriers
US7762899B2 (en) 2005-08-30 2010-07-27 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Water amusement park conveyor support elements
US8282497B2 (en) * 2005-08-30 2012-10-09 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Modular water amusement park conveyors
US20070049386A1 (en) * 2005-08-30 2007-03-01 Henry Jeffery W Adjusting participant flow rate in water amusement parks
US20070054745A1 (en) 2005-09-02 2007-03-08 Henry Jeffery W Methods and systems for thermal control systems for self-contained floating marine parks
US7758435B2 (en) 2005-09-02 2010-07-20 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Amusement water rides involving interactive user environments
US8210954B2 (en) 2005-09-02 2012-07-03 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Amusement water rides involving exercise circuits
US7857704B2 (en) * 2005-09-15 2010-12-28 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Amusement water rides involving games of chance
US7821386B1 (en) 2005-10-11 2010-10-26 Avaya Inc. Departure-based reminder systems
US7498937B2 (en) * 2005-11-08 2009-03-03 Errol Martin A-Z locator
WO2007062244A2 (en) * 2005-11-28 2007-05-31 White Bear Technologies Position monitoring system
US7289031B1 (en) * 2005-11-30 2007-10-30 Carol G. Hock Monitored felon warning system
US7620404B2 (en) * 2005-12-22 2009-11-17 Pascal Chesnais Methods and apparatus for organizing and presenting contact information in a mobile communication system
US8023883B1 (en) 2005-12-28 2011-09-20 The Directv Group, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling handoffs in a mobile system
US20070149218A1 (en) * 2005-12-28 2007-06-28 The Directv Group, Inc. Method and apparatus for conveying regions for controlling a mobile device based upon location
US7446702B2 (en) * 2005-12-28 2008-11-04 Giga-Byte Communications Inc. Position data exchange systems, mobile communication devices, and methods
US9316738B2 (en) * 2005-12-28 2016-04-19 The Directv Group, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling a mobile device beyond an area of interest boundary
US20070171047A1 (en) * 2006-01-25 2007-07-26 Goodman Gregory D Device and system for locating and providing status of persons, animals or objects
US7592918B2 (en) 2006-02-21 2009-09-22 Karr Lawrence J Electronic fence mode alert system and method
US7573381B2 (en) * 2006-02-21 2009-08-11 Karr Lawrence J Reverse locator
US7791470B2 (en) * 2006-02-21 2010-09-07 Roundtrip Llc Spin around direction and distance locator
US7762900B2 (en) * 2006-03-14 2010-07-27 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Method and system of positionable covers for water amusement parks
US20070229282A1 (en) * 2006-03-31 2007-10-04 Lowes Cynthia A Identification and tracking tag
US8023959B2 (en) * 2006-06-28 2011-09-20 Motorola Mobility, Inc. Method and system for personal area networks
US10049077B2 (en) 2006-06-30 2018-08-14 Intel Corporation Handheld device for elderly people
US8797210B2 (en) * 2006-07-14 2014-08-05 Securealert, Inc. Remote tracking device and a system and method for two-way voice communication between the device and a monitoring center
US7545318B2 (en) 2006-07-14 2009-06-09 Remotemdx Remote tracking system and device with variable sampling and sending capabilities based on environmental factors
US7737841B2 (en) * 2006-07-14 2010-06-15 Remotemdx Alarm and alarm management system for remote tracking devices
US7936262B2 (en) * 2006-07-14 2011-05-03 Securealert, Inc. Remote tracking system with a dedicated monitoring center
DE102006036375A1 (en) * 2006-08-02 2008-02-07 Navigon Ag Device and method for determining the geographical position of a person
MX2009002238A (en) * 2006-08-27 2009-09-21 My Mobile Watch Ltd Gsm mobile watch phone.
AU2006203711A1 (en) * 2006-08-27 2008-03-13 Hutcheson, Gavin James Mr GSM mobile watch phone
US20080062120A1 (en) * 2006-09-11 2008-03-13 Lorraine Wheeler Location tracking system
CN100573188C (en) * 2006-09-30 2009-12-23 郝允升 Method for tracking moving target and tracker
US7917155B2 (en) 2006-10-27 2011-03-29 Roundtrip Llc Location of cooperative tags with personal electronic device
US8659434B2 (en) * 2006-11-29 2014-02-25 Joan Sanger System and method for reducing recidivism and aid in transition from a structured living situation to a less structured situation
US20080129487A1 (en) * 2006-11-30 2008-06-05 Crucs Holdings, Llc System and method for managing characteristics of a domain occupied by individuals
US7705728B2 (en) * 2006-12-18 2010-04-27 Motorola, Inc. Selectively sending notifications when an object tracking device is outside a range of an anchor beacon
US7639131B2 (en) * 2006-12-18 2009-12-29 Motorola, Inc. Tracking device that conserves power using a sleep mode when proximate to an anchor beacon
US7769380B2 (en) * 2006-12-20 2010-08-03 King Fahd University Of Petroleum And Minerals Method for reducing the rate of registration in CDMA-based mobile networks
ITBO20060886A1 (en) * 2006-12-28 2008-06-29 Sauro Bazzani SYSTEM FOR LOCALIZING LOCAL OBJECTS
US8175514B2 (en) 2007-01-22 2012-05-08 The Directv Group, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing preauthorization for a mobile receiving device to access wireless networks
GB2445981A (en) * 2007-01-26 2008-07-30 Convert Asset Tracking Systems Tracking device combining a GPS, cellular and RF chip
GB2459816B (en) * 2007-02-12 2011-06-29 Jjck Llc Remotely activatable locator system and method
US8005456B2 (en) * 2007-02-12 2011-08-23 Jjck, Llc Remotely activatable locator with voice/data relay
US8208892B2 (en) * 2007-02-12 2012-06-26 Trueposition, Inc. Remotely activatable locator system and method using a wireless location system
CA2680226A1 (en) 2007-03-14 2008-09-18 Epos Development Ltd. Mems microphone
WO2008120917A1 (en) * 2007-03-30 2008-10-09 Eui-Su Kang Emergency call device
US8244468B2 (en) * 2007-11-06 2012-08-14 Location Based Technology Inc. System and method for creating and managing a personalized web interface for monitoring location information on individuals and objects using tracking devices
US9111189B2 (en) * 2007-10-31 2015-08-18 Location Based Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method for manufacturing an electronic package
US8774827B2 (en) 2007-04-05 2014-07-08 Location Based Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method for generating position fix of a tracking device in accordance with a subscriber service usage profile to conserve tracking device power
US8102256B2 (en) 2008-01-06 2012-01-24 Location Based Technologies Inc. Apparatus and method for determining location and tracking coordinates of a tracking device
US8224355B2 (en) 2007-11-06 2012-07-17 Location Based Technologies Inc. System and method for improved communication bandwidth utilization when monitoring location information
US8497774B2 (en) 2007-04-05 2013-07-30 Location Based Technologies Inc. Apparatus and method for adjusting refresh rate of location coordinates of a tracking device
US20080256687A1 (en) * 2007-04-23 2008-10-23 Spencer Brycen L Helmet
US8131421B2 (en) * 2007-05-29 2012-03-06 Fujifilm Recording Media U.S.A., Inc. System and method for tracking media
US9395190B1 (en) 2007-05-31 2016-07-19 Trx Systems, Inc. Crowd sourced mapping with robust structural features
US9189951B2 (en) 2007-06-01 2015-11-17 Iii Holdings 2, Llc Portable device emergency beacon
US7831259B2 (en) * 2007-06-22 2010-11-09 Cisco Technology, Inc. Sharing and tracking real-time location for mobile users
US8971926B2 (en) * 2007-07-05 2015-03-03 The Directv Group, Inc. Method and apparatus for warning a mobile user approaching a boundary of an area of interest
US20090049722A1 (en) * 2007-08-20 2009-02-26 Agog Limited Wristband with blood-type information
FR2920238A1 (en) * 2007-08-23 2009-02-27 Stephane Fargette Alert message triggering apparatus for use during e.g. kidnapping of child, has control unit to control emission of messages that permit position determination technology of apparatus as result of activation of unit
US8797209B2 (en) * 2007-09-11 2014-08-05 Qualcomm Incorporated Optimized ordering of assistance data in a mobile radio network
DE102007048696A1 (en) * 2007-10-11 2009-04-30 T-Mobile International Ag Locking system, especially car keys via Bluetooth
US8654974B2 (en) * 2007-10-18 2014-02-18 Location Based Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method to provide secure communication over an insecure communication channel for location information using tracking devices
US20090289785A1 (en) * 2007-12-19 2009-11-26 Ellen Leonard GPS Tracking System for Individuals, Pets or Possessions
US20090174548A1 (en) * 2008-01-04 2009-07-09 Musical Electronics Limited Tracking system
CN101252622B (en) * 2008-02-25 2012-03-21 简显芳 Electronic enquiry, automatic answering system using public communication network
WO2009111702A2 (en) * 2008-03-07 2009-09-11 Remotemdx A system and method for monitoring individuals using a beacon and intelligent remote tracking device
CN105472555A (en) * 2008-03-07 2016-04-06 沈玮仑 Device and method for communication with GPS equipment
US20090237256A1 (en) * 2008-03-18 2009-09-24 Joe Garrison System for locating an Alzheimer's patient
TW200946943A (en) * 2008-05-06 2009-11-16 Inventec Appliances Corp Method and system of trace-position
US7956753B2 (en) * 2008-05-06 2011-06-07 Fogg Filler Company Tether apparatus
US20090289844A1 (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-26 White Bear Technologies Position monitoring system
TWM348293U (en) * 2008-06-25 2009-01-01 Micro Star Int Co Ltd Portable tracking alarm device
CN101626541A (en) * 2008-07-08 2010-01-13 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 Mobile communication device and method for reporting location thereof
US8451984B2 (en) * 2008-07-25 2013-05-28 Ethan Allen Walker, III Remotely actuated two-way speakerphone for use with call-for-help systems
US7492251B1 (en) 2008-09-01 2009-02-17 Daniel A. Katz Dual mode personal locator beacon
US8442766B2 (en) 2008-10-02 2013-05-14 Certusview Technologies, Llc Marking apparatus having enhanced features for underground facility marking operations, and associated methods and systems
US8478228B2 (en) * 2008-10-20 2013-07-02 Qualcomm Incorporated Mobile receiver with location services capability
US8098190B2 (en) * 2008-10-24 2012-01-17 Acr Electronics, Inc. Apparatus and method for testing emergency locator beacons
US8011124B1 (en) 2008-10-28 2011-09-06 Safe And Secure Legacy, Llc Bracelet identification system and method
CN101750598B (en) * 2008-12-03 2012-06-27 中国科学院自动化研究所 Wearable indoor positioning system based on radio frequency identification technology and method thereof
US8079916B2 (en) 2008-12-18 2011-12-20 Water Ride Concepts, Inc. Themed amusement river ride system
US9232055B2 (en) * 2008-12-23 2016-01-05 Avaya Inc. SIP presence based notifications
US7992258B1 (en) * 2009-01-16 2011-08-09 Catherine Stitser Customized sports safety grips
CA2897462A1 (en) 2009-02-11 2010-05-04 Certusview Technologies, Llc Management system, and associated methods and apparatus, for providing automatic assessment of a locate operation
US8982116B2 (en) * 2009-03-04 2015-03-17 Pelmorex Canada Inc. Touch screen based interaction with traffic data
US9046924B2 (en) * 2009-03-04 2015-06-02 Pelmorex Canada Inc. Gesture based interaction with traffic data
US8619072B2 (en) 2009-03-04 2013-12-31 Triangle Software Llc Controlling a three-dimensional virtual broadcast presentation
CN101852848B (en) * 2009-04-01 2013-07-31 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 Active globe positioning tracing equipment and position reporting method thereof
US8600297B2 (en) * 2009-07-28 2013-12-03 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and system for femto cell self-timing and self-locating
US9264151B1 (en) 2009-07-29 2016-02-16 Shopkick, Inc. Method and system for presence detection
US10304069B2 (en) 2009-07-29 2019-05-28 Shopkick, Inc. Method and system for presentment and redemption of personalized discounts
US9633327B2 (en) 2009-09-25 2017-04-25 Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. Sensor zone management
US8239169B2 (en) 2009-09-25 2012-08-07 Gregory Timothy L Portable computing device and method for asset management in a logistics system
US8299920B2 (en) 2009-09-25 2012-10-30 Fedex Corporate Services, Inc. Sensor based logistics system
US8588733B2 (en) * 2009-11-11 2013-11-19 Lifestream Corporation Wireless device emergency services connection and panic button, with crime and safety information system
US8508361B2 (en) * 2010-01-15 2013-08-13 Paul S. Paolini Personal locator device for a child having an integrated mobile communication device that qualifies to be carried in an educational setting
WO2011116330A2 (en) 2010-03-19 2011-09-22 Seek And Find As Seek and find location method, system and apparatus
US9092963B2 (en) * 2010-03-29 2015-07-28 Qualcomm Incorporated Wireless tracking device
US8514070B2 (en) 2010-04-07 2013-08-20 Securealert, Inc. Tracking device incorporating enhanced security mounting strap
US9183560B2 (en) 2010-05-28 2015-11-10 Daniel H. Abelow Reality alternate
BE1019374A3 (en) * 2010-06-15 2012-06-05 New Sentinel METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NON - INTRUSIVE GEOLOCATION.
US8856837B2 (en) * 2010-06-30 2014-10-07 Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. Location-based tuner
EP2407948B1 (en) * 2010-07-15 2013-08-28 Boomslang Instruments AB Sensor system for a personal alarm security device
US9046413B2 (en) 2010-08-13 2015-06-02 Certusview Technologies, Llc Methods, apparatus and systems for surface type detection in connection with locate and marking operations
WO2012037549A1 (en) 2010-09-17 2012-03-22 Steven Nielsen Methods and apparatus for tracking motion and/or orientation of a marking device
US20120135703A1 (en) * 2010-09-20 2012-05-31 Jesse Bryan Hartt Mycchild modified cellphone locating devices
US8174931B2 (en) 2010-10-08 2012-05-08 HJ Laboratories, LLC Apparatus and method for providing indoor location, position, or tracking of a mobile computer using building information
US8456298B2 (en) * 2010-11-02 2013-06-04 Timo Valtonen Apparatus and method for portable tracking
CA2823827C (en) 2010-11-14 2018-08-28 Triangle Software Llc Crowd sourced traffic reporting
DE202010013120U1 (en) * 2010-12-14 2011-03-17 Euromobile Gmbh GPS emergency wristwatch
US8519845B2 (en) 2010-12-16 2013-08-27 King Fahd University Of Petroleum And Minerals System and method for tracking people
US8896441B2 (en) 2010-12-16 2014-11-25 King Fahd of Petroleum and Minerals System and method for tracking people
US20120203076A1 (en) * 2011-02-08 2012-08-09 Jean Pierre Fatta Portable Physiological Data Monitoring Device
US8957774B2 (en) * 2011-02-22 2015-02-17 Vivian B. Goldblatt Concealed personal alarm and method
US8618932B2 (en) * 2011-03-18 2013-12-31 Microsoft Corporation Device location detection
CN102200585B (en) * 2011-05-06 2013-06-12 李钢坤 Exogenous wrist strap type electronic monitoring terminal
WO2012159083A2 (en) 2011-05-18 2012-11-22 Triangle Software Llc System for providing traffic data and driving efficiency data
US8340630B1 (en) 2011-06-02 2012-12-25 Trueposition, Inc. Remotely activatable locator with backchannel
US8249547B1 (en) 2011-06-16 2012-08-21 Albert Fellner Emergency alert device with mobile phone
CA2860411A1 (en) * 2012-01-06 2013-07-11 Hoyt M. Layson Released offender geospatial location information trend analysis
EP2807455A4 (en) 2012-01-26 2015-08-12 Telecomm Systems Inc Natural navigational guidance
US8781718B2 (en) 2012-01-27 2014-07-15 Pelmorex Canada Inc. Estimating time travel distributions on signalized arterials
KR101410988B1 (en) * 2012-04-13 2014-06-23 표정용 Location management system
US8930139B2 (en) 2012-06-21 2015-01-06 Telecommunication Systems, Inc. Dynamically varied map labeling
CN107027100B (en) 2012-06-22 2020-05-19 谷歌有限责任公司 Method and system for marking visited position based on contact information
GB2504119B (en) * 2012-07-19 2017-09-27 White Rabbit Ltd Personal safety communication system
US9069333B1 (en) 2012-08-14 2015-06-30 Natascha Romans Personal alarm watch
US10223909B2 (en) 2012-10-18 2019-03-05 Uber Technologies, Inc. Estimating time travel distributions on signalized arterials
CN103235320A (en) * 2012-11-16 2013-08-07 南京星途通物联网科技有限公司 GPS (global positioning system) positioner and method for extending standby time and service time of GPS positioner
CN102984822A (en) * 2012-12-12 2013-03-20 北京凯思昊鹏软件工程技术有限公司 Perception method for personnel activities in limited space
US8904689B2 (en) * 2012-12-26 2014-12-09 Theodosios Kountotsis Methods and systems for detecting a gun and/or bullet within one's vicinity via an electronic device
GB2517668A (en) * 2013-01-17 2015-03-04 Christian Derbyshire Personal tracker device
CN103091691A (en) * 2013-01-17 2013-05-08 辽宁大学 Portable positioning and tracking device
US9566717B2 (en) * 2013-01-22 2017-02-14 3M Innovative Properties Company Apparatus for cutting electronic monitoring bracelet straps
US9173380B2 (en) * 2013-02-18 2015-11-03 Garmin Switzerland Gmbh Animal indicator apparatus
US11268818B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2022-03-08 Trx Systems, Inc. Crowd sourced mapping with robust structural features
US11156464B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2021-10-26 Trx Systems, Inc. Crowd sourced mapping with robust structural features
US20140323079A1 (en) * 2013-04-30 2014-10-30 Paul S. Paolini Personal locator device
US9843911B2 (en) 2013-09-23 2017-12-12 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Remotely activated monitoring service
USD738749S1 (en) * 2013-12-17 2015-09-15 LuxVue Technology Corporation Watch
USD738748S1 (en) * 2013-12-17 2015-09-15 LuxVue Technology Corporation Watch
US9070275B1 (en) 2014-02-21 2015-06-30 Gearn Holdings LLC Mobile entity tracking and analysis system
US11348139B1 (en) * 2014-04-09 2022-05-31 Groupon, Inc. Communication beacon based promotions for mobile devices
US9424722B2 (en) 2014-05-14 2016-08-23 Unlimited Liability, LLC Smart memory material lock devices
USD794012S1 (en) * 2014-09-03 2017-08-08 Sony Corporation Wearable device
EP3253278A1 (en) * 2015-02-03 2017-12-13 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Electronically lockable wearable device
KR101681698B1 (en) * 2015-02-06 2016-12-01 동서대학교산학협력단 System and method for preventing injury of somnambulist
US10028120B2 (en) * 2015-02-18 2018-07-17 Global Life-Line, Inc. Identification card holder with personal locator
US9472081B1 (en) 2015-05-05 2016-10-18 Edward Pridgen Child locator system
KR101600784B1 (en) * 2015-05-22 2016-03-08 이규태 The Portable Device can to the Transmission and Reception of the Multiple Frequency signal
US9744943B1 (en) * 2015-06-04 2017-08-29 Matthew Kenyon Hiatt Bracelet with clock and remote key fob
US10162351B2 (en) 2015-06-05 2018-12-25 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Remote provisioning of a drone resource
US9491578B1 (en) 2015-06-05 2016-11-08 Ivan Saucedo Wireless tracking device
JP6485233B2 (en) * 2015-06-05 2019-03-20 富士通株式会社 Wireless terminal apparatus, information processing apparatus, position information report program, and position information report method
US10129706B2 (en) 2015-06-05 2018-11-13 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Context sensitive communication augmentation
US10104505B2 (en) 2015-06-10 2018-10-16 Fujitsu Limited Mobile tether and alert system for groups
US9942710B2 (en) 2015-08-04 2018-04-10 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Determination of location of a mobile device
US10460308B2 (en) 2015-08-12 2019-10-29 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P Crowd-location based transactions
CN108352099A (en) * 2015-11-20 2018-07-31 福特全球技术公司 The stroke of wearable device notifies
US9741237B1 (en) * 2015-12-11 2017-08-22 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company Emergency location identification using wireless devices
DE102015226194A1 (en) * 2015-12-21 2017-06-22 Robert Bosch Gmbh Mobile functional device
US20170215033A1 (en) * 2016-01-26 2017-07-27 F.R.I.E.N.D. Security Systems LLC Wearable Apparatus for Personal Security
US10431065B2 (en) 2016-02-05 2019-10-01 Leola Brantley Security and tracking systems and associated methods
US10176693B2 (en) 2016-02-05 2019-01-08 Leola Brantley Security and tracking systems and related methods
US9872146B2 (en) 2016-03-22 2018-01-16 Estimote Polska Sp. Z O. O. System and method for multi-beacon interaction and management
US9865149B1 (en) 2016-06-15 2018-01-09 Amanda Pence Fingerprint reader child tracking system
US9928714B1 (en) * 2016-09-29 2018-03-27 Jens Lovell Programmable child positioning and tracking device
US10470241B2 (en) 2016-11-15 2019-11-05 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Multiple mesh drone communication
EP3340670B1 (en) * 2016-12-23 2020-02-19 SafeDrivePod International B.V. Anti-tampering mechanisms for a mobile device lock
US9818284B1 (en) 2017-01-10 2017-11-14 Richard Wilder Water activated GPS-based beacon
GB2560510B (en) * 2017-03-12 2020-09-23 Data Collaboration Systems Ltd An RFID Monitoring System
US10242557B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2019-03-26 Erik Ward User-responsive medical trauma treatment device
WO2019164898A1 (en) 2018-02-20 2019-08-29 Intelligent Cleaning Equipment Holdings Co. Ltd. Tracking device, system for tracking objects, and associated method of use
CN109068227B (en) * 2018-10-12 2019-12-10 歌尔科技有限公司 earphone positioning method and earphone
US10734110B2 (en) 2018-12-05 2020-08-04 Hill-Rom Services, Inc. Caregiver locating tag having advanced functionality
US11315404B1 (en) * 2018-12-27 2022-04-26 Brian A. Greer Wearable proximity alert system
US10984645B2 (en) 2019-01-31 2021-04-20 Mark Wojcik Removal detection of a wearable computer
US11199175B1 (en) 2020-11-09 2021-12-14 General Electric Company Method and system for determining and tracking the top pivot point of a wind turbine tower
US11703033B2 (en) 2021-04-13 2023-07-18 General Electric Company Method and system for determining yaw heading of a wind turbine
US11536250B1 (en) 2021-08-16 2022-12-27 General Electric Company System and method for controlling a wind turbine

Family Cites Families (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS58148526A (en) * 1982-02-26 1983-09-03 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Device for rescue signal
AU4292689A (en) * 1988-10-14 1990-04-26 Total Alert Corportation Personal locator transmitter
US5734981A (en) 1991-01-17 1998-03-31 Highwaymaster Communications, Inc. Method and apparatus for call delivery to a mobile unit
US5289163A (en) 1992-09-16 1994-02-22 Perez Carla D Child position monitoring and locating device
US5576952A (en) 1993-03-09 1996-11-19 Metriplex, Inc. Medical alert distribution system with selective filtering of medical information
US5497149A (en) * 1993-09-02 1996-03-05 Fast; Ray Global security system
US5731785A (en) * 1994-05-13 1998-03-24 Lemelson; Jerome H. System and method for locating objects including an inhibiting feature
US5461390A (en) 1994-05-27 1995-10-24 At&T Ipm Corp. Locator device useful for house arrest and stalker detection
US6121922A (en) * 1994-10-12 2000-09-19 Veridian Erim International, Inc. Tracking system using miniaturized concealable communications module
US5461365A (en) 1994-10-27 1995-10-24 Schlager; Dan Multi-hazard alarm system using selectable power-level transmission and localization
US5650770A (en) * 1994-10-27 1997-07-22 Schlager; Dan Self-locating remote monitoring systems
US5797091A (en) * 1995-03-07 1998-08-18 Xypoint Corporation Personal communication system and method of use
US5748148A (en) 1995-09-19 1998-05-05 H.M.W. Consulting, Inc. Positional information storage and retrieval system and method
US5841396A (en) * 1996-03-08 1998-11-24 Snaptrack, Inc. GPS receiver utilizing a communication link
US5617074A (en) 1995-11-02 1997-04-01 White; Marvin D. Child finder
US5627548A (en) 1995-11-30 1997-05-06 Trimble Navigation Limited Navigation wristwear
US5838237A (en) * 1996-05-22 1998-11-17 Revell; Graeme Charles Personal alarm device
US5731757A (en) * 1996-08-19 1998-03-24 Pro Tech Monitoring, Inc. Portable tracking apparatus for continuous position determination of criminal offenders and victims
US5742233A (en) 1997-01-21 1998-04-21 Hoffman Resources, Llc Personal security and tracking system
US5883594A (en) * 1997-02-20 1999-03-16 Trimble Navigation Limited GPS receiver using a message system for reducing power consumption
US5905461A (en) 1997-12-08 1999-05-18 Neher; Timothy J Global positioning satellite tracking device
US6243039B1 (en) * 1998-04-21 2001-06-05 Mci Communications Corporation Anytime/anywhere child locator system

Cited By (260)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060085236A1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2006-04-20 Smith Alexander E Automated management of airport revenues
US8446321B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2013-05-21 Omnipol A.S. Deployable intelligence and tracking system for homeland security and search and rescue
US7437250B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2008-10-14 Era Systems Corporation Airport pavement management system
US8072382B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2011-12-06 Sra International, Inc. Method and apparatus for ADS-B validation, active and passive multilateration, and elliptical surveillance
US7889133B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2011-02-15 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Multilateration enhancements for noise and operations management
US20050200501A1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2005-09-15 Smith Alexander E. Aircraft boundary transition warnings and auto alerting
US7495612B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2009-02-24 Era Systems Corporation Method and apparatus to improve ADS-B security
US7782256B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2010-08-24 Era Systems Corporation Enhanced passive coherent location techniques to track and identify UAVs, UCAVs, MAVs, and other objects
US20080191942A1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2008-08-14 Smith Alexander E Method and apparatus to extend ads performance metrics
US7777675B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2010-08-17 Era Systems Corporation Deployable passive broadband aircraft tracking
US7667647B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2010-02-23 Era Systems Corporation Extension of aircraft tracking and positive identification from movement areas into non-movement areas
US20060036378A1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2006-02-16 Smith Alexander E Airport pavement management system
US8203486B1 (en) 1999-03-05 2012-06-19 Omnipol A.S. Transmitter independent techniques to extend the performance of passive coherent location
US20070001903A1 (en) * 1999-03-05 2007-01-04 Smith Alexander E Use of geo-stationary satellites to augment wide_area multilateration synchronization
US7739167B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2010-06-15 Era Systems Corporation Automated management of airport revenues
US7375683B2 (en) 1999-03-05 2008-05-20 Era Systems Corporation Use of geo-stationary satellites to augment wide— area multilateration synchronization
US20100328152A1 (en) * 1999-04-23 2010-12-30 Charles Abraham Method and apparatus for processing satellite positioning system signals
US10873828B2 (en) 2000-02-28 2020-12-22 Ipventure, Inc. Method and apparatus identifying and presenting location and location-related information
US10827298B2 (en) 2000-02-28 2020-11-03 Ipventure, Inc. Method and apparatus for location identification and presentation
US11330419B2 (en) 2000-02-28 2022-05-10 Ipventure, Inc. Method and system for authorized location monitoring
US20070069950A1 (en) * 2000-02-29 2007-03-29 Smith Alexander E Correlation of flight track data with other data sources
US7248219B2 (en) * 2000-02-29 2007-07-24 Era Systems Corporation Correlation of flight track data with other data sources
US7474896B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2009-01-06 Norman Mohi Locating system and method
US6980813B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2005-12-27 Norbelle, Llc Locating system and method
US20170011626A1 (en) * 2000-08-28 2017-01-12 Inrix Inc., Method and system for modeling and processing vehicular traffic data and information and applying thereof
US10121366B2 (en) * 2000-08-28 2018-11-06 Inrix, Inc. Method and system for modeling and processing vehicular traffic data and information and applying thereof
US20080074314A1 (en) * 2000-10-16 2008-03-27 Harris Scott C Position Privacy in an Electronic Device
US8805416B2 (en) 2000-10-16 2014-08-12 Platt Technology Investments Llc Method and system for mobile device selectively reporting of GPS position information to others
US7551128B2 (en) 2000-10-16 2009-06-23 Virginia Innovative Technology, Llc Position privacy in an electronic device
US20080074315A1 (en) * 2000-10-16 2008-03-27 Harris Scott C Position Privacy in an Electronic Device
US7327312B1 (en) * 2000-10-16 2008-02-05 Harris Scott C Position privacy in an electronic device
US20080132250A1 (en) * 2000-10-16 2008-06-05 Harris Scott C Position Privacy in an Electronic Device
US9625269B2 (en) 2000-10-16 2017-04-18 Gula Consulting Limited Liability Company Method and system for mobile device selectively reporting of GPS position information to others
US7817085B2 (en) 2000-10-16 2010-10-19 Harris Scott C Position privacy in an electronic device
US8717231B1 (en) 2000-10-16 2014-05-06 Platt Technology Investments Llc Position privacy in an electronic device
US20020196151A1 (en) * 2000-12-26 2002-12-26 Troxler Robert Ernest Large area position/proximity correction device with alarms using (D)GPS technology
US7786876B2 (en) 2000-12-26 2010-08-31 Robert Ernest Troxler Large area position/proximity correction device with alarms using (D)GPS technology
US7034695B2 (en) 2000-12-26 2006-04-25 Robert Ernest Troxler Large area position/proximity correction device with alarms using (D)GPS technology
US8126680B2 (en) 2000-12-26 2012-02-28 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Methods, systems, and computer program products for locating and tracking objects
US7848905B2 (en) 2000-12-26 2010-12-07 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Methods, systems, and computer program products for locating and tracking objects
US10109174B2 (en) 2000-12-26 2018-10-23 Robert Ernest Troxler Position and proximity detection systems and methods
US7920066B2 (en) 2000-12-26 2011-04-05 Robert Ernest Troxler Large area position/proximity correction device with alarms using (D)GPS technology
US7194354B1 (en) * 2001-06-19 2007-03-20 Cisco Technology, Inc. System for discovering and maintaining geographic location information in a computer network to enable emergency services
US8041330B1 (en) * 2001-09-19 2011-10-18 Sirf Technology Inc. Wireless device capable of producing an emergency beacon
US6847892B2 (en) * 2001-10-29 2005-01-25 Digital Angel Corporation System for localizing and sensing objects and providing alerts
US7962165B2 (en) 2001-11-01 2011-06-14 Garmin Switzerland Gmbh Combined global positioning system receiver and radio
US7729684B1 (en) 2001-11-01 2010-06-01 Garmin Ltd. Combined global positioning system receiver and radio
US6922633B2 (en) * 2001-12-20 2005-07-26 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Navigation device and method of searching route
US7204425B2 (en) 2002-03-18 2007-04-17 Precision Dynamics Corporation Enhanced identification appliance
US20070017136A1 (en) * 2002-03-18 2007-01-25 Mosher Walter W Jr Enhanced identification applicance for verifying and authenticating the bearer through biometric data
US20030174049A1 (en) * 2002-03-18 2003-09-18 Precision Dynamics Corporation Wearable identification appliance that communicates with a wireless communications network such as bluetooth
US7849619B2 (en) 2002-03-18 2010-12-14 Mosher Jr Walter W Enhanced identification appliance for verifying and authenticating the bearer through biometric data
US20030173408A1 (en) * 2002-03-18 2003-09-18 Precision Dynamics Corporation Enhanced identification appliance
US20050168340A1 (en) * 2002-03-18 2005-08-04 Mosher Walter W.Jr. Enhanced identification appliance having a plurality or data sets for authentication
US20040214568A1 (en) * 2002-03-27 2004-10-28 Uraxs Communications, Inc. Remote UltraWide Band communication system with short messaging and other functions
US11054527B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2021-07-06 Ipventure, Inc. Method and apparatus for intelligent acquisition of position information
US11249196B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2022-02-15 Ipventure, Inc. Method and apparatus for intelligent acquisition of position information
US20200064491A1 (en) * 2002-04-24 2020-02-27 Ipventure, Inc. Method and apparatus for intelligent acquisition of position information
US11308441B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2022-04-19 Ipventure, Inc. Method and system for tracking and monitoring assets
US11238398B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2022-02-01 Ipventure, Inc. Tracking movement of objects and notifications therefor
US11032677B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2021-06-08 Ipventure, Inc. Method and system for enhanced messaging using sensor input
US11368808B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2022-06-21 Ipventure, Inc. Method and apparatus for identifying and presenting location and location-related information
US11218848B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2022-01-04 Ipventure, Inc. Messaging enhancement with location information
US11041960B2 (en) * 2002-04-24 2021-06-22 Ipventure, Inc. Method and apparatus for intelligent acquisition of position information
US11418905B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2022-08-16 Ipventure, Inc. Method and apparatus for identifying and presenting location and location-related information
US10761214B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2020-09-01 Ipventure, Inc. Method and apparatus for intelligent acquisition of position information
US11915186B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2024-02-27 Ipventure, Inc. Personalized medical monitoring and notifications therefor
US11067704B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2021-07-20 Ipventure, Inc. Method and apparatus for intelligent acquisition of position information
US20050068169A1 (en) * 2002-05-14 2005-03-31 Copley Shuan Michael Personal tracking device
US7015817B2 (en) 2002-05-14 2006-03-21 Shuan Michael Copley Personal tracking device
US20040046667A1 (en) * 2002-05-14 2004-03-11 Copley Shaun Michael Personal tracking device
US6972684B2 (en) 2002-05-14 2005-12-06 Celltrack, Llc Personal tracking device
GB2392331A (en) * 2002-06-28 2004-02-25 Cnw Ltd Tracking system including a portable GPS receiver
US20050231375A1 (en) * 2002-08-03 2005-10-20 Kingston John E Alarm signalling device and alarm system
US7312709B2 (en) 2002-08-03 2007-12-25 John Edward Kingston Alarm signalling device and alarm system
US20050239450A1 (en) * 2002-08-06 2005-10-27 Wesby Philip B System and method for a secure programmable communicator
WO2004014052A1 (en) * 2002-08-06 2004-02-12 Philip Bernard Wesby System and method for activation of a secure programmable communication device
US8112242B2 (en) 2002-10-11 2012-02-07 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Paving-related measuring device incorporating a computer device and communication element therebetween and associated method
US8682605B2 (en) 2002-10-11 2014-03-25 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Paving related measuring device incorporating a computer device and communication element therebetween and associated method
US7376530B2 (en) 2002-10-11 2008-05-20 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Paving-related measuring device incorporating a computer device and communication element therebetween and associated method
US20040073382A1 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-04-15 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Measurement device incorporating a locating device and a portable handheld computer device and associated apparatus, system and method
US20040260504A1 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-12-23 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Paving-related measuring device incorporating a computer device and communication element therebetween and associated method
US20080262780A1 (en) * 2002-10-11 2008-10-23 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Paving-Related Measuring Device Incorporating a Computer Device and Communication Element Therebetween and Associated Method
US6915216B2 (en) 2002-10-11 2005-07-05 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Measurement device incorporating a locating device and a portable handheld computer device and associated apparatus, system and method
USRE41102E1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2010-02-09 Gtx Corp Footwear with GPS
USRE41122E1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2010-02-16 Gtx Corp Footwear with GPS
USRE41087E1 (en) * 2002-10-21 2010-01-26 Gtx Corp Footwear with GPS
US20110212703A1 (en) * 2002-10-24 2011-09-01 Motorola, Inc. System and method for e911 location privacy protection
US8774828B2 (en) 2002-10-24 2014-07-08 Motorola Mobility Llc System and method for E911 location privacy protection
US20040080420A1 (en) * 2002-10-28 2004-04-29 Roberts Marjorie Ellen Child security alarm bracelet
US20080221402A1 (en) * 2003-01-29 2008-09-11 Despotis George J Integrated patient diagnostic and identification system
US20090097464A1 (en) * 2003-02-03 2009-04-16 Sony Corporation Wireless communication system, wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method and computer program
US8391257B2 (en) * 2003-02-03 2013-03-05 Sony Corporation Wireless communication system, wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method and computer program
US10212540B2 (en) 2003-02-14 2019-02-19 Qualcomm Incorporated Positioning with wireless local area networks and WLAN-aided global positioning systems
US10674472B2 (en) 2003-02-14 2020-06-02 Qualcomm Incorporated Positioning with wireless local area networks and WLAN-aided global positioning systems
US9769603B2 (en) * 2003-02-14 2017-09-19 Qualcomm Incorporated Positioning with wireless local area networks and WLAN-aided global positioning systems
US20170070849A1 (en) * 2003-02-14 2017-03-09 Qualcomm Incorporated Positioning With Wireless Local Area Networks And WLAN-Aided Global Positioning Systems
US10966173B2 (en) 2003-02-14 2021-03-30 Qualcomm Incorporated Positioning with wireless local area networks and WLAN-aided global positioning systems
US7908077B2 (en) 2003-06-10 2011-03-15 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Land use compatibility planning software
US20050027466A1 (en) * 2003-07-29 2005-02-03 Jay Steinmetz Wireless collection of battery performance metrics system, method, and computer program product
US9000915B2 (en) * 2003-08-01 2015-04-07 Spectrum Tracking Systems, Inc. Method and system for providing tracking services to locate an asset
US7216037B2 (en) * 2003-09-10 2007-05-08 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for logistics quality of service measurements using GPS
US20050102103A1 (en) * 2003-09-10 2005-05-12 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for logistics quality of service measurements using GPS
US20050088301A1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2005-04-28 Paul Abbruscato Direction finder and locator
US7148802B2 (en) 2003-10-14 2006-12-12 Paul Abbruscato Direction finder and locator
US7877275B2 (en) * 2003-11-13 2011-01-25 General Motors Llc System and method for maintaining and providing personal information in real time
US20050107673A1 (en) * 2003-11-13 2005-05-19 General Motors Corporation System and method for maintaining and providing personal information in real time
GB2409363A (en) * 2003-12-09 2005-06-22 H & G Technology Ltd Personal safety device
US11024115B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2021-06-01 Interactive Games Llc Network based control of remote system for enabling, disabling, and controlling gaming
US10391397B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2019-08-27 Interactive Games, Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US10726664B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2020-07-28 Interactive Games Llc System and method for convenience gaming
US10515511B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2019-12-24 Interactive Games Llc Network based control of electronic devices for gaming
US10347076B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2019-07-09 Interactive Games Llc Network based control of remote system for enabling, disabling, and controlling gaming
US9355518B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2016-05-31 Interactive Games Llc Gaming system with location determination
US10360755B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2019-07-23 Interactive Games Llc Time and location based gaming
US11514748B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2022-11-29 Interactive Games Llc System and method for convenience gaming
US10653952B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2020-05-19 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US9430901B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2016-08-30 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US20050222754A1 (en) * 2004-03-30 2005-10-06 Naftali Meisler SMS vehicle information system
US8425314B2 (en) * 2004-07-22 2013-04-23 Igt Remote gaming eligibility system and method using RFID tags
US20110300928A1 (en) * 2004-07-22 2011-12-08 Igt Remote gaming eligibility system and method using rfid tags
GB2419057A (en) * 2004-10-06 2006-04-12 Alison Maclennan Device for locating moveable property or goods comprising a GSM and a GPS module
US20060173782A1 (en) * 2005-02-03 2006-08-03 Ullas Gargi Data access methods, media repository systems, media systems and articles of manufacture
US7394386B2 (en) * 2005-03-03 2008-07-01 Motorola, Inc. Location signaling for transport system
US20060208878A1 (en) * 2005-03-03 2006-09-21 Nowlan Steven J Location signaling for transport system
US20060202818A1 (en) * 2005-03-09 2006-09-14 Greenberg Stephen J Pet tracking systems, other tracking systems, and portable virtual fence
US8314695B2 (en) * 2005-03-09 2012-11-20 Telepet U.S.A. Tracking system and portable virtual fence
US20120009943A1 (en) * 2005-03-09 2012-01-12 Stephen Jay Greenberg Tracking System and Portable Virtual Fence
US8031067B2 (en) * 2005-03-09 2011-10-04 Stephen Jay Greenberg Tracking system and portable virtual fence
US7411492B2 (en) * 2005-03-09 2008-08-12 Stephen Jay Greenberg Pet tracking systems, other tracking systems, and portable virtual fence
US20090002188A1 (en) * 2005-03-09 2009-01-01 Stephen Jay Greenberg Tracking System and Portable Virtual Fence
US20060265484A1 (en) * 2005-05-17 2006-11-23 International Business Machines Corporation Managing location information for a group of users
US7660872B2 (en) * 2005-05-17 2010-02-09 International Business Machines Corporation Managing location information for a group of users
US20060284765A1 (en) * 2005-06-21 2006-12-21 Bernhardt Bruce A Satellite positioning system receivers and methods
US7642958B2 (en) * 2005-06-21 2010-01-05 Motorola, Inc. Satellite positioning system receivers and methods
US7822391B1 (en) * 2005-06-30 2010-10-26 Sprint Spectrum L.P. Mobile station emergency beacon system
US20070010258A1 (en) * 2005-07-06 2007-01-11 Agere Systems Inc. Sender location identifier, method of identifying a sender location and communication system employing the same
US7277713B2 (en) * 2005-07-06 2007-10-02 Agere Systems Inc. Sender location identifier, method of identifying a sender location and communication system employing the same
US10510214B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2019-12-17 Cfph, Llc System and method for peer-to-peer wireless gaming
US10460566B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2019-10-29 Cfph, Llc System and method for peer-to-peer wireless gaming
US11069185B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2021-07-20 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming system with user profiles
US10733847B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2020-08-04 Cfph, Llc System and method for gaming
US11636727B2 (en) 2005-08-09 2023-04-25 Cfph, Llc System and method for providing wireless gaming as a service application
US7460019B2 (en) * 2005-09-06 2008-12-02 Henderson Penny S Personal locator system
WO2007029189A2 (en) * 2005-09-06 2007-03-15 Henderson Penny S A personal locator system
WO2007029189A3 (en) * 2005-09-06 2009-04-16 Penny S Henderson A personal locator system
US20070171045A1 (en) * 2005-09-06 2007-07-26 Henderson Penny S A personal locator system
US20070069891A1 (en) * 2005-09-28 2007-03-29 Wallace David B Child locator
US20070072620A1 (en) * 2005-09-29 2007-03-29 Levitan Benjamin C System and method for recovering a lost or stolen wireless device
US7409219B2 (en) * 2005-09-29 2008-08-05 Nextel Communications Inc. System and method for recovering a lost or stolen wireless device
US20090115601A1 (en) * 2006-02-06 2009-05-07 Bertagna Patrick E Footwear with embedded tracking device and method of manufacture
US7920059B2 (en) 2006-02-06 2011-04-05 Global Trek Xploration Corp. Footwear with embedded tracking device and method of manufacture
US20070241887A1 (en) * 2006-04-11 2007-10-18 Bertagna Patrick E Buoyant tracking device and method of manufacture
US10957150B2 (en) 2006-04-18 2021-03-23 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US10460557B2 (en) 2006-04-18 2019-10-29 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to a system
US10535223B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2020-01-14 Cfph, Llc Game access device with time varying signal
US10751607B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2020-08-25 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to locations and services
US11229835B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2022-01-25 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US11024120B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2021-06-01 Cfph, Llc Game access device with time varying signal
US10286300B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2019-05-14 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to locations and services
US7965227B2 (en) 2006-05-08 2011-06-21 Era Systems, Inc. Aircraft tracking using low cost tagging as a discriminator
US8706414B2 (en) 2006-05-31 2014-04-22 Trx Systems, Inc. Method and system for locating and monitoring first responders
US8688375B2 (en) 2006-05-31 2014-04-01 Trx Systems, Inc. Method and system for locating and monitoring first responders
US20080077326A1 (en) * 2006-05-31 2008-03-27 Funk Benjamin E Method and System for Locating and Monitoring First Responders
WO2008018728A1 (en) * 2006-08-07 2008-02-14 Safeon Co., Ltd. Danger signal transmitting portable terminal device and danger management system used thereof
US20100016052A1 (en) * 2006-10-11 2010-01-21 Wms Gaming Inc. Location-linked audio/video
US10535221B2 (en) 2006-10-26 2020-01-14 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US11017628B2 (en) 2006-10-26 2021-05-25 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US10706673B2 (en) 2006-11-14 2020-07-07 Cfph, Llc Biometric access data encryption
US9280648B2 (en) 2006-11-14 2016-03-08 Cfph, Llc Conditional biometric access in a gaming environment
US10546107B2 (en) 2006-11-15 2020-01-28 Cfph, Llc Biometric access sensitivity
US9411944B2 (en) 2006-11-15 2016-08-09 Cfph, Llc Biometric access sensitivity
US11182462B2 (en) 2006-11-15 2021-11-23 Cfph, Llc Biometric access sensitivity
US20080117101A1 (en) * 2006-11-17 2008-05-22 Vic Pan Geo-location using distributed composite gps signals
US7602335B2 (en) * 2006-11-17 2009-10-13 Alcatel-Lucent Usa Inc. Geo-location using distributed composite GPS signals
US9183693B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2015-11-10 Cfph, Llc Game access device
US10424153B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2019-09-24 Cfph, Llc Game access device with privileges
US11055958B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2021-07-06 Cfph, Llc Game access device with privileges
US10332155B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2019-06-25 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for determining an amount of time an object is worn
US10366562B2 (en) 2007-03-14 2019-07-30 Cfph, Llc Multi-account access device
US11055954B2 (en) 2007-03-14 2021-07-06 Cfph, Llc Game account access device
US20090043504A1 (en) * 2007-05-31 2009-02-12 Amrit Bandyopadhyay System and method for locating, tracking, and/or monitoring the status of personnel and/or assets both indoors and outdoors
US9448072B2 (en) * 2007-05-31 2016-09-20 Trx Systems, Inc. System and method for locating, tracking, and/or monitoring the status of personnel and/or assets both indoors and outdoors
US20090021357A1 (en) * 2007-07-19 2009-01-22 Alexander Jacobs Evans Wireless and keyless vehicle entry alarm alert system
US8712686B2 (en) 2007-08-06 2014-04-29 Trx Systems, Inc. System and method for locating, tracking, and/or monitoring the status of personnel and/or assets both indoors and outdoors
US8254956B2 (en) * 2008-06-04 2012-08-28 Tracker Oy Method, device arrangement, terminal and computer software product for distributing telematic data of moving object
US20090305724A1 (en) * 2008-06-04 2009-12-10 Tracker Oy Method, device arrangement, terminal and computer software product for distributing telematic data of moving object
US20100033321A1 (en) * 2008-08-08 2010-02-11 Kaminski Joseph W Tracking system with separated tracking device
US8077030B2 (en) 2008-08-08 2011-12-13 Global Trek Xploration Corp. Tracking system with separated tracking device
US8522442B2 (en) * 2008-12-11 2013-09-03 Arne Veidung Hand-held safety apparatus
WO2010075546A3 (en) * 2008-12-24 2010-09-23 Mffc Llc Mobile safety and alert system
WO2010075546A2 (en) * 2008-12-24 2010-07-01 Mffc Llc Mobile safety and alert system
US8731512B2 (en) * 2009-09-21 2014-05-20 Generationone System and method for effecting context-cognizant medical reminders for a patient
US20110070835A1 (en) * 2009-09-21 2011-03-24 Jaime Borras System and method for effecting context-cognizant medical reminders for a patient
US8305264B1 (en) 2010-02-03 2012-11-06 Sprint Spectrum L.P. GPS enhancement for wireless devices
US10406446B2 (en) 2010-08-13 2019-09-10 Interactive Games Llc Multi-process communication regarding gaming information
US10744416B2 (en) 2010-08-13 2020-08-18 Interactive Games Llc Multi-process communication regarding gaming information
US9978081B1 (en) * 2010-11-08 2018-05-22 West Corporation Method and apparatus of requesting customized location information at a mobile station
US9165334B2 (en) * 2010-12-28 2015-10-20 Pet Check Technology Llc Pet and people care management system
US20120166322A1 (en) * 2010-12-28 2012-06-28 Doug Simon Pet and People Care Management System
US11436907B2 (en) 2011-06-22 2022-09-06 Thinkware Corporation Safety service system and method thereof
DE102011053242A1 (en) * 2011-09-05 2013-03-07 Mark Breslav Arrangement for finding of small, portable, easily losable object e.g. vehicle key of motor car, has transceiver unit transmitting determined position of object in form of readable message with reception of search signal
US9078078B1 (en) 2011-09-15 2015-07-07 Google Inc. Call forwarding methods and systems
WO2013049102A1 (en) * 2011-09-28 2013-04-04 Silverplus, Inc. Low power location-tracking device with combined short-range and wide-area wireless and location capabilities
US8937554B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2015-01-20 Silverplus, Inc. Low power location-tracking device with combined short-range and wide-area wireless and location capabilities
US20130102253A1 (en) * 2011-10-19 2013-04-25 Qualcomm Incorporated Distributed control of medical devices to avoid effects of interference
US9211065B2 (en) * 2011-10-19 2015-12-15 Qualcomm Incorporated Distributed control of medical devices to avoid effects of interference
US9510171B1 (en) 2012-03-22 2016-11-29 Sprint Spectrum L.P. Provisioning mobile station with destination communication address during de-registration
US9438306B2 (en) 2012-06-08 2016-09-06 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Method of determining the position of a device and a device that implements the method
US20140085084A1 (en) * 2012-09-27 2014-03-27 Loran Technologies, Inc Passive active battery saver tracking system
US20140203932A1 (en) * 2013-01-22 2014-07-24 Cecil W. Turner Electronic self-protection and emergency beacon device for wilderness use
US10082568B1 (en) * 2013-01-22 2018-09-25 Hoyt Mac Layson, JR. Detailed description
US20140273917A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-09-18 Ekahau Oy Positioning tag with alert function
US10352707B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-07-16 Trx Systems, Inc. Collaborative creation of indoor maps
US10397732B2 (en) * 2013-03-14 2019-08-27 Airista Flow, Inc. Positioning tag with alert function
US11202185B2 (en) * 2013-03-14 2021-12-14 Airista Flow, Inc. Positioning tag with alert function
US11199412B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2021-12-14 Trx Systems, Inc. Collaborative creation of indoor maps
US20190342741A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2019-11-07 Airista Flow, Inc. Positioning tag with alert function
US10455810B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-10-29 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system region lookup
US10820575B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-11-03 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporating dynamically variable intervals between sequential position requests
US11019807B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-06-01 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system compatible with large and small land zones
US10342218B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-07-09 GPSip, Inc. GPS dog fence incorporating location guidance and positive reinforcement training
US10080346B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-09-25 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system
US10405520B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-09-10 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system
US10470437B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-11-12 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system
CN104280754A (en) * 2013-05-14 2015-01-14 顾卫琴 Child wireless tracking method
WO2015019360A1 (en) * 2013-08-05 2015-02-12 Tejas Girish Shah Wearable multi-sensory personal safety and tracking device
US9922537B2 (en) 2013-08-05 2018-03-20 Tejas Girish Shah Wearable multi-sensory personal safety and tracking device
US11202171B2 (en) 2013-08-19 2021-12-14 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. System and method for providing content using beacon systems
US10856107B2 (en) 2013-08-19 2020-12-01 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. System and method for providing content using beacon systems
US11297460B2 (en) 2013-08-19 2022-04-05 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. Wireless beacon and methods
US9210621B1 (en) 2013-09-23 2015-12-08 Sprint Spectrum L.P. Method and system for facilitating service level continuity
US11516994B1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2022-12-06 GPSip, Inc. Animal sensory stimulation with fur differential impedance detection
US20190133084A1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2019-05-09 GPSip, Inc. Wireless Location Assisted Zone Guidance System Incorporating a Rapid Collar Mount and Non-Necrotic Stimulation
US10251371B1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2019-04-09 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporating a system and apparatus for predicting the departure of an animal from a safe zone prior to the animal actually departing
US10624319B2 (en) * 2014-03-18 2020-04-21 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporating a rapid collar mount and non-necrotic stimulation
US10165756B1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2019-01-01 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporating a rapid collar mount and non-necrotic stimulation
US10893662B1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2021-01-19 GPSip, Inc. Animal sensory stimulation with fur impedance detection
US10408482B2 (en) * 2015-02-11 2019-09-10 Bitfinder, Inc. Managing environmental conditions
US20160231014A1 (en) * 2015-02-11 2016-08-11 Bitfinder, Inc. Managing environmental conditions
US11145179B1 (en) 2015-06-04 2021-10-12 Lynq Technologies, Inc. Systems, methods, and devices for locating items, people, and/or animals
US10460584B1 (en) 2015-06-04 2019-10-29 Lynq Technologies, Inc. Systems, methods, and devices for locating items, people, and/or animals
US11704989B1 (en) 2015-06-04 2023-07-18 Lynq Technologies, Inc. Systems, methods, and devices for locating items, people, and/or animals
US9892610B1 (en) * 2015-06-04 2018-02-13 Awearable Apparel Inc. Systems, methods, and devices for locating items, people, and/or animals
US11006237B2 (en) 2015-09-02 2021-05-11 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. System and method for low power data routing
US10771917B2 (en) 2015-09-02 2020-09-08 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. System and method for low power data routing
US10616709B2 (en) 2015-09-02 2020-04-07 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. System and method for lower power data routing
US10524083B2 (en) 2015-09-02 2019-12-31 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. System and method for low power data routing
US9817438B2 (en) 2016-02-11 2017-11-14 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Magnetically-coupled multi-component communication devices and methods
US9735823B1 (en) * 2016-02-11 2017-08-15 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. Swappable multi-component communication devices and methods
US10606313B2 (en) 2016-02-11 2020-03-31 DISH Technologies L.L.C. Multi-component communication devices and methods
US10591593B2 (en) * 2016-03-19 2020-03-17 Hipscience, Llc Point of reference displacement and motion sensor
US20170269203A1 (en) * 2016-03-19 2017-09-21 Hipscience, Llc Point of Reference Displacement and Motion Sensor
US10942266B2 (en) 2016-03-19 2021-03-09 Hipscience, Llc Sensor module for determining range information and related systems and methods
US10972872B2 (en) * 2017-08-31 2021-04-06 Attenti Electronic Monitoring Ltd Travel compliance detection using body-worn offender monitoring electronic devices
US11713968B2 (en) 2018-03-17 2023-08-01 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporating secure transmission of location
US10523685B1 (en) 2018-08-22 2019-12-31 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. System and method for verifying device security
US11218492B2 (en) 2018-08-22 2022-01-04 Estimote Polska Sp. Z .O.O. System and method for verifying device security
US10852441B2 (en) 2018-08-24 2020-12-01 Estimote Polska Sp z o.o. Method and system for asset management
WO2021055883A2 (en) 2019-09-18 2021-03-25 GPSip, Inc. Wireless location assisted zone guidance system incorporating secure transmission of location

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2404912C (en) 2005-08-09
JP2003529083A (en) 2003-09-30
EP1290465A1 (en) 2003-03-12
AU5083101A (en) 2001-10-08
KR20030012854A (en) 2003-02-12
EP1290465A4 (en) 2004-06-23
US6362778B2 (en) 2002-03-26
WO2001073466A1 (en) 2001-10-04
US6388612B1 (en) 2002-05-14
IL151820A0 (en) 2003-04-10
MXPA02009385A (en) 2003-02-12
AU2001250831B2 (en) 2005-11-03
CA2404912A1 (en) 2001-10-04
CN1434925A (en) 2003-08-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6362778B2 (en) Personal location detection system
AU2001250831A1 (en) Personal location detection system
US9111433B2 (en) Security and tracking system
US5461390A (en) Locator device useful for house arrest and stalker detection
US7135967B2 (en) Method for locating an asset
US9235972B2 (en) Personal security and tracking system
US8149124B2 (en) Personal security and tracking system
US8988284B2 (en) System and method for tracking lost subjects
AU8644598A (en) Monitoring method and apparatus
US7151446B2 (en) System for tracking and locating an object using a cellular network
GB2407937A (en) Position locating system
EP1151422A2 (en) Multi-user global position tracking system and method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

SULP Surcharge for late payment
REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20100326