SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATING LOST PERSONS OR ANIMALS
First Claim
1. A system for locating a radio transmitter comprising one or more antennas for receiving a signal from said radio transmitter, said signal containing an encoded identification number unique to said transmitter;
- a computer running a program for estimating the bearing and range of said radio transmitter from said antenna based on the signal strength of said signal; and
a means for sending a message containing said estimated bearing and range information and said unique identification number when said signal is detected;
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A network of receiving stations receives encoded signals from portable radio transmitters that are either hand held or implantable into the body. Each of the radio transmitters has a unique identification number associated with it that is transmitted as part of the signal. It is possible to estimate the location of any single transmitter by figuring out the bearing and range of the transmitters from one or more receiving stations based on signal strength as received by the stations. Because each transmitter has a unique identification number, it is possible to track the location of, for example, kidnapped children, by listening for a signal containing a specific identification number.
74 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A system for locating a radio transmitter comprising one or more antennas for receiving a signal from said radio transmitter, said signal containing an encoded identification number unique to said transmitter;
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a computer running a program for estimating the bearing and range of said radio transmitter from said antenna based on the signal strength of said signal; and
a means for sending a message containing said estimated bearing and range information and said unique identification number when said signal is detected;
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for determining the location of a radio transmitter comprising the steps of:
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receiving, with an antenna, a signal from said radio transmitter, said signal containing an encoded identification number unique to said transmitter;
estimating the bearing and range of said radio transmitter from said antenna based on the signal strength of said signal; and
sending a message containing said estimated bearing and range information and said unique identification number when said signal is detected. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A portable radio beacon comprising:
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a power source;
circuitry, powered by said power source, for periodically transmitting a radio signal on a given frequency;
means for associating a unique identification number with said radio beacon, said radio signal containing said unique identification number. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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Specification