Tracking system using miniaturized concealable communications module
First Claim
1. A portable miniaturized geographic position determination and communications module adapted for use with a global positioning satellite system, the module comprising:
- an enclosure, the physical dimensions of which are sufficiently small to permit personal concealment;
electronic circuitry disposed within the enclosure, the circuitry being powered by a single, self-contained, rechargeable source of power, the circuitry including;
a global positioning satellite receiver,a communications transceiver, anda controller operative to perform the following functions;
cause the global positioning satellite receiver to receive and decode a signal from a global positioning satellite containing information relating to the geographic position of the module,cause the communications transceiver to communicate the information to a remote location, anddisable the global positioning satellite receiver and communications transceiver when not in use so as to conserve power from the source.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A tracking system uses a miniaturized geographic position determination and communications module, preferably in the form of a thin capsule, enabling the enclosure to be hidden in very small spaces, including personal concealment. Electronic circuitry and a thin, rechargeable battery are contained within the enclosure, the circuitry including a global positioning satellite receiver, a communications transceiver, and a controller. The controller causes the global positioning satellite receiver to receive and decode a signal relating to the geographic position of the module; cause the communications transmitter to communicate the geographic position information to a remote location; and disable the global positioning satellite receiver and communications transceiver when not in use so as to conserve power. The geographic position information may be communicated to a remote location either in response to a carrier activating a panic function or after receiving a request from a remote location which commences the transmission in response to the request.
222 Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A portable miniaturized geographic position determination and communications module adapted for use with a global positioning satellite system, the module comprising:
-
an enclosure, the physical dimensions of which are sufficiently small to permit personal concealment; electronic circuitry disposed within the enclosure, the circuitry being powered by a single, self-contained, rechargeable source of power, the circuitry including; a global positioning satellite receiver, a communications transceiver, and a controller operative to perform the following functions; cause the global positioning satellite receiver to receive and decode a signal from a global positioning satellite containing information relating to the geographic position of the module, cause the communications transceiver to communicate the information to a remote location, and disable the global positioning satellite receiver and communications transceiver when not in use so as to conserve power from the source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A miniaturized geographic position determination and communications module adapted for use with a global positioning satellite system, the module comprising:
-
a global positioning satellite receiver connected to a substantially thin antenna; a communications transceiver; a controller operative to transmit geographic position information received over the global positioning satellite receiver to a remote location using the communications transceiver; and a thin, rechargeable battery to power to the global positioning satellite receiver, communications transceiver and controller, the global positioning satellite receiver, communications transceiver, and controller being mounted on at least one planar substrate, and the substrate, battery and antenna being supported parallel and in close proximity to one another, enabling all components to be contained on or within an enclosure having sufficiently small physical dimensions IQ permit personal concealment. - View Dependent Claims (8)
-
-
9. A geographic tracking system adapted for use in with a positioning satellite system, comprising:
-
a miniaturized, readily concealable module containing a positioning satellite receiver and a communications device operative to transmit geographic position information received through the positioning satellite receiver to a remote location; and a portable locating unit operative to receive the geographic position information at the remote location and inform a user as to the location of the miniaturized module. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
-
-
12. For use with a global positioning satellite system, a wireless geographic position tracking system comprising:
-
a miniaturized geographical position determination and communications module including; an enclosure, at least one planar substrate containing electronic circuitry disposed within said enclosure, said circuitry including geographic positioning receiver means connected to an antenna for receiving a signal from a global positioning satellite system, communications transceiver means, and control and power management means, and a rechargeable power supply means for supplying power to said electronic circuitry; a portable locating unit in communication with said miniaturized geographic position determination and communications module, comprising; an enclosure, a communications transceiver means disposed within said enclosure, the transceiver being adapted for receiving geographic positioning data from said geographic a position determination and communications module, means for formatting and displaying said geographic positioning data, said formatting and display means being in communication with said communications receiver, means for inputting operational commands to said formatting and displaying means, and a power supply means disposed within said enclosure for supplying power to said portable locating unit. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
Specification