Tracking system using miniaturized concealable communications module

• US 6,657,587 B1
• Filed: 05/16/2000
• Issued: 12/02/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Veridian Erim International Inc.
• Inventors: Mohan, Paul L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Blum, Theodore M.
• Application Number:
  US09/571,899
• Time in Patent Office: 1,295 Days
• Field of Search: 342/357.09, 342/357.1, 342/419, 701/213
• US Class Current: 342/357.75
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 1/024 of beacon transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 1/68 Marker, boundary, call-sign, or like beacons transmitting signals not carrying directional information
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/16 Anti-theft; Abduction
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/35 Constructional details or hardware or software details of the signal processing chain
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/0036 of measured values, i.e. measurement on mobile and position calculation on base station
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/0226 Transmitters

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.

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 including;

voice recognition circuitry,

a global positioning satellite receiver,

a communications transmitter, and

a controller operative to perform the following functions;

cause the global positioning satellite receiver to receive and decode a signal from one or more global positioning satellites containing information relating to the geographic position of the module, and

cause the communications transmitter to communicate the position information to a remote location upon recognition of a predetermined spoken code word or phrase.

2. The module of claim 1, the enclosure being in the form of a thin capsule.

3. The module of claim 2, the electronic circuitry being mounted on a plurality of thin substrates disposed parallel to one another and electrically interconnected within the enclosure.

4. The module of claim 1, including a thin antenna supported on the enclosure associated with the global positioning satellite receiver.

5. The module of claim 1, the controller being further operative to perform a functional self-test of the global positioning satellite receiver and the communications transmitter.

6. The module of claim 1, further including a communications receiver, and wherein the controller is further operative to receive a request from a remote location and cause the communications transmitter to communicate the information in response to the request.

7. The module of claim 1, the enclosure being in the form of a pendant.

8. The module of claim 1, the enclosure being in the form of a bracelet or wristband.

9. The module of claim 8, the controller being further operative to cause the communications transmitter to communicate the position information upon removal or disturbance of the bracelet or wristband.