Locator system

Abstract

A locator system is disclosed. The system may include a GPS-enabled remote mobile station in communication with a E911-enabled wireless network. The remote mobile station may include RF connectivity, such as Bluetooth connectivity. The system includes RF transceivers deployed about a location. The remote mobile station may then obtain location information from the RF transceivers when GPS signals are unavailable. The RF transceivers may include Bluetooth connectivity.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 843,203, filed May 10, 2004, which is a Continuation-in-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 975,898, filed Oct. 10, 2001, which is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 364,557, filed Jul. 29, 1999, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,091.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This disclosure pertains generally to locating and tracking systems. [0004] 2. The Prior Art [0005] Wireless devices of all kinds have been in use for pinpointing objects, people and animals on the surface of the earth, under water, or in space. Some wireless devices also provide navigational information such as whether or not a moving vessel or vehicle is “on course” to its predetermined destination. Radio frequency (RF) location and navigation systems are the oldest, and more recently developed devices function at infra...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a tracking and locating system and method that provides a lightweight and portable tracking locator device that can be easily transferred from user to user or object to object. The system includes a locator device with means for generating positional information of the device. The invention also provides power saving and conserving features associated with the locator device. The system can be used in various applications such as for tracking and navigating vehicles, aircraft, and vessels. The invention is disclosed in terms of a tracking and locating system and method, but other uses for the invention are also possible."

Problems solved by technology

However, such radar systems are not useful for tracking a ground moving objects, or objects that have poor EM reflective properties.

Additionally, radar systems are not normally useful for differentiating the identity of objects, particularly when there is a plurality of objects.

Because one main purpose of the tracking system to locate the vehicle in cases of theft, it is important that the sensor systems of the tracking systems be mounted or otherwise fixed to the vehicle, making such sensor systems not easily removed or transportable from a first object to a second object.

Furthermore, because a large power source such as a car battery is normally available to such tracking systems, intelligent power saving or conserving features are not provided.

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