Patent ID: 6300875
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: G01S,G08B

Abstract:
A method of determining and covertly communicating the location of a person, the method comprising:providing a transponder, wherein the transponder is capable of communicating using any one of a plurality of possible non-switched networks;providing a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver configured to provide data representing position of the receiver in terms of latitude and longitude, and coupling the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to the transponder such that the data generated by the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver can be transmitted by the transponder;providing a common housing supporting the transponder and the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to define a portable package;concealing the portable package in an object configured to be borne by the person; andtransmitting coordinates, from the portable package, to a monitoring device remote from the portable package, the transponder of the portable package being configured to transmit communications to the monitoring device via a non-switched wireless network without need for human intervention in initiating a call from either the transponder or the monitoring device.