Patent ID: 7324824

Claim:
A method for transmitting and receiving tracking information for a plurality of mobile objects on a continuous basis in a facility utilizing an indoor wireless network, the method comprising: transmitting position location information signals on a continuous periodic basis for each of the plurality of mobile objects, the position location information signals for each of the plurality of mobile objects transmitted from a tag attached to each of the plurality of mobile objects, the tag of each of the plurality of mobile objects transmitting the position location information signals in a first communication format at a low power; attaching a plurality of stationary devices to a plurality of wall outlets within the facility to form an indoor wireless network, each of the plurality of stationary devices comprising: an enclosure; a processor positioned within the enclosure; a plug to physically and electrically connect with a receptacle of one of the plurality of wall outlets, the plug extending outward from the enclosure; a receiver positioned within the enclosure and in communication with the processor; a transmitter positioned within the enclosure and in communication with the processor; and a power converter capable of receiving power from the plug in a first power format and delivering power to the transmitter and receiver in a second power format, the power converter positioned within the enclosure; receiving position location information signals on a continuous periodic basis at the plurality of stationary devices in the first communication format over a first wireless link from the plurality of mobile objects; and transmitting the position location information over a second wireless link in a second communication format at a high power from the plurality of stationary devices to a remote position location engine, the high power of the second communication format higher than the low power of the first communication format.