Patent ID: 8180319

Claim:
A method for locating an entity attached to a locator device, wherein the locator device is configured to remain in a standby state and to enter an active state only upon receiving an activation message, wherein during the standby state the locator device is able to communicate with a cellular network only over a control channel of the cellular network while maintaining a low power state, and wherein during the active state the locator device initiates a voice channel call to enable locating the entity attached to the locator device, the method comprising: receiving, at the locator device, an activation message over a control channel of the cellular network; responsive to receiving the activation message, automatically authenticating the activation message and, upon authentication of the activation message, determining whether emergency activation has been authorized; if emergency activation has not been authorized, performing at least one of performing an over the air update of the locator device, and initiating the voice channel call, over a voice channel of the cellular network, by calling a predetermined number; if emergency activation has been authorized, automatically initiating the voice channel call over the voice channel of the cellular network, wherein the voice channel call is a public assistance or emergency call, and wherein the voice channel call enables location of the locator device by a radiolocation system; sending a confirmation message to a party that transmitted the activation message confirming that the voice channel call has been placed by the locator device; and determining that the voice channel call has been answered, and in response to determining that the voice channel call has been answered, transmitting a predetermined data stream providing information about the entity.