Patent ID: 8208892

Claim:
A method for locating an entity attached to a locator device, wherein the locator device is configured to be in a standby state and to enter an active state upon receiving an activation message, wherein during the standby state the locator device is able to communicate with a cellular network over a control channel of the cellular network while maintaining a low power state, the method comprising: receiving, at the locator device, an activation message over a control channel of a cellular network; authenticating the message; determining whether emergency activation has been authorized; if emergency activation has not been authorized, performing at least one of (1) initiating a voice channel call, over a voice channel of the cellular network, by calling a predetermined number, and (2) performing an over the air update of the locator device; if emergency activation has been authorized, automatically initiating a voice channel call over a voice channel of the cellular network, wherein the voice channel call is a public assistance or emergency call; responsive to determining that the voice channel call has been answered, playing a prerecorded audible message providing information about the entity; 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 information about the entity; wherein the locator device comprises a radio communications device configured to communicate with the cellular network, wherein the cellular network comprises at least one of a time and frequency division multiplexed (TDMA/FDMA) radio communications system and a code-division radio communications system.