Tracking system using miniaturized concealable communications module

Abstract

A tracking system uses a miniaturized geographic position determination and communications module, preferably in the form of a thin capsule, enabling the enclosure to be hidden in very small spaces, including personal concealment. Electronic circuitry and a thin, rechargeable battery are contained within the enclosure, the circuitry including a global positioning satellite receiver, a communications transceiver, and a controller. The controller causes the global positioning satellite receiver to receive and decode a signal relating to the geographic position of the module; cause the communications transmitter to communicate the geographic position information to a remote location; and disable the global positioning satellite receiver and communications transceiver when not in use so as to conserve power. The geographic position information may be communicated to a remote location either in response to a carrier activating a panic function or after receiving a request from a remote location which commences the transmission in response to the request. In a system-level configuration, the miniaturized module is used in conjunction with a portable locating unit operative to receive the geographic position information at the remote location and inform a user as to the location of the miniaturized module. Preferably the portable locating unit further includes a positioning satellite receiver of its own and a display, enabling the locating unit to visually indicate the location of the miniaturized module relative to that of the locating unit.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:  
     
         1 . A portable miniaturized geographic position determination and communications module adapted for use with a global positioning satellite system, the module comprising: 
 an enclosure in the form of a bracelet or wristband;    electronic circuitry disposed within the enclosure, the circuitry including: 
 a global positioning satellite receiver,  
 a communications transmitter, and  
 a controller operative to perform the following functions: 
 cause the global positioning satellite receiver to receive and decode a signal from one or more global positioning satellites containing information relating to the geographic position of the module, and  
 cause the communications transmitter to communicate the position information to a remote location upon removal or disturbance of the bracelet or wristband.  
 
   
     
     
         2 . The module of  claim 1 , further including a communications receiver, and wherein the controller is further operative to receive a request from a remote location and cause the communications transmitter to communicate the information in response to the request.