Proximity Locator System

Abstract

A Proximity Locator System for individuals includes a credit card size card which is carried in an individual's wallet. The card is provided with a wireless communication device which is used in conjunction with a locating device to locate an individual. This may be utilized to locate individuals lost at sea, in an avalanche, or under the debris of a fallen building. The communication device on the card may be solar powered or activated by a RF signal from the locator device. The card does not require a battery to power the communication device. Therefore it may be carried by and individual and activated at any time. In this manner it is fully operational when someone is attempting to locate the card. The card also contains a smart chip with vital information about the individual which can be accessed by individuals with different authority levels.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A proximity locator device for locating a passive device, comprising:
 a transmitter;   a receiver;   a processor;   said transmitter being adapted to transmit a radio signal encoding authorization information for activating a response signal from said passive device;   said receiver being adapted to receive a radio signal transmitted by said passive device; and   said processor being adapted to determine the location of the passive device relative to said proximity locator device based on said received radio signal.   
     
     
         17 . The proximity locator device of  claim 16 , wherein said radio signal encoding authorization information powers said passive device. 
     
     
         18 . The proximity locator device of  claim 16 , wherein said passive device comprises a smart card chip. 
     
     
         19 . The proximity locator device of  claim 16 , wherein said proximity locator device uses one of triangulation and electromagnetic phase determination to determine the location of the passive device. 
     
     
         20 . A passively locatable device comprising:
 a radio receiver;   a power device;   a transmitter;   said radio receiver being adapted to receive an activating radio signal encoding authorization information;   said power device being adapted to convert said received radio signal energy into electrical power; and   said transmitter being adapted to be powered by said converted electric power and, if said radio receiver receives said activating radio signal encoding authorization information, to transmit a location signal that can be used to locate said passively locatable device.   
     
     
         21 . The passively locatable device of  claim 20 , wherein said passively locatable device comprises a smart card chip.