Security and Tracking System

Abstract

A security and tracking apparatus includes at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein the apparatus is adapted for transmitting the location of each signaling unit when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance. A method to locate a person, animal, or object, includes providing in contact with or at least in close proximity to the person, the animal, or the object, at least a first signaling unit and a second signaling unit, wherein each respective signaling unit is adapted for identifying the location of the signaling units and for transmitting the location of the signaling units when the first and second signaling units are separated more than a preselected distance; and activating the signaling units to transmit the location of the signaling units.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus adapted to be in contact with or at least in close proximity to a person and/or object, comprising a first signaling unit having means for identifying the location of said signaling unit, and a second signaling unit in communicating proximity with the first signaling unit, the second signaling unit having means for identifying the location of said second signaling unit, wherein each said signaling unit is adapted for identifying the location of said signaling unit and for transmitting the location of said signaling unit
 a) automatically when the first and second signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance,   b) upon demand from a monitoring station or a remote source,   c) upon demand from the person,   d) upon loss or absence of communication from the other signaling unit,   e) upon preselected intervals, or   f) upon the occurrence of an event or situation.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one signaling unit additionally comprises a monitoring station. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first signaling unit or the second signaling unit is incorporated into a wearable article, optionally at least one of an article of clothing, a shoe, a watch, a wristband, a bracelet, an identification card, an article of jewelry, a hair accessory, or eyeglasses. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first signaling unit or the second signaling unit is incorporated into a watch. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first signaling unit or the second signaling unit is incorporated into a cellular phone, a pager, a handheld device, a personal data assistant, or a Pocket PC. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the signaling unit in a wristwatch is capable of generating a signal to the individual wearing the signaling unit if an associated signaling unit, optionally a cell phone, a handheld device, or a PDA, is left behind. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the monitoring station comprises a cellular phone, a pager, a desktop computer, a tower computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a handheld device, a personal data assistant, a Pocket PC, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein at least one signaling unit is capable of transmitting directly to a remote receiver, optionally a desktop or tower computer, a cell phone, pager, portable computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, personal data assistant, or a handheld device. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one signaling unit is capable of communicating with at least one of a cellular network, a satellite network, a mesh network, a local network, local sensors, or a wireless network. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a signaling unit is capable of transmitting location information continuously or intermittently, optionally in encrypted form. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the signaling unit is capable of transmitting additional information associated with the person or object. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one signaling unit is configured for at least one secondary operation, optionally recording, receiving or transmitting video signals or audio signals, internet real time streaming video and voice over IP (VoIP), the disabling of firearms that have been separated from their owners, the disabling of motor vehicles that have been separated from their owners, or the monitoring of physiological functions. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one secondary operation is activated based on the location of at least one signaling unit. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one secondary operation is activated by a user on demand. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one secondary operation is automatically activated when the signaling units are separated by more than a preselected distance. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , configured for monitoring the physiological function and transmitting a signal due to an emergency condition, the condition optionally including at least one of lack of movement, loss of blood pressure, loss of pulse, spike in blood pressure, or another monitorable physical condition associated with an individual's health condition. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one signaling unit is contained in a material asset or personal accessory, optionally a credit card, a wallet, a checkbook, a purse, a cellular phone, a pager, a motor vehicle, a boat, an aircraft, a television, a radio, a stereo, a tape player, a compact disc player, a DVD player, an MP3 player, a VCR, a camera, a movie camera, a computer, a printer, a laptop or notebook computer, a handheld device, a PDA or PocketPC, a briefcase, a suitcase, a backpack, a bank bag, a weapon, an article of clothing, an article of jewelry, or an article of artwork.