Tracking apparatus

摘要

An apparatus is provided for gaming or for other purposes where tracking of the relative location of a plurality of individuals can be used which includes for each person a wireless network device connected to a network. Each device detects a current location of the device while being carried for communication to a server arranged to communicate through the network with each of the devices having a downloaded program to obtain repeatedly an indication of the current location of the device. The server detects from the current locations when any two or more of the devices are within a predetermined distance and communicates to at least one of the devices when the location is within said predetermined distance. The signal can be used to trigger various events including actions in a gaming situation.

主权项

1. An Apparatus for tracking the relative location of a plurality of individuals for providing information to the plurality of individuals, the apparatus comprising:
a plurality of wireless network devices each arranged to be carried by one individual of the plurality of individuals; a wireless communication network for communication with the plurality of wireless network devices; each of the plurality of wireless network devices having a location detection system for detecting a current location of the each of the plurality of wireless network devices while being carried; a server providing a downloadable program which can be communicated to a selected wireless network devices of the plurality of wireless network devices for controlling operation of the plurality of wireless network devices; the server having an operating program in communication with the wireless communication network; the server being arranged to communicate through the wireless communication network with the each of the plurality of wireless network devices having the downloaded program to obtain repeatedly from the each of the plurality of wireless network devices an indication of the current location of the respective wireless network devices of the plurality of wireless network devices; wherein the downloaded program is arranged to track members of a predetermined group of the individuals having the wireless network devices, the group being identified in the server by an identifier of the members of the group input to the server; the server being arranged to detect from said indications of the current location whenever two or more of the plurality of wireless network devices have the current location thereof within a predetermined distance whether or not said two or more of the plurality of wireless network devices are at a common location; the server being arranged to communicate through the wireless communication network a signal to at least one of said two or more of the plurality of wireless network devices whenever the current location thereof is within said predetermined distance; wherein the server is arranged to communicate through the wireless communication network to the plurality of wireless network devices or selected ones of the plurality of wireless network devices of the individuals of the group a map on which the current locations of the plurality of wireless network devices or the selected ones of the plurality of wireless network devices of the group are identified whether or not said two or more of the plurality of wireless network devices are at said common location.