WIRELESS TAG AND AUXILIARY DEVICE FOR USE WITH HOME MONITORING UNIT FOR TRACKING INDIVIDUALS OR OBJECTS

摘要

The invention is directed to a wireless location tracking device or tag a nd auxiliary device for use with a home monitoring unit for tracking individ uals or objects. The location tracking device has position determining circu itry and first short range wireless circuitry that communicates position dat a representative of the location of the tracking device to an auxiliary devi ce (or HMU). The auxiliary device has second short range wireless circuitry that communicates with the tracking device and long range communications cir cuitry that communicates the position data to a remote location. The trackin g device can have a first operational mode, when communication is not establ ished with the auxiliary device, wherein the position determining circuitry is maintained in a normal power state. The tracking device can also have a s econd operational mode, when communication is established between the tracki ng device and the auxiliary device, wherein the position determining circuit ry is placed in a reduced power state. The remote location can include a mon itoring station that communicates with the tracking device via the auxiliary device. The monitoring station can direct the tracking device to switch ope rational modes. In the alternative (e.g., in cases where the tag is unable t o contact the CMS) the tag can maintain list ofapproved auxiliary devices an d the tag can make the determination on whether or not switch operational mo des.