APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOCATING INDIVIDUALS AND OBJECTS USING TRACKING DEVICES

摘要

A system (400) for monitoring objects and individuals. In this system (400), a monitoring station (506) is remotely accessible through a user interface (403). The interface (403) is adapted to provide a visually cognizable rendering of an area and a tool (401) useful for selecting at least a portion of said area, and to communicate a first request signal to provide location coordinates of a first tracking device (402). The first tracking device (402) comprises a first transceiver (801, 815) adapted to receive the first request signal, and to transmit a first reply signal that comprises a first identification code. In addition, a second tracking device (410) having a second transceiver is adapted to receive the first reply signal, compare the first identification code to a stored identification code, and communicate to the monitoring station (506) a second reply signal that comprises location coordinates of the first tracking device (402) in part responsive to verification of the first identification code.