Method for coordinating the operation of mobile equipment

摘要

A method and apparatus for implementing coordination of radio equipment. The apparatus may be used with any apparatus that is to be rendered inactive outside of a predetermined geographic area. The apparatus is equipped with a receiver for receiving a radio signal on a beacon frequency and for generating an enabling signal indicative of the presence of the radio signal. In the absence of the enabling signal, the apparatus is prevented from operating. The present invention is particularly well suited for providing coordinatible radio transmitters. The beacon signal is sent from an antenna in the geographic area in which the apparatus is permitted to transmit. The beacon signal includes a code which must match a code stored in the apparatus. In one embodiment of the present invention, the beacon signal also includes an authentication signature to prevent fraudulent beacons from improperly enabling equipment.