Importance

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Abstract

A global positioning and tracking system for locating objects including a plurality of tracking devices each releasably secured to an object and a central monitoring station. Each tracking device includes a processing device for storing an identification code unique to the tracking device, determining a location of the tracking device and generating a position signal based upon the determined location, a cellular transmitter/receiver for receiving and initiating cellular transmissions. The central monitoring station receives a location request and identification code from a user and initiates a cellular transmission including the identification code to a telephone number assigned to the tracking units. Upon receipt of the cellular transmission each tracking unit compares the identification code with its stored identification code. The tracking unit with a stored identification code determined to match the received identification code generates and transmits a position signal to the central monitoring station via cellular transmission channels. The central monitoring station then relays the position signal to the user. The user is able to provide a location request to the central monitoring station by at least one of a telephone communication and an electronic message via an Internet connection. Each tracking device is also able to generate a distress signal for transmission to the central monitoring unit upon detection of an emergency situation or automatically upon breaking of the circuit of the tracking unit.

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First Claim