Public area locator system

Abstract

A wireless personnel locator system includes a plurality of low power, compact, radio frequency (RF) transmitters adapted to continuously transmit narrow band modulated or spread spectrum modulated signals, including a transmitter identification code or serial number. Designated public areas such as retail merchant complexes, exhibit halls, and entertainment complexes have identified RF receivers at designated locations, such as entrance and exit portals, for receiving transmitter signals and transmitting related information to a control center processing unit which correlates the received signals with a subscriber or authorized person for each of the transmitters. The transmitters may be incorporated in easily carried devices such as key chain fobs, integrated into pager devices or cellular phones or encapsulated in an elastic band worn by the user. The processing unit may be in communication with a security department for providing information regarding the whereabouts of persons about to make unauthorized exits from or entrances into particular areas. A communication unit may be available to subscribers at particular locations in the designated areas for accessing information as to the whereabouts of a person carrying a transmitter.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.