Tracking system using miniaturized concealable communications module

A miniaturized geographic position determination and communications module adapted for use with a global positioning satellite system, the module comprising:

• a global positioning satellite receiver connected to a substantially thin antenna;
• a communications transceiver;
• a controller operative to transmit geographic position information received over the global positioning satellite receiver to a remote location using the communications transceiver;
• and
• a thin, rechargeable battery to power to the global positioning satellite receiver, communications transceiver and controller,
• the global positioning satellite receiver, communications transceiver, and controller being mounted on at least one planar substrate, and the substrate, battery and antenna being supported parallel and in close proximity to one another, enabling all components to be contained on or within an enclosure having sufficiently small physical dimensions IQ permit personal concealment.

For use with a global positioning satellite system, a wireless geographic position tracking system comprising:

• a miniaturized geographical position determination and communications module including:
• an enclosure,
• at least one planar substrate containing electronic circuitry disposed within said enclosure, said circuitry including geographic positioning receiver means connected to an antenna for receiving a signal from a global positioning satellite system, communications transceiver means, and control and power management means, and
• a rechargeable power supply means for supplying power to said electronic circuitry;
• a portable locating unit in communication with said miniaturized geographic position determination and communications module, comprising:
• an enclosure,
• a communications transceiver means disposed within said enclosure, the transceiver being adapted for receiving geographic positioning data from said geographic a position determination and communications module,
• means for formatting and displaying said geographic positioning data, said formatting and display means being in communication with said communications receiver,
• means for inputting operational commands to said formatting and displaying means, and
• a power supply means disposed within said enclosure for supplying power to said portable locating unit.