Method and system for locating a wireless tracking device associated with a network of alarm panels
A wireless tracking device can operate in two or more modes in connection with determining location of the wireless tracking device. In one mode, the wireless tracking device can determine location by establishing communication with an alarm panel using a short-range transceiver. The alarm panel can have a location that is known at the alarm panel or at a remote server, for example. In another mode, the wireless tracking device can utilize a location detector, such as a GPS receiver or a short-range receiver, to determine location of the wireless tracking device.
1. A wireless tracking device comprising:
a transceiver configured for short-range communication with each alarm panel in a plurality of alarm panels that are geographically dispersed, that have defined locations, and that are linked to a server, wherein each alarm panel comprises a wireless transmitter and receiver for the short-range communication;
a cellular modem configured for communication over a cellular network;
a location detector;
a battery that powers the transceiver, the cellular modem, and the location detector; and
a processor that is powered by the battery and that comprises:
a connection to the transceiver;
a connection to the cellular modem;
a connection to the location detector; and
memory; and
processor executable instructions stored in the memory to perform steps comprising:
making a selection between a first mode and a second mode for determining location of the wireless tracking device,
wherein the first mode comprises using the location detector to determine location, and
wherein the second mode comprises determining location by identifying one alarm panel in the plurality of alarm panels that is in range for the short-range communication and referencing the identity of the one alarm panel to the defined location of the one alarm panel.
2. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 , wherein the defined locations are stored remotely from the wireless tracking device.
3. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 , wherein the defined locations are stored at the server.
4. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 , wherein the defined location is stored at the alarm panel.
5. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 , wherein the location detector comprises a GPS receiver.
6. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 , wherein the location detector uses the cellular network to determine location.
7. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 , wherein making the selection between the first mode and the second mode comprises using the first mode as a default and switching to the second mode when signal quality for the location detector drops below a threshold.
8. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 , wherein making the selection between the first mode and the second mode comprises using the second mode as a default and switching to the first mode in an absence of communication with each alarm panel in the plurality of alarm panels.
9. The wireless tracking device of claim 1 , wherein the steps further comprise:
selecting between a first network and a second network to communicate locational information to a remote location,
wherein the first network comprises the transceiver, the one alarm panel, and the server, and
wherein the second network comprises the cellular network.