Abstract: A system for monitoring objects and individuals. The system includes a first tracking device and a monitoring station to track location information. A user interface provides to remotely access the monitoring station. The user interface includes a graphical rendering to select a series of keystrokes. The graphical rendering prevents unauthorized recording of the series of keystrokes. A first request signal communicated obtains location coordinates of a first tracking device. The first tracking device transmits a first reply signal that comprises a first identification code. A second tracking device receives the first reply signal, compares the first identification code to a stored identification code and communicates to the monitoring station a second reply signal that comprises the location coordinates of the first tracking device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring objects and individuals. In this system, a monitoring station is remotely accessible through a user interface. The interface is adapted to provide a visually cognizable rendering of an area and a tool useful for selecting at least a portion of said area, and to communicate a first request signal to provide location coordinates of a first tracking device. The first tracking device comprises a first transceiver adapted to receive the first request signal, and to transmit a first reply signal that comprises a first identification code. In addition, a second tracking device having a second transceiver is adapted to receive the first reply signal, compare the first identification code to a stored identification code, and communicate to the monitoring station a second reply signal that comprises location coordinates of the first tracking device in part responsive to verification of the first identification code.

Abstract: A method for providing a wireless telephone service includes providing a wireless handset having an associated telephone number, and a dedicated programmable wireless switch coupled to a public switched telephone network and a billing server. The handset communicates with the switch to place and receive calls to and from selected telephone numbers on respective ones of a secured list, and optionally, a dependent list. Two billing accounts are associated with the handset, a secured account having a password and the telephone numbers of the secured list associated with it, and a dependent account having a password and the telephone numbers of the dependent list, if any, associated with it. Completed incoming calls to or from the handset in which the telephone number of the caller or the number being called corresponds to a number of the secured and dependent lists are debited to the secured and dependent accounts, respectively, and calls to and from other numbers are billed to the dependent account.