ENVIRONMENT OVERVIEW
`
`[0016]
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates an environment for use in locating a tracking device 106. FIG. 1
`
`illustrates a tracking system 100 communicatively coupled to a mobile device 102 associated
`
`with a user 103 and a plurality of community mobile devices 104a through 104n (collectively
`
`referred to herein as “community mobile devices 104”) associated with a plurality of users
`
`105a through 105n of the tracking system 100 (collectively referred to herein as “community
`
`users 105”). As will be explained in more detail below, the tracking system 100 allows the
`
`user 103 to communicate with the tracking device 106 associated with the user 103. In some
`
`embodiments, the tracking system 100 leverages the capabilities of the community mobile
`
`devices 104 to send a tracking device request to the tracking device 106 if the tracking device
`
`106 is not within a threshold proximity of the mobile device 102. In some configurations, the
`
`user 103 can own and register multiple tracking devices 106. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a
`
`particular arrangement of the tracking system 100, the mobile device 102, the community
`
`mobile devices 104, and the tracking device 106, various additional arrangements are
`
`possible.
`
`[0017]
`
`In some configurations, the user 103 can be part of the community of users 105.
`
`Further, one or more users of the community of users 105 can own and register one or more
`
`tracking devices 106. Thus, any one of the users within the community of users 105 can
`
`communicate with the tracking system 100 and leverage the capabilities of the other
`
`community of users 105 in addition to the user 103 to communicate with a tracking device
`
`106.
`
`[0018]
`
`The tracking system 100, the mobile device 102 and the community mobile
`
`devices 104 communicate via a first network 108. The tracking system 100, the mobile
`
`device 102 and the community mobile devices 104 can communicate using any
`
`communication platforms and technologies suitable for transporting data and/or
`
`communication signals, including known communication technologies, devices, media, and
`
`protocols supportive of remote data communications. The first network 108 can include one
`
`or more networks, including, but not limited to, wireless networks (e.g., wireless
`
`communication networks), mobile telephone networks (e.g., cellular telephone networks),
`
`closed communication networks, open communication networks, satellite networks,
`
`navigation networks, broadband networks, narrowband networks, the Internet, local area
`
`networks, and any other networks capable of carrying data and/or communications signals
`
`between the tracking system 100, the mobile device 102, and the community mobile devices
`
`4
`
`31260/42668/FW/10586597.1
`
`