Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g. – Directive – Including a satellite
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-31
2001-05-15
Tarcza, Thomas H. (Department: 3662)
Communications: directive radio wave systems and devices (e.g.,
Directive
Including a satellite
C340S573300, C340S573400, C119S721000, C119S908000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06232916
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention pertains to the field of positional monitoring systems. More particularly, the invention pertains to a system and method for monitoring and confining a subject person or animal within a defined area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Individual monitoring systems and confinement systems have been developed for various applications. One application is the home confinement of early-release prisoners, which is a response by federal, state and local governments and agencies to overcrowded prisons and other social conditions. Another application is the confinement of an animal, such as a canine pet, to a property.
One type of monitoring and restraint system for such applications employs a receiver/transmitter that attaches to a subject, either human or animal, for determining whether the subject has left a confinement area. The confinement area is established by means of a permanent installation of a perimeter wire around the confinement area that is responsive to the receiver/transmitter. As a subject approaches the perimeter, the receiver/transmitter administers a deterrent to prevent the subject from leaving the area. One disadvantage of this system is that the installation of a perimeter wire is labor-intensive and therefore costly. Another disadvantage is that once the wire is installed underground, the confinement area is not easily changed. Relocating the system involves the additional labor and expenses required for the reinstallation of another perimeter wire in a new location.
Another type of system employs a centralized transmitter in combination with a receiver/transmitter. The receiver/transmitter notifies a central station when a subject moves outside the confinement area by transmitting a positional signal. The boundary is established by a relative signal strength level, where the farther the distance from the centralized transmitter, the weaker the signal. The signal strength is equated to the distance of the desired boundary from the transmitter. One disadvantage is that the transmitter may have blackout areas due to obstructions or interference with the signal and the position of the subject may therefore be lost. Another disadvantage is that the boundary configuration is typically limited to the concentric signal strength pattern, thus restricting the shape of the monitored boundary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an embodiment of the invention, a Global Positioning System (“GPS”)-based restraint system includes a GPS receiver/transmitter for receiving GPS timing signals, a mapping algorithm, a comparator, and a base station receiver. The receiver/transmitter includes a microprocessor for calculating and storing a waypoint. The mapping algorithm calculates a mapped programmed confinement area from a plurality of waypoints obtained along the perimeter of the physical confinement area, and the comparator provides an output comparing the present position of the receiver/transmitter with the programmed confinement area. The comparator output is transmitted as an output signal by the receiver/transmitter to the base station receiver and the position of the subject is monitored while the receiver/transmitter is attached to the subject. In another embodiment, deterrent means for administering a deterrent to the subject is substituted for the base station receiver. The deterrent means is attached to the subject and is preferably included in the GPS receiver/transmitter. The comparator output is selectively input to the deterrent means to administer the deterrent to the subject.
In another embodiment of the invention, the restraint system includes the deterrent means, the base station receiver, and also includes a base station transmitter. The comparator output is transmitted as an output signal by the GPS receiver/transmitter to the base station receiver/transmitter which processes the signal and selectively transmits a deterrent signal to the deterrent means to administer the deterrent to the subject. The deterrent means may include electrodes and charging means to charge the electrodes and administer an electric shock to the subject. Other deterrents include offensive noises and vibrations administered to the subject.
Also according to the invention, a method for monitoring the position of a subject relative to a confinement area having a perimeter includes the steps of providing a GPS receiver/transmitter having a microprocessor; providing a mapping algorithm; receiving GPS timing signals with the receiver/transmitter and calculating with the microprocessor a waypoint at each of a plurality of locations along the perimeter; inputting the waypoints into the mapping algorithm to calculate a programmed mapped confinement area; attaching the receiver/transmitter to the subject; and providing a comparator and comparing the present position of the subject with the programmed mapped confinement area to calculate an output indicating the position of the subject relative to the confinement area.
The GPS restraint system of the invention is readily transportable and can be used in a new location or in the same location to cover a new confinement area or a reconfigured existing confinement area. The new or reconfigured confinement area is easily established with appropriate positional fixes taken along the new perimeter.
Reinstallation costs associated with wire perimeter systems are eliminated by the present invention. The GPS-based restraint system is not subject to the blackout areas of other systems, and it provides accurate and reliable confinement boundaries for restraining a subject within the selected confinement area. The system can be readily configured to monitor a plurality of detainees or other subjects.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5416468 (1995-05-01), Baumann
patent: 5568119 (1996-10-01), Schipper et al.
patent: 5748148 (1998-05-01), Heiser et al.
patent: 5781113 (1998-07-01), Yarnell, Sr. et al.
patent: 5793882 (1998-08-01), Piatek et al.
patent: 5868100 (1999-02-01), Marsh
patent: 6043748 (2000-03-01), Touchton et al.
Grillo Anthony
Veschi John P.
Brown & Michaels, P.C.
Lucent Technologies - Inc.
Mull Fred H.
Tarcza Thomas H.
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