GPS restraint system and method for confining a subject within a defined area

• US 6,232,916 B1
• Filed: 08/31/1999
• Issued: 05/15/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc. (Nokia Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc. (Nokia Corporation)
• Inventors: Grillo, Anthony, Veschi, John P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tarcza, Thomas H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mull, Fred H.
• Application Number:
  US09/387,180
• Time in Patent Office: 623 Days
• Field of Search: 342/357.07, 342/357.08, 342/357.13, 342/357.17, 340/573.3, 340/573.4, 340/10.51, 340/539, 119/721, 119/908
• US Class Current: 342/357.4
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 15/023 Anti-evasion devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/22 responsive to presence or absence of persons
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 119/908 Electrical animal control or handling

Abstract

A Global Positioning Satellite (“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. The restraint system also includes deterrent means for administering a deterrent to the subject that can be used either in lieu of or with the base station receiver. The deterrent means is attached to the subject and is preferably part of the GPS receiver/transmitter. The comparator output is then selectively input to the deterrent means to administer the deterrent to the subject. The GPS restraint system of the invention is readily transportable and can be remapped in a new location or to reconfigure an existing confinement area. 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.

Claims

1. A GPS-based restraint system for monitoring a position of a subject relative to a physical confinement area having a perimeter, comprising:

(a) a GPS receiver/transmitter for receiving GPS timing signals, said receiver/transmitter including a microprocessor for calculating and storing a waypoint;

(b) a mapping algorithm for calculating a mapped programmed confinement area from a plurality of waypoints input into the receiver/transmitter;

(c) a comparator for providing an output comparing a present position of the receiver/transmitter with the programmed confinement area, said output suitable for transmission by the receiver/transmitter; and

(d) a base station receiver for receiving the output transmitted by the receiver/transmitter,

wherein the position of the subject is monitored when the receiver/transmitter is attached to the subject.

2. A system as in claim 1, wherein at least some of the waypoints are obtained along the perimeter of the physical confinement area.

3. A system as in claim 1, wherein the microprocessor includes means for calculating the speed and direction of travel of the subject.

4. A system as in claim 1, wherein the subject is a parolee or individual on house arrest.

5. A system as in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to monitor a plurality of subjects.

6. A system as in claim 5, wherein the subjects are parolees or individuals on house arrest.

7. A GPS-based restraint system for restraining a subject within a confinement area having a perimeter, comprising:

(a) a GPS receiver/transmitter for receiving GPS timing signals, said receiver/transmitter including a microprocessor for calculating and storing a waypoint;

(b) a mapping algorithm for calculating a mapped programmed confinement area from a plurality of waypoints input into the receiver/transmitter;

(c) a comparator for providing an output comparing a present position of the receiver/transmitter with the programmed confinement area, said output suitable for transmission by the receiver/transmitter; and

(d) deterrent means responsive to said output for administering a deterrent to the subject.

8. A system as in claim 7, wherein at least some of the waypoints are obtained along the perimeter of the physical confinement area.

9. A system as in claim 8, wherein the deterrent means includes means for increasing the strength of the deterrent as the subject approaches the perimeter and for decreasing the strength of the deterrent as the subject moves away from the perimeter while inside the confinement area.

10. A system as in claim 7, wherein the subject is a canine.

11. A system as in claim 10, wherein the receiver/transmitter is part of a collar to be worn by the canine.

12. A system as in claim 7, wherein the deterrent means comprises electrodes and charging means for charging the electrodes.

13. A GPS-based restraint system for restraining a subject within a physical confinement area having a perimeter, comprising:

(a) first receiving and transmitting means for receiving GPS timing signals, said first receiving and transmitting means including processing means for calculating and storing a waypoint;

(b) mapping means for calculating a programmed mapped confinement area from a plurality of waypoints input into the first receiving and transmitting means;

(c) comparing means for providing an output comparing the present position of the first receiving and transmitting means with the programmed mapped confinement area, said output suitable for transmission by the first receiving and transmitting means; and

(d) second receiving means for receiving the output transmitted by the receiver/transmitter,

wherein the position of the subject is monitored when the first receiving and transmitting means is attached to the subject.

14. A system as in claim 13, wherein at least some of the waypoints are obtained along the perimeter of the physical confinement area.

15. A system as in claim 13, wherein the processing means includes means for indicating the direction of travel of the subject.

16. A system as in claim 13, wherein the subject is a parolee or individual on house arrest.

17. A system as in claim 13, wherein the system is configured to monitor a plurality of subjects.

18. A system as in claim 13, wherein the first receiving and transmitting means further includes a differential GPS receiver for receiving a correction signal transmitted by a beacon station.

19. A method for monitoring the position of a subject relative to a confinement area having a perimeter, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a GPS receiver/transmitter having a microprocessor;

(b) providing a mapping algorithm;

(c) 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;

(d) inputting the waypoints into the mapping algorithm to calculate a programmed mapped confinement area;

(e) attaching the receiver/transmitter to the subject; and

(f) 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.

20. A method as in claim 19, wherein the output is transmitted to a base station receiver.

21. A method as in claim 19, wherein the output is input to a means for administering a deterrent.

22. A method as in claim 19, further including the step of actuating an alarm when the output indicates the subject is within a selected approach distance of the perimeter.

23. A method as in claim 19, further including the step of actuating an alarm when the output indicates the subject is outside the confinement area.

24. A method as in claim 19, further comprising the steps of reprogramming the receiver/transmitter by repeating steps (b) through (f) for the desired confinement area.

25. A method as in claim 19, further including the steps of:

a) computing the speed and direction of travel of the subject with the microprocessor; and

b) providing a signal to the base station receiver indicating the speed and direction of travel of the subject.

26. A method as in claim 19, wherein the subject is a parolee or individual on house arrest.

27. A method as in claim 19, further comprising the step of monitoring the location of a number of subjects.