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

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.

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.

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.