Flexible monitoring of location and motion

Claim 1

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) designating a site, having a connected and closed curve or surface of arbitrary shape as a site boundary, as a permitted site; (2) permitting an MP to move on the permitted site; (3) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to the MP that allow determination of the present location of the MP; (4) determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit; (5) when the MP is not on the permitted site at one or more of the location determination times, transmitting an alarm signal number 1 ; (6) providing a signal generator that is attached to the MP's body and that, when activated, transmits a distinguishable electromagnetic signal; (7) providing the MP with a motion sensor that, when the sensor is substantially motionless, issues a stationarity signal; (8) when the MP is on the permitted site: (8A) determining whether the LD unit is receiving LD signals; (8B) when the LD unit is receiving LD signals, returning to step (4), and when the LD unit is not receiving LD signals, proceeding to step (8C); (8C) issuing an advisory signal number 1 and causing a first timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt1=Δt1, max; (8D) determining whether the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal; (8E) when the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max and the motion sensor has not yet begun issuing a stationarity signal, transmitting an alarm signal number 2 and returning to step (8A); (8F) when the motion sensor begins issuing a stationarity signal before the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max deactivating the LD unit, deactivating the first timer, resetting the first timer accumulated time to Δt1=0, activating the signal generator and causing the signal generator to transmit a distinguishable signal; (8G) providing a signal sensor, positioned at a selected location, that receives the distinguishable signal from the activated signal generator and that assigns a range attribute value A, having a real number value, to the received signal that is an approximate measure of the distance between the signal generator and the signal sensor; (8H) determining whether the range attribute value A for the distinguishable signal, received from the signal generator, is less than a selected range attribute threshold value A thr , at a sequence of at least two times; (8I) when A≧A thr , continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr and (8J) when A<A thr (8J-1) transmitting an advisory signal number 2 and causing a second timer to begin a second countdown from a time Δt2=0 to a second selected maximum accumulated countdown time of Δt2=Δt2, max; (8J-2) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; (8J-3) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max transmitting an alarm signal number 3 , returning to step (8H); (8J-4) when the second countdown has begun and the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, deactivating the second timer and resetting the second timer accumulated time to Δt2=0; (8J-5) when the second countdown has begun and the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, activating the LD unit and causing a third timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt3=0 to a third selected maximum accumulated countdown time Δt3=Δt3, max; (8J-6) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max determining if the LD unit has acquired LD signals; (8J-7) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has acquired LD signals, initializing and deactivating the third timer and returning to step (8A); (8J-8) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max, and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, returning to step (8J -6 )]; and (8J-9) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, deactivating and initializing the third time counter, transmitting an alarm signal number 4 and returning to step (8A).

Claim 2

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) designating a site, having a connected and closed curve or surface of arbitrary shape as a site boundary, as a permitted site; (2) permitting an MP to move on the permitted site; (3) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to the MP that allow determination of the present location of the MP; (4) determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit; (5) when the MP is not on the permitted site at one or more of the location determination times, transmitting an alarm signal number 1 ; (6) providing a signal generator that is attached to the MP's body and that, when activated, transmits a distinguishable electromagnetic signal; (7) providing the MP with a motion sensor that, when the sensor is substantially motionless, issues a stationarity signal; (8) when the MP is on the permitted site: (8A) determining whether the LD unit is receiving LD signals; (8B) when the LD unit is receiving LD signals, returning to step (4), and when the LD unit is not receiving LD signals, proceeding to step (8C); (8C) issuing an advisory signal number 1 and causing a first timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt1=Δt1, max; (8D) determining whether the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal; (8E) when the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max and the motion sensor has not yet begun issuing a stationarity signal, transmitting an alarm signal number 2 and returning to step (8A); (8F) when the motion sensor begins issuing a stationarity signal before the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max deactivating the LD unit, deactivating the first timer, resetting the first timer accumulated time to Δt1=0, activating the signal generator and causing the signal generator to transmit a distinguishable signal; (8G) providing a signal sensor, positioned at a selected location, that receives the distinguishable signal from the activated signal generator and that assigns a range attribute value A, having a real number value, to the received signal that is an approximate measure of the distance between the signal generator and the signal sensor; (8H) determining whether the range attribute value A for the distinguishable signal, received from the signal generator, is less than a selected range attribute threshold value A thr , at a sequence of at least two times; (8I) when A≧A thr , continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr and (8J) when A<A thr (8J-1) transmitting an advisory signal number 2 and causing a second timer to begin a second countdown from a time Δt2=0 to a second selected maximum accumulated countdown time of Δt2=Δt2, max; (8J-2) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; (8J-3) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max transmitting an alarm signal number 3 , returning to step (8H); (8J-4) when the second countdown has begun and the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, deactivating the second timer and resetting the second timer accumulated time to Δt2=0; (8J-5) when the second countdown has begun and the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, activating the LD unit and causing a third timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt3=0 to a third selected maximum accumulated countdown time Δt3=Δt3, max; (8J-6) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max determining if the LD unit has acquired LD signals; (8J-7) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has acquired LD signals, initializing and deactivating the third timer and returning to step (8A); (8J-8) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max, and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, returning to step (8J -6 )]; and (8J-9) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, deactivating and initializing the third time counter, transmitting an alarm signal number 4 and returning to step (8A).

Claim 7

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) designating a site, having a connected and closed curve or surface of arbitrary shape as a site boundary, as a permitted site; (2) permitting an MP to move on the permitted site; (3) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD signal receiver unit attached to the MP that allow determination of the present location of the MP; (4) determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit; (5) when the MP is not on the permitted site at one or more of the location determination times, transmitting an alarm signal number 1 ; (6) providing a signal generator that is attached to the MP's body and that, when activated, transmits a distinguishable electromagnetic signal; (7) providing the MP with a motion sensor that, when the sensor is substantially motionless, issues a stationarity signal; (8) when the MP is on the permitted site: (8A) determining whether the LD unit is receiving LD signals; (8B) when the LD unit is receiving LD signals, returning to step (4), and when the LD unit is not receiving LD signals, proceeding to step (8C); (8C) issuing an advisory signal number 1 and causing a first timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt1=Δt1, max; (8D) determining whether the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal; (8E) when the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max and the motion sensor has not yet begun issuing a stationarity signal, transmitting an alarm signal number 2 and returning to step (8A); (8F) when the motion sensor begins issuing a stationarity signal before the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max deactivating the LD unit, deactivating the first timer, resetting the first timer accumulated time to Δt1=0, activating the signal generator and causing the signal generator to transmit a distinguishable signal; (8G) providing a signal sensor, positioned at a selected location, that receives the distinguishable signal from the activated signal generator and that assigns a range attribute value A, having a real number value, to the received signal that is an approximate measure of the distance between the signal generator and the signal sensor; (8H) determining whether the range attribute value A for the distinguishable signal, received from the signal generator, is less than a selected range attribute threshold value A thr , at a sequence of at least two times; (8I) when A≧A thr , continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; and (8J) when A<A thr : (8J-1) transmitting an advisory signal number 2 and causing a second timer to begin a second countdown from a time Δt2=0 to a second selected maximum accumulated countdown time of Δt2=Δt2, max; (8J-2) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; (8J-3) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max transmitting an alarm number 3 , returning to step (8H); (8J-4) when the second countdown has begun and the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, deactivating the second timer and resetting the second timer accumulated time to Δt2=0; (8J-5) when the second countdown has begun and the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, activating the LD unit and causing a third timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt3 =0 to a third selected maximum accumulated countdown time Δt3=Δt3, max; (8J-6) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max determining if the LD unit has acquired LD signals; (8J-7) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max, and the LD unit has acquired LD signals, initializing and deactivating the third timer and returning to step (8A); (8J-8) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max, and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, returning to step (8J-6)]; and (8J-9) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, deactivating and initializing the third time counter, transmitting an alarm signal 4 and returning to step (8A).

Claim 8

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) designating a site, having a connected and closed curve or surface of arbitrary shape as a site boundary, as a permitted site; (2) permitting an MP to move on the permitted site; (3) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD signal receiver unit attached to the MP that allow determination of the present location of the MP; (4) determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit; (5) when the MP is not on the permitted site at one or more of the location determination times, transmitting an alarm signal number 1 ; (6) providing a signal generator that is attached to the MP's body and that, when activated, transmits a distinguishable electromagnetic signal; (7) providing the MP with a motion sensor that, when the sensor is substantially motionless, issues a stationarity signal; (8) when the MP is on the permitted site: (8A) determining whether the LD unit is receiving LD signals; (8B) when the LD unit is receiving LD signals, returning to step (4), and when the LD unit is not receiving LD signals, proceeding to step (8C); (8C) issuing an advisory signal number 1 and causing a first timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt1=Δt1, max; (8D) determining whether the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal; (8E) when the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max and the motion sensor has not yet begun issuing a stationarity signal, transmitting an alarm signal number 2 and returning to step (8A); (8F) when the motion sensor begins issuing a stationarity signal before the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max deactivating the LD unit, deactivating the first timer, resetting the first timer accumulated time to Δt1=0, activating the signal generator and causing the signal generator to transmit a distinguishable signal; (8G) providing a signal sensor, positioned at a selected location, that receives the distinguishable signal from the activated signal generator and that assigns a range attribute value A, having a real number value, to the received signal that is an approximate measure of the distance between the signal generator and the signal sensor; (8H) determining whether the range attribute value A for the distinguishable signal, received from the signal generator, is less than a selected range attribute threshold value A thr , at a sequence of at least two times; (8I) when A≧A thr , continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; and (8J) when A<A thr : (8J-1) transmitting an advisory signal number 2 and causing a second timer to begin a second countdown from a time Δt2=0 to a second selected maximum accumulated countdown time of Δt2=Δt2, max; (8J-2) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; (8J-3) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max transmitting an alarm number 3 , returning to step (8H); (8J-4) when the second countdown has begun and the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, deactivating the second timer and resetting the second timer accumulated time to Δt2=0; (8J-5) when the second countdown has begun and the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, activating the LD unit and causing a third timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt3 =0 to a third selected maximum accumulated countdown time Δt3=Δt3, max; (8J-6) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max determining if the LD unit has acquired LD signals; (8J-7) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max, and the LD unit has acquired LD signals, initializing and deactivating the third timer and returning to step (8A); (8J-8) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max, and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, returning to step (8J-6)]; and (8J-9) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, deactivating and initializing the third time counter, transmitting an alarm signal 4 and returning to step (8A).

Claim 13

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) designating a site, having a connected and closed curve or surface of arbitrary shape as a site boundary, as a permitted site; (2) permitting an MP to move on the permitted site; (3) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to the MP that allow determination of the present location of the MP; (4) determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit; (5) when the MP is not on the permitted site at one or more of the location determination times, transmitting an alarm signal number 1 ; (6) providing a signal generator that is attached to the MP's body and that, when activated, transmits a distinguishable electromagnetic signal; (7) providing the MP with a motion sensor that, when the sensor is substantially motionless, issues a stationarity signal; (8) providing the motion sensor with a motion counter having an initial value m=1 and having a selected maximum value m=m max ≧1; (9) setting the motion counter value m=1; and (10) when the MP is on the permitted site: (10A) determining whether the LD unit is receiving LD signals; (10B) when the LD unit is receiving LD signals, returning to step (3), and when the LD unit is not receiving LD signals, proceeding to step (10C); (10C) issuing an advisory signal number 1 and causing a first timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt1=Δt1, max; (10D) determining whether the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal; (10E) when the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max and the motion sensor has not yet begun issuing a stationarity signal, transmitting an alarm signal number 2 and returning to step (8A); (10F) when the motion sensor begins issuing a stationarity signal before the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max, deactivating the LD unit, deactivating the first timer, resetting the first timer accumulated time to Δt1=0, activating the signal generator and causing the signal generator to transmit a distinguishable signal; (10G) providing a signal sensor, positioned at a selected location, that receives the distinguishable signal from the activated signal generator and that assigns a range attribute value A, having a real number value, to the received signal that is an approximate measure of the distance between the signal generator and the signal sensor; (10H) determining whether the range attribute value A for the distinguishable signal, received from the signal generator, is less than a selected range attribute threshold value A thr , at a sequence of at least two times; (10I) when A≧A thr , continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; and (10J) when A<A thr : (10J-1) transmitting an advisory signal number 2 and causing a second timer to begin a second countdown from a time Δt2=0 to a second selected maximum accumulated countdown time of Δt2=Δt2, max; (10J-2) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; (10J-3) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max transmitting an alarm signal number 3 , returning to step (10H); (10J-4) when the second countdown has begun and the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, deactivating the second timer, resetting the second timer accumulated time to Δt2=0, replacing the motion counter value m by an incremented value m+1 and determining if the incremented value satisfies m>m max ; (10J-5) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and m≦m max ; returning to step (10A); (10J-6) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and m>m max , determining if a new monitoring interval has begun; (10J-7) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max and a new monitoring interval has begun, resetting the motion counter to m=1, and proceeding to step (10J-9); (10J-8) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max and a new monitoring interval has not begun, proceeding to step (10J-9); (10J-9) activating the LD unit and causing a third timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt3=0 to a third selected maximum accumulated countdown time Δt3=Δt3, max; (10J-10) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun and Δt3≦Δt3, max determining if the LD unit has acquired LD signals; (10J-11) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun, Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has acquired LD signals, initializing and deactivating the third timer and returning to step (10A); (10J-12) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun, Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, returning to step (10J-10); and (10J-13) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun, Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, deactivating and initializing the third time counter, transmitting an alarm signal number 4 and returning to step (10A).

Claim 14

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) designating a site, having a connected and closed curve or surface of arbitrary shape as a site boundary, as a permitted site; (2) permitting an MP to move on the permitted site; (3) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to the MP that allow determination of the present location of the MP; (4) determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit; (5) when the MP is not on the permitted site at one or more of the location determination times, transmitting an alarm signal number 1 ; (6) providing a signal generator that is attached to the MP's body and that, when activated, transmits a distinguishable electromagnetic signal; (7) providing the MP with a motion sensor that, when the sensor is substantially motionless, issues a stationarity signal; (8) providing the motion sensor with a motion counter having an initial value m=1 and having a selected maximum value m=m max ≧1; (9) setting the motion counter value m=1; and (10) when the MP is on the permitted site: (10A) determining whether the LD unit is receiving LD signals; (10B) when the LD unit is receiving LD signals, returning to step (3), and when the LD unit is not receiving LD signals, proceeding to step (10C); (10C) issuing an advisory signal number 1 and causing a first timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt1=Δt1, max; (10D) determining whether the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal; (10E) when the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max and the motion sensor has not yet begun issuing a stationarity signal, transmitting an alarm signal number 2 and returning to step (8A); (10F) when the motion sensor begins issuing a stationarity signal before the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max, deactivating the LD unit, deactivating the first timer, resetting the first timer accumulated time to Δt1=0, activating the signal generator and causing the signal generator to transmit a distinguishable signal; (10G) providing a signal sensor, positioned at a selected location, that receives the distinguishable signal from the activated signal generator and that assigns a range attribute value A, having a real number value, to the received signal that is an approximate measure of the distance between the signal generator and the signal sensor; (10H) determining whether the range attribute value A for the distinguishable signal, received from the signal generator, is less than a selected range attribute threshold value A thr , at a sequence of at least two times; (10I) when A≧A thr , continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; and (10J) when A<A thr : (10J-1) transmitting an advisory signal number 2 and causing a second timer to begin a second countdown from a time Δt2=0 to a second selected maximum accumulated countdown time of Δt2=Δt2, max; (10J-2) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; (10J-3) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max transmitting an alarm signal number 3 , returning to step (10H); (10J-4) when the second countdown has begun and the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, deactivating the second timer, resetting the second timer accumulated time to Δt2=0, replacing the motion counter value m by an incremented value m+1 and determining if the incremented value satisfies m>m max ; (10J-5) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and m≦m max ; returning to step (10A); (10J-6) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and m>m max , determining if a new monitoring interval has begun; (10J-7) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max and a new monitoring interval has begun, resetting the motion counter to m=1, and proceeding to step (10J-9); (10J-8) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max and a new monitoring interval has not begun, proceeding to step (10J-9); (10J-9) activating the LD unit and causing a third timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt3=0 to a third selected maximum accumulated countdown time Δt3=Δt3, max; (10J-10) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun and Δt3≦Δt3, max determining if the LD unit has acquired LD signals; (10J-11) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun, Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has acquired LD signals, initializing and deactivating the third timer and returning to step (10A); (10J-12) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun, Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, returning to step (10J-10); and (10J-13) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun, Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, deactivating and initializing the third time counter, transmitting an alarm signal number 4 and returning to step (10A).

Claim 19

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) designating a site, having a connected and closed curve or surface of arbitrary shape as a site boundary, as a permitted site; (2) permitting an MP to move on the permitted site; (3) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to the MP that allow determination of the present location of the MP; (4) determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit; (5) when the MP is not on the permitted site at one or more of the location determination times, transmitting an alarm signal number 1 ; (6) providing a signal generator that is attached to the MP's body and that, when activated, transmits a distinguishable electromagnetic signal; (7) providing the MP with a motion sensor that, when the sensor is substantially motionless, issues a stationarity signal; (8) providing the motion sensor with a motion counter having an initial value m=1 and having a selected maximum value m=m max ≦1; (9) setting the motion counter value m=1; and (10) when the MP is on the permitted site: (10A) determining whether the LD unit is receiving LD signals; (10B) when the LD unit is receiving LD signals, returning to step (3), and when the LD unit is not receiving LD signals, proceeding to step (10C); (10C) issuing an advisory signal number 1 and causing a first timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt1=Δt1, max; (10D) determining whether the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal; (10E) when the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max and the motion sensor has not yet begun issuing a stationarity signal, transmitting an alarm signal number 2 and returning to step (10A); (10F) when the motion sensor begins issuing a stationarity signal before the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max deactivating the LD unit, deactivating the first timer, resetting the first timer accumulated time to Δt1=0, and activating the signal generator and causing the signal generator to transmit a distinguishable signal; (10G) providing a signal sensor, attached to the MP's body, that receives the distinguishable signal from the activated signal generator and that assigns a range attribute value A, having a real number value, to the received signal that is an approximate measure of the distance between the signal generator and the signal sensor; (10H) determining whether the range attribute value A for the distinguishable signal, received from the signal generator, is less than a selected range attribute threshold value A thr , at a sequence of at least two times; (10I) when A≧A thr , continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; and (10J) when A<A thr : (10J-1) transmitting an advisory signal number 2 and causing a second timer to begin a second countdown from a time Δt2=0 to a second selected maximum accumulated countdown time of Δt2=Δt2, max; (10J-2) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; (10J-3) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max transmitting an alarm signal number 3 , returning to step (10H); (10J-4) when the second countdown has begun and the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, deactivating the second timer, resetting the second timer accumulated time to Δt2=0, replacing the motion counter value m by an incremented value m+1 and determining if the incremented value satisfies m>m max ; (10J-5) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and m≦m max ; returning to step (10A); (10J-6) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and m>m max , determining if a new monitoring interval has begun; (10J-7) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max and a new monitoring interval has begun, resetting the motion counter to m=1, and proceeding to step (10J-9); (10J-8) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max and a new monitoring interval has not begun, proceeding to step (10J-9); (10J-9) activating the LD unit and causing a-third timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt3=0 to a third selected maximum accumulated countdown time Δt3=Δt3, max; (10J-10) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun and Δt3≦Δt3, max determining if the LD unit has acquired LD signals; (10J-11) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun, Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has acquired LD signals, initializing and deactivating the third timer and returning to step (10A); (10J-12) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun, Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, returning to step (10J-10); and (10J-13) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun, Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, deactivating and initializing the third time counter, transmitting an alarm signal number 4 and returning to step (10A).

Claim 20

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) designating a site, having a connected and closed curve or surface of arbitrary shape as a site boundary, as a permitted site; (2) permitting an MP to move on the permitted site; (3) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to the MP that allow determination of the present location of the MP; (4) determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit; (5) when the MP is not on the permitted site at one or more of the location determination times, transmitting an alarm signal number 1 ; (6) providing a signal generator that is attached to the MP's body and that, when activated, transmits a distinguishable electromagnetic signal; (7) providing the MP with a motion sensor that, when the sensor is substantially motionless, issues a stationarity signal; (8) providing the motion sensor with a motion counter having an initial value m=1 and having a selected maximum value m=m max ≦1; (9) setting the motion counter value m=1; and (10) when the MP is on the permitted site: (10A) determining whether the LD unit is receiving LD signals; (10B) when the LD unit is receiving LD signals, returning to step (3), and when the LD unit is not receiving LD signals, proceeding to step (10C); (10C) issuing an advisory signal number 1 and causing a first timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt1=Δt1, max; (10D) determining whether the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal; (10E) when the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max and the motion sensor has not yet begun issuing a stationarity signal, transmitting an alarm signal number 2 and returning to step (10A); (10F) when the motion sensor begins issuing a stationarity signal before the first timer reaches the maximum accumulated time Δt1=Δt1, max deactivating the LD unit, deactivating the first timer, resetting the first timer accumulated time to Δt1=0, and activating the signal generator and causing the signal generator to transmit a distinguishable signal; (10G) providing a signal sensor, attached to the MP's body, that receives the distinguishable signal from the activated signal generator and that assigns a range attribute value A, having a real number value, to the received signal that is an approximate measure of the distance between the signal generator and the signal sensor; (10H) determining whether the range attribute value A for the distinguishable signal, received from the signal generator, is less than a selected range attribute threshold value A thr , at a sequence of at least two times; (10I) when A≧A thr , continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; and (10J) when A<A thr : (10J-1) transmitting an advisory signal number 2 and causing a second timer to begin a second countdown from a time Δt2=0 to a second selected maximum accumulated countdown time of Δt2=Δt2, max; (10J-2) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max continuing to compare the range attribute value A with the threshold value A thr ; (10J-3) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is issuing a stationarity signal, and Δt2<Δt2, max transmitting an alarm signal number 3 , returning to step (10H); (10J-4) when the second countdown has begun and the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, deactivating the second timer, resetting the second timer accumulated time to Δt2=0, replacing the motion counter value m by an incremented value m+1 and determining if the incremented value satisfies m>m max ; (10J-5) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and m≦m max ; returning to step (10A); (10J-6) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal and m>m max , determining if a new monitoring interval has begun; (10J-7) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max and a new monitoring interval has begun, resetting the motion counter to m=1, and proceeding to step (10J-9); (10J-8) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max and a new monitoring interval has not begun, proceeding to step (10J-9); (10J-9) activating the LD unit and causing a-third timer to begin a countdown from an initial time Δt3=0 to a third selected maximum accumulated countdown time Δt3=Δt3, max; (10J-10) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun and Δt3≦Δt3, max determining if the LD unit has acquired LD signals; (10J-11) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun, Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has acquired LD signals, initializing and deactivating the third timer and returning to step (10A); (10J-12) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun, Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, returning to step (10J-10); and (10J-13) when the second countdown has begun, the motion sensor is not issuing a stationarity signal, m>m max , a new monitoring interval has not begun, Δt3≦Δt3, max and the LD unit has not acquired LD signals, deactivating and initializing the third time counter, transmitting an alarm signal number 4 and returning to step (10A).

Claim 29

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to an MP who moves on a selected permitted site, and determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit, at one or more selected LD times; (2) when the MP's location is not on the permitted site at each of a selected number N of consecutive LD times, transmitting a first alarm signal; (3) attaching to the MP's body a motion sensor that senses when the sensor is in motion; (4) when the MP's last location was on the permitted site and the LD unit does not receive LD signals adequate for determining the MP's present location, determining whether the motion sensor senses motion; and (5) when (i) the motion sensor senses motion and (ii) the LD unit does not receive LD signals, determining a first accumulated time during which the two conditions (i) and (ii) both occur, and issuing a second alarm signal when the first accumulated time reaches a selected maximum accumulated time Δt1, max ; (6) when said motion sensor becomes substantially motionless before said first accumulated time reaches said time Δt1, max, resetting said first accumulated time to a selected initial value and causing a signal generator, attached to the MP's body to transmit a distinguishable signal; (7) receiving the distinguishable signal at a signal sensor, positioned at a selected location, and comparing an attribute for this signal with a selected attribute threshold value; (8) when the signal attribute is not greater than the threshold value, returning to step (7); (9) when the signal attribute is at least equal to the threshold value determining a second accumulated time during which the signal attribute is at least equal to the threshold value: (10) When the second accumulated time reaches a second selected maximum accumulated time Δt2, max issuing a third alarm signal; and (11) when said attribute value becomes less than said attribute threshold value before said second accumulated time reaches said time Δt2, max resetting said second accumulated time to zero.

Claim 30

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to an MP who moves on a selected permitted site, and determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit, at one or more selected LD times; (2) when the MP's location is not on the permitted site at each of a selected number N of consecutive LD times, transmitting a first alarm signal; (3) attaching to the MP's body a motion sensor that senses when the sensor is in motion; (4) when the MP's last location was on the permitted site and the LD unit does not receive LD signals adequate for determining the MP's present location, determining whether the motion sensor senses motion; and (5) when (i) the motion sensor senses motion and (ii) the LD unit does not receive LD signals, determining a first accumulated time during which the two conditions (i) and (ii) both occur, and issuing a second alarm signal when the first accumulated time reaches a selected maximum accumulated time Δt1, max ; (6) when said motion sensor becomes substantially motionless before said first accumulated time reaches said time Δt1, max, resetting said first accumulated time to a selected initial value and causing a signal generator, attached to the MP's body to transmit a distinguishable signal; (7) receiving the distinguishable signal at a signal sensor, positioned at a selected location, and comparing an attribute for this signal with a selected attribute threshold value; (8) when the signal attribute is not greater than the threshold value, returning to step (7); (9) when the signal attribute is at least equal to the threshold value determining a second accumulated time during which the signal attribute is at least equal to the threshold value: (10) When the second accumulated time reaches a second selected maximum accumulated time Δt2, max issuing a third alarm signal; and (11) when said attribute value becomes less than said attribute threshold value before said second accumulated time reaches said time Δt2, max resetting said second accumulated time to zero.

Claim 31

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to an MP who moves on a selected permitted site, and determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit; (2) when the MP is not on the permitted site at one or more of the location determination times, transmitting a first alarm signal; (3) providing the MP with a motion sensor that senses when the sensor is in motion and when the sensor is substantially motionless; (4) when the MP is on the permitted site and the LD unit does not receive LD signals adequate for determining the MP's present location, determining whether the motion sensor senses motion; (5) when (i) the motion sensor senses motion and (ii) the LD unit does not receive LD signals, determining a first accumulated time during which the two conditions (i) and (ii) both occur, and when the first accumulated time Δt 1,max , issuing a second alarm signal; (6) when the motion sensor becomes substantially motionless before the first accumulated time reaches the Δt 1,max , resetting the first accumulated time to a selected initial value and causing a signal generator, attached to the MP's body to transmit a distinguishable signal; (7) receiving the distinguishable signal at a signal sensor, positioned at a selected location, and estimating a distance between the signal generator and the signal sensor; (8) when the estimated distance is no greater than a selected distance threshold value, returning to step (7); (9) when the estimated distance is greater than the distance threshold value, determining a second accumulated time during which the estimated distance is greater than the distance threshold value; (10) when the second accumulated time reaches a second selected maximum accumulated time Δt 1,max , issuing a third alarm signal; and (11) when the estimated distance becomes less than the distance threshold value before the second accumulated time reaches the time Δt 1,max , resetting the second accumulated time to zero.

Claim 32

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to an MP who moves on a selected permitted site, and determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit; (2) when the MP is not on the permitted site at one or more of the location determination times, transmitting a first alarm signal; (3) providing the MP with a motion sensor that senses when the sensor is in motion and when the sensor is substantially motionless; (4) when the MP is on the permitted site and the LD unit does not receive LD signals adequate for determining the MP's present location, determining whether the motion sensor senses motion; (5) when (i) the motion sensor senses motion and (ii) the LD unit does not receive LD signals, determining a first accumulated time during which the two conditions (i) and (ii) both occur, and when the first accumulated time Δt 1,max , issuing a second alarm signal; (6) when the motion sensor becomes substantially motionless before the first accumulated time reaches the Δt 1,max , resetting the first accumulated time to a selected initial value and causing a signal generator, attached to the MP's body to transmit a distinguishable signal; (7) receiving the distinguishable signal at a signal sensor, positioned at a selected location, and estimating a distance between the signal generator and the signal sensor; (8) when the estimated distance is no greater than a selected distance threshold value, returning to step (7); (9) when the estimated distance is greater than the distance threshold value, determining a second accumulated time during which the estimated distance is greater than the distance threshold value; (10) when the second accumulated time reaches a second selected maximum accumulated time Δt 1,max , issuing a third alarm signal; and (11) when the estimated distance becomes less than the distance threshold value before the second accumulated time reaches the time Δt 1,max , resetting the second accumulated time to zero.

Claim 33

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to an MP that moves on a selected permitted site, and determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit; (2) when the MP is not on the permitted site at one or more of the location determination times, transmitting a first alarm signal; (3) providing the MP with a motion sensor that senses when the sensor is in motion and when the sensor is substantially motionless; (4) when the MP is on the permitted site and the LD unit does not receive LD signals for determining the MP's present location, determining whether the motion sensor senses motion; (5) when (i) the motion sensor senses motion and (ii) the LD unit does not receive LD signals, determining a first accumulated time during which the conditions (i) and (ii) both occur, and when the first accumulated reaches a first selected maximum accumulated time Δt 1,max , issuing a second alarm signal; (6) when the motion sensor becomes substantially motionless before the first accumulated time reaches the Δt 1,max , resetting the first accumulated time to a selected initial value and causing a signal generator, positioned at a selected location, to transmit a distinguishable signal; (7) receiving the distinguishable signal at a signal sensor, attached to the MP's body, and estimating a distance between the signal generator and the signal sensor; (8) when the estimated distance is no greater than a selected distance threshold value, returning to step (7); (9) when the estimated distance is greater than the distance threshold value, determining a second accumulated time during which the estimated distance is greater than the distance threshold value; (10) when the second accumulated time reaches a second selected maximum accumulated time Δt 2,max , issuing a third alarm signal; and (11) when the estimated distance becomes less than the distance threshold value before the second accumulated time reaches the time Δt 2,max , resetting the second accumulated time to zero.

Claim 34

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to an MP that moves on a selected permitted site, and determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit; (2) when the MP is not on the permitted site at one or more of the location determination times, transmitting a first alarm signal; (3) providing the MP with a motion sensor that senses when the sensor is in motion and when the sensor is substantially motionless; (4) when the MP is on the permitted site and the LD unit does not receive LD signals for determining the MP's present location, determining whether the motion sensor senses motion; (5) when (i) the motion sensor senses motion and (ii) the LD unit does not receive LD signals, determining a first accumulated time during which the conditions (i) and (ii) both occur, and when the first accumulated reaches a first selected maximum accumulated time Δt 1,max , issuing a second alarm signal; (6) when the motion sensor becomes substantially motionless before the first accumulated time reaches the Δt 1,max , resetting the first accumulated time to a selected initial value and causing a signal generator, positioned at a selected location, to transmit a distinguishable signal; (7) receiving the distinguishable signal at a signal sensor, attached to the MP's body, and estimating a distance between the signal generator and the signal sensor; (8) when the estimated distance is no greater than a selected distance threshold value, returning to step (7); (9) when the estimated distance is greater than the distance threshold value, determining a second accumulated time during which the estimated distance is greater than the distance threshold value; (10) when the second accumulated time reaches a second selected maximum accumulated time Δt 2,max , issuing a third alarm signal; and (11) when the estimated distance becomes less than the distance threshold value before the second accumulated time reaches the time Δt 2,max , resetting the second accumulated time to zero.

Claim 35

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to an. MP who moves on a selected permitted site, and determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit, at one or more selected LD times; (2) when the MP's location is not on the permitted site at each of a selected number N of consecutive LD times, transmitting a first alarm signal; (3) attaching to the MP's body a motion sensor that senses when the sensor is in motion; (4) when the MP's last location was on the permitted site and the LD unit does not receive LD signals adequate for determining the MP's present location, determining whether the motion sensor senses motion; and (5) when (i) the motion sensor senses motion and (ii) the LD unit does not receive LD signals, determining a first accumulated time during which the two conditions (i) and (ii) both occur, and issuing a second alarm signal when the first accumulated time reaches a selected maximum accumulated time Δt1, max ; (6) when said motion sensor becomes substantially motionless before said first accumulated time reaches said time Δt1, max resetting said first accumulated time to a selected initial value and causing a signal generator, positioned at a selected location, to transmit a distinguishable signal; (7) receiving the distinguishable signal at a signal sensor, positioned at a selected location, and comparing an attribute for this signal with a selected attribute threshold value; (8) when the signal attribute is not greater than the threshold value, returning to step (7); (9) when the signal attribute is at least equal to the threshold value, determining a second accumulated time during which the signal attribute is at least equal to the threshold value; and (10) When the second accumulated time reaches a second selected maximum accumulated time Δt2, max issuing a third alarm signal; and (11) when said attribute value becomes less than said attribute threshold value before said second accumulated time reaches said time Δt2, max resetting said second accumulated time to zero.

Claim 36

A method for monitoring the location of a monitored person (MP) with reference to a permitted site, the method comprising the steps of: (1) receiving location determination (LD) signals at an LD unit attached to an. MP who moves on a selected permitted site, and determining the present location of the MP, using the LD unit, at one or more selected LD times; (2) when the MP's location is not on the permitted site at each of a selected number N of consecutive LD times, transmitting a first alarm signal; (3) attaching to the MP's body a motion sensor that senses when the sensor is in motion; (4) when the MP's last location was on the permitted site and the LD unit does not receive LD signals adequate for determining the MP's present location, determining whether the motion sensor senses motion; and (5) when (i) the motion sensor senses motion and (ii) the LD unit does not receive LD signals, determining a first accumulated time during which the two conditions (i) and (ii) both occur, and issuing a second alarm signal when the first accumulated time reaches a selected maximum accumulated time Δt1, max ; (6) when said motion sensor becomes substantially motionless before said first accumulated time reaches said time Δt1, max resetting said first accumulated time to a selected initial value and causing a signal generator, positioned at a selected location, to transmit a distinguishable signal; (7) receiving the distinguishable signal at a signal sensor, positioned at a selected location, and comparing an attribute for this signal with a selected attribute threshold value; (8) when the signal attribute is not greater than the threshold value, returning to step (7); (9) when the signal attribute is at least equal to the threshold value, determining a second accumulated time during which the signal attribute is at least equal to the threshold value; and (10) When the second accumulated time reaches a second selected maximum accumulated time Δt2, max issuing a third alarm signal; and (11) when said attribute value becomes less than said attribute threshold value before said second accumulated time reaches said time Δt2, max resetting said second accumulated time to zero.