US 5,825,283 · Granted 1998-10-20
The 1998 Patent That Started the GPS Tracking Revolution
Imagine a system that knows where you are using GPS and can draw invisible fences on a map—if you cross them, it alerts someone. This patent describes that exact idea: a processor that tracks location, compares it against preset boundaries, and triggers alarms or actions when you go where you shouldn't.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a location-monitoring apparatus with a GPS or similar positioning device that feeds coordinates to a processor. The processor compares those coordinates against programmed geographical boundaries and can alert authorized people when boundaries are crossed. What's protected is the combination of real-time location tracking, boundary rule-setting (including remote programming), data storage for audit trails, and the ability to couple the system to other devices and sensors for additional monitoring or automated responses.
Why it matters
This patent arrived when consumer GPS was still expensive and rare, but it established a foundational architecture for what would become fleet tracking, parental monitoring, and electronic monitoring of offenders. By patenting the idea of programmable geographical boundaries tied to alerts and audit logging, it created a template that dozens of industries would later build on. The remote programming feature was especially significant—it meant no need for physical access to update rules.
Real-world use
When a parent places a GPS tracker in a teenager's backpack and gets an alert the moment it leaves school grounds, or when a delivery company tracks vehicles and flags drivers who stray from their route, that core logic traces back to innovations like this one.
Original USPTO abstract
An apparatus for monitoring subjects is provided having location determining device which provides the location of the subject to a processor. The processor is configured to monitor location with respect to pre-defined safety or security related limits including geographical boundaries, and to alert concerned individuals so that proper corrective action may be taken. The geographical boundaries may be programmed remotely by authorized personnel via a communication link. Additionally, processor inputs may be coupled to other systems, equipment or sensors in order to monitor operational variables or outputs of the coupled devices indicative or safety or security concerns. Furthermore, processor outputs may be coupled to other systems, equipment, or output devices, in order to actuate the coupled devices. Moreover, the processor has memory to enable storage and retrieval of data generated or received by the processor. Additionally, the device may be configured to provide interactivity with the user to allow user correction of adverse conditions within a designated time period before the recording and or transmission of the adverse conditions for review by a monitoring authority.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 5,825,283
- Filing date
- 1996-07-03
- Grant date
- 1998-10-20
- Assignee
- Camhi; Elie
- Inventor(s)
- CAMHI; ELIE
- CPC class
- G08G1/207
Want to file your own patent?
If you're developing a vehicle tracking or geofencing system for your own startup, scan your prototype features against existing patents in the automotive-gadgets space to avoid costly reinvention.
Free patentability scan