Electronic house arrest monitoring system with automatic fee collection

Abstract

An EHAM system consists of a central monitoring system (CMS), a field monitoring device (FMD), an electronic detection circuit that generates a detection signal upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, e.g., the absence of the monitored individual from a monitoring location, and a communications network. The communications network consists of at least one communications link wherein a fee-based communications mode may be used. The CMS is installed at a central monitoring location, the FMD is installed at the monitoring location, and the electronic detection circuit is attached or otherwise coupled to the individual to be monitored at the monitoring location. The occurrence or non-occurrence of the predetermined event is detected during a prescribed reporting time period. Regular or random communications are established between the FMD and CMS during the reporting time period to inform the CMS about the occurrence or non-occurrence of the predetermined event. One communication between the FMD and CMS during a given reporting time period is made by accessing the communications link using the fee-based communications mode. All other communications between the FMD and CMS during the reporting time period are made by accessing the communications link using a non-fee-based communication mode. Hence, a predetermined fee is automatically assessed to the monitored individual only once each reporting time period.