Patent Publication Number: US-10334401-B2

Title: Real time location system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/437,987 filed on Dec. 22, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to real time location systems and methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Determining the physical location of objects and/or people can be valuable. Methods to locate objects and/or persons can involve the use of GPS, cellular networks, Bluetooth, RFID, WiFi, infra-red communication, electromagnetism and other technologies. However, many location methods are inconvenient to use and/or lack sufficient accuracy. As such, there exists a need for an improved real-time location system. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of a real time location system are disclosed herein. These embodiments can allow a parent or guardian to monitor the location of a child within a defined area. 
     In one representative embodiment, a method can comprise receiving a beacon identifier and a location of a beacon associated with the beacon identifier from an individual location monitoring system operated by a first entity. The method further comprises, with a data hosting system operated by a second entity, determining an identity of a monitored individual associated with the beacon identifier based at least in part on the beacon identifier, associating the location of the beacon with the identity of the monitored individual, and receiving a request from a device associated with a requesting individual for the location of the monitored individual. The request includes authentication credentials. The method further comprises, with the data hosting system, determining if the requesting individual is authorized to access data about the monitored individual based at least in part on the authentication credentials in the request, and if the requesting individual is authorized to access data about the monitored individual, providing the location of the monitored individual to the device associated with the requesting individual. The identity of the monitored individual can be stored on the data hosting system and can be inaccessible to the individual location monitoring system operated by the first entity. 
     In some embodiments, the device associated with the requesting individual can be a mobile device and the method can further comprise, with the data hosting system, determining a location of the mobile device, determining a first distance between the mobile device and the monitored individual, and sending a message to the mobile device if the first distance is greater than a predetermined threshold. 
     In some embodiments, the method can further comprise, with the data hosting system, determining a first distance between the monitored individual and a predetermined geographic area, and sending a signal to the mobile device if the first distance is less than a predetermined threshold. 
     In some embodiments, the signal sent to the mobile device can cause a message to appear on the mobile device. 
     In some embodiments, the device associated with the requesting device can be a mobile device and the method can further comprise, with the data hosting system, determining a location of the mobile device, determining a first distance between the monitored individual and a predetermined geographic area, determining a second distance between the mobile device and the monitored individual, and sending a message to the mobile device if the first distance is less than a first threshold and the second distance is greater than a second threshold. 
     In some embodiments, the method can further comprise, with the data hosting system, receiving a request from the device associated with the requesting individual to view video of the monitored individual, the request including the authentication credentials associated with the mobile device, determining if the individual associated with the authentication credentials is authorized to access data about the monitored individual, and determining which of one or more video cameras operated by the individual location monitoring system is closest to the monitored individual. The method further comprises authorizing the mobile device to view video from the determined video camera if the individual associated with the authentication credentials is authorized to access data about the monitored individual. 
     In some embodiments, the method can further comprise, with the data hosting system, receiving a request from the device associated with the requesting individual for authentication credentials, and assigning authentication credentials to the device. 
     In some embodiments, the method can further comprise, with the data hosting system, receiving data of the identity of the monitored individual to be associated with the requesting individual and with the authentication credentials, and associating the authentication credentials with the requesting individual and with the identity of the monitored individual. 
     In some embodiments, the method can further comprise, with the data hosting system, receiving a beacon identifier to be associated with the monitored individual, the beacon identifier being associated with a beacon to be worn by the monitored individual and configured to communicate with the individual location monitoring system, and associating the beacon identifier with the monitored individual. 
     In some embodiments, the method can further comprise providing the beacon identifier associated with the monitored individual to the individual location monitoring system. 
     In some embodiments, the method can further comprise encrypting the data of the identity of the monitored individual. 
     In some embodiments, the method can further comprise, with the data hosting system, receiving a request from the device associated with the requesting individual to authorize a second individual to access data about the monitored individual, the request including the authentication credential. The method further comprises determining if the requesting individual is authorized to access data about the monitored individual based at least in part on the authentication credentials, and if the requesting individual is authorized to access data about the monitored individual, authorizing the second individual to access data about the monitored individual. 
     In some embodiments, the monitored individual can be a child and the requesting individual can be the child&#39;s parent. 
     In another representative embodiment, a system can comprise one or more beacons located within a defined area, a plurality of transceiver nodes located within the defined area, a first computer system comprising one or more processors and memory coupled thereto and a second computer system comprising one or more processors and memory coupled thereto. The one or more beacons can be configured to transmit beacon data packets including a beacon identifier and data associated with a location of the beacon from which the beacon data packet is transmitted. The transceiver nodes can be configured, upon receipt of a beacon data packet, to transmit a transceiver node data packet including a transceiver node identifier, the beacon identifier of the beacon from which the beacon data packet was received, and the data associated with the location of the beacon from which the beacon data packet was received. The first computer system can implement an individual location monitoring system comprising a location determination tool and a first communication interface. The location determination tool can determine the location of the beacon based at least in part on the data associated with the location of the beacon. The first communication interface can transmit the determined location and the beacon identifier to a data hosting system. The second computer system can implement a data hosting system comprising an association tool, an authentication tool, and a second communication interface. The second communication interface can receive a request from a device associated with a requesting individual for the location of the monitored individual. The association tool can determine the identity of a monitored individual associated with the beacon identifier of the beacon from which the beacon data packet was received, and associate the location of the beacon with the identity of the monitored individual. The authentication tool can determine whether a device associated with a requesting individual is authorized to receive the location of the beacon and the identity of the monitored individual associated with the beacon. The second communication interface can transmit the location of the beacon to the device associated with the requesting individual if the requesting individual is authorized to receive the location. 
     In some embodiments, the transceiver nodes can be configured to measure metadata associated with the reception of the beacon data packets, and the transceiver node data packet can include the metadata. 
     In some embodiments, the metadata can comprise a power level, angle, or time associated with the reception of the beacon data packets. 
     In some embodiments, the location determination tool can be configured to determine a location of the device associated with the requesting individual. The data hosting system can further comprise a proximity tool to determine a distance between the device associated with the requesting individual and the monitored individual. The second communication interface can send a message to the device associated with the requesting individual if the distance is greater than a predetermined threshold. 
     In some embodiments, the data hosting system can further comprise a proximity tool to determine a distance between the monitored individual and a predetermined geographic area. The second communication interface can send a message to the device associated with the requesting individual if the distance is less than a predetermined threshold. 
     In some embodiments, the location determination tool can determine a location of the device associated with the requesting individual. The data hosting system can further comprise a proximity tool to determine a first distance between the monitored individual and a predetermined geographic area and to determine a second distance between the device and the monitored individual. The second communication interface can send a message to the device if the first distance is less than a first threshold and the second distance is greater than a second threshold. 
     In some embodiments, the data hosting system can further comprise a camera finder to determine which of one or more video cameras is closest to the location of the monitored individual. The second communication interface can receive a request from the device to view video of the monitored individual and send a signal to the device to allow the device to view video from the determined video camera. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a real time location system, according to one embodiment of the disclosed technologies. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a representative embodiment of a beacon according to disclosed technologies. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an example transceiver node according to the disclosed technologies. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of another example transceiver node according to the disclosed technologies. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an example individual location monitoring system according to the disclosed technologies. 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of an example data hosting system according to the disclosed technologies. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating an example child data table. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating an example authentication credentials data table. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating an example transceiver node data table. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating an example location data table. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating an example camera location data table. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating an example mobile device data table. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart depicting an example method according to disclosed technologies. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart depicting a second example method according to disclosed technologies. 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart depicting a third example method according to disclosed technologies. 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart depicting a fourth example method according to disclosed technologies. 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart depicting a fifth example method according to disclosed technologies. 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic illustration of a real time location system including check-in and check-out functionality, according to another embodiment of the disclosed technologies. 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram schematically depicting a computing environment suitable for implementation of disclosed technologies. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Many businesses and venues such as amusement parks, museums, zoos, shopping centers, and others often attract families with children. At such businesses, children may become separated from their parents and, depending on the size and layout of the business, it can be difficult for separated parents and children to find each other. This can cause distress in both parents and children and can lead to dangerous situations for the children. Existing methods of reuniting parents and children can be difficult and time-consuming. Furthermore, fear of becoming separated from their children can cause parents to avoid certain businesses. In order to address these problems, disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of a real time location system that allows parents to locate their children using a smartphone or other electronic device. The disclosed real time location systems can be installed by a business and offered as a service to parents who bring children to the business. 
       FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of a representative embodiment of a real time location system  100  according to one embodiment. The location system  100  can be installed in a defined area  102 . The defined area  102  can comprise any indoor or outdoor space or combination thereof such as a museum, an amusement park, a concert venue, etc. In the illustrated example of  FIG. 1 , the defined area  102  is shown as single room for illustrative purposes. However, the defined area  102  may comprise multiple rooms, multiple floors, multiple buildings, one or more outdoor spaces of any shape and size, or any combination thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an individual whose location is to be monitored, such as a child  121 , can be tracked or monitored within the defined area  102  by a monitoring individual such as a parent  120  or other individual having a guardian relationship to the child  121  through a device associated with the monitoring individual such as, for example, a mobile device  105 . In the illustrated example, the mobile device  105  is a smartphone. In other examples, the mobile device  105  can be another electronic device, such as a dedicated hardware device specifically designed for the location system  100 . The parent  120  can use the mobile device to monitor the location of the child  121  as disclosed herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the location system  100  can comprise a beacon  101 , a plurality of transceiver nodes  103 , an individual location monitoring system (also referred to as a server)  104 , and a data hosting system  113 . A block diagram of a representative example of a beacon  101  is shown in  FIG. 2 . In the illustrated example of  FIG. 2 , the beacon is a bracelet that the child  121  can wear on their wrist. In other examples, the beacon  101  can be a smartphone or other device carried by the child, or a device attached to the child&#39;s shoe or other article of clothing. The beacon  101  can have a transceiver  140  that can emit or transmit data packets  127  (also referred to herein as beacon data packets) as described in further detail below. The beacon  101  can also contain a battery  142  to power the beacon, and a memory  144  such as volatile or non-volatile storage memory. In other examples, the beacon  101  can operate without a battery (e.g., powered inductively). In the illustrated example, the beacon  101  has a unique beacon identifier  146  that can be used to uniquely identify the beacon. The beacon identifier  146  can be stored in the memory  144 . The beacon identifier may be, for example, a universally unique identifier (UUID). Alternatively, any other type of identifier can be used. Each beacon  101  that is part of the system  100  can have a different unique beacon identifier to distinguish it from other beacons in the area of interest  102 . In certain configurations, the beacon  101  can also include a variety of other components such as processors, controllers, or other circuit components configured to perform the data transmission functionality of the beacon. Additionally, the memory  144  can also include software or firmware for performing the described functionality, in addition to the beacon identifier  146 . In certain embodiments, the beacon  101  can measure data about an individual wearing the beacon such as heart rate, step count, oxygen level, etc. In some examples, this data can be stored in the memory  144 . 
     A schematic block diagram of an example transceiver node  103  is shown in  FIG. 3 . The transceiver node  103  can have a transceiver  150  to receive data packets from the beacon  101 , and to transmit data to the individual location monitoring system  104 , as described in further detail below. The transceiver node  103  can also have a measurement tool  156  to measure certain data about data packets received from the beacon  101  (e.g., a power level of a received data packet). Each transceiver node  103  that is part of the system  100  can include a unique transceiver node identifier  154  to identify the particular transceiver node, which can be stored in a local memory  152 . The transceiver node identifier  154  may be, for example, a UUID. The transceiver node  103  can be attached to or embedded in walls, floors, or ceilings, placed on the floor on in an outdoor space, put in closets or interior spaces, or located anywhere in the defined space  102 . In some embodiments, the transceiver nodes  103  can be modular devices, and can be moveable to different locations around the defined area  102  depending upon the particular application. For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates a transceiver node  103  configured as a cone  332 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a transceiver  103  can be embedded in the cone  332  and the transceiver can be powered by an internal battery  425  and/or a solar panel  426 , also located on or within the cone  332 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the transceiver nodes  103  can have any size or shape. The transceiver nodes  103  can be installed at various locations within the defined area  102 . The number of transceiver nodes  103  and their locations can be chosen based on, for example, a portion or portions within the defined area  102  in which it is desired that the monitored individual  121  be locatable by the system  100 . That is, there can be at least one transceiver node  103  within the broadcast range of a beacon  101  for particular regions within the defined area  102  where children are to be locatable by the system  100 . 
     The individual location monitoring system  104  can monitor the locations of the beacon  101 . In some embodiments, the individual location monitoring system  104  can be owned and/or operated by a first entity, such as the owner or operator of the defined area  102 . For example, where the defined area is an attraction such as an amusement park or a museum, the first entity can be the owner or operator of the attraction, and can operate the individual location monitoring system  104  installed at the attraction. In some embodiments, the individual location monitoring system  104  monitors the beacons according to a beacon identifier associated with the beacon, and does not have information about the identity of the individual(s) using a particular beacon at the site. As such, the individual location monitoring system  104 , and hence, the owner/operator of the defined area  102 , may only access data regarding the location of a beacon  101  in the defined area  102 , and not personal data about the identity of the individual wearing the beacon. In other words, the first entity has access to the location of beacons  101  present at the defined area  102  (e.g., via the beacon identifiers of those beacons), but not the identity of the monitored individual associated with the beacon. This can keep the identity of children on the premises anonymous, and protect the privacy of parents using the system  100  to monitor their children. 
     A block diagram of an example individual location monitoring system  104  is shown in  FIG. 5 . The system  104  can communicate with database  109 . In some embodiments, the individual location monitoring system  104  and/or the database  109  can be located in or near the defined area  102 . In other embodiments, the system  104  and/or the database  109  can be remote from the defined area  102 , and can be a cloud based computing and/or database system. The individual location monitoring system  104  can monitor the location of an individual as disclosed herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the individual location monitoring system  104  can comprise a communication interface  502  and a location determination tool  504 . The communication interface  502  can be a transceiver or other interface that can transmit and receive data from transceiver nodes  103 . The location determination tool  504  can determine the location of a child  121  and, in some examples, a parent  120  as disclosed in further detail below. The monitoring system  104  can also comprise a variety of other components such as processors, memory, etc., that implement the disclosed functionality. 
     Turning now to the data hosting system  113 , the data hosting system  113  can store data associating the identity of specific individuals with location data about the beacon  101  associated with that individual, and can be in communication with the system  104  over, for example, the internet, or any other wired or wireless communication network. In some embodiments, the owner and/or operator of the data hosting system  113  may be a second entity that is different from the owner/operator of the defined area  102  and/or the owner/operator of the individual location monitoring system  104 . For example, the second entity can be a service provider that offers the functionality of the system  113  to multiple different, distributed entities such as theme parks, museums, etc. These entities can operate their own individual location systems such as the system  104 , which can be configured to interface with the system  113  operated by the second entity, but are not operated directly by the second entity. A block diagram of an example data hosting system  113  is shown in  FIG. 6 . The data hosting system  113  can communicate with a database  114 . In some embodiments, the data hosting system  113  and/or the database  114  can be located in or near the defined area  102 . In other embodiments, the data hosting system  113  and/or the database  114  can be remote from the defined area  102 , and can be a cloud based computing and/or database system. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the data hosting system  113  can comprise a communication interface  602 , an authentication tool  606 , an association tool  608 , an authentication credentials assigner  610 , a camera finder  612 , a proximity tool  614 , and an encryption tool  616 . The communication interface  602  can be an optical or transceiver or other interface that can transmit and receive data from mobile devices such as mobile device  105  over, for example, a cellular network. The authentication tool  606  can determine whether monitoring individuals are authorized to access data about monitored individuals. The association tool  608  can associate monitored individuals with beacons and monitoring individuals with monitored individuals. The authentication credentials assigner  610  can assign authentication credentials to a monitoring individual (e.g., to an account associated with a monitoring individual such as a parent  120 ), and/or to a mobile device  105  associated with the monitoring individual. The camera finder  612  can locate video cameras that are near monitored individuals. The proximity tool  614  can monitor proximity between monitored individuals and monitoring individuals or between monitored individuals and dangerous or other specified areas. The encryption tool  616  can encrypt data stored in the database  114  using, for example, cryptographic hash functions. The data hosting system  113  can also comprise a variety of other components such as processors, memory, etc., which can implement the disclosed functionality. The specific operation of each of the components of the data hosting system  113  is described in further detail below. 
     In order for the parent  120  to monitor the child  121 , the parent can download an application (referred to herein as a “location system application”) onto their mobile device  105  (e.g., a smartphone). After installing and running the application, the mobile device  105  can communicate with the data hosting system  113 . The parent can create an account with a username and password, or some other authentication tool(s). After creating an account, the account is assigned authentication credentials  106  by the authentication credentials assigner  610 . The authentication credentials  106  can then be used by the data hosting system  113  to authenticate requests received (e.g., from the mobile device  105 ), and ensure that the data requested is only provided to mobile devices of account holders that are authorized to receive such data. As such, the combination of the location data of a child and the child&#39;s identity will only be accessible to an individual in possession of the authentication credentials  106 . Stated differently, the location data of a child will be “owned” by the parent in the sense that only a parent, or other people authorized by the parent, will be able to track the location of the child in the defined area  102 . In certain embodiments, the authentication credentials can comprise a security token, facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprint recognition, username and password, phone number, pin number, etc. In some embodiments, the owner of the server  104  (e.g., a business using the location system  100 ) will have access to anonymous location data about children within the defined area  102 , but will not be able to learn the specific identities of the children being tracked. This maintains the privacy of parents and children while a parent monitors their child&#39;s location. Additionally, in some embodiments, the data hosting system  113  may be usable with (e.g., in communication with) multiple different location monitoring systems such as the system  104 , which may be owned and/or operated by different owners not associated with one another. In this manner, the parent may use the same account or authentication credentials with the data hosting system  113  for accessing data about their child when their child visits different locations operating location systems such as the system  104 . 
     After being assigned authentication credentials, the parent  120  can use the location system application to upload information about one or more children that they would like to be able to track using the system  100 . This can include the name of a child as well as other information about the child including, for example, age, height, weight, eye color, etc. In certain embodiments, the parent can also upload pictures of the one or more children. This information can be transmitted to the data hosting system  113  and stored in the database  114  in a data table, such as the child data table  700  of  FIG. 7 . In the illustrated example of  FIG. 7 , each child is assigned a child identifier  702  that can be used by the system  113  to identify specific children. The beacon identifier  146  is used during operation of the location system  100  as explained in further detail below. 
     In addition to storing the information about the children in child data table  700 , the association tool  608  can associate each of the children in the child data table with one or more authentication credentials. The authentication credentials, in turn, can be associated with individuals that are authorized to access data about the child. The parent  120  or individual who set up the account will be authorized to access data about the children whose information they entered. Information of the authentication credentials  106  and the associated child identifiers  702  can be stored in an authentication credentials data table  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The parent  120  can also authorize other individuals who have downloaded the location system application, such as friends or family members, to access data about their children. This can be done by sending a request to the system  113  including the authentication credentials assigned to the account, and providing information of the second individual to be given access privileges. Upon verification that the requesting individual is authorized to access data about a particular child, the system  113  can update the account to add an additional monitoring individual (e.g., another parent) with access privileges to the child&#39;s identity and location data. For example, whenever a new individual is given authorization to access data about a child, the association tool  608  updates the authentication credentials data table  800  to associate new individual with the identifier of the child. In some embodiments, the new monitoring individual may be given their own authentication credentials. In the illustrated example, any number of individuals can be associated with a child. In certain embodiments, a parent  120  can authorize an individual to access data about their child only for a limited time period. In certain embodiments, a parent  120  can authorize an individual to access only limited data about their child (e.g., the individual can be authorized to access the identity and location of the child, but not any other personal information). 
     In the illustrated example, when a parent  120  and a child  121  arrive at the defined area  102  utilizing the location system  100 , the child is given a beacon  101  having a unique beacon identifier  146  associated with the beacon. In other examples, a parent  120  or child  121  may own a beacon  101  that can be used at a variety of businesses or venues utilizing the location system  100 . Once a child  121  has a beacon, it can be paired with mobile device  105  by, for example, transmitting the beacon identifier  146  of the beacon  101  to the mobile device. In some embodiments, the beacon identifier  146  of the beacon  101  is transmitted to the mobile device  105  by holding the beacon and the mobile device near each other and transmitting the beacon identifier from the beacon to the mobile device using Bluetooth®, NFC, Wi-Fi, or any other suitable wireless or low power radio communication method. In other embodiments, the beacon identifier can be manually entered into the mobile device. In other embodiments, other methods can be used to associate a beacon identifier with a mobile device. If the parent  120  arrives with multiple children who are each given beacons  101 , the beacon identifier  146  of each such beacon can be provided to the parent&#39;s mobile device. In examples where a parent  120  or a child  121  owns a beacon  101 , the beacon  101  may be previously paired with mobile device  105  such that the beacon identifier of the beacon does not need to be transmitted to the mobile device upon arrival at the defined area  102 . 
     After the beacon  101  is paired with the mobile device  105 , the mobile device can transmit the beacon identifier  146  of the paired beacon  101  to the data hosting system  113 . The communication interface  602  can receive this information and the association tool  608  can associate the beacon identifier  146  with the child  121  who is using that particular beacon. In certain embodiments, this can involve updating the child data table  700  to indicate that a child has a beacon with a particular beacon identifier. As such, the child data table  700  can include information about each child that has a particular beacon. When a child turns in a beacon and/or leaves the defined area, child data table  700  can be updated to reflect that that particular beacon is no longer with a particular child. In certain embodiments, the beacon identifier column can of child data table  700  can periodically be deleted, such as after a business closes for the day, to indicate that no more children are being tracked. 
     In the illustrated example, the beacon  101  periodically emits a low power radio signal, such as a Bluetooth® signal containing a data packet  127 . In other examples, the beacon  101  can emit a signal via radio frequency identification (RFID) Wi-Fi, near-field communication (NFC), a cellular signal, a laser or other optical signal, or any other method. In the illustrated example, the beacon  101  emits a data packet  127  at periodic intervals (e.g., once every second). The data packet emitted by a beacon can contain the beacon identifier  146  associated with that particular beacon. In addition to a beacon identifier, the data packet  127  emitted by the beacon  101  can include other data such as a power level of the radio transmission by which the data packet was transmitted. This data can be used to determine the location of the beacon  101  within the defined area  102 , as explained below. 
     In some embodiments, each transceiver node  103  within the broadcast range of a beacon  101  can receive a data packet  127  emitted by the beacon  101 . When a transceiver node  103  receives a data packet, it receives the unique beacon identifier contained within that data packet and determines certain metadata that can later be used to determine the location of the beacon  101 . In one embodiment, a received signal strength indication (RSSI) system can be used, and the metadata can comprise the power level of the signal received from the beacon  101 . In certain configurations, each beacon can transmit a data packet at a known, predetermined power level. In other embodiments, the data packet  127  can include data of the power level of the transmission, as described above. As a data packet travels from a beacon  101  to a transceiver node  103 , the power level falls off at a known, predictable rate based on the distance travelled by the data packet. Thus, when a transceiver node receives a signal from a beacon, the measurement tool  156  of the transceiver node can measure the power level of the signal, which can correspond to the distance the signal has travelled. If multiple transceiver nodes at different known locations each receive the same signal from a beacon at specific power levels, the precise location of the beacon that sent the signal can be determined. 
     In another embodiment, an ultra-wide band (UWB) system can be used, and the metadata recorded by the transceiver node  103  can be the precise time that a signal was received by the transceiver node. If multiple transceiver nodes at different known locations each receive the same signal from a beacon  101  at different times (typically within nanoseconds of each other), the precise location of the beacon can be determined. In other embodiments, the metadata recorded by the transceiver node  103  when receiving a signal from a beacon  101  can be an angle of arrival of the signal or any other information about the signal that can be used to determine the location of the beacon from which the signal was emitted. 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG. 1 , after receiving one or more data packets from one or more beacons, a transceiver node  103  can transmit a signal containing a transceiver node data packet  128  to the individual location monitoring system  104 . In some embodiments, the transceiver nodes  103  can transmit a transceiver node data packet  128  shortly after receiving a data packet  127  from a beacon  101 . In other embodiments, the transceiver nodes  103  can store data and transmit a signal to the monitoring system  104  at predetermined time intervals (e.g., once every second). In these embodiments, the signal transmitted by a transceiver node  103  can comprise multiple transceiver node data packets  128  if multiple data packets  127  have been received from one or more beacons  101  during the applicable time interval. That is, for each data packet  127  received from a beacon  101 , the transceiver node  103  can send out a corresponding transceiver node data packet  128 . 
     In the illustrated example, each transceiver node data packet  128  emitted by a transceiver node  103  contains the beacon identifier  146  associated with the beacon  101  that sent a corresponding data packet  127 , metadata associated with the data packet  127 , and a transceiver node identifier  154  associated with the particular transceiver node  103  sending the transceiver node data packet. The device identifier contained in transceiver node data packet  128  allows the data hosting system  113  to identify the particular beacon  101  to be located. The transceiver node identifier  154  contained in data packet  128  allows the monitoring system  104  to identify the particular transceiver node  103  sending transceiver node data packet  128 . And the metadata contained in the transceiver node data packet  128  can be used by the monitoring system  104  along with the transceiver node identifier to determine a location of the beacon  101  that sent the corresponding data packet  127 . 
     The communication interface  502  of the monitoring system  104  can receive data packets  128  from each of the transceiver nodes  103  that are part of the system  100  and the location determination tool  504  can determine a location of a beacon as described herein. The database  109  can maintain a list of the locations of each transceiver node  103  that is part of the system  100  and a corresponding transceiver node identifier for each such transceiver node. In certain embodiments, this information is stored in a data table such as transceiver node data table  900  of  FIG. 9 . As the data hosting system  113  receives data packets  128  from various transceiver nodes  103 , the location determination tool  504  can aggregate these data packets and determine a location or locations of one or more beacons  101  based on the information contained in the received data packets (e.g., using RSSI or another system as described above). 
     For example, in embodiments that use RSSI, each received data packet  128  includes a beacon identifier  146 , a transceiver node identifier  154 , and a power level corresponding to a data packet  127  sent from a beacon  101  having that particular beacon identifier to a transceiver node with that particular transceiver node identifier. If another transceiver node  103  also received that same data packet from the same beacon, that transceiver node would transmit a data packet  128  to the individual location monitoring system  104  containing the same beacon identifier but a different transceiver node identifier and a different power level. By aggregating all such data packets  128  relating to the same beacon identifier, the location determination tool  504  can convert the power level measured by each transceiver node to a distance between the transceiver node and the beacon. The location determination tool  504  can then query the database  109  to look up the known location of each transceiver node  103  that sent a corresponding data packet, and then use this location information along with the computed distances between each transceiver node and the beacon  101  to triangulate or otherwise calculate the precise physical location of the beacon  101 . 
     Referring back to the example of  FIG. 1 , after the location determination tool  504  determines the location of a beacon  101 , the communication interface can transmit a data packet  129  to the data hosting system  113  containing this location and the beacon identifier of the beacon. The communication interface  602  of the data hosting system  113  can receive data packet  129  containing the location and the beacon identifier and can store the location information in the database  114  along with a timestamp of the current time. In certain embodiments, other data associated with the determined location can be included in data packet  129  stored in the database  114  such as power level data used by the RSSI system. In certain embodiments, the location data can also be stored in database  109 . In the illustrated example, location data can be stored in database  114  in a data table such as location data table  1000  of  FIG. 10 . In the example of  FIG. 10 , location data table  1000  includes the beacon identifier of a beacon, the determined location of the beacon, and a timestamp of the current time. As more data packets  129  are received by the data hosting system  113 , the data hosting system can continue to add more data to location data table  1000  to create a time log of the location of beacons throughout the day that can be later analyzed as described further below. This also allows a parent  120  to access the location of their child at any particular time that their child had beacon  101 . 
     In certain embodiments, the location data is recorded as a latitude and longitude measurement, or as Cartesian coordinates on a map of the defined area  102 . In some embodiments, the location recorded is a position relative to a particular location or landmark within the defined area  102 . In some embodiments, the location data can be relative to a particular floor of a building and/or a door or other entrance to the premises. In other embodiments, any other method of recording a physical location can be used. In certain embodiments, before recording the location data in the database, the association tool  608  can query the child data table  700  to determine the identity of the child that has the beacon whose location has been determined and then the child identifier or name of the child can be recorded in location table  1000  rather than the beacon identifier associated with the child. 
     As the data hosting system  113  updates the database  114  with the location of children with beacons  101  within the defined area  102 , parents can track the location of their children with a mobile device as described herein. As described above, the data hosting system  113  will create a log of the child&#39;s location over time in the database  114 . In order for a parent  120  to access the location of child  121 , the parent&#39;s mobile device  105  sends a request for location data of the child comprising data packet  130  to the data hosting system  113  using the location system application. Data packet  130  can comprise the authentication credentials  106  associated with their account and/or mobile device, and may include the identity of the child whose location is desired, depending upon the particular implementation. In some examples, the identity of the child in data packet  130  can comprise the child identifier of the child. In other examples, the identity of the child in data packet  130  can comprise the name or other identifying information of the child. Alternatively, data packet  130  can comprise the authentication credentials and the beacon identifier of the beacon that the child  121  is using. In the illustrated embodiment, this operation and all other operations of mobile device  105  described herein can be controlled through the location system application with a graphical user interface (GUI) or other interface (e.g., voice command activated) that allows the parent to easily use the location system  100  without having the knowledge of the specific operation of the location system as described herein. 
     After the data packet  130  is sent from mobile device  105  to the data hosting system  113 , the communication interface  602  can receive the data packet. After receiving data packet  130 , the authentication tool  606  can authenticate the authentication credentials  106  and determine whether the mobile device  105  associated with the authentication credentials  106  is authorized to access location data about the child  121 . In the illustrated example, the authentication tool authenticates the authentication credentials by querying the authentication credentials data table  800  of the database  114 . After authenticating the authentication credentials  106 , the data hosting system  113  queries the location data table  1000  to determine the most recent location of child  121 . This location data can then be transmitted by the communication interface  602  to the mobile device  105 . The application on the mobile device can then display this location (e.g., superimposed on a map of the defined area  102 ) on a display of the mobile device. 
     In some examples, the mobile device  105  can request the location of a child at a particular time. When such a request is made, the data packet  130  sent from the mobile device  105  to the data hosting system  113  can contain a time. When the data hosting system  113  receives this data packet, after authenticating the requesting mobile device or account, it looks up the child&#39;s location at the specified time in the location data table  1000 . In other examples, a mobile device  105  can request the location of a child over a particular time period that will be specified in data packet  130 . In these examples, the data hosting system  113  can look up the location of a child over that time range in location data table  1000  and return this location data. 
     In another embodiment, there can be one or more video cameras, such as video camera  108  of  FIG. 1 , in the defined area  102  whose video feeds can be remotely accessed and a parent can request to view the live video feed for the video camera closest to their child in order to see their child in real time. In this embodiment, the database  114  has a data table comprising locations of video cameras within the defined area  102 , such as camera location table  1100  as shown in  FIG. 11 . To request a live video feed of child  121 , mobile device  105  sends a request to the data hosting system  113  comprising authentication credentials  106  and the identity of a child or a beacon identifier. After the communication interface  602  receives the request, the authentication tool  606  authenticates the authentication credentials and the location determination tool  604  determines the most recent location of the child as described above. The camera finder  612  can then determine the location of the closest video camera to the child&#39;s location by querying camera location table  1100  and comparing each location listed therein to determine which camera is closest to the determined location of the child. After determining which camera is closest to the child included in the request from mobile device  105 , the communication interface  602  can send a signal to the mobile device allowing live video from this camera to play on the mobile device. In some examples, the camera location data table  1100  can store URLs to access video feeds of the cameras and the signal sent by the communication interface can be a web link to a URL that the user of the mobile device can click on to view the video feed. In other examples, the signal sent by the database can cause the video feed to automatically play in the location system application or another application on the mobile device. In some embodiments, the camera finder  612  can be part of the individual location monitoring system  104 , the camera location table  1100  can be stored in the database  109  and the request to view video footage of a child can be sent to and processed by the individual location monitoring system  104  using the steps described above. 
     In another embodiment, a parent  120  can authorize other individuals, such as person  122  of  FIG. 1  who has a mobile device  116 , to access their child&#39;s location or data. Person  122  could be a friend or family member or someone that the parent  120  meets within the defined area  102 . In order to authorize another person  122  to view their child&#39;s location data, the person  122  can first download the location system application on their mobile device  116  and set up an account, which will result in new authentication credentials  118  to be issued for the new account. Parent  120  can then use the location system application on their mobile device  105  to add a new authorized user by entering the phone number, account number, or other identifying information of person  122  and/or mobile device  116 . The mobile device  105  can then send a request to the data hosting system  113  to authorize person  122  to view data about their child. This request can contain authentication credentials  106  associated with the parent  120  and the identifying information of person  122 . After the communication interface  602  receives this request, the authentication tool  606  can authenticate the authentication credentials  106  and then the association tool  608  can associate authentication credentials  118  with the child by, for example, updating authentication credentials data table  800 . In some examples, the parent  120  can authorize person  122  to view only a limited amount of data about their child or to access data about their child only for a limited time. 
     In another embodiment, parents can get information about the people their children spent time with while using the location system  100 . For example, children might become friends with other children that they might otherwise not be able to contact again. Or a parent may want to know that their child was followed by a bully or other undesirable individual. In this embodiment, a parent  120  can use the location system application on their mobile device  105  to request a list of other children that their child was in proximity to within the defined area  102  for a significant period of time. This request can be sent from the parent&#39;s mobile device to the data hosting system  113  and can be received by communication interface  602 . After the communication interface  602  receives this request, the data hosting system  113  can query location data table  1000  of the database  114  for a time series location data of this parent&#39;s child and then determine if the location of any other children was nearby that child (i.e., within a threshold distance) for a significant period of time (i.e., above a threshold time period). 
     In some examples, the communication interface  602  can then send the name or other information about these children back to the mobile device  105 . In other examples, the data hosting system  113  does not send the name of these children back to the parent  120 , but instead creates an icon or other option on the location system application on the parent&#39;s mobile device  105  that allows the parent  120  to send a message to the parent or parents of these other children indicating that they would like to contact them. This maintains the privacy of these other children and their parents while still allowing the parents of both children to contact each other should they so desire so that they can make future plans to get together outside of the defined area  102 . 
     In another embodiment, the defined area  102  can contain one or more designated areas. In some examples, these designated areas can be areas within the defined area  102  that are determined to be dangerous or areas that children should stay away from, such as restricted exit  107  or hazardous area  112 . In other examples, a defined area within the defined area  102  can be a special area that offers prizes or that are otherwise desirable locations for children to be. In this embodiment, as the location data is recorded in location data table  1100 , the proximity tool  514  can determine if a child&#39;s location is too close to one of these defined areas (e.g., less than a threshold distance away from the area). If this happens, the association tool  608  can determine one or more mobile devices associated with the child whose location is too close to the defined area and the communication interface  602  can send an appropriate message to these mobile devices indicating where the child is and that they are close to a particular defined area. In some examples, the communication interface  602  can also send a message to a staff member associated with the defined area  102 . In some examples, the designated area can be part of a game or contest and if a child enters the designated area, a message awarding a prize can be sent to the mobile device associated with the child. In some examples, the designated area can contain an image or projection such as a digital coin superimposed on the ground. In these examples, entering the designated area (i.e., stepping on the digital coin) can cause a prize to be awarded. In certain embodiments, one or more of these steps may be performed by the system  104  and/or by the system  113 . 
     In another embodiment, the location system  100  can also monitor the location of parents, such as parent  120 , using the parent&#39;s mobile device  105 . In some examples, this can be accomplished using the GPS location tool on the mobile device  105 . In these examples, the mobile device periodically (e.g., once per second) sends its GPS determined location to either the data hosting system  113  or the individual location monitoring system  104  (which can forward this location to the data hosting system  113  in some examples). In other examples, the location of mobile device  105  is determined in the same manner that the location of beacon  101  is determined. In these examples, the mobile device  105  can periodically send out a data packet similar to data packet  127  via Bluetooth® or another method of data transmission. The data packet emitted by mobile device  105  can include a mobile device identifier associated with mobile device  105 . In some examples, the data packet emitted by the mobile device  105  can also include other data, such as the power level of the emitted data packet. The transceiver nodes  103  can receive the data packets emitted by mobile device  105  and transmit a new data packet to the individual location monitoring system  104 . This new data packet can be similar to data packets  128  emitted in response to the reception of data packet  127  from beacon  101  and can include the mobile device identifier of the mobile device  105 , a transceiver node identifier associated with the particular transceiver node emitting the data packet, and other data associated with the reception of the data packet from the mobile device  105  (e.g., the power level of the received signal). The communication interface  502  can receive these data packets from each of the various transceiver nodes  103  in the defined area  102  and the location determination tool  504  can determine a location of the mobile device in a similar manner as is used to determine the location of beacon  101  (e.g., using RSSI). The communication interface  502  can then send this location data along with identifying information about the mobile device  15  to the data hosting system  113 . The database  114  can contain a data table associating mobile device  105  with a particular mobile device identifier, such as mobile device data table  1200  of  FIG. 12 . In the example of  FIG. 12 , mobile device data table  1200  associates a mobile device identifier with particular authentication credentials. In certain embodiments, a mobile device identifier can be assigned to a mobile device when an account is created on the location system application. Alternatively, a mobile device identifier can be assigned when a particular mobile device is associated with an account. In certain embodiments, as location data of a mobile device  105  is determined, this location data can be stored in the database  114  (e.g., in a data table similar to child data table  500 ). In some embodiments, the location data of a mobile device can be stored in database  109 . 
     In certain embodiments where location data of a parent&#39;s mobile device is tracked by the location system  100 , the proximity tool  614  can determine a distance between a parent  120  and the child  121  associated with that parent (or that parent&#39;s mobile device  105 ) and can send an alert to the mobile device  105  if the child gets too far from the parent (e.g., the distance between the child and the parent is above a threshold distance). In some examples, the parent  120  can use the location system application to set this threshold distance. 
     In certain embodiments, the proximity tool  614  can determine the distance between a child  121  and a dangerous area such as exit  107  or hazard  112  and the distance between a child  121  and a parent  120 . In these embodiments, the communication interface  602  can send an alert to a parent  120  if the child is close to a dangerous area (e.g., within a certain threshold distance) and the parent is not close to the child  121  (e.g., further away than a threshold distance). In some examples, the parent  120  can use the location system application to set these thresholds. In these embodiments, the parent is not alerted that their child is near a dangerous area when the parent is also near the dangerous area as the parent can presumably see their child and monitor them around the dangerous area. In some examples, when the proximity tool  614  determines that the child  121  is close to a dangerous area and the parent  120  is not near the child, the communication interface  602  sends an alert to a staff member. In some examples, the location system  100  can monitor the location of staff members and send an alert to the nearest staff member. 
     In certain embodiments where the location system monitors a parent&#39;s location within the defined area, the location system application can be used by a parent  120  to order goods and services to be delivered their location (e.g., food or beverage). In these embodiments, the location system application can present a menu or other ordering option on the parent&#39;s mobile device  105 . In some examples, the mobile device  105  can request a list of goods or services that can be ordered. In some examples, an order for goods and services can be made through the application, wherein the mobile device  105  transmits the order to the data hosting system  113 . The communication interface  602  can receive this order and an appropriate staff member can be notified of the order and the parent&#39;s location so that the staff member can prepare the order and the ordered can be delivered to the parent&#39;s location by a staff member or autonomous device such as a drone. In some examples, the parent can pay for the goods or services ordered through the application on their mobile device. In some examples, an order for good or services can be sent by the mobile device  105  to the individual location monitoring system  104  rather than the data hosting system  113 . 
     In certain embodiments, the data hosting system  113  can monitor a child&#39;s location for abnormal activity, for example if a child stays in one location for a long period of time without moving. This may indicate that the child is injured or in need of assistance and the communication interface  602  can send an alert to the child&#39;s parent and/or a staff member indicating the child&#39;s location and the abnormal activity detected. 
     In certain embodiments, the location system application can be used by a parent to request that a staff member check on their child when the parent is too far away but they are concerned that their child needs help or assistance in some way. In these embodiments, the location system application can have an icon or other method of contacting a staff member near their child&#39;s location by phone, text, or any other method of communication. 
     In certain embodiments, the data hosting system  113  can analyze a child&#39;s location log during the day and determine what locations in the defined area  102  the child spent significant time at or near. This information can be requested by or reported to the child&#39;s parent to give the parent information about the type of activities their child is interested in (e.g., their child may have a significant amount of time near a particular museum exhibit). 
     In certain embodiments, a business or venue using location system  100  can access anonymous location data stored in the database  114 . That is, an owner of defined area  102  can access location data associated with particular wireless device identifiers, but will not be able to associate this location data with the identity of any particular individual. However, the business or venue can still use this data to perform data analytics to determine, for example, which parts of the defined area  102  are receiving more or less traffic, where congestion occurs in the defined area, and other information that can be obtained from anonymous location data. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart  1300  depicting an example method for a monitoring individual to track the location of a monitored individual according to disclosed technologies. The example of  FIG. 13  begins at process block  1302  when the beacon  101  associated with the monitored individual  121  transmits a beacon data packet  127  containing a beacon identifier  146  and certain other data. At process block  1304 , the transceiver node  103  receives the beacon data packet  127 . 
     At process block  1306 , the transceiver node  103  transmits a transceiver node data packet  128  to the data hosting system  113 . Transceiver node data packet  128  can contain the beacon identifier  146  and any other data included in beacon data packet  127  as well as any metadata measured by the transceiver node  103  about the transmission of beacon data packet  127 . At process block  1308 , the communication interface  502  receives one or more transceiver node data packets  128 . At process block  1310 , after receiving the one or more transceiver node data packets, the location determination tool  504  determines a location of the beacon  101  associated with the monitored individual. At process block  1312 , the communications interface  502  transmits the determined location and the associated beacon identifier to the data hosting system  113 . At process block  1314 , the data hosting system  113  associates the beacon identifier and the location data with the identity of the monitored individual associated with the beacon identifier, and stores the received location data in the database  114 . 
     At process block  1314 , the communication interface  602  receives a request for location data from mobile device  105 . At process block  1314 , after receiving the request for location data, the authentication tool  606  determines if the mobile device  105  is authorized to view location data about the monitored individual. If the authentication tool determines that the mobile device is authorized to view location data about the monitored individual, then the communication interface  602  transmits the location of the monitored individual to the mobile device at process block  1316 . If the authentication tool determines that the mobile device is not authorized to view location data about the monitored individual, then the location data is not transmitted and the example of  FIG. 13  ends. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart  1400  depicting an example method for determining if a monitored individual is in close proximity to a designated area, such as a predetermined dangerous area or a special area that can award prizes. The example of  FIG. 14  begins at process block  1402  when the communication device  602  receives a location of the monitored individual. At process block  1404 , the proximity tool  614  determines if the location of the monitored individual is within a threshold distance of a designated area. In some embodiments, this step may be performed by the system  104  and the result transmitted to the system  113 . If the proximity tool determines that the monitored individual is within a threshold distance of the designated area, then the association tool determines a mobile device that is associated with the monitored individual in process block  1406  and the communication interface  602  sends an appropriate message to that mobile device in process block  1408 . If the proximity tool determines that the monitored individual is not within a threshold distance of the designated area, then a message is not sent and the example of  FIG. 14  ends. In some examples, process block  1408  can comprise sending a signal to the associated mobile device without the user of the mobile device seeing a message (e.g., an indication that can be viewed in another part of the location system application that a prize has been awarded). 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart  1500  depicting an example method for determining if a monitored individual is in close proximity to a designated area but not in close proximity to a monitoring individual. The example of  FIG. 15  begins at process block  1502  when the communication interface  602  of the data hosting system  113  receives a location of a monitored individual. At process block  1504 , the proximity tool  614  determines if the location of the monitored individual is within a threshold distance of a designated area. If the proximity tool determines that the monitored individual is not within a threshold distance of a designated area, the example of  FIG. 15  ends. If the proximity tool determines that the monitored individual is within a threshold distance of a designated area, then the association tool determines a mobile device that is associated with the monitored individual at process block  1506 . 
     After determining the mobile device associated with the monitored individual, in process block  1508  the data hosting system  113  determines the location of the mobile device (e.g., by querying the database  114  and looking up the most recently stored location of the mobile device). The proximity tool  614  then determines whether the mobile device is within a threshold distance from the monitored individual. If the proximity tool determines that the mobile device is not within a threshold distance of the monitored individual, the communication interface sends a message to the mobile device. If the proximity tool determines that the mobile device is within a threshold distance of the monitored individual, the example of  FIG. 16  ends. 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart  1600  depicting an example method for an individual to order goods or services using the location system  100 . The example of  FIG. 16  begins at process block  1602  when the communication interface  602  receives a request from mobile device  105  for available services. After receiving this request, the communication interface  602  sends a list of available services sent to the mobile device at process block  1604 . The communication interface  602  then receives an order from mobile device  105  for specific services at process block  1606 . The location system application then processes payment for the ordered services at process block  1608 . 
     The communication interface  602  then sends the service request to an appropriate staff member to prepare the ordered services at process block  1610 . The location determination tool  604  then determines the location of the mobile device  105  that order was received from at process block  1612 . When the ordered services are ready, they are delivered to the determined location at process block  1614 . The example of  FIG. 16  then ends. 
       FIG. 17  is a flowchart  1700  depicting an example method for tracking the location of a monitored individual according to the disclosed technologies. The example of  FIG. 17  begins at process block  1702  when the data hosting system  113  receives a beacon identifier and the location of a beacon associated with the beacon identifier from the individual location monitoring system  104 . At process block  1704 , the association tool  608  of the system  113  determines the identity of a monitored individual that is associated with the beacon identifier. At process block  1706 , the association tool  608  associates the location of the beacon with the identity of the monitored individual. At process block  1708 , the communication interface  602  receives a request for the location of the monitored individual from a device associated with a requesting individual. The request may include authentication credentials. At process block  1710 , the authentication tool  606  determines whether the requesting individual is authorized to access data about the monitored individual based at least in part on the authentication credentials in the request. If the authentication tool determines that the requesting individual is authorized to access location data about the monitored individual, the communication interface  602  provides (e.g., by transmitting) the location and identity of the monitored individual to the device associated with the monitoring individual. If the authentication tool determines that the requesting individual is not authorized to access location data about the monitored individual, the example of  FIG. 17  ends. In this manner, the identity of the monitored individual is stored on the data hosting system and is inaccessible to the owner/operator of the individual location monitoring system. 
       FIG. 18  shows a block diagram of a representative embodiment of a real time location system  1800  including check-in and/or check-out functionality, according to another embodiment. The check-in and check-out functionality can be related to, for example, dropping a child off at a venue or attraction, and picking the child up from the venue or attraction. The location system  1800  has similar elements to the elements of location system  100  of  FIG. 1 . In the example of  FIG. 18 , the beacon  101  being worn, held, or carried by the child  121  periodically sends out data packet  121  (e.g., via Bluetooth®) containing a beacon identifier. Individual  122  can be a counselor, staff member, or other individual acting as a temporary guardian or instructor of child  121  at a site (e.g., a summer camp, sports camp, day care, etc.) operating an individual location monitoring system, such as the system  104  of  FIG. 1 . The individual  122  can be running a check-in application on the mobile device  116  (e.g., a smartphone). The mobile device  116  can receive data packet  127  when the beacon  101  and the mobile device  116  are in close proximity. In the illustrated example, when the mobile device  116  receives data packet  127 , a check-in process is triggered, as described in further detail below. In some examples, the check-in process is triggered when the device  116  receives data packet  127  at power level that is above a certain threshold (e.g., above a threshold indicating a distance between the device  116  and the beacon  101  of, for example, 12 inches or less). In other examples, the check-in application on the mobile device can display a list of children, and individual  122  can manually select one or more children to trigger the check-in process for the selected children. 
     When the check-in process is triggered for child  121 , the individual  122  can use the check-in application to send a check-in request for the child  121 , which can cause the device  116  to transmit data packet  131  to the data hosting system  113  with a request to record that the child is present at the site of the system  104  (e.g., that the child is “checked in”). The data packet  131  can include the beacon identifier associated with beacon  101 . Communication interface  602  can receive data packet  131  and the association tool  608  can determine a monitoring individual that is authorized to check-in the child  121 , such as parent  120 . This data about individuals that are authorized to check-in a child can be stored in database  114  in a data table similar to the authentication credentials data table  800  of  FIG. 8 . After the association tool  608  determines a monitoring individual that is authorized to check-in child  121 , the communication interface  602  can transmit a request to a mobile device associated with the authorized monitoring individual. The monitoring individual can then use their mobile device to approve the check-in request and their mobile device can send a signal to the data hosting system  113  approving the check-in request. 
     The communication interface  602  can receive the check-in approval and the data hosting system  113  can update database  114  to indicate that child  121  is checked-in with individual  122 . The communication interface  602  can then send a signal indicating that the check-in was approved to mobile device  116 . In some examples, the mobile device  116  may have a list of guardians associated with child  121  and individual  122  can manually select a guardian to approve the check-in. 
     A check-out process can be performed similarly. To initiate a check-out process, the mobile device  116  can receive a data packet  127  from beacon  101  and the individual  122  can use the check-in application on mobile device  116  to request a check-out. This causes mobile device  116  to send data packet  131  to the data hosting system  113  with the beacon identifier of the beacon  101  and a request for a check-out. The communication interface  602  can receive data packet  131  and the association tool  608  can determine a monitoring individual that is authorized to check-out child  121 . The communication interface  602  can then send data packet  130  to a mobile device associated with the authorized monitoring individual requesting a check-out authorization. The monitoring individual can use their mobile device to authorize the check-out, which can cause their mobile device to send an authorization signal back to the data hosting system  113 . The communication interface  602  can receive this signal and update database  114  to indicate that child  121  is no longer check-in with individual  122 . The communication interface can then send a signal to mobile device  116  authorizing the check-out. 
     In certain embodiments, after child  121  is checked-in with a particular individual  122 , the individual  122  may monitor the performance of the child in some particular task, such as their ability to make free throws at a basketball camp. In these embodiments, individual  122  (e.g., an instructor) can monitor a child&#39;s performance in some activity and enter their performance onto their mobile device (e.g., the number of free throws made by the child). This information can then be transmitted to the data hosting system  113 , which can then forward the information to a monitoring individual associated with the child (e.g., a parent). This can allow a parent to monitor their child&#39;s activities while the child is away at camp or another venue where their performance on some task can be monitored. In some embodiments, statistics about a child&#39;s activities or performance (e.g., during a sport) can be aggregated and transmitted to the parent&#39;s device (e.g., upon request) in the form of a card or tile that can be displayed on the parent&#39;s device, and/or posted to a social media platform. In some embodiments, the card or tile may include a photo of the child in addition to the performance statistics. In another example, the individual  122  can be a doctor or nurse and the individual  121  can be a patient. In these examples, the information entered into mobile device  116  and forwarded to a monitored individual can be medical information about the patient. 
     Representative Computing Environment 
       FIG. 19  depicts a generalized example of a suitable computing environment  1800  in which software and control algorithms for the described technology may be implemented. The computing environment  1900  is not intended to suggest any limitation as to scope of use or functionality, as the innovations may be implemented in diverse general-purpose or special-purpose computing systems. For example, the computing environment  1900  can be any of a variety of computing devices (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, server computer, tablet computer, gaming system, mobile device, programmable automation controller, etc.). 
     With reference to  FIG. 19 , the computing environment  1900  includes one or more processing units  1910 ,  1915  and memory  1920 ,  1925  (e.g., for storing data indicative of stage vibration). In  FIG. 19 , this basic configuration  1930  is included within a dashed line. The processing units  1910 ,  1915  execute computer-executable instructions. A processing unit can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a processor in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any other type of processor. In a multi-processing system, multiple processing units execute computer-executable instructions to increase processing power. For example,  FIG. 19  shows a central processing unit  1910  as well as a graphics processing unit or co-processing unit  1915 . The tangible memory  1920 ,  1925  may be volatile memory (e.g., registers, cache, RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two, accessible by the processing unit(s). The memory  1920 ,  1925  stores software  1980  implementing one or more innovations described herein, in the form of computer-executable instructions suitable for execution by the processing unit(s). 
     A computing system may have additional features. For example, in some embodiments, the computing environment  1900  includes storage  1940 , one or more input devices  1950 , one or more output devices  1960 , and one or more communication connections  1970 . An interconnection mechanism (not shown) such as a bus, controller, or network, interconnects the components of the computing environment  1900 . Typically, operating system software (not shown) provides an operating environment for other software executing in the computing environment  1900 , and coordinates activities of the components of the computing environment  1900 . 
     The tangible storage  1940  may be removable or non-removable, and includes magnetic disks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, or any other medium that can be used to store information in a non-transitory way and can be accessed within the computing environment  1900 . The storage  1940  stores instructions for the software  1980  implementing one or more innovations described herein (e.g., for transmitting data of a monitored individual in response to a request). 
     The input device(s)  1950  may be, for example: a touch input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, or trackball; a voice input device; a scanning device; any of various sensors; another device that provides input to the computing environment  1900 ; or combinations thereof. For video encoding, the input device(s)  1950  may be a camera, video card, TV tuner card, or similar device that accepts video input in analog or digital form, or a CD-ROM or CD-RW that reads video samples into the computing environment  1900 . The output device(s)  1960  may be a display, printer, speaker, CD-writer, or another device that provides output from the computing environment  1900 . 
     The communication connection(s)  1970  enable communication over a communication medium to another computing entity. The communication medium conveys information, such as computer-executable instructions, audio or video input or output, or other data in a modulated data signal. A modulated data signal is a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media can use an electrical, optical, RF, or other carrier. 
     Any of the disclosed methods can be implemented as computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., one or more optical media discs, volatile memory components (such as DRAM or SRAM), or nonvolatile memory components (such as flash memory or hard drives)) and executed on a computer (e.g., any commercially available computer, including smart phones, other mobile devices that include computing hardware, or programmable automation controllers). The term computer-readable storage media does not include communication connections, such as signals and carrier waves. Any of the computer-executable instructions for implementing the disclosed techniques as well as any data created and used during implementation of the disclosed embodiments can be stored on one or more computer-readable storage media. The computer-executable instructions can be part of, for example, a dedicated software application or a software application that is accessed or downloaded via a web browser or other software application (such as a remote computing application). Such software can be executed, for example, on a single local computer (e.g., any suitable commercially available computer) or in a network environment (e.g., via the Internet, a wide-area network, a local-area network, a client-server network (such as a cloud computing network), or other such network) using one or more network computers. 
     For clarity, only certain selected aspects of the software-based implementations are described. Other details that are well known in the art are omitted. For example, it should be understood that the disclosed technology is not limited to any specific computer language or program. For instance, the disclosed technology can be implemented by software written in C, C++, Java, Perl, JavaScript, Adobe Flash, or any other suitable programming language. Likewise, the disclosed technology is not limited to any particular computer or type of hardware. Certain details of suitable computers and hardware are well known and need not be set forth in detail in this disclosure. 
     It should also be well understood that any functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components, instead of software. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Program-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Program-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc. 
     Furthermore, any of the software-based embodiments (comprising, for example, computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform any of the disclosed methods) can be uploaded, downloaded, or remotely accessed through a suitable communication means. Such suitable communication means include, for example, the Internet, the World Wide Web, an intranet, software applications, cable (including fiber optic cable), magnetic communications, electromagnetic communications (including RF, microwave, and infrared communications), electronic communications, or other such communication means. 
     General Considerations 
     For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems should not be construed as being limiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed toward all novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations with one another. The methods, apparatus, and systems are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantages be present or problems be solved. 
     Although the operations of some of the disclosed embodiments are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language set forth below. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms like “provide” or “achieve” to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that are performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” Further, the terms “coupled” and “associated” generally mean electrically, electromagnetically, and/or physically (e.g., mechanically or chemically) coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items absent specific contrary language. 
     In some examples, values, procedures, or apparatus may be referred to as “lowest,” “best,” “minimum,” or the like. It will be appreciated that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection among many alternatives can be made, and such selections need not be better, smaller, or otherwise preferable to other selections. 
     In the following description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. 
     In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed technology may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is at least as broad as the following claims.