Abstract: An ingress control system utilizes magnetic detection to determine whether the ingress control system is either allowing or disallowing ingress into a controlled area. The ingress control system includes a latch pin that is movably disposed within a latch assembly in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic field is created by a plurality of magnets disposed at non-zero angles relative to each other and the latch pin and latch assembly are introduced as magnetic poles disposed within the magnetic field. A magnetic sensor detects the presence of the latch pin within a receiving channel of the latch assembly by measuring a magnetic field magnitude above a threshold value. The magnetic sensor detects the absence of the latch pin within a receiving channel of the latch assembly by measuring a magnetic field magnitude below the threshold value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating user interaction are described. One such method includes receiving, from a first user device, identification information associated with a targeted user and retrieving, from a database, contact information associated with the identification information. The method may further include providing the contact information to the first user device to facilitate communication between the first user device and a user device of the targeted user and/or providing a message to the user device of the targeted user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating user interaction are described. One such method includes receiving, from a first user device, identification information associated with a targeted user and retrieving, from a database, contact information associated with the identification information. The method may further include providing the contact information to the first user device to facilitate communication between the first user device and a user device of the targeted user and/or providing a message to the user device of the targeted user.

Abstract: An automated payment system for a plurality of remote merchants includes a clearinghouse server, a plurality of customer tags and a plurality of local merchant systems. The clearinghouse system includes a customer database and merchant database. A customer joining the clearinghouse service is provided with a customer tag, such as an RFID transponder, which stores a tag identification number. Each remote merchant includes a local merchant system which includes a reader, point-of-sale system, a customer database and a transaction database. The reader is adapted to automatically retrieve the tag identification number from a customer tag when the customer tag is within an associated reading area, such as a stopping location of drive-through lane or a short-term parking stall. The customer's order is entered and processed on the point-of-sale system which is adapted to handle both standard cash transactions and authorized cashless transactions.