Intelligent lock and latch control system
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.
1. A latch system, comprising:
a latch assembly configured to include a receiving channel;
a latch pin removably disposed within the receiving channel, wherein the latch pin is coupled to a gate configured as an ingress prevention mechanism;
at least two magnets disposed at non-zero angles relative to each other and configured to generate a magnetic field in proximity to the latch assembly, the latch pin and the receiving channel; and
a sensor configured to measure a magnitude of the magnetic field, wherein the magnitude exceeds a threshold value only when the latch pin is disposed within the receiving channel.
2. The latch system of claim 1 , wherein the at least two magnets are disposed at right angles relative to each other.
3. The latch system of claim 2 , wherein a like pole of each of the at least two magnets is arranged in closest proximity to the receiving channel.
4. The latch system of claim 3 , wherein the like pole is a south pole.
5. The latch system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a processor configured to receive a signal from the sensor, the signal being indicative of the measured magnitude exceeding the threshold value; and
a wireless module coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the signal to indicate a locked condition of the ingress prevention mechanism.
6. A method of operating a latch system, comprising:
disposing a first and second magnet in proximity to a receiving channel of a latch assembly, wherein the first and second magnets are arranged at non-zero angles relative to each other;
attaching a latch pin to a gate, the gate being configured to function as an ingress prevention mechanism;
moving the latch pin to a first location inside the receiving channel;
moving the latch pin to a second location outside the receiving channel; and
measuring a magnetic field in proximity to the receiving channel, wherein the measured magnetic field exceeds a threshold value only when the latch pin is in the first location.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the first and second magnets are disposed at right angles relative to each other.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein like poles of the first and second magnets are arranged in closest proximity to the receiving channel.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the like poles are south poles.
10. The method of claim 6 , further comprising:
providing an indication of the first location; and
wirelessly communicating the indication.
11. A latch system, comprising:
a latch assembly configured to include a receiving channel;
a latch pin removably disposed within the receiving channel, wherein the latch pin is coupled to a gate configured as an ingress prevention mechanism;
at least two magnets disposed at non-zero angles relative to each other and configured to generate a magnetic field in proximity to the latch assembly, the latch pin and the receiving channel;
a sensor configured to measure a magnitude of the magnetic field, wherein the magnitude exceeds a threshold value only when the latch pin is disposed within the receiving channel;
a processor configured to receive a signal from the sensor, the signal indicating that the measured magnitude exceeds the threshold value; and
a wireless module coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the signal.
12. The latch system of claim 11 , wherein the at least two magnets are disposed at right angles relative to each other.
13. The latch system of claim 12 , wherein a like pole of each of the at least two magnets is arranged in closest proximity to the receiving channel.
14. The latch system of claim 13 , wherein the like pole is a south pole.