Abstract: A drive system operation apparatus that is easy to operate and improves the level of security in a vehicle. A gearshift operator and an engine switch are located near each other. A cover covers the gearshift operator and the engine switch. The cover is opened when predetermined conditions, including establishment of wireless communication with an authorized key, are satisfied.

Abstract: An automobile anti-theft device disrupting normal operation of an automobile. To attain this, incorporated into an automobile is a module configured to disrupt the normal firing of the automobile's spark plugs upon actuation of a user-controlled controller. In an embodiment, the module electrically couples the automobile's coil to the automobile's distributor cap through a controller-controlled switch. In an embodiment, the module relays instruction sets to an engine control unit, upon execution of the instruction set the engine control unit disrupts spark plug firing. A method for preventing automobile theft, which incorporates into an ignition system a user-controlled module.

Abstract: Highly convenient automobile engine starting uses an individual authentication device which utilizes biological information and provides a security function required when starting the engine, while protecting a sensor for receiving the biological information. An engine starting system can comprise an ignition switch for controlling a state of an automobile; a key for changing a state of the ignition switch; a registration key for registering biological information; a switch for starting an engine; a sensor for inputting biological information; a device for storing biological information; a collating unit for collating the inputted biological information with the stored biological information; and a lid for covering the sensor of an authentication device.

Abstract: A method for enabling an apparatus (15) to operate only after detecting with receiver elements (11) located proximate to the apparatus, a signal transmitted by portable transmitted elements (1), which consists in no longer taking into account detection by the receiver means (11) of the signal transmitted by the transmitting elements (1), after activating presence sensing elements (22) provided proximate to the apparatus, or integrated in the apparatus. Once activated, the presence sensing elements (22) neutralize the transmitter/receiver device (1, 11) and the apparatus can operate normally without being perturbed by possible statics or accidental losses of signal. The inventive method and device are applicable to an antitheft safety device for a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A system for driving an electric actuator unit with a polarity-dependent actuation direction contains a driving unit with a voltage input, at least one polarity control input and two voltage outputs whose polarity depends on the polarity control signal at the polarity control input, and a control input. The actuator unit is operated in at least one of the drive directions only if a corresponding polarity control signal is present and the control input is additionally supplied with a predefined control signal.

Abstract: A transponder system for motor vehicle, used both as a RKE system and as a kill switch type safety system, is described herein. The transponder system includes an electronic lock assembly provided with a housing, an interrogator circuit and a coil antenna. The transponder system also includes an electronic key provided with a housing made of a slightly resilient material, a transponder circuit, and a coil antenna. The key assembly may be releasably mounted to the lock assembly since the housing of the key assembly is made of a slightly resilient material. Continuous interactions between the electronic lock and the electronic key are required for the continuous operation of the engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering shaft locking device capable of performing a locking operation in an optimum manner. The steering shaft locking device includes a motor to which voltage is applied to generate a drive force. A locking bar is moved by the drive force of an actuator so as to engage the steering shaft. A steering shaft lock ECU connected to the motor performs a first control to move the locking bar to a lock position, at which the locking bar engages the steering shaft, and a second control to move the locking bar to an unlock position, at which the locking bar is disengaged from the steering shaft. A voltage control means controls the voltage applied to the motor during the first control such that the voltage is less than or equal to the voltage applied to the motor during the second control.

Abstract: A keyless engine controlling unit has a set switch for setting an engine in a running state, a selected state detecting mechanism for detecting the position of a select lever of an automatic transmission, and an engine drive controlling mechanism for bypassing a contact point of an ignition switch. During engine operation, the selected state detecting mechanism detects that the select lever is in park, the set switch is set, and the contact point of the ignition switch is bypassed. Thus, the engine is maintained in the running state even if the key is extracted from the ignition switch.

Abstract: A vehicle window control system for a vehicle having a data communications bus may include at least one vehicle device associated with operating a window of the vehicle, a window operation transmitter, and a controller connected to the data communications bus for communicating with the at least one vehicle device associated with operating the window of the vehicle. The vehicle window controller may be responsive to signals from the window operation transmitter. A window piggyback controller may operate the windows based on signals on the data communications bus, such as door lock or door unlock signals.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle theft prevention system (52) selectively enables an ignition system (22) of a vehicle (20). The system (52) includes an interrogator circuit (54) that generates and radiates an excitation signal (68). A transponder circuit (56) in close proximity to the interrogator circuit (54), and separate from an ignition key (48) of the ignition system (22), detects the excitation signal (68) and modulates the excitation signal (68) to produce the return signal (74) containing an identification code (76) for the transponder circuit (56). The return signal (74) is radiated from the transponder circuit (56) and received at the interrogator circuit (54). When a controller (58), in communication with the interrogator (54), detects the identification code (76) in the return signal (74), the controller (58) actuates a relay (60) to an enable mode to enable the ignition system (22).

Abstract: A vehicle security system may disrupt communications on a vehicle data communications bus, such as to prevent starting of the vehicle engine. The vehicle security system may include at least one vehicle security sensor, a vehicle data communications bus disrupter for disrupting communications on the vehicle data communications bus, and a security controller for selectively operating the vehicle data communications bus disrupter. The disrupter may be operated based upon the at least one vehicle security sensor to thereby disable the vehicle engine. The disrupter may alternately be operated based on a signal from a monitoring station that receives position information from the vehicle.

Abstract: A low-current starter switch (1) for vehicles, includes a rotor (3;3?) fixed to an anti-theft cylinder and an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is low current with a variable resistance, depending on the annular position of the rotor (3;3?), and provides an output voltage (Vx) which varies as a function of the resistance.

Abstract: A vehicle window control system for a vehicle having a data communications bus may include at least one vehicle device associated with operating a window of the vehicle, a window operation transmitter, a receiver at the vehicle for receiving signals from the window operation transmitter, and a controller connected to the data communications bus for communicating with the at least one vehicle device associated with operating the window of the vehicle. The vehicle window controller may also be connected to the receiver and may be responsive to signals from the window operation transmitter. A window piggyback controller may operate the windows based on signals on the data communications bus, such as door lock or door unlock signals.

Abstract: A theft prevention apparatus of a personal watercraft equipped with a main switch for opening/closing a main power-supply circuit including a starting circuit of an engine is provided. The apparatus inhibits the engine from starting when it detects the main switch being in an ON-state, no existence of a connection between an operating device of the main switch and the main switch, and a stopping of the engine. The apparatus prevents the engine from starting by inhibiting at least one of the starting circuits of the engine, an ignition circuit of the engine, and a fuel injection circuit of the engine from closing the circuit(s).

Abstract: An engine starting controller for a vehicle provided with a smart ignition function. The controller communicates with a portable communicator including an emergency key. When the battery of the portable communicator is drained, the emergency key is used to open the door lock and start the engine. A seat for depositing the emergency key is provided in the passenger compartment. The starting of the engine is enabled when the emergency key is deposited on the seat. The seat is illuminated or moved to notify the driver where to deposit the key.

Abstract: A remote start control system for a vehicle including an engine, a transmission connected to the engine and a data communications bus carrying transmission position data related to a selected transmission position, may include a remote start transmitter, a receiver at the vehicle for receiving signals from the remote start transmitter, and a vehicle remote start controller. The vehicle remote start controller may be connected to the data communications bus and to the receiver for starting the engine based upon the transmission position data carried by the data communications bus and signals from the remote start transmitter. Alternately, or additionally, the data communications bus may carry engine speed data, vehicle brake position data, or vehicle security data. Accordingly, the engine may be started responsive to the engine speed data, the vehicle brake position data, or the vehicle security data.

Abstract: An engine control system includes an ignition switch that selectively initiates an ignition signal and an operating mode of an engine. A powertrain relay selectively generates a PR load signal based on the ignition signal and the operating mode. A control module enables an ignition signal diagnostic system when the operating mode is a RUN mode, the ignition signal is generated and the PR load signal is generated.

Abstract: A security system for a construction machine including a construction machine equipped with a body controller for storing a first password, management apparatus arranged in a location apart from the construction machine and a portable communications unit for storing a second password provided communicably with the management apparatus and the body controller. The portable communications unit, receiving the first password from the management apparatus, replaces the second password with the first password. The body controller determines whether the second password output from the portable communications unit coincides with the first password. In case these passwords coincide with each other, an engine drive signal is output. Otherwise the engine is kept inoperable. This prevents possible theft of a construction machine.

Abstract: An engine control unit which can solve current leakage from an ignition system or the like due to attachment of water drops or the like when washing a vehicle. A power circuit receiving power supply from a battery, supplying the power to an engine control unit, and maintaining supply of a power to the engine control unit even when the power supply from the battery is stopped, a unit disconnection detecting circuit for detecting that the engine control unit is disconnected from the battery, and an EEPROM are provided, and when disconnection of the engine control unit is detected, an engine stop flag is stored in the EEPROM, and when the engine control unit is connected and a power is supplied from the battery, the engine is not permitted to start for a certain period of time if the engine stop flag is stored in the EEPROM.

Abstract: A vehicle immobilizer disables a vehicle's system after receiving from a vehicle security system two immobilizer control signals in predetermined states. The vehicle's system is a necessary system for the vehicle to run, for example, an ignition system or an engine computer, so that the vehicle is immobilized when the necessary system is disabled. The immobilizer includes switching and self-biasing circuits that bypass the security system. Bypassing the security system reduces the likelihood of immobilizing a running vehicle because of a security system malfunction.

Abstract: In an integrated system of alarm components used in the real estate industry, the product family consists of three primary components: a portable transmitter unit, a vehicle-mounted transceiver unit, and a house-installed receiver unit. The system is intended to enhance the personal safety of real estate professionals who venture into the field, e.g., to show vacant houses to potential buyers. The transmitter is sized to be handheld, attached with a belt clip, or carried in pocket. When a panic button on the transmitter is depressed, the transmitter sends coded radio frequency signals which will activate either or both of the vehicle-mounted transceiver and the house-installed receiver as well as other system devices within range. When the transceiver is activated, the unit's horn will sound, and the transceiver will in turn transmit a coded radio frequency signal to any one or more identified receiver units sharing the same signal code.

Abstract: A vehicle remote controller that reduces the number of parts. The vehicle remote controller includes a portable device carried by a driver and a transceiver (11) arranged in the vehicle to output a request signal for intercommunicating with the portable device and to output a transponder driving radio wave. The transceiver outputs the request signal to either a first area, which is in a vehicle passenger compartment, or an area outside the vehicle, and has a common antenna (14) for outputting the transponder driving radio wave to a second area, which is in the vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A lock for a vehicle-ignition circuit. The lock includes a sleeve, a cylinder rotatably coupled within the sleeve and having a keyway therein that receives a key that allows the cylinder to rotate, and a sensor including a pair of spaced-apart switch contacts and a movable electrically-conductive body. The body is movable between a first position where the body is located away from at least one of the switch contacts and a second position where the body contacts both of the switch contacts. The sensor defines a region in which the sensor is responsive to the effects of an actuator, and is coupled to the sleeve so that the region is located within the rotation of the cylinder and is in an orientation in which the body is located in the first position in the absence of the actuator within the region.

Abstract: A method is proposed for evaluating a seat profile, in which a quality parameter with which the profile is evaluated, is first weighted with a dynamic factor. This dynamic factor is determined with the aid of the seat profile and/or at least one center of gravity. The seat profile characterizes the continuous changes in sensors of a sensor matrix, whereas, for the center of gravity, position changes in the at least one center of gravity are continuously monitored. The dynamic factor is then determined from a weighted sum of the changes in the sensors of the sensor matrix and the position changes of the at least one center of gravity. If appropriate, a holding function may be applied to the dynamic factor.

Abstract: A key chain rechargeable device which is recharged when a key is inserted into a matching lock. In accordance with one embodiment, the key includes two electrical contacts or is separated into two electrically isolated portions. The two electrical contacts or portions of the key contact mating contacts in the matching lock only when the key is inserted therein. In another embodiment, inductive coupling is used when the key chain rechargeable device is proximate to a matching lock of a key associated therewith. A charging circuit may be integrated in the key chain rechargeable device or in the external device associated with the lock. The key chain rechargeable device may be, e.g., a wireless device such as a BLUETOOTH™ network device, pager, a security alarm enable/disable device, garage door opener, or a keyless entry remote. In a preferred embodiment, the key relates to a vehicle ignition key, and the key chain rechargeable device is recharged during operation of a vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic starter and steering locking device for a motor vehicle has a steering locking unit including a locking control unit that operates an actuating unit for locking and unlocking a vehicle steering element; a vehicle starter unit for starting and shutting off the motor vehicle; and a voltage supply. The locking control unit is permanently connected to the voltage supply independently of the driving state of the vehicle, while the locking actuating unit is connected to the voltage supply via interrupter switching means which can be switched over as a function of the operating state of the vehicle starter unit and/or of the switched position of a drive train transmission shift lever.

Abstract: Device for vehicles that includes an electrical cable mat (1), an ignition lock (11, 16), and an antenna (9). The antenna (9) is arranged adjacent to the ignition lock which interacts with a transmit/receive device. The antenna is further arranged to communicate with a key (25) dedicated to the ignition lock (11, 16). The antenna (9) is directly electrically integrated into the cable mat (1) thereby enabling the ignition lock (11, 16) and the antenna (9) to be assembled into one unit by means of coupling means (20-22). An electrical cable bunch for a motor vehicle is also provided intended to interact with an electronic antitheft-system including an antenna for receiving signals from an ignition key dedicated to the vehicle and an electronic unit which processes the signals from the antenna with the antenna being integrated contactlessly in the cable bunch.

Abstract: A method is provided for releasing a secret number of a theft prevention function in jet propulsion boat, which is equipped with the theft prevention function. The theft preventing function is capable of turning a power source ON by an occupant inputting the secret number. In the method, at least one of a plurality of harness connected to the theft prevention function is removed to input, a predetermined number (number for release), whereby the secret number is rendered capable of being released. Since the secret number is rendered capable of being released by removing at least one of a plurality of harnesses connected to the theft prevention function, and by inputting a predetermined number, it is possible to make forgetting the secret number and maintenance of the theft prevention function compatible.

Abstract: In a transponder key for an electronic drive-away blocking device function, which may have at least a first status in the form of the deactivation of the drive-away blocking device and a second status in the form of an activation of the drive-away blocking device, a first memory area is provided in which status information can be stored, indicating the most recently implemented status. Preferably, a second memory area is also provided in the transponder key in which a cycle counter information can be stored, indicating the reading of a counter that is incremented whenever a transition takes place from the second status to the first status.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling remotely controlled components of a plurality of vehicles in response to a short range common signal emitted by a transmitter that can operate the components only during specified time periods. A transmitter can be programmed to provide a relatively long range customer signal that can operate the components at any time. The system and method are operative on a mutually exclusive basis wherein the remotely controlled components only respond to the common signal or the customer signal.

Abstract: According to the inventive method for operating a vehicle, the authorization to access the vehicle is given in a dialogue between a control device which is fixed in the vehicle and an authorization verification device which is carried by the user. Said authorization verification device is also used to enable the vehicle drive unit to start. According to the invention, the authorization verification device is interrogated for the purpose of starting the vehicle drive unit independently of the process for establishing access authorization. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the inventive method. The memory of said device is part of an activating unit for the vehicle drive unit.

Abstract: Anti-theft security devices for a motor vehicle, comprise portable transmitting elements, of a receiving module on board the vehicle and of elements controlling a system for interrupting at least one circuit required for operating the vehicle (ignition circuit engine, fuel intake circuit or other . . . ) when the distance between the transmitting elements and the receiving elements exceeds a certain value. The method for managing the operation of such a device consists, when resetting the affected circuit(s), following an interruption relative to accidental signal loss, in performing this resetting only very gradually.

Abstract: To improve the degree of freedom in attachment of an ignition switch apparatus, and to make the ignition switch apparatus less likely to be influenced by heat from an engine and by electrical noise interference, an ignition switch apparatus is provided including an antenna which performs radio communication for authentication with a transponder built in a key. The ignition switch is operatively attached to a pivot plate of the vehicle frame, on which a rear wheel is supported. In order to assure good communication with the key, the antenna is situated such that it projects from an outer face of a recessed portion of the pivot plate.

Abstract: Unit-specific identification data (IDA, IDB) of a transmission electronic control unit (5) and an engine electronic control unit (4) are stored in memories (5A, 4A), and engine start data (DES) required for starting an engine (2) are stored in the memory (4A) of the transmission electronic control unit (5). At the time of engine starting, the validity of the combination of the transmission electronic control unit (5) and the engine electronic control unit (4) is checked in the transmission electronic control unit (5) based on the identification data (IDA, IDB), and the engine start data (DES) are sent from the transmission electronic control unit (5) to the engine electronic control unit (4) in response to a request from the engine electronic control unit (4) only when validity is confirmed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for disabling a mobile vehicle. A data signal for disabling the vehicle is received at an in-vehicle telematics unit, which monitors for a trigger event in response to the receipt of the data signal. A disable command is sent from the telematics unit to a vehicle control module when the trigger event is detected. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed to disable a mobile vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle safety flag assemblies include a mounting member configured for mounting to a vehicle. A flag is movably coupled to the mounting member. The flag is movable between a first position and a second position. An ignition override switch is connected to the mounting member and/or the flag. The ignition override switch is open when the flag is in the first position to override operation of the vehicle ignition and closed when the flag is in the second position to allow operation of the vehicle. Methods of using the vehicle safety flag assemblies to safely operate a vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: In a vehicle passive entry system, a countermeasure system and method include a remote unit for receiving a passive entry challenge signal, determining if the passive entry challenge signal is valid, and transmitting a vehicle access signal for use in actuating a door look mechanism to permit access to the vehicle if the passive entry challenge signal is determined valid. The remote unit includes an indicator for use in generating an alert if the passive entry challenge signal is determined valid, and a switch for use in manually disabling transmission of the vehicle access signal. The countermeasure system further includes a passive entry control module for mounting in the vehicle, the control module including a transceiver for transmitting the passive entry challenge signal and for receiving the vehicle access signal.

Abstract: A method for prevent unauthorized access to a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes apparatus which is positioned within a known motor housing and actuatable only within the motor housing. In one embodiment, an ignition generator coil interrupt circuit is provided and mounted directly within the housing of the motor. A switch is connected to the circuit which allows power interruption to the ignition generator coil. When the switch is activated power interruption of said ignition generator coil is achieved to disable the engine from starting. Conveniently, the interrupt circuit is positioned entirely within the housing and therefore inaccessible for tampering. In another embodiment a switch circuit is positioned between an ECM motherboard and sensors typically associate with an automobile engine. This circuit is useful for arrangements which do not include a magneto/stator arrangement.

Abstract: A plug-in replacement relay for automotive use incorporating a security system (43) to control the actuation of the relay is disclosed. The plug-in replacement relay derives its power supply from bridge rectifier(s) (33, 37) having their inputs connected across the coil socket connector (pins 85, 86) and/or the switching contacts (11) (pins 30, 87), allowing polarity free connection. An inhibitor circuit (31) ensures that the contacts (11) are actuated only when intended.

Abstract: In an immobilizer controller, a key-side identifying information stored in a key is collated (compared) with an immobilizer-side identifying information stored in the immobilizer controller. In a shift controller, the key-side identifying information is collated with a shift-lock-side identifying information stored in the shift controller. If the identifying informations do not coincide with each other in at least one of the immobilizer controller and the shift controller, neither a fuel-injection-control permitting command nor a shift-lock-cancellation permitting command is output. An engine is maintained in its inoperative state, and a transmission is maintained in a state where rotation of a driving-torque transmitting shaft is prevented. If the identifying informations coincide with each other in the immobilizer controller, it is possible to reinforce security in comparison with the case where the fuel-injection-control permitting command and the shift-lock-cancellation permitting command are output.

Abstract: The present invention describes a circuit for activating a control unit such as an ABS controller in a vehicle by way of a CAN bus, with the ignition turned off, which is in particular characterized by a first input for a logic activation signal for the control unit, an input filter for suppressing disturbing pulses in the activation signal, and a device for producing an output signal (CAN_WU) that activates the control unit when a predeterminable number of activation signals is recorded within a predeterminable duration.

Abstract: A switch device that improves reliability in starting an engine is provided. The switch device includes a push button, a magnetic sensor, and a power supply ECU. The push button is pressed by a driver to start the engine. The magnetic sensor detects that the push button has been pressed, in a non-contact manner. The power supply ECU is connected to the magnetic sensor and supplies power to the magnetic sensor to enable the magnetic sensor to detect that the push button has been pressed.

Abstract: A holder coil spring is located between an inner surface of a bottom of a case main body and a bottom outer surface of a shutter holder. A shutter coil spring is located between a bottom inner surface of the shutter holder and a shutter. In each sidewall of the shutter holder, a tactile feedback piece and a locking piece are provided. The tactile feedback piece holds the shutter holder at the case main body. The locking piece locks an electronic key in the shutter holder. Even if an object other than the electronic key (for example, a finger) is inserted in the slot, the object is not locked in the shutter holder. When the object other than the electronic key is pulled out of the slot, the shutter holder and the shutter return to original positions to close the slot. Therefore, when no object is inserted, the slot of the slot mechanism is reliably closed with the shutter.

Abstract: A vehicle theft deterrent system comprises a battery switch, an actuation device and a signal receiver. The battery switch is configured for enabling electrical continuity of a power cable connected between a battery and a starter of a vehicle starting system to be selectively broken and made. The battery switch is in a starting system disabled mode when the electrical continuity is broken and in a starting system enabled mode when the electrical continuity is made. The actuation device is connected to the battery switch and is configured for selectively switching the battery switch between the starting system disabled mode and the starting system enabled mode. The actuation device is connected to a switching mechanism of the battery switch and is configured for moving the switching mechanism between a first position corresponding to the starting system disabled mode and a second position corresponding to the starting system enabled mode.

Abstract: When a vehicle, for example, a passenger vehicle stops, electric power is supplied to a passenger compartment mechanism and/or an entertainment device from a power supply isolated from the device relating to a vehicle travel system. Electric power consumption is managed to secure the electric power necessary to create a travel start possible state. Further, a key position is provided to supply electric power only to the passenger compartment mechanism and/or the entertainment device. With this arrangement, music and the like can be comfortably enjoyed by stopping the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle-motion based vehicle theft detection device uses preexisting vehicle motion sensors in combination with an engine immobilizer system to detect and deter potential vehicle theft. Depending on whether or not a valid ignition key is in use, the engine immobilizer system sends signals to an electronic module to enter either a “disarmed” or “armed” state. When a vehicle sensor relays a signal to an electronic module, the electronic module determines, based on this signal, if the vehicle is in motion. If a valid key is in use, the electronic module is in a disarmed state and takes no further action, as the motor vehicle is authorized for motion. If, however, a valid key is not in use, the electronic module is in an armed state, and activates the vehicle alarm system which, in turn, may activate an audible or visual alarm, activate a remote notification device, generate a tracking signal, and/or store evidence of unauthorized vehicle motion in memory.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to prevent a start-up locked state from being released by a third party other than a rightful driver. After a movable body 31 has been set in a state of halted operations (a start-up locked state) by a start-up lock setting unit 830, a rightful driver must contact a manager on a terminal device 11 side when this driver forgets a password or hands over to another driver. Having received contact, the manager transmits a start-up lock release command from the terminal 11 side to the movable body 31 via communication units 1 (see FIG. 1), whereby the state of halted operations (start-up locked state) in the movable body 31 is released.

Abstract: A system for preventing the unauthorized by-pass of an OEM security system is disclosed. The system includes an OEM starter for starting a vehicle; an OEM security system in communication with said starter; a by-pass kit for by-passing said OEM security system and enabling remote car starting of the vehicle without placing the key in the ignition; a remote car starter device in communication with the by-pass kit for sending a signal to the by-pass kit to start the engine; and a remote car starter transmitter in wireless communication with the remote car starter device. The signal that is sent to said by-pass kit is data, so that the by-pass kit is adapted to by-pass the OEM security system only upon receipt of the data signal. The improvement can be brought to both transponder-based bypass kits and microprocessor-based bypass kits.

Abstract: A control system includes a transmitter, a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter, and a multi-vehicle compatible controller cooperating with the transmitter and receiver. The multi-vehicle compatible controller is for storing a set of device codes for a given vehicle device for a plurality of different vehicles, for reading a device code from a data communications bus, and for determining a match between a read device code and the stored device codes to thereby provide compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles. Such an arrangement provides for a relatively simple and straightforward approach to interface with a vehicle having a data communications bus. The multi-vehicle compatible controller may include a memory for the stored device codes, and a processor cooperating with the memory for determining the match between the read device code and the stored device codes.

Abstract: A system for providing a key-based access to data stored on a vehicle allows the vehicle to be a critical link as a platform for mobile computing while preserving data security. Multiple hierarchies of key codes allow all users to have access to all vehicle functions but different memory partitions for storing data. The partitions may be used for storing user specific data including passwords, preference settings, and driving log data. The data may be encrypted by the key code to be secure even if the memory system is removed from the vehicle or the vehicle is stolen.