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A module for interfacing with a serial data bus of an on-board computer system of a motor vehicle to provide a means by which an external device such as a lap top computer, electronic compass, etc., can exchange useful data therefrom. The module includes a controller having a vehicle data bus interf

A module for interfacing with a serial data bus of an on-board computer system of a motor vehicle to provide a means by which an external device such as a lap top computer, electronic compass, etc., can exchange useful data therefrom. The module includes a controller having a vehicle data bus interface circuit which interfaces the module with the serial data bus. An accessory device interface circuit interfaces the module with the external device. The module provides a power connection terminal to provide power from the vehicle's electrical system to the external device. The module forms a low cost means by which various external devices can be interfaced with the on-board computer of the vehicle to exchange useful information and to enhance operation of the vehicle or the external device.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for interfacing with a serial data bus of a motor vehicle having an on-board computer to enable information to be transferred between said serial data bus and an external accessory device to enhance operation of said external accessory device, said apparatus comprising

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for interfacing with a serial data bus of a motor vehicle having an on-board computer to enable information to be transferred between said serial data bus and an external accessory device to enhance operation of said external accessory device, said apparatus comprising:a controller for controlling the transfer of information between said serial data bus and said external accessory device;an accessory device communications terminal for enabling coupling of a communications cable of said external accessory device to said apparatus;an accessory device interface circuit disposed between said controller and said accessory device communications terminal;a vehicle data bus interface circuit in communication with said serial data bus and with said controller for transmitting serial data between said serial data bus and said controller;a DC power access terminal for supplying DC power from said vehicle's electrical system to said external accessory device;an ignition relay switch disposed between a battery of said vehicle and said DC power access terminal and being responsive to a signal from said controller for applying DC power to said DC power access terminal when an ignition switch of said vehicle is turned on;an accessory ground terminal for providing a ground point for said external accessory device; anda connection port on the vehicle data bus interface circuit comprising a connector allowing said apparatus to be utilized on a variety of makes and models of motor vehicles.