Secure vehicle control

摘要

An electronic engine management system comprises a first microprocessor for controlling engine function, and a removable token such as a contactless smart card having an electronic memory element included therein and optionally a further microprocessor. Interface means is provided between the token memory and the first microprocessor which may comprise a further microprocessor. At least part of the information required by the first mircroprocessor (eg programming or data) for controlling engine function is held in the token memory. Therefore the vehicle cannot be operated without the token, even if the token reader is short-circuited.