Patent Publication Number: US-2012046807-A1

Title: System and Method for Preventing Theft of Vehicle Diagnostic Equipment

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles, such as automobiles, light-duty trucks, and heavy-duty trucks, play an important role in the lives of many people. To keep vehicles operational, some of those people rely on vehicle technicians to diagnose and repair their vehicle. 
     Vehicle repair technicians use a variety of tools in order to diagnose and/or repair vehicles. Those tools may include common hand tools, such as wrenches, hammers, pliers, screwdrivers and socket sets, or more vehicle-specific tools, such as cylinder hones, piston ring compressors, and vehicle brake tools. 
     Modern vehicles have evolved into very complex machines with thousands of various parts that perform a vast array of operations that permit the vehicle to be operated by the user. Additionally, more and more vehicle operations that previously were controlled by mechanical interactions are instead being controlled by electronic control circuits and logic. As with any such complex machine, malfunctions may occur in one or more parts of the vehicle from time to time, including the electronic control circuits. 
     As a result, repair technicians must now rely on sophisticated, and expensive, electronic diagnostic equipment to diagnose and repair vehicular malfunctions. Diagnostic devices such as data acquisition devices (DAQs), vehicle scanner devices (vehicle scanners), and display devices have been developed to aid in diagnosing the sophisticated electronic equipment. DAQs incorporate various measurement functions such as voltage and current measurement probes to aid a repair technician in diagnosing a vehicle under test. 
     Vehicle scanners may be used to access electronic equipment within the vehicle under test and retrieve status and error information from that electronic equipment. Modern vehicles include an on-board diagnostic port (OBD port) or a diagnostic link connector (DLC). An OBD port or DLC generally comprises a plug-in type connector that is coupled to an on-board computer within the vehicle. The on-board computer is then coupled to various sensors at various places within the vehicle. The sensors can report current operating characteristics of vehicle elements and/or sense the existence of a malfunction in the various vehicle elements. By plugging in an appropriate vehicle scanner into the OBD or DLC, status or error codes can be retrieved from the OBD or DLC. These error codes may provide information as to the source of a malfunction in the electronic control circuits in the vehicle. 
     In order to further process data received from the DLC or OBD port, the vehicle scanner may transmit the vehicle diagnostic data to another, more robust processing device, such as the display device. The display device may further contain a database of information about the particular vehicle under test from which the data is retrieved, and may correlate the error codes retrieved to particular malfunctions and perhaps display further diagnostic steps that may be taken to diagnose the problem. Further diagnostic steps may include the retrieval of additional diagnostic information from the OBD or DLC port via the vehicle scanner device, the measurement of vehicle attributes using the DAQ, or some other action. 
     By providing the repair technician with detailed information for quickly diagnosing and repairing vehicles, vehicle repair times can be decreased, vehicle turn-over is increased, and as a result, repair technicians may reap increased profits from a same amount of garage space. 
     OVERVIEW 
     Disclosed herein are methods and systems for detecting and preventing theft of diagnostic equipment such as vehicle scanners and DAQs. By providing for a modular separation of vehicle scanner, DAQ, and display device, and providing for wireless data connections between them, costs of the individual devices can be reduced while improving ease of use and eliminating garage clutter. In order to compensate for the increased portability and cost of such devices, and a commensurate increase in the ease of theft of such devices, embodiments are disclosed that prevent theft by detecting and deterring the removal of diagnostic devices from their operating area, and furthermore, that provide a means to track stolen diagnostic devices and either report their location or prevent their further use. 
     In accordance with a first embodiment of a diagnostic device, a method of detecting and preventing theft of diagnostic equipment includes the diagnostic device monitoring a status of a wireless communications link with a display device via a wireless communications interface, and responsive to detecting a break in wireless connectivity with the display device, executing an anti-theft response. The anti-theft response may comprise one or more different responses. For example, the response may include sounding an audible alarm at the diagnostic device. Additionally or alternatively, the response may include locking the diagnostic device and preventing further use of the diagnostic device. Other anti-theft responses could also be implemented. 
     In one embodiment, the anti-theft response may continue until the processor in the diagnostic device detects that wireless connectivity with the display device has been restored. In a further embodiment, the anti-theft response may be executed by the diagnostic device only after a predetermined period of time after detecting the initial break in wireless connectivity. The predetermined period of time may be, for example, between 0 and 600 seconds. Additionally, after detecting the break in wireless connectivity but prior to expiration of the predetermined period of time, the diagnostic device may provide a visual indication of the break in wireless connectivity, allowing a repair technician time to restore wireless connectivity prior to executing the anti-theft response. 
     In accordance with a second embodiment of a diagnostic device, a method of detecting and preventing theft of diagnostic equipment includes the diagnostic device detecting an available display device within wireless communication range of the diagnostic device, transmitting a connection request to the display device, receiving a challenge request from the display device, responsively prompting a user to enter a password via an input interface provided at the diagnostic device, and transmitting the entered password to the display device. The input interface may include input elements such as one or more of buttons, switches, and rotary dials. The password transmitted to the display device may include a combination of two or more activations of the input elements. In the event an incorrect password is entered and transmitted to the display device, the diagnostic device may receive an indication of the failure and may prompt the user to reenter the password. After transmitting a predetermined number of incorrect passwords, the diagnostic device may receive an instruction to lockup and prevent further functioning of the vehicle diagnostic device, and responsively lock up and prevent further functioning until unlocked or perhaps for a predetermined amount of time. 
     In accordance with a third embodiment, a method of detecting and preventing theft of diagnostic equipment includes a diagnostic device such as a display device wirelessly connecting and communicating with a diagnostic device, identifying and storing an identifier associated with the diagnostic device with which the display device is in wireless communications with, and responsive to detecting a break in wireless connectivity with the diagnostic device, executing an anti-theft response. The anti-theft response may comprise one or more different responses. For example, the response may include the display device transmitting the identifier associated with the diagnostic device to a remote authentication and tracking server via the network communications interface and reporting the at least one of the diagnostic devices as potentially stolen. Additionally or alternatively, the response may include sounding an audible alarm. The audible alarm increases in volume over time the longer the break in wireless connectivity exists. Other anti-theft responses could be implemented as well. 
     In one embodiment, the anti-theft response may be executed only after a lapse of a predetermined period of time after detecting the initial break in wireless connectivity. The predetermined period of time may be more than 0 seconds and less than 600 seconds. In addition, after detecting the break in wireless connectivity but prior to expiration of the predetermined period of time, the display device may provide a visual indication of the break in wireless connectivity, which may allow the condition to be remedied prior to the display device executing an anti-theft response. The visual indication may comprise, for example, a lighted indictor at an outer surface of the first diagnostic device. 
     In accordance with a fourth embodiment, a method of detecting and preventing theft of diagnostic equipment includes a display device wirelessly receiving a new connection request and an identifier from a new diagnostic device, and the display device determining whether the new diagnostic device is potentially stolen. In response to determining that the new diagnostic device is not potentially stolen, the display device accepts the new connection request from the new diagnostic device. Alternatively, and in response to determining that the new diagnostic device is potentially stolen, the display device executes an anti-theft response. 
     The display device may determine whether or not the diagnostic device is stolen in one or more ways. For example, the display device may transmit the identifier associated with the new diagnostic device to a remote authentication and tracking server via a network communication interface. In response to the transmission, the display device may then receive a response from the remote authentication and tracking server indicating whether or not the new diagnostic device is potentially stolen. If a response indicating that the new diagnostic device is potentially stolen, an anti-theft response may be taken. If the response indicates that the new diagnostic device is not potentially stolen, a connection may be created between the display device and diagnostic device. 
     Alternatively, the display device may access a locally stored whitelist and compare the indicator provided by the new diagnostic device with one or more whitelisted indicators stored in the whitelist. Responsive to finding a match, the display device may determine that the new diagnostic device is not potentially stolen. If no match is found, the display device may determine that the new diagnostic device is potentially stolen. Of course, a blacklist of indicators could alternatively be used, such that a match would indicate that the new diagnostic device is potentially stolen, and no match would indicate the opposite. 
     In another embodiment, the display device may determine whether or not the diagnostic device is stolen by transmitting a challenge request to the new diagnostic device. In response to the transmission, the display device receives a password comprising two or more input interface activations from the new diagnostic device. The display device may then compare the received password to a stored password. If a match is found, the display device may determine that the new diagnostic device is not potentially stolen. If no match is found, the display device may determine that the new diagnostic device is potentially stolen. 
     The anti-theft response taken by the display device may comprise one or more different responses to a determination that the new diagnostic device is potentially stolen. For example, the anti-theft response may include the display device providing an indication of the new diagnostic device&#39;s potentially stolen status via a visual or audio indicator. Alternatively or additionally, the display device may transmit an instruction to the new diagnostic device to lock up and cease further functioning. The anti-theft response could further comprise the display device transmitting a location of the new diagnostic device to the remote authentication and tracking server and an indication of its potentially stolen status. The transmitted location may include one or more of a GPS provided location and a triangulated location of the display device or of the new diagnostic device. 
     In accordance with a fifth embodiment, a method of detecting and preventing theft of diagnostic equipment includes a diagnostic device, in response to detecting a trigger, transmitting an identifier associated with the diagnostic device to a remote authentication and tracking server via a network communications interface and requesting a status of the diagnostic device. In response to receiving the request, the remote authentication and tracking server may respond with a status of the diagnostic device, including for example, clear (perhaps indicating no reported thefts) or potentially stolen (perhaps indicating a reported theft). In response to receiving a clear indication, the diagnostic device may provide access to diagnostic device functions and/or accept new connection requests from other diagnostic devices. In response to receiving a potentially stolen indication, the diagnostic device executes an anti-theft response. In one embodiment, the diagnostic device may be a display device, and the other diagnostic devices may be vehicle scanners or DAQs. 
     The trigger may be one selected from the group consisting of receiving operating power, detecting an available connection with a remote authentication and tracking server, and an expiration of a predetermined period of time. For example, upon receiving operating power, the diagnostic device may startup in a “locked” mode, and only unlock and provide its intended functionality after successfully receiving a clear response from the remote authentication and tracking server. The diagnostic device may, alternatively, provide functionality upon power up, but begin attempting to contact the remote authentication and tracking server and, upon successful contact, conduct the theft status check. Additionally, the diagnostic device may, at predetermined intervals, conduct another check via the remote authentication and tracking server. 
     The anti-theft response taken by the diagnostic device may comprise one or more different responses. For example, the response may comprise the diagnostic device transmitting a location of the diagnostic device to the remote authentication and tracking server and an indication of its potentially stolen status. The operator of the server may then use this information to contact the proper authorities or perhaps the registered owner of the diagnostic device. The location information may be provided by a GPS receiver, or may be generated by a triangulation operation executed by the diagnostic device. Other methods of determining location could also be used. 
     Furthermore, the anti-theft response taken by the diagnostic device may include the diagnostic device locking up and ceasing further functioning. Additionally or alternatively, the diagnostic device may provide an indication of its potentially stolen status via a visual or audio indicator. Other anti-theft responses could also be implemented. 
     The diagnostic device may also take action if it is unable to reach the authentication and tracking server over a pre-determined period of time. For example, the diagnostic device may provide an indication that connectivity must be provided to the remote authentication and tracking server within a second pre-determined amount of time, after which second pre-determined amount of time, the diagnostic device will execute an anti-theft response, including for example, locking up and ceasing to function. If the diagnostic device locks up, the diagnostic device may cease to function until an unlock key is provided. The unlock key may be, for example, a particularly formatted packet provided to the diagnostic device via a network communications interface (and perhaps transmitted by the authentication and tracking server by a 3 rd  party after the 3 rd  party is contacted by the diagnostic device user and provides evidence that it is not, in fact, stolen). The unlock key may alternatively comprise a particular combination of input element operations operated by a user on an external input interface of the diagnostic device. Other methods of unlocking the display device could also be used. In a preferred embodiment, the diagnostic device is a display device. In other embodiments, the diagnostic device may be a DAQ or a vehicle scanner. Other devices could also be used. 
     These as well as other aspects and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this overview and elsewhere are intended to be examples only and do not necessarily limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a system in which a display device and diagnostic devices in accordance with an example embodiment may operate; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a first example diagnostic device (a display device); 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a view of an example display device; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a second example diagnostic device (a vehicle scanner); 
         FIGS. 5-7  illustrate three views of the example vehicle scanner of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of a third example diagnostic device (a data acquisition device (DAQ)); 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a view of the example DAQ of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a movement of a diagnostic device from within communication range of another diagnostic device to outside of the range of the another diagnostic device; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a process flow that a DAQ and/or vehicle scanner may execute in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a process flow that a display device may execute in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a movement of a diagnostic device from outside of the range of another diagnostic device to within range of the another diagnostic device; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a process flow that a DAQ and/or vehicle scanner may execute in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a process flow that a display device may execute in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is a process flow that a diagnostic device may execute responsive to detecting a trigger event. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     I. Example Architecture  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a system  100  in accordance with an example embodiment. System  100  comprises a vehicle  102  under test, a first diagnostic device  104 , a second diagnostic device  106 , and a third diagnostic device  108  (illustrated as a display device). 
     The block diagram of  FIG. 1  and other block diagrams and flow charts accompanying this description are provided merely as examples and are not intended to be limiting. Many of the elements illustrated in the figures and/or described herein are functional elements that may be implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components, and in any suitable combination and location. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements and elements (for example, machines, interfaces, functions, orders, and groupings of functions, etc.) can be used instead. Furthermore, various functions described as being performed by one or more elements can be carried out by a processor executing computer-readable program instructions from a computer readable medium and/or by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. 
     First and second diagnostic devices  104 ,  106  may be any device capable of obtaining data from vehicle  102  under test useful in diagnosing a problem with the vehicle  102 . For example, diagnostic devices  104 ,  106  may be any one of a data acquisition device (DAQ), a vehicle scanner, an engine analyzer, a gas/exhaust analyzer, a cooling system pressure tester, a thermometer, a battery analyzer, and a cylinder compression tester. Other diagnostic devices could also be used. In a preferred embodiment, first diagnostic device  104  is a data acquisition device (DAQ) and second diagnostic device  106  is a vehicle scanner. Although third diagnostic device  108  is illustrated as a display device in  FIG. 1 , in alternative embodiments, third diagnostic device  108  may take some other form. 
     DAQ  104  and vehicle scanner  106  may connect to vehicle  102  under test via wired links  112  and  114 , respectively. The vehicle  102  may comprise an automobile, a motorcycle, a semi-tractor, farm machinery, or some other motorized vehicle. System  100  is operable to carry out a variety of functions, including functions for servicing the vehicle  102 . The example embodiments may be used with any desired system or engine. Those systems or engines may comprise items utilizing fossil fuels, such as gasoline, natural gas, propane, and the like, electricity, such as that generated by battery, magneto, fuel cell, solar cell and the like, wind, and/or hybrids or combinations thereof. Those systems or engines may be incorporated into other systems, such as an automobile, a truck, a boat or ship, a motorcycle, a generator, an airplane and the like. DAQ  104  and vehicle scanner  106  may include batteries that provide operational power, or may receive operating power through their respective wired links  112  and  114  with vehicle  102  or some other external link. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein may include or be utilized with any appropriate voltage or current source, such as a battery, an alternator, a fuel cell, and the like, providing any appropriate current and/or voltage, such as about 12 Volts, about 42 Volts and the like. 
     Each of the DAQ  104 , vehicle scanner  106 , and display device  108  may create and/or maintain a wireless link with any of the other devices via respective wireless links  114 ,  116 , and  118 . The wireless links  114 ,  116 , and  118  may operate via a same wireless protocol, or via different wireless protocols, the only limitation being that each pair of wirelessly communicating devices in  FIG. 1  must both support a same particular wireless protocol to communicate. 
     Each of the one or more wireless links  114 ,  116 , and  118  may be arranged to carry out communications according to an industry standard, such as an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802 standard. The IEEE 802 standard may comprise an IEEE 802.11 standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, b, g, or n), an IEEE 802.15 standard for Wireless Personal Area Networks, an IEEE 802.15.1 standard for Wireless Personal Area Networks—Task Group 1, an IEEE 802.16 standard for Broadband Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks, or some other IEEE 802 standard. For purposes of this description, a wireless network arranged according to the IEEE 802.11 standard can be referred to as a Wi-Fi network, and a wireless network arranged according to the IEEE 802.15.1 can be referred to as a Bluetooth (BT) network. Other protocols could also or alternatively be used. 
     Each of the devices  104 ,  106 , and  108  may transmit data and/or commands to one another via the wireless links  114 ,  116 , and  118 . As an example, display device  108  may establish a wireless link  116  with DAQ  104  and send an instruction to the DAQ  104  to switch to “voltmeter mode.” DAQ  104  may then respond by taking a voltage reading from the vehicle  102  and transmitting the voltage reading to display device  108 . 
     Each of the devices  104 ,  106 , and  108  will now be described in more detail. As set forth above, although in a preferred embodiment devices  104 ,  106 , and  108  comprise a DAQ, vehicle scanner, and display device, respectively, other embodiments may comprise different devices performing different functions. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of display device  108 , which includes a user interface  200 , a wireless transceiver  202 , a processor  204 , a wired interface element  206 , and a data storage device  208 , all of which may be linked together via a system bus, network, or other connection mechanism  210 . 
     User interface  200  is operable to present data to a user and to enter user selections. User interface  200  may include a display  300  (illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) that is operable to visually present input data transmitted to wireless transceiver  206  from vehicle scanner  106  or DAQ  104 . Display  300  may also prompt a user to enter information, including for example, a password or some other information. Display  300  may also display input data received from multiple diagnostic devices, such as input data received from both DAQ  104  and vehicle scanner  106 . Display  300  may display data stored at data storage device  208 , such as menu data  216  or vehicle repair data  218 . User interface  200  may further include an input selection element that is operable to enter a user selection. Further examples of input selection elements are illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     Wireless transceiver  202  comprises a wireless receiver and transmitter operable to carry out wireless communications with one or more of DAQ  104 , vehicle scanner  106 , and/or some other diagnostic device that is operating within wireless communication range of display device  108 . As an example, wireless transceiver  202  may comprise a transceiver that is operable to carry out communications via a BT network. As another example, wireless transceiver  202  may comprise a transceiver that is operable to carry out communications via a Wi-Fi network. Other wireless communications protocols could also or alternatively be used, including, for example, WiMAX, Cellular, ZigBee, and Wireless USB, among others. 
     In accordance with an embodiment in which devices  104 ,  106 , and  108  each include a single wireless transceiver (e.g., a BT transceiver), one of the devices, such as display device  108 , may operate as a master device, and the other devices, such as DAQ  104  and vehicle scanner  106 , may operate as slaves to the master. Vehicle scanner  106  and display device  108  may transmit communications via a wireless link  118  using, for example, a time-division duplex arrangement and synchronized to a clock signal of the master. 
     Wireless transceiver  202  is not limited to a single wireless transceiver. For example, wireless transceiver  202  may comprise a BT transceiver and a Wi-Fi transceiver. In accordance with such an example, the BT transceiver may communicate with DAQ  104  and/or vehicle scanner  106  via a BT network, and the Wi-Fi transceiver may communicate with DAQ  104  and/or vehicle scanner  106  via a Wi-Fi network. 
     In accordance with an embodiment in which display device  108  includes two transceivers (e.g., a BT transceiver and a Wi-Fi transceiver) and DAQ  104  and/or vehicle scanner  106  each include two transceivers (e.g., a BT transceiver and a Wi-Fi transceiver), DAQ  104  and/or vehicle scanner  106  may simultaneously transmit data to display device  108  for display via either one or both of the BT and Wi-Fi networks. 
     Each wireless transceiver of the example embodiments may operate in a transceiver-on-state. In the transceiver-on-state, the transceiver is powered on. While operating in the transceiver-on-state, the transceiver can transmit and receive data via an air interface. For some transceivers, while operating in the transceiver-on-state, the transceiver can transmit and receive data via the air interface simultaneously. For other transceivers, while operating in the transceiver-on-state, the transceiver can either transmit or receive data via the air interface at any given time. Each wireless transceiver of the example embodiments may also operate in a transceiver-off-state or low-power-state. While operating in the transceiver-off-state or low-power-state, the transceiver is powered off or in a low-power state and the transceiver refrains from transmitting and/or receiving data. 
     In the case of having a single transceiver, data received from one device may be buffered internally prior to transmitting the data to another different device. In the case of having two or more transceivers, data received from one device on a first transceiver may be routed to the second transceiver for transmission to the another different device concurrently with reception of additional data on the first transceiver. 
     Each wireless transceiver of the example embodiments may also operate to detect and monitor a wireless communications link with another device. As part of a wireless protocol, or otherwise, each transceiver may provide a periodic indication to another device that the another device may use to confirm the status of the wireless communication link. This indication may be, for example, transmitted data packets themselves or acknowledgement packets acknowledging receipt of prior communications. Alternatively, this indication may be a pulse broadcast (or “heartbeat”) that may comprise intermittent, periodic, or semi-periodic broadcasts of signals. 
     Wired interface  206  may include one or more wire-line ports. Each port provides an interface to display device  108  and to one or more circuits. In one respect, the one or more circuits may comprise electrical circuits, such as the electrical circuits of a Universal Serial Bus (USB®) port or the electrical circuits of an Ethernet port (e.g., a CAT 5 cable). In another respect, the one or more circuits may comprise optical fibers that are operable to carry optical signals. The Ethernet port, when properly enabled and connected, may connect display device  108  to other networks, such as local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), such as the Internet. A server on the LAN or WAN may provide additional functionality to display device  108 , and may provide, for example, information regarding registration and status of connected diagnostic devices and diagnostic devices attempting to connect with display device  108 . Additionally, the server may be an authentication and tracking server that provides authentication and theft prevention services for diagnostic devices. Other examples of the one or more circuits are also possible. Although the remainder of the specification assumes that the wired interface  206  is used to access servers on the LAN/WAN, wireless transceiver  202  could alternatively be used. 
     Processor  204  may comprise one or more general purpose processors (e.g., INTEL microprocessors) and/or one or more special purpose processors (e.g., digital signal processors). Processor  204  may be configured to execute computer-readable program instructions (CRPI)  212  that are contained in computer-readable data storage device  208  and which cause the processor  204  to perform the functionality described below. 
     Data storage device  208  may comprise a computer-readable storage medium readable by processor  204 . In the context of this document, a computer-readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that can contain or store a computer program for use by, or in connection with, a computer related system or method. The methods can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. Data storage device  208  may contain various data including, but not limited to, CRPI  212 , diagnostic device data  214 , menu data  216 , and/or vehicle repair data  218 . For brevity in this description, CRPI are sometimes referred to as program instructions. 
     Diagnostic device data  214  may include data associated with a device that is arranged to communicate with display device  108  via one or more wireless communication links. For example, diagnostic device data  214  may include data associated with one of the DAQ  104  and vehicle scanner  106 , such as a radio identifier, MAC address, security key, and/or password information. The associated data may be received at display device  108 , for storing as diagnostic device data  214 , during a pairing process carried out between display device  108  and the DAQ  104  and/or vehicle scanner  106 . For example, the pairing process between vehicle scanner  106  and display device  108  may include vehicle scanner  106  providing display device  108  with the data associated with vehicle scanner  106  and display device  108  providing vehicle scanner  106  with data associated with display device  108 . After carrying out the pairing process, display device  108  may use the stored diagnostic device data  214  in establishing the communication link  118  with vehicle scanner  106 . The associated data in diagnostic device data  214  may also be used in communication with a remote authentication and tracking server to determine whether a corresponding diagnostic device is potentially stolen. Diagnostic device data  214  is not limited to data associated with one diagnostic device. In that regard, diagnostic device data  214  may also include data associated with DAQ  104  and other devices not illustrated in the figures. 
     Menu data  216  comprises data that can be visually presented via user interface  200 . Menu data  216  may include, for example, icons and images that provide a user with a graphical representation of input and functionality options. Input elements may then be used to traverse the menu data  216  displayed on the display  300 . 
     CRPI  212  may comprise program instructions that are executable by processor  204  to perform functions represented by the program instructions, such as operating system program instructions that provide for direct control and management of hardware components such as processor  204 , data storage device  208 , and user interface  200 . The operating system can manage execution of other program instructions within CRPI  212 . As an example, the operating system may comprise the Windows XP Embedded (XPe) operating system available from Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash., United States. Other examples of operating system are also possible. 
     CRPI  212  may further comprise program instructions (referred to herein as PI- 212 -A) that are executable by processor  204  so as to cause display device  108  to operate as a peripheral manager (PM) that manages functions carried out by peripheral devices, such as DAQ  104  and vehicle scanner  106 . 
     CRPI  212  may further comprise program instruction (referred to herein as PI- 212 -B) that are executable by processor  204  to cause the wireless transceiver  202  to transmit instructions or mode-selection commands to one or more of DAQ  104  and vehicle scanner  106 . In one respect, an instruction mode-selection command may be addressed to a specific diagnostic device, such as DAQ  104 . In another respect, the instruction or mode-selection command may be broadcast to any device within a transmission range of the wireless transceiver  202 . In either respect, the instruction or mode-selection command may or may not include data that identifies the display device  108  as the source of the instruction or mode-selection command. 
     CRPI  212  may further comprise program instructions (referred to herein as PI- 212 -C) that are executable by processor  204  to execute any one or more of the functions disclosed herein, including for example, one or more of detecting a trigger, communicating with one or more of an authentication and tracking server and vehicle diagnostic devices, monitoring a status of one or more wireless links  116 ,  118 , and executing an anti-theft response. 
     Next,  FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of display device  108  with which diagnostic devices  104 ,  106  may communicate. Display device  108  includes a display  300 , a status indicator  304  (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)), and user controls  306 . 
     Display  300  may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an electrophoretic display, or some other type of display. Display  300  is operable to visually present (e.g., display) data to a user, including, for example, vehicle diagnostic data transmitted to the display device  108  from a diagnostic device  104 ,  106 . For purposes of this description, data displayed at display device  108  is referred to as “displayed data.” The data received and presented on the display  300  may take the form of an alphanumeric presentation, a graphical presentation, or some other type of presentation. 
     User controls  306  are operable to enter a user selection. User controls  306  may be arranged in various ways. In that regard, user controls  306  may be arranged to include a keypad, rotary switches, push buttons, or some other means to enter a user selection. As set forth in the example embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , user controls  306  may include, among others, a power button  308 , a brightness button  310 , a keyboard button  312 , a cursor left button  316 , a cursor right button  318 , a cursor up button  320 , a cursor down button  322 , a menu item selection button  324 , and a quick access button  326 . Table 1 lists example user selections that can be entered using user controls  306 . Other examples of user controls  306  and other examples of user selections are also possible. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 User Button 
                 Example User Selection 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Power button 308 
                 Turn display device 108 power on and off. 
               
               
                 Brightness button 310 
                 Increase or decrease a brightness 
               
               
                   
                 of display 300. 
               
               
                 Keyboard button 312 
                 Display keyboard at display 300. 
               
               
                 Cursor left button 316 
                 Move a cursor, displayed at display 
               
               
                   
                 300, to the left. 
               
               
                 Cursor right button 318 
                 Move a cursor, displayed at display 
               
               
                   
                 300, to the right. 
               
               
                 Cursor up button 320 
                 Move a cursor, displayed at display 
               
               
                   
                 300, upwards. 
               
               
                 Cursor down button 322 
                 Move a cursor, displayed at display 
               
               
                   
                 300, downwards. 
               
               
                 Menu item selection button 324 
                 Select a menu item from a displayed 
               
               
                   
                 menu data. 
               
               
                 Quick access button 326 
                 Select a function that pertains to a current 
               
               
                   
                 operating mode of display device 108. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     User controls  306  may additionally serve as a means for entering a password to verify ownership of the display device  108  and/or unlock the display device  108 . For example, a password entered into the display device  108  via user controls  306  may be transmitted to a remote authentication and tracking server via wired interface  206 . The entered password may be transmitted to the server along with a device ID. Alternatively or additionally, the entered password may be used to unlock display device  108  after receiving a response from the server that the display device  108  may potentially be stolen. Other uses of user controls  306  are also possible. 
     Next,  FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a vehicle scanner diagnostic device  106 , and  FIGS. 5-7  illustrate two different views of the vehicle scanner  106 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , vehicle scanner  106  includes a user interface  400 , a wireless transceiver  402 , a processor  404 , a wired interface  406 , and a data storage device  408 , all of which may be linked together via a system bus, network, or other connection mechanism  410 . User interface  400  is operable to present information to a user of vehicle scanner  106 . Elements of user interface  400  are illustrated in  FIG. 5 . As set forth earlier, although in this preferred embodiment diagnostic device  106  is a vehicle scanner, in other embodiments, diagnostic device  106  may be some other diagnostic device. 
     Wireless transceiver  402  comprises a wireless receiver and transmitter operable to carry out wireless communications with one or more of DAQ  104 , display device  108 , and/or some other device that is operating within wireless communication range of vehicle scanner  106 . As an example, wireless transceiver  402  may comprise a transceiver that is operable to carry out communications via a BT network. As another example, wireless transceiver  402  may comprise a transceiver that is operable to carry out communications via a Wi-Fi network. 
     Wireless transceiver  402  is not limited to a single wireless transceiver. For example, wireless transceiver  402  may comprise both a BT transceiver and a Wi-Fi transceiver. In accordance with such an example, the BT transceiver may communicate with display device  108  and/or DAQ  104  via a BT network, and the Wi-Fi transceiver may communicate with display device  108  and/or DAQ  104  via a Wi-Fi network. 
     In the case of having a single transceiver, data received from one device may be buffered internally prior to transmitting the data to another different device. In the case of having two or more transceivers, data received from one device on a first transceiver may be routed to the second transceiver for transmission to the another different device concurrently with reception of additional data on the first transceiver. In one embodiment, wireless transceiver  402  may maintain a wireless link  118  to display device  108 , and may provide an indication of a potential theft attempt in response to detecting a break in the wireless link  118 . Wireless transceiver  402  may also operate to provide display device  108  an identifier associated with vehicle scanner  106 , such as a MAC address, security key, hardware ID, username, or some other identifier. Wireless transceiver  402  may also operate to transmit a password entered via user interface  400  to display device  108 . Wireless transceiver  402  may be used for other functions as well. 
     Wired interface  406  may comprise one or more wire-line ports. As an example, wired interface  406  may include wired ports  600  (illustrated in  FIG. 6 ), ports  700 ,  702 , and  704 , and slot  706  (all illustrated in  FIG. 7 ). 
     Wired interface  406  and/or wireless transceiver  402  may also operate to deliver an unlock instruction or key to vehicle scanner  106 . For example, a specially formatted data packet may be transmitted to vehicle scanner  106  via wired interface  406  and/or wireless transceiver  402  to unlock a vehicle scanner  106  that has been locked due to a suspected theft. 
     Port  600  may be a vehicle interface port that communicatively connects the vehicle scanner  106  to the vehicle  102  via wired link  112 . In that regard, wired link  112  may comprise a vehicle interface cable having two cable ends. A first cable end of the vehicle interface cable may include a connector that is connectable to and removable from port  600 . A second cable end of the vehicle interface cable may include a connector that is connectable to and removable from a connector in the vehicle  102 . The connector interface in the vehicle  102  may be arranged according to a particular connector standard, such as Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) specification J-1962 or some other connector standard. 
     Ports  700  and  702  may comprise respective Ethernet ports. Each Ethernet port may communicatively connect to a first end of a respective Ethernet cable. A second end of a respective Ethernet cable may connect to an Ethernet port directly or indirectly connected to a local or wide area network (such as the Internet). Another respective Ethernet cable may connect the vehicle scanner  106  to the display device  108  via a corresponding Ethernet port provided on the display device  108 . Ethernet ports  700  and  702  may additionally provide a path for upgrading internal program code within the vehicle scanner  106 , such as upgrading CRPI  412 . 
     Port  704  may comprise a USB port. The USB port  704  may communicatively connect to a first end of a USB cable (not shown). A second end of the USB cable may connect to a corresponding USB port provided on the display device  108 . Alternatively, USB port  704  may connect the vehicle scanner  106  to a personal digital assistant (PDA) device. In this mode, the PDA may act as a USB master and provide instructions to and receive data from, the vehicle scanner  106 . Further, in the event that a mass storage device (such as a flash memory stick) is plugged into the USB port  704 , USB port  704  may provide data storage in addition to or in place of data storage device  408 . 
     Slot  706  may be a memory card slot that allows additional storage capacity to be added to the vehicle scanner device  106  by insertion of a corresponding memory card, and/or allows propriety diagnostic programs to be loaded via memory card. The slot  706  may be accessible after removing the grips  516  from the sides of the vehicle scanner  106 . 
     Wired interface  406  may further include a configurable set of switches and circuits in communication with port  600  in order to configure port  600  to properly communicate with a particular vehicle  102  under test. More specifically, because different makes and models of vehicles  102  utilize different signaling standards on their respective diagnostic port, wired interface  406  may include circuits and switches that allow the single port  600  to interface with a varying set of vehicle diagnostic port standards. For example, under the OBD II standard umbrella, signaling interfaces compliant with SAE J1850 PWM, SAE J1850 VPW, ISO 9141-2, ISO 14230 KWP2000, and ISO 15765 CAN could all potentially be used on vehicle  102 . Switch information may be stored locally in data storage device  408  and, in response to receiving vehicle information from display device  108 , processor  404  may retrieve and use the information to set switches and circuits to match the required signaling standard. Alternatively or additionally, vehicle scanner  106  may receive circuit and switch instructions via wireless transceiver  402  and/or wired interface  406  from display device  108  or from some other device. 
     Processor  404  may comprise one or more general purpose processors (e.g., INTEL microprocessors) and/or one or more special purpose processors (e.g., digital signal processors). Processor  404  may be configured to execute CRPI  412  that are contained in computer-readable data storage device  408  and which cause the processor  404  to perform the functionality described below. 
     Data storage device  408  may comprise a computer-readable storage medium readable by processor  404 . Data storage device  408  may contain various data including, but not limited to, CRPI  412 , vehicle scanner data  414 , and vehicle diagnostic data  416 . CRPI  412  may comprise program instructions for carrying out any one or more of the vehicle scanner  106  functions herein described. Vehicle scanner data  414  may include switch settings for configuring wired interface  406  or commands/data received from display device  108 , for configuring wired interface  406  and communicating with the vehicle  102 . Vehicle scanner data  414  may further comprise an identifier associated with vehicle scanner  106  for transmission to display device  108 , and/or a pre-stored password for comparison to an entered password to unlock vehicle scanner  106 . 
     Vehicle scanner data  414  may further include data associated with a device that is arranged to communicate with vehicle scanner  106  via one or more wireless communication links. For example, vehicle scanner data  414  may include data associated with one of the DAQ  104  and display device  108 , such as a radio identifier, MAC address, security key, and/or password information. The associated data may be received at vehicle scanner  106 , for storing as vehicle scanner data  414 , during a pairing process carried out between display device  108  and the vehicle scanner  106 , or between the DAQ  104  and the vehicle scanner  106 . For example, the pairing process between vehicle scanner  106  and display device  108  may include vehicle scanner  106  providing display device  108  with the data associated with vehicle scanner  106  and display device  108  providing vehicle scanner  106  with data associated with display device  108 . After carrying out the pairing process, vehicle scanner  106  may use the stored pairing data in establishing the communication link  118  with display device  108 . Vehicle scanner data  414  may also include data associated with DAQ  104  and other devices not illustrated in the figures. 
     Vehicle diagnostic data  416  may also comprise data received from the vehicle  102 , including for example, sensor data or error code data. 
     Data storage device  408  may comprise permanent internal storage comprised of, for example, magnetic or semiconductor-based memory, and/or may comprise a removable memory device, such as a flash card or USB memory stick, or may comprise a combination of the above. Data storage device  408  may alternatively or additionally comprise a removable card or stick inserted into one or more of USB port  1308  and/or a memory card inserted into memory card slot  1306 . Other types of storage could also be used. 
     Next,  FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of vehicle scanner  106 . As set forth in  FIG. 5 , the front face of vehicle scanner  106  includes visual indicators  502 - 514  and side grips  516 . Visual indicators  502 ,  504 , and  506 , which may be part of user interface  400 , may comprise respective light emitting diodes (LEDs) or some other visual indictor that is operable to convey information to a user. Data storage device  408  may include CRPI executable by processor  404  to turn visual indicators  502 ,  504 , and  506  on and off to reflect a corresponding status of the vehicle scanner  106 . 
     Visual indicator  502  may turn on to indicate that vehicle scanner  106  is receiving electrical power from vehicle  102 . Because vehicle scanner  106  may not include its own power source, it may rely upon vehicle  102  to provide it with operating power via vehicle interface port  600 . If visual indicator  502  fails to light after connecting vehicle scanner  106  to the vehicle  102 , a repair technician may know to test the vehicle&#39;s electrical system. Absent another power source, such as a local battery power source, vehicle scanner  106  may fail to operate. Alternatively, vehicle scanner  106  may be provided with a battery to allow operation without being connected to the vehicle&#39;s power supply. 
     Visual indicator  504  may turn on and off in a periodic manner so as to flash (e.g., turn on for 1 second and then turn off for 1 second). In particular, visual indicator  504  may flash in specific sequences so as to identify any of a variety of diagnostic or error codes. The diagnostic codes, for example, could pertain to (i) an error in the vehicle  102 , (ii) an error within the vehicle scanner  106 , (iii) an error communicating with display device  108 , or (iv) or some other error/status. As an example, visual indicator  502  may flash 3 times, wait, and then flash 2 more times, so as to visually present a diagnostic code of 32, which could imply that a wireless connection with display device  108  has failed or that no network path to display device  108  can be found. 
     Visual indicator  506  may turn on to indicate that vehicle scanner  106  is carrying out communications with vehicle  102 . More specifically, visual indicator  506  may turn on to indicate that vehicle scanner  106  is presently carrying out communications with at least one electronic control unit (ECU) within the vehicle  102 , and visual indicator  506  may turn off to indicate that vehicle scanner  106  is not presently carrying out communications with at least one ECU within the vehicle  102 . 
     Visual indicator  508  is an orientation indicator, providing an indicator to a repair technician of which side of the vehicle scanner  106  the vehicle connector port  600  can be found (See  FIG. 6 ). 
     Visual indicators  510  and  514  are communication port activity indicators, and provide an indication of communications activity on the respective Ethernet ports  700  and  702  (See  FIG. 7 ). Visual indicators  510  and  514  may flash with a periodic intensity relative to a rate of data being communicated over Ethernet ports  700  and  702 . Visual indicator  512  is another communication port activity indicator, but instead provides an indication of communications activity on the USB port  704  (See  FIG. 7 ). Visual indicator  512  may light up when a USB cable is present and properly connects vehicle scanner  106  to another active device, such as display device  108  or a PDA device. Other methods of providing visual indicators are also possible. 
     Although not shown, any one of the visual indicators noted above could be replaced by an audio indicator. For example, visual indicator  504  could be replaced with a speaker (or with an audio jack for connecting some other device that converts electrical signals into audio signals) that emits a continuous or periodic audio tone to indicate a corresponding diagnostic or error code. 
     Furthermore, each of visual indicators  502 - 514  may operate as an input button element, such that depression of the respective visual indicator  502 - 514  generates a signal or interrupt to processor  404 . In this manner, visual indicators  502 - 514  may operate as a password entry system, allowing an owner/operator to verify ownership of the vehicle scanner  106  and/or unlock a vehicle scanner  106  that has been locked due to an indication that the device is suspected to be stolen, perhaps by entering a particular combination of input button elements. 
     Grips  516  are arranged along the two longitudinal ends of the vehicle scanner, and may function to keep access port cover  602  (See  FIG. 7 ) closed and to provide shock absorption in the event that the vehicle scanner  106  is dropped or struck. Grips  516  may be formed as a single piece of rubber connected along a rear or end of the vehicle scanner  106 , or may be formed as two separate pieces of rubber. Materials other than rubber could alternatively be used. Grips  516  may be removed away from the vehicle scanner to open access port cover  602  and/or access slot  706 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the rear face of the vehicle scanner  106  with grips  516  removed and illustrates vehicle interface port  600 , connector mounting holes  601 , access port cover  602 , and upper cover  604 . Port  600  may include a high-density-26 (HD-26) connector, but is not so limited. An HD-26 connector may include 26 male or female connector terminals. Port  600  is arranged to facilitate a wire-line connection to vehicle  102  via wired link  112 . Wired link  112  may comprise a cable that includes fasteners that are arranged to fasten one end of the cable to vehicle scanner  106  via connector mounting holes  601 . The other end of the cable may include similar fasteners to rigidly secure the cable to the vehicle&#39;s diagnostic port. 
     Upper cover  604  may cover, and provide access to when removed, an expansion port that allows the functionality of the vehicle scanner  106  to be upgraded and/or revised. An expansion circuit board may comprise, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB) containing a plurality of discrete circuit elements and/or one or more integrated circuits (ICs). Various expansion circuit boards may be interfaced with vehicle scanner  106  to provide additional and/or more robust functionality without the need to manufacture an entirely new vehicle scanner  106  device. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a vehicle scanner  106  with its access port cover  602  placed in an open position. As set forth in  FIG. 7 , access port cover  602  may be hingedly attached to the vehicle scanner  106  via hinges  708  and  710 . Hinges  708  and  710  are rotatable so as to allow port access cover  602  to move from the open position to the closed position and from the closed position to the open position. Channels  720 - 724  formed in a bottom surface of the vehicle scanner  106  and corresponding channels  726 - 730  formed in the access port cover  602  form cable openings when access port cover  602  is in the closed position and allow cables to exit the vehicle scanner  106  while the access port cover  602  is in the closed position. 
     While the access port cover  602  is open, access is provided to Ethernet ports  700  and  702  and USB port  704 . In alternative embodiments, the ports accessible via access port cover  602  may include a different quantity, or may include different types of ports, including, for example, Firewire and/or eSATA ports. Vehicle scanner  106  may include a respective cable opening for each port accessible via access port cover  602 . Alternatively, one or more cable openings may allow multiple cables to pass through access port cover  602 . 
     A memory card inserted in memory card slot  706  may provide the data storage  408  for vehicle scanner  106 , or may provide removable data storage in addition to separate data storage  408  provided permanently inside vehicle scanner  106 . A memory card for insertion in the memory card slot  706  may include, for example, a Compact Flash card, an SD memory card, a mini SD memory card, an xD card, or other type of memory card. Whether a memory card inserted in memory card slot  706  comprises the data storage  408  or an alternative data store, the memory card may provide CRPI for execution by processor  404  of the vehicle scanner  106 . The removable memory card may also provide storage space for storage of vehicle diagnostic data  416 , in place of data storage device  408 , or in addition to data storage device  408 . Additionally, the memory card slot  706  may provide a means for delivering an unlock instruction or key to vehicle scanner  106 . For example, a specially formatted memory card, or a specially formatted data packet stored on a memory card, may in response to being inserted into memory card slot  706 , cause the diagnostic device to unlock after having been locked due to a suspected theft. Other means of unlocking a locked device may also be provided. 
     Next,  FIG. 8  illustrates a block diagram of DAQ  104 , and  FIG. 9  illustrates details of an example embodiment of DAQ  104 . As set forth earlier, although in this preferred embodiment diagnostic device  104  is a DAQ, in other embodiments, diagnostic device  104  may be some other diagnostic device. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , DAQ  104  includes a user interface  800 , a wireless transceiver  802 , a processor  804 , an input element  806 , and a data storage device  808 , all of which may be linked together via a system bus, network, or other connection mechanism  810 . DAQ  104  may be configured to take measurements from the vehicle  102 , including, for example, direct current (DC) voltage readings, alternating voltage (AC) voltage readings, and/or resistance readings. The DAQ  104  may also provide test modes such as a diode test/continuity test mode and a capacitance test mode. Other functions may also be provided. 
     User interface  800  is operable to present data to a user and to allow a user to enter selections (e.g., mode selections and sub-mode selections). User interface  800  may include a display  900  that is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Display  900  is operable to visually present data, such as data obtained and/or generated by input element  806 , data obtained via wireless transceiver  802 , and/or data contained in data storage device  808 . User interface  800  may include a mode selector for selecting one or more modes and/or sub-modes of DAQ  104 . Example mode selectors  902 ,  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and  918  are illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
     Wireless transceiver  802  may comprise a single wireless transceiver that is operable to carry out communications via communications links  114 ,  116 . Wireless transceiver  802  may carry out communications with vehicle scanner  106 , display device  108 , and/or some other device that is operating within a wireless communications range of DAQ  104 . As an example, wireless transceiver  802  may comprise a BT transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, or some other type of wireless transceiver. 
     Alternatively, wireless transceiver  802  may comprise multiple wireless transceivers. For example, wireless transceiver  802  may comprise two wireless transceivers that communicate according to a common air interface protocol or different air interface protocols. Those air interface protocols may be selected from a BT air interface protocol, a Wi-Fi air interface protocol, and some other air interface protocol. In accordance with an embodiment in which wireless transceiver  802  includes two transceivers, a BT transceiver may communicate with vehicle scanner  106  and/or display device  108  via a BT network, and a Wi-Fi transceiver may communicate with vehicle scanner  106  and/or display device  108  via a Wi-Fi network. 
     In one embodiment, wireless transceiver  802  may maintain a wireless link  116  to display device  108 , and may provide an indication of a potential theft attempt in response to detecting a break in the wireless link  116 . Wireless transceiver  802  may also operate to provide display device  108  an identifier associated with DAQ  104 , such as a MAC address, hardware ID, username, or some other identifier. Wireless transceiver  802  may also operate to transmit a password entered via user interface  800  to display device  108 . 
     Wireless transceiver  802  may operate to deliver an unlock instruction or key to DAQ  104 . For example, a specially formatted data packet may be transmitted to DAQ  104  via wireless transceiver  802  to unlock a DAQ  104  that has been locked due to a suspected theft. 
     Processor  804  may comprise one or more general purpose processors (e.g., INTEL microprocessors) and/or one or more special purpose processors (e.g., digital signal processors). Processor  804  may execute CRPI  818  that are contained in computer-readable data storage device  808 . 
     Input element  806  may include (i) one or more input leads  812 , (ii) an input signal processing element  814  that is operable to convert input signals obtained via input leads  812  into input data, and (iii) a packet-element  816 . Each input lead  812  is operable to receive input signals from an input signal acquisition point. The input signal acquisition point may comprise any of a variety of locations at which an input signal can be acquired. In accordance with an example, the input signal acquisition point may comprise a location on the vehicle  102  at which a voltage signal, current signal, air pressure signal, air temperature signal, oil pressure signal, oil temperature signal, exhaust composition signal, or some other input signal can be acquired. 
     Each input lead  812  may include a first end and a second end. The first end of each input lead  812  may be inserted into or otherwise attached to DAQ  104 . The first end of each input lead may comprise a banana plug screw. The second end of each input lead  812  may be arranged in any of a variety of configurations. As an example, a configuration of the second end may comprise a configuration that includes (i) an alligator clip, such as an MTA85 alligator clip sold by Snap-on Incorporated, Kenosha, Wis., United States, (ii) a spring hook, such as an MTA80 spring hook sold by Snap-on Incorporated, (iii) a test probe, such as an MTA20 test probe sold by Snap-on Incorporated, or (iv) a backprobe, such as an MTTL7005 backprobe sold by Snap-on Incorporated. Other example configurations of the second end of an input lead  812  are also possible. 
     Input element  806  may include an input signal processing element  814  that is operable to convert an input signal received via one or more input leads  812  into data that is displayable at display  900 . As an example, input signal processing element  814  may include an analog-to-digital converter. 
     Packet-element  816  may be operable to packetize the input data (e.g., place the input data into data packets) so as to generate data packets containing the input data. Packet-element  816  may provide the data packets to wireless transceiver  802  via connection mechanism  810  for subsequent transmission of the data packets via an air interface. In an alternative embodiment, processor  804  or some other portion of DAQ  104  can comprise packet-element  816  or carry out the functions of packet-element  816 . 
     Data storage device  808  may comprise a computer-readable storage medium readable by processor  804 . The computer-readable storage medium may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile storage components, such as optical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage, which can be integrated in whole or in part with processor  804 . Data storage device  808  may contain various computer-readable data, such as CRPI  818 , diagnostic device data  820 , input data  822 , and instruction data  824 . 
     Diagnostic device data  820  may include data associated with a device that is arranged to communicate with DAQ  104  via a wireless network. For example, diagnostic device data  820  may include data associated with display device  108 , such as a radio identifier and password associated with display device  108 . The data associated with display device  108  may be received at DAQ  104 , for storing as diagnostic device data  820 , during a pairing process carried out between display device  108  and DAQ  104 . The pairing process between DAQ  104  and display device  108  may include DAQ  104  providing display device  108  with the data associated with DAQ  104  and display device  108  providing DAQ  104  with data associated with display device  108 . After carrying out the pairing process with display device  108 , DAQ  104  may use the diagnostic device data  820  when establishing communication link  116  with display device  108 . 
     Diagnostic device data  820  is not limited to data associated with one diagnostic device. In that regard, diagnostic device data  820  may include respective data associated with each of a plurality of devices, including, for example, data associated with vehicle scanner  106 . The data associated with vehicle scanner  106  may include a radio identifier and password associated with vehicle scanner  106 . The data associated with vehicle scanner  106  may be received at DAQ  104 , for storing as diagnostic device data  820 , during a pairing process carried out between DAQ  104  and vehicle scanner  106 . The pairing process between DAQ  104  and vehicle scanner  106  may include vehicle scanner  106  providing DAQ  104  with the data associated with vehicle scanner  106  and DAQ  104  providing vehicle scanner  106  with data associated with DAQ  104 . After carrying out the pairing process with vehicle scanner  106 , DAQ  104  may use the diagnostic device data  820  when establishing wireless communications link  114  with vehicle scanner  106 . 
     Diagnostic device data  820  may further comprise an identifier associated with DAQ  104  for transmission to display device  108 , and/or a pre-stored password for comparison to an entered password to unlock DAQ  104 . 
     Input data  822  may comprise data generated by input signal processing element  814 . A portion of data storage device  808  that contains input data  822  may function as a buffer to store input data for display on display  900  and/or for transmission to display device  108  via wireless communications link  116 . 
     Instruction data  824  may comprise data that identifies how to connect a portion of the DAQ  104  to vehicle  102 , how to operate vehicle  102 , inspections to carry out on vehicle  102 , or some other instruction data. Instruction data  824  may comprise various data including numbers, letters, punctuation marks, pictures, graphs, or some other visually presentable form of data. 
     CRPI  818  may include program instructions (referred to herein as PI- 818 -A) that are executable to change an operating state of wireless transceiver  802 . Processor  804  may execute PI- 818 -A in response to mode selector  902  (illustrated in  FIG. 9 ) changing between a local-control mode and a remote-control mode. Execution of PI- 818 -A may cause a transceiver or transceivers of wireless transceiver  802  to transition to a transceiver-on-state in response to mode-selector  902  changing to a remote-control mode from a local-control mode. Similarly, execution of PI- 818 -A may cause a transceiver or transceivers of wireless transceiver  802  to transition to a transceiver-off-state in response to mode-selector  902  changing to a local-control mode from a remote-control mode. 
     CRPI  818  may also include program instructions (referred to herein as PI- 818 -B) that are executable to determine a desired mode for DAQ  104  responsive to receiving a mode selection command from display device  108 . If DAQ  104  is operating in the desired mode as indicated in the mode selection command, execution of PI- 818 -B allows DAQ  104  to continue operating in the desired mode. On the other hand, if DAQ  104  is operating in a mode different than the desired mode as indicated in the mode selection command, execution of PI- 818 -B causes DAQ  104  to transition to the desired mode. 
     CRPI  818  may further include program instructions (referred to herein as PI- 818 -C) that are executable to cause display  900  to display instruction data. In one respect, execution of PI- 818 -C may cause display  900  to display instruction data  824  so as to guide a repair technician in connecting input leads  812  to vehicle  102 . In another respect, execution of PI- 818 -C may cause display  900  to display instruction data (such as instruction data  218 ) that is received from display device  108  via transceiver  802 . 
     CRPI  818  may further comprise program instructions (referred to herein as PI- 818 -D) that are executable by processor  804  to execute any one or more of the functions disclosed herein, including for example, one or more of communicating a diagnostic device identifier to display device  108 , monitoring a status of a wireless link  116 , detecting a break in wireless link  116 , and executing an anti-theft response. Other functions are possible as well. 
     Next,  FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of the example embodiment of DAQ  104 , and in particular, elements of user interface  800  and input element  806  from  FIG. 8 . As set forth above, elements of user interface  800  may include display  900  and mode selectors  902 ,  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and  918 . Elements of input element  806  may include ports  922 ,  924 , and  926 . 
     Display  900  may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an electrophoretic display, or some other type of display. Display  900  is operable to visually present (e.g., display) data to a repair technician. Display  900  may visually present data using numbers, letters, punctuation marks, pictures, graphs, or some other visually presentable form of data. The data visually presented at display  900  may include locally-acquired data (LAD), such as data acquired via input element  806  (e.g., via input leads  812 ) and/or data contained in data storage device  808 . The data visually presented at display  900  may include remotely-acquired data (RAD), such as data acquired via wireless transceiver  802  from one or more of display device  108  and vehicle scanner  106 . Display  900  may also be used to prompt a user to enter a password, and or to provide an indication that DAQ  104  has been identified as being potentially stolen, among other things. 
     Mode selector  902  comprises a switch having multiple mode-positions. Mode selector  902  may comprise a rotary switch having nine mode-positions, but is not so limited. Each mode-position of mode selector  902  is associated with one or more modes (e.g., an off mode, a voltmeter mode, an ammeter mode, and a remote control mode, to name a few), and each of the mode-positions may be associated with one or more symbols that identify the mode(s) associated with that mode-position. Table 2 provides an example list of modes associated with each mode-position of mode selector  902 , and an example list of whether each mode is a local-control mode (e.g., a mode selected by mode selector  902 ) or a remote-control mode (e.g., a mode selected by display device  108 ). 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Mode-position 
                 Mode Control Type 
                 Mode 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 1 
                 Local-Control 
                 Off 
               
               
                 2 
                 Local-Control 
                 DC Voltmeter mode 
               
               
                 3 
                 Local-Control 
                 AC Voltmeter mode 
               
               
                 4 
                 Local-Control 
                 Ohm-meter mode 
               
               
                 5 
                 Local-Control 
                 Diode/Continuity Test mode 
               
               
                 6 
                 Local-Control 
                 Auxiliary mode 
               
               
                 7 
                 Local-Control 
                 Capacitance mode 
               
               
                 8 
                 Local-Control 
                 Oscilloscope mode 
               
               
                 9 
                 Remote-Control 
                 Various modes 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Mode-position  1  is associated with the symbol “OFF.” The mode-position numbers increase in a clockwise direction. The three circles on mode selector  902  are closest to a currently-selected mode position. In  FIG. 9 , mode-position  2  (DC Voltmeter mode) is the currently-selected mode-position. 
     Mode selector  902  may be turned to each of the nine mode-positions. Turning mode selector  902  from a first mode-position (not necessarily mode-position  1 ) to a second mode-position (not necessarily mode-position  2 ) causes DAQ  104  to transition from a first mode that is associated with the first mode-position to a second mode that is associated with the second mode-position. Transitioning from the first mode to the second mode may be carried out, at least in part, by processor  804  executing program instructions of CRPI  818 . 
     Transitioning from a local-control mode to a remote-control mode may cause wireless transceiver  802  to transition from the transceiver-off-state to the transceiver-on-state. Processor  804  may execute IP- 818 -A in response to detecting mode selector  902  changing to a remote-control mode from a local-control mode. 
     Conversely, transitioning from a remote-control mode to a local-control mode may cause wireless transceiver  802  to transition from the transceiver-on-state to the transceiver-off-state. Processor  804  may execute IP- 812 -A in response to detecting mode selector  902  changing to a local-control mode from a remote-control mode. 
     While mode selector  902  is positioned at a mode-position corresponding to a remote-control mode, wireless transceiver  802  may receive a mode-selection command from display device  108 . The mode-selection command may be unsolicited or may be received in response to wireless transceiver  802  transmitting to display device  108  a request for a mode-selection command. The mode-selection command received at wireless transceiver  802  may include a mode field that identifies a desired local-control mode that is selectable via mode selector  902 . The mode field may also identify a sub-mode that is selectable via one of mode selectors  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and  918  when mode selector  902  is in a local-control mode position. 
     Mode selectors  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and  918  may each comprise a respective push button, but are not so limited. Pushing or pushing and releasing one of those mode selectors may cause DAQ  104  to transition to a mode and/or sub-mode associated with that mode selector. One or more of mode selectors  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and  918  may be associated with multiple modes and/or multiple sub-modes. For example, mode selectors  904 ,  906 ,  908 , and  910  may be associated with a respective first sub-mode while mode selector  902  is positioned at mode-position  2  and may be associated with a second different sub-mode while mode selector  902  is positioned at mode-position  3 . One or more of mode selectors  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and  918  may be associated with a remote-control mode. For instance, mode selector  904  may associated with a remote-control mode. In that regard, pushing or pushing and releasing mode selector  904  may cause DAQ  104  to transition from a local-control mode to a remote-control mode in the same way as if mode selector  902  was moved to mode-position  9 . 
     Mode selectors  902 ,  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and  918  may additionally operate as a password entry system, allowing an operator to verify ownership of the DAQ  104  and/or unlock a device that has been locked due to an indication that the DAQ  104  is suspected to be stolen by entering a particular combination of mode selectors. 
     Ports  922 ,  924 , and  926  may be operable to receive a respective input lead. Each input lead can include first and second ends. The first end of an input lead may comprise a banana plug. Ports  922 ,  924 , and  926  may include a respective female banana connector for receiving the banana plug of an input lead. The second end of each input lead may include an alligator clip, a quick-attach probe, or some other device for contacting an input signal acquisition point. 
     Grips  928  are arranged along the two longitudinal ends of the DAQ  104 , and provide shock absorption in the event that the DAQ  104  is dropped or struck. Grips  928  may be formed as a single piece of rubber connected along a rear or end of the DAQ  104 , or may be formed as two separate pieces of rubber. Materials other than rubber could alternatively be used. 
     II. Example Operation  
       FIG. 10  illustrates a movement of a DAQ  104  from within communication range of a display device  108  to outside of the range of the display device  108 .  FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate process flows that a respective DAQ  104  and display device  108  may execute in accordance with movement of DAQ  104  from position  104 A within communication range of display device  108  to position  104 B outside of communication range of display device  108 . Although the embodiment in  FIG. 10  uses the DAQ  104  to illustrate anti-theft features of a display device and a diagnostic device, the disclosed methods and apparatus are equally applicable to other diagnostic devices, such as vehicle scanner  106 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , display device  108  has a wireless communication range indicated by circumference  1002 . Although transmission ranges are shown in the shape of a circle in  FIG. 10  for ease of illustration, actual transmission range zones will vary in view of obstacles such as walls and in view of other nearby interfering RF devices. Display device  108  is illustrated connected to authentication and tracking server  1006  via WAN  1004  and connection  1003 . Connection  1003  may be a wireless link that connects WAN  1004  with wireless transceiver  202 , or may be a wired link that connects WAN  1004  with wired interface  206 . 
     DAQ  104  and vehicle scanner  106  are illustrated in  FIG. 10  as initially coupled to the vehicle  102  under test. For example, DAQ  104  may be connected to vehicle  102  via a lead that is also connected to one of ports  922 - 926  of DAQ  104  to measure, for example, a voltage. Vehicle scanner  106  may be connected to vehicle  102  via a vehicle interface cable coupled between port  600  and a corresponding port on vehicle  102 . DAQ  104  is illustrated as wirelessly connected to display device  108  via wireless link  118  while in position  104 A. Vehicle scanner  106  is illustrated as wirelessly connected to display device  108  via wireless link  116 . 
     The authentication and tracking server  1006  may function as a centralized database of authorized devices and, upon request, may provide a status associated with a diagnostic device in response to a received status request. The status provided may be, for example, “clear” for a device that has not been reported as potentially stolen, and “potentially stolen” for a device that has been reported to the server  1006  as potentially stolen. Other alternative or additional status indicators could also be used. Authentication and tracking server  1006  may include a database or list stored in a computer readable memory that associates a status with each corresponding device being tracked. 
     In the context of this document, a computer-readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that can contain or store a computer program or computer data for use by, or in connection with, a computer related system or method. The methods can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. 
     In some embodiments, methods executed at server  1006  may be implemented in hardware, comprising any one of, or combination of, the following technologies: (a) discrete logic circuit(s) having logic gates for implementing logic functions upon data signals, (b) an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinational logic gates, (c) programmable gate array(s) (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc, or (d) other technologies now known or later developed. 
     Alternatively, server  1006  may include a general purpose processor that is transformed into a special purpose processor by executed software instructions read from the computer readable medium. It should be noted that the method can be stored on any computer-readable medium for use by, or in connection with, any computer-related system or method of server  1006 . 
     Any process descriptions, steps, or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the preferred embodiments of the methods in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art. 
     As set forth above, the disclosed anti-theft methods and devices are directed to preventing theft of portable diagnostic devices by detecting and to deterring the removal of diagnostic devices from their operating area, and by tracking and reporting stolen diagnostic devices in order to prevent their further use. 
     Returning to  FIG. 10 , which illustrates the example embodiment where DAQ  104  is moved from position  104 A existing within communication range of display device  108  to position  104 B outside of communication range of display device  108 , it is assumed for the purposes of this example that DAQ  104  in position  104 A is already wirelessly connected to display device  108 .  FIG. 11  describes a process flow  1100  executed by DAQ  104  as it is moved from position  104 A in  FIG. 10  to position  104 B.  FIG. 12  describes a process flow  1200  executed by display device  108  as the DAQ  104  follows that the same path. 
     As set forth in  FIG. 11 , process flow  1100  comprises steps  1102 ,  1104 , and  1106 . At step  1102 , the DAQ  104  monitors the status of its wireless communication link  116  with display device  108 , at step  1104 , DAQ  104  detects a break in the wireless communication link  116 . At step  1106 , DAQ  104  executes an anti-theft response. These steps will now be described in more detail below. 
     At step  1102  of process flow  1100 , DAQ  104  monitors the status of its wireless communication link  116  while at position  104 A. For example, wireless transceiver  802  may operate to monitor periodic indications from display device  108  to confirm the status of the wireless communication link  116 . This indication may be, for example, transmitted data packets or perhaps transmitted acknowledgement packets acknowledging receipt of prior communications transmitted by wireless transceiver  802 . Alternatively, this indication may be a pulse broadcast (or “heartbeat”) that may comprise intermittent, periodic, or semi-periodic broadcasts of signals from display device  108 . Other methods of monitoring a status of a wireless link could also be used. 
     At step  1104 , DAQ  104  moves from position  104 A to  104 B, and as a result of being moved outside of the communication range  1002  of display device  108 , detects a break in the wireless communication link  116 . The break could be detected by, for example, failing to receive a data packet from display device  108  for a particular period of time, or failing to receive an acknowledgment packet to one or more transmitted packets transmitted to display device  108 . Additionally or alternatively, the break could be detected by the DAQ  104  failing to detect the pulse broadcast (heartbeat) transmitted by display device  108 . Other methods of detecting a break in a wireless link could also be used. 
     Detecting a break in wireless link  116  may be an indication that DAQ  104  has either been stolen, or is in the process of being stolen. For example, if a DAQ  104  is removed from the garage at which display device  108  is located, it may have been removed without the authorization of the owner. As a result, at step  1106 , and responsive to detecting the break in the wireless communication link  116 , DAQ  104  executes an anti-theft response. 
     The anti-theft response taken by DAQ  104  may comprise one or more different responses. For example, DAQ  104  may sound an audible alarm that may be used to deter further movement of the DAQ  104  away from display device  108 . The audible alarm may increase in volume as the duration of time without detecting display device  108  increases. The audible alarm may comprise, for example, a high-pitched tone or a spoken voice informing nearby users that an anti-theft response has been executed and requesting return to within a communication range of display device  108 . Additionally or alternatively, a visual alarm may accompany the audible alarm, or may be provided instead of the audible alarm. The visual alarm may comprise, for example, flashing lights and or text displayed on display  900  of DAQ  104 , indicating a potential theft and/or requested return to within a communication range of display device  108 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, the anti-theft response executed by DAQ  104  may include locking the DAQ  104  and preventing further use of the DAQ  104 . For example, DAQ  104  may stop responding to user changes to mode selectors  902 ,  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and  918 , and may stop reading signals from ports  922 - 926 . DAQ  104  may remain locked until it is returned to within range of display device  108 , or perhaps until it is provided with an unlock code. In one embodiment, the unlock code may be provided to DAQ  104  via a predetermined combination of mode selectors  902 ,  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and  918 . For example, a user may be required to call the manufacturer or some other third party and prove ownership of the device before the unlock code is provided to them. Additionally or alternatively, the unlock code could be provided to DAQ  104  via its wireless transceiver  802  or some other communications port. For example, a party associated with the manufacturer may cause a server such as server  1006  to transmit a specially formatted unlock packet via WAN  1004  and some other local wireless network with which DAQ  104  is connected, perhaps after a user proves ownership of the DAQ  104  and requests that the unlock code be sent. The unlock packet may be a packet transmitted in accordance with the TCP/IP protocol, and may contain a header portion and a data portion, the data portion including an embedded code that, upon receipt, causes the DAQ  104  to unlock. Other methods of locking and unlocking DAQ  104  could also be used. 
     In one embodiment, the anti-theft response may be executed by DAQ  104  only after a predetermined period of time after detecting the break in wireless communications link  116 . For example, after moving from position  104 A to  104 B, DAQ  104  may delay executing an anti-theft response for a predetermined period of time, for example, between 0 and 600 seconds. After detecting the break in the wireless communications link  116  but prior to expiration of the predetermined period of time, the DAQ  104  may also provide a visual and/or audible indication of the break. The indication may provide a user with the opportunity to remedy the break in wireless connectivity by, for example, bringing the DAQ  104  back within the range  1002  of display device  108 , prior to the DAQ  104  executing the anti-theft response. 
       FIG. 12  describes a process flow  1200  executed by display device  108  as the DAQ  104  follows the same path from position  104 A to position  104 B. As set forth in  FIG. 12 , process flow  1200  comprises steps  1202 ,  1204 ,  1206 , and  1208 . At step  1202 , the display device  108  obtains and stores an identifier associated with the DAQ  104 . At step  1204 , the display device  108  monitors a status of the wireless communication link  116  with the DAQ  104 . At step  1206 , display device  108  detects a break in the wireless communication link  116 . At step  1208 , display device  108  executes an anti-theft response. These steps will now be described in more detail below. 
     At step  1202  of process flow  1200 , DAQ  104  wirelessly connects with display device  108 . If DAQ  104  has never connected with display device  108  before, this process may involve a pairing process. During or after the display device  108  and DAQ  104  wirelessly connect, display device  108  may obtain and store an identifier associated with DAQ  104 . The identifier may be, for example, a MAC address, a hardware ID, a security key, a username, or some other identifier associated with DAQ  104  or a user of the DAQ  104 . 
     At step  1204 , display device  108  monitors the wireless communications link  116  established with DAQ  104 . For example, wireless transceiver  202  may operate to monitor periodic indications from DAQ  104  to confirm the status of the wireless communication link  116 . This indication may be, for example, transmitted data packets from the DAQ  104  or acknowledgement packets acknowledging receipt of prior communications transmitted by display device  108 . Alternatively, this indication may be a pulse broadcast (or “heartbeat”) that may comprise intermittent, periodic, or semi-periodic broadcasts of signals from DAQ  104 . Other methods of monitoring a status of a wireless link could also be used. 
     At step  1206 , DAQ  104  moves from position  104 A to  104 B, and as a result of being moved outside of the communication range  1002  of display device  108 , display device  108  detects a break in the wireless communication link  116 . The break could be detected by, for example, failing to receive an acknowledgment packet to one or more transmitted packets transmitted to DAQ  104 . Additionally or alternatively, the break could be detected by the display device  108  failing to detect the pulse broadcast (heartbeat) transmitted by DAQ  104 . Other methods of detecting a break in a wireless link could also be used. 
     Detecting a break in wireless link  116  may be an indication that DAQ  104  has either been stolen, or is in the process of being stolen. For example, if a DAQ  104  is removed from the garage at which display device  108  is located, it may have been removed without the authorization of the owner. As a result, at step  1208 , and responsive to detecting the break in the wireless communication link  116 , display device  108  may execute an anti-theft response. 
     The anti-theft response taken by display device  108  may comprise one or more different responses. In one embodiment, the anti-theft response may include the display device  108  transmitting the identifier associated with the DAQ  104  to the remote authentication and tracking server  1006  via the WAN  1004  and network connection  1003 . The transmission may instruct the server  1006  to identify any device(s) associated with the identifier as potentially stolen. The server  1006  may store that association and, in response to any future requests for the status of any device(s) associated with the identifier, report the device(s) as potentially stolen. A lookup of a stolen device identifier in the future may result in that report being transmitted back to the requester, to the authorities, to the manufacturer of the device(s), or to some other entity. The report may also include the location of the device(s) if that is provided to the server  1006  in the request or in some subsequent transmission. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the anti-theft response may include sounding an audible alarm at the display device  108 . For example, display device  108  may sound an audible alarm that may be used to deter further movement of the DAQ  104  away from display device  108  and/or to alert those in the area about the potential theft attempt. The audible alarm may increase in volume as the duration of time without detecting the DAQ&#39;s  104  return within communication range  1002  of display device  108  increases. The audible alarm may comprise, for example, a high-pitched tone or a spoken voice informing nearby users that an anti-theft response has been executed and requesting return of the DAQ  104  to within a communication range of display device  108 . Additionally or alternatively, a visual alarm may accompany the audible alarm, or may be provided instead of the audible alarm. The visual alarm may comprise, for example, flashing lights and or text displayed on display  300  of display device  108 , indicating a potential theft and/or requested return to of the DAQ  104  to within a communication range of display device  108 . Other anti-theft responses could also be implemented. 
     In one embodiment, the anti-theft response may be executed by display device  108  only after a lapse of a predetermined period of time after detecting the break in the wireless communications link  116 . For example, after the DAQ  104  moves from position  104 A to  104 B, display device  108  may delay executing an anti-theft response for a predetermined period of time, for example, between 0 and 600 seconds. After detecting the break in the wireless communications link  116 , but prior to expiration of the predetermined period of time, the display device  108  may also provide a visual and/or audible indication of the break. The indication may provide a user with the opportunity to remedy the break in wireless connectivity by, for example, bringing the DAQ  104  back to within the range  1002  of display device  108  prior to the display device  108  executing the anti-theft response. 
     While a diagnostic device such as DAQ  104  exiting coverage area  1002  may trigger a response in DAQ  104  and/or display device  108 , a diagnostic device such as DAQ  104  newly entering a coverage area  1302  of display device  108  may similarly trigger a response by DAQ  104  and/or display device  108 . For example,  FIG. 13  illustrates a scenario where a DAQ  104  (assumed to be entirely separate and distinct from the DAQ  104  of  FIG. 10 ) moves from a position  104 C somewhere outside of coverage area  1302  of display device  108  (assumed to be entirely separate and distinct from the display device  108  of  FIG. 10 ) to a position  104 D within coverage area  1302  of display device  108 . While in  FIG. 10  the focus was on detecting a potential theft of a diagnostic device as it happens, the focus in  FIG. 13  is on newly detecting a presence of a potentially stolen diagnostic device entering coverage area  1302 . 
       FIG. 14  describes a process flow  1400  executed by DAQ  104  as it is moved from position  104 C to position  104 D.  FIG. 15  describes a process flow  1500  executed by display device  108  as the DAQ  104  follows the same path. 
     As set forth in  FIG. 14 , process flow  1400  comprises steps  1402 ,  1406 ,  1408 ,  1410 , and  1412 . At step  1402 , the DAQ  104  detects an available display device  108  within wireless communication range  1302 . At step  1406 , DAQ  104  transmits a connection request to display device  108 . At step  1408 , DAQ  104  receives a challenge request. At step  1410 , DAQ  104  prompts a user for a response to the challenge request. At step  1412 , DAQ  104  transmits an entered response to the display device  108 . These steps will now be described in more detail below. 
     At step  1402  of process flow  1400 , DAQ  104  moves from position  104 C to  104 D within range  1302  of display device  108  and detects the availability of a wireless communications link  116  with display device  108 . Responsive to detecting the availability, at step  1406 , DAQ  104  transmits a connection request to display device  108 . The request may include an identifier associated with DAQ  104 . In response to receiving the connection request, display device  108  may compare the identifier associated with DAQ  104  to a whitelist of locally stored diagnostic device identifiers and, absent finding a match, transmit a challenge request to DAQ  104 . The whitelist may be set by a manufacturer at a time of manufacture, or perhaps by a vendor upon sale or installation of the devices. In some cases, it may be generated and/or be editable by the owner. 
     Alternatively, display device  108  may be configured to automatically transmit a challenge request to DAQ  104  upon receipt of the connection request, without conducting any device identifier lookup. In another embodiment, display device  108  may be configured to transmit the received identifier to authentication and tracking server  1006  to determine the status of DAQ  104  as clean or potentially stolen diagnostic device. If the status comes back clean, perhaps no challenge request is transmitted to DAQ  104  by display device  108 . If the status comes back as potentially stolen, the display device may only then transmit a challenge request to DAQ  104 . In one embodiment, if the status comes back as potentially stolen, display device  108  may refrain from sending any challenge request to DAQ  104  (e.g., skipping steps  1408 - 1412  of  FIG. 14 ), but may instead simply transmit an instruction to DAQ  104  indicating that it is potentially stolen and/or instructing it to cease functioning and lockup. 
     Returning to  FIG. 14 , at step  1408 , DAQ  104  receives the challenge request. The challenge request asks DAQ  104  to validate itself by entering a password and transmitting the password to display device. As set forth above, a particular combination or activation of mode selectors  902 ,  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and  918  may form all or part of the password. For example, the password may comprise moving rotary dial  902  all the way to the right, and depressing mode selector buttons  908 ,  912 , and  918  in that order. The correct password may be stored at DAQ  104  or may be stored at display device  108 . Alternatively, the correct password may be retrieved by DAQ  104  and/or display device  108  from some external server, such as authentication and tracking server  1006 . In the latter case, the correct password may be changed at random or periodic intervals by a third party and a user may need to contact that third party to obtain the current password to use DAQ  104  with display device  108 . Alternatively or additionally, the password may be initially set by a manufacturer, vendor, or user the first time the DAQ  104  is powered on and/or the first time DAQ  104  detects an available connection to the authentication and tracking server  1006  (perhaps via display device  108 ). 
     In the event that the correct password is stored locally at DAQ  104 , step  1412  may be skipped. In this case, and responsive to the correct password being entered at DAQ  104 , the DAQ  104  may allow a connection with display device  108  to be completed and further functionality unlocked. 
     Alternatively, and in the example of  FIG. 14 , the correct password may be stored at display device  108  (either previously stored or perhaps stored after being retrieved from the authentication and tracking server  1006  by display device  108 ). At step  1412 , DAQ  104  transmits the entered password to display device  108 . Display device  108  then compares the entered and transmitted password to the password stored at the display device  108 . If display device  108  finds a match, it may complete the wireless connection with DAQ  104  and begin interfacing with DAQ  104  and/or displaying data from DAQ  104 . If a match is not found, display device  108  may transmit an instruction to DAQ  104  to prompt a user to re-enter the password and transmit again. 
     After a predetermined number of incorrect attempts, display device  108  may transmit, and DAQ  104  may receive, an instruction to lockup and prevent further functioning of the device. In response to receiving such an instruction, DAQ  104  may lockup and prevent further use of the device. DAQ  104  may prevent further use for a second predetermined amount of time and then unlock, or may stay locked until an unlock code is provided, in a similar manner to that set forth above. In addition, display device  108  may take the additional step of transmitting the identifier associated with DAQ  104  to the authentication and tracking server  1006  via WAN  1004  and network connection  1303 , and may instruct the server  1006  to mark the identifier associated with DAQ  104  as potentially stolen. As a result, use of DAQ  104  in any other network would still require an unlock procedure to make further use of DAQ  104  features. Further, even if DAQ  104  somehow becomes unlocked, any future coupling of DAQ  104  to authentication and tracking server  1006  will cause it to become locked up again. 
       FIG. 15  describes a process flow  1500  executed by display device  108  as the DAQ  104  follows the same path from position  104 C to position  104 D. Although for the purposes of this example the display device  108  is described, any other diagnostic device capable of wirelessly communicating with DAQ  104  could be used. 
     As set forth in  FIG. 15 , process flow  1500  comprises steps  1502 ,  1504 ,  1506 , and  1508 . At step  1502 , the display device  108  receives a new connection request an identifier associated with a new (i.e., not seen before) DAQ  104 . At step  1504 , display device  108  determines whether the new DAQ  104  is potentially stolen. At step  1506 , and after determining that the new DAQ  104  is not potentially stolen, display device  108  accepts the new connection request and provides display device  108  functionality to DAQ  104 . At step  1508 , and after determining that the new DAQ  104  is potentially stolen, display device  108  executes an anti-theft response. These steps will now be described in more detail below. 
     At step  1502  of process flow  1500 , DAQ  104  moves to within wireless transmission range  1302  of display device  108  and transmits a new connection request to display device  108 . At the same time, or via a subsequent transmission, DAQ  104  also transmits an associated identifier that can be used by display device  108  to identify DAQ  104 . After receiving the connection request and associated identifier at step  1502 , display device may then, at step  1504 , determine whether the DAQ  104  is potentially stolen. 
     The display device  108  may determine whether or not the DAQ  104  is potentially stolen in one or more ways. In one embodiment, display device  108  may transmit the identifier associated with the DAQ  104  to the remote authentication and tracking server  1006  via WAN  1004  and network connection  1303 . In response to the transmission, the display device  108  may subsequently receive a response from the server  1006  indicating whether or not the DAQ  104  is potentially stolen or clear. 
     Alternatively, the display device  108  may determine whether or not the DAQ  104  is stolen by accessing a locally stored whitelist and comparing the indicator provided by the DAQ  104  with one or more whitelisted indicators stored in the whitelist. Responsive to finding a match, the display device  108  may determine that the DAQ  104  is clear. If no match is found, the display device may determine that the new vehicle diagnostic device is potentially stolen. In the latter case, display device  108  may take the additional step of reporting the status of DAQ  104  to server  1006 . As set forth above, the whitelist may be set by a manufacturer at a time of manufacture, or perhaps by a vendor upon sale or installation of the devices. In some cases, it may be generated and/or be editable by the owner. 
     Alternatively, the display device  108  may determine whether or not the DAQ  104  is stolen by transmitting a challenge request to the DAQ  104 . In response to receiving such a challenge request, DAQ  104  may prompt a user to enter a password via one or more of the mode selectors  902 ,  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and  918 . After entering the password at the DAQ  104 , the DAQ  104  may transmit the entered password to display device  108 . The display device  108  may then compare the received password to a stored password. If a match is found, the display device  108  may determine that the DAQ  104  is clear. If no match is found, the display device  108  may determine that the DAQ  104  is potentially stolen. In the latter case, display device  108  may take the additional step of reporting the status of DAQ  104  to server  1006 . The password may be initially set by a manufacturer, vendor, or user the first time the DAQ  104  is powered on and/or the first time DAQ  104  detects an available connection to the display device or to the authentication and tracking server  1006  (perhaps via display device  108 ). 
     Regardless of the particular method of determining whether the DAQ  104  is potentially stolen, if display device  108  determines in step  1504  that DAQ  104  is clear, process flow  1500  proceeds to step  1506 , in which display device  108  accepts the new connection request from DAQ  104 , and display device  108  can begin sending commands to DAQ  104  and DAQ  104  can begin sending data to display device  108  via wireless link  116 . 
     On the other hand, if display device  108  determines in step  1504  that DAQ  104  is potentially stolen, process flow  1500  proceeds to step  1508 , at which display device  108  executes an anti-theft response. The anti-theft response taken by the display device  108  may comprise one or more different responses. 
     For example, the anti-theft response may include the display device  108  providing an indication of the DAQ&#39;s  104  potentially stolen status via a visual or audio indicator. The audio indicator may be an audible alarm that may be used to deter further use of the potentially stolen DAQ  104 . The audible alarm may comprise, for example, a high-pitched tone or a spoken voice informing nearby users that a potentially stolen DAQ  104  has moved to within a communication range  1302  of display device  108 . Additionally, a visual alarm may accompany the audible alarm, or may be provided instead of the audible alarm. The visual alarm may comprise, for example, flashing lights and/or text displayed on display  300  of display device  108 , indicating that a potentially stolen DAQ  104  has entered to within a communication range  1302  of display device  108 . 
     In another embodiment, the anti-theft response may include the display device  108  accepting the connection request, and then transmitting an instruction to the DAQ  104  via the wireless communications link  116  to lock up and cease further functioning. DAQ  104  may remain locked until it is provided with an unlock code. The unlock code may be provided to DAQ  104  via a predetermined combination of mode selectors  902 ,  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and  918 . For example, a user may be required to call the manufacturer or some other third party and prove ownership of the device before the unlock code is provided. Additionally or alternatively, the unlock code could be provided to DAQ  104  via its wireless transceiver  802  or some other communications port. For example, a party associated with the manufacture may cause a server such as server  1006  to transmit a specially formatted unlock packet via WAN  1004  and display device  108 , perhaps after a user proves ownership of the DAQ  104  and requests that the unlock code be sent. The unlock packet may be a packet transmitted in accordance with the TCP/IP protocol, and may contain a header portion and a data portion, the data portion including an embedded code that, upon receipt, causes the DAQ  104  to unlock. In those diagnostic device comprising a memory card slot (such as vehicle scanner  106 , or a modified version of the DAQ  104 ), the unlock code could be provided by the insertion of a specially formatted memory card. Other methods of locking and unlocking DAQ  104  could also be used. 
     In a further embodiment, the anti-theft response could include the display device  108  transmitting the identifier associated with the DAQ  104 , along with a location of the DAQ  104 , to the remote authentication and tracking server  1006 . The transmission may instruct the server  1006  to identify any device(s) associated with the transmitted identifier as potentially stolen. The server  1006  may store that association and, in response to any future requests for the status of any device(s) associated with the identifier, report the device(s) as potentially stolen. The report may be transmitted back to the requester, to the authorities, to the manufacturer of the device(s), or some other entity. The report may also include the location of the device(s) if provided to the server  1006  in the request or in some subsequent transmission. While most of the above-noted methods and devices are directed to a first diagnostic device detecting, reporting, and/or reacting to a potential theft of a second diagnostic device such as DAQ  104  or vehicle scanner  106 , anti-theft methods may be also executed by the first diagnostic device on itself. While the forthcoming description describes the display device  108  as a preferred embodiment, the same functions could be executed at any diagnostic device including, for example, DAQ  104  and vehicle scanner  106 . 
     Process flow  1600  in  FIG. 16  sets forth one embodiment of a method that display device  108  may execute to prevent, detect, and/or respond to a suspected theft of the display device  108 . As set forth in  FIG. 16 , process flow  1600  comprises steps  1602 ,  1604 ,  1606 , and  1608 . At step  1602 , the display device  108  detects a trigger event. At step  1604 , the display device  108  determines whether the display device  108  is potentially stolen. At step  1606 , and responsive to the display device  108  determining that it is not potentially stolen, display device  108  provides a user and other nearby diagnostic devices access to its functions and/or begins accepting connections from other nearby diagnostic devices. At step  1608 , and responsive to the display device  108  determining that it is potentially stolen, display device  108  executes an anti-theft response. These steps will now be described in more detail below. 
     At step  1602 , display device  108  detects a trigger event. The trigger event may include the display device  108  initially receiving operating power (i.e., being plugged in or having a “power-on” button pressed), the display device  108  detecting an available connection with the remote authentication and tracking server  1006 , an expiration of a predetermined period of time, and/or some other event. For example, upon initially receiving operating power or powering on, the display device  108  may startup in a “locked” mode, and only unlock after automatically contacting server  1006  and verifying its clear status (i.e., not potentially stolen). The display device  108  may, alternatively, provide functionality upon power up, but begin attempting to contact the remote authentication and tracking server  1006  and, upon first successful contact, verify its clear status. Additionally, the display device  108  may, at predetermined intervals, conduct another check with the remote authentication and tracking server  1006 . 
     The display device  108  may be further configured to lockup and/or stop further functioning if a predetermined number of subsequent checks fail to reach the server  1006 . For example, the display device  108  may lockup after five failed attempts to reach server  1006 . Prior to locking up, display device  108  may provide an indication that connectivity must be provided to the remote authentication and tracking server  1006  within a pre-determined amount of time, after which pre-determined amount of time, the display device  108  will cease to function. The indication may be an audible or visible indication. If the display device  108  is not provided with the requested connectivity within the pre-determined amount of time, the display device  108  may only then lockup and prevent the display device  108  from functioning. 
     For the purposes of the example in  FIG. 16 , it is assumed that display device  108  has a valid, operable connection to server  1006 . In response to detecting the trigger event, display device  108  transmits a status request and an identifier associated with the display device  108  to server  1006 . The status request and identifier may be sent in a same request or in separate requests. The identifier may be, for example, a MAC address, a security key, a hardware ID, a username, or some other identifier associated with display device  108 . 
     In response to receiving the request, the remote authentication and tracking server  1006  may respond with a status of the display device  108 , including for example, clear (no reported thefts) or potentially stolen (a reported theft). In response to receiving a clear indication, the display device  108  determines that it is not stolen and processing proceeds to step  1606 , where display device  108  provides access to display device  108  functions and/or accepts new connections from diagnostic devices such as DAQ  104  and/or vehicle scanner  106 . 
     If, on the other hand, server  1006  reports that the identifier associated with display device  108  has been reported as potentially stolen, processing proceeds to step  1608 , where display device  108  executes an anti-theft response. The anti-theft response taken by the display device  108  may comprise one or more different responses. For example, the response may comprise the display device  108  transmitting a location of the display device  108  to the remote authentication and tracking server  1006 . The operator of the server  1006  may then use this information to contact the proper authorities and/or the registered owner of the display device  108 . The location information may be provided by a GPS receiver, or may be generated by a triangulation operation executed by the display device  108  using detected WiFi and/or cellular signals. Other methods of determining location could also be used by the display device  108 . 
     In another embodiment, the anti-theft response taken by the display device  108  may include the display device  108  locking up and ceasing further functioning. Display device  108  may remain locked until an unlock code is provided. The unlock code may be provided to display device  108  via a predetermined combination of user controls  306  including, among others, power button  308 , brightness button  310 , keyboard button  312 , cursor left button  316 , cursor right button  318 , cursor up button  320 , cursor down button  322 , menu item selection button  324 , and quick access button  326 . For example, a user may be required to call the manufacturer or some other third party and prove ownership of the display device  108  before the unlock code is provided. Once the particular combination of user controls is communicated to the user and entered into the display device  108 , and the display device  108  verifies that the entered unlock code is correct, the display device  108  may unlock. The correct matching unlock code may be set in the display device  108  by the manufacturer at the time of manufacture, by a vendor at the time of sale, or perhaps by a user at the time of sale or time of delivery. Alternatively, the correct matching unlock code may be communicated to display device  108  via WAN  1004  and one of display device&#39;s  108  wireless transceiver  202 , wired interface  206 , or some other communications port. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the unlock code itself could be provided to display device  108  via its wireless transceiver  202 , its wired interface  206 , or some other communications port. For example, a party associated with the manufacturer may cause a server such as server  1006  to transmit a specially formatted unlock packet to display device  108  via WAN  1004  and network connection  1303 , perhaps after a user proves ownership of the display device  108  and requests that the unlock code be sent. The unlock packet may be a packet transmitted in accordance with the TCP/IP protocol, and may contain a header portion and a data portion, the data portion including an embedded code that, upon receipt, causes the display device  108  to unlock. In the event the display device  108  comprises a memory card slot, the unlock code could be provided by the insertion of a specially formatted memory card. Other methods of locking and unlocking display device  108  could also be used. 
     The display device  108  may additionally or alternatively provide an indication of its potentially stolen status via a visual or audio indicator. For example, display device  108  may sound an audible alarm that may be used to deter further use of the display device  108 . The audible alarm may comprise, for example, a high-pitched tone or a spoken voice informing nearby users that an anti-theft response has been executed and that the display device  108  has been reported as potentially stolen. Additionally or alternatively, a visual alarm may accompany the audible alarm, or may be provided instead of the audible alarm. The visual alarm may comprise, for example, flashing lights and or text displayed on display  300  of display device  108 , indicating a potential theft and/or requesting that a particular phone number or action be taken in response to the status. Other anti-theft responses could also be implemented. 
     III. Conclusion  
     Example embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that changes and modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.