Compact disc player with security system for selectively preventing ejection of a compact disc and related method

Abstract

In accordance with this invention, a security feature that protects against theft of compact discs (“CDs”) left in a compact disc player in a vehicle is implemented in a conventional compact disc player that has a CD insertion/ejection servo mechanism, a controller that controls the compact disc player including the insertion/ejection servo mechanism, and an eject switch coupled to the controller. The controller is configured so that it knows the state of the ignition switch, typically from a signal or data from a controller in the vehicle, such as a body controller, engine controller or transmission controller. The controller senses whether the eject switch is actuated when the ignition switch is turned from off to on. Each time that the controller senses that the eject switch is actuated when the ignition switch is turned from off to on, the controller transitions between a security off state and a security on state. When in the security on state, the controller responds to the eject switch being actuated to cause the insertion/ejection servo mechanism to move to the eject position to eject a CD held in the insertion/ejection servo mechanism only if the ignition switch is also on. When in the security off state, the controller will cause the insertion/ejection servo mechanism to move to the eject position to eject a CD when the eject switch is actuated regardless of whether the ignition switch is on or off.