An electronic key may include a partial capacitor comprising a capacitive metal plate in communication with a processor. The capacitive metal plate of the partial capacitor is configured to form a capacitor with a corresponding capacitive metal plate of a lock when brought into proximity with the metal plate of the lock. Data may be transferred from the key to the lock using a capacitor formed by combining the two metal plates, wherein a common ground is established between the metal plate of the key and the metal plate of the lock through a parasitic capacitance present between the key and lock circuitry. Audit trail data may be recorded based on usage of the key.

A server apparatus includes a processor configured to manage identification information of a registered vehicle registered in advance, acquire identification information on a vehicle of a user who wants to replace the batteries from a vehicle key device, acquire fee-related information from the vehicle key device, the fee-rerated information being at least one of a travel distance and a battery usage amount of the vehicle of the user, calculate a usage fee of the batteries based on the fee-related information, determine permission and prohibition to replace a battery, control a lock device which enables taking-out of the batteries accommodated in the battery stand, determine the permission and prohibition to replace the batteries based on the identification information acquired from the vehicle key device and the identification information, and unlock the lock device when it is determined to permit replacing the batteries.

An electronic key may include a partial capacitor comprising a capacitive metal plate in communication with a processor. The capacitive metal plate of the partial capacitor is configured to form a capacitor with a corresponding capacitive metal plate of a lock when brought into proximity with the metal plate of the lock. Data may be transferred from the key to the lock using a capacitor formed by combining the two metal plates, wherein a common ground is established between the metal plate of the key and the metal plate of the lock through a parasitic capacitance present between the key and lock circuitry. Audit trail data may be recorded based on usage of the key.

The invention relates to a handheld transmitter having an energy store, a motion sensor for detecting a movement of the handheld transmitter, and a transmission/reception unit for establishing a wireless connection to an electrically actuable portable lock, wherein the handheld transmitter can be switched over between a manual mode in which the connection establishment can only be triggered by the actuation of an actuation element by a user and an automatic mode in which the connection establishment can be triggered by a movement of the handheld transmitter. A further subject of the invention is a locking system comprising such a handheld transmitter and an electrically actuable portable lock. The invention additionally relates to a method of unlocking an electrically actuable portable lock by means of a handheld transmitter.

A keyless entry device and method for powering the keyless entry system, such as a key fob, are disclosed. The keyless entry device has a charging battery, a rechargeable battery, at least one long range function button for a long range function, and at least one short range function button for a short range function. The method includes charging the rechargeable battery using the charging battery, wherein the rechargeable battery has a larger burst current delivery capacity than the charging battery. The method further includes sending a short range transmission from the keyless entry device using at least one of: the charging battery, and the rechargeable battery, when the at least one short range function button is actuated, sending a long range transmission from the keyless entry device at least one of: the charging battery, and the rechargeable battery, when the at least one long range function button is actuated.

Disclosed is an invention related to a card type smart key. The disclosed card type smart key includes a key main body part having a circuit substrate installed thereinside, a battery cover part having a battery mounted thereon and inserted into an insertion part formed in the key main body part, and a contact part installed in the key main body part so as to be in contact with the battery and having elastic restoration force in the battery side direction.

A remote access device and methods of operation thereof are provided for accessing a physical object or location. The remote access device includes an accelerometer, a wireless transmitter, and control circuitry. The control circuitry causes the wireless transmitter to transition between a first operating mode and a second operating mode in response to receiving signals from the accelerometer indicating a first change in motion states of the remote access device. The control circuitry causes the wireless transmitter to transition between a first operating mode and a second operating mode in response to receiving signals from the accelerometer indicating a second change in motion states of the remote access device. The control circuitry further causes the wireless transmitter to transition between the first operating mode and the second operating mode in response to receiving signals from the accelerometer indicating a third change in motion states of the remote access device.

A vehicular electronic key system includes an electronic key and a wireless communication device. The electronic key includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a first controller that switches an operating state between an ON state where a function of the first communication unit is operated, and an OFF state where the function of the first communication unit is at least partially stopped, based on a result of communication of the second communication unit with the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device includes a third communication unit, and a second controller. The first controller switches the operating state when the first controller detects that the electronic key has been moved by a predetermined distance or longer outside a vehicle based on at least a result of communication of a predetermined signal by the second communication unit.

Embodiments relate to enhanced access control features based on proximity between a portable electronic key and an electronic locking device. The portable electronic key receives first authentication information from an access administration device. Based on the portable electronic key being located within a threshold distance to the electronic locking device, the portable electronic key receives second authentication information from the access administration device. In some aspects, determining whether the key is located within the threshold distance to the electronic locking device comprises detecting a communication between the locking device and the portable electronic key. The portable electronic key may initiate an unlocking event at the electronic locking device based on the first authentication information and the second authentication information. Initiating the unlocking event comprises transmission of an access credential that causes the electronic locking device to permit access to an entry point.

A lock for an access door having an electrically powered electronic smart lock control and a keyless mechanical lock control, and a single locking bolt element. The single locking bolt element is made movably operable, to permit opening of the access door, with either of an electronic code entry via the electrically powered electronic smart lock control or a mechanical code entry via the keyless mechanical lock control. The mechanical lock control, with mechanical code entry, thereby provides a fail-safe back up for keyless entry through the access door in the event of electrical failure on the electronic smart lock.