A key guard system includes a key cover including a base and a retractable sheath. The retractable sheath includes at least one retracting point, a power source, a wireless connector and a locking mechanism. Further, the key guard system includes a reader having a powered. The key cover and the reader are in wireless communication with each other and further in wireless communication with an application of a mobile device. The key guard system is configured to secure a key within the retractable sheath and prevent tampering and otherwise unwanted removal of the key from the retractable sheath.

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.

According to one example, a key fob for peer-to-peer vehicle sharing is provided. The key fob includes a communications module and a remote enablement module. The communications module is configured to obtain a remote enablement command indicating a rental period for a vehicle associated with the key fob. The remote enablement module is configured to enable one or more functions of the key fob during the rental period based on the remote enablement command.

A system and method for controlling a transmission of electrical signals (11) by a proximity remote (10) to a receiver (22) for regulating a remote access to premises of a vehicle. The proximity remote (10) is configured to be powered by a battery (19) mounted therein on first and second battery base contacts (24, 25). The system includes: a internal control device (20) insertable within the proximity remote (10) and connectable to the first and second battery base contacts (24, 25); first and second conductors (27) connectable to the control device (20) at respective first and second contacts thereof for controlling a power supplied to the proximity remote (10); and a power supply control device (28) connectable to the first and second connectors (27) for controlling the power supplied to the proximity remote (10), thereby respectively permitting and inhibiting the transmission.

Lock systems are disclosed. The lock system may include a lock unit and a separate base station. The lock unit may include one or more components maintained in a powered-off and/or low-power standby state when not in use. The lock unit may include a sound receiver. The lock unit may activate power to one or more components unit after detecting a predetermined activation sound transmitted by a sound transmitter on the base station. The lock unit and base station may include wireless communicators to communicate signals and/or information between the lock unit and base station after the lock unit is powered on. To conserve power, a lock unit may power down after a predetermined action has been completed, communication of a power down signal, and/or after a predetermined time period has elapsed.

An authentication element, specifically a keyless go device for a vehicle. The authentication element has a transponding interface for transmitting an authentication signal and receiving power and data. The authentication element also has a key button device for detecting user input, whereby the authentication element is designed such that authentication signals are transmitted over the transponding interface if the key button device detects user input. An authentication system for vehicles includes at least one authentication element and an apparatus.

A delivery and collection system comprises a plurality of automated locker assemblies, each comprising a plurality of contiguous lockers which are monitored and controlled by a central computer system. Each locker has an autonomous lock unit including a processor, memory and short range wireless transceiver which communicates with any of a plurality of mobile phones or other wireless devices. Customers of the system are granted access to the lockers by validation codes which are communicated via an enabling message from the central computer system to an app running on the customer's device. The app is configured to send an access request to the lock unit based on the enabling message, and to transmit event details downloaded from the lock unit back to the central computer system. Each enabling message may authorise the user device to perform multiple deliveries or collections or may be a one-time code.

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 the processing of information associated with a user of a portable electronic key to limit use of the key by unauthorized persons. The portable electronic key includes an input device configured to receive user input information from a holder of the key. A user verification procedure is performed based on the user input information. The user input information can include biometric information associated with the holder of the key. The user verification procedure includes a determination that the user input information corresponds to authorized user information stored in a memory of the key. Based in part on execution of the user verification procedure, the portable electronic key can be configured to initiate an unlocking event at an entry point.

In a two-way communication system made up of a portable communication device and a fixed communication device, the portable communication device includes a stasis/movement determining circuit configured to convert a change in position of the portable communication device into an electric signal, and to determine from the electric signal whether the portable communication device is in a moving state or a stationary state in which the portable communication device does not move for a set length of time. The communication system performs control in which a two-way communication circuit is suspended when the stationary state is detected and the portable communication device is outside the range of communication to and from the fixed communication device, and is activated when the moving state of the portable communication device is detected while the two-way communication circuit is suspended.