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.

A key fob includes: communicator(s), a battery, memory, and processor(s) configured to: find signal strengths of received polls; determine, based on the signal strengths, that the received polls have: (a) increased, (b) decreased, (c) leveled off; and if (a), issue a poll response; if (c), not issue the poll response.

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.

The present disclosure relates to a controller (20) for controlling operation of an access control device (2) for a vehicle (3). The access control device (2) is selectively operable in a first operating mode (P1) and a second operating mode (P2). The access control device (2) is in a limited response mode when operating in the first operating mode (P1). The controller (20) includes a processor (24) and a memory means (23). The processor (24) is configured to determine a position of the access control device (2) and to generate a control signal for activating the first operating mode (P1). The control signal is generated in dependence on the determined position of the access control device (2). The controller (20) may be provided in the access control device (2). The present disclosure also relates to a method of controlling operation of an access control device (2).

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.

A method for accessing a vehicle includes determining a charge level of a battery of a first vehicle access device. The method also includes creating a permission scheme for a second vehicle access device. The method further includes communicating the permission scheme to a vehicle and accessing the vehicle with the second vehicle access device.

Embodiments relate to remote administration of a portable electronic key. An activation signal may be delivered to wireless communications circuitry of the portable electronic key to enable the key to perform one or more tasks. A smart device can receive information related to the activation signal from a server device. The smart device may deliver the activation signal to the portable electronic key via a wireless communications link established in accordance with a wireless networking standardized communications protocol. A user verification procedure may be performed at one of the portable electronic key and the smart device. The user verification procedure may indicate if a holder of the portable electronic key is authorized to use the key. Delivery of the activation signal may be initiated in response to completion of the user verification procedure.

A key fob includes: communicator(s), a battery, memory, and processor(s) configured to: find signal strengths of received polls; determine, based on the signal strengths, that the received polls have: (a) increased, (b) decreased, (c) leveled off; and if (a), issue a poll response; if (c), not issue the poll response.

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.

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.