An apparatus includes a vehicle control system (VCS) coupled to a computer of a vehicle via a CAN bus and configured to present selectively appearance of a presence in the vehicle of a smartkey, e.g., by energizing and de-energizing an actual smartkey of the vehicle. The VCS includes a VCS and a Bluetooth VCS transceiver. The VCS stores VCS software. The apparatus also includes a smartphone with a Bluetooth transceiver, and storing an app. The mobile device is paired with the VCS to communicate with the VCS via a Bluetooth link. The app configures the smartphone to receive menu selections from a user, to generate communications that identify smartkey-enabled features of the VCS that correspond to the selections, and to send to the VCS the communications through the link. The VCS software configures the VCS to receive the communications and cause the vehicle to perform actions corresponding to the communications.

A portable remote control device such as a key fob includes a motherboard, a battery daughterboard having a battery holder to secure a battery, and an interconnect mounting the battery daughterboard to the motherboard. The battery daughterboard may include a first via and the motherboard may include a second via in which the vias are misaligned with one another. The interconnect includes a first pin inserted through the first via and the second via to mount the battery daughterboard to the motherboard. The first pin has a disjointed configuration over a length of the pin in correspondence with a misalignment of the first via and the second via.

An apparatus for locking and/or unlocking, in particular for an access and/or drive authorization and/or for other services in a motor vehicle in the type of a keyless entry/go functionality, for a wireless remote control or the like comprising a first device in the motor vehicle and an associated second device designed in the type of an electronic key, an ID-transponder, a chip card or the like, wherein both devices for the intended operation have transmitters and/or receivers for electromagnetic signals which allows a large operation distance and a long battery lifetime of the second device. This is achieved in that the first device transmits a first cyclic repeated signal for the activation and/or authentication of the second device with a first data protocol within a first transmission time interval and with a first cycle time.

A portable device having a built-in electronic component has normal mode, in which the electronic component functions, and power saving mode, in which power less than that consumed in the normal mode is consumed. The portable device is provided with: a use state detection unit that detects the in-use state or the non in-use state of the portable device; and a mode control unit that shifts the mode of the portable device to the power saving mode, in the cases where a fixed time has elapsed after the use state detection unit detected that the state of the portable device is shifted to the non in-use state.

A vehicle door handle device includes: a detection member including an antenna and a DC driving detection member capable of detecting approach or touch of a person, electrically connected to a driving controller through first and second connection wires and are connected in parallel, wherein the antenna is driven by an AC voltage supplied from the driving controller, the detection member is driven by a DC voltage supplied from the driving controller by respectively connecting the first connection wire and the second connection wire to a positive DC power supply and a ground, the detection member includes a power terminal and a ground terminal, a detection output terminal, an antenna driving detection terminal, and an antenna driving detection unit, and the vehicle door handle device further comprises a DC cut capacitor, and a passive element.

A portable device having a built-in electronic component has normal mode, in which the electronic component functions, and power saving mode, in which power less than that consumed in the normal mode is consumed. The portable device is provided with: a use state detection unit that detects the in-use state or the non in-use state of the portable device; and a mode control unit that shifts the mode of the portable device to the power saving mode, in the cases where a fixed time has elapsed after the use state detection unit detected that the state of the portable device is shifted to the non in-use state.

A computing device for use in selecting a range for communication between a key fob and a vehicle is described. The computing device is located in the vehicle. The computing device is configured to receive a designation of a desired range for communication between the vehicle and the key fob, and transmit a signal corresponding to the designated range to the key fob.

A passive entry system for an automotive vehicle that is configured to prevent relay attacks by analyzing magnet vectors and angles created by a plurality of antennas mounted on the vehicle is disclosed. A vehicle including a control unit configured to broadcast a wake-up signal to prompt a fob to power-up if the fob is in a low-power consumption mode and to transmit signals through a plurality of antennas coupled to the vehicle is provided, along with a fob configured to recognize the wake-up signal and to generate a response signal for the control unit in response to recognize the wake-up signal. The fob includes a controller that is programmed to receive signals transmitted from each of the plurality of antennas coupled to the vehicle, retrieve constant values from stored a memory, and calculate a magnetic integrity defining the relative position of each of the plurality of antennas. The controller allows access to the vehicle if magnetic integrity is found, and denies access to the vehicle if magnetic integrity is not found.

A rechargeable key fob device for controlling a vehicle. The key fob device features an integrated rechargeable Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery to power the key fob's functions, including the operation of buttons and LED indicators. An internal memory stores unique identification codes associated with specific vehicles and facilitates firmware or software updates for the key fob. The key fob includes a cavity for storing a key which can be automatically pulled out upon pressing a push button positioned on a panel of the key fob. A torsional spring rotates to pull out and retract the key. A charging port receives a charging cord for recharging the battery, eliminating the requirement of replacing a key fob battery.

A power consumption suppression system enables effective reduction of power consumption of an electronic key terminal. A position information acquisition section (210) provided on an electronic key terminal (200) acquires locking location information concerning the locking position of a vehicle (100) and terminal location information concerning the position of the electronic key terminal (200). A power consumption suppression section (220) provided on the electronic key terminal (200) reduces the power consumption when the distance between the locking location of the vehicle (100) indicated by the locking location information and the location of the electronic key terminal (200) indicated by the terminal location information is equal to or longer than a prescribed distance.