An apparatus, a key partner, methods and computer programs for a key module of a vehicle and a vehicle. The apparatus for the key module includes a communication interface for radio communication with a key partner of the vehicle, a motion sensor, and a control module for controlling an operating state from operating states of the key module based on the information about the motion of the key module. The operating states include at least a first operating state, a pre-shutdown operating state and a shutdown state. The control module activates the first operating state if the motion of the key module is above a motion limit value and activates the pre-shutdown operating state if the motion of the key module is below the motion limit value over a period of time.

An apparatus, a key partner, methods and computer programs for a key module of a vehicle and a vehicle. The apparatus for the key module includes a communication interface for radio communication with a key partner of the vehicle, a motion sensor, and a control module for controlling an operating state from operating states of the key module based on the information about the motion of the key module. The operating states include at least a first operating state, a pre-shutdown operating state and a shutdown state. The control module activates the first operating state if the motion of the key module is above a motion limit value and activates the pre-shutdown operating state if the motion of the key module is below the motion limit value over a period of time.

An electronic control unit configured to permit a vehicle to travel in an automated driving mode. The electronic control unit is configured to detect unauthorized access from an outside to an in-vehicle Local Area Network during the automated driving mode. The electronic control unit is configured to perform control to fix a gear position of an automatic transmission when the electronic control unit determines that unauthorized access from the outside occurs during the automated driving mode.

An electronic control unit configured to permit a vehicle to travel in an automated driving mode. The electronic control unit is configured to detect unauthorized access from an outside to an in-vehicle Local Area Network during the automated driving mode. The electronic control unit is configured to perform control to fix a gear position of an automatic transmission when the electronic control unit determines that unauthorized access from the outside occurs during the automated driving mode.

A vehicle intelligent anti-theft key system and a method operating the same are operated via a two-stage authentication. The first stage authentication is the conventional car key section certification, and the second stage authentication is a newly added preset condition certification. The preset condition can be regarding the time and/or the place, e.g., parking in a parking lot coordinated by the GPS (Global Positioning System) from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m., which is set according to the car owner's live schedule. Even if the thief may use the high-tech replication method to pass the first stage car key section certification, the thief may not be able to pass the second stage preset condition certification due to objective inconsistency.

A vehicle intelligent anti-theft key system and a method operating the same are operated via a two-stage authentication. The first stage authentication is the conventional car key section certification, and the second stage authentication is a newly added preset condition certification. The preset condition can be regarding the time and/or the place, e.g., parking in a parking lot coordinated by the GPS (Global Positioning System) from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m., which is set according to the car owner's live schedule. Even if the thief may use the high-tech replication method to pass the first stage car key section certification, the thief may not be able to pass the second stage preset condition certification due to objective inconsistency.

A push-to-start ignition device measures biometric information of a driver to control activation of vehicle ignition. The push-to-start switch includes a touchpad that senses, using capacitive sensors, a vehicle driver's finger and provides signals using one or a combination of lights, audio, and haptic feedback to guide the vehicle driver into a suitable position for measuring the biometric characteristic. If the biometric measurement meets a predefined threshold, the vehicle ignition is activated. If the biometric measurement fails to meet a predefined threshold, the vehicle ignition is locked.

A push-to-start ignition device measures biometric information of a driver to control activation of vehicle ignition. The push-to-start switch includes a touchpad that senses, using capacitive sensors, a vehicle driver's finger and provides signals using one or a combination of lights, audio, and haptic feedback to guide the vehicle driver into a suitable position for measuring the biometric characteristic. If the biometric measurement meets a predefined threshold, the vehicle ignition is activated. If the biometric measurement fails to meet a predefined threshold, the vehicle ignition is locked.

A vehicle immobilization system includes a detection element operable to detect a level of an intoxicant in a user's breath. A control module is operable to receive a signal from the detection element indicating the level of intoxicant in the user's breath, and to selectively restrict operation of a vehicle based on the level of intoxicant in the user's breath exceeding a threshold. A wireless relay is operable to replace a standard relay in the vehicle, and to wirelessly communicate with the control module such that the control module is operable to control the wireless relay to selectively restrict operation of the vehicle.

A vehicle immobilization system includes a detection element operable to detect a level of an intoxicant in a user's breath. A control module is operable to receive a signal from the detection element indicating the level of intoxicant in the user's breath, and to selectively restrict operation of a vehicle based on the level of intoxicant in the user's breath exceeding a threshold. A wireless relay is operable to replace a standard relay in the vehicle, and to wirelessly communicate with the control module such that the control module is operable to control the wireless relay to selectively restrict operation of the vehicle.