A system for includes master and sniffer devices. The master device includes: first antennas with different polarized axes; a transmitter transmitting a challenge signal via the first antennas from the vehicle to a slave device, where the slave device is a portable access device; and a receiver receiving a response signal in response to the challenge signal from the slave device. The sniffer device includes: second antennas with different polarized axes; and a receiver receiving, via the second antennas, the challenge signal from the transmitter and the response signal from the slave device. The sniffer device measures when the challenge signal and the response signal arrive at the sniffer device to provide arrival times. The master or sniffer device estimates at least one of a distance from the vehicle to the slave device or a location of the slave device relative to the vehicle based on the arrival times.

A server device for a car sharing system includes an image request device, a use permission request device, and an authentication information issue device. The image request device is configured to transmit an image request signal to the user terminal when a use request signal for the vehicle is received. The image request signal requires transmission of a user face image. The use permission request device is configured to transmit a use permission request signal including the user face image transmitted from the user terminal to the owner terminal. The authentication information issue device is configured to transmit predetermined authentication information to the user terminal when a use permission signal transmitted from the owner terminal in response to the use permission request signal is received. The predetermined authentication information is information for enabling an operation of the vehicle.

A system and method of operating a vehicle using a key fob, including the steps of: establishing an association between the key fob and the vehicle; receiving an activation request at the vehicle, the activation request indicating to the vehicle to activate the key fob for use with the vehicle; in response to the activation request, activating the key fob for use with the vehicle; receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal from the key fob at a passive entry passive start (PEPS) module installed in the vehicle; after receiving the RF signal, sending information included in or derived from the RF signal to a vehicle system module (VSM) of the vehicle; determining that the key fob is authorized based at least in part on the information at the VSM; and carrying out a vehicle access function in response to the determination that the key fob is authorized.

An engine starting device includes: a portable unit including a transmitting unit capable of transmitting an ID code; a control unit including a receiving unit receiving the ID code, and a determination unit determining whether the received ID code is a pre-registered legitimate ID; a main body part including an operation knob rotationally operated between an off position and an on position; and a regulation unit configured to regulate a rotational operation of the operation knob, and to release a rotation-regulated state of the operation knob on condition that the received ID code is determined as a legitimate ID. The regulation unit is attached to a left side part of the main body part and the control unit is attached to a right side part of the main body part, as seen from a driver seat-side of the vehicle.

Two different wireless protocols can be used for ranging between a mobile device and an access control system (e.g., a vehicle). The first wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth) can be used to perform authentication of the vehicle and exchange ranging capabilities between a mobile device (e.g., a phone or watch) and the vehicle. The second wireless protocol (e.g., ultra-wideband, UWB) can use a pulse width that is less than a pulse width used by the first wireless protocol (e.g., 1 ns v. 1 s). The narrower pulse width can provide greater accuracy for distance (ranging) measurements.

A method is provided for authenticating a transceiver in a keyless entry system for a vehicle. The method uses a collision avoidance radar system on the vehicle for authenticating a key fob radar transceiver. A lower power radar signal is transmitted from the vehicle. The lower power radar signal is transmitted below an ambient noise level to make the radar signal difficult for an attacker to detect. The key fob transceiver is then authenticated as being a legitimate transceiver for accessing the vehicle using the low power radar signal. A distance bounding scheme may be used to determine if the key fob is within a predetermined distance. Challenge/response communications may be used to authenticate that the key fob is the legitimate key fob.

Method and apparatus are disclosed for pre-fluxing motors of vehicle door e-latches. An example vehicle includes a door including a handle that includes a switch. The handle also includes an e-latch that includes a latch and a motor for the latch. Responsive to detecting grasping of the handle via the switch, the e-latch is to pre-flux the motor and transmit an authentication request. The example vehicle also includes a body control module to cause the motor to unlock the door via the latch responsive to authenticating a fob upon receiving the authentication request.

A method for authorizing the use of a motor vehicle, including a first antenna and a second antenna, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are spaced apart from each other in space, by a portable identification device that has an identification device antenna. According to the method, it is determined whether the identification device is moving toward the motor vehicle, which can be determined by the identification device repeatedly identifying the field strength of the signals emitted by the motor vehicle and examining whether the field strength is increasing. Alternatively, the identification device can repeatedly identify the angle between the signals emitted by the motor vehicle and examine whether the repeatedly identified angles are increasing.

A vehicle includes a horn, a plurality of exterior lights, and at least one controller. The at least one controller is configured to grant vehicle system access to a nomadic device paired to the vehicle, and in response to receiving a message that contains data identifying a source of the message while the vehicle is in a key-off state from a nomadic device not paired to the vehicle, activate the horn and exterior lights according to respective patterns.

A method for controlling an automobile vehicle remote-start operation includes linking a personal communication device of a user to an automobile vehicle. Data directed to initiation of an automobile vehicle remote start operation is collected on the personal communication device. The data is compared to a predetermined threshold. If the predetermined threshold is met, a screen prompt is generated and displayed on the personal communication device of the user requesting the user to initiate the remote-start operation. The remote-start operation is initiated by the user from the personal communication device.