An apparatus for a vehicle key, an apparatus for a vehicle control system, and an apparatus for a mobile device. The apparatus includes a first interface to communicate with a vehicle control system and a second interface to communicate via a radio connection. The apparatus also includes a control module to receive proximity information from the vehicle control system via the first interface and to establish a radio connection via the second interface if the proximity information indicates spatial proximity of the vehicle key to the vehicle control system.

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.

The disclosure relates to a method to lock, unlock and start a vehicle without using a radio key or electronic vehicle key. According to the disclosure, the function of starting the vehicle without actively using the key is blocked when the vehicle is locked. When the vehicle is unlocked in a manner secured against relay station attacks, the possibility exists of starting the vehicle without actively using the key.

A vehicle control system includes a vehicle-mounted device and a mobile device portable by a user. The vehicle-mounted device permits a predetermined operation on a vehicle based on a response signal transmitted from the mobile device in response to a request signal from the vehicle-mounted device. The vehicle-mounted device includes a first communication device performing a wireless communication with the mobile device under a predetermined communication protocol different from that of the request signal. The mobile device includes: a second communication device performing the wireless communication with the first communication device; and a response control unit that responds to the request signal under a condition that the mobile device is located in a communication range of the first communication device and the wireless communication between the first communication device and the second communication device is established.

A lock system for access authorization in a motor vehicle, having a first device which has at least two states and is embodied as a control device, and having an associated second device which is embodied in the manner of an electronic key, an ID signal transmitter, a chip card or the like. The two devices have transmitters and/or receivers for electromagnetic signals. At least one of the signals transmitted between the second device and the first device is an encoded operating signal for authenticating the second device, with the result that after a positive evaluation of the transmitted operating signal when the second device is authorized it is possible to bring about a change in the state of the first device.

A vehicle includes: a Low Frequency (LF) communication unit transmitting an authentication request signal to a smart key through an LF communication network; a Radio Frequency (RF) communication unit receiving an authentication response signal from the smart key through an RF communication network; and a controller measuring an authentication response time period based on a time at which the authentication request signal is transmitted and a time at which the authentication response signal is received and determining whether authentication with the smart key is successful based on the authentication response time period.

A vehicle security system may include a vehicle controller and a first wireless communications device carried by the vehicle, and a wireless security sensor(s). The wireless security sensor(s) may include a portable housing, a motion sensor carried by the portable housing to detect motion thereof, a second wireless communications device carried by the portable housing to communicate with the first wireless communications device, and a sensor controller carried by the portable housing. The sensor controller may cooperate with the motion sensor and the second wireless communications device to determine when motion of the portable housing exceeds a first security alert threshold and send a first security alert message to the vehicle controller based thereon, and determine when the first security alert threshold is exceeded for a predetermined time and enter a power saving mode. The vehicle controller may generate a first alarm responsive to the first security alert message.

A vehicle security system may include a vehicle controller and a first wireless communications device carried by the vehicle, and a wireless security sensor(s). The wireless security sensor(s) may include a portable housing, a motion sensor carried by the portable housing to detect motion thereof, a second wireless communications device carried by the portable housing to communicate with the first wireless communications device, and a sensor controller carried by the portable housing. The sensor controller may cooperate with the motion sensor and the second wireless communications device to determine when motion of the portable housing exceeds a first security alert threshold and send a first security alert message to the vehicle controller based thereon, and determine when the first security alert threshold is exceeded for a predetermined time and enter a power saving mode. The vehicle controller may generate a first alarm responsive to the first security alert message.

A control system for use at a mobile device to control a digital key system of a vehicle, wherein the digital key system is implemented according to a predetermined vehicle digital key specification to enable one or more vehicle functions to be performed at the vehicle without using a physical key for the vehicle, and wherein the control system, when executed by a processor of the mobile device, is arranged to: communicate, in accordance with the predetermined vehicle digital key specification, with the digital key system via at least one short range communication protocol to cause performance of at least one of the one or more vehicle functions; and provide a secured software runtime environment at the mobile device for the control system to perform one or more secured operations, the one or more secured operations including the control system acting as a software root of trust, in accordance with the predetermined vehicle digital key specification, for performance of at least one of the one or more vehicle functions.

A vehicle includes: a Low Frequency (LF) communication unit transmitting an authentication request signal to a smart key through an LF communication network; a Radio Frequency (RF) communication unit receiving an authentication response signal from the smart key through an RF communication network; and a controller measuring an authentication response time period based on a time at which the authentication request signal is transmitted and a time at which the authentication response signal is received and determining whether authentication with the smart key is successful based on the authentication response time period.