Patent ID: 8089342
Filing Date: 2012-01-03
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An electronic key system comprising: an in-vehicle device mounted in a vehicle; and a mobile unit carried by a user for conducting radio communication with the in-vehicle device to conduct an authentication necessary to execute predetermined controls by the in-vehicle device, wherein the in-vehicle device includes search signal transmitting means that transmits a search signal for locating the mobile unit, wherein the mobile unit includes search signal receiving means for receiving the search signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device, and notifying means for notifying reception of the search signal by the search signal receiving means, and wherein the mobile unit includes status changing means for changing a status of the mobile unit from a normal state to a limited state when the search signal receiving means receives the search signal; when the status of the mobile unit is changed to the limited state, the mobile unit stops transmission of a radio signal to the in-vehicle device, or the in-vehicle device stops at least a part of predetermined controls thereof by determining that the status of the mobile unit is changed to the limited state on the basis of the radio signal transmitted from the mobile unit and limiting execution of the predetermined controls; and the status changing means checks whether the mobile unit is out of the vehicle on the basis of the search signal received by the search signal receiving means, and changes the status of the mobile unit from the normal state to the limited state when the mobile unit is out of the vehicle.