Access and start system and access and start verification procedures

Abstract

Access and start system with a transmitting unit (20) arranged in an object, a transponder unit (30) and an electronic device (60), wherein the electronic device (60) is designed to to switch the transponder unit (30) into an active state if at least one predetermined criterion is detected as fulfilled; and to switch the transponder unit (30) into an inactive state if none of the predetermined criteria is detected as fulfilled; wherein the transponder unit (30) is designed to receive request signals from the transmitting unit (20) in the active state and to transmit a response signal to the transmitting unit (20) in response to a received request signal, access to the object is released or the object is started if the response signal emitted by the transponder unit (30) detects that it is an authorized transponder unit (30), and the specified criterion has at least one of: a movement of the electronic device (60), and a location of the electronic device (60).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an access and start system and a method for access and start verification, in particular for access and start verification in a vehicle.

[0002] Keyless vehicle access and start systems such as the Passive Start Entry (PASE) system are automatic systems that unlock a vehicle without actively using a car key and start it simply by pressing the start button. A transmitter unit is located in the vehicle and sends out signals. These are, for example, electromagnetic signals in the LF (low frequency) or HF (high frequency) range. These signals are received by a transponder unit when it is near the vehicle and then evaluated and / or further processed. Following evaluation and / or further processing in the transponder unit, corresponding response signals can be sent back to the transmitter unit in the vehicle. The response signals are sent, for example, in the UHF frequency band and can be evaluated by an evaluation unit in the vehicle.If a response signal is recognized as correct and the transponder unit is thus recognized as belonging to the vehicle, the vehicle can be unlocked or started. Other functions in the vehicle can also be controlled in this way.

[0003] The document DE 10 2010 061 111 A1 discloses a system with a control unit arranged in a vehicle, an ID transmitter, and a communication device. The document DE 10 2012 111 361 A1 discloses a system with an electronic immobilizer that can be deactivated using a transponder key. The document DE 10 2013 203 950 A1 discloses a communication system with a portable device and a portable terminal. The document DE 199 37 915 A1 discloses an electronic vehicle key. The document DE 10 2012 106 522 A1 discloses a method for authenticating a driver in a motor vehicle. The document DE 10 2011 107 554 A1 discloses an arrangement with a motor vehicle, a terminal, and a service center. The document DE 10 2011 011 697 A1 discloses an arrangement with a vehicle, a mobile phone and another mobile unit (e.g. a chip card).

[0004] However, such systems can be attacked relatively easily, e.g. through so-called relay attacks.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an improved access and start system and an improved method for access and start verification, which better protect a vehicle or other object against unwanted attacks by third parties.

[0006] This object is achieved by an access and start system according to claim 1 and a method for access and start verification according to claim 9. Embodiments and developments of the inventive concept are the subject of dependent claims.

[0007] An access and start system has a transmitter unit arranged in an object, a transponder unit, and an electronic device. The electronic device is configured to switch the transponder unit to an active state when at least one predetermined criterion is recognized as being met and to switch the transponder unit to an inactive state when none of the predetermined criteria is recognized as being met. In the active state, the transponder unit is configured to receive query signals from the transmitter unit and to send a response signal to the transmitter unit as a response to a received query signal. Access to an object is granted or the object is started when it is recognized from the response signal sent by the transponder unit that it is an authorized transponder unit.The specified criterion includes at least one of: a movement of the electronic device, and a location of the electronic device.

[0008] By deactivating the transponder unit if at least one specified criterion is detected as not being met, the security of the access and start system can be increased.

[0009] In the active state, the transponder unit can be designed to perform one or more functions, wherein in the inactive state at least one of the functions is deactivated.

[0010] Deactivation can therefore encompass all functions of a vehicle key, or just some of them. For example, the passive unlocking and starting (PASE) function, the remote keyless entry function, the transponder functions (emergency mode), and near-field communication (NFC) can be deactivated, or just some of these functions. For example, only the PASE function can be deactivated, while the other functions remain active.

[0011] The transponder unit may, for example, be configured not to receive request signals and / or to transmit response signals while it is deactivated.

[0012] By deactivating the transponder unit at specific times, it can be more reliably prevented that unauthorized persons gain unwanted access to an object belonging to the transponder unit and / or start and steal it.

[0013] The entry and start system may further comprise an electronic device configured to switch the transponder unit to the active or inactive state.

[0014] By having the electronic device handle the activation and deactivation of the transponder unit, the transponder unit can be made as small as possible. The transponder unit itself does not require any components to perform the verification of at least one predefined criterion and the activation / deactivation. In electronic devices, various components required to verify the predefined criterion are usually already present for other applications and can be reused for the access system.

[0015] The electronic device can be a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet or laptop.

[0016] These types of portable electronic devices are typically carried by users today. The key (with the transponder unit) to an object is also usually carried by the user at the same time. These electronic devices already contain the components required for other applications, which are also required for checking the specified criteria and for activation / deactivation.

[0017] The specified criterion may include a movement of the electronic device, a location of the electronic device, or a state of the electronic device. Based on the movement, location, or state of the electronic device, for example, it can be concluded whether the user wants to access the object in the near future and / or wants to start it or not.

[0018] The specified criterion can be recognized as met if it is detected that the electronic device is moving, that the electronic device is moving toward the object, that the electronic device is turned on, or that the electronic device is in a first mode. Based on these criteria, it can be concluded, for example, that the user is moving toward the object and intends to access and / or launch the object in the near future.

[0019] If it is recognized that the electronic device is not moving, that the electronic device is moving away from the object, that the electronic device is turned off, or that the electronic device is in a second mode, the predefined criterion can be recognized as not being met. Based on these criteria, it can be concluded that the user is not moving towards the object and does not intend to access and / or start the object in the near future.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the predefined criterion can be recognized as being met if a first button has been pressed by a user.

[0021] This allows the user to actively determine when the transponder unit should be activated or deactivated. It also makes it possible to intervene in the event of any errors during automatic activation / deactivation. For example, the user can activate the transponder unit if it was mistakenly deactivated and the user wants to open and / or start the object.

[0022] The transponder unit may be arranged in an electronic key and the first button may be arranged on the electronic key and / or displayed on a display of the electronic device.

[0023] An access and start verification method includes checking at least one predefined criterion. A transponder unit is activated by means of an electronic device when the at least one predefined criterion is recognized as being met, and deactivated by means of the electronic device when the at least one predefined criterion is recognized as not being met. When the transponder unit is activated, it can receive query signals from a transmitting unit arranged in an object and, in response to a received query signal, send response signals to the transmitting unit. Access to an object is granted or the object is started when it is recognized from the response signals sent by the transponder unit that it is an authorized transponder unit. The predefined criterion includes at least one of: a movement of the electronic device, and a location of the electronic device.

[0024] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of the drawing, in which identical or similar elements are provided with the same reference numerals. It shows: Fig. 1 shows a sketch of the principle of a keyless vehicle access and start system, Fig. 2 shows a sketch of the principle of an attack on a keyless vehicle entry and start system, Fig. 3 shows a sketch of an access and start system according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 4 shows a sketch of an access and start system according to a further embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for access and start verification according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the principle of a keyless vehicle entry and start system. A transmitting unit 20 is arranged in the vehicle 10 and is designed to transmit signals. These are, for example, electromagnetic signals in the LF (low frequency) or HF (high frequency) range. These signals are received by a transponder unit 30 when the latter is located near the vehicle 10 and are then evaluated and / or further processed. Following evaluation and / or further processing in the transponder unit 30, corresponding response signals can be sent back to the transmitting unit 20. The response signals are transmitted, for example, in the UHF frequency band and can be received in the vehicle 10 by a Fig. 1, not shown. The transponder unit 30 can, for example, be arranged in an electronic vehicle key that the driver of the vehicle 10 carries with him.

[0026] To receive the signals transmitted by the transmitter unit 20, the transponder unit 30 must be within a certain radius of the vehicle 10, since signals in the LF and HF ranges only have a limited range. This radius can be 10 meters, for example. However, this is merely an example. The range can also be greater or lesser. The transmission of a response signal from the transponder unit 30 to the transmitter unit 20 or to an evaluation unit in the vehicle 10 can occur over a greater distance if the response signals are in the UHF frequency band, since these have a greater range.

[0027] The transmitting unit 20 can transmit signals continuously or only in response to a specific event. Such an event could be, for example, touching or pressing a door handle or a vehicle start button. Any other suitable type of event is also possible. If the transponder unit 30 transmits a correct response signal to a signal received by the transmitting unit 20, the vehicle 10 is unlocked.

[0028] However, such systems can be attacked relatively easily, e.g., through so-called relay attacks. For example, using two devices, one located near the vehicle 10 and the other near the transponder unit 30, a larger distance between the vehicle 10 and the transponder unit 30 can be bridged by extending the radio link of the LF (low frequency) or HF (high frequency) communication channel used. In this way, a vehicle can be opened and started even if the vehicle key is not within the necessary range.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the principle of such a relay attack on a keyless vehicle access system by extending the radio link of a communication channel. The key with the transponder unit 30 is located in the Fig. 2, the device is outside the range of the request signals sent by the transmitting unit 20. However, within the radius required to receive the signals, a first device 40, which has an antenna, is located near the vehicle 10. The distance of the first device 40 to the transmitting unit 20 in the vehicle 10 is designated b. A second device 50, which also has an antenna, is arranged within the range of the transponder unit 30. The distance of the second device 50 to the first device 40 is designated c, and the distance of the second device 50 to the transponder unit 30 is designated d.

[0030] The first device 40, located near the vehicle 10, receives the signals transmitted by the transmitting unit 20 and forwards them to the second device 50. The second device 50 then transmits the signal to the transponder unit 30. In order to transmit the signals over a distance c between the first and second devices 40, 50, which is usually significantly greater than the normal range of LF or HF signals, amplifiers and transmitting stages, for example, are necessary in the devices 40, 50. With this arrangement, a theoretically arbitrarily long distance between the vehicle 10 and the key with the transponder unit 30 can be bridged.

[0031] The signal from the transponder unit 30 is received, evaluated, and / or processed in the key. The response signal then transmitted by the transponder unit 30 can be transmitted back to the vehicle 10 via the same arrangement with the first and second devices 40, 50. The evaluation electronics arranged in the vehicle 10 therefore initially does not detect that the key is not within range.

[0032] Even though the key is not within range, the vehicle 10 can still be opened.

[0033] Without extending the range by means of an arrangement described above, a vehicle 10 could, for example, be opened and started without authorization even if the key with the transponder unit 30 is within range. This can be the case, for example, if the vehicle 10 is parked in front of a user's house and the key with the transponder unit 30 is located in the house at a location within range. However, opening the vehicle 10 is often undesirable in such a case.

[0034] To prevent such attacks and unauthorized opening and starting of the vehicle 10, the invention provides that the transponder unit 30 can be activated or deactivated. The transponder unit 30 can only receive signals emitted by the vehicle 10 and send a response when it is activated. In the deactivated (inactive) state, the transponder unit 30 can either not receive any signals, or not send any signals, or neither, so that authentication of the transponder unit 30 cannot take place and the vehicle 10 cannot be opened or started.

[0035] The deactivation can encompass all functions of a vehicle key or only some of the functions. For example, the passive unlocking and starting (PASE) function, the remote keyless entry function, the transponder functions (emergency operation), and near field communication (NFC) can be deactivated, or only some of these functions. For example, only the PASE function can be deactivated, while the other functions remain active. Thus, while the transponder unit 30 is deactivated, it is possible, for example, to prevent only certain signals from being received and / or sent while other signals can be received. For example, emergency operation of the vehicle key via near field communication can be possible even when inactive. In particular, functions that do not allow unauthorized unlocking or starting of the vehicle can remain active.

[0036] The activation or deactivation of the transponder unit 30 can be carried out, for example, via an electronic device 60. An arrangement with such an electronic device 60 is shown by way of example in Fig. 3. The electronic device can be a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, a tablet, laptop or any other portable electronic device that the user can carry with them. Smartphones in particular, but also other electronic devices, are carried by most users these days in addition to the vehicle key. Such portable electronic devices 60 generally have a large number of different sensors, for example motion sensors, direction sensors or pressure sensors. In addition, the electronic devices can perform various functions, such as determining a location using GPS (Global Positioning System) or determining a location using wireless networks (WiFi localization). With WiFi localization, the location of the electronic device is determined based on propagation patterns of wireless networks. The current location orThe current movement of such electronic devices 60 is therefore usually easy to determine nowadays.

[0037] For example, based on the current position or current movement of the electronic device 60, it can be determined whether the transponder unit 30 should be activated or deactivated. Since both the transponder unit 30 (in the vehicle key) and the electronic device 60 are usually carried together by the user, the movement or current location of the electronic device 60 can be used to infer the movement or current location of the user and thus also of the transponder unit 30.

[0038] For example, the electronic device 60 can determine whether it is at rest or moving, in particular moving towards or away from the vehicle 10. If the electronic device 60 is at rest, this can be interpreted as an indication that the user and thus also the transponder unit 30 are not moving towards the vehicle 10 and access to the vehicle 10 is not desired and / or the vehicle 10 is not to be started. The electronic device 60 can therefore, for example, deactivate the transponder unit 30 when it is at rest. Moving the electronic device 60 away from the vehicle 10 can also be interpreted as an indication that access to the vehicle 10 is not desired and the vehicle is not to be started. In such a case, the electronic device 60 can, for example, deactivate the transponder unit 30.

[0039] However, moving the electronic device 60 toward the vehicle 10 can be interpreted as an indication that the user is moving toward the vehicle 10 and actually wants to open and / or start the vehicle. In such a case, the electronic device 60 can activate the transponder unit 30, enabling communication between the transponder unit 30 and the vehicle 10.

[0040] The approach of a user or electronic device 60 can be detected in any other way, in addition to or as an alternative to the above-mentioned options for determining location using GPS or WiFi localization. For example, systems are known that detect when a user is returning to their vehicle based on their behavior. For example, the user can have a corresponding application installed on their mobile phone or another electronic device 60 that they carry with them. The application determines the user's location continuously or at regular intervals. For example, if the user returns to the street on which they parked their vehicle 10 and moves toward the vehicle 10, the application detects this and can inform the transponder unit 30 that the user is on their way back to the vehicle 10, or the application can activate the transponder unit 30.

[0041] For example, the application can use various algorithms to determine when a driver is expected to arrive at their vehicle. For example, the application can detect when the connection to the home WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is lost or when the altitude at which the electronic device 60 is located changes. This measurement data can then be combined with the user's behavior patterns to estimate whether the user is approaching their vehicle 10. Likewise, the application could also access the user's appointment calendar stored in the electronic device 60. This will be described in more detail below using an example.

[0042] For example, a user works on the third floor of a building. The user arrives at work in vehicle 10 and parks it in the building's underground parking garage. Every time they enter the underground parking garage from the third floor, they go to their vehicle 10 to drive home. The application installed on their mobile phone learns this behavior. If the application detects, e.g., using motion sensors, that the user is entering the underground parking garage from the third floor, it recognizes that they will shortly arrive at vehicle 10. At the same time as the change in altitude, for example, the mobile phone's connection to a Wi-Fi network on the third floor of the building may also be lost.

[0043] However, it is not necessarily required to detect whether the electronic device 60 is moving towards or away from the vehicle 10. In the simplest case, for example, the electronic device 60 may have a simple motion sensor that only detects whether the electronic device 60 is moving or at rest. Movement can be detected, for example, when the user picks up the electronic device 60 to make a call, for example, even though its current position relative to the vehicle 10 does not change. Once it is detected that the electronic device 60 is moving, in this example, the transponder unit 30 can be activated.

[0044] Likewise, it is alternatively or additionally possible to use various settings of the electronic device 60 to decide whether the transponder unit 30 should be activated or deactivated. For example, the transponder unit 30 could be deactivated when the electronic device 60 (e.g., smartphone) is in so-called flight mode, i.e., all wireless communication functions are deactivated (e.g., mobile phone connection, Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth connection, etc.), without other device functions being switched off. Even if the electronic device is completely switched off (e.g., overnight or during a meeting), the transponder unit 30 can be deactivated. In the examples mentioned, the transponder unit 30 can be activated when the electronic device 60 is switched on again, or when the flight mode is switched off again.So-called day / night modes or any other settings that can provide an indication as to whether the user might want to use the vehicle 10 can also be used as criteria for activation or deactivation.

[0045] The electronic device 60 can be connected to the transponder unit 30 via a wireless communication link. Via this wireless communication link, the electronic device 60 can activate or deactivate the transponder unit 30. The wireless communication link can be any suitable wireless connection over which corresponding activation or deactivation signals can be sent. For example, the wireless communication link can be a Bluetooth connection, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection, or near-field communication (NFC) connection.

[0046] Bluetooth is an internationally standardized data interface. For example, data or files can be exchanged between two devices, or music and voice can be transmitted via Bluetooth. Bluetooth devices transmit at a frequency of 2.4 GHz and enable data transmission over a short range, typically less than 50 meters. Various Bluetooth standards are currently known, such as Bluetooth 1.0 and 1.0B (1999), Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (2004), or Bluetooth 4.0 (2009). It is not important for the present invention which standard the electronic device 60 and the transponder unit 30 use to communicate with each other. However, to enable communication, it is generally necessary for two Bluetooth-enabled devices between which a connection is to be established to communicate using the same standard. Some of the standards are, however, compatible with each other.

[0047] Bluetooth devices typically consume a relatively high amount of power. However, power consumption is often critical, especially in vehicles and their associated transponder units (vehicle keys). Therefore, so-called Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices are increasingly found in vehicles and external devices. Bluetooth Low Energy is often also referred to as Bluetooth Smart. BLE is based on classic Bluetooth technology, but has significantly lower power consumption and is generally more cost-effective. Using BLE devices in a transponder unit 30 places less strain on the battery of the transponder unit 30 (or the vehicle key) than with conventional Bluetooth devices.

[0048] NFC enables contactless data exchange between devices over a distance of just a few centimeters. NFC can transmit data at speeds of up to 424 kbps. In near-field communication, data exchange occurs via an inductive coupling between two inductors (e.g., antennas). The inductor of one communication device acts as the so-called inductor, while the inductor of the other communication device acts as the so-called target. The electromagnetic fields radiate from the inductor to the target at a frequency of 13.56 MHz.

[0049] Some vehicles offer the option of a so-called "shadow key." Such a "shadow key" (also called a leisure key) is an adaptable key. The shadow key has independent hardware which, in conjunction with an electronic device 60 of the user (e.g., smartphone), becomes the vehicle key when needed. The display of the electronic device 60 can be used as an input medium. Via a wireless connection, e.g., an NFC interface, the shadow key can be charged using the electronic device 60 when needed and then used as a vehicle key. Such a shadow key can be activated or deactivated in exactly the same way as described above with regard to the transponder unit 30.

[0050] However, according to another example, it is also possible, alternatively or in addition to the automatic activation / deactivation, for the user to activate or deactivate the vehicle key (transponder unit 30) themselves. The user can thus also determine when the vehicle key should be active and when not. This is exemplified in Fig. 4. The transponder unit 30 can, for example, have a button 35. By pressing this button 35, the user can activate or deactivate the transponder unit 30. In the simplest case, the transponder unit 30 (or the vehicle key in which the transponder unit 30 is arranged) can have a single button 35 for activation / deactivation. If the transponder unit 30 is in the active state, it is deactivated, for example, by pressing the button 35. If it is in the deactivated (inactive) state, it is activated by pressing the button 35.

[0051] However, it is also possible that a separate button 35 is provided for activating and deactivating the transponder unit 30.

[0052] One or more additional buttons 35 can be arranged on the vehicle key, in addition to buttons that are already provided for other functions. However, it is also possible to use existing buttons for activating / deactivating the transponder unit 30. For example, a vehicle key can already have a button 35 with which the user can actively lock or unlock the vehicle (Remote Keyless Entry, RKE). For this function, two buttons can also be provided on the vehicle key, namely a button for locking and a button for unlocking the vehicle. When the button for locking the vehicle is pressed, the transponder unit 30 can, for example, be deactivated at the same time. When the button for unlocking is pressed, the transponder unit can be reactivated accordingly.Even if there is only one button on the vehicle key, pressing this button can simultaneously lock / unlock the vehicle and deactivate / activate the transponder unit.

[0053] It is also generally possible to deactivate / activate the transponder unit 30 even if the vehicle key is already outside the range of the signals. For example, if the user has already moved so far away from their vehicle that they can no longer lock or unlock it by pressing a button, the transponder unit 30 can still be deactivated / activated by pressing the button. This allows deactivation to be performed retroactively, for example, if a user had previously forgotten to do so.

[0054] For example, the user can deactivate the vehicle key whenever he arrives home or at work and does not wish to use the vehicle 10. When the user leaves his house or workplace, he can reactivate the vehicle key. In this way, the vehicle key can be activated or deactivated at any time.

[0055] For example, the vehicle key can also initially be deactivated by the vehicle manufacturer when the vehicle 10 is delivered to a dealer or a user. Usually, a long time passes after leaving the factory, e.g., days or weeks, before the vehicle 10 is actually used for the first time. At this point of desired use, the vehicle key (transponder unit 30) can then be activated and programmed simply by pressing button 35, e.g., by a dealer or the user. In this way, the service life of the vehicle key's power supply can be increased, since the vehicle key only actually consumes power when it is needed.

[0056] Basically, the power consumption can also be further reduced by subsequent regular deactivations, since the vehicle key consumes little or no power in the inactive state (e.g. at night). This is independent of whether the vehicle key is deactivated by the user himself (by means of button 35) or automatically (by an electronic device 60).

[0057] In the example described above, it is not necessary for a button 35 to be located directly on the vehicle key. For example, it is also possible for the user to deactivate the vehicle key via the electronic device 60. For example, a corresponding application can be installed on the user's smartphone. If the user opens this application, a button 35 can be displayed on the smartphone screen. If the user presses the button 35, the vehicle key is activated or deactivated accordingly. Here, too, it is possible for the user to see two buttons 35 on the smartphone screen: one button for activating and one button for deactivating the vehicle key. In this way, the user can, for example, also be shown directly on the display whether the vehicle key is currently activated or deactivated.For example, button 35 could be shown on the display in red when the vehicle key is inactive and in green when the vehicle key is activated.

[0058] Instead of one or two buttons 35, a slide switch can also be displayed on the display of the electronic device 60 (e.g., smartphone). The user can move this, for example, by moving their finger to the right or left on the display in order to activate or deactivate the vehicle key (e.g., slide switch left = vehicle key inactive, slide switch right = vehicle key active). However, these are merely examples. Activation / deactivation can be carried out in any other way via the electronic device 60 and displayed accordingly. For example, voice input via a microphone of the electronic device 60 is also possible.

[0059] If activation / deactivation occurs directly via a button 35 on the vehicle key, the user may not be able to determine whether the vehicle key is activated or deactivated at a particular time. It is therefore possible, for example, to provide an indicator light on the vehicle key that illuminates while the key is activated and that is off while the key is deactivated. However, this is merely an example.

[0060] Instead of using a smartphone, the vehicle key can also be activated / deactivated using any other suitable electronic device 60, such as a tablet, laptop, Blackberry, or similar.

[0061] In Fig.Figure 5 schematically illustrates a method for access and start verification using a flowchart. The method comprises checking at least one predetermined criterion (step 501). A transponder unit 30 is activated if the at least one predetermined criterion is detected as being met (step 502). The transponder unit 30 is deactivated if the at least one predetermined criterion is detected as not being met (step 503). When the transponder unit 30 is activated, it can receive request signals and, upon receiving a request signal, sends out response signals (step 504). Access to an object (e.g., a vehicle) is granted or the object is started if it is detected from the response signals transmitted by the transponder unit 30 that it is an authorized transponder unit 30 (step 505).

[0062] This means that when the transponder unit 30 is activated, authentication occurs in the same way as with conventional systems. A transmitting unit 20 in the vehicle 10 sends out request signals. These are, for example, electromagnetic signals in the LF (low frequency) or HF (high frequency) range. These signals are received by the transponder unit 30 in the active state, provided that the transponder unit 30 is also located in the vicinity of the vehicle 10. The received signals are then evaluated and / or further processed in the transponder unit 30. Following evaluation and / or further processing in the transponder unit 30, corresponding response signals can be sent back to the transmitting unit 20. The response signals are transmitted, for example, in the UHF frequency band and can be evaluated in the vehicle 10. If the response signals are recognized as correct, the vehicle 10 can be opened or started.

[0063] The invention has been described using the example of a vehicle 10. However, the invention can be used not only with vehicles 10 but with any type of object (e.g., front doors, garage doors, etc.) that can be locked or unlocked using a transponder unit. A vehicle 10 can, for example, be a passenger car. However, a vehicle 10 can also be, for example, a truck, bus, or the like. List of reference symbols 10 vehicles 20 transmitter unit 30 Transponder unit 35 button 40 first device 50 second device 60 electronic device

Claims

[1] Access and start system with a transmitting unit (20) arranged in an object, a transponder unit (30) and an electronic device (60), wherein the electronic device (60) is designed to to switch the transponder unit (30) into an active state if at least one predetermined criterion is detected as fulfilled; and to switch the transponder unit (30) into an inactive state if none of the predetermined criteria is detected as fulfilled; wherein the transponder unit (30) is designed to receive request signals from the transmitting unit (20) in the active state and to transmit a response signal to the transmitting unit (20) in response to a received request signal, access to the object is released or the object is started if the response signal emitted by the transponder unit (30) detects that it is an authorized transponder unit (30), and the specified criterion has at least one of: a movement of the electronic device (60), and a location of the electronic device (60). [2] Access system according to claim 1, wherein the transponder unit (30) is designed to perform one or more functions in the active state, wherein in the inactive state at least one of the functions is deactivated. [3] Access system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transponder unit (30) is designed not to receive request signals and / or to transmit response signals while it is deactivated. [4] Access system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic device (60) is a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet or laptop. [5] Access system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined criterion is recognized as fulfilled if it is recognized that the electronic device (60) moves, the electronic device (60) moves towards the object, the electronic device (60) is switched on, or the electronic device (60) is in a first mode. [6] Access system according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined criterion is recognized as not fulfilled if it is recognized that the electronic device (60) does not move, the electronic device (60) moves away from the object, the electronic device (60) is switched off, or the electronic device (60) is in a second mode. [7] Access system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined criterion is recognized as fulfilled when a first button (35) has been actuated by a user. [8] Access system according to claim 7, wherein the transponder unit (30) is arranged in an electronic key and the first button (35) is arranged on the electronic key and / or is displayed on a display of the electronic device (60). [9] A method for access and start verification, the method comprising Checking at least one predetermined criterion; Activating a transponder unit (30) by means of an electronic device (60) if the at least one predetermined criterion is recognized as fulfilled; Deactivating the transponder unit (30) by means of the electronic device (60) if the at least one predetermined criterion is detected as not being met; when the transponder unit (30) is activated, receiving request signals from a transmitting unit (20) arranged in an object in the transponder unit (30) and, in response to a received request signal, transmitting response signals by the transponder unit (30) to the transmitting unit (20); and Enabling access to the object or starting the object if it is recognized from the response signals emitted by the transponder unit (30) that it is an authorized transponder unit (30), wherein the specified criterion has at least one of: a movement of the electronic device (60), and a location of the electronic device (60).

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