Multiuser authenticating system and method for keyless entry and starting a vehicle

Abstract

A device for use with a vehicle having a passive keyless entry and start (PKES) system. The device comprises a wireless interface for local communication with a driver's device, a housing for securely holding a key fob associated with the PKES system, and a trigger signal receiver. The device uses means for selectively disabling wireless communications of the key fob inside the housing. The device also comprises a processor operatively connected to the wireless interface, the trigger signal receiver and a non-transitory memory storing the processor executable instructions. Executed instructions cause determination whether the driver's device is located inside or outside the vehicle by measuring the signal strength of the driver's device. The executable instructions also cause the processor to communicate with the driver's device to determine if a driver associated with the driver's device is authorized to use the vehicle, and to control the disabling of wireless communications of the key fob accordingly to prevent / permit the driver to operate the vehicle when the driver is unauthorized / authorized to use the vehicle when the determination confirms that the driver's device is inside the vehicle; and to cause the processor to respond to receipt of the trigger signal when the determination confirms that the driver's device is outside the vehicle to actuate the door lock / unlock switch while causing the disabling wireless communications of the key fob so that the PKES does not detect the key fob as being inside the vehicle.

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