Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving, by a vehicle, a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining, that a passive entry passive start (PEPS) key fob is not present inside the vehicle. The example method may also include presenting a request for a second passcode. The example method may also include determining that the second passcode has been input. The example method may also include determining that the second passcode matches a pre-established passcode that is stored in memory of the vehicle. The example method may also include generating, using an enhanced valet mode, a first temporary valet passcode based on the determination that the second passcode matches a pre-established passcode that is stored in the memory.

Abstract: A security token for accessing an automotive vehicle, such as an NFC access card or NFC-capable mobile phone, is monitored to help prevent it being left in the vehicle when the user exits the vehicle. An NFC reader in the passenger compartment communicates with the token to authorize access to predetermined functions of the vehicle. An image sensor captures images within the passenger compartment using an image sensor after the security token is presented to the NFC reader. A location of the token is tracked in the captured images. One or more predetermined carrier locations are identified which are associated with the user and which can remain with the user when the user exits the vehicle (e.g., a pocket or purse). A message to the user is generated as a reminder when the security token has not been detected to have been returned to an identified predetermined carrier location.

Abstract: A near-field communication (NFC) reader is integrated with a display system in a passenger cabin of a vehicle by constructing a hidden antenna of the reader into a portion of the display system. The display system comprises a touchscreen display providing a display surface coincident with a touch-sensitive input detector. A trigger monitor is configured to detect a user activity by a user which is indicative of a potential for the user to attempt pairing of a mobile NFC device with the hidden antenna. A positioning messenger is configured to generate a depiction on the display surface indicating a region to be covered on the display surface by the mobile NFC device to align a mobile antenna on the mobile NFC device with the hidden antenna. The NFC device may be a smartphone, a key fob, or an NFC transponder card.

Abstract: A hideable security key for a vehicle comprises a protective body which receives a fastening member configured to hold the hideable security key to an externally-accessible surface of the vehicle. A near-field communication (NFC) antenna is disposed in the protective body. An NFC controller is disposed in the protective body and is configured to drive a security key signal to the NFC antenna. A set of code entry elements are supported on the protective body adapted for manipulation by a user to input a predetermined passcode. The NFC controller is inhibited from driving the security key signal to the NFC antenna unless the user first inputs the predetermined passcode.

Abstract: A near-field communication (NFC) reader is integrated with a display panel in a passenger cabin of a vehicle by constructing a hidden antenna of the reader into a portion of the display panel. The display comprises a touchscreen display providing a display surface coincident with a touch-sensitive input detector. A trigger monitor is configured to detect a user activity by a user which is indicative of a potential for the user to attempt pairing of a mobile NFC device with the hidden antenna. A positioning messenger is configured to generate a depiction on the display surface indicating a region to be covered on the display surface by the mobile NFC device to align a mobile antenna on the mobile NFC device with the hidden antenna. The NFC device may be a smartphone, a key fob, or an NFC transponder card.

Abstract: A security token for accessing an automotive vehicle, such as an NFC access card or NFC-capable mobile phone, is monitored to help prevent it being left in the vehicle when the user exits the vehicle. An NFC reader in the passenger compartment communicates with the token to authorize access to predetermined functions of the vehicle. An image sensor captures images within the passenger compartment using an image sensor after the security token is presented to the NFC reader. A location of the token is tracked in the captured images. One or more predetermined carrier locations are identified which are associated with the user and which can remain with the user when the user exits the vehicle (e.g., a pocket or purse). A message to the user is generated as a reminder when the security token has not been detected to have been returned to an identified predetermined carrier location.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a secure operation on a vehicle, such as to re-key a vehicle, include transmitting, from a computing device such as a service tool, a service tool request to an access management server over a wide area network, receiving over the wide area network, at the service tool, a secure service response from the access management server upon a verification of the service tool request, the secure service response containing a secure payload, and transmitting the secure payload to secure controller of a specific vehicle being serviced over a vehicle communication interface regardless of whether the service tool is connected to the wide area network.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request to enter a valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include enabling the valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include disabling, based on the valet mode of the vehicle being enabled, a secure idle mode of the vehicle, wherein the secure idle mode of the vehicle includes locking a gear shifter of the vehicle in a park position when an occupant of the vehicle is outside of a cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request to enter a valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include enabling the valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include disabling, based on the valet mode of the vehicle being enabled, a secure idle mode of the vehicle, wherein the secure idle mode of the vehicle includes locking a gear shifter of the vehicle in a park position when an occupant of the vehicle is outside of a cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: A near-field communication (NFC) reader is integrated with a display panel in a passenger cabin of a vehicle by constructing a hidden antenna of the reader into a portion of the display panel. The display comprises a touchscreen display providing a display surface coincident with a touch-sensitive input detector. A trigger monitor is configured to detect a user activity by a user which is indicative of a potential for the user to attempt pairing of a mobile NFC device with the hidden antenna. A positioning messenger is configured to generate a depiction on the display surface indicating a region to be covered on the display surface by the mobile NFC device to align a mobile antenna on the mobile NFC device with the hidden antenna. The NFC device may be a smartphone, a key fob, or an NFC transponder card.

Abstract: A hideable security key for a vehicle comprises a protective body which receives a fastening member configured to hold the hideable security key to an externally-accessible surface of the vehicle. A near-field communication (NFC) antenna is disposed in the protective body. An NFC controller is disposed in the protective body and is configured to drive a security key signal to the NFC antenna. A set of code entry elements are supported on the protective body adapted for manipulation by a user to input a predetermined passcode. The NFC controller is inhibited from driving the security key signal to the NFC antenna unless the user first inputs the predetermined passcode.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a secure operation on a vehicle, such as to to re-key a vehicle, includes transmitting, from a computing device such as a service tool, a service tool request to an access management server over a wide area network, receiving over the wide area network, at the service tool, a secure service response from the access management server upon a verification of the service tool request, the secure service response containing a secure payload, and transmitting the secure payload to secure controller of a specific vehicle being serviced over a vehicle communication interface regardless of whether the service tool is connected to the wide area network.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include generating a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include displaying a request for entry of the temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining that an input has been received. The example method may also include determining that a mobile device is located within the vehicle or within a threshold distance from the vehicle. The example method may also include preventing the vehicle from starting based on authorization of the mobile device for a period of time subsequent to the input being received.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request to enter a valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include enabling the valet mode of the vehicle. The example method may also include disabling, based on the valet mode of the vehicle being enabled, a secure idle mode of the vehicle, wherein the secure idle mode of the vehicle includes locking a gear shifter of the vehicle in a park position when an occupant of the vehicle is outside of a cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving, by a vehicle, a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining, that a passive entry passive start (PEPS) key fob is not present inside the vehicle. The example method may also include presenting a request for a second passcode. The example method may also include determining that the second passcode has been input. The example method may also include determining that the second passcode matches a pre-established passcode that is stored in memory of the vehicle. The example method may also include generating, using an enhanced valet mode, a first temporary valet passcode based on the determination that the second passcode matches a pre-established passcode that is stored in the memory.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include generating a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include displaying a request for entry of the temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining that an input has been received. The example method may also include determining that a mobile device is located within the vehicle or within a threshold distance from the vehicle. The example method may also include preventing the vehicle from starting based on authorization of the mobile device for a period of time subsequent to the input being received.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to systems and methods for securely creating passwords for performing various keyless operations upon a vehicle. In an exemplary method, a computer receives a request for creating a password for a phone-as-a-key (PaaK) device. The computer determines that the PaaK device is present inside the vehicle and that the vehicle engine has been placed in an accessory state or a run state by an authorized PaaK device located in the vehicle. The computer further determines that a passive entry passive start (PEPS) key fob is present inside the vehicle. A prompt is provided for entry of a password. The computer checks to determine if an entered password has been already assigned to another PaaK device. If unassigned, the computer links the password to the PaaK device and authorizes the entered password as a valid keyless starting password for the vehicle.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to systems and methods for securely creating passwords for performing various keyless operations upon a vehicle. In an exemplary method, a computer receives a request for creating a password for a phone-as-a-key (PaaK) device. The computer determines that the PaaK device is present inside the vehicle and that the vehicle engine has been placed in an accessory state or a run state by an authorized PaaK device located in the vehicle. The computer further determines that a passive entry passive start (PEPS) key fob is present inside the vehicle. A prompt is provided for entry of a password. The computer checks to determine if an entered password has been already assigned to another PaaK device. If unassigned, the computer links the password to the PaaK device and authorizes the entered password as a valid keyless starting password for the vehicle.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to systems and methods for ensuring password security when starting a vehicle having a keyless engine starting system. In an exemplary method, a computer detects a depression of an engine start push button when no phone-as-a-key (PaaK) device or passive-entry-passive-start (PEPS) key fob is present in the vehicle. The computer responds by executing a verification procedure prior to password validation. The verification procedure can include operations such as determining that no PaaK device or PEPS key fob is present either inside the vehicle or within a defined geofence outside the vehicle. If the verification procedure is successful, the computer displays a prompt upon a display screen for entering of a password. The computer then uses various security measures when verifying the validity of an entered password, followed by displaying of a message indicating acceptance or rejection of the password.

Abstract: Limp-home techniques for situations when an electronic shifter of a vehicle malfunctions include detecting, at a controller of the vehicle, a malfunction of the electronic shifter of the vehicle, the electronic shifter being configured to control shifting of a transmission of the vehicle in response to a gear control input provided by operation of the electronic shifter. The techniques include, in response to detecting the malfunction of the electronic shifter, receiving, at the controller, the gear control input from actuation of the one or more actuators of a steering wheel of the vehicle. The techniques also include controlling, by the controller, shifting of the transmission in response to the gear control input received from the one or more actuators of the steering wheel.