Digital car keys and sharing of digital car keys using mobile devices

Abstract

Methods and systems for sharing digital electronic keys (e-keys) to use a vehicle with the e-key are provided. One example method includes sending, via a first application of a first mobile device, a message to a second mobile device to initiate providing access to the vehicle via the e-key. The method includes receiving, by the first mobile device, data confirming from the second mobile device indicating receipt and creating the e-key at the second mobile device for the vehicle with a level of access that was set via the first application of the first mobile device. The data confirming receipt for the e-key is authenticated by the first mobile device. The method includes sending, by the first mobile device, verification of the e-key for use via the second mobile device. The e-key is registered with a server to enable activation of the e-key on the second mobile device. A second application of the second mobile device provides a user interface for access of the e-key for unlocking and starting the vehicle. In one example, the e-key is usable via wireless communication with the vehicle over a near field communication (NFC) connection. In one example, the first application of the first mobile device is provided with an interface to enable revocation to disable the e-key shared with a user of the second mobile device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.