Key system

An electronic key system for a vehicle, comprising:

• a portable electronic key for transmitting a key code through wireless communication, wherein the electronic key includes a key insertion groove and a mechanical emergency key accommodated in the key insertion groove of the portable electronic key;
• a removable data storage medium having a data communication function, independent from the portable electronic key, for storing a medium code and for transmitting the medium code through wireless communication, wherein the removable data storage medium includes an accommodation structure for accommodating the mechanical emergency key of the portable electronic key;
• a media reader, arranged in a lockable accommodation case that is lockable and unlockable with the mechanical emergency key in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, for receiving the removable data storage medium;
• and
• a controller arranged in the vehicle;
• wherein the controller performs a first determination for determining whether or not the key code received through wireless communication is authorized and a second determination for determining whether or not the medium code received from the removable data storage medium received in the media reader in the lockable accommodation case is authorized;
• the controller enables unconditional use of the vehicle when the first determination and the second determination are both affirmative;
• the controller enables conditional use of the vehicle but permits an engine of the vehicle to be started and driven when the first determination is affirmative and the second determination is negative;
• and
• the controller disables use of the vehicle when the first determination is negative.

An electronic key system for a vehicle, comprising:

• a portable electronic key that transmits a key code through wireless communication, wherein the electronic key includes a key insertion groove and a mechanical emergency key accommodated in the key insertion groove of the portable electronic key;
• a removable data storage medium that stores a medium code and transmits the medium code through wireless communication, wherein the removable data storage medium includes a key insertion groove for accommodating the mechanical emergency key of the portable electronic key;
• a media reader for receiving the removable data storage medium, wherein the media reader is arranged in a lockable accommodation case in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, wherein the lockable accommodation case is lockable and unlockable with the mechanical emergency key but is not lockable and unlockable with the portable electronic key;
• and
• a controller arranged in the vehicle, wherein the controller performs a first determination for determining whether or not the key code received through wireless communication is authorized and a second determination for determining whether or not the medium code received from the removable data storage medium received in the media reader in the lockable accommodation case is authorized;
• the controller enables unconditional use of the vehicle when the first determination and the second determination are both affirmative;
• the controller enables conditional use of the vehicle but permits an engine of the vehicle to be started and driven when the first determination is affirmative and the second determination is negative.