US Patent 11242031 Method and apparatus for authenticating vehicle smart key

A key authentication method of an apparatus is provided. The key authentication method includes receiving a signal from a terminal using a plurality of communication modules, determining whether the terminal is within a predetermined distance from the apparatus, on the basis of each signal received via the plurality of communication modules, and changing a control mode of a vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted, on the basis of whether the terminal is within the predetermined distance from the apparatus.