One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving, at an information handling device positioned within a vehicle, a command from a vehicle occupant to initiate a function; transmitting, responsive to the receiving and prior to initiation of the function, an authorization request to a secondary device designated as an authorization authority; determining, using a processor, whether confirmation of the authorization request is received from the secondary device; and initiating, responsive to determining that confirmation of the authorization request is received from the secondary device, the function. Other aspects are described and claimed.

An apparatus comprising an interface, a memory and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive sensor data samples during operation of a vehicle. The memory may be configured to store the sensor data samples over a number of points in time. The processor may be configured to analyze the sensor data samples stored in the memory to detect a pattern. The processor may be configured to manage an application of brakes of the vehicle in response to the pattern.

An automobile computing system includes: a computing device configured to determine a target motion of an automobile in traveling along a path generated based on an output from an outside-vehicle information acquirer mounted on the automobile and configured to acquire information on an outside-vehicle environment, and to output a control signal for implementing the target motion to an actuator; and a security gateway device disposed between an external network and the computing device and configured to determine validity of access from an external communication device through a network based on a preset criterion, and determine whether access from the communication device is permitted or not.

A method including identifying a user of a selected vehicle, determining a customary vehicle of the user based on the identification, determining differences between the selected vehicle and the customary vehicle, and informing the user of the determined differences.

A method for operating an autonomously operable motor vehicle comprising: receiving location data relating to a planned location of a motor vehicle; determining whether the motor vehicle is authorized to approach the planned location according to the location data by using at least one of the following: a) personal data about at least one person using the motor vehicle; b) a number of persons using the motor vehicle; c) load data about a load that is being or is to be transported by the motor vehicle.

A vehicular control system includes at least one processor that processes image data captured by a forward viewing camera and radar data captured by a forward sensing radar sensor. With the system controlling driving of the vehicle, the system determines a triggering event that requires driving of the vehicle to be handed over to a driver of the vehicle before the vehicle encounters an event point, and the system (i) determines a total action time until the vehicle encounters the event, (ii) estimates a driver take over time for the driver to take over control and (iii) estimates a handling time for the driver to control the vehicle to avoid encountering the event point. Based on the determined and estimated times, the system (i) requests the driver take over control of the vehicle or (ii) controls the vehicle to slow down and stop the vehicle before the event point.

A vehicle control method is disclosed. The vehicle control method includes: while controlling the driving of a vehicle taking control of itself, determining if there is a need to hand over the control of driving to a passenger in the vehicle; if it is determined that there is a need to hand over the control of driving to a passenger in the vehicle, selecting at least one of passengers to whom the control of driving may be handed over; determining an order of priority in handing over the control of driving by taking into consideration the at least one selected passenger's occupancy state information; handing over the control of driving to a top priority passenger according to the order of priority; and controlling the driving environment by taking into consideration the top priority passenger's occupancy state information.

An apparatus comprising an interface, a memory and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive sensor data samples during operation of a vehicle. The memory may be configured to store the sensor data samples over a number of points in time. The processor may be configured to analyze the sensor data samples stored in the memory to detect a pattern. The processor may be configured to manage an application of brakes of the vehicle in response to the pattern.

Data privacy for data associated with traveling in a vehicle that has access to passenger data, vehicle location data, vehicle navigation data, peripheral data; and/or itinerary data. Privacy is achieved by data classification and corresponding data security preferences and/or user selection including end of trip data disposition actions.

An apparatus comprising an interface, a memory and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive sensor data samples during operation of a vehicle. The memory may be configured to store the sensor data samples over a number of points in time. The processor may be configured to analyze the sensor data samples stored in the memory to detect a pattern. The processor may be configured to manage an application of brakes of the vehicle in response to the pattern.