Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode. The computer may also make a determination, under certain conditions, that it would be detrimental to the driver's safety or comfort to make a switch from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides a control device that is located inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The control device may include a portable computing device configured to execute software that effectively enables passengers to use a touch screen (or another input device) to perform control actions for the vehicle that would otherwise take a flip of a switch, turning of a knob, or pressing of a pedal. For example, the portable computing device may be used to steer the vehicle or apply the brakes of the vehicle. The capabilities of the portable computing device are subject to location-specific permissions. The portable computing device, for example, may be allowed to steer the vehicle only when it is located in the area of the vehicle's driver seat.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides a control device that is located inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The control device may include a portable computing device configured to execute software that effectively enables passengers to use a touch screen (or another input device) to perform control actions for the vehicle that would otherwise take a flip of a switch, turning of a knob, or pressing of a pedal. For example, the portable computing device may be used to steer the vehicle or apply the brakes of the vehicle. The capabilities of the portable computing device are subject to location-specific permissions. The portable computing device, for example, may be allowed to steer the vehicle only when it is located in the area of the vehicle's driver seat.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to identifying and displaying traffic lanes that are available for autonomous driving. This information may be displayed to a driver of a vehicle having an autonomous driving mode, in order to inform the driver of where he or she can use the autonomous driving mode. In one example, the display may visually distinguishing between lanes that are available for auto-drive from those that are not. The display may also include an indicator of the position of a lane (autodrive or not) currently occupied by the vehicle. In addition, if that lane is an autodrive lane the display may include information indicating how much further the vehicle may continue in the autonomous driving mode in that particular lane. The display may also display information indicating the remaining autodrive distance in other lanes as well as the lane with the greatest remaining autodrive distance.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode. The computer may also make a determination, under certain conditions, that it would be detrimental to the driver's safety or comfort to make a switch from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.