Driver communication system for a vehicle

Abstract

A driver communication system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a display interface, one or more input controls, and a control system communicatively coupled to the display interface and input controls. The display interface is displayed within a cabin of the vehicle and is configured to display one or more virtual input tools and one or more outputs corresponding to operations of the virtual input tools. The input controls are mounted on a steering device of the vehicle and are configured to be actuated by a driver of the vehicle. The input controls are coupled to the corresponding virtual input tools such that the virtual input tools are operated within the display interface in response to corresponding actuation of the input controls by the driver. The control system is configured to control operations of the display interface and the input controls based on one or more driving parameters.

Description

PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 DRIVER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 749,324, filed January 24, 2025. The entire content of such prior application is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to driver communication systems for vehicles, and more particularly to a communication system for enabling a driver to safely communicate, such as by messaging, while driving.BACKGROUND

[0003] Communicating over devices while driving can include engaging in a form of electronic communication, such as texting, calling, emailing, using social media, or operating mobile apps, while operating a vehicle. Generally, such communications can require the driver to split their attention between the road and an electronic device, which poses significant safety risks. For example, one of the primary concerns is the necessity for drivers to remove one or both of their hands from the steering wheel to manipulate their devices and to divert their gaze from the road to the screen of the device.

[0004] Despite the clear risks and dangers associated with such practices, a considerable number of drivers persist in using their cellphones and other handheld devices while driving. This ongoing issue underscores the need for solutions that can facilitate safer communication mechanisms for drivers. For example, there is a need for safe and seamless systems to allow drivers to send and receive messages, navigate apps, and perform other communication tasks without compromising their attention to driving tasks or their control of the vehicle.SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, the present description provides a driver communication system for use in a vehicle. The driver communication system includes a display interface, one or more input controls, and a control system communicatively coupled to the display interface and each of the one or more input controls. The display interface is displayed on an output device provided within a cabin of the vehicle. The display interface is configured to display one or more virtual input tools and one or more outputs corresponding to operations of the one or more virtual input tools. The one or more input controls are mounted on a steering device of the vehicle and are 1CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 configured to be actuated by the driver during operation of the vehicle. The one or more input controls are coupled to corresponding one or more of the virtual input tools such that the one or more virtual input tools are operated within the display interface in response to corresponding actuation of a respective one or more input controls by the driver. Further, the control system is configured to control operations of the display interface and the one or more input controls based on one or more driving parameters.

[0006] In one embodiment, the display interface is provided within a natural field of view or a natural line of sight of the driver.

[0007] In one embodiment, the one or more input controls are installed at one or more hand resting positions on the steering device that are utilized by the driver while driving the vehicle.

[0008] In one embodiment, the output device is a physical display screen mounted on a dashboard within the cabin of the vehicle using a mounting assembly.

[0009] In one embodiment, the output device is a virtual display screen projected on a windshield of the vehicle.

[0010] In one embodiment, the one or more virtual input tools include one or more virtual pointers and a virtual keyboard. The virtual pointers are configured to be manipulated within the display interface to select one or more keys from the virtual keyboard.

[0011] In one embodiment, the one or more input controls include a scroll actuator configured to enable a scrolling operation of at least one of the one or more virtual input tools and a key selection actuator configured to enable selection of at least one option provided by the one or more virtual input tools displayed in the display interface.

[0012] In one embodiment, the one or more input controls are handheld controls mounted on a steering device sleeve detachably installed on the steering device of the vehicle.

[0013] In one embodiment, the one or more input controls include one or more touch sensitive controls mounted on the steering device to enable one or more of a scrolling operation of the one or more virtual input tools displayed on the display interface.

[0014] In one embodiment, the one or more input controls includes a first set of controls mounted on a first portion of the steering device and operable by the driver using left hand and a second set of controls mounted on a second portion of the steering device and operably by the driver using right hand.2CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037

[0015] In one embodiment, the one or more driving parameters include one or more facial expression, stress, fatigue, and sleepiness detected of the driver.

[0016] In one embodiment, the one or more driving parameters include traffic and road conditions associated with driving of the vehicle.

[0017] In one embodiment, the control system is configured to receive location information data associated with the vehicle, and traffic information data from one or more external sources, and configured to control operations of the one or more of the display interface and the one or more input controls based on the received information.

[0018] In one embodiment, the control system is further configured generate and display one or more predictive outputs on the display interface in response to operation of the one or more virtual input tools.

[0019] In one embodiment, the control system includes an Artificial Intelligence based prediction module configured to monitor one or more driving parameters and control the operations of the display interface and the one or more input controls based on the monitored one or more driving parameters.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example driver communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of a driver cabin having positioned therein a driver communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a driver communication system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure and illustrating a projected display screen.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of one or more input controls mounted on a steering device of the vehicle, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the steering device as shown in FIG. 4 having the one or more input controls mounted thereon, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.3CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates various views of an example steering device sleeve having the one or more input controls, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of one or more input controls mounted on a steering device of the vehicle, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of the steering device of FIG. 7 having the one or more input controls mounted thereon, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates various views of an example steering device sleeve of having the one or more input controls, according to embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 10 illustrates a simplified block schematic of a control system associated with the driver communication system, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method of messaging using a driver messaging interface, consistent with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following description is provided to exemplify one or more embodiments of the present subject matter. Although the embodiments illustrated herein may be described with reference to one or more specific features, it will be understood that, unless otherwise specified, all features described herein may be used interchangeably or in any combination with one or more other embodiments. Thus, any description of features relating one embodiment is not intended to limit the incorporation of such features to only that embodiment.

[0033] Various terms are used in the present description. Where appropriate, such terms are assigned meanings as indicated below or as they are introduced for the purpose describing one or more embodiments.

[0034] Throughout this specification, numerous terms and expressions are used. Unless otherwise indicated, such terms and expressions will be understood to have their ordinary meanings as would be known to persons skilled in the art.

[0035] The term “embodiment” is used herein to describe one or more examples of representations or implementations of one or more features, elements, structures, or characteristics etc. (collectively “features”) of the present description. It will be understood that the features of a given embodiment of the description are not necessarily limited to such4CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 embodiment. In other words, any of the features described herein with respect to one embodiment may be used with, incorporated into, or combined with any of the described embodiments as would be understood by persons skilled in the art.

[0036] The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised” or “comprising” may be used in the present description. As used herein (including the specification and / or the claims), and unless stated otherwise, these terms are to be interpreted as open-ended terms and as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not as precluding the presence of one or more other feature, integer, step, component or a group thereof as would be apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the relevant art. Thus, the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of’. When interpreting statements in this specification that include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0037] The phrase “consisting essentially of’ or “consists essentially of’ will be understood as generally closed terms, with the exception of allowing inclusion of additional items, materials, components, steps, or elements, that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics or function of the item(s) used in connection therewith. For example, trace elements present in a composition, but not affecting the composition's nature or characteristics would be permissible if present under the “consisting essentially of’ language, even though not expressly recited in a list of items following such terminology. When using an open-ended term, such as “comprising” or “including”, it will be understood that direct support should be afforded also to “consisting essentially of’ language as well as “consisting of’ language as if stated explicitly and vice versa. In essence, use of one of these terms in the specification provides support for all of the others.

[0038] For the purposes of the present description and / or claims, and unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages or proportions, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently described invention, inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning including the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider as a reasonable amount of deviation to the recited numeric values (i.e., having the equivalent function or result). For example, as used herein, the term “about” can be construed as including a deviation of ±10 percent of the given numeric value provided such a 5CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 deviation does not alter the end function or result of the value. Therefore, a value of about 1% can be construed to be a range from 0.9% to 1.1%.

[0039] The term "and / or" can mean "and" or "or".

[0040] Unless stated otherwise herein, the articles “a” and “the”, when used to identify an element, are not intended to constitute a limitation of just one and will, instead, be understood to mean “at least one” or “one or more”.

[0041] The present disclosure relates to a driver communication system for a vehicle. The driver communication system is configured to provide a safe and seamless way for drivers to communicate with third parties and / or the vehicle, such as sending or receiving text messages and / or calls, while driving. To that end, FIG.1 illustrates an example driver communication system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100) that can be installed within a driver cabin 101 of a vehicle, such as the vehicle 200 (shown in FIG. 3). The vehicle 200 may be embodied as a car, a bus, a truck or the like. In some embodiments, the driver 104 can utilize the system 100 to communicate with a third party, such as for sending and / or receiving emails, text messages, and / or calls, or for interacting with one or more media content, and the like (such as internet searches, web surfing, etc.).

[0042] In some other embodiments, the driver 104 can utilize the communication system 100 to also communicate with the vehicle, such as, for example, sending one or more operating commands to one or more on-board systems, such as an infotainment system, climate control system, drive assist system, and the like. In some examples, the communication system 100 may be implemented as part of the vehicle’s telematics system (not shown). In other examples, the communication system 100 may be retrofitted to the vehicle and may be connected to the components of the telematics system and / or other on-board systems of the vehicle.

[0043] In one embodiment, the system 100 includes a display interface 108, one or more input controls 110, and a control system 150 communicatively coupled to the input controls 110 and the display interface 108 over a wired or a wireless network (not shown). The display interface 108 and the input controls 110 are provided within a driver cabin 101 of the vehicle 200 whereas the control system 150 can be installed either within the cabin 101 or elsewhere in the vehicle, such as, in the trunk, in the engine compartment, or the like. The driver cabin 101 includes a dashboard 106 that may include or otherwise support one or more components and accessories for assisting the driver 104 in driving and controlling the operations of the vehicle 200.6CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037

[0044] In an embodiment, the display interface 108 is provided, for example, within a natural line of sight or field of view of the driver 104 to minimize distractions while the driver is operating the vehicle. The display interface 108 presents a graphical user interface (GUI) for enabling the driver 104 to view and interact with one or more inputs and outputs while communicating using the system 100. To that end, the display interface 108 includes an input section 112 and an output section 120 displayed therein. The input section 112 can include one or more virtual input tools, such as a virtual keyboard 113 and one or more virtual pointers 115, 117. The virtual pointers 115, 117 may be operated or manipulated within the display interface 108 (similar to a computer mouse) by the driver 104 using the one or more input controls 110 to select one or more input keys from the virtual keyboard 112, thereby enabling the driver 104, for example, to type a text message or command. The display interface 108 may also include the output section 120 configured to display the corresponding output, such as text, in response to the manipulation of the virtual pointers 115, 117 and selection of keys from the virtual keyboard 113.

[0045] In some embodiments, the virtual pointer 115 may be manipulated by the driver 104 using their right hand and the virtual pointer 117 may be manipulated by the driver 104 using their left hand (as will be described later in the following description). The virtual pointers 115, 117 provide the drivers with an ability to select keys or perform actions with high precision and accuracy. For example, the driver 104 can compose text messages using the virtual pointers 115, 117 and the virtual keyboard 113 within the input section 112, which are displayed in realtime within the output section 120. In some other examples, the pointers 115, 117 and the virtual keyboard 113 may also enable other interactions, such as selection of one or more images or operating controls displayed on the display interface 108, or for typing control commands which are also displayed in the output section 120 in a similar manner. The display interface 108 facilitates an intuitive (as will be described later in the following description) and user-friendly interface for communication while allowing the driver 104 to maintain focus on driving safely. In some additional examples, the display interface 108 may also be configured to display driving information, such as vehicle speed, navigation information, and / or alerts, either in addition to the input and output sections 112, 120 or separately, for example, when there is no communication activity happening.

[0046] In some embodiments, the display interface 108 may be provided at an eye level of the driver 104, while in some other embodiments, the display interface 108 may be displayed below or above the eye level, and is preferably adapted to remain within a comfortable viewing range for the driver 104 requiring minimum or no tilting or turning of the head. Further, in some 7CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 other embodiments, the position of the display interface 108 may be adjustable by the driver 104, whereby, for example, the driver can adjust the interface to a comfortable viewing position according to the driver’s height. Placement of the display interface 108 within the natural line of sight or the natural field of view not only provides convenience, but also enhances the safety by minimizing the need for the driver to turn their head away from the road while driving.

[0047] The display interface 108 is displayed on an output device provided in the cabin 101 within the natural field of view or line of sight of the driver 104. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the output device is implemented using a physical display screen 1108, such as a wired or wireless monitor, that is mounted on the dashboard 106 via a mounting assembly 111. The mounting assembly 111 may include a mounting arm 116 (shown in FIG. 2) on which the display screen 1108 can be mounted. The mounting arm 116 may in turn be mounted on the dashboard 106 via a securing mechanism, including but not limited to, suction cups, magnetic mounts, vent clips, bracket holders, and the like. In some examples, the mounting assembly 111 may also include a position adjustment mechanism (not shown) configured to enable raising, lowering, tilting and / or turning of the display screen 1108 mounted thereon. The display screen 1108 is positioned at a position that is within the natural line of sight or field of view of the driver 104 such that the driver 104 can view the content displayed on the display interface 108 without tilting or turning their heads.

[0048] In another embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 3, the output unit may be implemented as a virtual display screen 2108 projected on a windshield 201 of the vehicle 200. In this embodiment, the display interface 108 comprises a “heads up” display, which is displayed via the projected virtual display screen 2108 and includes the input section 112 and the output section 120 in a similar manner as described above. To that end, the cabin 101 may include a projector (not shown) installed, such as on a ceiling of the cabin of the vehicle 200 or in or on the dashboard 106, to project the virtual display screen 2108 on the windshield 201. In this example as well, the virtual display screen 2108 is displayed on a designated area of the windshield 201 which is within the natural line of sight and / or the field of view of the driver 104.

[0049] The communication system 100 further includes one or more inputs controls 110 that are coupled or linked to the one or more virtual input tools and configured to allow the driver 104 to operate or manipulate the virtual input tools displayed on the display interface 108. In an example embodiment, the one or more input controls 110 may be implemented as handheld physical controls mounted on a steering device 140 of the vehicle 200. For example, the controls 110 can be mounted on the standard driving hand position (such as, for example, the 3 o’clock and / or 9 o’clock positions or the 2 o’clock and / or 10 o’clock positions) on the steering device 1408CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 to enable easy actuation requiring minimum to no visual interaction with the controls 110, thereby minimizing distraction while driving. Furthermore, the input controls 110 are positioned such that the controls are in contact with the fingers of the driver 104 to facilitate actuation of the controls 110 while driving. Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, in an example embodiment, the one or more input controls 110 can include a first set of controls 144 positioned on one portion or side of the steering device 140 and a second set of controls 146 positioned on a second portion or side of the steering device 140, and these controls 144, 146 are configured to be controlled by the left hand and the right hand of the driver 104, respectively. Each of the first and second set of controls 144, 146 are provided on a respective steering device sleeve 142, 143 which can be detachably or fixedly mounted on the steering device 140.

[0050] The one or more input controls 110 (including the first set of controls 144 and the second set of controls 146) are installed on the steering device 140 in a manner that is both functional and ergonomic in shape, ensuring that the controls 110 integrate seamlessly with the vehicle’s interface while maintaining driver comfort. The steering device sleeve 142, 143, which can be detached from the steering device 140, is contoured to match the natural curve of the steering device, providing a comfortable and intuitive feel during use. Shape of the sleeves 142, 143 conform to the steering device’s structure, allowing for smooth operation without disrupting the driver's grip. The detachable nature of the sleeves and the controls 110 makes it easy to remove for maintenance or adjustments, while its streamlined design ensures that it remains securely attached during driving, minimizing distraction and maximizing convenience.

[0051] In an embodiment, each of the first set of controls 144 and / or the second set of controls 146 may include one or more scroll actuators 148 (shown as scroll actuators 148-1 for the first set of controls 144 and scroll actuators 148-2 for the second set of controls in FIG. 5). Preferably, the controls may also include at least one selection key 149 (shown in FIG. 5as keys 149-1 , 149-2 corresponding to the sets 144, 146, respectively).

[0052] In some embodiments, the scroll actuators 148 may be coupled or linked to the corresponding virtual pointers 115, 117 displayed in the display interface 108. For example, the scroll actuators 148-1 can be configured to manipulate the virtual pointer 115 and the scroll actuators 148-2 can be configured to manipulate the virtual pointer 117 displayed on the display interface 108. Similarly, the selections keys 149 may also be configured to select a highlighted option by the scroll actuators 148 within the virtual keyboard 113, for example. The scroll actuators 148 can be used for navigating through various icons, menu options, and pages, etc. while the selection keys 149 allow the driver to select icons, move between functions, and input letters for texting. As will be understood, the scroll actuators 148 enable the driver to effortlessly 9CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 move between apps, contacts, message threads, and the like. Once the desired option is highlighted, the driver 104 may activate the selection key 149 to select or open the selected option, such as for activating the texting feature or another function as desired. In some examples, the scroll and selection functionality can be achieved by a single actuator similarly provided on the steering device 140. Although there are two sets of controls shown, it will be appreciated that in some examples, the number of controls can be varied to achieve similar functionalities.

[0053] By positioning the one or more input controls 110 on the steering device 140 and displaying corresponding virtual input tools on the display interface 108, the system 100 allows the driver to navigate through the various functionalities provided by the system 100 in a minimally distractive manner. That is, the driver 104 can activate or navigate through the controls using only their hands and fingers while looking at the output of such activation displayed only on the display interface 108 which is placed in their natural viewing range. This arrangement ensures that the driver 104 is always looking primarily in the front, i.e., on the road requiring minimum to no tilting or turning of their heads in order to communicate using the system 100.

[0054] FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the one or more input controls 2110 mounted on the steering device 140. FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the steering device 140 with the input controls 2110 provided within the driver cabin 101. FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the steering device 140 having the input controls 2110 mounted thereon. FIG. 9 illustrates various perspective views of the input controls 2110. In this embodiment, the one or more input controls 2110 may comprise a touch sensitive control 160. For example, the one or more input controls 2110 may include a first touch sensitive control 160-1 provided on a first steering sleeve 162-1 and / or a second touch control 160-2 provided on a second steering sleeve 162-2, which are then mounted on the steering device 140 in a similar manner as described above. The touch sensitive controls 160-1 , 160-2 (collectively referred to as the touch sensitive controls 160) can be positioned, for example, so as to lie under the driver’s fingers when the driver engages the steering device 140 (as shown in FIG. 7), thereby offering a layer of intuitive control to the drive while driving. The individual touch sensitive controls 160-1 and 160-2 are coupled to the virtual pointers 115, 117, respectively, displayed on the display interface 108 and allow the driver to easily navigate the pointers 115, 117 within the display interface 108. As would be understood by persons skilled in the art, the finger’s movement across the surface of the touch-sensitive controls 160 results in movement of the corresponding virtual pointers 115, 117, thereby enabling the driver to scroll through the options, menus, or text fields with precision. Further, to select or click on an option, icon or key, the driver 104 can tap or press down on the 10CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 surface of the touch controls 160. The touch sensitive controls 160 provide seamless control to the driver 104 without requiring them to take their hands off the steering device 140. This scroll, click and choose functionality further enhances the system’s convenience, allowing the driver to quickly and safely interact with the display for texting or other functionalities while maintaining focus on the road.

[0055] The input controls 110, 2110 and the display interface 108 are communicatively coupled to the control system 150 that is configured to manage the interaction between the driver and the communication system 100. The control system 150 is configured to receive and process the input signals from the input controls 110, 2110 to generate corresponding action signals in the display interface 108. For example, the input signals received from the scroll actuators 148 and / or the touch-sensitive controls 160 are translated by the control system 150 into movement of the corresponding virtual pointers 115, 117. Similarly, the input signals received from actuation of the key selection control 149 are displayed by the control system 150 on the display interface 108.

[0056] FIG. 10 illustrates a control system 150 according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure. The control system 150 includes an input module 302, an output module 304, a memory module 306, a communication interface 308 and a processor 310. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that FIG. 10 depicts the control system 150 in a simplified manner and other embodiments may include fewer or additional components and logic to support known or conventional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The control system 150 can be implemented on a server, an on-board computer, or any other computing device. In some embodiments, the control system 150 is adapted to receive inputs via the input module 302 and provide output via the output module 304. The control system 150 may also provide the ability to view and interact with the graphical user interface or the display interface 108 that can be rendered or displayed on either the physical display screen 1108 or the virtual display screen 2108. The display interface 108 can be implemented using a web browser or stand-alone application (e.g., a mobile app) running on the control system 150. The display interface 108 can also be accessed through a network connection over the network to a serverbased application hosted elsewhere within an enterprise associated with the control system 150. In some examples, the control system 150 may implemented as a third-party service that can be provided as a cloud-based service (e.g., hosted on remote server) to multiple enterprises with centralized or distributed control, including local instances deployed for the control system 150.

[0057] The components of the control system 150 may, in some embodiments, communicate with one another via a local interface 303. The local interface 303 may include, but 11CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 is not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface 303 may have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among many others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface 303 may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components. In some alternative embodiments, one or more components of the control system 150 may be implemented in a cloud environment with the components communicating with one another over a wireless connection or network.

[0058] The memory module 306 may include any of the volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM), and / or combinations thereof. Further, the memory module 306 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media, including non-transitory computer readable media. It may be appreciated that the memory module 306 may have a distributed architecture, where various components are situated remotely from one another, and are accessed by the control system 150, and its components, such as the processor 310. The memory module 306 may include one or more software programs, each of which includes listing of computer executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The software in the memory module 306 may include a suitable operating system and one or more programming codes for execution by the components, such as the processor 310 of the control system 150. The operating system may be configured to control the execution of the programming codes and provide scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control, and related services. The programming codes may be configured to implement the various processes, algorithms, methods, techniques, etc. described herein.

[0059] Further, the communication interface 308 is configured to enable the control system to communicate with the other components of the communication system 100 and the vehicle over a network (not shown). In some embodiments, the communication interface 308 may include a transceiver configured to transmit and receive data to / from various components of the system 100, such as the input controls 110, 2110, the display interface 108, the display screen 1108 and / or the projector that projects the virtual display screen 2108. The communication interface 308 can also communicatively connect one or more in-cabin sensors 350 and external vehicle sensors 360 to the control system 150. The transceiver can transmit and receive data / messages in accordance with one or more communication protocols, such as, TCP / IP, UDP, and 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or 6G communication protocols. Further, the communication interface 308 can also include, for example, an Ethernet card or adapter or a wireless local area 12CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 network (WLAN) card or adapter. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication interface 308 can include a radio frequency interface for wide area communications such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks, or any other networks known in the art. The communication interface 308 can include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communications on the network.

[0060] The network can be an electronic network (e.g., wired, or wireless or a combination), whether partially or wholly electronic, and it can be, in some examples, purpose built for the vehicle 200. The network can connect various components of the vehicle 200 and the communication system 100 to one another. Examples of the network can include a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), an Ethernet, Internet, an Intranet, a cellular network, a satellite network, or any other suitable network for transmitting data. For example, the network may include a private or public switched telephone network (PSTN), mobile network (e.g., code division multiple access (CDMA) network, global system for mobile communications (GSM) network, and / or any 3G, 4G, or 5G wireless carrier network, etc.), WiFi or other similar wireless network, and a private and / or public wide area network (e.g., the Internet).

[0061] The processor 310 can be a hardware device for executing software instructions, such as the software instructions stored in the memory module 306. The processor 310 may include one or more of a custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the processor 310, a semiconductor-based microprocessor, or generally any device for executing software instructions. The processor 310 can be implemented using one or more controller technologies, such as Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) technology, Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) technology, and so on. When the communication system 100 is in operation, the processor 310 may be configured to execute software stored within the memory module 306 to generally control and perform the one or more operations of the control system 150 pursuant to the software instructions.

[0062] In an embodiment, the control system 150 is configured to control operations of the communication system 100, the one or more input controls 110, 2110, and the display interface 108 based on one or more driving parameters, such as traffic conditions, driver state, complexity of the road on which the vehicle is travelling and so on. To that end, in some embodiments, the control system 150 may further include or otherwise incorporate an Artificial Intelligence (Al) module 340 configured to enable predictive or intuitive control operations of the communication system 100 based one or more driving parameters. Although Al module 340 is described herein as providing the control system 150 an ability to control operations of the communication system,13CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 it will be appreciated that other predictive control models or machine learning models may also be utilized in a similar to manner to achieve the functionalities described herein. The Al module 340 may be implemented using one or more neural network-based models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNN) that are trained to utilize real-time or near real-time data to identify the driver’s status and external driving conditions and accordingly control operations of the communication system 100. In some embodiments, the Al module 340 may also utilize one or more natural language processing (NLP) models to generate predictive outputs, such as predictive texts, in response to manipulation of the virtual pointers 115, 117 and selection of one or more keys in the virtual keyboard 113. The generated predictive outputs can also be displayed within the output section 120 of the display interface 108 and the driver 104 can scroll through and select one or more the predictive outputs, pre-written text suggestions, etc., using the scroll and select functionalities provided on the input controls 110, 2110. In some embodiments, the driver may also be able to dictate messages via voice commands integrated into the Al module 340 and the control system 150.

[0063] To that end, the Al module 340 may be configured to utilize sensor data 314, traffic data 316, driver data 318, and real-time location data 320, and generate real-time (or near real time) control signals for operating the communication system 100. The sensor data 314 is obtained from one or more cabin sensors 350 and external vehicle sensors 360 positioned on the vehicle. For example, the cabin sensors 350 may include one or more cameras positioned within the driver cabin 101 and configured to capture one or more real-time images of the driver 104. These cameras may utilize one or more computer vision technologies to detect driver’s facial expressions to assess attentiveness or signs of fatigue, such as drooping eyelids, yawning, or prolonged blinking. Camera images can be stored as sensor data 314 and the detected features of the drivers may be stored as driver data 318, for example, in the on-board memory module 306 or an external database (not shown). Similarly, the external vehicle sensors 360 may also include one or more cameras positioned on an exterior of the vehicle and configured to capture real-time images and videos of the surroundings of the vehicle, which are also stored as sensor data 314.

[0064] Traffic data 316 may be obtained using external sources such as Global Position Systems (GPS) installed on vehicles and Google Maps ® indicating real-time data associated with traffic on a path on which the vehicle 200 is travelling. Furthermore, the location data 320 may include real-time location data associated with the vehicle 200 and obtained using one or more on-board location and position sensors installed on the vehicle.14CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037

[0065] The Al module 340 may be configured to assess the driver’s current status and the external driving conditions to enable or disable one or more communication activities through the communication system 100. For example, the Al module 340 can detect driver’s facial expressions and other features and if the data indicates that the driver is too tired or sleepy or distracted, the Al module 340 can be configured to cause the control system 150 to block or disable one or more activities, such as texting, on the communication system 100. The control system 150 may be configured to disable the connection between the input controls 110, 2110 mounted on the steering device 140 and the display interface 108, preventing the driver from engaging in any secondary activity whenever it is unsafe. In some examples, the control system 150 may display an alert or a warning on the display interface 108 indicating to the driver 104 to maintain focus on driving and on the road.

[0066] In some embodiments, the Al module 340 may also detect traffic conditions and external driving conditions in real-time and enable and / or disable the communication system 100 based on them. The Al module 340 can be configured to evaluate factors such as current traffic speed, road congestion, and the complexity of the driving environment (such as urban areas, highways, construction zones, etc.) to determine whether it is safe for the driver to engage in secondary activities, such as texting. The Al module 340 can cause the control system 150 to enable and / or disable the communication system 100 whenever it is detected that the driver needs to maintain focus on driving and on the road. For example, if the vehicle 200 is detected to be moving slowly in a traffic jam, or at a complete stop, the control system 150 may enable the use of the communication system 100 to text or call. However, if the vehicle is detected to be moving at a high speed or the road is complex and requires focused driving, the control system 150 may disable the use of communication system 100 and may display a warning message on the display interface 108.

[0067] The communication system 100 described herein is configured to enhance driving safety by providing the option to communicate with third party or the vehicle in a controlled manner, while ensuring that the driver’s attention remains on the road. The combination of hands-on steering device controls 110, 2110, a convenient display interface 108, and Al-powered safety assessments creates a driving environment that supports both connectivity and security.

[0068] FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart 401 of an embodiment of the method described herein for messaging using a driver messaging interface, consistent with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the method may include a step 402 of connecting at least one driver messaging interface to a smart phone, a step 404 of controlling at least one pointer displayed on a driver display interface via at least two control elements, and a step 406 of 15CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 selecting letters and actions displayed on the driver display interface via the at least two control elements.

[0069] In an embodiment, step 402 of connecting at least one driver messaging interface to a smart phone may include electrically connecting the at least one driver messaging interface, as described above, to a smart phone using a connection methods, such as Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi, a wired connection, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the driver messaging interface may include at least one handhold and one driver display interface as described above. In an embodiment, at least one handhold may be installed on a steering wheel of a vehicle. In an embodiment, at least one handhold may include at least two control elements. In an embodiment, each control element of at least two control elements may include a scroll device (e.g., a wheel) and one or more buttons, again as described above..

[0070] In an embodiment, step 404 of controlling at least one virtual pointer displayed on the driver display interface may include using the at least two control elements installed on the at least one handhold. In an embodiment, the driver display interface and at least one handhold may be electrically connected to each other. In an embodiment, a scroll device may be used to move at least one pointer on the driver display interface screen. In an embodiment, the scroll may be used for navigating through various icons, menu options, and pages, while one of the buttons may allow the driver to select icons, move between functions, and input letters for texting. In an embodiment, once the desired option is highlighted, one of the buttons may be actuated to allow the driver to select the option, thus activating the texting feature or another function as needed. In an embodiment, the driver may scroll through pre-written texts, predictive text options, or dictate messages via voice commands integrated into the driver messaging interface.

[0071] In an embodiment, step 406 of selecting letters and actions displayed on the driver display interface may include using at least two control elements installed on at least one handhold. In some embodiments, the control elements may be designed to enhance usability and minimize driver distractions. In an embodiment, the driver display interface may ensure that the content remains within the driver’s natural line of sight, reducing the need for the driver to shift focus away from the road.

[0072] In an embodiment, selecting letters and actions may involve a digital keyboard displayed on the driver display interface. In an embodiment, the digital keyboard may provide a clear and organized interface for composing text or activating specific vehicle functions. In some embodiments, the system permits drivers to select letters and action on the digital keyboard 16CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 using at least one pointer. In an embodiment, one or more of the pointers may allow precise navigation across the keyboard or menu options. In an embodiment, the driver messaging interface may ensure that each input is processed efficiently, and the selected actions or letters are displayed in real-time, reinforcing the user-friendly nature of the driver display interface.

[0073] In an embodiment, selecting letters and actions may include using touch-sensitive screens on at least one handhold. In some embodiment, drivers may use finger movements across the touch-sensitive screens to guide the at least one pointer on the driver display interface. In an embodiment, tapping or pressing on touch-sensitive screens selects the highlighted option, further enhancing the ease of interaction. In an embodiment, touch-sensitive screens may be strategically placed to align with the natural hand position on steering wheel, ensuring that drivers can use at least one handhold intuitively.

[0074] In an embodiment, the driver messaging interface may utilize a processing unit for retrieving data of the smart phone. In an embodiment, when utilizing the processing unit one time connection of the smart phone to the driver messaging interface may be sufficient. In an embodiment, the processing unit may store data of the driver / user within a memory. In an embodiment, apps and chat websites may be displayed on the driver display interface for easy access of the driver.

[0075] Additionally, the processing unit may employ artificial intelligence to monitor driving conditions and assess the driver’s readiness for secondary tasks like texting. For example, if the processing unit detects fatigue or complex driving scenarios, it may restrict access to the keyboard and display alerts to maintain safety. In an embodiment, the Al system may also adapt the display content and control responsiveness based on the vehicle’s speed and traffic conditions, ensuring that interactions remain safe and contextually appropriate.

[0076] By combining these features, the method described in step 204 ensures that selecting letters and actions is intuitive, efficient, and, most importantly, safe. In an embodiment, the driver messaging interface 101 may allow drivers to stay connected while minimizing the risks associated with distracted driving.

[0077] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the examples described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other 17CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CPST Ref: 40736 / 00037 instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the examples described herein.

[0078] It will be appreciated that the examples and corresponding diagrams used herein are for illustrative purposes only. Different configurations and terminology can be used without departing from the principles expressed herein. For instance, components and modules can be added, deleted, modified, or arranged with differing connections without departing from these principles.

[0079] It will also be appreciated that any module or component exemplified herein that executes instructions may include or otherwise have access to computer readable media such as storage media, cloud storage, computer storage media, or data storage devices (removable and / or non-removable) such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information, and which can be accessed by an application, module, or both. Any such computer storage media may be part of the OPP 100, system 104 or system 302, any component of or related thereto, etc., or accessible or connectable thereto. Any application or module herein described may be implemented using computer readable / executable instructions that may be stored or otherwise held by such computer readable media.

[0080] The steps or operations in the flow charts and diagrams described herein are just for example. There may be many variations to these steps or operations without departing from the principles discussed above. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted, or modified.

[0081] Although the above description includes reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Further, the specific embodiments described herein are not intended to be mutually exclusive. That is, one or more features of one embodiment may be included in another embodiment described herein unless specifically mentioned otherwise. Any examples provided herein are included solely for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Any drawings provided 18CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CP ST Ref: 40736 / 00037 herein are solely for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of the description and are not intended to be drawn to scale or to be limiting in any way. The scope of the claims appended hereto should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the above description but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the present specification as a whole. The disclosures of all references in the present description herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.19CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1

Claims

1. PCT Application CP ST Ref: 40736 / 00037 Claims1. A driver communication system for a vehicle, the driver communication system comprising:a display interface displayed on an output device provided within a cabin of the vehicle, the display interface being configured to display one or more virtual input tools and one or more outputs corresponding to operations of the one or more virtual input tools;one or more input controls mounted on a steering device of the vehicle and configured to be actuated by a driver of the vehicle, the one or more input controls being coupled to corresponding one or more of the virtual input tools, wherein the one or more virtual input tools are operated within the display interface in response to actuation of a corresponding one or more input controls by the driver; anda control system communicatively coupled to the display interface and each of the one or more input controls mounted on the steering device, the control system being configured to control operations of the display interface and the one or more input controls based on one or more driving parameters.

2. The driver communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the display interface is provided within a natural field of view or a natural line of sight of the driver.

3. The driver communication system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more input controls are installed at one or more hand resting positions on the steering device that are utilized by the driver while driving the vehicle.

4. The driver communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output device is a physical display screen mounted on a dashboard within the cabin of the vehicle using a mounting assembly.

5. The driver communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the output device is a virtual display screen projected on a windshield of the vehicle.

6. The driver communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more virtual input tools include one or more virtual pointers and a virtual keyboard, wherein the virtual pointers are configured to be manipulated within the display interface to select one or more keys from the virtual keyboard.20CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CP ST Ref: 40736 / 00037 7. The driver communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more input controls includes a scroll actuator configured to enable a scrolling operation of at least one of the one or more virtual input tools and a key selection actuator configured to enable selection of at least one option provided by the one or more virtual input tools displayed in the display interface.

8. The driver communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more input controls are handheld controls mounted on a steering device sleeve detachably installed on the steering device of the vehicle.

9. The driver communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more input controls include one or more touch sensitive controls mounted on the steering device to enable one or more of a scrolling operation of the one or more virtual input tools displayed on the display interface.

10. The driver communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more input controls includes a first set of controls mounted on a first portion of the steering device and operable by the driver using a left hand and a second set of controls mounted on a second portion of the steering device and operably by the driver using a right hand.

11. The driver communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the one or more driving parameters include one or more facial expression, stress, fatigue, and sleepiness detected on the driver.

12. The driver communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the one or more driving parameters include traffic and road conditions associated with driving of the vehicle.

13. The driver communication system of claim 12, wherein the control system is configured to receive location information associated with the vehicle, the traffic information data from one or more external sources, and configured to control operations of the one or more of the display interface and the one or more input controls based on the received information.

14. The driver communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control system is further configured generate and display one or more predictive outputs on the display interface in response to operation of the one or more virtual input tools.21CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CP ST Ref: 40736 / 0003715. The driver communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the control system includes an Artificial Intelligence based prediction module configured to monitor one or more driving parameters and control the operations of the display interface and the one or more input controls based on the monitored one or more driving parameters.

16. A driver communication system for a vehicle, comprising:a display interface configured to be presented on an output device within a cabin of the vehicle within a natural field of view of a driver, the display interface configured to display (i) a virtual input tool and (ii) an output responsive to operation of the virtual input tool;at least one input control mountable on a steering device of the vehicle and configured to be actuated by the driver during operation of the vehicle to provide an input signal; anda control system in communication with the display interface and the at least one input control, the control system configured to:provide an action signal to the display interface that causes the virtual input tool to be operated in response to the input signal; andcontrol an availability of a communication activity via the display interface based at least in part on a driving parameter.

17. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the communication activity comprises at least one of composing a text message, selecting a predetermined message, initiating a call, composing an email, or operating an application associated with a mobile device.

18. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the virtual input tool comprises at least one virtual pointer displayed in the display interface and configured to be moved within the display interface in response to the input signal.

19. The driver communication system of claim 18, wherein the display interface further comprises a virtual keyboard, and wherein the output comprises text generated responsive to selection of one or more keys of the virtual keyboard using the at least one virtual pointer.

20. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the display interface comprises an input section that includes the virtual input tool and an output section that includes the output responsive to operation of the virtual input tool.22CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CP ST Ref: 40736 / 00037 21. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the at least one input control is positioned at a hand resting location on the steering device.

22. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the at least one input control comprises a scroll actuator configured to cause a scrolling operation of the virtual input tool.

23. The driver communication system of claim 22, wherein the at least one input control further comprises a selection actuator configured to cause selection of a highlighted option provided by the display interface.

24. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the at least one input control comprises a touch sensitive surface configured such that finger movement across the touch sensitive surface controls movement of a virtual pointer within the display interface.

25. The driver communication system of claim 24, wherein the touch sensitive surface is further configured such that a tap or press selects a highlighted option in the display interface.

26. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the at least one input control comprises a first set of controls operable by a left hand and a second set of controls operable by a right hand.

27. The driver communication system of claim 26, wherein the virtual input tool comprises a first virtual pointer controlled via the first set of controls and a second virtual pointer controlled via the second set of controls.

28. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the at least one input control is provided on a steering device sleeve configured to be detachably installed on the steering device.

29. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the output device comprises a physical display screen mounted on a dashboard using a mounting assembly, and wherein the mounting assembly includes an adjustment mechanism configured to change at least one of a tilt, height, or rotation of the physical display screen.

30. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the output device comprises a heads-up display including a virtual display projected on a windshield of the vehicle.23CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CP ST Ref: 40736 / 0003731. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the driving parameter includes at least one driver state parameter indicative of at least one of fatigue, sleepiness, stress, attentiveness, or facial expression.

32. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the driving parameter includes at least one of vehicle speed, traffic condition, road condition, or road complexity.

33. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the control system is configured to receive traffic information and location information from at least one external source and to control the availability of the communication activity based at least in part on the traffic information and location information.

34. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the control system is configured to control the availability of the communication activity by at least one of (i) disabling a coupling between the at least one input control and the display interface or (ii) disabling an input section of the display interface.

35. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the control system is configured to, based on the driving parameter, cause an alert to be presented via the display interface indicating that the communication activity is restricted.

36. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the control system comprises a prediction module configured to generate a predictive output in response to operation of the virtual input tool, and wherein the display interface is configured to present the predictive output.

37. The driver communication system of claim 36, wherein the predictive output comprises predictive text selectable via the at least one input control.

38. The driver communication system of claim 36, wherein the prediction module includes a machine learning model configured to generate the predictive output based on at least one of prior user inputs, a current message context, or a communication application context.

39. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the control system is configured to interface with at least one in-cabin sensor configured to sense a driver state, and to control the24CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CP ST Ref: 40736 / 00037 availability of the communication activity based at least in part on sensor data from the at least one in-cabin sensor.

40. The driver communication system of claim 39, wherein the at least one in-cabin sensor comprises a camera configured to capture imagery of the driver for determining the driver state.

41. The driver communication system of claim 16, further comprising a communication interface configured to communicatively couple the control system with a mobile device using at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a wired connection, and wherein the display interface is configured to present content associated with the mobile device.

42. The driver communication system of claim 41 , wherein the control system is configured to access, via the mobile device, at least one of a messaging service, a contact list, or an application user interface for presentation on the display interface.

43. The driver communication system of claim 16, wherein the control system is implemented at least in part as a cloud-based service in communication with the vehicle over a wireless network.

44. A method of operating a driver messaging interface in a vehicle, comprising:presenting a display interface on an output device within a cabin of the vehicle within a natural field of view of a driver, the display interface including a virtual input tool and an output region;receiving, at a control system, input signals from at least one input control mounted on a steering device of the vehicle, the at least one input control being configured to be actuated by the driver during operation of the vehicle;causing, via the control system, operation of the virtual input tool in the display interface in response to the input signals, including updating content presented in the output region; and controlling, via the control system, whether a communication activity is available through the display interface based at least in part on a driving parameter.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising connecting the control system to a mobile device using at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a wired connection, and obtaining message data from the mobile device for presentation in the display interface.25CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1PCT Application CP ST Ref: 40736 / 00037 46. The method of claim 44, wherein causing operation of the virtual input tool comprises controlling movement of a virtual pointer in response to a scrolling input and selecting a character on a virtual keyboard in response to a selection input.

47. The method of claim 44, further comprising generating, via the control system, predictive text based on at least one user input and presenting the predictive text as a selectable option in the display interface.

48. The method of claim 44, wherein controlling whether the communication activity is available comprises disabling text entry when the driving parameter indicates at least one of driver fatigue, driver distraction, a road complexity condition, or a traffic condition that exceeds a threshold.

49. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a control system of a vehicle, cause the control system to perform operations comprising:presenting a display interface on an output device within a cabin of the vehicle within a natural field of view of a driver, the display interface configured to display a virtual input tool and an output responsive to operation of the virtual input tool;receiving input signals from at least one input control mounted on a steering device of the vehicle;generating action signals that cause the virtual input tool to be operated in response to the input signals; andcontrolling an availability of a communication activity via the display interface based at least in part on a driving parameter.

50. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 49, wherein the operations further comprise receiving sensor data from at least one in-cabin sensor indicative of a driver state, and controlling the availability of the communication activity based at least in part on the sensor data.

51. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 49, wherein the operations further comprise generating predictive text using a natural language processing model and presenting the predictive text via the display interface as a selectable suggestion.26CPST Doc: 1376-1669-2507.1

Images