According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, a safety control system for using applications in vehicles, includes, a communication device having at least one of an input accessible from within the vehicle and an output communicated within the vehicle, at least one sensor operable to sense at least one condition related to vehicle operation, and data about distraction features of a running application, to and a controller communicated with the sensor and the communication device to selectively suppress at least one of said input and said output in response to a sensed parameter of said at least one condition being outside of a threshold. When an input is suppressed, the driver is prevented from accessing or inputting information into the communication device. When an output is suppressed, communication between the device and the driver of a vehicle is suppressed to, among other things, avoid distracting the driver during certain driving situations or conditions relating to the driver, vehicle and/or environment.

Provided is a heads up display system having a platform having a receiver configured to removably receive and physically support a mobile phone and/or tablet having a display screen, a medium oriented at an angle with respect to the platform, and an opening defined in the platform between the receiver and the medium. The system may include a couple configured to couple the platform to a structure or surface. The coupler can be configured to enable the platform to be coupled to the surface or structure at a selected angle.

A display article includes a film formed from a stretchable plastic and including a first plurality of micro-light emitting diodes and a second plurality of micro-light emitting diodes disposed adjacent to the first plurality and embedded in the plastic. The article includes a substrate having a first portion and a second portion, and a tear seam disposed between the first and second portions. The film is attached to the substrate such that the tear seam is located between the first and second pluralities. A component includes the display article and an airbag disposed adjacent the substrate and configured for transitioning between a stowed position in which the airbag does not extend through the substrate, and a deployed position in which the airbag extends through the substrate and the film. The first and second portions are separated at the tear seam when the airbag is disposed in the deployed position.

A steering device of a two-track vehicle has a retaining element and a steering handle for the driver that is rotatably mounted therein, and has a guide device for the retaining element, along which the retaining element can be moved between an extended use position, toward the driver in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a retracted rest position, further away from the driver. The guide device extends in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle.

Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.

Provided is a system for presenting information to a driver in a vehicle with a steering wheel and dashboard and/or windshield includes a first enclosure that supports a mobile device and a combiner glass (e.g., half reflective mirror) on the dashboard or windshield. A second bracket releasably attaches a tactile input device to the steering wheel. The tactile input device generates signals representing motion of the driver's finger or thumb across a touch pad and the actuation of an entry key of the device. The tactile input device and the mobile device communicate wirelessly, in preferred embodiments. The enclosure supports the mobile device to have an orientation with respect to the combiner glass that produces a heads-up display that can be controlled by the driver's interaction with the tactile input device. Advantageously, the present invention provides systems and methods that minimize visual, mechanical and cognitive distractions.

An bluetooth audio steering wheel knob is quickly attachable and detachable without tools and includes a bluetooth circuit and at least one audio transducer. The bluetooth audio steering wheel knob includes a housing having a shaft inserted into a bracket mounted to a steering wheel. The shaft may include a spring loaded ball detent which engages a recess ring inside a shaft passage in the bracket, allowing the bluetooth audio steering wheel knob to be detached by a firm tug, or a mounting block may include a spring loaded lock which engages a stud extending down from a housing base. The batteries, a bluetooth circuit and at least one audio transducer is housed inside the bluetooth audio steering wheel knob and is rechargeable using a plug in charger or separate base.

A hands-on wheel, transparent multi-pocket pouch for displaying personal identification documents uses a multi-pocket pouch, a transparent exterior pocket and an external device fastener to mount a user's identification documents on the steering wheel of a vehicle. The multi-pocket pouch is a transparent enclosure that has an interior pocket. The transparent exterior pocket is connected to a front face of the multi-pocket pouch so that the user is able to place a driver's license above the identification documents stored within the multi-pocket pouch. The external device fastener is connected to a rear face of the multi-pocket pouch so that the multi-pocket pouch can be attached to the vehicle's steering wheel. The present invention can be made of flexible materials capable of conforming to the shape of the steering wheel.

A mounting assembly, for mounting an electronic device to a steering wheel assembly, includes: a base, attached to a first portion of the steering wheel assembly; a stud shaft, protruding from the base and to which the electronic device is selectively attachable via a clip attached to a back surface of the electronic device; a restraining leash, a first end of which is attached to a second portion of the steering wheel assembly, and a second end of which is secured to the base such that the base is attached to the steering wheel assembly at the first portion and the second portion; a locking mechanism, for selectively locking the electronic device to the stud shaft; and a stabilizing wand, for preventing inadvertent rotation of the electronic device about the stud shaft.