A customization control system includes, and a method, applies reprogramming a logic device by means user actuated elements of an electrically integrated system. The logic device only accepts reprogramming when the system is in a safe mode, e.g., in a non-operating state. One version is applied as an after market kit that avoids aspects of a factory-supplied control system, wherein a controller is communicatively coupled with both one or more user actuated input elements and one or more output elements, whereby the controller directs the behavior of the output elements in response to signals received from the user actuated input elements and without intermediation of a native control system of a comprising product or system. The controller may be programmed with a default mode and/or an override priority, whereby the behavior and/or state of the output elements is directed by the controller without regard to reprogrammed instructions.

Systems and methods are disclosed to promote safe defensive driving by maintaining an adequate separation distance between vehicles. In some embodiments, a subject vehicle may include an anti-tailgating system configured to detect a following vehicle, measure the separation distance between vehicles, and activate a distinctive signaling device. A sequence of increasingly urgent distinctive signaling devices may be activated according to a series of predetermined threshold values corresponding to the separation distance, the speed of the subject vehicle, the relative speed of the tailgating vehicle, the condition of the road surface, and others. The distinctive signaling devices may comprise lights with a distinctive color or shape or position, a text message presented upon the rear of the subject vehicle, among many other distinctive signaling options. The anti-tailgating system may save lives by reminding drivers to leave adequate separation distance between vehicles.

A notification device includes a calculation unit calculating, based on a speed of a vehicle, a vehicle stoppage distance by which the vehicle travels until the vehicle enters a stopped state while performing autonomous driving, a notification unit performing notification about information with respect to an outside of the vehicle, and a notification controller causing the notification unit not to perform notification about information indicating that the vehicle is in the middle of deceleration until the vehicle passes by a first soon-to-cross pedestrian and to cause the notification unit to perform notification about the information after the vehicle passes by the first soon-to-cross pedestrian when a distance between the vehicle and the first soon-to-cross pedestrian is smaller than the vehicle stoppage distance and a distance between the vehicle and a second soon-to-cross pedestrian is equal to or greater than the vehicle stoppage distance.

A modular light bar, for mounting on an emergency vehicle, is configured for changing of a portion of its external shape for changing a corresponding light directional capability thereof using interchangeable lighting modules. The lights thereon cast light in multiple lighting directions without using any rotating elements. The modular light bar includes: a base member with a first light bar end section and a second light bar end section interconnected by a support portion configured to provide a gap between the first and second light bar end sections. Various different center section lighting modules may be interchangeably received in the gap between the first light bar end section and the second light bar end section, and be latched thereto.

A modular light bar, for mounting on an emergency vehicle, is configured for changing of a portion of its external shape for changing a corresponding light directional capability thereof using interchangeable lighting modules. The lights thereon cast light in multiple lighting directions without using any rotating elements. The modular light bar includes: a base member with a first light bar end section and a second light bar end section interconnected by a support portion configured to provide a gap between the first and second light bar end sections. Various different center section lighting modules may be interchangeably received in the gap between the first light bar end section and the second light bar end section, and be latched thereto.

Certain example embodiments relate to encapsulation-embedded exterior-facing light sets for vehicles, and/or methods of making the same. This system includes a main body portion. Wire guides are embedded in, and located along a channel of, the main body portion. Pockets are formed in the main body portion. Removable light sources are located in the pockets. A power and/or data cable is fed through the wire guides and through the channel of the main body portion, and is operably connected to the light sources. A groove is shaped and arranged to receive a windshield of the safety and/or protection vehicle such that, when the groove receives the windshield and the windshield is installed in the vehicle, the pockets and the light sources are external to the vehicle. The light sources may be LED light sources, with each pocket receiving plural LEDs provided on a respective LED module and associated optical element(s).

Certain example embodiments relate to encapsulation-embedded exterior-facing light sets for vehicles, and/or methods of making the same. This system includes a main body portion. Wire guides are embedded in, and located along a channel of, the main body portion. Pockets are formed in the main body portion. Removable light sources are located in the pockets. A power and/or data cable is fed through the wire guides and through the channel of the main body portion, and is operably connected to the light sources. A groove is shaped and arranged to receive a windshield of the safety and/or protection vehicle such that, when the groove receives the windshield and the windshield is installed in the vehicle, the pockets and the light sources are external to the vehicle. The light sources may be LED light sources, with each pocket receiving plural LEDs provided on a respective LED module and associated optical element(s).

There is provided an unmanned roadside signage vehicle comprising an autonomous, semiautonomous and/or remotely controllable roadside signage vehicle for various roadside signage, emergency response and maintenance applications. In accordance with one aspect, the unmanned roadside signage vehicle comprises drive motors operably coupled to driven wheels; steering coupled to the driven wheels; a controller for controlling the drive motors and steering; at least one electronic signage board for displaying roadside signage; and a data interface for receiving at least remote control instructions, the data interface operably coupled to the controller and wherein the controller is configured for controlling the drive motors and steering in accordance with the remote control instructions.

Methods and systems for a detecting an intruder near or within a vehicle are disclosed. Specifically, a method to detect and identify a person near or within a vehicle as an authorized or an unauthorized user is provided. In the event an unauthorized user is detected within a vehicle, the system may take a number of actions. In one embodiment, the actions comprise providing notice to one or more authorized users of the vehicle, disabling the vehicle, notifying emergency personnel or police, and emitting a visual or audio alarm.

Disclosed is a method and apparatus of detecting an object approaching a vehicle, the method includes a user from the image, extracting feature points associated with the device or a portion of the user's body from the image of the user, detecting the object using a device based on the feature point, and issuing an alert of the approaching object.