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  • Japan Aims to Complete Intelligent Transport Systems Architecture
  • October 21, 1998 (SEOUL) -- Five ministries and agencies presented an interim report on Japan's overall architecture of intelligent transport systems (ITS) at the 5th World Congress on ITS held Oct. 12 through Oct. 16 in Korea.
    They include the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Construction and the National Police Agency.

    The system architecture is a framework that organizes correlations among various technologies used to configure an integrated approach to ITS. It will help identify the general picture of an ITS, including interaction among users (drivers), vehicles, roadways, and information centers as well as areas where technology standards are required.

    However, the report did not disclose details of the actual architecture. Such details are expected to be announced in March 1999, when the framework is completed. After such an announcement by the government, the concerned ministries will seek common ground with manufacturers and other industry actors. An official at the Ministry of Construction said that at least six months will be required to obtain such consent.

    The United States configured its system architecture as of June 1996. In April, European officials started working on designing their system architecture.

    Various automakers and auto-related equipment makers in Japan have voiced their opinions about the interim report.

    "We cannot yet see any details. It is difficult for us to see how it will affect our future equipment development. However, we assume there will be no strong impact on automakers," said an official at an automaker.

    "Each producer is working on equipment development based on their individual policies. We will encounter trouble if we find that the details that are to be announced differ greatly from the current direction of development," an official at an auto equipment maker said.

    However, the ministries and agencies have said that there is no cause for worry.

    "The architecture is not mandatory on makers. They are not necessarily required to follow the architecture in their equipment development efforts. We have been trying to set up the architecture by taking into account the opinions of producers. It will not differ greatly from the policies and directions of the makers," a government official said.

    Related stories:
    � Toshiba Shows Car Navigation System Using Agent Technology
    � Nissan Motor Exhibits Intelligent Concept Car in Korea
    � Intelligent Transport System Congress Convenes in Seoul
    � 'Connected' Car Becomes a Reality

    (Nikkei Electronics)


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    Updated: Tue Oct 20 18:37:45 1998 PDT