This article describes SATT (System for Automatic Transport Telecommunication), an Italian automatic transport network manager, and its application to an Italian public transport operation. SATT is based on personal computers (PCs), and provides open and distributed control throughout the networks' geographical coverage, allowing the integration of telematics subsystems. SATT's automatic communication system consists of a distributed subsystem for data transfer, and an automatic communications manager. Its SHR2496 remote concentrator maintains dialogue with intelligent devices, and collects and records data from them, which are then sent to the central mainframe computer via the SHS operator interface. Data recovery procedures are available, in the event of serious SHR malfunctions. Scanpoint Technology, a leading company in automatic fare systems, has used SATT as a data transfer system for the integrated magnetic system supplied to Consorzio ATCM. ATCM manages the public transport system for the cities of Modena and Carpi and the surrounding area. It uses about 450 vehicles, including buses, trolley-buses, and local trains. ATCM's territory has been equipped with Scanpoint's intelligent devices, so that the SATT system links ATCM's vehicles, head offices, stations, depots, and ticket offices.
Abstract