This paper describes Japan's intelligent vehicle highway systems (IVHS) programmes, and reports on an 11-day IVHS Japan Study Tour by 15 American and European engineers in Autumn 1992. Japan's IVHS programmes have included: (1) Comprehensive Automobile Traffic Control System (CACS) (early 1970s on); (2) Road Automobile Communication System (RACS) (mid 1980s on); (3) Advanced Mobile Traffic Information and Communication System (AMTICS) (late 1980s on); and (4) Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) (1991 on). The study tour was designed to: (1) promote an exchange of information about IVHS in Japan, the USA and Europe; (2) learn about Japanese applications of advanced technology to vehicles and roads; technology to vehicles and roads; (3) learn first hand what progress has been made; and (4) gain an understanding of which activities had succeeded, which had not, and why. The paper presents the tour's highlights, from its examination of Japanese systems for: (1) advanced traffic management systems (ATMS); (2) traveller information; (3) in-vehicle navigation and route guidance; and (4) advanced vehicle control systems. Twelve major IVHS sites were visited, among car manufacturers, electronics companies, government agencies, traffic organisations, etc.
Samenvatting