Hiroyuki Kanemitsu

Automobile navigation system using beacon information

A navigation and communication system utilizing roadside beacons is under development. The functions and infrastructure of the Road/Automobile Communication System are outlined, the in-vehicle equipment is described and the results of field tests conducted in the Tokyo/Yokohama area are reported. The system provides the driver with such information as present location and traffic conditions, plots optimum and alternative routes to destination, and enables limited two-way communication to be made. Field testing indicates that the navigation and route-search functions are of great benefit to drivers in an unfamiliar area. However, route-search calculation time must be reduced, especially for route revision in response to incoming data.<<ETX>>

Automobile navigation system using individual communication beacon

A communication system that uses roadside beacons to broadcast road and traffic information and private messages to vehicles has been developed. The system, called Road/Automobile Communication System (RACS), was the result of a joint research project involving the Public Works Research Institute and 25 private-sector corporations. This paper contains an outline of RACS and of an onboard system developed by TOYOTA and presents the results of field tests conducted in the Tokyo area. The results not only verify the capability of the RACS system and the effectiveness of the in-vehicle equipment but also indicate the potential of such a beacon based network to improve traffic jam and driving safety whilst providing enhanced communication facilities without increasing radio-wave congestion.