Used of the system architecture

Trends in the system architecture development in Europe and the US

In the United States, a National System Architecture was completed in 1996. It has been revised several times since then, and the third version was released. On the other hand, the European Community (EC) undertook the KAREN (Keystone Architecture Required for European Networks) projects to cover the whole of Europe, and had almost finished the projects by the spring of 2000. Thus, there are number of efforts around the world to establish system architecture for ITS.

Uses of the system architecture

In Japan, the three objectives for preparation of the system architecture, namely the efficient construction of ITS as an integrated system, maintenance of the system expandability, and promotion of domestic and international standardization, are expected to be fulfilled through the following uses of the system.

(1) Formation of shared views on the world brought about by ITS among relevant persons
Through the use of ITS services and a system architecture which clarifies the overall ITS scheme, shared views on the world with ITS can be formed among relevant persons, thus enabling cooperation and an appropriate role allocation

(2) Plans for project development and deployment
By clarifying the scope of projects to be undertaken based on the overall physical model of the system architecture, related information and functions can be identified systematically. It further enables systematic and specific studies on technological methods, standards, and organizations, thus allowing efficient

(3) Combination and use of user services for implementation of ITS measures
If some of the user services described systematically in the system architecture are combined, they can be used for comprehensive measures such as traffic demand management. It will enhance the effects of comprehensive measures encompassing various fields, and contribute to the reduction of traffic congestion and environmental burdens.

(4) Design and development of constituent systems
Information and functions whose relationships have already been defined in the system architecture can be used as a framework for design and development of constituent systems. Through such a process, many steps may be short-cut. It allows easy identification of functions shared with other constituent systems, which in turn will enhance design and development efficiency for the constituent systems.

(5) Promotion of standardization activities
In the system architecture, the candidate areas for standardization have been clarified for the whole ITS scheme, and subsystems and communication links which are deemed as important for system configuration have been identified as areas especially requiring standardization. As such, the system architecture can promote effective standardization activities.

(6) Use of information for studies on ITS
In order to effectively and continuously use the system architecture, it is essential to modify and revise the architecture to reflect changing international situations and technological advancements by the industry. If constituent systems are developed in accordance with the physical architecture, the constituent systems containing data necessary for research and analysis to be performed can be easily identified. Thus, it will facilitate reflection of social demands onto plans, designs, and development of the ITS services.

In order to effectively and continuously use the system architecture, it is essential to modify and revise the architecture to reflect changing international situations and technological advancements by the industry.

Process for implementation of ITS services and usage areas