Nissan and Beijing Transportation Information Center Develop Navigation System to Reduce Traffic Congestion

1 August 2007

Star Wings navigation system showing the quickest route. Click to enlarge.

Nissan Motor and Beijing Transportation Information Center (BTIC) have co-developed a prototype navigation system based on the concept of an intelligent transportation system (ITS). The “Star Wings” system allows vehicle-to-infrastructure communication to ease traffic congestion.

The system provides drivers with information about the quickest route to their destination, which is calculated using probe data collected from taxis. The input data is routed to the BTIC server to be processed into relevant traffic information. Employing telematics, the data is then delivered to the driver’s navigation monitor in the form of real-time maps indicating current traffic flow conditions. The system helps drivers in Beijing to avoid the most congested routes and contributes to the easing of difficult traffic conditions in the city.

Star Wings Prototype: Infiniti FX.

In general, an ITS integrates advanced sensor, computer and communication technologies and management to increase the safety and efficiency of a transportation system. Benefits can range from driver or traveler convenience and safety to fleet-wide reductions in fuel consumption and emissions due to reductions in congestion.

Nissan and BTIC begun conducting tests on the ITS in Beijing from January 2007. Results from the tests show that the ITS was able to cut down commute times by an average 20%.

BTIC represents one of the largest probe data systems in the world, with information collected from about 10,000 taxis. In Japan, Nissan implemented the probe data system in its ITS test program by receiving probe data from taxis in Yokohama city, starting in September 2006. Nissan and BTIC will host a test-drive and demonstration of the system at the 14^th ITS World Conference in Beijing from 9-13 October 2007.

BTIC and Nissan plan to implement the ITS in preparation for the Beijing Olympic Game in 2008. BTIC intends to incorporate the system into its taxi network, while Nissan will study the potential opportunity to equip a select fleet of vehicles in Beijing with the system. The project is aimed at easing the elevated traffic congestion expected during the Beijing Olympic Games. Looking ahead, BTIC and Nissan will study the potential to expand the ITS to other cities in China.

Nissan currently offers a telematics service in Japan it calls CARWINGS to offer drive and travel support services including hotel reservations via a lowest-price guarantee system. Presently, the CARWINGS service includes route guidance based on public traffic data and driving information collected from CARWINGS users, guides to facilities, attractions and cities and news updates.

Toyota has been especially active in the area of Intelligent Transportation Systems, working on developing advanced driving support systems (pre-crash safety systems, nightview, lane-keeping assistance, and so on), integrating vehicles with telecommunication systems, developing vehicle-infrastructure cooperative systems, building comprehensive and efficient logistic management systems and making proposals on future public transport infrastructure. Toyota is also participating in activities to standardize ITS technologies.

Resources:

• ITS Japan

• ITS America