ITS today
In recent years, a whole new system has developed including a synergy of new information
technologies for simulation, also real-time control and communications networks. Recent
governmental activity in the area of ITS – most notably in the United States, is further
motivated by the perceived need for homeland security.
Many of the ITS systems proposed also involve surveillance of the roadways, which
is a priority of homeland security. Funding of many systems comes either directly
through homeland security organizations or comes with their approval. Further, ITS
can play a role in the rapid mass evacuation of people in urban centers after mass
casualty events or as a result of a natural disaster or threat. Much of the infrastructure
and planning involved with ITS parallels that needed for homeland security.
ITS and vehicle computers:
Recent advances in vehicle electronics have led to a move toward fewer, more capable
computer processors on a vehicle. A typical vehicle in the early 2000s would have
between 20 and 100 individual networked microcontroller/programmable logic modules.
The current trend is toward fewer more costly microprocessor modules with hardware
‘memory management’, and Real-time operating systems. Real-time operating systems
are capable of multi-tasking. Also being integrated is artificial intelligence, which
is the study and design of systems that perceives the environment and takes actions
which maximize ‘chances of success’.
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