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.

Image of Homeland Security Advisory System, with levels such as Severe, High, Elevated, Guarded, and Low.

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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