Communications flow considerations in vehicle navigation and information systems

The advent of numerous intelligent vehicle/highway system projects has brought to the forefront issues that must be decided before an integrated approach can proceed. The author discusses possible methods of transferring information to and from the vehicle navigation system, outlining some of the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and presents some of the types of information that may be communicated in future vehicle navigation and traffic control systems. He concludes, from knowledge of the minimum desired functionality of a vehicle navigation system, that the need for some type of two-way infrastructure to facilitate data transfer is apparent. He points out that a thorough investigation of the alternative uses for the vehicle navigation system and its communications network must be conducted, and expansion must be taken into account in all standards for vehicle navigation systems and their infrastructures.<>