Oki 2009 Annual Report Download - page 6

4Annual Report 2009
The World Works with OKI
DSRCTechnology
OKI is pursuing the evolution of communications between people,
automobiles and roadways through the utilization of DSRC technology.
Dedicated Short Range Communication
OKI is promoting the
development of multiple
applications for DSRC*1,
utilizing cutting-edge information
technology with the aim of realizing a
safe, secure and comfortable traffic
environment. Based on this, OKI is
pursuing the further evolution of ITS*2to
establish new networks among people,
automobiles and roadways.
DSRC is a communication method with a narrow range of applications in road-to-vehicle communication,
epitomized by ETC,*3management systems for commercial vehicles and other applications. However,
DSRC extends beyond this, opening up the possibility for such diverse applications as vehicle-to-vehicle and
person-to-vehicle communication. The development of ITS, which establishes networks among people,
automobiles and roadways through cutting-edge information and communication technology, is indispensable
for realizing a safe, secure and comfortable traffic environment for everyone. Despite DSRC having a
communication range of only several to several dozen meters, thanks to its direct two-way communication
capabilities with high-speed and high-capacity features, the multiplicity of possible applications of ITS include
such functions as collision avoidance at low-visibility intersections and the provision of local tourist information.
A prominent application of DSRC can be found in the use of ETC, which has become indispensible on the
expressways in Japan. The introduction of ETC has enabled smooth fee collection and reduced traffic
congestion. Drawing on close links between the public and private sector, research into this system began
in 1993 and it went into full-scale operation in certain sections in 2001. At present, users can pay tolls
nationwide using the same in-vehicle equipment and the same card, making the development of this
large-scale ETC system unique in the world. As one of its core vendors, OKI has been engaged in R&D
into ETC systems from the very beginning.
In addition to ETC applications, it is anticipated that new applications will be created for DSRC, which is
already utilized in a wide range of areas, including parking lot and other fee payment systems, and
information displays both in and around train stations. For example, through the connection of DSRC
attachments to mobile phones, research is progressing into the development of safety support, such as DSRC
vehicle-to-vehicle communications attachments for mobile phones that will allow the exchange of positioning
information among pedestrians as well as vehicles. Another area of research is in information support systems,
where car navigation systems are geared toward the driving comfort for tourists by enabling users to access a
variety of information on tourist attractions based on vehicle-to-vehicle transmissions.
From here onward, OKI will pursue the evolution of communications among people, automobiles and
roadways as it contributes to the development of ITS by making full use of its cutting-edge information
and communication technology.
*1: DSRC: Dedicated Short Range Communication
*2: ITS: Intelligent Transport System
*3: ETC: Electronic Toll Collection