Section3 Deployment Progress and Development of ITS

Deployment of ITS in Regional Communities

Guidance systems for the visually disabled

Although guiding blocks are usually used to help the visually-disabled to find their way, they cannot provide information equivalent to what the non-visually disabled can obtain by landmarks and signs.
The Guidance System for the Visually Disabled, which uses not only guiding blocks but also a voice guide with detailed information such as their current position, direction and route to the destination, was therefore introduced on three sections in Sendai City frequently used by the visually-disabled: sidewalk of the National Highway No. 48 in front of the Miyagi Prefectural Government Office, sidewalk in front of the Sendai City Government Office, and the Aoba-dori underground passage below the National Highway No. 4 (1997 to 1999).
[Sendai Branch Work Office of the Tohoku Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport]




Card-type portable buzzer receiving/radio wave transmitting device

Sign detector (Signal sensor)

Joint research for the practical use of ITS for pedestrians started
The establishment of a barrier-free environment and measures to cope with the aging population is an urgent problem for Japan, and demand for ITS designed for pedestrians is increasing in parallel with the growing trend to introduce ITS for vehicles. The ITS for Pedestrians will provide pedestrians including the elderly and disabled with a safe, secure, and smooth walking environment, and is also expected to generate new business opportunities.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport started recruiting participants for joint research on the full-fledged introduction of the ITS for pedestrians in August 2000, following which the Ministry will launch, in December of the same year, research and development in collaboration with such parties as private companies which have various ideas for technologies and systems essential for the ITS for pedestrians. In FY2001, field tests will be carried out at about 5 locations in the country with the participation of regional communities and users, aiming to start practical use of ITS for pedestrians from FY2003.


Schedule for technical development ITS for pedestrians



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