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The advent of intelligent transportation systems (ITSs) has created a pressing need for
new standards and protocols to provide for interoperability, compatibility and
interchangeability. Interoperability standards would, for example, allow for a vehicle
with appropriate radio equipment to travel anywhere in the country and receive
transmissions containing information on congestion and incidents. Compatibility will allow
different devices to communicate over the same communications medium without generating
interference with one another. Interchangeability would allow the replacement of traffic
controllers from different manufacturers within the same traffic signal system.
Twenty-nine ITS user services involving communications to and from vehicles or
travelers have been identified to date. These user services are multimodal in nature and
have significantly altered the manner in which transportation agencies will conduct their
operations in the future. Because multimodal user services are to be implemented within an
integrated ITS, a multitude of new devices and their interfaces must be developed and
linked together. Standards will make possible the implementation of packages of user
services forming advanced traffic management systems (ATMSs), advanced traveler
information systems (ATISs), advanced public transportation systems (APTSs), commercial
vehicle operations (CVO), advance rural transportation systems (ARTSs), and advanced
vehicle control systems (AVCSs).
Companies who in the past have supplied their customers with equipment and systems
utilizing proprietary standards will find it necessary to convert to open systems
standards in order to meet the requirements of the national ITS program, as set forth by
federal, state and local transportation agencies. The lack of ITS standards is already
impeding the deployment of ITS in North America. On one hand, purchasers of ITS do not
want to be locked into proprietary systems that will not provide long-term
interoperability, compatibility and interchangeability. On the other hand, vendors are
reluctant to make major capital commitments to new ITS products until the uncertainty over
standards is resolved.
The purpose of this article is to broaden awareness of the requirements for ITS
standards and to encourage ITE members' participation in the standards development
process. It is particularly essential that users of ITS systems provide more input into
the standards setting process than they have in the past.
Importance of Standards
The development of standards will make possible the high degree of integration required
to make ITS a reality. The ITS program will open up new markets for products on a national
and eventually international scale. The establishment of standards will make it easier and
less costly for users to upgrade their systems as new features become available.
ITS is a national program that will utilize a variety of advanced technologies that are
integrated to provide 29 user services organized into seven service bundles. All of these
services depend upon uniform "connecting standards" for subsystems across and
within service bundles. To provide a framework for the development of standards and
protocols, the U.S. DOT is sponsoring the ITS National Architecture Project. The
Architecture project will identify where standards are needed to promote future ITS
deployment.
The development of nationwide standards should improve overall product design and
performance, safety, and ease of operation and maintenance. ITS standards also should
boost consumer confidence, because new ITS products would be more likely to retain their
value and cost less to upgrade as new add-on features become available. In the long run,
adoption of standards will result in reduced costs for ITS deployment.
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Standards and Protocols Concepts
Standards
According to the 1979 National Policy on Standards for the United States, standards can
be defined as a prescribed set of rules, conditions or requirements concerning definition
of terms and classification of components; specification of materials, performance or
operation; definition of procedures; or measurement of quantity and quality in describing
materials, products, systems or practices.
Protocols
A protocol is defined as a set of rules or conventions formulated to control the
exchange of data between two entities desiring a connection. Protocols are required to
define the exchange of control information between user device and the network. Basic
elements of a protocol include data format and signal levels, control information
coordination and error handling, and timing.
System Architecture
A system architecture constitutes the framework that describes how system components
interact and work together to achieve total system goals. It describes the system
operation, what each component of the system does, and what information is exchanged among
the components. An architecture can be either "open" or "closed." The
National ITS Architecture under development provides for an open system that will support
a multivendor environment allowing for compatibility, interoperability and
interchangeability. This architecture does not prescribe standards and protocols but
rather identifies where they are needed to obtain the stated objectives.
An example of the interplay between system architecture, standards and protocols is the
development of a unified strategy for variable message sign (VMS) messages by the I-95
Northeast Corridor Coalition of more than 30 transportation agencies. The emerging
"open system" NTCIP standard will allow for the display of the same message
content on different types of VMSs purchased from different manufacturers, and operated by
different public agencies.
Open Standards
Not too long ago, the standards established in the computer industry were limited
primarily to the computer's internal operations or the connection to local peripheral
devices. Computer networking could take place only within a single environment resulting
in closed systems based on proprietary communications protocols. Users increasingly became
dissatisfied with this situation, which generally locked them into one major vendor of
computer equipment. To facilitate the development of open standards, the computer and
communications industries have responded with the Interna-tional Organization for
Standardiza-tion's Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model (RM-OSI). This model
contains seven layers that build upward from a base physical layer, as shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model
Layer 1 - Physical: Defines mechanical and electrical interfaces and the
transmission medium.
Layer 2 - Data Link: Defines methods for ensuring data integrity (such as error
correction).
Layer 3 - Network: Defines how packets of data are routed from source to
destination.
Layer 4 - Transport: Defines the organization of data passing to and from the lower
layers. Involves breaking longer messages into packets for transmission.
Layer 5 - Session: Defines the procedure for different communications equipment to
establish dialogues.
Layer 6 - Presentation: Defines the syntax and semantics of transmitted
information.
Layer 7 - Application: Defines procedures for file transfers, access methods and
management of messages.
These layers are generally viewed as forming two distinct groups that functionally
support open communications: Layers 1-4 define data transport, and Layers 5-7 define data
processing.
In developing a protocol structure for communications between a specific group of
devices, the RM-OSI does not require an explicit protocol in each layer, if the
functionality of that layer is not needed. For example, in the case of the NTCIP, the
proposed protocol stack currently is satisfied within layers 1, 2, 3 and 7.
A basic organizing principle of RM-OSI is layer independence. This allows for the
substitution of alternative protocols approved for use within a layer without affecting
adjacent layers, as long as there is a consistent interface along the boundaries.
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Objectives and Criteria for Standards
The new standards under consideration by the ITS community build on established
communication and computer industry standards. Objectives and criteria for establishing
the new standards for ITS are shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Objectives and Criteria for New ITS Standards
- Expandability: Open ended; allows upgrading to take advantage of continued evolution in
transportation information and control systems.
- Interoperability: Machine independent; allows the largest-possible markets for
deployment.
- Compatability: Noninterference; various devices within the same system must be able to
operate without interfering with the operation of other devices.
- Interchangeability: Vendor independent; devices from different vendors that perform the
same functions may be interchanged.
- Open: Nonproprietary; promotes rapid development of new technologies and acceptance by
consumers.
- Scaleable: Flexible; standards recognize local conditions with a wide range of ITS
devices and communication channel capabilities. Legacy systems are accommodated to the
extent possible.
- State-of-the-art: Use of the best available standards to avoid locking in obsolescent
technologies.
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NTCIP Standard
One of the most important standards that will affect ITE members is the NTCIP, or
National Transportation Communications/ITS Protocol (see related article, Page 36). NTCIP
will define how traffic management systems will communicate with each other and with ITS
field devices such as traffic signal controllers, variable message signs and highway
advisory radio. Development of the NTCIP has been a multiyear cooperative effort of users,
system integrators and manufacturers of signal equipment. Transportation agencies make
frequent requests for a communications standard that will allow the purchase of signal
equipment from multiple vendors over a system's life. In response, the National Electrical
Manufacturers Association (NEMA) began discussions in 1992 to design a communications
protocol for a new generation of NEMA controllers. In May 1993, the FHWA sponsored a
symposium to encourage this NEMA initiative and to bring system users, system integrators
and Type 170 controller manufacturers into the process. The NEMA Technical Committee has
met every few months since then to produce a draft standard. A second FHWA-sponsored
symposium was conducted in February 1995, and a steering committee composed of a
representative group of system users and system integrators was formed to serve in a
review and advisory capacity. These committees have now accelerated their efforts towards
the development efforts for NTCIP.
Initially, the NTCIP was designed only for communication between traffic management
centers and traffic signal controllers. Subsequently, FHWA encouraged broadening the
protocol to include additional types of system field devices such as VMS, camera control,
ramp metering and traffic management centers. A draft NTCIP document has been distributed
for comment, and a final version is anticipated for submittal to NEMA Standards approval
by the end of 1995. Development of prototype software implementing the NTCIP is under way
and scheduled for delivery of alpha level code by the end of the year.
A remaining major issue to be decided involves the selection of a communication
protocol. Again, a widely used and well-supported common protocol is needed for ITS
deployment. The protocol developed by the telecommunication industry known as X.25 was
originally recommended and is in the recently distributed NTCIP draft. Subsequently, the
steering group has recommended consideration of the commonly used Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) instead of X.25. TCP/IP is the same open system
(vendor independent) standard that is used for communications on the Internet.
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Standards Development Organizations
The development of standards has been a major factor in the rapid deployment of new
products and services by the worldwide computer and telecommunications industries during
the past several decades. Standards organizations are of two types: treaty-based and
voluntary.
The treaty-based organization is the International Telecommunication Union (ITU),
founded under the International Telecommunications Convention (ITC). ITU membership
consists of Japan, Australia, Canada, the United States and all nations currently involved
in ITS in Western Europe. This Geneva-based organization acts through two technical
organizations - the International Consultative Committee for Telegraph and Telephone
(CCITT) and the International Consultative Committee for Radio (CCIR).
The voluntary organizations are the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the
International Electromechanical Commission (IEC). These organizations, also based in
Geneva, work in close cooperation with the CCITT and CCIR. Most industrialized countries
are members of these voluntary standards organizations and are represented by their
national standards body, trade associations, professional associations and government
representatives. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) serves as the voting
member of ISO for the United States.
The three major international bodies actively developing standards for computers and
communications are the ISO, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and
CCITT. The ISO and IEEE develop standards for use by computer manufacturers, while CCITT
develops standards for connecting equipment to different types of national and
international public networks. As the overlap between the computer and telecommunications
industries increases, however, there is of necessity an increasing level of cooperation
between these organizations.
The ISO, with a membership of more than 90 countries, has developed more than 7,500
voluntary standards through more than 160 technical committees. The ISO standards are
voluntary and are intended for worldwide application to remove barriers to international
trade.
Regarding ITS-related standards, ISO has formed Technical Committee 204 (TC204) on
Transport Informatics and Control Systems. In support of TC204, ITS America has taken the
lead in the United States. In Japan, the Japanese National Committee of ISO TC204 has been
formed. In Europe, the CEN/TC 278 Road Transport and Traffic Telematics organization
closely coordinates its activities with TC204.
Within the ISO TC204, there are 15 international working groups (WGs) addressing ITS
needs for standards:
- WG 1: Architecture
- WG 2: Quality and Reliability Requirements
- WG 3: TICS Database Technology
- WG 5: Fee and Toll Collection, Man-agement and Access Control
- WG 6: General Fleet Management
- WG 7: Commercial/Freight Management
- WG 8: Public Transportation/ Emergency
- WG 9: Integrated Transport Informa-tion Management and Control
- WG 10: Traveler Information Systems
- WG 11: Route Guidance and Navigation Systems
- WG 12: Parking Management/Off-Road Commercial
- WG 13: Man Machine Interface
- WG 14: Vehicle Control Systems with External Interfaces
- WG 15: Dedicated Short-Range Communications
- WG 16: Wide Area Communications Protocols/Interfaces
In the United States, the following trade and professional organizations are expected
to contribute to the development of ITS standards:
- NEMA
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- Electronic Industries Association (EIA)
- IEEE
- Telecommunication Industries Association (TIA)
- VMEbus International Trade Association (VITA)
- ITS America - Standards and Protocol Committee
- ITE ITS Council Standards Committee
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- Institute of Navigation (ION)
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National ITS Architecture
A key objective of the National ITS Architecture project is to achieve national
interoperability of certain ITS services; this will require the establishment of national
standards. To this end, the Architecture project is producing three major products that
deal with ITS standards. The first product is a series of white papers on standards needs,
the standards development process, example requirements, and an architecture reference
model. These white papers are intended to provide an opportunity for consensus-building
and receiving feedback from the ITS community.
The second product, to be delivered in the summer of 1996, is a standards requirement
document (SRD). This will provide an architecture reference model containing definitions
of interfaces and necessary priorities for the standardization process. Requirements
packages requiring further action will also be generated. The third product, a standards
implementation plan (SIP), will outline the standards, time schedule and critical
milestones for the implementation phase.
So far, the National Architecture Program has examined 72 interfaces for possible
standardization; 28 interfaces have been identified as deserving a high priority for
standardization.
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ITE's Role in the Standards Process
ITE's activities in the ITS standards process has been geared to address the
core questions and issues facing ITE members, including:
- The effective designing and integrating of ITSs.
- Selecting and installing equipment to deliver service efficiently.
- Compliance by government owners and vendors with environmental and quality standards for
temperature, power, humidity and vibration related to ITS network components so
performance will be at par.
- Setting national standards and guidelines in the following areas to simplify operations
and maintenance of ITS networks: field equipment, environmental parameters, quality
control, ATMS design criteria, software applications, documentation, and training and
education.
ITE is undertaking a series of efforts to ensure that transportation and
traffic engineers are informed and integrally involved in the development, adoption and
review of ITS standards. With financial assistance from the U.S. Federal Highway
Administration, these efforts include:
- Serving as the administrator of the U.S. Working Advisory Group 9 (WAG9), which is
responsible for generating U.S. input to ISO TC204 efforts to develop international ITS
standards in traffic and travel management.
- Providing travel assistance to ensure that the United States is represented by technical
experts at international meetings dealing with ISO ITS standards.
- Providing travel assistance for transportation engineers employed by public agencies to
attend and participate in standards development activities.
- Conducting meetings and workshops, and providing written comments and input from the
transportation engineering community to the developers of standards and protocols.
- Providing review and comments to the development of the U.S. National Architecture.
- Making the latest versions of the NTCIP available for review (Page 36 of this issue.
Also see the ITE electronic bulletin board, 202/863-5487 or 202-863-0046, and the ITE
Internet home page at http://www.io.com/~itehq/).
- Providing review and comments throughout the NTCIP development process.
- Providing leadership in the development of the ITS urban core infrastructure, which will
tie in with broader aspects of National ITS Architecture, standards and NTCIP. ITE also
has been the leader in emphasizing the importance of ITS operation and maintenance funding
issues and related guidelines.
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ITS America's Role in the Standards Process
The ITS America Standards and Protocols Committee coordinates the development of
ITS-related standards. The Council of Standards Organizations is a subcommittee with
representatives from all ITS-relevant standards developing organizations (SDOs) that meets
frequently to coordinate SDO activities. Other subcommittees of the Standards and
Protocols Committee include Map Database and Information Systems, Hazard Analysis,
Electronic Fee Payment, Control and Control System Interface, and Standards Catalog.
ITS America also supports the work of SDOs by developing consensus for proposed
standards when necessary. The ITS America Coordinating Council recently approved a process
for developing consensus for standards requirements. This process was followed in 1994 and
early 1995 to generate the Electronic Toll and Traffic Management (ETTM) User Requirements
of Toll Authorities for Future National Interoperability. ITS America currently is leading
an effort to develop vehicle-to-roadside communications requirements for commercial
vehicle operations.
ITS America's Standards and Protocol Committee and FHWA have jointly produced a
standards and protocol catalog containing 268 entries (Publication No: FHWA-JPO-95-005).
This is a useful guide to the current state of ITS standards development and future
direction.
ITS America also serves as the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to ISO Technical Committee
204 on Transport Informatics and Control Systems. In this role, ITS America convenes
representatives of the ITS community in the United States and develops positions for items
before the ISO TC204. Currently, TC204 subcommittees have 25 work items before them that
could ultimately lead to international standards.
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Conclusion
While this article's major intent has been to inform ITE members on the role and
importance of standards in the national ITS program, it is also hoped that a
representative cross-section of ITE members involved in ITS will actively participate in
the standards- setting process. In particular, greater participation from public agencies
is needed - industry, consultants and system integrators already are well represented. For
those who are interested in this subject, the following options are suggested for your
consideration:
- Join ITE Standards Committee of the ITE ITS Council.
- Join ITS America Standards and Protocols Committee.
- Notify ITE headquarters of your interest in reviewing the NTCIP standard.
- Notify ITE headquarters of your interest in reviewing the reports of the National
Architecture Program.
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Bibliography
National Program Plan. ITS America/U.S. DOT: March 1995.
A Review of NTCIP Development. Paper by Steering Committee Group, May 5, 1995, FHWA
Cover Letter.
Standards and Protocols Catalog. Robert Barrett, JPL, U.S. DOT, FHWA: March 1,
1995.
Raman K. Patel, P.E., is a Technical Coordinator for I-95 Northeast Corridor
Coalition and is on loan from the New York City Department of Transportation. He holds a
B.E. and a master's in electrical engineering. He serves on the NTCIP Steering Committee
and is a member of the ITS Executive Council. A Member of ITE, Patel is Chairperson of
ITE's Standards Committee.
Edwin Rowe, P.E., is CEO of Gardner-Rowe Systems Inc. He was formerly General
Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, where he was employed for 35
years. Rowe is a Member of ITE and a recipient of ITE's Theodore M. Matson Award. He is
the incoming Chairperson of the ITS Council.
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