Main Topics of Panel Discussion - Fiscal Year 2003

1) What kind of influence will Dedicated Short Range Communication (DRSC) have on society ?

Toyota Motor Corp. - Mr. Hajime AMANO "In addition to the car's basic operating functions of driving, turning and stopping, 'connectivity' is becoming increasingly important in today's advanced information society. Manufacturers have already introduced information services, and DSRC is playing a leading role in connecting the car to the outside world."

KDDI Corp.- Mr. Hiroyuki NAKAMURA "Based on the survey conducted during the experiment a few days ago, drivers seem to be highly interested in obtaining information about traffic and road conditions, weather, emergencies and facilities. Using DSRC, having the positioning information is important. DSRC offers the advantage of a car being able to receive information without being recognized when inside the transmission range."

ITS Laboratory - Mr. Senichiro KIKUCHI "Expanding the convenience offered by DSRC is of great importance. Realizing the free transmission of electronic invoices and information distribution services will enable us to develop various applications that will contribute to a more enjoyable driving experience. We also believe that the Japan Highway Public Corporation should not only offer automatic toll collection, but use the ETC devices equipped in cars to provide information on service and parking areas as well."

2) How do we promote the recognition of DSRC, and how should it be sold ?

Toyota City Hall - Mr. Yasushi KATO "Although the government and the public are generally unaware of DSRC, they are familiar with ETC. If the content of the service is understood, it can be accepted naturally. Accordingly, it would be good to see ETC functions expanded, which would increase the value of the system."

ITS Laboratory - Mr. Senichiro KIKUCHI "We had 190 people attend system proving experiments conducted in Atsugi City, and at the time, about half of the attendees were unaware of DSRC applications. After experiencing the ability to give instructions and pay for washing the car and downloading music all from inside the vehicle, they understood the merits of DSRC, and we became confident that a new multimedia service could be created."

3) The subject of increasing public awareness, and the solution.

KDDI Corp.- Mr. Hiroyuki NAKAMURA "The existing value of DSRC lies in its positioning information. In other words, expectations are that DSRC is a communications application that provides positioning information as well. Considering the technology, compatibility is important. After confirming compatibility in open space (actual use environment), development will progress rapidly."

Toyota Motor Corp.- Mr. Hajime AMANO "DSRC must not be shown to customers as a technology of the future. As a result, it is important to clearly explain to people that standardization has been completed. Another key point is system operation. It is important to have a social infrastructure that promotes the use of mutual connectivity and payment mechanisms."

4) Conclusion
Mr. Kikuo TACHIKAWA, Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.

"Today's panel discussion made it clear that it is important to "increase the awareness of DSRC", "standardize and test DSRC including application compatibility", "focus on obtaining user support rather than promoting it as a technology" and "collaborate with affiliated service providers". It is my hope that everyone present here today will use the information and opinions expressed during this discussion in your business, and that you continue to work to increase the use of ITS."

Moderator - Mr. TACHIKAWA

Panelists