Nippon Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and CEO: Denji Sakurai; hereinafter NI+C) is the Wakayama Branch of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation (Branch Manager: Akihiro Tsuchimoto, Using the AI vehicle authentication system and Google Cloud to address the regional issue of serious traffic congestion in Koya Town promoted by NTT West Wakayama Branch), the congestion that occurred from October 1, 2021 to November 30, 2021. We supported demonstration experiments on grasping the situation and mitigation measures.
1.Background
During the tourist season, problems such as serious traffic congestion occur due to the concentration of tourists. Although we are taking measures to reduce the influx of vehicles by disseminating information through electronic bulletin boards and in cooperation with private transportation companies, congestion We had not yet grasped the situation (traffic jams and congestion in the parking lot), and we had not come up with effective measures to alleviate congestion.
In addition, in response to the fact that the number of foreign guests has decreased due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, it is urgent to establish a new tourism model instead of relying solely on inbound demand for tourism revenue in the town. As a result, we have decided to conduct a demonstration experiment to eliminate traffic congestion and establish a new tourism model by utilizing sightseeing data of Koyasan.
2.Content
We built a vehicle authentication system in cooperation with Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation, NTT Field Techno Co., Ltd., and Marubeni Network Solutions Corporation. AI video analysis cameras are installed at three locations on the road, and the acquired information is aggregated in Google Cloud. In the process, real-time data processing is performed on the transit time of each vehicle, vehicle and movement trends, etc., and visualization is performed to grasp the traffic congestion situation, the source area of the visit, the movement route, etc. We provided a mechanism for the utilization of big data that contributes to
(Demonstration experiment period: 2021/10/1-2021/11/30)
1. Cloud Functions provided by Google Cloud are compatible with IoT, and can process data according to the required amount even if the amount of processing fluctuates greatly during the day, making it cost efficient. achieve a better serverless environment.
2. By combining App Engine*1 and Node-RED*2, it is possible to instantly process a combination of other data, such as vehicle recognition data flowing in real time and data received in the past. .
3. BigQuery, which can handle a large amount of data at high speed, can be operated without having to create accumulation, aggregation, temporary storage, etc. for various seasonal fluctuations in traffic (eg, during busy times such as Golden Week).
4. By using Google Data Portal, a data visualization tool, it is easy to define reports, etc., and even if you want to change your perspective, you can immediately respond to it. You can grasp the situation according to the cut you want to analyze, such as the route.
Configuration outline diagram
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation
Overall project management/external coordination
■ NTT Field Techno Co., Ltd.
Power supply work and camera installation work
Marubeni Network Solutions Co., Ltd.
Construction of vehicle authentication system
Japan Information and Communication Co., Ltd.
Construction of data accumulation/analysis cloud environment and congestion information transmission system
3. Future outlook
In the future, together with NTT West's Wakayama branch, we will utilize the data obtained from this demonstration experiment to not only solve traffic congestion, but also obtain "statistical data" of vehicles visiting Koya-cho to increase the repeater rate. We will utilize it for measures according to the situation and tourism promotion measures for each visiting area.
And based on this infrastructure that is strong against event-driven real-time data and can flexibly change processing, we will utilize the machine learning function installed in BigQuery for big data analysis to develop a tourism strategy. and business effects are expected.
In addition, we will contribute to smart tourism and mobility of the service lineup "Smart 10x" that contributes to the smartening of the region promoted by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation.
* "Smart 10x" promoted by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation:
https://www.ntt-west.co.jp/news/2106/210628a_1.html
4. Comment from Mr. Yujiro Otani, Manager of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation
Our company does not have many examples of Google Cloud compared to other companies, but we were attracted to the fact that we could consistently develop everything from other system linkages to dashboards, and that Japan Information Communication had a lot of achievements. decided. In order to link with the vehicle recognition system, we had to create a receiving interface on the Google Cloud side, and it was necessary to change the processing method according to the actual data trend. I was able to do so and it was very helpful. The UI of the console was also a familiar Google taste, so I think it was an unexpectedly good point that the learning cost was kept relatively low when creating a dashboard in Google Data Portal yourself. . We will continue to develop our efforts with our customers so that we can approach various social issues based on the accumulated data.
Related links
Elimination of overtourism in Koyasan!
A demonstration experiment of a traffic congestion mitigation project using an AI vehicle authentication system has started
https://www.ntt-west.co.jp/newscms/wakayama/11772/wakayama_n20211108a.pdf
In 2018, in order to meet the needs of the world as big data and AI develop, we have been developing a business that utilizes Google Cloud. Certified.
https://www.niadc.co.jp/news/20210305-2/
*1 App Engine is a fully managed serverless platform for developing and hosting large-scale web applications provided by Google Cloud.
*2: Node-RED is a low-code development tool that allows you to create programs without coding by connecting (flowing) "nodes" that describe functions on the screen.
About Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation
NTT West Group aims to be a "social ICT pioneer" that takes the lead in resolving various issues caused by changes in the environment surrounding society with the power of ICT, and is loved and trusted by the local community. While continuing to transform as a company, we will play a role like a “vitamin” that revitalizes the region.
■ About Japan Information and Communication Co., Ltd. < https://www.niadc.co.jp/ >
Nippon Information and Communications Corporation (NI+C) was established in 1985 as a joint venture between Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation and IBM Japan. We propose and provide ICT solutions that best suit customer needs, from system development to infrastructure construction, cloud native support, EDI services, network services, and operation and maintenance. We have extensive system experience in various industries. In addition, we will promote the realization of a remote world that balances social distancing and economic activity. As a focus area, first of all, the promotion of in-house DX. In addition, we will develop the Data & AI field, which integrates internal and external data and utilizes analysis using AI to further strengthen engagement with customers. We aim to be a truly best partner that can contribute to solving our customers' management issues.
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