re vics

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does anyone know what vics stand for ?its written on my dvd a 2006 vitz and also i have 5 sensors on the windscreen any ides ?

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VICS = Vehicle Information and Communication System

It is one of important ITS projects in Japan. The VICS center broadcasts real-time traffic related information to navigation systems equipped on vehicles to support drivers, aiming at improving on-road safety and the flow of traffic.



Users can receive all VICS information free. The information is provided 24hours a day covering almost the whole Japan except some remote areas such as isolated islands.

Many navigation systems equip only 1-media VICS receiver which can only receive FM multiplex broadcasts. 3-media VICS receiver can get more precise traffic information because it can receive not only FM multiplex broadcast but also information from Infrared and Radio-wave Beacons. Normally, circuit for receiving FM multiplex broadcasts is integrated in the main board of navigation systems, but external unit is needed for receiving signals from Infrared and Radio-wave Beacons. The VICS center is recommending manufactures to equip 3-media VICS receiver, so the license fee for manufacturing 3-media receiver is cheaper than 1-media receiver.