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This paper describes an Automobile Navigation System with Multi-Source Guide Information. One of the features of this system is accurate location detection, which uses refined map-matching method incorporating a high accuracy rotation sensor, Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG). The system shows the position of the vehicle on a CRT map display and can also provide useful information, such as the locations of hotels, golf courses, etc., by using a CD-ROM disc. In addition to this information, this system can play CD-ROM discs based on the CDCRAFT standard. By means of this standard, software vendors can produce multimedia entertainment, such as a sightseeing guide with voice. Also, this system can display road and traffic information from the roadside radio beacons of the Vehicle Information & Communication System (VICS). This navigation system has been installed in Nissan's 1991 model Cedric, Gloria and CIMA.

In the expansion of composite material application, it is one of the most important subjects in assembly of aircraft structure how drilling of composite/metal stack should be processed in an efficient way. This paper will show the result of development of a drill bit for CFRP/Aluminum-alloy stack by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal (SEH). In order to improve workability and economic performance, the drill bit which enables drilling CFRP/Al-alloy stack: at 1 shot; from both directions; without air blow and coolant (just usual vacuuming); was required. A best mix drill bit which has smooth multi angles edge and pointed finishing edge was produced as a result of some trials. Developed drill bit achieved required performance and contributed to large cost reduction, labor hour saving, production speed increase and work environment improvement.

In 1990, The Japanese National Police Agency (NPA) planned a nationwide two-year research project including field experiments, “Travel Time Estimation and Prediction” aimed at realizing a reliable method of providing travel time information to drivers (1)*. The project was conducted by the Japan Traffic Management Technology Association and three system manufacturers (Sumitomo Electric, OMRON and Matsushita Communication) collaborated on research and experimental work. Several methods of estimating and predicting travel time were developed and evaluated in three major cities (Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka). Four models, Sandglass, Delay Time, Auto Regressive and Neural Network Models were developed and evaluated using detector and license plate reader information, and field survey data in the three major cities. The first year evaluation results are described here.

We have developed a new Carbon/Carbon composite (C/C) manufacturing process called the “Carbon Powder Sintering Method [1] (C.P.S.M.)”. This study was conducted to evaluate the friction characteristics of C/C manufactured by the C.P.S.M. as compared with C/C manufactured by conventional methods using a dynamometer. In general, C/C shows a high friction coefficient at a high temperature, but shows a low friction coefficient at room temperature. There is a transition temperature point between both friction coefficients. As a result of this study, it was found that the transition temperature of the C.P.S.M. C/C is lower than for any other conventional C/C.

The paper deals with the end-milling machinability of α-β titanium alloy (Ti-6AI-4V alloy) by new PCD (Polycrystal-line Diamond) cutting tools at high cutting speeds in order to develop a new technology for a high productivity titanium finishing. The main focus of this paper is on investigating the relationships among cutting conditions, PCD tool materials, and tool wear. It was found that the edge engagement time of cutting tools with titanium workpiece has a great effect on PCD tool wear. Compared to cemented carbide tools, PCD tools have a longer tool life, especially at higher cutting speeds. The geometric shape of cutting edges and tool material greatly influences the performance of PCD tools in cutting titanium alloy.

The image processing technology using ITV cameras has been developed as a new type of sensor which can be used for many purposes. Especially, it is hopeful that the improvement of the traffic flow measuring system applying this technology can increase safety in tunnels on expressways. In this paper, we describe about the results of the development of this technology until present. And, the prospect in the future.

The joining process of silicon nitride (S13N4) turbine rotor and steel metal shaft was investigated. The process consists of brazing procedures with multi-layer metallizing and complementary steps involving shrink fitting and non-destructive tests. In the course of the brazing steps, preliminary investigations using small specimens were conducted on the formation of a highly strengthened interface at high temperature and thermal stress reduction, and superior high temperature strength and heat cycle resistance were obtained. Rotary tests at high temperature were successfully completed using the rotor joined by this process.

We have developed new P/M Al-Si wrought alloys having high strength and high wear resistance for use in the rotors and vanes of rotary car air conditioners. In addition, combined with the development of near-net-shape extrusion technologies, through a joint project with Diesel Kiki Co.,Ltd., we have succeeded in the world's first mass production of rotors made of P/M aluminum wrought alloy. In this paper, the properties and production technology of vanes and rotors made with new P/M Al-Si wrought alloys are presented.

Recently, powder metal parts have been used in a lot of automobiles. One typical powder metal part is a helical gear. Compacting helical gears is much different from conventional compacting, because a part of the tool rotates on its own axis. The important points are as follows: (1) how to guide the upper punch into a die smoothly and to fit in it, (2) how to rotate the die/punch smoothly in order that the part of gear trains may not be broken by twisting stress during pressing process and (3) how to prevent green compacts from having crack/lamination. The larger the helix angle, the more difficult its compacting. The compacting of complicated shapes such as helical gears with an irregular shape or another helical gear is more difficult. Powder metal helical gears are produced because powder metal is suitable for mass production at low cost. Most powder metal helical gears are simple shapes such as helical gears only outside or inside.

Recently, SiCr clean steel wire for springs on automotive engine valves has been developed. This report describes the characteristics of valve springs subjected to a new manufacturing process using SiCr clean steel wire. The process developed by the authors is as follows: First, form a helical spring with SiCr clean steel wire. Next, quench using the distortion preventing technic --Marquenching--. Temper at a temperature lower than the conventional temperature. Shot peen to the surface layer of the spring. And lastly, polish electrolytically to remove micro surface defects formed through shot peening. Using this new manufacturing process, a valve spring with high fatigue resistance can be produced. At the test stress of 588MPa(τm)±490MPa (τa), the number of cycles to fracture was above 100 million, while the number of cycles to fracture was 4 million using the conventional process with the SiCr clean steel which has the best fatigue resistance for commercial use.