摘要: |
Traffic simulation has becomme an increasingly practical approach to estimation of performance measures for all types of highway facilities. Simulation is used to some extent in most FDOT districts to address unusual traffic control problems that are not amenable to more simplistic analytical treatments. Recently a new class of devices has been developed to allow actual traffic control equipment to replace the controller emulation built into a traffic simulation model. The 'Controller Interface Device' (CID) opens new horizons for the use of traffic simulation as a problem-solving tool. In spite of its potential utility, hardware in the loop simulation (HLS) has not been deployed extensively in Florida, mainly because it represents new technology, the benefits of which are not widely understood. The goal of this project was to apply the CID to create a new traffic analysis tool with many applications for the Department. The specific objectives were to facilitate the implementation of HILS in Florida, and to develop guidelines for future deployment by FDOT. Six CID units were purchased and made available to district and local agencies for experimentation. It was found that, in spite of its utility, the CID is somewhat complex and requires substantial training for potential users, who must become familiar with traffic simulation, controller operations and the CID itself. Two software tools were therefore developed to facilitate the training process and to reduce the required workshop schedule to half a day. A series of these workshops was presented around the state. Those who attended expressed a strong interest in applying HILS in the future. |