Showing papers in "Iet Intelligent Transport Systems in 2007"
TL;DR: A technique was developed that makes use of the global system for mobile communications (GSM) mobile phone network, and the flow of mobile phones in a cell-phone network is measured and correlated to traffic flow.
Abstract: Acquiring high-quality origin-destination (OD) information for traffic in a geographic area is both time consuming and expensive while using conventional methods such as household surveys or roadside monitoring. These methods generally present only a snapshot of traffic situation at a certain point in time, and they are updated in time intervals of up to several years. A technique was developed that makes use of the global system for mobile communications (GSM) mobile phone network. Instead of monitoring the flow of vehicles in a transportation network, the flow of mobile phones in a cell-phone network is measured and correlated to traffic flow. This methodology is based on the fact that a mobile phone moving on a specific route always tends to change the base station nearly at the same position. For a first pilot study, a GSM network simulator has been designed, where network data can be simulated, which is then extracted from the phone network, correlated, processed mathematically and converted into an OD matrix. Primary results show that the method has great potential, and the results inferred are much more cost-effective than those generated with traditional techniques. This is due to the fact that no change has to be made in the GSM network, because the information that is needed can readily be extracted from the base station database, that is the entire infrastructure needed is already in place
292 citations
TL;DR: The results from several reviews have been presented and the aspects of road safety associated with intelligent transport systems (ITS) applications have been addressed, and four hypotheses regarding prediction of effects on accidents are stated.
Abstract: The results from several reviews have been presented and the aspects of road safety associated with intelligent transport systems (ITS) applications have been addressed. The attempt is to make a state-of-the-art regarding effects on accidents by categorising systems according to levels of evaluations methods that have been applied. These categories are effects on behaviour, effects on accidents by proxy/surrogate methods, accident studies from real traffic, effects on accident types and finally by meta-analysis where weighted estimates of effects on accidents can be calculated. Thirty-three IT systems including driver assistance systems/advanced driver assistance systems, in-vehicle information systems, in-vehicle data-collection systems and road telematics have been listed. Effects based on meta-analysis are estimated for 11 systems, and single accident studies are found for an additional 2 systems. For the remaining 20 systems, no studies from real road traffic have been identified. Effects on accidents of antilocking brake systems and electronic stability control (ESC) are presented in more detail according to their effects on certain accident types. ESC appears to be very efficient in reducing the number of accidents. Behavioural adaptations to ITS are considered and discussed, especially in terms of compensation mechanisms. Four hypotheses regarding prediction of effects on accidents are stated according to whether systems increase or decrease 'windows of opportunities' by calling upon a driver behaviour model where emotions play a central role
126 citations
TL;DR: A decision tree learning algorithm, the C4.5 algorithm, is employed, which has advantages over other data mining methods in terms of its comprehensible model structure and the accuracy of its prediction.
Abstract: As the use of navigation systems becomes more widespread, the demand for advanced functions of navigation systems also increases. In the light of user satisfaction, personalisation of route guidance by incorporating user preferences is one of the most desired features. A user model applied to personalised route guidance is presented. The user model adaptively updates route selection rules when it discovers the predicted choice differs from the actual choice of the driver. This study employs a decision tree learning algorithm, the C4.5 algorithm, which has advantages over other data mining methods in terms of its comprehensible model structure. Simulation experiments with a real-world network were conducted to analyse the applicability of the model to adaptive route guidance and the accuracy of its prediction
46 citations
TL;DR: An automated information system was synthesised that integrates traffic sensors, ANN models, PVMS and potential links with other media and selected results of ANN models illustrate their application in the queue-end warning system.
Abstract: Accident avoidance is a very important part of enhancing road safety. The development of a queue-end warning system for highway work zones which automatically predicts queue-end location and alerts drivers so that rear-end collisions can be avoided has been described. In the absence of the widespread use of in-vehicle collision warning devices, dynamic messages about queue-end, displayed on portable variable message sign (PVMS) boards, are necessary for improving road safety. Although queues at selected locations along the road can be detected by the simple use of sensors, the changing nature of queue length would require numerous sensors to find the end of traffic queue. The reported queue-end warning system is based on a combination of sensors for detecting traffic and an artificial neural network (ANN) model-based algorithm for predicting queue-end location and issuing warning messages displayed on PVMS. Following the characterisation of work zones in terms of functional areas and geometrics, a microsimulator was calibrated and validated. Simulations were carried out next with traffic sensors and queue counter looped-in and the resulting data were used for training and validation of ANN models for queue length prediction. An automated information system was synthesised that integrates traffic sensors, ANN models, PVMS and potential links with other media. Selected results of ANN models illustrate their application in the queue-end warning system.
38 citations
TL;DR: It was found that distinct gaze patterns preceded each of the driving manoeuvres analysed using the DLR ViewCar, indicating that driver-assistant systems should monitor the driver's decision-making and intervene where necessary.
Abstract: The goal of driver-assistant systems is to monitor the driver's decision-making and intervene where deemed necessary. In order to appropriately support the driver's subsequent driving manoeuvres, knowledge of the driver's intentions is required. Eye movements have been found to be an indicator of information gathering and therefore could be used to derive information about the driver's next planned objective. Here, the aim was to establish whether characteristic eye movement patterns precede particular driving manoeuvres. To this end, drivers' gaze behaviour has been analysed prior to the execution of different driving manoeuvres performed in real traffic using the DLR ViewCar. It was found that distinct gaze patterns preceded each of the driving manoeuvres analysed.
32 citations
TL;DR: The study showed that it is difficult to capture a meaningful sample size of respondents passing an `active' VMS in a real-life incident scenario, and indicated that a default VMS message reporting no problems in the network can indirectly affect a driver's route choice.
Abstract: The use of variable message signs (VMS) to provide traffic information is widespread, but success depends upon behavioural response to the sign messages. The research described here focuses on user acceptance of VMS located in an urban road network (Southampton, UK), and investigates the public's perceived effectiveness and usefulness of these signs through the use of revealed preference questionnaire surveys and travel diaries. Three hundred and sixty-five commuters regularly driving into Southampton from the outskirts of the city completed a travel diary for a 5-day period as well as a general questionnaire, and 660 infrequent travellers to Southampton completed the general questionnaire. The study showed that it is difficult to capture a meaningful sample size of respondents passing an `active' VMS in a real-life incident scenario. Less than 1% of the commuter sample stated that they had diverted to an alternative route during the travel diary week as a result of VMS information, although this did correspond to 53% of those 45 drivers originally intending to travel past the incident location. The results showed that the VMS messages were well-understood and legible, and also indicated that a default VMS message reporting no problems in the network can indirectly affect a driver's route choice.
24 citations
TL;DR: This work demonstrates, as a proof of concept, how to design a basic ISA policy and how to gain knowledge over time about the behaviour of the system in order to resolve some of the uncertainties and improve the policy.
Abstract: Intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) has the potential to improve road traffic safety significantly. Large-scale implementation of ISA, however, is hampered by large uncertainties, such as the level of compliance (LC), reliability of the technology, unexpected costs and so on. We suggest an adaptive policymaking approach for implementing ISA. We propose five steps: (1) specify the policy problem, (2) assemble a basic policy, (3) specify the rest of the policy, (4) learn from real world experience with the basic policy and (5) adjust the implemented policy. We demonstrate, as a proof of concept, how to design a basic ISA policy and how to gain knowledge over time about the behaviour of the system in order to resolve some of the uncertainties and improve the policy. By monitoring the percentage of speeding drivers to detect changes in the LC, the policy can be adapted to unfolding events. Hence, by using the adaptive approach, policymakers can proceed with implementing ISA despite the large uncertainties.
22 citations
TL;DR: The study aims to measure the contribution of IVC in comparison with traditional safety sensors on an advanced driver assistance scheme (ADAS) system, and chooses to study the risk assessment in crossroads approaching.
Abstract: Recent developments in inter-vehicle communications (IVC) focus on the conception of suitable hardware and communications protocols. We contribute to this effort by analysing the performance of IVC through a vehicular application approach. The study aims to measure the contribution of IVC in comparison with traditional safety sensors on an advanced driver assistance scheme (ADAS) system. We choose to study the risk assessment in crossroads approaching. The system is based on a standard 802.11 technology combined to a standard low-cost GPS receiver. The performance is analysed regarding the application showing the feasibility of the system and its integration on board our prototype LARA.(A)
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, Grey relational analysis (GRA) is used to evaluate alternative strategic investments in either of the two, and combinations, is complicated by limitations in availability, reliability and accuracy of data, and a method that is rather unknown in the western world and is especially capable of dealing with part of these limitations is introduced.
Abstract: Two of the main approaches to improve traffic safety are extensive redesign of the physical road infrastructure and large-scale implementation of advanced driver assistance systems. These approaches are to a large extent substitutes, but also partly complementary. Evaluation of alternative strategic investments in either of the two, and combinations, is complicated by limitations in availability, reliability and accuracy of data. Some of the evaluation methods most commonly used in transportation research are reviewed, and a method that is rather unknown in the western world and that is especially capable of dealing with part of these limitations is introduced. Grey relational analysis (GRA) - a normalisation-based method - provides a simple and transparent evaluation procedure from which a clear-cut ranking order of strategies derives. The application of GRA to the stated evaluation problem is illustrated with a case study in The Netherlands
22 citations
TL;DR: A new purpose-developed software tool, the Imperial College Navigation Software (ICNavS), is presented, so as to implement and demonstrate the new reliable dynamic route guidance approach by integrating the A* algorithm, the concept of reliability and an existing route guidance method into a single package.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to devise a new reliable dynamic route guidance approach by integrating the A* algorithm, the concept of reliability and an existing route guidance method into a single package. A new purpose-developed software tool, the Imperial College Navigation Software (ICNavS), is presented, so as to implement and demonstrate the new approach on a real road network, using simulated data. A summary of the background of the program is given, followed by a procedure developed in order to model the features of real road networks, as well as missing data. Then, a imulation experiment on a part of West London’s road network is carried out and the results are presented.
20 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, it is shown that verbal interactions may distract the driver from the primary task and it is thus crucially important that verbal interaction are designed in such a way that the 'driving' task remains the focus of attention for the driver.
Abstract: Besides travel-related information (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and so on), driver-related information (navigation devices, telephone calls, email and so on) is now an increasing feature of modern-day driving. In order to process this information and still be able to drive safely at the same time, an information management system in the vehicle would seem to be necessary. Speech interfacing offers a good solution as verbal interactions use resources that are not needed when driving. However, in practice, experiments have shown that verbal interactions may distract the driver from the primary task. It is thus crucially important that verbal interactions are designed in such a way that the 'driving' task remains the focus of attention for the driver
TL;DR: The potential to deepen segmentation of users of the transport system into homogeneous segments to describe the needs of, but later in the policy process also the social acceptance by, different user groups for new transport technology or policy is examined.
Abstract: The ultimate purpose of the transport system is to serve the needs and expectations of the end users, who in turn shape the system by their own behaviour, actions and investments. This work examines, within the framework of the Large Technological Systems theory the possibility to categorise users of the transport system into homogeneous segments on the basis of their differences in daily mobility and transportation of goods. Furthermore, the potential to deepen this segmentation to describe the needs of, but later in the policy process also the social acceptance by, different user groups for new transport technology or policy, is examined.
TL;DR: Two research prototypes supporting speech and gestural interactions have been developed on the basis of the User Centred Design methodology and suggest that multimodal UIs (MMUIs) can provide traffic control operators with intuitive, cognitively efficient ways to record traffic incident conditions, facilitate fast retrieval of contact details, and support time-critical incident handling.
Abstract: Efficient road traffic incident management (TIM) in metropolitan areas is crucial for the smooth traffic flow and the mobility and safety of community. TIM requires fast and accurate collection and retrieval of critical data, such as incident conditions and contact information for the intervention crew, public safety organisations and other resources. Access to critical data by traffic control operators can be facilitated through various human-computer interfaces. The judicious introduction of a multimodal interaction paradigm to the user interfaces (UIs) for incident handling in a metropolitan transport management centre is discussed. Two research prototypes supporting speech and gestural interactions have been developed on the basis of the User Centred Design methodology, and their evaluations have been conducted through user studies. The user studies on the prototypes suggest that multimodal UIs (MMUIs) can provide traffic control operators with intuitive, cognitively efficient ways to record traffic incident conditions, facilitate fast retrieval of contact details, and support time-critical incident handling. The research prototypes described herein represent some initial steps for the longer-term deployment of advanced MMUI systems for emergency management
TL;DR: The authors describe the process towards such services and how they are enabled by ARKTRANS, the national framework architecture for multimodal intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
Abstract: In Norway, the work on multimodal travel information services is based on ARKTRANS, the national framework architecture for multimodal intelligent transportation systems (ITS). ARKTRANS is harmonised across all transport modes, and arranges for services supporting all phases of door-to-door travel. The authors describe the process towards such services and how they are enabled by ARKTRANS. As a result of ARKTRANS, the experience gained in pilot projects providing new and improved travel information services can be transferred into generic knowledge and used in national, regional and local travel planners. Stakeholder involvement, use of existing solutions and the iterative evolution of services are described as well as the use of the architecture.
TL;DR: A new technique for freeway incident detection using a hybrid neuro-fuzzy system that uses a self-rule-generating algorithm that organises the training data into clusters and learns the fuzzy rules automatically.
Abstract: A new technique for freeway incident detection using a hybrid neuro-fuzzy system is proposed. This neuro-fuzzy system uses a self-rule-generating algorithm that organises the training data into clusters and learns the fuzzy rules automatically. Gaussian membership functions are assigned based on statistical properties of the training data set. Fuzzy rules are automatically obtained from the clusters and a neural network constructed using them. The training of parameters is performed using two modified linear least squares regression models. Different algorithms are implemented to obtain improvement in the speed of convergence. Real I-880 freeway traffic data are used to test the effectiveness of the developed fuzzy-neural system. To assess the transferability of the trained system, the network was trained on AYE dataset from Singapore and then adapted onto I-880 dataset from USA. The system is observed to be highly adaptable giving excellent results after adaptation. The results obtained show high potential for the application of this neuro-fuzzy system to the problem of freeway traffic incident detection.
TL;DR: The authors describe theoretical work carried out by TRG on behalf of Transport for London Bus Priority Team to tackle the challenge posed by locational error associated with GPS where a traffic signal is close to a bus stop.
Abstract: London's bus network is one of the largest and most comprehensive urban transport systems in the world. The contribution of buses is recognised by implementing a series of initiatives including bus priority at traffic signals. London has a long history of the implementation of bus priority at traffic signals. It has kept pace with the development of new technologies by updating its bus priority system. Now, London is moving towards a bus management system based on global positioning system (GPS), which will also be used to provide bus priority at traffic signals. The authors describe theoretical work carried out by TRG on behalf of Transport for London Bus Priority Team to tackle the challenge posed by locational error associated with GPS where a traffic signal is close to a bus stop.
TL;DR: A real-time static obstacle detection system using a wide angle camera based on camera movement compensation using inverse perspective mapping and probabilistic reasoning for movement detection that is the perfect candidate for next generation of automatic anti-collision systems.
Abstract: Every year, backing-up crashes are responsible for hundreds of casualties in the world. In order to reduce this number, many automotive suppliers now provide ways for drivers to monitor the rear of their vehicle using sonar - or radar-based systems or wide angle cameras. Yet these systems still do not offer the performance required to consequently reduce the number of fatalities. To overcome the limitations of these systems, we have developed a real-time static obstacle detection system using a wide angle camera. We now propose to add moving obstacle detection and localisation to our camera-based system. Such system is the perfect candidate for next generation of automatic anti-collision systems. Our approach is based on camera movement compensation using inverse perspective mapping and probabilistic reasoning for movement detection. Using shape filtering, our approach can even limit detection to specific types of moving objects (pedestrians, cars etc.). We present the algorithms developed and the evaluation protocol used. We also show results of the system in typical urban situations, some in hard conditions (worst cases), and conclude on which future developments will bring performance improvements.(A)
TL;DR: A router direction index is introduced to enhance the performance of ad hoc on demand distance vector protocol in updating its routing table and a new queue priority mechanism is proposed which is based on cross-layer collaboration.
Abstract: Access to information services while on the move is becoming increasingly prevalent within transport systems. Whereas Internet access is now common place in trains, it still remains a challenge for vehicles, particularly when travelling through high speed motorways. Motorway vehicles equipped with wireless communication nodes form an ad hoc network have been examined by which data can be exchanged among them without the need for a pre-installed infrastructure. The main challenge with such an infrastructure-less network is developing communications and protocols that can deliver robust and reliable ad hoc communications between vehicles, when the relative speed between vehicles that can be extremely high under opposite traffic conditions. To address this opposite direction effect, a solution has been presened by minimising the effect of opposite traffic on routing packets. Firstly, a router direction index is introduced to enhance the performance of ad hoc on demand distance vector protocol in updating its routing table and secondly, a new queue priority mechanism is proposed which is based on cross-layer collaboration. Simulations were performed for an ad hoc network consisting of 200 vehicles driving with speeds between 90 and 120 km/h on a two-way motorway for different traffic loads sent through a Gateway adjacent to the motorway. The results obtained demonstrate a performance increase in the average data goodput and less routing overhead for the proposed solution.
TL;DR: The motivation for these studies is the on-going work in Norway to establish a national terminal register that provides basic information for travel planners and an approach to collect this information.
Abstract: There is a political wish in Europe to switch more passenger and freight transport from the use of individual cars to public transport methods. Travel planners, consisting of both static and dynamic information, are considered to be a means for encouraging or supporting this shift. An approach to assess the need for information covering the universal design (UD) of terminals and an approach to collect this information are described. The motivation for these studies is the on-going work in Norway to establish a national terminal register that provides basic information for travel planners. The idea of ‘universal design’ is gaining more and more attention in Norway and it is quickly becoming a politically interesting goal to design and develop the transport services according to guidelines for UD. Terminal accessibility varies greatly. If a disabled person plans a journey, information covering accessibility of the terminals involved in the possible journey is important. However, this type of information is of interest to many other groups of travellers too, for example, people with a baby carriage or with a lot of luggage. The work was done in close cooperation with representatives of all different types of user groups.
TL;DR: The results of the testing indicated that the longitudinal measurements of target locations were generally good, but even relatively small errors in the lateral position measurements were enough to cause problems with false-positive and -negative alerts.
Abstract: The effectiveness of a frontal collision warning system (FCWS) depends on the ability of its sensors and software to distinguish threatening driving scenarios and to provide the driver with a warning that leads to a safe (collision avoidance) response. A program of testing that focused on determining the capabilities (and limitations) of the FCWS sensors and signal processing is reported, so that the warning system could be designed to make best use of the capabilities and minimise the impacts of the limitations. The tests were conducted carefully under controlled conditions, using target vehicles and obstacles set up to represent typical hazards encountered in urban and suburban transit bus driving. The movements of the subject vehicle (the bus equipped with the FCWS) and the targets were measured independently for comparison with the measurements obtained from the FCWS sensors so that the sources of errors and delays could be determined. The results of the testing indicated that the longitudinal measurements of target locations were generally good, but even relatively small errors in the lateral position measurements were enough to cause problems with false-positive and -negative alerts. The signal-processing delays of approximately 1 s introduced excessive delays in the generation of alerts to the driver. Fusion of the existing sensor data with additional sensors is recommended for future enhancements to overcome these limitations.
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of the vehicle platform on the global positioning system (GPS) performance in automotive application was investigated, where five distinct vehicle platforms were equipped with a GPS antenna mounted under the front instrument panel.
Abstract: The impact of the vehicle platform on the global positioning system (GPS) performance in automotive application was investigated. Five distinct vehicle platforms were used. Each vehicle platform was equipped with a GPS antenna mounted under the front instrument panel. Two sets of measurements were conducted. The first set consisted of the vehicle-level antenna radiation pattern measurements of a passive GPS antenna. The second set consisted of a series of field tests in highway, foliage and urban driving environments. GPS position availability and position accuracy were analysed from the field testing. Results from the antenna radiation pattern measurements and the field testing were analysed to study and quantify the impact of the vehicle platform on the GPS system performance. (A)
TL;DR: Research undertaken by the Transportation Research Group at the University of Southampton, which examined the relationship between technological developments and user needs in relation to personal security in future domestic travel, is discussed.
Abstract: Research undertaken by the Transportation Research Group at the University of Southampton, which examined the relationship between technological developments and user needs in relation to personal security in future domestic travel, is discussed. The project engaged recognised experts in these fields in workshop discussion and scenario planning. It was agreed that low-level, sub-criminal or anti-social behaviour was the key barrier to secure travel, whereas terrorism was a marginal issue. However, there was disagreement regarding solution development. The ITS community believed technology would deliver solutions (accepting there were secondary effects to be addressed). The user needs community had little faith in technology, seeing it as an inferior substitute for staff presence. Dialogue will be essential for technological solutions to be sufficiently focused so as to gain public support. Hearts and minds are not yet won, and for solutions to be robust, they must better address user needs.
TL;DR: In this paper, the possibilities for intelligent transport systems (ITS) to address safety problems on airport ramps are examined, and a structured approach to aid the safe design and implementation of such systems to aid injury prevention in different industry and transport domains are presented.
Abstract: The possibilities for intelligent transport systems (ITS) to address safety problems on airport ramps are examined. In addition, a structured approach to aid the safe design and implementation of such systems to aid injury prevention in different industry and transport domains are presented. The work begins by reviewing worldwide ramp accidents and incidents. Thereafter, it presents ramp safety data collected at an Australian international airport. Building on this identification of problems, the research shows that a large number of ITS devices are theoretically possible to address such safety issues, and then proposes criteria upon which decisions to implement such technology could be based. The paper closes by giving general recommendations for which of the identified ITS devices should be further deployed on airport ramps and makes overall conclusions regarding the further development of a structured approach to establish the injury prevention benefits of ITS in different domains.
TL;DR: An active, intelligently controlled extended fender which permits vehicles to operate in lengthy, stable platoons in direct but 'soft' contact, allowing fault support for an AHS, providing potential for additional safety in the event of a collision and for selective power reduction for a co-operative system at steady speed.
Abstract: Automated Highway Systems (AHS) are under development to address congestion, inefficient energy use and inadequate safety margins. As more intelligence is applied to highway and vehicles, the system increasingly relies on secure communications and control, with potentially hazardous consequences in the event of technical failure. The authors propose an active, intelligently controlled extended fender which permits vehicles to operate in lengthy, stable platoons in direct but ‘soft’ contact, allowing fault support for an AHS. Simulation studies have indicated that stable operation may be retained with only a simple ‘leader’ broadcast signal and that good longitudinal ride quality is also retained, providing results similar to the fully co-operative system. The device also provides potential for additional safety in the event of a collision and for selective power reduction for a co-operative system at steady speed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the use of a one-variable first-order grey model (GM( 1,1)), to model and forecast the trend of the level of cumulative traffic accident severity for strategic scenarios for implementation of driving assistance systems, physical infrastructure redesign and combinations of the two categories of measures.
Abstract: The authors examine the use of a one-variable first-order grey model ( GM( 1,1)), to model and forecast the trend of the level of cumulative traffic accident severity for strategic scenarios for implementation of driving assistance systems, physical infrastructure redesign and combinations of the two categories of measures. The accident severity levels ( in terms of fatalities and hospitalisations) of five scenarios for the period 2003-2007 are analysed and modelled. In addition, the trend of fatalities and hospitalisations for each scenario for the years 2008 until 2010 is forecasted. For further policy evaluation, the costs of each scenario ( for the years 2003 2010) are estimated. By using cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) the five scenarios for improving road traffic safety are compared. (Less)
TL;DR: In this paper, an optimal traffic data archive scheme where the maximum information of the original data can be preserved using less storage space has been described, where the optimal scheme uses varying intervals to aggregate data at different levels based on the variations within the source data.
Abstract: An optimal traffic data archive scheme where the maximum information of the original data can be preserved using less storage space has been described. Compared with traditional equal-width methods where compact data are obtained by aggregating source data at fixed intervals, the optimal scheme uses varying intervals to aggregate data at different levels based on the variations within the source data. The resultant scheme is optimal in terms of information conservation, that is, the errors between the source data and the optimal compact data are the smallest. Operational traffic data have been used to test three proposed optimisation schemes: single-variable, multi-variable and heuristic schemes. It was found that, compared with traditional equal-width schemes, the size of the archived data can be reduced by six times if the single-variable optimisation scheme, or by three times if the multi-variable optimisation scheme is employed. The heuristic scheme using a combination of single-variable and multi-variable optimisations can then reduce storage space by three to six times
TL;DR: In this paper, a simple-to-use simulation model is developed to simulate, at the planning level, the activities that occur at a typical roadside weight and safety screening station, which can be modified by the user to simulate a facility with different dimensions and parameters (e.g. longer ramps, more safety inspection bays, a higher rate of vehicle being selected for safety inspection, more or less vehicle failing weight screening at the weigh-in-motion or static scales).
Abstract: This research presents a simple-to-use simulation model developed to simulate, at the planning level, the activities that occur at a typical roadside weight and safety screening station. The parameters can be modified by the user to simulate a facility with different dimensions and parameters (e.g. longer ramps, more safety inspection bays, a higher rate of vehicle being selected for safety inspection, more or less vehicle failing weight screening at the weigh-in-motion or static scales). The inputs and data requirements for the model are relatively minor and appropriate for planning level analysis.(A)
TL;DR: Guidelines that were adopted for the implementation of the highway traveller information system (HTIS) in the Jiangsu province of China are presented and the topology framework based on hybrid topology is presented accordingly.
Abstract: Guidelines that were adopted for the implementation of the highway traveller information system (HTIS) in the Jiangsu province of China are presented. Framework design is discussed including HTIS architecture and functional requirements. The HTIS architecture levels, of which there are seven, are illustrated and the major functions of each logical level are discussed. Analysis is made of three topology patterns (centralised topology, distributed topology and hybrid topology) of the HTIS, and the topology framework based on hybrid topology is presented accordingly. Furthermore, the layout framework of the Jiangsu province HTIS with consideration of the freeway network and normal highway network. This layout framework establishes the foundation for further development of the Jiangsu province HTIS.
TL;DR: The SAFEGUARD project as discussed by the authors developed two prototype seating systems, one customised for a truck and the other for a tractor, with the intention of addressing these problems by the implementation of sensors and actuators that are suited for increasing safety and comfort while driving.
Abstract: Prolonged driving is now recognised as one of the main contributing factors to a number of health issues related to professional drivers. Back pain and musculoskeletal disorders are the most frequent symptoms and would seem to be directly related to the driving conditions and, in particular, the seating system. SAFEGUARD, a European co-funded research project, has developed two prototype seating systems, one customised for a truck and the other for a tractor, with the intention of addressing these problems by the implementation of sensors and actuators that are suited for increasing safety and comfort while driving. The diversity of the options provided by the prototype systems, their complexity and requirement to be used properly has necessitated the development of an advanced user interface (UI). The UI prerequisites are for the efficient handling of the varied seat features, a non-obstructive character for the interface and a natural integration of the operational input/output elements in the cabin interior.