Decentralized delayed-feedback control of an optimal velocity traffic model

The jam phenomenon in traffic flow wastes not only considerable traffic-transportation time but also great amounts of fuel due to many accelerate-decelerate actions. From traffic-economic and traffic-pollution viewpoints, the suppression of traffic jam is an important issue we have to solve. The present paper shows that -norm, which has been used in the field of control theory, can reveal the traffic jam phenomenon in an optimal velocity traffic model under an open boundary condition. Furthermore, we suppress the traffic jam in the model by the decentralized delayed-feedback control method. Some numerical simulations are shown to verify our theoretical results. Received 27 October 1999     

An empirical study of common traffic congestion features based on traffic data measured in the USA,the UK,and Germany

Based on real traffic data measured on American, UK and German freeways, we study common features of traffic congestion. We have found that traffic features [J] and [S] defining traffic phases “wide moving jam” (J) and “synchronized flow” (S) in Kerner’s three-phase theory are indeed common spatiotemporal traffic features observed in the UK, the USA and Germany. For the testing of Kerner’s “line J”, representing the propagation of the wide moving jam’s downstream front, four different methods for a study of moving jam propagation in empirical data are studied and compared for each congested traffic situation occurring in the three countries. A statistical study of velocities of wide moving jam fronts is presented, which has been performed through the analysis of database containing more than 280.000 min of observed wide moving jams measured on about 1200 km long freeway network in Hessen (Germany) during more than two years.     

Simulating synchronized traffic flow and wide moving jam based on the brake light rule

A new cellular automaton (CA) model based on brake light rules is proposed, which considers the influence of deterministic deceleration on randomization probability and deceleration extent. To describe the synchronized flow phase of Kerner’s three-phase theory in accordance with empirical data, we have changed some rules of vehicle motion with the aim to improve speed and acceleration vehicle behavior in synchronized flow simulated with earlier cellular automaton models with brake lights. The fundamental diagrams and spatial–temporal diagrams are analyzed, as well as the complexity of the traffic evolution, the emergence process of wide moving jam. Simulation results show that our new model can reproduce the three traffic phases: free flow, synchronized flow and wide moving jam. In addition, our new model can well describe the complexity of traffic evolution: (1) with initial homogeneous distribution and large densities, the traffic will evolve into multiple steady states, in which the numbers of wide moving jams are not invariable. (2) With initial homogeneous distribution and the middle range of density, the wide moving jam will emerge stochastically. (3) With initial mega-jam distribution and the density close to a point with the low value, the initial mega-jam will disappear stochastically. (4) For the cases with multiple wide moving jams, the process is analyzed involving the generation of narrow moving jam due to “pinch effect”, which leads to wide moving jam emergence.     

Noise-Induced Phase Transition in Traffic Flow

One of the dynamic phases of the traffic flow is the traffic jam. It appears in traffic flow when the vehicledensity is larger than the critical value. In this paper, a new method is presented to investigate the traffic jam when thevehicle density is smaller than the critical value. In our method, we introduce noise into the traffic system after sufficienttransient time. Under the effect of noise, the traffic jam appears, and the phase transition from tree to synchronized flowoccurs in traffic flow. Our method is tested for the deterministic NaSch traffic model. The simulation results demonstratethat there exist a broad range of lower densities at which the noise effect leading to traffic jam can be observed.     

考虑最邻近前车综合信息的反馈控制跟驰模型

拥堵控制中, 通过车辆运行状态感知与控制的交互融合, 实现对车辆有效控制的过程, 具有信息物理融合系统的典型特征. 本文基于Konishi等的研究工作, 从交通信息系统与交通物理系统融合的角度, 进一步考虑优化速度差和安全间距对车流的影响, 在耦合映射跟驰模型中, 提出了一种考虑最邻近前车综合信息的交通拥堵反馈控制方案. 运用反馈控制理论, 给出了头车速度发生变化时交通流保持稳定的条件, 并与前人工作进行了比较. 理论分析与数值模拟结果一致表明, 耦合映射跟驰模型在本文提出的控制方案下能更有效地抑制交通拥堵. 关键词： 交通流 交通拥堵控制 耦合映射跟驰模型 信息物理融合系统     

Synchronized Flow in a Cellular Automaton Model with Time Headway Dependent Randomization

We propose another possible mechanism of synchronized flow, i,e. that a time headway dependent randomization can exhibit synchronized flow. Based on this assumption, we present a new cellular automaton （CA） model for traffic flow, in which randomization effect is enhanced with the decrease of time headway. We study fundamental diagram and spatial-temporal diagrams of the model and perform microscopic analysis of time series data, which shows the model could reproduce synchronized flow as expected. It is also shown that a spontaneous transition from synchronized flow to jam could be observed by incorporating slow-to-start effect into the model. We expect that our work could contribute to the understanding of the real origin of synchronized flow.     

Traffic flow characteristics in a mixed traffic system consisting of ACC vehicles and manual vehicles: A hybrid modelling approach

In this paper, we have investigated traffic flow characteristics in a traffic system consisting of a mixture of adaptive cruise control (ACC) vehicles and manual-controlled (manual) vehicles, by using a hybrid modelling approach. In the hybrid approach, (i) the manual vehicles are described by a cellular automaton (CA) model, which can reproduce different traffic states (i.e., free flow, synchronised flow, and jam) as well as probabilistic traffic breakdown phenomena; (ii) the ACC vehicles are simulated by using a car-following model, which removes artificial velocity fluctuations due to intrinsic randomisation in the CA model. We have studied the traffic breakdown probability from free flow to congested flow, the phase transition probability from synchronised flow to jam in the mixed traffic system. The results are compared with that, where both ACC vehicles and manual vehicles are simulated by CA models. The qualitative and quantitative differences are indicated.     

Modified coupled map car-following model and its delayed feedback control scheme

A modified coupled map car-following model is proposed, in which two successive vehicle headways in front of the considering vehicle is incorporated into the optimal velocity function. The steady state under certain conditions is obtained. An error system around the steady state is studied further. Moreover, the condition for the state having no traffic jam is derived. A new control scheme is presented to suppress the traffic jam in the modified coupled map car-following model under the open boundary. A control signal including the velocity differences between the following and the considering vehicles, and between the preceding and the considering vehicles is used. The condition under which the traffic jam can be well suppressed is analysed. The results are compared with that presented by Konishi et al. (the KKH model). The simulation results show that the temporal behaviour obtained in our model is better than that in the KKH model. The simulation results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis.     

考虑横向分离与超车期望的车辆跟驰模型

为了更加客观地描述实际的车辆跟驰行为, 在优化速度模型的基础上, 通过引入横向分离参数并提出超车期望和虚拟前车的概念, 建立了考虑横向分离与超车期望的车辆跟驰模型.对模型进行线性稳定性分析, 得到了模型稳定性条件, 发现车辆横向分离、超车期望和虚拟前车的位置的增加, 在车流密度较小、车速较快的情况下, 使得交通流稳定区域增大, 但在车流密度较大、车速较慢的情况下, 反而使得交通流稳定区域减小.数值模拟结果验证了模型稳定性分析的结果, 表明在交通瓶颈处等交通流密度较大、运行缓慢的区域, 为抑制交通拥堵, 应该限制车辆的横向偏移和超车行为的发生. 关键词： 交通流 车辆跟驰模型 横向分离 超车期望     

The stability analysis of the full velocity and acceleration velocity model

The stability analysis is one of the important problems in the traffic flow theory, since the congestion phenomena can be regarded as the instability and the phase transition of a dynamical system. Theoretically, we analyze the stable conditions of the full velocity and acceleration difference model (FVADM), which is proposed by introducing the acceleration difference term based on the previous car-following models (the optimal velocity model and the full velocity difference model, OVM and FVDM). By numerical simulations, it is found that when the traffic flow is unstable, the traffic jam in the FVADM is weaker than that in the FVDM. Also it is observed that the spreading speed of the jam is slower in the FVADM than that in the FVDM and the fluctuations of vehicles in the FVADM are smaller than those in the FVDM. Therefore, the acceleration difference term has strong effects on traffic dynamics and plays an important role in stabilizing the traffic flow.     

A control method for congested traffic in the coupled map car-following model

Based on the pioneer work of Konishi et al, a new control method is presented to suppress the traffic congestion in the coupled map (CM) car-following model under an open boundary. A control signal concluding the velocity differences of the two vehicles in front is put forward. The condition under which the traffic jam can be contained is analyzed. The results are compared with that presented by Konishi et al [Phys. Rev. 1999 E 60 4000--4007]. The simulation results show that the temporal behavior obtained by our method is better than that by the Konishi's et al. method, although both the methods could suppress the traffic jam. The simulation results are consistent with the theoretical analysis.     

An Improved Car-Following Model for Multiphase Vehicular Traffic Flow and Numerical Tests

This paper attempts to introduce an improved difference model that modifies a car-following model, which takes the next-nearest-neighbor interaction into account. The hnprovement of this model over the previous one lies in that it performs more realistically in the dynamical motion for small delay time. The traffic behavior of the improved model is investigated with analytic and numerical methods with the finding that the new consideration could further stabilize traffic flow. And some simulation tests verify that the proposed model can demonstrate some complex physical features observed recently in real traffic such as the existence of three phases： free flow, coexisting flow, and jam flow; spontaneous formation of density waves; sudden flow drop in flow-density plane; traffic hysteresis in transition between the free and the coexisting flow. Furthermore, th.e improved model also predicts that the stable state to relative density in the coexisting flow is insusceptible to noise.     

Two-lane traffic simulations with a blockage induced by an accident car

Based on the two-lane traffic model proposed by Chowdhury et al., a highway traffic model with a blockage induced by an accident car is proposed, in which both symmetric lane changing rules and asymmetric lane changing rules are adopted. The fundamental diagrams and spatial-temporal profiles are presented after the numerical simulation and the jam transition is studied. It is shown that the accident car not only causes a local jam behind the accident car, but also causes vehicles to cluster in the bypass lane. The asymmetric lane changing rules are more advantageous in reducing the local jam than the symmetric lane changing rules when the accident car is in the right lane, and the symmetric lane changing rules are superior when the accident car is in the left lane. Furthermore the curves of lane-changing frequency against the total density are given. It is found that the vehicles will change lane more frequently when traffic is inhomogeneous with different types of vehicle or with an accident car.     

Analyses of driver’s anticipation effect in sensing relative flux in a new lattice model for two-lane traffic system

In this paper, a new lattice hydrodynamic traffic flow model is proposed by considering the driver’s anticipation effect in sensing relative flux (DAESRF) for two-lane system. The effect of anticipation parameter on the stability of traffic flow is examined through linear stability analysis and shown that the anticipation term can significantly enlarge the stability region on the phase diagram. To describe the phase transition of traffic flow, mKdV equation near the critical point is derived through nonlinear analysis. The theoretical findings have been verified using numerical simulation which confirms that traffic jam can be suppressed efficiently by considering the anticipation effect in the new lattice model for two-lane traffic.     

Jamming transition of a two-dimensional traffic dynamics with consideration of optimal current difference

A modified two-dimensional lattice hydrodynamic traffic flow model is proposed by incorporating the optimal current difference effect of leading vehicles. Phase transitions and critical phenomenon are investigated near the critical point both analytically and numerically. Based on the configuration of vehicles, it is shown that two distinct jamming transitions occur: conventional jamming transition to the kink jam and jamming transition to the chaotic jam. It is shown that consideration of optimal current difference effect stabilizes the traffic flow and suppresses the traffic jam efficiently for all possible configurations of vehicles on a square lattice.     

基于安全驾驶的元胞自动机交通流模型

针对Nagel-Schreckenberg模型(NaSch模型)中存在的高速车辆可能发生追尾事故的不安全性，考虑了前车速度为零的情况，提出一种新的强调驾驶安全性的一维元胞自动机交通流模型：安全驾驶模型，并对该模型进行了数值模拟.由于安全概率的引入，使得系统在临界密度附近出现低速的同步相，而不是完全的堵塞相，减小了追尾事故发生的可能性，提高了高密度时道路的通行能力.模拟结果显示出了亚稳态、非平衡相变以及滞后效应等实际交通所具有的特性. 关键词： 交通流 安全驾驶 元胞自动机 同步流     

Confabulation Theory

Confabulation Theory [Hecht-Nielsen R. Confabulation theory. Springer-Verlag; 2007] is the first comprehensive theory of human and animal cognition. Here, we briefly describe Confabulation Theory and discuss experimental results that suggest the theory is correct. Simply put, Confabulation Theory proposes that thinking is like moving. In humans, the theory postulates that there are roughly 4000 thalamocortical modules, the “muscles of thought”. Each module performs an internal competition (confabulation) between its symbols, influenced by inputs delivered via learned axonal associations with symbols in other modules. In each module, this competition is controlled, as in an individual muscle, by a single graded (i.e., analog) thought control signal. The final result of this confabulation process is a single active symbol, the expression of which also results in launching of action commands that trigger and control subsequent movements and/or thought processes. Modules are manipulated in groups under coordinated, event-contingent control, in a similar manner to our 700 muscles. Confabulation Theory hypothesizes that the control of thinking is a direct evolutionary outgrowth of the control of movement. Establishing a complete understanding of Confabulation Theory will require launching and sustaining a massive new phalanx of confabulation neuroscience research.     

Integral and differential form of the protein folding problem

The availability of the complete genomic sequences of many species, including human, has raised enormous expectations in medicine, pharmacology, ecology, biotechnology and forensic sciences. However, knowledge is only a first step toward understanding, and we are only at the early stage of a scientific process that might lead us to satisfy all the expectations raised by the genomic projects. In this review I will discuss the present status of computational methods that attempt to infer the unique three-dimensional structure of proteins from their amino acid sequences. Although this problem has been defined as the “holy grail” of biology, it represents only one of the many hurdles in our path towards the understanding of life at a molecular level.     

A new dynamic model for heterogeneous traffic flow

Based on the property of heterogeneous traffic flow, we in this Letter present a new car-following model. Applying the relationship between the micro and macro variables, a new dynamic model for heterogeneous traffic flow is obtained. The fundamental diagram and the jam density of the heterogeneous traffic flow consisting of bus and car are studied under three different conditions: (1) without any restrictions, (2) under the action of the traffic control policy that restrains some private cars and (3) using bus to replace the private cars restrained by the traffic control policy. The numerical results show that our model can describe some qualitative properties of the heterogeneous traffic flow consisting of bus and car, which verifies that our model is reasonable.