Computer-implemented system and method for simulating motor vehicle and bicycle traffic

• US 6,950,788 B2
• Filed: 09/26/2001
• Issued: 09/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/27/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ardeshir Faghri
• Original Assignee: Ardeshir Faghri
• Inventors: Faghri, Ardeshir
• Primary Examiner(s): FREJD, RUSSELL WARREN
• Application Number:
  US09/963,325
• Publication Number:
  US 20020062207A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,462 Days
• Field of Search: 703/8, 703/2, 702/142, 706/46, 706/47, 701/213, 701/300, 701/301, 434/61, 434/62
• US Class Current: 703/8
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/00 Traffic control systems for road vehicles arrangement of road signs or traffic signals E01F9/00 ; automatic vehicle control B62D

Abstract

A computer-implemented system and method for simulating the movement of motor vehicle and bicycle traffic in an environment. Among other things, the system and method scan all traffic signals in the environment over a predetermined time interval, and then update parking activity, pedestrian movement, and motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment. The system and method also check whether any parking activity was generated for the predetermined time period, and simulates pedestrian movement in the environment. Finally, the system and method simulate motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment using predetermined acceleration and deceleration rates, a motor vehicle following model, and a lane changing model.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method that simulates the movement of motor vehicle, and bicycle traffic in an environment, the method comprising:

scanning all traffic signals in the environment over a predetermined time interval;

updating parking activity, and motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment;

checking whether any parking activity was generated for the predetermined time period; and

simulating motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment using predetermined acceleration and deceleration rates, a motor vehicle and bicycle following model, and a lane changing model.

2. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

updating pedestrian movement in the environment; and

simulating pedestrian movement in the environment.

3. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 2, further comprising:

scanning parking activity, pedestrian movement, and motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment prior to updating parking activity, pedestrian movement, and motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment.

4. A computer-implemented method as recited in claim 2, further comprising:

reacting to a situation selected from the group consisting of pedestrians on crossings, parked motor vehicles, bus stops, and traffic signals or signs.

5. A system for simulating the movement of motor vehicle and bicycle traffic in an environment, the system comprising:

a memory configured to store instructions; and

a processor configured to execute instructions for;

scanning all traffic signals in the environment over a predetermined time interval,

updating parking activity, and motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment,

checking whether any parking activity was generated for the predetermined time period, and

simulating motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment using predetermined acceleration and deceleration rates, a motor vehicle and bicycle following model, and a lane changing model.

6. A system as recited in claim 5, wherein the processor is configured to execute the further instructions for:

updating pedestrian movement in the environment; and

simulating pedestrian movement in the environment.

7. A system as recited in claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to execute the further instructions for:

scanning parking activity, pedestrian movement, and motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment prior to updating parking activity, pedestrian movement, and motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment.

8. A system as recited in claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to execute the further instructions for:

reacting to a situation selected from the group consisting of pedestrians on crossings, parked motor vehicles, bus stops, and traffic signals or signs.

9. A computer readable medium that stores instructions executable by at least one processor to perform a method for simulating the movement of motor vehicle and bicycle traffic in an environment, comprising:

instructions for scanning all traffic signals in the environment over a predetermined time interval;

instructions for updating parking activity, and motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment;

instructions for checking whether any parking activity was generated for the predetermined time period; and

instructions for simulating motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment using predetermined acceleration and deceleration rates, a motor vehicle and bicycle following model, and a lane changing model.

10. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 9, further comprising:

instructions for updating pedestrian movement in the environment; and

instructions for simulating pedestrian movement in the environment.

11. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 10, further comprising:

instructions for scanning parking activity, pedestrian movement, and motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment prior to updating parking activity, pedestrian movement, and motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment.

12. A computer readable medium as recited in claim 9, further comprising:

instructions for reacting to a situation selected from the group consisting of pedestrians on crossings, parked motor vehicles, bus stops, and traffic signals or signs.