Connected and Automated Vehicles

Automated vehicles require sufficiently accurate system models in order to achieve a desired level of closed-loop performance in, for example, automated highways systems or smart cruise control systems. Parameters of the models are one of the important factors that determine the accuracy of system modeling and, eventually, the overall performance of the closed-loop system. Current GPS sensing technology enables estimation of road grade and, consequently, simple treatment of parameter estimation from a static force balance. This work has demonstrated that road grade can be reliably...

This research develops and tests, via microscopic simulation, a real-time adaptive control system for corridor management in the form of three real-time adaptive control strategies: intersection control, ramp control and an integrated control that combines both intersection and ramp control. The development of these strategies is based on a mathematical representation that describes the behavior of traffic flow in corridor networks and actuated controller operation. Only those parameters commonly found in modern actuated controllers (e.g., Type 170 and 2070 controllers) are considered in...

The purpose of this study is to investigate the reasons for an individual' s decision to ride rather than drive, and to draw any appropriate extensions to a future marketplace where automated vehicles may be an available mode choice. In the study, a focus group of existing vanpoolers is presented with the choice of driving alone or commuting with others after they had joined the vanpool. From the vanpoolers' stated choices, it is inferred whether a value may exist to future users of automated vehicles when they choose to travel in the automated mode, as opposed to driving themselves.

Vehicles in an IVHS system rely heavily on information obtained from sensors. So far, most control systems make the implicit assumption that sensor information is always correct. However, in reality, sensor information is always corrupted to some degree by noise which varies with operating conditions, environmental conditions, and other factors. In addition, sensors can fail due to a variety of reasons. To overcome these shortcomings, sensor validation is needed to assess the integrity of the sensor information and adjust or correct as appropriate. In the presence of redundant information...