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In this report, a hybrid observer is proposed as a method of estimating position and velocity of a vehicle when the primary output is a series of discrete magnetic markers placed along a roadway. For the preliminary studies, the vehicle was modeled as a pure inertial system with acceleration input. Two methods of determining the time "tk" at which the "k-th" marker is passed are discussed, and simulations using both methods are shown. Compensation for errors arising due to inaccurate measurement of this time is proposed and validated. A Proportional- Integral-Derivative (PID) controller...

Most trips in U.S. metropolitan regions are drive-alone car trips, an expensive and inefficient means of moving people. A more efficient system would allow drivers to share cars. Such a system is often less convenient for travelers, but convenience can be enhanced by deploying "smart" technologies in concert with shared-use vehicles and transit. The motivation for this research is to determine how the use of information and communication technologies can enhance flexibility and mobility-and what value travelers will place on these new transportation means.

This study presents an initial step toward an understanding of consumer responses to advanced traveler information systems. Specifically, it is aimed at understanding the role that cellular telephones can play in the management of urban traffic systems. To assess the interrelationships between cellular communication and driver behavior, a mail survey of GTE Mobilnet customers in the San Francisco Bay Area was conducted.

The central goal of this research is to develop a systematic framework and the support tools to ease, streamline and speed up the calibration of micro simulation projects. Part II of the final report documents the accomplishments achieved in the first phase of the research project(a review of practice and calibration guidelines is documented in a Part I). These accomplishments include: 1) developed a calibration framework that decouples the calibration process into five components: project scoping and error checking, global parameter calibration, local parameter calibration, departure/...