Paramics API Development Document for Actuated Signal, Signal Coordination and Ramp Control

Problem

This report discusses the process and technology behind development and expansion of the Paramics software suite.

Paramics is a suite of software tools used to model the movement and behavior of individual vehicles on urban and highway road networks. The Paramics Project Suite consists of four components: Modeler, Processor, Analyzer, and Programmer. The Programmer enables the user to customize many features of the simulation model. Access to the Programmer is provided through an Application Programming Interface, or API.

Findings

The capability to access and modify the Paramics simulation model through an API is essential for research. Such an API should have a dual role:

• first, to allow researchers to override the simulator's default models, such as car following, lane changing, and route choices, and
• second, to allow researchers to interface complementary modules, for example ITS applications such as signal optimization, adaptive ramp metering, incident management, and so on, to the simulator.

This report describes three new APIs for complex simulation and modeling in Paramics. These are:

• Full-actuated signal control. This API enables the modeling of a typical intersection with traffic detectors to simulate left-turn vehicle presence detection and vehicle detection for vehicle "through movement" phase.
• Actuated signal coordination. This API enables the simulation of actuated signal coordination designed to allow "platoons" of traffic to form and progress through several signals with minimum stops and delays.
• Actuated ramp metering control. This API enables the simulation of ramp metering systems utilizing a time-based ramp control algorithm.

The research also outlines possible future development of more APIs to handle several specific simulation issues. The proposed APIs can be built upon the APIs developed in this research. Examples suggested include:

• Actuated ramp metering control rather than time-based metering
• Actuated signal control utilizing detection methods other than loop detectors, such as machine vision or other "wide area" traffic detection technologies nearing implementation.