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Adaptive Control Interfaces

This section describes the Adaptive Control Module and the associated software interfaces developed in the Aimsun Next environment.

Note about Licenses and Data: These Interfaces require a license for both Aimsun Next and the Adaptive Control Interfaces extension.

Each of the Adaptive Control Interfaces also require that the modeler has access to the control system being linked to the simulation through a separate license for the control software. This can be supplied by the vendor of the control software or it can be accessed through an agreement with the stakeholders who commissioned the transport model and required that it be linked to the control system in use in the area to be modeled.

Furthermore the modeler must have access to the databases and software configurations already in use on the traffic network to reproduce the current activity. The modeler might also be required to update, or to develop new controller configurations to support option tests within the model.

Introduction

To evaluate and test an advanced adaptive traffic control system, a micro or meso simulator must be capable of simulating the traffic devices used by the controller: i.e. detectors, traffic lights, etc. and it must also be able to take data from them and modify their actions as required by the controller.

Aimsun Next can connect with the following advanced adaptive traffic control systems:

  • SCATS: Microsimulation and mesoscopic simulation linked to SCATS to dynamically set traffic light states.
  • SCATS-RMS: Microsimulation connected to SCATS-RMS or ramp metering.
  • SCATS ITS: To gather data from SCATS servers.
  • Yunex UTC: Microsimulation linked to Yunex UTC (with SCOOT) to dynamically set traffic light states.
  • UTOPIA: Microsimulation and mesoscopic simulation linked to UTOPIA to provide occupancy and counts; UTOPIA dynamically sets traffic light states.
  • VS-Plus: Microsimulation provides VS-Plus with the detector occupancy and counts; VS-Plus dynamically sets traffic light states.
  • LISA: Aimsun Next uses a Java server which emulates a LISA controller to dynamically set the traffic light states using controller configurations edited by LISA.
  • Yutraffic: Yutraffic Office from Yunex Traffic can export an Aimsun document which contains a traffic network, traffic demand, and the signal controllers required to run a simulation of a junction using a Yunex PDM controller.

An Aimsun Next microsimulation might also connect with the following advanced adaptive traffic control systems:

  • ETRA
  • Indra
  • SICE
  • Telvent
  • Telent
  • ZGZ Prio

For more information on any of these systems please contact Aimsun at info@aimsun.com.

Adaptive signal control systems require a Controller object to manage the link between the external control system and the Aimsun network. The Controller is used to create and edit the links between the junctions, their associated signal stages, and the traffic detectors in the Aimsun traffic model with their corresponding representation in the control system. The controller also adds the ability to configure the communications link between control and simulation and its parameters.

Consult the Adaptive Controller Section for documentation about creating and configuring a controller.

Preferences Editor

The Preferences Editor is used to configure the options used in making links to adaptive signal controllers. Consult the Preferences Editor, or the documentation section on each individual controller.