Traffic state estimation using stochastic Lagrangian dynamics

Fangfang Zheng, Saif Eddin Jabari, Henry X. Liu, Dian Chao Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper proposes a new stochastic model of traffic dynamics in Lagrangian coordinates. The source of uncertainty is heterogeneity in driving behavior, captured using driver-specific speed-spacing relations, i.e., parametric uncertainty. It also results in smooth vehicle trajectories in a stochastic context, which is in agreement with real-world traffic dynamics and, thereby, overcoming issues with aggressive oscillation typically observed in sample paths of stochastic traffic flow models. We utilize ensemble filtering techniques for data assimilation (traffic state estimation), but derive the mean and covariance dynamics as the ensemble sizes go to infinity, thereby bypassing the need to sample from the parameter distributions while estimating the traffic states. As a result, the estimation algorithm is just a standard Kalman–Bucy algorithm, which renders the proposed approach amenable to real-time applications using recursive data. Data assimilation examples are performed and our results indicate good agreement with out-of-sample data.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)143-165
Number of pages23
JournalTransportation Research Part B: Methodological
Volume115
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2018

Keywords

  • Car following
  • Data assimilation
  • Heterogeneous drivers
  • Hydrodynamic limits
  • Kalman filtering
  • Lagrangian coordinates
  • Mean dynamics
  • Traffic state estimation
  • Uncertainty quantification
  • Variability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Transportation

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