Automated Traffic Model Calibration via Directed Brute Force Search

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for calibrating traffic simulation models are labor-intensive, require significant engineering expertise, and are often inadequate, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and accuracy in traffic management.

Innovation Solution

A self-calibration method using a software-assisted approach within the simulation-based optimization framework, which employs a database of default values, prioritizes input and output parameters, and utilizes a 'directed brute force' search algorithm to optimize calibration processes, reducing the need for extensive engineering expertise and time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration methods are used to ensure model accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to labor-intensive processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel calibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automated calibration using self-calibration algorithms that adjust model parameters without human intervention. The software automatically compares simulated traffic data with field-observed data and iteratively adjusts parameters to minimize discrepancies, enabling the model to calibrate itself while maintaining accuracy and reducing time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration processes with automated computational algorithms. Instead of engineers manually adjusting parameters based on field observations, the system uses computer-based optimization algorithms to automatically perform calibration, eliminating the labor-intensive mechanical process while improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual calibration methods are used to ensure model accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring significant engineering expertise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel calibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automated calibration using self-calibration algorithms that adjust model parameters without human intervention. The software automatically compares simulated traffic data with field-observed data and iteratively adjusts parameters to minimize discrepancies, enabling the model to calibrate itself while maintaining accuracy and reducing time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration processes with automated computational algorithms. Instead of engineers manually adjusting parameters based on field observations, the system uses computer-based optimization algorithms to automatically perform calibration, eliminating the labor-intensive mechanical process while improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive calibration is performed to improve model accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and loss of time worsen due to extensive data collection requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a multi-level calibration approach where users can select from quick, medium, and thorough calibration levels. This allows partial calibration when full comprehensive calibration is not necessary, enabling users to balance accuracy requirements with time and resource constraints, thereby improving productivity while maintaining sufficient model accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calibration using available data before more extensive data collection is undertaken. The automated algorithms can initially calibrate models with limited field data, and then progressively improve accuracy as additional observations become available, avoiding the need to collect all possible data beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10509873B2System and method for automated model calibration, sensitivity analysis, and optimization

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 UNIV OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC

AI summary

A computer-implemented interface apparatus and method are directed to automated calibration, sensitivity analysis, and optimization of computer models. User interfaces may be provided for automatically managing interchangeable input parameters, interchangeable output objective functions, and interchangeable optimization methods. A user may use the computer-implemented interface apparatus and method to select any number of input and output parameters and calibration or search thoroughness levels for automated calibration, sensitivity analysis, and optimization of a computer model. The functionality of selecting the input and output parameters and calibration or search thoroughness levels may allow the user to adjust or control computer run times for automated calibration, sensitivity analysis, and optimization of the computer model.