Pedestrian Simulation

UAF, Open Transparent and Auditable Solutions

Agent Population

The control parameters for agents in the UAF are intentionally simplistic to aid clarity and to make the modelling process as transparent as possible. In the UAF we adopt a “dumb people, smart space” approach where the modeller alters the attributes of the agent populated space in order to replicate real world observed agent behaviour. This approach is simple and transparent to the end thus avoiding an overly complex agent algorithm with many parameters that the user has to calibrate and fine tune. Different agent types can be created to mimic different parts of the target population each with differing physical, kinematic and animation properties.

Space Definitions

The free space model incorporated into the UAF uses a number of different space types to distinguish between the primary function of different areas of the model i.e. agent only or shared. Users define the available space using a range of brushes / shape tools similar to common image editing applications.

Agent Demand

Users can specify a variable profile of agent demands in increments as small as one minute. Demand regions or spawning points can be defined at any location in the free space model with each region creating a customisable distribution of agent types. Users can also specify the progression of agents from waypoint to waypoint in a similar manner to specifying turning movements at a junction in the traffic model component.

Waypoints

Waypoints are used to provide new information to agents as they move through the free space model. Agents move from waypoint to waypoint using the best path they can find, avoiding obstacles and other agents who might impede their progress. Waypoints allow the modeller to move and focus different streams of agents towards the direction they wish them to go; think of waypoints as lenses that can focus, bend, or disperse the flow of agents.

The waypoints system allows the modeller maximum flexibility; they can add as many or as few waypoints as required to make the agent’s route through free space very rigid or very loose depending on requirements.

Blocking and Compliance

Blocking regions are used in the free space model to forcefully control the flow of pedestrians. Blocking regions are Boolean gates which are open, allowing pedestrians to move forward, or closed depending on the options specified by the user. Blocking regions can take any shape and can be controlled using a range of trigger conditions, including:

• User defined time intervals including repeating and “fire once” options;
• Linkage to a specific phase at a signalised intersection; each time the phase is executed the blocking regions gate is opened;
• Linkage to a call on demand phase at a signalised intersection; each time a pedestrian approaches the blocking region (walks up and pushes the cross button) the phase can become active for its next scheduled execution; and
• Optional Linkage to UTC or actuated signalling systems; SCOOT, SCATS, PCMOVA, VSPLUS, NEMA etc.

Compliance levels can be set for each blocking region defined in the free space model. The compliance level specifies how many agents ignore the state of the blocking gate i.e. 10 in every 100 agents ignore the “don’t walk” sign and will actively seek to cross through shared space should they have a suitable opportunity to do so.