A microscopic model of urban traffic for implementation in driving simulators

This paper describes a model for the traffic simulation of an urban environment. Its main application is for implementation in driving simulators. Since it is focused on real-time applications, a compromise must be achieved between model realism and the computation speed obtained. In order to attain real-time simulation, the simulation environment has been partitioned, the city being considered as divided into segments of road, junctions, and sectors that minimize the interaction between the cars involved in the traffic simulation, with the traffic simulation being considered only in a control zone centred on the driven vehicle. Simplified vehicle models have also been used, allowing for a sufficiently realistic behaviour. A traffic light regulation only in the area next to the driven vehicle is also included. The developed model is immediately applicable to large-scale driving simulators, but it is also applicable to traffic control studies using traffic light control adjustments or when assessing the impact of new traffic layouts in a city.