An integrated traffic-driving simulation framework: Design, implementation, and validation

• We develop an integrated traffic-driving simulator.
• We overcome the challenges of integrating the two distinct simulation platforms.
• We compare driver behavior in the simulator and in the real-world for validation.
• We propose several metrics for assessing the validity of the simulator.
• We show that driver behavior in the simulator is comparable to the field.

This paper first describes the process of integrating two distinct transportation simulation platforms, Traffic Simulation models and Driving Simulators, so as to broaden the range of applications for which either type of simulator is applicable. To integrate the two distinct simulation platforms, several technical challenges needed to be overcome including reconciling differences in update frequency, coordinate systems, and the fidelity levels of the vehicle dynamics models and graphical rendering requirements of the two simulators. Following the successful integration, the integrated simulator was validated by having several human subjects drive a 2.5 mile long segment of a signalized arterial in both the virtual environment of the integrated simulator, and in the real-world during the evening “rush hour”. Several aspects of driving behavior were then compared between the human subjects’ driving in the “virtual” and the real world. The comparisons revealed generally similar behavior, in terms of average corridor-level travel time, deceleration/acceleration patterns, lane-changing behavior, as well as energy consumption and emissions production. The paper concludes by suggesting possible extensions of the developed prototype which the researchers are currently pursuing, including integration with a computer networking simulator, to facilitate Connected Vehicle (CV) and Vehicle Ad-hoc Network (VANET) related studies, and a multiple participant component that allows several human drivers to interact simultaneously within the integrated simulator.