IMPROVED DATA SCREENING TECHNIQUES FOR FREEWAY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Proper functioning of computer-based freeway traffic control algorithms depends on good data being received from roadway detectors. At present, only elementary screening procedures for these data are in use on most freeway traffic management systems. There has recently been some work to improve such procedures. That work has been extended, and several new screening approaches are proposed. The first approach develops a theoretical upper bound for part of the flow-occupancy data and is useful for single-detector systems. The other approaches have been developed for paired-loop systems and involve comparisons of loop data as well as the development of boundaries defining acceptable combinations of speed, flow, and occupancy data.