Two interactive data-entry programs have been incorporated into the texas model for intersection traffic to produce the user-friendly texas model. with these programs, a user, by working through an alphanumeric terminal connected in an interactive time-sharing mode toa mainframe computer or through the keyboard of a microcomputer, can respond to screen-displayed prompts and instructions and enter allthe data needed for a simulation run in about one-tenth the time previously required. the actual simulation can then be executed eitheron a mainframe computer or on an ibm personal computer. during simulation, the progress of each individually characterized vehicle moving through a simulated intersection is recorded and subsequently displayed in real time or in stop action on a microcomputer-driven graphics screen. this animated graphics display allows the user to studythe overall traffic performance at an intersection or to examine the behavior of any selected vehicle or vehicles in great detail. it also offers an effective way of describing alternative intersection traffic flow conditions at public meetings and technical work sessions. tabular summary statistics may be produced for each simulation run if requested by the user. with the user-friendly version of the texas model, alternative intersection designs and traffic-control schemes can be evaluated quickly and accurately in a timely and cost-effective manner. this paper appeared in transportation research recordno. 1142, urban signal systems and transportation system management. for covering abstract see irrd no 817708.
Abstract