PCMOVA
PCMOVA Features list:
- Incorporates MOVA Kernel M6.0 (including latest bug fixes)
- Allows connection to S-Paramics and VISSIM
- Enables MOVA control of junctions in S-Paramics and VISSIM microsimulation models (including "compound" junctions)
- Allows signals to be linked between junctions in a similar way to that used on site and implements queue detection
- Signal controller emulator for the translation of stages into phases (or signal groups) for VISSIM
- Simple pedestrian model enables realistic calling of pedestrian phases without the need to specify pedestrian modelling in the microsimulation
- Connection settings can be saved and (re)loaded
- Supports multiple MOVA-controlled junctions running simultaneously
- Support for microsimulation speeds in excess of real-time
- Support for user communications with MOVA Kernel via MOVA Comm M6.0
- Command line mode for batch runs in S-Paramics
- Compatable with the multi-run feature in VISSIM
- Log-to-file facility for MOVA Kernel errors and stage changes
- Integrated context-sensitive Help system
» PCMOVA and SCOOT Microsimulation Services
The effects of installing the MOVA signalised traffic control system at a junction are hard to assess before the system is actually installed and running. A number of commercial PC traffic microsimulation computer programs already exist that allow traffic engineers and transport planners to carry out microscopic simulations of traffic junctions. PCMOVA 1.1 is a PC version of the MOVA M6 signalised traffic control system that allows users to connect to and control junctions in traffic microsimulation models running on PCs. PCMOVA enables users to assess the benefits of running MOVA and test out different configurations before the costly process of on-street installation. Users can also simulate the effects of MOVA configuration changes after installation on street. Users can also make their microsimulation models more realistic by using PCMOVA to control junctions in those microsimulation models that are in reality controlled by MOVA.
The PCMOVA Kernel communicates with the microsimulation program through a "linking" application, the PCMOVA Linker. The PCMOVA Linker allows users to create mappings between junctions in the microsimulation model and MOVA datasets (the junction-specific configuration data required by MOVA), and between the microsimulation model detectors and MOVA detector n channels. At the start of a simulation, the PCMOVA Linker starts another instance of the PCMOVA Kernel for each MOVA junction model in the microsimulation.
The PCMOVA Kernel is automatically initialised with a dataset provided by the user, and enabled so that it is ready to take control of the junction after going through its normal warm-up cycle.
During a simulation, the PCMOVA Linker retrieves detector and stage data from the microsimulation model every 0.5 seconds (in simulation time), and updates the PCMOVA Kernel accordingly. PCMOVA returns a stage to "force" (if any), and the PCMOVA Linker will send a hurry call for
MOVA error reports and stage change times are shown in the PCMOVA Linker, and logged to file if requested by the user. It is also possible to run the MOVA Comm M6.0 terminal emulator from the PCMOVA Linker, allowing the user to monitor the behaviour of the PCMOVA Kernel in more detail.
PCMOVA will make it easier for traffic engineers and transport planners to assess MOVA operation in advance of on-street installation, and improve modelling of road networks that include MOVA junctions. This will improve the accuracy of microsimulation models, making it easier to determine where and how to deploy MOVA control to maximum advantage when seeking to reduce congestion and increase capacity at signalised junctions. Note that this uses a real implementation of MOVA, not a model or emulation.
The screenshot shows the PCMOVA Linker controlling three junctions simultaneously with the PCMOVA Kernel. Two of the three junctions are being monitored using the MOVA Comm M6.0 terminal emulator.
The latest version of the MOVA terminal communications program, MOVA Comm M6.0, is now available for free download from the TRL software website (www.trlsoftware.co.uk), and includes functionality for connecting to the PCMOVA Kernel, as well as to MOVA installations running on street.
