On Time Constraints for Internet-Connected Multi-User Real-Time Traffic Simulation

In recent years, the inclusion of vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as bicyclists in road traffic systems has become a topic of general interest. However, the development and testing with humans in the loop are complicated. Co-simulation of cyclists on a training stand together with road traffic and vehicular networking simulation helps to get more insights into traffic interactions. This approach is currently limited as that only one real-time cycling stand can be supported. Therefore, we extend a centralized intelligent transportation systems (ITS) simulation to allow multiple real-time users simultaneously. We developed an architecture building upon new extrapolation and convergence algorithms to deal with communication lags. Our proof-of-concept for internet-connected multi-user real-time simulation confirms the general feasibility and allows us to gain insights into its technical limitations.