Impact of regional population density on walking behavior

Land use can influence walking (measured by the number of steps) and so the health of people. This paper presents the result of empirical research on the impact of regional population densities (inhabitants per inhabitable area) on the number of steps (all steps, both outdoors and indoors). With data collected from almost 11,000 respondents in 148 Japanese regions, we estimate polynomial regression models, the total number of steps being the dependent variable and densities being the main independent variable. Regional population density significantly affects the number of steps after controlling for individual and household attributes. The estimated population density that maximizes the number of steps is around 11,000?persons/km². Increasing densities, up to levels of around 11,000?inhabitants/km², could increase walking and consequently the health of inhabitants. The population density elasticity of the number of steps is 0.046–0.049 in a simple log linear regression model without a peak.     

Advanced Control Methods for Automotive Applications

This paper reviews key developments in applications of advanced control methods to automotive systems. Such applications appear in many aspects of vehicle controls. We will examine representative application areas, which include engines, suspension systems, traction systems, steering systems and those for automated highway systems (AHS). Each area is examined from the viewpoint of modeling and control algorithm development. Useful control theories for automotive application are briefly reviewed for better understanding of the applicability of these theories.     

Analyses of Vision-based Lateral Control for Automated Highway System

The stability and performance of a vision-based vehicle lateral control system are analyzed. Effects of look-ahead distance, vision delay, and vehicle speed on the performance of vision feedback control system are examined by using frequency domain and time domain methods. A measurement model of the vision system is derived from the point of view of multiple sensors. The quantization error of the vision system is analyzed and the way of extracting essential information for control is studied. Based on this analysis, some guidelines for the design of vision-based controllers are proposed. A design example is further illustrated for a vision system with a substantial time delay.     

Characteristics of low-frequency motions of ships moored inside ports and harbors on the basis of field observations

In order to understand characteristics of low-frequency motions of ships moored inside ports and harbors, analysis on actual cargo handling logbook of stevedoring services company, including events of interruption of cargo handling, and countermeasure for ship mooring problems are investigated by field observations at two ports and numerical simulation on moored ship motions. First model port concerns with interruption of cargo handling due to the low-frequency motions. Second model port relates to a resonant effect of long-period waves or harbor oscillations, and its countermeasure by mooring system. From the investigation, it is confirmed that the low-frequency motions of ships are induced by a resonance between surge motions and long-period waves or harbor oscillations and an asymmetry in the mooring system, and affect safe ship mooring and operation efficiency of cargo handling in ports and harbors significantly.     

A Reusability Study of Vehicle Lateral Control System

The architecture of the PATH vehicle lateral control system is presented in this paper. The two main modules are an intelligent reference/sensing system, and an Frequency-Shaped-Linear-Quadratic/preview control algorithm. The whole lateral control system was formerly evaluated on a two-door test vehicle. It was transplanted to a four-door vehicle which is considerably different from the older two-door test vehicle in dynamic characteristics. The objective of this study is to investigate the reusability of our control system.     

Lateral Control of Commercial Heavy Vehicles

Two nonlinear lateral control algorithms are designed for a tractor-semitrailer type commercial heavy vehicle. The baseline steering control algorithm is designed utilizing input-output linearization. To enhance the lateral stability and furthermore reduce tracking errors of the trailer, braking forces are independently controlled on the inner and outer wheels of the trailer. The coordinated steering and braking control algorithm is designed based on the multivariable backstepping technique. Simulations conducted using the complex model show that the trailer yaw errors under coordinated steering and independent braking force control are much smaller than those without independent braking force control.     

Fuzzy Logic Traction Controllers and their Effect on Longitudinal Vehicle Platoon Systems

This paper presents two fuzzy logic traction controllers and investigates their effect on longitudinal platoon systems. A fuzzy logic approach is appealing for traction control because of the nonlinearity and time-varying uncertainty involved in traction control systems

The fuzzy logic traction controllers we present regulate brake torque to control wheel slip, which is the normalized difference between wheel and vehicle speed. One fuzzy controller estimates the peak slip corresponding to the maximum tire-road adhesion coefficient and regulates wheel slip at the peak slip. The controller is attractive because of its ability to maximize acceleration and deceleration regardless of road condition. However, we find through simulations the controller's performance degrades in the presence of time-varying uncertainties. The other fuzzy logic controller regulates wheel slip at any desired value. Through simulations we find the controller robust against changing road conditions and uncertainties. The target slip is predetermined and not necessarily the peak slip for all road conditions. If the target slip is set low, stable acceleration and deceleration is guaranteed, regardless of road condition

We also study the effect of traction control on longitudinal vehicle platoon systems using simulations. The simulations include acceleration and deceleration maneuvers on an icy road. The results indicate traction control may substantially improve longitudinal platoon performance, especially when icy road conditions exist.