Figure 1: Screen shot of microscopic traffic simulation.
Traffic Simulation wins
World Top Young Innovators Award
Predicting the traffic is like predicting the weather – only tougher. Predictions need to be done quickly and drivers might change plans after hearing those predictions. The key is having the right algorithm, based on the right traffic-simulation model (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Screen shot of microscopic traffic simulation.
Traditionally, the old school of thought in the traffic management field was one of using heuristics based on an individual’s experience. Today, the content and agenda of traffic problems has changed significantly because of advances in information technology. The traffic situation is far more complicated today. Harnessing the tools of information technology and microscopic traffic simulation, Dr Lee Der-Horng of the Department of Civil Engineering has been able to take advantage of these new approaches and analytical tools to gain an insight into solving modern-day urban traffic problems.
Figure 2: Dr Lee Der Horng receiving the award.
Dr Lee has been chosen as one of the world’s 100 Top Young Innovators by Technology Review, MIT’s Magazine of Innovation (Figure 2). The TR100, chosen annually by Technology Review, MIT’s award-winning magazine of innovation, consists of 100 young individuals whose innovative work in business and technology has a profound impact on today’s world. Nominees are recognised for their contribution in transforming the nature of technology in industries such as biotechnology, computing, energy, medicine, manufacturing, nanotechnology, telecommunications and transportation.
Dr Lee specializes in traffic microsimulation, applying various classification, clustering, heuristics, artificial intelligence and other data mining methodologies to analyse dynamic, online traffic data flows. By applying the methodologies to online data, Dr Lee is able to find patterns, implicit messages and develop new decision rules for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The application of Dr Lee’s methods will be extremely useful in major world cities trying to implement ITS, for example, fully integrated traffic management, traffic control and traffic information systems. Dr Lee is presently using his innovative tools to tackle critical issues in urban traffic management which would ensure a smarter and smoother ride for commuters traveling to and from work.
Dr Lee’s influence in microsimulation techniques extends from the US to ASEAN through to Australia, China and Taiwan. Acknowledged for his expertise in applying new ways of thinking, new science and methodologies, techniques from different scientific fields and new approaches to solving existing traffic problems, Dr Lee is being consulted by transportation authorities worldwide, including the 2008 Olympics to be held in Beijing. Dr Lee and his ITVS (Intelligent Transportation and Vehicles Systems) teammates at NUS are discussing and working with local and foreign research and development agencies, universities as well as companies in car manufacturing, IT (information technology), software, and transportation to further materialize tangible benefits of ITS in our day-to-day living.
Papers authored or co-authored by Dr Lee are widely acclaimed within the microsimulation field and contribute to the benefit of research and development of microsimulation technologies as well as the Intelligent Transportation Systems field. He holds two committee memberships in the Transportation Research Board of the National Research Council, National Academies of the United States of America. Dr Lee is also an associate editor of IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems.
Dr Lee is now tackling the next critical issues in urban traffic management. His research will have an immense impact on mankind to enable a smoother ride to and from work.
Contact person: Dr DH Lee
Tel: 6874 2131
Fax: 6779 1635
Email: dhl@nus.edu.sg
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