Microscopic Traffic Models: Transformation in Connected Environment and Generalized Driver Model

Connected vehicle technology is rapidly developing, facilitated by advancements in information technology and heavy investments from governments, companies, and research institutes. What will be the new challenges and opportunities for microscopic traffic models generated by the technology revolution? The representative traffic models from the perspectives of modelling mechanisms and human factors are reviewed in this paper to answer this question. Comments on the development of microscopic traffic models from the perspectives of model forms, categories, integrity, and application scenarios are highlighted. A modeling framework from connected traffic systems comprising five elements, that is, the driving assistance, driver, vehicle, traffic, and driving scenario, are introduced, and the progress of closely related research is thoroughly reviewed. Finally, a generalized driver model is proposed, considering the bounded rationality and the overall driving progress of "perception, decision, operation". Critical factors and the theoretical frameworks applicable in future studies are introduced and analyzed in detail. It is expected that this will help clarify the recent progress of microscopic traffic models and the research trend and roadmap of microscopic traffic modeling enhanced by the connected environment.