Construction and application of a simulation optimization model of auxiliary guidance signs in enclosed public places

Abstract

Many enclosed public spaces with multiple destinations often feature obstacles, such as columns within the building space and dense crowds, which adversely affect the recognition and guidance of pedestrian sign. To mitigate this issue, enhancing traffic efficiency necessitates the implementation of auxiliary guidance signs. However, experience-based schemes for positioning these signs often require iterative adjustments to achieve the desired effect. Thus, this paper endeavors to address this challenge by analyzing the relationship between obstacles and pedestrians’ visual blind areas. It establishes a mathematical model to describe pedestrian visual perception and its correlation with crowd density and individual visual field function. The model employs the effective aggregation area of the population exceeding a certain density threshold as its primary variable and enhances this variable’s function. Subsequently, it formulates an effect function that yields a substantial improvement in various combinations and permutations of auxiliary guidance signs. To exemplify this research, a large subway transfer hall with multiple destinations serves as a simulation model. The study calculates the optimal combination of auxiliary guidance sign placements that align with the enhancement effect function. Based on this combination, an optimized layout plan is derived, resulting in a significant improvement. The results demonstrate that the auxiliary guidance sign layout scheme proposed in this study markedly enhances traffic efficiency in enclosed public spaces. This research serves as a valuable reference for decision-makers seeking to optimize traffic flow in such spaces.