video record
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Description
The programme demonstrates the way in which two researchers investigate vehicle and pedestrian delay at Pelican crossings by the use of mathematical models.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: TM281, Modelling by mathematics
Item code: TM281; 02
First transmission date: 13-03-1977
Published: 1977
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:30
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Producer: Colin Robinson
Contributors: Keith Attenborough; Caryl Cresswell; Nicki Skelton
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Computer simulation; Light cycles; Mathematical models; Pelican crossings; Signal timing; Vehicle delays
Footage description: Excerpts from a Central Office of Information promotion film "Pelican Crossing". Keith Attenborough introduces the programme by summarising the criteria used by the Department of the Environment for converting or installing Pelican crossings. He points to a graph in a Dept.of Environment book "Pedestrian Safety" as he talks. Film of a pelican crossing and an animation are used as aids by Attenborough to explain the Pelican timing sequence. Attenborough interviews Nicki Skelton, Dept. of Transport Engineering, Newcastle University, who explains why she devised a mathematical model for predicting pedestrian and vehicle delay at Pelican crossings. Skelton goes on to explain how the calculation for average vehicle delay is done. She writes and draws a graph on a piece of paper as she talks. Skelton goes on to explain how values are obtained for the variables in her model. Attenborough then challenges some of the suppositions made for the model and Skelton defends them. Skelton lists the conclusions she came to as a result of her model. Attenborough goes on to interview Caryl Cresswell, Department of Civil Engineering and Mathematics at the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology, who has also developed a mathematical model for predicting delay at Pelican crossings. She explains the main suppositions which are made in this model and how data is collected for the model's variables. Cresswell goes on to explain how the model turns the data into vehicle delay times. Shots of graphs from the Dept. of the Environment book "Pedestrian Safety". Attenborough talks to Skelton and Cresswell about the assumptions made for their respective models. Each comments on the other's model. The group then moves on to discuss possible research in the future to check the validity of the two models.
Master spool number: 6HT/72258
Production number: 00525_5286
Videofinder number: 768
Available to public: no