Event detection from traffic tensors: A hybrid model

Abstract

A traffic tensor or simply origin x destination x time is a new data model for conventional origin/destination (O/D) matrices. Tensor models are traffic data analysis techniques which use this new data model to improve performance. Tensors outperform other models because both temporal and spatial fluctuations of traffic patterns are simultaneously taken into account, obtaining results that follow a more natural pattern. Three major types of fluctuations can occur in traffic tensors: mutations to the overall traffic flows, alterations to the network topology and chaotic behaviors. How can we detect events in a system that is faced with all types of fluctuations during its life cycle? Our initial studies reveal that the current design of tensor models face some difficulties in dealing with such a realistic scenario. We propose a new hybrid tensor model called HTM that enhances the detection ability of tensor models by using a parallel tracking technique on the traffic's topology. However, tensor decomposition techniques such as Tucker, a key step for tensor models, require a complicated parameter that not only is difficult to choose but also affects the model's quality. We address this problem examining a recent technique called adjustable core size Tucker decomposition (ACS-Tucker). Experiments on simulated and real-world data sets from different domains versus several techniques indicate that the proposed model is effective and robust, therefore it constitutes a viable alternative for analysis of the traffic tensors.