Self-Algorithm Traffic Light Controllers for Heavily Congested Urban Route

摘要

Traffic lights are commonly known as the stop light or stop-and-go lights used as a source of signaling device in junctions around the world. It is common to position traffic lights on a certain road intersections, pedestrian crossings and other locations to control competing flows of traffic in order to enhance the smoothness of traffic flow. Traffic lights have been installed in most cities around the world regardless of different standards set by the local authorities. Traffic light controllers is programmed to assign timely directions for road users by demand in the form of colors which is Red, Amber and Green. Even though traffic lights are known as the best device in controlling traffic flow for road users, yet accidents reported at the traffic junction is very common. There are 2 methods in controlling the traffic light system placed on a certain junction. The most common one is the sequencing method, whereby the traffic light system is designed to operate according to the preprogrammed sequence without any consideration of real time behavior. The second method is the demand based controller which response to the preprogrammed timer based on real time sensor detection on a certain road junction. With both method widely used around the world, surety on traffic flow smoothness is not established. When authorities talk about efficiency and accuracy on real time traffic flow control, there are always room for further enhancement especially on the controlling and sensing method. In the afford to provide a solution for such miseries, a novel implementation of sensing method which will be incorporated with self conditioning program will be a practical solution. The new sensing method is capable of counting the total number of vehicles entering a certain junction and exiting from a certain junction on real time basis. Based on this detection, the programmable logic controller will trigger the traffic light indicators according to real demand. The new method should also be easy for further enchantment of traffic light system in ensuring smoothness of traffic flow especially during peak hours.