A RAPID SIGNAL TRANSITION ALGORITHM

An increasing number of traffic signal systems are being brought under computer control. Although the designs of these control systems vary in detail, nearly all can be described as a sequence of fixed-time signal patterns. One of the primary advantages of computer control is the ability to change signal patterns in response to variations in traffic conditions. Associated with each change is a transition period wherein the signal settings transform from one fixed-time pattern to the next. Experience has shown that these transition periods can have disruptive effects on traffic operations. Hence, the more frequent these signal-pattern changes are, the greater is the need for careful design of the signal settings during the transition period. This paper presents a new algorithm that is easily implementable in real time by a digital computer and that is designed to minimize the duration of the transition period and yet service traffic demand along all approaches to every intersection. The results of an evaluation effort that compared this algorithm with two others are given. The results indicate that this method compares favorably with respect to the others considered.

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• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Traffic Flow Theory and Characteristics.
• Authors:
  • Lieberman, Edward B
  • Wicks, David
• Conference:
  • 53rd Annual Meeting of the Highway Research Board
  • Location: Washington District of Columbia, United States
  • Date: 1974-1-21 to 1974-1-25
• Publication Date: 1974

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 1-15
• Monograph Title: Traffic flow: theory and practice
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 509
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Algorithms; Control systems; Digital computers; Pretimed traffic signal controllers; Traffic signals
• Old TRIS Terms: Fixed time controller
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00080997
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309023521
• Report/Paper Numbers: TRR No. 505
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Mar 26 1975 12:00AM