SOFTWARE FOR ADVANCED TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS

A systematic approach to traffic engineering software development could provide significant advantages with regard to software capability, flexibility, and maintenance. Improved traffic controllers will likely be essential for many proposed intelligent vehicle highway system applications. A computable language called TCBLKS (Traffic Control Blocks) that could provide the foundation for constructing real-time traffic engineering software in introduced. This computable language is designed to be configured by a graphical user interface that does not require extensive software engineering training to use yet provides more flexibility and capability than is possible by simply changing program parameters. The model is based on the function block metaphor commonly used for constructing robust and efficient real-time industrial control systems. Adapting this model to the transportation sector permits traffic control applications to be programmed by (a) selecting preprogrammed function blocks from a standard library, (b) configuring block parameters, and (c) connecting blocks to other blocks in the strategy. The software model was implemented in C on an advanced traffic controller platform and demonstrated in real time for applications such as signalized intersection control and ramp metering. In addition, this same software model was used to control the ramp meters along a segment of westbound Highway 50 during a demonstration in Sacramento, California, in November 1992.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 116-124
  • Monograph Title: Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00642418
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 0309055555
  • Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
  • Created Date: Feb 22 1994 12:00AM