The Simulation of Traffic Patterns and Optimizing Traffic Lights

1
The Simulation of Traffic Patterns and Optimizing
Traffic Lights

• by Gregg Tabot

2
What is traffic?

• The movement of motorized vehicles, unmotorized
  vehicles and pedestrians on roads.

3
My Basic Simulation

• Two road intersection
• Two laned roads
• No turning lanes
• Motorized vehicles only (no pedestrians)

4
Three Methods of Traffic Lights Optimization

• Manual Method
• Timed Method
• Frequency Formula Method

5
Manual Method

• Make sure that the auto_switch? option is Off
• Press the East-West Switch button and the traffic
  lights for the cars moving east or west switch
  from red to green or vice versa
• Similar function with the North-South Switch
  button

6
Manual Method
7
Manual Method

• Based solely on user input
• If the user presses switch, the lights switch

8
Manual Method

• Advantages
• Good for situational traffic
• Disadvantages
• Back up the entire system
• Human error
• Its manual!

9
Timed Method

• Make sure that the auto-switch? option is On
• Make sure that the formula? option is Off
• Set the amount of time a switch stays green by
  adjusting the light_timer slider (measured in
  units)

10
Timed Method
11
Timed Method

• Compares the amount of time a light has been
  green with the light timer option set
• If the amount of time a light has been green is
  greater than or equal to the light timer option
  the lights switch

12
Timed Method

• Advantages
• Not manual
• Disadvantages
• Doesnt account for busier roads
• If theres only one car, it may have to wait a
  long time

13
Frequency Formula Method

• Make sure that the auto-switch? option is On
• Make sure that the formula? option is On
• Adjust the max_wait slider (measured in different
  units)

14
Frequency Formula Method
15
Frequency Formula Method

• Compares flowing traffic frequency multiplied by
  a timer with the stopped traffic frequency
  multiplied by the quantity of the timer
  subtracted from maximum wait time.
• If the first quantity is greater than or equal to
  the second quantity the light switches.

16
Frequency Formula Method

• Advantages
• Good for situational traffic
• Takes into account heavily trafficated roads
• Keeps traffic flowing
• Disadvantages
• Could take a while if you were on a less
  populated road

17
Bugs/Errors/Fixes for Later

• Sometimes the program will display an error
  randomly before beginning
• Cars do not slow to a stop, they just
  instantaneously stop
• There is no wait time in between traffic light
  switches
• Car crashes are not yet implemented

18
The End