21EC316L

TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT

SMART TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM

Submitted by

SURYA V (113221041146)

In partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN

ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

VELAMMAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE, CHENNAI-66.

(An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University, Chennai)

2023-2024

i
 VELAMMAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE
CHENNAI -66

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this technical seminar report“……SMART TRAFFIC LIGHT

SYSTEM……” is the bonafide work of“……SURYA V……”(113221041146)

submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of B.E Degree in

ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING of Velammal

Engineering College, Chennai-66.

Dr.S.MARY JOANS Mrs.J.DOLLY IRENE

Professor &Head Faculty Coordinator
Department of Electronics and Assistant Professor-II
Communication Engineering Department of Electronics and
Velammal Engineering College Communication Engineering
Chennai -66 Velammal Engineering College
Chennai -66

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 CERTIFICATE OF EVALUATION

COLLEGE NAME : VELAMMAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE

BRANCH :ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
SEMESTER : VI

Name of the student who Name of Faculty

Title of the Technical
Sl. No has done the Technical Coordinator with
Seminar
Seminar designation
1 SURYA V SMART TRAFFIC
Mrs.J.Dolly Irene
LIGHT SYSTEM
Assistant Professor II

This report of technical seminar work submitted by the above student in partial fulfillment
for the award of Bachelor of EngineeringDegree in Anna University was evaluated and
confirmed to be reports of the work done by the above student and then assessed.

Submitted for Internal Evaluation held on........................

Examiner 1 Examiner 2 Examiner 3

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SI NO CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

NO NO

1 ABSTRACT v
2 LIST OF FIGURES vi
1 TRAFFIC LIGHT 01
1.1 INTRODUCTION 01
1.2 TRAFFIC LIGHT 02

2 EXISTING METHODOLOGY 03
2.1 INDUCTIVE LOOP DETECTION 03
2.2 VIDEO ANALYSIS 04
2.3 INFRARED SENSORS 05
3 SMART TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM 06
3.1 BACKGROUND 06
3.2 RELEVANT ALGORITHM 07
3.3 SYSTEM OVERVIEW 08
4 APPLICATIONS 10
4.1 DETECTION OF TRAFFIC 10
CONGESTION
4.2 AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF 11
SPEED LIMIT VIOLATION
3 CONCLUSION 13

4 REFERENCE 14

iv
 ABSTRACT

The Smart Traffic Light System (STLS) represents a significant advancement in traffic
management technology aimed at optimizing urban road networks' efficiency and
enhancing safety for motorists and pedestrians. Traditional traffic light systems often suffer
from inefficiencies due to fixed timing schedules that fail to adapt to real-time traffic
conditions, leading to congestion, delays, and increased risk of accidents. In response, the
STLS employs a sophisticated network of sensors, cameras, and advanced algorithms to
dynamically adjust signal timings based on live traffic data. Key features of the STLS
include real-time traffic monitoring and analysis capabilities, allowing for the detection of
congestion, accidents, and other incidents as they occur. By leveraging this data, the system
can promptly adjust signal timings at intersections to alleviate congestion hotspots and
improve traffic flow. Additionally, the STLS integrates with smart vehicle technology,
enabling communication between traffic lights and vehicles equipped with compatible
systems, further enhancing efficiency and safety. Moreover, the STLS prioritizes
pedestrian safety by implementing features such as pedestrian detection sensors and
dedicated crossing phases to ensure safe passage across intersections. By considering the
needs of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation, the system
aims to create a more inclusive and accessible urban transportation environment. The
implementation of the STLS offers several benefits, including reduced travel times,
minimized fuel consumption and emissions, and decreased risk of accidents. Furthermore,
by optimizing traffic flow and reducing congestion, the system contributes to overall
improvements in urban mobility and quality of life for residents. In conclusion, the Smart
Traffic Light System represents a proactive approach to addressing the challenges of urban
traffic management. By harnessing the power of real-time data and advanced technology,
the STLS offers a promising solution to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability on
urban roads, ultimately creating a more seamless and enjoyable transportation experience
for all stakeholders.
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 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO TITLE PAGE NO

1.1 TRAFFIC LIGHT 02

2.1 INDUCTIVE LOOP DETECTION 03

2.2 IR SENSORS 05

3.1 ALGORITHM 07

3.2 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE 09

4.1 DETECTION OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION 10

4.2 AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF SPEED 12

LIMIT VIOLATION

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 CHAPTER 1
TRAFFIC LIGHT

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Traffic congestion on road networks is nothing but slower speeds, increased trip time and
increased queuing of the vehicles. When the number of vehicles exceeds the capacity of
the road, traffic congestion occurs. In the metropolitan cities of India traffic congestion is
a major problem. Traffic congestion is caused when the demand exceeds the available road
capacity. This is known as saturation [1] . Individual incidents such as accidents or sudden
braking of a car in a smooth flow of heavy traffic have rippling effects and cause traffic
jams [2] . There are even severe security problems in traffic system due to anti social
elements which also leads to stagnation of traffic at one place. In country like India, there
is an annual loss of Rs 60,000 crores due to congestion (including fuel wastage).
Congestion in India has also led to slow speeds of freight vehicles, and increased waiting
time at checkpoints and toll plazas [3] . The average speed of vehicles on key corridors like
Mumbai-Chennai, Delhi-Chennai is less than 20kmph, while it is mere 21.35kmph on
Delhi-Mumbai stretch. As per the transport corporation of India and IIM, India’s freight
volume is increasing annually at a rate of 9.08% and that of vehicles at 10.76%, but that of
road is only by 4.01%. This has resulted in reduced road space in accordance with the
number of total vehicles [3] .The average fuel mileage in India is only 3.96kmpl. The major
reason for this is traffic congestion [3] .India is the 2nd most populated country after China
in Asia, thus with increase in population, the number of vehicles also increase [4] .The
economic growth has certainly has had an impact on urban traffic. As the income rises,
more and more people begin to go for cars rather than two wheelers [5] .Hence there is a
need to manage traffic in a smart way as the management of traffic with the conventional
way such as the signaling system is not having a major effect in curbing congestion of
vehicular traffic.
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1.2 TRAFFIC LIGHT

A traffic light, also known as a traffic signal or stoplight, is a signaling device positioned
at road intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other locations to control the flow of traffic.
Typically, traffic lights consist of three or more colored lights, usually red, yellow (or
amber), and green, arranged vertically or horizontally. These lights illuminate in a specific
sequence to indicate when vehicles and pedestrians should stop, yield, or proceed through
the intersection.
The most common sequence of colors on traffic lights is:
Red: Indicates stop. Traffic facing a red light must come to a complete stop behind the stop
line or before the intersection.
Yellow (or Amber): Often indicates that the light is about to change from green to red. It
serves as a warning for drivers to slow down and prepare to stop. In some systems, it may
also indicate caution or a transition period between red and green phases.
Green: Indicates go. Traffic facing a green light may proceed through the intersection they
must yield to pedestrians and other vehicles as required by the traffic laws in Figure 1.1.

Fig 1.1 Traffic Light

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 CHAPTER 2
EXISTING METHODOLOGY

2.1 INDUCTIVE LOOP DETECTION

Inductive loop detection works on the principle that one or more turns of insulated wire are
placed in a shallow cutout in the roadway, a lead in wire runs from roadside pull box to the
controller and to the electronic unit located in the controller cabinet. When a vehicle passes
over the loop or stops, the induction of the wire is changed. Due to change in induction,
there is change in the frequency. This change in the frequency causes the electronic unit to
send a signal to the controller; indicating presence of the vehicle. Inductive loop detection
is useful in knowing the vehicle presence, passage, occupancy and even the number of
vehicles passing through a particular area. But there are few problems with this system.
These include poor reliability due to improper connections made in the pull boxes and due
to application of sealant over the cutout of the road. If this system is implemented in poor
pavement or where digging of the roads is frequent then the problem of reliability is
aggravated in Figure 2.1.

Fig 2.1 Inductive Loop Detection

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2.2 VIDEO ANALYSIS

Video analysis consists of a smart camera placed which consists of sensors, a processing
unit and a communication unit. The traffic is continuously monitored using a smart camera.
The video captured is then compressed so as to reduce the transmission bandwidth. The
video analysis abstracts scene description from the raw video data. This description is then
used to compute traffic statistics. This statistic includes frequency of the vehicles, average
speed of the vehicles as well as the lane occupancy. The problems associated with video
analysis are – (a) the overall cost of the system is quite high (b) the system gets affected in
case of heavy fog or rains (c) night time surveillance requires proper street lighting. Traffic
congestion is a major problem in many cities of India along with other countries. Failure
of signals, poor law enforcement and bad traffic management has lead to traffic congestion.
One of the major problems with Indian cities is that the existing infrastructure cannot be
expanded more, and thus the only option available is better management of the traffic.
Traffic congestion has a negative impact on economy, the environment and the overall
quality of life. Hence it is high time to effectively manage the traffic congestion problem.
There are various methods available for traffic management such as video data analysis,
infrared sensors, inductive loop detection, wireless sensor network, etc. All these methods
are effective methods of smart traffic management. But the problem with these systems is
that the installation time, the cost incurred for the installation and maintenance of the
system is very high. Hence a new technology called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
is introduced which can be coupled with the existing signaling system that can act as a key
to smart traffic management in real time. This new technology which will require less time
for installation with lesser costs as compared to other methods of traffic congestion
management. Use of this new technology will lead to reduced traffic congestion.
Bottlenecks will be detected early and hence early preventive measures can be taken thus
saving time and money of the driver.

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2.3 INFRARED SENSORS

Infrared sensors are used to detect energy emitted from vehicles, road surfaces and other
objects. The energy captured by these infrared sensors is focused onto an infrared sensitive
material using an optical system which then converts the energy into the electric signals.
These signals are mounted overhead to view the traffic. Infrared sensors are used for signal
control, detection of pedestrians in crosswalks and transmission of traffic information. The
basic disadvantages of infrared sensors are that the operation of the system may be affected
due to fog; also installation and maintenance of the system is tedious. Hence it is high time
to effectively manage the traffic congestion problem. There are various methods available
for traffic management such as video data analysis, infrared sensors, inductive loop
detection, wireless sensor network, etc. All these methods are effective methods of smart
traffic management. But the problem with these systems is that the installation time, the
cost incurred for the installation and maintenance of the system is very high. Hence a new
technology called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is introduced which can be
coupled with the existing signaling system that can act as a key to smart traffic management
in real time. This new technology which will require less time for installation with lesser
costs as compared to other methods of traffic congestion management in Figure 2.2.

Fig 2.2 IR Sensors

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 CHAPTER 3
SMART TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM

3.1 BACKGROUND

A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system consists of RFID controller and RFID
tag.
1) RFID Controller: The RFID controller consists of RFID interrogator. This interrogator
is used for the communication with the RFID tag. The RFID controller then gets the
signals/data received by the interrogator. Messaging interference is used to send commands
and data messages from the controller components. Controller core is present inside the
RFID controller. The controller core listens to the interrogators and depending upon the
configuration; the controller core can perform read/write operations upon the RFID tag or
can do both listening and performing operations. The RFID controller can have serial
interface through which external GSM/GPRS devices can be interfaced with it to make a
dual radio device.
2) RFID Tag: RFID tags are wireless devices which make use of radio frequency
electromagnetic fields to transfer data, which is used for identifying and tracking of the
objects. RFID tags are of two types: Active and Passive . Active RFID has a battery
installed, which the passive RFID doesn’t have. Passive RFID has to depend on external
source for working. Tags information can be stored in a non-volatile memory. Tag consists
of a Radio Frequency transmitter and receiver. Each tag can be assigned a unique serial
number.

06
3.2 RELEVANT ALGORITHM

Input: Max_red denotes the maximum time for which the signal can be red. Max_green
denotes the maximum time for which the signal can be green. Min_freq_count denotes the
minimum frequency of vehicles passing per second stored statically in controllers.
Act_freq_count denotes the actual frequency of the vehicles passing per second =
∑vehicles/second. Timer denotes the actual timer count in Figure 3.1.

Fig 3.1 Algorithm

Desired Output: Effective congestion management
Max_red denotes the maximum time for which the signal can be red.
Max_green denotes the maximum time for which the signal can be green.
Min_freq_count denotes the minimum frequency of vehicles passing per second stored
statically in controllers.
Act_freq_count denotes the actual frequency of the vehicles passing per second =
∑vehicles/second.

07
3.3 SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Each vehicle can be installed with a RFID tag. This RFID tag would store all the
information regarding the vehicle such as the vehicle number, etc. RFID tags can be used
in identifying each vehicle uniquely and also help the driver to receive some traffic
messages. The existing signaling system can be coupled with the RFID controller. As
described in figure 1, each signal can have the information regarding every vehicle that
passes by it. Thus when a vehicle passes by a signal, the signal can automatically keep the
count of the vehicles passing by it, and help in detection of traffic congestion. Each signal
should be stored with a threshold value for which it should be red and green. Now
depending upon the frequency of the vehicles passing by the signal per second, the timer
can be dynamically controlled. Each controller of the signal should be stored with a value
of minimum frequency of the vehicles passing by the signal. As soon as this minimum
frequency is reached, the controller should send a command to the signal to turn red. Thus
the signal is controlled dynamically. For example, suppose for a signal, maximum time for
which a signal can be red is set to be 30 seconds and maximum time for which the signal
can be green is set as 20 seconds. The controller is stored with the value of minimum
frequency of vehicles passing by it per second as 5. Now suppose the signal turns green,
the timer starts with a maximum value of 20. Initially the frequency of the vehicles passing
the signal per second is 10, after 10 seconds this frequency reduces to 5, and then
automatically the RFID controller sends a command to the signal to turn red. Thus the
signal turns red and its adjacent signal in that junction turns green. This process continues
in a cycle. Thus dynamic controlling of the signal helps in reducing the wastage of time.
This also helps in avoiding traffic congestion as priority is given to a high vehicular traffic
road. This system helps in detection of traffic congestion. If the frequency of the vehicles
passing the signal per second remains higher than the value set even though the maximum
value of the timer is reached, then the congestion has occurred at that point.

08
Once the congestion has been detected, the RFID controller can send a message to its
preceding signal’s controller notifying it to temporarily stop traffic along that stretch.
After receiving the message from its successor signal the RFID controller will put ON the
red signal for that stretch towards that congested crossing point for a predefined time
period. When the congestion is released at the crossing, the respective signal’s controller
will send another message to its earlier controller indicating to resume the traffic flow again
in that direction. Accepting this message the controller of the preceding signal put the red
light OFF and green signal ON and restart the signal cycle as before in Figure 3.2.

Fig 3.2 System Architecture

Once the congestion has been detected, the RFID controller can send a message to its
preceding signal’s controller notifying it to temporarily stop traffic along that stretch. After
receiving the message from its successor signal the RFID controller will put ON the red
signal for that stretch towards that congested crossing point for a predefined time period.
When the congestion is released at the crossing, the respective signal’s controller will send
another message to its earlier controller indicating to resume the traffic flow again in that
direction. Accepting this message the controller of the preceding signal put the red light
OFF and green signal ON and restart the signal cycle as before.
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 CHAPTER 4
APPLICATIONS

4.1 DETECTION OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION

In addition to the earlier method of traffic congestion detection, one more method can be
used. A server can be maintained which can receive certain crucial data calculated by the
Controller of the signals. The main aim is to implement a system that would trace the travel
time of individual cars as they pass the roadside controllers and compute an average trip
time using a rule-based system to decide whether the area is congested or uncongested. If
congestion is sensed then system would control traffic signals / generate automatic re-
routing messages to selected approaching vehicles in Figure 4.1.

Fig 4.1 Detection of traffic congestion

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4.2 AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF SPEED LIMIT VIOLATION

We can use this technique to calculate the speed of a motorist and to detect if he violates
the prescribed/set speed limit. If the motorist violates the rule, a warning message will be
sent to the motorist via audio and/or video interface and penalty will be calculated in the
server and billed monthly to the vehicle owner. Automatic detection of speed limit
violations typically involves the use of technology such as speed cameras or radar systems.
Here's how it generally works: Speed Cameras: Speed cameras are stationary devices
mounted along roadsides or overhead on poles. They use either radar or laser technology
to detect the speed of vehicles passing by. When a vehicle is detected traveling over the
posted speed limit, the camera captures images or video footage of the vehicle, including
its license plate. Radar Systems: Radar-based speed detection systems are often used by
law enforcement agencies. These devices emit radio waves that bounce off vehicles,
allowing the system to calculate their speed based on the Doppler effect. If a vehicle's speed
exceeds the preset threshold (typically the posted speed limit), an alert is triggered.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): ANPR technology is often integrated with
speed detection systems to automatically read and record license plate numbers of vehicles
as they pass by. This allows authorities to identify vehicles that are speeding and issue
citations accordingly. Data Processing and Enforcement: The captured data, including
vehicle speed and license plate information, is processed by automated systems. If a vehicle
is found to be in violation of the speed limit, a citation or fine may be automatically
generated and sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. Verification and Appeals:
Typically, there are mechanisms in place for drivers to contest or appeal speed citations if
they believe they were issued in error. This may involve reviewing the evidence captured
by the speed detection system or presenting mitigating circumstances. Automatic speed
limit violation detection systems are designed to enhance road safety by discouraging
speeding and enforcing traffic laws.

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They are often deployed in areas where speeding is a common problem or where there is a
higher risk of accidents due to excessive speed. However, they must be implemented in
accordance with relevant laws and regulations to ensure fairness and accuracy in
enforcement. Radar Systems: Radar-based speed detection systems are often used by law
enforcement agencies. These devices emit radio waves that bounce off vehicles, allowing
the system to calculate their speed based on the Doppler effect. If a vehicle's speed exceeds
the preset threshold (typically the posted speed limit), an alert is triggered. Automatic
Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): ANPR technology is often integrated with speed
detection systems to automatically read and record license plate numbers of vehicles as
they pass by. This allows authorities to identify vehicles that are speeding and issue
citations accordingly in Figure 4.2.

Fig 4.2 Automatic Detection of speed limit violation

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 CONCLUSION

The proposed work focuses on Smart Traffic management System using RFID which will
eliminate the drawbacks of the existing system such as high implementation cost,
dependency on the environmental conditions, etc. The proposed system aims at effective
management of traffic congestion. It is also cost effective than the existing system.
Furthermore, the study presents the problems in metropolitan areas all over the world
caused by congestions and the related sources. Congestions developed to a problem, which
affects economies worldwide. Particularly metropolitan areas are worst hit under these
conditions. Congestions have a negative impact on the financial situation of a country, on
the environment and hence the overall quality of life. The proposed system can be enhanced
by using any other powerful communication network other than GSM. Traffic congestion
is a major problem in many cities of India along with other countries. Failure of signals,
poor law enforcement and bad traffic management has lead to traffic congestion. One of
the major problems with Indian cities is that the existing infrastructure cannot be expanded
more, and thus the only option available is better management of the traffic. Traffic
congestion has a negative impact on economy, the environment and the overall quality of
life. Hence it is high time to effectively manage the traffic congestion problem. There are
various methods available for traffic management such as video data analysis, infrared
sensors, inductive loop detection, wireless sensor network, etc. All these methods are
effective methods of smart traffic management. But the problem with these systems is that
the installation time, the cost incurred for the installation and maintenance of the system is
very high. Hence a new technology called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is
introduced which can be coupled with the existing signaling system that can act as a key
to smart traffic management in real time. This new technology which will require less time
for installation with lesser costs as compared to other methods of traffic congestion
management.

13
 REFERENCE

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