The 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Engineering and Applied Sciences (ICMEAS-2023)

Simple Smart Traffic Management System.

Zaid Maina Abubakar Umar Mohammed Bashir
Kelechi Achunin
Dept. of Computer Engineering Dept. of Computer Engineering
dept. of computer Engineering
Nile University of Nigeria, Nile University of Nigeria,
Nile University of Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria Abuja, Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria
[email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
2023 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Engineering and Applied Science (ICMEAS) | 979-8-3503-5883-4/23/$31.00 ©2023 IEEE | DOI: 10.1109/ICMEAS58693.2023.10429860

Maryam Abubakar Yusuf Sadiq Thomas Ali Obadiah Nyangwarimam

Dept. of Computer Engineering Dept. of Computer Engineering Dept. of Computer Engineering
Nile University of Nigeria Nile University of Nigeria, Nile University of Nigeria,
Abuja, Nigeria Abuja, Nigeria Abuja, Nigeria
[email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]

Abstract— In many Nigerian cities as well as other nations, vary, ranging from as brief as 30 seconds to several minutes,
traffic congestion is a serious issue. Traffic congestion is a based on the past traffic patterns observed at the specific
result of signal failure, ineffective law enforcement, and intersection. Utilizing an electro-mechanical signal controller
inadequate traffic management. Congestion has a detrimental equipped with movable parts and a dial timer, these traffic
effect on the economy, the environment, and everyone's lights are capable of transitioning between different colors and
quality of life. Therefore, it is imperative that the traffic maintaining each color for the predetermined duration.
congestion issue be managed adequately. There arenumerous
techniques for managing traffic, including wireless sensor On the other hand, dynamic traffic light control systems work
networks, inductive loop detection, infrared sensors, video by altering their timing based on current traffic
data processing, and infrared sensors. These are all practical circumstances. These systems have detectors built in that can
techniques for efficient traffic management. However, the interact with the traffic light control system and provide data
issue with these systems is that they are highlyexpensive to on the flow of traffic. These systems adjust by changing the
install, maintain, and take care of during the installation timing of the traffic lights to promote smoother traffic flow
process. This paper therefore designs and implements a and relieve congestion when congestion is sensed at an
simple smart traffic management system, which makes use of intersection. These systems are designed to maximize the
a rule-based algorithm in conjunction with a microcontroller efficiency and efficacy of traffic signal operations by
and PIR sensors. By taking into account variables like vehicle dynamically adapting to the shifting traffic patterns. They
detection, traffic congestion levels, and predefined traffic function by adjusting their timing to the flow of the traffic.
rules to make real-time decisions and optimize traffic flow, To learn about the flow of traffic, they employ a detector that
this rule-based algorithm in smart traffic control systems can interact with the system that controls the traffic lights.
ensures efficient and safe movement of vehicles on the roads. Dynamic traffic light control systems make use of a complex
This system however not sophisticated, offers a smarter network that allows communication between all the lights at
alternative to the fixed traffic systems used in Nigeria. a junction to ensure safe and effective functioning. This
mechanism of communication is essential for preventing
Keywords— Rule-based, fixed, dynamic, PIR mishaps. These systems typically comprise of a main
controller, control circuit, timer, clock signal generator,
I. INTRODUCTION decoder, decoder drive circuit, and digital display decoder
Traffic congestion refers to the condition where there is a drive circuit, among other important parts. Each element
significant increase in the volume of vehicles on the roads, plays a crucial role in the system's operation. Together, the
leading to a slowdown or even a halt in the flow of traffic [1]. parts detect the flow of traffic, transmit it to the main
It is a situation where there is excessive traffic demand controller, and enable communication between the various
compared to the capacity of the road network, causing delays, traffic lights at the intersection. This networked system
longer travel times, and reduced overall efficiency of enables coordinated alterations in timing and signaling to
transportation systems, which is also known as saturation. [2] improve safety and traffic flow. In comparison to
The effect of economic growth also plays a factor, as income conventional fixed-time systems, installing and maintaining
rises, people tend to go for personal cars over using public dynamic traffic management systems, even those with
transport, thus increasing the number of cars on the road. This cutting-edge sensors or intelligent traffic signals, can be more
is a major problem in many countries in the world, especially expensive. The expense is mostly attributable to the increased
with Nigeria being the 7th most populous country in the world hardware necessary, such as sensors and communication
[3]. Traffic lights are designed to safely manage vehicles, infrastructure. Some municipalities may find it difficult to
bicycles and pedestrians crossing from one side of the road to create and operate such systems because they may not have
the other. There are 2 main types of traffic control: fixed time the resources or knowledge to do so. Furthermore, these
and dynamic control [4]. The fixed time traffic signals, systems' configurations and specifications can change based
employ a timer mechanism to regulate the switching of lights on the unique requirements of each intersection and the
at consistent intervals. The duration of these intervals can equipment's maker [5].

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The 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Engineering and Applied Sciences (ICMEAS-2023)

The successful selection process for a reliable traffic light Li, Zhang, Xu, and Dai [7] developed a real-time traffic signal
management depends on conscientious examination of control system that makes use of video processing methods
multiple parameters that affect outcomes significantly. Fund and machine learning algorithms for traffic analysisand signal
availability, level of local vehicular activity aside from timing optimization with the goal of enhancing
region-specific goals contribute towards making final traffic flow and lowering congestion by utilizing video data to
selections under consideration. While persistent systems offer monitor and control traffic signals. Their system used video
improvement opportunities by elevating capacity utilization cameras positioned at intersections to record real-time traffic
further while anticipating changes, its cost feasibility & data. After processing the footage using computer vision
applicability in local environs calls for stringent evaluation techniques, such as object detection, tracking, and motion
prior implementation. It becomes imperative then, that the analysis, they used machine learning algorithms to classify and
administration deliberate exhaustively by thoroughly predict traffic patterns, vehicle counts, speeds, and trajectories.
examining these aforementioned aspects so as to identify The system may therefore dynamically modify signal timings
optimal traffic light control solutions that fit all their tailor- based on the observed traffic conditions and also generate
made requirements. predictions about future traffic patterns by evaluating the video
data in real-time. This enables proactive and adaptive signal
control tactics.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
Using data from moving cars, Chen, Qian, Wang, and Wu [8]
A. Some of the concepts reviewed suggested a method for obtaining real-time traffic data, such
as vehicle speeds, trajectories, and travel patterns. This GPS
• Traffic Management Systems: Integrated systems
data is gathered and processed by the system to estimate the
that monitor and manage traffic flow, including
traffic conditions at various intersections. The system
traffic signal control, traffic monitoring, and data
analyzes the GPS data and adjusts signal timings using
analysis.
optimization techniques, such as traffic signal optimization
• Vehicle Detection Technologies: Sensors and
algorithms, to improve traffic flow. The optimization
systems used to detect the presence and movement
algorithm determines the best signal timings for each
of vehicles at intersections, such as inductive loops,
intersection in real-time by taking into account variables
radar, video cameras, and LiDAR.
including traffic volume, congestion levels, and historical
• Priority Control: Algorithms and mechanisms for data.
providing priority to specific vehicles, such as
emergency vehicles, buses, or high-occupancy Innovative research by Shen et al. (2008) introduced a traffic
vehicles, by manipulating signal timings and traffic flow monitoring and forecast system that leveraged mobile
flow. phone network data for efficient implementation across
• Traffic Flow Optimization: Strategies and diverse settings. This solution relied on road networks to track
algorithms aimed at improving the efficiency of the movements of mobile phone users in order to extract
traffic flow, reducing congestion, and minimizing valuable information on journey durations, travel velocities,
travel times by dynamically adjusting signal timings congestion levels among other pertinent details. Subsequent
and coordinating signal networks. processing of these details involved advanced data mining
• Pedestrian Considerations: Smart traffic light techniques coupled with forecasting methods that culminated
control systems that incorporate the needs and safety in generating accurate predictions useful in setting up
of pedestrians and cyclists, including detecting their proactive measures like adaptive signal control strategies and
presence, providing sufficient crossing times, and congestion handling protocols.
facilitating safe interactions with vehicles. A method created by Zhou, Wang, Liu, and Zhang [10] uses
information from many sources to estimate the traffic
B. Some of the related works reviewed situation in real-time. Through the correct estimation of the
current traffic circumstances, the study seeks to enhance
A real-time traffic signal control system that makes use of traffic control and management. a method that incorporates
information from inductive loop detectors and employs information from numerous sources, such as loop detectors,
adaptive fuzzy logic for signal timing optimization was GPS units, and traffic surveillance cameras. These diverse
developed and published by Song, Lee, and Choo [6]. The sources offer complementary data on occupancy, speed, and
system used dynamic signal timing adjustments depending on traffic flow. The system combines the data from many
current traffic conditions to optimize traffic flow and lessen sources and calculates the real-time traffic situation by using
congestion. Their technology makes use of an adaptive fuzzy advanced estimation techniques like Kalman filtering or data
logic-based methodology that takes into consideration data fusion algorithms. The system may provide a thorough
from inductive loop detectors about traffic volume, picture of the present traffic conditions by integrating and
occupancy, and queue length. To establish the proper signal analyzing data from many sources, enabling better traffic
timings for various phases and junctions, the system control techniques and signal improvement.
continuously gathers data from the detectors. The system was
able to adjust signal timings in real-time while taking into Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) was proposed by Han, Zhang,
account changing traffic conditions thanks to the combination Liu, and Chen [11] as a means of establishing communication
of inductive loop detector data and adaptive fuzzy logic. The linkages between automobiles and infrastructure, allowing
approach's adaptive nature enables better reactivity to the sharing of traffic data. The system may obtain precise and
changes in traffic demand and congestion levels, improving timely traffic information by utilizing connectivity between
the efficiency of traffic flow. vehicles and infrastructure, enabling adaptive control tactics
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The 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Engineering and Applied Sciences (ICMEAS-2023)

for traffic light timings. As a result of the system's dynamic projects. The board is based on the ATmega328P
signal timing adjustments, travel times are shortened, delays microcontroller, which is a high-performance, low-power 8-
are decreased, and traffic flow is improved. bit AVR microcontroller based on the RISC architecture. It
According to Wu, Yang, Chang, and Zhang [12], designing offers a total of 23 general-purpose I/O pins, including 14
smart traffic systems should take pedestrian consideration digital input/output pins and 6 analog input pins, supports
seriously. They drew attention to the difficulties encountered several peripherals, including UART (Serial communication),
by pedestrians at signalized junctions, including increased SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), I2C (Inter-Integrated
crossing times, collisions with turning cars, and delays in Circuit), timers, and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for
traffic caused by pedestrians. They then used microscopic generating analog-like signals and also features power-saving
simulation models and field data to solve this problem. The modes that help conserve energy, making it suitable for
system adjusts signal timings and prioritizes pedestrian battery-powered applications.
movements based on pedestrian demand, crossing times,
pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, and other criteria. The program
makes it possible to assess and validate the suggested strategy
by simulating pedestrian and vehicle behavior and comparing
the results with actual data. By simulating the behavior of
pedestrians and vehicles and comparing the outputs with real-
world data, the algorithm enables the evaluation and
validation of the proposed approach. It provides insights into
the complex dynamics of pedestrian-vehicle interactions and
helps in identifying effective traffic signal control strategies
that enhance pedestrian safety, reduce conflicts, and improve
overall intersection performance.
III. METHODOLOGY AND DESIGN
A. Research methodology Fig 1. Arduino UNO
The research strategy adopted for this work includes the
review of related literature, design, implementation and 2. PIR Sensor:
testing of the circuit before assembling them as a single unit. A PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor detects motion by sensing
changes in infrared radiation emitted by objects. It is made up
B. Proposed system of a pyroelectric sensor, which produces an electric charge in
The proposed system aims to use basic electronic response to changes in heat patterns brought on by movement
components and I2C communication protocol, to improve the [14]. The segmented lens on the sensor's two parts allows it
flow of traffic, with Cost of installation and maintenance to distinguish between variances in infrared radiation. A
being the main factor in the proposition of this design. The change in the heat pattern brought on by an object moving
system focuses on utilizing a PIR sensor and a rule-based within the field of vision of the sensor results in a voltage
algorithm to create an intelligent traffic signal control system, spike. An output signal that denotes motion is subsequently
with the objective of improving traffic flow, reducing produced by processing this voltage spike. PIR sensors have
congestion by dynamically adjusting signal timings based on a field of view of roughly 120 degrees and a detection range
real-time traffic conditions, and also prioritizing emergency of about 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet). The actual range,
vehicles. To achieve this, PIR sensors are installed on both however, can vary depending on the sensor's sensitivity, the
sides of the traffic pavements in order detect vehicles and lens's design, and the environment.
their movement. The system works by waiting for a constant
on signal from the PIR sensors, which are placed at specific
distances away from each other by taking into consideration
the average length of a car. The collected sensor data is then
processed and analyzed by the rule-based algorithm to
determine traffic volume and queue length at each vehicle
passes through the sensors. The rule-based algorithminvolves
setting thresholds or in conjunction with the set rules that
trigger adjustments in signal timings. For instance, if the Fig 2. PIR SENSOR
traffic volume surpasses a specific threshold, the signal
duration for the corresponding lane can be extended to 3. Seven Segment display:
accommodate more vehicles. On the other hand, if the queue
length exceeds a predefined limit, the signal duration can be An electronic display with seven distinct segments grouped
shortened to minimize waiting times. in the shape of the number "8" is known as a "7-segment
display." The ability to separately switch on or off each
C. Design and implementation segment enables the display of number digits (0–9) and a few
• Hardware components extra characters. The segments are lighted with LEDs or
LCDs and are labelled "a" through "g". Various numbers can
1. Arduino UNO:
be shown by selectively turning on the appropriate portions.
[13] The Arduino Uno is a versatile microcontroller board
Specific electrical impulses are sent to the segment pins,
designed for easy prototyping and development of electronic
either directly or via a driver circuit, to control the display.
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The 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Engineering and Applied Sciences (ICMEAS-2023)

This makes it possible to represent numbers and characters 5) Continuous Monitoring: The algorithm constantly
by combining lighted portions [13]. analyses the regulations and adjusts the signal timings based
on the traffic conditions. This enables the system to adjust
traffic flow in real-time in response to changes in traffic
patterns.

6) Feedback and Learning: The algorithm may also

include learning and feedback techniques. It can collect
information on traffic patterns, assess how well imposed
rules are working, and make adjustments over time to
increase the effectiveness of traffic control.
Fig 3. Double Seven Segment Display. Algorithm: -

Wokwi simulator was then used assemble the components Initialize counter and emergencyCounter to 0.
and test the functionality of the system based on the inputs Read the value from the PIR sensor and the sound detector
obtained from the PIR sensor. (valPIR, valSound).
If valPIR is 0 (car detected), increment counter.
If valSound is 1 (emergency vehicle detected), set
emergencyCounter to 1.
If emergencyCounter is 1, prioritize the lane with the
emergency vehicle and activate its green signal.
If emergencyCounter is 0, follow the original algorithm's
logic:
a. Determine traffic status based on counter.
b. If traffic is normal (counter < threshold), activate
sequential green signals for all lanes.
c. If traffic is congested (counter >= threshold), activate green
Fig 4. Shows the hardware connections. signals based on the original algorithm's decision-making
process.
D. RULE-BASED ALGORITHM Increment the counter and emergencyCounter accordingly.
A rule-based algorithm for intelligent traffic control systems Repeat the steps in a continuous loop.
uses specified rules and conditions to make judgments about
the timing and operation of traffic signals [15]. This
algorithm works in six stages:

1) Input: To obtain data on the current traffic

circumstances, the algorithm uses inputs from a variety of
sources, including car detectors, pedestrian sensors, and
traffic cameras.

2) Rule Evaluation: To assess the present state of the

traffic, the algorithm applies a set of predetermined rules.
These regulations may be based on variables such as traffic
volume, vehicle density, the presence of pedestrians, and past
traffic patterns.

3) Rule Execution: The algorithm decides what relevant

actions should be made based on the analyzed rules. This
includes choosing the lengths of different junction or lane
traffic light phases, such as green, yellow, and red.

4) Optimization: By dynamically modifying the signal

timings, the program seeks to minimize congestion and
maximize traffic flow. According to demand, it might provide
major highways extended green times or change signal
timings to make room for emergency vehicles or public
transportation.
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The 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Engineering and Applied Sciences (ICMEAS-2023)

Fig 5. System Flow Chart.

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The 2nd International Conference on Multidisciplinary Engineering and Applied Sciences (ICMEAS-2023)
E. Algorithm Explanation transportation planning and optimization, allowing local
officials to make wise choices about the construction of new
The algorithm tracks vehicle presence using PIR sensors and
infrastructure, the implementation of traffic regulations, and
detects emergency vehicles using a sound detector. It
the design of public transportation systems. This system can
maintains counters for regular vehicles and emergency
further be improved on by making use of a better system that
vehicles. If an emergency vehicle is detected, it prioritizes the
is able to fix the likely issues of false positives and also a
corresponding lane. Otherwise, it follows the original
smarter system for communication can be incorporated in
algorithm's logic to determine the traffic status and activate
other to link various smart traffic systems across a wide area,
green signals accordingly. The counters are incremented
in other to make traffic flow more seamless and efficient.
based on vehicle and emergency vehicle detections. The
algorithm continuously loops to monitor and manage traffic
flow, dynamically adjusting priority based on the presence of V. REFERENCES
emergency vehicles while maintaining efficient trafficcontrol
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(Accessed: 20 May 2023).

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