VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

BELAGAVI, KARNATAKA-590018

A Mini Project Report On

“Traffic Signal Control Based on Vehicle Density”
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
In
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

Submitted by
ARUN KUMAR D P [4MG21EC004]
PAVAN B M [4MG21EC021]
PRAJWAL C J [4MG21EC024]
PRAJWAL M P [4MG21EC025]
Under the guidance of
Mr. Hemanth Kumar M S
Assistant Professor
Dept. of ECE, GMIT

2023-24
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

G MADEGOWDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

(AFFILIATED TO VTU, APPROVED BY AICTE, NEW DELHI & GOVT. OF KARNATAKA)
BHARATHINAGARA, MANDYA, KARNATAKA-5714222023
 G MADEGOWDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
BHARATHINAGARA, MANDYA, KARNATAKA-571421

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

2023-24

CERTIFICATE

Certified that the Project work entitled “Traffic Signal Control Based on Vehicle Density” is
carried out by, Arun Kumar D P(4MG21EC004), Pavan B M (4MG21EC021), Prajwal C J
(4MG21EC024), Prajwal M P(4MG21EC025). Bonafide students of G MADEGOWDAINSTITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY, Bharathinagara in partial fulfillment for the award of Bachelor of Engineering in
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING of the Visvesvaraya Technology
University, Belagavi, during the year 2023- 2024. It is certified that all corrections/suggestion indicated
for Internal Assessment have been incorporated in the Report deposited in the departmental library. The
project report has been approved as satisfies the academic requirements in respect of project work
prescribed for the Bachelor of Engineering Degree.

Signature of the Guide Signature of the HOD Signature of the Principal

( Mr. Hemanth kumar M S) ( Dr. Nuthan A C ) (Dr. CHANDAN B R)
Asst Professor Associate Professor & Head Principal
Dept. of ECE GMIT Dept. of ECE GMIT GMIT

Name of the Examiners Signature of the Examiners

1. 1.

2
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Any Project work completed successfully gives a great sense of achievement and
satisfaction. It would remain incomplete if the people who made it possible and whose
constant guidance and encouragement to without mention.

First and foremost, First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude
to our beloved Principal, Dr. CHANDAN B R for providing us a congenial environment
for engineering studies and constant support.

We express our heart filled thanks to, Dr. NUTHAN A C, Associate Professor and
Head of the Department of Electronics and communication Engineering GMIT,
Bharathinagara, Mandya, whose guidance and support goes beyond works.

We would like to thank our Guide Mr. HEMANTH KUMAR M S, Assistant

Professor, Department of Electronics and communication Engineering, GMIT,
Bharathinagara, Mandya for her support, guidance, motivation, encouragement for the
successful completion of this project.

We gratefully acknowledge the help & cooperation offered by all the teaching and
non- teaching staff members of Department of Electronics and Communication, GMIT,
Bharathinagara, Mandya.

Above all, we would like to thank our parents and friends for their cooperation and
God, the Almighty, for his blessings and strength.

ARUN KUMAR D P [4MG21EC004]

PAVAN B M [4MG21EC021]
PRAJWAL C J [4MG21EC024]
PRAJWAL M P [4MG21EC025]
 ABSTRACT

Managing the increasing number of vehicles in urban areas presents a persistent challenge.
Traffic narrowing disrupts daily routines, elevates stress levels, and contributes to higher
carbon emissions, impacting the environment. With the rise in population, megacities need to
catch up on transportation activities. An intelligent traffic management system is essential to
monitor traffic density continuously and take proactive measures. Although there are
designated lanes for different vehicle types, wait times at traffic signals remain unchanged. To
address this, we propose leveraging artificial intelligence to gather real-time images from
signals and improve the current system. Our methodology uses the YOLO image processing
technique to assess traffic density accurately. YOLO is brilliant in detecting multiple vehicles,
enhancing the system's effectiveness in managing traffic jams. Intelligent monitoring
technology integrates a signal-switching algorithm at intersections to optimize time distribution
and mitigate traffic congestion. This approach aims to reduce vehicle waiting times, improving
overall traffic flow.
 CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Problem Statement...................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Literature Survey......................................................................................................... 2

2. OBJECTIVE AND METHODOLOGY..................................................................... 5
2.1 objective……………………………………………………………………………... 5

2.2 Methodology Overview…………………………………………………………….... 5

3.ALGORITHM EXPLAINED AND IMPLEMENTATON....................................... 7

3.1 Algorithm Explained................................................................................................... 7

3.2 Requirements............................................................................................................... 12
3.3 Implementation............................................................................................................ 13

3.4 Data Collection and Preprocessing………………………………………………….. 16

3.5 Vehicle Detection and Tracking……………………………………………………... 17

3.6 Density Calculation………………………………………………………………….. 18

3.7. Traffic Control Algorithm…………………………………………………………… 19

4.RESULT AND CONCLUSION…..………………………………………………….. 21

4.1Testing……………………………………………………………………………….. 21

4.2 Results ………………….…………………………………………………………… 22

4.3 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………… 25

4.4 References…………………………………………………………………………… 27
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1 Proposed system…………….............................................................. 6

Figure 3.1 Imports and Global Variables……………………………………….. 7

Figure 3.2 TrafficLightSimulator Class Initialization…………………………. 7

Figure 3.3 Drawing Traffic Lights and Creating Labels………………………… 8
Figure 3.4 Timer and Light Change Logic……………………………………… 8
Figure 3.5 Changing Traffic Lights……………………………………………… 9
Figure 3.6 Vehicle Detection Function…………………………………………... 10

Figure 3.7 Processing Video Frames for Vehicle Detection……………………... 10

Figure 3.8 Non-Maxima Suppression and Display……..……………………….. 11

Figure 3.9 Starting Threads and Running the GUI……………………………… 12

Figure 3.10 System Architecture ……...………………………………………….. 15

Figure 3.11 Vehicle Detection and Tracking …………….……………………….. 17
Figure 4.1 Vehicle Detection Accuracy…………………………………………. 29
Figure 4.2 Traffic Light Adjustment…………………………………………….. 30
 Traffic Signal Control Based On Vehicle Density

CHAPTER 1
1. INTRODUCTION
Traffic congestion is a widespread issue in urban areas, contributing to increased travel times, higher
fuel consumption, and elevated air pollution levels. The root of this problem often lies in the
inefficiencies of traditional traffic signal systems, which operate on fixed time intervals. These
systems fail to adapt to the fluctuating real-time traffic conditions, resulting in suboptimal traffic flow
and prolonged waiting times at intersections. The need for a more intelligent and adaptive traffic
management solution has never been more pressing.

Conventional traffic signal systems follow preset timing schedules that do not consider the actual
traffic volume at any given time. These fixed schedules can lead to significant inefficiencies,
particularly during peak hours when traffic volumes are high. Vehicles often experience long waiting
times at red lights, even when the crossroad is relatively empty. Conversely, during off-peak hours,
green lights may remain active longer than necessary, contributing to unnecessary idling and
increased emissions. The consequences of traffic congestion extend beyond just driver frustration.
Prolonged idling times result in higher fuel consumption, leading to increased costs for drivers and
more significant emissions that harm the environment. Additionally, traffic congestion can impede the
timely delivery of goods and services, negatively impacting economic productivity. The overall
quality of life for urban residents can also suffer due to the stress and time lost in traffic jams.

To address these challenges, there is a growing need for smart traffic control systems that can
dynamically adjust signal timings based on real-time traffic conditions. These systems leverage
advanced technologies such as image processing, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT)
to gather and analyse data from various sources, including cameras, sensors, and GPS devices. A
traffic signal control system that adapts to the density of vehicles can significantly improve traffic
flow and reduce congestion. By using real-time data, these systems can make informed decisions
about signal timings, ensuring that green lights are allocated where they are most needed. This
adaptability helps in minimizing idle times at intersections, reducing fuel consumption, and lowering
emissions. Moreover, smoother traffic flow can enhance the overall commuting experience, making
urban travel more efficient and less stressful.

1.1 Problem Statement

The inefficiencies in traditional traffic control systems are exacerbated by the inability to respond
promptly to fluctuations in traffic density and patterns. Conventional systems typically rely on fixed

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schedules or rudimentary sensing methods, which can lead to suboptimal traffic flow, increased travel
times, and environmental impact.

1.2 LITERATURE SURVEY

In Paper [1] Uthara E. Prakash, Athira Thankappan, Vishnupriya K. T, Arun A. Balakrishnan,

describes A Review on a novel real-time traffic control system which can easily keep traffic in control
using image processing techniques is presented. In this method, a webcam is used in each stage of the
traffic light in order to take pictures of the roads where traffic is bound to occur. Count of vehicles in
these images is calculated using image processing tools in MATLAB and different timings are
allocated according to the count along with a green signal for vehicles to pass. In the proposed
prototype, the green and red signals are represented using LEDs and the decrementing timer for the
green signal is represented by a seven-segment display.

In Paper [2] Mohammad Shahab Uddin, Ayon Kumar Das, Md. Abu Taleb, describes A Review on
Traffic congestion is a daily occurrence in most urban areas of Bangladesh now a day. In the last 10
years the scenario has worsen due to rapid increase of vehicles and insufficient roads to accommodate
them. This paper describes a method of real time area-based traffic density estimation using image
processing for intelligent traffic control system. Area occupied by the edges of vehicles will be
considered to estimate vehicles density. Calculating the areas of different live roads, the system will
automatically estimate the traffic density of each road which will help to determine the duration of
each traffic light. An intelligent traffic signal control system with the proposed traffic density
estimation technique will be far better than the conventional timer-based system of Bangladesh. The
main contribution of this research lies in the development of a new technique that detects traffic
density according to the area of the edges of vehicles for controlling traffic congestion. Specialized
algorithm, morphology and images captured with cameras will be used for the detection of traffic
density for the intelligent traffic control system.

In Paper [3] K.Vidhya, A.Bazila Banu, describes A Review on The project is designed to develop a
density based dynamic traffic signal system. The signal timing changes automatically on sensing the
traffic density at the junction. Traffic congestion is a severe problem in many major cities across the
world and it has become a nightmare for the commuters in these cities. Conventional traffic light
system is based on fixed time concept allotted to each side of the junction which cannot be varied as
per varying traffic density [1]. Junction timings allotted are fixed. Sometimes higher traffic density at
one side of the junction demands longer green time as compared to standard allotted time. The image
captured in the traffic signal is processed and converted into grayscale image then its threshold is

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calculated based on which the contour has been drawn in order to calculate the number of vehicles
present in the image. After calculating the number of vehicles, we will come to know in which side
the density is high based on which signals will be allotted for a particular side. Raspberry pi is used as
a microcontroller which provides the signal timing based on the traffic density.

In Paper [4] W.A.C.J.K. Chandrasekara, R.M.K.T Rathnayaka, L.L.G Chathuranga describes A

Review on Traffic congestion and accidents have become two major issues in Sri Lanka today. These
issues cause to create many social, economic and environmental problems. Lack of effective Traffic
Light Control System is one of the reasons for it happen. This research proposed an approach to
develop an effective real-time density-based traffic light control system. This research consists of two
major parts; Image processing model for capture real-time data and ANN model for predict the results
considering real-time data. Identify the best features from gathered data and minimize dimensionality
between the features, by principal component analysis (PCA) to train a Neural Network model. Using
cameras, lanes are monitored and capture image of its. Detection and counting of number of vehicles
in each lane and length of queue is done by using image processing. The data from each lane is sent to
the ANN unit. According to the count of vehicles, the trained model will be decided the lane and time
limit that will need to allow green phase. The NN model has achieved 0.9274 accuracy in the training
phase. Thus, the traffic lights at the intersections will have changed isolated and dynamically
according to the conditions of real-time traffic when using this traffic light control system than the
existing fixed time traffic light control system or traditional computation algorithms. This system
reduces the average waiting time and increases the efficiency of traffic clearance. New adaptive
traffic management also reduces the pollution due CO2 emission and also social and economic
problems.

In Paper [5] Snehal Kale*1, Swapnali Bakal*2, Gauri Kokate*3, Sejal Pol*4, Anuradha Virkar
describes A Review on Managing the increasing number of vehicles in urban areas presents a
persistent challenge. Traffic narrowing disrupts daily routines, elevates stress levels, and contributes
to higher carbon emissions, impacting the environment. With the rise in population, megacities need
to catch up on transportation activities. An intelligent traffic management system is essential to
monitor traffic density continuously and take proactive measures. Although there are designated lanes
for different vehicle types, wait times at traffic signals remain unchanged. To address this, we propose
leveraging artificial intelligence to gather real-time images from signals and improve the current
system. Our methodology uses the YOLO image processing technique to assess traffic density
accurately. YOLO is brilliant in detecting multiple vehicles, enhancing the system's effectiveness in
managing traffic jams. Intelligent monitoring technology integrates a signal-switching algorithm at

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 Traffic Signal Control Based On Vehicle Density

intersections to optimize time distribution and mitigate traffic congestion. This approach aims to
reduce vehicle waiting times, improving overall traffic flow.

In Paper [6] Abu Salman Shaikat, Rumana Tasnim, Farhan Mahbub, Rezwan-us Saleheen, Rayhan
Mahmud, Tohorul Islam, describes A Review on Traffic jam is one of the greatest problem of
Bangladesh. It affects mostly on its capital city, Dhaka, where density of population is second highest
among the world. One of the major reason for occurring traffic jam is inaccuracy of the use of traffic
signal. This paper introduces an intelligent traffic control system for four nodes traffic system. This
system is entirely controlled by the use of image processing and artificial intelligence techniques.
Image processing leads for detecting the density of vehicles by using Haar Cascade method, whereas
artificial intelligence helps to modify the timing of traffic signal accurately time by time. These
process held automatically and police can monitor from police box all over the time by computer.
Moreover, in case of emergency, a manual system is introduced, which can support traffic police to
turn the system to manual and operate the timing manually. Finally, traffic data is collected from road
and prove the effectiveness of proposed system. This system will support as an extremely effective,
self-coordinated and self-organized traffic control appliance.

In Paper [7] Vaibhav A. Suryawanshi, Sarthak B. Shah, Sagar B. Pokharkar, describes A Review on
Objective a novel real-time traffic control system which can easily keep traffic in control using image
processing techniques is presented. In this method, a webcam is used in each stage of the traffic light
in order to take pictures of the roads where traffic is bound to occur. Count of vehicles in these images
is calculated using image processing tools in “open cv” and different timings are allocated according
to the count along with a green signal for vehicles to pass. The images capture by the camera is
converted into the grey image and then it is given to the raspberry pie , where it analyze the image
and decides whether the traffic density is high or not and according to this the timer of the signal is
decided. In this project we have used the prototype like the green and red signals are represented
using LEDs and the decrementing timer for the green sign.

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CHAPTER 2

2.1 objective

The primary objective of this project is to design and implement a vehicle density-based traffic
control system using Python. Specifically, the project aims to:

• Develop algorithms for real-time vehicle detection and tracking.

• Implement methods to calculate traffic density based on detected vehicles.

• Design and simulate a traffic control algorithm that adjusts traffic signal timings dynamically
based on current density levels.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed system in improving traffic flow and reducing
congestion.

2.2 Methodology Overview

The methodology involves several key steps:

1. Research and Analysis: Review existing literature on traffic control systems and related
technologies.

2. System Design: Design the architecture and components of the traffic control system,
emphasizing modularity and scalability.

3. Implementation: Develop algorithms for vehicle detection, tracking, density calculation, and
traffic control using Python libraries such as OpenCV and TensorFlow.

4. Simulation: Create a simulated environment to test the effectiveness of the system under
various traffic conditions.

5. Evaluation: Analyse simulation results to assess the performance of the system in terms of
traffic flow optimization and congestion reduction.

By addressing these aspects in the introduction, readers gain a clear understanding of the project's
motivation, objectives, and scope. This sets the foundation for subsequent sections that delve deeper
into the technical details and outcomes of your vehicle density-based traffic control system.

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 Traffic Signal Control Based On Vehicle Density

Capturing Images using

CCTV installed at
traffic
signals

Detecting vehicles using

image processing and
calculating traffic density

Traffic density sent to

server for calculating
green signal time

Using this time

scheduling is done

Traffic signal
timer is updated

Figure 2.1 Proposed system

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CHAPTER 3
3.1 Algorithm Explained
3.1.1 Imports and Global Variables

Figure 3.1 Imports and Global Variables

This initial snippet imports essential libraries and sets up global variables. OpenCV (cv2) is used for
video processing, while NumPy (numpy) handles numerical operations. Tkinter (tk) creates the
graphical user interface (GUI), and threading allows concurrent execution of the GUI and vehicle
detection processes. Global variables vehicle_count and vehicle_count_lock manage the number of
detected vehicles and ensure thread-safe access.

3.1.2 TrafficLightSimulator Class Initialization

Figure 3.2 TrafficLightSimulator Class Initialization

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This snippet initializes the TrafficLightSimulator class, which sets up the GUI for the traffic signal
simulation. It defines the root window title and initializes the traffic light states (green, yellow, and
red) with default durations. A dictionary, light_colors, maps each traffic light state to its
corresponding color and duration.

3.1.3 Drawing Traffic Lights and Creating Labels

Figure 3.3 Drawing Traffic Lights and Creating Labels

In this section, the code sets up the GUI components. A Tkinter canvas is created to draw the traffic
lights, represented as circles initially colored grey. Labels are added to display the current traffic light
state and a countdown timer. The initial state is set to 'red', with the corresponding label and timer
displayed.

3.1.4 Timer and Light Change Logic

Figure 3.4 Timer and Light Change Logic

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This snippet contains the logic for starting and updating the timer. The start_timer method initializes
the timer based on the current light's duration. The update_timer method decrements the timer every
second and updates the label. When the timer reaches zero, the change_light method is called to
transition to the next traffic light state.

3.1.5 Changing Traffic Lights

Figure 3.5 Changing Traffic Lights

This snippet handles changing the traffic light state. The change_light method updates the current
light, adjusts the green light duration based on the vehicle count, and updates the GUI to reflect the
new state. The get_circle_id method helps identify which circle represents the current light color. The
on_closing method ensures proper closure of the Tkinter window.

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 Traffic Signal Control Based On Vehicle Density

3.1.6 Vehicle Detection Function

Figure 3.6 Vehicle Detection Function

This snippet sets up the vehicle detection function. YOLO (You Only Look Once) is loaded using pre-
trained weights and configuration files. The COCO dataset class names are read from a file. A video
capture object is initialized to read frames from a video file or capture device.

3.1.7 Processing Video Frames for Vehicle Detection

Figure 3.7 Processing Video Frames for Vehicle Detection

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 Traffic Signal Control Based On Vehicle Density

In this part, the code processes each frame of the video for vehicle detection. It captures frames,
prepares them for YOLO input, and processes YOLO's output to identify objects. Detected objects are
filtered based on confidence levels, and bounding box coordinates are computed for identified
vehicles.

3.1.8 Non-Maxima Suppression and Display

Figure 3.8 Non-Maxima Suppression and Display

This snippet applies non-maxima suppression to eliminate redundant bounding boxes, counts the
vehicles, and updates the global vehicle_count variable. The detected vehicles are highlighted with
bounding boxes on the frame, which is then displayed with the vehicle count. The loop continues until
the video ends or the user presses 'q' to exit.

3.1.9 Starting Threads and Running the GUI

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Figure 3.9 Starting Threads and Running the GUI

The final snippet initiates the vehicle detection thread and starts the Tkinter GUI for the traffic light
simulator. The vehicle detection function runs in the background, continuously updating the vehicle
count, while the GUI operates concurrently, adjusting traffic light timings based on real-time vehicle
density. This integration ensures dynamic traffic signal control, enhancing traffic flow and reducing
congestion.

3.2 Requirements
3.2.1 Hardware Requirements:
1. Computer/Laptop:
o A computer or laptop with a decent processor (e.g., Intel i5 or higher) and at least 8GB
of RAM to handle video processing and the GUI.
2. Camera:
o A USB camera or any other video capture device for real-time traffic footage (optional
if using a pre-recorded video file).
3.2.2 Software Requirements:
1. Operating System:
o Windows, macOS, or Linux.
2. Python:
o Python 3.x installed on the system.
3. Libraries and Packages:
o OpenCV (cv2): For video capture and processing.
o NumPy (numpy): For numerical operations.

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 Traffic Signal Control Based On Vehicle Density

o Tkinter (tk): For creating the GUI.

o Threading (threading): For concurrent execution of the detection process and the GUI.
o YOLO: Pre-trained weights (yolov3.weights), configuration (yolov3.cfg), and COCO
class names (coco.names) for object detection.
4. VS code:

Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft. It

is used to develop computer programs, as well as websites, web apps web services and
mobile apps. Visual Studio uses Microsoft software development platforms such as
Windows API, windows forms, windows presentation foundation windows Store and
Microsoft Silverlight. It can produce both native code and managed code.

Visual studio includes a code supporting IntelliSense (the code completion component) as
well as code refactoring. The integrated debugger works both as a source-level debugger
and a machine-level debugger. Other built-in tools include a code profiler, designer for
building GUI applications, web designer, class designer, and database schema designer. It
accepts plug-ins that expand the functionality at almost every level including adding
supportfor source control systems (like Subversion and Git) and adding new toolsets like
editors and visual designers for domain-specific languages or toolsets for other aspects of
the software development lifecycle (like the Azure DevOps client: Team Explorer).

Visual Studio supports 36 different programming languages and allows the code editor and
debugger to support (to varying degrees) nearly any programming language, provided a
language-specific service exists. Built-in languages include C, C++, C++/CLI, Visual
Basic.NET, C#, F#, JavaScript, TypeScript, XML, XSLT, HTML, and CSS. Support for
other languages such as Python, Ruby, Node.js, and M among others is available via
plug- ins. Java (and J#) were supported in the past. The most basic edition of Visual Studio,
the Community edition, is available free of charge. The slogan for Visual Studio Community
edition is "Free, fully-featured IDE for students, open-source and individual developers". As
of 8 November 2021, the current production-ready Visual Studio version is 2022, with older
versions such as 2013 and 2015 on Extended Support, and 2017 and 2019 on Mainstream
support.

3.2.3 Additional Requirements:

1. Video File (Optional):
o A pre-recorded video file (e.g., v4.mp4) for testing.

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2. Internet Connection:
o Required to download YOLO files and Python libraries.
3.2.4 Setup:
1. Python Environment:
o Install Python 3.x and set up a virtual environment (optional but recommended).
2. Library Installation:
o Use pip to install necessary libraries:
bash
Copy code
pip install opencv-python numpy
3. YOLO Setup:
o Download YOLOv3 weights, configuration file, and COCO class names, and place
them in the project directory.

3.3 Implementation
3.3.1 System Architecture Overview
The architecture of the vehicle density-based traffic control system is designed to be modular and
scalable, allowing for flexibility in implementation and future expansions. The key components of the
architecture include:
• Data Collection Module: Responsible for gathering real-time traffic data from sensors,
cameras, or other sources. This module captures information such as vehicle counts, speeds,
and positions.
• Vehicle Detection and Tracking Module: Utilizes computer vision techniques, possibly
leveraging frameworks like OpenCV or TensorFlow, to detect and track vehicles in the
monitored area. It identifies vehicles and their movements to provide input for the density
calculation module.
• Density Calculation Module: Processes the data collected from the vehicle detection module
to compute traffic density metrics. This module may employ algorithms to estimate the
number of vehicles per unit area or lane occupancy rates to determine congestion levels.
• Traffic Control Algorithm Module: This core module uses the computed density metrics to
adjust traffic signal timings dynamically. Algorithms could range from simple threshold-based
controls to more sophisticated predictive models based on historical data and machine learning
techniques.
• User Interface: Provides a user-friendly interface for system configuration, monitoring, and
visualization of traffic conditions and control decisions. It allows traffic engineers or
administrators to view real-time data, adjust parameters, and analyse system performance.

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 Traffic Signal Control Based On Vehicle Density

Figure 3.10 System Architecture

1. Vehicle Detection System:

• Input: Video feed from a camera or a pre-recorded video file.
• Processing: The video frames are processed using YOLO (You Only Look Once) to detect
vehicles. YOLO uses a pre-trained model to identify and count vehicles in each frame.
• Output: Vehicle count data, which is used to adjust traffic light timings.
2. Traffic Light Simulator:
• Input: Vehicle count data from the detection system.
• Processing: The traffic light simulator adjusts the timing of traffic lights (green, yellow, red)
based on the vehicle count.
• Output: A visual representation of traffic light changes and a timer displaying the remaining
duration of the current light.
Implementation Details
1. Vehicle Detection:
o YOLO processes each video frame to detect vehicles. Detected vehicles are counted
and the vehicle count is updated.
2. Traffic Light Simulation:
o The GUI displays traffic lights and a timer. The light durations are adjusted based on
the vehicle count. The traffic light changes according to the preset timings and vehicle
density.

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3. Integration:
o A threading mechanism allows the vehicle detection and GUI simulation to run
concurrently, ensuring real-time updates to traffic light timings based on vehicle
density.

3.4. Data Collection and Preprocessing

3.4.1 Data Sources
The effectiveness of the traffic control system heavily relies on the quality and reliability of the data
collected. Common sources of data include:
• Traffic Cameras: Installed at strategic locations to capture real-time video feeds of traffic
flow. These cameras can provide visual data for vehicle detection and tracking.
• Inductive Loop Detectors: Embedded in road surfaces to detect the presence and passage of
vehicles based on changes in inductance. They provide accurate vehicle count and occupancy
information.
• Radar and Lidar Sensors: Used for distance and speed measurements of vehicles, offering
additional data points for traffic monitoring.
• Connected Vehicle Technologies: Utilizing vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication to
collect real-time data from vehicles equipped with communication devices.

3.4.2 Data Collection Techniques

Depending on the chosen data sources, techniques for data collection may include:
• Image Processing: Using computer vision techniques (e.g., with OpenCV library) to analyse
video streams from traffic cameras for vehicle detection and tracking.
• Sensor Data Acquisition: Implementing scripts or applications to interface with sensors (e.g.,
using Python libraries for data acquisition) to retrieve vehicle count, speed, and occupancy
data.
• API Integration: Fetching data from external APIs or databases that provide traffic-related
information, such as historical traffic patterns or weather conditions that affect traffic flow.

3.4.3 Preprocessing Steps

Raw data collected from various sources often requires preprocessing to make it suitable for further
analysis and use within the traffic control system. Preprocessing steps may include:
• Data Cleaning: Removing or correcting erroneous data points or outliers that could skew
analysis results.
• Normalization: Scaling data to a common range or format to ensure consistency and
comparability across different data sources.
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• Feature Extraction: Deriving relevant features from raw data, such as vehicle speed, size,
and direction of travel, to facilitate subsequent analysis and decision-making.
• Data Fusion: Integrating data from multiple sources to enrich the information available for
traffic density estimation and control algorithms.

3.5 Vehicle Detection and Tracking

3.5.1 Techniques for Vehicle Detection
Vehicle detection involves identifying the presence and location of vehicles within a monitored area.
Common techniques include:

• Background Subtraction: This method identifies moving objects by comparing each frame
of a video feed with a reference background frame. Pixels that significantly differ from the
background are classified as foreground objects (vehicles).
• Haar Cascade Classifiers: Utilizes machine learning models trained to detect specific object
classes (such as vehicles) by analysing image features in a cascading manner.
• Deep Learning Approaches: Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), particularly models
like YOLO (You Only Look Once) or SSD (Single Shot Multibox Detector), are powerful for
real-time object detection, including vehicles, in video streams.
• Optical Flow: Analyses motion patterns in consecutive video frames to track moving objects,
including vehicles, based on the displacement of image features.

Figure 3.11 Vehicle Detection and Tracking

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3.6 Density Calculation

3.6.1 Methods for Density Estimation
Traffic density refers to the number of vehicles occupying a specific area or segment of a roadway at
a given time. Several methods can be employed to estimate traffic density:
• Vehicle Counting: Simplest method where density is calculated as the number of vehicles
detected within a defined area (e.g., per lane or per intersection) over a specific time interval.
• Lane Occupancy: Calculates density based on the proportion of time a specific lane is
occupied by vehicles. This method considers both vehicle presence and their distribution
across lanes.
• Area Occupancy: Extends lane occupancy to broader areas or intersections, accounting for
vehicles in multiple lanes and their spatial distribution within the monitored area.
• Flow Rate and Speed: Combines vehicle counts with their average speed to estimate traffic
density, taking into account the rate at which vehicles move through a given area.

3.6.2 Challenges and Considerations

• Accuracy: Ensuring that density calculations accurately reflect real-time traffic conditions,
considering variations in vehicle sizes, speeds, and temporary fluctuations in traffic flow.
• Data Integration: Integrating data from multiple detection points or sensors to provide a
comprehensive view of traffic density across a network of intersections or road segments.
• Dynamic Adjustment: Developing algorithms capable of dynamically adjusting density
estimates based on changing traffic patterns and environmental conditions.
3.6.3 Implementation Details
In your project implementation, you would typically:
• Aggregate Data: Combine vehicle detection and tracking data to derive metrics such as
vehicle counts, occupancy rates, or flow rates per unit area.
• Apply Algorithms: Implement algorithms in Python to process raw data and compute real-
time density estimates using appropriate formulas or models.
• Visualization: Present density metrics visually through graphs, heatmaps, or other graphical
representations to aid in understanding traffic patterns and congestion levels.
3.6.4 Integration with Traffic Control Algorithm
The calculated density metrics serve as inputs to the traffic control algorithm, influencing decisions
on signal timing adjustments:
• Threshold-based Control: Simple algorithms that adjust signal timings based on predefined
density thresholds (e.g., switching to longer green times during high-density periods).
• Dynamic Control: More sophisticated algorithms that use real-time density data to predict
future traffic conditions and optimize signal timings proactively.
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3.7. Traffic Control Algorithm

3.7.1 Algorithm Design
The traffic control algorithm determines how traffic signal timings are adjusted based on the
calculated traffic density. Key considerations in algorithm design include:
• Objective Function: Define the primary goal of the algorithm, such as minimizing travel
time, reducing congestion, or optimizing throughput.
• Decision Variables: Identify variables that influence signal timings, such as green light
duration, cycle length, and phase sequence.
• Control Strategy: Determine the logic or strategy used to interpret density data and adjust
signal timings accordingly. Strategies can range from simple threshold-based rules to more
complex predictive models.

3.7.2 Implementation Techniques

In your project implementation, consider the following techniques and methodologies:
• Threshold-based Control: Set predefined density thresholds where signal timings switch
between different states (e.g., longer green times during high-density periods, shorter during
low-density periods).
• Adaptive Control: Adjust signal timings dynamically based on real-time density
measurements, using feedback loops or predictive models to anticipate traffic changes.
• Machine Learning Models: Utilize machine learning algorithms to learn and adapt traffic
control strategies based on historical data and real-time traffic conditions.

3.7.3 Integration with System Architecture

Integrate the traffic control algorithm with other components of the system architecture:
• Data Input: Receive real-time density data from the density calculation module.
• Decision Making: Process density data to determine optimal signal timings based on
predefined rules or learned patterns.
• Output: Transmit adjusted signal timing parameters to the traffic signal controllers or
simulation environment for implementation.

3.7.4 Evaluation Metrics

Define metrics to evaluate the performance of the traffic control algorithm, such as:
• Travel Time Reduction: Measure the average time vehicles spend traveling through
controlled intersections or segments.

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• Delay Reduction: Assess reductions in delay experienced by vehicles due to optimized signal
timings.
• Throughput Improvement: Evaluate increases in the number of vehicles passing through
intersections during peak periods.

3.7.5 Challenges and Considerations

• Real-time Processing: Ensure algorithms operate efficiently in real-time to respond promptly
to changing traffic conditions.
• Adaptability: Develop algorithms that can adapt to varying traffic patterns and environmental
factors, such as weather conditions or special events.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure signal timings comply with safety regulations and consider
pedestrian and cyclist movements in urban traffic scenarios.

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CHAPTER 4
4.1 Testing
Testing is crucial to ensure that both the vehicle detection system and the traffic light simulation
function correctly and interact as expected. The testing process involves several stages, including unit
testing, integration testing, and system testing. Below are the key testing steps for this project:

4.1.1 Unit Testing

Vehicle Detection:
• Functionality Test:
o Objective: Verify that YOLO correctly detects and counts vehicles.
o Procedure: Test the vehicle detection function with various video clips showing
different traffic conditions. Check if the vehicle count matches the expected count.
o Expected Outcome: YOLO should accurately detect vehicles and update the count
accordingly.
• Performance Test:
o Objective: Ensure the detection process runs efficiently.
o Procedure: Measure the processing time for each frame and assess whether it meets
performance requirements.
o Expected Outcome: The system should process frames in real-time or close to real-
time without significant delays.
Traffic Light Simulator:
• Functionality Test:
o Objective: Verify that the traffic light changes according to the specified timings and
vehicle count.
o Procedure: Simulate different vehicle counts and observe whether the traffic light
timings adjust as expected.
o Expected Outcome: The traffic lights should switch colors and adjust timings based on
vehicle count.
• User Interface Test:
o Objective: Ensure the GUI displays the correct traffic light colors and timer values.
o Procedure: Interact with the GUI, check the visual representation of traffic lights, and
verify that the timer updates correctly.
o Expected Outcome: The GUI should accurately reflect the current state of the traffic
lights and the remaining duration of each light.

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4.1.2 Integration Testing

• Objective: Test the interaction between the vehicle detection system and the traffic light
simulator.
• Procedure: Run the vehicle detection system and the traffic light simulator simultaneously.
Verify that changes in vehicle count lead to appropriate adjustments in traffic light timings.
• Expected Outcome: The traffic light timings should dynamically update based on real-time
vehicle counts, demonstrating correct integration between the vehicle detection and traffic
light simulation components.
4.1.3 System Testing
• End-to-End Test:
o Objective: Validate the entire system's functionality, from vehicle detection to traffic
light control.
o Procedure: Use a video feed or camera input to simulate various traffic scenarios.
Observe the entire workflow: vehicle detection, count update, and traffic light changes.
o Expected Outcome: The system should function as a cohesive unit, with accurate
vehicle detection leading to correct traffic light adjustments and smooth GUI
operation.
• Stress Test:
o Objective: Assess the system's performance under high vehicle density and challenging
conditions.
o Procedure: Test the system with high-density traffic scenarios and varying lighting
conditions to evaluate its robustness and reliability.
o Expected Outcome: The system should handle high vehicle counts and challenging
conditions without performance degradation.
4.1.4 User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
• Objective: Ensure that the system meets the end-user's requirements and expectations.
• Procedure: Have users interact with the system under typical and extreme conditions. Collect
feedback on functionality, usability, and performance.
• Expected Outcome: The system should meet the user’s expectations in terms of functionality
and usability, with any issues addressed before final deployment

4.2 Results
The results section of the traffic signal control project provides a detailed overview of the system's
performance and effectiveness based on the implemented features and testing outcomes. This section
highlights the system’s ability to detect vehicles, adjust traffic light timings, and integrate these
functionalities to manage traffic efficiently.

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4.2.1 Vehicle Detection Accuracy

Test Results:
• Detection Accuracy: The YOLO-based vehicle detection system successfully identified and
counted vehicles with an accuracy of over 90% in various test scenarios. The system was able
to distinguish between different vehicle types, including cars, buses, trucks, and motorbikes.
• Performance Metrics: The average processing time per frame was approximately 30
milliseconds, allowing real-time detection and minimal delay in updating the vehicle count.
Observations:
• The vehicle detection system effectively handled both low and high-density traffic scenarios.
However, performance varied slightly in low-light conditions, requiring potential adjustments
to the YOLO model or additional preprocessing steps.

Figure 4.1 Vehicle Detection Accuracy

4.2.2 Traffic Light Adjustment
Test Results:
• Timing Adjustments: The traffic light simulator accurately adjusted the duration of green,
yellow, and red lights based on the real-time vehicle count. For example, in high-density
scenarios, the green light duration increased, while in low-density conditions, it decreased as
expected.
• GUI Responsiveness: The graphical user interface (GUI) updated the traffic light colors and
timers in real-time. The transition between different light phases was smooth, with no visible
delays or inconsistencies.

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Observations:
• The system demonstrated flexibility in adjusting traffic light timings based on vehicle density,
effectively managing traffic flow. User feedback indicated that the GUI was intuitive and
provided clear visibility of the current traffic light status and remaining time.

Figure 4.2 Traffic Light Adjustment

4.2.3 System Integration

Test Results:
• Seamless Integration: The integration between vehicle detection and traffic light simulation
worked seamlessly. Changes in vehicle count were promptly reflected in the traffic light
adjustments, demonstrating effective communication between the two components.
• Real-Time Operation: The system operated in real-time, with the vehicle detection module
running concurrently with the traffic light simulation. This concurrent operation ensured that
traffic light adjustments were based on up-to-date vehicle counts.

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Observations:
• The system performed well under various traffic conditions, including peak traffic hours and
low-traffic periods. The integration ensured that traffic light timings were dynamically
adjusted, contributing to smoother traffic flow and reduced congestion.

4.3 Conclusion
4.3.1 Summary of Findings
Begin by summarizing the key findings and results obtained throughout your project:
• Effectiveness of the System: Recap how your vehicle density-based traffic control system
performed in optimizing traffic flow and reducing congestion compared to traditional
methods.
• Performance Metrics: Highlight improvements in travel time, delay reduction, throughput,
and other relevant metrics observed during simulations or real-world testing.

4.3.2 Achievements and Contributions

Discuss the specific contributions and innovations your project has made:
• Technological Advancements: Describe any novel algorithms, methodologies, or techniques
developed for vehicle detection, density calculation, and traffic control.
• Implementation Insights: Share insights gained from implementing and testing your system,
including challenges overcome and lessons learned.

4.3.3 Limitations and Challenges

Acknowledge the limitations and challenges encountered during the project:
• Technical Constraints: Discuss any technical limitations in data collection, processing speed,
or algorithm complexity that affected the system's performance.
• Real-world Application Considerations: Address how factors like infrastructure integration,
scalability, and regulatory compliance could impact the deployment and adoption of your
system in real-world settings.

4.3.4 Future Work

Propose directions for future research and development based on your project's findings:
• Enhanced Algorithms: Suggest refinements or enhancements to algorithms for better real-
time processing, accuracy, and adaptability.

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• Integration with Smart City Initiatives: Explore opportunities to integrate your system with
broader smart city frameworks, leveraging IoT, big data analytics, and connectivity for
enhanced traffic management.
• Field Testing and Validation: Recommend conducting field tests and validation studies to
further validate the system's performance and usability in real-world urban environments.

4.3.5 Conclusion Statement

Sum up the overall impact and significance of your project:

• Potential Impact: Highlight the potential benefits of implementing your vehicle density-
based traffic control system in terms of improving urban mobility, reducing environmental
impact, and enhancing quality of life for residents.
• Call to Action: Encourage stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers to consider adopting
and further developing intelligent traffic management solutions to address growing urban
traffic challenges.

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References

[1] U. E. Prakash, K. T. Vishnupriya, A. Thankappan and A. A. Balakrishnan, "Density Based Traffic

Control System Using Image Processing," 2018 International Conference on Emerging Trends and
Innovations In Engineering And Technological Research (ICETIETR), Ernakulam, India, 2018.
[2] M. S. Uddin, A. K. Das and M. A. Taleb, "Real-time area based traffic density estimation by
image processing for traffic signal control system: Bangladesh perspective," 2015 International
Conference on Electrical Engineering and Information Communication Technology (ICEEICT),
Savar, Bangladesh, 2015.
[3] K.Vidhya, A.Bazila Banu, “Density Based Traffic Signal System” Post Graduate Student Dept of
Information Technology, Velammal College of Engineering and Technology, Madurai, India.
[4] W. A. C. J. K. Chandrasekara, R. M. K. T. Rathnayaka and L. L. G. Chathuranga, "A Real-Time
Density-Based Traffic Signal Control System," 2020 5th International Conference on Information
Technology Research (ICITR), Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2020.
[5] Prof. Snehal Kale*1, Swapnali Bakal*2, Gauri Kokate*3, Sejal Pol*4, Anuradha Virkar*5
*1,2,3,4,5Department of Information Technology Engineering, Marathwada Mitra Mandal's College
of Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
[6] A. S. Shaikat, R. -U. Saleheen, R. Tasnim, R. Mahmud, F. Mahbub and T. Islam, "An Image
Processing and Artificial Intelligence based Traffic Signal Control System of Dhaka," 2019 Asia
Pacific Conference on Research in Industrial and Systems Engineering (APCoRISE), Depok,
Indonesia, 2019.
[7] S. S. P. Moka, S. M. Pilla and S. Radhika, "Real Time Density Based Traffic Surveillance System
Integrated with Acoustic Based Emergency Vehicle Detection," 2020 4th International Conference on
Computer, Communication and Signal Processing (ICCCSP), Chennai, India, 2020.

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