Abstract: The invention relates to a rule-based method for effective distributed adaptive signal control of traffic networks, and an apparatus using the method. Queue estimates and sets of rules are used to determine the signal state at each intersection in the network. The queue estimation uses real-time data from detectors upstream from an intersection to estimate the number of vehicles approaching the intersection and the vehicles in queue. Each detected vehicle is treated as a group of “partial” vehicles corresponding to approved movements that the vehicle might make. The queue estimation and control logic that determine the signal state can be implemented as a distributed system. The signal control logic consists of a set of rules for uncongested control and a process that creates a fixed time plan for congested control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rule-based method for effective distributed adaptive signal control of traffic networks, and an apparatus using the method. Queue estimates and sets of rules are used to determine the signal state at each intersection in the network. The queue estimation uses real-time data from detectors upstream from an intersection to estimate the number of vehicles approaching the intersection and the vehicles in queue. Each detected vehicle is treated as a group of “partial” vehicles corresponding to approved movements that the vehicle might make. The queue estimation and control logic that determine the signal state can be implemented as a distributed system. The signal control logic consists of a set of rules for uncongested control and a process that creates a fixed time plan for congested control.