Smart traffic light control using fuzzy logic and wireless sensor network

Inadequate space and funds for the construction of new roads and the steady increase in number of vehicles has prompted researchers to investigate other solutions to traffic congestion. One area gaining interest is the use of intelligent systems to make traffic routing decisions with the potential to enhance vehicle traffic management. This paper presents the design and implementation of a smart traffic light (STL) using fuzzy logic and wireless sensor network (WSN). Designed for an isolated four way roundabout; the STL incorporates a WSN to collect traffic data in real time. This data is aggregated and then fed into a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) engine in form of two inputs - traffic quantity (TQ) and waiting time (WT) for each lane. Based on the inputs, the FLC then computes an output priority degree (PD) that determines order of green light assignment. Using the PD, a smart algorithm then assigns green light to the lane with highest PD value. The cycle continues until all lanes get green light. To analyze the performance of the STL, we designed a simulation software using java to virtually represent the functions of the WSN and FLC. The results from simulations indicate that the system can effectively manage traffic at a roundabout.