Abstract
This paper develops applications of harmonic analysis for traffic signal performance evaluation and optimization. Link Performance Functions in synchronized signal networks measure delay or travel time as a function of offsets.They depend on a variety of factors, including: traffic flow characteristics, link physical characteristics, and traffic signal controls. Being periodic with the cycle time they can be modeled as a Fourier Serieswhich is an expansion of a periodic function f(x)in terms of a sum of sines and cosines. Just a few harmonics can provide good approximations to the original functions. The paper shows how to derive the principal harmonics in terms of the underlying traffic, link and signal data. This enables one to construct a simple and very effective model for analysis, optimization and control. The paper proceeds to apply this model in two cases. The first case involves performance estimation of signal controlled intersections for planning and design purposes. The second case develops a novel Dynamic Programming optimization model which provides a rigorous procedure for signal coordination and synchronization.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Al-Malik M. and Gartner, N.H (1995). Development of a combined traffic signal control - traffic assignment model. Urban Traffic Networks, Springer-Verlag.
Allsop, R.E. (1968a). Selection of offsets to minimize delay to traffic in a network controlled by fixed-time signals. Transportation Science, 2, 1-13.
Allsop, R.E. (1968b). An analysis of delays to vehicle platoons at traffic signals. Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on the Theory of Traffic Flow, University of Karlsruhe, 98-104.
Berstekas, D.P. (1987). Dynamic Programming: Deterministic and Stochastic Models. Prentice-Hall, Engelwood Cliffs, N.J.
Deshpande, R.M. (2009). Investigation of Policies for Arterial Street Operations. PHD thesis, University of Massachusetts Lowell (in progress).
Gartner, N.H. (1972). Optimal synchronization of traffic signal networks by dynamic programming. Traffic Flow and Transportation, 281-295.
Gartner, N.H (1980). Optimal traffic assignment with elastic demands - a review. Transportation Science, 14(2), 174-208.
Gartner, N.H. and Deshpande, R. (2009). Assessing quality of progression with cyclic coordination factors. 88 th Annual Meeting of Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C.
Gartner, N.H., Little, J.D.C. and Gabbay, H. (1975). Optimization of traffic signal settings by mixed-integer linear programming. Transportation Science, 9(4), 321-363.
Hillier, J.A. (1966). Appendix to Glasgow’s experiment in area traffic control. Traffic Engineering and Control, 7, 569-571.
McTrans (2006). TRANSYT-7F User Guide. McTrans Center, University of Florida.
NCHRP (2007). Measuring and predicting the performance of automobile traffic on urban streets. Preliminary Draft Final Report, NCHRP Project 03-79, Texas A&M University.
Newell, G.F. (1968). Traffic signal synchronization for high flows on a two-way street. Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on the Theory of Traffic Flow, 87-92.
Robertson, D.I. (1968). TRANSYT. Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on the Theory of Traffic Flow, University of Karlsruhe, 134-144.
Sheffi, Y. (1979). Urban Transportation Networks. Prentice-Hall, Engelwood Cliffs, N.J.
TRB - Transportation Research Board (2000). Highway Capacity Manual. National Research Council, Washington, DC.
TRC (1966). SIGOP:Traffic Signal Optimization Program - A Computer Program to Calculate Optimum Coordination in a Grid Network. Traffic Research Corporation, New York.
Webster, F.V. (1958). Traffic signal settings. Road Research Technical Paper No. 39, H.M. Stationery office, London.
Wylie, R.C. and Barrett, L.C (1982). Advanced Engineering Mathematics. McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2009 Springer-Verlag US
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Gartner, N.H., Deshpande, R. (2009). Harmonic Analysis and Optimization of Traffic Signal Systems. In: Lam, W., Wong, S., Lo, H. (eds) Transportation and Traffic Theory 2009: Golden Jubilee. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0820-9_17
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0820-9_17
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-0819-3
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-0820-9
eBook Packages: Business and EconomicsBusiness and Management (R0)