Automation of the coordinated road traffic control process

Abstract

Purpose. To increase output of traffic network while deriving new dependencies of transport flow characteristics upon control law parameters and using them to develop an algorithm to automate a process of the transport flow coordinated regulation within towns and cities. Methodology. The aggregated simulation model, describing processes of road traffic formation within a local section of urban traffic system, is used for the analysis of dependencies to assess quality of transport flow control upon correcting conditions being parameters of traffic cycles within intersections. The abovementioned should involve a PID controller as well as a negative feedback idea to automate control of the road traffic process. In this context, control criterion is applied to determine critical flow intensity if a traffic jam occurs. The criterion makes it possible to identify changes in the road traffic nature. To determine the optimal settings of the PID controller for different stocks of the stability control system, the standard deviation of the controlled variable from the set value and the mean static control error are defined. The derived dependencies of control quality criteria upon a law of flow regulation have helped develop a new algorithm of the coordinated automated road traffic control within a local section of urban traffic section using standard control action. Simulation experiments made it possible to assess efficiency of the proposed algorithm of control compared with available ones applied in terms of different road conditions. Findings. As a part of the studies, algorithm of the coordinated automated road traffic has been developed. It helps support maximum output of road systems while monitoring changes in the traffic environment characteristics. Originality. For the first time, dependencies of assessment criteria of traffic flow control upon the parameters of a law of flow intensity regulation have been identified if maximum output of road systems is provided. The dependencies have helped substantiate optimum control criteria for different road conditions while automating a process of coordinated traffic flow regulation within local section of urban traffic network. Practical value. The proposed dependencies of assessment criteria of traffic flow control upon the parameters of a law of flow intensity regulation as well as the algorithm of automated coordinated control are the theoretical foundations to solve such an important applied scientific problem as automation of a process of urban traffic flow regulation.