An Innovative Framework for Dynamic Traffic Lights Management Based on the Combined Use of Fuzzy Logic and Several Network Architectures

Abstract

The development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has now reached some entirely unexpected domains. Many applications in modern cities lead to novelties, resulting in new habits of the citizens of tomorrow’s smart cities. These innovations include Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). An important application domain of ITS is undoubtedly represented by the dynamic and optimized management of traffic-lighted road intersections. Although several works have already been presented in the literature over the years, many have not considered the new perspectives regarding the source of data to manage traffic lights, i.e., not only Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), but, mainly, the vehicular communications. This paper introduces an innovative approach to dynamically regulating traffic light cycles and phases in an isolated intersection. The suggested method can fit data management from WSNs and vehicular communications through IEEE 802.11p and LTE-V2V, employing various Fuzzy Logic Controllers (FLCs) that manage vehicles turning movements for dynamic controls of both the phase and the green time of traffic lights. The results obtained will allow us to observe that the proposed application is better than the others. Each of the implemented configurations will bring advantages and disadvantages that allow choosing one configuration or another based on specific project requirements.