CHAPTER TWO

2.1 Historical Information on Pumps

Automatic control of traffic lights was introduced March 1922 in Houston, Texa
s. The first automatic experimental traffic lights in England were deployed in W
olverhampton in 1927.
In 1922 traffic towers were beginning to be controlled by automatic timers. The
main advantage of the use of the timer was that it saved cities money by replaci
ng traffic officers
According to (Kham et al), One way to develop traffic light flow and safety of t
he current transportation system is to apply a modern traffic light control system
Traffic light controlled by microcontroller is becoming a common place in man
y cities because these units can easily adjust for different timing sequence. Traff
ic lights are signalling devices situated on the road at intersection points which a
re used to control the completing flows of traffic
Reports from (K. Vidhya et al.) proposed a density-based traffic signal system
which changes the signal timings automatically by sensing the traffic density at
the junctions. In major cities, the traffic signal timing allotted are fixed. The
research mainly aims to control the traffic signal by capturing the image and
then converting them into the grayscale image and then to the threshold image.
The Contour image helps to count the number of vehicles present in the
junction. The output screen shows the numbers of vehicles present at the
junction and the green signal will glow based on the traffic density. They
analysed the image sequence and then estimate traffic congestion and finally
predict the traffic light timings. Raspberry pi microcontroller is used to sense
the traffic density and provides the signal timings

2.2 TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEMS

Traffic lights are signalling devices positioned at road or junction intersections,
pedestrian crossings, and other locations and applications to control the
competing flow of traffic. They assign the right of way to road users by using
three standard light colors (red, amber and green), and are usually placed and
used at busy intersections to more evenly allocate delay for various users, they
are usually arranged either vertically or horizontally order. These three standard
colors in traffic lights indicate a specific command. When the red is on it means
stop. Wait behind the stop line marked on the road.
When the green light is on, it means the driver may drive on if only the road is
clear and safe. Be extra careful if you intend to turn left or right and also be
prepared to give way to pedestrians who are still crossing form obvious
position.
When the amber yellow light is on it means you should stop behind the stop line
if necessary. But then you may only drive on if the amber appears after you
have moved so close to the stop line in motion or you have crossed the stop line
if you stop. It is possible to cause an accident or an inconvenience.
When the green filter arrow is on. It means that you may drive on only in the
direction indicated by the arrow irrespective of other signals.
“Caution”, either because lights are about to turn green or because lights are
about to turn red. Like all other systems, traffic lights have inputs, outputs and
feedback mechanisms to maintain an internal steady-state despite a changing
external environment. it is not advisable to drive on if even the green light is on
unless there is enough room for you to move away from a junction pedestrian
crossing etc and you are sure it is safe to do so. Do not drive on when the red
light is on

Figure 2.1: Image demonstrating the colors of a traffic light

2.2.1 Types of traffic light systems

They are also classified into different types namely the, LED traffic lights, the
incandescent traffic light ,Wig Wag Traffic Light System, and Walking Man
Traffic Lights.
Which uses incandescent or halogen bulbs. Many people eventually switched
from this type of traffic light to another such as LED-based traffic lights
because of its low efficiency light output and a single point of failure or
filament burnout.
2.2.2 LED Traffic Lights – This type of traffic light lamps are using light-
emitting diodes as an alternative to the traditional incandescent or halogen light
bulbs. LED traffic lights are composed of an array of LED bulbs arranged in
diverse patterns, unlike the incandescent-based traffic lights which use a single
large bulb. These multiple LED bulbs when viewed from a distance, appears as
a continuous light source. Most consumers prefer this type of traffic light
because of its numerous advantages such as greater energy efficiency, capability
to be solar-powered, much longer lifetime between replacements, bulbs will still
operate even if some of the LED bulbs in the array fail, brighter illumination
with better contrast against direct sunlight, capability to display multiple colors
and patterns from the same lamp, and much faster switching. Instead of sudden
burn-out like incandescent-based lights, LEDs start to gradually dim when they
wear out which indicates the need for replacement.

Figure 2.2: Image of a LED traffic light system

2.2.3 Incandescent Traffic Lights – This traffic light is the traditional type
which uses incandescent or halogen bulbs. Many people eventually switched
from this type of traffic light to another such as LED-based traffic lights
because of its low efficiency light output and a single point of failure or
filament burnout.
 Figure 2.3: Image of a incandescent traffic light system

2.2.4 Wig Wag Traffic Light – Wig Wag Traffic Lights are more noticeable
than simple traffic lights. They are generally used at level and bridge crossings,
and emergency services station such as fire/ambulance stations where there is a
need to stop ordinary traffic flow in order to enable emergency vehicles to exit
the station. They can also be easily incorporated into a Traffic Management
System to control a facility or site. They are also extremely useful especially in
factories where the clutter of other signs may get a red traffic light goes
unnoticed and in instances where there may be a need to stop all traffic while a
vehicle needs to emerge or reverse out of a blind spot.

Figure 2.4: Image of a wig wag traffic light system

2.2.5Man Traffic Lights Walking- Walking Man Traffic Lights are usually
LED based indicators used for pedestrian flow at traffic management stations. A
steady “standing man” or “don’t walk” signal is an indication that a pedestrian
cannot enter the street in that signal’s direction, while a steady “walking man”
or “walk signal” indicates that pedestrians can start crossing the street toward
that signal.

Figure 2.10: Image of a man traffic light walking system

As we look at our society today, busy people are going to and fro almost every
hour of the day. Imagine what cities would look like if traffic light systems
didn’t exist. Perhaps chaos and confusion may arise on our streets. Even if a
traffic enforcer is present, the timing of every stop and go will not be as easy as
it seems, as everyone is subject to fatigue, confusion and errors.

2.3 Sensors
Sensors, also known as detectors, are crucial components of traffic lights. These devices are responsi
ble for detecting the presence or absence of vehicles and pedestrians at intersections or crossings.
Sensors play a vital role in the operation and efficiency of traffic lights by providing real-time informa
tion to the control system. By detecting the presence of vehicles, seniors allow the traffic light syste
m to adjust signal timings based on traffic demand. This helps optimize traffic flow, reduce congestio
n, and enhance overall safety. Seniors help ensure that the appropriate right-of-way is assigned to ve
hicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, contributing to smoother traffic movements and reducing the risk of
accidents. Their importance lies in their ability to support adaptive and responsive traffic control syst
ems, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of traffic management.
2.3.1 Infrared Sensors
Infrared sensors are another type of sensor often used in traffic signals. Instead
of being embedded in the pavement, these sensors are mounted overhead to
detect the presence of vehicles in an intersection. The two types of infrared
traffic sensors are active infrared sensors and passive infrared sensors.

Active infrared sensors emit low-level infrared energy into a specific zone to
detect vehicles. When that energy is interrupted by the presence of a vehicle, the
sensor sends a pulse to the traffic signal to change the light.
Passive infrared sensors do not emit any energy of their own, but rather, they
detect energy emitted from vehicles and other objects nearby. When a vehicle
enters the passive sensor’s field, the sensor detects the change in energy and
alerts the traffic signal to the presence of a vehicle so the light can be changed.
2.3.2Inductive-Loop Sensors
Inductive-loop traffic detectors use an electrically conducting loop embedded in
the pavement to send a signal to the traffic control system to indicate the
presence of a vehicle. The traffic control system can then change the signal to
allow the traffic to pass through the intersection. You can usually tell if a traffic
signal is using an inductive-loop sensor because there will be a triangular-,
diamond-, or square-shaped outline visible in the pavement in each lane of an
intersection that uses this type of sensor. Inductive-loop sensors are, by far, the
most common type of sensors used in traffic control signals.

2.3.3Microwave Sensors
Another type of sensor that is mounted overhead, microwave traffic detection
sensors work similarly to infrared sensors. Both use electromagnetic energy to
detect traffic at intersections. Microwave sensors tend to be less expensive than
infrared models. In addition, microwave technology is less subject to
interruption by extreme temperatures than infrared sensors, but both types offer
a variety of useful features and are less expensive to install and maintain than
inductive-loop sensors.
2.3.4 Video Sensors
With advancements in video technology, as well as artificial intelligence
systems, video traffic sensors can be used in a variety of ways to manage traffic
patterns. Using a combination of hardware and software, video sensors can
determine when a vehicle, bicycle, or even a pedestrian has entered a specific
zone in the camera’s detection map. A signal is then sent to the traffic light to
change the appropriate signal. One negative aspect of video sensors is that their
functions can be adversely affected by bad weather conditions.
CHAPTER 3 .

3.0 DESIGN SPECIFICATION AND METHODOLOGY.

Relating to this chapter various method were followed in gathering data, how the final design was conceptualized with
it theories and how they were formulated. The project work is dependent on thought and ideas of other safety sensors
production expert, the designs presented here were selected based on review of available literature on sensors and metals and
traffic light systems. Various conceptual designs were evaluated by the criteria which were specified and the most satisfied
design criteria was selected .

3.0.1 DESIGN SPECIFICATION AND REQUIREMENT

3.0.1.1 Functional requirement for the infrared sensors.

The infrared sensor should have an adequate detection range, ensuring that it
can accurately detect vehicles and pedestrians within the desired distance from
the sensors location.
The infrared sensor should be sensitive enough to reliably detect the presence of vehicles and pedes
trians, even in challenging weather conditions such as rain, fog, or darkness.

The infrared sensor should provide accurate and reliable readings to ensure that the traffic light syst
em responds appropriately.

A long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements are essential for infrared sensors. The sensor
s should be durable and built to withstand daily usage and exposure to outdoor elements.
3.0.1.2 Design requirement of the infrared sensors

3.1 DESIGN SPECIFICATION FOR TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM

3.1.1 Functional requirement for traffic light

• The traffic light should reduce or curb the congestions at acute curves.
• The traffic signals help movement of traffic securely without collision.
• The traffic light should be well positioned so all road users can benefit.

3.1.2 Design requirement of the traffic light system

• The traffic light should be 8fts tall.

• Should have the standard three pattern that is the red,yellow, green.
• Each lenses is made 9 inches wide and six inches deep
References
Kham, N. H., & Nwe, C. M. (2014). Implementation of modern traffic light control system. International
journal of scientific and research publications, 4(6), 1-6.