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Connected Vehicles & Vehicle Trajectory

• Jun 14, 2019

Research Description

The concept of using vehicle trajectories to retime traffic signals means to track individual vehicles at/around the traffic signals and determine: 1. what movements they are making, 2. the speeds they are traveling, and 3. when they exit the traffic signal. This information can be sent to a central system for analysis, and decisions can be relayed to other traffic signals (e.g. through a peer-to-peer connection) and timing changes implemented via new controller technology (Linux based traffic signal controllers with the ability to create applications “apps” at the signal programming level).

Considering that not all of the vehicles will be GPS-equipped, the trajectory data from connected vehicles can be supplemented with radar/video detection with vehicle tracking algorithms. GPS data still has a smaller penetration rate, and thus the radar/video detection can be used to fill in the gaps in data. The goal of this research is to replace the concept of traditional “adaptive” signals with a new approach that would be more sophisticated, adaptable, efficient, and economical. Once the proposed system is proven to work on a single corridor, it will be possible to reproduce it on a regional scale in a multi-jurisdictional environment.

Additional Supporting Information

This study will identify cost-effective strategies that can improve traffic signal timing along a corridor based on real-time data, and this will make the entire transportation system more efficient for all residents. Each major task will result in a technical memo being produced. The following tasks will be used to develop the technical memos into the final report.

1. Academic Research – This section will identify and test a full range of opportunities to improve traffic signal timing based on real-time vehicle trajectory data via GPS from connected vehicles and radar-based vehicle detection systems. a) Literature Review b) Peer Interviews c) Development of Goals and Objectives d) Theoretical & Implementation based approach on Vehicle Trajectory as it relates to Traffic Signals e) Simulation Modeling f) Measures of Effectiveness Tools g) Tools & Recommendations for future Research and Implementation

2. Controller/Radar Detection Programming- This section will produce and implement a specialized programming for traffic signal controllers and radar-based vehicle detection systems, used by Lake County. The programming will be in conjunction with the academic research by the University. a) Recommendations for Signal Controller Programming Modifications b) Recommendations for use of GPS-based Data for Analysis c) Recommendations for use of Radar Detection Vehicle Trajectory Data for Analysis d) Lake County Case Study

3. Central System Programming – This section will: 1. produce programming for analysis of vehicle trajectory data from either GPS data from connected vehicles and/or radar based detection inside the Lake County central traffic signal system, and 2. send traffic signal timing changes to traffic signal controllers in the field. The programming will result in data collection that allows a proper review of recommended timing changes, without implementation of the timing changes. The programming will be in conjunction with the academic research by the University and controller/radar detection programming. a) Recommendations for Traffic Signal Central System Programming Analysis of Vehicle Trajectory Data b) GPS Data Collection Sources c) Lake County Case Study

4. Further Research and Feasibility of Implementation on a Large Scale – This section will: 1. produce recommendations for implementation of vehicle trajectory technology on a large scale, and 2. recognize potential for further research areas which will improve the vehicle trajectory technology in this project. This will be the final stage of this project, but will lay the foundation to an alternative approach for a more economical system wide deployment of traffic signals that can adapt to changing conditions based on real-time vehicle trajectory data. a) Recommendations for Simplified Modules for Traffic Signal Controllers b) Recommendations for Simplified Modules for Radar Detection Systems c) Recommendations for Simplified Modules for Central Traffic Signal Systems d) Recommendations for Future Research e) Server Recommendations for the Simplified Modules in a) through c) f) Recommendations for Supplementation Evaluation Tools

Deliverables: 1. Academic Research Technical Memo 2. Controller/Radar Detection Programming Technical Memo 3. Central System Programming Technical Memo 4. Large Scale Implementation Feasibility Technical Memo 5. Final Report Executive Summary of Total Project

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Submitted By

Justin Effinger

Lake County Division of Transportation

847-377-7474

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