PURPOSES : This paper proposes an artificial neural network (ANN)-based real-time traffic signal time design model using real-time field data available at intersections equipped with smart intersections. The proposed model generates suitable traffic signal timings for the next cycle, which are assumed to be near the optimal values based on a set of counted directional real-time traffic volumes. METHODS : A training dataset of optimal traffic signal timing data was prepared through the CORSIM Optimal Signal Timing program developed for this study to find the best signal timings, minimizing intersection control delays estimated with CORSIM and a heuristic searching method. The proposed traffic signal timing design model was developed using a training dataset and an ANN learning process. To determine the difference between the traditional pre-time model primarily used in practice and the proposed model, a comparison test was conducted with historical data obtained for a month at a specific intersection in Uiwang, Korea. RESULTS : The test results revealed that the proposed method could reduce control delays for most of the day compared to the existing methods, excluding the peak hour periods when control delays were similar. This is because existing methods focus only on peak times in practice. CONCLUSIONS : The results indicate that the proposed method enhances the performance of traffic signal systems because it rapidly provides alternatives for all-day cycle periods. This would also reduce the management cost (repeated field data collection) required to increase the performance to that level. A robust traffic-signal timing design model (e.g., ANN) is required to handle various combinations of directional demands.

PURPOSES : This study aims to develop and validate timing transition techniques for real-time traffic signal operations, departing from conventional methods based on past commuting traffic patterns. METHODS : In this study, we propose two traffic signal transition techniques that can perform transitions while minimizing disruptions within a short period. The Proposed 1 technique involves an unconditional transition within one cycle and allows for the allocation of offset changes to both the coordinated and non-coordinated phases. The Proposed 2 technique performs transitions within 1-2 cycles based on the offset change rate and considers the non-coordinated phase for allocating offset changes. RESULTS : Functional improvements of the proposed techniques were validated. For validation, simulated traffic signal transition scenarios were created, and a comparative analysis of the transition techniques was performed based on the selected analysis approaches. The results showed that the Proposed 1 technique exhibited the lowest delay during the approximated saturated transitions, whereas the Subtract technique showed the lowest delay during the non-saturated transitions. CONCLUSIONS : These findings emphasize the importance of selecting and applying appropriate transition techniques tailored to individual traffic scenarios. The proposed transition techniques provide valuable insights for improving real-time traffic signal operations, and contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of traffic management in highway corridors.

PURPOSES : In this paper, pedestrian-oriented time assured traffic operation (POTATO), adopted in Korea at a single crossing pedestrianoriented operating area, is explored and applied to a simulation experiment and test site to verify the operation efficiency. METHODS : Three candidate plans are presented as a method to operate pedestrian-oriented signal operations that can overcome the restrictions on signal controllers in Korea. The selected POTATO and TOD signal operations were compared and analyzed. The delay and pedestrian queues, present length, and number of times were used as comparative indices. RESULTS : Scenario-specific simulations confirmed that the delay, compared to TOD signal operation, was reduced by up to 5 s/ped depending on the vehicle traffic volume and the number of pedestrians. For the vehicle delay, the results increased up to 8.99 s/veh, depending on the traffic volume of the vehicles and pedestrians. As a result of the test site operation, POTATO operation improved by 5.12 s/ped (approximately 46.69% improvement) compared to TOD operation in the hours commuting to school and by 2.84 s/ped in the hours commuting from school (approximately 51.13% improvement). In case of vehicle delay, the delay increased by 2.35 s/veh (approximately 64.39%) in the hours commuting to school and 1.20 s/veh (approximately 21.11%) in the hours commuting from school compared to the TOD operation. CONCLUSIONS : Through simulations and test site pilot operation verifications, the effects of pedestrian delay improvement were more positive if POTATO proposed in this study was low in vehicle traffic.

PURPOSES: This paper presents the development and evaluation of the smart hardware-in-the-loop systems (SMART-HILS) that evaluate traffic signal operations of a new real-time traffic signal control system called SMART SIGNAL at the traffic management center (TMC) level. METHODS: The layouts of the hardware and software components of the SMART-HILS were introduced in this study and its performance was tested using real-time traffic signal operation algorithms embedded in the SMART SIGNAL control server by utilizing the VISSIM simulation model. In this study, the SMART-HILS management software was developed using .NET programming language. Fewer random seed numbers were used for the test scenarios by conducting statistical tests to address the shortcomings of a longer time due to the adoption of the simulation time as the real-time by the TMC server. RESULTS : It was determined that SMART-HILS can communicate with TMC and VISSIM for both upload and download directions within acceptable time constraints and evaluate new design algorithms for traffic signal timing. CONCLUSIONS : In practice, traffic engineers can utilize SMART-HILS for testing the traffic signal operation alternatives before their selection and implementation. This application could increase the productivity of traffic signal operation.

The goals of automatic fire detection equipment in Japan and South Korea are the detection in early fire stage, alarm and finding the location of the fire. Japan also has similar operation system and signal transmission method compared with South Korea. The standards of fire detection equipment in Japan are established their own standards. The automatic fire detection equipment in Korea has been developed with benchmarking the Japanese system in early 1950’s and follows the decree on the basis of Japan’s fire services. NFPA 72, which is automatic fire detection equipment in U.S.A. and verified through the experiment and test, expects to reflect to our automatic fire detection equipment after modification and supplement.

PURPOSES : Under the capacity conditions with balanced approach flows, roundabouts give less delay than existing signalized intersections; however, flows over 450 vehicles/hour/lane with unbalanced approach flow conditions, roundabouts efficiency drops due to the short time difference between the critical gap and the follow-up headway. The purpose of this study is developing a roundabout Signal Metering operation method by considering approach lanes degree of saturation. METHODS : A four-way-approach with one-lane roundabout is selected to compare the Signal Metering performance for the case of 16 different unbalanced flow conditions. Based on these traffic conditions, the performance is evaluated for 64 different cases of Signal Metering combinations by using SIDRA software. A degree of saturation(V/C ratio) sum for two adjoined approaches is used for the performance index of choosing Metered Approach and Controlling Approach. RESULTS : When the V/C ratio sum is 0.29~0.81 and Metered Approach flow is less than Controlling Approach flow, the average delay saving per vehicle is about 7 seconds; however, after this rage the delay saving decreases gradually until the V/C ratio sum reaches around 1.0. The range of V/C ratio sum 0.93~1.09 provides average delay saving per vehicle about 3 seconds. In case of V/C ratio sum is grater than 1.0 and the flows of Metered Approach is grater than Controlling Approach, the average delay per vehicle increases 3~11 times respectively. CONCLUSIONS : As expected, the Signal Metering provides substantial improvements in delay saving for the case of V/C ratio sum is 0.3~1.0 under the traffic flow conditions of Metered Approach is less than Controlling Approach.

회전교차로(roundabout)는 용량 이하의 상태에서 접근로별 교통류가 균등할 경우 기존 신호교차로에 비해 운영효율성이 증대되나 토지이용변화로 교통량이 증가하면서 접근로별 교통류가 불균등 해질 경우(차로 당 450대/시 이상) 주접근로에서 회전교차로 내부로의 진입이 어려워져 효율성이 떨어지게 된다. 본 연구에서는 1차로형 4지 회전교차로를 대상으로 회전교차로 설치이후 교통량 증가로 신호교차로 설치에 대한 재검토를 하기 전에 회전교차로를 효율적으로 운영할 수 있는 Signal Metering 전환기준 및 운영방법을 제시하고 효과분석(지체 및 대기행렬)은 SIDRA를 활용하였다. 본 연구결과 총 진입교통량이 1,800~2,000pcu/시 이고 주접근로의 진입교통량비가 60~70%일 때 지체는 30~40% 그리고 대기행렬은 30~60% 감소하였다. 또한 주접근로에 가장 인접한 부접근로에 Metered Approach를 설치하고 한 쌍(pair)으로 묶어서 운영하는 것이 효과적인 것으로 분석되었다.