Application of Pareto Front to Evaluate Adaptive Traffic Signal Timing for Multiple Objectives

Authors

  • Yifan Yang
  • Andalib Shams
  • Christopher Day Iowa State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13021/jmms.2021.3172

Keywords:

traffic signal timing, adaptive control, performance measures

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of policies on coordinated traffic signal control using a multi-objective framework inspired by the Pareto front concept. The Pareto front describes the set of optimal outcomes in a space defined by multiple objectives. This concept is applied to a nine-intersection signalized corridor in a microsimulation study comparing performance from an array of conventional signal control policies that represent a spectrum of options with performance tradeoffs between locally optimal and system optimal control. This is used to identify a Pareto front using delays for coordinated and non-coordinated movements, which offers a frame of reference for comparing the performance of adaptive control algorithms. Two different real-time adaptive control algorithms, a self-organizing algorithm and a schedule-based algorithm, are examined and their performance compared to the Pareto front of conventional controls. The self-organizing algorithm was found to extend the region of feasible performance beyond the capabilities of the conventional methods in different directions relative to the Pareto front.

References

Fehon, K., and P. O’Brien. Traffic Signal Management Plans: An Objectives- and Performancebased Approach for Improving the Design Operations and Maintenance of Traffic Signal Systems. Publication FHWA-HOP-15-038. Washington, DC, 2015.

Gartner, N. H., R. M. Deshpande, and C. Stamatiadis. Performance Potential of Signalized Arterials and Intersections. 2010.

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Zeng, W., Z. He, and N. Chen. A Multi-Objective Optimization Model and a Decision-Making Method for Traffic Signal Control. 2012.

Synchro User Manual. Trafficware, Inc., Sugar Land, Texas, 2001.

Yang, Y. Evaluation of Traffic Signal Timing Policies for Multiple Objectives. Iowa State University, 2021.

Day, C. M., R. Haseman, H. Premachandra, T. M. Brennan, J. S. Wasson, J. R. Sturdevant, and D. M. Bullock. Evaluation of Arterial Signal Coordination: Methodologies for Visualizing High-Resolution Event Data and Measuring Travel Time. Transportation Research Record, No. 2192, 2010, pp. 37–49. https://doi.org/10.3141/2192-04.

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Published

2021-12-29

Issue

Section

Articles