INES+: Schlothauer & Wauer

The intelligent adaptive traffic control system

Short description

INES is an adaptive network control that is independent of manufacturers. It is flexible, open interfaces guarantee an easy integration into existing traffic management systems. The comprehensible, modular structure of the INES control algorithm can be adapted to a broad range of needs specific to your project. The web based user interface makes it easy to operate the network control.

Benefit

INES enhances the performance of local adaptive controls by identifying and reallocating unused green times
INES makes sure that just as much green time is provided, as it is needed for the expected vehicle count.
INES optimizes the offset of coordinated controls to increase the quality of your green waves.
By changing project-specific parameters at runtime INES allows for a great number of individual solutions to optimize traffic.

Functions

Projektverwaltung

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Monitoring / Suitability diagram

The basic objective function of network-wide optimization in INES is to achieve a good flow ratio for all the sections in the network. Simply minimizing flow ratio, however, will not produce the desired results. This approach would result in the scenario with the highest proportion of green time being selected, regardless of the time of day. An objective function was therefore developed that evaluates the calculated flow ratios.

Grundversorgung

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Monitoring / Flow diagram

INES collects data on prevailing traffic conditions using existing detectors located at the intersection (stop-line and/or advance detectors). The control system is modeled by dividing the traffic network into sections. It is not necessary to use a fault-prone modeling method based on source/target matrices. The prevailing traffic flow is measured in each of the sections and forecast for the next interval. The raw data received from the traffic computer is first checked for plausibility and aggregated. All data is logged. If a detection error is registered, historical data can be used to find a replacement value for the prevailing traffic flow.

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Monitoring / Strategy detector

To be able to react to critical conditions (for example, congestion as a result of heavy traffic volume), additional detectors can be installed at sensitive locations in the network. Speeds and flows are calculated, and evaluated using fuzzy logic. For every section, the measured values are normalized using plausible maximum values for traffic flow and speed. These values are then fuzzified. The class membership values of all detectors within a cross-section of the network are combined to generate an overall view of prevailing traffic conditions.

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Operating control

INES is a Web-based application. Anyone with a connection to the INES server can access the application from their browser. This approach does away with time-consuming and complicated installation procedures. The control panel was designed to be easy to use with a clear, clean layout. Changes can be made quickly and easily while the control is running. Users can start to operate INES immediately after they log in, provided they have the necessary permissions.

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Test and Simulation

An interface to the simulation tool VISSIM (PTV AG) has been implemented to enable testing of INES controls. This allows users in the planning stage to precisely follow all the steps and decisions taken by the algorithm. The ability of the regional control to intervene at the local level is directly integrated in the control panel of the simulation environment (emulated traffic computer). Using a Web interface, the regional control can be monitored and run just as it would be in actual operation. This enables changes to be made and analyses to be performed while the simulation is running. Testing controls before implementing them reduces the time and effort spent fine-tuning them during actual operation.

Modules

Intervention type [E]

INES changes the parameter for maximum green time (and thereby the end of green) for one or more signal groups (stage). This modifies (or redistributes) capacity reserves in response to traffic flow at the intersection.

Intervention type [V]

INES offets all parameters by a calculated value. This optimizes traffic flow in the coordinated main directions in response to changing traffic conditions or modifications made using intervention type [E].

Intervention type [S]

INES selects a scenario for the network. A scenario consists of plan requests for the intersections, a coordination structure and possibly a corresponding selection of parameters (intervention types) [P].

Intervention type [P]

INES changes a parameter in the local control (for example, the public transit prioritization level). Interventions are defined in the planning stage and allow precise, individual changes to be made to the control while it’s running.

The modified, optimized parameters and/or plan requests are transmitted once per interval from INES to the traffic control center, which sends them on to the intersections.

INES Traffic-adaptive control software for corridors and networks

Short description

INES adaptive controls can be implemented for any controller, regardless of manufacturer. Thanks to the use of open interfaces, they can be easily integrated in existing traffic management center systems. The INES control kernel uses easy-to-understand, modular algorithms and can always be adapted to specific project needs. The Web-based interface for modifying and managing the control is simple and straightforward.

Benefit

INES improves the capacity of local controls by detecting and redistributing unused green times.
INES ensures that the forecasted traffic flows get exactly the green time that they need.
INES optimizes offsets for beginning of green, thereby improving the quality of green waves.
INES makes it possible to modify project-specific parameters while the control is running, opening up a range of targeted improvements to traffic flow.

APPLICATIONS

Do away with the limitations of rigid coordinations, in terms of both physical range and timings
Perform short-term traffic flow forecasting
Change green time distribution and select scenarios
Can be implemented regardless of device manufacturer and integrated into traffic management center systems.

AREAS OF APPLICATION

Densely populated urban areas, corridors with fluctuating traffic flows and special event-related traffic situations

The intelligent adaptive traffic control system

Short description

Benefit

Functions

Projektverwaltung

Monitoring / Suitability diagram

Grundversorgung

Monitoring / Flow diagram

Monitoring / Strategy detector

Operating control

Test and Simulation

Modules

Intervention type [E]

Intervention type [V]

Intervention type [S]

Intervention type [P]

INES Traffic-adaptive control software for corridors and networks

Short description

Benefit

APPLICATIONS

AREAS OF APPLICATION

Product information

CONTACT