Distributed Traffic Control: Improving Pedestrian Control as a First Step

Traffic signal systems are currently centralized in the sense that, except for some “smart” sensors, virtually all intelligence resides in the cabinet. This architecture limits the ability to deploy a distributed system of intelligence where both sensors and display devices can communicate with each other. In order for systems of the future to expand their capabilities, a need exists for a distributed control architecture at signalized intersections. This paper reports on the successful demonstration of a distributed traffic signal control system to improve the operation of countdown pedestrian signals.