An Efficient Cloud-Based Traffic Signal Manipulation Algorithm for Path Clearance

Abstract

Beside many challenges that urban cities have to face, one of them is increasing traffic. Unfortunately, in developing countries like, for example, Pakistan, the traffic management infrastructure does not scale accordingly. This leads to two types of problems: congestion and long queues at traffic signals. This makes it difficult for emergency vehicles (EV) such as ambulances to reach their destination on time. Therefore, in this article, the authors have developed an intelligent path clearance system for emergency vehicles. The particular focus is on long queues at traffic signals. Given the GPS coordinates of an EV, a destination, a map, and the traffic light grid system, our system provides a signal free corridor to the priority vehicle by automatically manipulating traffic signals that fall in its path using cloud computing. The idea is to clear the path of the vehicle. The proposed system also makes decision based on the time of the day and current traffic conditions in real time. In case of multiple options, it also calculates the shortest path to the destination.