Traffic Signal Control Optimization Based on Neural Network in the Framework of Model Predictive Control

Abstract

To improve the effectiveness of model predictive control (MPC) in dynamic traffic signal control strategies, it has been combined with graph convolutional networks (GCNs) and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) technologies. In this study, a neural-network-based traffic signal control optimization method under the MPC framework is proposed. A dynamic correlation matrix is introduced in the predictive model to adapt to the dynamic changes in correlations between nodes over time. The signal control optimization strategy is solved using DRL, where the agent explores the optimal control strategy based on pre-set constraints in the future road environment. The geometric structure and traffic flow data of a real intersection were selected as the simulation validation environment, and a joint simulation was conducted using Python and SUMO. The experimental results indicate that in low-traffic scenarios, the queue length is reduced by more than 2 vehicles compared to the selected comparison methods; in high-traffic scenarios, the queue length is reduced by an average of 17 vehicles. Under the actual traffic data of the intersection, the average speed is increased by 6.4% compared to the fixed timing method; compared to the inductive signal control method, it increases from 9.76 m/s to 11.69 m/s, an improvement of 19.7%, effectively enhancing the intersection signal control performance.