05 August 2020

On August 5, 1914, the first traffic light was set in Cleveland, USA. It had red and green lights, and when the light was switched it gave a sound signal. Modern smart traffic lights, by integrating with video surveillance systems, reduce travel time by a quarter and help reduce emissions by 21%.

Do you know how they work?

The algorithm is quite simple:
– The road situation is analyzed with the help of video surveillance system.
– When a cluster of cars or pedestrians is detected in the relevant area – a traffic optimization plan is generated.
– Depending on the situation, the controller, which is responsible for coordinating traffic light signals, receives the appropriate command.
– The traffic lights automatically switch on the corresponding light and the command to change a work of traffic lights on neighboring intersections.

Today, this scheme of smart traffic lights is actively supplemented by audio analytics systems – for priority transit of special vehicles with car sirens, as well as algorithms for recognizing public transport and road accidents – to optimize traffic and prevent traffic collapse.

The use of intelligent analytical systems on the streets is no a distant future, but a current necessity to ensure the proper level of the city’s main transport arteries safety.