Towards a rule-based approach for traffic signal design

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Abstract
Although computer programs are widely used for calculating traffic signal timings for a given sequence of stages, the total design process (involving the choice of the best sequence) involves considerable expertise, which is often in short supply in cities of the developing world. The expertise consists of the application of rules (regulations, accepted practices) within constraints, both of which differ from site to site, and from country to country. This paper describes a research project to identify the rules and constraints of the signal design process and incorporate them into a micro-computer-based design package in such a way that the rule base could be readily adapted to the requirement of different countries and design criteria. Both rule-based methods and algorithmic methods (eg for traffic signal settings) would be integrated in the design. This approach to the use of expert system technology exemplifies one of the conclusions reached in a previous study of the role of expert systems in transport. These conclusions, and some possible implications for the development of expert systems in an engineering context, are also presented.

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