1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Project Background A traffic light, traffic signal, or stop light is a signalling device positioned at a

road intersection, pedestrian crossing, or other location in order to indicate when it is safe to drive, ride, or walk using a universal colour code. In Malaysia, the traffic lights for vehicles commonly have three main lights, a red light that means stop, a green light that mean go and yellow that means ready to stop. However for the pedestrians, there have only two lights, a red light and a green light that mean go and stop respectively. The traffic lights have given many benefits to all road users possibly could save people time. Furthermore, traffic light system in Malaysia is used Programmable Logic Control (PLC) which is control the sequence of the traffic light. This PLC system is a large control device and requires a high maintenance. In addition, this traffic light will operate according to their time-setting on PLC system. Since the population was growing up which is the number of road users was increased, there will cause traffic congestion and indirectly cause longer travel times, long queues, environmental pollution and high cost in manage the transportation system. The one of the main cause of this problem is accident
[3] [2]

Besides reducing the number of accidents, it made the traffic flow smoothly and

. So, those who are responsible parties or

technicians need to find the way which is to maximize the traffic flow smoothly so

2 that can reduce the numbers of the accident and can reduce the people time in road. For example they should change this traffic light time-setting based on the traffic flow to solve the traffic congestion problem. So, this project is designed in the way to facilitate them to control the traffic light time-setting only using Short Message Service (SMS) on hand phone. Not necessary to set up this timing at traffic light controller box. Mobile communications is one of the fastest growing sectors of telecommunications, a sector that has bared great developments during the past few years. The technologies developed span from simple radio pager to satellite based system. Currently, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM)
[4]

is the most

widely used in digital mobile phone system. It has opened a standard for the digital cellular telephone network to support voice, data, text messaging and cross boarder roaming. GSM is now one of the worlds main 2G digital wireless standards. Thus, with the growing interests in the wireless and GSM based project, this project based on the idea of developing a simple, easy to control and cost-effective design to control the time-setting of traffic light via short message service (SMS)
[5]

As the technology grows, SMS technology has been widely accepted as a mode of communication. In addition, the purpose of using SMS is to provide widest coverage at minimal cost. Therefore, the use of SMS will provide a flexible way to monitor and facilitate in controlling the time-setting of the traffic light from a far distance with a low maintenance and independent from any physical geographical boundary.

1.2

Problem Statements The evolution of complex urban traffic will cause traffic congestion

especially during peak hour, festival season and even shopping mall sales. A fixedtime system on the traffic light was unable to cope with predicted traffic condition. So, the technicians have to analyse and do surveying the area constantly until the traffic light will be more appropriate. Furthermore, the technicians have to adjust the time-setting at the traffic light controller box to ensure an optimum traffic flow. This will end up with time consuming and setting difficulties.

3 1.3 Project Objectives The main objectives of this project are: i. ii. iii. To design the prototype of traffic light and its controller which is both of them will interact via SMS on GSM network. To design the controller that can control the sequence of the traffic light timer based on timing mode. To develop this system by using PIC16F77A and GSM modem.

1.4

Project Scopes Generally, there are a few scopes and guidelines listed to ensure the project is

conducted within its intended boundary. In addition, to ensure this project is heading in the right direction to achieve its intended. i. To design a system (prototype) that will monitor or control the traffic light timer which is more focus only on the GREEN light using GSM application as a wide range communication. ii. This project also will use a Peripheral Interface Controller (PIC) which is PIC 16F877A as a traffic light controller data processor to control the sequence of traffic light timer. iii. This controller will perform on 4 timing-mode operations which is the already GREEN light timing will be added based on the timing mode selected. For example: Table 1.1: The timing mode. Timing Mode 1 2 3 4 iv. Additional time provided + 5 second + 10 second + 15 second + 20 second

This prototype will used at the junction of three.

4 v. Using MPLAB IDE software to program the microcontroller and as simulation.

1.5

Expected Results The expected results of this project are:

i. ii.

This traffic light timer (prototype) will be controlled by using SMS on hand phone which is both of them will interact together. To design a system that could become the basic steps in advancing a remote control application using GSM transmission as its usage is likely to expand in future.

iii.

To ensure the objective of this project is achieved.