IoT-Based-Smart-Traffic-Light-Control-System
IoT-Based-Smart-Traffic-Light-Control-System
System
This document presents a comprehensive overview of an intelligent traffic light control system designed for a
four-way junction. The system dynamically adjusts signal timings based on real-time vehicle density,
prioritizes emergency vehicles, and supports remote monitoring and control through the Blynk IoT platform.
The following sections detail the system components, architecture, operational logic, Blynk integration,
sample code, performance data, advantages, and concluding insights.
by Shamal Fernando
System Components and Architecture
The core of the system is the ESP32 microcontroller, which offers Wi-Fi connectivity and serves as the central
processing unit. Four ultrasonic sensors (HC-SR04), one installed per lane, detect and count vehicles by
measuring distance during the red signal phase. Each lane is equipped with a traffic signal module
comprising red, yellow, and green LEDs to indicate signal status.
The Blynk IoT platform facilitates remote monitoring and control via a mobile application, allowing traffic
authorities to oversee real-time traffic data and manually intervene if necessary. A regulated 5V power supply
supports the entire circuit, which is assembled using connecting wires and a breadboard.
The system architecture follows a block diagram where sensor data is processed by the ESP32 to calculate
signal timings. The traffic lights operate in a clockwise sequence, adjusting green light durations based on
vehicle counts. Emergency vehicle signals received through Blynk trigger priority handling after the current
green phase.
Source: ResearchGate
Operational Logic of the Traffic
Control System
The system initializes by setting all traffic signals to red and begins operation with the first lane in the
clockwise sequence. During each red phase, ultrasonic sensors count the number of vehicles waiting in their
respective lanes.
Green light duration for each lane is calculated as the number of detected vehicles multiplied by five
seconds, with constraints ensuring a minimum green time of five seconds and a maximum of thirty seconds.
After the green phase concludes, the system transitions to the next lane in the sequence.
Emergency vehicle handling is integrated by monitoring signals from the Blynk platform. Upon receiving an
emergency signal, the system completes the current green phase before immediately switching the green
light to the emergency lane, after which normal sequencing resumes.
This logic ensures dynamic traffic management that adapts in real time to traffic density while
accommodating urgent transit needs.
Blynk IoT Platform Integration
The Blynk mobile application serves as the remote interface for the traffic control system. It features
dashboard elements such as value displays showing vehicle counts per lane and LED indicators representing
the current signal status for each lane.
Control buttons within the app allow authorized users to manually override signal sequences and input
emergency signals when necessary. This remote control capability enhances system flexibility and
responsiveness, enabling traffic management authorities to intervene during anomalies or special situations.
Real-time monitoring through Blynk provides continuous updates on traffic conditions, supporting informed
decision-making and efficient traffic flow management.
Sample Code Snippet for Vehicle
Detection
The ESP32 microcontroller uses ultrasonic sensors to detect vehicles by measuring distance. The provided
simplified Arduino IDE code snippet demonstrates the basic logic for one sensor:
#define TRIG_PIN 5
#define ECHO_PIN 18
long duration;
int vehicleCount = 0;
void setup() {
pinMode(TRIG_PIN, OUTPUT);
pinMode(ECHO_PIN, INPUT);
Serial.begin(115200);
}
void loop() {
digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, LOW);
delayMicroseconds(2);
digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, HIGH);
delayMicroseconds(10);
digitalWrite(TRIG_PIN, LOW);
Note that the full implementation includes logic for all four sensors, traffic signal control, and integration
with the Blynk platform for remote management.
Traffic Signal Timing
vs. Vehicle Count
The system calculates green light duration based on the
number of vehicles detected per lane, with the following
mapping:
1 5
2 10
3 15
4 20
5 25
6 or more 30 (maximum)
These features collectively contribute to more efficient urban traffic flow and enhanced safety for emergency
response vehicles.
Conclusion and Further Support
This IoT-based smart traffic light control system offers an effective solution to urban traffic congestion by
dynamically adjusting signal timings based on real-time vehicle data and prioritizing emergency vehicles.
The integration with the Blynk IoT platform enhances operational flexibility through remote monitoring and
control, making it a valuable component for smart city infrastructure.
For additional assistance, including complete source code, detailed circuit diagrams, or guidance on setting
up the Blynk dashboard, please feel free to request further information.