In an attempt to solve the congestion problem during rush hour amid some shortcomings in the operation of traffic light systems, Ho Nhat Nam, 26-year-old man graduating from Electricity and Electronics Technology Faculty at the Da Nang-based private Dong A University successfully created the controller to regulate traffic lights operating during peak hours.

Ho Nhat Nam besides the controller to regulate traffic lights (Photo: http://donga.edu.vn)

According to Nam, currently, technicians must attend in person at traffic light systems to schedule the time phases of each traffic light. This is quite inconvenient because there are hundreds of traffic lights across the city. In fact, if adjustment is conducted in time, the traffic problem in the city during peak hours will turn worse. Therefore, through actual surveys and the application of knowledge into real life situations, Nam embarked on implementing this research project. 

Nam’s product is controlled and monitored via Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system which consists of central host computer server, programmable logic controller (PLC) human - machine interface and the transmission system.

The product consists of 3 main components: hardware connection device, WinCC/Performance Monitor and the model of traffic signal system.

Based on surveillance cameras installed at traffic intersections, operators at the control centre can know much about the flow of road users rushing to a certain intersection. Thanks to this, traffic regulation can be conducted by adjusting the time phases of each traffic lights through the SCADA system. This method should be taken into account to ensure the control of intelligent traffic systems.

This device is user-friendly, widely applied and a little time-consuming in adjusting the signal light system.

To make it easier to visualise how Nam’s system works, Nam made a simulation modeling in which a large amount of traffic is rushing to the western end of the Rong (Dragon) Bridge, causing heavy congestion at this area.

Through the surveillance cameras, the operator will adjust the time phases of traffic lights installed at intersections near this congestion hotspot. They are the intersections of Trung Nu Vuong and Nguyen Van Linh streets, and 2 September and the approach road to the western end of the bridge.

Sharing about near future plans, Nam said, “I have always wanted to overcome my difficulties to create useful products for the city”.

Hopefully, in the coming time, Nam will continue pursuing his research passion, thereby making appropriate changes to the traffic signal system in the context of the traffic volume keeping getting bigger.