Westcliff University

Bachelors in Information Technology

A DEFENSE REPORT ON

Traffic Light Controller Using FSM

Submitted to

Department of Technology

King’s College Nepal

Submitted by

Abhinav Jung Shah

Alex Ligal

Dipanshu Kakshapati

Kirti Shrestha

Nisim Sharma

December 23, 2024

Under the supervision of

Er. Simanta Kasaju

List of figures……………………………………………………………………………….II
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................ III
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION...................................................................................1
1.1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................2
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT..................................................................................2
1.3 OBJECTIVE..................................................................................................... 2
1.4 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS............................................................................. 3
CHAPTER 2: BACKGROUND STUDY AND LITERATURE REVIEW....................... 4
2.1 BACKGROUND STUDY.................................................................................. 4
2.2 LITERATURE REVIEW.................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER 3: SYSTEM DESIGN AND ANALYSIS..................................................... 6
3.1 REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS.............................................................................6
3.2 FEASIBILITY STUDY.......................................................................................7
3.3 ARCHITECTURE DESIGN.............................................................................. 7
CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING..................................................... 9
4.1 IMPLEMENTATION.......................................................................................... 9
4.1.1 TOOLS USED.......................................................................................... 9
4.2 IMPLEMENTATION DETAILS OF MODULES............................................... 10
4.3 TESTING........................................................................................................ 11
CHAPTER 5: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION............................................................12
5.1 RESULTS....................................................................................................... 12
5.2 FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS..........................................................................14
5.3 OUTPUT.........................................................................................................14
5.4 TEAM MEMBERS CONTRIBUTION..............................................................15
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION.................................................................................... 16
REFERENCES.......................................................................................................... 17

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 List of Figures
Figure 3.1: State Transition Diagram .................................................................................. 8

Figure 5.1: Red State waiting to transition to the Green State ........................................ 12

Figure 5.2: Green State waiting to transition to the Yellow State..................................... 13

Figure 5.3: Yellow State waiting to transition to the Red State........................................ 14

II
 ABSTRACT

The Traffic Light Controller FSM (Finite State Machine) project is designed to

address the increasing challenges of traffic management in urban settings by automating

traffic light transitions. Utilizing a finite state machine, this project aims to improve traffic

flow, reduce congestion, and enhance safety at intersections. The FSM system controls the

sequence of traffic lights based on predefined timing intervals, effectively managing the

transitions between Red, Green, and Yellow states.

Implemented using Python, the project leverages simulation to validate the

functionality and effectiveness of the FSM in a controlled environment. The system's

architecture incorporates modular design principles, allowing for scalability and adaptability

to different urban settings. Testing phases, including unit and integration tests, confirm the

reliability and efficiency of the traffic light controller.

This report documents the FSM's design, implementation, and testing processes,

providing insights into the system's capabilities and the potential benefits of its wider

application. The results demonstrate significant improvements in traffic management, with

future enhancements aimed at integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence

for dynamic traffic pattern adaptation. The project's outcomes suggest a promising direction

for future traffic control solutions, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation in

urban planning.

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Traffic Light Controller FSM project is an innovative initiative designed to tackle

the increasing challenges of urban traffic management by applying finite state machines

(FSMs). As urban areas continue to grow, the strain on existing traffic infrastructure becomes

more pronounced, leading to congestion, increased accident rates, and higher levels of

pollution. These issues not only affect the efficiency of transportation but also the quality of

life in urban settings.

This project aims to develop a software-based FSM that automates the transitions of

traffic lights at intersections, thereby enhancing the flow and safety of traffic. By using a

systematic approach to control the timing of traffic signals, the system ensures that traffic

moves smoothly, reducing unnecessary stops and improving the overall efficiency of road

networks. The FSM design is particularly advantageous for its simplicity and effectiveness in

scenarios where quick and reliable decisions are crucial.

Moreover, the Traffic Light Controller FSM serves as a scalable model that can be

adapted to various urban environments, regardless of the specific traffic patterns or

intersection designs prevalent in those areas. This adaptability makes it a valuable tool for

city planners and traffic management authorities seeking versatile and cost-effective solutions

to traffic management challenges. The project not only focuses on the technical

implementation of the FSM but also considers its potential impact on future urban planning

and development.

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 By integrating advanced programming techniques and leveraging the capabilities of

Python, this project sets out to demonstrate the functionality of the FSM in a controlled

simulation. This initial phase is crucial for validating the concept before any real-world

application is considered. The eventual goal is to implement this system in actual traffic

settings, providing a robust framework that can adapt to real-time traffic conditions and

contribute to smarter, safer, and more sustainable urban traffic systems.Readers can access

the repository for detailed insights and code at the following link:

Traffic Light Controller Using FSM.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Urban areas face increasing challenges in managing traffic flow efficiently due to

growing vehicle populations and limited infrastructure enhancements. Manual and outdated

traffic control systems often lead to significant traffic congestion, increased accident rates,

and excessive pollution. This project addresses the need for an automated and scalable

solution that optimizes traffic light timing and improves overall traffic management.

1.3 OBJECTIVE

● To develop a scalable Traffic Light Controller FSM that efficiently manages traffic

light transitions to enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve safety at

intersections, adaptable to varying urban settings.

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1.4 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

1.4.1 SCOPE

● The scope of this project includes the design of a finite-state machine to control traffic

lights at a single intersection.

● It involves the development of a simulation in Python to demonstrate the functionality

of the FSM.

● The project covers extensive testing phases to ensure the FSM operates as intended

under various traffic conditions.

1.4.2 LIMITATIONS

● The current implementation is limited to simulations and does not include real-world

testing or integration with actual traffic control hardware.

● The FSM is designed for a typical four-way intersection and may require significant

modifications to handle more complex or irregular traffic patterns.

● External factors such as emergency vehicle priority, pedestrian crossings, and manual

overrides are not currently supported by this FSM model.

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 CHAPTER 2: BACKGROUND STUDY AND LITERATURE

REVIEW

2.1 BACKGROUND STUDY

In urban areas where the use of vehicles for daily to and fro has become of

insurmountable necessity, traffic and its management have come to play a crucial role. In the

initial phases where vehicles were not as dense as it is today, traditional traffic lights got the

job done. They were timed based on average traffic flows, which often did not account for

real-time changes and peak hour variations. With these changes in oversall road scenario and

technological development, the concept of traffic management through automated systems

has been evolving rapidly. Modern approaches to the traditional traffic lights involve adaptive

traffic control systems that utilize sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to adjust light

sequences dynamically in response to traffic conditions real time. However, this kind of

technology is challenging to integrate in many urban environments due to high costs and

complex infrastructure requirements.

2.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

A comprehensive review shows that several key studies have contributed significantly to the

field of automated traffic management systems. A research by Smith et al. (2018)

demonstrated how effective using finite-state machines for controlling traffic lights in a

simulated environment are. Their study highlighted the improvements seen in traffic flow and

reductions in waiting times, overall showcasing how structured state transitions can optimize

signal timing based on real-time traffic conditions. This approach is particularly beneficial for

urban environments where traffic patterns are dynamic and unpredictable.

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Another study by Johnson and Lee (2020) emphasized on the application of machine learning

(ML) algorithms in order to predict traffic patterns and optimize light timings accordingly.

Their research depicted that ML can analyze historical traffic data to forecast congestion,

enabling proactive adjustments to signal timings. This predictive capability not only enhances

traffic flow but also reduces emissions by minimizing stop-and-go scenarios.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain in effective implementation of automated

traffic management systems. Issues such as data privacy, infrastructure costs, and the

integration of new technologies into existing frameworks pose significant hurdles.

The studies reviewed provide a solid foundation for understanding the potential benefits and

limitations of advanced traffic management systems. By integrating newer technologies,

researchers are paving the way for more efficient urban transportation solutions. As cities

continue to grow and evolve, these innovative approaches will be crucial in addressing the

complex challenges associated with modern traffic management.

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 CHAPTER 3: SYSTEM DESIGN AND ANALYSIS

3.1 REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS

The requirement analysis focused on identifying key functionalities that the Traffic

Light Controller Finite State Machine (FSM) should exhibit. This analysis meets the purpose

of developing a system and appropriate performance under real conditions.

● Operational Requirements: The primary function of a Traffic Light Controller is the

automatic management of all changes in traffic lights. It takes place according to the

predefined states and its timings, and traffic movement is thus facilitated at all

junctions. This needs to be an operational system to handle and process all possible

situations, such as an ordinary traffic day, peak hour, and emergency event scenarios.

● Technical Requirements: For a Traffic Light Controller to function properly, a

reasonably dependable computer must run the Python Scripts that execute the

logic-based traffic light state management required. The system must also be able to

simulate a versatile traffic scenario to check out its efficiency before being put to

real-world use.

● User Requirements: Currently, the focus is on simulation, but the needs of future

users and traffic management authorities should be considered as well. Future users

need an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for system monitoring and adjustment. The

interface would allow traffic managers to visualize traffic patterns, alter timings, and

change events based on performance.

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3.2 FEASIBILITY STUDY

The feasibility study evaluated the practical implementation of the Traffic Light

Controller Finite State Machine (FSM):

● Technical Feasibility: Hardware-software combinations are easily available today

making it feasible to implement FSM in respect of major advances in today's modern

programming languages and simulation tools. They provide very robust frameworks

on which the FSM can be developed and tested, thereby ensuring effective enactment

using current resources.

● Economic Feasibility: It is the most feasible economic condition in the sense of the

project. It is based on open-source tools or software and does not require heavy

investments. However, leaving larger amounts spent allows for a much more flexible

and customized development process.

● Operational Feasibility: The operational feasibility of having a system based on

FSM is very much viable for simulated environments where testing and changes can

very easily be carried out. It certainly will involve more issues concerning actual life

deployment, such as compatibility with any hardware, safety regulations that have to

be adhered to, and how it fits into existing traffic management systems.

3.3 ARCHITECTURE DESIGN

Furthermore, the architecture has maintained the Traffic Light Controller FSM

structural layout, which was developed modularly to emphasize structure clarity and

maintainability.

● Control Module: Its function in this module is to control the state transitions of the

traffic light system using timed inputs. It determines when to transition from one light

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 condition to another, for example, from yellow to red, then green. These rules are

predefined.

● Timer Module: The Time Module is essential because it indicates the passage of time

on each traffic signal cycle. As a result of this assumption, no traffic light will remain

in an assigned condition for an insufficient amount of time to activate the following

signal.

● Output Module: The output module controls the signaling outputs of the traffic lights

where it triggers the appropriate lights based on the current status indicated by the

Control Module which allows drivers to get the necessary signals at the proper time.

Figure 3.1: State Transition Diagram

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 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING

4.1 IMPLEMENTATION

4.1.1 TOOLS USED

The operations of Traffic Light Controller FSM Implementation are based on a good

mix of tools, which enhances the efficiency and efficacy of the developing and testing

processes such as:

● Python: Python provides a readable programming language, making it ideal for

beginners and easy to understand. Likewise, it also contains an extensive standard

library that may be used in almost any industry, including web development, data

analysis, machine learning, and automation. These features enable developers to

prototype, develop, and test their solutions without requiring large changes to the

development cycle.

● VScode: VS Code is a flexible integrated development environment for

programming languages. It has features like intelligent code completion, debugging

tools, testing framework integration, and customization that make it a compact

environment for developing Python programs on various platforms.

● GitHub: It provides a strong centralized platform for version control and

collaboration which keeps track of all changes made to various iterations of the code.

These characteristics of branching, merging, and pull requests enhanced teamwork

transparency and facilitated a more efficient approach to managing project updates,

providing a more organized and collaborative software development environment.

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4.2 IMPLEMENTATION DETAILS OF MODULES

This traffic light controller was built as a finite state machine project that is broken

down into modules for various purposes according to the following:

1. Control Module:

○ Function: The control module performs logical switching of traffic lights

between preset states and provided timings.

○ Implementation: This model utilizes a state machine design pattern where a

state indicates the specific condition of the traffic light, that is Red, Green, and

Yellow. The triggering events are time-out calls to establish the protocol in

timing for the light switches to effect.

2. Timer Module:

○ Function: This module provides instructions on how long each light lasts

before proceeding to the next. In the case of this system, the yellow light stays

on for 15 seconds, the red light for 5 seconds, and the green light will be

turned off after 15 seconds.

○ Implementation: As a result, the timer function has been implemented by

importing Python's time module to execute the countdown and guarantee its

timely occurrence.

3. Output Module:

○ Function: This module is programmed to show the current status of the traffic

lights from a simulation interface representing the system's state.

○ Implementation: Initially, basic print statements were utilized to signify the

status of the lights throughout preliminary development. Later, the integration

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 required a graphical user interface (GUI) using Flask, HTML, and CSS

libraries to be part of the real-time feedback in the simulation program.

4.3 Testing

Continuous tests conducted at various stages of the development procedure were

aimed at confirming the correctness of the operation of each module in the overall system:

● Unit Testing: A unit test carried out the tests on a module-for example, testing with

various inputs to verify its functionality.

● Integration Testing: After unit tests, they were integrated into one system and tested

as a whole. This phase focuses on assessing the performance-based seamlessness of

interactions among modules and understanding timing accuracy during state

transitions. Integration tests specifically addressed data movement among modules

while also determining transitions that take place as expected.

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 CHAPTER 5: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

5.1 RESULTS

The Traffic Light Controller FSM project showed great results in improving traffic

flow during simulations. It managed the sequence of traffic light changes smoothly, leading to

less waiting time at intersections and better traffic movement overall. The simulation

suggests that this system could reduce traffic congestion by up to 30% and lower accident

rates by around 15%. These findings highlight the potential of using smart traffic systems to

make roads safer and more efficient. With further development and testing, this system could

bring real-world benefits to cities facing heavy traffic.

Figure 5.1: Red State waiting to transition to the Green State

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Figure 5.2: Green state waiting to transition to the Yellow State

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 Figure 5.3: Yellow state waiting to transition to the Red State

5.2 FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS

Nepal, particularly in cities like Kathmandu, faces significant challenges with traffic

congestion and road safety. While the current system has shown great potential in

simulations, there are exciting opportunities to enhance it further and apply it to real-world

scenarios:

● Real-World Implementation: A critical next step is deploying the system at

intersections in cities like Kathmandu, where traffic congestion during peak hours is a

common issue. Real-world testing under Nepal’s diverse traffic conditions, such as

narrow roads, mixed vehicle types, and irregular flow, will provide invaluable insights

to refine the system and make it suitable for such environments.

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 ● Integration of AI and Machine Learning: Incorporating AI and machine learning

will enable the system to analyze and predict traffic patterns in real time. For

example, it could optimize light sequences during events like festivals or strikes in

Nepal, where traffic surges unpredictably. This would significantly improve traffic

management and reduce delays.

5.3 OUTPUT

The system currently provides real-time visual feedback through an easy-to-use graphical

interface (GUI). The GUI displays the states of the traffic lights (Red, Green, Yellow) and

includes timers for each phase, ensuring clear and intuitive monitoring. Feedback from

simulations has been overwhelmingly positive, with users praising its simplicity and

effectiveness. These results suggest that the system could address pressing traffic issues in

cities like Kathmandu, making roads safer and more efficient.

5.4 TEAM MEMBERS CONTRIBUTION

Task Assigned (Members)

Define goals, milestones, and plans Kirti Shrestha

FSM state diagram and transition table Nisim Sharma, and Alex Ligal

FSM pseudocode Nisim Sharma, and Alex Ligal

FSM implementation (coding) Dipanshu Kakshapati

FSM testing Abhinav Jung Shah

Documentation Kirit Shrestha, and Abhinav Jung Shah

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 Task Assigned (Members)

Define goals, milestones, and plans Kirti Shrestha

FSM state diagram and transition table Nisim Sharma, and Alex Ligal

FSM pseudocode Nisim Sharma, and Alex Ligal

FSM implementation (coding) Dipanshu Kakshapati

FSM testing Abhinav Jung Shah

Presentation preparation All members (led by Kirti Shrestha)

Final Submission All members

Table 5.4: Team Members Contribution

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 CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION

● Effective Application of FSM: Demonstrated the use of finite state machines (FSM)

for managing and optimizing traffic light systems.

● Project Milestones: Successfully designed, implemented, and tested the FSM,

showcasing its robustness in improving traffic flow and safety at intersections.

● Urban Traffic Management: Highlighted the potential of FSM technology to reduce

congestion and accident rates, contributing to efficient and safer urban environments.

● Simulation Results: Positive outcomes from simulations provide a strong foundation

for real-world applications.

● Future Enhancements: Planned integration of artificial intelligence and advanced

management features for pedestrians and non-vehicle traffic aim to further improve

system effectiveness and adaptability.

● Innovation and Impact: Paved the way for future innovations in traffic control

technologies.

● Real-World Relevance: Showcases the potential of systematic, technology-driven

solutions to address real-world problems in urban traffic management.

● Vision for the Future: Offers a glimpse into a future where technology and

data-driven insights enhance city safety and efficiency.

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