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Method and apparatus for model-free optimal signal timing for system-wide traffic control

  • US 5,668,717 A
  • Filed: 10/12/1995
  • Issued: 09/16/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/04/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for managing a complex transportation system, wherein a model governing the system dynamics and measurement process is unknown, to achieve optimal traffic flow by automatically adapting to both daily non-recurring events and to long-term changes in the system by approximating a controller for the system without having to first build the model therefor and without having, thereafter, to periodically and manually recalibrate the model, the method comprising the steps of:

  • using a plurality of sensors to obtain traffic flow information about the system;

    inputting the traffic flow information into a data processing means;

    approximating the controller using the data processing means and the traffic flow information comprising the steps of;

    selecting a single function approximator to directly approximate the controller;

    estimating the unknown parameters of the single function approximator in the controller using a stochastic approximation algorithm that does not require the model for the system; and

    using the single function approximator to approximate the controller, wherein the controller is an output of the single function approximator; and

    using the controller to control traffic control means to achieve optimal traffic flow.

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