Enabling Real-Time Phase Control in Traffic Signal Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation testbed that enables real-time phase control for traffic signals, supporting advanced algorithms beyond pre-programmed plans.

Contribution

It presents the first HILS system with real-time phase control, including a middleware architecture for dynamic command translation to hardware controllers.

Findings

System executes real-time phase commands successfully.

Handles system conflicts effectively.

Achieves sub-millisecond latency.

Abstract

Advanced Traffic Signal Control (TSC) algorithms require real-time phase control, yet existing Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation (HILS) testbeds only support pre-programmed timing plans. In this paper, we present the first HILS testbed for real-time phase control. We develop a novel middleware architecture that translates dynamic phase actions (selection, switch, and duration) into commands for NTCIP-compliant commercial hardware controllers. This middleware manages phase transitions, synchronizes signal states, and handles errors without interrupting the hardware's internal operations. Experimental validation demonstrates that the system executes real-time phase commands, handles system conflicts, and achieves a low system internal latency at sub-millisecond on average.