Implementation of image processing in real time traffic light control

As the problem of urban traffic congestion spreads, there is a pressing need for the introduction of advanced technology and equipment to improve the state-of-the-art of traffic control. Traffic problems nowadays are increasing because of the growing number of vehicles and the limited resources provided by current infrastructures. The simplest way for controlling a traffic light uses timer for each phase. Another way is to use electronic sensors in order to detect vehicles, and produce signal that cycles. We propose a system for controlling the traffic light by image processing. The system will detect vehicles through images instead of using electronic sensors embedded in the pavement. A camera will be installed alongside the traffic light. It will capture image sequences. Setting image of an empty road as reference image, the captured images are sequentially matched using image matching. For this purpose edge detection has been carried out using Prewitt edge detection operator and according to percentage of matching traffic light durations can be controlled.