C++ Mini Projects: Traffic Light Simulator

This is a simulation for a traffic light system with time durations for red, green, and yellow lights. The program includes a feature for pedestrians to request crossing. Let's create this useful application.

Skills Used

Loops

• To repeat the normal cycle of lights

Managing Time

• this_thread::sleep_for, for delays

Conditional Statements

• For pedestrian requests and changing the light sequence

The Code to Build the Project

#include <iostream>
#include <thread>
#include <chrono>
#include <string>

using namespace std;

// Function to display the traffic light
void displayLight(const string& lightColor, int duration) {
    cout << "\nLight: " << lightColor << " (" << duration << " seconds)\n";
    for (int i = duration; i > 0; --i) {
        cout << "\rTime remaining: " << i << " seconds" << flush;
        this_thread::sleep_for(chrono::seconds(1));
    }
    cout << endl;
}

// Function to simulate the traffic light system
void trafficLightSimulator() {
    bool pedestrianRequest = false;

    while (true) {
        if (pedestrianRequest) {
            // Pedestrian crossing
            cout << "\nPedestrian crossing: Light is RED for 10 seconds.\n";
            displayLight("RED", 10);
            pedestrianRequest = false; // Reset pedestrian request
        } else {
            // Normal traffic light cycle
            displayLight("RED", 10); // Red light for 10 seconds
            displayLight("GREEN", 8); // Green light for 8 seconds
            displayLight("YELLOW", 3); // Yellow light for 3 seconds
        }

        // Check for pedestrian request
        cout << "Press 'P' to request a pedestrian crossing or any other key to continue: ";
        char choice;
        cin >> choice;
        if (tolower(choice) == 'p') {
            pedestrianRequest = true;
        }
    }
}

int main() {
    cout << "--- Traffic Light Simulator ---\n";
    cout << "This program simulates a traffic light system with pedestrian crossing requests.\n";
    cout << "Press Ctrl+C to exit the program at any time.\n";

    trafficLightSimulator();

    return 0;
}

Explanation

Display of Traffic Lights

• displayLight is the function that displays the light and calculates the time duration.
• this_thread::sleep_for function is used to introduce delays, simulating real-life traffic light behavior.

Cycle of Traffic Lights

• Red for 10 seconds
• Green for 8 seconds
• Yellow for 3 seconds
• This sequence repeats unless a pedestrian requests a crossing.

Pedestrian Crossing

• When a pedestrian presses 'P', the red signal turns on for 10 seconds to allow safe crossing.
• Afterward, the normal light cycle resumes.
• The while (true) loop ensures that the normal light cycle continues.
• Users can stop the program using Ctrl+C.

Sample Program Execution

--- Traffic Light Simulator ---
This program simulates a traffic light system with pedestrian crossing requests.
Press Ctrl+C to exit the program at any time.

Light: RED (10 seconds)
Time remaining: 10 seconds
...
Time remaining: 1 second

Light: GREEN (8 seconds)
Time remaining: 8 seconds
...
Time remaining: 1 second

Light: YELLOW (3 seconds)
Time remaining: 3 seconds
...
Time remaining: 1 second

Press 'P' to request a pedestrian crossing or any other key to continue:

Pedestrian request

Press 'P' to request a pedestrian crossing or any other key to continue: P

Pedestrian crossing: Light is RED for 10 seconds.
Light: RED (10 seconds)
Time remaining: 10 seconds
...
Time remaining: 1 second

Real-World Examples

Traffic light control systems are crucial in modern cities to maintain efficiency and road safety. Today, smart traffic management systems use artificial intelligence and sensors to optimize light timings based on real-time traffic conditions. Notable deployments include:

New York City's AI-Driven Traffic Signals

• Traffic lights in New York adjust their timings based on congestion levels to improve traffic flow.

London’s Smart Pedestrian Crossing

• These crossings detect pedestrian movement and automatically extend crossing times for the elderly or disabled.

Tokyo’s Precision Timing

• Public transportation systems synchronize with traffic lights to minimize delays.

This program provides a basic understanding of these systems through a simplified simulation.

Case Study: Los Angeles Smart Traffic Light System

Los Angeles, known for its heavy traffic congestion, implemented an advanced traffic control system that successfully reduced congestion. The system features:

Real-Time Monitoring

• Sensors and cameras continuously analyze traffic conditions.

Automatic Pedestrian Control

• Pedestrian signals adjust based on the number of people waiting.

AI-Driven Management

• The system learns from past data to improve light timing, leading to a 20% reduction in travel time in key areas.

This showcases how an efficient traffic system benefits urban development.

Problem-Solving Approaches

Developing an efficient traffic management system requires tackling common challenges such as:

Traffic Congestion

• Implementing sensor-based signals allows dynamic timing adjustments instead of fixed durations.

Pedestrian Safety

• AI and motion detection ensure pedestrian safety at crossings.

Emergency Vehicle Prioritization

• Algorithms detect emergency vehicles and change signals accordingly.

Power Outages

• Backup power systems, such as solar-powered signals, prevent breakdowns during outages.

This simulation is a basic step toward understanding real-world traffic management and its problem-solving techniques. I hope you liked this project idea. See you next time with another cool, useful, and handy project!