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Writer's pictureSanskruti Ashtikar
Nov 104 min read

Designing a Traffic Density Control System Using TinkerCAD

Updated: Nov 26

Traffic density control systems are essential for managing traffic flow and reducing congestion in busy urban areas. In this project, we’ll design a basic traffic density control system using TinkerCAD. This system will use sensors to detect the number of vehicles at different traffic lights and adjust the signal timings to optimize traffic flow.





Materials Needed:


  • Arduino Uno

  • 3 Ultrasonic Distance Sensors (for detecting vehicle presence)

  • 3 LEDs (to simulate traffic lights: Red, Yellow, Green)

  • 3 Resistors (220Ω for LEDs)

  • Breadboard

  • Jumper Wires

  • Power Supply (for Arduino)


Step 1: Understanding the Components


  1. Ultrasonic Distance Sensors (HC-SR04):

    • Measure the distance to detect the presence of vehicles.

    • VCC: Connects to the 5V pin on the Arduino.

    • GND: Connects to the GND pin on the Arduino.

    • Trig: Connects to a digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., pin 2, 4, 6).

    • Echo: Connects to another digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., pin 3, 5, 7).

  2. LEDs:

    • Simulate the traffic lights.

    • Anode: Connects to a digital pin on the Arduino (e.g., pins 8, 9, 10).

    • Cathode: Connects to the GND pin on the Arduino through a resistor.


Step 2: Setting Up the Circuit in TinkerCAD


  1. Arduino Uno: Place the Arduino Uno on the TinkerCAD workspace. This will be the central controller for the traffic density control system.

  2. Ultrasonic Sensors:

    • Place three ultrasonic distance sensors on the breadboard.

    • Connect each sensor’s VCC to the 5V pin on the Arduino.

    • Connect each sensor’s GND to the GND pin on the Arduino.

    • Connect the Trig pins to digital pins 2, 4, and 6 on the Arduino.

    • Connect the Echo pins to digital pins 3, 5, and 7 on the Arduino.

  3. LEDs:

    • Place three LEDs on the breadboard, each representing a traffic light.

    • Connect the anodes of the LEDs to digital pins 8, 9, and 10 on the Arduino through 220Ω resistors.

    • Connect the cathodes of the LEDs to the GND pin on the Arduino.





Step 3: Writing the Arduino Code


The Arduino code will read the distance from the ultrasonic sensors to detect vehicle presence and control the traffic lights based on traffic density.


#define TRIG1 2
#define ECHO1 3
#define TRIG2 4
#define ECHO2 5
#define TRIG3 6
#define ECHO3 7
#define GREEN1 8
#define YELLOW1 9
#define RED1 10
#define GREEN2 11
#define YELLOW2 12
#define RED2 13
#define GREEN3 A0
#define YELLOW3 A1
#define RED3 A2
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(TRIG1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ECHO1, INPUT);
  pinMode(TRIG2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ECHO2, INPUT);
  pinMode(TRIG3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ECHO3, INPUT);
  pinMode(GREEN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(YELLOW1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RED1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(GREEN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(YELLOW2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RED2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(GREEN3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(YELLOW3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(RED3, OUTPUT);
  // Initialize all traffic lights to red
  digitalWrite(RED1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(RED2, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(RED3, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(GREEN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(GREEN2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(GREEN3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(YELLOW1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(YELLOW2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(YELLOW3, LOW);
}
long readDistance(int trigPin, int echoPin) {
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(10);
  digitalWrite(trigPin, LOW);
  long duration = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);
  long distance = (duration / 2) / 29.1;
  return distance;
}
void loop() {
  long distance1 = readDistance(TRIG1, ECHO1);
  long distance2 = readDistance(TRIG2, ECHO2);
  long distance3 = readDistance(TRIG3, ECHO3);


  Serial.print("Distance 1: ");
  Serial.print(distance1);
  Serial.print(" cm\tDistance 2: ");
  Serial.print(distance2);
  Serial.print(" cm\tDistance 3: ");
  Serial.println(distance3);
  // Simple control logic based on traffic density
  if (distance1 < 10) {
    digitalWrite(GREEN1, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(RED1, LOW);
  } else {
    digitalWrite(GREEN1, LOW);
    digitalWrite(RED1, HIGH);
  }
  if (distance2 < 10) {
    digitalWrite(GREEN2, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(RED2, LOW);
  } else {
    digitalWrite(GREEN2, LOW);
    digitalWrite(RED2, HIGH);
  }
  if (distance3 < 10) {
    digitalWrite(GREEN3, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(RED3, LOW);
  } else {
    digitalWrite(GREEN3, LOW);
    digitalWrite(RED3, HIGH);
  }
  delay(1000); // Delay for 1 second
}

Step 4: Simulating the Circuit in TinkerCAD


  1. Start the Simulation: Click the "Start Simulation" button in TinkerCAD. The system should initialize, and the LEDs should show the traffic light statuses based on sensor readings.

  2. Testing the System: Simulate vehicle presence by adjusting the distance readings for the ultrasonic sensors. Observe how the LEDs change to reflect the traffic light status based on traffic density.

  3. Troubleshooting: Ensure all connections are correct and that the ultrasonic sensors are functioning properly. Verify that the code is uploaded correctly and that the LEDs respond as expected.





Step 5: Enhancing the System


Once you have the basic traffic density control system working, consider these enhancements:

  • Timing Control: Implement a more sophisticated control algorithm that includes timing for green, yellow, and red lights based on traffic density.

  • Multiple Traffic Lights: Extend the system to handle multiple intersections and traffic lights.

  • Real-Time Data: Integrate real-time data collection and monitoring for analyzing traffic patterns and optimizing traffic flow.

  • IoT Integration: Connect the system to an IoT platform to monitor and control traffic lights remotely.


Step 6: Building the Physical Circuit


After successfully simulating the circuit in TinkerCAD, you can build the physical traffic density control system.

  1. Assemble Components: Transfer the TinkerCAD design to a physical breadboard or custom PCB.

  2. Upload Code: Connect your Arduino to a computer, upload the code, and test the system with real components.

  3. Test and Calibrate: Verify the system’s performance with actual ultrasonic sensors and LEDs. Adjust sensor thresholds and timing to optimize traffic light control.


Step 7: Expanding the Project


With a working prototype, you can explore further possibilities:

  • Adaptive Traffic Control: Use advanced algorithms to adapt signal timings based on real-time traffic conditions and historical data.

  • Integration with Traffic Management Systems: Connect the system to larger traffic management infrastructure for coordinated control across multiple intersections.

  • User Interface: Develop a user interface for controlling and monitoring traffic lights, either locally or remotely.





Conclusion


Congratulations on designing and simulating a traffic density control system using TinkerCAD! This project demonstrates how to use an Arduino, ultrasonic sensors, and LEDs to create a basic system for managing traffic flow. The skills and concepts learned in this project can be applied to more advanced traffic management systems and smart city applications.

With the foundation you’ve built, you can continue to innovate and develop more sophisticated traffic control solutions.


Happy tinkering!


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