In: Valette, R.: Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Vol. 815; Application and Theory of Petri Nets 1994, Proceedings 15th International Conference, Zaragoza, Spain, pages 2-15. Springer-Verlag, 1994.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the development of Petri net models and tools for the control and performance analysis of signalized traffic intersections and networks of connected intersections. The potential for Petri nets as a single representation for multiple tools for addressing traffic network problems is discussed. These tools can contribute to the modeling, analysis, performance evaluation, control design and direct control code generation for urban traffic network control. A colored Petri net model of an urban traffic network for the purpose of performance evaluation is presented and discussed. The subnets for the network, the intersections, the external traffic inputs and control are each described. A six intersection urban network example is given to illustrate the subnets and a model step-through is given to show how the subnets work together. This net is used as the input to a simulation using POSES to evaluate the performance of various control strategies. Runs are made using different control strategies and statistics on intersection queue lengths and wait times are given. Conclusions and future research directions are presented.