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An Automated Tool to Test the Functionality of a Traffic Signal Controller Zhen Li National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology University Of Idaho. Introduction. New testing tools are needed to: Verify the functionalities and compliance of different system devices .
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An Automated Tool to Test the Functionality of a Traffic Signal ControllerZhen LiNational Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology University Of Idaho University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
Introduction • New testing tools are needed to: • Verify the functionalities and compliance of different system devices. • Test the functionality of traffic controllers, communication protocols, and control software are essential for successful deployments of any traffic signal integration project University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
Problem Statements • Done manually using traditional suitcase testers or suitcase tester emulators. • Heavy level of human involvement in the testing procedure. • Test results from the traditional suitcase tester and CID suitcase tester emulator cannot be recorded easily. • Impossible to apply algorithm in the test procedure. University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
Traditional Suitcase Tester University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
Controller Interface Device (CID) • The automated suitcase tester tool is based on the Controller Interface Device (CID) technology. • The CID system was originally developed to implement real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS). University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
State of the practice • Traffic engineers have traditionally used a suitcase tester to test and evaluate the operation of a traffic controller before it is placed in the field. • Suitcase tester emulator software was developed to supplement shortcomings of the traditional suitcase tester, (such as Eagle Traffic Control Systems, Naztec NEMA TS2 testers, and NIATT Suitcase Tester Emulator). University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
NIATT Suitcase Tester Emulator University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
Automated Suitcase Tester: software design • To provide a script-based environment so that users can easily design scripts to test their traffic controllers. • Integrates a script language (VBScript) and a set of CID commands • Includes two parts: • CIDScript script language. • CIDScript language Integrated Development Environment (IDE). University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
Automated Suitcase Tester: GUI • An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that integrates script code editing, functions wizard, compilation, execution, and execution output recording functions. • The IDE GUI has three components: • function wizard • code editor • result output University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
CIDScript IDE University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
Function Wizard Sample (Do … Loop) University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
Automated Suitcase Tester Architecture University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
A fragment of CIDScript code Dim CIDID, Delay_period CIDID=2 Delay_period =50 CID.SetOutput(1) CID.SearchOnlineCIDs ret=CID.SetControllerTypeMode(CIDID, 1, 0) CID.ClearCIDBuffer(CIDID) For counter =1 To 8 Step 1 ret =CID.SetChannelStatus(CIDID, counter, 0) Next ……………………………………………… University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
Future Research • The automated suitcase tester tool can be used to develop standardized procedures for testing traffic controllers for ITS applications. • Examines the possibility of using this testing tool to test controller advanced features and/or communication protocols, such as the National Transportation Communication for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) University Of Idaho November 19, 2004
Conclusion • The automated suitcase tester can test conditions that cannot be tested with a standard suitcase tester. • The automated suitcase tester can conduct tests faster and more accurately than the standard tester. • The automated suitcase tester can document the results of a number of tests that can be compared and evaluated subsequent to the tests. University Of Idaho November 19, 2004