Work

Co-Optimization and Interpretability of Intelligent–Traditional Signal Control Based on Spatiotemporal Pressure Perception in Hybrid Control Scenarios

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: As cities transition toward intelligent traffic systems, hybrid networks combining AI and traditional intersections raise challenges for efficiency and sustainability. Existing studies primarily focus on global intelligence assumptions, overlooking the practical complexities of hybrid control environments. Moreover, the decision-making processes of AI-based controllers remain opaque, limiting their reliability in dynamic traffic conditions. To address these challenges, this study investigates the following realistic scenario: a Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) intersection surrounded by max–pressure-controlled neighbors. A spatiotemporal pressure perception agent is proposed, which (a) uses a novel Holistic Traffic Dynamo State (HTDS) representation that integrates real-time queue, predicted vehicle merging patterns, and approaching traffic flows and (b) innovatively proposes Neighbor–Pressure–Adaptive Reward Weighting (NP-ARW) mechanism to dynamically adjust queue penalties at incoming lanes based on relative pressure differences. Additionally, spatial–temporal pressure features are modeled using 1D convolutional layers (Conv1D) and attention mechanisms. Finally, our Strategy Imitation–Mechanism Attribution framework leverages XGBoost and Decision Trees to systematically analyze traffic condition impacts on phase selection, fundamentally enabling explainable control logic. Experimental results demonstrate the following significant improvements: compared to fixed-time control, our method reduces average travel time by 65.45% and loss time by 85.04%, while simultaneously decreasing average queue lengths and pressure at neighboring intersections by 91.20% and 95.21%, respectively.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17167521

Authors: Yingchang Xiong, Guoyang Qin, Jinglei Zeng, Keshuang Tang, Hong Zhu, Edward Chung

Institutions: Tongji University, University of California, Berkeley, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Language: English

Topic: Traffic control and management

Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896