LiSuM: Design and Development of a Middleware to couple Virtual LISA+ TLS Controller and SUMO Simulation

Abstract

Traffic signal control logic programs are analyzed and tested in traffic fow simulators before being put into operation in real traffic road intersections. LISA+ is a proprietary software tool used to plan and evaluate complex intersections and the control logic programs created with it can be directly uploaded to real controllers or tested with VISSIM, a proprietary microscopic 3D traffic simulator. On the other hand, Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) is a free and open traffic simulation toolsuite that facilitates simulation of traffic and the evaluation of infrastructure changes as well as policy changes before implementing them on the road. As mentioned above, LISA+ control logic programs can be currently tested only with proprietary software and a free and open alternative, like SUMO, is desirable. To close this gap this paper presents the design and development of a Middleware called LiSuM that enables the communication and interaction between the virtual LISA+ traffic light signal (TLS) controller and SUMO. Furthermore LiSuM provides also a friendly graphical user interface (GUI), which allows managing all aspects related to the interaction between LISA+ and SUMO. The main features of the LiSuM Middleware as well as the provided interfaces are also described. The usage of LiSuM is demonstrated for a single intersection simulated with SUMO and controlled by LISA+.