Matlab-Vissim Interface for online optimization of Green Time splits

Abstract: VISSIM is a widely used microscopic traffic simulator, which not only provides a graphical user interface to simulate simple static controls (pre-timed or fixed-time) but also offers flexibility to dynamically control simulation through versatile programming languages (C++ and Java etc.). However, to implement various traffic control techniques, integration of computational tools may save lots of effort and time as compared to standard programming platforms. MATLAB falls in the category of a widely used computational tool and also fulfills the primary requirements to control VISSIM simulation dynamically. Therefore, this study proposes and develops a direct interface between MATLAB and VISSIM to extensively harness the computational power of MATLAB. The significance of developed interface is demonstrated on a practical scenario, by conducting an online optimization of green time splits on a study network.