University Of Idaho November 19, 2004 An Automated Tool to Test the Functionality of a Traffic Signal Controller Zhen Li National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology University Of Idaho

University Of Idaho November 19, 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 Introduction

University Of Idaho November 19, 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, Traditional Suitcase Tester

University Of Idaho November 19, 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, 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, NIATT Suitcase Tester Emulator

University Of Idaho November 19, 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, 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, CIDScript IDE

University Of Idaho November 19, Function Wizard Sample (Do … Loop)

University Of Idaho November 19, Automated Suitcase Tester Architecture

University Of Idaho November 19, 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, 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, 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.