How the system would work in real time

-  Sensors in/near road gather data (these can be infra-red/light sensors, pressure sensors, induction loops etc.) -data is generally number of vehicles passing a particular point

-  Data is sent to a control box or computer system

-  Gathered data is compared to data stored in system (stored data is based on simulation runs, how the number of vehicles at a junction at a particular time of day affects traffic flow etc.)

-  Control box or computer "decides" what course of action to take and .....

-  ..... Sends signals to traffic lights to change timing if necessary

-  As with any system involving sensors, DAC and ADC interfaces may be required