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Ashesi CS students design “smart” traffic light

If you were to ask the Computer Science Class of 2006 what their expectations were for Prof. Anku’s Discrete Mathematics Course, I am sure the last thing they expected to do was design a traffic light to arrest the traffic situation at the nearby Teshie Nungua junction. But that is exactly what they did!

Putting their Java and Discrete Mathematics skills to the test, the CS Class of 2006 wrote an algorithm for a “smart” traffic light. The software they created uses data from motion sensors to determine when traffic is backed up at an intersection and adjusts the timing of lights to best manage to flow of traffic. It is estimated that the construction and installation of the traffic light system will cost approximately $100,000. The cost of installation will be covered by advertisers who will be allowed to place advertisements on the scaffolds that house lights.

The class dazzled newsmen and officials at a press conference attended by representatives from Signals and Controllers, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and other distinguished guests. The project was publicized in the Daily Graphic and was featured on Kweku Sintim Misa’s new entertainment news show “Thank God it’s Friday!” which airs on Metro TV. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has expressed serious interest in implementing this ingenious project. Well done CS Class of 2006!

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