Computer Systems Project Proposal
Gregg Tabot

I.	Title of the Project.  A Simulation of Traffic Patterns and Optimizing 
Traffic Lights

II.	Problem Statement.  An Introduction to the Purpose and Scope of the 
Research Project.

III.	Purpose.  My project is social science related and deals with two different 
aspects.  Simulating traffic patterns and using those traffic patterns to optimize 
traffic lights.  The goal of the project is to effectively optimize how traffic
lights operate using any environment of traffic patterns, random or manually 
simulated.  The project would help in understanding how traffic lights work and
why they operate the way they do.  Those interested in the results of my project
would be traffic and highway engineers.

IV.	Scope of Study.  There will be little to no research required.  I wouldn't
have to research any traffic patterns because, my project should be able to handle 
any and all traffic patterns.  I plan to start my project by using a simple two-way 
intersection where you can only go straight ahead.  But if time allows, I could
hopefully add some additional variables such as multiple intersections or turning 
lanes.

V.	Background and Review of Current Literature/Research in this Area.  Like 
previously mentioned, little research or background knowledge is needed to perform
this project.  However, through observation, I have noticed how traffic lights 
work and their tendencies.  NetLogo has some simple traffic modeling samples 
which I plan to look at and base my model off of.

VI.	Procedure and Methodology.  The project could essentially be broken down
into three tasks.  The first is creating a good graphical GUI which has the ability
to display statistical data.  The second task is to get a basic simulation down
using a two-way intersection with no turning lanes.  And the third task, if possible,
is to expand on the second task and allow for variation in the traffic pattern 
environment.  I plan on writing my code using JAVA but basing it off NetLogo 
models.  

VII.	Expected Results & Values to Others.  
   From my project, I expect to efficiently optimize traffic lights.  I will be
able to chart data such as traffic backups, wait times and length of lights.  
The results could be used by future traffic engineers wanting to simulate a traffic 
intersection.  My project will be able to take up the length of the school year.
I have tasks and subtasks that should occupy me throughout.