HARDWARE SOFTWARE CO-SIMULATION FOR TRAFFIC LOAD COMPUTATION USING MATLAB SIMULINK MODEL BLOCKSET

International Journal of Computational Science and Information Technology (IJCSITY) Vol.1, No.2, May 2013
DOI : 10.5121/ijcsity.2013.1201 1
HARDWARE SOFTWARE CO-SIMULATION FOR
TRAFFIC LOAD COMPUTATION USING MATLAB
SIMULINK MODEL BLOCKSET
ADHYANA GUPTA
1
1
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, BANASTHALI UNIVERSITY, JAIPUR,
RAJASTHAN
adhyanagupta@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Due to increase in number of vehicles, Traffic is a major problem faced in urban areas throughout the
world. This document presents a newly developed Matlab Simulink model to compute traffic load for real
time traffic signal control. Signal processing, video and image processing and Xilinx Blockset have been
extensively used for traffic load computation. The approach used is Edge detection operation, wherein,
Edges are extracted to identify the number of vehicles. The developed model computes the results with
greater degrees of accuracy and is capable of being used to set the green signal duration so as to release
the traffic dynamically on traffic junctions.
Xilinx System Generator (XSG) provides Simulink Blockset for several hardware operations that could be
implemented on various Xilinx Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The method described in this
paper involves object feature identification and detection. Xilinx System Generator provides some blocks to
transform data provided from the software side of the simulation environment to the hardware side. In our
case it is MATLAB Simulink to System Generator blocks. This is an important concept to understand in the
design process using Xilinx System Generator. The Xilinx System Generator, embedded in MATLAB
Simulink is used to program the model and then test on the FPGA board using the properties of hardware
co-simulation tools.
KEYWORDS
Vehicle detection, Image processing, FPGA, Xilinx System Generator, Edge Detection.
1. INTRODUCTION
This document primarily aims at the new technique of video image processing and Xilinx tool
used to detect the traffic load in order to compute green signal duration for the release of that
traffic, making the implementation of real time traffic signal control possible reducing the
congestion as well as the waiting time of all the users on the road.
The Video and Image Processing Blockset and Xilinx Blockset contains block that perform the
Edge Detection. Edge detection is a technique for obtaining image features for object tracking and
recognition. Hence, Edge Detection method can be performed on traffic images captured using
CCTV camera, installed at the desired intersection point. The Edge Detection block finds edges in
an image. This block finds the edges in the image.

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A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit designed to be configured by a
customer (i.e. designer) after manufacturing and hence called field programmable. The FPGA
configuration is generally specified using a hardware description language (HDL), similarly as
used for an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Presently, FPGAs have large resources
of Look up tables (LUTs), logic gates and RAM blocks to implement any complex digital
computations. The use of FPGA in image processing has a large impact on image or video
processing Applications. The number of vehicles on the road has been detected using Matlab
Simulink Model Blocksets. A Simulink model has been developed using different image
processing blocksets from MATLAB. In developing the Simulink model, the Video and Image
Processing Blockset software tool in MATLAB has been used. The Video and Image Processing
Blockset software is the tool for processing images and videos in the Simulink environment,
which can improve and modify the Image and video characteristics.
The remainder of the paper is organized as follows. Section 2 briefly presents the related work.
Section 3 briefly describes MATLAB and Video and Image Processing and Xilinx Blockset,
being used for the development of this model. Section 4 presents the experimental model and
results. Section 6 draws the conclusion.
Figure 1. Design methodology with Xilinx System Generator
2. RELATED WORK
Suthar et al. [1] this paper presented the basics of image processing in model based approach and
demonstrated some of the image processing application which is done under SIMULINK and
implemented using Xilinx System Generator (XSG). The Xilinx System Generator tool is a new
tool in image processing, and friendly design environment for processing, because we can make
processing units using Xilinx block sets. This tool also supports software simulation, but it is well

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known for its capability to synthesize on FPGAs hardware in parallelism, robust and with speed,
these features are essentials in image processing applications.
Chikkali [2] discussed Histogram is used for automatically determining the threshold for
different region in image. Segmentation is done with the help of histogram and here we extract
features with the help of intelligent computer.
Ali et al. [3] concluded that Xilinx system generator is a very useful tool for developing
computer vision based algorithms. Image processing is used to extract picture information
and then modify by changing their structure. They focused in the processing of pixel to pixel
of an image and modification of pixel neighbourhoods and these transformations can be
applied to the whole image or only a partial region. The need to process an image in
real time, leading to the implementation on hardware, which offers parallelism and thus
significantly, reduces the processing time. In this paper we have shown how to read an Image
and enhance its characteristics either a gray scale or a color Image and then we have taken two
test color images for the color image negative to give better idea.
Elamaran et al. [4] discussed in this paper the real time image processing algorithm that is
implemented on FPGA .Implementation of this algorithm is having a advantage of using large
memory and embedded multipliers that is available on FPGAs. Point processes are the simplest
and basic image processing operations. Applications like background estimation in videos,
image filtering both in spatial and frequency domains and digital image watermarking
applications etc can be easily designed using Xilinx system generator.
Chandrashekar et al. [5] in this paper discussed enhancement of digital image to exact true
image, which is very useful in many applications and known as image enhancement. Human
intervention is always needed in image processing and it’s hard to do all automatically. FPGA
synthesized results are compared with Matlab simulations experiments and comparisons to
histogram equalization are conducted. The transformation is applied to perform both a
nonlinear and a shape preserving stretch of the image histogram. This paper deals with
hardware implementation of SMQT is applied for automatic image enhancement. This image
enhancement results are compared with the histogram equalization.
Acharya et al. [6] discussed FPGA based hardware design for enhancement of color image and
gray scale image in image and video processing. The approach u s ed i s k n o wn as
adaptive histogram equalization which works very effectively for image captured under
extremely dark environment as well as non-uniform lighting environment where bright regions
are kept unaffected and dark object in bright background. This paper shows that reconfigurable
FPGAs have both real time and parallel computing expectations for the enhancement process in
Images.
Gribbon et al. [7] used FPGA as platforms for implementing real time image processing
applications to exploit spatial and temporal parallelism. High level languages and compilers
which automatically extract parallelism from the code are not directly compatible to hardware.
Low level mapping can overcome the software mind set but they must now deal more closely
with the constraints i.e. are labour intensive and are rarely reusable.
Devika et al. [8] explain FPGA is widely used in implementation of real time algorithms suited
to video image processing applications. The FPGA provide basic digital blocks with flexible
interconnections to achieve realization of high speed digital hardware. The FPGA consists of
a system of logic blocks, such as LUTs, gates or flip flops and some amount of memory. The
image is then transferred from PC to FPGA board using universal Asynchronous receiver

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/transmitter (UART) serial communication. After required filtering, the result will be
transferred back to PC. In PC both the results will be compared and validated.
Thakur et al. [9] explain Tonsillitis, Tumor and many more skin diseases can be detected in its
early state and can be cured. Image segmentation is the processes of partitioning a digital
image into multiple segments that is sets of pixels. The segmented images are more
meaningful and easier to analyze. A new idea for efficient Gabor filter design with improve
data transfer rate, efficient noise reduction, less power consumption and reduced memory
usage is proposed.Systems provide both highly accurate and extremely fast processing of huge
amount of image data.
Christe et al. [10] discussed in this paper of digital image at which the image brightness changes
sharply or has discontinuities is named as Edge Detection. The points at which image brightness
changes sharply or has discontinuities are typically organized into a set of curved line segments
known as edges. . In other words, an edge is the boundary between an object and the
background. Focuses on processing an image pixel by pixel and in modification of pixel
neighbourhoods and the transformation that can be applied to the whole image or only on a
partial region.
Draper et al. [11] explain that computers keep getting faster and faster but new IP cores are
needed to satisfy the newly arrived applications. Examples of current high- demand applications
include real-time video stream encoding and decoding, real-time biometric namely face, retina,
and/or fingerprint recognition, and military aerial and satellite surveillance applications. To
meet the demands new image processing techniques are needed. Simple image operators are
faster on FPGAs because of their greater Input Output bandwidth to local memory, although
this speed-up is notthathigh (a factor of ten or less). More complex tasks needs larger speed-
ups, up to a factor of 800 in one experiment, w h i c h c a n b e a t t a i n e d by using parallelism
within FPGAs and the strengths of an optimizing compiler.
Manan [12] this paper explains the importance of digital image processing and the significance of
their implementations on hardware to achieve better performance, particularly this work
addresses implementation of image processing algorithms like median filter, morphological
operations, convolution and smoothing operation and edge detection on FPGA using VHDL
language.
3. EXPERIMENTAL ENVIRONMENT
3.1. Matlab Introduction
MATLAB (matrix laboratory) is a numerical computing environment and fourth-generation
programming language. MATLAB allows matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data,
implementation of algorithms, creation of user interfaces, and interfacing with programs written
in other languages, including C, C++, Java, and Fortran. Although MATLAB is intended
primarily for numerical computing, an optional toolbox uses the MuPAD symbolic engine,
allowing access to symbolic computing capabilities. An additional package, Simulink, adds
graphical multi-domain simulation and Model-Based Design for dynamic and embedded systems.
3.2. Video and Image Processing Algorithms used in adjunct with Matlab
Simulink environment provide platform for model-Based Design out of a user-Friendly block
diagram environment. (Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5)

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Figure 2. Simulink Model
Figure 3. Model-Based Design

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Figure 4. Video and Image Processing Library Browser
Figure 5. Xilinx Blockset Library Browser

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3.3. Edge Detection
A set of mathematical methods for identifying points in a digital image at which the image
brightness changes sharply or has discontinuities is named as Edge Detection. The points at which
image brightness changes sharply or has discontinuities are typically organized into a set of
curved line segments known as edges. This is generally done by detecting the maximal value of
gradient such as Sobel, Roberts, Prewitt, Canny and so on, all of which are the known classical
edge detectors.
4. System design and architecture
The Image edge detection is very powerful and used method in the field of Image processing
Applications. Edge detection is used in image processing Applications, machine vision
applications and computer vision applications, mainly in the areas of feature
detection and feature extraction.
1. Import the target image from MATLAB and view the image. (Figure 6)
Figure 6. Original image
2. Create Model using Xilinx Blockset, signal processing Blockset, Simulink, video and
image processing Blockset in Matlab Environment for Edge Detection. (Figure 7)

8
Figure 7. Edge Detection model using Xilinx, signal processing, Simulink, video and image processing
block sets
3. Create RGB to Gray Conversion Blockset using Xilinx Blockset. (Figure 8)
Figure 8. RGB to Gray Conversion Blockset using Xilinx Blockset
4. Create Edge detection model using Xilinx Blockset. (Figure 9)

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Figure 9. Edge detection model using Xilinx Blockset
5. Then compile the model using Xilinx system generator. (Figure 10 and Figure 11)
Figure 10. System generator

10
Figure 11. Compilation status
Result:
6. Run the model after Xilinx system generator compilation. ( Figure 12,13 and 14)
Figure 12. Edge Detection of Vehicles (Final Result)

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Figure 13. Original Image
Figure 14. Edge Detection Image
5. CONCLUSION
Xilinx system generator provides a simpler and useful tool for developing computer vision based
algorithms. It is a more suitable and beneficial option if compared to designing using VHDL or
Verilog hardware description languages (HDLs). The result shows that the strength of applying
Edge detection which makes it more sensitive in detecting edges in any image and hence more
edges are detected using this method. In this paper, Edge detection technique is used for traffic
load computation which proved very useful in detecting the edges in any traffic image. Edges

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serve to simplify the analysis of images. The developed Simulink model is reliable & can perform
Edge detection for vehicles on roads.
This Model was compiled successfully in the SIMULINK environment. The Xilinx System
Generator, embedded in MATLAB Simulink was used to program the model and then test on the
FPGA board using the properties of hardware co-simulation tools. The proposed algorithm uses
the image processing features of the MATLAB software and incorporates the time efficiency of
hardware. This Simulink model will be useful to detect the traffic on road. Hence, the algorithm
described, proves to be an efficient solution for real-time traffic load computation.
REFERENCES
[1] A.C. Suthar, M. Vayada, C.B. Patel, G.R. Kulkarni, “Hardware Software co-simulation for
Image Processing Applications”, IJCSI International Journal of Computer Science Issues, Vol. 9,
Issue 2, No.2, March 2012, ISSN (Online):1694-0814
[2] P.S. Chikkali, “FPGA based Image Edge Detection and Segmentation”, Vol. No. 9, Issue No. 2,
pp187 – 192.
[3] S.M. Ali, Naveen, P.A. Khayum, “FPGA Based Design and Implementation of Image
Architecture using XILINX System Generator “, IJCAE, Vol. No. 3 Issue 1, July 2012, pp132- 138.
[4] V. Elamaran, G. Rajkumar, “FPGA implementation of point processes using Xilinx system
generator”, 31st July 2012. Vol. 41 No.2, ISSN: 1992-8645 www.jatit.org E-ISSN: 1817-3195 201.
[5] M. Chandrashekar, U.N. Kumar, K. S. Reddy, K.N. Raju, “FPGA Implementation of High Speed
Infrared Image Enhancement”, ISSN 0975 - 6450 Vol. 1 No. 3 (2009) , pp
279–285.
[6] A. Acharya, R. Mehra, V.S. Takher,“ FPGA Based Non Uniform Illumination Correction in Image
Processing Applications”, Vol. 2, pp 349-358,
http://www.ijcta.com/documents/volumes/vol2issue2/ijcta2011020219.pdf
[7] K.T. Gribbon, D.G. Bailey, C.T. Johnston, “Design Patterns for Image Processing Algorithm
Development on FPGAs”, TENCON2005, pp. 1-6, November 21-24, 2005, doi:
10.1109/TENCON.2005.301109.
[8] S.V. Devika, S.K. Khumuruddeen, Alekya, “Hardware implementation of Linear and Morphological
Image Processing on FPGA”, Vol. 2, Issue 1, Jan-Feb 2012, pp645-650.
[9] R.R. Thakur, S.R. Dixit, A.Y. Deshmukh, “VHDL Design for Image Segmentation using Gabor filter
for Disease Detection”, Vol.3 No.2, April 2012.
http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/82032456/vhdl-design-image-segmentation-using-gabor-
filter-disease-detection
[10] S.A. Christe, M. Vignesh, A. Kandaswamy, “An efficient FPGA implementation of MRI image
filtering and tumour Characterization using Xilinx system generator”, Vol. 2 No. 4, December 2011.
http://airccse.org/journal/vlsi/current2011.html
[11] Draper, B.A. Beveridge, J.R. Bohm , A.P.W. Ross, C. Chawathe , M., “Accelerated Image
Processing on FPGAs”, IEEE Transactions on Image Processing , Dec. 2003 Vol. 12, issue 12,
pp1543-1551.
[12] A. Manan, “Implementation of Image Processing Algorithm on FPGA”, Akgec Journal of
Technology, Vol. 2, No.1
AUTHOR
Adhyana Gupta is an active researcher in the field of image processing, currently studying
in M.Tech (IT) from Banasthali University, Rajasthan. She received M.Sc Degree in
Computer Science from Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and
Communication, Bhopal in 2008.

HARDWARE SOFTWARE CO-SIMULATION FOR TRAFFIC LOAD COMPUTATION USING MATLAB SIMULINK MODEL BLOCKSET

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HARDWARE SOFTWARE CO-SIMULATION FOR TRAFFIC LOAD COMPUTATION USING MATLAB SIMULINK MODEL BLOCKSET