The traffic stream is a common term in traffic engineering, but it should be noted that vs | plus defines this term independently.
In contrast to conventional techniques, vs | plus distinguishes between the new traffic engineering unit, the traffic stream, and the display elements assigned to it.
All traffic-related descriptions and definitions are made in the traffic stream unit. In terms of control technology, the traffic stream is a control loop with its own measuring elements (detectors, loop) and control elements (display elements, such as the signal groups) as well as control signals (frame signal).
Figure 5: Traffic stream = Control loop
A traffic stream is usually a vehicle-dependent traffic flow that generally has its own detectors and must always act on at least one display element.
It is possible for a traffic stream to be assigned several display elements or, conversely, for two different traffic streams to be assigned the same display element. In the first case, it can be a relationship of individual traffic with two sets of traffic lights or with hazard warning lights. In the second case, this can be a bus travelling in the lane of the individual traffic.
A traffic stream can also have a functional meaning, e.g. if a traffic stream STAU is defined (with assignment to a congestion loop), which overlays a vehicle traffic stream at request.
With this traffic stream technology, it is possible for a signal to be controlled differently based on different events.