ISO 10711:2012 defines protocols and message sets between traffic detectors and traffic signal controllers. It is applicable to the various types of traffic detector technologies currently in use for real-time traffic signal controls.

It defines message sets that contain data collection and control protocol for three different types of detectors of traffic signal control systems:

detectors that deal with occupancy information;

detectors that deal with image information; and

detectors that deal with vehicle identification.

ISO 10711:2012 is limited to parameter generation to be used for traffic signal controls and for the interface between traffic signal controllers and detectors.