Cobs Lite is a Windows-based personal computer (PC) application, which allows the control and monitoring of devices conforming to the communications protocols established by the UK Highways Agency. Its graphics display enables an operator to see a system's status at a glance, and allows both local and remote control of devices. It was implemented in the project for the upgrading and refurbishing of the traffic control system of the Humber Bridge, which is the world's longest single-span suspension bridge. The bridge's original system was used to notify both drivers and pedestrians of accidents, incidents, and restrictions to normal traffic flow. It consisted of matrix indicators across the main span, and back-lit fluorescent signs along the approach roads and footways. When it became unreliable, after 14 years' use, Cobs Lite was devised as a high-technology solution, using standard traffic control products interfaced with standard PCs and custom control software. Its coloured display informs the operator of the sign system's current status, and all sign failures are shown in red and logged to maintenance files. Each day, log files are produced for sign setting and faults detected. The system is menu-driven, thus flexible and easy to operate.
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