Abstract: A text message abstraction system and method allowing for the selection of important pieces of information based upon a number of criteria and for the removal of unnecessary components of a message. The abstraction system of the present invention is provided with an input message, a command set and a maximum message length and attempts to generate a message conveying all of the important information contained within the text message but within the maximum message length constraint.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed which find particular utility as a component of a traffic control system known as a conflict monitor. The apparatus includes a number of solid state switches which are activated to scan inputs from traffic control signals. The inputs are sequentially applied to a A-D converter which samples the voltage and applies it to a microprocessor which is programmed to determine the voltage and analyze the signals for conflicts, or other errors. The input lines are also connected to terminals of a program board whereby the microprocessor can instruct a switch to ground the common pin on the program board to allow program board inputs to be applied to the microprocessor for indicating permissible conflicts. A method includes a technique for determining the voltage of an input analog signal by scanning a plurality of input signals and sampling them in accordance with a relationship which provides minimum error. A display may be operated in one of two modes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimming traffic lights during hours of darkness to conserve energy. Electronic circuitry provides storage for weekly tables of twilight times for particular geographic locations covering an extended time period, such as one year. Counting apparatus counts weeks for addressing the stored tables, and an AM/PM indicator further differentiates between stored sunrise and sunset times. The stored time is compared in a comparator with the present time, and logic circuitry, responsive to the AM/PM indicator, reacts to the results of the comparison by activating and deactivating a dimmer for the traffic lights.