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Citation |
Yin S, Sheridan TB. Transp. Res. Rec. 1994; 1464: 12-15. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 1994, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing) |
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DOI |
unavailable |
PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
Recent development in computer technology and in cab signal systems has made automatic train speed control technically feasible. However, completely automatic control on high-speed passenger trains may not be easily accepted for various political, safety, or economical reasons. Therefore, humans remain in the cabs of high-speed trains. The question is, then, which tasks in train operations should be entrusted to the human and which to the computer. In view of the weakness and strength of humans and computers, we seek some kind of human-machine cooperation that combines the strength of the two agents in the cab and overcomes their weaknesses. An optimal solution of speed and thrust-braking profiles can be developed under the assumption that the speed limits across the trip from one point (which could be a station or any known point) to the next are known a priori and that the track and the train characteristics are known. An integrated speed control display based on this optimal solution presents the human driver with the optimal speed and thrust-braking profiles and other information relevant to speed control. Four different options of train speed control based on the proposed display are: (a) simple manual control, (b) manual control with the display as an aid, (c) manual control with the display as an aid plus the automatic control option, and (d) fully automatic control with emergency-override options. Considerations that bear upon the choice among the alternatives include basic system features, experimental results, view of human role in automation, introduction of new tasks for the human driver accompanying the automation, public anxiety, and liability in case of an accident. Language: en |
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Keywords |
Automation; Speed control; Decision support systems; Braking; Information technology; Railroad transportation; Optimal control systems; Human computer interaction; Railroad accidents; Display devices; Manual control |