Train Driver Support Interface Based on Visualization of Running Time Constraints

While driving, train drivers need to take into account a variety of work constraints involving safety, schedule adherence, passenger comfort, and so on. They rely largely on their own knowledge and capability to be aware of those constraints in order to comprehend the train state and carry out decision-making. In this study, we have conducted analysis of the train driving task to specify its constraint structure and requirements to information displays to support human drivers. Focusing on constraints for compliance with the regular running time, a configural display has been invented which visualizes the train speed with respect to the upper/lower speed boundaries of the running time constraint. After the classification of constraint-based and instruction-based approaches to task analysis, we empirically investigated advantages of the information display by comparing it with another display which gives more specific operational guidance in an instructive manner. Results indicate that, while performance variation among different drivers was reduced by both displays, the constraint-based display can give more opportunities to drivers to adapt themselves to variable work conditions.