ertms bridging the gap between technology and adoption: a human factors case study elaine thompson,...
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ERTMS Bridging the gap between technology and adoption: a Human Factors case study
Elaine Thompson, Mott MacDonald
Introduction
• Considerations of introducing European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) / European Train Control System (ETCS) on UK network
• Retrofit to existing trains and implementation in new build
• Highlighted the key factors that needed to be considered for adoption
Challenges
• ERTMS/ETCS Driver Machine Interface options for future train cab design
• Requires the transition between European Train Control System (ETCS) and existing train cab systems (Class B) on routes
• Management of these interfaces in terms of cab fitment and driver support is a key issue
System Integration Challenges
ETCS DMI and Class
B integratio
n
System Reliability
Cab environmen
t
Display technology
Position & reach
Train protection &
safety
Aims of the study
• Three main issues relating to the fitment of ETCS Driver Machine Interface (DMI) in rolling stock;
– Design and level of integration of existing Class B systems within the train cab with the DMI
– Appropriate technology for the DMI screen that optimises the train cab environment and train driver performance
– Choice of DMI interface - touch screen or soft key
Approach
• 3 levels of integration considered:
– No Integration: AWS and TPWS indications and controls separate to the ETCS DMI
– Partial Integration: Speedometer, AWS and TPWS indications integrated, AWS acknowledge button separate
– Full Integration: Automatic Warning System (AWS) and Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) indications and controls, and speedometer fully integrated within the ETCS DMI.
Existing Cab Layout (Class 43)
Existing Class 43
Non-Integrated Solution
Class 43
Fully Integrated Solution
Class 43
Transition between ETCS and AWS/TPWS
AWS/ TPWS
ETCS AWS/ TPWS
Transition between ETCS and AWS/TPWS
• Factors to reduce potential for errors
– Provide clear visual indication of the engaged level of train protection
– Ensure adequate visibility of controls and indications in all lighting conditions
– Provide good feedback to the driver to confirm that control inputs have been successful
AWS/TPWS integration
• Partially integrated solution appears to offer most benefit – AWS acknowledge button separate– Consider ETCS acknowledge button also separate
• Cab fitment– Reduced clutter on the driver console
• Impact on performance– Reduced visual clutter in the cab means that attention
is focussed on the DMI, which provides visual confirmation of train control
DMI Interface – Touch Screen vs. Soft Keys
• Touch screen:
+ More flexible layout of information
+ Only ‘active buttons’ displayed, can reduce workload
- Likely to have higher reflectance value
Image Source: ERA_ERTMS_015560 ETCS Driver Machine Interface
• Soft Keys:
+ Lower screen reflectance value
+ Increased tactile feedback
- Larger DMI unit, less flexible layout
DMI Interface – Touch Screen vs. Soft Keys
Integrated display of AWS/TPWS
• Design of AWS/TPWS interface, considerations:
– Most recent ERA DMI standard allows more flexibility on screen design
– ‘Customisable’ or ‘Unified’ layout options
– Design of indications – retain AWS ‘sunflower’ or design a new indication
– Interaction with AWS acknowledge button – frequency of use
Latest developments for GB standards
• Work to update standards:– GK/RT8075 – AWS and TPWS Interface Requirements
• Cover touch screen and soft key options
– GK/RT0036 – Transitions between Signalling Systems
• Number and frequency of transitions
• Driver workload around transitions
• Understanding fully the impact and potential errors
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