Arne W. Andersson

A TRAIN TRAFFIC OPERATION AND PLANNING SIMULATOR

The objective of this project was to develop a new simulator system that could contribute to improved methods for train traffic planning and operation and to create an experimental environment for development of new control support systems and operator user interfaces. The new simulator system is based on a previously developed simulation kernel, SIMON/TTS, which was used by the Swedish National Rail Administration for offline planning experiments. The SIMON/TTS system was redesigned into an interactive, real-time simulator where external control and presentation systems can be connected via a communication module. The simulator system will be used for different purposes. Some of the most important experimental scenarios are to perform experiments with new user interfaces for train traffic control operators, to test the usefulness of decision support systems for train dispatchers, to evaluate alternative strategies for solving conflicts in train traffic control, and to provide a simulator environment for education and training of train traffic operators.

Solutions to the problem of inconsistent plans in railway traffic operation

Abstract The demands on modern railway traffic systems are high. Higher efficiency is required, meaning better utilisation of infrastructure capacity and reduced energy consumption. Timeliness has a high priority and safety has to be unconditional. The operation of railway traffic includes many actors in different roles and separate organisations. Our studies of train traffic control have shown that improved collaboration between the actors and advanced control systems are needed to meet the high demands. Instead, many actors are following their own plans based on their own goals and insufficient information. This paper explores the concept of a real-time traffic plan (RTTP) to coordinate collaboration between the different actors, and demonstrates how it can be implemented in systems for train traffic control and driver information. We present the traffic control system STEG and the driver advisory system CATO. Both systems are in use, allowing re-planning and sharing of such an RTTP. Based on these systems, we discuss general and specific design solutions, in accordance with human factors and explain a way of introducing automation that supports the traffic controllers without interfering with their planning. With these systems, we are able to show that a more holistic approach to train traffic control, based on an RTTP, is technically feasible and that sharing this plan with the train drivers substantially improves qualities in train traffic control.

Recognizing Complexity: Visualization for Skilled Professionals in Complex Work Situations

In our research, we study IT-systems for highly skilled professionals in complex and dynamic work situations. Such situations can be found in e.g. health care, process and traffic control and in administration. The demands on the operators/users are often very high concerning quality performance, efficiency, timeliness, safety, communication and cooperation. Our experience shows that human operators can overview, interpret and in real time use an almost unlimited amount of information, if it is relevant to the situation and visualized according to human capabilities. The solution to the visualization problem is therefore not to avoid or hide complexity, but to cope with it, to accept that the complexity must be there. The challenge is to develop systems for visualization and support, which can be used efficiently in relation to the complexity of the work task. We believe in recognizing complexity. First, we describe the scientific foundation of such an approach. Second, we give a detailed example of a complex visualization problem, emphasizing the demanding cognitive operations the operators have to conduct. Finally, we describe the solutions, the visualizations and interactions that make it possible to support the cognitively demanding task, taking care of the complexity without losing the rich amount of information necessary for the operators in different situations, but without adding unnecessary complexity in terms of complicated handling of the user interface and the information systems. Some of these visualizations now run in real systems and have been evaluated, and we end up by suggesting recommendations for successful visualizations in complex work tasks.

Development and Implementation of New Principles and Systems for Train Traffic Control in Sweden

Development and implementation of new principles and systems for train traffic control in Sweden

Improved railway service by shared traffic information

Many different actors have to collaborate in order to guarantee efficient railway traffic that is safe, on time, comfortable, eco-friendly and economic. Appropriate planning is necessary: The transport company has to provide rolling stock and personnel, the traffic controllers have to solve perturbations proficiently, and the train drivers have to drive in a way, as far as the traffic plan allows, that saves energy and reduces wearing on rolling stock and infrastructure. In order to find a globally optimal solution, all actors need optimal access to information on the current traffic situation. In reality, the situation in European railway traffic is far from optimal: The traffic controllers have limited or delayed knowledge about perturbations and disruptions occurring at tracks, trains, or platforms, while train drivers often have limited or outdated information about the actual traffic plan and the surrounding traffic situation. Information exchange can only happen via telephone. There is a clear need for systems allowing efficient information exchange. We have developed a completely new strategy for train traffic control that focuses on continuous re-planning. This strategy is implemented and evaluated in Sweden. The new system allows sharing the updated traffic plan automatically and it is even connected to a driver advisory system. Combined, these systems clearly improve information exchange between train drivers and traffic controllers. Both systems are designed according to the identified needs of professional traffic controllers and train drivers. This paper presents the problem of insufficient information exchange and our findings in form of design concepts for systems supporting collaboration between train drivers and traffic control.