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Elaine Thompson, Mott MacDonald. ERTMS Bridging the gap between technology and adoption: a Human Factors case study. Introduction. Considerations of introducing European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) / European Train Control System (ETCS) on UK network
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Elaine Thompson, Mott MacDonald ERTMS Bridging the gap between technology and adoption: a Human Factors case study
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
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 AWS/ TPWS ETCS
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
DMI Interface – Touch Screen vs. Soft Keys • Soft Keys: + Lower screen reflectance value + Increased tactile feedback - Larger DMI unit, less flexible layout
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