Braking assistance system for train drivers by indicating brake onset position to prevent overrunning and running time delay

Abstract

This study proposes the braking assistance system for train drivers when stopping at a station to prevent the drivers from overrunning and running time delay. The assistance system informs the driver visually of the brake onset position, which is calculated by the assumed deceleration, the present vehicle velocity and the desired stopping position. This study conducts two experiments using the train-driving simulator with three participants. One experiment examines the effects of the driving assistance system on the braking behavior with the mental calculation, which assumes the mental workload. The assistance system makes it possible to decrease the dispersion of the brake onset timing and the running time. The other experiment examines the effects of the brake onset timing on the running time and the safety margin to make the vehicle stop at the desired position. The brake onset timing is adjusted by changing the assumed deceleration. Obtained results show a good correlation between the assumed deceleration and the running time, and the later brake onset timing contributes the shorter running time. In addition, a good correlation between the assumed deceleration and the minimum value of the predicted stopping position, i.e. the safety margin, is also observed, and the later brake onset timing deteriorates the safety margin.