Driving assistance system for train drivers by indicating longitudinal operating position

Abstract

This study proposes a driving assistance system to inform the notch operation timing for train drivers. The assistance system indicates visually the notch-off position where the driver releases the accelerator. The notch-off position is calculated by the present vehicle acceleration, velocity and position by assuming the constant acceleration. The assistance system also indicates the brake onset and the predicted stopping positions. Two experiments are conducted by using the train-driving simulator. One experiment examines the effects of the notch-off and brake onset timing on the vehicle velocity and the running time. The assistance system makes it possible to adjust the vehicle velocity and the running time. The other experiment examines the three running patterns by combination of the notch-off and the brake onset positions. With the time recovering pattern, which is combination of the higher notch-off velocity and the later brake onset timing, the assistance system realizes the shorter running time in comparison with the standard running pattern. With the energy saving pattern, which is combination of the lower notch-off velocity and the later brake onset timing, the assistance system prevents the time delay by the later brake timing even if the velocity is lower than the standard running pattern.