Braking Assistance System for Train Drivers by Considering Deceleration with Constant Jerk

Abstract

This study examines the braking assistance system for train drivers when stopping at a station to prevent the drivers from overrunning. The conventional assistance system informed the driver visually of a predicted stopping position based on present vehicle velocity and deceleration. The driver with the conventional assistance system made the vehicle stop with large deceleration because the conventional assistance system calculated the predicted stopping position by considering the constant deceleration. The assistance system this study proposes considers the deceleration with constant jerk, i.e. the deceleration gradually decreases. Train-driving simulator experiments are examined with several subjects who are required train driving with the mental calculation which assumes the mental workload. Subjects with the proposed assistance system can operate the brake handle smoothly, and make the vehicle stop with small deceleration. Subjects with the conventional assistance system, on the other hand, cannot release the brake handle, and make the vehicle stop with large deceleration.