Augmented Reality Dispatcher Interface
The purpose of this proof of concept project was to determine the viability of leveraging the emerging technology, Augmented Reality (AR) as a new user interface for train dispatching. The result was HoloRail, a train dispatcher user interface that uses AR to recreate the current displays in 3D. Dispatchers experience a track layout superimposed in their existing setting and can still see and hear what goes on around them. This new interface allows dispatchers to use hand and head movements, along with voice commands, to manage the same things that they do currently on their multi-monitor displays, such as: track diagrams, alarms, train and station information, and setting of train movements. HoloRail proved to be a viable solution for train dispatching and was positively received by the participants. Though the headset technology is not yet where it needs to be, too heavy, not comfortable, poor battery life; within the next few years, these limitations will no longer be a problem. Of most importance, 90% of the dispatchers were able to complete the test procedures without assistance only after a 10-minute training tutorial on using the equipment and software. 80% of the respondents said they felt they could use the platform to complete their job duties. A WIFI hotspot tethered to a laptop provided enough bandwidth to transmit both the live video stream from the wearer and the communication between the server and AR platform, proving that standard WIFI networks would be sufficient for this technology and major upgrades would not be needed.
- Record URL:
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Supplemental Notes:
- This project was conducted by Ross & Baruzzini | Macro.
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Authors:
- Stanton, Carl
- Talbot, Mark
- Publication Date: 2021-5
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Edition: Final Report
- Features: Figures; Tables;
- Pagination: 31p
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Serial:
- TRANSIT-IDEA Program Project Final Report
- Issue Number: 92
- Publisher: Transportation Research Board
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Publication flags:
Open Access (libre)
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Dispatchers; Dispatching; Rail transit; Technological innovations; Testing; Three dimensional displays; User interfaces (Computer science)
- Identifier Terms: Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) (Program)
- Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01773849
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: Transit IDEA Project 92
- Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
- Created Date: Jun 7 2021 12:52PM