TECHNOLOGY
Developing Eff ective
HMI Systems For
Modern Rail Applications
To develop an eff ective and aesthetically pleasing human
machine interface system for rail applications you must focus
on optimizing usability, effi ciency and safety.
he days of simultaneous door operation
systems on passenger rail
systems are fading away. Human
machine interface (HMI) control
systems have evolved into the
most common area for passenger
interaction, therefore requiring
them to be reliable, intuitive and
easy-to-use. A majority of new light
rail systems in North America, such
as the upcoming Washington Metropolitan
Area Transit Authority 8000
series, are cognizant of such changes.
As part of this shift , there has been
an increased emphasis on passenger
actuated doors like the ones used
in Europe and other foreign markets.
While the primary benefi t of these new
interfaces is improved passenger convenience,
additional advantages extend
beyond the obvious. Door-opening
push-buttons can increase the lifespan
of doors by lowering their overall number
of operations and also help meet
10 | Expo Daily | Mass Transit | MassTransitmag.com | OCTOBER 10, 2017
environmental initiatives by minimizing
the loss of heating and cooling that
occurs when doors are automatically
opened at all stops.
Th is new development in passenger
access systems requires HMI that
reduces the risk of human error by
being intuitive, durable, easily visible
and providing clear feedback. Unlike
the past, HMI is now considered a
critical element of the design process
and an eff ective system gives proper
consideration to the unique technical,
ergonomic and communication
requirements of its application.
Capitalizing on experience implementing
this technology across the
globe, EAO off ers helpful tips for developing
eff ective HMI Systems in modern
North American rail applications.
GENERAL FUNCTIONALITY
How many functions will be controlled
by this device? How complex
or simple will input be? What feedback
will help the passenger easily perform
these functions? As the primary interface
between the transit entity and rail
public, successful controls combine
aesthetically pleasing designs with
intuitive functions that help decrease
the chance of passenger error.
DEFINING THE OPERATOR
In rail, great HMI design begins with
understanding the needs of the user.
By John PannoneT
“Secret-untillit”
legends
offer intuitive
recognition.
Commands and functions should
be simple and reside within an
easy-to-comprehend interface. Pertinent
information should be grouped
together and intuitive in its placement.
OPERATOR FEEDBACK
Feedback is critical to operator eff ectiveness
and effi ciency. In some cases,
feedback provides confi rmation of
an action, while in others it adds to
the functionality. Th is can be visual,
auditory, tactile or any combination
necessary to provide clear operation.
Secret-Until-Lit Legends
Offer Intuitive Recognition
REGULATORY STANDARDS
Knowledge of technical, ergonomic,
design and manufacturing standards
is fundamental to HMI system design
and proper component selection.
As an example, EAO’s Series 57
Door-Opening push-buttons were
designed to meet American Disability
Act regulations with simple functionality
and ease-of-use. Passenger
applications oft en use audible feedback,
such as voice and sound indicators.
Audible alerts are also sometimes
used to help visually impaired
passengers located door actuation
push-buttons or a doorway opening.
Some HMI controls can even include
override systems and emergency-call
equipment prompted by audible, visual
and hidden indicators.
In Europe, TSI-PRM sets guidelines
for everything from audible
levels of alarms to the controls that
allow bathroom access.
Large Actuation Areas,
Dual Illuminating Rings,
and Raised Symbols Help
Increase Ease of Operation
» Visit EAO Corp. at booth 8717.
