Simulator of Human Operator Workload

Welcome to the SHOW!

Introduction

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Welcome to the Simulator of Human Operator Workload (SHOW)! This tool, designed by Duke University researchers, simulates a freight rail operator's workload across the duration of a given trip. With SHOW, you can choose a trip with unique conditions and then see the operator's average workload after thousands of similar trips.

You should use this tool to answer the following questions:

Background

A core set of tasks has been defined and implemented to encompass tasks that crew members may encounter during their trip. These tasks and their descriptions are summarized below. To see more underlying assumptions, visit advanced settings.
Task Type Description
CommunicatingFiltering through relevant information for the operation and communicating information that may impact the macro-level network of operations
Exception HandlingAttending to unexpected or unusual situations that must be handled in order to continue with the trip
PaperworkReviewing and recording operating conditions
Maintenance Of Way InteractionsMaintaining situational awareness of other crews along the track
Temporary Speed RestrictionsRecalling information issued on track bulletins and adapting to updates while train is in motion
Signal Response ManagementMaintaining attentiveness to direction from track signaling system and responsive to proper control system within a safely allotted time
Monitoring InsideMaintaining attentiveness to informational displays and to engineer's performance to maintain a safe operation
Monitoring OutsideMaintaining attentiveness to warnings and environmental conditions that may affect operations
Planning AheadManeuvering locomotive control system for throttle, braking and other subtasks like horn-blowing before railroad crossing

Getting Started

Note that this site is currently only compatible with Chrome and Firefox. If you're ready to get started, then let's go! And if you encounter any issues or have questions about the simulation, please contact us!