Kankaanpää Unit - Projects

CDD Train simulator

Work done: first part in 2005 and second part in 2006-2008
Project team: Professor Karri Palovuori, Manu Myry, Jukka Heiskanen, Matti-Pekka Korkeala (KMT)
Extent of work: 36 person months, Train simulator development
Co-operation with KMT Group ltd, Netorek and Comatec
Funding: KMT Group ltd and Finnish Technology Development Centre (Tekes)
Results: Virtual reality enhanced train driver training simulator package
Contact: Manu Myry ( project manager )

The train simulator is a European driver´s desk (EUDD) based driving desk with a three-dimensional view of a simulated railway. In the project, a high-speed train operating desk with three-dimensional driving simulator for both demonstrational use and driver training purposes has been developed. The simulator gives an authentic driving experience of operating a train with a EUDD based Complete Driver´s Desk (CDD) developed by KMT.

The project was initiated by KMT Group Oy:s train simulator desk prototype, which had no driving visuals and which was mainly limited to functional testing desk.

The simulator utilizes virtual reality techniques. Its stereo visuals are projected to a large screen in front of the desk with two projectors. The driver wears polarized glasses to experience the view in 3D. The glasses have position sensors so the view changes with the driver´s head movement. Apart from the railway tracks and the environment the view shows cockpit details and the train hull to complete a realistic visual immersion without constructing a full locomotive front. The 3D feel is enhanced with a multi-channel audio projection recorded in a real train cockpit. The system is designed so that it fits to classroom use. Also the cost are tried to keep low so there is no motion platform. The visualizations are developed at the TUT Institute of Electronics by Professor Karri Palovuori and his team.

The simulator includes a standalone tool for track and exercise making. With the track editor you can create your own tracks on top of automatically generated Finnish style landscape. Automated track generator generates the track for the visual according to the description made by the track editor. Training instructor can do the exercise description is based on events which trigger when the driver moves forward in the exercise. One goal was to keep the editors simple and easy to use. The editor´s interface resembles traffic management view. Also a game like interface was considered, but it was discarded during development, because it wouldn´t have suited the needs for professionals. We consulted Finnish train driver instructors during development and got much needed input.

The simulator comes programmed with the dynamic model train computer functions of Italian-built Pendolino, in use in Finland. Simulator react´s to drivers commands like a real train. The programs simulate situations and events both inside and outside the train, to which the driver must react during driving. For training purposes different emergencies and abnormalities can be generated, as well as different levels of traffic control details. The simulated traffic control is Finnish type Train Control System, which is close to the European Train Control System (ETCS) standard level 1. A supervisor follows the simulation and gives feedback to the driver after an exercise. This means a new train type can have fully trained drivers ready even before it has been completely built. A simulation environment naturally offers possibilities to train for emergency and accident scenarios. Consulted experts estimated the cost of a simulator be well covered by the cut costs in reduced on-track exercises.

The simulation equipment consists of two PC:s, of which one runs the 3D visualization and controls the visual equipment and the other the simulation core and the user interface. The simulation pc connects to the desk through a Multi-Function Vehicle Bus (MVB) and builds a full array of train functions around the CDD, including opening the train doors, setting the air-conditioning, etc.

A demo of the simulator was presented at the Berlin Innotrans ´06 fair in September. The CDD and the simulator gathered a lot of interest and was the most versatile driving-simulator desk presented. The project is completed in 2008 with finished simulation software, a railway track and exercise editor and an audiovisual package.

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Updated , Hokkanen Mirja