This article describes some work by the Swiss company Graf & Reber to apply graphical user interface (GUI) methods to design an ergonomic man-machine interface (MMI) for transport operators. Several elements need to be considered when designing an MMI specification. MMI can be classified into three main types: (1) text and Windows oriented; (2) graphic oriented; and (3) a mixture of (1) and (2). Rapid prototyping of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) operator interfaces, combined with increasingly accurate computer software simulations of road environments, can significantly reduce the discrepancies between planned and actual results on road networks. Graf & Reber was awarded a contract to develop prototyped GUI, to support and allow active contributions from operators, to specify the MMI of traffic control in Switzerland. This model allowed for users' opinions about the system's future layout and controls. The company also developed an application to simulate a three-dimensional driver's view of the road and tunnels signalisation of the Basel City bypass in Switzerland. This case study was conducted at the beginning of the project, to resolve the specific problems of visibility and overlapping of equipment, especially in tunnels.
Abstract