Train traffic control by re-planning in real-time

This paper describes how, in order for train dispatchers to better control the train traffic of tomorrow, new control systems need to be developed. The future brings higher speeds, more frequent traffic, and many independent traffic operators all making the control task more difficult and complicated. The research in this paper focused on the problems of how to control future train traffic and the user interfaces between the train dispatcher and the information- and control systems. The intention of the research is to develop a new interface that provides a better overview, a better control of the traffic flow, easy and straightforward manual interaction, access to diction relevant information and an integrated decision support system. The research has developed a new strategy for controlling train traffic where operators are able to follow the dynamic development of the traffic system over time and hopefully be able to prevent disturbances before they occur. Also, under normal circumstances train dispatchers can be relieved from the tedious and time consuming talk of manually controlling train routes and instead focus on the traffic plan. This new control strategy is called control by re-planning.