Neurophysiological Vigilance Indicators and Operational Analysis of a Train Vigilance Monitoring Device: A Laboratory and Field Study

Abstract

Vigilance and attentiveness of train drivers are usually tested by vigilance monitoring devices (VMDs) which require certain motor responses. The continuous performance of this “secondary task” over years may, however, enable the dtriver to respond correctly to the VMD even when in a state of lowered vigilance during which his overall performance is reduced. This problem has to be studied by comparing the performance of the secondary task with objective neurophysiological vigilance indicators.

The present study, which is still progressing, has three approaches. The actual performance of drivers operating the VMD on an electric engine is studied; the performance of trained and untrained subjects operating the VMD is compared to neurophysiological vigilance indicators (EEG, EOG) in a laboratory simulation; and neurophysiological vigilance parameters together with the operation of the VMD are examined in a monotonous car driving situation. The results so far obtained indicate that the engine dtrivers develop a spontaneous and rhythmic way of operating the VMD which permits correct operation of the system even at low levels of vigilance.