CyberCab Passenger Interface
The PRT system should be intuitive to use for all (young, elderly and disabled) passengers. The ease-of-use of the system will be determined by the passenger interfaces provided at the stations and in the vehicles. The required signing at stations should preferably be minimized and kept simple.
Within the vehicle a centrally placed user console is integrated. Depending on the application either a basic information unit will suffice (resembling the interfaces as applied in elevators), or a more sophisticated unit is required. A sophisticated unit will be required for network applications involving a large number of stations (PRT systems). The sophisticated unit features a touch screen which allows for more functionality.
Destination selection is performed on the user console in the vehicle. Optionally destination selection at stations could be facilitated – but this is not preferred taking into account ‘false’ requests, vandalism and more complicated procedures at multiple berth stations. The touch screen will request the passenger to ‘please select your destination’. For the selection of the destination, various interfaces are possible:
- selection by touching the appropriate station on the map displayed on-screen
- selection by typing letters/numbers with intelligent software for word recognition (as used in navigation systems and mobile phones)
- selection by means of a (e.g. airline or parking) ticket (all tickets will be linked to specific stations).
The user console also features an intercom, information display and emergency stop buttons. The display will indicate the status, information and warnings. Optionally a second display can be installed in the vehicle. A voice module is standard.