Straylight Multimedia

The Emergency Simulation Program (ESP)

What is ESP?

The simplest description of ESP is that it is an authoring system allowing trainers to create a ‘database’ of multimedia elements (ie. Video, Audio, and Still Images) representing a particular training scenario. For instance, the database for a scenario to be used in training for Earthquake response might consist of video of collapsed buildings, trapped survivors, speeding ambulances, etc., and audio of radio communication.

These elements can then be used to simulate real emergency scenarios. For instance, elements created for the Earthquake database described above could be 'played back' in any desired order to present trainees with a simulated Earthquake scenario. Typically, the trainees would be expected to make descisions based on the scenario presented, and the instructor would take a particular 'path' through the database of elements to show trainees the consequences of their decsions.

With careful design of the media elements contained in the database, a large number of scenarios, perhaps with different training goals, can be created from the same images and sounds. | (top)

ESP provides two main ‘modes’ of operation:

1. Edit Mode – is used to construct the database of multimedia elements (the ‘authoring’ function) from various available media.

2. Run Mode– is used to ‘play back’ those elements in ‘real time’ to simulate an actual Emergency scenario.

In Edit Mode, the simulation designer creates a database of multimedia elements corresponding to a particular training scenario. These multimedia elements will consist of Video sequences, Audio sequences, and Still Images appropriate for the scenario, that have previously been collected or custom made. Each element is represented by a single icon on the ESP control screen. Any number of databases or ‘simulations’ can be produced, and each is saved in an individual file that can later be loaded in Run Mode.

In Run Mode, ESP is operated by a ‘Simulation Manager' (usually the instructor), who controls the sequencing and timing of the simulation in real time by selecting from the matrix of icons representing multimedia elements. That Manager works from a pre-arranged scenario, and determines the direction and timing of the simulation as a whole. Thus the Manager is able to respond to unforeseen situations, or make changes 'on the fly' to demonstrate a particular point. | (top)

ESP Control Console
ESP's job is to provide easy access to the Video and Audio clips that are the building blocks of the simulation, and to control peripheral equipment and media required by the simulation system. ESP also provides visual cues and 'feedback' to aid the manager in quickly and easily presenting a simulation, and allows tracking of the trainee’s path through a particular scenario. | (top)