Straylight Multimedia

The Emergency Simulation Program (ESP)

What is ESP?

ESP is an authoring system that gives trainers the power to create ‘databases’ of multimedia elements (ie. Video, Audio, and Still Images) representing particular training scenarios. For instance, the database for an Earthquake Response scenario might contain video of collapsed buildings, trapped survivors, speeding ambulances, etc., and audio of radio communication.

These elements can then be used to simulate real emergencies. For instance, elements created for the Earthquake Response database described above could be 'played back' in any desired order to present trainees with a simulated Earthquake Response scenario. Typically, the trainees would be expected to make decisions 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 decisions.

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 consist of Video sequences, Audio sequences, and Still Images appropriate for the scenario. The sequences may have been previously 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. 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)