Stop Think Act Review (STAR) Simulator
The STAR Simulator was designed and developed to simulate specific procedure oriented task conditions, which, if carried out incorrectly could potentially cause operational errors. The STAR Simulator has been constructed such that:
- All its equipment components - such as switches and meters - are labelled in a manner resembling plant labels;
- The labels are very similar; in order to emphasise self-checking and attention to detail, and usage of the phonetic alphabet;
- All steps can be synchronised by using various time delay techniques. This also includes synchronised indications.
The Simulator's design emphasises Human Performance by allowing trainees individually, or in groups of two or three, to progress through an "In-Hand" procedure by manipulating switches, push-buttons, and possibly other devices on the hardware panels. The computer monitors and responds in real-time, displaying indications for panel lights, buzzers, meters, and possibly other hardware according to the activated scenario file. The scenario is always monitored by the computer for proper procedure adherence and step execution, including timing constraints. All failures are reported for the benefit of the instructor and trainees.
The device consists of 2 hardware panels mounted to a cabinet and interfaced with an internal computer which processes customised software procedure scenarios. The software procedure scenarios are written using plain text editor on a PC, and transferred as a text file. The internal computer is updated via the floppy drive / flash drive, in conjunction with a keyboard and internal screen.
