OVERVIEW
[ Andy @ Code Concise Limited ]
The majority of my time was spent on the development and evolution of an in-house modelling and simulation capability. Working within a highly talented and capable
team, I had a key role in the design, implementation and ongoing development of a highly efficient and flexible modelling and simulation framework that was used
across various programmes and projects (in the defence, security and commercial domains). Additional duties included providing mapping and GIS support and advice
to various programmes across the business.
Work undertaken was challenging, engaging and cutting-edge. The roles in which I found myself afforded me time to learn new skills, to research and formulate software solutions to problems (blue-sky and real-world customer requirements) and to be a part of many exciting and innovative programmes. I was proud to receive an individual award for innovation in 2012.
KEY PROJECT - NEXT-GENERATION MODELLING & SIMULATION FRAMEWORK
I was heavily involved in the design and development of a next-generation version of an existing simulation framework. The aim was to significantly improve the underlying system such that it was easier to maintain and extend. The modular nature of the system would also allow for easier customisation and development of customised components for specific tasks and requirements. Major re-engineeering was carried out making full use of modern software engineering principles and practices. The core framework used C#, .NET, WPF and WCF.
During my 16 months on this project the team evolved the product from a proof-of-concept into a system that was superior to the original product in every significant respect, and could run simulations faster than the original (which was written in C++).
KEY PROJECT - ADVANCED CROWD MANAGEMENT & TRAINING SYSTEM
I was a key member of the team that designed, implemented and delivered an advanced CCTV and Crowd Management training system for an international customer. The resulting technology achieved order-of-magnitude improvements over any competing products:
- The ability to render over 2.25 million realistic-looking individuals at more than 30 frames per second (on a consumer level graphics card).
- A crowd model capable of simulating over 500,000 individuals moving around a complex and dynamic environment in faster than real-time.
I was also part of a four-man team that worked on the heavily multithreaded core framework and took a proof-of-concept through to immediate programme acceptance over the course of one month. In addition I was heavily involved in the design and development of the 3D rendering technology used to visualise the environment. The full system created a virtual training environment where an operator could access any of 7,500 CCTV cameras, assess crowd dynamics and behaviours and interact with it in real-time.
This product was awarded Innovative Product of the Year in 2014 by ESTnet, and was a finalist in the Welsh Quality Awards. You can see a brief overview of the product in the following video from 1:51s onwards (video courtesy of ESTnet).
KEY PROJECT - IN-HOUSE MODELLING & SIMULATION
In 2007 I joined the team that developed a leading in-house modelling and simulation product. This comprised a fully-integrated visual design, debugging and test environment as well as a run-time engine and customisable plug-in based GUI. The simulation core was fully multithreaded and could be run distributed across a number of computers. The resulting system was used in over 100 programmes, bids and demonstrations and was sold into the export market as well as to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The innovation in the product was acknowledged in 2010 when the team were recognised from the company's 90,000 employees with an innovation award at corporate level.
SUMMARY
Technologies & Skills
- C++ (with STL)
- C# (WPF and .NET)
- Win32 / MFC
- System Architecture (x86 and 64-bit)
- OOP and OOD
- Modelling and Simulation
- 2D and 3D Visualisation
- ComBAT & VBS2
- Multithreading
- Customer Demonstration / Presentation
- Assisting in Bid Proposals
- Crowd Modelling
- DirectX/3D
- Java
- Android Development
- GIS Map Data Processing and Preparation
- Innovation
- Mentoring Junior Team Members
- Web Development (HTML, CSS, AJAX, PHP, Javascript)
- Agile Working
- Graphic Design
- Testing and Documentation
- Effective Self-Management
- Teamwork
Software Used
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- Proprietary (in-house developed) Tools and Game Engines
- Platform API's + SDK's
- Various Debugging and Profiling Tools
- 3DS Max
- Maya
- Adobe Photoshop
- GIMP
- Code Repositories (including SVN)
- Global Mapper and GDAL
- Microsoft Office