SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE

He has twenty four years experience in the fields of computing and engineering, including considerable practical experience in the areas of Computer Aided Design and Engineering (CAD/CAE).

He started a company in 1986 to offer a consultancy service in the fields of Computer Aided Design and Engineering for both mainframe and microcomputer systems. Since 1991, work has expanded into the fields of 3 dimensional computer modelling, servo system programming, photorealistic rendering and computer animation.

In 1985, as a Systems Analyst with FLUOR Australia, he provided technical support for their large AutoCAD-based microcomputer CAD system.

As a CAD/CAM Analyst with the Ford Motor Company, he provided technical support for a large PRIME-based CAD network. In his time with Ford the network doubled in size. He was responsible for the software installation of new computers and system plotting support.

Prior to this he spent five years with the Department of Defence, Aeronautical Research Laboratories, in the areas of computer simulation and mathematical modelling of various aspects of aircraft performance. He was also involved, at various times, in the areas of aircraft flight trials, data reduction and analysis, and in the management of a minicomputer-based high performance graphics system.

ADMIRAL VALLEY PTY LTD,  MELBOURNE

Trading as TEMPORAL IMAGES    (1990-PRESENT)
Trading as MCIVER AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS (1986-1990)

Director

Currently Director of a company offering a consultancy service in the fields of Computer Graphics, Rendering, Animation and 3 dimensional Modelling, Computer Aided Design and Engineering for microcomputer systems.

Work has included;

Creation of an Extrusion program for the IronCAD solid modeller. This program was intended to take 2D section profiles and automatically create 3D solids from them. Although initially developed to support the Maytec range of aluminium extrusions, the program is able to handle any 2D profile.

Design and development of a 3D optical scanner. This development work is continuing.

Development of an automated Vehicle Test System, initially intended for the testing and training of Motorcycle Riders. This development work is continuing, and includes the hardware and software development, and the integration of all aspects of the system.

Creation of 3D computer models of several metal sculptures of various sizes. These models were intended to display the Sculptor's intentions and also to act as an intitial design tool for later material fabrication.

Creation of a 3D computer animation of an accident between a truck and a wheat train in Southern New South Wales. This animation was intended to show the sight lines between the two vehicles as they approached each other. This task also involved live, on-site testing carried out between a truck and train in order to verify the results predicted by the animation.

Development of a parametric CAD program in support of the Spencer Street Station redevelopment in Melbourne. This program was produced to automatically generate the Detail Design drawings for every roof panel in the structure (about 7500 panels in total). Each panel was triangular in shape but no two panels were exactly the same. The final program was able to generate the fully dimensioned Detail Drawings for each panel automatically, in under two hours. Subsequently an additional program was produced to extract and process purlin and girt data for this project.

Creation of a 3D computer animation showing an incident between a motorcycle and truck in New South Wales. This animation was intended to show the sight lines between the two vehicles as they approached each other.

Preparation of a number of 3D graphic images in support of a report investigating the Waterfall Train Accident in New South Wales. This work was performed for DVExperts Pty Ltd.

Preparation of a 3D computer animation showing a head-on collision between two cars. This animation was subsequently presented in New South Wales District Court where Mr McIver was required to attend as an Expert Witness.

Creation of a computer program for ACT3Animation Pty Ltd to manage and transfer large numbers of rendered animation frames between directories on a computer network. This program was required to run unattended and transfer files between multiple directories.

Several programs were developed in support of the operation of a Farley Wizard Plasma Cutter.

The rendering and animation of several 3D computer models of irrigation gates was undertaken for a client. This resulted in a CD ROM containing over 8 minutes of full frame, full motion computer animation. The animation was developed for continuous presentation during a Trade Show.

The creation of a real-time 3D vehicle motion path viewer program was undertaken for a European racing team. The program was developed to display real time data logger information, recorded from on-board racing car instrumentation. This work was a commercial extension of our previous work on real time replay of mtion path data.

Creation of a program to interface with a GPS (Global Positioning System) Receiver, to download and record positional data. This work is continuing and is expected to expand to applications involving Differential GPS, for producing precise records of 3D position and subsequent analysis of the recorded information. This work has extended to the development of a micro-processor system for managing and processing vehicle position data.

Creation of a real-time 3D vehicle motion path viewer program was undertaken which resulted in several custom programs for various applications being produced. Single and two car replay programs were produced for car accident analysis. A basic program to display data logger information recorded from on-board racing car instrumentation was also created.

Several tasks were undertaken related to Forensic Animation and analysis of motor vehicle accidents. These included the live testing of the braking performance of a car, involving the use of accelerometer test equipment. This data was subsequently analysed and documented in support of a particular accident case. A 3D model of the car involved in the accident was created, and associated vehicle motion paths calculated. Motion paths for an accident between a car and bicycle were calculated under instruction from the client. Analysis of several video recordings of an accident at a Drag Racing event and subsequent motion path analysis were undertaken.

Technical computer programming for Applied Precision Systems. This work was commenced in July 1997 and continued through to August 2001. This work primarily involved writing new control software for the servos systems used in Back Gauge units for both Brake Presses and Folders. The control software ran on industrial computers, utilising a touch-screen display. Other related work included the creation of a driver program for a large Plasma Cutter, rewriting the control software for an embedded controller and the regular tuning of servo system control loops. Several other technical computer programming tasks were undertaken.

He was engaged to produce a promotional animation for a new domestic hot water system, for AOS Pty Ltd.

Involvement as a Technical Consultant for ACT III in the development of a data glove, intended as a data input device for a Cyber-Puppetry application. This project resulted in the design of a workable data glove and support software. A company, 3 STRINGS Pty Ltd, was then created to commercialise and sell the product. As a share holder in 3 STRINGS he was nominated to the Board of 3 STRINGS for approximately 12 months, covering the period 1999-2000. This product is currently sold commercially as the DidjiGlove.

He created a computer program for Zephyr, a video production company, in support of a television advertisement for Hyundai cars. This program was created to extract and process motion control camera data files in order that a live camera motion could be exactly matched to the camera motion prepared in a 3D animated scene.

The creation of two animations for Carlton and United Breweries was undertaken, to display the features and layout of new Brewery facilities, for internal company verification and promotion. This work was based around 3D models created by CUB. Some additional work was undertaken involving the provision of training and technical advice on producing such animations entirely within the company.

An animation was produced for GHD Pty Ltd, as part of a formal quotation for an engineering project to remodel the Muara Naval Base. This project was based around 3D models supplied by the client, and associated companies, though these needed substantial reworking.

He was engaged to create several animations for Novatec Design, an architectural firm specialising in interior design and office fitouts. These were based around 3D models supplied by the client, intended to show new customers the key design features for office fitout proposals.

A large number of 3D house models were created for Built Images, as part of a larger project for Building Victoria. These 3D models were of a number of standard building layouts, the 3D models being created from 2D layout drawings supplied by Built Images.

Schiavello Commercial Interiors engaged him to produce several parametric Autolisp functions to automate the creation of 3D office workstations. These required the 3D models to conform to the particular design features of their office workstations, and also be able to perform a bill-of-material extraction.

Work for Design Auto & Development in early 2000 involved the 3D modelling and production of 2D fabrication drawings for a 7 metre plate aluminium boat, and the creation of a computer program to automate the data collection from a small engine dynamometer. The boat design work is continuing. A task to perform some preliminary design work on car suspension geometry and operation was also undertaken prior to this, as was a related project involving a body styling exercise for a Clubman type sports car.

The creation of 3D models, and subsequent rendering of promotional and design verification images was undertaken for Thycon Pty Ltd, initially for a large frequency converter unit for the Royal Australian Navy. This was followed by the production of images of a new office foyer, and a transformer enclosure, for inclusion in a quotation. A boat design project was then undertaken, to digitise an existing design for a 5.0 metre rowing scull, revise and improve the design and fabricate a new boat. This work is continuing and has progressed to the stage of boat fabrication.

The creation of a number of 3 dimensional computer models was undertaken for ACT III, a video production company, for use in television advertisments and station promotions. These models were typically produced in AutoCAD and then supplied to ACT III for subsequent rendering and animation.

Appointment as Multimedia Editor for MultiCAD Magazine on its commencement in early 1993, and now acting in the role of Contributing Editor. This association is continuing, and requires preparation of reviews and articles on a variety of CAD and Multimedia subjects. The articles produced to date are listed at the end of this resume. This involvement has also resulted in the publishing of two books, "Introduction to 3D Studio" and "Introduction to POCO", sold through MultiCAD Magazine. Training courses based around these books have also been presented on behalf of MultiCAD Magazine.

Creation of 3 dimensional computer models and rendered animations of new playground designs for AUSPLAY. These animations were used for visual display and colour analysis, and to show new designs to potential clients in a convenient manner. Animations were produced of the new designs, both alone, and in correct alignment with client buildings. A library of several hundred 3D models of various standard playground components were eventually produced for this client.

Creation of static rendered images and animations in support of the design of BILLANOOK VCE COLLEGE. This work was performed for HAL CUTTING ARCHITECTURE, using AutoCAD computer models provided by them. Static images were output to colour hardcopy (dye sublimation) prints, while animations were output to domestic VHS videotape.

Rendering of computer graphic images of service station and convenience store buildings for BP Australia Limited. This work was performed using RenderMan PhotoRealistic rendering software, in conjunction with 3 dimensional AutoCAD models of the structures. The 3D models were produced from 2D design drawings provided by BP. The work was performed in support of a re-imaging project being undertaken by BP Australia Limited.

Development of software for the computerised design of portal frame sheds, as a sub-contractor to ASSCO (Vic) Pty Ltd, for Thornton Engineering of Penshurst, Victoria. This task involved the development of programs, in conjunction with AutoCAD and SYNTHESIS applications software, to generate bill-of-materials and cost quotations for each shed. Automated generation and output of steel detail drawings for the sheds was also provided.

Employment as a consultant in the area of PC CAD for Hitech Design Pty Ltd from June, 1987 to December, 1989. The consulting comprised technical support for AutoCAD on both PC's and UNIX-based SUN engineering workstations. Demonstration of AutoCAD to potential customers and preparation of quotations for complete AutoCAD systems was also involved. Some elementary AutoCAD training to small groups of people, and training in the AutoLISP macro programming language was undertaken. Technical programming in Fortran, C and LISP were performed in support of applications software development. Hardware support functions were also performed as required.

Employment as a sub-contractor to Technology Australia, who were engaged to perform  tender evaluation for the Engineering Development Establishment's (EDE) planned computer installation. His involvement was as a specialist, evaluating the CAD/CAM components of the competing tenders.

Consultancy as a Performance Analyst by Hawker de Havilland, Limited to perform a preliminary performance assessment of the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft carrying ASTER weapons racks. This work commenced in February, 1987, resulting in the production of a technical report in April, 1987. Additional work was then undertaken in analysing wind tunnel test data for the ASTER rack, also being documented in the form of a technical report. Additional performance analyses were prepared in support of this project, up until mid-1989.

Employment as a consultant in the area of PC CAD for The No.1 CAD Company, from October, 1986 to May 1987. The consulting comprised technical support for AutoCAD software and computer hardware, and evaluation of a number of other CAD software packages. Considerable technical programming in Fortran and AutoLISP was also undertaken during this tenure.

Demonstration and training of VersaCAD PC CAD software was undertaken for Resolution Pty Ltd from February to June, 1988.

Demonstration and training of 3D-GRAPHIXX PC CAD software was undertaken for Bayside Computer Systems until that company was sold in early 1988. Provision of technical support for the product to Humes Plastics continued beyond this date.

A number of other consulting and programming tasks have been completed for the following companies, to the present time;

  BP Australia Limited
  Spectra Lighting Pty Ltd
  Meinhardt (Victoria) Pty Ltd
  Directaire Ventilating (A/sia) Pty Ltd.
  Sound Attenuators Australia
  ICI Australia Operations Pty Ltd,
  Becfab Equipment Pty Ltd
  State Electricity Commission of Victoria



FLUOR AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED, MELBOURNE (1985-1986)

Systems Analyst

Responsible to the Manager, Information Systems, for the support of the FLUOR CAD system, comprising over 20 microcomputers running the AutoCAD software package. At the time, this system was generally considered to be the largest AutoCAD-based system in Australia.

Responsible for the installation and interfacing of CAD microcomputer hardware, software and peripherals.



FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA (1984-1985)

CAD/CAM Analyst

Responsible to the CAD/CAM Manager, providing system administration and technical support to a large CAD network comprising 15 PRIME computers driving 26 design stations. At the time, this was the largest CAD system in Australia.

Responsible for the software installation of new computers being introduced to the network, and support of system plotting hardware and software.

Responsible for various items of engineering applications programming.



AERONAUTICAL RESEARCH LABORATORIES (1979-1984)

Experimental Officer (Class 1)

Responsible to the Principal Research Scientist, Combat Effectiveness Group, for the analysis of aircraft flight trials data, computer simulation and estimation of aircraft performance, management and programming of a minicomputer system and associated intelligent graphics terminal.

This position required that studies and investigations be undertaken relating to the flight performance and air combat effectiveness of aircraft and weapon systems, using digital computational methods.

Additionally, flight as an experimental observer, and analysis of flight test and other experimental data was required and undertaken.