Title: Symbiotic Simulation and its Application to Complex Adaptive Systems
Monday, September 5th, 9:00 AM

Abstract:
Simulation-based decision support is an important tool in business, science, engineering, and
many other areas. Although traditional simulation analysis can be used to generate and test
possible plans, it suffers from a long cycle-time for model update, analysis and verification.
It is thus very difficult to carry out prompt "what-if" analysis to respond to abrupt changes
in the physical systems being modeled. Symbiotic simulation has been proposed as a way of solving
this problem by having the simulation system and the physical system interact in a mutually
beneficial manner. The simulation system benefits from real-time input data which is used to
adapt the model and the physical system benefits from the optimized performance that is obtained
from the analysis of simulation results.

This talk will present a classification of symbiotic simulation systems with examples of
applications from the literature. An analysis of these applications reveals some common aspects
and issues that are important for symbiotic simulation systems. From this analysis, we have
specified an agent-based generic framework for symbiotic simulation. We show that it is possible
to identify a few basic functionalities that can be provided by corresponding agents in our
framework. These can then be composed together by a specific workflow to form a particular
symbiotic simulation system. Finally, the talk will discuss the use of symbiotic simulation
as a decision support tool in understanding and steering complex adaptive systems. Some examples
of current applications being developed at Nanyang Technological University will
be described.

Bio:
Stephen John Turner is Professor of Computer Science and Head of the Computer Science Division
in the School of Computer Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore). Previously,
he was Director of the Parallel & Distributed Computing Centre. He received his MA in Mathematics
and Computer Science from Cambridge University (UK) and his MSc and PhD in Computer Science from
Manchester University (UK).

His current research interests include: Parallel and Distributed Simulation, Complex Adaptive Systems,
High Performance Computing and Grid Computing. He is steering committee chair of the Principles
of Advanced and Distributed Simulation (PADS) conference. He has published extensively, particularly
in the area of Parallel and Distributed Computing, and has received a number of best paper awards
international conferences for his research in this area.

Title: 4D Performance Modelling and Animation
Tuesday, September 6th, 8:00 AM

Abstract:
Visual reconstruction of dynamic events as 3D video, such as an actor performance or sports
action, has advanced to the stage where it is possible to achieve free-viewpoint replay
with a quality approaching the captured video. In this talk, we present research going beyond
replay to allow the creation of 4D models which support interactive animation control from
captured performance whilst maintaining the realism of video. 4D models are constructed by
alignment of reconstructed mesh sequences into a temporally coherent structure. Recent work
has introduced a non-sequential approach to non-rigid mesh mesh sequence alignment which
constructs a shape similarity tree to align across a database of multiple sequences. This
avoids problems of drift and tracking failure associated with sequential alignment approaches.
Temporally aligned 4D models provide the basis for parameterisation of multiple related
sequences to give continuous interactive movement control. Representation of multiple
sequences in a 4D parametric motion graph enables transition between multiple motions to
achieve interactive character animation.

Bio:
Adrian Hilton is Professor of Computer Vision and Graphics at the University of Surrey, UK.
He received his BSc. in Mechanical Engineering and PhD in Signal Processing before moving
to the field of Computer Vision in 1992. His primary research interest is robust computer
vision to model and understand real world scenes. Over the past decade his research has
focused on 3D reconstruction and analysis of dynamic scenes from video to derive functional
models of shape, motion and appearance. Contributions include technologies for the first
hand-held 3D scanner, modelling of people from images, free-viewpoint 3D video in sports
TV production and 4D modelling of actor performance for film and games. He currently leads
research investigating the use of computer vision for applications in entertainment content
production, visual interaction and clinical analysis.

Title: The State of Practice in Military Simulation
Wednesday, September 7th, 8:30 AM

Abstract:
Coalition Armed Forces have used simulations to enable training for some time and in recent years
training through distributed simulations have been proven as a means to conducting training. This
presentation introduces a number of challenges in integrating Live, Virtual Constructive Simulations
for Training and introducing the Command and Control (C2) systems to provide mission planning and
rehearsal capability as well as augmenting support to operations with real feeds from the wider
battle-space network and operating picture.

The presentation will provide examples of current approaches, future architectures and technology
trends that may hold an answer to the challenges of distributed training in defence.

Bio:
Bharatkumar Patel is a Senior Capability Advisor and International Research Leader in the
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), part of the UK MoD. He provides strategic
direction to MOD's Simulation, Training and Experimentation, and Systems Integration research
and technology programmes and impartial scientific and technical advice to NATO, MOD, DE&S,
and the UK Forces.

Previously, he has been the UK Project Manager for the US/UK Synthetic Theatre of War programme
and has several years experience in Defence Procurement and MODHQ on projects, including Project
Horizon, Replacement Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Future Offensive Air System and Joint Combat
Aircraft. Furthermore, he has industry and academic research background in aerospace engineering
and aerodynamics.

Title: Operational Uses of Distributed Simulation Using BML
Wednesday, September 7th, 12:00 PM

Abstract:
Since its inception in military systems two decades ago, distribution simulation has grown to
provide a rich and varied family of technologies. During the same period, military requirements
for distributed simulation have continued to evolve. The nature of warfighting today has shifted
from focus on large, kinetic engagements to asymmetric warfare and stability/peacekeeping
operations. As a complement to the three technical papers in this session, this talk will
describe the presenter's experience in supporting military operations, using the distributed
technologies associated with Battle Management Language.