Nicholas Bane MA Vet MB MRCVS
Cambridge, England
nickbane1@gmail.com
07802 727 473
7th March 2013
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Versatile hands on technical leader with over 20 years experience of embedded Linux system design
and programming for the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) market. Forward
thinking problem identification, research analysis and resolution. Leads full life-cycle product
development, integrating global quality assurance and customer/market specifications. Able to
quickly react to changing requirements.
A practising Veterinary Surgeon (1 day per week).
Seeking a 4/5 day week Senior embedded Linux integrator/developer role, ideally in the Cambridge
area.
Highlights of Technical Career
Principal programmer/designer/integrator for Toby Churchill Ltd, Cambridge. Lead company from
being a cottage industry in 1980s to market leading worldwide sales of text-to-speech
communicators using bespoke open hardware ARM Linux SOM integrating GSM and InfraRed
modules delivered in 13 languages (including Arabic) with £4M turnover as Technical Director.
Technical Background
Linux (Debian) open source design/programming with special emphasis on embedded systems using
ARM processors.
Linux Kernel developer with contributions to the mainstream kernel (PXA pcmcia port, Balloon2 and
Balloon3 ports, StrongARM SA1110 UDC support). Maintainer of Balloonboard build system.
Bootloader maintainance. Linux FS development (original mailing list manager and contributor to
YAFFS/YAFFS2 on raw NAND as used by Android).
Debian Maintainer.
Integration and development of speech synthesis subsystems.
Additionally low level programming 6502, 8080/Z80, 8031/51/451, V25+, Atmel, Msp430 and PIC.
Familiarity with Android, NFC, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, LXC, typical web technologies and storage
subsystems.
Professional Development
Annual attendance at Debconf, Fosdem, ELC-Europe and Linuxcon conferences. Continuously
reappraising emerging technologies for product integration.
COMPUTING HISTORY
Toby Churchill Limited, Cambridgeshire 1980s – present.
“A leading global manufacturer of medical device and home automation solutions.”
Technical Director (January 2012 - March 2013)
Key Achievements:
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Launch of Lightwriter Swift.
Design and port next generation of Lightwriter SL40 to new platform.
Recruitment of key engineers and new sysadmin to current team.
Integrations of Ivona and Cerevoice speech subsystems.
R & D Manager ( August 2011 – Jan 2012) promoted to lead hardware and software research and
development teams in launch of new product August 2011
Key Achievements:
 Take over and supervise development Lightwriter Swift.
 Development of prototype hardware for research in association with University of Dundee.
 Support ongoing research with University of Sheffield.
 Establish TCL as founder commercial partner with NST (Natural Speech Technology) group
with University of Edinburgh.
R & D CTO ( 2007 - August 2011) lead in new technology evaluation and integration
Key Achievements:
 Integrating GSM modem and development SMS software stack.
 Integration of new speech synthesizers.
 Developing rapid text prediction engine.
 Development of Lightwriter SL40 and SL40 Connect.
 Building and guiding development team.
 Liaison with Universities.
Software Consultant (1984 – 2007) as outsourced software development department
Key Achievements:
 Development of first computerised text base communication aid in UK.
 Original speech synthesizer development 1984.
 Porting DECtalk to the, then, most compact design in the world.
 Balloonboard founder member and kernel porting lead.
 Development of all SL35 series communicator software embracing graphical displays,
printing, faxing, speakerphone as well as multiple speech synthesizers.
Also, Self Employed Software Consultant (1984 - 2007) – software consultant to companies such as
CPM Systems (Australia), Maxwell Stamp (International Financial Incentives analysis tools), Newbury
Microsystems, Grundy Business Systems, Reed International
VETERINARY HISTORY
Belgrave House Veterinary Surgery, Linton, Cambridgeshire (1985 - present)
Veterinary Assistant - 1 day per week
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Competencies include routine small animal work with additional interest in fish
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Demonstrator at Cambridge University Sub Department of Veterinary Anatomy
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Guest Lecturer to Queen's Veterinary School, Cambridge.
Other Veterinary Practices/Locums(1980-1985)
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Education
University of Cambridge, Churchill College
BA Natural Sciences (1977)
MA Natural Sciences (1979)
VetMB and MRCVS (1980)
Languages
Working knowledge of French, Italian and Spanish.
Outside Interests
Amateur dramatics, Fencing (County Master of Arms 20 of last 23 years), Skiing, Master Scuba Diver,
Horse riding. Maintainer of various websites.
Travel
Extensive travel in Europe. Also USA, Egypt, Morocco, Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong
and China.
Misc
PTA chairman Bourn Primary School
References
Bdale Garbee (ex head of Hewlett Packard Open Source)
Steve McIntyre (ex Debian Project Leader)
Chris Jones (consultant)
Contact details on request.
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