Visual Computing – (Ph.D.)

Studying for a PhD or MPhil in the field of visual computing often involves interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent projects have involved Optometry (eye segmentation), Dentistry (3D facial model and facial dynamics), Psychology (Facial Muscle segmentation, perception of facial expressions) and Engineering (Motion Capture).

The School supports this work with a substantial investment in infrastructure which includes:

Human Factors Technology Laboratory that features real-time 3D video capture and motion capture system.

Solid modelling Laboratory that includes 3D laser scanners and 3D display.

Visual Computing Laboratory houses a range of image capture and processing systems and haptic devices.

Research students are at the core of the School's academic enterprise. While you study, we will expect you to contribute fully to the advancement of knowledge not just at Cardiff but more widely, participating in the international environment of your chosen academic field.

As a School we offer you the opportunity to work alongside our research staff who publish widely, edit and review for international journals, act as external examiners both within the UK and internationally, provide consultancy and secure research funding. The School’s research staff work on many interdisciplinary projects, and include members of influential government and professional advisory bodies. Each of our three research areas have strong international collaborations in Europe (including many EU projects) the Americas, Australia and the Far East.

Every research student works under the expert guidance of supervisors with interests and expertise relevant to the research topic. It is their role to advise and instruct you as you work towards your masters or doctorate.

A key element to supporting you while you pursue a research degree with us is our commitment to maintain significant investment in the research environment. The last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) noted the quality of this laboratory and infrastructure investment.

The Visual Computing Research Group continues to develop its interest and understanding of geometric computing and computer vision. Particular areas of strength and expertise include:

* Audiovisual face processing
* CAD algorithms
* Characterisations and analysis of shape
* Geometric computing
* Human motion analysis
* Identification of physical and biological systems
* Image and 3D shape retrieval
* Mesh processing
* Point-based modelling
* Quantum engineering
* Reverse engineering of solid shape
* Solid, curve and surface modelling

Current or recent major research projects undertaken by this group include:

* Algorithms included in the Image
* Understanding Environment task library
* Filtering and processing irregular meshes with uncertainties
* Information recovery from unopened historical documents
* Intelligent processing of visual media
* Reverse engineering of reliefs
* RIVIC - Research Institute for Visual Computing
* Smoothing boundary curves

Special Features
Several laboratories support these interests, including one for human factors technology (which has a real-time 3D video capture system and motion capture systems), another for solid modelling (which houses 3D laser scanners and 3D displays) and a third for visual computing (which has a range of image capture and processing systems and haptic devices). Each laboratory represents a significant investment that, in turn, contributes to the success of the group’s research.