PhD in mobile stereoscopic 3D VR system

The goal of this project is to develop and evaluate a mobile stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality system. It will investigate cutting edge media technology to develop immersive visualization and composition system for 3D Mixed Reality content. The project will involve designing and developing an immersive display system and software tools to provide live 3D experience to the end users where they can interact with the synthetic environment composited from real and virtual scenes. The application area for the system is entertainment and education. The system will not only playback content, but will also be able to record audio and 3D visual data.

The HIT Lab NZ

The Human Interface Technology Laboratory New Zealand (HIT Lab NZ) is world leading research institutions developing and commercializing technology that improves human computer interaction. The HIT Lab NZ has over 50 staff and students and has extensive experience in Human Computer Interaction and Science & Visualization. The HIT Lab NZ is located at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. The University of Canterbury has the top Engineering School in New Zealand, including a highly ranked Department of Computer Science. For more information about the HIT Lab NZ see http://www.hitlabnz.org/.

Your skills

The student must have good understanding of fundamental principles in 3D computer graphics and computer vision techniques, and preferably have previous research and development experience involving immersive 3D visualization (e.g. CAVE), 3D reconstruction and depth (or stereoscopic) image processing.

Appointment and Scholarship Support

The PhD scholarship is full time for a duration of three years starting as of December 1st, 2013, with an annual scholarship of $25,000 NZD. The scholarship will also cover the tuition fees.

The research in this project must be concluded with writing a PhD thesis within the Human Interface Technology PhD program of the HIT Lab NZ. For more information about the PhD program in Human Interface Technology, please see http://www.hitlabnz.org/index.php/education/phd-program.

Duties

International applicants will be required to arrange for their NZ student visa after an offer of a place. Please check http://www.immigration.govt.nz for information about what type of visa might be most suitable and the process of acquiring it. The university has various types of accommodation available on campus. Please check http:/www.canterbury.ac.nz/accom/ for information about the options and prices. International students should also consult the International Student website at http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/international/ to learn about the cost of living, fees, and insurances.

Application

Your application must include your resume, academic records, two references and your preferred starting date. Please send you complete application by November 1st to our online system at: http://hitlabnz.org/index.php/jobs/posting?id=8. Please contact christoph.bartneck@canterbury.ac.nz if you have any questions about the opening or the application process.