Development of occluding real world objects in AR & utilising real world objects (from pass through cameras) in VR.

The Centre for Competitive Creative Design at Cranfield University in partnership with OrangeLV ltd have come together to offer an exciting PhD research post focusing on the development of a novel proof of concept Augmented Reality (AR)/ Virtual Reality (VR) solution. The successful research student will obtain a 36-month studentship: sponsored by OrangeLV and hosted at Cranifeld-C4D.

Qualifications/Requirements: Master-level in a technical qualification (e.g. UX design, Augmented Reality, Digital Technology, Computer Science, Graphics, Machine Learning).

AR and VR are area of exponential growth. This research opportunity includes use of cutting-edge hardware and software in the development of the next generation of commercial applications for education, commercial and consumer tools. Both PhD candidates will be expected to have the experience and capabilities to prototype and build proof of concept AR/VR software products with existing and emerging programming languages and mixed reality hardware (e.g. HoloLens, Magic Leap, Vive/Rift/PSVR/Daydream, Windows Mixed Reality, Next-Gen Glasses (Google/Intel)).

This PhD will focus on the development of object and headset positional tracking in space and camera-based monitoring of bodily movements (e.g. object silhouettes in motion).

Sponsor Information/Background:
The Centre for Competitive Creative Design (C4D) at Cranfield is the internationally recognised and award-winning centre of excellence for creative design and innovation. We have breakthrough innovation facilities and highly experienced staff.
OrangeLV is a solution-driven global innovation partner and subject matter expert in visualization, animation, slow-motion capture and VFX content production, film production, platform and application design for AR/VR/WMR/Mobile with software solutions, content creation and asset management expertise for clients and institutions worldwide.

The PhD research student will be a key player in research, design and collaboration on VR/AR experience platforms that integrates with other services and applications. You will participate in designing and be a lead in the implementation of the platform and will be responsible for tracking/localization and mapping/camera pose estimation/SLAM and anything related to the location, positioning, and mapping of the real-world environment necessary to deliver rich VR/AR experiences on mobile and hardware devices. International travel may be expected throughout the project duration.

The student will gain the opportunity and experience and transferable skills to enhance their skills related to enhance their:

Machine Learning expertise as applied to localization and mapping
Advanced algorithm design for localization and mapping using traditional (i.e. feature based) - techniques
Experience writing cross platform code
Experience designing for multi-threaded architectures
Experience in profiling, debugging and testing complex systems
Implementation of geospatial data infrastructure
Experience with spatial databases (such as PostGIS)
Knowledge of cloud services and web API design
Material and Physics Simulation
Writing Skills (Reports/Applications/Documents)

This is Phd is part of a wider research project focusing on the development of a novel proof of concept Augmented Reality (AR)/ Virtual Reality (VR) solution. See Cranfield website for further details.

Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree (or extensive industrial experience in a related discipline). This project would suit candidates with UX design, Augmented Reality, Digital Technology, Computer Science, Graphics, Machine Learning skills.

How to apply
For further information please contact:
Leon Williams, E: [Email Address Removed], T: (0) 1234 750111 Ext: 8531
If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form

For further information contact us today:
Admissions
T: +44 (0)1234 758082
E: [Email Address Removed]