Computational Model of Situational Awareness for users of smartphones in the vicinity of traffic

Advances in technology (Bluetooth headsets, ‘iPods’, quieter cars, helmets) are leading to situations where an individual’s perception of the surrounding environment is hindered, making him/her more vulnerable to accidents and/or intentional dangers. Examples include: a driver unaware of a fast moving emergency vehicle; a motorbike or cyclist wearing a protection helmet; a civil protection foraging robot or vehicle on patrol. This project aims to investigate this problem from both a human factors as well as technological development points of view. A candidate reading for a PhD in this area will be designing experiments in our fully immersive 3D audiovisual environment in order to collect behaviour data that can help us understand impairments caused by the use of portable infotainment technology. The goal of the project is to develop detection and warning systems that can use sensor and usage data from devices, allowing constant monitoring of behaviour and environment and subsequently model drops in attention and awareness. This PhD may include all or some of the following multi-disciplinary skills: sensor engineering (with particular emphasis on acoustic detection), digital signal processing; cognitive behaviour. There is an opportunity to be involved in a funded international collaboration through the Royal Society.

The goal of this PhD will be to develop prediction models of awareness in users.

You can expect to be able to take advantage of our world-class experimental facilities such as the octave, a fully immersive audiovisual virtual reality environment, acoustic laboratories such as anechoic and semi-anechoic chambers, listening room, object-based spatial audio systems, head-tracked binaural system, and so on, as appropriate.

You’ll join a thriving research centre and will work alongside PhD students, post-doctoral fellows and senior researchers who are researching related topics.
EligibilityYou’ll need a good undergraduate degree (1st or 2:1) in a relevant subject such as acoustics, psychology or computer science and you’ll be able to demonstrate a strong interest in human perception. Desirable experience includes design of applied psychology tests, statistical analysis, programming (e.g. MATLAB), and scientific publication.
FundingApplication where funding can be secured from other sources will be accepted at any time. For further information visit: www.salford.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/research-degree-fees-and-funding
Further information and applyingYou are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Bruno Fazenda at [Email Address Removed] for an informal discussion before you apply. Competition for this fully-funded PhD is expected to be intense and you will benefit from our advice on your application.

For more information on research within the School of Computing Science & Engineering and to make an application please visit: www.salford.ac.uk/research/sirc/postgraduate-research