Example PhD

Reconstructing Shapes from Bas Reliefs

Supervisor: Professor R.R. Martin

Keywords: Geometric Computing, Graphics, Image Processing, Computer Vision.

Recent progress has been made in generating bas-reliefs (e.g. a leader's head as it would appear on a coin) from 3D models of the object. However, no one has so far tackled the inverse problem of trying to reconstruct a realistic 3D shape from a given relief. The aim of this project is to see to what extent this can be done. For some shapes, prior information can be used - e.g. the head is roughly spherical - to guide the process. For other shapes, such information is less obvious. Some reliefs may be complicated by the fact that they include perspective effects, such as a building getting smaller as it recedes from the viewer. The project will involve both developing a theoretical framework for solving the problem, and implementing software to test the ideas.

Key Skills/Background: Would suit a CS student with excellent mathematical skills, or a mathematics student with excellent computing skills.

Contact: Professor R.R. Martin to discuss this research topic.