VR relateed PhD position in Graz, Austria

[mspusch]

Job Opening: Research Assistant (PhD student)

Technische Universität Graz (TUG), Austria, invites applications for
open research positions in the project Augmented Reality & Pervasive
Computing Lab, aiming at the development of mobile augmented reality and
ubiquitous/pervasive computing applications. We are looking for a
candidate having (most of) the following qualifications:

* University degree, preferably MSc (Diplom, DEA, or equivalent) in
computer science or related field, plus the intent to pursue a PhD at TUG.

* Strong interest in research on virtual reality, augmented reality,
human-computer interaction, real-time graphics, and pervasive computing.
Some background in computer graphics, multimedia, and/or distributed
systems is expected.

* Considerable experience with software development methodology and
tools, in particular object-oriented programming, C++, OpenGL, Open
Inventor, XML, MS Windows, Linux. Prior involvement in research or
development projects is a plus.

* Fluency in English, good communication skills and capability of
working in teams complete the profile of a successful candidate. Note
that knowledge of German is not expected (but this may be your chance to
learn it! :-).

What do we offer in exchange:

* The opportunity of pursuing a funded PhD/research position in an
exciting new field

* A lot of freedom to explore both your scientific and creative
interests in the course of your work

* A very good working climate

* A chance to live in the beautiful city of Graz

Project Summary

In our everyday world we are not limited to our computer desktop.
Information in the real world is perceived and processed in three
dimensions, continuously and in real time. A human-computer interface
that can capture these properties will be able to deliver new computer
applications and services anywhere and anytime. Augmented reality (AR),
which enhances a user's perception of the real world with computer
generated information, can turn the everyday world into a user interface
for ubiquitous computing applications.

STUDIERSTUBE (www.studierstube.org) developed at TUG is a leading
framework for the development of mobile and collaborative AR
applications. The proposed program will expand this framework into a
pervasive computing environment leveraging exiting emerging technologies.

Some important aspects and potential research topics are:

* Scalable AR models: A mobile AR user roaming a city will demand that
AR data is available throughout the environment. This requires scalable
modeling and data management techniques for both geometric and semantic
data. This research aims at the development of suitable techniques to
efficiently create and manage huge heterogeneous AR models.

* Smart visualization techniques for AR: AR user interfaces are
different from conventional user interfaces because a mobile user will
not pay attention exclusively to the AR display. Meaningful
visualizations must therefore be derived from the situational context
automatically, rather than through detailed input from the human user.
Developing such automatic smart visualization techniques will be a
research topic of increasing importance in AR.

* Ubiquitous tracking: Many demos in research labs rely on carefully
crafted environments including specific tracking infrastructure.
However, a mobile AR user in real live cannot rely on assumptions
regarding available infrastructure, but must be able to make the best
out of the available resources. A ubiquitous tracking infrastructure can
automatically adapt to available tracking technology based the user's
needs and behaviors.

* Massive multiuser AR: Recent advances in handheld devices enable the
delivery of AR experiences on inexpensive, ergonomical devices such as
smartphones. This new platforms allows for the first time
experimentation with large AR users groups, leading to new types of
collaborative applications.

* Smart spaces: Inexpensive projectors allow to augment physical
surfaces without user-worn display devices. Projector-camera feedback
loops can create compelling multi-projector displays that automatically
adapt to the user and the situation. This research aims at the
development of a smart space operating system that can automatically
turn a physical environment into a 3D augmented environment.

If you think about applying, send a letter including curriculum vitae
and publications list (preferable by email) to:

Prof. Dr. Dieter Schmalstieg
schmalstieg@icg.tu-graz.ac.at

[JulietteKlonk]

Thank you for the information.

[JulietteKlonk]

You made some good points there.