Computer Laboratory

Research in the Rainbow Group

The interests of the graphics and interaction group span computer graphics, image processing, interaction devices, and interdisciplinary design. The list at left details some of the group’s current projects. Look at the group members’ individual pages for details of other work.

Graphics and imaging

The group has undertaken research in computer graphics since the late 1960s. Over the decades the focus has moved from considerations of display hardware and hardware architecture (1970s), through rendering algorithms (1980s), 3D display technologies (1990s) and modelling (2000s), to our current work on new display technologies and imaging.

Graphics research is undertaken primarily by PhD students and post-docs working under the supervision of Rafał Mantiuk.

Interaction and design

The group has undertaken research in the field of human-computer interaction for many years. Much of that research has focused on novel interface techniques that put computing power into the hands of a wider range of users under the direction of Peter Robinson. This work has been complemented by research into theoretical aspects of HCI, including cognitive science and design theory, under the direction of Alan Blackwell.

HCI research increasingly involves collaboration with other parts of the university. The Crucible network is jointly directed by Alan Blackwell, and by David Good in the Faculty of Politics, Psychology, Sociology and International Studies.

Affective computing

With rapid advances in key computing technologies and the heightened user expectation of computers, the development of socially and emotionally adept technologies is becoming a necessity. Peter Robinson and Hatice Gunes are investigating the inference of people's mental states from facial expressions, vocal nuances, body posture and gesture, and other physiological signals, and also considering the expression of emotions by robots and cartoon avatars.