Advanced Graphics and Image Processing

Aims

Advanced Graphics covers topics related to rendering. processing, perception and display of images. The focus of the course is on the algorithms behind new emerging display technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and high dynamic range displays. The course covers three fundamental aspects of a complete graphics pipeline: technology, rendering methods and visual perception.

Lectures

• Advanced image processing: edge-stopping filters, pyramids, optimization-based image processing.
• Rendering equation: path tracing, surface reflection
• Image-based rendering: : light fields, neural radiance fields.
• Colour: physical and perceptual representation of colour, colour perception, colour spaces.
• Models of visual perception: brightness perception, detection and discrimination, contrast sensitivity function, contrast constancy,, perceptually uniform spaces, depth perception.
• Image and video quality assessment: subjective and objective measurement of visual quality
• High Dynamic Range and tone mapping: dynamic range, display model, methods of tone-mapping.
• Display technologies: 2D displays, 3D displays, temporal display characteristic, HDR displays.
• Virtual and Augmented Reality: VR rendering, technology, perceptual considerations.

Recommended reading

Hainich, R. and Bimber, O. (2016) Displays: Fundamentals and Applications. CRC Press (2nd ed.).
Boreskov, A. and Shikin, E. (2013) Computer Graphics: From Pixels to Programmable Graphics Hardware. CRC Press.
Reinhard, E., et. al. (2010) High Dynamic Range Imaging: Acquisition, Display, and Image-Based Lighting. Morgan Kaufmann (2nd ed.).

Assessment - Part II Students

• One practical exercise, worth 30% of the marks.
• One programming task and presentation, worth 70% of the marks