PhD Project Exploring Event Cameras for Object Detection and Image Enhancement (UK Students Only)

About the Project

Details of the Project

Event cameras (also known an neuromorphic cameras are a recent development that detect changes in intensity and can be used to sense movement or variation in the scene. They only output events for pixels that have changed unlike standard frame-based cameras and can provide much higher rate of information output than conventional camera and they have higher dynamic range. They provide the potential for novel sensing and detection channels to complement existing imaging methods. The full benefits of this technology are yet to be realised in industry, but these sensors are likely to have utility across a number of applications including the quantification and correction of atmospheric turbulence, stabilisation of images from a moving vehicle, the de-blurring of motion-related effects, object detection in obscuring environments, the detection of laser illumination, fast object tracking and surveillance detection. It is also likely that data fusion of their output with conventional cameras, perhaps working in other but complementary wavebands, will unlock enhanced sensing capabilities.

This PhD project will explore these applications by building a foundational understanding of their operating principles. This will be achieved through a programme of experimentation and modelling, focussing on the most promising areas with maximum utility. 

This research opportunity is based at the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT) at Aston University and is sponsored by Thales UK. The project is based at Aston University in Birmingham and will also include a three-month secondment to work with Thales experts in Glasgow.

Location

This position will be based on the Aston Campus in Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will need to be located within a reasonable distance of the campus, and will be expected to visit in person regularly. 

Person Specification

 The successful applicant should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, a Masters degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average, and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution) in a relevant subject. Preferred skill requirements include knowledge/experience of programming and/or modelling skills, an aptitude for experimental work, and an interest in cameras, imagery and optical sensors .

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project contact Dr David Benton at [email protected].

Submitting an application

 We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected. Your application must include:

1.   English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.

2.   A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.

3.   A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience. 

4.   Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.

5.   Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.

6.   A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Apply for this position here

Alternatively, apply here.

Please select “Research – Electrical, Electronic and Power Engineering” from the application form options.

If you require further information about the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at [email protected]

Funding Notes

This studentship includes a bursary to cover the home fees rate. This PhD position includes an enhanced stipend award. This PhD also includes a three-month placement at Thales in Glasgow. For this, Thales will pay reasonable expenses.

 This application is not available to Overseas students.