CAMERA and Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF) have been awarded funding by Innovate UK to collaborate on development of a ground breaking Virtual Reality (VR) technology enabling real time tracking and digital rendering of deformable objects. Called DOVE – Deformable Objects for Virtual Environments – the technology will initially be applied within a VR dining experience by world leading Chef, Heston Blumenthal, in his restaurant, the Fat Duck.

 

The project partners:

• The Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications (CAMERA) is an EPSRC funded research centre based at the University of Bath (Departments of Computer Science and Health).
• Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF), based in London, is a world leader in innovative technology showcases. Recent projects include:
• The Fat Duck is one of the world’s most famous restaurants – holding 3 Michelin stars. Run by world renowned chef Heston Blumenthal, it is at the forefront of many modern culinary developments, such as food pairing, flavour encapsulation and multi-sensory cooking.

 

The aim of DOVE is to deliver a unique, ground-breaking deployable VR platform that bridges the gap between real world and virtual objects. The platform will track deformable objects in the real world and render them in unique ways. The initial application pursued by DOVE is the first VR dining experience with one of the world’s leading restaurants – The Fat Duck (TFD). The successful candidate will be based in CAMERA and collaborate with partners at MLF and TFD. CAMERA provides a stimulating environment for fundamental and applied research with projects involving global names in entertainment and sport. The DOVE team in CAMERA will collaborate with DOVE team members in MLF and TFD, using the CAMERA studio to develop the prototype deployable VR platform.

The post is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in the research and development of a unique and cutting edge VR technology. Likely to generate strong interest across the industry through our unique launch application (with The Fat Duck), the candidate will develop an excellent skill set combing techniques in Computer Vision, Machine Learning and Computer Graphics.

An ideal background would include an academic or industrial track record in 3D computer vision, using generative models for object tracking, strong C++ programming, a prototyping language (e.g. Python/Matlab) and experience with OpenCV. The ability to work effectively in a team is essential. Some experience with Unity would be desirable but not essential. Close support and supervision on the project will be given throughout by the wider CAMERA team at Bath as well as the R&D team at MLF and TFD.

 

This is a full time, fixed term position for up to 18 months.

Enquires should be directed to Dr. Darren Cosker.

Find out more and apply via the University of Bath HR page.