Human-centric content-aware video systems

Video accounts for over 80% of all internet traffic, largely due to on-demand and live streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix. In some cases the content is acquired by casual users, with varying quality depending for instance on the camera used and relevant settings / ability to use it. Such content is then typically compressed/transcoded and processed for transmission over the network.

This project will aim to maximise the video quality as perceived by the users (while meeting bitrate constraints) by tailoring the different steps in the video streaming chain to the content to be delivered, in near-real-time.

Different contents/use-cases will be considered, including user-generated content and AI-generated content.

This project will be in collaboration with a major international industry and may involve international travel.

For further details and to discuss a prospective application, please contact Prof Maria Martini  m.martini@kingston.ac.uk

 Eligibility:  Upper Second Honours or First Class degree in  Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Mathematics or Computer Sciences or a related discipline; a Masters degree in these subjects would be of advantage. In addition, applicants should be able to demonstrate excellent computer programming skills; Experience with image or video coding techniques is desirable, as well as background in image or video processing and AI.

English Language: If you are not from an English-speaking country, or have not studied at a British university before, you will need to show proof of internet-based Academic IELTS minimum 6.5 overall (or equivalent qualification), dated no earlier than May 2023.  For IELTS, you need a minimum score of 6.0 in all elements. Please see these pages for further information http://www.kingston.ac.uk/international/studying-at-kingston/language-requirements/ The certificate must be included with your application, it cannot be added lat

Interviews:  online on 2 December 2024

Start date:  6 January 2025

Duration:  3 years full-time

How to apply: submit an online application via How to apply for a research degree (PhD, Professional Doctorate, MPhil, MA/MSc by Research) – Kingston University London. You must include the following with your application

 ·        An academic CV

·        Copies of your academic certificates (degree level onwards)

·        A covering letter stating why you consider you are suitable for the position (maximum 2 pages A4), headed “Human-centric content-aware video systems – Prof M Martini”

·        A copy of your English language qualification, if applicable (see ‘English Language’ above)

References do not need to be included with the application, but will be required for shortlisted applicants.

Please ensure that all required documents are submitted together with your application form as we are unable to consider incomplete applications. 

You should assume that your application has been unsuccessful if you have not heard from us by 4 weeks after the closing date.