Visual Computing (degree program)

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The program Visual Computing , also image computer science or graphic data processing , is a computer science - course , the information technology sub-regions of the image pickup (image acquisition), the processing and analysis of image data ( image analysis ) and the formation of images on the basis of computer-internal information ( image synthesis ) includes.

Mission statement of the course

Pictures exert a fascination on us humans, which is an important driving force for dealing with the topic of visual computing / image informatics. In addition to the basics of the classic disciplines of computer science , such as data structures and programming languages , this topic requires further mathematical and physical basics, such as linear algebra , analysis , stochastics or mechanics . These additional requirements are based on the fact that the description of real facts is very important in many areas of image informatics. For example, images of virtual objects can only be generated if meaningful computer models are available that accurately describe the shape (geometry) and appearance (material). Conversely, statements about what can be seen in an image are often made on the basis of suitable mathematical model assumptions, on the basis of which an image is subdivided into meaningful sub-areas (so-called segmentation ).

Objective and job description

The development of computer technologies has supplemented our daily life with fundamental innovations in ever shorter cycles. The exponentially growing amount of information, which is acquired with ever new technologies and sensors , forces an efficient evaluation and evaluation of this data by humans and machines. This also applies to artificially synthesized image information that is used for product creation, from design to technical planning, production and maintenance. At the same time, more and more systems are making use of image data to control and regulate complex processes.

The basic techniques for image analysis and synthesis, which are necessary for the development and integration of systems for specific application processes, are at the center of the job description of image informatics. In addition to algorithmic and information technology content, the requirements for system integration include knowledge of hardware-related functions, user interfaces and data communication .

Some specific career prospects are presented in more detail below. The main focus of the course is on the subjects of image analysis, image synthesis, computer vision and human-machine interaction. Students of the master's program in image informatics acquire a wide range of skills within the scope of the courses that are of central importance in the field of image analysis and synthesis. The aim of the training is primarily to secure long-term qualifications on the basis of a solid theoretical and conceptual foundation. The learning of specific tools and processing processes is to be seen rather subordinate against the background of an extremely dynamic environment, as is given in image informatics.

Image synthesis area

In the context of image synthesis, the focus is on the creation and integration of interactive computer applications for generating 2D and 3D representations based on internal computer data. The data to be displayed can be obtained from measurements (e.g. medicine, geology or astronomy), from simulations of real situations (e.g. plant construction, automotive or aircraft industry) or from synthesis processes (e.g. product design, film or Television industry). The preparation and integration of the data with the aim of interactivity must be guaranteed across all applications. The integration of the generated system into the higher-level process must also be ensured.

Examples of specific areas of work include:

Visualization in medicine and engineering
Development of systems for converting, displaying and evaluating simulation or measurement data.
Digital product cycles
Creation of virtual simulations for design, planning and function control for complex systems such as factories, automobiles, aircraft and ships.
Media industry
Implementation of programs for the creation and processing of digital media from photo, film / video or interactive media such as B. Educational games.

Image analysis and processing area

In image processing, the focus is on the content of images and image sequences. Those parts of the semantic information that are relevant for a specific application should be extracted, recognized and measured. The task fields can be roughly divided into industrial and scientific image processing. In industry, with its primarily commercial orientation, there are established areas of work, e.g. B. in the

  • Production control and automation,
  • Quality control,
  • Security and surveillance technology,
  • Earth exploration or
  • medical image processing and pattern recognition.

Questions that can be found in the named areas of application are e.g. B. surface inspection, presence monitoring, position and position recognition, reading of bar and data matrix code, character recognition, shape inspection, sorting, area and volume measurement, angle determination, wear inspection or color inspection.

Computer vision and human-machine interaction

The acquisition of complex environments, for example for the control of autonomous systems or for the digital acquisition of real scenes, is the central focus of the computer vision area. These areas are increasingly relevant for technically innovative products due to the increasing demands on autonomous systems and the ongoing digitization of documentation processes.

Systems of human-machine interaction are based on the same principles. The recognition of human gestures and facial expressions is an essential component of the safe handling of humans and machines. The creation and maintenance of complex products often requires a very extensive amount of information that must be made available to a skilled worker interactively to optimize the processes. In the future, image-based systems will play an important role in context capture and information processing.

Concrete areas of work

  • Development of hardware-related software systems to capture complex environments as an integral part of the regulation and control of (partially) autonomous systems
  • Creation of digital installations, for example for museums or protected cultural assets
  • Development of systems to support manufacturing, maintenance and material management for complex capital goods (vehicles, aircraft, ships)

Related courses

Visual computing / image informatics has a certain content-related relationship to computer visualistics and media informatics . Compared with media informatics, the essential feature of some courses in visual computing is their stronger technical orientation.

Web links

  • Visual Computing (English-language course at Saarland University, Saarbrücken)
  • Visual Computing (Master's degree at the University of Rostock, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania)
  • Visual Computing (Master's degree in Visual Computing at TU Darmstadt)
  • Visual Computing & Games Technology (master's degree at the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Sankt Augustin)
  • Visual Computing (Master's degree in Visual Computing at the Technical University of Vienna)
  • Visual Computing (Master's degree in Visual Computing and Games Technology at the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences)
  • An overview of universities where you can study Visual Computing or a related subject can be found on the Master and More website