PhD in Computer Graphics innovates with 3D method.

When we turn on the TV to watch a football match, we don't imagine that there's a lot of mathematics behind those images to follow the world's most beloved sport. For researcher Bruno Eduardo Madeira, this is nothing new; after all, it's his field of study.

A graduate in Computer Engineering from the Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Madeira holds a master's degree in Computer Graphics from IMPA. On August 23, he defended his doctoral thesis, "Computer Vision Methods and Image Processing for Horizontal Stereoscopy," before a panel composed of his advisor, Luiz Velho; Luiz Henrique de Figueiredo and Diego Nehab, both from IMPA; Paulo Cezar Carvalho, from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV); and Carlos Volotão and Paulo Rosa, from IME.

Based on solving Computer Vision and Image Processing problems, modeled via Projective Geometry and Optimization, Madeira's work shows ways to deform real images captured by pairs of cameras, in order to create versions suitable for display on horizontally placed 3D screens.

According to the researcher, this approach "allows observers equipped with 3D glasses to perceive that they are looking at a real object resting on the screen."

To better understand, simply look at the image below. This method gives the observer/viewer the sensation of being in front of a miniature volleyball match on a horizontal screen, that is, a kind of virtual model.

Madeira's research shows how to produce 3D images suitable for display on these horizontal screens. In the method adopted, the 3D images are produced by deforming real images captured by cameras.

“We demonstrated how to do this in very general cases, which allowed us, for example, to create “virtual models” from aerial images captured by an autonomous aircraft, as can be seen in the video below, produced in partnership with the Robotics and Computational Intelligence Laboratory of IME.”

These virtual models have practical and very useful applications, such as "helping in the planning of rescue operations in landslide areas," explains Madeira. Furthermore, they can be used in the area of broadcasting sporting events or theatrical performances, as a virtual miniature on horizontal screens.

“We also have the alternative of building a “Virtual Teleportation” system, in which images of an object filmed on a horizontal surface are transmitted to another computer, which is responsible for distorting them in real time and displaying them on a horizontal 3D screen, which is very useful in the case of teleconferences,” he assures.

Bruno Madeira em simulação da teoria de sua tese

Partnership and future

Guided by Luiz Velho, Bruno Madeira reveals a long partnership with the researcher and leader of Visgraf (Vision and Graphics Laboratory). “He was my advisor for undergraduate research, master's degree, and now doctorate. So, this was a very natural process, as we were already used to working together.”

The new PhD graduate from IMPA states that Velho always encouraged him. "Under his guidance, I was fortunate enough to be able to tackle the problems that most interested me, both during my master's and doctoral studies."

Madeira's success is also due to the environment and structure of IMPA, which facilitate the exchange of knowledge with students from various countries. "It's something that's hard to find elsewhere in Brazil."

“I’ve always been struck by the fact that virtually all the students [at IMPA] are extremely dedicated, spending several hours a day studying in the library, where the silence seems sacred. I think that those who study at IMPA realize that the popular idea that being hardworking is synonymous with being unintelligent is just a myth,” he concludes.

Now that he has completed his doctorate at IMPA, Bruno Madeira will dedicate himself to working with the Special Simulators Group at the Army Technological Center (CTEx), which conducts research and development in the area of simulation. “I believe that the knowledge of Computer Vision and Computer Graphics that I acquired at IMPA can be well used in the projects of this group.” However, he does not rule out a return to his studies. “I would be truly pleased to be able to return to IMPA in the future for a new research journey.”