From the advanced depth cameras in today's smartphones to the 3D sensors of next-gen autonomous vehicles, 3D sensing has already begun to revolutionize the way we sense the world. This, however, is just the beginning: cameras that can see in pitch-black darkness and around corners, depth sensors with sub-micron accuracy or a range of several kilometres, and cameras that can see under the skin are already becoming a reality. Key to these developments is the rapid convergence of optics, photonics, sensing, and computation.
This seminar course will provide an in-depth look at 3D sensing and related technologies, and the computational techniques used to model and exploit them. Specific topics will include "extreme imaging" with single-photon detectors; principles of time-of-flight imaging and LiDAR; structured-light imaging; 3D imaging through scattering media; and imaging around corners. Class format will be discussion based, with approximately one paper covered per week and a term project.