Artist directed non-photorealistic rendering framework

PGR-P-1853

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Ongoing deadline
Project start date: Wednesday 1 October 2025
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Competition funded
Source of funding: University of Leeds
Supervisors: Dr Rafael Kuffner Dos Anjos
Additional supervisors: Dr Markus Billeter
Schools: School of Computer Science

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Non-photorealistic rendering (NPR) is an emerging approach in computer graphics, where visual content is synthesized not trying to replicate physical interactions between light and materials, but also enabling the expression of an artistic style or intent. Historically, this has been a field dominated by image processing algorithms. Currently the strongest trend being AI powered techniques, which have made their way into mobile devices and real-time camera filters. This style of approach focuses on transforming any image into an art piece, with no need for user input, simply providing a guidance original image, or general descriptions of the visual primitives (e.g. brush strokes, line drawings, color palette). However, precise user input is essential for expressing artistic intent. When pursuing a strong art direction or vision with non-photorealistic rendering, we must give artists control over the rendering process If non-photorealistic rendering has the goal of expressing artistic intent. Previous work that focused on providing artist control of certain shading aspects using an object-based approach has demonstrated success in creating results that can be used in toon-shaded animated content (e.g. games and animated movies) and creating results that are both temporally consistent and still capture the artists vision with limited input. This is a challenging scenario for image-space techniques. The cost of training neural network models that considers both time consistency and allows for user parameters to be provided is currently not feasible. A procedural solution that clearly exposes parameters of the rendering process would better fit production pipelines of entertainment studios and existing tools. This project will focus on developing novel NPR techniques that support artistic expression through flexible controls of an NPR pipeline, allowing for a variety of styles, algorithms, and media using an object-based approach and a custom rendering pipeline. Applicants should have an MSc in Computer science, with demonstrable practical experience in OpenGL/Vulkan or equivalent and theoretical knowledge of rendering pipelines and GPU programming is desirable.

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for PHD Computer Science FT, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Artist directed non-photorealistic rendering framework as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/computing/staff/9770/dr-rafael-kuffner-dos-anjos">Dr Rafael Kuffner dos Anjos</a> as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, please state clearly the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability. Applications will be considered aftere the closing date. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed. Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Monday 6 January 2025 if applying for the China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship, Monday 3 February 2025 if applying for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or Tuesday 1 April 2025 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship. If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application: <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline and a Masters' degree in Computer Science. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in writing and at least 6.0 in reading, listening and speaking or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply. UK – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a> (closing date: Monday 3 February 2025) and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> (closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025) are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. Non-UK – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China (closing date: Monday 6 January 2025). The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award. Important: Please note that that the award does not cover the costs associated with moving to the UK. All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

For further information about this project, please contact Dr Rafael Kuffner dos Anjos by email to <a href="mailto:R.KuffnerdosAnjos@leeds.ac.uk">R.KuffnerdosAnjos@leeds.ac.uk</a> For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>