Thesis and Research Project Topics

Research Project / Thesis

This topic explores different methods of guiding visitors through an augmented exhibition-an exhibition that significantly relies on the virtual extension of a physical exhibition space through mixed reality technologies, incorporating 4E storytelling principles. Virtual content can be placed in situ and precisely aligned with the spatial conditions and artefacts of the real environment. In this way, the virtual layer complements the fragmentary nature of the physical exhibition.

Within this context, the question arises of how visitors can be guided through such an exhibition. What possibilities emerge from this hybrid narrative space, in which physical and virtual elements intertwine? To what extent can different media be employed for different forms of guidance? Which narrative structures are supported by this medium? How can such a form of guidance be designed and implemented in practice? And how can these concepts be communicated both to specific visitor groups and to curators?

All of these questions can be addressed within the framework of a primarily conceptual research topic. A research-through-design approach appears particularly suitable, as it allows the exploration, development, and evaluation of guiding concepts through iterative design and prototyping.

Domain: Museum

Contact:

Fabian Töpfer

fabian.toepfer@tu-dresden.de

Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Research Project

This project focuses on enabling efficient alpha channel streaming for XR applications, a feature for rendering realistic passthrough on PCVR. Alpha channel data is essential for achieving realistic visuals, dynamic lighting, and seamless blending of virtual and physical elements in XR environments. However, streaming high-resolution video (e.g., 2x4K) with alpha channels presents significant challenges, including high bandwidth usage, codec limitations, and the need for real-time performance. The goal of this project is to explore and develop solutions that implement alpha channel streaming by leveraging modern video codecs (e.g., VVC/H.266) and real-time rendering tools. By addressing these challenges, the project aims to enhance the quality and realism of PC based XR experiences while simultaneously reducing bandwidth requirements.

Technical Focus Areas:

• Unity Integration: Developing a custom encoder/decoder plugin for Unity to handle alpha channel data efficiently on PC and Meta Quest 3

• Video Streaming: Ensuring latency remains below 100ms to maintain real-time performance.

• Optimization: Leveraging modern codecs like VVC/H.266 or other smart packaging approaches to reduce bandwidth usage while preserving high-quality visuals.

Resources to look into:

https:// github.com/alvr-org/ALVR

https://gstreamer.freedesktop.org/ + https://github.com/sealfoss/GstUnityPlugin

https:// fluendo.com/blog/alpha-channel-for-vvc/

Contact: Daniel Zeidler

Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Research Project

This topic explores an extended reality storytelling experience in which users move through a non-Euclidean virtual environment shaped by generative AI. A story is initiated by the user or selected from predefined prompts, after which language generation creates narrative segments, text-to-speech delivers guidance and atmosphere, and image generation produces the visual content of each space, shown as stereoscopic depth images.
As users explore a room, the system prepares multiple possible continuations, allowing progression through branching choices in a choose-your-own-adventure format, including the option to actively influence the next turn of the story. The focus lies on designing and evaluating this interactive narrative system with regard to immersion, coherence, user agency, spatial experience, and overall acceptance.

Contact: Florian Schier and Kelsang Mende

Master Thesis, Research Project

This topic explores how XR head-mounted displays can support people with severe cataract during object search and manipulation tasks by providing simplified visual guidance directly in the user's field of view. The focus is on designing and evaluating overlays that highlight relevant objects, guide users through intuitive cues, and integrate accessibility features. Furthermore, visualizations of the users performance and e.g. motion information shall be summarized in a visual performance board. The concept is to be assessed with participants wearing cataract-emulating glasses, measuring effects such as task performance, usability, and usage intention.

Contact: Florian Schier and Kelsang Mende

Bachelor Thesis, Master Thesis, Research Project

Bachelor Thesis, Research Project

The Retro Reboot installation is an interactive exhibit developed at TU Dresden's Interactive Science Lab (CIDS) that explores the historical transition from mechanical to electronic computing - specifically the D4a, a precursor to the modern PC on which programs were encoded as punch tape. Visitors can punch their own strips and have them read out, choosing between mathematical calculations, a drum machine, or pixel graphics.

This project offers the opportunity to extend and evolve the installation concept - from rethinking the interaction design to developing new software samples and creating additional program modes. The goal is to deepen and broaden the exhibit's educational and creative potential while maintaining its hands-on, tangible approach to teaching computational history.

Focus Areas:

• Interaction Concept: Rethinking or extending how visitors engage with punch tape and the D4a principle
• Software Samples: Developing new program modes (e.g., beyond math, drum machine, and pixel graphics)

Resources to look into: https://dataspaces.cids.tu-dresden.de/de/exhibits/retroReboot/ https://tu-dresden.de/ing/informatik/smt/im/projects/isl/24_Dataspaces

Contact: Brian Eschrich