Leveraging Visual Data Intelligently – From Capture to Interaction
Research focus areas
We develop methods and applications and conduct projects for the acquisition, processing and analysis of visual data, as well as for the visualization of other data modalities. We automate and enhance the way humans interpret information derived from image and video material, present it in an accessible and comprehensible manner, and make it available for interactive use.
Our specific areas of expertise:
- Computer Graphics:
Modeling (including procedural modeling), rendering (shading, lighting, texture mapping, ray tracing and rasterization), and animation (keyframe animation, motion capture, and physics-based simulation). - Computer Vision:
Development of algorithms for both conventional and automated detection and analysis of objects, patterns, and motion in image and video data. - Image Processing:
Processing of visual data to enhance image quality, segment relevant structures, and prepare data for further analytical workflows. - Visualization & Visual Analytics:
Visual representation of complex, often multidimensional datasets to enable intuitive identification of relationships, trends, and anomalies—both in static and interactive formats. - Real-Time Computer Vision, Machine Learning & Deep Learning:
Integration of image analysis techniques with learning systems to interpret visual data in real time, for example in surveillance, robotics, and human–computer interaction applications.
Projects
Serai Care
Turning ordinary homes to smart homes to detect and prevent falls for older adults
- Institute
- Institute of Interactive Technologies
- Research field
- Extended Reality (XR), Visual Computing, Digital Experience Design
Teatime - Mental Health for Teachers
According to a 2014 study, 30% of all teachers in Switzerland are at risk of burnout. With TEATIME, we are developing a smartphone app to promote the mental health of teachers.
- Institute
- Institute of Interactive Technologies
- Research field
- Requirements and Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Digital Experience Design, Visual Computing
Scalable GenXR: Generative AI for extended reality in retail
Scalable GenXR—Generative AI for Extended Reality—explores novel methods for transforming one or a few 2D product images into high-quality 3D models for augmented and extended reality. The project aims to enable largely automated, scalable and sustainable 3D content creation for retail and beyond by reducing manual processing and improving energy efficiency.
- Institute
- Institute of Interactive Technologies
- Research field
- Extended Reality (XR), Visual Computing, Spatial Computing and 3D-Technologies
Machine Learning for Real-Time Solar Flare Detection
Machine Learning turns complex space telescope sensor data into near real-time insights and images for research and industry.
- Research field
- Astroinformatics and Space Sciences, Visual Computing
LiSi – Light Simulation in Configurable Lighting Systems
LiSi brings professional lighting systems to the web: By combining web based system configuration with physically accurate light simulation in real-time, the project enables interactive and lighting design directly in the browser.
- Institute
- Institute of Interactive Technologies
- Research field
- Visual Computing
Degree programmes offerings
Bachelor of Science
Game Technologies & Extended Reality
- Studying mode
- Practice-integrated bachelor's degree program (PiBS), Part-time/work-study, Full-time
- Teaching language
- German, English
- Place
- Brugg-Windisch
- Next start
- 1.3.2027
Bachelor of Science
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Studying mode
- Practice-integrated bachelor's degree program (PiBS), Part-time/work-study, Full-time
- Teaching language
- German, English
- Place
- Brugg-Windisch
- Next start
- 1.3.2027
Bachelor of Science
Computer Science
- Studying mode
- Practice-integrated bachelor's degree program (PiBS), Part-time/work-study, Full-time
- Teaching language
- German, English
- Place
- Brugg-Windisch, Basel
- Next start
- 1.3.2027
Contact us
For further information about the School of Computer Science FHNW or to discuss a potential collaboration, please contact us:
Prof. Dr. Hilko Cords
Lecturer Visual Computing
- Phone
- +41 56 202 87 48 (Direct)
- hilko.cords@fhnw.ch
Our School
School of Computer Science
inspiring, deep, connected










