Job Description

Even if image forensics is quite a new topic, some commercial products already exist. Nonetheless, several open problems still exist:

The automation of analysis modules;
The integration of such tools in standards, in particular of source coding; extension to video;
The robustness of such tools against advanced attackers, themselves experts in image forensics (i.e. counter-forensics).

In this work, the Ph.D student will mainly focus on the automatic detection of image manipulations, according to the following three axes:

Automation

Currently, tools in image forensics require some manual steps that can be done by trained photo-experts. Automation of such tasks would save time, reduce costs attached to training and facilitate the spread of such tools to larger audiences with some new potential domains of application (e.g. social networks).

Robustness

Currently, tools work under the assumption that image manipulations are performed to fool human perception, with no assumption on the possible existence of digital detectors. In the close future, one can imagine that attacks will be improved so that they are undetectable by both humans and machines.

We may distinguish between different levels of manipulations:

Basic and global processing like source coding or zoom;
Advanced and local processing like cut & paste operations, inpainting.

Video

The current tools are dealing with still images. Nevertheless, videos are more and more important. Extension of algorithms from images to videos is then a priority.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to read the following reference for more information about the exact topic :
Digital image forensics: a booklet for beginners

JA Redi, W Taktak, J.-L. Dugelay J. Multimedia Tools and Applications 51 (1), 133-162

This thesis is granted by the National French Military Research Center.


Requirements
Education Level / Degree: Computer Engineering or Master Degree (with honors); English is mandatory, French is just a plus. Nationality: European countries.

Application
The application must include: • Curriculum Vitae • Names and addresses of two references.
Applications should be submitted by e-mail to Professor Jean-Luc DUGELAY, jld@eurecom.fr.

This thesis is granted by the National French Military Research Center. Gross monthly salary: 1760 euros. Application deadline: 1 May 2015. Starting date : 1 October 2015.

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