Using an open-source GIS environment GRASS as a baseline we developed for the needs of Mobitel / Telekom Slovenije a software tool for radio coverage calculation based on models such as Okumura-Hata, Walfish-Ikegami and model 9999 as well as on ray-tracing algorithms. The tool is suitable for radio network planning in various mobile and wireless networks including GSM, UMTS, WiFi, WiMAX and LTE. The tool is based on a fully modular approach and enables upgrading, it is independent of any particular technology and suitable for parallel, multiprocessor execution. The tool is integrated as a separate module in the software package for monitoring radio networks and in daily use by the largest mobile operator in Slovenia. We developed also a module for calculating signal coverage for broadcasting services and sped up the calculation of ray tracing method by parallel implementation on graphics processing unit. We have also prepared a user-friendly version of GRASS-RaPlaT tool, which is openly accessible from the JSI website.
F.06 Development of a new product
COBISS.SI-ID: 27150119We have developed and upgraded a sensor platform VESNA, distinguished by high processing capability, low power consumption and compatibility with a wide range of communication technologies. Modular design and open specifications of hardware and software provide easy and efficient adaptability for use in research, development or final products. With vertical integration of wireless sensor networks technologies and semantic technologies, as well as with the use of machine learning and decision making algorithms, the platform supports a concept of service-oriented sensor network. We developed a set of expansion boards that allow the realization of application specific functionality and transition into other communications networks. Through a series of digital and analogue interfaces the platform supports a wide range of sensors and actuators.
F.08 Development and manufacture of a prototype
COBISS.SI-ID: 26851879In collaboration with the Municipality of Logatec and Public Utilities Company Logatec we set up an open sensor network testbed LOG-a-TEC, which allows the detection and analysis of availability of radio spectrum in the ISM and UHF frequency bands and is based on the sensor platform VESNA developed at JSI. The LOG-a-TEC testbed is part of the FP7 project CREW from the European initiative FIRE, dedicated to experimentally driven research and development in the fields of cognitive radio and cognitive networks. It also allows evaluation of technologies, devices, algorithms and protocols in the domain of Internet of Things. As the only experimental network for cognitive radio networking operating in the real outdoor environment, it is available for both national and foreign research groups.
F.08 Development and manufacture of a prototype
COBISS.SI-ID: 27037223Significant research and development success represents a grant of two patents by the U.S. Patent Office. The first patent relates to an iterative method, which enables efficient position determination of the 4G mobile station. The method is based on measurement of the power of the received signal from at least two base stations which are positioned in different directions and have different distance from the mobile station. The second patent was granted for a method that supports automatic setup and optimization of a new base station parameters in the wireless cellular telecommunication network. The method is based on automatically obtained data on the location of new base stations and the location of neighboring base stations and the list of available frequencies, which allow calculation of the optimal radio parameters, used in the process of automatic setting of the new base station. Both patents were originally developed in cooperation with the Slovenian companiy 4G Neuron, subsequently taken over by the American company Accelera Mobile Broadband, Inc., which gives the patents greater potential to penetrate the global market.
F.32 International patent
COBISS.SI-ID: 23790631During the past five years, members of the programme group were collaborators or project leaders in the following FP6 and FP7 projects at the Jožef Stefan Institute: FP6 SatNEx II, FP7 AgroSense, FP7 IDEALIST2011, FP7 ACTIVE, FP7 PlanetData, FP7 BalkanGEONet, FP7 Absolute, FP7 CREW, FP7 CITI-SENSE, FP7 SUNSEED and ESA PECS project SatProSi. Members of the programme group were also national representatives or management committee members in the following COST Actions: COST 290, COST 297, COST 2100, COST IC0802, COST IC0902, COST IC0906, COST IC1004, COST IC1101 and COST IC1104. The result of participation in international projects is transfer of the expert knowledge and new scientific achievements from the fields of wireless communications, cognitive radio and sensor networks to the national environment through projects for the companies such as Telekom Slovenije, Mobitel, Telsima, 4G Neuron, XLAB, Cosylab, Computel and Adria Mobil, and through the ICT Technology Network or Competence centre OPCOMM, where we cooperated with companies Alpineon, Špica International, Iskratel and Iskra Sistemi. Knowledge transfer was also carried out through the educational and mentoring activities, particularly within the Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School.
F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge
COBISS.SI-ID: 23415591