BrainMap

Loretta Ichim

- UNIVERSITATEA NAȚIONALĂ DE ȘTIINȚĂ ȘI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREȘTI

Researcher | Teaching staff

Expertise & keywords

HALYomorpha halys IDentification: Innovative ICT tools for targeted monitoring and sustainable management of the brown marmorated stink bug and other pests Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET - COFUND
COFUND-ICT-AGRI-FOOD-HALY.ID 2020 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.haly-id.eu

Abstract:

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha halys (HH) is an emerging pest of global importance for many agricultural crops. Field monitoring is crucial to obtain information on the actual presence and abundance of HH in order to organize timely and proper management actions, also because chemical control is proved to be unsatisfactory. Driven by the quest of improving sustainability, we propose an autonomous field-monitoring system and an autonomous fruit-monitoring system to replace common human-based field monitoring of HH and detect the internally damaged fruits invisible to the naked-eye. This system is based on data collection and processing with new emerging technologies (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Vision sensors, spectroscopy, Edge Computing, LPWAN Communications, NIR-HSI, microwave/THz) enhanced by Algorithmic and Machine Learning techniques. The innovations achieved by this project will become the foundations for similar monitoring systems for other insect pests (e.g., the carrot fly and many more). A third-party trusted logbook of the leaded activities will be implemented, which will be also an independent outcome of the project. By integrating multidisciplinary competences, the project will empower farmers, advisors, and phytosanitary personnel for obtaining a reliable monitoring system that saves time, energy, and costs allowing to control the pest in a timely manner, reducing the number of treatments towards increasing sustainability of agroecosystem management. The end-consumers will benefit from a higher quality marketable fruit, and larger transparency on the fruit-production chain. The project will increase scientific knowledge posing the basis of an epidemiological model for HH. Open data will be made available via cloud repository to the scientific community.

Integrated system for the dynamic rating of high voltage electric power transmission lines based on the online monitoring of operating and environmental parameters Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2019-0529 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: NOVA INDUSTRIAL S.A.

Project partners: NOVA INDUSTRIAL S.A. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://novaindustrialsa.ro/sistem-integrat-pentru-incarcarea-in-regim-dinamic/

Abstract:

Current project aims to find and validate innovative solutions in order to develop an upgraded experimental model and a prototype for an „Integrated system for the dynamic rating of high voltage electric power transmission lines based on the online monitoring of operating and environmental parameters”, with direct application in the power field.

The upgrade of the system from level TRL 4 to TRL5 will be done by further development and supplementing the existing system of online monitoring of high-voltage overhead lines - NOVA OHLM (through research, development, testing and validating new hardware and software solutions) in order to provide the technology for overhead lines dynamic loading (DLR) depending on: environmental parameters, the power lines technical condition and respectively the primary apparatus technical characteristics (circuit breakers, disconnectors, current transformers) related to the transmission line connection circuits to the substations at both ends of the line.

The method’s originality consists in mixing several knowledge areas (IT&C, sensors, security of data transmission, etc.) and testing / validating various methods and models.

To achieve this goal the project benefits from NOVA INDUSTRIAL S.A.’s know-how and experience, company that:

• conceived, developed, delivered, installed, commissioned and put into current operation the equipment and software for the EMCSIT pilot project for the on -line monitoring of three high voltage electrical power stations belonging to CNTEE Transelectrica, the project being appreciated as a SMART GRIDS international premiere;

• designed and tested in the laboratories of UPB, ICPE, Nova Industrial the NOVA OHLM monitoring system.

The proposed project is based on creating a highly scientific and technological competence core team, in a Romanian company and in collaboration with UPB, resulting in a unique research project, based on the specific energy concept of SMART GRIDS.

Intelligent and distributed control of 3 complex autonomous systems integrated into emerging technologies for medical-social personal assistance and servicing of precision flexible manufacturing lines Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0290 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA "DUNAREA DE JOS"

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA "DUNAREA DE JOS" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "VALAHIA" TARGOVISTE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DIN CRAIOVA (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.cidsacteh.ugal.ro

Abstract:

It proposes the intelligent and distributed control of 3 complex autonomous systems,CAS,mobile robotic platforms equipped with manipulator,integrated into new technologies for personal assistance and service of precision flexible manufacturing lines for reusable products:1)Intelligent wheelchair,CAS-IW,for people with severe disabilities.Assistance and navigation technology is video-biometric.2)Personal robotic assistant,CAS-PRA,is an autonomous robotic platform,with two driving wheels,one or two free wheels and manipulator.Assistance technology is made for the elderly and disabled,in hospital or at home.The main capabilities are:obstacle avoidance navigation,locomotory,sensory,cognitive prosthesis,medical parameters monitoring,voice command recognition.3)Multidirectional autonomous vehicle,CAS-MAV,with 4 driving multidirectional wheels and manipulator,has an assistive technology capable of:transportation,towing medical stretcher, in/out door hospital and rescue on rough terrain.At CAS-PRA and MAV,the control and navigation structure is based on advanced control, ultrasound,laser and visual serving systems to avoid obstacles,localisation and manipulation.CAS-IW,PRA,MAV will be tested in hospitals in Bucharest,Craiova,Galaţi and Târgoviste.CAS-PRA and CAS-MAV will integrate in flexible manufacturing technologies,on assembly and processing lines,laboratory (mechatronics) and industrial lines.The lines become reversible,running disassembly or processing again.Disassembly or reprocessing is performed when the final product does not qualitatively fit,for reusing subassemblies or reprocessing.The technology is hybrid,the manufacturing lines are the discrete part and the CAS continuous one.The technology operates synchronised with the signals from the sensors and from the servoing visual systems.CAS-PRA and VAM will be integrated into industrial manufacturing lines of welding car body,engine assembly and equipping of the models:DACIA Duster Pitesti and Ford B-max Craiova.

Integrated Multi – Agent Aerial Robotic System for Exploring Terrestrial Regions of Interest Call name:
2016 - 2019

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (); AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS SRL ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI ()

Project website:

Abstract:

Multi-drones system for evaluation of flood effects Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Transfer de cunoaștere la agentul economic „Bridge Grant”
PN-III-P2-2.1-BG-2016-0318 2016 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); A.F.T. DESIGN SRL (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://imtt.pub.ro/cercetare/proiecte/simul/ ……

Abstract:

This project aims to offer an optimal solution for flood detection and the subsequent area evaluation through up-to-date ICT. Based on previous results of the partners and on the state of the art, this project proposes a functional model for a collaborative multi-drone system (SIMUL) with video payload in or outside visible spectrum. The specific objectives of the project are: a) implementation of a communication module; b) writing a toolbox of algorithms for image analysis such that flood areas can be detected, isolated and evaluated; c) the design of a GCS module able to control multiple drones; d) implementation and testing SIMUL. The project follows the general objectives of the call. Taking into account the production and research activities of the partner, the project objectives validate the current needs of AFT: a) The design of a mobile GCS able to simultaneously control multiple drones; b) The possibility that a particular drone can switch from one GCS module to another (the control and communication radius is greatly expanded), c) The possibility of drone inter-communication, d) The implementation of algorithms for detection, isolation and automated evaluation of flood areas from the images. The economic agent, AFT Design has the necessary technology to implement the solution proposed by the coordinator. In addition, the coordinator, through the resources of the laboratories of the Automatic Control and Computer Science Faculty and new Center of interdisciplinary research activities PRECIS is able to design and implement, in conjunction with the partner, the functional model SIMUL.The desired impact will be two-pronged: at the economical level for AFT and at the research level, in the area of multi-agent aerial systems. The extension to satellite assisted navigation for the drone team is in agreement with the current ESA projects. Also, the project may lead to major improvements in salvage operations for both valuables and people affected by floods.

A Context Management Middleware Servicing Ambient Intelligence Applications Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1753 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://aimas.cs.pub.ro/consert

Abstract:

Ambient Intelligence (AmI) has nowadays matured enough to become the focus of industry-level projects and European support directives.

A foundational subdomain of AmI is that of context management and context-aware computing (provide applications and users with the right information, at the right time, and in the right way).

Context Management covers many research aspects from knowledge representation and reasoning issues to information management concerns. A clear separation of concerns between the main application functionality and contextual adaptation is needed.

Thus, the objective of this project is the creation of an open source context management middleware solution presenting rich features that alleviate context-aware application development.

Work is based on an existing platform called CONSERT, recently developed in the AIMAS research group of UPB. The current project improves upon CONSERT with: (1) performance improvement and modularisation of the reasoning engine to support applications of variable complexity requirements, (2) development of an integrated development environment (IDE) for context modeling and deployment to facilitate context-aware application programming based on the CONSERT Middleware, (3) advanced options for OSGi and Docker based deployments of CONSERT processing units to address dynamic change of context within an application (e.g. change of location, change of activity), and (4) development of two test applications: Smart Meeting Support for activity monitoring of students and teachers on a campus, and Smart Home User Support for adequate dynamic configuration of services offered in an ambient intelligence environment to assist users at home.

An open web-platform (CONSERT Store) will be setup where software components and configurations of CONSERT processing units can be shared by developers.

Smart multisensor network for indoor monitoring Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Cecuri de inovare
PN-III-P2-2.1-CI-2017-0508 2017 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: SOCIETATEA DE INGINERIE SISTEME * SIS S.A.

Project partners: SOCIETATEA DE INGINERIE SISTEME * SIS S.A. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA "VALAHIA" TARGOVISTE (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA "VALAHIA" TARGOVISTE (RO)

Project website: http://smard.valahia.ro/

Abstract:

The project starts from the need for environmental monitoring of indoor living or working to improve the quality of life. The final product of the project is required by SME for the development and modernization of current sensor integration solutions, automation and communication features through the inclusion of artificial intelligence and the Internet. Thus, it can create for company a market sales and higher turnover. The main objective of the project is to implement an intelligent wireless sensor network, scalable, connected to a remote computer via the Internet or a smart phone. The network contains more intelligent multisensory nodes (NMSI) and a central network management node connected via the internet to a server accessible to administrator / via GSM to a smartphone accessible to user. The concept includes location of a NMSI in every room of the building / housing, having multiple sensory functions. The services performed by the research unit are in compliance with the specific objectives: design, implementation, testing and validating the functional model of network and technology transfer to manufacturing unit. The innovative aspect consists in achieving an intelligent wireless sensor network, configurable and scalable. The commercial and technological risk are insignificant. The product is designed both residential buildings and office buildings and the estimated price is competitive. Through flexibility is ensured competitiveness for a long time. The implementation team consists of six members: two professors, three lecturers and one PhD student. The implementation team and the service provider have experience in project topic (previous projects, monographs, journal papers and international conferences). For solutions of functional modules of the network will be submitted patent applications.

FPGA-based multifunction module for image processing in industrial robotics Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Cecuri de inovare
PN-III-P2-2.1-CI-2017-0523 2017 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: ASTI CONTROL SA

Project partners: ASTI CONTROL SA (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://imtt.pub.ro/cercetare/proiecte/prima/

Abstract:

The project starts from the need to implement a flexible module, (re)configurable software, for real-time image processing with applications in the control of industrial robots. The final product of the project, requested by SMEs for the development and modernization of the present solutions of the image-based robotic control, will be based on FPGA. It will be designed for production lines or robotic control of different industries and laboratories for teaching or research in higher technical education. Thus, it can create for the company a market and a higher turnover. The main objective of the project is to design and implement a module with open structure, consisting of a hardware part and a software part, that allows to identify an object on a conveyor belt and manipulating the object using an industrial robotic arm. The multifunctional image processing module (PRIMA) is configurable, able to process images at a rate of two frames per second and to produce commands to a robotic arm that manipulate objects on a conveyor belt. The services are conducted in accordance with the specific objectives: design, implementation, testing and validating the experimental model PRIMA and technology transfer to SME. The innovative aspect lies in own image processing algorithms, implemented on FPGA. Both the commercial and technological risk are insignificant. Flexibility ensures competitiveness for a long time. The research team consists of three members: professor, associate professor and lecturer. Implementation team and the service provider have experience in project theme (previous projects, monographs, articles in journals and international conferences). It will be submitted a patent claim for the implemented solution.

Multispectral system for monitoring of critical area in the energy field. Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Cecuri de inovare
PN-III-P2-2.1-CI-2017-0638 2017 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: SONERG TRADING SRL

Project partners: SONERG TRADING SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://imtt.pub.ro/cercetare/proiecte/smart/

Abstract:

Taking into account the need to develop modern monitoring systems in the energy field, in this project it is proposed to design and implement a multispectral system, based on real-time image analysis, for the automatic detection of unauthorized people in areas near some energy objectives. The final result will be the hardware and software experimental model of the system.

The monitoring is done continuously (7/24) with remote alerts via GSM / Internet and is based on the fusion of data from the visual and thermal spectra acquired by two cameras (one in the visual spectrum and the other thermal). The system is characterized by flexibility, real time processing of images and increased accuracy. The final customer for the SMART system is the carrier or the manufacturer of electricity from a smart power system. The specific objectives of the project, corresponding to the main activities, are the following: Establishing the classes of scenarios required by concrete applications; Establishing the hardware / software architecture of the system; Elaboration of algorithms for image processing and interpretation in the visible and thermal spectrum; Hardware / software implementation of the system as an experimental model; Testing and validating system functionality; Elaboration of specific documentation and technological transfer to the beneficiary. Innovative aspects relate to the implementation of efficient image processing algorithms on the FPGA, which fused the relevant thermal, chromatic and spatial information: LBP, HOG, co-occurrence matrix and color fractals. The product is important due to its economic and social impact both on the producer and on the final beneficiary. The project implementation team consists of 3 experienced members in the field of image processing (one professor, one assistant professor and one lecturer) and a PhD student, from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest.

CALCULOS - Cloud Architecture for an open Library of Complex re-Usable Logical function blocks for Optimized Systems Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2123 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE IN INFORMATICA - ICI BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE IN INFORMATICA - ICI BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); SOCIETATEA DE INGINERIE SISTEME * SIS S.A. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://calculos.ici.ro/

Abstract:

The most efficient automatic systems dedicated to the control of industrial processes are nowadays characterized by a hierarchical structure containing at least two automatization levels: an executive level, responsible for the classical control of the main process parameters, and a supervisory level, responsible for monitoring the installations and for decision-making[27, 5, 6]. However, most of industrial processes need a system with a more advanced control, able to improve and optimize their operation. Unfortunately, the efficiency of algorithms decreases with increasing systems complexity[3, 4, 7]. Periodical control system maintenance and upgrades are necessary, which are expensive and time consuming to be performed. The technology based on Cloud Computing offers services based on Internet protocols, which allow the access to scalable and virtual resources. A main outcome of the CALCULOS project will be an open platform of Cloud services, which will offer service packages for modeling and computing with complex algorithms, able to ensure optimized operation and adequate behavior in faulty conditions or major hazard situations. These algorithms will be standardized as block functions, according to the IEC 61499 standard, in order to be compatible, and usable in any control system. As an open platform which can be accessed from anywhere, various user classes could improve or adapt certain services and algorithms in order to satisfy the final clients/users needs. The CALCULOS end-users will be industrial clients, who could also cooperate to achieve or improve certain control solutions. The main users of the CALCULOS platform will be groups of engineers who cooperate for finding the best control solution in each specific application. The project proposes and integrates innovatory components, thus contributing to the improvement of the analysis, design and simulation of control systems, and to an increase of reliability, robustness and efficiency of the controlled industrial processes.

Multisensory robotic system for aerial monitoring of critical infrastructure systems Call name:
ROSA / 71/2013 2013 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (); TEAMNET INTERNATIONAL SA ()

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI ()

Project website: https://trimis.ec.europa.eu/project/multisensory-robotic-system-aerial-monitoring-critical-infrastructure-systems

Abstract:

(MUROS) project is to develop a surveillance and monitoring system with unmanned aerial platforms for monitoring, preventing and mitigatiting incidents which have an impact on critical infrastructure (transport routes for oil products, railways, power lines, highways etc.).

The result of the “Multisensory robotic system for aerial monitoring of critical infrastructure systems” project is represented by the experimental model of the multisensory robotic system for monitoring critical infrastructures used for monitoring, preventing and combating incidents which have an impact on critical infrastructure (transport routes for oil products, railways, power lines, highways, etc.). The main components of the search and monitoring system with unmanned aerial vehicles are:

- Unmanned aerial vehicle (aircraft) (UAV – Unmanned aerial vehicle);

- Communications system (Data Link);

- Command and control center for the aerial vehicle;

According to TRL in the ESA, we estimate the TRL to be achieved as 6 (experimental model demonstration in a relevant environment) and the start level 1 (basic requirements and principles). To solve this problem Project activities are organized in the 6 work packages which are grouped in 3 phases: Phase 1 - Specifications (functional requirements, conceptual model and methods and algorithms for control, acquisition, processing and transmission of data), Phase 2 – Implementation (MUROS design, developing MUROS functional model, achievement of MUROS experimental model), Phase 3 – Validation (Testing and validation MUROS in different case studies).

The originality and innovative character of the project are given by the following elements:

1. Automatic launch and landing of the aerial vehicle;

2. Solutions for collecting and transmitting high resolution video images to long distances;

3. Correlate information collected by the aerial vehicle with the land sensors network;

4. Command center with a flexible architecture which shall allow the possibility to coordinate land and aerial sensors systems;

5. Ensure the security of the aerial vehicle by implementing specific recovery algorithms in case of damage;

6. Create excellence through innovation on national levels in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles in order to improve social qualities with capitalization potential in the social-economical practice.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects