Research

Laboratory Personel

Emmanouil Michailidis

Postdoc

Konstantinos Manolarakis

Research Associate

Nikolaos Angelis

PhD Candidate

External Link

Michail Karavolos

PhD Candidate

External Link

Manolis Tampouratzis

PhD Candidate

Lefteris Tsipis

PhD Candidate

Grigorios Papaioannou

PhD Candidate

Maria Volakaki

PhD Candidate

Great lab Personnel!

Those are the members of Computer and Communication Systems Laboratory (CCSL).

If you want to learn more visit the lab site, here.

International R&D Projects

• ERMIS (2023 - 2025)

  Hellenic Cubesat Demonstration Mission (European Space Agency - ESA), Greek Cubesats In-Orbit Validation Projects

  Greece is investing in secure space connectivity through its ERF contributions as well as through its Greecom initiative which includes the development of a space and ground secure connectivity infrastructure which includes a space segment in LEO and GEO. ERMIS – Hellenic Cubesat Demonstration Mission will demonstrate key space communications, applications and smallsat technologies using an innovative and low risk approach through the development of a pilot cubesat constellation with 3 nanosatellites (6U in size) to demonstrate pilot activities linked to space connectivity, Greecom, IRIS2 (EU connectivity initiative) and satellite communications growth.

  The ERMIS project [Hellenic Cubesat Demonstration Mission] will demonstrate the following features:

  1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) 5G-IoT Communication services using a constellation of three 6U cubesats
  2. Niche optical laser communication payload demonstrating 1 Gbps downlink to the Helmos OGS
  3. Hyperspectral EO applications focused on Greek/European needs using COTS payloads
  4. State-of-the-art FPGA accelerators of CCSDS algorithms for onboard payload data processing
  5. In orbit demonstration/validation of Greek payloads (radiation, OBC, ADCS, communications)
  6. Development and testing of cubesat platform, payload and ground segment capabilities and skills unique to Greece and Europe
  7. Create a new space technology/applications ecosystem of Greek SMEs and academia
  8. Development of new space connectivity capacities in Greece (satellite/communications technology, Payload clean room, smallsat ground station)
• SCOTSS (2023 - 2025)

  SChool Of Tomorrow Space and Social inclusion (European Space Agency - ESA), Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS)

  The project proposes a 5G-enabled, satellite-supported educational platform, that: provides an advanced school experience to students without access to advanced educational services; introduces space, human spaceflight and satellites as a hands-on educational topic; utilizes earth observation and satellite navigation services to implement a novel educational approach with the goal to increase student awareness on environmental issues.

  The solution relies on an educational platform that supports hybrid educational schemes aiming to both facilitate a smooth transition to the post Covid-19 era that will prevent a learning crisis, but also to redesign the conventional learning and teaching processes with the scope of addressing issues that have been a subject of discussion for several years, like preventing dropouts or reducing the exclusion rates in education. The platform will provide a set of solutions concerning both the teaching and learning process that is based on emotional and cognitive learning analytics within the context of flipped learning in a virtual or hybrid educational scheme. The efficient design of the platform prerequisites the effective combination of the pedagogical aspects with emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR).

• CGS (2023 - 2024)

  Cyprus GOVSATCOM Study (European Space Agency - ESA), Plan for European Cooperating States (PECS) Cyprus

  The objective of the study is to assist the efficient integration of Cyprus into GOVSATCOM and IRIS² in an effort to enable the local industry to participate in the aforementioned programs. The study will:

  • Provide an overview of the local institutional users such as governmental, military and private organisations and a preliminary assessment of their user requirements (UR),
  • Define the required local infrastructure and security requirements that need to be developed and deployed to integrate Cyprus to the EU GOVSATCOM Hub and Union Secure Connectivity (USC) and examine how this interconnection should be efficiently established and managed.
  • Define the methodology for sharing allocated capacity to competing user requests, e.g., ARTES 4S and Pooling and Sharing programmes.
  • Evaluate the network deployment plans of the Cyprus Quantum Communication Infrastructure (through CYQCI, CyOGS and MOGS-CyX projects) and propose an expansion plan of the local QCI based on the findings of point (b).List and describe the challenges as well as the benefits of enhancing GOVSATOM with quantum cybersecurity through a secure-by-design approach for the infrastructure where the system will bring an unprecedented security level to its users. Map the Cypriot capabilities to existing players in ESA member states to identify potential synergies, partnerships and collaborations and capitalise on existing synergies with GR, DE, ES, BE and LU.
  • Define ways to demonstrate Satcom capabilities to institutional users that are not already using Satcom,
  • Suggest how the local industry ecosystem can be engaged to develop downstream applications for eligible users utilizing these new resources,
  • Provide a preliminary assessment of the relative costs that the local authorities need to invest (based on the feedback received from the questionnaire to the potential users).

  This study will provide a roadmap to ensure a complimentary link with the EU GOVSATCOM, Union Secure Connectivity (USC), IRIS² programme activities. This is a unique opportunity for Cyprus to leverage these major new EU programmes and with the assistance of ESA experts to strengthen the industrial base required to achieve successful integration into ESA programmes in the future.

• CyOGS (2023 - 2024)

  Cyprus Optical Ground Station (European Space Agency - ESA), Plan for European Cooperating States (PECS) Cyprus

  The objective of the proposed activity is to define use cases of an optical ground station (OGS) in relation with quantum key distribution (QKD), e.g. to connect a national quantum network to the European quantum infrastructure. To this end, user security and system capacity requirements will be defined, weather statistics and further natural phenomena which effect atmospheric losses over Cyprus will be determined and a LEO/GEO link budget will be provided – all of this in the context of European Quantum Communication developments (Digital Europe Programme) as well as ESA’s SAGA activities.

  CyOGS will study the environmental and technical parameters/requirements for Cyprus in order to establish a reliable free-space optical channel for QKD which will be able to withstand the turbulence nature while maintaining extremely low losses. This feasibility study aims to establish what design aspects are important for the OGS system and to provide important information of the QKD link. The quantum bit-error-rate (QBER) provides information about how much is received correctly to ensure key security by effectively detecting eavesdropping based on a QBER threshold. If the threshold is exceeded, the key shall be rejected. Our approach is to perform the user-requirement analysis and system specification of the Optical Ground Station for Cyprus based on a number of parameters.

• DEGREES (2022 - 2023)

  Development and Evolution of the GREEk Governmental Satcom (European Space Agency - ESA)

  The project aims at the development of a new service, a cyber-physical platform that enhances the security over satellite public safety networks utilizing intelligent algorithms for anomaly detection, timely incident identification/notification, and efficient data routing. DEGREES will introduce new services to support crisis management through a communication framework with reinforced security and increased reliability.

  The DEGREES platform consists of four main high-level components:

  • The GreeCom Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
  • The GreeCom Cloud
  • The GreeCom Network orchestrator
  • Satellite Network

  DEGREES has the objective to introduce a service able to support the satellite platform in satisfying the aforementioned security requirements. The DEGREES platform treats three of the call objectives on the GreeCom Ground Segment, namely (and in priority order):

  • Cybersecurity
  • Data routing and communication interface
  • Public safety center for disaster management
• SMART (2022)

  Satellite MAnagement Resources Tool (European Space Agency - ESA)

  The SMART project targets the design, development, integration and operational verification of a holistic user and resource communication service manager platform. The SMART solution is envisioned as a web application tool, which enhances GreeCom resilience, performance and security with the following functionalities:

  • Data network management and provisioning
  • Bandwidth/Capacity resource planning and allocation
  • Spectrum and resource analysis using the Software Defined Radio (SDR) paradigm
  • Optimized resource scheduling and allocation
  • Automated ground segment control and monitoring
  • A study on the definition of use cases addressed by a future Greecom network expansion and the technical requirements for the expansion will run in parallel to the SMART project objectives
• NEoteRIC (2020 - 2023)

  Neuromorphic Reconfigurable Integrated Photonic Circuits As Artificial Image Processor (Horizon 2020)

  NEoteRIC is a European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 871330.

  NEoteRIC’s primary objective is the generation of holistic photonic machine learning paradigms that will address demanding imaging applications in an unconventional approach providing paramount frame rate increase, classification performance enhancement and orders of magnitude lower power consumption compared to the state-of-the-art machine learning approaches.

  NEoteRIC’s implementation stratagem incorporates multiple innovations spanning from the photonic “transistor” level and extending up to the system architectural level, thus paving new, unconventional routes to neuromorphic performance enhancement.

• SAFERtec (2017 - 2019)

  Security Assurance Framework for Networked Vehicular Technology (Horizon 2020)

  SAFERtec is a European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 732319.

  Modern vehicles are becoming increasingly capable of establishing connectivity that allows the rich-information exchange between them and road infrastructure units. The so-called ‘connected-vehicles’ paradigm can bring-about an enormous potential towards safer transportation only if the involved security needs against a variety of ‘new’ threats are confidently satisfied.

  The SAFERtec project seeks to in-depth explore the involved vulnerabilities of connected vehicles, apply innovative techniques for attack modeling, experimentally validate the quantification of security assurance levels and also contribute to relevant standards. With a total budget of 3.8 million Euros funded by the European Commission, 9 partners of industrial, SME and academic profile coming from 6 different countries join their expertise to contribute to the vision of introducing a security assurance framework tailored for future networked vehicular technology.

  The area of Automotive technology is one of the most prominent to have experienced the trend of developing a plethora of (hardware and software) modules provided by numerous 3rd party entities and having them integrated into an ICT products of advanced functionality.

  The emerging Connected Vehicles paradigm shift is expected to dramatically change the way drivers interact with their vehicle and improve significantly traffic safety and efficiency. While introducing new electronic systems, sensors, embedded devices, services, connectivity to the internet, navigation, safety and mobile applications a complex new eco-system is build including among others new vulnerabilities and risks.

  Vehicle manufacturers (OEMs), infrastructure providers (cloud, telecom), third parties systems and component providers as well as application and service providers are facing immense challenges towards the design, development, implementation, integration and operation of highly connected ICT components, services and applications for Connected Vehicle systems. All these new possibilities increase the complexity and risk with potential fatal consequences if security, safety and privacy are not adequately addressed.

  What is then of the utmost importance is to establish links of trust to foster innovation, societal acceptance and market uptake. Formal procedures for assuring and certifying products, systems and services adherent to relevant standards and practices, is one relevant key enabler. The SAFERtec concept is based on those key findings and thus aims to propose an Assurance Framework for enhancing trust by providing formal methods, processes, techniques and tools that will facilitate the assurance of security, safety and privacy.

  SAFERtec will design an agile security assurance framework tailored for V2I Automotive settings and evaluate the results of its application relying both on careful comparison with current standardized frameworks, best practices and recommendations but also experimentation means. A Connected Vehicle System (i.e., vehicle connected with infrastructure) developed and integrated by the consortium partners will cover a wide range of the respective stakeholders (OEM, On board units, SW, application and service providers). SAFERtec will then incorporate the designed framework in a modular and extendable Assurance Framework Toolkit to provide estimations of security assurance levels for a range of automotive scenarios.

• COST CA20120 (2022 - 2025)

  Intelligence-Enabling Radio Communications for Seamless Inclusive Interactions (INTERACT)

  The Intelligence-Enabling Radio Communications for Seamless Inclusive Interactions (INTERACT) vision is to go beyond the capabilities of the 5G vision and to make the radio network itself intelligent, meaning aware, adaptive and parsimonious. Radio network intelligence is required to enhance the human experience of both human-to-human and human-to-machine communications and make it seamless, with the perception of no intermediary. In a long-term vision, wireless networks will not only become intelligent, but they will constitute the nervous system to foster intelligence in other systems, such as transportation, factories and cities.

  This COST Action aims at contributing to this societal transformation, by developing the next generation of radio communication networks, 6G. Challenges include

  1. to perform fundamental research in the fields of antennas and propagation, signal processing and localisation, network architectures and protocols, to design intelligent-enabling radio communications;
  2. to exploit Machine Learning tools for the implementation of many aspects of this network intelligence;
  3. collecting sufficient evidence of real-world data and making them available to the research community by building the INTERACT datasets.
• COST CA15104 (2016 - 2019)

  Inclusive Radio Communication Networks for 5G and Beyond (IRACON)

  The Inclusive Radio Communications (IRACON) concept defines those technologies aimed to support wireless connectivity at any rates, for any communicating units, and in any type of scenarios. The Wireless Internet of Things beyond 2020 will require revolutionary approaches in Radio Access technologies, networks and systems. Some theoretical foundations have to be revisited and breaking technologies are to be discovered during the coming decade. This COST Action aims at scientific breakthroughs by introducing novel design and analysis methods for the 5th-generation (5G) and beyond-5G radio communication networks. Challenges include i) modelling the variety of radio channels that can be envisioned for future inclusive radio, ii) capacity, energy, mobility, latency, scalability at the physical layer and iii) network automation, moving nodes, cloud and virtualisation architectures at the network layer, as well as iv) experimental research addressing Over-the-Air testing, Internet of Things, localization and tracking and new radio access technologies. The group of experts supporting this proposal comes from both academia and industry, from a wide spread of countries all over Europe, with the support of some non-COST institutions and R&D associations and standardisation bodies worldwide.

• COST IC1004 (2011 - 2015)

  Cooperative Radio Communications for Green Smart Environments

  IC1004 is the Action on Cooperative Radio Communications for Green Smart Environments and belongs to the ICT Domain. This Action addresses research issues in the field of cooperative radio communications to make our society cleaner, safer, and more energy efficient.

  Action’s goals are:

  • to increase knowledge of cooperative communications applied to Green SEs (GSEs), by exploring and developing new methods, models, techniques, strategies and tools, in a context enriched by deep industry-academia links;
  • to play a supporting role to European industry, by ensuring all Working Groups are focused toward aspects of interest to industry;
  • to train young researchers in the field of cooperative radio communications for GSEs, via annual training schools.
• COST 2100 (2008 - 2010)

  Pervasive Mobile and Ambient Wireless Communications

  COST2100 is the Action on Pervasive Mobile & Ambient Wireless Communications and belongs to the ICT Domain. This Action basically addresses the various topics that are currently emerging in the area of mobile and wireless communications and was proposed by the group of researchers who participated in the previous COST Actions on mobile communications. The main objective of this Action is to increase knowledge of mobile and wireless network technologies, by exploring and developing new methods, models, techniques, strategies and tools that will facilitate the implementation of next generation mobile radio communication systems and will foster the development of the paradigms of pervasive and ambient wireless communications.

• UNITE (2006 - 2008)

  Virtual Distributed Testbed for Optimisation and Coexistence of Heterogeneous Systems

  IST-026906-UNITE.

  The renown beyond 3G scenario depicts a diverse wireless networking world of ?network of wireless networks? accommodating a variety of radio technologies and mobile service requirements in a seamless manner. The achievement of this vision raises significant research challenges in view of system coexistence; system scale; network robustness requirements; and evaluation tool design to provide a framework for cost-effective assessment of optimisation algorithms within a heterogeneous system environment. UNITE aims to address the aforementioned research challenges by: a. Implementing an efficient, accurate and scalable Virtual Distributed Testbed (VDT) to support cross-system, and cross-layer optimisation of heterogeneous systems in a unified manner. b. Through the use of the virtual testbed, to investigate, design and evaluate cross-layer and cross-system interactions, between next generation radio and protocols without neglecting important real-system details.

• COST297 (2006 - 2010)

  High Altitude Platforms for Communications and Other Services

  COST297 – ‘HAPCOS’ was a European Action – now completed – dealing with HAPs and their applications. Representing an active group of researchers from academia, industry and governments, it has aimed to catalyse research activity, and to provide cohesion among the community. We included members from 20 European countries, and engaged active participation from across the world

• The BASE² Project (2005 - 2006)

  Broadband Access Satellite Enabled Education

  The overall objective of the BASE2 (Broadband Access Satellite Enabled Education) project is the implementation of an end-to-end system for tele-education applications, integrating broadband terrestrial networks with satellite broadband technologies. Aim of the project is to facilitate the sustainable provision of integrated tele- education services and applications to a large number of distributed interconnected sites over a variety of telecommunication infrastructures and the investigation of the seamless integration of low-cost satellite telecommunications infrastructures with broadband terrestrial systems. The project will integrate satellite communication technologies with various terrestrial network infrastructures. An integrated end-to-end system will be implemented in order to provide tele-education services to remote, distributed and isolated rural areas and maritime userswhere satellitecommunication technologieshave apotential edgeoverterrestrial infrastructures. Both oftheseuser groupsaretypical examplesof economicsectorsand activitiesthatcan benefitgreatlyby a wider deployment and use of satellite communications essentially due to the usually large distances which separate them from broadband terrestrial telecom infrastructures.

• MAESTRO (2004 - 2005)

  Mobile Application and Services based on Terrestrial and Satellite Interworking

  MAESTRO-FP6-IST-2003.

  The European satellite community is proceeding with great thrust towards the development of the innovative Satellite Digital Multimedia Broadcast (SDMB) concept, which will pave the way for an effective Satellite and Terrestrial network convergence. The SDMB system aims at complementing mobile networks with broadcast and multicast capabilities for a spectrum effective delivery of multimedia services on mobile devices. Taking advantage of the natural assets of satellite systems and of the full interoperability with terrestrial standards, the SDMB system will facilitate the successful deployment of UMTS, minimise geographical discrimination and foster multimedia usage adoption inEurope, effectively bridging the digital divide. Numerous studies, lead by the European Commission (e.g. MODIS, SATIN and RELY IST FP5 projects), the European Space Agency and National space agencies have contributed to the emergence of the SDMB concept, to secure the overall feasibility of the proposed innovations, to improve regulatory opportunities and to assess the market benefits.

  Starting from this strong European knowledge base, the MAESTRO Integrated Project will proceed to specify, implement and validate the critical features of an SDMB system architecture. It aims at the highest possible degree of interoperability with terrestrial infrastructures with the objective to maximise its competitive assets and the underlying business rationale. Based on a solid consortium that achieves a balanced participation of terrestrial and satellite actors, the MAESTRO project will contribute to ensure wider adoption, broader availability of 3G and beyond 3G applications and services. In this perspective, MAESTRO is a unique opportunity for satellite communications to assure their role in the Generalised Access Network infrastructure, to foster the growth of the eEconomy and to improve European citizens welfare and safety.

• COST 273 (2001 - 2005)

  Towards Mobile Broadband Multimedia Networks

  The objectives of this Action were as follows:

  – To increase the knowledge on the radio aspects of mobile broadband multimedia networks by exploring and developing new methods, models, techniques;
  – To play a supporting role in the mobile communication area;
  – To contribute to the deployment of systems which are very close to the completion of their standardisation phase.

  Results were achieved in the areas of Radio System Aspects, Propagation and Antennas, and Radio Network Aspects. The management effort required for directing such a large and wide-ranging project is substantial. In fact, it would be a worthwhile effort to try and analyze the management of the project, which could be used as the management model for many other virtual organisations. It is also impressive that the various reports and papers produced by the consortium were amalgamated in a coherent treatise, ultimately leading to a well-focused book, published by Elsevier, which compiles a whole host of valuable ideas and hence substantially contributes towards the international scientific debate on the next generation of wireless systems. In particular, the Action introduced new analytical MIMO channel models (as input to ITU, ETSI and 3GPP). Similarly to the now classic COST 207 channel models, this COST 273 MIMO model is likely to find its way into numerous future studies. This single result alone would have justified the modest cost of this comprehensive research programme. Further achievements realised by Working Groups and also by the Sub-Working Groups were:

  – Handset measurements (as input to ITU, ETSI and 3GPP);
  – Channel measurements; – Mobile radio access network reference scenarios;
  – Exchange of information, models and measured data among participating institutes.

  The research activities carried out in the Action contributed to the keeping of the European leading role in mobile and wireless communications. The Action had impact on maintaining, and even increasing, the industrial competitiveness of European industry in the mobile communication area.

• SATIN (2001 - 2002)

  Satellite UMTS IP Based Network

  SATIN-FP5-IST-2000.

  Project SATIN aims to investigate several new Satellite UMTS architectures that provide a range of new and complimentary packet based services to the terrestrial component of the UMTS. SATIN provides a fresh view as to the role of satellites within the overall UMTS design by focusing attention of using the satellite component as an effective and efficient access network for delivery of a wide range of packet-based and point-to-multipoint services. Based on the above architecture, SATIN will produce an optimised layer-1 and layer-2 design with full integration into the terrestrial UMTS core network in mind.

• INSURED (1997 - 1998)

  Integrated Satellite UMTS Real Environment Demonstrator

  ACTS-AC-229-INSURED.

  The main objective of the Integrated Satellite UMTS Real Environment Demonstrator (INSURED) project is to demonstrate Satellite-UMTS (S-UMTS) services and functionality in the context of a S-UMTS system demonstrator involving real first generation mobile Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and Personal Communication Systems (PCS).

National R&D Projects

• Pedion24 (2007 - )

  Design, Development and Operation of a network for monitoring non-ionizing Electromagnetic Radiation

  The scope of pedion24 project is to inform the public about the levels of electromagnetic radiation in various areas of Greece. Monitoring stations measure on a 24-hour basis the total electromagnetic field emitted from different sources such as FM and television broadcasts and cellular telephony base stations, giving the ability to the public of immediate and reliable information regarding the levels of electromagnetic radiation at any time. The data collected from the stations are stored on a database and can be viewed at any time. The system is operating all over Greece. Locations of monitoring stations are carefully chosen to cover places of special interest (schools, hospitals, nurseries and areas with high population density).

  The system consists of:

  • Electromagnetic field monitoring stations installed in various locations
  • A control centre located on the Computer and Communication Systems Laboratory.

  Link: http://www.pedion24.gr

• National Observatory of Electromagnetic Fields (2014 - )

  Mnistry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks - Greek Atomic Energy Commission

  The main objective is to develop a system for the continuous measurement and recording in real-time the levels of electromagnetic fields, due to different base stations’ emissions. At the same time, the public will have the opportunity through the website, to gain access to the measured values of electromagnetic radiation, recorded by the monitoring stations. Infrastructure Electromagnetic radiation will be the subject of the project of emissions in a broad frequency range (100 kHz – 6 GHz, licensed or not), such as:

  • Wireless communications networks (such as mobile telephony GSM-900 and GSM-1800 & UMTS)
  • Fixed wireless access networks, etc.
  • Radiation from sources, such as radio and television stations, etc.
  • Radar
  • Radio and networks that do not require a license, such as Wireless Hotspots, corporate links etc.

  The project includes:

  • supply, installation and operation of 500 fixed stations measuring of EMF radiation across the country
  • supply, installation and operation of 13 portable measuring stations
  • the creation and operation of a center for collecting and processing data measurement
  • the creation of a network interface of the monitoring stations and the data center
  • the development of a Geographic Information System (GIS), where the stations and the results of the measurements will be illustrated
  • the development and operation of an internet portal for viewing the measurement data

  Link: https://paratiritirioemf.eeae.gr

• SafeIT - Wearable systems for the safety and wellbeing applied in security guards (2020 - 2023)

  Research-Create-Innovate 2nd Cycle, National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) 2014-2020

  Wearable devices and augmented reality are rapidly evolving and are particularly applicable in the service sector, such as safety, health, education, etc. In the field of security services, in particular the no-contact / lone security positions, device handler technology can offer innovative services. In particular, it can further secure the individual protection of staff in existing security services and improve their mental concentration and perceptual capacity, which assists in decision-making. Portable devices can detect the presence, biometric data of the guardian, and many additional elements that are useful both in the service they perform and the personal safety of the workers.

  The goal of the project is to develop systems and applications that will receive and process data from smart wearable to record biometric data for the purposes of health and vital safety monitoring, positioning and presence / commencement / ending of the shift, direct notification and other required services, such as indications of danger, attack, etc. These devices will automatically wirelessly connect with additional equipment (ambient sensors and positional beacons) and their data will be combined with the cameras data. Systems of Augmented / Mixed reality will also be developed in addition to simply record and track signals, more effectively manage the data from incident management center operators and supporting decision-making by the end user (guardian).

  Due to the variety of data to be transmitted and stored, a combination of modern signal processing and machine learning techniques is needed through the creation of a knowledge base. The latter will be shaped by the data collected per event. There will also be use of pioneering security techniques which combine multi-parametric authentication, such as the use of biometric elements (something the user is) with equipment components (somethingthe user has), which will be physically resistant to cloning, that is to say they will exhibit structural features that will make them unique. Some of the most important issues that will be addressed in the project are the data transmission security and the use of blockchain technology for secure data storage (protection against unauthorized data alteration, PUF assisted encryption), as well as the use of security technologies to protect personal data (use of nicknames and aliases, PUF reciprocal authentication). In the strand of augmented reality, the technological innovation that the project introduces is multidimensional. More specifically, this project is the first national effort to develop an integrated augmented/mixed reality platform that acts on both the field and the control center. The development of AR interfaces for managing information in the field of security services is an innovation of the project. Also, the development of ergonomic interfaces based on the geometric representation of the area of interest combined with the use of maps in an augmented reality environment is another innovation the project aspires to introduce. Finally, all applications that will be deployed will respect the privacy of users by complying to the requirements of innovative and academically recognized methodologies, while ensuring all the technical and organizational requirements set by the new General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GCC-GDPR) are met.

  Link: https://www.safeitproject.com

• Open Lab: from the Folklore to Modern Art (2020 - 2023)

  Open Innovation in Culture, National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) 2014-2020

  The subject of the project is to create a platform that can work as an Open Lab on Art. To be able to create this platform as widely as possible, it has been integrated into the project team: (a) the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, the first modern art museum in Greece, MMCA is the institution that has one of the biggest collections of modern art, as well as a series of educational and other sections that are part of modern cultural creation. (b) Also, the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation, which has a big folklore cultural wealth. The aim is to create a platform that will have (a) an infrastructure role and (b) a dynamic mining role and providing data for a range of purposes related on:

  1) The development of educational and museum-educational applications based on the exhibits and cultural resources of cultural operators,

  2) The creation of tools that allow visitors to create their own “game” for as much as:

  (a) Select a game type (from a specific list of games)

  (b) Select the number of exhibits and the exhibits that they want

  (c) Game parameters (e.g. duration, number of participants, etc.)

  3) The free access of independent authors/companies (participating in the cultural and creative industries) to cultural content, its use (based on the copyrights of each organization) with the parallel interconnection of owner of the cultural content – owner for its exploitation, through digital infrastructures. Essentially allow individuals to create their own educational games, based on the exhibits of the owner, to “upload”, their applications on the platform (based on specific features and conditions which will be known from the outset) and benefit:

  a) By viewing them through the game,

  b) Charging the user via download,

  c) With time schedule using the game,

  d) With ads that will be dynamically displayed during the time of play. The user will be able to finally approve the application (to avoid offensive content), also to choose a preferred billing policy.

• AGEID - Control Centers for the wellbeing of elder with intellectual Disabilities (2020 - 2023)

  Research-Create-Innovate 2nd Cycle, National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) 2014-2020

  People with mental disability face some major obstacles that prevent their smooth integration into society. Adding to these cognitive disorders associated with aging populations, the gap between the general population and the aging mentally disabled population is expanding exponentially. The purpose of the proposed project is to develop supporting applications for elderlies with intellectual disabilities, based on wearables and sensors available on the market at affordable prices. The project will study, plan and evaluate a range of wearables (measuring biometrics, positioning, movement) and fixed in place sensors (motion, presence, door opening/closing, environmental conditions, noise) in order to find the right ones in terms of reliability, interoperability, user acceptance, efficiency and maintenance. Then, Monitoring and supporting services using these sensors will be developed for elderly people with intellectual disabilities.

• Detailed restructuring plan aimed at optimizing the management and operation of the TAF/TAP-TSI system (2022)

  National Railway Organization

  The subject of the study is the business process reengineering of the implementation of the TAF/TAP-TSI (Telematics Application for Freight (TAF) telematic applications based on the Technical Specification for Interoperability (TSI) and Telematics Application for Passengers (TAP)) in the structure and procedures of the Agency and in general the reorganization required to accommodate this system. TAF/TAP-TSI systems are subsystems of the Community Rail System, the interoperability of which is defined by Directive 2008/57/EC. These subsystems refer to the open data exchange required on a modern railway network and are defined by Regulation (EU) 1305/2014 of 11 December 2014 (TAF – TSI) and Regulation (EU) No. 454/2011 of the EU of 5 May 2011 (TAP – TSI).

• Augmented reality applications for the promotion of the cultural wealth of Samos: Discovering images and flavors of the island (2020 - 2022)

  Municipality of Eastern Samos, National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) 2014-2020

  The object of the project is:

  • the development of a digital platform for a holistic approach to the gastronomic tourism of Samos with the utilization of level technology and access to personal computers, tablets and smart phones,
  • the scientific and exhaustive recording as well as the promotion of the complex Samian cultural stock and the creativity of Samos regarding food (food, sweets, wine),
  • ensuring high quality tourism “experiences” using AR / VR technologies.

  The goal of the project is to develop a set of electronic services provided by the Municipality of Eastern Samos to citizens and visitors / tourists free of charge, without restrictions that will:

  • facilitate the visitor / tourist in the search for destinations and experiences
  • facilitate the catering professional in communicating with his customers and in promoting his products
  • upgrade the “on-site experience”
  • save by recording and projecting on a global scale an important part of the intangible culture of the island

  Link: https://www.samosfood.gr

• Provision of Consulting Services regarding the Open International e-Procurement Invitation for the Project: ``Development of an Innovative Extended Spectrum Surveillance System to Enhance Entrepreneurship in the Electronic Communications Sector” (2019 - 2020)

  National Telecommunications and Post Commission

  The subject of this study is to provide consulting services regarding the open international e-procurement invitation for the project: “Development of an Innovative Extended Spectrum Surveillance System to Enhance Entrepreneurship in the Electronic Communications Sector”

• Processes and Impact Study from the Application of the TAF/TAP-TSI Standard (2019)

  National Railway Organization

  The subject of the study is the impact of the implementation of the TAF / TAP-TSI (Telematics Application for Freight (TAF) telematic applications based on the Technical Specification for Interoperability (TSI) and Telematics Application for Passengers (TAP)) in the structure and procedures of the Agency and in general the reorganization required to accommodate this system. TAF/TAP-TSI systems are subsystems of the Community Rail System, the interoperability of which is defined by Directive 2008/57/EC. These subsystems refer to the open data exchange required on a modern railway network and are defined by Regulation (EU) 1305/2014 of 11 December 2014 (TAF – TSI) and Regulation (EU) No. 454/2011 of the EU of 5 May 2011 (TAP – TSI).

• Telematic Applications for Freight/Telematic Applications for Passenger Services - Technical Specification for Interoperability” (TAF/TAP-TSI) (2017 - 2018)

  National Railway Organization

  The purpose of the study is the elaboration of the call for tenders related to the implementation by an external contractor for the development of an information system telematic applications based on Technical Specifications for Interoperability – TSI for freight transport (Telematics Application for Freight – TAF) and passengers (Telematics Application for passengers – TAP). The current situation analysis and the best practices are reflected, and the study identifies the funding of the project, the functional and technological specifications and the final tender notice.

• Study and Measurement of Electromagnetic Radiation in Municipality of Samos (2010 - 2014 & 2017 - 2022)

  Municipality of Samos

  Electromagnetic radiation measurement from radio, TV, mobile, wireless, WiFi, VHF-UHF, radar antennas, etc emissions., comparison with the relevant limits in areas of interest and compilation of evaluation reports for the measurements of the total of exposure to electromagnetic radiation in each measurement area. The main objective of this project is to perform EMF measurements and acquire the respective levels on a permanent, fair, transparent, reliable and regular basis and to observe the statutory limits of the safe exposure of the citizens.

• Study and Measurement of Electromagnetic Radiation in Municipality of Patmos (2015 - 2021)

  Municipality of Patmos

  Electromagnetic radiation measurement from radio, TV, mobile, wireless, WiFi, VHF-UHF, radar antennas, etc emissions., comparison with the relevant limits in areas of interest and compilation of evaluation reports for the measurements of the total of exposure to electromagnetic radiation in each measurement area. The main objective of this project is to perform EMF measurements and acquire the respective levels on a permanent, fair, transparent, reliable and regular basis and to observe the statutory limits of the safe exposure of the citizens.

• MIMOSA – “MIMO Technologies for Satellite and Stratospheric Communication Systems” (2012 - 2015)

  National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), Education and Lifelong Learning

  The success story of MIMO spans now for over a decade and has revolutionized all the aspects of wireless networks leading to its rapid embrace by the research community, standardization institutes and the industry. Application of MIMO technology to satellite and stratospheric communication systems have only recently begun to be investigated by academia and space agencies. The proposed research activity aims at shaping and enhancing the next generation fixed, mobile and hybrid satellite and stratospheric communication systems through MIMO techniques by contributing to both the theoretical and practical aspects of satellite technology. Another significant goal of the proposed activity is to create a Satellite Communications Network of Excellence in order to strengthen scientific and technological excellence on Satellite Communications (satcom) Technologies in Greece through the durable integration of the research capacities of the participants and having in view setting up in the long term a Hellenic Space Agency.
  The research areas of the proposal are: a) Physical-Layer MIMO Techniques for next generation satcom and stratospheric systems, b) Multi-antenna terminal design for next generation satcom and stratospheric systems, c) Satellite and stratospheric MIMO radiochannel measurement campaign, d) Satellite and stratospheric MIMO radiochannel modeling, e) Satellite Communications and Stratospheric MIMO end-to-end system simulator and f) Various scenario applications including deep space communications and earth observation links. The expected results are: numerous contributions to standardization institutes (European Telecommunication Standardization Institute (ETSI), International Telecommunication Union-Radio (ITU-R), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB)), scientific actions (COST), cooperation with European Space agencies (European Space Agency (ESA), German Aerospace Research Center (DLR), French Space Agency (CNES), French Aerospace Laboratory (ONERA), Italian Space Agency (ASI) etc) and numerous publications in the most prestigious Journals (IEEE) and Conferences relevant to Satellite and Wireless Communications and generally to Digital Communications.

  Objectives

  • Derivation of a plethora of valuable results for the design of next generation fixed, mobile and hybrid satellite and stratospheric communication systems.
  • Novel physical layer techniques for increasing capacity (multiplexing gain) and performance (coding and diversity gain).
  • Development of efficient multiantenna terminal design methods.
  • Conduct a state-of-the art MIMO radiochannel measurement campaign for various propagation scenarios.
  • Novel realistic end-to-end system simulators with reference to recent satellite and industrial standards (e.g. DVB-S2, DVB-SH, DVB-RCS, DVB-NGH).
  • A bulk of contributions to standardization institutes (ETSI, ITU-R, DVB), scientific actions (COST) is envisaged. International cooperation with European space agencies (ESA, DLR, CNES, ONERA etc).
  • A series of research articles published in the most prestigious Journals and Conferences relevant to Satellite Communications and Digital Communications.
  • Create and making of a critical mass of resources and expertise in order to set up a Network of Excellence and in Satellite Communications in Greece and, in the long term, creating a Hellenic Space Agency.
• Study and Measurement of Electromagnetic Radiation in Municipality of Rhodes (2012 - 2014)

  Municipality of Rhodes

  Electromagnetic radiation measurement from radio, TV, mobile, wireless, WiFi, VHF-UHF, radar antennas, etc emissions., comparison with the relevant limits in areas of interest and compilation of evaluation reports for the measurements of the total of exposure to electromagnetic radiation in each measurement area. The main objective of this project is to perform EMF measurements and acquire the respective levels on a permanent, fair, transparent, reliable and regular basis and to observe the statutory limits of the safe exposure of the citizens.

• EPIKOUROS - Virtualized Platforms for Innovative Applications and Multiple Heterogenous Sensor Services in Cloud Computing Environment (2012 - 2015)

  General Secretariat of Research and Technology

  “Epikouros” main goal is to design and develop a virtualized middleware platform that would allow to easily create and structure environments that, in turn, would allow the collection, management and integration of information generated by multiple sensors and sensor-networks, as well as the management of business process procedures that are supported by the sensors’ infrastructure. Furthermore, the virtualized platform “Epikouros” should provide an application development environment as well as management of business procedures that are based upon multiple heterogeneous sensors. This environment will provide the tools for accessing the information and capabilities of the sensors, the ability to combine information from different sensors, as well as the business process management that is based on the sensor system. At the same time, it should allow for the integration of these procedures with other information systems (i.e. ERP, CRM, MES etc.).

  Link: https://www.converge.gr/en/portfolio-item/epikouros/

• Development of Autonomous Measuring System of Electromagnetic Radiation (2010 - 2011)

  General Secretariat of Research and Technology

  The aim of the project is the development of an autonomous measurement system of electromagnetic radiation from multiple radiation sources. Specifically, the development of a setup software for the measurement equipment of electromagnetic radiation, the measurement data collection in accordance with current standards (spectrum analysis settings) and the local storage and collection from the central server.

• UMTS-WLAN Integration: Architecture Development and Radio Resource Allocation Mechanisms (2005 - 2010)

  PENED 2003

• Broadband Telecommunication Networks with the use of Stratospheric Platforms (2004 - 2006)

  PYTHAGORAS I

• Provision of services for radio equipment during Athens Olympic Games 2004 (2004)

  National Telecommunication and Post Commission

• Harmonization Study of wireless microphones for Athens Olympic Games 2004 (2004)

  Hellenic Ministry of Transportation and Communications

• Indoor wireless high-data rate network: Study and simulation of HIPERLAN/2 transceiver (2001 - 2002)

  Hellenic Republic, Ministry of Development

• Study, development and installation of automated E-M spectrum system for the radar of the Heracleion – Crete airport (2000 - 2001)

  Civil Aviation Agency

• E-M spectrum studies for the areas of Athens International Airport, Karistos, Karpathos, Rhodes, Ioannina and Grevena (1998 - 2000)

  Civil Aviation Agency