Smart cameras are embedded devices combining a visual sensor, a processing unit and a communication interface, allowing the processing of images on the device, such that only aggregated information, instead of raw video data, is transmitted. Smart camera networks are typically used for large-scale high value security applications such as person tracking in airports or amusement parks. However, current smart cameras are expensive and have only very limited mobility, acting as a barrier to their wider adoption. The SOLOMON project is driven by the rising demand for rapid-deployment camera networks which can adapt to provide security in the context of unforeseen situations and unfolding scenarios. This is evidenced by the rapid growth of leading body-cam company Edesix Ltd, whose VideoBadge technology is being adopted by police forces worldwide . However, recent research advances in smart camera networks have not yet been realised in dynamic body-worn camera networks, and still rely on prohibitively expensive static hardware. In the SOLOMON project we envision a novel type of lightweight, inexpensive smart camera network suitable for rapid deployment and reconfiguration, where low-cost camera devices such as Edesix’s VideoBadge, are paired with the processing capabilities of smartphones. These are then worn by people (e.g. police, security guards) or mounted on mobile robots. This not only lowers cost, but allows us to introduce a feedback loop between the sensing cameras and the acting people/robots, enabling the camera network to adapt to changes during runtime, for example to prioritise or cover newly relevant areas sufficiently. Novel techniques in collective decision making and self-organisation as well as multi-objective online learning will need to be developed, in order to achieve this vision.

This project aims at developing advanced optical fibre sensing technologies for multi-parametric bio/chemical measurement, urgently demanded from industry and scientific research for quality control and process study. The Fellow, Dr Jiang will be trained on a series of skills related to novel photonic devices and advanced sensing techniques at main host Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT) and several other EU hosts. Capitalising upon his original expertise in the study of optical fibre sensing, bio/chemical measurement and liquid diffusion process, the fellowship will make him a unique asset to the EU for tackling multi-parametric bio/chemical sensing by developing new optical fibre sensing technologies capable of measuring several parameters simultaneously. Dr Jiang has proven track record in bio/chemical sensing with interdisciplinary background and his achievement has been outstanding though very young as demonstrated in his CV. The skills and technologies he will grasp will allow him to diversify his capability significantly; including fibre grating design and fabrication (at AIPT), UV and femtosecond laser micro-fabrication, fibre laser, optical fibre interferometry, nano-film coating techniques and modelling techniques for photonic devices, and highly sensitive sensing technologies. In addition, the fellowship will allow him to transfer the knowledge gained through the research to the benefit of his hosts and regional industrial liaisons together with his existing knowledge on bio/chemical detection. Starting from a particular optical fibre device, tilted fibre grating, through modelling, fabrication and optimisation on special fibres the project will explore the rich spectral characteristics of the device to decode a variety of factors for the multi-parametric sensing. Fostered by the fellowship, a leading expert in photonic sensing technologies is expected and will contribute greatly to EU industries and academic communities.