Abstract Rapid urbanization affects both, increased environmental pollution of cities and communities as well as the need to ensure sufficient resources and adequate services for the living and well-being in cities. This requires the development and introduction of innovative solutions to cities and communities, that will preserve/ensure the high quality of life and will enable the development of new, user-oriented public... Rapid urbanization affects both, increased environmental pollution of cities and communities as well as the need to ensure sufficient resources and adequate services for the living and well-being in cities. This requires the development and introduction of innovative solutions to cities and communities, that will preserve/ensure the high quality of life and will enable the development of new, user-oriented public services. The concept of smart cities is largely based on information, communication and sensor technologies and infrastructure for capturing and monitoring various phenomena. The purpose of this article is to present the research and development activities of the Department of Communication Systems at Jozef Stefan Institute in the fields of wireless communications, embedded and sensor systems with which it has been successfully participating in several EU and national projects. The research activities resulted, among others in the development of two own technologies, (i) modular sensor platform VESNA, whose flexible design allows its adaptation and use in different application areas, and (ii) a lightweight infrastructure management and message broker framework VIDEK, as well as functional prototype of personal ECG and other body signals measurement device PCARD. VESNA also represents the basis for several sensor network pilot deployments and LOG-a-TEC experimental testbed, which plays an important role in research and development of functional building blocks for new smart cities services. Read More Read Less

Abstract Interconnected digital signage is an important driver of enhancing the experience of living in a Smart City, as it creates a transparent and accessible platform to help a city translate information and communication technologies into better public services for citizens. But just as e-signage presents an opportunity for a city’s development, it is not without its challenges: to enable a truly smart, and... Interconnected digital signage is an important driver of enhancing the experience of living in a Smart City, as it creates a transparent and accessible platform to help a city translate information and communication technologies into better public services for citizens. But just as e-signage presents an opportunity for a city’s development, it is not without its challenges: to enable a truly smart, and therefore sustainable and green urban living space, digital signs should 1. support energy saving features; 2. be implementable even at the most demanding of locations, power grid or no; and 3. feature superb visibility in all light conditions. Ticking all of these boxes are smart signs developed on electronic paper technology. Following is an overview of potential e-paper implementations in a Smart City as illustrated by examples of signage that Visionect, a high tech company developing the technology for smart and sustainable e-paper signs, has helped implement in the mobility sector across the globe. Read More Read Less

Abstract Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG) is one of the main players on the field of development of building materials and technologies in Slovenia and also widely in Europe. ZAG is developing monitoring of building environment, including buildings, engineering structures and infrastructure. Monitoring was included in a number of national and EU research projects with ZAG being coordinator or partner (eg.... Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG) is one of the main players on the field of development of building materials and technologies in Slovenia and also widely in Europe. ZAG is developing monitoring of building environment, including buildings, engineering structures and infrastructure. Monitoring was included in a number of national and EU research projects with ZAG being coordinator or partner (eg. SPENS, ARCHES, SMART RAIL, SENSE, TRIMM, COST EFFECTIVE). A huge amount of data from these activities were used by a limited number of endusers for detailed analysis of particular building environment, but could also be used by any other entity for development of innovative applications supporting safe, adaptable, automated, comfortable, resilient, etc. smart cities. ZAG will support interested entities with comprehensive expert knowledge from the field of civil engineering, will continuously contribute data from existing monitoring systems and will also create new ones. Read More Read Less

Abstract Satellite technologies have a huge potential to help design more sustainable cities. Combination of Earth observation imagery and crowdsourced data enables a creation of a series of data analyses and applications to support smart urban planning, climate change mitigation and to enhance the quality of life in smart cities and communities. SPACE-SI with its micro satellite for multispectral Earth observation, ground station, multidisciplinary... Satellite technologies have a huge potential to help design more sustainable cities. Combination of Earth observation imagery and crowdsourced data enables a creation of a series of data analyses and applications to support smart urban planning, climate change mitigation and to enhance the quality of life in smart cities and communities. SPACE-SI with its micro satellite for multispectral Earth observation, ground station, multidisciplinary laboratory, satellite data processing chain and a distribution system based on web and mobile applications ensure the whole chain from the space technologies to the end user friendly data and derived information. Timely geolocated information is crucial for well organized smart cities and communities. Our expertise is near real- time processing of space-borne data and the extraction of the needed information from this ever-growing data source. Read More Read Less

Abstract In this contribution we describe technical and business case for demand side based virtual power plant for optimization of Microgrid operation. The legal aspect of European harmonized electrical market is described in the introduction section. We describe key players and roles on electrical market.... In this contribution we describe technical and business case for demand side based virtual power plant for optimization of Microgrid operation. The legal aspect of European harmonized electrical market is described in the introduction section. We describe key players and roles on electrical market. Read More Read Less