Leonardo invests in the talent of the new generations and rewards a young computer scientist for his thesis on Computer Vision

(To Leonardo)
23/02/18

Leonardo cultivates a scientific citizenship and promotes STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) with the aim of spreading a culture of innovation, destined to inspire new generations and enhance young talents. In light of this commitment, Leonardo chose Cristiano Massaroni, a young computer science graduate from La Sapienza in Rome, as winner of the prestigious Degree Award of the Leonardo Committee, an association active in promoting Made in Italy in the world. The award was conferred today, during the Italian Quality Day, by the CEO of Leonardo, Alessandro Profumo, in the presence of the President of the Republic.

The winning thesis has distinguished itself in the field of Computer Vision, a discipline that studies the processes capable of emulating the functioning of the human brain in image processing. The technology, which lends itself to use in the most varied fields, is fundamental for the cognitive processes that Leonardo develops in its systems, in applications ranging from the movement of autonomous platforms, to decision-making processes in complex command and control systems; from surveillance in security systems to environmental monitoring.

The study, the subject of the award funded by Leonardo, a member of the Committee, proposes a mathematical model for an innovative system of real-time analysis of information drawn from dynamic images. The project has been applied in particular to public video surveillance and sensitive objectives. The images, captured specifically by special cameras, called PTZ (Pan Tilt and Zoom), are distinguished in background (background images) and foreground (the foreground, which corresponds to images of interest, such as objects, people or vehicles ). Through an algorithm, the foreground is identified, classified and above all traced (tracking) to follow its movements over time, focusing on any anomalies. The system therefore allows not only to "see", but to make the machine capable of interpreting the content of the area of ​​interest.

With the awarding of the Award, Leonardo takes a further step towards approaching young people and promoting technological skills necessary for innovative and sustainable development.