The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly playing an important role in various aspects of security and the case is not any different with audio analytics.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly playing an important role in various aspects of security and the case is not any different with audio analytics. According to Chris Mitchell, CEO/Founder of Audio Analytic, enabling smart devices to recognize sound allows them to understand their contextual surroundings more completely so they can take appropriate action.
“For example, a smart home device that recognizes the sound of a window break while occupiers are away can not only alert the home owners but also connect with other devices to better protect the home,” Mitchell said. “A single purpose device such as a smoke alarm can be easily transformed into a multipurpose device with the addition of sound recognition. Upon hearing a given sound – say a dog bark or window break – the device can message the owners and also take defensive action by connecting to the home’s smart sound system and lighting system to play loud music and turn on the lights, deterring any would-be intruder.”
Others agree. Christian Connors, CEO of Shooter Detection Systems pointed out that IoT is a rapidly growing part of the security market. Audio analytics have had a somewhat slower growth in the IoT space due to the concerns such as invasion of public privacy by “listening” devices.
“When analytics are utilized in threat detection, IoT or “smart” devices are critical to take the human out of the loop,” Connors said. “Our gunshot detection sensors immediately detect and report gunshots without human interpretation or action. Integration is a key component of IoT devices. With integration we’re able to automatically call up cameras, initiate access control actions, mass notify building occupants via text/desktop alerts/PA announcements, panel alarm zone reporting, mobile technologies, etc. Whatever system customers have available, IoT devices must be designed for ultimate compatibility and integration in order to maximize their capabilities.”
Richard Brent, CEO of Louroe Electronics said for the security industry, the IoT refers to a device that captures data. The modern security solution is now gathering information from several security sensor technologies such as cameras and microphones and sending the data to the analytics performer and biometrics. These devices are all communicating with each other to provide the most accurate report of any threat at hand, creating greater system integration and data aggregation.