Discussions around security and security in smart cities typically focus greatly on the visual. This is not unreasonable; electronic cameras are most importantly crucial to any effective security system and with advances in electronic camera innovation, they are much better than ever.

But the value of audio ought to not be neglected, and can be utilized as an important enhance and even an alternative to electronic cameras or other IoT sensors in cities. Indeed, audio technologies can tackling particular issues in ways which visual sensing units simply can not by themselves.

Selecting a modern-day connected audio system can make sure that the crucial interaction takes location at the correct time, in the right location and with the sound quality needed to keep residents safe and protected. Emerging audio innovations can likewise help clever cities flexibly take on problems which are having a direct and damaging result on person health and wellbeing. Here are four principal circumstances when audio options can contribute to a smarter and more secure city:

1. Emergency notices

Each year, numerous cities around the world are exposed to emergency situation scenarios, such as natural catastrophes and severe weather condition. In such scenarios it is very important to inform people as soon as possible and assist them in order to keep people safe. With network speakers it is possible to reach individuals in selected zones rapidly and successfully.

The audio announcement systems are typically installed to prepare cities for emergency situation situations. In the case that something takes place, it is crucial to have a dependable and working system. By utilizing high quality network cams or other sensors with onboard analytics and speakers to detect emergency situations and dispatch warnings, lives can be saved. The system can be set up to play a warning signal, a pre-recorded message as quickly as an alert is set off or a caution is gotten by the operator, permitting the most possible time for individuals to react to the concern. These messages might provide guidance for evacuation, traffic occurrence directions, missing child notifications or severe weather warnings.

Solutions like this have actually been used all throughout the world, for instance in the city of Concón in Chile. As the residents are facing the continuous threat of earthquakes and tsunamis along the coast, which take place on a frequent basis, having a network audio option installed is a key element to keep individuals safe. It assists Concón's authorities to manage emergency situation evacuations quickly and efficiently.

Cities in Mexico face similar difficulties, particularly cities located near the Pacific fault line, which is a location that has traditionally dealt with devastating earthquakes. Mexico City carried out a similar system consisting of over 10,000 AXIS network speakers to provide a pre-recorded evacuation alert throughout serious earthquakes within 30 seconds of a crisis occurring. This technology has undoubtedly saved lives and will continue to do so. As will likely be stated lot of times in this post, more information can be found in the audio for wise cities eBook linked at the end of this blog.

2. Non-emergency messaging

Perhaps of more usage daily are non-emergency messaging options. Mobility assistance, safety and habits guidelines, information throughout events for travelers, or perhaps just background music. They can be more broadened to assist manage parking offenses - if a vehicle park at a restricted location a warning can be issued over the speakers. This has the added advantage of decreasing the burden on police triggered by unexpected parking infractions.

In another example, the Municipality of Vicente Lopez in Argentina has executed a network audio system that allows it to easily communicate with its citizens. Implemented on its primary exterior coastal walk, they have the ability to provide weather signals, sun direct exposure warnings, and more recently Covid-19 messages relating to social distancing and mask usage. This audio service assists create a far better outside experience for visitors, and enhances their safety. More about this can be checked out in the audio for smart cities eBook connected at the end of this post.

By no indicates an exhaustive list, the prospective applications for are practically unlimited. And thanks to the versatility of these type of systems, the particular style of the messaging can be altered based upon the user's needs - whether that be live, pre-recorded, scheduled or something else. These speakers have the ability to provide a voice to IoT sensors, whether this be temperature/pressure sensors in more critical emergency environments, or just informing an operator of anomalies or developing scenarios in a more friendly way, speakers are the solution.

3. Crime avoidance and deterrence

Deploying restricted resources to keep a city safe is a common obstacle in cities all over the world. A great deal of cities are working with a monitoring system to keep track of the city and manage law enforcement resources in the most efficient method. With video, crimes such as intrusion into buildings or limited areas can be discovered, but in most cases cops or guards will not reach the place in time to prevent theft or vandalism.

By carrying out video security in mix with an audio service, the camera can prompt an automated audio cautioning to the intruder or alert an operator to provide a live caution straight to the burglar utilizing the audio system. Oftentimes, this kind of caution is sufficient, avoiding the need for extra security steps as the wrongdoers get hindered.

4. Sound detection and sound contamination

While the last 3 options focused on 'audio out' techniques, this location is more 'audio in'- a distinct difference. Many in a city are preceded or initiated by some sort of noise, for instance aggressive habits and raised voices, gunshots or breaking glass. Today's solutions can automatically identify and acknowledge pre-defined noises and send out informs for potential and real occurrences as they take place.

Surveillance video cameras in mix with sound detection sensing units can include terrific value to security systems covering public areas, like a park or square. The mix of sound and video can be a powerful service to both discover and confirm a scenario, and allow fast, appropriate action to minimize the effects. For example, when there are loud voices heard in a park, the system might detect the shouting and activate the networked cameras for operators to verify if it's just kids playing, or a tried mugging. If it is a mugging, guard can be sent or the operator can be enabled to speak live to the scene as we covered when talking about criminal activity deterrence.

Sound detection solutions can likewise be utilized to deal with the often-underestimated problem of sound pollution in wise cities. With over 1.6 million healthy life years being lost each year in Europe alone, it's tough to overstate the necessity of appropriate monitoring of the issue. Using robust sound detection services might enable smart cities not just to keep track of noise levels in particular locations, however also track and evaluate the sources of those noises. Gathering this info enables operators to then develop a strategy to lower the sound, such as enhancing signs or traffic signal in busy crossways to enhance the distribution of the traffic circulation.

Audio as a complement to video security

The security and security of citizens is frequently highlighted as one of the most crucial elements of livability in a modern-day city. With authorities significantly wanting to utilize connected innovation to enhance their cities, it is a combination of different sensing units and devices that use the optimal capacity, and audio can play a central role. With the amazing flexibility of audio solutions in their ability to respond to issues, and their usefulness in such a wide range of circumstances, it's clear that these kinds of solutions will be at the heart of Smart Cities for many years to come.

Andreas Göransson

Andreas is a business-orientated online marketer with several years of experience in global marketing from global business throughout different markets. Andreas signed up with Axis in 2019, and given that 2023 he is heading the Customer Marketing group at Axis HQ with a strong customer-first focus. By comprehending consumers' underlying requirements, Andreas and his group tailor value propositions throughout a broad variety of industry sections. He highly thinks in the power of partnership and teamwork, both when it comes to discovering ingenious options for our clients, however also when coaching his child's football team.