Page 44 - Security Today, July/August 2021

“Being a network-based solution, it’s also significantly more scalable and flexible than legacy analog audio technology.”
protection and loitering to weather warning programs and sound detection such as gunfire, verbal aggression and glass breaking.
FOR USE IN A CAMPUS SETTING
Deter bullying. A school could integrate video cameras and net- work speakers with third-party audio analytics. In this instance, the analytics would be programmed to detect sounds of aggres- sion which would trigger a security camera to swivel to a spe- cific location, record the interaction, and send a video clip to the school security officer. At the same time, an administrator could use school’s phone system to address the perpetrator by name via the closest loudspeaker telling them to stop their behavior.
Deter vaping. A school could integrate third-party vaping sen- sors and speakers in the bathrooms with video cameras in the hallways. The vaping sensor would detect vapor and trigger the speaker to play an audio clip advising the student to stop. The sensor would also trigger the video camera outside the bathroom to record who exited the bathroom when the audio message was played and advise responsible parties of the event.
Deter vandalism. Outside the building, horn speakers could be integrated with video cameras embedded with perimeter pro- tection analytics. During non-school hours, the analytics would detect anyone approaching the building and trigger a warning from a horn speaker that police are being alerted. Often this is sufficient to encourage potential vandal to flee the scene before causing any damage.
FOR USE IN A RETAIL SETTING
Deter theft. As a proactive measure, stores can integrate their communications system with network audio and network cam- eras embedded with loitering detection analytics. When the cam- era detects a customer lingering in an aisle for an extended time, it triggers a message from the nearest speaker that someone will be there shortly to help. The camera also sends an alert to staff via an audio page or a message to a two-way radio, walkie-talkie, mobile phone or VoIP telephone system. The result is two-fold. If it’s a potential shoplifter, it acts as a deterrent. If it’s a potential buyer, sending assistance to the location helps close the sale.
Control occupancy. To comply with building occupancy man- dates, retail stores can embed people counting and occupancy analytics into video cameras at their entrances. When the analyt- ics calculates the store has reached maximum capacity it triggers a message from the horn speaker telling customers to line up out- side the store.
Promote in-store marketing. Stores can integrate an intelligent network audio system and speakers with their in-store cameras to direct in-store messages to targeted customers. They can program the network audio system to broadcast messages in specific zones about in-store specials, open cashier stations and more. They can also program the audio system to pipe in music to create a unique store ambience.
FOR USE IN A HOSPITAL SETTING
Curb workplace violence. To mitigate workplace danger some hospitals are integrating their network cameras with intelligent
sound analytics to detect gunshots and verbal aggression. In vol- atile areas like emergency rooms, lobbies and psych wards, the analytics detects warning signs of verbal aggression and auto- matically triggers an alert to staff and security to come defuse the situation. Other security staff could be remotely conversing with the aggressors through the local speaker system tied to the hospi- tal’s VoIP phone system. In the case of weapon fire, the analytics can also send an alert to local police.
Increase premise safety. Hospitals often integrate security cam- eras and a speaker system with door lock sensors. When someone uses an emergency egress or props open the door, the camera records the event and triggers a warning message from the nearest speak- er. With embedded crossline detection analytics, the cameras can be programmed to automatically trigger a recorded message over a loudspeaker warning a driver to move their vehicle because it is blocking a critical restricted area like an ambulance bay or fire lane.
Improve patient care. By integrating security cameras, acous- tic analytics, and network speakers with microphones, hospi- tal staff can remotely observe and speak directly to patients in their rooms. If patient distress is detected, floor clinicians can be quickly paged to respond. This approach reduces the frequency of in-person interactions without compromising patient health and helps to mitigate the spread of infections.
NEW FEATURES THAT ADD MORE VALUE
TO NETWORK AUDIO
Like most technology, network audio is constantly evolving to provide users with new, more powerful capabilities. Some of the new features include things like:
Touchless talk-back communications. This enables two-way communication through the speakers to be more fluid by remov- ing the need to push a button to engage in conversation.
Paging through cellphone. This allows the user to record a message on a cellphone and broadcast it through the speaker via Wi-Fi. This is especially useful in remote areas where access to a microphone or telephone is limited.
Three equalization presets. Two improve the clarity and crisp- ness of voice pages and the other improves the quality of your music and program material. Each EQ is input dependent, mean- ing that you can have the music EQ active, make an announce- ment and the voice EQ kicks in.
Automated health monitoring. This allows users to remotely test each speaker separately to make sure they are up and running properly and minimize downtime if they need maintenance.
NETWORK AUDIO: AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT
OF A TOTAL SECURITY SOLUTION
A comprehensive network security solution not only enhances a business’ safety and security but can also add value to their operations. With network audio as part of the technology mix, an organization can be more proactive in detecting and assess- ing danger, mitigating threats, managing emergency evacuations, even improving the customer experience.
Network audio is easy to install, economical to maintain, and pays for itself over time by re- ducing costly incidents. It is highly scalable and simple to configure to a company’s needs. And it makes virtually any security solution a better value proposition.
Chris Wildfoerster is the business development manager for Audio at Axis Communications.
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JULY/AUGUST 2021 | SECURITY TODAY
AUDIO WITHIN SECURITY