7 Ways Sound Detection Delivers
Sound detection devices are expanding in their applications to cover glass breaking, gunshots, and more.
Warning: The drones are coming! Remote perimeter audio sensors (shown here is the solar-powered DroneShield) can detect the sound of approaching drones. Alerts can then be sent via a smartphone-based platform.
Scream Detection – Being alone late at night in a large parking garage can be intimidating for anyone. Many security companies have installed systems with emergency panic buttons and call boxes. What if you need assistance and cannot get to the duress button stations. Another unique SSDD system is scream detection. Some systems, such as Sentinel Sound Detection from Jeron Electronic Systems, will automatically place a call to the security desk if a scream or shout is detected.
Safe & Vault Detection – Another high-security SSDD application is for break-in sounds in safes and vaults. As noted with regard to AGBDs, care should be taken to follow a manufacturer’s documentation and UL 639 and UL 681 standards. One popular system is the VSA-2 Vault Sound System from Potter Signal.
Seismic Detection – An SSDD category that might not spring to mind but certainly deserves mention is seismic sensors, which react to vibrations created by sound traveling through protected wall, cabinets and grounds. Devices such as the new SC100 Series from Honeywell, the ISN-SM-50 seismic detectors with SENSTEC signal processing technology from Bosch, and the DV Series vault sensors from Interlogix are some solid choices. One of my favorite little workhorses is the old Sentrol UL Listed 5400 Series, which is now available from Interlogix and is good for seismic detection on metal enclosures. Another type of seismic detection for personnel movement on perimeters is buried geophone sensors from companies like Safeguards Technology.
Finally, an exciting development in the industry is the integration of multiple SSDD features, such as gunshot, screaming and glass break, into one system. Some systems that are doing this are Safety Dynamics Integration module from DVTEL (dvtel.com) and audio analytics from Zenitel’s Stentofon brand (zenitel.com). Keep an eye out for these and more.
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About the Author
Bob Dolph, SSI Contributor
Bob is currently a Security Sales & Integration "Tech Talk" columnist and a contributing technical writer. Bob installed his first DIY home intercom system at the age of 13, and formally started his technology career as a Navy communication electronics technician during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and went on to complete a Security Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 1976, Bob has served in a variety of technical, training and project management positions with organizations such ADT, Rollins, National Guardian, Lockheed Martin, American Alarm Supply, Sonitrol and Ingersoll Rand. Early in his career, Bob started and operated his own alarm dealership. He has also served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and on Security Industry Association (SIA) standards committees. Bob also provides media and training consulting to the security industry.
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