Audio- and Sound-Analytics in Smart Cities

Sound Check: Commend gives Smart Cities a voice – and ears

The "sound of the city" - its acoustic profile - is an important, though often overlooked, source of actionable information. Noise pollution caused by traffic, construction sites, airports and industrial operations, is a growing challenge in terms of health and quality of city life.

Targeted counter-measures require an accurate situational analysis based on acoustic data. Commend Smart City solutions are ideally suited to enable the systematic collection and documentation of relevant data via Intercom stations and two-way loudspeakers (see also “Talking Cameras”).

Acoustic data: a powerful weapon for fighting noise pollution

Ambient noise volumes can be measured in definable regular intervals. The resulting dB values can then be transmitted to a central processing point, such as a Smart City cockpit or centralised data base, where they can be analysed and translated into visual charts. Since only the dB values are transmitted, full data protection is maintained throughout. Built into ticket vending machines and self-service stations across the city, Commend Intercom stations, modules and loudspeakers serve their everyday communication purpose while using their ‘ears’ to provide valuable audio data.

The resulting data can be analysed and translated into strategically placed noise barriers or green spaces, and even provide the basis for re-routing roadways.

Audio Monitoring

This function keeps monitoring the noise volume levels in the immediate proximity of Intercom stations and loudspeakers. If a certain threshold level is exceeded, the system automatically sets off a call to a control desk. If required, it can trigger other actions as well – for example, it can be configured to activate a CCTV video feed with instant live images of the area where the triggering sound event occurred. Responsive actions like these can be custom combined into action sequences. The trigger threshold value can be adjusted individually and linked to a time schedule.

Example: Leisure facility

After hours, nobody is allowed on the premises, with Audio Monitoring listening to make sure. Any unusually loud sound triggers an appropriate action, such as an automated warning announcement over the loudspeakers – all without the need for on-site staff.

Sound analysis for Smart Cities

If required, the Intercom system can forward audio data to sound analytics systems – all in full compliance with applicable data privacy regulations, of course. In addition to measuring sound volumes, this enables more in-depth analyses to identify and document the type and source of suspicious sounds.

Sound check for your city?

Your local Commend Partner will be happy to provide non-binding advice and further information on how to leverage sound analytics for the benefit of your city.

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Smart City Applications