Voice amplification system and computer program

Abstract

To provide a voice amplification system which resolves a difficulty of prevention of a crime by performing such a warning broadcast that only a determined sound source is amplified for an intruder such as a thief and a robber.SOLUTION: A voice amplification system (1) includes: a speaker (11) for amplifying voice in a security area; detection means (20) for detecting an event in the security area; and voice amplification control means (30) for responding to the detection of the event by the detection means (20) so as to amplify a voice message related to the event with the speaker (11). The voice message includes an activation signal coded by an audio watermark. The activation signal is decoded by an information device (50) which has received the voice message so that a first computer program held by the information device (50) is automatically activated. The first computer program has a function for executing a report to a predetermined contact point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to public address systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In modern society, crimes such as theft and robbery occur every year, and the demand for security systems is increasing. For example, in Patent Document 1, the intrusion of a burglar is detected by an infrared sensor or a shock sensor. Then, an alarm sound is output from a speaker and broadcast to the intruder. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-032377 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is difficult to have a threatening effect against intruders such as thieves and robbers by broadcasting a warning broadcast that only uses a fixed sound source. Therefore, the present disclosure aims to report intruders by broadcasting a warning broadcast and using a third party's information device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The public address system of the present disclosure comprises: A speaker for amplifying sound in a security area; A detection means for detecting an event within the security area; a loudspeaker control means for loudspeaking a voice message related to the event from the speaker in response to the detection of the event by the detection means, the voice message includes a wake-up signal encoded with an audio watermark, the wake-up signal being configured to be decoded by an information device receiving the voice message to automatically wake up a first computer program stored in the information device; The first computer program has a function of sending a notification to a predetermined contact point. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The public address system of the present disclosure includes an activation signal encoded with an audio watermark in an audio message, which activates a first computer program on a third party's information device near the security area, and the first computer program then reports to the police or other authorities. Therefore, the third party's information device near the security area can be used to quickly report to the police or other authorities. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a loudspeaker system 1 of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the audio watermarking process. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method of operating the loudspeaker system 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method of operation of the loudspeaker system 1 of the modified embodiment 1A. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method of operating the loudspeaker system 1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a display screen after a first computer program is launched on a third party's information device. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing another example of a display screen after the first computer program is launched on the third party's information device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] 1. First embodiment (1) Configuration of the Public Address System 1 of the First Embodiment The loudspeaker system 1 of the present disclosure is a system that detects an event in a security area and broadcasts the event through loudspeakers in the security area. The security area may be a store or an office. Examples of stores include jewelry stores and watch stores. It is preferable that the security area of ​​the present disclosure is visible or photographable from the outside when an event such as a crime occurs inside. For example, glass may be installed between the security area and the outside.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the loudspeaker system 1 of the present disclosure includes a speaker 11, a detection means 20, and a loudspeaker control means 30.

[0010] The detection means 20 detects the occurrence of an event within the security area. An event means a criminal act by an intruder. Events include illegal intrusion into a security area (e.g., breaking a door lock or a window), destruction of a case containing precious metals, theft, blackmail, and other such acts.

[0011] The detection means 20 may be a camera, an infrared sensor, a window sensor, a sound collection device, or the like. The camera may be a security camera. The imaging range of the camera may be the entire security area. The camera may be a video camera. The camera detects an event by image sensing. The camera may send the captured image to the loudspeaker control means 30, and the loudspeaker control means 30 may analyze the image and determine the content of the event.

[0012] Infrared sensors are installed near the entrance to security areas. Infrared sensors include an infrared emitting section and an infrared receiving section. The infrared ray is usually configured to pass between the light emitting section and the light receiving section, and when an intruder passes between the light emitting section and the light receiving section, the infrared ray is blocked and the intrusion (event) is detected.

[0013] Window sensors are installed on windows in security areas and detect events by detecting vibrations when the window is opened, closed, or broken.

[0014] The sound collection device collects sound within the security area. The sound collection device may be a security camera. The sound amplification control means 30 may analyze the sound of an intruder collected by the sound collection device to analyze the content of the event.

[0015] The detection means 20 is connected to the loudspeaker control means 30 by wire or wirelessly. When the detection means 20 detects an event in the security area, it is transmitted to the loudspeaker control means 30. Alternatively, for example, the detection means 20 is a security camera or a sound collection device, and the video of the security camera or the audio collected by the sound collection device is transmitted to the loudspeaker control means 30, and the loudspeaker control means 30 learns the details of the event by analyzing the video or audio. In the case of video, a person such as a security guard may detect an event by judging the video acquired by the detection means 20 (security camera) displayed by the loudspeaker control means 30.

[0016] The loudspeaker control means 30 is a computer. The computer includes a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The memory includes a RAM, a ROM, an external storage device, and the like. The memory may store a computer program or a voice message. The memory may store a program for executing the loudspeaker method using the loudspeaker system 1. The processor reads the program from the memory and executes it. The loudspeaker control means 30 is connected to the detection means 20 and the speaker 11 by wire or wirelessly. The loudspeaker control means 30 controls the speaker 11. The loudspeaker control means 30 is usually placed in a security room or the like of a building including a security area. The loudspeaker control means 30 may be placed in the security area. The loudspeaker control means 30 may be composed of multiple computers. For example, a computer that controls the security system of the entire building, a computer that controls the speaker 11, and a computer that receives a signal from the detection means 20 may be configured to operate in conjunction with each other.

[0017] The speaker 11 is arranged so as to amplify the sound inside and outside the security area. The speaker 11 may be installed inside the security area, and there may be one or more speakers 11 for one security area. In the case of FIG. 1, there are four speakers 11. The speaker 11 amplifies the voice message under the control of the voice amplification control means 30. The speaker 11 may be an IP speaker. The speaker 11 may include a voice amplification unit and a memory unit. The voice message may be stored in the memory unit.

[0018] The voice message may be stored in a memory unit of each speaker 11 and played back by a command from the loudspeaker control means 30. Alternatively, the voice message may be transmitted from the loudspeaker control means 30 and played back by each speaker 11.

[0019] The speaker 11 may be dedicated to the public address system 1 (dedicated to the security system) or may be a speaker used for other purposes. The speaker 11 may be a part of an emergency broadcast system and may be a speaker for amplifying an emergency broadcast message.

[0020] The audio message includes a signal encoded by audio watermarking. Audio watermarking is a technology for embedding information in an audible frequency band sound wave so that it cannot be perceived. Known methods include echo hiding, echo spreading, spectrum spreading, and periodic phase modulation. As an audio watermark, an echo spreading method may be used. The echo spreading method is a method for applying an echo with a delay time that is not noticeable to humans to an original audio signal and sending the delay time as additional data. In the echo spreading method, as shown in FIG. 2, an echo kernel of an echo component with a different delay amount is superimposed on a first audio signal S1 by a convolution operation and embedded. As a result, the encoded signal is superimposed on the first audio signal S1 to generate a second audio signal S2 (audio message). In the case of this embodiment, the signal that is encrypted and superimposed on the audio message is at least a start signal for starting a program of the information device 50.

[0021] The voice message amplified by the speaker 11 is received by an information device 50 carried by a third party (such as a passerby) in the vicinity of the message area. The information device 50 is, for example, a smartphone. The information device 50 includes a CPU, a microphone for receiving voice, a function for communicating using a general public line, a program, a memory for storing data and programs, a camera, a display, and the like. When the information device 50 receives a voice message including an encoded signal, it decodes the encoded signal. A first computer program for reporting to a predetermined contact is installed in the information device 50. The voice message amplified by the speaker 11 includes an encoded start signal for the first computer program.

[0022] (2) Operation method of the loudspeaker system 1 of the first embodiment The operation method of the loudspeaker system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0023] This loudspeaker method is triggered by the detection means 20 detecting the occurrence of an event within a security area (step S101). If the detection means 20 does not detect an event, the process returns to step S101. If the detection means 20 detects an event, the detection means 20 notifies the loudspeaker control means 30 that the event has been detected, and the process proceeds to step S102.

[0024] In step S102, the loudspeaker control means 30 automatically prepares a voice message to be amplified from the speaker 11 in response to the detection of an event by the detection means 20. The voice message is, for example, "Stop the crime immediately!" or "Crime has occurred! Crime has occurred! Please help us report it!". The voice message includes an activation signal encoded by a voice watermark. The voice message including the encoded voice signal may be prepared in advance before the event occurs and stored in the memory of the loudspeaker control means 30 or in the storage unit of the speaker 11. After the event occurs, the encoded activation signal may be superimposed on the first voice signal S1 to generate the second voice signal S2 (voice message). In either case, the loudspeaker control means 30 sends a command to the speaker 11 to have the speaker 11 amplified with the voice message including the encoded activation signal (S102).

[0025] An information device 50 of a third party near the security area receives (collects) with a microphone the voice message amplified from the speaker 11. The information device 50 decodes the encoded activation signal from the voice message. The information device 50 activates a first computer program that has been installed in advance (S103).

[0026] The first computer program notifies a predetermined contact such as the police (S104).

[0027] As explained above, if a third party's information device near a security area has the function of decrypting the audio watermark and has the first computer program pre-installed, the third party's information device can be used to report the occurrence of an event to a designated contact such as the police.

[0028] (3) Modified embodiment 1A In the case of Fig. 3 above, in step S104, the notification sent to the specified contacts was only that an event had occurred. In this modified embodiment, the notification sent to the specified contacts includes location information of the security area. The configuration of modified embodiment 1A is the same as that of the first embodiment above in respects that are not specifically described below.

[0029] In this modified embodiment, the information (signal) embedded in the audio message using an audio watermark includes the location information of the security area in addition to the start signal of the first computer program.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating the loudspeaker system 1 of this modified embodiment.

[0031] Step S101 is the same as the case in Fig. 3. If an event occurrence is detected in step S101, the process proceeds to step S112.

[0032] In step S112, the voice amplification control means 30 amplifies, from the speaker 11, the voice message including the activation signal and the position information encoded by the audio watermark. Next, in step S113, the information device 50 of the third party near the security area receives (collects) with a microphone the voice message amplified by the speaker 11. The information device 50 decodes the encoded activation signal and position information from the voice message. The information device 50 activates the first computer program based on the activation signal.

[0033] Then, in step S114, the first computer program of the information device 50 transmits the location information to a predetermined contact.

[0034] In this way, the loudspeaker system 1 of this modified embodiment can communicate the location information of the security area where the event occurred to a predetermined contact point such as the police, thereby contributing to the early resolution of the incident.

[0035] (4) Modified embodiment 1B The location information sent from the first computer program to the predetermined contact is not limited to the location information of the security area embedded in the voice message, but may be the location information of the information device 50 of a third party near the security area.

[0036] In modified embodiment 1A, the voice message in which the location information of the security area is encoded and embedded is amplified by the speaker 11 and collected by the information device 50. In modified embodiment 1B, the location information of the security area is the location information of the information device 50, and the voice message does not need to include the location information. The information device 50 acquires the location information by a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) means. In the first embodiment, when the first computer program reports to a predetermined contact point (S104), in modified embodiment 1B, the first computer program transmits the location information of the information device 50 to the predetermined contact point.

[0037] In this way, the loudspeaker system 1 of this modified embodiment can notify a predetermined contact point such as the police of the location information of an information device of a third party in the vicinity where an event has occurred, thereby contributing to the early resolution of the incident.

[0038] 2. Second embodiment The configuration of the loudspeaker system 1 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0039] The content of the first computer program of the second embodiment is partially different from the content of the first computer program of the first embodiment. The first computer program of the second embodiment is installed in a third party's information device 50, and assists the owner of the information device 50 in photographing an event with the camera of the information device 50 and reporting the photograph to a predetermined contact.

[0040] The operation method of the loudspeaker system 1 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0041] In this embodiment, steps S101 to S103 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] Next, in step S105 of this embodiment, the first computer program starts the camera imaging program of the information device 50. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, a message such as "Please take a picture of the crime scene!" and a "shooting" start button are displayed on the display together with the camera image. A third party who possesses the information device 50 points the camera toward the crime scene (crime or event occurrence scene) and presses the "shooting" start button of the camera imaging program to start imaging (step S106). The image captured by the camera may be a video or a still image. In the case of a still image, when the imaging is completed, the first computer program automatically transmits the still image to a predetermined contact (step S107). In the case of video imaging, for example, the video may be configured to be automatically transmitted to a predetermined contact after a predetermined period of imaging (for example, 3 seconds or more and 20 seconds or less).

[0043] Steps S105 to S107 may be as follows. In step S105, the first computer program starts the camera imaging program of the information device 50, and displays on the display of the information device 50 an image of the camera, a message saying "Take a photo of the scene and tap the report button!", and a "shoot" button for instructing the start of shooting. A third party who possesses the information device 50 points the camera at the scene of the incident (the scene of the crime or event occurrence) and presses the "shoot" button of the camera imaging program to start shooting (step S106). When the "shoot" button is pressed and shooting starts, a message saying "Tap the report button to send the image!" and the "report" button are displayed on the display together with the shot image (still image or video), as shown in FIG. 6B. When the photographer presses the "report" button, shooting ends, and the shot video is sent to a predetermined contact (step S107).

[0044] Steps S105 to S107 may be as follows. In step S105, the first computer program causes the information device 50 to automatically start capturing video with the camera. On the display of the information device 50, a message saying "Please take a picture of the scene and send it!" and a "shoot" button are displayed together with the camera video. A third party who possesses the information device 50 points the camera at the crime scene (the scene where a crime or event has occurred) and presses the "shoot" button to start capturing and recording video (step S106). During the capture, a message saying "Please take a picture of the scene and tap the report button!" and a "report" button are displayed on the display. When the photographer presses the "report" button, the video is transmitted to a predetermined contact in the order of capture time while the video is still being captured and recorded (step S107). During the transmission, a sequence bar may be displayed to indicate what percentage of the recorded video (video) has been transmitted. If the video transmission speed exceeds the video recording speed, the first computer program may be terminated when the video transmission catches up with the transmission of the recorded video.

[0045] In the loudspeaker system 1 of this embodiment, the first computer program activates the camera function of a third party's information device 50 and transmits captured images of the event to the police, etc., allowing the police, etc. to grasp the situation of the incident with almost no time delay, which can be an effective means of solving the incident.

[0046] (1) Modified embodiment 2A In the case of Fig. 5, in step S107, a video or still image of the captured event is sent to a predetermined contact. In this modified embodiment, the notification sent to the predetermined contact includes location information of the security area. The configuration of modified embodiment 2A is the same as that of the above-mentioned second embodiment in respects that are not specifically described below.

[0047] In this modified embodiment, the information (signal) embedded in the audio message using an audio watermark includes the location information of the security area in addition to the start signal of the first computer program.

[0048] The operation method of the loudspeaker system 1 of this modified embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 5, except for the following points.

[0049] Step S101 is the same as the case in Fig. 5. If an event occurrence is detected in step S101, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0050] In step S102, the voice amplification control means 30 amplifies from the speaker 11 the voice message including the activation signal encoded with the audio watermark and the position information.

[0051] Next, in step S103, the information device 50 of a third party near the security area receives the voice message amplified by the speaker 11. The information device 50 decodes the encoded activation signal and position information from the voice message. The information device 50 activates the first computer program based on the activation signal.

[0052] Then, in steps S105 and S106, the owner of the information device 50 captures images of the event with the assistance of the first computer program.

[0053] In step S107, the first computer program transmits the location information of the security area, in addition to the video or still images of the captured event, to a predetermined contact.

[0054] In this manner, in this modified embodiment, the location information of the security area where the event occurred can be sent to a predetermined contact point such as the police together with an image of the event.

[0055] (2) Modified embodiment 2B As in the modified embodiment 1B, the location information sent from the first computer program to the predetermined contact is not limited to the location information of the security area embedded in the voice message, but may be the location information of the information device 50 of a third party near the security area.

[0056] In modified embodiment 2A, the voice message in which the position information of the security area is encoded and embedded is amplified by the speaker 11 and collected by the information device 50. In modified embodiment 2B, the position information of the security area is the position information of the information device 50, and the voice message does not need to include the position information. The information device 50 acquires the position information by a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) means. In the second embodiment, when the first computer program transmits a video or still image of the captured event to a predetermined contact (S107), in modified embodiment 2B, the first computer program also transmits the position information of the information device 50 together with the video or still image.

[0057] In this way, the loudspeaker system 1 of this modified embodiment can notify a predetermined contact point such as the police of the location information of an information device of a third party in the vicinity where an event has occurred, thereby contributing to the early resolution of the incident.

[0058] 3. Summary of the First and Second Embodiments The public address system 1 of the present disclosure comprises a speaker 11 for amplifying sound in a security area, a detection means 20 for detecting an event within the security area, and a public address control means 30 for amplifying an audio message related to the event from the speaker 11 in response to detection of the event by the detection means 20.

[0059] The method of operating the public address system 1 of the present disclosure utilizes an information device 50 carried by a person present in a security area when an event occurs. A first computer program for reporting the event to a predetermined contact is pre-installed in the information device 50. The first computer program may be configured to report location information of the security area to a predetermined contact. The first computer program may be configured to report an image of the event to a predetermined contact.

[0060] The audio message amplified from the speaker 11 includes at least an activation signal encoded with an audio watermark. The activation signal activates a first computer program in the information device 50.

[0061] When an event is detected by the detection means 20 (S101), the loudspeaker control means 30 loudspeaks an audio message including an activation signal encoded with an audio watermark from a speaker (S102). A third party's information device 50 near the security area receives the audio message, decodes the activation signal, and activates a first computer program (S103). The first computer program reports the event to a predetermined contact, for example, a police station (S104).

[0062] The public address system of this embodiment includes an activation signal encoded with an audio watermark in the public address message, which activates a first computer program on a third party's information device near the security area, and the first computer program then reports to the police or other authorities.Therefore, the police or other authorities can be quickly notified using the third party's information device near the security area. When the first computer program is configured to report an image of the event to a predetermined contact, the operation is performed as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5. That is, when the first computer program is started, the camera imaging program of the information device 50 is started (S105). The owner of the information device 50 captures an image of the event with the camera of the information device 50 (S106). The first computer program transmits a video or still image of the captured event to the predetermined contact (S107).

[0063] In addition, in the present embodiment of the loudspeaker system 1, the first computer program activates the camera function of a third party's information device 50 and transmits captured images of the event to the police, etc., allowing the police, etc. to grasp the situation of the incident with almost no time delay, which can be an effective means of solving the incident.

[0064] The voice message broadcast from the speaker 11 may include location information of the security area encoded by an audio watermark. In this case, the information device receiving the voice message decodes the location information together with the activation signal (S113, S103). The decoded location information is sent by the first computer program to a predetermined contact, possibly together with an image of the event (S114, S107).

[0065] The location information sent from the first computer program to the predetermined contact is not limited to the location information of the security area embedded in the voice message. It may be the location information of an information device 50 of a third party near the security area. The location information of the information device 50 may be obtained by a means such as GNSS. [Industrial Applicability]

[0066] The public address system of the present disclosure is applicable to a security system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 Public address system 11 Speakers 20 Intrusion detection methods 30 Amplification control means 50 Information equipment

Claims

1. A speaker for amplifying sound in a security area; A detection means for detecting an event within the security area; a loudspeaker control means for loudspeaking a voice message related to the event from the speaker in response to the detection of the event by the detection means, the voice message includes a wake-up signal encoded with an audio watermark, the wake-up signal being configured to be decoded by an information device receiving the voice message to automatically wake up a first computer program stored in the information device; The first computer program is a public address system having a function of making a notification to a predetermined contact.

2. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1 , wherein the first computer program has a function of automatically activating a camera provided in the information device when activated, and transmitting an image captured by the activated camera to the contact.

3. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1 , wherein the first computer program, when started, automatically starts a camera provided in the information device, and automatically transmits the captured image to the contact in response to completion of capturing an image with the camera.

4. 2. The loudspeaker system according to claim 1, wherein the first computer program, when started, automatically starts a camera provided in the information device, and transmits the recorded image to the contact at the same time as the started camera captures and records the image.

5. The audio of the voice message amplified from the speaker includes an activation signal encoded with an audio watermark and location information of the security area, the activation signal and location information are decoded by an information device that receives the audio of the voice message amplified from the speaker, and the decoded location information is transmitted to a specified contact by the first computer program.

6. The information device acquires location information of the information device, The loudspeaker system according to claim 1 , wherein the first computer program transmits location information of the information device to a predetermined contact when a report is made to the predetermined contact.

7. A computer program that is installed in an information device and used, A computer program, in which when the information device receives an audio message including a wake-up signal encoded with an audio watermark, the information device decodes the wake-up signal, and the decoded wake-up signal automatically wakes up the computer program, and the computer program notifies a specified contact.

8. The computer program according to claim 7 , further comprising a function of activating a camera provided in the information device and transmitting an image captured by the activated camera to the predetermined contact address.

Images