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Sound Detector is one of the simplest yet most useful detectors in Xeoma. This module analyzes the audio stream of a security camera and triggers if the sound volume exceeds a specified threshold. This allows you to record the archive on noise detection and configure various reactions such as notifications sending, custom script running, and more. The “Sound Detector” module makes the security system even more reliable, allowing it to continue operating even in case of the video signal loss.

 

Adding the Sound Detector to a module chain

Connect the Sound Detector directly to the “Universal Camera” module. Place a module that should be triggered when the sound threshold is exceeded right after the Sound Detector — for example, the “Preview and Archive” module for archive recording or the “Sending Email” module for notifications sending.

Important: If you are using a web camera, the Sound Detector should be connected after the “Microphone” module.

 

Configuring the module

The “Sound Detector” module settings include the following parameters:

Post-record – the period of time the module remains triggered after the sound level drops below the threshold. For example, if this parameter is set to 5 seconds and the “Preview and Archive” module is connected to the Sound Detector, the archive will continue recording for 5 seconds after the sound level drops below the threshold.

Sound threshold, % – allows to set the sound level which must be exceeded for module to be triggered.

Current sound level, % – visualizes the current volume of the audio stream, allowing users to determine the optimal “Sound threshold, %” parameter experimentally.

 

 

Examples of module schemes

Below are examples of module schemes with the Sound Detector that can be used for different tasks:

Archive recording on noise detection

 

Archive recording and notification sending on noise detection

 

Archive recording and notification sending on noise and motion detection

First, Xeoma analyzes the sound stream and if noise is detected, it starts analyzing the video stream

First, Xeoma analyzes the video stream and if motion is detected, it starts analyzing the sound stream

 

Archive recording and notification sending on noise detection without receiving the video stream

Archive recording and notification sending in the absence of noise

 

 

Typical applications of the Sound Detector

Scenario 1: Supplementing an Intrusion Detection System

Intrusions into private territories are rarely silent. They are usually accompanied by sounds of breaking doors, breaking glass, and other noises. Additionally, lots of factors can prevent the camera from starting archive recording — camera tampering by intruders, lens malfunctions, defocusing, etc. The “Sound Detector” module significantly increases the chances of capturing an incident, ensuring that at least an audio recording is available as evidence in an investigation.

 

Scenario 2: Video surveillance in quiet zones

Xeoma with the Sound Detector is especially effective for monitoring libraries, museums, or any other establishments where silence is essential. The smart system can simultaneously monitor all areas and instantly notify security personnel in case of noise violation. This helps improve staff efficiency or even reduce personnel while increasing profitability.

 

Scenario 3: Responding to Nighttime Noise Violation in Apartment Buildings / Residential Areas / Hospitals / Restricted Sites

Maintaining silence at night is especially important for apartment buildings and hospitals. A single nighttime troublemaker can disrupt the sleep of hundreds of people, that’s why such incidents must be promptly addressed. Typically, a single security guard cannot monitor an entire building, but notifications from Xeoma will allow them to instantly react to nighttime noise disturbance. IP cameras with built-in microphones can be placed in hallways, corridors, hospital rooms, and even around the building perimeter for effective monitoring.

 

Scenario 4: Video surveillance in factories, engine rooms and mines – reacting to the absence of noise

Surprisingly, in some situations, silence can be a warning sign. This is especially true for production lines, ship engine rooms, mines, and quarries, where constant noise from machinery and workers is the norm. In these environments, an unexpected drop in noise often signals a halt in operations, potential malfunctions, or financial losses. Fortunately, Xeoma can be configured to trigger the “Sound Detector” module whenever noise level falls below a set threshold during working hours. This ensures a swift response to any issues, improving both safety and efficiency of the enterprise.

 

March 3, 2025

See also:
Sound Event Detector: Recognizing Sounds in Xeoma
Voice-to-Text: Xeoma’s Intellectual Module for Speech Recognition
Notifications in Xeoma
How to increase detection accuracy and improve successful recognition