SoundAlert is a centralized system capable of alerting people who are deaf or hearing impaired of critical sounds in their environment and a communication aid.

This product targets a large population whose needs in the targeted areas are either not yet met or inadequately served by existing technology, or they must rely on a range of often-incompatible products that introduce complexity to their environment. 

SoundAlert addresses a significant and important problem because the ability to consolidate all these alerts, information, and alarms on a single platform – combined with the ability to uniquely identify sounds when they are detected – can bridge this gap for the non-hearing in a potentially limitless variety of ways. 

Lives will be saved, and rescue or evacuation operations will be greatly facilitated via the lifeline communication capability.  Also, the functionalities of: 1) bringing alerts of identified sound events to the user;

2) combining or replacing existing alerting systems on a single platform, and; 3) implementing the delivery platform on a convenient and lightweight handheld device, are expected to significantly enhance the user’s sense of safety, security and independence, while providing a compelling alternative to the maintenance of a wide variety of disparate alerting and independence-supporting systems.

This capability, when combined with the monitoring technology from SafetyNet creates a powerful foundation for the SoundAlert system.   The SoundAlert system includes all hardware and software and documentation required.  SoundAlert consists conceptually of:

• Sound sensors (microphones or transducers) connected to portable, low-cost battery-operated “satellite” modules, which have the sound-recognition processing capability.  The satellite modules communicate wirelessly with a BaseStation.
• A BaseStation module, which processes received alerts from remote modules and alerts from other communication systems integrated with SoundAlert, such as computer-based alerts (weather/news alerts), Emergency Broadcast System bulletins, or alarm networks.
• A handheld device (Pocket PC or equivalent) to which alerts are communicated via wireless transmission from the BaseStation.  When the handheld device receives an alert, it vibrates and flashes the display in a specific sequence depending on the situation, then displays a text message (or graphic) describing the alert.
• Evacuation information (as graphics or text) can be downloaded from a PC via a simple process, and displayed to determine the best evacuation route.
• Communication with emergency personnel is performed via text messages from the non-hearing individual, while the 911 operator can either type or use voice recognition to send streaming text.  Both 911 and reverse 911 is supported via fast, secure instant messaging.
• Pull down menus allow the non-hearing individual to expedite the communication process with the emergency personnel.  A form that the non-hearing individual completed in advance is beamed to the 911 operator, answering the standard 911 operator questions.
• The SoundAlert system can be set to automatically send an emergency outbound message to handle medic alert "I've fallen, and I can't get up" type situations.
• The Pocket PC also can be used as a shared device for communication with their hearing counterparts.  Pressing a special button allows the system to speak pre-recorded messages, such as "I'm deaf, but I can read lips.  Where is the exit?"
• Battery power is conserved and RF ambient noise is reduced, by the sensors only transmitting data to the BaseStation when they sense a change in state.  All devices will use the new Zigbee standard that automatically report when they need new batteries.

Also included:

• Each the three sensors are housed in a small, wireless, battery powered module
1. Two sound detection modules
2. One motion sensor module
• The communication module includes integrated voice-to-print software and a wireless microphone with automatic noise reduction for streaming real-time captioning of conversations with colleagues or associates.
• Free on-line support and software updates for one-year
• Simple installation and setup guide (printed and CD)

Availability: June 2007

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