Sigard by Sound Intelligence is a patented software/closed circuit television system security package that can detect verbal aggression from individuals in wired public spaces, public transportation, prisons, nightclubs and bars. The technology is able to detect distinct sound patterns with a level of effectiveness similar to the human hearing. And yes Sigard is currently installed and in use. However, Sigard does not record conversations. It does not listen to what you saying. Sigard listens to how you say whatever it is you are saying. And it listens for changes in the human voice that happen in an aggressive situation.
The technology was based on research from the departments of Biophysics and Artificial Intelligence of Groningen State University (RuG), into the mechanisms underlying human hearing. It took the university researchers over a decade to teach a computer to detect human aggression in speech.
During a demonstration, Sound Intelligence spokesperson demonstrated how Sigard is able to discriminate between the sound of aggression and other, everyday loud noises like passing trucks and car horns. Demonstrated by a loud hand clapping, a display screen noted the sounds but took no action. Aggressive shouting sounded an alarm and a CCTV camera spun round to look directly at the source of the shouting. Photo Credit: Getty Images