ShotSpotter’s Latest U.S. Patent Enables Major Advancement in Machine Learning Accuracy for Its Gunshot Detection Technology
Category Leader Now Holds 33 Patents
NEWARK, Calif., Sept. 24, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ShotSpotter, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSTI), the leader in solutions that help law enforcement officials identify, locate and deter gun violence, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted ShotSpotter U.S. Patent No. 10,424,048 entitled “Systems and Methods Involving Creation and/or Utilization of Image Mosaics in Classification of Acoustic Events”.
ShotSpotter’s real-time gunshot detection solution uses a two-step process that employs both machine classification and human review. The system is able to distinguish with high accuracy whether a loud, impulsive sound detected by its acoustic sensors is a gunshot or a non-gunshot incident, such as fireworks, in less than 60 seconds. The innovation behind this 33rd patent granted to ShotSpotter covers the conversion of multiple features of the audio event into a set of visual displays that are combined into a single image mosaic. This enables the system to leverage “deep learning” neural networks that typically identify and classify images, not sounds.
Since its implementation, this approach, along with the ability to train the system using ShotSpotter’s proprietary database of over 14 million gunshot and non-gunshot incidents, has resulted in significant improvements in machine classification accuracy. Events that are machine-classified with high confidence as non-gunshots can now be excluded from the human classification step. This allows more focused expert review of probable gunshots in ShotSpotter’s Incident review Center (IRC) prior to notifying patrol officers digitally about the gunfire incident location. Additionally, the company expects to benefit as its customer base grows by being more efficient in the staffing of the IRC.
“Despite having no direct competitors for our wide-area municipal gunshot detection service, we continue to invest in R&D to extend our platform and improve the associated technology. This patent represents another important innovation in our AI efforts,” said Ralph A. Clark, President and CEO of ShotSpotter. “We will continue to advance our solutions so that our law enforcement customers are provided the highest-quality gunshot detection solution to help keep their communities safe.”
Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements regarding the anticipated benefits in machine learning accuracy. Words such as “believe,” “potential,” “plans,” “expects” “predict,” “will,” variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond ShotSpotter’s control. ShotSpotter’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to not achieving the anticipated benefits from the company’s advancements in its machine learning technology, as well as other risk factors included including ShotSpotter’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other SEC filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, ShotSpotter undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.
About ShotSpotter Inc.
ShotSpotter (NASDAQ: SSTI) provides precision-policing solutions for law enforcement to help deter gun violence and make cities, campuses and facilities safer. The company’s flagship product, ShotSpotter® Flex™, is the leading gunshot detection, location and forensic analysis system, and is trusted by 100 cities. ShotSpotter® Missions™ (formerly HunchLab) uses artificial intelligence-driven analysis to help strategically plan patrol missions and tactics for maximum crime deterrence. ShotSpotter has been designated a Great Place to Work® company.
For more media information for ShotSpotter, contact:
Media Contact:
Liz Einbinder
ShotSpotter, Inc.
+1 (510) 794-3147
leinbinder@shotspotter.com
Investor Relations Contacts:
Matt Glover
Gateway Investor Relations
+1 (949) 574-3860
SSTI@gatewayir.com
JoAnne Horne
Market Street Partners
+1 (415) 445-3240
jhorne@marketstreetpartners.com
Released September 24, 2019