Catchflow launches directional speakers in Japan to combat noise pollution and voice phishing

Excessive use of outdoor speakers causes noise pollution. Although it is regarded as a serious environmental problem, as severe as air pollution, there have been limitations in management and supervision.

In June 2018, Gen.Kim Tae-young, the CEO of Catchflow, which spun off from Samsung Electronics' in-house venture program C-Lab, developed the directional speaker 'S-RAY,' which minimizes surrounding noise. The core technology uses ultrasound to transmit sound only in specific directions.

Using a method that transmits sound in the 40 kilohertz (kHz) ultrasonic band, the sound is inaudible to the human ear when transmitted, but becomes audible when it hits an object or person. Through this, the company states that it can control sound dispersion, reducing noise by over 20 decibels (dB).

This product, the size of a palm, is designed as an integrated unit featuring both the speaker and amplifier, unlike existing directional speakers. The CEO noted, "It is a hybrid system that incorporates both regular and directional speakers, making it easy to use and install." He added that it could be used to deliver sound only to specific areas in movie theaters or museums and could also be applied in public facilities such as pedestrian traffic lights or bus stop announcements. It could also be utilized as smart city infrastructure providing traffic and safety information.

The S-RAY is particularly gaining attention in the Japanese market. This is because the solution that transmits sound only in specific directions can be used to prevent voice phishing.

Gen.Kim Tae-young explained, "In Japan, a campaign is underway to discourage phone calls in front of bank ATMs due to the severe issue of voice phishing," adding, "When a call is made in front of the ATM, the directional speaker is used to transmit sound louder, thus obstructing the voice of the victim from being heard by the other party."

It suggests that the directional solution developed to reduce noise can also be used as noise that interferes with currency transactions. Currently, Catchflow has started a pilot project installing products at various banks in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, in collaboration with the Tokyo police and is expanding this to other areas such as Sendai.

In addition, it is working on a project to install directional speakers at high-risk areas for road accidents in partnership with Sehwa Electric, a major supplier for the Japan Road Corporation. He stated, "We are developing a high-output product to warn drivers."

Thanks to the favorable business conditions in Japan, Catchflow is building a factory in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, to produce devices for export. It is nearing completion. The company aims for revenues of 2 billion won this year, with projections of 10 billion won for 2027.

Catchflow is currently developing an artificial intelligence (AI) video processing algorithm capable of recognizing user posture, situational awareness, and even the user's emotions. It is seeking to expand its business into Japanese financial crime prevention services and intelligent closed-circuit television (CCTV) through integration with directional speakers. Based on this, it plans to launch various solutions suitable for both domestic and international situations. Through the 8th Seoul Innovation Challenge, it is working on a project to recognize urban road conditions using AI and convey dangerous situations to vehicles or pedestrians through directional speakers.

Gen.Kim Tae-young stated, "If sound can be controlled and integrated with direction, it will be possible to design sound not just to transmit it but to shape it within a space."