Making Emergency Dispatcher Voices Clearer for 119 Calls: General Inc. Deploys New System in Yamaguchi
General Inc. has delivered 'GRANCAST,' Japan's first fire dispatch system with voice clarification technology, to the Yamaguchi Western Fire Dispatch Center, improving emergency communication for the elderly.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 22:39
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 14:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 01:53 (11h 52m after Collected)
General Inc. (formerly Fujitsu General Limited) has delivered the 'GRANCAST' fire dispatch system to the Yamaguchi Western Fire Dispatch Center, which is jointly operated by Shimonoseki, Mine, and Nagato cities in Yamaguchi Prefecture. This system is the first in Japan to implement voice clarification technology directly into a fire dispatch system, creating a state-of-the-art emergency infrastructure protecting approximately 300,000 residents. The total project cost is approximately 3.29 billion yen, and full-scale operations began smoothly on February 25, 2026.
The number of 119 emergency calls across Japan increased by approximately 1.3 times between 2020 and 2024, making the sophistication and efficiency of fire dispatch operations an urgent priority. In response, and following regional cooperation policies promoted by national and prefectural governments, Nagato City joined the existing partnership between Shimonoseki and Mine to establish the joint 'Yamaguchi Western Fire Dispatch Center.'
The center aims to build a city where residents can live with greater peace of mind by strengthening disaster response and operational efficiency, even with limited personnel. The core of this initiative is the newly adopted 'GRANCAST' system.
A key innovation in the 'GRANCAST' system at this center is the 'SMN CALL119' voice clarification device, implemented for the first time in Japan. This device real-time corrects the dispatcher's voice quality into frequencies that are easier for callers with hearing concerns, such as the elderly, to understand. This ensures clear communication and accurate mutual understanding during critical 119 calls. The device was co-developed with acoustics manufacturer Radius Co., Ltd.
General Inc. will continue to leverage its technology and expertise in dispatch control systems, cultivated over more than 50 years, to provide systems that address challenges on the front lines of fire services. Furthermore, by utilizing new technologies, the company contributes to a safe and secure society where people can correctly grasp situations and act quickly.
### Detailed Features
#### Japan's First implementation of 'SMN CALL119' Voice Clarification
The 'SMN CALL119' device incorporates the patented 'Cleara Processor Circuit' developed by Radius Co., Ltd. into the dispatch console. It real-time analyzes and corrects voices based on gender and pitch, suppressing muffled low tones and piercing high tones to reduce misunderstandings and repetitive questioning during emergencies.
#### Enhanced Radio Sensitivity for Stable Communication
The radio equipment connecting the center with fire engines and ambulances has been upgraded, increasing receiver sensitivity by approximately 1.2 times. This ensures clearer audio in remote or signal-poor areas, facilitating better coordination between dispatchers and field personnel.
### Voice from the Yamaguchi Western Fire Dispatch Center
'As we transitioned from a two-city to a three-city joint operation, we had some initial concerns about adopting the new GRANCAST system. However, the introduction of EDSS (Emergency Dispatch Support System) has allowed everyone to follow standardized procedures for faster responses. We are grateful for the inclusion of the voice clarification technology, which puts the caller's needs first and helps us strive toward reaching disaster sites even a minute or second faster.'
The number of 119 emergency calls across Japan increased by approximately 1.3 times between 2020 and 2024, making the sophistication and efficiency of fire dispatch operations an urgent priority. In response, and following regional cooperation policies promoted by national and prefectural governments, Nagato City joined the existing partnership between Shimonoseki and Mine to establish the joint 'Yamaguchi Western Fire Dispatch Center.'
The center aims to build a city where residents can live with greater peace of mind by strengthening disaster response and operational efficiency, even with limited personnel. The core of this initiative is the newly adopted 'GRANCAST' system.
A key innovation in the 'GRANCAST' system at this center is the 'SMN CALL119' voice clarification device, implemented for the first time in Japan. This device real-time corrects the dispatcher's voice quality into frequencies that are easier for callers with hearing concerns, such as the elderly, to understand. This ensures clear communication and accurate mutual understanding during critical 119 calls. The device was co-developed with acoustics manufacturer Radius Co., Ltd.
General Inc. will continue to leverage its technology and expertise in dispatch control systems, cultivated over more than 50 years, to provide systems that address challenges on the front lines of fire services. Furthermore, by utilizing new technologies, the company contributes to a safe and secure society where people can correctly grasp situations and act quickly.
### Detailed Features
#### Japan's First implementation of 'SMN CALL119' Voice Clarification
The 'SMN CALL119' device incorporates the patented 'Cleara Processor Circuit' developed by Radius Co., Ltd. into the dispatch console. It real-time analyzes and corrects voices based on gender and pitch, suppressing muffled low tones and piercing high tones to reduce misunderstandings and repetitive questioning during emergencies.
#### Enhanced Radio Sensitivity for Stable Communication
The radio equipment connecting the center with fire engines and ambulances has been upgraded, increasing receiver sensitivity by approximately 1.2 times. This ensures clearer audio in remote or signal-poor areas, facilitating better coordination between dispatchers and field personnel.
### Voice from the Yamaguchi Western Fire Dispatch Center
'As we transitioned from a two-city to a three-city joint operation, we had some initial concerns about adopting the new GRANCAST system. However, the introduction of EDSS (Emergency Dispatch Support System) has allowed everyone to follow standardized procedures for faster responses. We are grateful for the inclusion of the voice clarification technology, which puts the caller's needs first and helps us strive toward reaching disaster sites even a minute or second faster.'