Security monitoring system

Abstract

There is provided a method of operating a security monitoring system of a premises, the method comprising: identifying a vehicle by an imaging means arranged in an exterior part of the premises; detecting a change in one or more vehicle states of the identified vehicle; determining if a user has left the premises within a predetermined time before the detection of the change in the vehicle state; and transmitting an alert signal to one or more devices if no user has left the premises within the predetermined time.

Description

[0001] SECU RITY MON ITORI NG SYSTEM

[0002] TECH N ICAL FI ELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a security monitoring system, and in particular a security monitoring system with vehicle monitoring capabilities, and to methods of operating the same.

[0004] BACKG ROU N D

[0005] Security installations that are or include security monitoring systems for monitoring premises (e.g. a building such as a home), often referred to as alarm systems, typically provide means for detecting the presence and / or actions of people at premises and reacting to detected events.

[0006] Commonly, such systems include sensors to detect opening and closing of doors and / or windows to provide a secure perimeter to the premises, creating one or more protected interior spaces, movement detectors to monitor spaces (both within and outside buildings) for signs of movement, microphones to detect sounds such as breaking glass, and image sensors to capture still or moving images of monitored zones. In particular, the sensors may be arranged to monitor an area of the premises (including an exterior area) and detect an unauthorized intruder entering or moving within or around the premises.

[0007] Such systems may be self-contained, with alarm indicators such as sirens and flashing lights that may be activated in the event of an alarm condition being detected. Alternatively, or additionally, such systems may be linked to a remote monitoring centre where, typically, human operators manage the responses required by different alarm and notification types.

[0008] Hence, the security monitoring systems can alert a user (e.g. a homeowner) or an operator (e.g. at a remote monitoring centre or at the emergency services) that an undesirable security or safety event has occurred. Accordingly, such security monitoring systems contribute to the safety and wellbeing of occupants of the protected premises, as well as safeguarding articles within the protected perimeter - which may of course not simply be limited to a house or dwelling but may also extend to the grounds of the house, which may be protected by a boundary fence and gate, for example.

[0009] However, many users of security monitoring systems have vehicles, such as cars, parked at the premises. These vehicles may be located outside which makes it difficult to adequality protect them from unauthorized violations, including theft and / or vandalism. Embodiments of the present invention thus seek to provide enhanced security monitoring systems, and corresponding apps, methods and other implementations that improve the scope of vehicle protection to address aspects of security and monitoring as well as providing new functionality and methods.

[0010] SU M MARY

[0011] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Additional features and advantages of the concepts disclosed herein are set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be understood from the description, or may be learned by practice of the described technologies. The features and advantages of the concepts may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the described technologies will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed concepts as set forth herein.

[0012] In a first aspect, there is proved a method of operating a security monitoring system of a premises, the method comprising: identifying a vehicle by an imaging means arranged in an exterior part of the premises; detecting a change in one or more vehicle states of the identified vehicle; determining if a user has left the premises within a predetermined time before the detection of the change in the vehicle state; and transmitting an alert signal to one or more devices if no user has left the premises within the predetermined time.

[0013] Here, the term “user” may be defined as a person associated with the premises, such as an occupant, resident, or owner of the premises, or any other person being authorised to enter the premises (e.g. an authorised user of the security monitoring system).

[0014] Such a method advantageously improves monitoring of vehicles parked in an exterior part of the premises, allowing the system to detect any suspicious behaviour including but not limited to theft or vandalism of the vehicle. In particular, the method can detect a change in vehicle state that is unlikely to be caused by an authorized user. The change may be detected by a sensor of the security monitoring system, which sensor may be installed at the premises. The sensor detecting the change may be the imaging means, and / or another sensor of the security monitoring system. Hence, the method may be performed without interaction with the vehicle and / or any sensor(s) arranged in or on the vehicle.

[0015] The vehicle may be a motor vehicle such as a car, a motorcycle, a scooter, a moped, a minivan, a van, a bus, or the like.

[0016] In some embodiments, the detection step comprises: detecting a change from a locked vehicle state to an unlocked vehicle state; and / or detecting a change from a stationary vehicle state to a moving vehicle state; and / or detecting a change from a deactivated vehicle engine state to an activated vehicle engine state.

[0017] In some embodiments, the detection step comprises detecting the change in dependence on one or more images from the imaging means.

[0018] In some embodiments, the detection step comprises detecting: one or more vehicle lights being activated; and / or a vehicle door being open; and / or a movement of the vehicle.

[0019] In some embodiments, the detection step comprises detecting the change in dependence on sound captured by an audio interface of the security monitoring system.

[0020] In some embodiments, the detection step comprises detecting: a sound of a vehicle door being opened and / or closed, and / or a sound of a vehicle engine and / or a sound of a vehicle engine being started.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining if the identified vehicle is a vehicle associated with a person associated with the premises.

[0022] In some embodiments, the step of determining if the identified vehicle is a vehicle associated with a person associated with the premises comprises: recognizing a licence plate number of the vehicle, and / or recognizing one or more vehicle characteristics.

[0023] In some embodiments, the determination step comprises detecting, by a device of the security monitoring system, a user leaving the premises. For example, the imaging means or any other imaging sensor may detect the user leaving the premises in dependence on one or more images. As another example, a perimeter sensor may detect a user breaching a perimeter of the premises, for example by opening an exterior door.

[0024] Additionally, or alternatively, the determination step comprises detecting a change of an arm state of the security monitoring system. In particular, if the security monitoring system has recently been put into an armed state, it may be deduced that a user has recently left the building.

[0025] Additionally, or alternatively, the determination step comprises detecting a change of a state of a device of the security monitoring system. For example, the determination step may comprise recognizing a recent change of state of the electronic door lock.

[0026] Additionally, or alternatively, the determination step comprises determining a status of one or more user devices. For example, the method comprises determining if one or more user devices has lost connection with a local network, thus indicating that the user has left the building. As another example, the method comprises determining if a user has left the building in dependence on a position or geolocation of the user device for example based on UWB and / or Bluetooth 6.0 (or the like) radio location techniques. Additionally, or alternatively, the determination step comprises determining if a user has left the premises before the predetermined time period. In particular, the method may comprise determining that a user has previously (i.e. before the predetermined time period) left the premises and not thereafter returned.

[0027] Additionally, or alternatively, the arm state of the security monitoring system may be used to infer that users have previously left the building and haven’t been present in the building for some time. In particular, if the security monitoring system is armed, and has been for more than the predetermined time period, it can be deduced that no user has recently left the building.

[0028] Additionally, or alternatively, the determination step comprises determining if a user is present in the premises after the detection of the change in the one or more vehicle states. For example, the method comprises determining if a user is present in the premises in dependence on the electronic door lock being unlocked and / or the security monitoring system being in a disarmed or armed-at-home state. As another example, the method comprises determining if a user is present in the premises in dependence on detecting presence of one or more people in the premises using one or more sensors, such as one or more presence and / or movement sensors. As yet another example, the method comprises determining if a user is present in the premises in dependence on detecting presence by a radio-based sensing arrangement. As yet another example, the method comprises determining if a user is present in the premises in dependence on a status of one or more user devices.

[0029] In some embodiments, the alert signal is transmitted to one or more devices of a remote monitoring centre, one or more user devices, a connected vehicle device, an alarm indicator arranged in the premises, or any combination thereof.

[0030] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of operating a security monitoring system of a premises, the method comprising: identifying a vehicle by an imaging means arranged in an exterior part of the premises; detecting a movement of a person approaching the identified vehicle; determining a current time of day; transmitting (e.g. in response to the detected movement) an alert signal to one or more devices if the determined time is within a predefined time span.

[0031] Such a method is advantageous in that a user may be alerted if and when a person approaches a vehicle parked at the premises at a time where no one is expected to approach the vehicle. Accordingly, the system can detect any suspicious behaviour including but not limited to theft or vandalism of the vehicle.

[0032] The movement may be detected by a sensor (such as the imaging means and / or any other sensor) of the security monitoring system, which sensor may be installed at the premises. Hence, the method may be performed without interaction with the vehicle and / or any sensor(s) arranged in or on the vehicle.

[0033] In some embodiments, the step of detecting a movement comprises: detecting a movement in an exterior part of the premises, determining, in dependence on images from exterior imaging means, if the movement is caused by a person, and determining if the movement of the person is in the direction of the vehicle or if the movement of the person is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle.

[0034] In some embodiments, the alert signal is transmitted to one or more devices of a remote monitoring centre, one or more user devices, a connected vehicle device, an alarm indicator arranged at the premises, or any combination thereof.

[0035] In a third aspect, there is provided a security monitoring system for monitoring a premises, the system comprising: at least one imaging means arranged in an exterior part of the premises, wherein the imaging means is configured to obtain one or more images of its field of view. Optionally, the security monitoring system is configured to perform the method according to any one of the first and second aspects.

[0036] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to: identify a vehicle in dependence on image(s) from the imaging means; detect a change in one or more vehicle states of the identified vehicle; determine if a user has left the premises within a predetermined time before the detection of the change in the vehicle state; and transmit an alert signal to one or more devices if no user has left the premises within the predetermined time.

[0037] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to: detect a change from a locked vehicle state to an unlocked vehicle state; and / or detect a change from a stationary vehicle state to a moving vehicle state; and / or detect a change from a deactivated vehicle engine state to an activated vehicle engine state.

[0038] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to detect the change in dependence on one or more images from the imaging means.

[0039] In some embodiments, security monitoring system is configured to detect: one or more vehicle lights being activated; and / or a vehicle door being open; and / or a movement of the vehicle.

[0040] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system further comprises an audio interface for capturing sound in an exterior part of the premises, wherein the security monitoring system is configured to detect the change in dependence on sound captured by the audio interface. Optionally, the security monitoring system is configured to detect a sound of a vehicle door being closed, and / or a sound of a vehicle engine being started.

[0041] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is further configured to determine if the identified vehicle is a vehicle associated with a person associated with the premises.

[0042] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to recognize a licence plate number of the vehicle, and / or recognize one or more vehicle characteristics.

[0043] In some embodiments, the imaging means is configured to detect a user leaving the premises. Alternatively, or additionally, the security monitoring system comprises one or more sensors (such as one or more perimeter sensors) for detecting a user leaving the premises.

[0044] In some embodiments, the system is configured to detect a change in an arm state of the security monitoring system.

[0045] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system comprises an electronic door lock, wherein the system is configured to detect a change in a state of the electronic door lock.

[0046] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to receive data relating to a status of the one or more user devices. The system may further be configured to determine, in dependence on the received data, if the one or more user devices has lost connection with a local network, and / or if the one or more user devices have left the building in dependence on a position or geolocation data associated with the user device(s) - for example based on using device-location techniques provided by UWB and / or Bluetooth 6.0 or the like.

[0047] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to determine if a user has left the premises before the predetermined time period.

[0048] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to determine if a user is present in the premises after the detection of the change in the one or more vehicle states. For example, the security monitoring system may comprise one or more presence or movement sensors arranged in the premises for detecting if a anyone is present in the premises. As another example, the system may comprise a radio-based sensing arrangement for detecting presence within the premises.

[0049] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to transmit an alert signal to one or more devices of a remote monitoring centre, one or more user devices, a connected vehicle device, an alarm indicator arranged in the premises, or any combination thereof.

[0050] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to: locate a vehicle; detect a movement of a person approaching the identified vehicle; determine a current time of day; and transmit an alert signal to one or more devices if the determined time is within a predefined time span.

[0051] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to: detect a movement in an exterior part of the premises, determine, in dependence on images from imaging means, if the movement is caused by a person, and determine if the movement of the person is in the direction of the vehicle or if the movement of the person is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle.

[0052] BRI EF DESCRI PTION OF TH E DRAWI NGS

[0053] In order to best describe the manner in which the above-described embodiments are implemented, as well as define other advantages and features of the disclosure, a more particular description is provided below and is illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, the examples will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0054] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a premises with a security monitoring system according to embodiments;

[0055] Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a premises with a security monitoring system according to embodiments;

[0056] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method of operating a security monitoring system according to embodiments; and

[0057] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method of operating a security monitoring system according to embodiments.

[0058] Further, in the figures like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several figures. The first digit in the reference character denotes the first figure in which the corresponding element or part appears.

[0059] DETAI LED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Various embodiments of the disclosed methods and arrangements are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components, configurations, and steps may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

[0061] Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the inventive concept. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is to be understood that elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed or omitted, certain features may be utilized independently, and embodiments or features of embodiments may be combined, all as would be apparent to the skilled person in the art.

[0062] The embodiments herein are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept, and that the claims be construed as encompassing all modifications, equivalents and alternatives of the present inventive concept which are apparent to those skilled in the art to which the inventive concept pertains. If nothing else is stated, different embodiments may be combined with each other. Although reference may be made to directions (e.g. left, right, up, down, upper, lower) as shown in the figures, it will be appreciated that these references are purely for illustrative purposes, and that embodiments are not limited to such directions.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a front view of a premises 100 protected by a security monitoring system 110 (which may also be referred to as an alarm system) according to aspects of the invention. The security monitoring system 110 is configured to monitor an interior and / or exterior area of the premises 100. In doing said monitoring, the security monitoring system 110 is configured to detect an alarm-incurring event such as an intruder entering the premises 100.

[0064] The premises 100 may be a residential building such as a house or an apartment, and / or a commercial building such as an office building, or the like. The premises 100 may have one or more exterior doors 102 and / or windows 103, such as the front door shown in Fig.1. The door 102 gives access to a protected interior of the premises 100. A door lock 111 may be provided on the exterior door 102, and may optionally be electrically controlled so that it can be locked and unlocked remotely. Optionally, as shown in Fig. 1 , the fagade of the house also carries an external keypad 112 by means of which a user can disarm the security monitoring system 110 and / or lock or unlock the door lock 111.

[0065] The security monitoring system 110 comprises an exterior imaging means 113, such as a camera (e.g. a video camera or a still image camera) or other image capturing device, configured to obtain still or moving images of an exterior of the premises. The exterior imaging means 113 may provide a live (video) stream of its field of view, or it may capture still or moving images.

[0066] The exterior imaging means 113 is arranged outside the building, i.e. at an exterior of the premises 100. The exterior imaging means 113 may be part of a video doorbell or may be provided as a stand-alone unit may be mounted to the fagade or arranged remotely from the building (e.g. to include a part of the building, or an approach to the building in its field of view).

[0067] The exterior of the premises 100 may include an area 125 where one or more vehicles may be parked. Such an area 125 may include a carport, a designated parking space, or simply a drive or area of hardstanding. Preferably, the exterior imaging means 113 are so located and positioned as to include the vehicle area 125 in its field-of-view. Hence, the exterior imaging means 113 may be used to monitor vehi- cle(s) parked at the premises 100. Even if there is no designated area for parking vehicles, the exterior imaging means 113 may be arranged to include in its field-of- view suitable spaces of the exterior where one or more vehicles could be parked.

[0068] The exterior imaging means 113 may be associated with a movement detector, which may be separate from or may be integral with the exterior imaging means 113. The movement detector may be one or more of an infrared sensor such as a PIR sensor, a pixel movement sensor, a radar sensor, or any other suitable motion detection sensor.

[0069] The behaviour of the exterior imaging means 113 may depend upon the arm state of the security monitoring system, and the system may be configured that the exterior imaging means 113 only capture images when the system is in the armed state. Alternatively, the system may be so configured that the behaviour of the cameras is independent of the arm state of the system (indeed, the cameras may not be provided with any indication or other information about the arm state of the system). Images may be captured only in response to an associated movement detector 114, 224 detecting movement. The system may be configured such that detection of movement is re-ported to the central unit, the central unit then sending a command to the associated video camera to capture images / video only if the system is in an appropriate arm state (an approach which can lead to a significant reduction in the amount of energy consumed by the camera - which is particularly beneficial if the camera is battery-powered). Alternatively, the exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to capture images continuously. The exterior imaging means 113 may alternatively or additionally be configured to capture images in response to the audio interface capturing an audio signal.

[0070] The exterior imaging means 113 may include an internal processor such as an MCU or CPU, and associated memory, and / or be configured to communicate with a control unit 114 (shown in Fig. 2) of the security monitoring system 110 and / or a remote monitoring centre 115 (also shown in Fig. 2). In the case of the exterior imaging means 113 comprising an internal processor (e.g. MCU or CPU), the imaging means may be configured to communicate directly with a user device 116 (shown in Fig. 2). In other cases, the exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to transmit data to the control unit 114, which in turn may be configured to communicate with the user device 116 and / or the remote monitoring centre 115.

[0071] The security monitoring system 110 may further comprise one or more audio interfaces 122 arranged in an exterior part of the premises. The audio interface 122 may comprise an audio input device, such as a microphone, configured to detect and / or record sound / audio in the environment where it is arranged. The audio interface 122 may be located near the area 125 of the premises where one or more vehicles may be parked to allow the audio interface 122 to capture sound originating from the vehicles. In some embodiments, the audio interface 122 is part of the exterior imaging means 113. The security monitoring system may further comprise one or more additional audio interfaces 122 arranged in an interior part of the premises 100.

[0072] Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of a premises 100 provided with a security monitoring system 110 according to an aspect of the invention. The security monitoring system 110 may include one or more interior sensors for detecting an intruder entering or moving within the premises 100. Such sensors may comprise one or more presence sensors 117, one or more perimeter sensors 118, one or more image sensors 119, or a combination of one or more thereof.

[0073] A presence sensor 117 may be defined as a sensor sensitive to the presence of persons and / or objects within an area monitored by the presence sensor. Presence sensors 117 may include motion or passage sensors sensitive to motion or passage of a person and / or object within the premises 100. The presence sensor 117 may thus comprise any type of sensor or detector capable of detecting presence, and / or movement of a person and / or object. For example, the presence sensor 117 may comprise a line-of-sight sensor, a radiation-based sensor for detecting an amount of incident radiation, or the like. In particular, the presence sensor(s) 117 may include an infrared sensor such as a thermal-MOS (TMOS) sensor and / or a passive infrared sensor (also referred to as a PIR sensor). Other examples of presence sensors 117 include photosensors, optical sensors, visual sensors, thermal sensors, radiationbased sensors and / or image capturing means such as a camera.

[0074] A perimeter sensor 118, on the other hand, may be defined as a sensor configured to detect persons and / or objects crossing or breaching a perimeter of the premises 100. Exemplary perimeter sensors 118 include magnetic sensors arranged at windows 103 and / or doors 102, and / or glass breakage sensors (such as a shock sensor) for detecting breakage of e.g. a window 103 or glass door 102.

[0075] An image sensor 119 may be defined as a sensor comprising imaging means, such as a camera (e.g. a photographic camera), video camera, and / or any other type of type of optical sensing device capable of capturing or acquiring one or more still and / or moving images of its field of view.

[0076] The security monitoring system 110 may further comprise one or more alarm indicators 120 such as a visual alarm indicator (e.g. a flashing light), an audible alarm indicator (e.g. a siren), or the like, that may be activated in the event of an alarm-incurring event being detected. The alarm indicators 120 may be arranged in an interior and / or exterior part of the premises.

[0077] The security monitoring system 110 may also comprise a control unit 114 as previously mentioned. The control unit may also be referred to as a central unit. The control unit 114, which may generally be mains powered (preferably with battery back-up), is coupled or connected to the sensors and is configured to process received signals and determine a response. The sensors may, for example, be provided with wireless (e.g. via radio frequency, such as ISM, Wi-Fi, or the like) using a radio transmitter and receiver or transceiver, and / or wired communication means for communicating with the control unit 114.

[0078] The control unit 114 may include a processor (e.g. a CPU or MCU, e.g. with associated memory) and an alert triggering unit for providing an alert signal when the security monitoring system 110 is triggered or set off, e.g. when an alarm-incurring event has occurred.

[0079] The control unit 114 may be connected to input means 121 allowing a user to interact with the control unit 114. The input means 121 may be a keypad (either an exterior keypad 112 as shown in Fig. 1 , or a keypad arranged inside the premises 100) or similar such as a touch-screen display, for arming and disarming the sensors so as to arm and disarm the security monitoring system 110. In the illustrated embodiment, an input means 121 is arranged in the vicinity of the entrance door 102.

[0080] The control unit 114 may communicate with one or more user devices 116, which may be almost any kind of electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer, a smart watch, or even a television. For example, the control unit 114 may communicate with an app or other program installed on such user devices 116 allowing the user to interact with the control unit 114 and / or the security monitoring system 110. The user device 116 may configured to communicate via one or more public land mobile network (PLMN) by means of which the control unit 114 (and / or the remote monitoring centre 115), may communicate with the user device 116. The user device 116, and in particular the security monitoring system app or program installed thereon, may thus form input means to the control unit 114 such that the user can, though the user device 116, instruct the control unit 114 to arm or disarm the security monitoring system 110, or the like. The user device 116 may also provide the user with information relating to a state of the security monitoring system 110 (e.g. if it is in an armed or disarmed state) and / or one or more of its sensors. The security monitoring system 110 may accordingly notify the user via the user device(s) 116 if and when the security monitoring system 110 is set off or triggered.

[0081] The security monitoring system app installed on the user device(s) 116 may be used to display still or video images captured by the one or more interior image sensors 119, exterior imaging means 113, or any other sensors, receiving audio from an audio interface 122 (as will be described later), provide position data of the user device 116 on which it is installed to the security monitoring system 110, transmit input data provided by a user to the security monitoring system 110, receive data or signals from the control unit 114 and present such data or signals as notifications (e.g. push notifications).

[0082] The control unit 114 may further be connected to the remote monitoring centre 115, which is located remotely from the premises 100. The control unit 114 may accordingly be configured to transmit alert signals to the remote monitoring centre 115, where operators (i.e. human operators) and / or computerised systems manage the alert signals and determines an appropriate action. That is, the control unit 114, typically located in the premises 100, is configured to process notifications and signals received from the sensors, and to notify the remote monitoring centre 115 of at least some of these signals that are indicative of an alarm-incurring event, depending upon the settings of the system and the nature of the detected events. In such a configuration, the control unit 114 at the installation is effectively acting as a gateway between the sensors and the remote monitoring centre 115.

[0083] The control unit 114 may be connected to the remote monitoring centre 115 by wires or optical fibres, such as a telephone line, or by a wireless telecommunications system such as GSM or other radio frequency systems. The connection may also be through the internet or any other suitable network.

[0084] Hence, operation of the security monitoring system 110 may be controlled by one or more of: the control unit 114, the remote monitoring centre 115, and a security monitoring app installed on the user device 116. For example, the remote monitoring centre 115, if provided, may receive one or more signals from any of the sensors. The remote monitoring centre 115 may transmit commands for controlling any one or more of: the arm state of the security monitoring system 110 (e.g. armed or unarmed), commanding a tripped alarm state to be signalled by the security monitoring system 110 (e.g. by triggering one or more alarm indicators 120 to generate alarm noise), and / or commanding operation of one or more functions of the sensors. Communication with the remote monitoring centre 115 may pass through the control unit 114. In other embodiments without the remote monitoring centre 115, or should communication with the remote monitoring centre 115 be interrupted, operation of the security monitoring system 110 may be controlled by the control unit 114. In yet other embodiments, the control unit 114 may be omitted, and the sensors may instead communicate independently with the remote monitoring centre 115, for example, via wireless communication (e.g. using one or more loT communications protocols such as LTE Cat-M1 , or NB-loT).

[0085] Howsoever the communication is implemented, the remote monitoring centre 115 may alert one or more operators of an alarm-incurring event. The one or more operators may monitor communications received from the security monitoring system 110. Thus, the one or more operators may, in response to an alert signal being transmitted, send a patrol unit and / or the emergency services to the premises 100 and / or notify an owner or resident of the premises 100.

[0086] The security monitoring system 110 may further comprise, or be connected to, a radio-based sensing arrangement 130 for detecting presence or movement within the premises.

[0087] The radio-based sensing arrangement 130 is configured to detect human presence throughout the premises 100. In particular, the radio-based sensing arrangement 130 is configured to sense presence by detecting perturbations of radio signals received by the radio-based sensing arrangement 130.

[0088] A radio (or wireless) signal as used herein refers to a signal transmitted from a radio transmitter and received by a radio receiver, wherein the radio transmitter and radio receiver operate according to a standard or protocol. Such standards include, but are not limited to, IEEE 802.11. (which includes the Wi-Fi standards), IEEE 802.15 (which includes Zigbee), Bluetooth SIG, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, UMTS, GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 180, GSM 19011 , GPM ITU-R 5.13, GPM IT U-R 5.150, ITU-R 5.280, 3GPP 4G (including LTE), 3GPP 5G, 3GPP NR, AND IMT-2000. However, the radio transmitters and receivers may also operate in non-telecommunica- tions or Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) spectral regions without departing from the scope of embodiments.

[0089] The radio-based sensing arrangement 130 comprises one or more nodes 131 distributed throughout the premises 100. At least one of the nodes 131 is capable of receiving radio signals, and may therefore be referred to as a receiver node 131a. Although only one receiver node 131 a is shown in Fig. 2, it will be appreciated that the sensing arrangement 130 may comprise any number of receiver nodes 131 a. The receiver node 131 a may, in addition to receiving the radio signals, be configured to process the received radio signals to detect any perturbations, e.g. relative to a reference signal. Alternatively, the processing may be performed by a separate processing unit which may be located within the premises and / or remotely.

[0090] The remaining nodes 131 may each comprise a radio transmitter such that they can transmit radio signals, for instance to the receiver node 131a. Accordingly, the transmitting nodes 131 may illuminate the receiver node with their signals since the transmissions enable collection of information about the channel (or in other words, illuminates the channel). Such nodes may accordingly be referred to as illuminator nodes 131 b. It will be noted that there are typically a plurality of illuminator nodes 131 b for each receiver node 131 a, and that a single receiver node 131 a may be sufficient to perform radio-based sensing of the premises 100.

[0091] To ensure that the radio-based sensing arrangement 130 effectively covers the whole area of interest (for example, one or more floors or regions of the premises 100), the radio-based sensing arrangement 130 comprises a sufficient number of suitably located and distributed illuminator nodes 131 b so that the radio signals received by the receiver node 131 a have effectively traversed the whole area of interest.

[0092] The radio-based sensing arrangement 130 is configured to detect perturbations in radio signals (e.g. Wi-Fi signals) received by the receiver node 131 b. Because the transmitted radio signals will be affected by the environment (e.g. a space or volume of the premises) through which they are transmitted, the presence of a person (or other object) in the relevant space of the premises will cause perturbations in the transmitted radio signals which may be identified to detect the presence of anyone in the relevant space of the premises. The changed pattern of signals received by the receiver node 201 a enables the presence of the person to be detected by a presence monitoring algorithm that is supplied with information derived from the received signals. In particular, the radio-based sensing arrangement 130 can be trained to recognise specific perturbations corresponding to human presence. For example, the radio-based sensing arrangement 130 may be trained by establishing a base or reference setting in which the monitored area is unoccupied, and then training occupied states by a person entering, standing, and then walking through each of the zones one by one. This process may be repeated with two people, and then optionally with more people. In essence this is a supervised machine learning approach, but other approaches to training may be used. The system may need to be retrained setting if bulky furniture or other large objects (particularly if made of metal) are added to or moved within the monitored space, because these can be expected to change the propagation properties of the relevant zone / space.

[0093] The radio-based sensing arrangement 130 according to embodiments may be based on Wi-Fi signals. The radio-based sensing arrangement 130 may then be referred to as a Wi-Fi sensing arrangement. A sensing arrangement 130 based on WiFi signals is particularly convenient because it can utilise Wi-Fi networks that are commonly already used and available in premises such as households or residential buildings. Furthermore, Wi-Fi capable devices, which are also commonly available in premises 100, can function as nodes 131 (and in particular as illuminator nodes 131 b) in the Wi-Fi sensing arrangement. Examples of such Wi-Fi capable devices include smart plugs or smart sockets, smart bulbs, Wi-Fi access points, Wi-Fi routers, Wi-Fi range extenders (for example of the type that simply plug in to a socket of the mains electricity supply), smart speakers, smart doorbells, smart televisions, Wi-Fi enabled video cameras, or the like. The Wi-Fi sensing arrangement may be based on any type of Wi-Fi network and / or topology, operating in different frequency bands (such as 2.4, 5, 6, and 60 GHz) and different bandwidths.

[0094] An example of such a radio-based sensing arrangement 130 is described in WO2023 / 126426A1 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0095] Fig. 3 shows a method of operating the security monitoring system 110, in which the security monitoring system 110 is used for monitoring of one or more vehicles.

[0096] In step 301 , a vehicle is identified by the exterior imaging means 113. The vehicle may be a motor-driven vehicle such as a car, a motorcycle, a scooter, a moped, a minivan, a van, a bus, or the like, either powered by an internal combustion engine or by one or more electric motors.

[0097] The exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to identify the vehicle from one or more images obtained by the exterior imaging means 113. The exterior imaging means 113 may, for example, be configured to automatically identify a vehicle or at least the presence of a vehicle (i.e. determine that a vehicle is present) using object recognition techniques, as will be known to the person skilled in the art.

[0098] The exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to always stream and / or capture still or moving images. The exterior imaging means 113 may then be configured to continuously or periodically search the images in order to identify any vehicles in the field of view of the exterior imaging means 113. Alternatively, or additionally, the exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to identify the vehicle in response to a detected movement, e.g. detected by a movement or presence detector of the security monitoring system 110 or detected by a change between two or more images.

[0099] The exterior imaging means 113 may alternatively be configured to obtain images in response to a trigger action. For example, the exterior imaging means 113 may normally be deactivated and triggered (i.e. activated) in response to a trigger action.

[0100] The trigger action may be a detected movement. The movement may be detected by another sensor of the security monitoring system 110, for example by a movement detector (e.g. a PIR sensor or a Doppler-sensing radar arrangement), such as the movement detector associated with the exterior imaging means 113. For example, the movement detector associated with the exterior imaging means 113 may detect a movement or motion. In response to said motion detection, the exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to start capturing or streaming images.

[0101] The trigger action may be a detected presence, for example detected by another sensor of the security monitoring system 110, for example by a non-Doppler radar sensing arrangement which (unlike a Doppler sensing arrangement) does not require there to be movement in order to be able to detect presence.

[0102] Another example of a trigger action may be a sound detected by the exterior audio interface 122. For example, a captured sound may be compared to one or more reference sounds, and if the captured sound is sufficiently similar to the one or more of the reference sounds, the system may trigger the exterior imaging means 113 to start obtaining one or more images. The reference sounds may be pre-recorded sounds corresponding to, for example, an engine running or an engine starting (e.g. sounds corresponding to the sounds produced by a starter motor) and / or a vehicle door being closed (or potentially, opened). In some embodiments, the user may instruct the audio interface 122 to record the one or more reference sounds and thereafter perform the starting of the engine and / or the closing of the vehicle door (or the like) to obtain reference sounds for a particular vehicle - thereby providing a vehicle “signature” that may be used to discriminate between relevant vehicle activity and activity that can be ignored (for example the sounds of a Ducati V-twin starting can readily be distinguished from those of a Harley-Davidson V-twin). Vehicle sound signatures may even be used to distinguish between ostensibly similar vehicles, based on differences in age, mileage, and condition, so this can be a powerful technique to discriminate between “relevant” and “irrelevant” vehicles in the context of the present invention.

[0103] Thus, step 301 may comprise detecting a trigger action, obtaining one or more images by the exterior imaging means 113 in response to said trigger action, and identifying the existence of (i.e. recognising the presence of) a vehicle in the obtained image(s).

[0104] In an optional step 303, the security monitoring system 110 may determine if the vehicle whose presence has been recognised belongs to a person associated with the premises 100 (e.g. a resident, recognised visitor (e.g. a carer, relative, or friend) or an authorized user of the security monitoring system 110).

[0105] For example, the security monitoring system 110 may recognize a licence plate number of the vehicle using one or more images from the exterior imaging means 113. The system may compare the recognized licence plate number with one or more licence plate numbers stored in the system and associated with a vehicle of an authorized user or resident. Additionally, or alternatively, the system may recognize, from the one or more images, one or more vehicle characteristics, and compare the recognized vehicle characteristics to one or more characteristic stored in the system and associated with a vehicle of an authorized user or resident or recognised visitor. The one or more vehicle characteristics may include, but is not limited to, a colour, a vehicle type (e.g. from a shape of the vehicle), a vehicle model or vehicle manufacturer (e.g. from a shape of the vehicle and / or from one or more markings visible on the car such as a manufacturer’s logo which is typically clearly visible both at the front and the back of the vehicle), or any combination thereof.

[0106] If it is determined that the vehicle belongs to a person associated with the premises 100, the system may proceed to step 305.

[0107] If, on the other hand, the system determines that the vehicle does not belong to a person associated with the premises 100, the system may return to step 301. For example, the vehicle may in such a case be a vehicle belonging to a (non-habitual) visitor or may be a delivery vehicle.

[0108] In step 305, the security monitoring system 100 detects a change in a vehicle state of the identified vehicle. The change in vehicle state may include a transition from a stationary state to a moving state, a transition from a locked state to an unlocked state, a transition from doors all closed to a door open state, a transition from a deactivated engine state to an activated engine state, or any combination thereof. In other words, the system may detect if the vehicle starts moving, if the vehicle is unlocked, if the engine is started, or any combination thereof.

[0109] For example, the security monitoring system 100 may detect, e.g. using one or more images from the exterior imaging means 113, if the lights of the vehicle are turned on, flashing or blinking. It is common for at least car lights to flash or blink upon the car being unlocked. This may be detected by the exterior imaging means 113, upon which detection it may be deduced that the car is being unlocked. Similarly, the lights of a vehicle are normally not turned on when the vehicle is parked. Hence, is the images show lights that are turned on, this would be indicative of the car being unlocked. As another example, the security monitoring system 110 may additionally, or alternatively, detect a door of the vehicle being opened. The detection of a door being opened may be made in dependence on one or more images from the exterior imaging means 113. Additionally, or alternatively, the door being opened (or at least the door being closed) may be detected by audio captured by the exterior audio interface. For example, the security monitoring system 110 may be configured to compare a detected sound to one or more reference sounds associated with a vehicle door being closed. Similarly, an audio sensor (e.g. microphone) of the security monitoring system may detect one or more sounds generated on the unlocking of a vehicle - for example, the sounds of one or more locks transitioning between a locked and an unlocked state, and / or a sound made by the vehicle or an alarm system of the vehicle that indicates a transition from a locked or secure state to an unlocked or disarmed state.

[0110] As yet another example, the security monitoring system 110 may detect, from one or more images from the exterior imaging means 113, that the vehicle is moving and / or has moved. For example, the system may be configured to detect a change in position of the vehicle between two or more image frames.

[0111] As yet another example, the exterior audio interface 122 may be configured to detect a sound corresponding to the engine being started. For instance, the system may be configured to compare a captured sound to one or more reference sounds, and if the captured sound is sufficiently similar to one or more of the reference sounds, the system may deduce that the engine of a relevant vehicle has been turned on.

[0112] In some embodiments, the system may confirm a first detection event (e.g. detecting that the vehicle lights flash) by another detection event (e.g. detecting a sound corresponding to a started engine). Hence, the accuracy of the determination may be improved.

[0113] In step 307, the security monitoring system 110 determines if a user has recently left the building. In particular, the security monitoring system 110 determines if a user has left the building within a predetermined time before the change in vehicle state was detected.

[0114] A user leaving the building may be expected to use their vehicle to drive away. Hence, if a user has recently left the building, it may therefore be assumed that it is likely to be the user that unlocks and starts the vehicle, and the system may therefore not trigger an alarm.

[0115] However, if a user has not recently left the building, for example if the user is still present in the building or is away from the building (and has been for some time), it is unlikely that the vehicle is being driven away by the user. Hence, if the vehicle is unlocked, started and / or driven away, it is likely to be an unauthorized action and an alert may be generated (as per step 311). The predetermined time may be determined in dependence on how long it would typically take a user to leave the building, lock the door, and walk to the vehicle in order to unlock, start and / or drive it away. For example, the predetermined time may be less than 3 minutes, optionally less than 2 minutes, optionally less than 90 seconds, optionally less than 60 seconds, optionally less than 30 seconds.

[0116] The determination in step 307 may comprise detecting, by one or more sensors of the security monitoring system 110, that a user has recently breached a perimeter of the premises 110. In particular, the system may use one or more perimeter sensors 118 to detect that a user has crossed a perimeter of the building. For instance the system may detect that a user has recently opened an exterior door 102 and presumably left therethrough.

[0117] Step 307 may alternatively or additionally comprise recognizing a recent change of state of the electronic door lock 111. For example, if the electronic door lock has recently been locked (e.g. from an unlocked state), it may be deduced that a user may have recently left the building and locked the door. Similarly, the system may recognize a change of an arm state of the security monitoring system 110. In particular, if the security monitoring system 110 has recently been put into an armed state, it may be deduced that a user has recently left the building.

[0118] Step 307 may alternatively or additionally comprise detecting, by an imaging means (such as the exterior imaging means 113 and / or a video doorbell), a user leaving the building. In particular, the system may detect a person leaving the building in dependence on one or more images from imaging means arranged outside the building.

[0119] Step 307 may yet alternatively or additionally comprise determining if a user has recently left the building by a status of one or more user devices 116. For example, the system may determine if the user device(s) 116 has recently lost connection with a local network (such as a Wi-Fi network) of the premises 100, thus indicating that the user has left the building. Similarly, the system may determine if a user has recently left the building in dependence on a position or geolocation of the user device 116. For example, the system may determine the position of the user device 116 using UWB and / or Bluetooth 6.0 (or later) - and hence may determine whether the user device 116 is on the premises.

[0120] Step 307 may alternatively or additionally comprise determining that a user has previously (i.e. before the predetermined time period) left the building and not returned (and therefore cannot possibly have left the building again within the predetermined time period). Such determination may be made according to any of the previously described methods of detecting that a user leaves the building. Additionally, or alternatively, the arm state of the security monitoring system 110 may be used to infer that users have previously left the building and haven’t been present in the building for some time, for example for at least 10 minutes, optionally at least 30 minutes, optionally at least an hour, or longer. In particular, if the security monitoring system 110 is armed, and has been for some time, it can be deduced that no user has recently left the building.

[0121] Step 307 may alternatively or additionally comprise determining that a user is still in the building (i.e. after the detection of a changed vehicle state has been made), and therefore hasn’t recently left the building.

[0122] For example, it may be inferred from the electronic door lock 111 being unlocked and / or the security monitoring system 110 being in a disarmed or armed-at-home state, that the user is still in the building. Here it is noted that an armed-at-home state refers to a state where the security monitoring system 110 is configured to detect breaches of a perimeter of the premises 100 (such as a door opening), but generally not movement within at least part of the premises 100 (to allow residents to move to, say, the bathroom without triggering the alarm).

[0123] As another example, the system can detect the presence of one or more people in the premises 100 using one or more sensors. For instance, one or more sensors (e.g. one or more presence sensors 117 and / or movement sensors, such as PIR sensor(s) or image sensor(s)) may detect presence or movement within the premises 100. The system may also use the radio-based sensing arrangement 130 to detect presence of one or more people inside the premises 100. If movement or presence is detected, it may be assumed that a user is still in the building and therefore has not recently left the building.

[0124] As yet another example, the system may determine that a user is in the building in dependence on a status (e.g. a network connection status) of one or more user devices 116. For example, the system may determine if the user device(s) 166 is connected to a local network (such as a Wi-Fi network) of the premises, thus indicating that the user is in the building. Similarly, the system may determine if a position or determined location (e.g. a geolocation) of the user device(s) 116 corresponds to an area of the premises 100 - for example, the system may additionally or alternatively use UWB and / or Bluetooth 6.0 (or later) to determine the location(s) of known user devices (e.g. smartphones, smartwatches, etc.) - and hence to determine whether any such known device is on the premises. In some embodiments, the system may, in addition to determining a status or position of a known device, use one or more additional methods to perform the determination of whether a user is present in the building. This may allow the system to recognise if any devices having a status or position indicating that they are in the building are left at home while the user is away. For example, the system may additionally consider the arm state of the security monitoring system, and if the security monitoring system is in an armed state, infer that the device is simply left behind and that no user is present in the building. In an optional step 309, the security monitoring system 110 may transmit a notification to one or more user devices 116, requesting the user to confirm if they are using the vehicle. If the user responds to said request indicating that they are using the vehicle, the method may be ended and restarted at step 301. If, on the other hand, the user responds that they are not using the vehicle, or no response is received from the user within a predetermined period, the system may proceed to step 311.

[0125] In step 311 , the security monitoring system 110 generates and / or transmits an alert signal if a change in vehicle state has been detected in step 305 and it has been determined in step 307 that no user has recently left the building. In other words, an alarm may be triggered by the system, because it is likely that there is unauthorized access to the vehicle. This step may include transmitting the alert signal to the remote monitoring centre 115, sending an urgent notification (e.g. a text message, call, or the like) to a user device 116, triggering the alarm indicator 120 arranged at the premises 100, or the like to alert a user or operator that the vehicle may have been unauthorizedly accessed.

[0126] Step 311 may further comprise, if the vehicle is a connected vehicle (e.g. a loT- vehicle, a vehicle connected to the internet or the like), the security monitoring system 110 may transmit a signal to the vehicle indicating that someone has unauthorizedly accessed the vehicle. Such a signal may include one or more commands to the vehicle to perform one or more actions including, but not limited to, triggering a vehicle alarm, sounding the horn, blinking the lights, preventing the engine or motor from starting or shutting down or speed or power limiting the engine or motor, or any combination thereof.

[0127] Fig. 4 shows another method of operating the security monitoring system 110 to perform monitoring of one or more vehicles.

[0128] In step 401 , which is substantially similar to step 301 of Fig. 3, a vehicle is located by the exterior imaging means 113.

[0129] In optional step 403, which is substantially similar to step 303 of Fig. 3, the security monitoring system 110 determines if the vehicle belongs to a person associated with the premises 100.

[0130] In step 405, a movement is detected by the security monitoring system 110 in an exterior part of the premises 100. In particular, the movement may be detected by the exterior imaging means 113, and / or a movement detector (such as the movement detector associated with the exterior imaging means 113). In response to the movement detection, the exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to obtain one or more still or moving (e.g. video) images.

[0131] In step 407, the security monitoring system 110 determines, using images from the exterior imaging means 113, if the movement corresponds to a person approaching the vehicle. In particular, the security monitoring system 110 may determine, from the images, whether the detected movement is caused by a person. Suitable, and commonly known, algorithms may be used for determining whether the movement is caused by a person (e.g. whether a person is present in captured images, and whether the person moves between images / frames). If it is determined that the movement was caused by something else, such as an animal or another moving object (e.g. a flag, vegetation, etc.), the exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to stop capturing or streaming images, and the method may be concluded / restarted.

[0132] The system may additionally or alternatively determine, using the images from the exterior imaging means 113, if the person is moving in a direction of the vehicle and / or has moved within a predetermined distance from the vehicle.

[0133] In step 409, the security monitoring system may determine a current time of day. If the determined time is within a predefined time span, the system may determine that the person approaching the vehicle is a risk of unauthorized violation of the vehicle (including theft and / or vandalism).

[0134] The predefined time span may correspond to a time during which a user is not normally expected to drive their vehicle. This may be a nighttime such as between 00:00 - 04:00, optionally between 23:00 - 05:00, optionally between 22:00 - 06:00. The predefined time span may be adjustable by a user of the system to conform with their habits / lifestyle / schedule etc.

[0135] In step 411 , the system may trigger an alert if a person has been detected approaching the vehicle in step 407 and it is determined in step 409 that the time of day is within the predefined time span. For example, the security monitoring system 110 may transmit an alert signal to the remote monitoring centre 115, send an urgent notification to a user device 116, trigger the alarm indicator 120 arranged in the premises 100, or the like to alert a user or operator that there is a person near the vehicle.

[0136] Although the exterior imaging means 113 have generally been described as a video camera, it will be appreciated that the exterior imaging means 113 may, in other embodiments, be a still picture camera or other imaging device. Instead of capturing or streaming a sequence of moving images, the still picture camera may be configured to capture still images (e.g. a sequence of still images taken at different times). The remaining handling, analysis, calculations, determinations, triggerings, notifications and the like will still correspond to the above described, with possible adjustments for the image being a still image instead of a moving image, which adjustments would be familiar to the person skilled in the art.

[0137] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. For example, the principles herein may be applied to any alarm system or security monitoring system, even if it only includes some of the sensors described. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the present invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0138] Throughout this specification, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than in the mandatory sense (i.e. meaning must).

[0139] Throughout this specification, the words “comprise”, “include”, and variations of the words, such as “comprising” and “comprises”, “including”, “includes”, do not exclude other elements or steps.

[0140] As used throughout this specification, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the”, include plural referents unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an” element includes a combination of two or more elements, notwithstanding use of other terms and phrases for one or more elements, such as “one or more” or “at least one”.

[0141] The term “or” is, unless indicated otherwise, non-exclusive, i.e. encompassing both “and” and “or”. For example, the feature “A or B” includes feature “A”, feature “B” and feature “A and B”.

[0142] Unless otherwise indicated, statements that one value or action is “based on”, “in response to” and / or “in dependence on” another condition or value or action, encompass both instances in which the condition or value or action is the sole factor and instances where the condition or value or action is one factor among a plurality of factors.

[0143] Unless otherwise indicated, statements that “each” instance of some collection have some property should not be read to exclude cases where some otherwise identical or similar members of a larger collection do not have the property, i.e. each does not necessarily mean each and every.

Claims

23CLAI MS1 . A method of operating a security monitoring system of a premises, the method comprising: locating a vehicle by an imaging means of the security monitoring system, the imaging means being installed at the premises and arranged to monitor an outside area; detecting, by the imaging means and / or another sensor of the security monitoring system, a change in one or more vehicle states of the identified vehicle, wherein the sensor is installed at the premises; determining if a user has left the premises within a predetermined time before the detection of the change in the vehicle state; and transmitting an alert signal to one or more devices if no user has left the premises within the predetermined time.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the detecting step comprises: detecting a change from a locked vehicle state to an unlocked vehicle state; and / or detecting a change from a stationary vehicle state to a moving vehicle state; and / or detecting a change from a deactivated vehicle engine state to an activated vehicle engine state.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detecting step comprises detecting the change in dependence on one or more images from the imaging means.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the detection step comprises detecting: one or more vehicle lights being activated; and / or a vehicle door being opened or being open; and / or a movement of the vehicle.

5. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection step comprises detecting the change in dependence on sound captured by an audio interface of the security monitoring system.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the detection step comprises detecting: a sound of a vehicle door being opened or being closed, and / or a sound of a vehicle engine and / or of a vehicle engine being started.

7. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises determining if the located vehicle is a vehicle associated with a user.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of determining if the identified vehicle is a vehicle associated with a person associated with the premises comprises: recognizing a licence plate number of the vehicle, and / or recognizing one or more vehicle characteristics.

9. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the determination step comprises: detecting, by one or more devices of the security monitoring system, a user leaving the premises; and / or detecting a change of an arm state of the security monitoring system; and / or detecting a change of a state of a device of the security monitoring system; and / or determining a status and / or position of one or more user devices; and / or determining if a user has left the premises before the predetermined time period and not returned; and / or determining if a user is present in the premises after the detection of the change in the one or more vehicle states.

10. A method of operating a security monitoring system of a premises, the method comprising: identifying a vehicle by an imaging means of the security monitoring system, the imaging means being installed at the premises and arranged to monitor an outside area; detecting a movement of a person approaching the identified vehicle; determining a current time of day; transmitting, in response to the detected movement, an alert signal to one or more devices if the determined time is within a predefined time span.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the detecting of a movement is performed by the imaging means and / or a sensor of the security monitoring system, the sensor being installed at the premises.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the step of detecting a movement comprises:detecting, by a sensor installed at the premises, a movement in the outside area, in response to said detection of a movement, determining, in dependence on images from the imaging means, if the movement is caused by a person, and determining if the movement of the person is in the direction of the vehicle or if the movement of the person is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle.

13. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the alert signal is transmitted to one or more devices of a remote monitoring centre, one or more user devices, a connected vehicle device, an alarm indicator arranged in the premises, or any combination thereof.

14. A security monitoring system for monitoring a premises, the system comprising: at least one imaging means installed at the premises and arranged to monitor an outside area; wherein the security monitoring system is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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