Security monitoring system

Abstract

There is provided a method of operating a security monitoring system of a premises, the method comprising: obtaining one or more images by an imaging means arranged in an exterior part of the premises; detecting, by the security monitoring system, a potential fire in the one or more images; and transmitting an alert signal to one or more devices. There is also provided a method of operating a security monitoring system of a premises, the method comprising: obtaining one or more images by an imaging means arranged in an exterior part of the premises; detecting a flooding in the one or more images; transmitting an alert signal to one or more devices.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a security monitoring system, and in particular a security monitoring system with object monitoring capabilities, and to methods of operating the same.BACKGROUND

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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 security systems and alarm systems to address aspects of security and monitoring as well as providing new functionality and methods.SUMMARY

[0007] 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 obvious 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.

[0008] In a first aspect, there is provided a method of operating a security monitoring system of a premises, the method comprising: obtaining one or more images by an imaging means arranged in an exterior part of the premises; detecting, by the security monitoring system, a potential fire in the one or more images; and transmitting an alert signal to one or more devices. The method according to the first aspect can advantageously monitor an outside area of the premises to detect potential fires.

[0009] In some embodiments, the step of detecting a potential fire comprises determining if an amount of one or more target colours in the one or more images is higher than a threshold.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more target colours comprises red, orange, and / or yellow.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: capturing sound by an audio interface arranged in the exterior part of the premises, and determining if the sound is indicative of a potential fire.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining an occurrence of a trigger action, wherein the step of obtaining one or more images is performed in response to a determined occurrence of the trigger action.

[0013] In some embodiments, the trigger action comprises a movement, wherein the step of determining the occurrence of the trigger action comprises detecting movement by a movement detector.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the step of determining the occurrence of the trigger action comprises determining, by a radiation-based sensor, an amount of incident thermal radiation, wherein the trigger action comprises: an incident thermal radiation exceeding a threshold amount, and / or the incident thermal radiation increasing a predetermined amount within a predetermined time period, and / or an incident thermal radiation difference between adjacent areas of a field of view of the radiation-based sensor being greater than a threshold difference. Optionally, the thermal radiation is infrared radiation and / or ultraviolet radiation.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the trigger action comprises an outside temperature exceeding a threshold temperature.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the step of determining an occurrence of the trigger action comprises receiving metrological data, wherein the trigger action comprises the received metrological data indicating a risk of drought.

[0017] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of operating a security monitoring system of a premises, the method comprising: obtaining one or more images by an imaging means arranged in an exterior part of the premises; detecting, by the security monitoring system, a flooding in the one or more images; transmitting an alert signal to one or more devices. The method according to the first aspect can advantageously monitor an outside area of the premises to detect potential flooding.

[0018] In some embodiments, the step of detecting the flooding comprises identifying, by the security monitoring system, water in a lower portion of the images.

[0019] In some embodiments, the step of detecting the flooding comprises detecting one or more changes in a lower portion between two or more images, optionally wherein the one or more changes comprises one or more changes in contrast, light intensity, and / or colour, optionally wherein the one or more changes are present across an entire width of the images.

[0020] In some embodiments, the step of detecting the flooding comprises detecting movements of a plurality of objects visible in the images, optionally wherein the movements of the plurality of objects are in the same direction.

[0021] In a third aspect, there is provided a security monitoring system for monitoring of a premises, the security monitoring 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.

[0022] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to perform the method according to the first and / or second aspect.

[0023] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to: detect a potential fire in the one or more images; and transmit an alert signal to one or more devices.

[0024] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to determine if an amount of one or more target colours in the one or more images is higher than a threshold. Optionally, the one or more target colours comprises red, orange, and / or yellow.

[0025] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system comprises an audio interface configured to capture sound in the exterior part of the premises, wherein the security monitoring system is configured to determine if the captured sound is indicative of a potential fire.

[0026] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to determine an occurrence of a trigger action, wherein the imaging means is configured to obtain the one or more images in response to a determined occurrence of the trigger action.

[0027] In some embodiments, security monitoring system comprises a movement detector configured to detect movement, wherein the trigger action comprises a movement.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the security monitoring system comprises a radiation-based sensor configured to detect an amount of incident thermal radiation, wherein the trigger action comprises: an incident thermal radiation exceeding a threshold amount, and / or the incident thermal radiation increasing a predetermined amount within a predetermined time period, and / or an incident thermal radiation difference between adjacent areas of a field of view of the radiation-based sensor being greater than a threshold difference. Optionally, the thermal radiation is infrared radiation and / or ultraviolet radiation.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the security monitoring system is configured to measure (e.g. by a temperature sensor) or receive data relating to an outside temperature, wherein the trigger action comprises an outside temperature exceeding a threshold temperature.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the security monitoring system is configured to receive data relating to metrological data, wherein the trigger action comprises the received metrological data indicating a risk of drought.

[0031] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to: detect a flooding in the one or more images; and transmit an alert signal to one or more devices.

[0032] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to identify water in a lower portion of the images.

[0033] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to detect one or more changes in a lower portion between the one or more images, optionally wherein the one or more changes comprises one or more changes in contrast, light intensity, and / or colour, optionally wherein the one or more changes are present across an entire width of the images.

[0034] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system is configured to detect movements of a plurality of objects visible in the images, optionally wherein the movements of the plurality of objects are in the same direction.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] 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: Fig. 1is a schematic front view of a premises with a security monitoring system according to embodiments; Fig. 2is a schematic plan view of a premises with a security monitoring system according to embodiments; Fig. 3is a flowchart of a method of operating a security monitoring system according to embodiments; and Fig. 4is a flowchart of a method of operating a security monitoring system according to embodiments. 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.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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). 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.

[0041] 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, which may optionally be electrically controlled so that it can be locked and unlocked remotely. Optionally, as shown in Fig. 1, the facade 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.

[0042] The security monitoring system 110 comprises one or more 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.

[0043] 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 facade or arranged remotely from the building (e.g. to include a part of the building in its field of view).

[0044] 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 an infrared sensor such as a PIR sensor, a pixel movement sensor, a radar sensor, or any other suitable motion detection sensor. The exterior imaging means 113 may further be associated with a heat sensor, a thermal sensor (such as a thermal-MOS sensor), a radiation-based sensor for detecting an amount of incident radiation (e.g. infrared and / or ultraviolet radiation), or the like.

[0045] The exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to be in an armed or disarmed state. In the armed state, the exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to capture or otherwise acquire images. In some embodiments, however, the exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to acquire images only when the movement detector has detected a movement, or it may be configured to capture or acquire 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.

[0046] The exterior imaging means 113 may include an internal CPU, 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 CPU, it 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.

[0047] 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 in proximity to the exterior imaging means, and 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.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the premises 100 provided with the security monitoring system 110.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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, radiation-based sensors and / or image capturing means such as a camera.

[0051] 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.

[0052] An image sensor 119 may be defines 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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, 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 Wi-Fi, radio frequency, or the like) and / or wired communication means, such as a radio transceiver, for communicating with the control unit 114.

[0055] The control unit 114 may include a processor 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.

[0056] 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, for arming and disarming the sensors so as to arm and disarm the security monitoring system 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the input means 121 is arranged in the vicinity of the entrance door 102.

[0057] 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 also be loaded with a 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 app or program installed thereon, may thus form input means to the control unit 114 such that the user can, through 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.

[0058] The 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] The control unit 114 may be connected to the remote monitoring centre 115 by wires, 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.

[0061] 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 (such as Cat-M LTE).

[0062] 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.

[0063] Fig. 3 shows a method of operating the security monitoring system 110, in which the security monitoring system 110, and in particular the exterior imaging means 113, is used to monitor an outdoor area to detect potential fires.

[0064] In step 301, the security monitoring system determines if a trigger action has occurred.

[0065] For example, a sensor of the security monitoring system may detect the occurrence of a trigger action. The sensor may be arranged in an exterior part of the premises, such as on a facade of a building of the premises. For example, the sensor may be a movement detector (e.g. the movement detector associated with the exterior imaging means 113), a heat sensor (e.g. the heat sensor associated with the exterior imaging means 113), a thermal sensor (such as a thermal-MOS sensor), a radiation-based sensor for detecting an amount of incident radiation (e.g. infrared and / or ultraviolet radiation), or the like.

[0066] The trigger action may be a detected movement (e.g. of a person and / or object) which may be detected by the movement detector. 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. Here it is noted that the movement need not be associated with the potential fire to be detected; in other words, the movement must not be caused by the potential fire. Rather, any movement may trigger the system to attempt to detect a potential fire such that the system relatively often is triggered to scan the images for indications of a potential fire.

[0067] The trigger action may alternatively or additionally be a detected thermal radiation exceeding a threshold amount. For example, a radiation-based sensor (such as an infrared sensor or an ultraviolet sensor), may be configured to monitor an amount an incident light (e.g. infrared light, ultraviolet light, or other thermal radiation) and compare the amount of incident light to a reference or threshold amount.

[0068] The trigger action may alternatively or additionally be a detected thermal radiation amount increasing suddenly (e.g. a predetermined increase in incident radiation within a predetermined time period). Again, a radiation-based sensor may be used to monitor an amount an incident light and to detect when the amount of incident light increases suddenly.

[0069] The trigger action may yet alternatively or additionally be a detected stark thermal contrast between adjacent areas of the field of view of a thermal sensor or other radiation-based sensor.

[0070] In addition to, or as an alternative to, detecting the occurrence of the trigger action by a sensor, the system may determine if a trigger action has occurred in dependence on received data. For example, the system may be configured to collect or receive data relating to weather or metrological events, such as high temperatures, droughts, or the like, that may increase the risk of an outdoor fire. For example, if the weather data indicates that the temperature is above a threshold, the system may trigger the exterior imaging means 113 to obtain images and monitor for potential fires in accordance with steps 303 to 305. Similarly, if received metrological data indicates that there is a drought (at the location of the premises 100), the system may trigger the exterior imaging means 113 to obtain images and monitor for potential fires in accordance with steps 303 to 305.

[0071] When the trigger action has been determined to occur, the system proceeds to step 303 where the exterior imaging means is turned on to obtain one or more images. In other words, the exterior imaging means 113 is configured to obtain images in response to the trigger action. For example, the exterior imaging means 113 may normally be deactivated and then triggered (i.e. activated) in response to the trigger action.

[0072] Alternatively, step 301 may be omitted, and the exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to always stream and / or capture still or moving images.

[0073] In step 303, the exterior imaging means obtains one or more images of its field of view. In particular, the exterior imaging means 113 may obtain (e.g. capture) one or more (still and / or moving) images comprising colour data. The images may represent the field of view of the exterior imaging means, where the field of view includes an outside area.

[0074] The exterior imaging means may be configured to obtain images over a period of time (e.g. continuously, at regular intervals or the like) to allow monitoring of the outside area over an extended period of time. In some embodiments, the images are provided in the form of a video recording and / or a live feed.

[0075] In particular, the one or more images representing the field of view of the exterior imaging means 113 may comprise colour data relating to one or more target colours. The target colours may include colours that are indicative of a fire potentially being present in the image or field of view. For example, the target colours may include red, yellow and / or orange.

[0076] In some embodiments, the exterior imaging means 113 is configured to be more sensitive to one or more target colours (e.g. red, orange and / or yellow wavelengths) than to one or more other colours (e.g. blue or green wavelengths).

[0077] In step 305, a potential fire is detected in the one or more images. In particular, step 305 may comprise determining if an amount of one or more target colours in the image(s) indicates that there is a potential fire in the field of view of the exterior imaging means 113. For instance, the system may determine whether an amount of one or more target colours is higher than a threshold. The threshold may be set in dependence on colour data of one or more reference images (e.g. image(s) taken previously by the exterior imaging means). Accordingly, the amount of target colours may be compared to colour data of one or more reference images to determine if a potential fire may have started in the field of view. As another example, the system may determine whether an amount of one or more target colours increases (e.g. a sudden increase and / or an increase by a predetermined amount).

[0078] The determination may be made using algorithms or other automatic determination means. In some embodiments, the determination may be improved by machine learning techniques and / or artificial intelligence that have been trained on reference images (e.g. images captured previously by the exterior imaging means 113).

[0079] The determination may be made by a processor of the exterior imaging means 113, or the exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to transmit the images and / or the colour data associated with said images to the control unit 114, the user device 116 and / or the remote monitoring centre 115, which in turn may determine whether the colour data of the images is indicative of a potential fire.

[0080] In step 307, once the images start showing colours indicative of a potential fire, the security monitoring system 110 may take one or more actions. The one or more actions may include generating and / or transmitting an alert signal. The alert signal may be transmitted to one or more devices such as one or more devices of the remote monitoring centre 115, and / or one or more user devices 116 to alert a user or operator that there may be a potential fire outside the premises. The action may alternatively or additionally include triggering an alarm indicator 120 so as to notify a person within the premises 100, notifying emergency services, or the like.

[0081] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system may be configured to capture sound by an exterior audio interface 122 as part of step 305. The captured sound may be used to confirm whether a potential fire may be present near the premises. In such a configuration, a first action may be taken in response to the images indicating that a potential fire has started, and a second (potentially more urgent) action being taken if the captured sound confirms the presence of a potential fire. The first action may include transmitting an alert signal to the remote monitoring centre 115 and / or one or more user devices 116, while the second action may comprise notifying emergency services and / or triggering an alarm indicator 120.

[0082] In particular, the system may be configured to compare the captured sound to one or more pre-recordings of sound associated with a fire. Alternatively, or additionally, the system may be configured to recognize, in the captured sound, one or more crackling sounds, one or more sputtering sounds, one or more snapping sounds, one or more roaring blaze sounds, one or more popping sound, and / or one or more sizzling sounds sometimes heard during a fire. Alternatively, or additionally, the system may be configured to determine if the sound level is greater than a threshold amount, as a fire is often quite loud.

[0083] In some embodiments, the system may be configured to determine whether the potential fire is likely deliberately caused by a user. For example, the system may, in dependence on the images from the exterior imaging means 113, attempt to detect certain objects in the images which are commonly associated with fires. For example, the system may be configured to recognize if there is a barbeque, a grill, or the like, present near the location in the images where the potential fire is detected. In particular, the system may use image recognition techniques or computer vision techniques to recognize the objects of interest, as will be within the capabilities of the skilled person. If there is recognized a barbeque or the like, the system may perform a less urgent action such as notifying one or more user devices of the detected potential fire.

[0084] Fig. 4 shows a method of operating the security monitoring system 110, in which the security monitoring system 110, and in particular the exterior imaging means 113, is used to monitor an outdoor area to detect potential flooding.

[0085] In step 401, a trigger action may be detected by a sensor of the security monitoring system. Step 401 may substantially correspond to step 301.

[0086] In particular, the trigger action may be a detected movement (e.g. of a person and / or object) which may be detected by a movement detector. 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 in step 403. Here it is noted that a flooding is likely to cause movement of objects, such as outdoor furniture or the like, which can be detected by the movement detector.

[0087] In addition to, or as an alternative to, detecting movement, the system may determine if a trigger action has occurred in dependence on received data. For example, the system may be configured to collect or receive data relating to weather or metrological events, such as the occurrence or expected severity of rainfall, or the like, that may increase the risk of flooding. For example, if the weather data indicates that there may be a substantial rainfall (e.g. more than a predetermined amount), the system may trigger the exterior imaging means 113 to obtain images and monitor for flooding in accordance with steps 403 to 405.

[0088] In step 403, the exterior imaging means obtains one or more images of its field of view. In particular, the exterior imaging means 113 may obtain (e.g. capture) one or more (still and / or moving) images representing the field of view of the exterior imaging means, where the field of view includes an outside area. Step 403 may substantially correspond to step 303 of Fig. 3.

[0089] In step 405, the system determines, in dependence on the one or more images from the exterior imaging means, if there is a potential flooding at or near an exterior part of the premises.

[0090] For example, the system may be configured to use image recognition techniques or computer vision techniques to identify water in a lower portion of the images. The determination may be made using algorithms or other automatic determination means. In some embodiments, the determination may be improved by machine learning techniques and / or artificial intelligence that have been trained on reference images (e.g. images captured previously by the exterior imaging means 113). The determination may be made by a processor of the exterior imaging means 113, or the exterior imaging means 113 may be configured to transmit the images and / or the image data associated with said images to the control unit 114, the user device 116 and / or the remote monitoring centre 115, which in turn may determine whether the images are indicative of a flooding at the premises.

[0091] The system may, for instance, be configured to detect changes in a lower portion of two or more images. Such changes may include an increase or decrease in contrast, light intensity or the like which may be caused by the presence of water which affects how light is reflected by the ground and captured by the exterior imaging means 113. In particular, the system may be configured to detect frequent changes between image frames (especially in a lower portion of the image frames) indicating a movement of water, or at least a surface movement including waves or the like. The changes in the lower part of the images may span across substantially the whole width of the images, as a flooding will typically not be limited to only a certain portion of the width of the field of view of the exterior imaging means 113.

[0092] The system may additionally or alternatively be configured to detect movement of objects in the images. For example, the system may be configured to recognize, using image recognition and / or computer vision techniques, certain objects in the field of view, and to detect movement of these objects between different image frames. For example, if the system detects movement of several objects in the same direction, this may indicate that there could be a potential flooding with a flow of water that causes the objects to move.

[0093] In step 407, once the images are indicative of a potential flooding, the security monitoring system 110 may take one or more actions. The one or more actions may include generating and / or transmitting an alert signal. The alert signal may be transmitted to one or more devices such as one or more devices of the remote monitoring centre 115, and / or one or more user devices 116 to alert a user or operator that there may be a potential fire outside the premises. The action may alternatively or additionally include triggering an alarm indicator 120 so as to notify a person within the premises 100, notifying emergency services, or the like.

[0094] In some embodiments, the security monitoring system may be configured to capture sound by an exterior audio interface 122 as part of step 405. The captured sound may be used to confirm whether a potential flooding may be present near the premises. In particular, the system may be configured to compare the captured sound to one or more pre-recordings of sound associated with a flooding and / or a flow of water. Alternatively, or additionally, the system may be configured to recognize, in the captured sound, one or more running water sounds, one or more water stream sounds, one or more water dripping sounds, turbulent water sounds, or other sounds commonly heard during flooding or heavy rainfall. Alternatively, or additionally, the system may be configured to determine if the sound level is greater than a threshold amount, as a flooding or heavy rainfall is generally quite loud.

[0095] 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. 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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".

[0100] 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".

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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

1. A method of operating a security monitoring system of a premises, the method comprising: obtaining one or more images by an imaging means arranged in an exterior part of the premises; detecting, by the security monitoring system, a potential fire in the one or more images; and transmitting an alert signal to one or more devices.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of detecting a potential fire comprises determining if an amount of one or more target colours in the one or more images is higher than a threshold.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the one or more target colours comprises red, orange, and / or yellow.

4. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises: capturing sound by an audio interface arranged in the exterior part of the premises, and determining if the sound is indicative of a potential fire.

5. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises determining an occurrence of a trigger action, wherein the step of obtaining one or more images is performed in response to a determined occurrence of the trigger action.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the trigger action comprises a movement, wherein the step of determining the occurrence of the trigger action comprises detecting movement by a movement detector.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the step of determining the occurrence of the trigger action comprises determining, by a radiation-based sensor, an amount of incident thermal radiation, wherein the trigger action comprises: an incident thermal radiation exceeding a threshold amount, and / or the incident thermal radiation increasing a predetermined amount within a predetermined time period, and / or an incident thermal radiation difference between adjacent areas of a field of view of the radiation-based sensor being greater than a threshold difference.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the thermal radiation is infrared radiation and / or ultraviolet radiation.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the trigger action comprises an outside temperature exceeding a threshold temperature.

10. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the step of determining an occurrence of the trigger action comprises receiving metrological data, wherein the trigger action comprises the received metrological data indicating a risk of drought.

11. A method of operating a security monitoring system of a premises, the method comprising: obtaining one or more images by an imaging means arranged in an exterior part of the premises; detecting a flooding in the one or more images; and transmitting an alert signal to one or more devices.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of detecting the flooding comprises identifying water in a lower portion of the images.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the step of detecting the flooding comprises detecting one or more changes in a lower portion between two or more images, optionally wherein the one or more changes comprises one or more changes in contrast, light intensity, and / or colour, optionally wherein the one or more changes are present across an entire width of the images.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the step of detecting the flooding comprises detecting movements of a plurality of objects visible in the images, optionally wherein the movements of the plurality of objects are in the same direction.

15. A security monitoring system for monitoring of a premises, the security monitoring 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; wherein the security monitoring system is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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