Security monitoring system and method for operating the same

Abstract

A method for operating a security monitoring system is provided, comprising the steps of detecting (301) a movement in an exterior of a premises to be monitored, capturing (302) images by means of an image detection unit arranged in the exterior of the premise, and determining (303) if the detected movement is caused by a person. If said movement is determined to be caused by a person, the method comprises attempting to identify (304) said person by means of at least one of a number of identification methods. If said person is identified as an authorized person, the method comprises disarming (305) the security monitoring system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a security monitoring system and such security monitoring system.BACKGROUND

[0002] Security installations that are or include security monitoring systems for monitoring premises, often referred to as alarm systems, typically provide a means for detecting the presence and / or actions of people at premises and reacting to detected events. 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. 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. Such installations typically include a control unit (which may also be termed a central unit), generally mains powered, that is coupled to the sensors, detectors, cameras, etc. ("nodes"), and which processes received detections and determines a response. The central unit may be linked to the various nodes by wires, but increasingly is instead linked wirelessly, rather than by wires, since this facilitates installation and may also provide some safeguards against sensors / detectors effectively being disabled by disconnecting them from the central unit. Similarly, for ease of installation and to improve security, the nodes of such systems typically include an autonomous power source, such as a battery power supply, rather than being mains powered.

[0003] As an alternative to self-contained systems, a security monitoring system may include an installation at a premises, domestic or commercial, that is linked to a remote central monitoring station (CMS) where, typically, operators manage the responses required by different alarm and notification types. In such centrally monitored systems, the central unit at the premises installation typically processes detection events received from the nodes in the installation, and notifies the central monitoring station of only some of these, depending upon the settings of the system and the nature of the detected events. In such a configuration, the central unit at the installation is effectively acting as a gateway between the nodes and the central monitoring station. Again, in such installations the central unit may be linked by wires, or wirelessly, to the various nodes of the installation, and these nodes will typically be battery rather than mains powered.

[0004] 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, protected by a boundary fence and gate, for example.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide enhanced security monitoring systems, and corresponding apps, methods and other implementations that improve the scope of security monitoring systems to address aspects of the problem of entry systems as well as providing new functionality and methods.SUMMARY

[0006] 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.

[0007] In one aspect, a method for operating a security monitoring system is provided. The method comprising the steps of detecting a movement in an exterior of a premises to be monitored, capturing images by means of an image detection unit arranged in the exterior of the premise, and determining if the detected movement is caused by a person. If said movement is determined to be caused by a person, the method comprises attempting to identify said person by means of at least one of the following identification methods: determining if a smart device associated with an authorized person has joined a local Wi-Fi network of the premise, position determination of a smart device associated with an authorized person, identification of a tag or token associated with an authorized person, a deactivation action such as insertion of a deactivation code on a keypad, a biometric identification method, such as one or more of: face recognition, gait recognition, voice recognition, retina scan, iris scan, or a fingerprint scan. If said person is identified as an authorized person, the method comprises disarming the security monitoring system.

[0008] In some embodiments, the step of capturing images is performed as a response to a detected movement.

[0009] In some embodiments, the step of determining if the detected movement is caused by a person comprises image analysis of the captured images.

[0010] In some embodiments, if the identification method comprises a deactivation action such as insertion of a deactivation code on a keypad, the deactivation action is performed prior to the step of detecting a movement.

[0011] In some embodiments, the step of attempting to identify said person by means of a tag or token comprises BLE beaconing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining, by means of the image detection unit, if the biometric recognition, such as a retina or iris scan, or a fingerprint scan, or insertion of a deactivation code on a keypad, is performed by the person causing the detected movement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, if said person is identified as an unauthorized person, or if the identification fails, a step of triggering an alarm.

[0014] In some embodiments, if identification according to a first of said identification methods and identification according to a second of said identification methods provide different results, the method comprises one or more of the following actions: triggering an alarm, transmitting push notifications to one or more users associated with the security monitoring system, notifying a remote central monitoring station associated with the security monitoring system.

[0015] In one aspect, a security monitoring system for monitoring a premises is provided. The system comprises a central unit comprising a control unit, at least one image detection unit arranged in an exterior of the premises, and configured to capture images of at least a portion of the exterior of the premises. The control unit is configured to recognize change in the captured images and to determine if the recognized change is caused by a person. If said change is determined to be caused by a person, the control unit is configured to attempt to identify said person, and if said person is identified as an authorized person, the control unit is configured to disarm the security monitoring system.

[0016] In some embodiments, said change is a movement.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one movement detector arranged in the exterior the premises and configured to detect movement in the portion of the exterior of the premises.

[0018] In some embodiments, the image detection unit is configured to capture images as a response to movement detected by the movement detector.

[0019] In some embodiments, the image detection unit is a moving picture camera or a still image camera.

[0020] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a user device configured to one or more of: display still or video images captured by the one or more image detection unit(s), receive audio from an audio interface, communicate position data of the user device to the control unit, transmit input data provided by a user to the control unit, transmit locking and / or unlocking signals to an electronic lock, receive data from the control unit, present data as notifications.

[0021] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a remote central monitoring station, configured to one or more of: control an armed / unarmed state of the security monitoring system, control an alarm of the security monitoring system, control a lock state of an electronic lock, control operation of the image detection unit, control operation of any further image detection unit(s) of the security monitoring system, transmit images from any image detection unit of the security monitoring system to the user device, communicate with the user device, communicate with the central unit, communicate with emergency service(s), transmitting images from any image detection unit(s) of the security monitoring system to the emergency service(s), transmitting information / data to the emergency service(s), optionally comprising one or more of premises info, user info, data log(s), image(s), video, audio from any detection means of the security monitoring system.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] 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: Figure 1 is a schematic drawing showing a front elevation of stylised building monitored by a security monitoring system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic part plan view of a premises protected by the security monitoring system, together with other elements of the system; Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method for operating the security monitoring system.

[0023] Further, in the figures like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] 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 disclosure.

[0025] In the description and claims the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises", does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0026] 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. 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 equivalents 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.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a view of the front of a premises 100 protected by a security monitoring system. The premises 100, here in the form of a house, has an exterior door, here front door, 102. The door gives access to a protected interior space 200. The security monitoring system secures at least part of a perimeter to the premises 100, and the door 102 constitutes an exterior closure in the secure perimeter giving access to a protected interior space 200 of the premises. A lock 104 on the exterior door is optionally electrically controlled so that it can be locked and unlocked remotely.

[0028] The premises 100 is equipped with an exterior image detection unit, such as a camera 112, such as a video camera, which is coupled to, or includes, a presence and / or movement detector 114. In some embodiments, the premises 100 is equipped with more than one exterior image detection unit(s), and possibly also one or more interior image detection units 214. Any interior image detection unit 214 may be associated with an interior movement detector 216.

[0029] The video camera 112 and the movement detector 114 may be arranged to monitor the same exterior portion 108 of premises, or at least overlapping exterior portions of premises 100.

[0030] Optionally, as shown, the facade of the house 100 carries an external keypad 110 by means of which a user can arm and / or disarm the security monitoring system, and unlock the lock 104. Optionally, the keypad is an internal keypad arranged in the interior of the house 100.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic part plan view of the premises 100 protected by the security monitoring system, and other elements of the system, corresponding generally to the premises of figure 1. The front door 102, with lock 104, leads into the protected interior space 200 of the premises. The premises comprises windows 202, each of which, and a rear door 204, being fitted with a sensor 206, respectively, to detect when they are opened. Each of the sensors 206 includes a radio transceiver to report events to a controller, or central unit, 208 of the security monitoring system. If one of the sensors 206 is triggered when the system is armed, a signal is sent to the central unit 208 which in turn may signal an alarm event to a remote central monitoring station 210. The central unit 208 is connected to the remote central monitoring station 210 via the Internet 212, either via a wired or a wireless connection. The central unit 208 may include a memory unit.

[0032] The system comprises one or more exterior image detection unit(s) 112 configured to capture images of the plot of the premises 100. The exterior image detection unit 112 is e.g. a camera, such as a motion picture camera, such as a video camera, or a still image camera. The exterior image detection unit 112 may be associated with a movement detector 114, which may be separate from or may be integral with the exterior image detection unit 112. The movement detector may be a PIR sensor, a pixel movement sensor or any other suitable motion detection sensor. The exterior image detection unit 112 will hereinafter also be referred to as a video camera. The video camera 214 may have a field of view including the front door 104 / the front door opening of the premises 100. The video camera 214 may be directed towards the front door 104.

[0033] The video camera 112 may be arranged, when the security monitoring system is armed, to capture images, such as video images, of an exterior portion 108 of the house 100, e.g. a garden, in front of the house and signal an alarm event to a controller of the security monitoring system. The video camera is preferably provided with, or being in operative connection with an audio interface 230 to enable (bi-)directional audio communication with anyone observed by the camera.

[0034] The video camera 112 may be arranged to capture video / images of the front of the house and a private area, e.g. a garden, in front of the house when the security monitoring system is armed, and signal an alarm event to the controller 208 of the security monitoring system.

[0035] The system may further comprise one or more audio interface(s) 230, optionally comprising both an audio input device 231, and an audio output device 232. The audio interface 230 may be separate from or may be integral with the video camera 112. The audio interface 230 may be configured to record sound / audio in the environment where it is arranged.

[0036] In some embodiments, the electrically controlled lock 104 is wirelessly coupled to the central unit 208.

[0037] One or more of the interior doors 218 of the premises may be provided with a sensor 206 to detect the opening / closing of the door.

[0038] The above mentioned items are preferably coupled to the central unit 208 using transceivers operating in the industrial scientific and medical (ISM) bandwidths, for example a sub-gigahertz bandwidth such as 868 MHz, and the communications are encrypted preferably using shared secret keys.

[0039] Also shown in figure 2 is a user device 220, preferably loaded with an appropriate app, and a public land mobile network (PLMN) by means of which the central monitoring station 210, and the central unit 208, may communicate with the user device 220.

[0040] Operation of the security monitoring system may be controlled by one or more of: the controller 208, the remote central monitoring station 210, and a security monitoring app installed on the user device 220. For example, the remote monitoring station 210, if provided, may receive one or more signals from any one of: the exterior image detection unit 112, the keypad 110, the sensors 206, the audio interface 230. The remote monitoring station 210 may transmit commands for controlling any one or more of: the arm state of the alarm system (e.g. armed or unarmed); commanding a tripped alarm state to be signaled by the alarm system (e.g. by triggering one or more sirens to generate alarm noise); commanding a lock state of the door lock 104 (e.g. locked or unlocked), commanding operation of one or more cameras to transmit images to the remote monitoring unit / user device application / app. Communication with the remote monitoring station 210 may pass through the controller 208, as described above. In other embodiments, not including the remote monitoring station 210, or should communication with the remote monitoring station 210 be interrupted, operation of the alarm system may be controlled by the controller 208. In yet other embodiments, the controller 208 may be omitted, and the individual peripheral devices may communicate directly with the remote monitoring station 210.

[0041] The security monitoring system application / app is installed on a user device 220, here shown as a smartphone, although it could be almost any kind of electronic device, such as a laptop or desktop computer, a tablet such as an iPad, a smart watch, or even a television. The security monitoring system app may be used to display still or video images captured by the one or more cameras 112, receive audio from the audio interface 230, provide position data of the device on which the app is installed to the controller 208, transmit input data provided by a user to the controller 208, transmit locking and / or unlocking signals to the electronic lock 104, receive data from the controller 208 and present these as notifications.

[0042] The video camera 112 may be configured to be armed or unarmed. In the armed state, it is configured to capture video images. It may be configured to capture images only as a response to a detection by the movement detector 114 of a movement. Alternatively, it may be configured to capture images continuously. The video camera 112 may be configured to capture images only when the audio interface 230 captures an audio signal, or it may be configured to capture images continuously.

[0043] The video camera 112 may include an internal CPU, and / or be configured to communicate with the central unit 208. In the case of the video camera 112 comprising an internal CPU, it may be configured to communicate directly with the user device 220. In other cases, the video camera 112 may be configured to transmit data to the central unit 208, which may be configured to communicate with the user device 220.

[0044] With reference to Fig. 3, a method 300 of operating the security monitoring system is described.

[0045] If the video camera 112 is not continuously streaming video images, the method includes a step of detecting 301 a movement by means of the movement detector 114. As a response to a detected movement, the video camera 112 is configured to start capturing images / record / transmit video 302.

[0046] The movement is thus intended to be captured 302 in the video images. The CPU is then configured to determine 303 whether the movement is caused by a person / human. Suitable, and commonly known algorithms for image analysis are utilized for determining whether the movement is caused by a person. The algorithm(s) may be carried out on the CPU of the central unit 208, on an internal CPU of the camera 112, or in the central monitoring station 210.

[0047] If it is determined that the movement was not caused by a person / human, but the movement detector was triggered by something else, such as an animal, any other moving object, such as a vehicle or the like, the camera 112 may be configured to stop capturing images.

[0048] If the movement detected by the movement detector 114 is determined to be caused by a person / human, the CPU is configured to attempt to identify 304 the person causing the movement. The CPU may be configured to correlate the movement detection with (near-real time) data regarding the location of authorized users. The correlation may be based on whether an authorized user is near the premises 100 within a predetermined time limit (e.g., 10 or 15 seconds).

[0049] The CPU may be configured to utilize face or gait recognition algorithms in order to determine 304 if the person belongs to one of the following categories: a known person, which may be an authorized person or a known unauthorized person; an unknown person or an unrecognizable person.

[0050] A known person may be a person the system has been trained to recognize. A known authorized person may be a person the system has been trained to recognize or a person not previously recognized by the system, but whose biometric data has been entered into the system and labelled as authorized.

[0051] A known unauthorized person may be a person who is specifically not allowed to enter the premises. The data of such known, unauthorized person may have been entered into the system and labelled as unauthorized. The detection of a known unauthorized person may trigger additional actions, apart from triggering the alarm.

[0052] An unknown or unrecognizable person is a person who cannot be identified as authorized or unauthorized by the security monitoring system.

[0053] The system may be configured to store identification information of known persons, authorized persons and / or unauthorized person in the memory unit. Alternatively, this information is stored externally, e.g. in the cloud. The identification information may be biometrics data, gait data, voice samples, etc.

[0054] Based on the determination of the category in which the person falls, the system is configured to take one of following actions.

[0055] If the person is identified as an authorized person, the CPU may be configured to disarm 305 the security monitoring system. The system may also be configured to perform one or more additional actions such as unlocking the front and / or back door, or any other exit / entrance of the premises, transmitting push notifications to smart devices 220 of one or more users associated with the security monitoring system.

[0056] If the person is identified as a known, unauthorized person, the system may be configured to trigger 306 the alarm of the security monitoring system. It may also / alternatively be configured to perform one or more additional actions, such as notifying the remote central monitoring station (CMS), locking or unlocking the front and / or back door, transmitting push notifications to one or more users associated with the security monitoring system, transmitting a security alarm e.g. to a security company or a police department.

[0057] If the person is determined to be an unknown or unrecognizable person, i.e. the identification fails, the system may be configured to trigger 306 the alarm of the security monitoring system.

[0058] Alternatively, if the identification fails, the system may be configured to allow the person to authenticate themselves in a different manner, within a certain amount of time. The system may thus be configured to attempt to identify 307 the person by means of one or more alternative authentication methods or second identification methods.

[0059] An alternative authentication manner may be automatic authentication such as the system being configured to determine whether a smart device associated with an authorized person has joined a local Wi-Fi network of the premises. This indicates that it is the authorized person detected by the camera 112.

[0060] Alternatively, the second identification method may be determining a geolocation of a smart device 220 associated with an authorized person. If the smart device is determined to be within a predetermined area, it is indicative of the person detected by the camera 112 being the authorized person, and the CPU may be configured to disarm the security monitoring system. The predetermined area may be the plot of the premises, a certain portion of the premises, such as a front yard or a back yard, within which the camera 112 is arranged.

[0061] Alternatively, the second identification method may be a tag or token identification, utilizing e.g. BLE beaconing.

[0062] Alternatively, the second identification method may be a voice recognition. The audio interface 230 may be configured to collect, and / or record, audio samples and compare these with audio samples of authorized and unauthorized persons. Alternatively, the system may be configured to scan for a predetermined disarming phrase uttered by the person. Upon recognition of the predetermined disarming phrase, the CPU may be configured to disarm the system. The CPU may be configured to compare a voice sample of the voice uttering the disarming phrase with voice samples belonging to authorized persons. In case the voice samples conform, the CPU may be configured to disarm the security monitoring system.

[0063] Alternatively, the second identification method may be an action performed by the person trying to enter the premises. The identification method may be the person authenticating themselves by carrying out a deactivation action. The deactivation action may be insertion of a deactivation code on the keypad 110, a biometric recognition such as a retina or iris scan, a fingerprint scan or scanning of any other suitable recognizable biometric properties.

[0064] In case the first identification method comprises a deactivation action such as insertion of a deactivation code on a keypad 110, the deactivation action is to be performed prior to the system detecting a movement.

[0065] If the person is determined to be an authorized person by the second identification method, the CPU may be configured to disarm 305 the system. Further, the system may be configured to transmit notification(s) to one or more users, optionally being different from the identified person / user, with information of the detection of an authorized person. The notification may comprise an option of contacting the central monitoring station. Also, and / or alternatively, the system may be configured to transmit notification(s) to the central monitoring station, with information of the detection of an authorized person.

[0066] If the person is determined to be an unauthorized person, or if the identification by means of the second identification method fails, the CPU may be configured to trigger the alarm 306.

[0067] One or more of the alternative authentication methods may be performed simultaneously, and one or more of them may be required to be successful / consistent with each other in order for the alarm system to be unarmed.

[0068] One or more additional actions may be associated with and triggered by the determination of each category of persons.

[0069] The system may be configured to determine, for example via the camera 112 and the CPU, that the deactivation action is performed by the correct person. For example, the system may be configured to determine if the person performing the deactivation action acts independently. I.e. the CPU is configured to determine whether the person seems to be under influence of another person or not. It could be by recognition of a secondary person forcing the authenticating person to perform the authentication action / deactivation action, or a known, unauthorized person performing the authentication action while an authorized person's personal device is recognized in the local Wi-Fi network.

[0070] If it is determined that the deactivation action is not performed by an authorized person, or performed by an authorized person under influence of an unauthorized person, the CPU may be configured to trigger the alarm 306.

[0071] In case the system comes to contradictory conclusions based on the first and second authentication methods, respectively, the system may be configured to perform one or several of the following actions: trigger the alarm, transmitting push notifications to one or more users associated with the security monitoring system and / or notifying the remote central monitoring station (CMS).

[0072] Even though the above description describes an embodiment in which the image detection unit 112 is a video camera, in other embodiments, it may be a still image camera. Instead of capturing or streaming a sequence of moving pictures, the still image camera may be configured to capture still images. The remaining handling, analysis, calculations, determinations, triggerings, notifications etc. correspond to the above described, with possible adjustments made for the images being a sequence of still images instead of a moving picture sequence, which adjustments the person skilled in the art are familiar with.

[0073] In one embodiment, the system may be configured to alert the person determined to cause a movement that they are not recognized by the system, prompting them to authenticate themselves in a different manner. The alert may be one or more of a sound or light signal, a spoken message or any other suitable alert.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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".

[0078] 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".

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0024]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 disclosure.

[0025]In the description and claims the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises", does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0026]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. The embodiments herein are provided by way of e...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a security monitoring system and such security monitoring system.BACKGROUND

[0002] Security installations that are or include security monitoring systems for monitoring premises, often referred to as alarm systems, typically provide a means for detecting the presence and / or actions of people at premises and reacting to detected events. 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. 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. Such installations typically include a control unit (which may also be termed a central unit), generally mains powered, that is coupled to the sensors, detectors, cameras, etc. ("nodes"), and which processes received detections and determines a response. The central unit may be linked to the various nodes by wires, but increasingly is instead linked wirelessly, rather than by wires, since this facilitates installation and may also provide some safeguards against sensors / detectors effectively being disabled by disconnecting them from the central unit. Similarly, for ease of installation and to improve security, the nodes of such systems typically include an autonomous power source, such as a battery power supply, rather than being mains powered.

[0003] As an alternative to self-contained systems, a security monitoring system may include an installation at a premises, domestic or commercial, that is linked to a remote central monitoring station (CMS) where, typically, operators manage the responses required by different alarm and notification types. In such centrally monitored systems, the central unit at the premises installation typically processes detection events received from the nodes in the installation, and notifies the central monitoring station of only some of these, depending upon the settings of the system and the nature of the detected events. In such a configuration, the central unit at the installation is effectively acting as a gateway between the nodes and the central monitoring station. Again, in such installations the central unit may be linked by wires, or wirelessly, to the various nodes of the installation, and these nodes will typically be battery rather than mains powered.

[0004] 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, protected by a boundary fence and gate, for example.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide enhanced security monitoring systems, and corresponding apps, methods and other implementations that improve the scope of security monitoring systems to address aspects of the problem of entry systems as well as providing new functionality and methods.SUMMARY

[0006] 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.

[0007] In one aspect, a method for operating a security monitoring system is provided. The method comprising the steps of detecting a movement in an exterior of a premises to be monitored, capturing images by means of an image detection unit arranged in the exterior of the premise, and determining if the detected movement is caused by a person. If said movement is determined to be caused by a person, the method comprises attempting to identify said person by means of at least one of the following identification methods: determining if a smart device associated with an authorized person has joined a local Wi-Fi network of the premise, position determination of a smart device associated with an authorized person, identification of a tag or token associated with an authorized person, a deactivation action such as insertion of a deactivation code on a keypad, a biometric identification method, such as one or more of: face recognition, gait recognition, voice recognition, retina scan, iris scan, or a fingerprint scan. If said person is identified as an authorized person, the method comprises disarming the security monitoring system.

[0008] In some embodiments, the step of capturing images is performed as a response to a detected movement.

[0009] In some embodiments, the step of determining if the detected movement is caused by a person comprises image analysis of the captured images.

[0010] In some embodiments, if the identification method comprises a deactivation action such as insertion of a deactivation code on a keypad, the deactivation action is performed prior to the step of detecting a movement.

[0011] In some embodiments, the step of attempting to identify said person by means of a tag or token comprises BLE beaconing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining, by means of the image detection unit, if the biometric recognition, such as a retina or iris scan, or a fingerprint scan, or insertion of a deactivation code on a keypad, is performed by the person causing the detected movement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, if said person is identified as an unauthorized person, or if the identification fails, a step of triggering an alarm.

[0014] In some embodiments, if identification according to a first of said identification methods and identification according to a second of said identification methods provide different results, the method comprises one or more of the following actions: triggering an alarm, transmitting push notifications to one or more users associated with the security monitoring system, notifying a remote central monitoring station associated with the security monitoring system.

[0015] In one aspect, a security monitoring system for monitoring a premises is provided. The system comprises a central unit comprising a control unit, at least one image detection unit arranged in an exterior of the premises, and configured to capture images of at least a portion of the exterior of the premises. The control unit is configured to recognize change in the captured images and to determine if the recognized change is caused by a person. If said change is determined to be caused by a person, the control unit is configured to attempt to identify said person, and if said person is identified as an authorized person, the control unit is configured to disarm the security monitoring system.

[0016] In some embodiments, said change is a movement.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one movement detector arranged in the exterior the premises and configured to detect movement in the portion of the exterior of the premises.

[0018] In some embodiments, the image detection unit is configured to capture images as a response to movement detected by the movement detector.

[0019] In some embodiments, the image detection unit is a moving picture camera or a still image camera.

[0020] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a user device configured to one or more of: display still or video images captured by the one or more image detection unit(s), receive audio from an audio interface, communicate position data of the user device to the control unit, transmit input data provided by a user to the control unit, transmit locking and / or unlocking signals to an electronic lock, receive data from the control unit, present data as notifications.

[0021] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a remote central monitoring station, configured to one or more of: control an armed / unarmed state of the security monitoring system, control an alarm of the security monitoring system, control a lock state of an electronic lock, control operation of the image detection unit, control operation of any further image detection unit(s) of the security monitoring system, transmit images from any image detection unit of the security monitoring system to the user device, communicate with the user device, communicate with the central unit, communicate with emergency service(s), transmitting images from any image detection unit(s) of the security monitoring system to the emergency service(s), transmitting information / data to the emergency service(s), optionally comprising one or more of premises info, user info, data log(s), image(s), video, audio from any detection means of the security monitoring system.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] 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: Figure 1 is a schematic drawing showing a front elevation of stylised building monitored by a security monitoring system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic part plan view of a premises protected by the security monitoring system, together with other elements of the system; Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method for operating the security monitoring system.

[0023] Further, in the figures like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] 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 disclosure.

[0025] In the description and claims the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises", does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0026] 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. 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 equivalents 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.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a view of the front of a premises 100 protected by a security monitoring system. The premises 100, here in the form of a house, has an exterior door, here front door, 102. The door gives access to a protected interior space 200. The security monitoring system secures at least part of a perimeter to the premises 100, and the door 102 constitutes an exterior closure in the secure perimeter giving access to a protected interior space 200 of the premises. A lock 104 on the exterior door is optionally electrically controlled so that it can be locked and unlocked remotely.

[0028] The premises 100 is equipped with an exterior image detection unit, such as a camera 112, such as a video camera, which is coupled to, or includes, a presence and / or movement detector 114. In some embodiments, the premises 100 is equipped with more than one exterior image detection unit(s), and possibly also one or more interior image detection units 214. Any interior image detection unit 214 may be associated with an interior movement detector 216.

[0029] The video camera 112 and the movement detector 114 may be arranged to monitor the same exterior portion 108 of premises, or at least overlapping exterior portions of premises 100.

[0030] Optionally, as shown, the facade of the house 100 carries an external keypad 110 by means of which a user can arm and / or disarm the security monitoring system, and unlock the lock 104. Optionally, the keypad is an internal keypad arranged in the interior of the house 100.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic part plan view of the premises 100 protected by the security monitoring system, and other elements of the system, corresponding generally to the premises of figure 1. The front door 102, with lock 104, leads into the protected interior space 200 of the premises. The premises comprises windows 202, each of which, and a rear door 204, being fitted with a sensor 206, respectively, to detect when they are opened. Each of the sensors 206 includes a radio transceiver to report events to a controller, or central unit, 208 of the security monitoring system. If one of the sensors 206 is triggered when the system is armed, a signal is sent to the central unit 208 which in turn may signal an alarm event to a remote central monitoring station 210. The central unit 208 is connected to the remote central monitoring station 210 via the Internet 212, either via a wired or a wireless connection. The central unit 208 may include a memory unit.

[0032] The system comprises one or more exterior image detection unit(s) 112 configured to capture images of the plot of the premises 100. The exterior image detection unit 112 is e.g. a camera, such as a motion picture camera, such as a video camera, or a still image camera. The exterior image detection unit 112 may be associated with a movement detector 114, which may be separate from or may be integral with the exterior image detection unit 112. The movement detector may be a PIR sensor, a pixel movement sensor or any other suitable motion detection sensor. The exterior image detection unit 112 will hereinafter also be referred to as a video camera. The video camera 214 may have a field of view including the front door 104 / the front door opening of the premises 100. The video camera 214 may be directed towards the front door 104.

[0033] The video camera 112 may be arranged, when the security monitoring system is armed, to capture images, such as video images, of an exterior portion 108 of the house 100, e.g. a garden, in front of the house and signal an alarm event to a controller of the security monitoring system. The video camera is preferably provided with, or being in operative connection with an audio interface 230 to enable (bi-)directional audio communication with anyone observed by the camera.

[0034] The video camera 112 may be arranged to capture video / images of the front of the house and a private area, e.g. a garden, in front of the house when the security monitoring system is armed, and signal an alarm event to the controller 208 of the security monitoring system.

[0035] The system may further comprise one or more audio interface(s) 230, optionally comprising both an audio input device 231, and an audio output device 232. The audio interface 230 may be separate from or may be integral with the video camera 112. The audio interface 230 may be configured to record sound / audio in the environment where it is arranged.

[0036] In some embodiments, the electrically controlled lock 104 is wirelessly coupled to the central unit 208.

[0037] One or more of the interior doors 218 of the premises may be provided with a sensor 206 to detect the opening / closing of the door.

[0038] The above mentioned items are preferably coupled to the central unit 208 using transceivers operating in the industrial scientific and medical (ISM) bandwidths, for example a sub-gigahertz bandwidth such as 868 MHz, and the communications are encrypted preferably using shared secret keys.

[0039] Also shown in figure 2 is a user device 220, preferably loaded with an appropriate app, and a public land mobile network (PLMN) by means of which the central monitoring station 210, and the central unit 208, may communicate with the user device 220.

[0040] Operation of the security monitoring system may be controlled by one or more of: the controller 208, the remote central monitoring station 210, and a security monitoring app installed on the user device 220. For example, the remote monitoring station 210, if provided, may receive one or more signals from any one of: the exterior image detection unit 112, the keypad 110, the sensors 206, the audio interface 230. The remote monitoring station 210 may transmit commands for controlling any one or more of: the arm state of the alarm system (e.g. armed or unarmed); commanding a tripped alarm state to be signaled by the alarm system (e.g. by triggering one or more sirens to generate alarm noise); commanding a lock state of the door lock 104 (e.g. locked or unlocked), commanding operation of one or more cameras to transmit images to the remote monitoring unit / user device application / app. Communication with the remote monitoring station 210 may pass through the controller 208, as described above. In other embodiments, not including the remote monitoring station 210, or should communication with the remote monitoring station 210 be interrupted, operation of the alarm system may be controlled by the controller 208. In yet other embodiments, the controller 208 may be omitted, and the individual peripheral devices may communicate directly with the remote monitoring station 210.

[0041] The security monitoring system application / app is installed on a user device 220, here shown as a smartphone, although it could be almost any kind of electronic device, such as a laptop or desktop computer, a tablet such as an iPad, a smart watch, or even a television. The security monitoring system app may be used to display still or video images captured by the one or more cameras 112, receive audio from the audio interface 230, provide position data of the device on which the app is installed to the controller 208, transmit input data provided by a user to the controller 208, transmit locking and / or unlocking signals to the electronic lock 104, receive data from the controller 208 and present these as notifications.

[0042] The video camera 112 may be configured to be armed or unarmed. In the armed state, it is configured to capture video images. It may be configured to capture images only as a response to a detection by the movement detector 114 of a movement. Alternatively, it may be configured to capture images continuously. The video camera 112 may be configured to capture images only when the audio interface 230 captures an audio signal, or it may be configured to capture images continuously.

[0043] The video camera 112 may include an internal CPU, and / or be configured to communicate with the central unit 208. In the case of the video camera 112 comprising an internal CPU, it may be configured to communicate directly with the user device 220. In other cases, the video camera 112 may be configured to transmit data to the central unit 208, which may be configured to communicate with the user device 220.

[0044] With reference to Fig. 3, a method 300 of operating the security monitoring system is described.

[0045] If the video camera 112 is not continuously streaming video images, the method includes a step of detecting 301 a movement by means of the movement detector 114. As a response to a detected movement, the video camera 112 is configured to start capturing images / record / transmit video 302.

[0046] The movement is thus intended to be captured 302 in the video images. The CPU is then configured to determine 303 whether the movement is caused by a person / human. Suitable, and commonly known algorithms for image analysis are utilized for determining whether the movement is caused by a person. The algorithm(s) may be carried out on the CPU of the central unit 208, on an internal CPU of the camera 112, or in the central monitoring station 210.

[0047] If it is determined that the movement was not caused by a person / human, but the movement detector was triggered by something else, such as an animal, any other moving object, such as a vehicle or the like, the camera 112 may be configured to stop capturing images.

[0048] If the movement detected by the movement detector 114 is determined to be caused by a person / human, the CPU is configured to attempt to identify 304 the person causing the movement. The CPU may be configured to correlate the movement detection with (near-real time) data regarding the location of authorized users. The correlation may be based on whether an authorized user is near the premises 100 within a predetermined time limit (e.g., 10 or 15 seconds).

[0049] The CPU may be configured to utilize face or gait recognition algorithms in order to determine 304 if the person belongs to one of the following categories: a known person, which may be an authorized person or a known unauthorized person; an unknown person or an unrecognizable person.

[0050] A known person may be a person the system has been trained to recognize. A known authorized person may be a person the system has been trained to recognize or a person not previously recognized by the system, but whose biometric data has been entered into the system and labelled as authorized.

[0051] A known unauthorized person may be a person who is specifically not allowed to enter the premises. The data of such known, unauthorized person may have been entered into the system and labelled as unauthorized. The detection of a known unauthorized person may trigger additional actions, apart from triggering the alarm.

[0052] An unknown or unrecognizable person is a person who cannot be identified as authorized or unauthorized by the security monitoring system.

[0053] The system may be configured to store identification information of known persons, authorized persons and / or unauthorized person in the memory unit. Alternatively, this information is stored externally, e.g. in the cloud. The identification information may be biometrics data, gait data, voice samples, etc.

[0054] Based on the determination of the category in which the person falls, the system is configured to take one of following actions.

[0055] If the person is identified as an authorized person, the CPU may be configured to disarm 305 the security monitoring system. The system may also be configured to perform one or more additional actions such as unlocking the front and / or back door, or any other exit / entrance of the premises, transmitting push notifications to smart devices 220 of one or more users associated with the security monitoring system.

[0056] If the person is identified as a known, unauthorized person, the system may be configured to trigger 306 the alarm of the security monitoring system. It may also / alternatively be configured to perform one or more additional actions, such as notifying the remote central monitoring station (CMS), locking or unlocking the front and / or back door, transmitting push notifications to one or more users associated with the security monitoring system, transmitting a security alarm e.g. to a security company or a police department.

[0057] If the person is determined to be an unknown or unrecognizable person, i.e. the identification fails, the system may be configured to trigger 306 the alarm of the security monitoring system.

[0058] Alternatively, if the identification fails, the system may be configured to allow the person to authenticate themselves in a different manner, within a certain amount of time. The system may thus be configured to attempt to identify 307 the person by means of one or more alternative authentication methods or second identification methods.

[0059] An alternative authentication manner may be automatic authentication such as the system being configured to determine whether a smart device associated with an authorized person has joined a local Wi-Fi network of the premises. This indicates that it is the authorized person detected by the camera 112.

[0060] Alternatively, the second identification method may be determining a geolocation of a smart device 220 associated with an authorized person. If the smart device is determined to be within a predetermined area, it is indicative of the person detected by the camera 112 being the authorized person, and the CPU may be configured to disarm the security monitoring system. The predetermined area may be the plot of the premises, a certain portion of the premises, such as a front yard or a back yard, within which the camera 112 is arranged.

[0061] Alternatively, the second identification method may be a tag or token identification, utilizing e.g. BLE beaconing.

[0062] Alternatively, the second identification method may be a voice recognition. The audio interface 230 may be configured to collect, and / or record, audio samples and compare these with audio samples of authorized and unauthorized persons. Alternatively, the system may be configured to scan for a predetermined disarming phrase uttered by the person. Upon recognition of the predetermined disarming phrase, the CPU may be configured to disarm the system. The CPU may be configured to compare a voice sample of the voice uttering the disarming phrase with voice samples belonging to authorized persons. In case the voice samples conform, the CPU may be configured to disarm the security monitoring system.

[0063] Alternatively, the second identification method may be an action performed by the person trying to enter the premises. The identification method may be the person authenticating themselves by carrying out a deactivation action. The deactivation action may be insertion of a deactivation code on the keypad 110, a biometric recognition such as a retina or iris scan, a fingerprint scan or scanning of any other suitable recognizable biometric properties.

[0064] In case the first identification method comprises a deactivation action such as insertion of a deactivation code on a keypad 110, the deactivation action is to be performed prior to the system detecting a movement.

[0065] If the person is determined to be an authorized person by the second identification method, the CPU may be configured to disarm 305 the system. Further, the system may be configured to transmit notification(s) to one or more users, optionally being different from the identified person / user, with information of the detection of an authorized person. The notification may comprise an option of contacting the central monitoring station. Also, and / or alternatively, the system may be configured to transmit notification(s) to the central monitoring station, with information of the detection of an authorized person.

[0066] If the person is determined to be an unauthorized person, or if the identification by means of the second identification method fails, the CPU may be configured to trigger the alarm 306.

[0067] One or more of the alternative authentication methods may be performed simultaneously, and one or more of them may be required to be successful / consistent with each other in order for the alarm system to be unarmed.

[0068] One or more additional actions may be associated with and triggered by the determination of each category of persons.

[0069] The system may be configured to determine, for example via the camera 112 and the CPU, that the deactivation action is performed by the correct person. For example, the system may be configured to determine if the person performing the deactivation action acts independently. I.e. the CPU is configured to determine whether the person seems to be under influence of another person or not. It could be by recognition of a secondary person forcing the authenticating person to perform the authentication action / deactivation action, or a known, unauthorized person performing the authentication action while an authorized person's personal device is recognized in the local Wi-Fi network.

[0070] If it is determined that the deactivation action is not performed by an authorized person, or performed by an authorized person under influence of an unauthorized person, the CPU may be configured to trigger the alarm 306.

[0071] In case the system comes to contradictory conclusions based on the first and second authentication methods, respectively, the system may be configured to perform one or several of the following actions: trigger the alarm, transmitting push notifications to one or more users associated with the security monitoring system and / or notifying the remote central monitoring station (CMS).

[0072] Even though the above description describes an embodiment in which the image detection unit 112 is a video camera, in other embodiments, it may be a still image camera. Instead of capturing or streaming a sequence of moving pictures, the still image camera may be configured to capture still images. The remaining handling, analysis, calculations, determinations, triggerings, notifications etc. correspond to the above described, with possible adjustments made for the images being a sequence of still images instead of a moving picture sequence, which adjustments the person skilled in the art are familiar with.

[0073] In one embodiment, the system may be configured to alert the person determined to cause a movement that they are not recognized by the system, prompting them to authenticate themselves in a different manner. The alert may be one or more of a sound or light signal, a spoken message or any other suitable alert.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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".

[0078] 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".

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0024]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 disclosure.

[0025]In the description and claims the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises", does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0026]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. The embodiments herein are provided by way of e...

Claims

1. A method for operating a security monitoring system, the method comprising the steps of: - detecting a movement in an exterior of a premises (100) to be monitored by the security monitoring system, - capturing (302) images by means of an image detection unit (112) arranged in the exterior of the premises (100), - determining (303) if the detected movement is caused by a person, - if said movement is determined to be caused by a person, attempting to identify (304) said person by means of at least one of the following identification methods: determining if a smart device (220) associated with an authorized person has joined a local Wi-Fi network of the premises (100), position determination of a smart device (220) associated with an authorized person, identification of a tag or token associated with an authorized person, a deactivation action such as insertion of a deactivation code on a keypad (110), a biometric identification method, such as one or more of: face recognition, gait recognition, voice recognition, retina scan, iris scan, or a fingerprint scan, - if said person is identified as an authorized person, disarming (305) the security monitoring system.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of capturing (302) images is performed as a response to a detected movement.

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of determining (303) if the detected movement is caused by a person comprises image analysis of the captured images.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, if the identification method comprises a deactivation action such as insertion of a deactivation code on a keypad (110), the deactivation action is performed prior to the step of detecting a movement.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of attempting to identify (304) said person by means of a tag or token comprises BLE beaconing.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises determining, by means of the image detection unit (112), if the biometric recognition, such as a retina or iris scan, or a fingerprint scan, or insertion of a deactivation code on a keypad (110), is performed by the person causing the detected movement.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises, if said person is identified as an unauthorized person, or if the identification fails, a step of triggering (306) an alarm.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein if identification according to a first of said identification methods and identification according to a second of said identification methods provide different results, the method comprises one or more of the following actions: triggering (306) an alarm, transmitting push notifications to one or more users associated with the security monitoring system, notifying a remote central monitoring station (210) associated with the security monitoring system.

9. A security monitoring system for monitoring a premises (100), the system comprising a central unit (208) comprising a control unit, at least one image detection unit (112) arranged in an exterior of the premises (100), and configured to capture images of at least a portion (108) of the exterior of the premises (100), the control unit being configured to recognize change in the captured images and to determine (303) if the recognized change is caused by a person, wherein if said change is determined to be caused by a person, the control unit is configured to attempt to identify (304) said person, and wherein if said person is identified as an authorized person, the control unit is configured to disarm (305) the security monitoring system.

10. The security monitoring system according to claim 9, wherein said change is a movement.

11. The security monitoring system according to claims 9 or 10, wherein the system further comprises at least one movement detector (114) arranged in the exterior of the premises (100) and configured to detect movement in the portion (108) of the exterior of the premises (100).

12. The security monitoring system according to claim 11, wherein the image detection unit (112) is configured to capture images as a response to movement detected by the movement detector (114).

13. The security monitoring system according to any one of claims 9-12, wherein the image detection unit (112) is a moving picture camera or a still image camera.

14. The security monitoring system according to any one of claims 9-13, further comprising a user device (220) configured to one or more of: display still or video images captured by the one or more image detection unit(s) (112), receive audio from an audio interface (230), communicate position data of the user device (220) to the control unit (208), transmit input data provided by a user to the control unit (208), transmit locking and / or unlocking signals to an electronic lock (104), receive data from the control unit (208), present data as notifications.

15. The security monitoring system according to any one of claims 9-14, further comprising a remote central monitoring station (210), configured to one or more of: control an armed / unarmed state of the security monitoring system, control an alarm of the security monitoring system, control a lock state of an electronic lock (104), control operation of the image detection unit (112), control operation of any further image detection unit(s) of the security monitoring system, transmit images from any image detection unit of the security monitoring system to the user device, communicate with the user device (220), communicate with the central unit (208), communicate with emergency service(s), transmitting images from any image detection unit(s) of the security monitoring system to the emergency service(s), transmitting information / data to the emergency service(s), optionally comprising one or more of premises info, user info, data log(s), image(s), video, audio from any detection means of the security monitoring system.

Images