AU2009210381B2

AU2009210381B2 - Wildlife monitoring system

Info

Publication number: AU2009210381B2
Application number: AU2009210381A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Karl Pomorin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-05-14
Filing date: 2009-08-18
Publication date: 2016-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-18
Also published as: AU2009210381A1

Abstract

Abstract: A wildlife monitoring system and method for monitoring animals carrying radio frequency identification (RFID) 5 tags. The system includes a monitor host, one or more antenna adapted to be positioned in an environment for the monitored wildlife, and one or more readers. Readers for the system include at least one detector circuit and a communication interface. The detector circuit is adapted 10 to drive an antenna to induce an electromagnetic field for reading an RFID carried by an animal within range of the antenna. The communication interface is adapted to enable data communication to be established between the reader and one or more of the monitor host or other readers. 15 Thus, a network for data communication between the monitor host and each reader can be formed. 1725100_1 (GHMauers) 18/08/09 Monitor Host 130d 30e 130c 150d 150e 7 / D ,.140d DC A40e 130b 1-I50c 120d 120e DC 140c C150b 3020 130aDC 140b FCI14 0 120b -- 4 DC 140a I 120a 170d 180 -170a 170b Figure 1 1729799_1 (GE~tAters)

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): Karl Pomorin Invention Title: WILDLIFE MONITORING SYSTEM The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: - 2 WILDLIFE MONITORING SYSTEM Field of the Invention 5 The technical field of the invention is monitoring of wildlife. An exemplary application of the invention is for monitoring fish and other aquatic wildlife in rivers and waterways where the natural water flow is affected by man made infrastructure. 10 Background of the invention: Demand for water for irrigation and other purposes has caused the flow of many wild water courses to be affected 15 by man made infrastructure, such as weirs and dams. Use of such infrastructure can affect the health of the aquatic environment not just in the area of the infrastructure but throughout the water course, in particular in the case of migratory aquatic wildlife. For 20 example, fish are known to regularly migrate along water courses and in some instances this migration is critical to the breeding cycle for the fish. In order to minimise the impact of man made infrastructure on the aquatic wildlife it is know to regulate that infrastructure must 25 be designed and constructed in a manner which provides a migration path, also known as a "fishway", to enable wildlife to migrate past the infrastructure. The migration of wildlife through fishways is monitored as 30 part of the regulatory monitoring of the infrastructure and monitoring the health of the watercourse. Monitoring of fishways is necessary to assess their effectiveness and gauge the health of the fish populations of the waterway. Traditionally such monitoring involves capturing samples 35 of fish populations upstream and downstream of the fishway are periodically to assess the population sizes and track any changes. This is a very labour intensive process and 1725100_ I(GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 3 can be dangerous for the fish. In recent years a new method for monitoring wild fish has been developed where some fish are caught and tagged using 5 a special type of passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, known as passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. The movements of these tagged fish can then be tracked through the fishway as the fish pass within range of an antenna connected to a monitor adapted to read the 10 tag. However, such systems present installation, operation and maintenance problems in some environments, in particular when located in remote and hostile environments. 15 Summary of the invention: According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a wildlife monitoring system for monitoring animals carrying radio frequency identification (RFID) 20 tags, the system comprising: a monitor host; one or more antenna adapted to be positioned in an environment for the monitored wildlife; and one or more readers, each reader comprising: 25 at least one detector circuit, each detector circuit being connected in one to one relationship with an antenna, the detector circuit adapted to drive the antenna to induce an electromagnetic field whereby an RFID carried by an animal within range of 30 the antenna is stimulated for reading; and a communication interface adapted to enable the reader to establish data communication between the reader and the monitor host or one or more other readers to act as a repeater or network hub for 35 communication between readers, whereby a network for data communication between the monitor host and each reader is formed, and 7148942_1 (GHMatters) P80995.AU.1 LIENM 23/11/15 - 4 wherein the monitor host is adapted to consolidate and report data gathered via each reader. In an embodiment each reader further comprises a reader 5 controller and memory, wherein the reader controller is adapted to control logging of read RFID tag data and transmission of logged data to the monitor host via the communication interface. 10 The reader controller can be adapted transmit logged data to the monitor host in response to a signal from the monitor host received via the communication interface. In an embodiment each reader can act as one or more of a 15 network hub or repeater in the network for data communication between the monitor host and each reader whereby data is relayed from one reader to another for readers without a connection to the monitor host. For example, the readers and monitor host can be connected via 20 Ethernet. In an embodiment each detector circuit can be adapted to automatically tune to its connected antenna. For example, the detector circuit tunes to the antenna by adjusting the 25 detector circuit capacitance in accordance with the antenna inductance to attempt to provide an optimally tuned resonant circuit. In an embodiment the detector circuit is adapted to tune 30 to the antenna in response to a trigger signal. The trigger signal can be received from the monitor host via the communication interface. Alternatively the trigger signal can be manually input at the reader. 35 The monitor host can be further adapted to monitor tuning of detector circuits and store tuning data. 7148942_1 (GHMatters) P80995.AU.1 LIENM 23/11/15 - 5 The monitor host of some embodiment can be adapted to analyse tuning data stored over time and determine when to send trigger signals for tuning of detector circuits based 5 on this analysis. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a wildlife monitoring method for monitoring animals carrying radio frequency identification (RFID) 10 tags, the method comprising the steps of: driving one or more antennae positioned in an environment for the monitored wildlife induce an electromagnetic field whereby an RFID tag carried by an animal within range of the antenna is stimulated for 15 reading, wherein the antennae form part of one or more readers, each reader comprising at least one antenna and detector circuit in one to relationship to drive the antenna; reading identification data from the RFID tag of 20 any animal within range of an antenna by the detector circuit associated with the antenna; transmitting read identification data to a monitor host using a communication interface of the reader via a communication network for data communication formed 25 from a plurality of readers each acting as a repeater or network hub for communication between the monitor host and each reader; and consolidating into a report the data transmitted from each reader to the monitor host. 30 The method can comprise a further step of logging of read RFID tag data. The method can further comprise the step of receiving via 35 the communication interface a data request signal from the monitor host wherein the logged data is transmitted to the monitor host in response to the data request signal. 7148942_1 (GHMatters) P80995.AU.1 LIENM 23/11/15 - 5A The method can further comprise the step of tuning a detector circuit to its antenna in response to a tuning signal received from the monitor host via the communication interface. 5 7148942_1 (GHMatters) P80995.AU.1 LIENM 23/11/15 - 6 Brief description of the drawings: An embodiment, incorporating all aspects of the invention, s will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an illustrative example of an embodiment of the system installed in a fishway; 10 Figure 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a reader; Figure 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a monitor host; 15 Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process for analysing data; 20 Detailed description: Embodiments provide a wildlife monitoring system for monitoring animals carrying radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The system comprises: a monitor host; one or 25 more antenna adapted to be positioned in an environment for the monitored wildlife; and one or more readers. Each reader comprises: at least one detector circuit, each detector circuit being connected in one to one relationship with an antenna, the detector circuit adapted 30 to drive the antenna to induce an electromagnetic field whereby an RFID carried by an animal within range of the antenna is stimulated for reading; and a communication interface adapted to enable the reader to establish data communication between the reader and one or more of the 35 monitor host or other readers, whereby a network for data communication between the monitor host and each reader is formed. The monitor host is adapted to consolidate and 1725100_1 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 7 report data gathered via each reader. Figure 1 illustrates and embodiment of a wildlife tracking system installed in a fishway or fish ladder provided to 5 enable fish to migrate past man made obstacle, such as a dam, lock or weir. The top of the fishway 180 is higher than at the bottom of the fishway 160. The fishway illustrated comprises a series of walls or battens 170a-d adapted to slow the water flow downstream enough to enable 10 fish to swim up the fishway. The walls extend only part way across the fishway or have an aperture such as a slot to enable the fish to move past or through each wall. The space in between two neighbouring walls can also provide areas of relatively clam water to enable fish to rest as 15 they navigate the fishway. Illustrated is only one example of a fishway, many alternative embodiments of fishways are known and the system is adapted to be used with any fishway configuration. 20 The system 100 illustrated comprises a monitor host 110, a plurality of antennae 120a-e and a plurality of readers 130a-e. The antennae can be positioned within the fishway where it is desired to track the movement of fish. In the example illustrated one antenna 120a is positioned at the 25 downstream entry of the fishway 160, and another antenna 120e is positioned at the upstream entry of the fishway 180. The remaining antennae 120b-d are positioned between the walls 170a-d of the fish way such that one antenna is located in the space traversed by fish between respective 30 walls 170a-d. For example, for a vertical slot fishway each antenna can be placed near a slot, such that each fish will pass within the antenna read range as it passes through the slot. Thus the RFID tag carried by each fish is read as the fish passes through each slot of the 35 fishway. Thus it can be determined from the read data whether the fish is heading upstream or downstream, and the time taken for the fish to traverse the fishway. 172SIO_ I (GHMatirs) 1B/08/09 - 8 Each reader 130a-e has a detector circuit 140a-e and a communication interface 150a-e. Each detector circuit is connected in one to one relationship with an antenna. The s detector circuit 140a is adapted to drive its respective antenna 120a to induce an electromagnetic field whereby an RFID carried by an animal within range of the antenna 120a is stimulated for reading. When a fish carrying an RFID tag swims within range of an antenna 120a the 10 electromagnetic field from the antenna an electric current is induced in the RFID tag. This current is rectified and used to power the circuit of the RFID tag which in turn transmits identification information from the tag by modulating the electromagnetic field, this modulation is 15 detected by the detector circuit 140a of the reader. The reader 140a sends the identification information to the monitor host via the communication interface 150a. The communication interface 150a is adapted to enable the 20 reader 130a to establish data communication between the reader 130a and one or more of the monitor host 110 or other readers 130b. A network for data communication between the monitor host 110 and each reader 130a-e is formed using the communication interface of each reader 25 130a-e. In an embodiment the communication interface of each reader acts as a hub or repeater, enabling a plurality of readers to be configured into a communication network, whereby data may be transmitted by a reader to the monitor host via other readers in the network. For 30 example the readers may be configured with Ethernet communication interfaces enabling the readers to be configured with a daisy chain or hub and spoke network architecture wherein data can be transmitted and repeated via the readers, rather than each reader requiring a 35 direct connection to the monitor host. An embodiment of a reader is illustrated in more detail in 1725100_1 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 -9 Figure 2. The reader 230 comprises a detector circuit 240 and a communication interface 250. In a simplest embodiment data read using the detector is simply transmitted to the monitor host via the communication 5 interface. In the embodiment of Figure 2 the reader is also provided with a reader controller 260 and memory 270. The memory 270 may include a combination of different memory devices, such as solid state memory, flash memory hard disc memory etc. The reader controller 260 may be 10 implemented as software executing on a processor, such as a microprocessor. Some or all the reader controller functionality may alternatively be implemented in hardware and/or firmware, for example using a programmable logic device, such as a PLC (programmable logic controller) or 15 FPGA (field programmable gate array) or hardwired logic circuits. The reader controller can be adapted to control the configuration of the reader. In some embodiments the reader controller is also adapted to control tuning of the detector circuit 240 and antenna 220 pair or pairs 20 connected to the reader 230. The reader controller 260 can also control logging of read data in memory 270 for later transmission. For example, to delay transmission of the data to the host until a 25 communication fault has been rectified or until polled by the monitor host. The reader may also comprise an interface to enable manual download of any logged data, for example a universal serial bus (USB) port to enable a technician attending the site to manually download data 30 from the reader. The communication interface 250 can include ports for connection to data cables or wireless communication hardware and a processor implementing protocol stack data 35 processing for the chosen communication protocols. The reader controller and data handling software may be implemented as software modules executing on the one 17251001 (GHMaters) 18/08/09 - 10 processor. Providing a communication interface 250 adapted to provide repeater or hub functionality enables networking between 5 readers and the monitor. In some embodiments this enables more than one communication path between each reader and the monitor host, providing some redundancy in the network in case of failure of part of the network, for example if a cable is accidentally cut or fails due to a fault. 10 Using Ethernet communication also has advantages in enabling communication with readers or the monitor host remotely via the internet. Such features enable the system to compensate for faults automatically or enable remote monitoring of the system operation to be performed. is This can be particularly advantageous where the system is deployed in remote or hostile environments which make attendance of technicians difficult and costly. The flexibility of network architecture enabled by readers 20 comprising a communication interface as described above is advantageous for installation of the system. Known prior art systems use RS232 or RS484 communication protocols, thus enforcing a network architecture where each reader must be connected directly to the monitor host. This can 25 require excessive cabling to install the system having the disadvantage of increasing the complexity and cost of installation and maintenance, particularly in applications where the host is relatively remote from the readers. For example, due to the nature of the installation site a 30 monitor host may be located 100 metres from a set of four readers. Using the known prior art system this installation would require four separate 100 meter cables, one between each reader and the monitor host. Further such a system typically requires regular attendance of a 35 technician for inspection and maintenance of the readers and downloading of report data from the monitor host. P25100_1 (GHMauters) I108/09 - 11 In contrast using an embodiment of the system as illustrated in Figure 1 only one 100 meter cable would be required to connect the first reader to the host, each further reader could then be connected using a 10 meter 5 cable to its neighbouring reader in a daisy chain configuration. Thus the installation is simplified. Ethernet has advantages of having compatible data cables suitable for long distance data cables, for example suitable for 100 meters or more. A further advantage of 10 Ethernet is use of TCP/IP protocol which further enables the monitor host and readers to be adapted for communication via the internet, for example of remote diagnostic testing and other maintenance functions. is The monitor host 110 is adapted to consolidate and report data gathered via each reader. The monitor host includes a communication interface for data communication with the readers and a data analyser for consolidating the data gathered from each reader into a report. 20 An example of a monitor host is illustrated in further detail in the block diagram of Figure 3. The monitor host 300 comprises a communication interface 310, a data analyser 320 and memory 330. The key functions of the 25 monitor host are receiving data from the readers via the communication interface 310, analysing the received data by the data analyser 320 and storing analysed data in memory 330 for download by an operator. The monitor host may be implemented using some available hardware, for 30 example the communication interface may be an Ethernet server and be connected to a powerful computer or processor for implementing the functions of the data analyser and configuration manager using software. Alternatively, dedicated hardware adapted for using in 35 harsh environmental conditions may be developed to implement the monitor host functionality. 1725100_1 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 12 The communication interface 310 is adapted for data communication between the monitor host and readers, for example via a local area network of readers connected to the monitor host via Ethernet cables 312. The 5 communication interface 310 may also include a telecommunication network interface 314 to enable an operator to remotely access the monitor host. For example, the communication interface may be provided with a satellite communication network modem, or WCDMA 10 terrestrial wireless network modem to enable data communication via the corresponding telecommunication network and the Internet. A modem provided can be selected to be compatible with any one or more communication networks having coverage at the installation is site. In some applications the monitor host may also be provided with wired telecommunication network and Internet access. The type of modem and telecommunication network access provided can be varied for different embodiments, dependent on the telecommunication network access. For 20 example, for remote installations where only CDMA coverage is available, a wireless CDMA modem may be provided. In alternative embodiments covered by various forms of telecommunication network assess, the communication 25 interface may comprise more that one modem, each modem being compatible with one of the telecommunication network access options. The communication interface may be adapted to select the modem and telecommunication network, for example using the strongest wireless signal or using a 30 preference order. The data analyzer 320 may be implemented using a processor adapted to execute one or more software programs. Processor is used to refer to any processing device 35 capable of executing instructions and can include but is not limited to a microprocessor, programmable logic device, personal computer etc. The processor may execute 1725100_1 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 13 a number of programs which execute different functions in addition to data analysis. The data analyser 320 consolidates and analyses the data received from each reader to generate a report. An example of the process s performed by the data analyser is illustrated in Figure 4. The monitor host 300 receives data from each reader 410. The data is transmitted from each reader to the monitor host via the communication network formed by the monitor 10 host and readers, wherein the readers can act as repeaters or hubs to enable data from one reader to be transmitted to the monitor host via one or more other readers. The data received from each of the readers undergoes an initial analysing pass to remove any erroneous readings 15 420. For example, erroneous readings may include: readings where a tag identification code structure or format is unrecognised by the system and therefore likely to be an error; duplicate readings; incomplete identification codes indicating an error etc. In some 20 cases, such as an incomplete identification code the data may be corrected, for example by adding leading zeros. The expected format for identification codes for RFID tags compliant with the ISO 11784/11785 standard is a fifteen digit identification code. However, some older, non ISO 25 compliant tags having nine digit identification codes may be detected. In the case of older nine digit identification codes leading zeros may be appended to the identification codes rather than disregarding these as erroneous. This may be used to identify errors or to 30 distinguish types of tags in a data set. The monitor host can also be adapted to distinguish ISO compliant and non ISO compliant identification code formats. For example this may correlate to older and younger populations or different species type based on the tag formats used at 35 different times or for different populations. The tag formats may also be correlated with historical tagging records for various sites to attempt to coarsely identify 17251001 (GHMatters) 18108/09 - 14 migration paths for a population. However, if the format of an identification code is unknown or too few digits to be an older style RFID tag, then the reading can be discarded as an error. The remaining data can include 5 data per reader indicating the number of unique tags read, timing of each reading, and number of detections per tag. The filtered readings are then analysed 430 to determine fish movements within the fishway. This can, in turn, be 10 used to infer observations regarding fish movements within the fishway 440. For example, where a tag was detected by each reader, then the fish carrying the tag successfully navigated the fishway and the order in which the readers detected the tag can be used to determine whether the fish 15 was moving upstream or downstream. If the tag was not detected by all readers then the fish carrying the tag is most likely still in the fishway. If only one or two readers out of the set of readers for a fishway have not detected a fish's RFID tag, but the readers at the start 20 and end of the fishway have detected the tag then the observation that the fish successfully traversed the fishway can still be inferred. The data can be analysed to determine the number of fish 25 that have successfully traversed the fishway during a reading period (for example, one week). Data for fish that have not traversed the fishway can also be analysed to determine whether the fish did not enter the fishway, entered the fishway but exited from where they entered, or 30 remain in the fishway. The monitor host typically performs analysis based on the identified tags. In some embodiments the monitor host may be connected to an external database where records associating fish 35 species with RFID tags are stored. Alternatively the read RFID tag data can be downloaded from the monitor host to a computer or server connected to the database of associated 17251001 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 15 tag and fish species records. For example, a national programme may enable scientist and researchers to log tagged fish in a centralised database, whereby access to all fish tagging data can be made available to scientists 5 and researchers. By accessing this database fish movements based on RFID tags can also be analysed in relation to particular species of fish. This analysis may be performed by the central host in some embodiments, whereas in other embodiments the read tag data from one or 10 more monitor hosts may be downloaded for analysis using an analysis engine of a computer or server connected to the database. For example, analysing the read data in conjunction with an RFID tag database may enable a researcher to determine whether particular species are 15 traversing or not traversing the fishway. The monitor host can analyse fish movements, based on RFID tags. In cases where fish are not traversing the fishway it may be observed whether or not there is a pattern to 20 the fish movements. For example, are the fish traversing only part of the fishway in the upstream direction and then returning downstream, indicating that the fish tire before they are able to traverse the fishway upstream and therefore return downstream to calmer water. The number 25 of attempts by individual fish to traverse the fishway may also be observed and analysed. If only one or two readers out of the set of readers for a fishway have not detected a fish's RFID tag, but the readers at the start and end of the fishway have detected the tag then the observation 30 that the fish successfully traversed the fishway can still be inferred. This data may be cross referenced with data associating RFID tags with fish species to analyse patterns with respect to fish species. This analysis may be performed by the monitor host data analyser where the 35 monitor host has access to a database of RFID tag and associated species data. Otherwise this further analysis can be performed using an external analysis engine using 1725100_1 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 16 downloaded data from the monitor host. The analysed data can then be compiled into a report 450. In some embodiments the data analyser can be adapted to 5 prepare a plain English report, for example using standard text phrases selected from a catalogue of phrases based on the observations made during data analysis. The standard phrases may be edited based on the actual observations, for example, adding actual numbers (and optionally 10 species) of fish to successfully traverse the fishway, average time taken for fish to traverse the fishway, numbers (and optionally species) which did not successfully traverse the fishway etc. 15 In some embodiments the read data and optionally the associated report are compressed 460 for transmission to one or more offsite operators. For example the external operator may be an environmental scientist monitoring the fishway, a government body or a commercial operator of the 20 infrastructure affecting the natural watercourse flow, such as the corporate body responsible to operation and maintenance of the lock, dam or weir. In some embodiments the report, and optionally the compressed data, may be automatically sent 470 via email to one or more recipient 25 e-mail addresses stored in the monitor host memory. Alternatively other methods for obtaining the report and data may be provided for example, peer to peer file transfer, FTP, or uploading the report and data to a server. Alternatively or additionally the report and data 30 may be archived 480 within the monitor host memory 330 for later local or remote download. Optionally the monitor host may also be provided with a user interface 350 to enable commands to be input directly 35 into the monitor host by a user. For example, the user interface may comprise a display and input interface such as a keyboard, buttons touch screen etc. The user 17251001 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 17 interface may be used for selecting reports for download or other system configuration and diagnostic functions. Optionally the monitor host may be provided with a 5 configuration manager 340 adapted to control the configuration of the readers and optionally for enabling remote control of the configuration of both the monitor host and connected readers. For example the configuration manager may be implemented as a software function executed 10 by a processor, which may be the same processor as the one implementing the data analyser or a different processor, for example the configuration manager may be implemented using a programmable logic device whereas the data analyzer is implemented using a microprocessor. 15 The configuration manager 350 is adapted to read configuration parameter values from each of the readers and, if necessary, can be adapted to update configuration parameter values automatically or in response to user 20 input. For example, during initial installation of the system the configuration manager 350 can issue commands to connected readers to query the reader parameter values and if necessary update the parameter values in accordance with given parameter values for the installation stored in 25 memory 330. For example, parameter values may be set to control the communication protocol used for transmission of data to the monitor host by the reader, parameter values may be set to control frequency of data transmission from each reader to the monitor host. The 30 configuration manager can be adapted to send commands to each reader to update its configuration parameter values which are stored in reader memory, for example over writing any default parameter values. 35 Parameter values may also be read by the configuration manager 340 that are relevant to the operation of the system, such as operating frequency for tuning the 17251001 (GIHMatters) 18108/09 - 18 detectors to their respective antennas. Embodiments of the readers 230 may be adapted to self tune to the detector circuit 240 to a connected antenna 220. In some embodiments tuning of the detector circuit 240 and antenna 5 220 pair of a reader 230 is triggered by a signal sent to the reader 230 by the monitor host 300 and received by the reader controller 260 via the communication interface 250. Alternatively tuning may occur in response to a manually input signal, for example in response to an operator 10 pushing a TUNE button provided on the reader 230. Tuning of a detector circuit comprises adjusting the capacitance of the detector circuit to match the inductance of the connected antenna to attempt to optimise is the circuit resonance. Embodiments of the reader 230 have an element in the detector circuit 240 which is adjustable under control of the reader controller 260, for example a variable capacitor adjustable electronically or mechanically by the controller. This enables the apparent 20 capacitance of the detector circuit 240 to be adjusted to match the inductance of the antenna 220. For example, the reader controller 260 may be adapted to control a retuning process wherein a sequence of 25 adjustments are performed and changes in the resonant behaviour of the detector and antenna circuit monitored. For example, an initial voltage amplitude reading may be taken before adjusting the detector circuit capacitance. The reader controller then makes an adjustment of the 30 detector circuit capacitance and a second reading taken. This may be repeated for a given sequence of capacitance adjustments. The readings can be compared to determine the capacitance at which the best resonant circuit performance was achieved. For example, the capacitance at 35 which the relatively highest voltage amplitude was obtained. The reader controller could then adjust the detector circuit apparent capacitance to this value. 1725100_1 (GHMattes) 18/08/09 - 19 Alternatively, the reader controller may compare measurements of resonant circuit performance for consecutive capacitance adjustments. The result of this 5 comparison can be fed back into the tuning control process. For example, where a tuning improvement is shown after a capacitance adjustment in one direction the next adjustment may also be an adjustment in the same direction. For example, two increases in capacitance. If 10 the next adjustment shows relative deterioration in resonant circuit performance, then the direction of adjustment may be reversed and the magnitude of the adjustment reduced. This may continue until the best relative resonant circuit performance is achieved. 15 It should be appreciated that these a just examples of two ways in which automatic tuning may be controlled and may other methods are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. A tuning control sequence may involve 20 a combination of these approaches. For example, a tuning process may include a first and second tuning pass. During the first tuning pass measurements are taken at each of a given sequence of detector circuit capacitances. The capacitance at which best relative performance was 25 measured may be used as a starting capacitance for a second tuning pass. Decision trees may then be employed during the second pass to make fine tuning adjustments and use measurement feedback to determine the detector circuit capacitance at which the best resonant frequency 30 performance can be obtained. This, in turn, has the effect of maximising the range of the induced electromagnetic field and hence the RFID tag detection and reading range. 35 Detectors can drift out of tune with their respective antennas over time. This is largely due to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity changes. For 1725100_1 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 20 example, it is estimated that an antenna tuned during summer may have its read range reduced by as much as 90% during winter due to temperature differences. s The antennae used in fishways are on average around 2500cm high and 50cm wide enabling a detection range of around 50-60cm off the font and rear face of the antenna for 23mm PIT style RFID tags typically used for monitoring fish. This antenna size is based in part on the typical maximum 10 width of 45cm for a vertical slot in a fishway. Larger tags, say 32mm, may be detected at a greater range than 50-60cm however such tags may not be suitable for use in some fish species. The antenna size, in particular the antenna width may be reduced in some embodiments to is increase the read range to the given PIT tag size. However, for monitoring fishways the antenna size is typically based on the fisway configuration, for example slot width for vertical slot fishways, and the type of RFID tags being used to tag the monitored fish species. 20 For example, llmm PIT tags may be used for small fish species in addition to 23mm PIT tags for larger fish. Using antennae 2500cm high and 30cm wide provides a maximum detection range of around 15cm to 20cm for 11mm tags and around 60cm to 70cm fro 23mm tags. The effect of 25 an antenna and detector circuit pair becoming de-tuned can reduce this maximum read range. The effect of detuning can be particularly significant in the case of smaller RFID tags which are read at a shorter range. For example, de-tuning causing a 50% degradation of detection range 30 means a fish could swim through the middle of the antenna without being detected. It is speculated that the cumulative effects of de-tuning over a long period of time, for example several months, 35 could result in 90% or worse degradation in detection range. In current known systems a technician periodically attends the installation site to manually re-tune detector 17251001 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 21 and antenna pairs. This can be costly, for example sending a technician or team of technicians to a site to re-tune detector and antenna pairs four times a year, once each season, can cost around $50000 per year. Further, 5 un-measureable costs are the impacts on research caused by loss of data due to de-tuning. Some embodiments of readers for use in the system described in the present application are adapted to 10 automatically tune or re-tune a detector circuit and antenna pair in response to a tuning signal sent by the monitor host. This has an advantage of enabling the tuning to be maintained remotely and even automatically by the configuration manager of the monitor host. Thus, loss is of data due to de-tuned detector circuit and antenna pairs can be minimized. The configuration manager of the monitor host is adapted in some embodiments to trigger periodic re-tuning of the 20 detector circuit and antenna pairs for each reader. For example, the configuration manager can send a tuning signal to each reader periodically, say monthly, to instruct the reader to optimise the tuning of its detector circuit and antenna pair, or pairs if the reader includes 25 more than one detector circuit and antenna pair. The period for re-tuning may be stored as a configuration parameter value in the monitor host memory and adjustable by an operator. For example, the period may be changed from monthly to quarterly, weekly etc. 30 In some embodiments the reader controller is also adapted to send tuning data back to the configuration manager. For example, the reader controller may respond to the monitor host after re-tuning with data indicating the 35 change, if any, required to tune the detector circuit and antenna pair. This data can be stored by the configuration manager. Over time this data may be 1725100_ (GHMatters) 18/08109 - 22 analysed to determine the optimum timing for re-tuning of the readers. For example, readings taken monthly over the period of one year may indicate that re-tuning is only required as seasons change and the preferred months in s which re-tuning should be performed. Alternatively, the readings may indicate that retuning monthly or even more frequently, say weekly, may be required during some periods of the year compared to others. For example during late autumn as temperature changes rapidly, re 10 tuning weekly may minimise errors caused by de-tuning whereas during the middle two months of winter re-tuning is not required. As re-tuning of detector circuit and antenna pairs can disrupt the data capture for the reader optimisation of timing for re-tuning is desirable to is attempt to minimise disruption to monitoring. In some embodiments the configuration manager is adapted to periodically poll the readers to determine the tuning status of each reader, without disrupting regular 20 operation of the reader. If a reader indicates it is out of tune then the configuration manager can automatically issue a command to re-tune the reader. This polling and retuning data can be logged for further analysis. 25 In some embodiments the timing of re-tuning may also be cross checked against historical fish movement data in an attempt to avoid re-tuning during a time of high use for the fishway, for example during migration season or at a time of day when the fish are typically most active in 30 traversing the fishway. However, where the configuration manager determines there is a tuning problem for a reader, the need to re-tune may override any preferred re-tuning timing. 35 In some embodiments, the data analyser may also be adapted to determine when a reader appears to be faulty. For example, if only one or two readers out of the set of 1725100_1 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 23 readers for a fishway have not detected a fish's RFID tag, but the readers at the start and end of the fishway have detected the tag then the observation that the fish successfully traversed the fishway can still be inferred. 5 The failure or erroneous readings may also indicate that there is a problem with the reader or readers that failed to detect the tag or erroneously detected that tag so this may indicate a problem with the reader or antenna, for example detuning between the detector circuit and antenna, 10 disconnection of the antenna or damage to the reader. The monitor host may also record such observations. The same or similar errors for one or more antennas can be analysed to determine whether the problem appears to be due to the reader or the RFID tag being read. For example, an RFID 15 tag may be faulty rather if erroneous readings only occur for one tag, whereas multiple reading errors for one or two readers out of the set, where the other readers do not show errors, can indicate a problem with the reader. In response to this analysis the configuration manager may 20 query the apparently reader to attempt to diagnose the fault and correct the fault, if possible, for example attempt to re-tune the antenna or alternatively re-boot or re-configure the reader controller and communication interface in an attempt to clear a fault. 25 In some embodiments the monitor host is provided with a diagnostic module which can comprise diagnostic hardware, firmware and software components for monitoring the performance of the monitor host and where necessary taking 30 action to mitigate monitor host operation disruption. For example, the monitor host can include a diagnostic circuit adapted to receive a signal transmitted periodically by the configuration manager. When the signal is not received within the given time period take action to 35 reset, reboot, or shut down and recover the monitor host can be triggered from the diagnostic module. Thus, attempting to avoid the monitor host "locking-up" and 1725100_1 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 24 ceasing to function or respond to external commands, which would typically require the attendance of a technician to manually reset the monitor host. 5 Sensors such as temperature and humidity sensors may also be provided as part of the diagnostic circuit. The system is likely to be used in remote and hostile environments. Overheating of components due to high operating temperatures can cause the monitor host to lock up and 10 become unresponsive, requiring manual intervention. Embodiments of the system can be provided with a temperature sensor to measure the operating temperature of the monitor host. When the operating temperature exceeds a given threshold, for example 75*C the diagnostic module 15 can shut down some or all components of the monitor host. The diagnostic module can be adapted to continue to monitor the temperature of the monitor host and restart the components once the temperature has reduced to a safe level. This automatic shut down has the advantage of 20 reducing the risk of damage to monitor host components and/or data corruption due to overheating. For example, data corruption could be caused by overheating of a monitor host hard drive. Alternatively the diagnostic module may be adapted to restart the monitor host after a 25 given time, resume monitoring the temperature and again shut down the monitor host if the threshold temperature is exceeded. Use of high temperature tolerant components such as solid state hard drives to enable high operating temperature to be tolerated. This may reduce the 30 disruption due to high temperature shut down. Humidity sensors may be used to detect weatherproofing failure of the monitor host housing. The diagnostic module can be adapted to shut down the monitor host in an attempt to avoid damage, such as short circuiting of components, when 35 water is detected within the housing. The diagnostic module may be further adapted to send a message to inform an operator or technician of any shut down or reset event. 17251001 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 25 For example, the diagnostic module may be adapted to send a message via the monitor host before shut down, for example via e-mail. Alternatively the diagnostic module may be provided with a communication module independent of 5 the monitor host for transmission of error messages. For example, a modem for sending messages via e-mail or a transmission circuit to enable signals to be sent via a telecommunication network, for example via SMS. 10 It should be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the system described above enables the monitor host to automatically perform some regular maintenance functions, such as re-tuning the readers. Further, the monitor host can be adapted to automatically configure or re-configure 15 the system if necessary after a fault, such a loss of power to the entire system, the monitor host, or readers. Further, the communication interface of the monitor host can be adapted to provide remote access, say via the internet and a telecommunication network, to an operator 20 for downloading data form the system and performing some remote operation and maintenance functions, including error diagnosis. The ability to automatically or remotely perform regular operation and maintenance activities can have significant advantages such as reduced operation and 25 maintenance costs, reducing fault recovery time, and improved data capture. Although the preferred embodiment of the system has been described in relation to monitoring fish within a fishway, 30 alternative embodiments of the system may be used for monitoring other types of animals, for example, monitoring of migration of platypus colonies or eels in fishways. Alternatively embodiments applicable for land animals are also envisaged, for example tracking of sheep, goats or 35 cattle through gateways. All possible variations of the system are envisaged within the scope of the present application. 17251001 (GHMatters) 18/08/09 - 26 In.the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word s "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 10 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any is other country. 1725100_1 (GHMatters) 18/08/09

Claims

1. A wildlife monitoring system for monitoring animals carrying radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, the 5 system comprising: a monitor host; one or more antenna adapted to be positioned in an environment for the monitored wildlife; one or more readers each comprising: 10 at least one detector circuit, each detector circuit being connected in one to one relationship with an antenna, the detector circuit adapted to drive the antenna to induce an electromagnetic field whereby an RFID carried by an animal within range of 15 the antenna is stimulated for reading; and a communication interface adapted to enable the reader to establish data communication between the reader and the monitor host or one or more other readers to act as a repeater or network hub for 20 communication between readers, whereby a network for data communication between the monitor host and each reader is formed, and wherein the monitor host is adapted to consolidate and report data gathered via each reader. 25

2. A wildlife monitoring system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each reader further comprises a reader controller and memory, wherein the reader controller is adapted to control logging of read RFID tag data and transmission of 30 logged data to the monitor host via the communication interface.

3. A wildlife monitoring system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the reader controller is adapted transmit logged 35 data to the monitor host in response to a signal from the monitor host received via the communication interface. 7148942_1 (GHMatters) P80995.AU.1 LIENM 23/11/15 - 28

4. A wildlife monitoring system as claimed in claim 3 wherein each reader acts as one or more of a network hub or repeater in the network for data communication between the monitor host and each reader whereby data is relayed 5 from one reader to another for readers without a connection to the monitor host.

5. A wildlife monitoring system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the readers and monitor host are connected via 10 Ethernet.

6. A wildlife monitoring system as claimed in claim 3 wherein each detector circuit is adapted to automatically tune to its connected antenna. 15

7. A wildlife monitoring system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the detector circuit tunes to the antenna by adjusting the detector circuit capacitance in accordance with the antenna inductance to attempt to provide an 20 optimally tuned resonant circuit.

8. A wildlife monitoring system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the detector circuit is adapted to tune to the antenna in response to a trigger signal. 25

9. A wildlife monitoring system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the trigger signal is received from the monitor host via the communication interface. 30

10. A wildlife monitoring system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the trigger signal is manually input at the reader.

11. A wildlife monitoring system as claimed in claim 8 35 wherein the monitor host is further adapted to monitor tuning of detector circuits and store tuning data. 7148942_1 (GHMatters) P80995.AU.1 LIENM 23/11/15 - 29

12. A wildlife monitoring system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the monitor host is adapted to analyse tuning data stored over time and determine when to send trigger signals for tuning of detector circuits based on this 5 analysis.

13. A wildlife monitoring method for monitoring animals carrying radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, the method comprising the steps of: 10 driving one or more antennae positioned in an environment for the monitored wildlife induce an electromagnetic field whereby an RFID tag carried by an animal within range of the antenna is stimulated for reading, wherein the antennae form part of one or more 15 readers, each reader comprising at least one antenna and detector circuit in one to relationship to drive the antenna; reading identification data from the RFID tag of any animal within range of an antenna by the detector circuit 20 associated with the antenna; transmitting read identification data to a monitor host using a communication interface of the reader via a communication network for data communication formed from a plurality of readers each acting as a repeater or network 25 hub for communication between the monitor host and each reader; and consolidating into a report the data transmitted from each reader to the monitor host. 30

14. A wildlife monitoring method as claimed in claim 13 further comprising the step of logging of read RFID tag data.

15. A wildlife monitoring method as claimed in claim 14 35 further comprising the step of receiving via the communication interface a data request signal from the monitor host wherein the logged data is transmitted to the 7148942_1 (GHMatters) P80995.AU.1 LIENM 23/11/15 - 30 monitor host in response to the data request signal.

16. A wildlife monitoring method as claimed in claim 13 further comprising the step of tuning a detector circuit 5 to its antenna in response to a tuning signal received from the monitor host via the communication interface. 7148942_1 (GHMatters) P80995.AU.1 LIENM 23/11/15