WO2015118463A1 - A module for monitoring animals and a system for monitoring animals - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a module (1) for monitoring animals and to a system for monitoring animals, mainly within a delimited measurement space through which the animals move. The invention is to be used in particular in fishways, as well as in passes for terrestrial animals such as tunnels or footbridges intersecting highways. A module for monitoring animals, provided with a sealed housing (2), wherein at least one wall (4a) of the module housing which delimits the measurement space, being made of a material at least partially allowing the penetration of light radiation into the housing, is, wherein the housing (2) at least a portion of the wall (4) delimiting the measuring space P, which is made of a material at least partially allowing the penetration of light radiation and which is a measurement window (4a), has a reinforced structure.

Description

A module for monitoring animals and a system for monitoring animals

[0001] The invention relates to a module for monitoring animals and to a system for monitoring animal, mainly within a delimited measurement space through which animals move. The invention is to be used in particular in fishways, as well as in passes for terrestrial animals such as tunnels or footbridges intersecting highways.

[0002] Systems for monitoring aquatic animals, in particular fish, using a variety of measurement techniques in order to acquire data, such as, for example, the number of fish, are known from the priori art. For example, a system for monitoring aquatic animals, disclosed in the patent application EP2149298, is known. The system described therein comprises one measurement system (a video camera) located in the vicinity of a measurement space, the measurement space being delimited on at least one side by the surface of the measurement module, in which said measurement system is placed. The measurement module has a sealed housing that provides extra protection for the camera. In this known system, one wall of the module 14 is made of a material that allows at least partially the penetration of light radiation into the housing. Moreover, according to EP2149298, measurement space is delimited on the other sides by modules of the light screens 40.

[0003] However, the disadvantage of this system is that the proposed structure does not provide complete resistance to mechanical damage resulting from the standard use as well as from envisaged attacks. Used materials, such as ordinary glass or a wall of transparent material, are subjected to damages such as scratches or cracks, in particular in contact with environmental elements, such as tree branches and limbs. Monitoring systems are also frequently targeted by hooligans. Unfortunately, mechanical damages make proper functioning of the system for monitoring animals impossible, which is why in such circumstances an immediate repair is required. For the user of a fishway or a pass for terrestrial animals, system malfunctions or frequent failures are unacceptable, as the downtime of the device is too long, especially when it is necessary to close such a pass for animals for the purposes of repair or maintenance.

[0004] Moreover, in the known system, the sealed housing of the module, provided for preventing moisture to get inside, does not allow the possibility of discharging the moisture that might appear at the module production stage or during module operation, in particular as a results of unsealing the housing in order to repair components. Once tightly sealed, even small amounts of moisture may impair in the long-term the proper functioning of the system closed in this housing. Thus, the life of electronic circuits mounted in sealed housings is too short and such modules are prone to failure after using only for a few months.

[0005] The disadvantage of the known system is also that it has a limited ability to be quickly reconfigurated . The proposed structure of the tunnel which delimits the measurement space is adapted to only one measurement system. When there is a need to add or remove a system operating in a given technology, it is necessary to carry out a costly reconstruction of the fishway within a section where the monitoring system is located.

[0006] Moreover, all known systems for monitoring animals are exposed to the impact of external factors, especially water and dust. Sensors stops functioning properly in the event of disruption caused by the deposition of the particles from the surrounding environment, each element of the system needs to be cleaned separately, which is time-consuming, and therefore expensive. This problem is particularly pronounced in systems with a distributed sensors and cameras system. In the more compact system known from the above mentioned document EP2149298, even though the surfaces to be maintained are larger and flat (i.e. the walls of subsequent modules forming a tunnel), it is still necessary to carry out their regular and laborious cleaning by man, and their maintenance requires closing the fishway and draining water.

[0007] Moreover, the disadvantage of the known solutions is that in case of failure of one element of the system, often the entire system stops functioning. Typically, elements of such a system are not readily available to the user, that is why he cannot remove particular components of the installation by himself. The waiting time for repair is often too long, because the repair itself needs to be carried out on the spot. Limited access to electronic components is also troublesome for the technician. In known monitoring systems it is necessary to remove, and then mount each component of the monitoring system separately, which prolongs the repair time.

[0008] Another disadvantage of the known systems for monitoring animals is that due to environmental conditions in which those measurement systems operate, it is very expensive to produce the entire system. This is due to the fact, that all single elements in a distributed system have to be dustproof and waterproof. Moreover, a significant disadvantage is that selected smaller elements in a distributed measurement system are often unable to work properly due to inefficient heat discharge to the environment and overheating. In the known single unit housings made of plastic or metal, there is a problem of insufficient heat discharge (i.e. lighting, cameras or sensors often reflect more heat than the housing is able to discharge to the outside - to cool) . This is why cameras steam up, and sensors and lighting are prone to short circuits.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a system with longer system life. Moreover, the object of the invention is also to provide a monitoring system that would allow easier maintenance, replacement of components and the reconfiguration ability.

[0010] The subject matter of the invention consists in that the module for monitoring animals, provided with a sealed housing, wherein at least one wall of the module housing, which delimits the measurement space, being made of a material allowing the penetration of light radiation into the housing at least partially, is characterised in that in the housing at least a portion of the wall delimiting the measurement space, which is made of a material allowing at least partially the penetration of light radiation and which constitutes a measurement window, has a reinforced structure.

[0011] Preferably, the reinforced structure is a tempered glass or a glass made of graphene .

[0012] Preferably, a system for absorbing moisture is mounted in the housing.

[0013] Moreover, preferably at least one lighting system emitting light of visible range and from beyond visible range is mounted in the housing.

[0014] Also, preferably the lighting system is a light screen. [0015] Preferably, there are at least two measurement systems mounted in the housing.

[0016] Preferably, the housing is equipped with a fixing system on the vertical side walls, the fixing system being adapted for permanent installation or for an installation allowing the movement of the module from working position to service position .

[0017] Also preferably, in the wall which delimits the measurement space, a waterproof and dustproof wiper system equipped with a seal and sprayers is fixed.

[0018] In another aspect, the subject matter of the invention consists in that the system for monitoring animals which is installed in the vicinity of a measurement space, is characterised in that the measurement space P is delimited on one side by at least one module according to the invention.

[0019] Preferably, the measurement space P is delimited on two sides by at least two opposing measurement modules according to the invention.

[0020] Preferably, the measurement space P is delimited on three sides by at least three measurement modules according to the invention, at least two of them being opposite, and at least one module is perpendicular to them.

[0021] Also preferably, the system for monitoring animals further comprises a system moving the module in two directions from a working position to a service position.

[0022] Preferably, the system is further equipped with a cleaning and washing system selected from: a pressure system with nozzles or a brush system which is controlled manually or automatically .

[0023] The idea of constructing a system for monitoring animals according to the invention is to provide a compact arrangement of electronic components forming at least one measurement system, in order to facilitate its security, service, replacement and to reduce failure rate.

[0024] Making at least a portion of the housing wall adjacent to the measurement space in the form of a reinforced structure made of material allowing partially the penetration of light radiation into the housing results in a mechanically resistant housing of the module. Thus, expensive electronic elements used in systems are protected from any external interference, including acts of vandalism.

[0025] Placing an additional moisture absorption system in the housing of the measurement module results in an easy prolongation of the service life of the system. This eliminates the need for a very strict production environment, thereby reducing the production cost of the module. Periodic maintenance of the module allows for an ongoing monitoring of the efficiency of the moisture absorption system and for the replacement of its parts if it needs repair or regeneration.

[0026] Moreover, integrating at least one lighting system in the module provides additional lighting for the operation of measurement systems both during the day and at night, which significantly improves the quality of measurements.

[0027] Many advantages also result from the possibility of installing at least two measurement systems in one housing. According to the invention, using a single large measurement module instead of distributed systems within the measurement space allows for a simple replacement of one configuration of electronic components with another. This makes it easy to implement changes in the technologies used.

[0028] For example, when a client uses ultrasonic and optical components during the season, and in the next season she/he wants to carry out measurements using laser and optical techniques, she/he just orders another module with a different configuration. This process of equipment replacement is faster, simpler and less expensive. New modules are sent to client, and trained client carries out the replacement on his/her own. Moreover, in the settlement client may return the used-up modules to the manufacturer. This solution is also advantageous for the manufacturer. There is no need to waste time for sending a technician and searching for the cause of failure, as the repair is carried out on the site at the manufacturer's place in conditions appropriate to this purpose. Periodic maintenance is also simpler, as it consists in quick access to electronic components in one housing by opening one housing. Moreover, individual measurement devices, particularly waterproof sensors, which normally need to be cleaned once a week of overgrowth in a distributed measurement system, do not have to be cleaned at all when placed inside one large module. Module housing according to the invention provides additional protection for them.

[0029] Moreover, by using at least one large unit in the monitoring system it is possible to use various measurement techniques in the same conditions in one measurement space (optics, ultrasound, laser, thermovision, infra-red, 3D and other techniques) . [0030] The advantage of the monitoring system according to the invention is also the possibility to fix any measurement systems on a removable mounting plate which is fixed inside the module. This makes it easier for manufacturer and technician both to assemble and disassemble the components. Moreover, the possibility of replacing the mounting plate with a plate adapted for mounting specific components provides more possibilities of module reconfiguration.

[0031] Another advantage of the monitoring system with the measurement module according to the invention is that a single module is equipped with a mounting system in the form of grips, which enable permanent fixing of the module in a working position, or which cooperate with the guide rails system, making it possible to easily move the measurement module from a working position (e.g. under water or deep in a wall) to a service position (over water or in front of the wall) . This, in particular in case of fish monitoring system, makes it possible to clean, maintain and repair the module without draining water or closing the fishway. This eliminates the problem of providing a continuous migration path for aquatic animals.

[0031] Moreover, using an automatic cleaning system of the light-transmissible surface of the module, makes it possible to eliminate a large part of the maintenance cost. The system of waterproof and dustproof wiper with a sprayer or a cleaning system using pressurised fluid allow for proper and automatic washing of dust and growth from the surface of the module, through which the measurements are taken.

[0032] Another advantage of the module according to the invention is that the placing of electronic components in one large housing, the walls of which are made of metal, allows for sufficient heat discharge to the outside of camera, lighting and sensors. One large housing discharges heat produced inside by the components through its entire mass. Such a discharge is effective in a module according to the invention due to the large surface of the metal walls, through which it is di scharged .

[0033] Another advantage of the monitoring system with a module according to the invention is the increase of the anti-theft security - no one apart from technicians is allowed to the interior of the module nor is anyone authorised to move the module from a working position to a service position. Preferably, the module's design allows for the use of an online notification system in case of attempt to get unauthorised access. By concentrating a plurality of electronic components in one delimited area, a reduction in the number and length of wires and connectors compared to the existing monitoring system is obtained. All wires and key connectors are located inside the measurement module. In one variant, only two hermetic connectors are led outside the module. One of them is used for sending data to loggers, while the other serves as a power supply. In case of a monitoring system with a portable module or modules, thanks to using an internal power supply and radio communication, the risk of failure due to external factors is minimal .

[0034] Preferably, installation of the module by the manufacturer, as well as replacement and service by a trained client are facilitated for stationary modules by the use of special hermetic, waterproof and dustproof power connectors and data connectors.

[0035] The use of different system configurations, i.e. with one measurement side, with two measurement sides, or with three measurement sides makes it possible to obtain a variety of data and to adapt the system to the client's needs.

[0036] The system for monitoring animals according to the invention has been presented in detail in the embodiments with reference to the attached figures of the drawing, in which

[0037] Fig.l is a perspective general view of a single closed measurement module according to the invention;

[0038] Fig. 2 is a perspective general view of a single measurement module with the glass removed according to the present invention;

[0039] Fig.3 is another perspective general view of a single measurement module with the glass removed according to the present invention;

[0040] Fig.4 is a perspective view of a single measurement module with the glass removed according to another embodiment;

[0041] Fig.5 is a general view of the monitoring system according to the first embodiment in the service position;

[0042] Fig.6 is a general view of the monitoring system according to the second embodiment;

[0043] Fig.7 is a general view of the monitoring system according to the third embodiment in working position;

[0044] Fig.8 shows in perspective a single measurement module according to another embodiment;

[0045] Fig.9 is a general view of the monitoring system according to the third embodiment in the service position; [ 0046 ] Fig.10 is a general view of the monitoring system according to the fourth embodiment in the service position;

[ 0047 ] Fig.11 is a general view of the arrangement of the modules in the system for monitoring animals on a footbridge over a highway according to the fifth embodiment in the working position;

[ 0048 ] The terms in the description are to be understood as follows: 'measuring space' is a naturally or artificially delimited space of defined volume, wherein the measurements of moving animals are collected; 'measuring side' is the side from which measurements are collected, the data collection requiring at least one side, and there may be a plurality of said sides. In case of using three measurement sides, they can be called left, right, top side. Several measurement modules may be located on one side. 'Measurement data' is obtainable information resulting from the configuration and the number of measurement modules.

[ 0049 ] System for monitoring animals comprising a measurement module according to the invention may operate in water, in tunnels for amphibians and reptiles, on passes for mammals located above and below roads, in sites of dwelling of

animals and birds within a limited space.

[ 0050 ] The basic measurement module 1 of the monitoring system has substantially a shape of polyhedron. In applications in fishways, preferably, the housing 2 of the module substantially in the form of cuboid, as shown in Fig. 1. In other types of applications, i.e. in passes for terrestrial animals, at least one wall of the module 1 may be adapted in shape to the shape of the measurement space. For example the back wall may be a cylinder surface adapted to a semi-circle of a tunnel under a highway (not shown) . In another embodiment, the housing 2 of the module 1 to be used on land may be fully mounted into elements of an infrastructure of an animal pass, for example a wall on the bridge.

[0051] The housing 2 of the module 1 is sealed, waterproof and dirtproof and has at least one wall Y made of metal so as to provide effective heat exchange with the environment. This surface may be enlarged by making further walls also of metal with the exception of the section 4a of the measurement wall 4, which is a surface of contact with the measurement space P (as shown in Fig. 1) . Depending on whether the module 1 is designed for a stationary or portable system, its dimensions vary. Thus, in case of a stationary system for monitoring animals, module 1 may have the dimensions of 50 x 50 x 30 cm to 300 x 200 x 130 cm, whereas in case of the mobile system, module 1 may preferably have the dimensions of 10 x 50 x 08 cm to 100 x 50 x 50 cm. In general, the dimensions of the module 1 are determined by specific conditions at the installation site, in particular by the construction and dimensions of a fishway or a pass for animals below or above a highway. However, the expected dimensions of the module 1 are large enough to put a plurality of electronic components inside, without the limitations related to the working conditions inside the housing. This is particularly important for applications in water. In applications for the monitoring of terrestrial animals, selected walls of the housing may also be made of fibreglass or plastic. Persons skilled in the art will know that other materials may also be used, provided that they meet specific requirements, e.g. ensure effective heat discharge in case of a sealed enclosure. [0052] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, all walls of the housing 2 are made of metal, except from the portion of the window 4a of the measurement wall 4, said wall 4 being a surface of contact with the measurement space P (as shown for example in Fig. 6 or Fig. 9) . In the longer side walls 6, 7, along the width of the window 4a of the measurement wall 4 removable flaps, respectively 8a and 8b, are made. The removable top flap 8a comprises holes 9 made therein for connectors as well as mounting holes for a removable mounting plate (12) . The removable bottom flap 8b is provided on its inner surface with supporting elements (11), holding the mounting plate 12. Flaps 8a and 8b allow for assembly and disassembly of mounting plate 12 along with the components without the need for transportation of the entire housing 2 of the module 1 to the service point, both in case of a failure and reconfiguration of the monitoring system. Moreover, the housing 2 of the module 1 is provided with grips 10, preferably in the form of flat bars welded to the made holes 10a, designed to fix the module 1 in a working position. Those skilled in the art will know that other embodiments of grips with the same functionality are possible.

[0053] As mentioned in the introduction of the description, all systems for monitoring animals operate outdoors in adverse environmental conditions, therefore sealed housings are required to protect components. As a result of conducted research, it was found that long-lasting, even slightly unfavourable level of moisture leads to a higher failure rate of electronic components. According to the invention, the moisture which may appear in the sealed housing 2 at the stage of manufacture or assembly of components, as well as during operation of the module 1 is controlled through the moisture absorption system 5. In a preferred embodiment, it may be a mineral clay preparation called mineral sorbent. The moisture absorption system 5 is designed to maintain an optimal level of moisture in the air inside the module, and thus protects electronic components against harmful processes. For example, mineral clay has the ability to adsorb moisture amounting up to 75.86% of its own weight. In another embodiment, moisture absorption system U may be an electronic moisture absorption system, being provided with an integrated hygrometer, which may force the precipitation of the undesired water level from inside the module. As shown in Fig. 2, moisture absorption system U may be mounted anywhere in the housing 2, provided that it does not affect the operation of the measurement systems .

[0054] Thanks to the use of the moisture absorption system 5, the housing 2 of the module 1 according to the invention require neither venting nor a temperature maintenance system. Conducted experiments have proved that the housing works without failures when electronic components being used are designed to operate in temperatures from -30 to 30 degrees Celsius. Thus, also in land applications, the measurement module 1 according to the invention may be for example put in its entirety into a wall in its working position.

[0055] As mentioned before, at least a portion of one wall of the measurement module 1, the so-called measurement window 4a, is made of material which allows the penetration of light radiation into the housing at least partially (as shown in Fig. 1) . The structure of the measuring window 4a in the wall 4 according to the present invention is enhanced. Preferably, the material of which it is made is tempered glass, single or double. In particular, it may be a directionally tempered glass, and even more preferably, additionally laminated. It may also be tempered glass, which, additionally, at the production stage, is subjected to a special heat processing, so that it has the best possible parameters to be used as the measurement window 4a. For example, the material may also be a safety glass, as well as reinforced one-way mirror. One-way mirror is particularly used in land systems, as in land systems an access to the monitoring system is easier, given the place where it is mounted. It is recommended to protect it from theft and damage by concealing the inside of the module, in which expensive electronic components are located. The measurement window 4a of the module 1 may also be preferably made of graphene . This material allows for the elimination of the need for periodic cleaning of the module, since its physical and chemical properties prevent deposition of dust and algae. The measurement window 4a, being at least a portion of the measurement wall 4, which delimits the measurement space P, may preferably have a varied surface profile, flat concave or convex, depending on the needs.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, there is a mounting plate 12 inside a single module on which electronic components, constituting at least one measurement system, are mounted. For example, a set of ultrasonic sensors 14 or an optical camera 15 may be mounted on the mounting plate. In general, any arrangement of components, which can preferably be laser technology systems, IR technology systems, 2D cameras, 3D optical cameras, infra-red cameras, acoustic cameras, sondes, kinect, laser systems, light curtains and barriers, electromagnetic systems etc. is possible.

[0057] Moreover, the module is equipped with various sensors, such as temperature sensor, water turbidity sensor, fishway fill level sensor and sensors measuring the quality of water, air (and other parameters of weather stations) . Said sensors are installed on the wall 4, which is adjacent to the measurement space, and specifically in the metal part of the wall, which is not a measurement window 4a (not shown) .

[0058] In addition to the components constituting the measuring systems and sensors, in the module according to the invention there is mounted at least one lighting system emitting visible light or light from beyond the visible range. Respective systems may have various functions, e.g. additional lighting of the optical camera and may be located behind the measurement devices in order to additionally light an object to be measured. A particular embodiment of the lighting system is the light screen 13 which is used by the optical system as a background for measurement. The lighting which is used in the module 1 according to the invention is preferably adaptive, i.e. it adapts to the environment conditions, for example to the impact of external lighting (sun), water turbidity and other external conditions, thereby selecting the best lighting possible for the monitoring optical system. The lighting adapts its colour and light intensity. Preferably, all measurement systems and lighting systems mounted on the mounting plate 12 are monitored by an additional electronic system, and data from measurement systems are collected and sent to the system.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting plate 12 of the module 1 is divided into two segments S, one segment comprising only lighting system components forming a measurement background, namely, light screen 13, and the other - comprising only measurement systems. This type of modules are used in systems for monitoring animals with two modules or three modules, which was described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig.7. [0060] In case of stationary system for monitoring animals according to the invention, at least one measurement module 1 contained therein is powered from the outside (cf . Fig. 3) . Power supply is connected by means of hermetic waterproof (and dustproof) rubber connectors 9. They are standard (commonly available) connectors identical for all types of modules 1. In a stationary monitoring system data transfer may be done either by wire or wirelessly. In case of a wire connection, in one of the walls of the housing 2 a second hermetic waterproof (and dustproof) rubber connector 9 is additionally arranged. Preferably, the rubber watertight connectors are arranged in the upper wall 6 of the module, and in particular in the removable flap 8a. Both the generally cuboid shape of the housing 2 and the arrangement of the connectors 9 enable optimal arrangement of electronic components inside this housing .

[0061] In a preferred variant, as shown in Fig. 4, on the wall 4a which is made of a material allowing at least partially the penetration of light radiation, a waterproof and dustproof wiper 16 and sprayers 16a are operating. The driving system 16b of the wiper 16 is located inside the module 1. The wiper has a sealing tunnel 16c designed in the wall 4a. The wiper 16 is activated by a signal from the controller via an impulse of the contactor (not shown) . It can be activated locally from the control panel or a computer placed in the vicinity of the measurement modules or activated remotely (online) . According to the invention, the wiper 16 may be optionally mounted in any type of the module 1, both stationary and portable, to be used in water and on land.

[0062] According to the first embodiment presented in Fig. 5, the system for monitoring animals consists of one measurement module 1, wherein in Fig. 6 the module 1 being in a service position. Those skilled in the art will know that it is possible to set on one measurement side several measurement modules 1 in succession in order to maximise the number of measurements .

[0063] Another embodiment is shown in Fig. 6. It relates to a stationary system for monitoring fishes in a vertical slot fishway 18, which uses two measurement modules 1 arranged opposite each other on the left and the right measurement sides on the opposite sides of the measurement space P. In this configuration, each module 1 consists of two segments S with different functions (as described previously with reference to Fig. 2), the modules 1 being arranged so that their segments with different functions S face each other. The use of two modules 1 improves the reliability of measurements, as measurements for a given event are collected in two planes. As shown in Fig. 2, a light screen 13 is placed in one of the two segments S. Optical cameras 15 and other sensors 14 (for example such as shown in Fig. 3) are placed in the opposed segment S of the second module 1. The use of light screens 13 opposite optical cameras 15 and sensors 14, wherein light screens 13 dynamically change their light depending on the conditions in the measurement space, increases the accuracy of measurements. Those skilled in the art will know that it is possible to set on each measurement side several measurement modules 1 in succession in order to maximise the number of measurements .

[0064] Another embodiment is shown in Fig.7. It also relates to a stationary system for monitoring fishes in a vertical slot fishway 18, which comprises two measurement modules 1 arranged opposite each other on the left and the right measurement sides and additionally a third measurement module 1 installed over them horizontally inside the tunnel 23 that surrounds the measurement space P. All three modules may preferably be mounted in a special mounting frame 19. The third module 1 registers animals from above, which makes it possible to distinguish animals migrating in the group. In this case, a horizontal measurement performed by two opposite modules 1 will not make it possible to distinguish animals. Additional vertical measurement enables a reliable determination of the number of individuals and their width. Those skilled in the art will know that it is possible to set on each measurement side several measurement modules 1 in succession in order to maximise the number of measurements.

[0065] In general, the number of modules 1 is determined by the set size of the existing measurement space P and a detail level of the set measurement data. On the other hand, properly chosen size of the modules 1 and their number, particularly in water, makes it possible to establish an optimal optical spatial vision system. This is particularly important when making 3D measurements (binocular and multiocular spatial vision) .

[0066] By using modular design in the system for monitoring animals it is possible to obtain further functionalities. Modular construction, in particular construction of a housing of a single module and a suitable external infrastructure enables movement of the monitoring system from its working position (working position shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) to the service position (see Fig. 5, Fig. 9, Fig. 10) for various purposes. For example, such operation is necessary to perform a periodic maintenance both in case of monitoring aquatic and animals. In particular, for monitoring aquatic animals, there is a need to lead out the module above the water surface .

[0067] As shown in Fig. 5, in case of the system for monitoring animals in a fishway, the measurement module 1 may be mounted in a special metal structure (20, 23) which extends above the surface of water and constitutes guides 23 to move the module 1. A simple body of the module 1 according to the present invention makes it easy to lead out the module above the water surface by a winch system 20. The housing 2 of the module 1 on shorter side walls 3 has grips 10 preferably in the form of protruding flat plates in which openings 17a are made. The openings 17a shown in Fig. 8 cooperate for example with a cord 17 attached to the winch system 20. However, those skilled in the art will know that other guide systems and winch systems with the same functionality are possible.

[0068] In order to perform an automatic cleaning of the measurement wall of the measurement module in a fishway in a stationary system variant, a person responsible for the supervision may locally, e.g. from the platform 24, or remotely

(on-line) activate once the winch 20 and the wiper 16 and sprayers 16a (e.g. twice a week) . Such action may also be programmed as a periodic one and may be conducted automatically without a human intervention. At predetermined moments in time, the module goes above the water surface, sprayers 16a and washer 16 are activated for a specific time, and then the module 1 goes back down to its place in the mounting frame 19 in the measurement tunnel.

[0069] In order to perform replacement or disassembly of the module 1 in a stationary system variant for a fishway, the authorised person activates the winch 20 so that the module 1 leaves the measurement tunnel. Then this person disconnects corresponding watertight connectors 9 and removes the disassembled module 1 from the guides 23. If it is a replacement action, the authorised person mounts a new module 1 in guides 23 and performs the same actions in reverse order. This type of functionality is of particular importance while monitoring fish. Service and replacement do not require draining water from the fishway, going inside the fishway, disassembling particular elements in order to verify the causes of failure.

[0070] Similar systems designed to provide access to the modules 1 in the service position are presented in Fig. 9 and 10. Fig. 9 presents the three-module system described with reference to Fig. 7 in the service position.

[0071] Fig. 10 presents the two-module system from Fig. 6 in the service position. In this preferred embodiment, an automatic cleaning of glasses forming measurement windows 4a is carried out using a pressure nozzle system 21 located on a special arm 22 attached to the winch system 20. The advantage of this embodiment of the automatic glass cleaning system is the possibility to reduce the weight of a single module 1, as well as easier ensuring of its tightness. In case of a cleaning system with a wiper 16, it is necessary to seal the window 4a and to mount a drive 16c which powers the wiper 16. Another alternative of a pressure nozzle system is a mechanical system with brushes. Both the cleaning and washing system with the wiper, the pressure cleaning system with nozzles and the mechanical cleaning system with brushes may be controlled manually or automatically using dedicated systems, also remotely. Additionally, the cleaning and pressure washing system with nozzles may comprise a dedicated heating system, allowing the system to operate at low temperatures. [0072] All described embodiments of the modules 1 and of the systems for monitoring animals for use in fishways may be advantageously used on land. An example of a system for monitoring terrestrial animals is presented in Fig. 12. Modules 1 are located on the wall or in the wall of the footbridge for animals 25 placed over a highway 26.

[0073] All presented embodiments of the monitoring system provide the increase of anti-theft security - no one apart from technicians is allowed to the interior of the module nor is anyone authorised to move the module from the working position to the service position. The modules are preferably secured with seals. In particular, the monitoring system is equipped with data transmission systems, both wired and wireless, for example via the Internet. Systems for monitoring animals according to the invention make it possible to process and report data on animal migration within an integrated web application including alerts.

[0074] Systems for monitoring animals according to the invention usually operate with additionally limited measurement space (for example limited by walls of animal passes, or walls of a fishway) . However, in order to increase efficiency and reliability of measurements, the monitoring systems according to the present invention also have systems for guiding animals to the measurement space. The systems for guiding animals use technologies such as guiding barriers selected from: electrical, air, acoustic, light, electronic, magnetic, and mechanical barriers.

Claims

Claims

1. A module for monitoring animals, provided with a sealed housing, wherein at least one wall of the module housing, which delimits a measurement space, is made of a material allowing the penetration of light radiation into the housing at least partially, characterised in that at least a portion of the wall (4) of the housing (2), delimiting the measurement space P, which is made of the material allowing the penetration of light radiation at least partially and which constitutes a measurement window (4a), has a reinforced structure.

2. The module according to claim 1, characterised in that the reinforced structure is at least a single tempered glass or a glass made of graphene .

3. The module according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised by a system (5) for absorbing moisture mounted in the housing (2) .

4. The module according to claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3, characterised by at least one lighting system (13) emitting light of visible range and/or from beyond visible range mounted in the housing (2) .

5. The module according to claim 4, characterised in that the lighting system is a light screen (13) .

6. The module according to claim 1 or 2 or claim 3 or claim 4, characterised by at least two measurement systems mounted in the housing (2) .

7. The module according to claim 6, characterised in that at least two measurement systems are selected from: acoustic camera, sonde, 2D optical camera, infra-red camera, 3D optical camera, ultrasonic system, laser system, light curtains and barriers, electromagnetic systems.

8. The module according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the module (1) comprises a removable mounting plate (12) .

9. The module according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing (2) of the measurement module (1) has in one of the walls (6) of the housing (2) a hermetic waterproof and dustproof rubber supply connector (9b) and a hermetic waterproof and dustproof rubber data connector ( 9a) .

10. The module according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that all the components are coated with a matt black coating and/or a measurement window (4a) is internally or externally coated with an anti-reflective material .

11. The module according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the measurement window (4a) of the wall of the housing (2), delimiting the measurement space P, is a one-way mirror.

12. The module according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing (2) is equipped with a fixing system (10) on vertical side walls (3), the fixing system (10) being adapted for permanent installation or for an installation allowing the movement of the module from working position to service position.

13. The module according to any of the preceding claims, characterised by a waterproof and dustproof wiper system (16) equipped with a seal (16c) and sprayers (16a) mounted in the measurement wall (4) .

14. The module according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is equipped with an autonomous power supply system, a data transmission system, and that it is portable.

15. A system for monitoring animals, installed in the vicinity of a measurement space, characterised in that the measurement space P is delimited on one side by at least one module according to any of the claims from 1 to 12.

16. The system according to claim 15, characterised in that the measurement space P is delimited on two sides by at least two opposing measurement modules (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 12.

17. The system according to claim 16, characterised in that the measurement space P is delimited on three sides by at least three measurement modules (1) according to any of the claims from 1 to 12, wherein at least two of them being opposite, and at least one module (1) being perpendicular to them.

18. The system according to claims from 15 to 17, characterised in that it further comprises a system (20,23) for moving the module (1) in two directions from a working position to a service position.

19. The system according to claim 19, characterised in that it is further equipped with a system for cleaning and washing (21,22) selected from: a pressure system with nozzles or a brush system, that is controlled manually or automatically .